“I was born in Mexico. First, I came to California. I went to school a little bit, and then I found a job. I cooked, working in the kitchens. I stayed there for 22 years. “Many people come here looking for work. They want a … Continue readingFishing his cure for work-related stress
“My husband and I are heavy industrial carpenters. We travel for work. We’re kind of like gypsies. We sold our house and got a fifth wheel. Our kids are scattered now, so we have nothing to tie us down. We just decided to travel the … Continue readingWoman carpenter proves she can do the job
“I met Sammy last year, and I really hit it off with him. We spent a lot of time together. Then a few months after I got home from my first trip, he ran away from the shelter and went back to the streets. I … Continue reading‘It was one of the sweetest moments in my life’
“Back in 1999, I got really sick. I spent 10 days in the hospital with extremely excruciating stomach pain before they figured out what was wrong with me. It’s a condition called porphyria. I’m missing an enzyme in my blood. There have been men who … Continue readingPainful condition caused her to consider suicide
“My parents have always been very generous with their time and their money, and they’ve always opened their home to people who needed it. I kind of watched them throughout my life take care of the people around them and take care of their community. … Continue readingIt ‘feels very natural’ for her to help boys in need
“I got married when I was 23. We stayed together for 10 years. But in the end, it just didn’t work out. Since then I’ve been in other relationships, but they haven’t worked out, either. “After a while you get tired of bumping your head … Continue reading‘I wanted someone to love me so bad’
“I called Kirsten’s counselor to ask if there was any way they could recognize her at graduation. She was an honor student and in the 11th grade at Robert E. Lee High School when she was murdered. I’m very honored that they did this. I … Continue readingMurdered student honored at graduation ceremony
“I started traveling in my 20s. I was just fascinated with it, and I wanted to go overseas. So when an opportunity came up to work as a federal civilian with the Army Corps of Engineers in Kuwait, I jumped at it. I did personnel … Continue readingCorps of Engineers jobs support her desire to travel
“When I worked with the Army Corps of Engineers overseas, we had these security guards that were British. They were all former Her Majesty’s Service. We affectionately referred to them as thugs because they were just massive. But as huge and as macho as these … Continue readingFrom the cups to the talk, she’s hooked on tea
“My mom taught me the importance of saving money. She always said, you might not be able to put aside a lot, but just put something away for a rainy day. You never know when that rainy day will come. “One time she needed some … Continue readingShe finds great value in her mother’s life lessons