Kathy Hansen

Born and raised in California and have not done much traveling. I grew up in Sunnyvale in the same house since the age of 3 and I remember the first day we drove up to our brand new home. Growing up, I remember orchards all around us, where now there is only a small patch left a few miles away near a community center.

I graduated from Fremont High, in Sunnyvale, but didn't go to a 4 year college like most of the people I work with. I instead, took advantage of some of the ceritifcation progams and was able to find work in that particular area of business. Somehow, I got a break into the Software industry working for Borland. Then Netscape. What an experience that was. I was an AA for one of the first employees that made up Netscape. 200 employees at the time and it grew so fast, I hardly new anyone anymore and I was considered a "long timer". Of course then came AOL, then the layoff and I was forced to look for another career. Nursing is what I decided on. Started as a Nurses Assitant. Worked with old folks, then hospitals. Back breaking work but very rewarding. After 5 years, had the opportunity to come back to the software industry. Ad.com needed an assistant. Then again, came AOL, and here I am. Worked for Nescape and AOL combined for 8 years until layoff. Now I have been back 3 years.

My hobbies and interests are in drawing and art. I do some crafting, but not as easy for me. I have many ideas, but there is not much extra time to figure them out and actually make them. I show my art and crafting items at the bigger flea markets like DeAnza, Chibot and Ohlone colleges. Each year I do better and become more confident. This is what I do most of the time now a days, but just want to add too....my daughter, Laura, just had her first baby. As I am not ready to be called Granny, I am very much in love with the little one and very proud of my daughter. My daughter turned out wonderfully, even if my parenting skills were not natural to me. We got through it and she is smart and beautiful. I think she will contribute something wonderful to this world.

Not sure what to write about now except at this stage in my life I am still questioning: what is my purpose in life,and trying to make the best of it all.