I am glad that you came to visit my place. Sit back and make yourself comfortable. I'm in the process of making my home distinctly mine, so please be patient with me. Let me introduce myself. My name is Cheryl, or TBear925, as I'm known in several chat rooms. I collect teddy bears, and at the present time have well over 150 of them. There are stuffed ones, porcelain ones, bear clocks, pictures and even have teddy bear clothes. Collecting teddy bears lets the little girl in me come out and play. And she is learning that it's ok to play. Unfortunately, they are having to live somewhere else at the present time, because my little abode has no room for them. So they are hibernating comfortably in storage. I am 36 years old and am currently attending Oklahoma State University. I am majoring in History with a minor in Religious Studies. I hope to graduate in May, 2000 with my Bachelor in Arts; then continue on to Grad school. I want to be a college professor when I grow up.
 

For those who don't know where   is located - it is in Stillwater, which is in the center of the state. Stillwater has the distinction of being the location where Oklahoma began. In 1889, the land run was held to open Indian Territory to the white people. The run began in Stillwater. Oklahoma State University, then known as Oklahoma Agriculture and Mechanical College began in 1890. Sometime in the 1950s, the name was changed to Oklahoma State University. Our mascot is Pistol Pete, who was an old time cowboy.
 
 
 

I'm sure you've figured out by now that I am a lesbian. I am proud of who I am and I know that there are people who think that I'm a terrible person because of who I love; but I can't help who I love. That is the way that God made me. I knew at a young age that something was different about me, but because I was growing up in the south, and in the church, I kept quiet.
 
 

From back left: Brandi 14, Gayle 11 and Aaron 8. They live in Tennessee with their dad. This picture was taken about 1 1/2 years ago, but they haven't changed much. Brandi has started high school this year and is preparing to become a teacher. Gayle joined the band this year and is learning to play the baritone. I'm glad that she is living with dad, and I don't have to listen to practice. I am out to my children, they are still adjusting to the news; but they are doing ok. It helps that they live with dad, and aren't faced with it day to day. They are really great kids, and I miss them terribly.

The rest of my family is spread around the country. My mom lives in Arizona and my baby brother lives in Portland, Oregon. For a kid brother, he's a pretty talented designer. He has seen homes go from ideas in his head to reality. I don't tell him this, but I'm really proud of him.

Here is the Rice family: Mom, Scott, and me.
 
 

Mom & me...Tortilla Flats, AZ

Since coming out, I've met some really neat people. Most I've met online in various chat rooms. Living in Stillwater, it is hard to meet other gays and lesbians to form a support system, so I've come to rely on my friends on the 'net. I've met most of them in a chat room that is sponsored by WBS - Members of the Same Sex. If you get a chance, come visit us there. Some of the roomies are: Warrior Bard 1, LadyDyke1, Rocky1Del (my cyber sis), Sumday, Penguin89 (my adopted mom), Shilohlin, pinkkky, HP27 , FunkyNews, LittleTaz1 and QueenofDisco.  I know that I'm forgetting someone. If you don't see your name here, then let me know and I'll add it. Of course I can't forget two very special people in my life.
 
 
 

 My very bestest friend is Peacefinder806.

PEACEFINDER AND LONI
 
 

We met through email, haven't met in real life yet. The gods are against us when it comes to meeting. But, through email, chatting, phone conversations and snail mail, we've become very close. We've been through a lot with each other, from a fire to a couple of relationships breaking up. But, I am happy to say that Peace has found the love of her life in Radworker.

RADWORKER
 
 

They are trying hard to make a long distance relationship work and I am rooting for them. Peace has helped me stay calm in the midst of a storm with her wit and wisdom. She's a really neat lady, and her daughter is really cute, too.
 
 
 

The other special lady in my life has only been in it a short time, but she has become the foundation of my life. She's the light in my darkness, my port in the storm, my reason for getting up in the morning, and the subject of many dreams. I fell hard and fast for her. Her name is Pokie, and she is the love of my life.
She lives in Texas, which is way to far away. I love to hear her talk, her latina accent makes me melt. She makes me smile, and in general, makes me feel good about myself. Everyone should have someone like her in their life......but leave her alone. She's mine!!!!!!!!
 
 

Here she is making me enchiladas...very domestic!!!!!
 

And I won't share her......or my teddy bears!!!!!!!!

Come back and visit some time. Let me know what you think, I will respond to any and all email. I love pen pals, so if you are interested, write.