1. What would you say is your biggest day to day challenge?
time management is easily my biggest day-to-day challenge. I have truly important (and sometimes admirable) to-do lists, where everything really matters, to some degree… But I struggle most often with managing the time and not losing myself in the tasks. Often what gets cut is my writing time…
2. May 16th is National Biographers Day. What’s a biography you really enjoyed reading? Is this a genre you read regularly?
While it isn’t actually a biography, anyone who reads here or listens to the podcast must be so sick of hearing about this, but I am full-on OBSESSED with Chrissy Metz autobiography/memoir. OBSESSED. (I have also enjoyed biographies written about Zelda Fitzgerald quite a bit!) I love memoirs, personal essay collections and really solid literary novels.
3. How important is keeping a clean house? Do you need to de-clutter your life?
I have a “lived in” home, but it stays pretty clean and organized, for the most part. I have a couple of seasons a year where I’ll do a big declutter, but do honestly try to stay on top of it because I firmly believe that only surround myself with things I either love or need is the best way to a quality and peace filled life.
4. You’re the 8th dwarf. What’s your name?
Ha! Snarky… (but only if I’m super close and comfortable with the 7 others.)
5. What’s surprised you the most about your life or life in general?
I think being able to look back and see direct trails (like connect-the-dots) leading from one bit to the next. Also, that, at 42, I still feel like that 22-year-old in my head. I don’t have it together, I’m not much wiser than then, I still have dreams and discover new passions. At 22, I always thought by now I’d be wise and stable, so mature in my brain, but I am just not…
This came about in a conversation with my husband, over the weekend. He, soft voiced and hesitant, confessed this very thing, and I had to laugh as reassuringly as possible. I wonder what it is that makes us believe we won’t still be us in 20-30 years? It gives me an all new perspective on my grandparents, before they passed, and on the elderly people I interact with regularly at my mother’s memory care facility.
6. Insert your own random thought here.
Sometimes I watch the Great British Bake-off and I’m blown away by so many elements of it. I think about how it’s probably the wisest and best “entertainment” to help us become better people… Other times, I watch it and while I love it, I admit that I had NO CLUE what I was thinking…
You asked for random.
I’m also wondering how one goes about getting a summer intern. I’m also unable to think about little beyond if I am going to be moving soon. I want to move. I totally DO NOT want to move. Adulthood is complicated, no?
(also… Don’t forget to read my CRAZY little story, and then enter to win a $50 Target gift card!)
Rainy Day in May... 
Good for you for keeping on top of the clutter. I blame our big house. Too much space. You’ll be surprised as you gain another decade or two, that you feel exactly the same as you do now, or as you did at 22. Hopefully having gained wisdom along the way, right? Otherwise, older is just older. Have a wonderful day!
Whenever I’m at my mom’s MCF I think of that… It makes it even more sad!
We downsized last year and I don’t know that I want a big house again!
Welcome to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Where in the PNW are you? My daughter1 is in the area as well and I’ve really enjoyed our visits there. Such a beautiful part of the country. I like the Great British Bakeoff too, but am currently obsessing over the Springtime Baking Championship on Food Network. It’s fun! I relate very well to your answer to #1. Have a great Wednesday!
Not in the PNW currently though Family is spread out through oregon, Idaho and washington. My son is in Seattle and I’d give anything to wind up there! I’m in Detroit, for now!
I also think that a house has to be clean but not sterilized !
Right! Huge difference! I want to stay on top of it but not terrorize my family!