About me

Talk to me at jesshoward@shaw.ca

My name is Jess Howard. I am a recently single mother of four beautiful children; Tristan, Toby, Eliza and Parker. They are 10, 8, 6 and 4 respectively. We live in a very small town on Vancouver Island in a little 100 year old house that is heated by an electric stove. We also use an outhouse - kidding.

I am an animal lover and the former owner of dozens of chickens whom i miss. I have two dogs - Doodle and Lucy a Schnoodle and a Mini Schnauzer. I also have two orange and white kitties - Hobbes and Marmalade. I can often be seen at the side of the road pointing out deer and other wildlife to my kids for the umpteenth time.

I have suffered from depression and social anxiety my entire life. Much of this website chronicles that struggle.

In July 2007 i attempted suicide and blogged through it and my hospitalizations before and after that. In September 2007 my husband of thirteen years and i split up and i began a journey to, what i hope will be, a better life.

I went back to work in 2007 as a professional server, or waitress for you old schoolers, at a couple fine dining establishments. Though people may frown on this job i make more money in a shorter period of time than most other people. Not that i'm defensive.

I am a University Graduate with a degree in Women's Studies and a degree in English. I have been known to use my education on rare occasions.

I am in love with music. I listen to music morning till night, my taste leaning towards what we GenX'ers called "Indie." But, i also like Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan.

I am proud to be canadian, most of the time.

I have been writing here at drowninginkids for four years. I also founded RealMental with LeahPeah.

That would be about it. Thanks for reading.