Let's Catch Up

 Well, hey there strangers!  It's been a minute.

So, we had these really weird couple of years, 2020-2021. A lot changed and I'm sorry that I neglected Suzi's World. Let's catch up, shall we?

After the American Cancer Society let me go in December 2020, I bounced around for a few months. It seemed that my requirements for a job had changed pretty drastically after my years at ACS.  I started looking for local, meaningful work.  Not just making money for myself and someone else, but using my training and skills to make a difference in the world, or at least my community...my world.

For almost 4 months in 2021 I worked part-time at the History of Diving Museum as Community Development Manager. What an amazing museum! If you haven't been there, go to Islamorada, pay $15 and explore over 4,000 years of man's quest to understand and venture under the sea.  I enjoyed my time there, designing ads and developing outreach campaigns, as well as getting to know the museum. But, one of the problems with meaningful work is that nonprofits are rarely able to pay well! 

In September 2021, I was offered the position of Rescuer Director at MarrVelous Pet Rescues. Now that was an interesting experience!  I have always been an animal lover, but primarily a cat person. Becoming comfortable with dogs, and even downright good with them, improved my life immensely. MPR is a foster based rescue run by an amazing founder and board of directors. During my 2+ years there we rescued nearly 300 dogs! I stay in touch with some of the adopters and get updates and photos. 

As you can probably imagine, it wasn't always an easy job. Yes, there were a lot of fun moments playing with puppies and enjoying the affection of a grateful rescue dog. But there was a lot of heartbreak when we lost half of a litter of puppies, or ended up with those dogs so failed by humans they just couldn't be rehomed. I will forever cherish my time there, but by the end of 2023 I knew it was about time to move on.  

Over the years, since the radio days, I have been part of the local Chambers of Commerce. With the radio and ACS, I was a member and frequented luncheons and after hours events at the Chambers from Key Largo to Key West. But, over the last few years it was primarily the Key Largo Chamber. The president and I had become friends and when she announced her upcoming retirement my next step became clear to me.  She and I spoke and I took the position as Vice President/Incoming President in February 2024. And, on January 1st of this year, I accepted the position as President of the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce & Florida Keys Visitor Center. 

In addition to readjusting my career to a more service oriented profession, I also increased my volunteer endeavors and presence in the community. Upper Keys BPW (Business & Professional Women) continues to be near and dear to my heart. I served as President from 2020-2022 and have held the informal position of Immediate Past President for almost 3 years. I even served in 2 positions at the BPW/FL state level - Delegate to Council of Presidents and Technology Chair. 

The Community Foundation of the Florida Keys also continues to hold my heart and a good bit of my time! But, I give it so happily because of how strongly I believe in the mission. My journey with CFFK started when I was asked in 2021 to join the newly formed Upper Keys Advisory Council as a charter member. While continuing to serve in that position, I have also joined the Development Committee, the Grant Review Committee and the new Scholarship Review Committee.  Reviewing and granting funds to deserving nonprofits is so incredibly rewarding! And, last year I had the extreme pleasure of presenting scholarships to graduating seniors at our local high school. 

Another part of my path the last few years has been leadership training. I graduated from CFFK's Leadership Success Academy in 2022.

I am also a proud graduate of Leadership Monroe County class XXXI in 2024.  "31 Fators!" - Best Class Ever!

Thanks for letting me catch up in one post to make up for several years of neglecting this page. I'll be doing my best to keep Suzi's World up to date and trying to share happiness and positivity! 

Thanks for visiting my world! 

Suzi

Keys Life Magazine

 

I am thrilled to be part of the Keys Life Family!  

Keys Life Magazine is distributed between Florida City and Mile Marker 38, in Bahia Honda. In total, we distribute 26,000 magazines every month through 62 magazine racks located at and around high traffic locations.

We are the only publication in the Keys that mails a copy of the magazine to every Home, Business, and PO Box between Ocean Reef and Long Key. This means your ad is put directly in the hands of each consumer every month.

We also promote your ad on our Facebook page twice per month at no charge, Keys Life Magazine’s social media post receive over 600,000 online views every month.

In total, Keys Life Magazine will get your ad in front of more than 626,000 people every month – for much less expense than other publications.

There is no other marketing tool in the Keys that will get your ad in front of more potential customers.

We are also a FULL SERVICE DESIGN & PRINT AGENCY! Graphic art and printing services from business cards to apparel, direct mail services, social media management and so much more.

Check out our website at www.keyslifemagazine.com.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day

Tomorrow will be my first Thanksgiving Day without my mother.
CONTINUE READING

My Keys Weekly Newspapers Article

Suzi Youngberg is too sweet. Sweet like the blackberries she remembers picking with her grandmother when she was little growing up in rural Georgia. She later had a lucrative career in corporate sales and spent a lot of time on the road even after moving to the Keys in 1997. That was until her husband, Scott, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that meant six months of treatment in Boston.

“We were looking at bankruptcy,” she said. “This town really came together and helped us raise money.” But it still wasn’t enough. That’s when Suzi made the phone call to the American Cancer Society. “It’s a number I give to anyone who has the ‘C’ word in their life.” (1-800-227-2345)

From there, the two of them moved into American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge in Boston. “It’s basically like the Ronald McDonald House for adults,” she said. “It was the most healing, peaceful experience of my life, and I vowed at that moment I would spend the rest of my life raising money for American Cancer Society.”

Once Scott was cleared and the two were back in the Keys, she quit her traveling job and set her roots into the community. As a member of Upper Keys BPW, “I’ve met more people and made more friends in the last two years than I did the first 18 years we lived down here,” she said.

That’s when she saw something on Facebook about the upcoming Relay for Life walk. She and Scott asked what they could do to help out. Fast forward a few years, and Suzi is now the society’s Community Development Manager for the Florida Keys. “We were just given so much help, we felt the need to give back,” she said.

Her typical day now consists of committee meetings, chamber meetings, recruiting teams, and seeking sponsorships for Making Strides walk, Relay for Life, and the Diamond Gala. “All the traveling I did before, traveling up and down the Keys is nothing,” she said.

So, we wanted to know about Suzi, who also is currently nominated for Woman of the Year. The winner will be announced at the Upper Keys BPW political forum on Oct. 17 at Whale Harbor in Islamorada.

How did you end up with American Cancer Society? I was tired of traveling after spending 20 years living in a hotel room — and knowing I might lose my husband, I knew I needed more together time with him and at home in my community.

One fun fact about you? I love my cat SugarBear like my child. He rescued us back in 2013. He walks on a leash, travels everywhere with us, including Colorado a few summers ago. People around our community know the big white cat on a leash … he even goes to Bill’s Liquor and a few other bars.

What’s the most rewarding project you’ve worked on? I love raising money for the American Cancer Society. I believe strongly in the mission.

What does success look like? Being happy with what I have and where I am in life.

Proudest achievement? When I first started dating my husband, I gave him a “love poem” that a few days later turned into a song. It was such a thrill! We have since written several songs together, and my younger brother who is also a musician and I have also collaborated on a song. We have a “Caribbean Soul” and when I have time, I write on Suzi’s World (suzisworld.com).

Dream meal: you are sitting at a diner counter eating … who walks in and sits next to you, what are you ordering? My favorite meal is bread, cheese and wine. And I can make conversation with anyone who happens to sit down next to me.

Favorite Keysy thing to do? I love being out on the water. I miss spending the night out and waking up on the Florida Bay.

What would your superpower be? Always wished I could fly.

Best piece of advice you ever received? Be happy.

What is your nerdiest passion? I’m a sci-fi nerd — “Star Trek,”“Star Wars,” even a little “Dr. Who.”

What was your first thought this morning? I have to get these questions answered for Kristen. And, I have an event in four days, YIKES!

Favorite guilty pleasure? When I traveled for a living, I was in different towns every night, and Outback was one of my favorite dinner spots because it felt familiar.When I am in Key West and have extra time, I often go in the Outback for their seared tuna; people look at me funny when I say I went to Key West and got tuna from Outback.

If you won the lottery, what’s the first thing you do/buy? Take care of my parents! My mom has Parkinson’s and Daddy is her caretaker, so I would love to have lots of money to put them in a fabulous place to have her taken care of and let him travel and enjoy himself.

If you could change the world, what would you do? More love, less hate. I wish people would be kinder and think about their words and actions and how the effect others. Yes, it’s a cliché, but I always wish for world peace.

What did you want to be when you grew up? A writer. The great American novel is on my bucket list.

We heard you can sell anything; what’s the craziest thing you sold? Anyone need size 15 men’s pink Converse?

Finish these sentences…

Scott, my husband, would describe me as … Loving, quirky, messy, and, lately, very distracted. He is very patient when I have an event looming and get a little crazy!

My autobiography would be titled… “The World According to Suzi.”

I live by the motto … Money isn’t everything, find happiness and be nice.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk will take place in Key West on Saturday, Oct. 13* at Key West Amphitheater; with registration at 8 a.m., teams can still sign up. This year’s theme is “Younite” and she hopes to unite the Keys by having bigger all-inclusive events. (*NOTE-2019 Walks: October 12 in Key West, October 20 in Key Largo, and October 26 in Marathon.)

Last question: What’s a “Booby” drink?
Gilberts donates the proceeds from all the pink frozen “booby” drinks to American Cancer Society. (The Key Largo Bridge Bra Walk will be at Gilbert's Resort on October 20!)

(This was written by Kristen Livengood, and published in The Keys Weekly Newspapers on October 12, 2018.  Thanks to the Weekly for the great write up and for all their support of American Cancer Society in the Keys!)

Mile 0 Fest Key West 2019

How lucky am I to live in paradise and get to experience my favorite Red Dirt Americana Music from Texas and Oklahoma right here in my islands?  Very lucky, indeed.  I was fortunate enough to hook up with someone from the festival's promotion company last year for the very first Mile 0 Fest Key West in  2018. I helped her with some advertising and ticket giveaways, scored some free passes, and made a friend! Even though they completely sold out and didn't really need any advertising or ticket giveaways this year, she still took care of me with a couple of free passes and access to the media tent. It was such a nice treat for Scott and me!  Sadly, we couldn't attend all 4 days, but we definitely made the most of the 2 days we were there and packed in as much music (and rum) as possible!

CONTINUE READING AND LISTENING

Upper Keys BPW Connection Newsletter

One of the "hats" that I wear is publishing the Upper Keys BPW newsletter.  I recently added a new blog format.  Check it out here:  UPPER KEYS BPW CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

Perfect Patchwork

This is me! All the love, all the people and all the places, all the good and all the bad, and, of course, all the music! I'm a quilt; pieces of it all stitched together to form the perfect patchwork that is me.

I work for the American Cancer Society!

I am pleased, tickled, proud and excited to announce that I now work for the American Cancer Society.  When I made the decision to stop traveling for a living back in 2015, it was a big jump. I left a great job, making good money and security.  It was all to be able to stay home, spend more time with Scott, and become more a part of my community.  I made a decision at that time that money wasn't everything, and luckily Scott agreed!  We tightened our belts, cut back, stayed home more (not really a sacrifice since that was part of the whole decision to begin with!) and let life change.  I have kept a tie to the corporate life in the form of a consultant, but it doesn't require travel and provides a little additional income, but other than that, I have been searching.

I tried my own company, with Suzi's Promoplans, a franchise of my father-in-law's business in Tennessee. (see promoplans.com.)  But, promotional products are a very saturated market in the Keys, and I found it very hard to get more than small "one off" orders.  When the local radio stations offered me a job selling advertising about that same time, I took the plunge.  I was successful as a radio advertising salesperson, and it gave me a chance to be out in the community meeting people. But, something happened that I hadn't expected... I discovered that I love being on the radio!

Thanks to the country station program manager, Doug Hitchcock, I was given a shift as DJ for a 6 hour Classic Country Sunday Night show.  That was so much fun!  I got to pick all the music, and do the voice tracks for the whole show, every week.  It was awesome.  I also sold a live one hour talk radio show at 3 different locations, and co-hosted it with the lovely Kim Chesher. The Treasure Chest Radio Show was so much fun to create and co-host for so long.  If the show happened to be sold today, I could probably be coerced into co-hosting.... hint, hint...

Since my husband Scott went through cancer treatment back in 2014, I have been volunteering for the American Cancer Society, including being the lead of the local Relay for Life for 2 years. When the position was offered to be ACS staff, as Community Development Manager for the Florida Keys, I was thrilled to be considered! To be able to work my passion was a dream come true.

 

My duties include the Relay for Life, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and the Diamond Gala Events of the Florida Keys.  Making contacts, recruiting volunteers and sponsors, working with venues and planning events are all part of my job description.  How perfect, right!?!  The ACS seems to be a good place to work; invested in the health and well being of their employees as well as the all important mission.  

If you have questions about the American Cancer Society, it's mission, how the ACS can help you, or want more information on events in the Keys, contact me!  

305-393-6830

suzi.youngberg@cancer.org

www.cancer.org

In The Spotlight: I'm With Her

Okay, this was my political status once, but this post is not about politics. It's about a new band that I just found and I have to share it with you. You know that finding new music is one of my greatest joys in life. I'm thrilled to have stumbled across this trio today. Actually, I'm a little surprised they weren't already on my radar; they have apparently been making music together since 2014. 

With Sara Watkins playing fiddle, Sarah Jarosz on mandolin and Aoife O'donovan playing guitar or even piano, and their voices blending and complimenting each other perfectly... they are a joy to the ears.




The three first performed together as an impromptu collaboration at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in 2014. In 2015 they began to play together more and more at music festivals, and then they began writing together.  They recently announced their first album, titled "See You Around," is due out in February... CLICK TO READ MORE

HOPE IS WHERE THE HEART IS (5)

"Hope is where the heart is." Wonderful words, written by my dear friend Lisa just before we lost her to leukemia at the young age of 32. She used it to say that those who had never suffered in some way were missing out on understanding the joy of hope. She was an amazing person and inspired everyone around her right up until the day she was taken far too soon.

I wrote the first blog entry under this heading back in April 2014 when Scott was first diagnosed with cancer. What a journey it's been! (Sorry Scott, I know I'm not supposed to refer to it as a journey unless we're going on a cruise...but you won't go on a cruise!) Scott still endures the agony of scanxiety every six months, and he never has to wonder if he'll meet his insurance deductible, but he remains cancer free, and that's a wonderful thing. Our good friend Jeffrey, our "2 in a million" friend, was also recently declared clear after a long, hard battle. He was the other chordoma patient right here in the Keys; statistically impossible, and yet, there it is. We are thrilled for him that he can now look forward to the rest of his life!

Many we know haven't been so lucky. We lost another chordoma warrior this week. A beautiful young angel named Madison Rose. She was 23 years old. When I read the words this morning, I sobbed. First I yelled an expletive I won't repeat here, then I sobbed. I sobbed for a girl who's late teen and early adult years had been nothing but surgeries, treatments, recovery, wash, rinse, repeat. She had endured so much by the time we met her, and yet still smiled the biggest, brightest smile. When I met her, she was in a hospital room at MGH undergoing chemo. She had no hair, was very thin, wearing sweat pants and a Boston Strong t-shirt, hooked up to tubes and wires, but she still sat up and talked and laughed and made everyone in the room feel better. She was one of those souls who gave hope to everyone trying to comfort and take care of her. Her strength, courage and grace were amazing, especially for one so young. She was 19 when we met her, in Boston for her second surgery. She and her family were so full of hope, it was contagious.

CLICK TO CONTINUE READING

"What a wonderful world it would be..."

"What a wonderful world it would be..."

What are you doing to create a better world? Please don't get me wrong; I believe that protesting has it's place and many good people stand up and march for good causes and can actually make a difference in raising awareness to an issue. But, did you know that you, yes you, just one person in one town somewhere, has the power to change the world?...without marching or chanting or carrying signs or yelling, and without ever leaving your hometown. Change can start small. One act of kindness can change one person's life, and that is a great place to start! The greatest gift we can give is ourselves; our time, our money, our hands and our love. Volunteer, donate, fund-raise... that is how you can make a difference in your world. You can be kind, you can lend a helping hand, you can smile at a stranger; those are all things you can do right now that will make a difference in this world.

What are you doing to create a better world?

Happy is Healthy

"I have chosen to be happy because it is good for my health."-Voltaire

Choosing to be happy is really as simple as it sounds. Make a decision to be happy, and then be happy. Most of our lives will never be perfect, but the secret to happiness is in how we choose to react to what the world throws at us. Refuse to allow people or events control over your emotions. You are captain of your ship; master of your own mind. You are in control. Never forget that. 

Studies have proven now that being happy is actually good for your health. The participants in the studies who reported feeling more positive emotions experienced less incidents of high blood pressure and heart disease, had boosted immune systems, and reported fewer aches and pains. People who report higher levels of positive emotions also tend to live longer. On the other hand, individuals with more negative emotions and anxiety tend to experience more illness and disease. 

Do yourself a favor and decide to be happy! It really is good for your health! You will feel better on a daily basis, be less prone to illness, experience fewer aches and pains, and live a longer, happier life. What have you got to lose? 

Re-Train Your Mind

Science has proven that you can re-wire your brain for happiness. Being grateful for what you have is a great way to start. What messes with a lot of folks is the vision in their head of how things are "supposed to be." Let go of that. Be thankful for what you have, every day. That doesn't mean you should be afraid to go after your dreams. There is nothing wrong with wanting something more or different, but never forgot to be at peace and grateful in the moment as well.

FEATURED ALBUM: "The Nashville Sound" by Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit's "The Nashville Sound" is the newest by this American/Southern Rock band.  Singer/songwriter Jason Isbell, formerly with the Drive By Truckers, has certainly established himself as a solo artist and front man.

Once again, his lyrics hit it home with a mixture of sadness and regret, mingled with hope and the love of home and family.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE ALBUM

Jason Isbell's wife, Amanda Shires, is currently touring with the band, along with his youngest fan, Mercy Rose, the couple's 18 month old daughter.

Isbell says he enjoys having his little girl on the road with him and dreads the day when that isn't practical any longer.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE 

AND LISTEN TO THE MUSIC

"What a Twist!"

New drink recipe from Scott & Suzi's Decadent Drinks for Island Imbibement!

Dinner was Suzi's Mexican Lasagna, drink of the night was Scott's top shelf golden margarita.  After dinner, another drink was called for, but another margarita just didn't fit the bill. Without switching gears too much, Scott came up with something a little different... a "twist" on the margarita, if you will.



CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DRINK RECIPES

Sticks and Stones...

"Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me." We all know that little ditty from our childhood. 

Unfortunately, for many, words can actually hurt more than physical pain. 

It's hard to not react when someone says something mean or hurtful. Especially when it's a 'so-called' friend. I don't know about you, but my first reaction is to question the person, try to find out what prompted the hateful words. I'm not a fighter, so firing back with more nastiness isn't my way; I just have a hard time letting it go, and I keep digging and questioning and trying to find logic in the situation, when often there is none to be found. Some people are just nasty. 

When I can't get a satisfactory answer from the perpetrator, I end up even more hurt and resentful, and have a hard time letting it go in my head and the hurtful words go round and round in my brain and the negativity tries to take over my mood. But, in those moments, I do my best to remind myself that my peace of mind is more important than someone's unkind words. Take a deep breath, exhale and let go of the negative thoughts. Restrain from lowering yourself to the level of the unkind person, sit back and let it go. Your life is better off without unkind, hateful, hurtful people, and in the long run, you will be happier with them out of your life. Never forget that they have probably justified their words or actions in their own mind, and may not even feel they did anything wrong. You will never convince them otherwise, so let them go. Move on. 

Find people who build you up instead of tearing you down. Find people who love you for you, not the you they want you to be. I am far from perfect, but I love the ones I love fiercely and completely and I expect the same in return. So, yes, be logical and don't react with emotion, but also don't try to find reason or logic in mean people. Just smile, tell them to have a nice life, and move on. There are plenty of people worthy of your love and time. 

Remember that words only have power over you if you allow them, and say to yourself, "Words will never hurt me."

What's Playin'?

What is Suzi listening to today?

Hey y'all, I know it's been a while since I gave you a play list. A lot has happened in my life since my last music post!  Americana and classic country music have taken on a whole new importance to me now that I'm hosting a radio show on a country music radio station! If you're curious, you can listen to my show by streaming it live from www.thundercountry.com, every Sunday from 6 PM - Midnight.  I've discovered some new Americana, and also re-discovered a lot of old classic country.

Here are some songs that have been in heavy rotation lately:

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE TO PLAYLIST AND VIDEOS

Listen To Suzi On The Radio!

It's fun to learn something new and do what you love!

Hey y'all! Every Sunday night from 6 PM - Midnight, you can hear me on Thunder Country 100.3, playing all the best Classic Country songs, plus a little bit of Americana and a few surprises! You can stream live from wherever you are by going to our website, www.thundercountry.com, or with the iHeart Radio App.

You can also catch me every Thursday night from 7-8 PM broadcasting live on SUN 103.1, along with Kim Chesher, from Smuggler's Cove! Streaming from our website, www.sun103.com and with the iHeart Radio App.

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

Dear Amazing Girl

From the Brave Girls Club:

Dear Amazing Girl,

We always have at least two choices in each moment...and these are two of the most important choices we will ever make.

We can always choose to LOOK FOR WHAT IS RIGHT...

or we can choose to look for WHAT IS WRONG.

Can you see what a marvelous and compelling difference there is in these two perspectives?

One of them builds up relationships, brings hope and creates new ideas and joy.

The other tears down confidence, feeds fear, keeps us stuck and makes us feel miserable.

Just try it, especially if you feel stuck in a situation or relationship that feels all wrong. Just look for something that is right inside of it. There are ALWAYS gifts to be found in everything, even if those gifts are simply the lessons that we learn from difficult situations and people.

And one of the most beautiful and light-filled things you can do when you are faced with a difficult human being, is to go to the ends of the earth to find something beautiful and true and right about that person, and then do everything you can to SHOW that person what is right about them, instead of reminding them of what is "wrong". This experience will change both of your lives.

Miracles truly can happen when we focus on what is right and do our best to just learn from what is wrong.

You can do it. You are so amazing. And you are so loved.

Suzi's Promoplans in Humans of the Keys

Read my story and how I started Suzi's Promoplans, as published in Humans of the Keys.













Suzi Youngberg - Suzi's Promoplans,  June 24, 2016 (Humans of the Keys)

I arrived in the Keys on November 2, 1997. My husband, Scott, and I moved from Chattanooga, Tennessee, with four cats and a bird. We had come down on a diving vacation with his family earlier that summer; we came back in September to find a place to live, and moved down two months later. We both wanted to live somewhere warm and tropical, and we had fallen in love with the Keys. Scott knew that he ultimately wanted to start playing music for a living, but he started his life in the Keys waiting tables in the “fine dining” at Lorelei. (The fine dining section was destroyed by Hurricane Wilma in 2005 and never rebuilt…I’ll never forget they had the absolute best clam chowder EVER!) He was fortunate to be playing music full time within a few months.

My job situation was a little different. For five years prior, I had been working as an account executive for a financial insurance company. My clients were banks, credit unions and finance companies; and my territory was the southeast USA...Seriously…Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, and North Carolina. I was on the road a lot; but I was young, and it was exciting and interesting. Scott and I had just started dating in August of 1992, so he soon became used to the rhythm of my travel. We ended up moving in together in ’94 and were married in ’95. Life was good, but we both had Caribbean Soul and tried to get to a beach every chance possible. We made several trips to Jamaica (we were married in Negril!) and frequent trips to the coast of Georgia, the Panhandle and other areas of the Florida coast. But, it was that trip to the Keys with the Youngberg’s in June of 1997 that we found the place where we were meant to live.

I remember telling my boss that I was moving to the Florida Keys and that I hoped they could use me in Florida. Looking back, it seems kind of fearless. I’m not sure what I would have done down here at the time if they had said no. But, it turned out they did need me in Florida, and I continued to do the same work, just travelling all over Florida and South Georgia. Florida is a big state, and I was still on the road a lot! I averaged 35,000 to 50,000 miles a year on my cars for almost 20 years. Over the years, the companies changed a couple of times, but the job remained basically the same. At the last one, I was Vice President. My experience and training made me one of the foremost knowledgeable people in my field in Florida, perhaps the southeast. I don’t mean to brag, it just happened because I was always learning, always reading and studying, and taking continuing education classes. I also created all of the marketing materials, and designed and maintained the website for years; and, I still design, write and publish a newsletter for them about risk management, insurance advice and compliance related topics.

After 25 years, the designing, writing and website part ended up being the only part of the job that I liked anymore; other than all the nice people I met over the years. I was just so tired of the traveling. Back in 2014, when Scott was going through cancer treatment and I was so afraid that I might lose him, I remember thinking about all the time we had spent apart over the years. I just didn’t want to waste more of my life sitting in hotel rooms waiting for time to pass. Believe me; the life of a traveling sales woman isn’t very glamorous. Most nights I was in my pj’s ordering room service and watching TV. Sometimes I would go out, but sitting in a bar alone in a strange town can have its own problems. Mostly, I was waiting for the time to pass until I could go home to my life.

This past year I made the decision to make a change...  CONTINUE READING