I’m an airforce brat originally from Trenton, Ontario, Canada.  Moving around a lot came with the territory and that’s what we did – from Auckland, NZ to Fort Churchill, MB, Canada (where the polar bears live)  – we didn’t stop until I was in my teens.

As anyone from a military family can attest to, constantly changing schools and friends as a child can be pretty tough and I floundered around for quite some time trying to decide where I belonged.  I married and divorced but have 2 great children to show for it. In my late 30s, I met the man of my dreams who helped me raise my now adult children.  We are indeed soulmates and discovered we had both lived in Trenton at the same time as both our fathers were pilots.  Who knew we'd have to wait 30 years and travel across the country to finally meet at a Lobsterfest in Calgary!

17 years later, we're still together and truly grateful. We live in Calgary, Canada, are empty nesters and, at age 55, I am embarking on my dream career – Professional Leisure Group Travel Organizer.

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How did you get to where you are now?

Have you ever asked yourself what do I want to be when I grow up?  So many of my friends are retiring and I'm just getting started!  I'd spent my whole life working at a job I didn’t like in order to support others.  So I did a do over.  In my 50's, I went back to school, took online courses and now have my dream job!

How do you see yourself differently now than you did 10 years ago?

What a change of attitude can do!  I feel great both mentally and physically.  I'm now in charge of my own future and believe there are no limits to what I can accomplish if I'm willing to work for it and truly believe.  And yes, you also have to take a few chances.  Sometimes it’s just a leap of faith.  I have never felt so empowered!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

My goals are lofty.  My career will take me all over the world creating extraordinary tours for likeminded women 40+; my home will be on beautiful Vancouver Island; and I’ll be cruising down the road to my golf club in my Lexus convertible.  However, I am constantly tweaking and I could end up anywhere but it will always be in my hands and my choice.  One of my favorite quotes is:  "Everyone else my age is an adult, whereas I am merely in disguise" (Margaret Atwood)

Don't let anyone ever tell you you are too old.  Nothing can crush your spirit faster than listening to the negative opinions of well meaning friends and family. If you don't follow your dreams and take chances, you will have an ordinary life and that would be a terrible shame.  There is nothing ordinary about you. "If there is one door in the castle you have been told not to go through, you must.  Otherwise, you'll just be rearranging furniture in rooms you've already been in."

My mother for her guts, outspokeness and energy; Katharine Hepburn (same reasons)