Substitute Teacher for DOE, and professional mom.

I was born and raised on Kauai, so the country is my vibe. I graduated from U of H in 1989. I worked many jobs from retail to social work. But one of my biggest thrills was becoming a Flight Attendant. Being a member of an international crew, I had the opportunity to travel to many beautiful and exotic countries. Leaving my adventuring behind I became a school teacher for the State of Hawaii. I have had the opportunity to help shape and direct the futures of our states youngsters. I am a life member of the Hawaii Ballroom Dance Association a non-profit organization which instills the beauty of ballroom dancing in our local community. My husband and I are volunteer instructors and travel to different parts of Oahu to teach this wonderful art. When I am not teaching, I enjoy walking my two dogs, a Dachshund and a Golden Retriever mix. You can also find me spending time with my son cheering him on in soccer and tennis.

What are your thoughts on aging? Embrace life, eat well, stay healthy, and take calculated risks. The older we get the more calculated our risks will be, obviously. It is never too late to become a mother! While children can sometimes be a source of stress, they bring great joy and keep you young. My greatest purpose has been to love and raise my son to become a wonderful young man and a good citizen in the community.

What wonderful things can younger women look forward to at your age? Younger women and girls, might think that it's scary getting older. Let's inspire them! Discounts! Never be too proud to check on a good deal. The friends you make at this age are friends for life. As we get older, we appreciate more than ever, the real value of the most important things in life, especially Family, True Friends, and Time. When someone calls you "Aunty", go with it!

Share tips on how you celebrate yourself, what you do for fun, and self care. Shopping and spa day at Massage Envy by myself (especially those funded by my husband), or with good friends. Luncheons and karaoke nights with the girls. Date nights with my husband, the steak at Little Joe's is amazing.

Share one experience/story. We all have life struggles. But the big share is how did you over come and lift yourself up? Advice to other women to empower them. Becoming a parent in the late 30's and 40's can be difficult. Several Invitro tries and a miscarriage were disheartening. Never daunted we turned to fostering and eventually adopted our beautiful son.

Twenty years from now, when you look at these portraits we took together, what do you think you will say to yourself? Where has all the time gone? It seems like only yesterday. I'm glad I did this back then. Ahhhh to be 60 again.