I have started this note so many times it is embarrassing. I guess the problem I am having is trying to figure how to sum up my life as succinctly and humorously as possible without boring you to tears.  I want you to say, “Wow,” when you read my story.

Let’s start: I am happily married with three kids.

Wow. That was boring and succinct, but was neither funny nor exciting.

Ok. I am very happily married, have three kids, and just started grad school at age 35.

That wasn’t so funny either, and certainly sounds a little nutty.

How about: I quit my job. I am unemployed with three kids and a husband. I have two kids in diapers and am still nursing the youngest. I chucked my entire career to study architecture for the next four years with no guarantees that I even have an inch of talent.

That is much more interesting, if not reckless, don’t you think?

Two years ago, I decided to scrap much of what I studied at Macalester to start over and do what I wanted to do all along — architecture. I have spent the last few years taking a very circuitous route in this direction but here I am finally.

I took my Poli-Sci/Spanish degree and moved to Arizona for a few years. What can I say — I chased a man (now my husband). And a very cool man he is.

While in Arizona, I worked in affordable housing development. While I love the field and feel very passionately about it, I was frustrated with the lack of design creativity. I kept smashing my head against a wall and thinking that there had to be a better way to design affordable housing. Homes should not exist solely to house a low-income household; the homes should also excite and engage the senses. I certainly didn’t know how to de-sign and was beholden to those who had the skills to put pen to paper and draw up housing plans.

Then magically I had an epiphany two years ago, realizing I should become an architect and fulfill my childhood dream. Sounds lovely. The reality is that I had taken a government job that I absolutely hated. I was at home on maternity leave, suffering a good bout of post-partum depression when it dawned on me that much of my problem was my awful job; that I could do something about my unhappiness simply by applying to a university. I felt better — almost 100% better — as soon as I decided to go ahead and apply to grad school

The epiphany led me to Clemson University. I live in South Carolina and really like it. I decided I really wanted to study architecture at Clemson and fortunately, they felt like I met their requirements. My six-year-old, Cale, thinks it is pretty cool — all the models and drawings I do. He fancies himself an artist, so he enjoys sketching next to me. Owen (2) and Camille (6 months) are too young to know about all the changes in their lives. I just try to remember to throw an occasional model in Owen’s direction to let him play with it and he leaves the rest of my work alone.

My husband Allen is a saint and very patient with my school demands. Allen is an artist and has a better idea of what I got myself into at school than I do. I am learning how to ask and listen to his advice. While my modeling skills leave much room for improvement, I am enjoying the design process. It is like going to art class all day, every day. Next to recess, art class was my favorite class when I was growing up.

The coolest thing and what I guess I want you to know is that I am no longer smashing my head against the wall. I am happy. I am challenged and humbled with the daily needs of my family and studies. I am right where I am supposed to be and I love it.

My Mac Memories: I-FRIES! Dancing at First Ave. with Sarah Rose ’92.  The Rolling Stones. Doty Basement parties. Dayton my freshman year.