A New Day (Me)

I have prepared the list of questions for my first interview.


I firmly believe that you should not ask questions of others that you are not prepared to answer for yourself. So, I figured I should go first. While it is probably impossible to interview yourself I gave it my best shot. I scrapped any question that I could not comfortably answer immediately.

The fist hurdle is surrendering beliefs that discourage connection.(Anything that sounds like, "I am not fill in the blank")

In order to focus on who I am today I am leaving the future to its own devices. I am ditching beliefs that keep me from getting where I want to go. I hope by doing so that I might just find something relevant/something real in every single conversation.


When I think of what is working in my life right now my job and my faith come to mind.

I like being at work. I respect and enjoy the people I work with. I am confident in what I am doing. I can schedule my time and measure my success. More importantly, I feel like my work helps people. I talk to Veterans and military spouses everyday helping them finance homes. There stories are amazing in so many ways.

My faith is a somewhat different experience. I wouldn't say I am in control but I do feel safe there. The older I get the more I realize that my faith has never failed me. I am lucky to be in a church community filled with people who are open to faith/relationships/life being messy and imperfect. I am so glad to be in a place where I feel welcomed and needed. I work with the high school youth group. I love doing this because teenagers really need supportive adults in their life beyond their family. I was always involved in church growing up and some of my best friends are people from that group. The adult leaders for my youth group changed my life in very lasting ways. I know kids need caring adults because I felt the benefit of having them when I was younger.

These days I have much more flexible time than I have had for years. When I need to relax I cook. I love to stand in my kitchen and chop vegetables for roasting.  I love the smell of soup on the stove or bread in the oven. I can read cookbooks and talk about food for hours. I love Ina Garten because her recipes are simple and they always turn out well. Mark Bittman's books are easy to follow. My Gourmet Magazine clippings include gumbo, delicious dinner roll recipes, and the best citrus cookie recipe ever. Not only are the cookies fantastic but the recipe only makes 16. (read: no leftovers that I would be tragically forced to eat for breakfast)

I threw a party last night and the only thing I actually made myself was a cake, from scratch. It tasted great but it was far from picturesque. I have wanted to make that recipe for years and have never taken the time before. It will officially be in the rotation from now on!

I'm not much of a reader but when I do read at night I can't close the book until I get to the end of a chapter. Thank God for Kindle! Now when I fall asleep reading I don't lose my place. I also may be falling slightly in love with audio books. I like listening to non fiction while I'm driving or cleaning my house. The next book I read will probably be I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn't) by Brene Brown. The next audio book in my queue is David & Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell.

What I really love is music. Any music. Live music. New music. Country music.

There are so many great places to hear live music in Kansas City. I have seen Trampled Under Foot play at BB's. I love seeing Lonnie McFadden at The Phoenix. Flanigans Right Hook at Llewelyns. Can't wait to see George Straight's farewell tour at Sprint Center for my Birthday. Hands down, my favorite KC music venue is Knuckleheads.

What three words would your best friend use to describe you?
funny / talkative / caring

What is the most fun thing you have done in the last 30 days?

I spent Christmas morning with my friend Liam. He is 5. (and his family too)

What would you do if you were not afraid?

Get my PhD and start teaching.

Where would we go for a "day of fun" in Kansas City?

Start with an afternoon of bowling, followed by an amazing steak dinner and dirty martinis, and end the day with a Lonnie McFadden Show.

What event shaped you over the last year?

A very close friend lost her only brother to cancer. I have known their family for 20 years. What happened with his health was tragic. The amazing part of the experience was watching how their family rallied, stood together, and grew closer over the course of his illness. It was the most fantastic illustration of familial love I have ever witnessed. I was incredibly touched to be near them in the midst of their struggle. It literally changed my vision of what a family can be.

What is your favorite part of your life right now?

I'm trying new things and meeting new people.

What would new friends be surprised to learn about you?

I often feel so shy I am paralyzed. For instance its really difficult for me to walk into a restaurant or bar alone to look for someone I am meeting. I have trouble asking strangers for directions. I won't ask for or accept help from retail sales people. (it's really a whole thing)

What do you know for sure?
I am strong. I may falter but I won't fail. I have a strong network of people in my life who care about me and prop me up when I need it.

What is your mantra?
You are exactly where you are supposed to be.

What question do you want to be asked?
Would you like to go to dinner?

If you could write a note to your younger self, what would you say in 2 words?
You're beautiful.

Your census data is: Single / No Kids / Never Married.

But, who are you really? Single / Thoughtful / Active