A Bit About Me...

I think I may have done this backwards by explaining what is happening to me without telling you anything about me.  So this entry will be devoted to telling you all a bit about me (not much to tell though, I’m pretty boring)… I was born during a blizzard on February 3, 1979…  Hahaha, just kidding.  I mean my birthday really is February 3^rd and there really was a blizzard but I’m certainly not going to bore you with my life story; just some of it J.

Where to start though… huh… well here comes the abridged version…

I pretty much grew up in Franklin, WI.  My family moved there when I was in the 5^th grade.  I finished out the year at my old school then started 6^th grade at Forest Park, then Franklin High School, ah the Sabers – good times, great memories.  Initially I attended Carroll College for two years and just didn’t feel like I was getting the true college experience so I transferred to UW-LaCrosse and graduated in 2002 with a BA in Communications with and emphasis in Public Relations & Telecommunications.  That is where I had some of the best times of my life as well as met some of the greatest people who are still very near and dear to me today. 

My first job out of college was at M&I Bank as an Administrative Assistant in the Accounting department.  For those that know me, you know how much of a “not fit” that position was but it was a job and a way for me to get my foot in the door.  However, after two years and no movement I decided to leave and follow my heart… and a boy… (of course) to Iowa.  Again for those of you that know me, this turned out to be a very short-lived adventure and put into the “not the best decision” category.  It was a very hard time in my life and I was pretty heartbroken for quite some time but I learned a great deal about myself through the whole experience.  Looking back, as hard as it was for me, I wouldn’t change anything because that experience alone started me on the path I’m traveling today.

In November 2004, I landed a new job and was getting back on my feet.  I worked as a Marketing Assistant for a real estate development company.  This was a great find for me since I was able to utilize my degree and creativity.  I remained in that position until 2008 when I decided that I was going to go back to school.  I also met some fantastic people here that I continue to keep in contact with and a few are still close friends.  However, once I left here, I of course, changed my mind about school because I came across a new position that I believed would be a terrific opportunity for me.  So instead of enrolling in school, I decided to take a position in Deerfield, IL as a Marketing Specialist for a Disease Management/Wellness company.  Unfortunately, after being there only a year the stress of the job itself, the horrible commute and my desire to pursue a career in nursing all persuaded me to resign.

[If you’ve gotten this far, kudos to you!  Either I’m a terrific storyteller (not likely) or you’re just being polite, which I appreciate J  I’m almost done, pinkie swear J]

So that brings me to these days…  I am currently pursuing my nursing degree at UW-Milwaukee and have a tentative graduation date of December 2013.  I know – YIKES – but so far it has gone by pretty quickly.  My end goal is to become a C.R.N.A (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist).  However, it requires working as an RN for two years even before I can apply for the program which is an additional three years of school.  Right now, I’m just going to concentrate on getting my RN and see what happens.  This has been one of the greatest decisions I have EVER made and my only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.  Even though school pretty much dominates my life, I know in the end it will be worth it and those close to me understand that and support me every step of the way!

Speaking of those closest to me, I can’t leave without introducing my phenomenal support system.  My parents, Dennis & Patty, have been married for 35 years. I have always been a daddy’s girl but my mom is pretty great too!  I’m the youngest child of three – I have an older brother and sister.  Tim, my brother, is married and has one daughter, Shea Elizabeth, with another little girl on the way.  Both him and his wife, Dani are teachers and they live in Oak Creek.  My sister, Rachel is also married and has a daughter, Jayden and a son, Tyler.  Her and her husband, Brad, also live in Oak Creek. 

Finally, there is my boyfriend Edward (or as I call him Ed J).  We have been together for 18 months and going strong.  He has been the greatest support that I could have ever hoped for.  He has been so understanding and encouraging through everything that has happened and let me tell you, he has put up with A LOT from me.  I have been so blessed to have him in my life. 

Along with them and other family and friends, I am the luckiest girl EVER!

So guess what… YOU MADE IT TO THE END!!!  Looking back this kind of goes on and on but hopefully it will give you more insight into me.

Until next time…