Thursday, April 23, 2015

Just because... 14 questions

I've been looking for ideas on topics to blog about.  Truth be told, writing helps me deal with stress.  So I blog because it is cheaper than therapy.  Beer is cheaper too.  ha! 

Are you young at heart, or an old soul?
I'm an old soul.  My sisters will tell you I was the most grown up 5 year old in the world.  I've always been the responsible one.  That's not to say I'm don't know how to have fun.  But I'm most definitely an old soul.

What Christmas (or Hanukkah) present do you remember the most?
I remember several presents but one that I remember fondly was a green army Jeep.  I must have been 4 or so at the time, and I asked for a Tonka Truck.  Not a doll, not a doll house (I really didn't like dolls that much).  I asked for a Tonka Truck.  On Christmas morning I had a shiny Army green Tonka Jeep.  I loved it! I think it was the first lesson my mom taught me about being myself.  It was ok to be a girl that loved cars and didn't care for dolls.  I was perfectly ok.  That lesson has stayed with me forever.

If you could pick anywhere to live the rest of your life, where would it be?
If you know me well enough, this answer will not surprise you.  I would moved back to Panama.  I would buy a house in the mountains and live there, happily ever after.  There is no place like home.

 Where was your favorite place to go when you were a little kid?
 My grandparents' house.  That place held some many memories of wonderful summers spent with my cousins in the country.  I remember the smell of gardenias early in the morning, as I helped my Abuela water her garden.  The sound of the coffee grinder as Abuelo got the coffee ready in the morning.  Abuela letting me help with breakfast.  Helping Abuelo feed the chickens every morning.  Watching my grandparents dance under the light of the kerosene lamp, that memory will remain with me forever.  

If you go back to one point in time to give advice to yourself, when would you go and what would you say?
Just one point in time?  Umm, I would say 18.  I would tell myself "weigh all options. and do not be afraid".

When you were young, what would you dream you would be when you grew up?
At 7, I dreamed of being an astronaut.  At 10 I wanted to be a lawyer.  At 41, I'm still trying to figure out what to be when I grown up.  

What part of the past year sticks out in your mind?
Turning 40.  It marked the beginning of the rest of my life 

You win a scratch-off lottery game that gives you $2000 a week (after taxes) for the rest of your life. Do you keep your job?
I would have to do the math first to make sure, but at first thought, YES! I would find another job doing something I'd love even if it paid less than my current job.

Have you ever met someone through the internet, then met them in real life?
Yes!  These women have become some of my closest "imaginary" friends.  They share the good days and the bad ones too.  Life is better because I've met them.

What is your ethnic heritage?
The politically correct term is Hispanic.  I don't use that term.  I'm Latina, I'm Panamanian.  
As far as I know, there is Spanish and native Indian blood running through my veins.  I suspect there is Asian blood too, considering my children are often asked if they are Asian.   

 Are you hard-headed?
who, me?  Absolutely not.  ok, maybe a little.  Ok, I am.  Happy now?

 What gets you out of bed in the morning
 The dog.  He is ready to eat as soon as the alarm goes off.

 Do you want to live until you’re 100?
Yes. I want to see my kids get married and meet my grandkids   

 Give me the story of your life in six words.
Dreamer filled with passion and determination.