My Name is Aileen Cook, a writer, nurse, artist, and mother. My friends and family describe me as an over achiever. Why? I never give up, ever. I started developing hobbies as a young child. My grandmother taught me how to crochet when I was all of seven years old. My determination showed as I worked hard to complete my first masterpiece. I enjoyed the feeling of accomplishment, and that feeling pushed me hard day to day.

My older sister was a member of the Hackettstown Fife and Drum Corps. I enjoyed going with her to practices and longed to be a member, but I had to wait until I was eight years old. One more year and I could join. I helped my sister learn her music, and taught her right from left so she could march. My parents were the first to notice my very good rhythm and marching skills. They cornered the head of the corps and told him what they had seen. He agreed to place me through a series of tests to determine if I was truly mature enough to join the corps early. I was so determined to make it in, I put all focus into the tests. Again, determination got me into the corps a year early and landed me a trip to London England with the rest of the group. Determination is the key to getting what you want.

Of course my achievements didn't stop there. I began a collection of hobbies with my I can totally do that attitude. I saw a hobby that looked interesting, and I tried it. If I did well I continued, if I didn't do so hot...I tried again until I liked it. Now my hobby list has grown rather long; painting, drawing, sewing, model building, crochet, minor construction, and I'm sure there's more that I'm forgetting.

 I started gymnastics at the age of 14, started to coach gymnastics at 16 years old, and began to compete when I was 17. Everyone told me how stupid I was to waste my time with the sport because of the age I started, but I never listened. I now have a great story and achievement to share with my kids to help push them along.

My biggest accomplishment was graduating high school and living out my dreams. Again I hear why? I was a teen mother. My daughter was born three weeks after my seventeenth birthday. For those who were paying attention that meant I was a competitive gymnast after I had my daughter. So, I graduated from my high school a year early, and started college the same year. I wasn't going to let my disadvantage of having a baby slow me down. In fact I was pushed harder because of my daughter. I wanted her to be proud of me, and I wanted to show her that anything is possible with determination, and hard work.

 My life as of now...I am a retired massage therapist, what a wonderful relaxing career. I am a nurse, pediatrics, and newborns are my all time favorite. I am a full time mom (my kids would be very upset if I didn't include them as a job). I am also a writer, working on getting a book published. As I tell my loving hubby of eight years, I just don't know what I want to be when I grow up!