10 Things You Should Know About Me (Before You Keep Reading This Blog)

When I used to teach, I had a little ritual every new school year.

On the second day of school, I’d share “The Top 10 Things You Should Know About Me.”

And then on the third day, I’d pass out two index cards and invite my students to write me any question, anonymously and within reason, that they wanted an answer to.

Some would ask what college I went to or my favorite subject in high school. Others got more creative, like the time I was asked, “How far can you throw a watermelon?” I answered honestly: “I have no idea... but if someone brings one in, I’ll throw it and we’ll find out.”

And wouldn’t you know it, one showed up on my desk the very next day. We marched the whole class outside, I wound up, and I chucked that watermelon with everything I had. (Please don’t ask how far. That was over 15 years ago and I barely remember what I ate yesterday.)

The point was, I wanted them to know me. To earn their respect by being human first. And I want to do the same here, with you.

So before you scroll through another one of my posts, here are 10 things I think you should know about me:

1. My Family is My Everything

I’m a mom of three incredible kids. My oldest is 22 and already a college graduate and homeowner (yes, you read that right). My middle daughter is 19 and charting her own business and college journey, aiming to graduate in December 2026. And my youngest, he’s 10 and about to head into middle school.

I’ve always worked hard to show up for every school event, every practice, every milestone. I'm also married to my best friend, we’ll celebrate 11 years this May. Second marriages come with second chances and second lessons. That’s a post for another day, but trust me, I’ve learned a lot.

2. “If You’re Going to Do It, Do It Right”

That’s what my grandpa always said. And even decades later, I hear his voice in my head when I notice a wrinkled bedspread or a corner of my sheet peeking out. That value, of taking pride in everything you do, shaped how I mother, work, write, and live. If my name is going on it, it’s going to be done right and be the best it absolutely can be.

3. I’m Not Afraid of Change

Even when it stresses me out, I can’t help but lean into change. I’ve worked all kinds of jobs and made some big career pivots. Many of them came with risk, but I always wanted to model courage for my kids. Trying something new is always worth it, even if it’s scary.

4. I Love Tattoos

I have 12 tattoos (and #13 is booked for May 21st!). What’s funny is I was a serious rule follower growing up and always felt like I shouldn't. But something shifted in my late 20s—I got my first tattoo at 28 and never looked back. I wanted to set an example for my kids, to follow what they love, not what they feel like they should. My left arm holds symbols of meaning, especially about my family. My right? Pure beauty and expression. I joke that if I’m 60 and don’t like them anymore, I’ll be too busy loving life to care.

5. Movement Keeps Me Mentally Strong

I don’t work out to lose weight, I do it because my mind needs it. I’m not training for marathons, but daily movement helps me feel grounded, clear, and strong. It’s how I reconnect with myself.

That said, it hasn’t always been easy. When my older two were little, I found a gym that offered childcare and made it work. But once my third came along, everything shifted. Between school runs, sports, and basically becoming a full-time chauffeur, carving out that time for myself became a lot harder.

Over the years, I’ve learned to fit it in where I can and give myself grace when I can’t. It’s not about a perfect routine, it’s about knowing I’m better when I move, and doing my best to make space for it most days.

6. Kindness Is a Non-Negotiable

I lead with respect, always. I believe one of the greatest things you can be in this world is kind, and if that’s missing, it’s hard for me to unsee it.

As a parent, there are plenty of rules in our home, but my kids know this one by heart: If I ever got a call saying they were disrespectful, unkind, or acting like a bully? That would be a full-stop moment. Kindness isn’t just encouraged, it’s expected. It’s how I live, how my husband leads, and how we raise our family.

7. I Love to Read

Reading has always been my treat at the end of a long day, or a finished checklist. Whether it’s a book on personal growth, productivity, or something that stretches my imagination, reading fuels me.

I was that kid who read the cereal box or comics at breakfast and chapter books before bed (does that age me much 😂). I’ve probably read over a thousand books by now, though I wish I had kept track from the beginning. I’m trying to change that, these days, you can find what I’m currently reading (and everything I’ve finished this year) right on my homepage. My goal is 50 books this year, and I’ve been so close the last few. This year, I’m determined to make it happen.

8. I’ll Always Cheer for You

I genuinely love watching people succeed and I’ll always be the one clapping the loudest. When someone tells me they’ve hit a goal, launched a business, finished a degree, or achieved something they’ve worked hard for, I believe that moment deserves to be celebrated.

I know not everyone sees it that way. Some people worry that if they shine a light on someone else, their own glow might fade. But that’s never been how I operate. If anything, when I feel a twinge of envy, I take it as a sign that it’s time to refocus, to dig deeper, to use it as fuel, not shade.

9. I Don’t Really Curse (much) —But I Do Say “Ukuleles”

It’s not about judgment, truly. I have zero issues with people who do curse, it’s just not something that stuck for me. Somewhere along the way, I got into the habit of swapping in silly made-up words instead.

Even “shut up” feels harsh to me. Words of affirmation are my love language, and I think words carry energy. So when tension rises, you’ll hear me say things like “heavens to Betsy,” “aww pickles,” or even just “ukuleles.” It might make people stop and look at me sideways, but that’s kind of the point. It breaks the tension, makes me laugh, and gives me the moment of pause I need.

10. I’m Always Growing

I’m never done learning. I’ll always be reaching for something new, another skill, another tool, another way to stretch. That’s part of why I started this blog. I want to keep growing, and bring others along with me.

Honorable Mentions:

• I love astrology and follow a few amazing creators who blend it with personal growth.

• I’m a planner girl to my core. Flying by the seat of my pants gives me hives.

• I don’t love shopping or cooking. (When I hit that financial freedom goal? Those are the first two things I’ll happily outsource.)

Whether you’re here for organization tips, manifestation magic, or just a good dose of motivation, I’m glad you’re here.

Now it’s your turn—what’s one thing I should know about you? Drop a comment or send me a message. Let’s get to know each other.