AGE: 71

PROFESSION: Real Estate Sales

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What is the best thing about being your age?

The freedom to do and say whatever I want and not really worry about what people think.

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What hardships have you endured that you feel have made you stronger?

I feel I lived in a cocoon until my Father passed away in 2005. After that it seemed like it was one thing after another. I was diagnosed with Bladder Cancer in 2007, lost my 12 year old Grandson in 2008 and lost my Mother and Brother in 2010. I realized at that point that life is not fair, it's life. The only thing you can chose is how you react to what is happening to you. I feel that I can weather any storm at this point.

 

What's your favorite thing you have checked off your bucket list?

Being married to an awesome man for the last 30 years.

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What is your idea of perfect happiness?

In our Motorhome, going some place new.

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What is your most treasured possession?

My marriage.

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What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I would say being acknowledged by my community and being awarded Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year in 2021.

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What is a trait you are most proud of?

My ability to look at things a little differently than other people and give a new perspective.

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What is your greatest extravagance?

Spending on my self improvement and learning.

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What advice would you give your younger self?

I lived my life wanting to please my parents. Because I didn't stay married (I got married in 1975 and divorced in 1977) and didn't have children, I felt i was a failure to my parents. My advice would be to accept where you are at the moment and not look to others for validation.

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Words of wisdom to younger women

Growth only comes outside of your comfort zone. Live outside your comfort zone.

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Additional thoughts....

I keep saying that aging is not for wimps. I feel what I went through in the early 2000's prepared me for what I am experiencing now. I am living with the consequences of my earlier decisions, i.e., COPD from my smoking. I never made the decision about having children so the decision was made for me, two miscarriages. There are aches and pains I have never experienced before and things I can no longer do. There are days I just want to give up but I don't because that's not who I am. Growing old is not for wimps!!!

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