Who Am I?

I am a workaholic. Always have been. When I was young, my aunt would take me to work with her at New England Telephone. She was in management there, and there was a rule where a supervisor had to be present if people worked overtime. So, many a Saturday was spent in the office. I got to get on the computer and update people's phone bills. To say I loved working was an understatement. I was 12. When I turned 15 I got my first job. I had to get a work-permit because of my age. My first job, that wasn't babysitting, was at McDonald's. I started on fries and was promoted to the register within a month. This was the first taste of achievement, and I never stopped looking forward since then.

I love food, especially pretty food. I enjoy clean eating and working on recipes made from whole foods. If you can't pronounce it, you shouldn't eat it!

I like astrology. I really, really tried to be a skeptic. I read a bunch of books. I read my horoscopes in many places. Then my friend got my natal chart done as a birthday present. It was an oddly accurate description of me. I am a Pisces, Leo rising. For those of you who know me, I'd imagine this sounds just about right. Some might think Virgo rising would be more appropriate. But in general, the artsy/flighty, driven/take-charge combo is right on.

I love my dogs. Before I turned 30, a good friend told me that if I didn't find something to nurture I would die alone; he said all I did was work. It was true - rude, but true. We discussed my allergies and he told me there were hairless animals and I should look it up. So, I googled it. I found Hairless Chinese Cresteds. I looked for a breeder, and found one a few towns from my sister. And since she was getting married, I was going home often so during one trip my mom and I road tripped to Jewels Chinese Cresteds. We walked in her door and there were 15 of them running around. And I was in love. Even my mom found them "so ugly they were cute." And now I have my two ponies. They changed my life...they forced me to take time out, if not for me, for them.

I love my family. My nephew and niece are everything. After 4+ years of skype, I am back East and living in the same house with them (sometime I miss skype...you can close the lid when the madness starts). I am here for a few months until I figure out where my new job will be based.

I miss my mom. It's been three years and I still pick up the phone to call her. We went through a lot together. And then I learned more about her after she passed away. I wish I spent more quality time breaking through her tough shell while she was here. I work as hard as I do so that one day I can start a charity. The things that changed our lives don't have to change everyone's.

I am grateful for all of the people and experiences that have shaped me over the years and made me who I am today. I have very few regrets, as I believe everything happens for a reason.