So, who am I and why should you read my posts on this blog?

The short answers:
I’m still figuring that out.
I’m not sure.

The long winded answers:
In all seriousness, ok, semi-seriousness, I am an albino. I embrace that term, but that is for another blog entry so let’s start over. 

I am a woman with albinism.  I’m married and in my late 30’s (eee gads how did THAT happen?). I have a great husband, two kids (all of whom have albinism), and all in all I have a pretty good life.

I work for myself as an event manager, planning educational seminars and conferences.

I’ve been around NOAH since the very beginning.  I’ve served on several committees and held a variety of leadership positions within the organization until last year, when I stepped down as National Conference Chair so that I could try and regain some sanity in my life.  I’m happy to say I’ve been mildly successful in that area.

I am a passionate person and sometimes that rubs people the wrong way.  Over the years I’ve worked to tame the “It’s my way or the highway” attitude, but it does occasionally still rear its ugly head.

One thing I am not is a victim.  I don’t suffer “Oh Poor Me” types well.  I believe life ain’t always fair and you have to play the hand you are dealt.  I also believe what goes around comes around. Oh and just to throw in one last cliché, when life gives you lemons, it is time to make lemonade.

That’s not to say I don’t have my bad days. I do and I can complain and whine with the best of ‘em, but at the end of the day, I am the one who controls my destiny.  I can’t change how I was made and I can’t change what others do, but I can control how I react to different situations and individuals and I get lots of opportunity to practice!

Having albinism isn’t always a picnic, but it is a big part of who I am and it has provided me with some incredible opportunities (e.g, appearing on several TV talk shows and traveling to Australia with an exuberant photographer, not to mention meeting a fantastic man and marrying into a wonderful family that I’m not sure I would have had otherwise.

Ok enough about me.   Why should you read this blog? One of my passions is learning.  I love to learn new things.  I love talking with people and hearing what they’ve done and what has and has not worked for them.  I also like to share what I’ve learned so that others might benefit from my experiences. So, I’ll share my stories and you share yours and hopefully we’ll all learn a thing or two.

I know that not everyone has had the experience living with albinism that I have.  I am fortunate that, throughout my life, I have had tremendous support and encouragement from those close to me and strangers alike. I know this is not true of everyone.  I’ve never walked a mile in your shoes and you haven’t walked in mine. Your experiences may be different than mine and that is not right or wrong, it is just the way things are.  My only request is that we all make an effort to dialogue respectfully.

One last disclaimer and I’ll wrap it up for now.  I’m sure it says this somewhere on this page, but I want to reiterate.  The  views and opinions stated in my rambings - er, writings, are my own and do not necessarily represent that of NOAH,  the albinism community, or even my dog, my thoughts are mine and mine alone.

So, buckle your seat belts and let’s take this thing for a spin, shall we?