Things You Should Know About Zea.
I don’t eat meat. When my parents met they were vegan/vegetarian so when they raised their kids we grew up not eating meat too. I honestly don’t feel like I’m missing out much and I never really have trouble finding vegetarian options when we go out to eat. I’m technically pescatarian because I started eating fish when I was pregnant with my daughter. But when I tell most people that they think I’m saying presbyterian LOL.
I was a teen mom. I gave birth to my daughter when I was 15 years old and raised her on my own with great family support. I graduated from high school as an honor roll student and received an almost full ride to my dream school. I moved out at 18 years old and graduated from St. Catherine University in 4 years with a Bachelor’s in Women and International Development and a minor in Business Administration. I was a public speaker for several years in middle schools and high schools about my experience as a young, single parent so I’m always open to talk + answer questions about my story. Being a mom, and considering myself very successful despite becoming a mom younger than planned, is one of my greatest accomplishments.
I can’t put away laundry to save my life. I generally have no problem washing it or folding it (most enjoyable when listening to a podcast or watching binge-worthy tv) but when it comes time to put it away…. I will find a million other things to do. I’ve definitely been guilty of letting my laundry basket of folded clothes become my pseudo “closet” on more than one occasion.
Tacos are my love language. I know, I know. I’m just another girl who could very well have a not-so-subtle nod to tacos in her insta bio. I know that loving tacos exclusively isn’t a personality trait BUT that doesn’t mean that it isn’t worth mentioning, okay? I really could eat tacos every day, heck, at our house we eat either tacos or some bean + rice concoction at least 4 times a week. So, sue me, I love tacos.
I’m the person with 100 unread text message notifications all the time. It drives my husband, Joe, absolutely bonkers. I’m not even that popular, I promise. I’m just really good at putting my phone down and totally forgetting that it’s supposed to be a means for connection to the outside world. I always respond eventually, but I’m just not good about staying connected 100% of the time and I’m not ashamed of that. Being present takes a lot of work and it’s a skill that I’m proud to have. And thankfully, I’ve set the intention that all business is handled via email to make sure things don’t get missed, cause I check my email more than I check my texts!
I’ve had a million jobs. Okay, not a million. But it feels close. I’ve been a host, expodite/food runner and a server in two restaurants. I’ve been a nanny and an after-school elementary teacher, a certified nursing assistant, a barista, a front-desk receptionist, an office space cleaner, a marketing + communications manager and a social media manager for small businesses. I’ve been an academic researcher, an advertising intern, a non-profit board member, and a freelance content writer. And of course, my personal favorite, a photographer.
I broke my foot getting out of bed from a nap. No joke. And my doctor told me that I needed to come up with a better story but I haven’t yet. I think the lameness of the true-story will win every. single. time. I literally only took a mid-afternoon nap (in March which left me waking up to it dark outside. Winter in Minnesota, am I right?)… I quickly got up to shut my blinds because I’m only mildly paranoid about people being able to see into my home at night. I step out of bed and BAM. Broken foot. I used to take pride that I had never broken a bone but now here we are. Winning the prize for the lamest broken bone story, no doubt.
