About

I grew up on an acreage in rural South Dakota. My childhood, I quickly found out, was much different than most. In a time and place where computers were largely nonexistent and something to gawk at on TV, my younger sister, brother, and I spent much of our time outdoors. We enjoyed every form of any sport that could be played with 2 or more people and anything that could be done outside. From riding bikes, rollerblading, exploring creeks (pronounced “cricks” for anyone wondering) boating/skiing/tubing/fishing, and everyone’s favorite, camping, we pretty much did it all. When you have to drive at least 30 minutes one way to get to the nearest grocery store, you’re finding other things to do to preoccupy yourself.

And trust me, you do NOT want to challenge anyone in my family to a game of cards, you will lose for sure. From pitch (any form really, individual/teams/4 point/10 point/14 point/any point), Canasta, any form of any type of Rummy, 500, Up-and-Down-the-River, Euchre, Buck Euchre, Texas Hold ‘Em, (well you get the picture), we have pretty much mastered them all. This is how you entertain yourself when you’re literally in the middle of nowhere!

I went to high school in the middle of a corn field, Tri-Valley. K-12 all in the same building, where my class was one of the largest the school had ever seen at 72 students. I ran track, played basketball (only briefly, I was left handed and fast so they put me at point guard only I couldn’t seem to get the ball to move as quickly as I could run, among other issues), fast and slow pitch softball (slow pitch is far superior for anyone wondering), volleyball, powderpuff football, and was even a cheerleader for basketball so I didn’t get bored during that season. I also played the flute in band briefly but was terrible and soon lost interest.

Following high school I was recruited by the University of South Dakota to run track. Not entirely sure with what I wanted to do when I grew up, I eagerly accepted. Track was the best and worst decision I have ever made, as any collegiate track athlete can attest to. Five-day a week practices year-round soon had me in the best shape of my life, and dreading every hill work-out Wednesday and 16×200 Friday. But traveling and being part of a team and a Coyote definitely out-weighed the frequent diarrhea that accompanies competing. From California to Phoenix, I made some great memories and friends. I also married one of my fellow teammates, a very good looking javelin/decathlete.

From here I continued my journey to the great Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. These four years of my life flew by in a flurry of late night cramming, stress, junk food, and formalin. Upon graduation, I finally joined my husband in Miami, FL so that I could pursue a rotating internship and he could continue his path as a medical student in Podiatric Medicine.

As I’m sure you can imagine, the transition from rural Midwestern America to one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country was quite an adjustment. I learned a lot, about people, driving, adulting, life as a veterinarian, and myself. It was and will always be one of my greatest adventures.

Upon my husband’s graduation from school, he MATCHed to a residency program in Kansas City, MO and so, we made our first and biggest investment as a couple (other than our education) and bought a house. Fast forward about four years and I find myself with 3 of life’s greatest blessings. Raylan, Lincoln, Beckham (my three babies) have changed how I love, see life, and keep house *wink*. Now, the true adventures begin…