Who Is Your Mom-Some Info for my kids

In a recent post, I wrote about my life experiences in a few short paragraphs. After I reread it I realized that I had a lot more things that I could have listed that my kids might find interesting to know about me.

Ok. Maybe not interested but at least worthy of reading about.

So this post is like an un-organized, walk down memory lane for me and, hopefully, a way to show them I am not quite as boring as they think I am.

Who am I kidding? They will still find me boring but that’s alright.

Abbreviated time-line of my life until you guys knew me

Born at Presbyterian Hospital in New York on May 29, 1967

Parents Genia Gray Morehead and David Roy Fogelson

As a young child, I lived in New York and then moved to Mississippi where Aunt Susie was born.

Moved to Downey, California when I was still little.

Grew up in Sherman Oaks and Encino, California and continued to live in the San Fernando Valley until I left for college.

Went to high school during the Frank Zappa “Valley Girl” song era and did not enjoy it. I mean the song. Not high school! I loved high school!

My first car was a camaro.

Was almost a straight-A student in junior and senior high school and gave the valedictorian speech in junior high school. Had to picture everyone in their underwear because I was so nervous.

Was a cheerleader in high school and eventually became the co-captain of the squad.

My first job was as counter help at the Swiss Bakery(gigantic, delicious croissants) where I learned how to make foamy milk cappuccinos. My next two jobs were as a hostess(complete with costume and all) at Que Pasa and Los Arcos. Both were popular Mexcian restaurants in the Valley.

Went to the University of Santa Cruz. It was the only university that I applied to so I was happy when I was accepted. Made some awesome friends(one I am still in contact with) and even became a certified Naui scuba diver.

Stage director for a theater production in college.

Spent a year abroad in France during my third year of university. Lived with a wonderful family in Montfavet and had the best time eating, traveling, and being in France.

Had to leave France before the year was done because my mom’s colon cancer had progressed to the point of no return.

She died when I was 17. We were all at her bedside; it was the most excruciating moment of my life up until then. I was numb for weeks.

When I returned to school for my fourth year I was on track to major in French Literature; until I failed a class and realized it wasn’t as interesting as originally thought.

After a meeting with a counselor, I discovered that I was only 3 classes away from completing a major in Psychology…so I switched.

Moved to San Francisco after college and worked for two really high-end caterers.

Attended The California Culinary Academy in San Francisco until I stopped to join the Cirque du Soleil.

Met your dad in Santa Monica, CA which was my first town as kitchen help with the Cirque.

Did an apprenticeship with a chocolate maker and eventually took over his company Pink Whale Chocolatiers with my partner and friend Michael Grofe.

“Famous” people that I have met…that you probably don’t know

David Hartman…a well-known American journalist. I was 7 and was seated next to him on a flight from Reno.

James Taylor…famous American singer. “Met” him at the postal counter in Alleys on the Martha’s Vineyard. In truth, I was so star struck I couldn’t actually talk to him.

Pat Sajak…host of Wheel of Fortune. When I was a contestant on Teen Week during high school.

Air Supply…favorite group growing up. Met the duo backstage after a concert in California. In fact, I met them twice but the first time I was too emotional and couldn’t talk. The second time was several years later and I handled myself much better.

Things I did that I probably shouldn’t have…but am glad that I did

Tasted way too many types of cheese in France. Even then they had over 400 kinds.

Also, I walked across the top of the Pont du Gard. A very old(1963 years), extremely high(160 ft), un-railed Roman aqueduct on a particularly windy day. Seemed like a good idea at the time.

Bought a scooter while in France and tried to ride to Dijon(about 235 miles). It rained the whole way and I was miserable. I stopped in Lyon(about halfway) after 10 hours of riding to re-evaluate my plan. While I slept that night someone stole the scooter from in front of my hotel; thus making my choice for me. I learned a lot about choices, decisions, and consequences on that trip.

Places I have been lucky enough to visit

Spain, Japan, Ireland, England, Mexico, Greece, Jamaica, Hawaii, and France(lived in Montfavet but also visited or spent time in Avignon, Paris, Nimes, Lyon, and several cities in the south). I have also been lucky enough to scuba dive in Jamaica, Cancun, Northern California, and Hawaii.

Some memorable moments…beautiful and painful…

Coming home from a wool festival, here in Quebec, on a beautiful fall day. With the late afternoon sun streaming through the window, I watched the three of you sleeping in the backseat and experienced pure joy and love.

Attended a Peace Memorial Ceremony in Hiroshima on August 6th. There was an evening ceremony where family lit lanterns to represent a loved one lost in the bombing. The lanterns were then placed in the river and allowed to float downstream.

Also visited the Holocaust Education Center in Fukuyama and that was extraordinarily powerful.

Spending the week with my terminally ill mom and my sister, dad, uncle, and aunts before she died.

Some of the cooler stuff I have done

Worked in the kitchen for the Cirque du Soleil during the California leg of their North American Tour

Owned a chocolate factory that made scrumptious chocolates and happy customers. Also adored working with my partner Michael.

While in Japan, I climbed Mount Fuji, slept in a true Buddhist temple, and visited Okunoin, Japan’s largest cemetery(your dad was there for everything except Mt. Fuji).

What have I learned so far?

Despite some rather difficult times, I have had a fabulous life so far!

Writing this post has been really interesting. I had to search through old photo albums and try and remember things that I haven’t thought about for a long while. I may have started writing it for posterity and my kids but ultimately it has been my stroll down memory lane.