In the winter of 1968 – the year of the Monkey – this little Gemini was born. Before entering this world, my name had been chosen in honor of my father’s best man at my parent’s wedding. As it turned out, I stayed put for an extra day and was born on the day of the anniversary of my would-be namesake’s death, so I was named James with a middle name to honor my grandfather.
Over the next seventeen years, I lived existed in Seymour (a smallish town in country Victoria). Attending Seymour Primary School (No. 547) and then Seymour Technical High School, I did well in classes but could have done better (at least based on what my report cards remind me). Like many country kids, I made the escape to the “Big City” (i.e. Melbourne) in the winter of 1985, when I began working with the Australian Public Service (APS) with the Department of Defence.
Life continued through the years. I worked my way through different departments of the APS and fell in and out of love along the way: Julienne (for a short time in 1986) and then Daniel (for a while longer from 1987 through 1999). These years were formative in so many ways, and while I hoped for a long love life in Australia, it was not to be.
In September 1998 two major changes in my life occurred. First, I “retired” from the APS after thirteen years of clawing my way up the ladder. Second, on a trip to the USA to escape an unusually cool start to Spring, I met Chris. Things had not been great with my relationship with Daniel for several years, and it seems I was presented with an opportunity to change my life forever. So, in March 1999, I moved to Frisco (Dallas), Texas, USA, to be with my (now) husband. Since moving to the United States, I have achieved many milestones, including finally obtaining a college degree (or three), and ultimately becoming an alma mater of the University of North Texas.
Following graduation, I worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters for about 8 years. During that time, and possibly the best thing that ever happened at BBBS was meeting our Little Brother, Trey (due to the circumstances of my departure I am no longer associated or supportive of this nonprofit in any way). To this day – 16 years later (2024) – we remain close and visit with him as often as we can. Besides all the amazing things that Chris has achieved over the years (for which I am incredibly proud), I am most proud of what Trey has accomplished (and will in the years to come).
In January 2020 I had the privilege and honor to become a citizen of the United States of America. Taking the Oath of Allegiance was far more emotional than I expected, but a relief to finally have a secure place to call home. I am now a fortunate dual-citizen of the world.
As of March 2024, I continue to live in Frisco with my husband, Chris in our xburban-style home with our Diva dog, Cabernet, and (as of April 2022) our saved “snake dog”, Merle. In 2022, we lost our cat, Max (January 2022), and our sweet Sophie girl (December 22, 2022).) Occasionally we have an exchange student living with us, causing havoc and mischief in our home (most recently Michele [Michael] from Germany).
Feel free to stick around and explore more about my life, thoughts, and the activities that make life more interesting.
Updated: July 31, 2024