I have always been a Southerner, in two different hemispheres! Born on the southwest coast of Ireland in Bantry, County Cork, we moved to Alabama when I was a year old. Spent 10 years as a faculty brat at Indian Springs School where my dad taught European history. Then, the same year that Little House on the Prairie hit the airwaves, we hit the road and moved to Chilton County and a 40 acre farm. Yep, I became Laura Ingalls, raising chickens, cows, and riding horses. Even sold the chickens eggs at the local country store. So I suppose I knew I’d be an entrepreneur at an early age. Went to Birmingham Southern College, majoring in English. Went from selling eggs to selling entire grocery store chains as a copywriter for an ad agency — they said the magic words when I graduated… “we’ll give you a job.” And so began my career as an ad chic. Went freelance back in ’94 and never regretted it. But none of this really makes me who I am now. It’s just backstory. I can say one event has truly defined who I’ve become and continue to become or at least gave me the initial push — when my mom died of pancreatic cancer, just a month before my 40th birthday. Two traumatic events (granted on different ends of the spectrum), but that made for one of those make-me-or-break-me moments. I could either be propelled into depression and wake up one of those unhealthy, overweight middle-aged women in a hot pink track suit walking around Wal Mart, or I could use it as a springboard to grab life by the horns and not waste any more time. Five years later and I definitely made the right choice. I am in the best shape of my life both physically and spiritually, have an incredible group of faith-filled friends, and have not only grabbed life by the horns, but by the handle of an M-16, Glock and semi-automatics. Joined the Homewood Citizens Police Academy and began the Homewood Police Foundation, working to raise money and awareness for the officers who protect and serve our community. I also am director of the Gopher Run for Pancreatic Cancer, raising funds for UAB Cancer Center. I’ve completed three marathons and teach Spinning at Dawson Church. And now I’ve added Tribe member to the list… an identifying mark that I know is going to redefine me yet again!