Answering Tough Questions

I  had a different post planned today, but after reading Erin's post this morning and then reading some of the other posts that linked up, I decided it would be fun to participate.

Most of these questions we've all thought about a little bit, but when you actually sit down to answer them, it was quite a challenge. It was fun to take a minute and think about each topic, each answer is tied to so many memories.  

1. If you could do one thing differently in your life, what would it be?
The first thing that came to mind was that I wish I had gone to Australia. When I was in 7th grade, I remember talking to my parents about possibly studying in Australia for a year. My Dad had just been there, and we had a family friend that lived there who I could stay with. I don't remember the details, or even if this was a realistic possibility, but I think it would have been a life changing experience. I do believe that everything happens for a reason. Even the poor choices I've made, have taught me important lessons that brought me to where I am today, and for that, I'm thankful.

2. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I always struggle with this question. I have no idea where I will be in 5 years. I'll be 32 by then, yikes! I guess my response would be, well traveled. I don't know where I'll be living, or what job I'll have, but by the time I reach the point of wanting to "settle down" I want to be able to look back and feel like I seized every opportunity I could, saw the world, and truly lived life to the fullest.

3. Do you honestly want kids?
Yes. I see myself with a family someday. However, I don't think that day is anytime soon. I am in no rush. I love having my little nephew, Phillip, to love on. And it has been fun to watch some of my best friends become Mothers as well. But I am not ready for that at this point in my life. Talk to me in a few years.

4. What has been the best moment of your life so far?

There have been so many good moments, I don't know how to pick one! Standing on top of Mt. Whitney was pretty amazing. Other memorable moments: Standing at the top of the Eiffel Tower, wine tasting in Tuscany, eating pasta with my best friend in Florence, Il Palio horse races in Siena, seeing my nephew minutes after he was born...there have been too many to count.

Top of Mt. Whitney

5. What is your life theme song?

Man, this is a tough one! I think it would have to be something from the 60's or 70's, I grew up on Classic Rock and those songs evoke the most nostalgic feelings for me. I can relate to the lyrics of so many songs I hear, so I think I would have to chose one that feels good, one that always makes me smile when I hear it play. So I'll go with Fleetwood Mac, Rhiannon. But, I once had to create a "Soundtrack of my Life" for a school project, and Red Dirt Road by Brooks & Dunn was on it, because that song definitely takes me back to high school, and growing up in a small foothills town. So I guess that one could work as well. Clearly, that question is impossible to answer, I can't pick just one song.

6. What is one thing you have yet to accomplish that you want to do before you die?
I really hope to learn more about photography. I love portraits and landscape photos equally, and love that a picture can capture a moment in time. I hope to be able to make time to learn more about camera settings, light, composition, and Photoshop, so that I can capture the beautiful moments in my own life.

7. If you could choose one thing to be known for, what would it be?

Being a good friend. My friends mean the world to me, and am proud of the fact that I have maintained so many close friendships throughout my life. When I moved to San Francisco it definitely became harder to keep in touch with my friends back home, but I try to stay connected and check in as much as possible. One of my of my goals for 2013 was to make an effort to be more connected, and make an effort to let my friends know just how important they are to me. I hope that sending a note in the mail, or a quick "hello" out of the blue when I'm thinking of them, will make them smile and know how much I value their friendship.

8. If you could do anything you wanted right in this very moment (no consequences, no fear, etc), what would it be?

I would quit my job, and travel. Andrew and I have so many places we want to travel, I think it would be so amazing to pick up, and just go. I think it would be impossible to regret something like that. I imagine it would completely enrich your life and give you a new perspective. I've looked into www.workaway.info which is basically, working in trade for room and board. You can do this all over the world. Maybe a lavender farm in France, a winery in Tuscany, Bed & Breakfasts, the options are endless. A friend of mine did this in Italy and he said it was amazing. He "worked" a few hours a day by helping around the house and cooking, in exchange for a free place to stay and meals while he explored Tuscany. Sounds incredible.

9. What has been the most challenging moment in your life?
Finally deciding to move to San Francisco was a pretty tough decision. I felt like a lot of people weren't supportive of that choice at first. It was hard to shut out what everyone else was saying, and really listen to what I wanted. I am SO thankful I was able to do that, to follow my dream and move to the city. It has been such a fun, memorable year. I know that wherever I end up, I'll always be thankful for my years in this wonderful city.

10. Summarize yourself in one word.
Caring.

Thanks to Erin over at Living in Yellow for the thought provoking questions!  Some of these questions were pretty challenging. It was fun really thinking about where I am in my life and where I hope to go. I sense an overall travel theme here, maybe that's something to think about...

xoxo,

Theresa