The right place at the wrong time

I met the love of my life at the exact wrong time.

When I was in my teens, I thought that everyone at some point in life would meet the person they were destined to marry, the one they were supposed to be with for their whole life, their person(I didn’t think in terms of ‘soul mate’, but if you do, then this would be the equivalent).

I met him when I was 14 years old at my first church youth group dance, and I knew! He was the one! The only problem was, he didn’t know. I thought, that’s okay! I can wait!! Keep reading

Exercise your right to vote—for the best chili in town!

My daughter and I used to go to the Wells Chili-fest together over the years when she was younger. We loved buying the tasting kit in the plastic baggie, filled with small plastic cups, a spoon, and that all-important voting ballot!

Izzy at the Wells Chili-fest, 2013

After trying all of the different versions of chili from the participants, we would vote for our favorite one. Often we would have to go back to re-try one or two that we were torn between before we could make a decision. These contenders produced top shelf chili and it was sometimes hard to narrow it down to what we considered to be the best one, but, of course, we always did–although we didn’t always vote for the same one! Keep reading

Book Review: Her Badass Story by Dr. Lori Monaco

Her Badass Story by Dr. Lori Monaco is a compilation of stories written by nine brave women.

These experiences of these women surely will resonate with something you have experienced in your own life. Many of them started their lives behind the eight ball–behind many eight balls, in some cases.

But this is not where their stories end. It’s where they begin.

Geronda Wollack-Spiller’s words in Chapter 7 will feel true for anyone who has ever lived in an abusive household: “My home was not my shelter …” as will Chenille Hernandez’s words in Chapter 3 for anyone whose job has taken a turn for the worst:  “My dream job became my shit job.” Keep reading