Who are you?
That’s a trick question! I’m still trying to figure that one out. I guess in the traditional sense of the question being asked, I’m a married 22 years, divorced 5 years, married 2 years, mother of a 25 year old daughter and 22 year old son, and step-mother to a 30 year old daughter and a 27 year old son. Whew! No wonder I have an identity problem and I haven’t even touched on the different hats I wear at work…

I’m an original Valley Girl (for shhuure… for shhuure), born in Los Angeles and grew up in the San Fernando Valley. I even attended Valley College, now how sick is that? I received my BS in recreation and that is exactly what it took to get it. You should also notice that there is some “fun” associated with my degree or so I thought. The valley was a great place growing up. You could play on the 101 freeway (it was just being built in the valley); actually see movie stars on Hollywood Blvd. and not just gold stars of unknowns in the sidewalk. Oh well, I digress.

I currently work as the transportation supervisor for the largest elementary district in the state of CA. The need for “yellow” in my blood came early in life from riding all those buses for fun things like summer camp and the now elusive field trips that kids hear about. In elementary school while I would be at the flag pole raising the flags, our local bus driver would always drive by, whistling reveille and salute us. I just knew one day I’d have to drive one of those 40’ yellow Twinkies with eighty pairs of eyes staring me down from the back of my head. I have been enjoying that feeling for almost 30 years. As a CA state certified bus driver instructor, I work with a well trained team that insures the driver’s skills, their knowledge and the care they give their passengers is the driver’s top priority. We do transport our most precious cargo!

How long have you been riding and what do you ride?
When I was 14 or 15 my Dad taught me to ride a 175 Kawasaki in the packed dirt. I hadn’t ridden since then until just a couple days before my 50th birthday. I presently ride a BMW R1200R.

Why did you start riding?
I’ve always wanted to get back to riding. I spent several years in my late teens riding behind people. Jett and I worked together for several years and she was having so much fun! Then I met my husband, he’s an addict (motorcycle)! There was no reason not to move to the lead position (front) now. I got my permit and wrapped it up in a Victoria’s Secret box for him for XMAS. The look on his face was priceless, but it was even better when he saw the motorcycle permit! I told you he was addicted to motorcycles. The next day he took me out to the driveway to give me my 1st lesson on the Honda Hawk 650 (soon to be known lovingly as the Vibromatic). I took off fine down the street in 1st gear, shifted to 2nd, downshifted to 1st for preparation for the u-turn at the end of the block and as I began to turn the bike I realized this was not like the old 175 that I rode around on the dirt roads! So, down I went bike and all. Fractured my left ankle, but the bike was fine! Once healed, I took the MSF course (twice). I did great in the classroom and the 1st riding day. It was the 2nd day of riding that they do those u-turn and figure 8’s that had me shaking in my boots (literally) that they suggested I come back and repeat the class over. I took their suggestion gladly. On the final test day, I dumped the bike in the figure 8 (no injury to me or the bike) during practice, but made it during the test! Yippee!!!

Why are you doing the Journey to Graceland?
There have been several rides that I wanted to go on. I didn’t feel capable of making a journey of this length. I’m still not sure, but I’ll never know unless I try. I know there are no other people as encouraging as my sisters and what better people to be with and have an unforgettable time!

What, if anything, does Graceland represent to you?
It’s a personal achievement. I need to reach out of my comfort zone for this one, WAY OUT!!!

Name one obstacle you overcame as a child, and how that shaped you today.
I became an un-incarcerated adult. I didn’t kill my sister. She is alive and well today. We actually have become good friends too.

Name one thing that the Girlz of Graceland would be surprised to know about you.
I aspire to be as self confident and self aware as I’ve seen most of these women demonstrate in the past two years that I’ve known them.

Return to Girlz of Graceland Page