I was in a talent show at a young age and won first place soloist, playing "I Can See Clearly Now" on my guitar. 

I shook hands with the Dixie Chicks on my 40th birthday!

In the early 1990's, I had the exciting opportunity to be an EXTRA or background performer in TV series The Commish, starring Michael Chiklis (he currently stars as Vic Mackey in The Shield). I shook his hand, and that of Executive Producer, Stephen J. Cannell, and sat next to one of the actors during a scene in a Halloween episode where someone was poisoning the candy. ~{Episode: The Witches of Eastbridge (aired: 10/31/92)} Actor Ray Walston played the recluse who was being investigated - he had appeared in TV shows (My Favorite Martian) and in many movies, including Stephen King's The Stand. I also worked as an extra on other Commish episodes, and also in episodes of The Heights, a popular TV series (Executive Producer, Aaron Spelling). I loved the opportunity to be part of The Commish, a show I admired and loved. It was also an honor to meet Michael Chiklis and Stephen J. Cannell, although I'm sure they don't remember me.

While filling in for an actor during a performance of a play I had written and directed, I forgot my own lines!

I am an avid fan of Trading Spaces and While You Were Out" (much to my husband's dismay!) He lovingly listens to all my wild ideas and knows that if either show is on, it's a great time to leave the house and go for coffee with a friend.

I have 10 Japanese "daughters", Chie, Kumiko, Ayako, Chizuru, Kaori, Rica, Sana, Ayumi, Akari and Miharu. And 1 Japanese "son", Yuki, who now lives in Australia. We have hosted students from 1 week to 1 year through Global Partners Institute and we love our students!

I once lost 70 pounds on Weight Watchers and kept it off for almost 2 years! This lead to me becoming a successful motivational Weight Watchers leader in BC (Unfortunately, due to medical issues, I gained it back a few years later! I'm still fighting the battle.) 

 I ran a private home daycare for over 14 years in total (NB and AB).

I taught a summer creative writing course to teens and preteens, and a phonics program to preschoolers.