Loraine Joy McBurney

Name: Loraine Joy McBurney

Age: 62

Family: Husband, Gordon McBurney, an avid golfer and member of the Arbuckle Golf Club board; precious pet Jewel, a 7-year-old Silky terrier.

City of residence: Arbuckle.

Occupation: I retired from working 13 years at Pierce High School as a Spanish, ESL AVID and choir teacher. I am an Aglow Lighthouse Leader for Arbuckle and work with the Aglow International CA Prayer Team. I am also a BeautiControl spa consultant and am the proprietor of Music and More, where I teach voice, piano, country line and Latin dancing, ESL and English grammar and Spanish.

I work with Sue Graue, teaching a 20-hour after-school program to introduce students to the medical field. We have taught the program in all the high schools in Colusa County.

Favorite aspect of the holiday season: Christmas carols, pumpkin pie, Holiday Spa parties and family gatherings.

Least favorite aspect of the holiday season: Not getting to see my children who live in Portland and Atlanta.

Do you typically follow through with your New Year resolution? I make a good effort to. Aim for the stars; even if you don't reach the stars you are at least a lot higher than last year.

What are other goals for the upcoming year? I would like to write more music, sing and improve my piano skills, and get better organized with my BeautiControl business. I would like to attend the Prayer Explosion Conference for Aglow; see my mom in Oklahoma; and attend the BeautiControl Conference in Dallas.

What was the best thing that happened to you in 2011? I went to Yosemite with Gordon for a week and stayed at the Ahwahnee Hotel. We went hiking, took tours and photography classes, enjoyed delicious food and atmosphere. There were also the afternoon teas, baby grand pianos and music.

What was the worst thing that happened to you in 2011? My mother-in-law died and both my son and my daughter got divorced. When my family hurts, I hurt.

What are you most thankful for? My church family, my BeautiControl sisters and my ministry with Aglow International.

What do you hope to see happen this upcoming year? That I make a Dream Board as part of my BeautiControl team. It will include goals for family, BeautiControl, Aglow International and personal growth.