I’m a content creator and writer at-my-core, but I’m as equally proud to be a wife and obsessive dog and cat mom 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. And yes, our names rhyme. It’s adorable … and also puke worthy. But mostly adorable.

My (fur) children

Clyde (a Rottweiler/Boxer mix, ever-loyal, protective and cuddly) and Thor (the softest, long-haired, gray and cream cat who is a tad psycho and meows at empty corners of the house incessantly — probably ghosts, TBH).

Favorite reads

Nothing has topped “Three Women,” by Lisa Taddeo for a long while — it’s a must read. In addition to that, I would say these are the novels I bring up most often in recent conversation: “The Corpse Had a Familiar Face,” by Edna Buchanan, “Tiny, Beautiful Things,” by Cheryl Strayed, “On the Come Up,” by Angie Thomas, “The Heart’s Invisible Furies,” by John Boyne and “I’m Glad My Mom Died,” by Jeanette McCurdy.

Favorite place I’ve traveled to

In the states? Boston. I loved the atmosphere, the food, the people. Overseas? Scotland. It’s beautiful, the people are hilarious and wonderful and I’m drawn to the cultural, historical architecture, monuments and stories. 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 bougee mood, I’ll devour east coast oysters by the dozen with shoestring fries and a gin martini 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. “Hey, Siri — play ‘Head Over Heels,’ by Tears for Fears.” BRB, gonna go scream-sing this in my car on the way to the grocery store …

My teams

My alma mater, Oklahoma State Cowboys (“Loyal and true … SO! TRUE!”), and the Denver Broncos (“IN. COM. PLETE.”). I take football … too seriously — nicely put. So don’t expect an invite to come over and watch the game. No offense, but 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 under a cuddle pile of my fur children — with the occasional pug or bulldog we’re fostering — on the couch binge watching a drama/thriller/documentary show series/film with a bag of Dot’s pretzels nearby. I’ve fallen in love with fostering — and do so for a multitude of rescues in the greater Austin area — but I have a life outside of my pets and rescuing pups, I swear! When it’s hot (and it almost always is) I’m at the lake with a fully stocked cooler, 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 at small dive bars, dancing my tush off at a music festival, going on an Airbnb getaway with my girlies or annoying my husband while he’s playing video games because he’s not giving me enough attention.

My dream vacation

Japan. My husband 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 will be to find a hole-in-the-wall ramen spot and then run full speed into a sea of cherry blossom trees.

Other random quirks that make me — me

Collecting/burning luxury candles, drinking exceptionally tasty coffee, sweating profusely during my hot yoga 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, sleeping in too late on the weekends, trying new food and 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, shouting at “The Bachelor” or “The Bachelorette” on TV whenever they give the final rose of the night to that one contestant we all know producers are just keeping on the show for the entertainment factor, 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 to the entire house, host spontaneous karaoke/dance parties in my living room by myself for 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.