Aloha! I’m Kelly and I’m one of those jack of all trades kind of person. I was a business owner but now a freelance writer, blogger, author, social media junkie, puppy x3 momma x3, foster/adoptive mom, motorcycle rider and Crohn’s suffer!
This blog is very personal and comes from the heart of a real life fighting Crohn’s patient who wishes nothing more than to fight this damn disease, live a life with abundance and not have to hide while everyone else experiences life. While sometimes I might be high on life free from symptoms, other times I may be sick as hell and confined to my bed. I might write about all kinds of things, not liking my x-husband or subjects that one may never even think about or consider. Some topics that matter and some not at all. But, all of it, in good intentions.
What’s my story?
Well, I grew up in Chicago, have 3 sisters and 1 brother whom I love so dearly! Honest to God, don’t know what I would do without them. 2 old fashioned parents who have both passed on at an early age and left me an orphan, aunts and uncles who have done the same. Cousins who I have yet to meet, and those who I miss seeing. 6 nieces and 2 nephews, and each one of them is a total “Rockstar”- killing it in their young professional lives! I have 3 kissable & beautiful morkie/morkiepoo furbabies (Bella, Brayden and baby Bailey) that I adore. A backyard full of little poopies from said furbabies. A Suzuki C-50 that I occasionally ride, and exercise equipment in the garage that have become more of a coat rack!
I moved to Las Vegas in 1994 and fell in love with the weather and everything that Vegas had to offer, even the extreme dry heat. Vegas is unique, I love how you can travel in any one direction for just under 30 minutes and you find yourself either up in the mountain enjoying the winter snow or down by the Hoover Dam or playing in the water at Lake Mead. There are so many hidden gems in this valley, and it’s really fun to try and find them. And for the rest of my story, it’s only just begun. You will find me in the process of re-inventing myself and finding things that bring me joy and leaving all that old unnecessary stress at the door.
About Me:
Yep, I have Crohn’s disease. I was diagnosed when I was 37 years old. The disease got particularly bad in the past 2 years, even forcing me to have a cecal resection in October of 2018. I tried only one medication which was Humira but after another colonoscopy the doctor decided it was time for surgery due to a complete intestinal blockage. I found a new gastro from UCLA and looks like we are going to try the pill route before going back on a biologic. I’ll keep you posted.
I’m a social media marketer and jack of all trades. My dream job growing up was to be an actress, but due to my lack of talent, that never seemed to pan out. In 2003, I met and married someone who helped me start my own manufacturing business, and Dedicated Woman was born. Unfortunately, that same man, helped destroy my career in 2015 when I divorced him, but hey, life goes on. When it comes to running a business, I’m a jack of all trades and help others out when they run into issues. Most recently you can find me hoovering over my laptop thinking up ways to regain my freedom of having my own business. I need my freedom to pursue my dream of owning a 1969 Shasta complete refurbished and traveling from coast to coast with the furbabies. I’ll get there, I always find a way. Positive Vibes Only!
My one vice, that one addiction I just can’t seem to tame? Chocolate. Pure and simple, fucking chocolate. I mean, who created this stuff and why? Chocolate, chocolate and if you add a little marshmallow, dear God- I’m in heaven. I’ve just recently figured out how easy it is to make your own little decorative chocolate marshmallows. My colon is not going to be happy!
Favorite movies: Somewhere in Time (my mom and sister Patti’s fav as well), The Lake House ( I cry every time) & anything with Dwayne Johnson (The Rock) in it….must I explain?
What makes me cry: Well, almost everything, I’m super sensitive. I cry watching commercials. Stress, pleasure, anger, sadness and suffering to indeed, physical pain, but for a start, thinking one day I’ll have to have an ostomy bag. Animal, child or human abuse. Foster children that can’t get adopted knowing that I have all the love in the world and a beautiful life to share with them. Anything involving disease like cancer, or an illness with a parent. You might as well, just rip my heart out right there- go ahead, do it. Dogs, babies, love stories, oh- and any of those darn Hallmark Christmas movies!
I’m an animal lover: Sometimes, I prefer the company of my animals over that of the human kind. I don’t know why I feel for animals so deeply, but I just do. Maybe because I lived on a farm for a few years (thanks dad!), I just really don’t know. It’s not like those who knew from a small child that they wanted to be a vet or save the bee’s. I just love them, pure and simple.
I’m a Foster/Adoptive Mom: Never in my wildest dreams did think I would become a mother at the ripe age of 55, but here we are! After 3 years in care, I’ve adopted a sibling group from foster care. They’re a total of 5 but another foster parent has the 2 babies.
My Crohnstipated Life 