Karen55

I am a retired Executive Administrative Assistant, grandmother of three, mother of one son, wife of one (so far) sister, cousin, and friend... I love to cruise and think it's the only vacation around!!! I've had some incredible experiences in my life and have had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world.

I was in international business and spent the majority of my career with The Birmingham International Festival in Birmingham, Alabama. The non-profit organization has brought a bit of the world to Birmingham for over 50 years sharing culture, business, art, music, history and education expanding the relationships with others without a political agenda. A very unique approach to learning about other countries and building bridges of understanding that work to build long lasting relationships that stand the test of time through business and education. Some of the more notable visitors to Birmingham during my tenure with the Festival were former President of South Africa, F. W. DeKlerk and Bishop Desmond Tutu during the 2002 Salute to South Africa.

My full time working career in 2005 ended after having a stroke at the age of 50. At that time, I was the Executive Administrative Assistant to the President and CEO of the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce.

After the stroke, I had to learn how to walk, talk, type and do just about everything all over again. No, I never had high blood pressure. I was not over-weight. I walked 5 miles a day, ate a healthy diet, watched my fat intake, calories, sugar, etc. I did everything you are supposed to do, but still had a stroke... why you may ask? They ran every test known to man, and determined that i had a blood clot that blocked one little vein in my temple in front of my right ear... If you have seen the photo of the new ad for stroke prevention that shows the blockage in front of the ear... well that's where mine was... Thank goodness I was at the hospital within 20 minutes of having the stroke and they were able to give me the 'clot' shot that took care of that blockage... it saved my life and kept me from suffering too many permanent effects of the stroke. I still have some side effects, such as memory loss and I stutter when I get tired or when I can't remember something and I try too hard to remember... but I do the best I can ...

I love being here on Cruise Crazies and look forward to being involved with you nice people... Thanks for taking time to read a bit about me...

Karen