Biker Babe challenges herself and triumphs

Q: Best Solo Escape
Cades Cove camping site, west of Pigeon Forge in Tennessee

Q:Biggest Accomplishment you achieved on your own?
Buying a new vehicle and managing a state-wide organization

Q:The best place to meet new people?
Toastmasters

Q: Most Inspiring Book, Movie or Person?
Don't sweat the small stuff, and it's all small stuff

Q: Funniest. Craziest, Worst Date Ever?
I had a date with a younger gentleman at a local hamburger location... He was nice enough, and we had a good time, until I realized that he was unemployed and had arrived expecting me to foot the bill... Took me 6 months to finally get him out of my life!

Q: Favorite Local Restaurant or Bar to go to Solo?
Applebee's

Q: Have You Ever Been a Victim of Singlism?

Yes, but it was unintentional... So many times, especially during the holidays, folks tend to congregate with their families and forget that I no longer have a family... They don't intend to forget me, or leave me out... But sometimes it does feel lonely knowing that they're spending that time with family, and I'm doing my thing alone... (Which is why it's great to have new hobbies to occupy my time!)

Q: Words to live by:

If you're not busy, you're not alive!

Q: What do you love most about being single:

Between my paid job, and my volunteer work, I'm usually working about 100 hours a week! Right now, the only folks waiting for me at home are my 3 fuzzy kids, AKA Cats... It's great to not have to worry about a schedule, and to know that I don't have to call and let someone know I'm late, or that I'm going out of town... As long as the fuzzy kids are taken care of (via my pet sitter whom they love), they're good! I also love having control of the TV remote, when I am home... Also, I love that if I don't want to cook, or do the laundry right then, I don't have to! I can eat a cheese sandwich if I want to, and that's just fine!

Q: Got any tips, advice, funny or inspiring story? Please include them in your profile:

One of the best things I've done for myself in the last 5 years of being single, is to join a gym, get a personal trainer, and become involved with volunteer work... I've been a member of Toastmasters International for over 9 years, but became even more involved when I became single... I also spent 6 months, working 7 days a week at a homeless shelter... What an experience! I also ride a motorcycle (when I haven't totaled it, that is) and one of the best things I did, was to take my first "Independence Run" from South Carolina, to Virginia, then over to Tennessee to camp... It was truly an independence tour for me... I also do public speaking on behalf of a domestic Violence shelter, here in the local area... So for me, being single right now is all about helping others, and helping myself... The personal trainer is just for me, but it helps my self-confidence and esteem, so that I can continue to step out and help those around me!