Who Am I?

I don’t typically do tags or awards, but it has been a while since I have written a blog post, and while I do have all kinds of thoughts rattling around in my brain, I figure a questionnaire is a good place to start.

A few weeks ago, Brandy, or as you might know her, Nova, asked me to answer a set of questions, and how could I refuse such a lovely person who wants to know more about me? I always enjoy learning more about the writers behind the blog, and I enjoy answering thought-provoking questions.

Please check out “Share With Us,” the post where Brandy asked me to participate, and if you feel inclined, answer a few!

Who Am I?

1. Growing up, what did you want to do professionally when you got older?

As a child, I dreamt of being many things, but the one career I have always strived for is becoming a professional author. I thought for sure I would live in Bangor, Maine, next door to Stephen King. We would both sit on our front porches and roll ideas off of each other. Of course, that was when I wasn’t working as a backup dancer for a hair metal band. 

I think I may have been a little off in regards to my career. Haha!

around 3ish….

2. Do you live in the city or state of which you were born?

I was born in Oakland, Maryland. I grew up in Loch Lynn, Maryland, and I currently live in Deer Park, Maryland. All of these “cities” are within ten minutes of each other.

3. What’s an item that you had as a girl, but isn’t being sold anymore?

A Walkman. I loved my Walkman and was almost never without it!

4. Do your prefer pudding, yogurt, custard, or ice cream?

I enjoy all of these creamy pleasantries; however, I will always choose ice cream when given a choice. 

5. What’s one topic of interest you’d like to learn more about?

The film industry. I took an UnderstandingMovies class, and my professor seemed to really enjoy my enthusiasm and excitement for the art. I find all of it incredibly interesting, and I notice so much more in movies now! 

6. What is a favorite/unique family tradition in your house?

The fancy Thanksgiving cranberry sauce tradition.

I know you’re probably thinking that by “fancy” I mean “homemade,” but that is where you’re wrong.

When I was a little girl, we would spend every Thanksgiving at my maternal grandmother’s house, which is also the house where I currently reside. My grandmother would always have cranberry sauce as a side, but not just any cranberry sauce. Oh no, it had to be Ocean’s Spray canned cranberry sauce. I love this tradition because my grandmother would place the cranberry sauce, looking just the like shape of the can on the prettiest serving platter she owned. My grandmother would then place lettuce, rosemary sprigs, or fruit around the sauce to make it look pretty. Even as a child, I found it so comical that she put so much effort into this dish that looks like a jelled can. I made such a big deal over it that it didn’t feel like Thanksgiving without it would be complete. When my grandmother passed away, my mother continued the tradition. Now that my mom is gone, I still continue the tradition, and I really enjoy decorating the platter! 

7. If you had one topic to teach to the entire world, what would it be and why?

Empathy because it breaks my heart that so many people lack it. The truth is, kindness is a choice, and it’s not always an easy choice, but it’s a golden one. It’s easier, however, to be kind when we can put ourselves in another’s shoes. We are all human beings trying to make it in a challenging world. Unfortunately, some people allow the pain and hatred of the world to harden their hearts. The rest of us work to rise above it because we know what it’s like to be hurt, and we don’t want to be the inflictors of pain. I think the world would be a prettier place if more people were empathetic. 

8. What’s something you know you do differently than most people?

People befuddle me, but to be fair, I also confuse people because I don’t fit into a box, so I think I do a lot of things differently than most people. The first thing that came to mind is that when everything is off, all of the light switches need to face the same direction. There are two sets of double switches in my dining room and kitchen, one light switch for the ceiling light in each room. If someone turns the light on in the kitchen and then turns it off in the dining room, it drives me crazy!! I don’t care if the switches are facing up or down as long as both switches are facing the same direction.

9. What’s one of your life saving cleaning hacks?

People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.

People who live in old houses battle with cobwebs. Ugh! I don’t know what it is, but if I don’t keep up with the hack I’m about to reveal in a moment, cobwebs form in every tiny corner of my house what seems like seconds after I knock them down.

I have discovered the miracle of dryer sheets! Not only does it make your house smell like fresh linens, but when you use them to wipe down your walls and baseboards four times a year (once a quarter), it keeps the cobwebs at bay. 

10. What’s one thing you wish you knew before having kids, but didn’t?

They’re rambunctious, messy, and like to kick.

I know, bad joke. I don’t have children. Or baby goats.

11. What is one lesson life has taught you recently?

That I am stronger than I give myself credit for, and no matter what storm life has in store for me (life always seems to throw me nor’easters,) my storm shelter can handle the weather.

12. If you could retire and live anywhere in the world, where would that be?

I gave this question a lot of thought, and I surprised myself with my answer. Usually, I would have said somewhere in Scotland, Tuscany, or New England, but the longer I thought of it, the more I realized that I want to live somewhere I can witness a gorgeous sunset, be within a few hours distance of my friends, and be with the man who makes me laugh on a daily basis. The location doesn’t really matter.

Love & life lessons,

Kristian