Four years ago, I was diagnosed with hormone-positive breast cancer. I underwent a double mastectomy and a few rounds of reconstruction. My body has been rebuilt, but belonging to it is still a daily practice. I’m on Tamoxifen for the next six years to prevent recurrence, and most days I’m just trying to meet myself where I am.

Caring for my paralyzed dog Maddie in her final years taught me how deeply dogs feel and how much love and attention they deserve. Staycation Club for Dogs grew from that love. Helping others enjoy time away, knowing their dogs are happy and cared for, feels like a gift I get to give to the world.

These days, I’m tending to myself the way I wish I had all along—honoring my needs, my pace, and my growth. I’m gentler with myself now. More honest. I no longer feel the need to run myself into the ground to prove my worth. I’m letting go of what no longer serves me and holding close to what feels true. And the truth is, I really like her.

We’re finally putting our Global Entry to good use. Some rare opportunities have found their way to us, offering the chance to travel more deeply and more often. After everything, it feels especially meaningful to be back out discovering the world again. Travel transforms me, expanding my sense of what’s possible and reminding me there is still so much ahead.

Losing a dog is a heartbreak like no other. We’ve now held two of our babies as they left this world—Molly suddenly, Maddie gradually—but neither eased the pain. In February 2025, we gave Maddie a sunset send-off so beautiful it took our breath away. We miss our sunshine girl every day.

For years, I poured my heart into creating. What started as a joyful outlet slowly became work I had to do to earn a living, and I lost that spark. Lately, I’ve been leaning back into the things that light me up: photographing travels, editing photos late into the night and writing from the heart. It feels so good to create for myself again.

I wish I had more time with my parents. Losing Dad so suddenly shattered me, and losing Mom slowly to a seven-year battle with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) was a different kind of devastation—one that unfolded in real time. It cracked me open and asked me to stay open. To love without resolution. To keep showing up, even as goodbye stretched itself across years. I’m still processing it all.

I sometimes wonder what it’s like to move into a fully finished house. Our nearly 100-year-old home is always evolving. Every wall has been replaced, old knob-and-tube wiring has been updated. We’ve remodeled the kitchen, built an ADU, and turned what was once a bland dirt lot into a green oasis. Soon we’ll be at it again—turning our one-car garage into a studio. I’m learning to embrace the in-between.

We weren’t planning on rescuing another dog, but from the moment Bluey and Maddie met, they shared an unspoken bond, as if they’d known each other forever. This Micro Bully has one bum knee, one bad hip, and a pretty severe heart condition… genetically, a disaster—but all ours. We don’t know how much time we have with Bluey, but we’re giving him the very best life possible!

Building partnerships at Passion Planner was deeply meaningful work. After 5 years, and a recent round of layoffs, I leave with deep admiration for the people and the kind of work culture that’s all too rare. 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.

She came to us as a rescue from Passion for Pitties who had just given birth and was looking for a temporary home. Within days, she’d found her rhythm—curling up beside Bluey and rolling on her back like she was finally home! We renamed her Birdie. She’s as free as a bird! We can’t wait to watch her soar to her limitless potential. 🐦✨

Watching the way Huff shows up for his team and the people he serves has been special to witness. His journey with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department didn’t happen overnight; each role built quietly on the last, from Probationary Firefighter to Firefighter, Engineer, and now Captain. I’m very proud of him.