What is your middle name? Does it carry any special meaning/significance?
My middle name is Ross. I had no idea that when I moved to Canada that people all had different middle names.
It’s a family name and every sibling in our family has the same name. It’s attached to my dad and his family. I didn’t remember what the history is behind it.
Who are your favorite people to be around?
Some of my favorite people live in the high desert in Oregon. One of them is one of my good friends. She’s a lady that I admire so much. She’s got the most amazing stories of things that have happened to her in her life. She has the most amazing faith and what God has done in her life. She’s also an author of many books and her, and her husband own a ranch that rescues horses and teams them up with kids.
Here is the link to Crystal Peaks Young Ranch. It’s my home away from home.
https://crystalpeaksyouthranch.org/
I could sit and listen to this lady forever. I love how she follows her heart. She lives life to the fullest. I’m honored to be one of her friends. ❤️
Share one of the best gifts you’ve ever received.
Some of you know that I had a horrible childhood. In fact it was horrendous. When I was locked in my bedroom I used to dream of having a dad that I could love and that he would love me back no matter what. A dad who cares about me and protected so that I wouldn’t get hurt like I had been, as a child and would do absolutely anything for me. That dream seemed so far away in fact impossible.
When I moved from Ireland to Canada as a teenager, I met my mom and my step dad. He accepted my brother and I and everything we had been through. Our lives were not easy but he gave me that love that I had dreamed of. He was my role model, he protected me and he helped me be the woman I am today. My greatest gift was Love. ❤️
Are you patriotic? What does being patriotic mean to you?
This question made me ponder and stop and think. I love my country yes and celebrate our days etc. Recently I’ve thought more about it, especially when Trump wanted Canada to become the 51st State. That would mean we would lose our country. Canada is a great country to live in and so yes I have become patriotic the last month or so. Canadians have band together so that we stay together and that when things come at us that we fight together. 🇨🇦
Are there any activities or hobbies you’ve outgrown or lost interest in over time?
I used to scrapbook and make beautiful albums for people. My favorite scrapbook was for my in laws 50th wedding anniversary. I interviewed their siblings and gathered photos to put in the album. It was beautiful and I worked on it for a long time. It was good to scrapbook and there used to be stores to get your products but as time went on everything became online. It also was an expensive hobby.
I also used to breed rabbits with my best friend and go to rabbit shows. She’s since then passed away and after Covid rabbit shows seen to disappear. I loved breeding rabbits and it was so fun to watch the babies grow up and go to New homes.
I used to rubber stamp and make beautiful cards but that is all fine now. It’s all in the past. I do other artsy things now.
Write about your first computer.
My first computer was when I was in high school. I was supposed to type my papers for school. It was small with those big grey frames around them. When I needed to print something we had those printers that had the perforated hole edges. The paper that seemed to go on forever.
My computer I could play a game on it. It was a game with a bar and a ball and you had to bounce it around your screen and it would go faster and faster.
Wow from that computer to where we are today is amazing.
What would you do if you won the lottery?
I would pay off my loan and then go and visit my friends who live in Oregon. They own a 100 acre ranch that rescues horses and teams them up with kids. I love it there so much.
I would go on all the events for my business and I would buy a home. I guess it depends how much you have. I would also donate some to the charities close to my heart.
What’s your dream job?
I do my dream job now. I love working at school and helping children. It’s such a rewarding job. Even the toughest children once I gain their trust then they are the ones who run up to be and hug me everyday. I’m making a difference in the lives of so many children. That is the greatest gift. ❤️
Where can you reduce clutter in your life?
Every holiday I have from school, I think I need to declutter my life. Throw out things I’ve not used in the last year or so and get rid of all the clothes I never wear. I keep thinking I will fit in them eventually, but really I can’t see that happening. My mind tells me otherwise.
I live in a small home so it can get cluttered easily. Why do I keep things around that I don’t use anymore? Is it some sort of a comfort. No idea. As I look around my home I see things that I could get rid of. Maybe I need to set goals for purging, because I’ve done it before and it feels good. Obviously I’m not in that head space right now. Maybe for another time or not.
Do you play in your daily life? What says “playtime” to you?
I love to play at school with the kids. I love board games as it teaches the children how to take turns and it’s a very social game and most of all they have fun. I often tease them and say hey are you wearing your lucky socks today? They look down at their socks and say yes.
I love all the time I spend with the kids at school. Playing is a great way to build up trust especially those that don’t trust adults well. Play is such a great way for children to learn basic skills they need in their lives.
Beauty from Ashes. 