Hi, I’m Amy.
I’ve loved books since I was a kid, but I got out of my reading habit when real life took over.
It’s easy to read for pleasure while in school. I still found plenty of time to read while I completed my undergrad degree at the University of Virginia. I could even find time while I was getting my MBA from Wake Forest University.
Then I was expected to be a grown-up. I was a grown-up spending more time reading and writing IT operating procedures than pleasure books. While I was traveling as a consultant, I did spend my downtime reading.
Right before I turned 35, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and fought my fears by researching everything possible about the illness and its daily management. My husband Tim and I were nervous about what the future would hold for us. We did not allow MS to take away our wish for a family, and we now have two sons. As the lone female in the house, I am known as the Queen of Boyland.
When the boys were little, I loved reading to them. Having a chronic illness limited what I could do as a parent, but I could still give cuddles and share stories. I loved sharing my favorite children’s books with them while also discovering new treasures.
My disease has progressed enough that I retired early from IT. I then faced the challenge so many people face once they leave the workforce – what’s my purpose now? After some soul-searching, I figured out satisfying ways to maintain social relationships outside of my home and use my time productively.
When my sons were little, I blogged about what my life was like having multiple sclerosis, a family, and a career. Now that the boys are older, I’ve expanded my blogging interest into chronic illness, not just MS. have learned more about blog management and social media as Reinvent Chronic. My three word mantra is People Are Clueless. I’m trying to educate people with chronic illness, legislators who make decisions that impact people with chronic illness, and ignorant people who impact the lives of those with chronic illness.
I’m more involved in healthcare advocacy. I am an Ambassador for the Chronic Disease Coalition and an MS Activist for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, sharing my story to increase understanding of the issues impacting the chronic illness community.
I am also starting genealogy research so I can take a deeper look at the people behind the names listed on the family tree. My maternal grandfather was Welsh, so I’m part of a research group exploring that side of my family. I’ve found some old names but need the appropriate source information to verify them.
I also have a Reading Life To Reinvent. I’ve got time to feed two of my loves, reading and writing. I stumbled into book reviewing and now read Advanced Review Copies (ARC’s) to share my opinions and publicize books that will be published. I don’t get paid for reviews, but I’ll get free ARC’s. Even though I could fill all of my time with ARC’s, I have a long To Be Read (TBR) list of published books that I just can’t resist. Some of my favorite reads have come from other readers’ recommendations, so I want to help others find treasures.
But wait, there’s more!
I’ll throw in a few random fun facts so you’ll have a fighting chance to figure me out.
I was born in Maryland. My family moved to North Carolina when I was 10. After grad school, I moved to Florida for a few years before heading back to NC.
The biggest compliment I ever received was from a college friend who declared that when I’m around, life is never boring.
I used to write satirical reality TV episode recaps. Some of them were for well-known shows like Survivor, while others were for some that would burn a hole in your TV.
My favorite movies are Some Like It Hot and The Princess Bride.
Don’t get into a Monty Python quoting contest with me. You’ll lose.
I have loved sports since I was a kid. I adore college basketball, particularly ACC. I cheer loudly and proudly for my alma mater, UVA.
Favorite pro sports teams include Baltimore Orioles, Carolina Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, and any pro basketball team with a UVA player or coach on their roster. Including the Orioles should show I am not a fair weather fan.
I was on UVA’s college week team a long time ago on Wheel of Fortune and still remember the puzzle that I missed. (dropping like flies)
If I had to pick my three favorite genres, they would be mystery, fantasy, and historical fiction. I will go out of my comfort zone for an intriguing book. The only kind of reading I don’t like is cleaning instructions.
I’d like the chance to learn more about y’all, so please comment or contact me.
