About Kay
I'd like to be an artist, but right now I make a living as a freelance technical writer. My educational background is long and varied, and I ended up with degrees in math and computer science. I was once certified to teach secondary school in Wisconsin, but that has probably expired. I grew up in Merrill, WI, and lived mostly in various places in the Midwest. I moved to Austin from Madison, WI. Austin is a fine place to live, but I still miss some things about Wisconsin. Like being able to have a vegetable garden without it being a constant struggle. Although we do get glorious wildflowers here in Austin each spring without any effort at all.
From 2000 to 2006 I've been employed by Analog Devices writing data sheets and reference manuals for ICs. Before that, I worked for Luminex Corporation, documenting their biotechnology equipment. My best job ever was with MITINET/marc Software where I had multiple roles in developing and documenting their library automation software. It turns out that I'm pretty good at this technical writing thing, winning multiple awards in competitions held by the Society for Technical Communication. Most recently, one of my books, the ADSP-BF533 Blackfin Processor Hardware Reference Guide, earned an award of Distinguished Technical Communication in the 2004-2005 International Technical Publications Competition.
Outside of work I like to help out my feline friends at the Thundering Paws Animal Sanctuary. I help them with parts of their web page, take my turns doing chores at the shelter, and sometimes foster kittens who need extra attention with socialization. That's one of my favorite parts--kittens are always so much fun.
I wish I had more time to spend on crafts and quilting. Here are a couple of major projects that I've been able to complete over the last few years.
I also enjoy cooking, camping with Kevin in our very cozy Shadow Cruiser camper, spending time outdoors hiking or biking, reading blogs and books, and working on home improvement projects. Visit our photo album section for pictures and descriptions of our travel adventures.