Sometimes the best way to figure out where you’re going is to take note of where you are.

Back in business.
It’s wild to think it’s been twelve years since I started my first business. Some of you might remember my wedding planning days—I deeply loved helping couples celebrate, but honestly, I was stretched way too thin. Saying yes to everything and running on empty. I always had a feeling I’d start something new again, I just didn’t know what—until Maddie lost the use of her back legs and needed 24/7 specialized care. That chapter changed me. She showed me how deeply dogs feel, how much they deserve, and the peace that comes from knowing they’re safe and loved. That’s what inspired Staycation Club for Dogs. It’s taken time and a whole lot of heart to get here—but for the first time in a long time, this feels right. Like I’ve found my thing again. Like I’ve truly stepped into my purpose.

Still healing from breast cancer.
I’m almost four years into taking Tamoxifen, a daily hormone blocker that’s keeping the cancer away—and aging me at the same time. The joint pain, the brain fog, the fatigue—it’s real. My oncologist tested my tumor to determine whether I’d need to continue treatment past the five-year mark. I just found out I’ll need to stay on it for the full ten years. That news hit hard. I’m hopeful. I’m tired. My joints hurt. The brain fog is real. But I’m here. And I’m grateful I caught it early enough to do something about it. Grateful, every single day.

Navigating grief in all its forms.
We said goodbye to our sweet Maddie in February 2025. We’ve now held two of our dogs as they left this world. Molly’s passing was so sudden. Maddie’s gave us time—but that didn’t make it any easier. We gave her the most breathtaking sunset send-off, and we’ve been heart-heavy and weeping ever since. We miss her every single day.

I always thought she’d be here to help me through losing Mom. But Mom’s condition is progressing. Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is relentless—stealing little pieces of her each day. Time feels uncertain, slipping through my fingers faster than I can grasp it. Her motor skills have faded, her words now scarce, and all that remains is our quiet connection. So I sit beside her. I hold her hand. I soak in the presence we still share. It’s a heartbreaking reality. Maybe that’s why I’ve been leaning so much on the comfort of dogs lately—they’ve been the therapy I didn’t realize I needed. I bring them to see Mom, and for a little while, in their joyful presence, the darkness lifts.

Raising our first boy dog, Bluey.
We weren’t planning on rescuing another dog, but the universe had other plans for us. The moment Bluey bonded with Maddie, it was game over. One bum knee, one bad hip, and a heart that needs extra care. He’s a bit of a mess, but all ours. Turns out, we’re total suckers for special needs dogs.

Starting over.
This year marked my fifth year building meaningful partnerships for Passion Planner. After a recent round of layoffs, unfortunately my role was eliminated, but I’m walking away with deep admiration for the people and the kind of work culture that’s all too rare. Honest. Kind. Intentional. I’ll always be grateful for the gentle rhythm of the work, the space to be human, and the care that shaped both my growth and my days. I don’t know what’s next—but I leave with deep appreciation for the experience. If you have any remote work opportunities, let me know!

Traveling again, not waiting for some distant “someday.”
After a necessary break to support Maddie in her final years and to start the business, it feels so good to be traveling again!

• 2025: Japan, Mexico, Africa, The Netherlands

• 2026: New Zealand, Australia, Puerto Vallarta, Japan, Denmark, Scotland, Iceland

• 2027: We’ll see!