ABOUT ME

Hi there, 

My name is JOY and I was born & raised in the southeast....no I am not a Southern Belle quite yet, but I am definitely what I like to refer to as a "lady in training." 

Medicine and leading a healthy lifestyle are huge passions of mine, so naturally that seeps through in all that I do. A little over a decade ago, a horrific wrestling accident in high school, left my little brother a quadriplegic. Not soon after I decided the best way I could help him, and others in his situation was to get educated & practice! I've officially been in healthcare for 4 years now and I'm sure I'll drop tidbits of knowledge throughout my posts that I've attained in school, practice, or my own research and opinions. If you ever have questions, please ask! 

I use this space as my HAPPY PLACE and I hope you find some enJOYment in it as well. Happiness to me is surrounding myself with good food, great people, strong support, and lots of laughter...so I'll share as much of that as I can.

Chronicled here are my adventures (through stories, photos, recipes, crafts, quotes, things that make me smile etc.) on my journey to finding myself and becoming happy, healthy and full of joy.

Ciao,

Joy 


*Disclaimer-It's important that you understand that everyone is different (age, gender, race, genetic makeup, lifestyle, health background/history, predisposition to certain ailments etc) and their healthcare plan needs to be tailored to their specific needs to reflect that! By no means should you follow what I do and say, in lieu of, speaking with a health professional directly who knows all of your specific needs, as I am not your healthcare provider.

*Soapbox-It's extremely important that everyone in all age ranges has a primary care physician whom they see face-to-face, at least yearly! I encourage you to get a healthcare provider you like (someone who doesn't make you cringe when it's time to see them so you actually go), with whom you are comfortable (so you tell them everything, not what you think they want to hear) and respect (so you feel obligated to follow their advice)!

I'm most happy when...
I'm traveling, You could call me a gypsy, in that I've been fortunate enough to visit all over the world (every continent except Africa & Antarctica) & live in different places from Australia to Ohio! Along the way, I've found that experiencing new cultures, meeting new people, & being smack dab in the middle of awe-inspiring places, is where I feel most at home and alive. supporting those I care for, what would this crazy world be without loved ones? Always make time for the special people in your life...I know I'd be bored to tears without mine! and surrounded by the arts!!! All types of music literally move me & I have a tune for everything; it makes life so much more upbeat! He he! Paintings can stop me dead in my tracks or bring me to tears. The theater keeps me at the edge of my seat, while comedy clubs are one of my secret ways to relax! No matter what mood you're in, there's always some form of art that can describe it or change it if need be, & that absolutely fascinates me!

                                                                                    Pups & picnic at Piedmont Park for Jazz Fest

My brother & I on the day he graduated from 

law school! He's now passed the GA Bar...my hero! 

Skiing through the woods & DEEP snow in Vail, CO with friends. Someone tried to do the "fry move" when they should be doing the "pizza!" Silly skiing jokes, but you have to laugh...always laugh! 

BLESS MY AMAZING GIRLFRIENDS 
who stick with me through the "joy and pain, sunshine and rain"-Rob Base lyrics

 Most important to me is my family.


I try to emulate my grandparents in all that I do. If I can accomplish half of what they did in their lifetime, and live with just a fraction of their grace, tolerance, conviction, and good will then I will truly be full of joy. 

They're so adorable...I miss them everyday.

 My brother and I, following our half Italian roots of course, are THICK AS THIEVES!! I could not ask for a better sibling. His patience, kindness, determination, perseverance and optimism are what drive me everyday. What excuse can I possibly have (to fail, give into frustrations, or be cranky) when he faces so many daily, yet chooses to give into none?!?  

As you can see in the St. Patty's Day pic below, or soon will through my posts, I tag along with my brother everywhere, & it's my mission in life to make him smile or drive him nuts trying ; ) Thus far I've accomplished a little of both, but I'll keep you posted.

 

As for everything else just view MY FAVORITE THINGS page!