I grew up in South Bend, IN, where I graduated from Riley High School in 1994. I spent many of my weekends and summers in Michigan which was home to several close relatives. I graduated from Purdue University Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN, in december of 1998. My degree is in biology and secondary education from the School of Science. I loved the university life and will most return at some point to obtain a masters and doctorate. Whether that return will begin in a couple of years or further down the road is the only thing that remains to be decided.

I have one older brother who lives in the Cape Cod area of Mass. I also have a younger sister that is 22 and has two daughters. Heather Marie was born on October 15, 1996 and is such a wonderful, beautiful, perfect little sweetheart! Her sister, Alexandra Kay (aka Lexi), was born November 25, 1998 and is just as amazing. And, yes, I am very much the doting aunt that loves to spoil them rotten.

My hobbies are diverse and keep me occuppied fairly well. I adore the outdoors and am an avid camper, hiker & snowboarder. I have also been known to sail, rollerblade, play softball, mountain bike, and occassionally pursue other various outdoor activities when possible. When not spending time outside, I can often be found reading -- mostly classics. I am fascinated by Shakespeare, Jane Austen and Oscar Wilde. As for modern writers, I truly enjoy David Quammen and highly recommend him to anyone with even a small interest in the outdoors. Photography is a hobby that I have begun to take up more recently and hope to get into more seriously soon. You can see several of my early attempts at art in my Photography section, linked off the main page. I enjoy movies, but do not spend much time watching television. The only TV likely to hold my attention is a good documentary or The X-Files (my one true obsession, I believe). Finally, there is my pup. She's a three year old, red and white Beagle named Brandy and I love to take her for walks in the very late evenings.

Well, I think that is more than enough about me! Enjoy the rest of the site. :)