Hello
I find introductions are always the best way to start any relationship. Especially relationships you hope will last and make a positive impact on your life.
A little about me
I was born in Pomona, California on a Thursday evening in December 41 years ago. The way a child comes into this world can say a lot about their personality. As my mom’s first and only child, everyone thought she was in for a long labor, never one to be told what to do, or how to do something, I decided to prove them all wrong. I rushed into this world after a remarkably short labor, lusty, howling, and ready to make my mark.
We moved several times throughout my childhood; western Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Mexico City, Mexico, California, New Jersey, and now Oklahoma. On this journey, I discovered a lot about the world and a little about myself. Life has a funny way of giving us exactly what we need when we need it. I have had the opportunity to live, I mean really live. I have had experiences many never will, and these have changed my perspective time and again.
Turning 40 was empowering. Over the last year, I have found my voice, learned more about who I am, and set goals. I am starting to feel comfortable in my own skin, feel like I know what I am talking about, and am learning to value the moments.
I am married to a disabled Army Veteran who is now a full-time government employee. I have one child and 2 rescue dogs. I own 3Raptor Consulting, a small business focused on empowering professionals, organizations, and nonprofits to achieve their dreams. In my spare time, I am a freelance writer, teach for REI, the women’s branch of the SBA, and am a community educator for the Alzheimer’s Association. Since May of 2020, I have served as the Executive Director of the Armed Services YMCA of Oklahoma.
While this may seem like the diary of an overachiever, this page will be anything but that. Allow me to be clear, I am a HOT MESS. I regularly stick my foot in my mouth, forget to respond, and can never seem to figure out a work/life balance. Rather this page is a transparent look into my life, my thoughts, and lessons learned. This is a place to write my thoughts, share experiences, and hopefully inspire you.
I also hope to unite all my many writing endeavors into one place. Writing is my passion, and I hope to soon make it my full-time job. This page will feature a variety of projects, different genres, thoughts, and observations.
Technical Details
I have a Bachelor of Arts in English from Rutgers University, a Masters of Science in Social and Community Services from Capella University, and a Masters of Science in Public Health with a focus in Epidemiology from Kaplan University. I am a graduate of Standards of Excellence and Nonprofit Management.
I am a lifelong learner, and if I could, would still be in school.
Passions & Hobbies
Writing is my passion. I hope to write a book this year. We shall see. For the moment, I spend every free minute I have writing.
The year of the pandemic forced me to rediscover myself and my hobbies. This year I have taken up boxing, learned to make stained glass windows, and am currently working on mastering punch needle embroidery.
When not writing, I love to read, hike, spend time with my dogs, cook, crochet, and watch Netflix.
Being a Mom
Being a mom is by far the absolute bestest accomplishment of my life. I will never accomplish anything close to what my child will. I am the extremely proud mother of a nonbinary, bisexual young adult. They are 17, a junior in high school, and absolutely amazing. At 16 they knew who they were, what they wanted, and set goals to achieve the life they want. They are confident, outspoken, and intelligent. They are everything I hope to be.
Conclusion
While I could go on and on, I suspect this introductory blog is long enough. I hope you will join me on this journey, and learn from my mistakes and observations.
Sincerely-
Sara
