A Different Bird Interviewed

So, one of the bloggers I follow, Carmen from La Petite Belle, posted answers to questions she received from another blogger, and then she offered to 'interview' other bloggers in return. I said, why not, and requested some questions.

So, here are my questions from the lovely Carmen, and my answers.

1) What made you start a blog?

I was actually inspired to start my first blog several years ago by my best friend, Kari, who was living in and blogging about Africa then. The first blog was similar to A Different Bird, just a lot less stuff on the page (damn you, widgets!). I also kept a blog about my adventure in England, where I lived for 14 months to get my Master's degree.

2) If you were in a deserted island and could only bring one person with you, who would that be? (you can pick someone you do or do not know)

Honestly, it would be Cameron, my boyfriend. He is one of my best friends (we get along extremely well and I would need to really love the person since we are the only two on the island); he is an outdoor guy (so he could build us that fabulous lean-to we'll need to survive the elements and hunt us some food) and he's fun to snuggle with (got to start thinking about populating that island ;)).

3) If you were only allowed to read ONE more book before you died, which book would you pick?

I thought this would be difficult to answer, but then I realized that I really want to read 'The Last Lecture' (it's on my to-do list this year) and I think the book's content would be very fitting!

4) If you could go back in time and re-do something in your life, what would that be?

There are a number of things I can think of, but I think I would redo high school - making much better decisions and setting a much better mental path for myself.

5) What would you tell your 10 year old self if you saw her sitting in front of you right now?

"Quit stressing out about everything. It really does all work out - for the good or the bad. Really enjoy time with the family. Do more things with your parents and your sisters. Your parents really give great advice, but do travel even when they don't want you to go, and do activities that you really want to do even if they don't want you to do them. And your sisters will be your best friends some day and all that fighting will be for naught, so chill! Savor every moment of those family vacations to St. George Island. They will still be some of your best memories when you are 27. Eat - for goodness' sake, eat. Even when you don't want to and you think it gives you some sense of control to starve yourself. Exercise. Enjoy physical activity. Go for long walks. Travel more. Try different cuisines. Always stay open to new ideas and new cultures. Be understanding of everyone's differences. Enjoy learning more than making high grades. Don't worry about middle school - everyone is awkward in middle school. Don't worry about not doing what everyone else is doing in high school. There really are so many things that are better suited for life after high school. Love as much as you can, but guard your heart against those who would hurt it. Don't waste your time on losers because you have an incessant need to make things work - in friendships, in relationships and in work. Try new things! Take more pictures but don't worry about taking pictures. Allow your creative side out in everything you do. And do what you love."

I have more to tell my 10-year old self, but I think my 10-year old self would have started stressing out about having to do all this stuff. And you didn't think I had always been this anal retentive?

1. If you want to participate, leave me a comment saying, “Interview me.” (And please leave your e-mail address if I don't have it)
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post. (eh, only if you want)
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions. (again, only if you want - this blogging thing shouldn't be that stressful)