What is something you’re proud of this year?
Making my mental health a priority and seeking out professional help. I think everyone had a hard year in some form or another and I’m proud I knew when I needed help. I’ve also read 28 books so far this year which I’m really excited about and it’s not even May!
What is a show you can’t recommend enough?
I don’t think I could choose just one! My current favorites right now are Schitt’s Creek, Peaky Blinders and The Last Kingdom!
What is something you spend too much money on?
Oh without a doubt skincare related products or new plants.
What has Covid changed for you?
Besides becoming more of a germaphobe? Covid has taught me how beneficial it is to have a proper work-life balance. I also have even more respect for outdoor related hobbies.
Have you done anything exciting lately?
I just got my hair done and I haven’t dyed it or done anything drastic to it in nearly 7 years so it’s pretty exciting to change things up a bit!
What’s your favorite drink?
Is it too cliche to say lattes? My wallet is still grumpy at my mom for introducing them to me all these years ago.
What’s one vice you wish you could give up?
This isn’t a vice perse, but I wish I could stop harshly judging my own personal work or not sharing in fear of not being good enough. I’ve been making progress but it’s one step at a time.
What’s one talent you wish you had?
Have you ever met someone who was just super charismatic and can make easy conversations effortlessly? Yeah I wish it came that naturally to me.
What’s one ingredient you put in everything?
White truffle salt, red crushed pepper, or the Jalapeño Tabasco sauce. (LPT: Put some of the jalapeño tabasco in your marg to give it a kick. You can thank me later.)
What’s one book everyone should read?
That’s so hard. One of my all time favorite books is The Book Thief just because of the beautiful poetic style writing.
Last book you read?
I just finished The Midnight Library a couple of days ago and it was a great read. Especially if you like the idea of infinite parallel universes.
If you could master one instrument what would it be?
I’ve been wanting to learn how to play the violin for the longest time! I can listen to violin covers for hours, it’s such a beautiful sounding instrument.
Favorite cocktail?
Jalapeño Margarita!
Favorite movie?
It’s a tie between The Princess Bride and Roman Holiday (or any Audrey movie for that matter except maybe Breakfast at Tiffany’s)
Favorite painter?
Monet’s dreamy pastel landscapes draw me in every time as well as works by Van Gogh. I also love Leonid Afremov for his vivid landscapes as well.
Who is your favorite musical artist(s)?
Anyone that gets to know me can attest that I am the biggest Taylor Swift fan. Mac Miller is also a close second followed by Dierks Bentley. However, most of my time I’m listening to some sort of podcast.
What’s your favorite app on your phone?
I would be lying if I didn’t say Reddit wasn’t my most used app on my phone.
What’s your favorite form of exercise?
I just recently bought a rower, and while I can’t tell you that I love rowing (cause it’s really hard), I do love the results and how strong you feel. I’ve also been snowboarding for over 10 years and it’s the best sport in the world.
What’s your favorite hobby to do alone?
Probably reading cause it’s not a hobby you really can do with anyone else.
What are you most enchanted by?
City skylines absolutely take my breath away.
What makes you laugh no matter what?
Cheesy Puns! or any episode of Schitt’s Creek.
What do you admire most about your parents?
My mom’s strength, compassion and utter selflessness she has. She’s always going out of her way to help someone. She has also faced a good amount of adversary and she always finds a way to fight her way through it.
What do you see as your best character strength?
Making sure everyone feels included. Feeling excluded is such a harrowing experience and so I always try, and often go out of my way, to make sure everyone is included.
Is there a smell that instantly relaxes you?
Do you know the smell right after a heavy storm lifts? That reminds me of spending summers with my grandma in Florida where it would downpour almost everyday. I also absolutely love the smell of fresh cut watermelon.
If you won the lottery tomorrow what would you do?
Call a lawyer and keep my mouth shut. LOL
What are three things you value most about a person?
Kindness, a sense of humor, and inclusivity.
Have you ever seen something you cannot explain?
When I was younger we use to feed the deer in our backyard just to have some friendly visitors once in a while. Well, I swear that the regular deer of our backyard talked to all of their deer friends. One evening I happened to look out the sliding glass door and saw hundreds of deer in the backyard. Everywhere I looked I saw deer. I quickly called my mom to be a witness of what I saw and she also couldn’t believe her eyes. We tried taking pictures but of course it was right after the sun set, and cameras weren’t what they are today. I swear there were hundreds!!!
What inspires you?
Watching people talk about their passions and watching their faces light up with excitement and enthusiasm. It’s hard not to be inspired by that.
What makes you nostalgic?
Driving past my old college buildings or listening to my punk-pop playlist that I couldn’t get enough of in my teens. Blink 182, New Found Glory, All Time Low, you get it.
When you’re not working, what are you doing?
You can usually find me reading, hand lettering, or trying some sort of new hobby, while binging some sort of podcast. My current one is learning how to crochet! In the summer months I’m always trying to go to some body of water and do some charcoal grilling, cause there’s nothing quite like charcoal grilled food. (and you can’t change my mind on that!)