All About Me

The Beginning

Not just another girl.

I was born in Seoul, Korea. Yes, that is in SOUTH Korea! I just turned 50 in April. OMG, I'm 50! I was adopted at the age of 4 months by my parents — the whitest people in the world. Minnesota and Iowa, for the love of God! A parole administrator and a librarian. They were some crunchy crackers!

I also had a brother, Nick. I say "had" because we are estranged now. I haven't been in touch with him for around 5 years, and don't ever expect to be again. No big loss. Nick was 5 years younger and adopted as well — from Seoul too — but we were not adopted together and are not blood-related.

Growing Up

I grew up in Paso Robles, CA. Population: 22,000 back in the 90s. One of those towns where I'm pretty sure everybody was unknowingly somehow related. I had a terrific childhood. My family was extraordinarily close — my mom, dad, Nick, and me. We did everything together. RVing, road trips, even made it as far as Iowa. I'm pretty sure I slept through that entire state.

I played volleyball from 7th grade through college at Cal State Fullerton — NCAA Division I, Big West Conference. That was all I cared about. Volleyball was pretty much my ticket into a 4-year college, which I hated and was one of the worst experiences of my life.

The Career Winding Road

I worked as a Procurement Officer at California State Prison around 1997 — a solid desk job for someone my age. Then I promoted to Atascadero State Hospital, a forensic hospital for the criminally insane. Fascinating work, great people, but an extremely depressing environment. I began to dread it.

So I quit my well-paid, secure, stable state job and went to work at Starbucks for $7.40 an hour. Quite a life change! I loved it though — I met so many people. I ended up staying 14 years. I still have no idea how that happened.

I also coached high school volleyball in Cambria, CA — JV coach and varsity assistant at the school where I graduated. I helped open the first and only volleyball club in Cambria, coordinating travel and coaching. We had traveling teams and developmental teams. Very impactful work.

After about 4 years of coaching, I began my long-lasting career in technical support. Over 20 years in the industry. I would do anything to get back in it now.

Right Now

I am currently the assistant manager of the Service Deli at Fred Meyer. Low-paying, thankless job — but it keeps me occupied and provides income, which is all I was looking for after Salesforce closed my location in Hillsboro, OR. Going from a 6-figure job to a poverty-level lifestyle was traumatic, but I have survived… barely.

The job is extremely physical, so I wonder how long I'll be able to keep it up. But for now I'm pulling it off — and actually not too shabby at it. I NEVER wanted to manage people, but here I am with a team of around 13. I work full-time and the job kicks my ass every day. I love my weekends.

The Life

I got married in 2009 and was married for 10 years. The split was amicable — I'm still in touch and on good terms with my ex. I am in a relationship with a wonderful man who is everything I've ever wanted. He is a phenomenal human being, and our relationship is wonderful. One of the things I am most thankful for, first thing in the morning and last thing at night.

So there it is. Take me as I am. Love me or leave me. Changing me is unquestionably impossible at this point in my life. I am happy and healthy and I enjoy my life. It's not perfect. It may not even be great, but I'm living it to the best of my ability. Drama-free. No pets. No kids. Not married. I can get up and go at the drop of a hatpin. I am free and love it!

Oh, did I mention I have a shaved head and am covered in ink? Minor details…