Hello! I’m Janice, mom to three children and wife to Justin, and owner to a pet snake, leopard gecko, many fish, and a sweet little dog, Rocky. We have been residents of Monroe for the last ten years. The longest I’ve ever lived in one place! I refer to myself as a butterfly-type person because I prefer to move around and not sit still for too long. But, I’ve succumbed to the reality that I am fond of our school district, and I absolutely love my house; therefore, remaining content in the now is my goal.
I never thought I’d own a snake. Life has a way of surprising you like that. Motherhood has a way of surprising you too. I willingly hopped on the mom roller coaster in 2005, hands in the air, wind in my face, ready for the sinking stomach feeling of excitement and a little scared at the same time.
My two older children, Aaron and Lily, were diagnosed with autism in 2018, at ages 13 and 11, respectively, and my world turned into that amusement park ride you want to get off of immediately. I left my job as a preschool director in 2019 to become a stay-at-home mom to Aaron, Lily, and my youngest, Emmy, and I’ve been loving every minute of it. Especially through the pandemic, only managing my household has allowed me to catch my breath. During the pandemic, my oldest came out as transgender, and my life roller coaster started taking extra upside-down loops. I thought I exited this ride and was happy on the carousel?
I find myself looking through the glass at our snake, wondering if she has any idea I did not want her in my house ever. Now I call her cute. Cute? A snake? Who am I now? A butterfly content with not flying, living every day strapped on a roller coaster while holding a snake. I’m doing my best not to drop her slithering body. That’s all I can do, my best at any moment, while I enjoy the stomach drops and laugh until I cry.
In my calm moments, I love to hike! I have a goal of exploring every Connecticut State Park. I’m currently at 29 of the 107. The butterfly in me travels as much as possible, and I have a passion for style. I currently share a lot of those interests on my blog, Momma Wanderer.
I’m excited to be a new contributor and share my experiences from where I sit on this amazing ride.
