Hi, I’m Huffygirl, aka Donna. I’m a nurse practitioner, who lives in the most outstandingly beautiful state of Michigan.
When I started this blog, I was planning to focus on presenting health and wellness information in an easy to understand format. Along the way, I found out that while we all need good information to stay healthy, it needs to be balanced with things that bring us love and laughter. As my blog has evolved, I’ve tried to sprinkle in my healthy posts among a mix of satire, introspection and other writings. I hope that my satirical rants, musings about life, and humor bring clarity, insight and laughter to readers grappling with life and health issues.
Besides blogger I am a runner, traveler, gardener, Scrabble player, wife, mom, grandma and University of Michigan alum. And yes, I’m still waging my one-woman war against cheese.
© Huffygirl 2020
I’m in a book – Really! Check it out at Createspace or Amazon. All profits go to this charity to support Huntington’s disease.
Howdy, Huffygirl, found your site via workingtechmom. You and I have a few things in common so I thought I’d say hi. I am working on becoming a nurse, maybe a nurse practicioner someday, and I ride a bike, and I’m a mom and a gardener, and I’m busy! Wondering what your take is on nurse vs. NP, drop me line if you have a minute, Thanks, Zahara
Another cyclist/blogger – guess I’m not unique after all 🙂 Thanks for reading.
Hi – found your site after one of your posts was Freshly Pressed (congrats!) Enjoyed a few posts and wandered here to find that WP misdirected one of your comments. I believe your 1/30/11 @ 8:58am comment was originally destined for your Darn You, Hershey post!
Good catch – thanks for finding that. I think I fixed it – we’ll see where it pops up next. Thanks for stopping by.
Hey Huffygirl,
Just wanted to let you know that I named you to receive the highly prestigious Stylish Blogger Award.
Here’s the link:
http://margaretreyesdempsey.wordpress.com/2011/02/05/did-you-hear-im-stylish/
Thanks, I think. Looks like this will take a little time to put together!
It was quite the project…but fun in the end. Don’t feel obligated if you don’t have the time.
Thanks. I wasn’t quite sure what to do. I felt honored that you picked me but I wasn’t sure if I had the time to thoughtfully pick 5 other blogs etc. Do you know who originated this idea? It looks like it’s been going on for a while?
I have no idea. I think it may have been created on the eighth day. 😉
Maybe I’ll direct my stylish blogger post to finding the source then 🙂
Brilliant blog!
Thanks vegetarian blogger! Is Dr. Who still on in the UK?
Hi Donna – I found you from the most recent The Daily Post. I saw a lot of similarities to our reasons for starting a blog – and my 1 year anniversary is this month too. It was even more surprising to find out that we are both living in Michigan. I’ve really enjoyed poking around your world this morning. Thanks for sharing.
Congrats on your one year blogaversary! I took a peek at your blog and saw lots of creativity – looks like you’ve been having fun with it. Since we’re both blogging in Michigan, we’ll probably run into each other sometime. Will you be the one in the pajamas? 🙂
Hi Donna,
I’d like to invite you to participate in my research: “What Do Bloggers Want to Preserve? Defining the ‘Essence’ of User-Generated Content for Preservation.” This study will gain an understanding of how bloggers value their blogs and what elements bloggers think are important for preservation.
You are being asked to participate because your blog posts are tagged as being related to the theme of travel in one of the blog-hosting services and because your blog is not hosted by any commercial agency. Your participation is completely voluntary.
The survey is NOW OPEN and will remain open until midnight (EDT) 20 April 2011. If you are interested and would like to part in take the survey, please visit this URL: http://bloggersurvey.web.unc.edu/
Thank you in advance for considering participation in my study, and please
feel free to pass along this survey to others who might be interested!
Ayoung Yoon
Doctoral Student
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
School of Information and Library Science
Hi,
You stopped in and commented on one of my posts (about blog chainmail) posting lies/truth and passing the honor on to a few others! It’s certainly fun, but not really an “award.” 🙂 I found I like living in the world of make-believe and posting a few good “lies.” HA!
As promised, I’m visiting your site and clicking around to read various posts. First thing I noticed, wow so colorful and pretty! Vibrant flowers as the header, yea!
I’m in Southern California, and every person I meet and really like (not from this area), seem to be Michigan born. Both Michigan and MN people seem to have the best sense of humors and I just really enjoy their company!
Hopefully, we’ll stop by and visit one anothers blogs frequently.
See you soon,
Sandi
Thanks for stopping Sandi. I think I found your blog through Nathan’s. (Badlandsbadley) He found mine through my post about blueberry muffins when he wrote his post about trying to avoid muffins at the office.
I’m glad you’re finding we Michiganders likeable. I think that anyone who grows up living in a state with constantly unpredicable weather, and lakes that we swim in only a couple months after they were frozen for the winter, is usually a hearty, happy-go-lucky soul. Look how much we have to put up with. Yes, I know you have earthquakes and mudslides and maybe that trumps cold, but then you’ve never lived in Michigan in winter.
I’m sure I’ll stop by your blog again – in fact I just did.
huffy girl!!! i think ur blog is so cool!!! loved ur pic with your cycle!!! nice to meet you !!!
Thanks Eva626. Welcome aboard. Glad you stopped by.
Heehhehe…I just realized we have the same first name…glad I found your blog!!
Yes I just found that out too looking at your blog. It must be a sign…
love and laughter!! isn´t that all one needs?
landed on your blog through a comment. glad i did.
cheers,
Samyak
ThoughtTavern
love and laughter!! isn´t that all one needs?
landed on your blog through a comment. glad i did.
cheers,
Samyak
ThoughtTavern
Glad you did. Thanks for stopping by. I found your blog interesting as well.
Congratulations!! You have been awarded The Versatile Blogger Award. Stop by at comingeast.com to see more details.
Thanks for the honor CE! As I’ve already recieved the Stylish Blogger Award, which is quite similiar, I’ll have to decline this one. However, interested readers who really want to know more about me than they already do can see my 100% true take on the origin of the Stylish Blogger Award https://huffygirl.wordpress.com/2011/02/12/the-true-story-of-the-stylish-blogger-award/ and my acceptance of the award requirements https://huffygirl.wordpress.com/2011/02/16/by-popular-demand/
Meanwhile, Coming East has posted some fascinating facts about herself which I hope all readers will check out on her link above.
Surfing the waves of the web I am pleasantly stranded in your interesting blog.
I write under the pseudonym of Josè Pascal (a descendant of the great Colonel Aureliano Buendía).
I invite you to visit my “italianglish” writing blog http://parolesemplici.wordpress.com/mytinbox/.
I define this blog “In parole Semplici” as a “virtuacultural tin” box where they are guarded thoughts, memories, images, sounds, and simple stories”.
I dream an intercultural blog. Already involves more than 100 authors/friends.
If you want to participate and to have more informations send me a letter to inparolesempli@gmail.com
Good life and I hope to soon
Thanks for stopping by Jose. I’m glad to see you have a translate button on your blog, as I have no skills in italian.
But there are works in italian and in english.
If you want pubblish your english works into my tin you are welcome 😉
Thanks Jose. The translator was helpful.
If you don’t mind me saying so I think that the ‘Huffy’ has served you very well and now that you ride an up-to-date version of the Huffy I guess that you are fully enjoying the many benefits of same… lol
Have a very nice rest of day now Donna…
Androgoth
Why thank you Androgoth. I still have my old Huffy. Even though it’s not the best bike to ride, I have not been able to bring myself to get rid of it.
I hope that you are having a really great week Huffygirl, it is a very long time since my last visit but it is very nice to see you soooooo busy blogging away and hopefully still riding around on ‘Huffy’ whenever the mood takes you of course… Do have a delightful Thursday with lashings of everything you enjoy the most 🙂 And be good, if you can I mean? 😛
Androgoth Xx
I’ll do my best to be good, Androgoth. I am still riding around on my Huffy, although with cold weather creeping in, not as much as I would like, and still blogging away as life allows. Hope you have a good weekend.
Looks like I landed in the the right spot!
“Along the way I found out that although folks need health information to stay healthy, they first need love and laughter.”
I look forward to reading more of your musings, Donna.
I’m glad you enjoyed it suitablefish, and I hope you do stop by again. Thanks for your kind words!
Hi,
Thanks for your comment! I’m glad I did the tri. And I had a new granddaughter born the same weekend. Still prefer cycling to all else.
In fact we’ll be in Michigan at the end of Sept. to watch our daughter play tennis (she’s at Kenyon)- and we’re bringing our bikes. I’ll add you to my blogroll- still learning the ins and outs of wordpress. Nice to “meet” other cycling grandmas!
Thanks cycling grandma. A new granddaughter and a tri on the same weekend is quite a rush – can’t get much better than that! There are some paved urban cycling/walking trails in my area, but if you want to bike with any speed they’re not for you. They tend to be pretty crowded with strollers, families with kids on bikes and rollerbladers when the weather is good. If you like mountain biking there is a rail to trail with a stone surface – definitely not for road bikes though. I take my chances on the local roads. I can email you a couple 25-30 miles routes if you’re interested. Hope you have a good visit.
Thank you so much for your visit to my blog, and taking the time to leave a nice comment. I see we have kindred interests in biking (although mine is inside on a fluid trainer out of the UV/sun or only at sunrise/sunset,) crosswords and positive approaches to health. I would be honored any time you would want to chime in with helpful comments on any medical issues on my blog. Thanks! Lupus Adventurer
Thanks for stopping by here as well. I’m sure we’ll run into each other again. I have a fluid trainer too, although lately I’ve been eschewing it to try spin class. I’m not sure I can stand another winter of biking in the basement.
Hi, I liked your comment on Rhythm in The Daily Post. This is how I found your blog. I’m already a great-grandmother living not far from Sydney, Australia. I’m very interested in health issues too. I’m looking forward to reading more of your blogs.
Thanks Aunty Uta. I hope you stop by again and share your comments. I have some older posts about exercise and food that might interest you. I’m waging a one woman war to cure the obesity problem in the states, but I don’t think I’m making much progress.
I came across your blog from a comment you left on The Daily Post at WordPress.com (Erica’s The Blogger Behind the Curtain” post), talking about how to introduce ourselves on our About page. So . . . I checked out yours as you said you had just update it – and I liked what I saw! You have a great blog, and happy to know you.
Barb, thanks for your kind words and for stopping by. I checked out your “About” as well. Hope you will stop by again and share your thoughts.
Thanks for stopping in on my blog. We probably do have much in common with our nursing backgrounds. My long-time nursing friend was an NP. I’m heading for our 50th Blodgett reunion next year. I don’t know a Dr. Brian Roelofs though. Love your mixture of health and healthy fun things in your blog. Mine has turned out to be a mixture too. See you around in this blog world!
thanks Lois, and thanks for stopping by.
HG–I nominated you for the “Versatile Blogger Award”. Not sure exactly what this does for you (or me, or anyone!), but there you go. I guess I’ll find out. Have a great week and Happy Thanksgiving.
Best,
Suzanne
Thanks Suzanne. It will take me a little while to work on this.
Hi Donna a/k/a Huffy Girl! I wound up here from Martin’s blog and am pleased to see you are a fellow Michigander! Fun! I live in Bloomfield Hills. How about you? Nice space you have here. Margie
Hi Margie, thanks for stopping by. I am in southwest Michigan. It’s interesting to hear how we get from one blog to another. I hope you stop by again.
I love how you embrace life. For the past year, so much trials came my way but then I realized life is too short to be sad. It needs to be celebrated. To face the day happy and hopeful. 2012, I vow to search for more meaningful journeys… And happy ones of course. Have a great New Year. I’m glad I found your blog and the inspiration it brings.
I’m glad to hear it speaks to you. I guess finally got old enough a while back to realized life was too short to not embrace and appreciate it, so I guess that is what’s coming through in my blog. I hope 2012 is a better year for you, and in the meantime, I hope this blog continues to inspire you and others. Thanks for your encouraging words.
http://lucidgypsy.wordpress.com/2012/02/27/tag-youre-it/
Thanks Gilly.
Hi Huffygirl, I’ve nominated you for the Sunshine Award – but no need to accept if it isn’t your thing!
Sharon, thanks for the honor.
Hi,
Just gave you the Good Apple Award. Have fun!
Thanks Lisa. This may take me some time to put together. In the meantime, I hope readers will swing over to your blog to see your interesting answers.
dropped by accidentally…enjoyed your blog…made me laugh…wishing for the best
Glad you did. Thanks for stopping by and for the good wishes. All best to you with your blog.
I need to follow another fabulous blog like I need a hole in my head, but you’re a fellow Michigan person, don’t post too often, and seem to be a hoot. Aaand, my wife and I have lately (and not by design) cultivated a real appreciation for nurses, RNs, NPs, doctors, etc. etc. etc. So my first comment to you is: Thank you!
Wow, Sid, I’m honored. I hope I live up to your expectations and continue to be a hoot. That is indeed what I strive for most of the time. Thanks for stopping in.
Hi Donna,
I was on a site for the 830th brigade and saw that you had found a pic of the unit. Could you please email that to me. It would mean so much. We have been searching for something of my grandfather (Walter L. Woodard), it seems like forever. Thanks so much!!!!!!
Hi LaTricia,
Unfortunately the photo is too big to email – it is about 8 inches by 24 inches and I have it framed in an archival frame. I do have a book my dad had from an army reunion, and I can see if there is anything about your grandfather in there. A brigade is 1,000 men I believe, so there may not be something about everyone in it. If I find anything I’ll let you know. Thanks for stopping by.
Love that woodpecker banner picture at the top; will be back.
Thanks Beeseeker. I just got a new camera so I’m sure there will be more in the future.
thanks for sharing your kindness and love with the world. looking fwd to more great posts
Thanks for your kind words Evans, and thanks for stopping by.
Howdy! You have some really interesting things on your blog. Beautiful pictures, interesting posts and what not…I will surely be back 🙂
Thanks and thanks for stopping by.
Tom, perhaps you are not ready for the diatribe I could produce here. For now I’ll just say, the cheese that isused the most in American restaurants is not real cheese, but processed cheese-like food. It ads calories, sodium and fat, but little nutritive value. It allows restaurants to raise the cost of menu items by adding an extra ingredient. And for people like me who are allergic to dairy, makes it very difficult to find restaurant items that don’t have cheese on them. Sure, sometimes it is easy to remove, but then I have to pay for something I am never, ever going to eat. Thirty to forty years ago when we did not have the obesity epidemic that we currently have in this country, there were two food-like items that seldom appeared on restaurant menus – cheese and soda. I hope you’re not sorry you asked. thanks for stopping by.
I ate a lot of cheese in my life. It seems to be an problem for allergic people. But anyway it’s getting more and more difficult to find something healthy to eat. Even in Indonesia where obesity had become a problem too.
When obesity becomes a problem in countries like Indonesia, it really is a big problem. Probably too much of our western ways of eating spilling over into other countries. Are you ready to join me in my war against cheese?
NO! I like cheese – and I’m occupied with other wars like against pollution which is the bigger problem here.
That’s okay. We can’t all be anti-cheese. I’ll just have to do more I guess!
I love the name and origin of Huffy Girl! I am looking forward to getting a new bike this spring!
I have been at war with cheese for several years but the moment I lock eyes on it. It hypnotizes me. I just to have one piece and then maybe two with my crackers.
Thanks. Be sure you get a good bike – you’ll be more likely to use it a lot if it’s a good one.
Cheese in moderation – something most Americans have forgotten how to do. I love it. Thanks for stopping by.
Moderation is key 😉
I agree. It’s just that most people don’t know what moderation is any more.
I am a fan of Weight Watchers for that very reason 🙂
Hi Donna
(Or ‘Huffygirl’, if that’s what you’d prefer?. 🙂 ).
Pleased to meet you. 🙂
My name is Kevin Gillespie, I do, MUCH prefer to be called Kev though. :).
I live in Wales, & am Following your Blog. 🙂
Best Wishes 🙂
Kev. 🙂
Hello Kev,
Thank you very kindly for following my blog. I hope you enjoy it. I have a few other readers from Wales too.
Huffygirl, aka Donna
No problem, Thank You, MUCH Appreciated. 🙂 🙂
Kev
Hi Donna,
Healthline is interested in contributing a guest post to huffygirl.wordpress.com. We would be open to contributing any blog that would be of interest to your readers. Healthline bloggers have been featured on a variety of sites including:
Washington Times: http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/tango-mind-and-emotion/2012/aug/10/how-healthy-choices-easy/
Natural News: http://www.naturalnews.com/036515_diabetes_strawberries_prevention.html
Patch.com: http://strongsville.patch.com/blog_posts/where-and-what-to-eat-in-cleveland-to-beat-the-winter-blues
Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Warm Regards,
Tracy
Hello Tracy, Unfortunately I’ve been burned by requests from commercial entities before, so I will decline for now. If you want to resubmit your request in 3-4 months, I’ll consider it again.
Donna
I give you credit for being a cyclist. You wouldn’t want to see the professor on a bike, would you? 😉
Well, I might, but since I don’t know what you look like, I can’t know for sure. Anyway, if you have read back a few posts you’ll know I have been forced to give up cycling, although I still have that errant bike set up on the trainer in my basement. Thanks for stopping by.
You would! 😀 Sure and very nice meeting you!
Thanks. You too Professor.
Hi Donna,
I am discovering your page…I love it 🙂 And I like your presentation… Well what could I offer to you for this pleasure of reading ( your page?) except the offer to listen to my radio with your smartphone ( on TUNEIN for ex ) ( US country music, latino and US UK pop oldies : from the 70th…) when you are on your bicycle 🙂 Anyway, glad to know you virtually. Pierre from Radio Satellite (paris)
Thanks.
Hi there. I found your blog via my good blog friend, Gilly at Lucid Gypsy, on her CBBH Challenge post. I so agree with you about the overuse of cheese, which unfortunately, I happen to love. 🙂
Hello, and welcome. Thanks to Gilly for directing you my way. I enjoy Gilly’s comments and her interesting blog too. I hope you enjoy my blog, and cheese, but in moderation (for the cheese I mean.) Thanks for stopping by.
Wow..!! Great way to introduce yourself.. All the best for your future posts… Have great blogging years ahead..!! 🙂
Why thank you, and thanks for stopping by. Good luck with your blog as well.
Thanx.. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Looks your blog as evolved. Unlike you I never graduated to a “real” bike. I just cycle (and am car-free for past 3 decades).
Yes, for the most part, probably a good evolvement. No progress without change, eh? In the meantime since I started blogging and took the name Huffygirl, I’ve had a serious bike accident and will not be biking any longer. I have not been able to give up the Huffygirl name yet though. Thanks for stopping in Jean.
Hi huffygirl what a cute name! I love the story of your bike! what a lovely blog you have!
Thanks Lynz.
Hi there Huffy Girl. If you are ever in the mood for some genuine foolish operating room stories from yesteryear, please check out my blog. I spent my nursing life mainly as a lowly scrub nurse, so if you are looking for sophisticated, high minded tales, you would be barking up the wrong tree. But..if you would like to learn how to cook a turkey in an autoclave or my thoughts on modern scrub sinks or those over rated atraumatic needles my blog will provide valued insights.