Reflection and Continuation of Life

Turning 50 was a big deal for me. Not because of the number, but because of all of the changes I have gone through lately... and the ups and downs of my life so far in this world.

I would have to say my childhood was pretty low key. I became shy at a young age as the middle child, and that evolved into me becoming an introvert. I was a daydreamer, and loved to play outside with the neighborhood kids. I was fortunate enough to grow up in a neighborhood kind of out in the middle of nowhere, with an area my siblings and I called, "the woods" where I spend endless hours exploring nature. Also, we had a small community lake we spend many warm summer days swimming and playing. It was time to come inside when the sun went down.

High school was challenging for me. Since I was shy, it was not easy to make friends, and I sought out others who were like me. People I felt safe being myself around. Then I married my high school sweetheart...

We got married young, and had my first baby 2 months before my 20th birthday. We didn't see each other that much. I was working 2 jobs and going to school. It was a very challenging part of both of our lives, and our young marriage did not survive.

Divorced at 23... sink or swim

I swam through big waves...and almost drown a few times

After I got my associates degree, I worked at a large family practice making $9.50 an hour back in 1998, paid off my loans after a few years. The doctors and nurses I worked with there frequently told me I should continue my education...

that is when I started nursing school.

Remarried my current husband at 27, and we have 2 boys. It's been over 20 years, and we are lucky to have each other.

My story on how I became plant based is on my webpage, but as I nurse, I observed first hand the suffering, and later discovered a lot of it can be prevented, and reversed with the right diet and lifestyle.

At age 40, I went plant based,,,

which means I am also celebrating 10 years plant based. I can't claim to plant perfection the entire time. I have had my share of slip ups, especially in the early years. But let's be real. In order to make a drastic diet change, you really need to be in tune to your WHY. Prevention was my only motivation, and I had no help in my transition.

So... age 50, new job... OR NURSING for EYEBALLS!!!! Completely NEW and FUN! Who woulda thought I would be here? Part time. Even better. More time for grandbabies...

And FOOD FOR LIFE training. Starting April 28, 2026. I can't wait until I am certified to teach in the community.

What is Food for LIfe?

It is an evidence-based nutrition and cooking program developed by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), designed to help people improve their health using a whole food plant based approach. The classes are rooted in research showing that a plant based diet can help; support heart health, improve blood sugar control, promote healthy weight loss, and reduce inflammation.

It is also important to know (PCRM) is funded by it's members, not the government. They do their own research, which means trials are NOT funded by BIG PHARMA or BIG AG!

Their moto: PREVENTION BEFORE PILLS!

I have had the privilege of meeting their CEO, Neal Barnard a few times.

Let's get this decade going to the right direction! I am ready!