What’s your full name?

When I was little it was Heidi Ho Ho Ding Dong Chocodile, but now I just go by Heidi.

Were you named after anyone?

No. Funny story, though…

My parents liked alliteration and wanted my sisters and me to have names that started with L. My name was supposed to be Lynn, but they couldn’t find a middle name they liked, so I became Heidi Lynn.

 What’s your average day like?

I wake up early, and am on the go from the start. Between work, kids, pets, and household chores I try to squeeze in time to escape (either physically or mentally) from time to time. Then, I inevitably end up going to bed late. Sleep is overrated.

How far away do you live from where you were born?

I was born about 45 miles from where I live now. I moved away and came back several times.

What do you consider to be your “home”? 

I consider myself a Bay Area native. I feel like a fish out of water anywhere else.

What’s your ideal way to spend the holidays?

I love being anywhere there’s a house full of friends and family. The more to share it with, the better.

What items do you always take with you when you leave the house?

My phone and a sense of humor and adventure, even if it’s to just to raid the grocery store.

When you look in the mirror, what do you notice first?

Nowadays it’s my age. It used to be my weight.

If you could change something about your appearance, what would it be?

I’ve always wanted to be taller and thinner, but since my growth spurts  and metabolism have slowed considerably in the last 20 years, I’ll settle for wanting more tattoos.

What do you first notice in strangers?

I watch their mannerisms, notice their tone of voice, and get an immediate sense of their energy.

What do think people say about you?

I once worked with a woman who thought I was totally straight laced and kind of a goody two shoes. She soon realized that she had been way off the mark and we had a good laugh about it.

What would you hope they would say?

This makes me think of my funeral…

I hope they would say it’s better with me around than when I’m gone. That I bring something worthwhile to their time with me.

What is your proudest moment? Biggest victory?

My biggest victory so far has been keeping my kids alive long enough to see them grow into free thinking, creative, intelligent, amazing young people. They’re making far better choices than I made at their ages, and I hope it’s partly because of me. I know it’s mostly because of them, though.

What is your biggest regret? Biggest failure?

My biggest regret is the pain I caused my family when I ran away from home at 17. I don’t regret the life changing experiences I had on the road, though. After that, more than anything, I regret the things I haven’t done. I’ve put more dreams on hold than I’ve pursued. It’s a work in progress.

If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?

Some days, everything. Mostly, I’m learning to accept where I am in the moment so I can grow from there.

What makes life worth living?

My kids. Good friends. Art. Music. Laughter. The sound of rain on the roof.

But if you ask my kids, one would say nothing, and the other would say butts, and petting cats.

What is the one rule you try to live by? Do you feel successful at following it?

Don’t be a dick. Sometimes I fail.