As the self-proclaimed Crazy Pug Lady, I proudly call Napa, CA, my hometown, where I was born and raised – long before it became all “fancy” and posh. Just like in the movie “Bottleshock,” which captured the essence of Napa in the 1970s, I experienced those iconic times growing up in Napa. Think back to the days of the legendary 1976 Paris wine tasting, the “Judgment of Paris” (Check out Bottleshock), which is precisely when I was growing up in Napa.
My parents owned a fabulous meat market (Schroeder’s Meat Market), where I spent my early years working. I even helped customers when I had to stand on a milk crate to see over the counter. I was a devoted carnivore until 1995! During my youth, I also worked at various wineries in Napa Valley. I served tables in multiple restaurants well into my mid-20s.
My daughter is an incredibly talented 26-year-old studying Environmental Science at UCLA. She embodies a dedication to sustainability, living a vegan lifestyle, and advocating for minimalism and zero-waste practices.
Now, let’s talk food! I’ve always been an adventurous eater, avoiding food monotony at all costs. Having the same meal repeatedly doesn’t sit well with me. I’m all about fun and variety. I make exceptions for dishes like pizza, soup, or Mexican food. I’m all about culinary variety, from trying new dishes to experimenting with cocktails and savoring the finest wines.
I have attended numerous Food, Wine & Cocktail Enthusiast courses, including Bootcamps and classes at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena and Napa, CA, The Pantry, Hot Stove Society (a Chef Tom Douglas company) and in Seattle, WA, The in Seattle and various others. I’m forever on the lookout for exciting classes to join because, well, I’m all about spicing up my culinary game and becoming a true maestro in the kitchen and behind the bar. Cheers to endless learning and epicurean adventures!
I’m an avid enthusiast of Wines, Sakes, Gins, Tequilas, Whiskeys, and a little bit of everything in between – because who can resist a good drink? Artichokes and potatoes in all their delicious forms are my ultimate comfort food; I can’t live without them.
When it comes to sports, you’ll find me cheering passionately for the San Jose Sharks and the spirited newcomers, the Seattle Kraken. I’m all about the excitement of the game! It’s a blast to see them play against each other too.
I’m absolutely, positively obsessed with music. I groove to everything; I’m smitten by a diverse mix of genres, including rock, metal, alternative, country, classical, and jazz scenes. It’s a musical adventure that never stops. Live shows? I can’t get enough of them, whether they’re in massive arenas, intimate clubs, or dive bars. My day starts with music and ends with it – there’s never a moment when the tunes aren’t rolling, setting the soundtrack for my life! I also love going to plays, musicals, and comedy shows.
I’m the devoted human to three of the most magnificent Pugs in the cosmos, affectionately known as “The Pugnado.” First in line is Mochi, whose namesake is the sweet, delectable Mochi ice cream dessert. Next, we have Mushu, named after the fiery dragon in Mulan. He joined our family after the sudden loss of our beloved Shiro at the tender age of 7 years. He was named after the renowned Seattle Sushi chef, Shiro Kashiba.
Then came 2020, bringing my first black Pug and my first-ever female Pug, Anni-Frid, affectionately referred to as Anastasia Beaverhausen, hailing from The Pug Queen in Los Angeles, CA. The Pugnado is my universe, providing unwavering companionship through the sunny and stormy days of life. My journey with Pugs spans nearly 28 years, during which I dedicated myself to rescuing and fostering for several years. Although my current schedule doesn’t permit fostering, I wholeheartedly support all animal rescue efforts through donations and various forms of assistance.
I have lived in many cities, from Napa to San Leandro, Hayward, Redwood City, Foster City, and Burlingame. Then Vacaville, Winters, Placerville, Davis, and Folsom. That is a lot of moving! I am currently residing in Seattle, where there is an endless amount of food and drink to explore. However, in 2024, I will return to California, this time Southern California, to be closer to my daughter and embark on new, exciting adventures!
To quote Forrest Gump, “That’s all I have to say about that.”
Cheers!