First and foremost, I am a “40 something” mother of three young children. They come first, always! I’m a also a daughter, with one parent whose physical capabilities have been compromised through numerous health struggles. I’m also a single mom (divorced five years) and I’ve had plenty experience with the pain that accompanies a divorce. I’m a constant over-scheduler who wants to do pretty much everything – big or small – and finding beauty in balance is something I’ve really had to work on.

I’m a former middle school teacher, former group exercise instructor, a current IFBB Figure competitor and personal trainer, and a Japanese translator (you’ll see the Japanese influence when you look at my recipe pages!).  I’m also an advocate for better nutrition for our children – knowledge-wise, and nutrition-wise. This is a BIG passion of mine and I’m currently taking a class at Portland State on the crisis of children and obesity. And…like most women in their 40’s, I am trying to put a stop on time, if not turn back the hands completely. I know that a healthy command and control over my exercise regimen, my nutrition, and my sleep, is critical to aging gracefully.  Whatever I can do now to put more in the bank, so to speak, I am doing – I know that waiting will make it harder and less effective (it’s a little like contributing to a retirement plan!). I’m also guilty of seeking out the one (or many) “magic pill(s)” that can assist my aging gracefully agenda — I have lots of experience with gimmicks that didn’t work so well, but also have some fixes and tricks that I can vouch for. And it isn’t all cosmetic or physique-related. I’ve been working on my internal health, as well -my mind and my spirit need to be nourished just as much as my body.

Meditation doesn’t come easy to me, but I’m trying to add it into my life, a little bit everyday. And much like everything else in life, it isn’t what you do every so often, it’s what you do consistently, everyday, that generates growth. I’m hoping that knowing this much about me helps you see that I am very human, very flawed, very real – and VERY motivated to make the changes that can make me a better version of myself. Join me on the journey – and let’s all become better versions of ourselves. After all, taking care of others starts with taking care of YOU.