I wanted a place on this website that really sounds like me — a space where I can talk about the things I care about and the things that matter to my heart. I wasn’t always this clear about who I was. For a long time, I didn’t really know myself at all — my likes, my dislikes, my personality, my passions, or what I truly believed in. But over the years, something shifted. My eyes opened, and I realized two really important things: first, I actually like who I am, and second, I understand myself better now than I ever have. It’s been a pretty amazing journey, and I’m still on it, learning more about myself every single day.
 

For the record, my favorite color is teal. I know, that’s probably not the most important thing in the world — but it really is teal, just in case you were wondering.

One thing I feel deeply passionate about is helping people better understand alcoholism and addiction. From my own experience, I’ve seen how misunderstood this disease is. A lot of people don’t really understand it, and many don’t even try to. That’s why awareness means so much to me. I want to start right here in my own community and hope that, somehow, that message reaches far beyond anything I could imagine. I truly believe that when people work some kind of recovery program — whether it’s the one I’m involved in or something similar — the world becomes a kinder, healthier place. Maybe that sounds idealistic, but it’s something I hold onto. National Recovery Month is in September, and National Substance Abuse Prevention Month is in October, and those months are especially close to my heart.
 

Another thing that means so much to me is rescuing and caring for animals. Animals don’t get to choose what happens to them, and it breaks my heart that some are treated so badly. I want to be a voice for them and encourage others to help too. Don’t buy — adopt. You would be amazed at how much love and gratitude a rescued dog or cat can give once they feel safe and cared for. That kind of love is something special. My husband and I adopted our two dogs, and we plan to keep doing that. If it were up to me, I’d adopt them all — but our house and our budget have their limits. Still, I’ll never stop believing in giving animals a second chance. And don’t forget, National Adopt a Pet Month is in October too.

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