A short history

I was born on March 17, 1978 here in Portland, Oregon. I grew up in Milwaukie, just south of Portland with an older brother (also adopted—his birthday is March 16, 1974), my parents, and a myriad of pets too numerous to list. We lived on a small farm in the middle of the suburbs. It was fantastic.

I trained as a vocalist in my youth and won several regional and one state awards for my efforts. I also performed in a few plays and musicals, which carried for a short while into college, at George Fox University, where I studied Writing/Lit. and Music. I went there because I'm a Quaker. After about two years at George Fox University, I transferred to Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois and switched to Psychology and Administration of Justice.

Carbondale is a crazy place! It's a huge party school. My upbringing was strict and sheltered, so... it wasn't long before I lost myself in it. After three years, I found myself pregnant. My son's father did not want to be a part of things, and my mother wanted me to come home, so I did. I've been here ever since.

My son, Ian Abbott Ward, was born October 21, 2001. I've raised him on my own all these years, something I am proud of. He is the light of my life and a total ham. I always wonder where he gets it, and my mom tells me to look in the mirror.

This is a picture of me, my best friend Julie, and my son Ian. His face is not stuck like that, yet.

I've worked for the same nonprofit for the past four years, a support services agency for adults with developmental disabilities. It's rewarding to work for a cause.

My hobbies include writing, poetry, KARAOKE, cinema, biking, and, as of late, crafting out of felted wool.