: About Me

I'm a 30-year old stay-at-home-mom to a wonderful 1 year old boy who occupies a good amount of my time...

I have a degree in Communications but have spent most of my working years as a veterinary technician. While I've forgotten how to use Quark and certain grammar lessons, I'll never forget how to monitor anesthesia or react in an emergency...

Writing has always been in my blood. The love affair of creating began at an early age, typing away on my old-school, turquoise typewriter at 7 in the morning. (Since my parents were the encouraging type, they couldn't complain about the racket.) I have always written-stories, poetry, diaries, essays, the beginnings of many novels, travel journals, and multiple blogs.

Aside from writing, I love the outdoors. I love warm weather. Sunshine and warm temperatures do something powerful to my psyche. I think there's a proven reason why but all I know is that if I wake up and it's beautiful out my day is already good. My other hobbies/interests include animals, photography, reading and traveling.

I joined Helium to keep my writing muscles well-oiled. There is a huge part of me that would like to be in the working world, but I don't want to put my son in daycare. I am attempting to use the time that I am home to write more.

I have been married for three years and I live in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

My passion is ...

My son, my dog, my family, being outside, blogging, writing, reading...

I know too much about ...

Animals, particularly dog breeds

My parents always told me ...

You should write a book someday

My childhood ambition ...

Write a book!

My favorite memory ...

Summer weekends at my family's cabin

Why I write ...

I don't know how NOT to...its such an ingrained part of me...I feel I have things that need to be said...

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

I gave in and joined the masses who are reading the "Twilight" series...who knew teen vampire romance could be so addictive? I've also started the Sookie Stackhouse vampire series...I don't think I've read purely for pleasure in a very long time.

My first job ...

Cashier at a grocery store (my family got a lot of laughs calling me a "produce shiner")

My best moment ...

Aside from the birth of my child, my wedding day...seeing 8 months of hardcore planning unfold perfectly. One of the biggest things I ever did all by myself and it was magnificent!

My inspiration ...

My father. My grandfather. My old boss, Leslie. My friend Jeanette, who likes to write too...

Pets & Animals > Vets & Pet Health How to exercise your pet safely in hot weather

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One of the most wonderful things about summer is that it lends itself to a myriad of outdoor activities for both people and pets alike. Longer days, sunshine, and warmer temps mean it's time for more walks, runs, hikes, jogs, outdoor sports, swimming, camping and of course, fetch. Unfortunately, as much as we may love the hot days of summer, the rising mercury may not be the safest environment for physical activity, especially for your pet. But this doesn't mean that you need to strap your four-legged pal to the air conditioner all summer long. Using a bit of common sense and preparation c...

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