About Me
Age: 32
Sex: Female
Relationship Status: Married
Nationality: 1/2 Italian, 1/2 Irish
Education: College degree in Mass Communication, Minor in English
Astrology Sign: Taurus
Cubs or Sox: I’m VERY excited and hopeful for a new Cubs era now that the Rickett’s family made the fab decision to hire Theo Epstein! Goo Cubbies!
Religion: Spiritual, not religious. Not baptised.
Political Affiliation: I don’t believe in political parties. I am an Independent.
I was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago. I am a child of divorce and a huge animal advocate. I am a strong supporter of the Alzheimer’s Association, as my grandma was diagnosed with AD in April 2009.
I work as an office manager and am excited to report I just finished my first novel, tentatively titled Concrete Boots! My family consists of my wonderful husband, two step (or bonus!) daughters, and our 18-month-old daughter, Eva Earleen, born 7/22/2010. We also have two cats, Kennedy and Kelsey. On October 22, 2011 we had to put our beloved dog Dexter to rest.
I have had a very public battle with Post Partum Depression. The last year has been both the most difficult and the most rewarding year of my life. I took the last 6 months “off” to focus on getting well. I look forward to sharing my story with YOU, my fellow readers and friends.
Updated: 2/6/12
Love it Jen! Keep up the good work!
Cool Blog Jen!!
Hope you are doing well!!
Jack
Hi JLee,
Came across your blog on craigslist. I am a Chi-Town Girl aswell, born and raised SouthSide so, Go SOX!. Ive been in NY for about 8 years now and LOV-N- IT!! I just wanted to say hello, I’m actually on line looking for a sanctuary for my 4 cats that I need temporary housing for. I wish you well with your blog, (whatever a blog is) and I will check back with you a little later.
Spring
hopefully you can control your temper because if you don’t the baby will suffer. You sound like you should be away from people to be honest. Your partying days are over with when you have a child. Babies are alot of responsibilities. you husband must be a saint to put up with you.
AND WHO GIVES A FUCK ABOUT YOUR JUICY JAMMIES YOU HAVE A CHILD!
Sharon, I am sorry that my blog has angered you so much. I do appreciate you reading and commenting. I hope you will check back to see I am not as awful as you think I am.
P.S. My husband IS a saint. He’s a great man.
Hello-
I really like the honesty you show in your blog, your humor, and the subjects you have been talking about. I do sympathize with you so much in your journey with PPD. I gave birth to twin boys 14 years ago. One of them had a tough birth, needed critical care, he is a great kid, who has mild to moderate cerebral palsy due to the birth, now. His brother, also a good hearted guy, is doing well, now in a high school for gifted kids here. I went through a lot of what you went thru. I also unfortunately took a big body hit after the birth, and now have fibromyalgia, among other things. I am also a single mom now, as I am separated for 3 years. I no longer work due to the FM, etc. I had a fulfilling career as a social worker that I had to give up to work on healing and to be able to raise my kids.
You deserve lots of credit for opening up to others on your blog to give them a taste of what PPD, among other things is like. It takes time for you to settle back down, trust yourself, and find your place as the momma tiger that you are. And dont forget the name of your blog when dealing with negative readers who should have better things to do than try to discourage you, or put you down. Let her walk a minute in your shoes. No excuses necessary! Italian, Irish, or Jew(me), I really think you are being yourself, brave and open. Not enough people like this in the world. And your daughter will have a very interesting, emotionally unconstipated, caring mom who should know that having fun makes her a better mom by having her own needs met.
I found you on Craigslist in NYC, and it is a nice surprise to find your blog. Good luck with your new novel. Very kewl! If you ever want to discuss PPD, or whatever, feel free to get in touch, or I will just read your blog.
Sincerely,
Annie Arato
Hi Annie,
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your two sons. I am so touched that you took the time to write me to tell me that you like my blog. Obviously not everyone is going to agree with me, and that’s fine, but sometimes the criticism can be tough to take. It meant so much to me that despite your own personal struggles, you took time to tell me to be brave and to hold my head high. I love that you say “that momma tiger that you are.” Yes, I AM making mistakes, but I am learning from that. I am learning to trust my instincts and trying to be the best mother that I can be. Your comment touched me, and I’ve thought about you every day since reading it. I honestly am struggling with words right now because I want you to know how truly honored I am to have you as a blog reader. I want to thank you for supporting me as a mother.
You sound like a patient mother and a caring person. I’m sorry to hear about your FM and the loss of your marriage. If my blog does nothing but allow you five minutes of “Annie” time and a smile than I am so happy.
Please keep reading and giving me feedback. It means the world to me.
Thank you again.
~Jlee
I wanted to dislike your blog based on the sole reason that you were soliciting fans through Craigslist. But truth be told, I loved reading about Dunkin Bitch. Keep up the good work.
– A fellow writer.
Hi Mark,
Thanks for the note. I must agree with you — I do think it’s a bit cheesy to post my blog on Craig’s List, however, another part of me thinks it’s quite brilliant really to use the internet to get my writing out there. I love to write, and I want to be a professional writer. I just hope and pray everyday that someone reads my blog and offers to publish my novel! Thanks for the support. Do you write professionally?
~ Jlee
You’re brave and courageous to share your stories with all of us! I love to write but have not reached the point of sharing. I am a Cubs fan because I can’t quite cut the unhealthy relationship, but I root for the Yankees because that is my Girlfriend’s favorite team.
Hi MJ! Thanks for reading and for your comment. I looovvve writing. It’s such a part of who I am. I’m glad you write, too, and if you never want to share it that’s OK.
Football season is upon us. Go Bears!!
I hope you’ll read more. Thanks again.
Your blog seems really interesting and your daughter is gorgeous! I briefly paged through your comments, and whoever that Sharon is, needs to take a chill pill. Just because you have kids, doesn’t mean you need to give up the things you like.. probably some bitter TTC bitch (PS – Saw a pic of you with the T&Co toggle heart necklace, LOVE IT, I got the same one last Vday).
You def picked up a new reader out of me!!
- Lyndsay, Mom of 2 Boys
Hi Lyndsay! Thanks so much. Yes, I definitely have some haters out there, lol. I appreciate the support and totally agree – T&Co is a girl’s dream. I hope you will keeping reading.
jlee thank you for making me like i am not alone. i read your blog and totally get you. Sharon needs a chill pill. lol
Awww thanks Mama of twins! Glad to know I’m not the only one!
Good description (: