: About Me

An Industrial Engineer by training, an MBA graduate and a Project Manager by profession, a certified Six Sigma Black Belt, CPIM and CSCP, writing is one of my favorite outlets for the creative side in me.

Even as a young girl, I had very eclectic aspirations: I wanted to be a gymnast, writer, artist and astronaut (all at once). I planned to go up into space, do some cartwheels and flips on the moon, come back down to Earth and write a children's book about it, and illustrate it myself. While I did gymnastics, art and writing in school growing up, I never saw a career for myself in those fields, and becoming an astronaut seemed a bit unattainable, too.

I love applying the technical expertise I have acquired in my current job, but for me, it's not enough to be a working professional. In a typical month, you may find me doing karate, writing, swing dancing, painting, singing karaoke, teaching, golfing, glassblowing, interior design, running with my dachshund chihuhua mix (chiweiner) and travelling, among many other activities. I love trying new things, going to new places, and experiencing all the world has to offer.

To help me focus in some small way, I have an extensive life list, or bucket list, from which I try to check things off at least once or twice a year. This year, for example, I have already checked off going to a drive-in movie theater, celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans and hiking the Great Wall of China. By the end of the year, I plan to watch the ball drop for New Year's in Times Square (I guess technically I won't be able to check that off until the first of next year).

I shamelessly enjoy bragging about my minor accomplishments and experiences, but I also hope to serve as an inspiration to others. I am often asked how I "do it all", and my response is that I set dates and deadlines, figure out what I need and who can help, and I DO IT. Nothing frustrates me more than hearing about a person's hesitation to try something they want to do. I feel I have little to lose and much to gain by just putting myself out there and trying something new, and that attitude has served me well so far.

Drawing on my variety of interests, experiences and immature wisdom, I write for myself first and foremost, because I need the creative outlet, but also for others, in hopes of inspiring or educating them in some small way, even if its just about my opinion on a specific subject. I hope you enjoy my articles, and feel free to contact me with any questions, comments or suggestions.

My passion is ...

trying new things, improving myself and enjoying life. On a regular basis, I do karate, swing dancing, karaoke and I teach. I love redecorating houses, including my own, and designing custom furniture, decorations and designs.

I know too much about ...

nothing! I'm more of a jack of all trades, master of none. I am better at some things than others, but I don't consider myself a top expert on anything.

My parents always told me ...

I could do it, whatever it was.

My childhood ambition ...

to become an astronaut, a writer, an artist, and a gymnast. I wanted to go to the moon, do some flips, and then write and illustrate a children's book about it.

My favorite memory ...

Studying abroad in Japan. I could go on and on about what a wonderful experience it was, but I will leave it at this: studying abroad is everything people chalk it up to be and so much more. Every day was a thrilling adventure, and I had an eerie feeling of longing to return when I got back. I didn't stop talking about it for weeks, and still enjoy sharing tidbits.

Why I write ...

Writing is an outlet for my creative side. It is easy for me to be inspired, and the little kickback of small payments makes it even more worthwhile. I also write to work out my thoughts and relieve tension and stress. When something is bringing me down, with overwhelming emotions, I am unable to sort out my thoughts until I start writing it down. In this way, I think more logically, and can determine reasons for my fixed emotions and draw conclusions for myself.

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

I am reading "That Used to Be Us" and watching "True Blood" and "Big Love"

My first job ...

Registering HOGs for a Harley Davidson convention.

My best moment ...

Earning my Purple Belt at the Shaolin temple in Dengfeng, China.

My inspiration ...

I am inspired by lots of things, from my latest interest or activity, to something that popped into my mind in a dream, to things that appeal to me in stores. Sometimes its a paint color, or the pattern on my Kleenex box.

Home & Garden > Furniture Weighing art and function when buying furniture

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This may be the greatest of debates in home furnishing: does one seek functional, comfortable and practical furniture, or seek a picture-perfect setting? The answer will depend on the type of furniture and will vary with personal preference, taste and lifestyle. The best solution is to compromise very little on either side, finding the ultimate piece that is functional and beautiful, but that can seem like an impossibility. Nevertheless, I would challenge you to exceed a happy medium and seek that lofty goal, and perhaps the below advice may help you get started. First, consider function i...

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