This is my why.

• I’m a Michigan gal who moved to London, England and then to New York City.
• I’m an only child to the two most loving, supportive, funny, and smart parents that any girl could ask for.
• I’m the wife of a man who loves me so much that I never, ever have any worry or doubt. He’s hard-working, smart, kind, a wonderful father, and he makes me laugh. And laugh. And laugh.
• I’m the mother of a miracle.  A little boy born 11 weeks early weighing just 1lb 11oz. A boy that never stops fighting.  He’s strong and funny, and sweeter than pie.  He’s got a memory that would make an Elephant jealous.  He’s smart and sensitive.  He gives me the best hugs and love just pours out of him.  He also has autism.  At the time I’m writing this, he’s 4 years old and isn’t speaking.  Yet. But he will.  He makes me a better person.  A more empathetic person.  A kinder person.  A stronger person.  I learn from him everyday. I admire him and strive to be as strong as he is.
• I’m a former actress.  I’ve done professional theatre and television ( ok, I had 24 lines in one episode) in London, but by the time I moved to NYC in 2002, my desire to earn a living outweighed my desire to act, sing and dance.
• I’m a former waitress.  I’ve made cappucino’s in Kalamazoo, served burgers and fries in both London and New York at the Hard Rock Cafe, and my final stint in food service was at my favorite restaurant in the whole wide world.  Otto Enoteca and Pizzeria in NYC.  It’s where I gained my sanity back after serving tourist’s in Times Square.  It’s where I learned to love wine (maybe too much!) and delicious, authentic, Italian food.  It’s where I fell in love with my husband, the chef.
• I’m a former photographer.  Well, technically I guess I still AM a photographer, but I’ve taken an indefinite leave of absence since the whole “having a micro-preemie who spent 2 months in the NICU and then was diagnosed with autism at 18 months” thing.  I’ve needed to be home with my son and sharing my heart and mind with photography work just wasn’t what I felt I could do at this time.
• I’m a lover of the beach, Lobster Rolls in the summertime, HGTV programming, the color blue, singing karaoke (though I can’t remember the last time I did), Italian food, watching tv with my husband and laughing at his witty remarks when we watch General Hospital or The Bachelor, and big kitchens and bathrooms…which I will have someday 🙂
• I’m a girl who got lost.  Lost in a world of preemie worry and stress followed quickly by a direct flight to Autism Island and tried to find my way out at the bottom of a big, family size bag of Doritos and a hefty glass of Barefoot Pinot Grigo.  But that didn’t work out so hot.  The way out of depression, stress, and worry doesn’t include orange cheese coated fingertips.
• I’m a Beachbody Coach.  Getting my mind in a positive place, exercising, eating cleanly, and being consistent about all of those things are making my world a MUCH better place.  At the time I’m writing this, I’m only just getting this memo.  I’m still learning and working hard at all of the above.  My road ahead is a long one. But if I can help expedite this message to others so that they don’t end up lost, that would be a wonderful thing.  Or if you are reading this and already feel lost, then I would love to help you find your way out. Back out into a brighter, happier, healthier world. One with big, pretty kitchens and bathrooms 🙂