Having been a widow for 30 years, my life has been very different than I imagined when I was in high school. But different isn't bad.

I have a satisfying position at Discovery Institute as the Director of Development Operations. There I oversee everything from donation processing to donor care and cultivation, to the systems and staff that support those activities. Our work to advance a culture of purpose, creativity, and innovation is truly culture changing.

I moved to Friday Harbor in 2015 to be closer to my sister (and best friend), Kristine Bourland Brown, and my mother. I commute every other week to work in Seattle for 3 days, then work from home the rest of the time.

I run an AirBNB on the weekends during the high tourist season and serve hot breakfast to my guests. Look me up on Facebook under "All Seasons Guesthouse." This is a joy, as I meet people from all over the US and worldwide. Someday I may host folks during the week and may open up a room in my house for a BnB. But for now, the weekend bookings bring in the income needed to renovate my 1910 house in downtown Friday Harbor.

Since 2015, the house has had 3 major renovations (interior and exterior) and 6 smaller renovations. There are still two more to go, including lifting the house to place it on a higher/better foundation and siding the guesthouse. But, who knows when those projects will happen?

I am busy all the time, volunteering as a bookkeeper for my church and helping with worship. I also do the bookkeeping for my sister's small business and take care of two children on Fridays.

Over the last 30 years I have traveled to Israel, Italy, England, France, Guatemala, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and other smaller European countries. I wish I had more time for travel, but that will come when I cut back on full-time work.

My fondest memories of high school center around the BHS Band. Whether marching for football games or the Whatcom Memorial Day Parade, performing at symphonic band events, or just goofing off in the music building, that's where my most significant friendships were formed.

Of course, participating in sports (tennis-briefly, gymnastics, and swimming/diving) and being involved in student government were also fun. But BHS Band tops them all!