User:Happybooklady

About The Happy Book Lady
The Happy Book Lady is me. I'm a married soccer mom of four and step-mom of two, living in the mostly sunny and warm State of Florida. I'm an avid reader, unapologetic bibliophile, and an outdoorsy person. I'm an Episcopalian in good standing and a member of the Order of the Daughters of the King. I enjoy making my own soap from cooking oils and I practice yoga to relax. I sell books for a living.

Early Years
I was born in Chicago, Illinois sometime before Elvis died. My father worked in retail and had a knack for restoring failing stores to a profitable and working status. As a result, he was transferred and we were moved about every two years. Given the lack of education, awareness or interest in Autism Spectrum Disorders in public education, as well as within my home, in the 1980's, I was often mishandled as a defiant, difficult or lazy child.

In seventh grade, for personal reasons not disclosed, I decided to begin focusing on my studies. I took initiative to find the study patterns that allowed me to accomplish assignments and perform well on tests. I became an "A" student overnight. This continued through my graduation from High School.

More Education
While living in Mannheim, Germany, I attended Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg for two years of undergraduate work, taking classes provided in both English and German languages. I did not receive a degree.

When I returned to Chicago, Illinois, I resumed my education with Roosevelt University and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Business.

I no longer care to include the information on my résumé, but I also attended one year of study at Southwest Florida College in Fort Myers, Florida studying for a Pharmacy Technician Associates of Science degree. I left the college before completing the program and the college discontinued the program shortly thereafter. I took one class with University of Phoenix. It was one class too many.

Interests and Projects
I am a history geek, focusing primarily on Early American History. You can talk to me any time about Alexander Hamilton. I have considered writing a book but have difficulty narrowing the focus of the book to a coherent and interesting subject matter that would be conducive to a single book. Ideas are welcome.

I am active on Google+ where I enjoy discussions about history, politics, social issues, theology and parenting.

I am a Geocacher. This is my profile, if such things interest you. I used to do Waymarking in partnership with my photojournalism but I don't do that anymore. My waymarks are still active.

I am a volunteer Fire Photographer and have photographed over 35 different fire departments across the U.S. and counting. My emergency scene, apparatus and personnel images are provided without cost to the departments. I am a member of the International Fire Photographers Association.

I write two blogs:


 * The Happy Book Lady, an opinionated personal blog that discusses a variety of issues, including but not limited to Autism Spectrum Disorder.
 * Dear Fellow Freecyclers, an open letter style blog written to my fellow individuals who participate in the free organization, The Freecycle Network, or a freecycling organization that is not connected with the greater network.

I am currently researching the genealogical history of my paternal family. It has become increasingly more difficult to accumulate information for generations that did not immigrate to the United States. Conflicts in Europe during the 18th and 19th Centuries have caused significant challenges that are taking time to overcome.

My bread and butter comes from selling books. Currently, I sell as a vendor on Amazon.com, as HappyBookLady. One day I may generate enough revenue to become a B&M.

I intend to write a proper wiki page for the Order of the Daughters of the King. What is there does not communicate much about the Order or cite sources for its information. I actually found it confusing.

Contact
You can reach me at happybooklady@gmail.com.