2. If you could only pick one hobby to do (and do well) for the rest of your life, which would it be?

This has to be one of the most difficult questions I've ever come across. Couldn't you just ask me if I'd be willing to sell my organs for cash or commit hari kari?

If I had to pick just one it would probably be photography. I only dabble in it now, but I want to devote more time (and money for equipment) to it going forward. I think it's the one thing that will transcend all of the other trends to leave a lasting record for my family.

3. How long did it take you to realize that you and Jon were meant to be together? (Feel free to express in increments of hours or minutes, if applicable.) Why?

I knew that I wanted to get to know him after just a few minutes, but I think I knew within a week that I wanted to spend the rest of my life getting to know him. And it's not just because he's a hunk, although that helps. He seemed strong and self-confident but still very sensitive to people's feelings, which was something I hadn't seen in many men. He wanted to trust me as much as I wanted to trust him and that sealed the deal.

4. Besides not finishing your degree (yet - I still hold out hope!), do you have any regrets about your time at WPI? Do you ever regret going there? Do you think it was really the right choice for you?

How much room do I have?

I try not to think of them as regrets, but I'm a dreamer at heart. I can't help but wonder what would've been different if I'd made a few different choices at critical junctures. Like, what if I'd joined the newspaper staff straight off instead of waiting until Justin found me? What if I'd focused on writing and demanded more challenges from the faculty? What would my social life have been like if I didn't have a long-distance relationship tying me to the Internet?

In some ways, yes, I do regret going to WPI. I wasn't self-aware enough to know that while seductive, the relative independence of the project system and tech writing program was just too independent for me. It sounded great, but I didn't realize that I wouldn't force myself to learn in that kind of envinronment. I also didn't realize just how little I would get out of the technical writing program. A typical state college would've been better if I wanted to graduate on time and Michigan Tech would've been the best choice for a technical writing degree.

5. What aspects of your personality come from which of your parents, do you think? Are there other people in your life you've become similar to, personality-wise?

I think I get the "jack-of-all-trades" thing from both of my parents. My dad seems to know a little bit about everything and my mother can do anything she sets her mind to. It seems perfectly normal to me to have dozens of hobbies and interests and a fair amount of knowledge in each. I think some of my need for instant gratification comes from my father, who likes to do things when the inspiration strikes. And my hesitancy and buyer's remorse from my mother who can spend years talking herself into and out of large decisions and purchases.

You know, I think I've relearned being assertive from watching Amy at work. I went through a relatively meek and mild period during college and working with her helped me gain more confidence in myself. And of course Gillian has helped unleash my inner window-shopper again.

Wanna Play?

1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
2. I respond by asking you five personal questions so I can get to know you better! If I already know you well, expect the questions may be a little more intimate!
3. You will update your journal with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.