Four decades, countless lessons — one path forward
At 23 - Confident, full of life
At 32 - Happy mom, yet stuck
🌊 1993–1997 – Healing from Environmental Allergies
In my 30s, I developed a severe environmental illness that left me, in many ways, “allergic to the world.” Paint, perfume, newsprint, car exhaust — even stepping into a grocery store triggered my body to shut down. My worst symptom was feeling like I couldn’t breathe, and for four years, the only place I could survive was near the clean ocean air.
We lost our home, downsized into a tiny duplex, and started over with our two kids. My children had to change clothes at the door before coming inside. I wore a mask years before it was common, which was both isolating and humiliating. There were nights I wasn’t sure I’d make it through — but with my husband’s and kids’ support, and sheer determination, I pressed on.
I tried everything I could find: acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic, meditation, special remedies, elimination diets, and more. Slowly, my body began to heal. Against all odds, I recovered fully.
Those four years changed me forever — they made me stronger, deepened our family’s bond, and gave my children empathy and resilience that still shape who they are today.
💡 If you or someone you love is facing multiple chemical sensitivities, please know you are not alone. It’s real, it’s frightening, but healing is possible. I’d be glad to share what helped me if you reach out.`
2000s - The Cycle Continues
🔄 By the early 2000s, I had lost the same weight more times than I could count. Losing it wasn’t the problem — keeping it off was.
I hovered 25–40 pounds above my goal, each regain bringing not just pounds but also frustration, self-doubt, and the fear I might never figure it out. Still, I pressed on, holding onto the belief that lasting change was possible.
💡Lesson: Persistence matters, even when the path feels endless.
2010s - Turning Points
🌱 A decade of change — much of it beyond my control
We moved three times, first to Southern California to be closer to our kids. We loved our new rental home with a neighborhood pool — something I’d always dreamed of — and started a childcare business. We hoped to buy a home there one day, but life had other plans.
My mom suffered a major stroke. During our daily phone calls she would say, “I can’t live without you.” At the same time, our landlord needed to move back in, and buying in Southern California seemed out of reach. Torn between dreams and reality, we returned to Washington.
Back in Washington, I found a home for sale that fit our needs perfectly, but the owner chose to rent instead of sell. Our daycare families were planning to return, so there was no time to look for another house. We were forced into a 3-year lease.
Through all of it, I maintained some of my weight loss but was still on the roller coaster.
✨ Late in this decade, a bright spot changed everything: I became a Grammy for the first time. Holding my first grandbaby brought a new kind of motivation — I wanted to be healthy, vibrant, and full of energy, not just for myself, but for my growing family.
2020s - The Final Stretch
✅ The homestretch… and another curveball.
In 2023, I lost 20 pounds and was finally within reach of my goal, with just 17 left to go. I felt unstoppable.
Then life shifted. My husband became seriously ill, and for the next two years I poured my energy into helping him heal while running my childcare business full-time. Slowly, those 20 hard-won pounds crept back on.
We made it through — and he fully recovered — but I knew something had to change.
One morning, it hit me: after 40 years of searching for a weight-loss plan that truly worked long-term, I still hadn’t found one. So, I created it myself.
I’ve built a way of eating that feels right for me — nourishing, balanced, and sustainable. No more “start over Monday.” Instead, I’m focused on habits that last. My weight loss is steady again, my health is improving, and I’m finally living free of the constant burden of diets and failure.
Another piece of the puzzle has been paying attention to what I drink. I’ve never been much of a drinker and had to stop altogether years ago due to an allergy, but I’ve learned that for many people, beverages can quietly work against progress. Sodas, juices, and sugar-loaded coffee drinks may seem small, but they add up quickly. Staying mindful about hydration — and enjoying smarter swaps — has been just as important as the food on my plate. I go deeper into this on the [SIP SMARTER: MOCKTAILS & TEAS] page.
And through it all, life has given us new joys. In 2023, I became a grandmother again when our youngest grandson was born — the one who gave me the name MiMi (me-me). It’s a name I treasure. Maybe one day he’ll follow his big brother and call me Grammy, but for now, “MiMi” is a sweet reminder of the special bond we share.
He’s pure joy in our lives — and a daily reminder of why I want to be strong, healthy, and vibrant for every moment with the people I love most.
💡 Lesson: The final stretch isn’t about perfection — it’s about building what lasts.
Four Decades in the Making
🌟After forty years of trial and error, real-life challenges, and countless diets, I stopped searching for the perfect plan — and created it. My background in nutrition, years of research, and lived experience taught me what no program ever delivered: a balanced, sustainable way of eating that meets every nutritional need and works in real life.
This plan gives you the tools, confidence, and freedom to stop starting over and finally finish strong.
💗 No matter how many times you’ve tried, it’s never too late to reclaim your health, your confidence, and your life.
