Snapshot of my life…cancer not included
Marie Ennis O’Connor of Journeying Beyond Breast Cancer sent out an interesting request to fellow breast cancer bloggers: tell us about your other life beyond cancer. I thought this might be a good opportunity to connect with you and tell you a little about me you might not already know.
Some Tami facts:
I’m incredibly close to my daughter Chrissy, who’s 12, and husband Mike. We’re a team and have lots of fun together no matter what we’re doing.
I love to travel, especially when nature is involved. My favorite spots are:
- Hawaii (where my husband Mike and I honeymooned and spent our first anniversary)
- The bay area of California (where my brother lives)
- Utah (the highlight of which was a private mule ride through an area outside of Bryce Canyon).
Mike, Chrissy and I riding the trails in Utah
My brother Doug (aka Doug Dirt) is the member of the Banana Slug String Band, which teaches kids about the environment and earth sciences through really cool music (not the sing-song Barney variety). They’ve been at it for decades, so if you haven’t heard of them yet, check them out.
I put myself through college by waitressing and working as a camp counselor. I was a terrible waitress but kept at it. I loved being a counselor, though, so much I majored in education. I found out kids were different in school than summer camp so I transferred to Ohio University, where I majored in journalism. This led to a career in healthcare public relations up until three years ago when I decided to do this blog and write my book, From Incurable to Incredible.
I have a unique talent: I can play music on my cheeks (on my face!!!) My best song is the William Tell Overture. I take requests, too. Could it be my head is hollow?
I love 80s music and tried to be “new wave” in college with my wardrobe and enormous hair volume. I never really pulled it off, but I did fancy myself a good dancer and alternative music afficinado. Some favorite dance songs: Blue Monday by New Order, Situation by Yaz, Melt with You by Modern English, anything by the B52s, Dance Hall Days by Wang Chung (yes, I’m sorry to admit).
My daughter and I love our affectionate cat AJ. My husband acts like he just tolerates him, but we know he secretly likes him.
Our cat AJ was a gift from a friend.
My guilty pleasure is People and Entertainment Weekly. I reward myself by reading them as I exercise on my elypitcal machine.
I am a non-practicing Jew; I love the culture and food. Bagels and lox and cream cheese, to die for! Temple and religious matters? Not so much. My husband, a non-practicing Catholic, and I go to a Unity church. My daughter is super spoiled as we celebrate Christmaskah (best of both worlds).
Christmaskah at the Boehmer household. Chrissy gets eight gifts than a load of presents on Christmas morning.
I adore chocolate. Now that I’m on an anti- (c-word) diet, I just do the 70 percent or above. When I went to Europe in my twenties, I did a chocolate tour. Rather than savor beer in Germany, I relished the Milka bars. I took home so many bars, the lady at the airport looked at me like I was crazy!
Marie Ennis-O'Connor (@JBBC) says:
This is such fun Tami and thanks for entering into the spirit of things. You really made me smile..I knew you were a good writer, but this has given us a chance to see the humor in your writing too. And as for your unique talent…well who knew??!! That made me laugh out loud
Sarah (Sam) Elliston says:
Wonderful- what fun- I didn’t know half of this. And I have a cat who resembles yours who is also incredibly affectionate. I wasn’t a bad waitress and also went into education but i stuck that out for 10 years before starting to work for United Way.
You sure learned your skill- your writing is entertaining, informative and clear.
Beth L. Gainer says:
Tami,
What a terrific posting!! Your daughter is beautiful. Your brother sounds way cool, and your unique talent also made me laugh. WOW. Love your pictures and sharing that side of yourself.
I have a lot in common with you. I was a camp counselor to 5 and 6 year olds, I am also a cat person, and a non-practicing Jewish person.
Can I ask you how the Unity church is working out for you? Is it non-denominational?
I love the way you write, and it’s so nice to see the personal, happy side come through. BTW, I would LOVE to go to Hawaii someday.
Katie says:
Thanks for sharing Tami! I learned a lot.
Katie
Nancy says:
Thanks for sharing about yourself, Tami. It was fun to read this and realilze we have a couple of things (and I don’t mean cancer!) in common. I too was a waitress. Ugh. I also love chocolate. I majored in education also, and did stick with it. And there is now a cat living at our house too!
This post reminds me I need to get going on Marie’s assignment soon. Thanks again for sharing.
tamilb says:
Great to hear from all of you and see what we have in common! Thanks for your lovely comments!
Jan Hasak says:
How fun to learn more about you, Tami! It was a huge cathartic exercise to write about non-cancer-related issues. My son lives in the Bay Area, so I’m a fan of that place, too. I’ve tried to swear off chocolate, although I love it. That chocolate tour of Europe makes my mouth water, and makes me laugh. Thanks for sharing your “other life.”
Jan