Q: When did you first join R4R and how did you learn about us?
A: I joined R4R about 10 years ago. I met Tina in a Facebook group who introduced me to Debbie and Amy. We started walking together and then saw an advertisement for R4R and attended an info session at the old Sports Authority in Elk Grove.
Q: What’s your very favorite “Moving into Life” activity?
A: I love to walk, although lately I’ve been chasing after my 2 year old a lot!
Q: Halloween is just around the corner. As someone that really enjoys Halloween, what’s one Halloween tradition that you’d never give up?
A: I love gathering my family in the car and looking at Halloween decorations. We always buy the map that the local Kiwanis Club sells and go a few times before Halloween. I usually grab a coffee for myself and cookies for the kids, and sometimes pick up our friends to join us too.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world to celebrate Halloween, where would you go and why?
A: I just crossed an item off my Halloween bucket list which was to go the Oogie Boogie Bash at Disneyland! It was such a blast and next time, I’d like to make it to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party in Walt Disney World.
Q: How do you like to spend your free time? Any hobbies of note?
A: Outside of being a mom, wife, and caregiver to my mother-in-law with dementia, you can find me at Disneyland or planning my next Disney trip (it’s in mid-October haha). I really love Disney and I go to Disneyland a few times a year with friends, and about once a year with family. Yes, I leave my kids behind and go do the things I want to do so when I take them, I can focus on their experiences. There are so many things to see and do there for adults, and I highly encourage everyone to do a kid free trip.
Q: What’s something most people don’t know about you?
A: I am from Florida. I moved from Florida to California for college. After I graduated from college, I met my husband on Match.com and discovered he is from Florida too! We grew up an hour and a half away from each other and our lives both brought us to California independently. We met three months after we both graduated from Chico State.
Q: What has been your proudest moment since being a part of the R4R family?
A: My proudest moment was completing my first half marathon which was the Shamrock’n. I can’t remember the year but it POURED. I remember being miserable on the course and felt the blisters forming and my shoes were SOAKED but kept going. On the drive home “I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash came on the radio. Since then, that song has been my reminder that I can do hard things and has randomly played on my radio during stressful events.
Q: If you were a vegetable, what would you be and why?
A: Hahahahaha. I have no idea but I just Googled “coffee related vegetables” because I’m an iced coffee addict and apparently potatoes thrive when you add coffee grounds to their soil, just like me. Also potatoes are pretty versatile and I think I’m pretty versatile too!
Q: How would you describe your Runnin’ for Rhett experience to a child?
A: There are going to be times in your life when you need to step outside of your comfort zone. You may get very nervous, but once you do, you might find something that outshines the few times you were uncomfortable. I’ve found friends and support while challenging myself and I have no regrets.
