About Me

Hi, I’m Kristen – I am Mom to 7-year-old Doodlebug, who is autistic and has ADHD. He is a total goofball, a fantastic dancer, and a Nintendo-obsessed gamer. My 5-year-old Ladybug is neurotypical, a messy artist, and the best off-key singer you’ve ever heard (she gets that from her Mama!) I’m also wife to my best friend, Spacetime, and Fur-mama to our puppy, Pickles.

I’m a stay-at-home mom trying to navigate this hectic life with patience and grace. I was diagnosed with ADHD at age 42, after many years of wondering “what’s wrong with me?!” (but more on that later). I’m a fierce autism advocate, pumpkin spice lover, coffee chugger, a horrible speller, and a tragically messy cook who loves to dance in the kitchen. 

My life is full of contradictions and the complimenting beauty that they bring. I’m a creative writer married to a scientist. I’m an east coast city girl living in a midwestern suburb; and a planner, who over plans herself into a chaotic mess. Clutter gives me anxiety, yet I find myself dusting clutter piles like they are permanent fixtures in my home. Perhaps some of these contradictions should have alerted me to my ADHD sooner!

Why I’m Here 

For years I wondered “Why is everyday life so hard for me?” I lacked the ability to focus, organize, self-manage in unstructured settings, enjoy socializing, follow a schedule, or regularly maintain my home. I beat myself up about my shortcomings for my entire life. It didn’t occur to me that my struggles were clinical deficits until my diagnosis. 

In keeping with my life of contradictions, of course, my deficits are accompanied by excess. I have a surplus of big emotions, days feeling overwhelmed, grand daydreams, sappiness, and misdirected spontaneity. I used to think my Italian-American upbringing was the cause of my rollercoaster of emotions, but now I realize there’s more to it than that. Although, my passionate Italian emotions definitely play a role! 

Those contradictions combine into a messy, beautiful – but not the most productive – life. And that’s why I’m here – to work it out journal-style, to discover insight in my rantings, to find humor in my messes, to reflect on the struggles, to explore new strategies, and to share this journey with people like me – to feel less alone.