About Me
Hi there! My name is Michelle White. And if you’re reading this then I guess you’re interested in learning all about me, so here goes! I guess I’ll start from the beginning, seems logical right? Okay, so I’m from New York…so right about now I’m sure your thinking about the fast-paced, up all night, hustle and bustle, famous NYC. Nope, I’m from Upstate New York…a place much quieter, with far less people, and much less to do. But I like it that way. Now don’t get me wrong, I like visiting the city and seeing the sites and doing the whole tourist thing, but I’m not sure if I’d ever be able to call it home. Hah, even the thought of that scares me a little.
Fast forward to present day and I still live on a quiet street in the suburbs, just the way I like it. I’m a journalist for the local newspaper. I enjoy my job and the whole team there is just wonderful. I am passionate about writing, but also just as passionate about reading and learning. I suppose that’s what got me into the world of journalism, and why I love it so. Knowledge is truly a gift, I believe. And there’s always more out there for you to obtain, and share with others too. When off from work I enjoy going down to the school and serving as a volunteer tutor for the children, and helping them to develop a passion for learning while aiding them in their studies. It is especially rewarding when they overcome a challenge that they were really struggling with, it is moments like that when you can really feel the positive impact you’re having. It reminds me of when I was young and in school, and of the teachers who helped to motivate me, and helped me to grow into who I am today, and the gratitude I have for them.
So now you know about where I’m from, and what I do. I suppose the next obvious things to write about would be my family, and my pets. But I love them so much and have so much to say that I’ve dedicated whole other pages to them, that I hope you’ll visit. So perhaps I should tell you about some of my likes and dislikes, and hobbies. For starters, I like being outside and in nature, at least when it’s warm. I’ll admit that I don’t care for the cold. So during the winter you’ll more likely find me by the fire, under a blanket, reading one of my books, sipping a hot cocoa. That reminds me, I love hot cocoa. I always have, ever since my mother seemed to always have a cup ready and waiting for me when I came in from playing in the snow as a child. And while nowadays you won’t find me outside playing in the snow anymore (no surprise there!), I’ll admit that I do still very much enjoy how beautiful the snow covered trees and landscapes can look: a winter wonderland as it were. As for the other seasons, I must say I love fall’s majestic colors, and spring’s lovely flowers. Not to mention the temperature is often just right for a lovely stroll or nature walk/hike. And summer? Who doesn’t love summer? Between the Fourth of July, fireworks, sunshine, the beach, BBQ’s, relaxing on the porch, what’s not to love?—aside from the occasional heat wave (where once again you’ll probably find me inside, except this time most definitely not under a blanket!).
I could go on and on, but I don’t want to talk you your ear off, or rather tire your eyes out (you are reading this after all)…perhaps one day I’ll make an audio recording that I can post. I digress, I hope I’ve given you a good idea about who I am and what I’m all about. If not, a couple last tid-bits of information. I love to cook, and bake, especially when my daughter Meaghan is back in town (more on that later). However I hate doing the dishes! Luckily I have a dish washer for that…his name is Jonathan. And of course, I absolutely adore and enjoy my time with my pets, Zoe and Max.
About My Family
So this page is all about what’s most important to me, my wonderful family! I don’t know what I’d do or who I’d be without them. They are my heart and soul. So let’s get down to it shall we? There is my amazing husband Jonathan, my lovely daughter Meaghan and charming son-in-law Brian, and my son James—who hates when I say it, but will always be my baby boy. There’s also my amazing Labrador Zoe and loveable American Bobtail cat Max, which you can read all about on the About My Pets page. Although we’re not all in the same house anymore, my family is always in my heart and is with me everywhere I go. So how about I tell you a little more about everyone?
I met Jonathan at college during my sophomore year; we were in a creative writing class together. I couldn’t resist his charm, he was such a gentleman. He was a junior at the time, and although we had just met it felt like we had known each other for years. We’ve been inseparable since, he truly is my best friend in the whole world. I’m as happy as can be waking up next to him every day, there’s no one else I’d rather be with. Jonathan is a college professor now, and truly enjoys his work with the students. It is great that we can share and understand in that passion. Our children are all grown up now and don’t need our help quite as much as they used to, so it’s always nice to still feel needed, to be able to teach is truly a blessing we appreciate very much. When off from work on the weekends Jonathan often enjoys going golfing when weather permits, and to keep active in the winter he enjoys cross-country skiing. Down-time during the week is usually spent relaxing with me and the pets around the house, or occasionally going out for a little fun. Oh, and of course, doing the dishes—after all, I made the dinner so it’s only fair he cleans up afterward right? I have to hand it to him though; he always does it with a smile.
Meaghan is our eldest. She’s all grown up now, with her own husband, Brian. Theirs is the sweetest story; they were high school sweethearts, meant to be. Their wedding was absolutely beautiful, one of the few occasions you’d ever see Jonathan cry. I absolutely love the holidays when they come to visit, not that I don’t talk to her a lot anyways; we speak on the phone practically every day. But there’s nothing like having your ducklings under the same roof to make you feel all is well. When she’s home we always love to cook and bake together for the boys, and love to go hiking or enjoy the outdoors together. Brian is such a pleasure to have around too, he is always saying something that you can’t help but laugh or smile about, he’s so charismatic. I suppose that’s why he’s so good at his job, being a salesman is perfect for him. And Meaghan, she took after her parents and is a grade school teacher. She loves her kids, she’ll send us pictures of her and the class and they all always look so happy. I know someday she’ll be a terrific mother, and I look forward to that day—so I’ll finally have a grandson or daughter!
Then of course there is James. Jonathan and I are so proud of him. Right now he’s going for his PhD; he’s wanted to be a doctor as long as he could remember. Soon he will be. He’s always been such a hard worker, and he just has the kindest soul you’ll ever meet. Sometimes I do worry though, because he can be a little naive. But I suppose most of that is just me being a worried mother. When he is on vacation or has free time on the weekends James often enjoys going snowboarding in the winter, or playing Frisbee when the weather is nicer. He is so outgoing and always enjoys being around others too; making friends comes second nature to him. I know it’s only a matter of time before he meets that special someone.
So that’s my family in a nutshell, I did my best to keep it brief. I hope you enjoyed it!
About My Pets
I, like so many of you readers, and so many more out there, adore my pets. In fact, I feel like you’d be pretty hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t absolutely love their pet, and think they are the best in the world. Pets are amazing because of what they give us, unconditional love. My Labrador Zoe and my American Bobtail Max are always there for me, and are such a positive aspect of my life every day.
Zoe is the absolute sweetest. She is so playful and cute, and able to put a smile on my face even during the lowest low. When I or Jonathan is sick, she’ll be there right by our side, somehow knowing everything isn’t quite alright, and wanting to help us feel better. Every morning Zoe and I will go for a nice walk, and every evening Jonathan will walk with her also. Often in the afternoon we will play in the backyard together with the tennis ball, or a stick. She loves playing fetch; she especially loves the winter when she can tromp around through the snow. If I had to make a complaint, the only one would be all the shedding. But that’s just something you have to live with if you’re going to have pets, and for all the love and happiness they bring, it’s really no issue at all. In fact, the time spent brushing her and taking care of her coat can actually be quite soothing for both of us, believe it or not. I’ll brush her at night by the fire, and then I’ll read my book while she lies next to me and Jonathan on the couch. Especially with the kids out of the house, I have to say that for both me and Jonathan, having Zoe and Max around makes all the difference in the world.
And oh let me tell you about Max. Max, Max, Max. He’s quite the mischievous little kitty let me tell you. But at the same time, he is such a love. He is always finding his way into some kind of trouble, he loves to climb and knock things over. And he is so curious about everything—especially empty boxes or laundry bins! He really is such a character, but you can’t help but love him… mischievous Max. Like I said though, he is a love. He sleeps on the bed with Jonathan and I every night, which we are reminded of in the morning if we try to hit that snooze button—Max simply won’t have it, he’ll let us know it’s time for his and Zoe’s breakfast! During the day a lot of the time he will be off doing his own thing, or sleeping like a lazy cat does, but he’ll occasionally snuggle up with you or enjoy some play time with you and his toys—he does love the stuffed mouse at the end of string which we dangle by a stick, that and his ball of yarn of course. Sometimes he’ll even play with Zoe. Most evenings he often finds himself purring in either my lap or Jonathan’s, and enjoying a belly rub—so pampered!
If you have a pet then I’m sure you understand the joy that they really bring into your life, and how sincere the love you have for them is. I hope you enjoyed hearing about my pets, now if you don’t mind I think I’m going to go and spend some time with them and Jonathan. J