This is a meme from Jodi, and since memes are always helpful when you’re recovering from a weekend away and are facing the disaster that is Your Home, here goes…

1. Name a few things in your current country that you like better than living in the U.S.

This is a good question for me right now, because as I’ve said before, it’s easy to dwell on the things you miss. That’s not always healthy. So, what comes to mind is that we live on the ocean, and therefore can see water from our balcony – something I’ve always wanted. Also, as much as it’s obvious that we’ll need to buy a car soon, the public transportation is pretty good (definitely better than Austin’s, anyway) , and it’s nice to be able to get virtually anywhere in the city by boat, bus, or metro. Sure, it takes 2 hours, but it’s still kinda cool. And I have to say the whole doorman concept is great – I love that it’s someone’s job to collect our trash, deliver milk to our front door every morning, and fix something if it needs fixing. And luckily for us, ours is a great guy.

2. What is one thing that surprised you about parenting?

Easily, I’d have to say the immediate love that flooded me the moment Chickpea was born. I suddenly knew what people always said about a mother’s love, and how a parent would run in front of a mack truck for their kid without thinking twice. Yes, parenting is the hardest thing I’ve ever done – and I’ve only just begun – but there is indeed a love you have for your own child that belongs to them only. There’s no doubt that I’d sacrifice anything for Chickpea, and I’m sure for this next kiddo as well.

3. What do you think you are having, boy or girl?

This is a tough one, because deep down, I really don’t know. Both Kabob and I were fairly sure Chickpea was a girl the moment the stick turned pink. It changes often, but lately I’ve been thinking girl. Overall, Kabob thinks boy. I can truly, honestly say I’d be thrilled with either. I’d love to experience having a boy, but I always wanted a sister, so I love the idea of two girls. So… Whatever gender is really okay with me.
4. If you could magically have any restaurant appear in your new town what would you choose?

With all my Chuy’s talk, it’s pretty easy to assume that would be my choice. I crave it all the time. But, thinking logically, I don’t really eat there all the time when I live in Austin. It can be kinda pricey, and fatty foods drenched in sauces aren’t good for anybody more than a couple times a year. So, I think I’d have to say Kerbey Lane. It’s got everything, from breakfast to dinners to desserts, and it’s open 24 hours. They definitely need a place like that here, where I can go at anytime, by myself to read and drink coffee, or as a family for pancakes or sandwiches. Mmm… Someone go there in my honor today.

5. The last book you read that you would recommend everyone read.

Goodness, this is a tough one. For it to be an across-the-board, everyone should read this kind-of book, it eliminates a lot. I read all kinds of books, and there aren’t too many that I think are universally important. If Jodi didn’t say the last book, I’d have to say “The Practice of the Presence of God” by Brother Lawrence. It’s one of my all-time favorites. But since she did say the last book, I’ll go with “Blue Like Jazz” by Donald Miller. It’s still been awhile since I read it, but that’s the only one coming to mind that I read in the past year or so.

Okay, apparently there are rules to this meme, and they are as follows:

1. If you want to play along , leave me a comment saying “interview me.”
2. I will respond by emailing you questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment, asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

posted: 07 May 29
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