Let me start with an OMG! When Michael called and asked me to do a Classmate Spotlight, I thought “What was there to tell about my life that might interest others”. Yet, I said I would do it, so here goes…

After we graduated LHS, I went to Kean College with Karin Borresen, of course. It was always “Karen and Karin” and we are still friends to this day. I was only 17 when I went to Kean and my mom made me go. When I turned 18 in December, I promptly quit. I realized I was too young and didn’t fit in. I actually didn’t want to even graduate high school yet. By February of 1978, I began working for Prudential Insurance in Roseland. Soon, I met my first husband Larry, the father of my three children. Amy is currently 40 years old, Leslie is 35 and Steven is 30. I was divorced after 18 years. I then married Steve in 2002 and we, too, were married for 18 years. I guess I’m consistent in that way and I’m thinking “it wasn’t me” (lol). Push forward to now, Amy has two of my grandchildren: Johnathan, age 8 and Samantha is turning 6. Leslie recently blessed us with a wonderful surprise, namely Julian who is currently 3 months.

My 2nd marriage ended in 2020, during the pandemic year. The divorce was completed via Zoom. I found myself starting over again at 60! I bought my own condo in Vernon, New Jersey and lived happy there for four years. Contrary to most, my happiest days occurred during the pandemic. I moved into the condo with a camping chair and a snack table as my only furniture. I slept on my yoga mat for five days. The world had shut down. I didn’t have much but I was free of stress and depression. My daughter Leslie worked at the Ridgewood hospital at the time so she stayed with me often and we had some great times. Thank goodness liquor stores remained open!

Shortly later, I sold that condo and downsized to a smaller condo in the same community. I am currently working for Weichert Real Estate doing Inside Sales so the timing worked for both those things and was just right. However, it turns out that there were too many bears in the area for me and after being charged by one while walking the dogs, I sold that condo after living there for just one year and nine months! I am now in Sparta, renting (as opposed to owning) for the first time in over 40 years and I love it. Feels like a vacation here. My daughter Leslie and the baby are right across the street.

I have been teaching yoga for 14 and a half years and continue to teach 6 AM and 7 AM classes before I begin my Weichert workday. I have traveled to the Bahamas, Italy and Iceland for yoga retreats. Through the practice of yoga, I help people change their lives. I personally stay active and love to hike and really enjoy walking with my two dogs, Gracie and Millie. Recently, I participated in our Weichert Olympic Challenge and proud to say I came in 3rd out of 100! In my eyes, I was really first because the first and second place finishers rode horseback. Mine was walking and lifting at the gym so technically I was competing against two horses. I learned I’m very competitive which surprised me since I was always the quiet, calm yoga teacher who suddenly developed a competitive side. I love to garden and enjoy saving the clearance flowers from the store and watching them thrive. I have transplanted my special plants from move to move.

I survived two strokes! In July 2017, I woke at 4:19 AM numb on my left side. I spent two days in Morristown Memorial Hospital and returned home with fortunately no after-effects. The doctors found a PFO which is a small hole in the upper chamber of the heart and it was mild surgery to have it closed up a year later. Took me a bit of time to move forward emotionally from the stroke. I was emotionally weak and didn’t feel comfortable in front of my class teaching yoga. I felt like a failure. My daughter Leslie talked me into a CrossFit challenge six weeks later and that really helped me rebuild my emotional strength and I returned to teaching yoga. In October 2022, I hiked Stairway to Heaven, located in Vernon which I had successfully done many times before. Ten days later, I woke to another stroke at 4 AM. Very mild symptoms and again, I was lucky to have no after affects. However, after having two strokes, the doctors still have no idea why. I usually don’t think about it and I often think of myself as a survivor of life! Always hitting bumps in the road. Battles of depression on and off. I also have had Rheumatoid Arthritis for about 35 years. I never hid any of my issues – I like to think of myself as a sharer. I have learned to share my life story in the hopes to help others.

I have enjoyed dating again! I was surprised how easy it is. Easier than when I was younger. My daughter called me a “professional dater” for a while because after three months I would simply move on. I might not have 18 years again for another person but I don’t want to miss out on anything nor do I have time to waste.

If any of you are my Facebook friends, you must know I love Prosecco. It goes great with everything and it’s even nice if you mix it with Orange Juice for those quick start mornings.  Next up, I look forward to my son getting married in December 2025. Like many of us, I just signed up for Medicare and when I say that I often think “who are you talking about”? My life has always been a challenge and I just continue on. I don’t know how my story will end, but for now I like walking across the parking lot in my jammies and slippers with a dinner plate in hand for my daughter Leslie and putting my grandson to bed. I will probably never sleep past 4 AM again.

Sometimes simple is best. That’s it class of ‘77. If anyone is single, feel free to contact me! I’m in the book but can always be found on Facebook!