about kat boogaard
You know that old saying: Dogs and tacos make the world go ‘round. Oh, wait…what? That’s not a real saying? Huh. If you ask me, it’s really a life motto we all need to subscribe to.
Here's another one: You deserve a career that you love (yes, seriously). And if that career happens to be freelancing? Well, I want to help you make that goal a reality.
I remember the feeling all too well. I spent eight hours each and every day in a gray-walled cubicle, just itching to do something different. I wanted more flexibility. More control. More creativity.
After way too much hemming and hawing and far too many soul-searching conversations with my loved ones, I took the leap from the comfort and security of my full-time marketing position with the goal of making it as a freelance writer.
That was years ago now, and since then I've built a freelance career and a life that makes me spontaneously bust into my happy dance. Here's the even better news: I'm confident that you can do the very same thing. And I'm here to help you figure out how.
I used to be one of those people who said, “My business is my baby.” But then? I had two actual babies. Motherhood is my most important job, and I’m the proud mom to two beautiful boys.
Their names are Adrian Thomas and Ander Matthew, and they’re about 21 months apart. They certainly keep me on my toes and I can’t wait to watch them continue to grow (but also, I need time to slow down).
When I’m not in front of my computer doing client work or dishing out freelance advice? You’ll find me heating up mac and cheese, reading “Llama Llama Red Pajama” for the 843rd time, or doing yet another load of laundry.
In short, my boys are my greatest source of joy, fulfillment, growth, and even learning. Because trust me: Nothin’ will boost your negotiation skills faster than needing to rationalize with a toddler about why we don’t stick our fingers in the dog’s nose.
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See those two adorable puppers over there? Those are my rescue dogs (aka the other greatest loves of my life), Bert and Gracie. They’re both complete and total mutts (I'm not kidding—we’ve done the DNA tests) with some hard luck stories that won me over immediately.
They're also nothin' but trouble. I have a running list of the ridiculous things they've eaten (ahem, a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card, anyone?) to prove it.
Today, they live the good life and spend their days sleeping under my desk, eating off of my plate, and rolling their eyes at my obnoxious and incessant baby talk.
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I also have a husband (who is perfectly aware of the fact that he ranks fifth to the boys and the dogs). His name’s Ty, but you’ll probably hear me call him by one of the many nicknames I have for him.
He’s very tall, ridiculously kind, infuriatingly patient, astoundingly handy, and incredibly understanding of whatever new business idea or home improvement project I come up with on a whim.
He also helps me with all of the number-crunching that comes along with business ownership. Honestly, that’s the biggest reason I keep him around (along with the fact that he always remembers to change the furnace filter).
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I’m a list-maker through and through. I have compulsively-organized lists in my phone. Pages of lists in various notebooks. Random lists scattered throughout our entire house. I even have a list of lists I still need to make. Does that make me ridiculous? Probably. Does it work well for me? You bet it does.
I also have a uniquely strange memory for song lyrics. I'm frightened by how much I could accomplish if I could dump all of those lyrics out of my brain and replace them with information that's actually useful. I'm confident I'd be fluent in at least four languages and probably have a Nobel Peace Prize by now. A girl can dream, can't she?
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I’m a Wisconsin girl, which means I have an intense love for cheese (otherwise I’d probably be kicked out of the state). Seriously, don’t even bother trying to serve me a pizza without extra cheese on it. It doesn't count. I also tolerate the frigid winter months, and am a firm believer that a high-quality winter coat is one of the best investments you can make.
In my spare time, I love reading psychological thrillers (but, I refuse to watch any scary movies), doing anything outdoors (from hiking or golfing to kayaking or gardening, I love it all), baking sweet treats, and tripping my friends and family up with hilarious tongue-twisters. Go ahead—just try to say “Irish wristwatch” really fast. Gotcha, didn't I?
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inspirational podcasts
the office...again
puppy snuggles
my horoscope
all the tacos (duh!)