I’m a enthusiastic content creator and writer, but at my core — as the kids say — I’m just a girl who loves exploring her native city; learning and growing with the world around her.

Currently live in

Austin, Texas — born and raised. I have a 512 area code; I’m the real deal. A unicorn, one may say.

My life partner

My high school crush I brainwashed into marrying me — Aaron. Yes, our names rhyme. It’s adorable … and also puke worthy. But mostly adorable.

My (fur) children

Bear (the most goofy, 140 lb. baby in German Rottweiler-form we foster failed from the Austin Bulldog Rescue. Yes, you read that right; it’s a long story.), Clyde (a Rottweiler/Boxer mix who’s ever-loyal, protective and cuddly) and Thor (a silky-soft, long-haired gray and cream kitty who is a tad psycho and meows at empty corners of the house incessantly — probably ghosts).

Favorite reads

Recently, nothing has topped “Careless People,” by Sarah Wynn Williams. It’s a must read and one of many reasons I’ve opted-out of social media. In addition, I would say these are the novels I bring up most often in conversation lately: “Generation Dread,” by Britt Way, “Rejection,” by Tony Tulathimutte, “Three Women,” by Lisa Taddeo, “I’m Glad My Mom Died,” by Jeanette McCurdy and “Tender is the Flesh,” by Agustina Bazterrica.

Favorite place I’ve traveled to

In the states? Boston. I love the atmosphere, the food, the people. Overseas? Scotland. The scenery is stunning, the people are hilarious and wonderful plus, I’m drawn to the cultural, historical architecture and monuments. Trip highlight: I got to shout, “FREEEEEEEDDDDDDDOOOOOOMMMMMMMMM!,” at the highest peak of the William Wallace monument after climbing a 246-step spiral staircase (IYKYK).

Favorite local meal

An avocado margarita with homemade pork and chicken tamales at Curra’s Grill. But if it’s a “treat yoself!” kind of day or if I’m in a particularly bougie mood, I’ll devour east coast oysters by the dozen with shoestring fries and a gin and tonic at Clark’s Oyster Bar.

Favorite animal

Giraffes. I have a giraffe figurine in every single room of our home. I also have a giant giraffe stuffed plush animal in my office, lurking in the background … being a fly on the wall on that one Zoom call to see if you were actually on mute or if you just weren’t paying attention. He’s watching you.

Favorite decade

The '80s — no contest. Musically and culturally. A forever favorite quote: “I just want to let them know that they didn’t break me.”

My teams

My alma mater, Oklahoma State Cowboys (“Loyal and true … SO! TRUE!”), and the Denver Broncos (“IN. COM. PLETE.”). I take football a bit too seriously. So don’t expect an invite to come over and watch the game. No offense; it’s for your own good.

If I had a theme song for my life

It would be “That’s Not My Name,” by The Ting Tings. Except the chorus would go something like …

“They call me Karen. They call me Terry. They call me her. They call me Tara. That’s not my name.”

Am I exaggerating? I wish. It’s pronounced as Tear-in. T-a-r-y-n. Not that hard, y’all.

Where you can find me off the clock

I’m usually found suffocating under a cuddle pile of my fur children binge watching a drama/thriller/documentary show/series/film. When it’s hot (and it almost always is) I’m at the lake with a fully stocked cooler of snacks and sparkling beverages, music blaring while hoarding all of the SPF 70 sunscreen. When it’s cold, I avoid the great outdoors at all costs and build an igloo of blankets on top of me with a book in hand. I’m also known to be hanging out with friends-who-feel-like-family at small dive bars, dancing my tush off at a music festival, going on an Airbnb getaway with my girlies or annoying Aaron while he’s playing video games because he’s not giving me enough attention.

My dream vacation

Japan. Aaron and I have said since the dawn of our relationship that when we make it to our 10-year anniversary, we’d go to Japan to celebrate. Our very first quest when we arrive is to find a hole-in-the-wall ramen spot and then sprint full speed into a sea of cherry blossom trees.

Other random quirks that make me, me

Collecting/burning luxury candles, sipping exceptionally strong coffee, sweating profusely during hot yoga/pilates classes, supporting/browsing the local farmer’s market, hunting for art by local, independent artists, saying ‘y’all’ an excessive amount, staying up past my bedtime, testing out new local restaurants, making a case for why string cheese is the most underrated snack of all time, baking unique birthday cakes for friends and family, buying another pair of shoes I don’t need, catching a glimpse of dust on a surface to then conduct an overly thorough cleaning job upon my entire house, host spontaneous karaoke/dance parties in my living room for myself by myself, spending countless hours online shopping and then never buying anything, scrolling through all of my pet pictures on my phone (the only pictures on my phone) thinking about how I’m going to have to take bereavement leave when they pass away and if you’re still here after all that rambling — bless your heart and thank you for coming to my TED talk.