About
I want you to like me.
Sometimes I try too hard to make that happen.
I am stubborn and will work on something I am excited about until I am exhausted. Sometimes, I will expect the same from you.
I am honest and will (over) share anything if it will help you. If I do not tell you the WHOLE story, I feel like I am lying to you.
I can talk endlessly about my passions.
I can never be without a pen and a notepad to record the things that I am apt to forget. Yet, I will remember things that you don’t want me to.
I interrupt often. This is not because I think I know more than you. It is because I want to share with you that I understand or that I feel the same way. Either way, it is still rude, but at least it is well-intentioned. I am working on it.
THINGS THAT I LOVE:
Cheerleading competitions, all animals, the book When Parents Text, the outdoors, personality tests, national and state parks, any combination of flour and sugar, labyrinths, insulin, photobooths, cheesy tourist attractions, meticulous and repetitive activities like knitting, and singing with a country twang or British accent.
THINGS AT WHICH I SUCK:
Computer programming, making pancreatic enzymes, cultivating patience, driving the speed limit, not picking my cuticles when I am stressed, hiding my feelings, remembering jokes, taking a quick shower, understanding my taxes, writing neatly as I am left-handed, walking in heels, and singing with a country twang or British accent.
ABBY AND MARTY
I enjoy hiking every green space within 30 miles of my home with my two dogs, Abby and Marty. Abby is 15 years old and doesn’t love other dogs, except Marty. Now. Marty is 2 and very eager to be a good boy. They love to play wrestle and lie in the sun together. Everyone’s favorite spot is swaying on the hammock in a snuggly pile.
FAMILY
I have moved to West Chester, Pennsylvania to be closer to my family and my adorable niece. My parents, Dee and John, are the kindest and most upstanding people. I am the oldest of three kids. We each have some stereotypic characteristic traits of our birth order. My brother, sister, and brother-in-law are the coolest. Sean is an exceptional LA artist. Erin is an amazing graphic designer and is married to gregarious Mike of Hazley Builders. They have created the beautiful Cora. My favorite moment in life was when Cora recognized me, was ecstatic that it was me, called me “Ah-Me” and ran into my arms. I am proud and #blessed to have this caliber of support.
HEALTH AND LEISURE
I have type 1 diabetes and have an insulin pump to help me control it. Consider me part fembot.
I hate to exercise, but I like to walk and hike. I enjoy taking classes to learn interesting things. Some favorites have been glass-blowing, wheel-throwing, sweater-knitting, woodworking, self-defense, guitar-playing, and kick-boxing. It would be great if I would stick with something long enough to become skilled.
I have written a book comprised of letters penned by my grandmother to her brother who was serving in World War II. This was a unique way of becoming acquainted with the grandmother who died before I was born. Toots and Gibbs is the name of the book.
Because you can wrap yourself in a personal history, I like to make quilts out of old clothes. I am working on perfecting my sewing skills.
WORK
I have owned 2 optometry practices in my life. One was 50 years old, very medical and “inside the box” and one was started from scratch, very funky and “outside the box”. I loved each in their own way. The later, Unique Optique, was my soul shown to the world in the form of a business.
As I am always asked by patients, I have 15 pairs of glasses and 7 pairs of sunglasses.
I have a business helping optometrists with their branding (on site and online). It is called The Unique Technique and I have written a book of the same name.
I travel throughout Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania to provide eye care at nursing homes. My favorite experience was when a resident simply wanted me to hold her hand for a few minutes. I did and then she peed on my foot that was under her chair.
My coolest optometry gig was commuting to the bush of Alaska. I provided optometric services to Alaska natives in their villages. I continually worked on acquiring the best gear.
CONNECTION
Although it sounds simplistic, I believe in doing the best you can in life and treating people well. If you screw up, apologize thoroughly, figure out how to best fix it, and try again. And again. And again.
I don’t believe in any particular religion. I have a tiny book called Oneness. This “bible” summarizes the simple, common principles of all religions. That is what I believe. Nature is my church.
I am a borderline introvert, INFJ to be exact. To recharge, I need to be by myself. But, I enjoy meaningful interactions with people. I am always lucky and the universe always guides me.
I talk to myself. A lot.
I (almost) always have pure intentions and I am working on giving everyone the benefit of the doubt.
I never feel like I am done improving my world, or myself. So, while wonderful and amazing, my life can sometimes drain me. I am a sensitive empath, so it is hard for me to stop feeling and sometimes the emotions of the world overwhelm me.
I (almost) never mean anything negative when I communicate. But, I often feel like I am misunderstood. When I leave you, I ponder our conversation and wish that I had said things differently.
We have become too reactionary. Many of the world’s problems could be solved if we let a single heartbeat pass before responding. My current aspiration is to remember Hanlon’s Razor. It states “Never attribute to malice which can be explained by stupidity or ignorance.” I am working on this too.
If you have found a common or interesting sentiment here, please subscribe below. Feel free to read my blog and follow my adventures until it is no longer fun for you. I always welcome your feedback.
Let’s go!!