Interview Jill - Conclusion

This has been so much fun! Thanks again to all of you for submitting questions, reading my answers, and leaving comments. If you ever need some good blogging material, I suggest you put a call out for questions.

Susan asked: What is your strongest/best trait? And what is your weakest/worst trait?
This is the question I contemplated the most. You see, I realized I'm probably not as strong in my strongest traits as I am weak in my weakest. But I guess realizing that is the first step in the process, huh? :o) That said, I think most people who know me would agree I am steady and true. I'm a friend for life and rarely venture very far off center in the "moodiness" department. Someone once told me I shine the brightest when the chips are down. On the other hand, I am working at being less judgemental, both of people and situations. I've got a stubborn streak, and often feel I'm right, even when I'm not. It's safe to say you'd want me on your side on a debate team. God's dealt me a good lesson in working on this. He gave me a son whose favorite words are No! Nope! No ma'am! and Oh geesh!

Lauren asked: How is your life similar/different from the way you dreamed it would be? Would you change anything?
I always thought I would have had more children at this stage in life, and I probably wouldn't have guessed that I would be an "older" parent. This is a positive, though! I got three children and only had to actually give birth to one! I also imagined I'd be working at a large company in a very corporate environment. Instead, I work with a bunch of carpenters and guys who gild frames and track sawdust into my office first thing in the morning. And, I honestly never thought I'd be living in the South, for goodness sake. I'm a Midwestern girl at heart, but I love where I've been planted. And, I wouldn't change a thing.

Kat asked: If you could change professions, what would you love to do?
I'll list several "dream jobs" here. I'd love to be an interior designer. I dabble just a bit in it with my job now, and I really love it. I also tend to do much better with other people's design projects than my own. I also would like to be a forensic psychiatrist. Any psychological thriller or "who done it" scenario is right up my alley. And finally, I think it would be rewarding and very challenging to be a book editor. My love for the written word is endless.

Stacey asked: What is your all-time favorite book?
Hands down The Grapes of Wrath. I've read it at least ten times, and I fall more in love with the story and the people every time. I love it because it's about everyday people searching and striving for a better life. There's no glitz or glamour, but it overflows with a heart-warming (and heart-wrenching) message. If it's been awhile since you've read the Grapes of Wrath, or if you've never read it, do yourself a favor and invest in a copy.

VAIL asked: What is your favorite movie of all time? and why?
Grease because John Travolta dances. The end.


Bell-ah asked: What do you (as a non-native Southerner) like best about the Southland?
Oh, Bell-ah, let me count the ways. After 29 years enduring winters that seemd to last half the year, I love the weather here in the South. We enjoy all four seasons, but rarely endure a pile of snow that's more than ankle deep. I love the people; Southern hospitality is a tangible thing. And most of all I love the Southland because I've made a life here now. I was married here; my son was born here. And, if it weren't for the South, I never would have uttered the words, I'll have blacked-eyed peas, collard greens, okra and a tall glass of sweet tea.


Jody asked: Would you ever move back to Iowa if the opportunity presented itself?
Yes. In a heart-beat. And I'd invite you over for some collard greens.