Interview

OK, so my friend Nicole was interviewed by another blogger, and then offered to send questions to whoever wanted to participate. I'm always looking for new things to blog about, so here are the questions she sent me, and my answers.

1) What is the most difficult part about marriage and why?

I think it all comes down to communication. If it breaks down, you can almost guarantee a breakdown yourself. And you may think you're communicating, but you're not, or you could be sending the wrong messages when that's not what you intended at all. Communication isn't just verbal. Sometimes it's your body language or your actions. And when things do get rocky, you have to forgive/realize you're wrong and apologize, and that's not always easy. I like the theory of never going to bed angry. We don't always get there, but that's what we try for. There can also be little things that become big things, little pet peeves. And you have to find a balance between not letting it bother you and at least attempting to not do (or start doing) the things that bother (or would please) the other person. Oh, and compromise.

2) Please describe your favorite childhood memory.

This one's a toughie. I'm not sure exactly when childhood ends. And I don't know if i can quantify my favorite. But this is the first thing that came to mind, at least. When I was in the fourth grade, I had a really great teacher, Mr. Stanford. And sometimes he would stay to work the after-school program, which I frequently stayed in until my Mom could come get me from work. (This was the period in my life when I learned to and got really good at playing 4-square, and sometimes Mr. Stanford would play with us.) But whenever he was in after-school, I was like his little sidekick. And this is the point where I really started to develop my grammar naziness. Whenever kids would come up and ask him, "Can I go to the bathroom?" I would make them say, "Mr. Stanford, may I please use the restroom?" And he wouldn't let them go until they said it correctly. He's gotta be one of my hands-down favorite teachers ever. I still run into him occasionally when I'm home.

Also the year I got to help Santa put presents out for my sister was pretty awesome.

3) If you have children, what would be the best advice you could give them?

Listen to your parents. Respect them. (And not just because I am the parent. I just know from experience that when you do this, they become so much more than just parents.) Come home on time. And if you're late, call ahead. Love yourself. It's not all about having a boyfriend/girlfriend. Don't have sex before you're married. Don't do drugs. Always do your best in school but leave time for some fun too.

4) If you could instantly change one thing (physically, mentally, spiritually, etc) about yourself, what would it be?

Definitely my weight/body. I don't want to be a toothpick, but sometimes I just look in the mirror and really hate myself. Or sometimes I hate myself when I put my jeans on. Or when nothing looks right. Or, or, or... I really think that if I could change that (and I know I CAN), I would be so much happier. I'm fairly content with my personality and all that, but I think my life would be better if I felt better about my body. For instance, and most of you probably don't know this, but I would love to dance, whether that's learning in classes or just actually having fun at a wedding reception for once. But I am way, way too self conscious to do it.

5) What do you do when (you think) no one is looking?
Play on Facebook/blog at work. Nothing too exciting.