A one-of-a-kind blog from two perspectives.
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Jen wades through the muck and mire of online dating and brings you humor, advice, heart-breaking and heart-warming moments we can all relate to.
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Ellie talks about the frustrating and lonely path of living with a chronic disease while bringing you hope and inspiration through stories and advice on how to keep living your best life. She also dives into the long and challenging journey toward financial health.
About Ellie
My name is Ellie Martinez
I have worked in the nursing profession for over 15 years in various roles and am a mom of a wild, kind, intelligent boy approaching middle school who keeps me on my toes. I love traveling, riding my motorcycle, gardening, writing and I love a good book. I even wrote a book of my own title, "Unraveled"! I revel in being outdoors or in nature when I can.
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After 3 years of symptoms and more doctor visits and tests than you want to know about, I was diagnosed with tracheobronchomalacia (TBM), a fancy terms for airway collapse. In 2017, thanks to the National Institute of Health (NIH) Undiagnosed Disease Program, they discovered, the airway collapse and other symptoms was caused by a rare autoimmune disease called relapsing polychondritis. In 2023, after progression of other symptoms, I was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease, which is a problem with how the body produces/uses energy. There's no cure for either one, only treatments to support the body, improve comfort and quality of life.
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I am looking forward to providing a place, through this blog, where people with a chronic disease can go for an understanding community, information, inspiration and hope.
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I also have expertise in financial coaching. After years of research and trialing different finance management methods, I want to pass on my knowledge to others through:
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Changing your relationship with money
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Debt management
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Saving
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Budgeting
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Investing
About Jen
My name is Jennifer Ballinger
I am a Practice Manager for a busy OBGYN practice in Connecticut. I am a single mother of two adult children and one teenager. I have spent the last 30 years working in the medical field and also struggling with the ups and downs of life and love. I have experienced trauma, heartbreak, happiness, loneliness, freedom and liberation.
With the support of my family and friends, I have learned to navigate this journey with a little dignity and a lot of patience. I have much more ground to cover, and I hope that I can inspire, advise, coach, and listen to others who want to share their experiences. In my downtime, I like to read, garden, hike, kayak and sit around my firepit with a cocktail or two. I love being outdoors as it brings me peace of mind and keeps the darkness at bay.
I look forward to sharing and entertaining the masses with my ridiculous, yet eventful life.
