19/30 – Living anywhere

Question 19: If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?

If I could live anywhere, it would probably be Switzerland. When I was in Europe in high school, Switzerland was by far my favorite place we visited. It’s so beautiful, with the mountains in the background and the crystal clear water. I think that alone is enough to make me want to be there. I could just sit and stare at how beautiful it is and be content. But other than that, the people are, or at least were, nice, and the economy is doing well. I’ve basically wanted to go back there ever since I left.

18/30 – Forgiveness…is more than saying sorry…

Ten points to whoever can name that movie!

Question 18: What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?

This should coincide with the hardest thing I’ve been through…but I don’t think there is any forgiveness involved there. All other things I’ve forgiven don’t seem large enough to warrant the “most difficult thing” title. Two things come to mind that might fit the bill.

The first relates to about 10 years of little things all built up. The constant push and pull of a relationship, hurtful words, confusing actions, ups and downs. I can’t say that I’m not to blame, because I actively participated, but I think I got the short end of the stick with most of it. I forgave being cheated on, being lied to, being taken advantage of, being jerked around, etc. Things turned out in the end, and I wouldn’t have done anything differently.

The second is the forgiveness I had to allow for myself. I made a lot of mistakes during my mid-life crisis, from about mid-way through 21 to the first half of 23. I did a lot of stupid stuff, treated myself poorly, hurt others (mostly without their knowledge), beat up my body, and ignored a lot of things I should have been dealing with. Don’t get me wrong, I also had a lot of fun, but it was mostly reckless. I’ve been dealing with the repercussions, and had to forgive myself for the silly things I did back then.

17/30 – Wishing to be great

Question 17: What is the thing you most wish you were great at?

I wish I was artistic. In many forms. I wish I could draw, paint, sing, play instruments, etc. I can do all of those things to some point, but I wish I was really skilled and confident in those skills. I used to be able to play the piano, and I wish I was really good at that again, as well as guitar. I’d love to be a singer, or at least be able to sing somewhere other than my car and drunk karaoke. I’d also really love to be able to draw, paint, and create things. But sadly, I am talentless.

16/30 – Greatest Accomplishments

Question 16: What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?

– Finishing my master’s degree before I turned 24. I’m maybe a huge nerd, but I’m also okay with that. Better than the alternative.

– Along with that, being done with my bachelor’s before I turned 21. I stuck around another semester to work and apply to grad school, but I didn’t need the credits.

– Being part of a state championship team. This doesn’t mean as much to me as the idea of it did before it actually happened, but very few people in the state can say they’re a state champion, so it is kind of a big deal.

– Making it to 24 without slapping anyone. (Well, not seriously slapping anyone anyway…) I’m running out of ideas, but given some of the incredibly stupid people I’ve dealt with over the past few years, I count this as a win.

– Making a difference in someone’s life. Whether that’s been a big difference or a small difference, it still feels good knowing there are a few people out there who I’ve impacted.

15/30 – Animals

Question 15: If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

I HATE questions like this. Honestly, who sits around and thinks about what kind of animal they would be? For some reason this question always seems to come up as an ice breaker question, even in grad school. Dumb. I’m choosing to tackle it today, just to get it out of the way, while I have an incredible headache and can’t form coherent thoughts anyway.

I’d probably be a dog. I’m loyal and dependable, usually smart, but I can be really stupid sometimes. (Sawyer is being dumb today — probably just bothering me more because of the headache).

14/30 – Strengths

Question 14: Describe 5 strengths you have.

– I’m reliable. When I say I’m going to do something, I do it. When I say I’m going to be somewhere, I am. Unless there’s things outside of my control stopping me. I show up on time and I do what I’m supposed to do.

– I’m smart. School has always been easy for me, even my Master’s Degree. I count this as a strength because I know that’s not the case for a lot of people. I’m lucky in that respect.

– I’m respectful. I try to treat everyone with the same level of respect that I expect myself.

– I’m becoming a better cook. A delicious strength. 🙂

– I’m really good at opening doors and being smiley. (So says one of my clients)

13/30 – Weaknesses

Question 13: Describe 5 weaknesses you have.

– I care too much sometimes. In many ways, this isn’t a weakness, but it can be. Usually it just ends up making me stressed out or cranky.

– Sometimes I just like to be alone. This can also go both ways, but I realize it can make people feel bad or like I don’t care. I spend all day talking to people and sometimes I like to go home, be alone, put sweats on, and not have to talk at all.

– I lose my patience easily. This usually doesn’t happen with people, but it sure happens with Sawyer.

– I’m sarcastic. Unfortunately some people don’t get it and probably just think I’m a bitch.

– Not standing up for myself or saying “no” to people. I’ve always struggled with this, but I think I’m getting better. I think I worry about what people will think, or if they’ll be mad. But I’m starting to realize that I can actually do what I want and if people have a problem with it then that’s fine. As for saying no to people, I’m getting better too. Otherwise I end up committing to too many things and end up getting overwhelmed.