I was born in Marion, Indiana, and raised in Corydon, Indiana. I attended Marion Riverview Pre-School as well as Corydon Elementary, Middle, and High School -- where I graduated as my high school valedictorian. I also grew up with an older brother and three older sisters -- Nelson, Sarah, Susan, and Laura, who are now in the fields of Psychology, Art, Education, and Travel and Tourism. They live across the United States in Oregon, Arizona, and Indiana as well as in Europe in Switzerland.
My parents, Dr. William and Barbara Bean, aka "Daddy and Mommy" and "Owl and Piglet" have been my biggest life cheerleaders, supporters, and challengers. They helped shape me into an educated, hard-working, self-reliant, independent, respectful, curious, loving, generous, and kind-hearted person.
I love all animals, especially cats. I have always had my own cats, but I also rescue and foster. The quote "One cat leads to another" is the story of my life! Currently, my "child" is Verona (Cassiopeia). I also care for on-going outside TNR stray kitties. Sahara, my baby girl for 12 years, Cyprus (Orion), my baby boy for 11 years, and Andorra, my baby girl for 8 years, have now crossed the Rainbow Bridge. I consider myself an animal advocate and rescuer, and I will help any and all sick, injured, or abandoned creatures. And, yes, I even feed my neighborhood possums! Tlacuaches rule.
Sahara (F) - 2000-2012
Andorra (F) - 2012- 2020
Cyprus Orion (M) - 2012 - 2023
Verona Cassiopeia (F) - 2019
I consider myself very lucky in having good friends -- Denise Garcia, Iris Galvan, and Andrea Clark. Denise and Iris have both dominated the fitness industry as personal trainers, and Andrea has excelled in the world of academics as a professor and colleague. I feel honored to have their love, support, and friendship.
Denise's Bridesmaids: Iris and Lydia Included :)
Lydia and Andrea
Lydia and Andrea
Denise, Lydia, and Iris
Iris, Lydia, and Denise
Denise, Lydia, and Iris
Denise, Lydia, Jenn (another friend), and Iris
Lydia and Andrea
Lydia and Andrea
I have been traveling domestically and internationally since I was a little girl. To date, I have visited Germany, Indonesia (Bali/Java/Komodo), Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Peru, Japan, Iceland, Sicily, Ireland, Greece, Santorini, Mykonos, New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Mongolia, Belize, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, France, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Morocco, Egypt, Turkey, Canada, Mexico, and all over the United States. I enjoy traveling to learn about the physical and cultural geography of the areas. The world and its people are beautiful! 2026 is set to bring a new adventure --- location to be determined!
Germany - 2025
Germany - 2025
Germany - 2025
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia - 2024
(On Way To) Finland - 2023
Peru - 2022
Ireland - 2016
Australia - 2009
Costa Rica - 2009
Jamaica - 2007
Morocco -1994
Komodo, Indonesia - 2024
Scandinavia (Denmark) - 2023
Japan - 2019
Hawaii -2011
Fiji - 2009
Bahamas - 2008
Belize -2006
Puerto Rico - 1994
Egypt - 1992
Java, Indonesia - 2024
Scandinavia (Sweden) - 2023
Iceland - 2018
Greece - 2010
New Zealand - 2009
Nicaragua - 2008
England, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, Lux - 2000
Turkey -1993
France - 1991
Estonia - 2023
Scandinavia (Norway) - 2023
Italy (Sicily) - 2017
Santorini -2010
Mongolia - 2007
Costa Rica - 1996
"Seeing the world is a prerequisite to understanding one's place in it."
-Josh Gates-
"Travel changes you. You'll see possibilities everywhere, be filled with more questions than answers, and more to explore than you ever could imagine."
I believe that helping others and our planet is one of our responsibilities in life. While I have been volunteering since I was a young adult for a variety of organizations, at this time, I am most involved with animal rescue as well as environmental causes. Additionally, I am a member of the American Association of Women in Community Colleges and contribute to education, career development, and advancement of women educators and students at community colleges. Moreover, I serve my college and community in a variety of capacities, depending on the semester/year, related to student success and regional prosperity.
Save a Furry Friend! Art Exhibition and Fundraiser
Student Leadership Academy
Rescuing Animals
Keep McAllen Beautiful
Project Rio Reforestation
Keep McAllen Beautiful
Red Nose Project
Palm Valley Animal Center
Save the Hummingbirds Project (STC)
American Association of Women in Community Colleges
Project Rio Reforestation
Proyecto Azteca
Palm Valley Animal Center
Turkey Trot - Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley
Cats on Campus Club
Palm Valley Animal Center
Turkey Trot - STC Food Pantry
Hiking & Mountain Climbing
Hiking & Mountain Climbing
Hiking & Mountain Climbing
Protecting Nature
Reading & Traveling
Exploring Nature
Sunsets
Yoga & Meditation
Exploring Nature & Culture
Exploring Nature & Culture
Exploring Nature & Culture
Exploring Nature & Culture
Reading
Reading
Sunsets
Weightlifting & Fitness
Weightlifting & Fitness
Weightlifting & Fitness
Weightlifting & Fitness
Swimming
Yoga & Meditation
Cooking & Decorating
Mother Nature - Gaia - Pacha Mama
Thank you for visiting my page. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to e-mail me at lydialbean@gmail.com or visit my professional website: