September 27, 2011

Getting Personal

Our local newspaper, The News-Gazette, is featuring some area bloggers who answer this quiz. I thought it'd be fun to participate. It's a way to pretend I have a dream job of writing for them! If you're visiting from the paper's site- welcome! (Here's the link to everyone who participated.)



Name, age, town of residence: Erika, age 27, Champaign-Urbana
Profession: Explain in one sentence what it is you do.
I'm a stay at home mother to a 14 month old girl named Millie.
What time do you typically get up? What do you do the first hour of the morning?


I usually sleep as long as Millie lets me! The first hour is spent fixing her breakfast, playing with her, and occasionally guzzling coffee as needed.


What did you have for lunch today? Where? With whom?
I didn't. I'm pretty bad about skipping meals. I usually just eat dinner these days.
Best high school memory.
It would have to be from my time at Judah Christian- probably the one day I tried to skip class with my best friend. We ended up only missing a half an hour, still getting in trouble, and never really got the satisfaction of being bad girls.
Tell me about your favorite pair of shoes.
Probably my black patent leather heels. I always feel classy when I wear them.
What does a perfect Sunday afternoon include?
I'd love to spend it going to Hessel Park, pushing Millie on the swings, and walk across the street to The Custard Cup- my aunt and uncle's place. Double chocolate sodas!
Was there one book you read as a child that you still cherish? Own? Read?
Gosh, I have too many favorites to name! One that comes to mind is To Kill a Mockingbird. I read it when I was 14, engrossed in it at a campsite during a family vacation. I didn't see much scenery that trip, but that book is unforgettable.
Where on earth are you dying to go? Why?
England, more than anywhere else in the world. The beautiful countryside, the hustle and bustle of London, and all the rich history of the country have made me want to go since I was little. I could spend weeks just visiting homes of authors!
Tell me about your favorite pet.
Our family had a dog named Ruby, who we adopted from the humane society. She lived with us for 16 years, and was the sweetest dog I've met. I still miss her.
Have you discovered as you matured that you are becoming like one of your parents? Which one and how?
Definitely both of them. I'm starting to find my love of homemade things that my mom has. I have my dad's interest in all things Abraham Lincoln and history, documentaries, and travel. I share both of their excitement from awesome garage sale finds. I hope I've inherited their character, too.
What would you order for your last meal?
If I knew it were my last, I probably wouldn't be hungry! I suppose broccoli cheese soup in a bread bowl from Atlanta Bread Co. wouldn't be too shabby...either that, or Papa Del's pizza!
What can you NOT live without?
My family. Simple answer, but it's true.
Who do you have on your iPod?
I loathe all things Apple, so I can't say that I own an iPod! On my Zune, however, there's a mixture of everything, including some local music like The Hathaways.
What’s the happiest memory of your life?
The moment I first saw my daughter's face.
If you could host a dinner party with any three living people in the world, whom would you invite?
Hmm. Someone British, just to listen to their beautiful accent for hours, Harper Lee, and Michael Buble to serenade us all.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. You never know what effect your kindness (or your lack thereof) could have on someone.
What’s your best piece of advice?
I'm probably not wise enough to give advice just yet!
What was your first job, and how much did you make an hour?
I worked at Curtis Orchard- I was hired the day I turned 16, and worked there for a couple seasons. I made caramel apples, cider slushies, dipped the apple doughnuts in sugar, and came home smelling heavenly. I'm sure I made minimum wage, but I had a great time there.
What was a pivotal decision in your career, and how did you arrive at that decision?
Maybe it was that I didn't want to have a career. I'm not a get-to-the-top kind of person. The thing that has the most value to me is staying at home to raise my daughter, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Do you have a bad habit? What is it?
I think it's a good habit, but some of my family may disagree- I'm the family member who is constantly snapping pictures at any get-together or event. I love photography and photo-editing, but I love having a record even more. I've never regretted taking a picture, but I've regretted plenty of times that I haven't taken one!
How do you handle a stressful situation?

I blog. :)

7 kind comments from you:

beka said...

that has got to be the best first job ever.
ohmyword. :)

i'm the exact same about the snapping pictures...yes.

Skinnie Piggie said...

This is great, and now I am craving everything you described from your first job...

Unknown said...

I love documentaries as well. My favorite is probably Nobelity (have you seen it?). I also don't have a career and love that I chose to stay home with my children. Never a decision I will regret. It is so nice to "meet" you.

Ashley S. said...

Can I come to your dinner party?! :)

Mrs. Nix said...

"What was a pivotal decision in your career, and how did you arrive at that decision?

Maybe it was that I didn't want to have a career. I'm not a get-to-the-top kind of person. The thing that has the most value to me is staying at home to raise my daughter, and I wouldn't trade it for the world."

Even though we haven't started our family yet, the only thing I can think of that I'd love doing as a "career" is staying home to take care of our children and watch them grow. I can't find anything else I'd rather do. :)

charla beth said...

I loved this so much. You have such a sweet heart. And I love that I feel like I know you so much better now!

Thanks for sharing this with us. :)

Taylor {OurMilitaryHome.com} said...

Wow, congrats on getting published and I enjoyed your thoughtful answers.

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