Janet D. Wetzel
My name is Janet Wilson Wetzel , born in Seattle, WA. and moved down to Southern California when I was a wee thing. I grew up with a brother and 2 sisters. I had very loving parents, Jim and Maxine Wilson. Now, let’s skip a few years ahead.
I was a single mom to my daughter, Jayme and son, Joshua. I worked as a medical practice manager for a surgeon in the Bay Area in California for 20 years. I got both my children through high school and college and service in the Marine Corps
So about the time my daughter was picking a college, I did too. I earned a Web Design and Development degree from California State Hayward in 2001, which changed my course in life, and allowed me to pursue a totally different career.
Long story short, I went to my high school reunion in Southern California and reconnected with a boyfriend who convinced me to move to Portland, Oregon and then marry him in 2004.
In Portland, I started my business as a freelance web designer, developer, content writer and blogger. I had many local businesses, as my clients.
Early 2009 I got my real estate license and worked for Oregon Realty but the market was down and I was a terrible salesperson…. Loved doing the comps and estimates but just not sales, so my career was a relatively short one, to say the least. I did have a killer website, however.
In 2010, I was shocked to learn that I had developed breast cancer. So following 4 months of chemotherapy and 36 days of radiation, 2 surgeries later—– I survived to live another day. In order to really enjoy life I pretty much retired at that time.
Later 2010 I went down to the Willamette River, right in front of our condo and paddled in my first dragon boat. Many races later our crew earned a position to compete in Australia at the Club Crew World Event in 2016. We finished 6th in the World in the Senior C Women’s Division!! That is truly my best memory, there was at least 1 ½ years of preparation including team building, muscle building, and mental focus in order for all of us to make it to Australia.
I have 7 grandchildren ranging in ages from
7 to 20. I love to ride my Peloton Bike (the bike that goes nowhere fast). I really love Pilate classes 2 times a week (hard work) and of course paddle 3 times at least, per week. My Tilikum dragon boat team has actually placed in the top Women Divisions in the North West for at least 3 out of 5 races this year.
My volunteer duties are at Albertina Kerr Centers which empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I am a substitute driver for Meals on Wheels, delivering meals to seniors. On the board at Dragon Sports USA (non-profit group that own and operate the dragon boats on Willamette River) and report on safety conditions along the water. Am a member of Multnomah County River Advisory Group which meets once a month to discuss river safety.
One funny thing about me– is I am a Streaming Binger. I watched 67 episodes of Game of Thrones in six weeks. I enjoy a lot of the BBC shows on Netflix, Prime, Acorne and Hulu.
I am also mom to an aging Shih Tzu by the name of J. Kooper. He is thirteen years old and going strong. He can’t see anymore, has a loss of hearing and a touch of arthritis in his back but can sure wag that darn tail when I come home.
Update : My Sweet Boy, J. Kooper passed into heaven on 12/12/19.
Life is good in 2019 Karl, my husband and I have decided to devote more time to travel. We are planning a 21 day cruise through the Panama Canel in November. I just need to learn how to pack a smaller bag.
Update: 2021 Covid Vaccine second shot on 2/18/2021 , so soon we will be able to travel again.
Update: 2022 Covid Vaccine 4th booster shot and got Covid still on 10/31/2022- pretty easy recovery . Next 12/9/2022 we are traveling to Athens with a Viking Tour of the Greek Islands. Also planned to be in Cabo San Jose, Mexico in May 2023- Now planning to go back to Magdelana Bay and Cabo San Jose on 1/25/24 with the Johnstons. – I will make a report when we get back.
Just a few Pictures
Take a peek inside
I Never want to Forget 5/28/2010
