I'm originally from Buffalo, NY. My family moved to Indiana when I was 5 due to my dad's job. I lived in San Diego/Santee for 9 months and now am happily settled back in North West Indiana. I have two awesome brothers ~
Danny 
As well as an AMAZING mom - Lena. My absolute hero will forever be my MOM 
I dont think I could ever say enough good things about her ~ She has been my rock for most of my adult life and my best friend . My mom helped me through the MS diagnosis without fail ~ she was there for Jake and myself and I give her so much credit for many of his accomplishments as it was her that watched him while we were at work and she put her heart and soul into teaching him as well as loving him. My mom is presently battling cancer and at this point we are so hopeful that she will beat this monster. Here is a site I am working on for her and hopefully soon will have a guest book ~ so please check back often! I will provide an address as well if anyone would like to mail her a card ~ something I think she would really really like! 
Here is a pic of us a long long time ago! Dont worry I gave up drinking! LMAO...actually I dont drink!
I have worked full time since college & LOVED IT....so the end result of this next part sucks. After college I worked as an Orthodontic Assistant for 7 years. There came a point where I wanted to do more...I just was not sure what that "more" was. I was fortunate, because soon after making that decision, an opportunity presented itself, & I began to work for The City of Portage as a 911 Police/EMS/Fire Dispatcher. I eventually became a Certified Training Officer, which was so satisfying and fun! 
I really really loved my job & leaving was a difficult decision--however the need to have a "life" was far greater than my desire to be a dispatcher.I enjoyed working shift work but it was taking its toll on me. Little did I know then that the issues I was having were a precursor to the onset of MS. In May of 1997 I began working for the Porter County Clerk's Office in Portage. It sucked. Once again, fate, destiny or just plain LUCK came my way....and soon after I transferred to the staff of the Honorable Judge Julia Jent of Porter Superior Court III. I was Court Secretary as well as Judge Jent's personal secretary. Eventually I was promoted to Bailiff. (NO....not the kind with a gun!!) I scheduled court dates, performed computer work, filled in as a Court Reporter and was in charge of the Jury during a trial. I absolutely LOVED working for Judge Jent. She is an amazing Judge, boss & person. I enjoyed my job so much because it was the end result of what I was doing at the police department--kinda cool to see how it all tied together. My job was beyond amazing...It defined me in so many ways...however June 1st, 2004 was my last day of work. I finally accepted that my "time" had come, so to speak, regarding taking a step back and considering disability. The first 6 months of 2004 had been a slow descent downhill for me regarding my health, as well as a huge wake up call. I had never denied having MS, however I had always underestimated its power and effect on the body.
Despite our best efforts ~ my battling post partumn depression and the depression over leaving my job ~ as well as some personal issues John and I had..it all took its toll on our marriage.
We are currently divorced and co parents to our son Jake. We actually get along much better now and seem to have a better respect for the other now than we did before. Jake is very fortunate ~ he has many people that love him so much and thankfully he is well aware of what an amazing life he does have.
I am the proud "mommy" of 3 very SPOILED meows *Kelsey, Shadow, Zero* Prior to having Jake...we were parents to fur babies only (hamsters included!!) Nothing like the sweet sound of a kitty purring you to sleep!
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I am blessed with some amazing friends & a small, but fun family.
