365 questions: 342 - 365!!!

342. What is the closest you have ever come to fearing for your life?

Riding on the back of my dad's motorcycle in Canada. He drives like a maniac, and the twisty Canadian gravel roads don't agree with his driving style. I was planning my exit off the back in case something terrible were to happen. 


343. How do you deal with isolation and loneliness?

I wrap myself up in whatever I'm doing. I never have a lack of obligations or responsibilities, with my tendency to over-commit myself to everything. I typically either work more or focus on homework like I should. Sometimes I cry about it and take a bubble bath. I very rarely get lonely.



344. What do you know well enough to teach to others?

Plenty of things. I made my living teaching others for a year! ACT/SAT/PSAT test prep, math through college level, biology, chemistry, anatomy & physiology, English. Non-academic: virtually everything there is to know about wine, particularly Old-World regions and varietals; beer; spirits (particularly scotch whiskey); knitting; cooking.  


345. What’s a quick decision you once made that changed your life?

The decision I made to go to Europe was a pretty impulsive one that definitely shaped that summer, for sure. A quick decision that changed my entire life, though? Probably buying my plane ticket to Jacksonville six and a half years ago. It was a total impulse thing.



346. What have you lost interest in recently?

Last weekend was a pretty traumatic experience for me, and I've been having a difficult time coping. I wouldn't say I've necessarily lost interest, but I've lost motivation to do a lot of things - schoolwork, showering, housekeeping. 

347. What makes life easier?

Lots of things. Money. A great support network. An education. Limited bills. And the love of a wonderful partner.



348. What was the last thing you furiously argued about with someone?

I don't "furiously argue" about much of anything, but I was very upset about how work handled a situation and when Kyle said he could see their side, I got slightly irrational. 


349. What job would you never do no matter how much it paid?

Janitorial work. I won't clean toilets, period. I dislike cleaning my own enough. I definitely wouldn't clean anyone else's!



350. What is the number one solution to healing the world?

Love. More love = less hate, more tolerance, better support systems, and more heartfelt response to tragedy.


351. What could society do without?

Haters



352. What stresses you out?

Others' expectations. I'm not stressed by responsibility, but I'm definitely stressed by someone else's perception of what I should be doing with that responsibility, or how I succeed in situations. 


353. Now that it’s behind you, what did you do last week that was memorable?

Finished another book toward my 101!



354. Where do you spend most of your time while you’re awake?

Usually at school. I have school for more than seven hours a day, four days a week. So I spend a lot of time on campus. When I'm not at school, I'm almost always at work.


355. What makes someone a hero?

I think heroism is incredibly personal, so a hero to me would likely not be a hero to anyone else. However, I would say a hero is someone who attempted a selfless act at great personal risk to themselves. Alternatively, someone who has a lasting positive impact on someone's life.



356. When in your life have you been a victim of stereotyping?

I'm a redhead. I'm also a girl in a science field (engineering, then math). The vast majority of my education, I've surprised people. 


357. When was the last time you felt lucky?

Kyle and I scored a free room at a gorgeous B&B in Sedona for Veteran's Day as a thank-you for his service. That was pretty lucky!



358. When did you first realize that life is short?

I've experienced a lot of loss, but I think one of the most poignant was a guy I went to high school with, who was a year behind me. He passed away my first year out of high school and I went back home for the funeral. Totally normal kid, senior in high school, friends with everyone, and didn't make it to his own graduation. 


359. What is the most insensitive thing a person can do?

Ignore you when you need them



360. What can someone do to grab your attention?

Say something about expensive wine or yummy food! 


361. What do you usually think about on your drive home from work?

How freakishly tired I am, and whether or not I'm staying between the lane lines



362. What’s one downside of the modern day world?

Easy internet access for kids is dumbing down their vocabulary. Just take one quick look at Youtube. 


363. What simple fact do you wish more people understood?

Hard work will get you far in life. Quit skating through life and passing off your work to everyone else!



364. If you could do it all over again, would you change anything?

I firmly believe in learning from past life experiences rather than regretting them. But I do wish I would've scheduled my plane ticket for a few days before Grandpa Jer passed away. I would have really loved to see him once more. 


365. How would you describe your future in three words?

It looks bright.

365 questions: 333-341

333. What confuses you?

Probably my biggest confusion right now lies with education politics. ASU frustrates me. Federal student loan drama frustrates me. And all wrapped up together, it's a confusing bundle. Education is encouraged, but financially unattainable for so many.


334. In what way are you your own worst enemy?

I don't set myself up for success. I have a tendency to not do homework, because I don't feel like it, or because I often find it menial, and it affects my grade much later down the road. I also (as has been mentioned previously) am not the world's greatest communicator and tend toward emotional reactions. 


335. When did you not speak up when you should have?

I have always had difficulty with the word "no." I don't like negatively affecting others' opinion of me. However, I have recently been making more of a stand for myself.


336. What is your favorite quote?

The entire poem "If" by Rudyard Kipling. I absolutely adore it. 


337. What is your favorite fictional story?  (novel, movie, fairytale, etc.)

I think Jurrasic Park is pretty awesome. Plus, Michael Crichton is one of my favorite authors ever.



338. Where or who do you turn to when you need good advice?

My mama is always a good listener. Erika is pretty wonderful as well. And Kyle knows me better than pretty much anyone, so I value what he thinks. I also tend to spend a lot of time alone when I'm going through something stressful, so I have time to process and think. 


339. What artistic medium do you use to express yourself?

Music has always been my outlet of choice. I haven't had the opportunity to play piano very often in the last few years, but my music is definitely my artistic medium. Anything that relates to it, as well, is fair game. I have gone dancing on a fairly regular basis, as it's an expression of your body to music.



340. Who or what is the greatest enemy of mankind?

Today, I'm inclined to believe it's our own nation's Congress. Damn, guys. Get your shit together. Because it's OH SO TERRIBLE to allow me to stay on my parents' insurance (if they had any) for another year. 

341. What’s something you wish you had done earlier in life?

In the same vein as the previous question... got my shit together. I wish I would've found my focus much earlier, so I wasn't still in school for my undergraduate degree and $80,000 in debt.

365 questions: 326 - 332

326. What questions do you often ask yourself?

I constantly am asking where I'm going in life. I set goals for myself and check in on a regular basis, because I know I won't make progress if I don't hold myself accountable. 


327. What are you an expert at?

Algebra. Drinking wine pretentiously.



328. How would an extra $1000 a month change your life?

I could put an extra $800+ toward my student loans, and have a little extra to spend on myself every month. I deserve a massage every once in a while, but I never treat myself to one. It would be pretty stellar! I could also cut down my hours at work drastically, and afford to take a day off on occasion rather than once every 2+ months. 


329. What things in life should always be free?

Love. Healthcare (or at the very least, affordable).


330. What is your favorite time of the year?

Autumn. I absolutely love the changing leaves. The colors, the weather - I adore the fall!


331. What is something you have always wanted since you were a kid?

Success. From a very young age, my parents instilled a huge drive in me for success. Much more than material things, that is what I've wanted for years.


332. What is the most recent dream you remember having while sleeping?

Haha! I was just retelling it. Kyle was going to school, and we were discussing his sleeping arrangements - something like a cross between a dorm and a co-ed sleeping porch. And I was mad. 

365 questions: 317 - 325

317. When was your first impression of someone totally wrong?

Honestly, I don't know. I'm usually pretty good at judging people on a first impression. If I had to give an answer, I'd probably say when the newest manager at work started, I thought she was a little bitchy. But I've definitely warmed up to her as she's warmed up to her position, and she's one of my two favorite managers at work now.


318. How many hours a week do you spend online?

It depends on how much I'm working. I generally work about 70 hours per week, and spend a large percentage of my free time at home utilizing the internet - logging hours for clients, researching new questions and methods, and the obvious - email, facebook, blogging (though I haven't had much free time lately!), and entertainment. I would guess about 12-15 hours per week. I compose a LOT of emails on my phone, which are included in that time. 

319. What do you love to do?

I love to read. I love to practice yoga and love to sleep in. I love to hike, and travel, and drink expensive wine. I love to take bubble baths. I love to snuggle up next to the fire. I love to eat amazing food, and love to experiment in the kitchen. I love to kiss. I love lots of things.



320. What specific character trait do you want to be known for?

Integrity. It encompasses honesty, trustworthiness, and respect - three things that are of utmost importance to me. 


321. Are you more like your mom or your dad?  In what way?

I would probably say my dad. As a friend told me at my sister's wedding, I am my dad - exactly. We have very similar personalities and even look very similar. I get my beautiful red hair from him, too. :)



322. What is the number one quality that makes someone a good leader?

I would probably say integrity here, too. You have to inspire people. People have to believe in you in order to want to follow. 


323. What bad habits do you want to break?

I'm too non-confrontational. I wish I could say no more easily. I'd also like to break myself of poor communication habits.


324. What is your favorite place on Earth?

Favorite locale is definitely Innsbruck, Austria. My favorite city in the world! 


325. What do you love to practice?

I love to practice being a better person. I love to practice Bikram yoga, and I also love to practice making babies.

365 questions: 311 - 316

311. What is your biggest pet peeve?

The first thing that came to mind is dishonesty, but I think that's probably a bigger deal than a "pet peeve." So for little stuff, I'd probably say having my toilet seat left up, improper grammar, and not fully listening during a conversation. 


312. Who was the last person you said “I love you” to?

My mom. I called her so she could hear the crazy hail on my car when I was driving down the highway. 


313. What is your biggest phobia?

Honestly, it might sound silly, but my biggest fear is not having loads of people to extol my value at my funeral. I want to live a life that impacts others in a big way, and I'm afraid that I won't. 


314. What are some recent compliments you’ve received?

I get compliments on my hair almost daily. I've also been told lately that I'm smart. 


315. How many friends do you have in real life that you talk to regularly?

A bunch. My bestie, Erika. All the fabulous people I work with. Kate. Amy. I feel really blessed to have such a wonderful group of close friends. 


316. How much money per month is enough for you to live comfortably?

My student loans take a huge chunk out of my available cash, but I could live comfortably with $1500 - $2000/mo. 

365 questions: 292 - 310!

292. What is the biggest obstacle that stands in your way right now?

I love the quote from Bridesmaids - "You are your problem. And you're also your solution, Annie." My biggest obstacle is always myself. My biggest obstacle to not having a job I adore is a combination of fear and having wasted so much time in school - both coming back to me. My biggest obstacle in relationships is communication - something that I try to better in myself, but where I am never perfect. I am the only thing I am able to change, so I am the only obstacle on which I should focus. 


293. What do you sometimes pretend you understand that you really don’t?

Men. It's not so much that I pretend that I understand them. I sometimes think I do, and then realize I really don't. 


294. What do you like most about your job?  What do you dislike most about your job?

Oh, boy. My full-time job, I like that I am able to educate others. That is always rewarding for me. I dislike pretty much everything else about the job. I work with management that doesn't appreciate the time and effort I put in. I work a shitty wage and am never recognized for my accomplishments. That is frustrating. My tutoring job, I absolutely adore. I love my clients, and I love helping someone master a new concept. I love that, when I show up to a particular client's house, she almost always offers a glass of wine. The only thing I dislike is that it is a 30+ minute drive to meet with some clients. 


295. What’s something new you recently learned about yourself?

Recently, I learned that I still don't really know where I'm going. There are so many paths in life that appeal to me, and it's difficult for me to choose one and focus on it while still feeling like my family will be proud of me. 


296. In one sentence, how would you describe your relationship with your mother?

She is a wonderful friend, and I'm glad we are so close. 


297. What was the most defining moment in your life during this past year?

My little sister's wedding. There was a lot going on that day that made it stick out. I had a conversation with an incredibly wise friend that changed my outlook on a few things. I stood up with my little sister as she made one of the most important decisions of her life. I observed a few behaviors from others that really bothered me. And I learned a little more about myself. 


298. What’s the number one change you need to make in your life in the next twelve months?

I need to figure my shit out. I need to find a direction, and pursue it. 


299. What makes you feel secure?

Love. Hugs from behind while I'm doing the dishes, or slaving away over the stove. Having enough money in the bank to do whatever I want. 


300. What is your favorite sound?

Rain on the roof, for sure. It's one of my favorite things in the world. 


301. What are the top three qualities you look for in a friend?

Honesty, trustworthiness, and happiness. I want to surround myself with people who genuinely enjoy life, who will tell me the truth, and who always have my back. 


302. What simple gesture have you recently witnessed that renewed your hope in humanity?

I received a card in the mail today from someone who I've never met, just because she knew I was having a difficult time. It was incredibly special. 


303. What is your favorite smell?

That would probably be homemade baked bread. Cookies are up there, too, though. I love coming home and having the smell of amazing food greet me. 


304. What recent memory makes you smile the most?

About two weeks ago, we had a wine class at work. I usually am unavailable on Thursday evenings because I work with a tutoring client at that time. However, she had cancelled and I texted Kyle asking if he wanted to join me for the class. He led me to believe he would be working late and wouldn't be able to make it. When I got a text message saying he was already there and asking where I was, that definitely put a smile on my face. 


305. In one word, how would you describe your childhood?

Generous. I never wanted as a child. 


306. What celebrities do you admire?  Why?

...Are there admirable celebrities out there right now? I can't say that I really admire anyone. 


307. What is the number one motivator in your life right now?

Happiness. I have decided to live for myself and do what makes me happy. Currently, that's buying a gorgeous painting to hang above my fireplace, and saving up for land in Sedona, because that's one of my favorite places in the world. 


308. What music do you listen to to lift your spirits when you’re feeling down?

It depends. I almost always listen to country, but I have a number of different playlists. Lately, I've been listening to my "Sedona Roadtrippin'" playlist, which has some hip-hop and some rock interspersed in there. My "Hicktown" playlist usually does the trick, too. 


309. If I gave you $1000 and told you that you had to spend it today, what would you buy?

If I could spend it on whatever I wanted, I would pay down part of my student loans. If I had to buy a material item, probably the wine fridge I've been eyeing at Costco. 142 bottles for $999. 


310. What was the last thing that made you laugh out loud?

I attended a super fun workshop tonight that had me laughing nearly the entire time. I love Express MiE! 

365 questions: 281 - 291

281. Who has had the greatest impact on your life?

My parents. They raised me with the intention of shaping me into a respectable adult. For the most part, they've succeeded. 


282. Are you happy with where you are in your life?  Why?

Mostly, yes. I sometimes wish I had more to show for where I'm at, but I'm working toward that goal! 



283. In one year from today, how do you think your life will be different?

I will be a land-owner, and I will no longer be working at a job I loathe. 


284. How have you sabotaged yourself in the past five years?

I've switched my major yet again. (and again, and again.) I spent all my money in Europe because I planned poorly. And I have not seen the detriment that my communication habits truly were. 



285. Other than money, what else have you gained from your current job?

I have gained knowledge, experience, and coworkers that consider me family. 


286. Whom do you secretly envy?  Why?

Anyone who has their shit together more than I do. Sometimes I look back on my mom at my age, and think - she was married by the time she was 24. My parents had been millionaires, built their own home from the ground up, moved out of state, and started over - all by the time my mom was nearly 25. I feel like I should have experienced so much more by now, and I am envious of all my friends from high school who are no older than I, but are in such a different place in life. 



287. In twenty years, what do you want to remember?

I want to remember that, in the year I turned 25, I was happy, and people were proud of me. 


288. What are you most excited about in your life right now – today?

Um, I'm excited that I get paid on Friday and can pay down my credit card, since I used it too much last month. I'm excited that yesterday, I talked to my first loan officer. I'm excited to read the book he gave me, and I'm excited that I got two awesome messages offering work modeling yesterday. 



289. What experience from this past year do you appreciate the most?

Not so much an experience, but a realization - that I was sabotaging my relationships because of a fatal communication mistake. I'm so glad I realized that, so I can vow never to repeat it. 


290. What is the most enjoyable thing your family has done together in the last three years?

My little sister got married last month, and we had a good time. Other than that, one of my favorite memories is when Kyle and I took my mom to Sedona around Christmas, 2010. 

It was super cold, and I was not impressed.

291. How many hours of television do you watch in a week?  A month?  A year?

Conventional television? None whatsoever. I gave away my tv. Sometimes when I go to the gym (which is very rarely), I'll watch the cooking channel, or something moderately interesting. But I would say less than 20 hours of tv per year, overall. 

365 questions: 271 - 280!

271. What has fear of failure stopped you from doing?

Fear of failure has stopped me from a lot, probably. I'm fairly impulsive, but I always err on the side of caution. I'm afraid of taking risks and being embarrassed by the result. 


272. Who would you like to please the most?

I know that I am most important. I should care most about pleasing myself. But I think my answer here would have to be my dad. His acceptance and approval has always been important to me - perhaps because we are so incredibly alike. 


273. If you could go back in time and change things, what would you change about the week that just passed?

Not a thing. I had an amazing week. I had a breakfast date with a man who makes my heart happy, and was snuggled to sleep most nights. I accepted a new tutoring client, and met with another new client for the first time. I had an amazing opportunity presented to me. I'm more than happy with the week that just passed. 


274. When you meet someone for the very first time what do you want them to think about you?

Perhaps the insecure and yet still vain part of me wants them to think I am beautiful. But mostly I want them to think I am intelligent, kind, and wonderful. 


275. Who would you like to forgive?

There's really only one person I've had a hard time forgiving, and I don't waste any time on her anymore. So no one, really. I have current frustrations, but I don't trouble myself with old grudges. 


276. At what point during the last five years have you felt lost and alone?

I actually sent my best friend a text message a few years ago that said exactly that - "I have never felt so lonely." September, 2010. 



277. What is one opportunity you believe you missed out on when you were younger?

I don't really know that I missed out on a whole lot. I was pretty blessed in that I didn't want for much when I was growing up. I had piano lessons with the best teachers around, I traveled to Europe with my competitive choir, and I received the best education available. 


278. What do you want more of in your life?

Relaxation. That would require a little more money. 



279. What do you want less of in your life?

Stress, for sure. And less of the job I really dislike. 


280. Who depends on you?

No one, really. My coworkers, for knowledge on occasion. My bird, because she would die out of her cage. But I don't have anyone depending on me for care. I don't have kids. I live alone. While Kyle relies on me to meet many of his needs, he would be just fine on his own, too. And I kinda like it this way. I can make decisions that might affect others, but won't be life-changing for anyone else. 

365 questions: 261 - 270

261. If you could live forever, would you want to?  Why?

No. While it may be possible to live forever, I'm sure there won't be cures to all the body's ailments and I don't want to live in pain. Also, it's paining to see the state of the world today. I don't have high hopes for its future.  


262. If you had to be someone else for one day, who would you be and why?

I would probably put myself in the shoes of the man I love. Sometimes I really wish I could know what's going on in that head of his. 


263. What positive changes have you made in your life recently?

I registered at ASU again for the Spring semester! I'm not terribly excited to be back in school, but I am so ready to be done, and this is the first step. I also took on another tutoring client and cut back my hours at work, which I know will do wonders for my mental well-being. 


264. Who makes you feel good about yourself?

I interact with people daily who make me feel good about myself. My coworkers. My aunty and cousins. My family. Even my customers. It is so gratifying to hear that I recommended a "life-changing" wine. 


265. What is your biggest regret?

Not realizing the depth of my communication deficiencies until a few weeks ago. I have been making heinous communication mistakes for years because that's what I grew up seeing, and wish I could have seen that earlier. It would have saved a lot of heartache. 


266. Which one of your responsibilities do you wish you could get rid of?

Cleaning the bathroom. There's no one else around to do it, but I sure wish I didn't have to do it myself! 


267. What’s something you don’t like to do that you are still really good at?

Cleaning the house. I hate to do it, but when I set my mind to it, I surprise everyone. 


268. What type of person angers you the most?

A dishonest one. I could never befriend anyone who was largely dishonest. 


269. What is missing in your life?

Stability and accomplishments. 


270. What is your most striking physical attribute?

That's not a hard one. Definitely my hair. 

September 101 update

So I forgot when I was doing my August update that I actually did complete one! I ate bison. Bison burgers with a shit-ton of feta, to be exact. And they were delish. So I'm counting that one for this month, since I forgot to for last month.

Completed:

• ate bison.

Made progress:

• read one book!
• paid $1800 toward student loans. (I'm pretty proud of this one! That's more than 10% of my goal, and my loans haven't even matured yet.) 
• updated the blog with one recipe
• answered ten questions
• donated some rice

Goals for October:

• make an effort to catch up on rice (50K+ grains donated)
• run 1 mile
• lose another 5 lbs. (get down to 137)
• pay $1200 toward loans
• read 4 books

Let's see how it goes! 

365 questions: 256 - 260

256. When should you reveal a secret that you promised you wouldn’t reveal?

The mental health professional has established a good precedent on this one, I think. Only in situations of life and death, personal injury, or immediate harm. 

257. How would you spend your ideal day?

I'm a total homebody. Knitting, drinking hot cocoa in front of the fire, reading a book, snuggling with my man. Or winning the lottery. Or making oodles and oodles of money at a job I enjoy. 

258. What is the one primary quality you look for in a significant other?

Trustworthiness. If you can't trust your partner, there really is no relationship. 

259. What do you admire most about your mother and father?

They both work harder than anyone I know. My dad owns his own business and has worked incredibly long hours to provide for the family. He built it from the ground up after we moved up to Alaska and has made a name for himself that is recognized nation-wide in some circles. My mom is going back to school and has a 4.0 GPA. She studies like her life depends on it - determined to do her best. 

260. What is the best advice you have ever received?

Probably that to never regret. And I don't know that it was ever said to me; it's something that I've always tried to do. All other "sage advice" coming to mind has exceptions. 

365 questions: 251 - 255

251. What do you understand today about your life that you did not understand a year ago?  

I'm not sure I totally understand the question. But I suppose the superficial answer is that I understand paying the interest on your student loans while in school is much more important than one might realize. 

252. Whose life have you had the greatest impact on?

Outside of my family, probably Erika's or Kyle's. Erika and I have been friends since we were seven years old. It's hard to be friends with someone for 17 years without having a huge impact on their life. Kyle and I were together for four and living together the majority of that time. It's impossible to be in a committed relationship with someone without impacting them in some way. 

253. What did life teach you yesterday?

That it might not be such a bad idea to give someone the benefit of a doubt. That sometimes you might be pleasantly surprised when you do. 

254. Who impresses you?

As silly as it might sound, Ron Paul. He has stood by his convictions and tried to do this country right for a number of years now. He holds strong to his convictions. And he doesn't try to force his personal moral beliefs on anyone by legislating their bodies. 

255. What have you done that you are not proud of?  

Many things. I've said things that were untrue. I've behaved in embarrassing ways. But I don't regret any of it. I apologize if necessary and move on. 

August 101 update

Progress:

• donated 8000 grains of rice
• read four books
• used $13 in coupons
• answered 25 questions
• paid $200 toward student loans
• lost another 5 lbs!

I didn't complete any goals, but I'm not all beat up over it either. I made substantial progress on a number of goals and made my first student loan payments in years, so I'm happy. 

365 questions: 236 - 250

236. What was your last major accomplishment?  I surprised someone who I can't easily surprise. I'd say that's probably an accomplishment. 

237. Through all of life’s twists and turns who has been there for you?  My best friend ever, Erika Gail. 

238. What or who has been distracting you?  Exhaustion. Feelings of being overwhelmed. And Kyle Robert. 

239. What are you looking forward to in the upcoming week?  Saturday night! I get off work relatively early and my puppy is coming over. 

240. Who is your mentor and what have you learned from them?  Yikes. My mentor? I don't really have one anymore. In high school, I would have said Mr. Brown. And everything I've learned from him truly can't be put into words. 

241. What are you uncertain about?  Money. School. Relationships. 

242. What do you think about when you lie awake in bed?  Someone who is turning my life upside-down. 

243. What’s something most people don’t know about you?  My shopping addiction knows no bounds. If I'm lingerie shopping, I have no control. If I'm grocery shopping, I probably need a babysitter there, too. 

244. When you have a random hour of free time, what do you usually do?  Read!

245. What makes you weird?  Haha lots of things. I love pickled beets. The only milk in my fridge is coconut milk. I live alone and yet my pantry is stuffed to the gills. I have a very Type-A personality. 

246. If you could relive yesterday what would you do differently?  Nothing, really. I had a pretty productive "morning," and then put in a 12-hour day at work. 

247. What do you do over and over again that you hate doing?  Cleaning the house. I am not naturally a clean person. 

248. Would you rather your child be less attractive and extremely intelligent or extremely attractive and less intelligent?  More intelligent. I'd much rather be remembered for the impact I had on other people because of the wise things I said or the scientific discoveries I made rather than being an unusual beauty. 

249. What white lies do you often tell?  "Sorry I'm late." 

250. What is the biggest change you have made in your life in the last year?  Oh goodness. I've made a ton of changes. I think overall, I've just become a much more responsible person. I've done a lot of introspection and realized that some of the things I've done were perhaps not the best options. I've matured quite a bit. 

365 questions: 225 - 235

225. What is your saddest memory?  I tend to block super emotional stuff out. If you want a recent sad memory, though, it would be me at Jerry's funeral, knowing I didn't make it home in time to say goodbye. That breaks my heart. 

226. What would you like to change?  The number on the scale. For something less superficial, the amount of money I owe in student loans. 

227. How many people do you love?  Lots. I can't help but care about people. 

228. What’s the best decision you’ve ever made?  Oh, goodness. The best one I've ever made? I don't know for certain. The decision to learn from my past mistakes rather than regretting anything was probably a wise one, though. 

229. What’s your favorite true story that you enjoy sharing with others?  I love recounting my ridiculous adventures in Italy from last summer - couchsurfing with men who proposed marriage, getting a room with three guys I'd met an hour before, and sharing one bed with two other people who were both feeling a little amorous. 

230. Right now, at this moment, what do you want most?  I want to know what the future holds. I've never been big on surprises. I like to have all my shit in line, and life has sorta thrown me a twist lately. 

231. What are you waiting for?  How are you writing your life’s story?  I'm waiting for love and for success. But I'm writing my story with a little humor. 

232. What makes love last?  Hard work, every day. Love is a decision, not just an emotion. 

233. What good comes from suffering?  Strength and the experience. Every experience is one from which to learn. 

234. What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in the last year?  Don't take anything for granted. Not love, not people, not money. 

235. Based on you current daily actions and routines, where would you expect to be in five years?  Ideally, I would be writing for a wine magazine or consulting for a snooty restaurant. Happily married to the love of my life. Student loans hopefully paid off. Probably without kids. 

365 Questions: 216 - 224

216. If you had to move 3000 miles away, what one thing would you miss the most?  The amazing winters here! Arizona has the best winters ever. 


217. What worries you about the future?  Um, everything? I don't know what I'm doing with my life. 

218. What one ‘need’ and one ‘want’ will you strive to achieve in the next twelve months?  I need to figure out what my next step is in planning for my future. I want to run a half-marathon. 


219. What life lessons did you have to experience firsthand before you fully understood them?  Love is hard work. Keep your damn house clean. 

220. Do you like the city or town you live in?  Why or why not?  I do! I live in Tempe which is a super cute college town, but a big enough urban area that I have pretty much everything I need within a 10-minute drive. I'm also bordering Ahwatukee, which might just be my favorite town in the Phoenix valley. So yep, I definitely do like it here. 


221. What’s the best part of being you?  My wealth of knowledge. Or my rockin' red hair. Or perhaps my sunny demeanor. 

222. When you look back over the past month, what single moment stands out?  The Brahms Requiem. My last choir concert of the semester. I am still surprised that I came back to choir after five years away, and every day was a joy. 


223. What do you do to relieve stress?  Take a bubble bath with a book and a glass of wine! Or laugh with friends. Or get a back massage. It depends on why I'm stressed, I suppose. 

224. What is your happiest memory?  Happiest memory ever is probably still Homecoming. And by happiest memory I don't mean one that makes me smile now, because that one doesn't. But in my memory, that is probably the time I was the happiest. 

365 Questions: 204 - 215

204. What do you wish you had done differently?  Not a whole lot. I make it a policy not to regret anything in life - only to learn from my mistakes. I wouldn't be the same person without those same experiences, for the better or for the worse. 


205. What is your greatest strength and your greatest weakness?  My greatest weakness is also my greatest strength - my big heart. I am a huge people-pleaser and there's nothing I dislike more than disappointing someone. So I have a really hard time saying no, in pretty much all applications. That's the downside. The upside is that I am a wonderful listener, because I genuinely care about people. I love nothing more than making someone smile, or helping them in some way. And there's almost nothing I'm not willing to do for those I love. 

206. When was the last time you lied?  What did you lie about?  Honestly, I don't know. I try my hardest to always tell the truth, because dishonesty is one of the most deplorable qualities to me. 


207. What made you smile this week? I smile every day! But the most notable thing yesterday was being given a $200 case of wine, for free. And from this morning, it would have to be G crawling in bed and snuggling up to me. I'm a sucker for snuggles. 

208. What do you do with the majority of your money?  Spend it on tuition. Gross. 


209. What motivates you to be your best?  Nothing, sadly. Or perhaps I just haven't figured out what it is that motivates me. Because I'm certainly not being my best. 

210. When was the last time you lost your temper?  About what?  That's another one I can't remember the answer to. I rarely get upset or angry. And when I do, it's the silent ice-queen type, not the raging temper type. Certainly the last time I lost my temper would have had something to do with Kyle, because he's really the only reason I ever rage. 


211. What will you never give up on?  My dreams. I am the only one I can count on to actualize my dreams. I will one day own a home in Austria. 

212. When you look into the past, what do you miss the most?  I miss a lot of the close friendships I had - not the people necessarily, but the feelings associated with the good times. 


213. How would you describe the past year of your life in one sentence?  I saw the world and experienced a whirlwind of emotions.  

214. What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?  Last summer, I up and bought a ticket to Europe the day before I left. I've decided one afternoon to take a roadtrip and ended up in California by evening - on more than one occasion. I'm generally pretty spontaneous but I don't often do things that are noteworthy. 


215. What makes you uncomfortable?  Disappointing others. Sometimes new situations. Pervy men. 

365 questions: 196 - 203

196. What’s the biggest lie you once believed was true?  Love is all you need. 


197. In your lifetime, what have you done that hurt someone else?  Well I've been in a long-term relationship before. Over the course of those four years, I know he expressed hurt a few times. I have occasionally been thoughtless. I have been dishonest with my parents and with others. I got a restraining order against a family member in high school, which was very damaging. 

198. What’s the best part of growing older?  I would say the best part is probably also simultaneously the worst part - more responsibility. 


199. What’s been on your mind most lately?  The future. More specifically, the immediate future. Next semester. What in the world I'm doing with my life, and where I'm going. 

200. What do you think is worth waiting for?  Love / Mr. Right. 


201. What chances do you wish you had taken?  I wish I had bungee jumped off the Europe Bridge last summer. I was too much of a weenie to do it, though. 

202. Where else would you like to live?  Why?  Austria! It is my favorite place in the whole wide world. The people, the scenery, the town (Innsbruck), the food... there isn't a thing I don't love about it. It's like coming home every time I'm there. 


203. What motivates you to go to work each day?  A paycheck when you have a hefty tuition bill and tens of thousands in student loans is a pretty good motivator. 

365 questions: 183 - 195

183. What do you see when you look into the future?   Travel. Love. Contentment. Happiness. Success. I see the actualization of many of my goals - owning a house in Austria being one of the top ones. 

184. What makes you angry?  Why?  Injustice definitely makes me angry. I also get really upset about the government encroaching on my liberties. I feel the government is there to protect our rights granted to us in the Constitution, and not much else. They definitely don't do a very good job of it. 


185. What is the most valuable life lesson you learned from your parents?  Don't ever give up. It was taught to me in a round-about way (I was not allowed to stop piano lessons when I wanted to), but it's something that I definitely appreciate now. 

186. What does love feel like?  A smile from your tummy. A hug. Sunshine in your heart. 


187. What are your favorite simple pleasures?  A piece of extra dark chocolate. A glass of red wine. A bubble bath. And fresh ginger chocolate dream cookies, still warm from the oven. 

188. If you could go back in time and tell a younger version of yourself one thing, what would you tell?  Learn how to study. Don't take for granted that school comes easily, because learning study habits in your 20s is a bitch. 


189. What do you do to deliberately impress others?  Nothing that I can think of, honestly. I buy nice things because I like nice things, not because I'm trying to impress people. 

190. What will you never do?  I will never have an abortion. I will never commit a felony. 


191. Excluding romantic relationships, who do you love?  I love my mama, my dad, and my sister. My best friends - Kris, Dave, and Erika. I love Jacey and Mike. I love (most of) my coworkers. I love my "little brother" Matt, and his family. I love Shari. I love a lot of people. 

192. What is your earliest childhood memory?  I was two or three, and we were visiting Mom's parents. We were on a train of some kind, toward the back. In my memory, we were going through some kind of rainforest-esque place. I'm sure that's not the case, but that's what I remember. 


193. What book has had the greatest influence on your life?  I don't know about the greatest influence on my life, but the one that was influential in shaping my love of math and my career path was A Tour of the Calculus. It was required reading in my Calc-II class, my senior year of high school. It's still one of my favorite books. 

194. What three questions do you wish you knew the answers to?  I definitely still ponder the meaning of life, and it would be nice to have an answer of some kind. I wish I could see where I'm going to end up twenty years down the road, so I wouldn't need to worry or focus on what are likely distractions. And the third question is a personal one that I'll keep to myself, but I have a feeling I already know the answer. 


195. What is the greatest peer pressure you’ve ever felt?  It wasn't really a peer pressure that I resisted, but definitely joining the sorority my first year away from home, there was a crazy pressure to spend every night getting hammered. The house was virtually empty on Friday and Saturday nights, and most Wednesdays. Five years later, I still remember the handful of girls who didn't drink, and can count them on one hand. 

365 Questions: 176 - 182

176. What are the primary components of a happy life?  Doing what you love, and loving what you do. That doesn't just apply to employment; it applies to everything. 


177. How would the world be different if you were never born?  I like to believe I'm just a ray of sunshine. I know I've definitely made an impact on some people, and certainly their worlds would be different if I wasn't around, but I certainly haven't made an enormous impact on the world. 

178. What is your favorite song and why?  Oh yikes. All-time favorite song? I've never been able to choose one. Favorite Top 40s song right now is "It Girl," by Jason Derulo. Favorite folk song is "Danny Boy." Favorite Indie/a capella song is Ben Folds' cover of "Sleazy." 


179. With the resources you have right now, what can you do to bring yourself closer to your goal?  Make the calls I need to make. The only thing holding me back is fear. 

180. What are your top three priorities?  School, success, and fitness


181. Why do we idolize sports players?  I certainly don't, and I don't understand the mentality of people who do. 

182. What is the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?  Veru took me in when I was stranded in the Czech Republic this summer. Most all of my important stuff had been snatched, and she took me in for three days so I could get back on my feet. I truly don't know what I would have done without her.