Introducing Sara Ruhland: A Livonia Mom

Introducing Sara!

:: Down with Detroit ::

I grew up in the small town of Garden City.  Everything from kindergarten to graduation day was with mostly the same group of people; some of whom I am still friends with today. Growing up in small city has its perks; we all still have roots to the town no matter how far away we have gotten. Social media allows us to keep up with one another and so many friendships have been rekindled thanks to Facebook. Even my marriage! My husband was born and raised there as well. 

I was raised a Michigan fan with no tolerance for any other team; especially that team from Ohio. We attend Michigan games regularly and can’t wait to share that love with our daughter. I attended Tiger games growing up and still remember walking down the cobblestone to get to Trumbull Ave. Comerica Park is one of my favorite places to be in the summer. I am in love with the comeback the city is making and love spending time downtown as much as I can. Sunday Funday is a great time to explore! For a night on the town you can usually find me in downtown Plymouth. We love the small city feel yet busy nightlife.

:: My Life ::

I attended college at Eastern Michigan University with a  major in Communication. I lived in Ypsi for all of my undergrad years and am so grateful for my time and friendships made there. My husband and I wouldn’t cross paths again until after our college years. He attended Wayne State with major in Graphic Design. If you ask us each separately how we met you will hear a different story (there is some truth to both versions.)

We dated for 3 years before getting engaged. We were married in 2013 and boy has life given us a run for our money. Wedding plans, home purchases, job changes, dog(s), illnesses, and a baby that came two months early have tested our marriage. I knew Rick was for me many years ago; and all of these challenges have only reinforced that truth. 

I am a proclaimed self help book addict. I have an imaginary squad made up of Oprah, Brene Brown, Liz Gilbert, Rob Bell, Robin Roberts, Glennon Doyle Melton, and the many many speakers and creators of the podcasts I  listen to on the regular. Music heals my soul and speaks to my heart. I love a good song and the feeling you get when lyrics hit you hard. I can be transported back in time with just a few chords on a a guitar.

Dogs, dogs, dogs. Animals in general actually. I would have a farm if I could. I love all animals and always have. I adopted a whale after ‘Free Willy’ was released (true story), and wanted to be a zoologist (until I discovered animals all die at some point), or a marine biologist (until a high school trip made me realize otherwise.) So today I have two dogs who I adore and am always on the lookout for strays I can bring home and try and convince Rick to let us keep. 

I work in media delivery at Valassis. You probably know us best from the Red Plum wrap you get delivered in your mailbox once a week. I like putting together puzzles; so I look at the puzzle pieces of our business and work with some of the most talented people I know to put the pieces back together in the most efficient way possible. I really love my job. Some days it is not easy being a working mom but most days I would not have it any other way.

My friends are some of the best people on the planet. I am very lucky to have my tribe, my people. Some of whom I have been friends with for over 30 years. I do not know what I would do without them. I am also a yoga junkie. Yoga completely transformed my life a few years back. I find my mat as much as possible these days but sometimes that means down dog with my toddler running underneath me. 

:: Babies and Beyond ::

Olivia came into the world 8 weeks early with very little warning. On November 13th 2014 we welcomed our sweet 5lb baby girl into the world. She was luckily a healthy baby who just needed a couple weeks in the NICU before coming home. Our lives were turned upside down when we had Olivia in so many ways. My heart was opened like I have never realized; my patience tested unlike ever before; and the joy I feel watching her grow is the greatest gift of my life. She is one of the kindest, funniest, and strongest people I know. At the age of 2 she has so much empathy for others; so much happiness. The world has not yet given her second thoughts on being herself; and that is one of the most beautiful sights I have ever witnessed. 

Being a mom has definitely been a challenge. The mom guilt never goes away and I am  constantly trying to find balance; although I am told that never really happens. I work full time and being a working mama is both fulfilling and incredibly difficult; even on the hardest days I am not sure I would have it any other way. 

I am so grateful to be a mom; I can’t wait to see how my role as mom evolves while watching my daughter discover her world. 

 

 

 

 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.