This is me, Barbara.  My husband is John Arenz. I am the mother of two very awesome kids; my son Cory, age 22, and daughter Stacey, age 16. I have two really great stepdaughters; fraternal twins Kristin and Julie, age 21. I am also a stepgrandmother to Kristin's little girl, Emily Marie, born May 5, 2010.

I love my life; I have a challenging career as a high school teacher of chemistry and human physiology. I am also a nationally registered and El Dorado County certified EMT. I have been teaching for nearly 24 years and plan to retire by the end of the school year in 2012, after Stacey graduates from high school.

I am an avid four-wheeler and ham radio enthusiast. I hold an Amateur Extra ham radio license; I am N6BOA. For this I had to pass three written exams and 5 wpm Morse Code exam. John is also an avid wheeler and a ham radio operator; he is N6YBH. We spend much of our time, especially during the summer, in the Rubicon in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Barb

John

John is my husband. He's a fire captain for the City of Emeryville. He loves his job and though he can officially retire now, he choses to continue working because he really enjoys what he does. I met John on March 2, 2001 at a time when I needed someone like him in my life the most. This was a very rough year for me and if a woman wants to know what a man is really made of, a year like this one would have likely sent most men running. I am amazed that John chose to stand by me. He is truly a good man and an awesome companion.

John on scene at a structure fire (1 and 2). John was the initial IC for the fire collapse of the 880 interchange in Emeryville/Oakland when a fuel tanker exploded and melted a section of the freeway (3).

(1)

(2)

(3)

Cory

Cory, my son, was born 7-1988. He graduated from high school in 2006 and promptly went off to college. Prior to graduation, and at age 16, Cory took his first solo flight after having taken flying lessons when he was 15. For now Cory has put flying on hold and is trying to decide what his future holds. Cory has an awesome sense of humor and he's quite a ham, in more ways than one; he also holds a ham radio license. He is KI6QZK. Cory loves to tinker on cars and has replaced several motors and transmissions on various hobby cars. He's also got an amazing work ethic and has worked since he was 15 years old. I am proud of him for sticking to work even when it would be easier to just quit at times!

Stacey

Stacey, my daughter, was born 10-1994. She is a junior in high school and a highly accomplished student. She holds a 4.33 GPA and takes Advanced Placement courses along with other rigorous courses. She will definitely have her choice for college. She's in Marching band and Symphonic band and she dances. She has brains, beauty, talent and an awesome sense of humor. She too is a ham; she is KI6QNM. Stacey is never idle; she's really very talented!

Kristin and Julie

Kristin and Julie are my stepdaughters, born 10-1989.

Julie is currently a student at UCSC and studying environmental studies. She's a musician and artist. She's a bit of a "free spirit" and for now, just enjoying life and her studies. She recently worked on a chainsaw crew for the Forest Service (summer 2010). She is a certified B Faller, like me!

Kristin is currently going to school at the junior college and plans to transfer to a four year college in the Fall of 2011. She recently became a mother; Emily Marie is her little girl. Kristin, like Cory, is trying to decide what her future plans will be but for now, one thing is certain, she will be raising Emily! And, like all the rest of us exept Julie, Kristin is a ham; she is KR1SPI. 

Both Kristin and Julie are wonderful young women. They also have a healthy sense of humor and are quite bright and beautiful. Both will do well with whatever careers they choose.

Kristin                   Julie

Emily Marie

Emily, born 5-2010, is a happy baby. She loves her grandpa and apparently Karl Strauss beer. She looks a lot like her Aunt Julie and she's definitely an Arenz! I really love it when Kristin brings her over. She's so adorable! I never thought I wanted to be called "grandma" but I am warming up to the idea, especially with such an awesome little bundle of girl! I am excited to watch her grow up (but not too fast!) and be part of her life. She's a gift!