Playing Tag

I was tagged this week by the wonderful Amy of the b-line and since I haven't done one for awhile was especially excited to jump into the mix. Thanks, Amy!

What's your current obsession?
This American Life. Have you listened to any episodes before on public radio? A few nights a week Michael and I will turn off all the lights, sit on the couch and just listen. There is something very cool about a good radio program that gets the mind going.

What's your weirdest obsession?
Probably Twitter....but it's been a great way to keep up with people

What are you wearing today?
khakis and tshirt


What makes today special?
jeesh, no pressure! But easily I would say spending time with Eleanor. We spent the morning in the park, had an afternoon of reading and finger painting and just got home from a picnic in the park with the sun setting.

What would you like to learn to do?
I am dying to learn to sew. I would love to be able to make quilts, baby clothes, aprons, etc. I worry that I am not patient enough though and think I'll start again with crochet when I get home.

What's for dinner today?
We had a pizza picnic in the park. One of the nice things we've enjoyed here is so many families enjoy the park in the evening once it starts to get hot (it was 106 today!). It's a really relaxing way to end the day together.


What the last thing you bought?
We were just on holiday in Fujairah (northeaster coast of UAE) and I bought a few souvenirs for friends and family including a hand carved wooden camel, a couple jewelry boxes hand-painted and made out of camel bone (!), and some cute stuffed camels. Are you catching a theme?

What are you listening to right now?
Music-wise I've been listening to David Bowie, Radiohead, Gillian Welch, Feist....nothing new at the moment though. Looking forward to that when we get home as I haven't really been up on new music here.

What's your favorite weather?
I love temperate weather. Fall weather 60s and 70s, partly sunny, crisp.

What's your most challenging goal right now?
Living in the present.

What do you think of the person who tagged you?
Amy is one of my favorite imaginary friends. She has a wonderful blog and I really love how she is involved in the 365 flickr project. I think it's a great way to commit to becoming a better photographer.

If you had a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be?
Paris immediately comes to mind, as I love that city so much, but I think that I'm going to say somewhere beachy. Somewhere maybe in the Caribbean. I have fallen in love with the beach here and would love to be able to spend a few weeks every year at the ocean.


Favorite vacation spot?
Paris. I've been three times and hope to go several times more. It's just so beautiful, romantic...I love all the museums, the cafes, the Seine, and am a sucker for the Eiffel Tower....

What would you like to have in your hands right now?
A book.

What would you like to get rid of?
Student loans! Seriously, they seem to never get any lower. It's annoying. Kids who have their parents pay for their educations generally have no idea how hard it is starting out your young life with that kind of debt. It's definitely a step ahead. Do I sound bitter? :)

What language do you want to learn?
I have studied French although I might say Arabic.

What super power would you like to possess?
I'd love to be able to teleport places (even better to do as a family!) or pause time--you know sleep in later, sneak in a nap....

What's your favorite piece of clothing in your closet?
My dark denim trousers. You can dress them up or down and they are very comfortable. I do need a new pair though.

What's your dream job?
I've had it before when I worked at Columbus Metropolitan Library as a Youth Services Team Leader. I love doing children's librarian work as well as heading up a team. The only thing I would change would be finding one of these gigs that works no evenings or weekends!

If you had $150 now what would you spend it on?
I would like to find a traditional arab teapot and some other items to take home from here.

Do you admire anyone's style?
I admire many people's style, so why no one is coming to mind at the moment is beyond me.

Describe your personal style
I like to dress simply and be comfortable. I wear lots of black. I like a wide leg trouser and fitted top. Classic look. In summer months I love skirts and flip flops though. I definitely have become more of a conservative dresser here for sure.


What are you most proud of?
I'm really proud of having gotten my Master's degree in Library Science. My parents didn't go to college and I think it proves the importance of education and learning in my life. I am also proud of being a librarian and of having done so well in my career at a young age, even though I am away from it at the moment.

And of course, I am proud to be a mother.


What is one of your favorite photographs you've taken?
I love this photo of Eleanor at the Al Ain Palace Museum when we first arrived here.

The rules of the tag--
1. Respond and rework: answer the questions on your blog, replace one question you dislike with a question of your own invention.
2. Tag 7 other people you would love to learn more about. I chose some personal friends of mine. And they are: Dianna of Thingy Thing, Amanda of Made in a Treehouse, Jessi of Everyday Baby Studios, Cathy of Caterwauling, Katie of The Dundee Writer, and Beth of Getting Monkey Ready to Read.

paris photo credit