Sara Hardigan – October Mom of the Month

A member since May 2009, Sara  brings something to every class -whether it is a funny story, book recommendation or just her lovely daughter Reese.  Sara is also the perfect reminder and example of a Fit Mama as she attends class regularly even though she’s 8 1/2 months pregnant with her second child.

Great Job Sara!

Who are the members of your family? My husband, Aaron, our daughter, Reese, and the newest addition arriving on Oct 12th is baby boy Avery. We also have three other “kids”; our dogs Sofie, Fido and Izzy.

Nicole MacMillan – September Mom of the Month

Nicole has been a member of Stroller Strides since February 2009.  In addition to being a great addition to any class, Nicole has lost 30 lbs since joining Stroller Strides!  Everyone loves Nicole’s sense of humor and we love when she requests exercises from the instructors 😉  Congratulations Nicole!

Q:  Who are the members of your family?
A:  My family includes my incredible husband, of almost 4 years, Brad, and of course the princess herself, Rhyllie Paige who was born on December 30th, 2008 (yes it was wonderful spending New Year’s in the hospital!). 🙂  We also have two other children (dogs), Chocky and Murphy.

Q:  What was/is your previous and/or current career?
A:  I’ve been with BMC Software for 10 years, and currently I design and build web-based and  classroom-based education courses for our customers who wish to learn how to use and administer their BMC Software programs they have installed at their company. I get to work from home, my hours are flexible, and I no longer have to travel 80% of the time…..so it doesn’t feel like such a stuffy corporate job.

Q: How long have you been a Stroller Strides Member and what
has Stroller Strides done for you?

A:  I’ve been a member since February 2009. Stroller Strides has made a huge improvement to my life since I moved to San Antonio. Not only do I get out of the house every day, but I’ve met a really great group of women who have become my friends. I also really enjoy all of the LUNA activities like lunch after class, and MNO.  From a lifestyle perspective, SS has really helped me become a more healthier person by being more active and more fit….I’ve lost a little over 30lbs and I’ve gone down 3 dress sizes since joining!

Q: What are some of your favorite things (besides your husband
and kids!)?

A: I love to cook and entertain. Even at other people’s parties, I seem to always end up in the kitchen helping out. I also love to travel! I’ve been to so many places, and yet there are so many more to go! So far, Rhyllie has been a great traveler. We’ve planned another trip to Hawaii next February, so we’ll see how well she does with two long flights!

Q:  Tell us something about you that would surprise us.

A: When I graduated from college, before the CSI TV shows made it cool, I as a forensic chemist/investigator for the Osceola County Sherriff’s office in Orlando, Florida. I loved it. It was tough dealing with some of the cases, and the hours could be long, but it was exciting. Unfortunately, it doesn’t pay all that well, and with $60K in student loans to pay, plus rent, car, etc, I reluctantly sold my soul to the computer tech world. For the record, being a forensic investigator is nothing like CSI….if it was, I would be living it up in Vegas baby!

Q: If we asked your husband what he thought your best qualities
are, what would he say for personality? physically?

A: Funny thing is I had to ask him! 🙂  He said personality wise, he loves my independence. Physically, he says he likes my “sculpted” abdominals. Huh??? I guess he must be remembering my pre-baby tummy! 🙂

If you would like to nominate a mom for Mom of the Month, please email Bernadette with the name of who you would like to nominate and the reasons why you think she’s the North San Antonio Mom of the Month.

August Mom of the Month: Amanda Hernandez

August’s Mom of the Month is Amanda Hernandez.

Amanda has been a member of North San Antonio Stroller Strides since spring of 2008. We all love Amanda’s quick wit. And if she isn’t making us laugh, then it is her oldest daughter Zoe who is stealing the show.

Thanks for being North San Antonio’s Mom of the Month, Amanda!

Who are the members of your family?

My wonderful hubby Paul, his daughter Andrea 17, and our two overly active kids Zoe 4 and Amirah 2.

What was/is your previous and/or current career?

I have always worked in the lending department at banks and/or credit unions.

How long have you been a Stroller Strides Member and what has Stroller Strides done for you?

I have been a member of Stroller Strides of North San Antonio since its debut in Spring of 2008, however because of the excruciating heat have been more of an absentee this summer:)

What are some of your favorite things (besides your husband and kids!)?

I love to shop…I seriously think that I have a shopping addiction:)  Also I like to spend time with friends: lunches, more shopping, etc….

Tell us something about you that would surprise us.

I am super shy and have quite an anxiety issue when it comes to new people and groups.  However, once I get to know you it’s hard to get me to be quiet:)

If we asked your husband what he thought your best qualities are, what would he say for personality? physically?

Okay, I have no idea why but physically it would be my butt, I guess it’s good that one of us likes it:) Personality would have to be my dry sense of humor, which some don’t know how to take.

If you would like to nominate a mom for Mom of the Month, please email Bernadette with the name of who you would like to nominate and the reasons why you think she’s the North San Antonio Mom of the Month.

July Mom of the Month: Vanessa Palumbo

North San Antonio Stroller Strides is excited to announce our first Mom of the Month, Vanessa Palumbo.

Who are the members of your family?

My husband Mark and I have been together since 2001, when we were seniors in high school. We have been married since 2007. Anabella Poppy was born September 14th, 2008. We also have two dogs, Rocco and Lola, and three cats Jorja, Boots, and Mary.

What was/is your previuos or current career?

I was working for TSS Photography as the Photography Director.

How long have you been a member of North San Antonio Stroller Strides, and what has Stroller Strides done for you?

I have been a member of Stroller Strides for three weeks. Attending Stroller Strides in the mornings has given me energy to get things done throughout the day. Before, I would slowly wake up, eat a late breakfast and my day never really “began.” Now we get up at 7, eat breakfast, get some chores done around the house, and then head off to class. When I get home, I am wide awake and know exactly what I need to accomplish that day. It doesn’t mean it all gets done everyday, life does get in the way, but I am much more likely to take care of business.

What are some of your favorite things (besides your husband and kids)?

Right now my absolute favs are audiobooks. It’s like watching a movie except in your head so you can still walk around and get other things done. I also am loving bird feeders. That could be because of how excited everyone, baby, cats, and dogs get when the birds come to eat. We especially love hummingbirds. The tree outside of the breakfast nook looks like a Christmas tree!

Tell us something that would surprise us.

I try to save everything. Not in a crazy hoarder kind of way! I will save scorpions, bees, wasps, and spiders, even the poisonous ones. My husband calls me to take care of the bugs if the get in the house. I saved two rat snakes from my in-laws house. They were wrapped around as outdoor speaker and in big trouble for eating baby birds. I have also driven backwards down the highway on the way to Chorpus Christi to get a tortoise from the side of the road because it was walking into traffic.

If we asked your husband what he thought your best qualities are, what we he say for personality? Physically?

Umm…physically is easy, he’d say my butt. I don’t think I have a nice butt, so I have no clue why he likes it. His favorite part of my personality is how affectionate I am. Not just with him. I am just an affectionate person, I guess because that’s the way my mom is. She hugs everyone. I guess everyone needs a hug sometimes.

Thanks, Vanessa, for being our first ever Mom of the Month. We are so happy to have you at North San Antonio Stroller Strides!