Hi! I’m Misty Hickman, a mother of six, software engineer, future homesteader, AI enthusiast, and lifelong learner. Well, that’s about the lamest intro I could have written….let’s try this again and be a bit more real.

Have you ever seen the movie Little Women? In one of my favorite scenes, Jo March is surrounded by men in a boarding house, dazzling them with her sharp wit and insight. When one of them says, “You should have been a lawyer,” she sounds back, “I should have been a great many things, Mr. Mayer.” That line? It hit me like a perfectly aimed metaphorical mic drop. Because if there’s one thing I know about myself, it’s that I should have been a great many things and probably a few other things on top of that.

Life, after all, is about growth. Personally, professionally, and sometimes comically (like when you’re trying not to kill your garden plants for the third time). I’ve embraced the idea that I’m always evolving. Whether I’m tackling a new challenge, switching gears, or jumping into the unknown, I want to keep moving forward. Sure, it might sound a little cheesy, but I like to think that when people see me juggling life, work, and everything in between, they’ll shake their heads and say, “There goes Misty.” And that, my friends, is the inspiration behind this site. This “all mine” sort of place where I can share stories about tech, career, family, and all the messy, beautiful things in between. It’s my little corner of the internet where I can unapologetically nerd out while keeping it real.

If there’s one thing Jo March and I agree on, it’s that life is too short not to embrace every opportunity. I might not have become a lawyer (or a great many other things), but I’ve managed to become something even better – a developer, mentor, mom, wife, creator, and lifelong learner.

Who am I? I’m someone who’s still figuring that out. And honestly? That’s exactly how I like it.

I work for Excella, an innovative technology firm, where I am currently serving as a Lead Consultant in a role that’s as dynamic as it is rewarding. What do I do there? Oh, just a little bit of everything. Software development? Check. Mentoring? Check. Supervising? Sure. And let’s not forget diving headfirst into emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, where every day feels like a brand-new puzzle, except someone forgot to include all the pieces and the instructions are in a language you don’t speak.

My professional career spans more than 27 years…long enough to remember when FrontPage seemed revolutionary (spoiler alert…it wasn’t). I’ve spent most of that time crafting web applications, developing software, and, more recently, embracing the exciting chaos of AI. I love getting my hands dirty with tech, but what really lights me up is the people side of the job, mentoring, building teams, and impressing clients with all my razzle dazzle.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that adaptability is key. Technology doesn’t slow down for anyone, and staying relevant means learning faster than it changes. That’s one reason I’m back in school, pursuing a degree in Information Technology with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence. Yes, even after all these years, I’m still that person signing up for extra credit (just in case).

When I’m not at my desk or deep in AI coursework, you’ll probably find me somewhere between my garden, my easel, or my wonderfully chaotic family. There are six kids I try and keep track of ranging from 12 to 30 and that doesn’t count the grandkids. I’ve spent a lifetime mastering the art of patience, improvisation, and finding joy in the noise. My husband, Jamie, and I are navigating the highs and lows of blended family life, and trust me, there’s never a dull moment.

At just over the hill of 50, I feel like I’m just hitting my stride. Sure, there are days when I’d rather Netflix my way through the evening than tackle the to-do list, but I’ve learned the importance of carving out time for myself. Whether it’s experimenting with oil painting, trying not to kill (too many) plants, or learning a new tech skill, I’m always looking for ways to grow.

And let’s not forget faith. My relationship with God is the foundation that keeps me grounded and inspires everything I do. My faith in God is more than just a belief system; it’s a source of strength that helps me navigate challenges with grace and optimism. Whether I’m facing a career decision, a family hurdle, or just trying to find balance in the chaos of daily life, my faith reminds me to focus on what truly matters.

Affiliate Disclosure:

Hey there! Just a quick note…some of the links you’ll find on my blog are affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you).

I only share products, services, or tools I truly believe in, whether they’ve helped me in my own work-life-tech juggle, sparked creativity, or added a little more ease to my day. Your support through those links helps me keep creating content that blends tech, truth, and a little bit of real-life magic. So, thank you.