Hey....it's me!

Hi there—call me Evelyn (though that’s not my real name). What is real are the stories in this blog. I’m just here hoping to connect—with someone, anyone—because maybe something I share will make you feel a little less alone. Whether it's hilarious, heartbreaking, or somewhere in between, life has a way of shaping us.

I’m a mom, a wife, a daughter, and a sister—holding down all the titles that matter. I’m also in my mid-40s (ugh, I know… it sounds rough, right?), but hey—I'm alive, kicking, and still showing up, so honestly, it could be worse.

I was born in the “Glass City” back in the groovy '70s. Not long after, my parents split (that’s a whole story on its own). My mom packed up my big brother and me and moved us to New Jersey. Childhood memories? They start around age five for me—which is either totally normal or totally weird… not sure.

I lived with my mom until I was 16, and then, for reasons that will make their way into future posts, I moved in with my dad. I watched my mom hustle nonstop—working hard, loving harder, always trying to fix everything. She taught me how to cook, how to love fiercely, and how to never shy away from hard work. We’re basically twins.

My dad? He’s the quiet genius. Smart, kind, and endlessly patient. Honestly, I can’t imagine how he and my mom were ever married—they’re total opposites. But every detail matters. This all ties in later. Promise.

Between the two of them, I ended up with extra siblings. My mom remarried twice, my dad once (and that one stuck—they’ve been married for over 30 years now). Through my dad’s marriage, I gained a sister and a brother, and the three of us, we’ve been through a lot. But don’t worry—we absolutely put the FUN in dysFUNction.

Now? I’ve got five amazing kids—two I carried, and three who came as a beautiful bonus through my husband. Add in three fur babies, and you’ve got a full house. We both work full-time, and I bartend on the side. Why? Because I get to take the filter off (the money isn't bad either). Monday through Friday, I’m buttoned-up in my conservative 9-to-5 world. But behind the bar? That’s where I breathe a little freer.

I keep my circle small on purpose. I’m honest—sometimes too honest—and allergic to drama. Life is lifing, and my family will always come first. Between school, sports, and my latest obsession with pickleball (yes, it’s as fun as they say), I stay busy. But truthfully? I wouldn’t trade my messy, beautiful, full-throttle life for anything.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this first little peek into my world. If you found something relatable, then hey—we’re already friends. And if not… well, maybe I’m just a tad more dysfunctional than I realized. Either way, thanks for being here, and I truly hope to see you back for more.