Welcome! I’m Jennifer Minar-Jaynes.
I’m a writer, wife and new mommy of twin boys. 
I hold a B.S. in Health Sciences with a minor in health care management, but have worked in several different industries: restaurant, hospitality, emergency medicine, cardiology, internal medicine, neurology, mining (yes, mining!), trade media, Internet start up, pharmaceuticals and, most recently, entertainment.
For years I thought that because I hadn’t taken the “straight-and-narrow” path that I’d wasted so much of my (career) life and was (& would always be) lagging behind most of my peers… who are engineers, medical professionals and business executives who stuck with a certain career tract since college.
But then I realized that there were certain advantages to the many paths that I’d taken. See, it was in good part “due” to my forever-winding path through both life and career that I was able to become a writer who has experienced firsthand the many subjects that I’ve come to write about.
One thing I can definitely say is that while I’m hardly a master of anything, I do know a bit about a lot.
Writing is a vocation that I never thought was realistic as a career that would pay my bills, but for me, it has been… for the last ten years.
I’ve been fortunate.
I’ve taken stabs at writing since before I can remember. I was first published in a church newsletter when I was 13—and since then, I’ve written fiction (check out my suspense novel, NEVER SMILE AT STRANGERS), screenplays (Here’s the movie trailer for one of them), web copy, PR, service articles, you name it—and I’ve learned something valuable from every single piece.
Where I’ve Been
Three years ago, I made 6 figures annually through writing and publishing. And although I liked what I was doing for the most part, the work wasn’t fulfilling. I was also super stressed and had little time for anything outside of work.
I was living with my now-husband in a gorgeous house in Los Angeles, we had two shiny, new BMWs (not smart, and I knew it at the time) parked in the driveway and a gorgeous pool in the backyard.
We also took frequent trips to Las Vegas to play poker. Sometimes the trips were lucrative. Sometimes they weren’t. But through it all, I knew that although I was having a lot of “fun,” I wasn’t truly happy with my life.
In fact, I wasn’t very happy at all.
Where I Am Now
Life is much different now. Due to us both deciding to make major career changes, we’re now living in a much more modest home in East Texas. We’re also driving more modest vehicles. (Much smarter!) What’s more, we also now have gorgeous 11-month-old twin boys that we adore more than you could probably imagine.
Due to this major life change, I have much more time to spend with my sons… reflecting on where I’ve been, where I am, and the things I need to do in order to feel as though I’m providing the best I can for them, my husband and myself.
The last couple of years were filled with so much struggle, worry and fear—but because they brought me where I am today, they were more than worth it.
Where I Am Going
I’ve always valued personal freedom over anything material. Yes, I like nice houses, cars, etc. but I much rather being able to wake up each morning looking forward to doing work that I enjoy. Work that feeds me, versus being involved with a job merely for the salary and benefits it provides. More importantly, I value the free time that I have to spend with my family. Time that isn’t blemished by stress.
I am now studying with the Institute for Integrative Nutrition to further broaden my education in nutrition and to become a health coach. I’m also working hard to design a healthy and holistic lifestyle for myself and my family–and through learning and personal experience, I am constantly finding ways to raise the bar.
I write about all of this here at www.ProjectJennifer.com.
Thank you for visiting. Please come back soon!
Been reading your blog for a while now. I enjoy it. Especially the stuff about the boys. Thought you should know! Keep up the good work.
Thanks Christy! =)
Hey Jen, I found your page, so glad I did. You’ve inspired me to be the best mom and wife I can be. I can’t wait until I have the time to explore you site more. Best of Luck!
That brought tears to my eyes, Adrian. Thank you.
But I’m sure you already are. xoxo
Hi Jennifer,
We have much in common! Reading your blog reminds me that I’m not alone. I was having issues with my progesterone cream and the result of that was….well, very similar to your symptoms. I’m am on track to get balanced. A Holistic lifestyle is key!
C
Thanks for your comment, Christina! Yeah, isn’t it horrible when you screw up your dose?? Back on track now and feeling great. =) Took awhile though!
Jennifer,
I love your blog! Its so inspiring!!!!I feel the same way about Health and Family! Looking forward to reading more of your blog! You Rock!!!!
Thanks Melissa!
Thanks Joel. Keep it up! Also, keep me updated on your yoga teachings. I can’t wait to get started.