Liebster: Questions Answered

Liebster Part II: Amanda's Questions For Me

1. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

I have been given much advice over the years, and a few pieces really stand out to me.  One was given in the context of me preparing for surgery, as I was concerned about being out of school for so long while I was recuperating.  One of my colleagues said "don't be a hero" as she encouraged me to take as much time as I truly needed so that I didn't come back to work too soon, and in doing so, end up messing with my recovery.  It helped me see that I need to take care of my needs first, not put everyone else in front of me, essentially being a "hero" at the sacrifice of my own well being.
 
2. What is your favorite quote?
Oh my.  This is like asking a parent to pick a favorite child!  There are so many I love!  I mean, there's a whole page on this blog devoted to quotes!  They are sprinkled all over the blog!  I guess my favorite is the tag line image at the top of the page - "Just because today is a terrible day doesn't mean tomorrow won't be the best day of your life.  You just gotta get there."  (And I sprinkled a few more within this post!)

3. If you had the power to change the world in one way, what would you do?
I'd eliminate suffering.  I don't understand why people need to go through so much suffering!  Yes, I get that experiencing pain helps us appreciate the good feelings, but must there be so much suffering?   That, or I'd find a way to support all children and their families that would ensure every child received a well-supported education.  If we start by insuring that kids get a good education, then we may very well eliminate the poverty that plagues so many.  We can't do this by "fixing" schools, we need to reach into the homes and support the families so that all children have warm beds, food to eat, and a safe and nurturing living environment.

4. What is the best book you read in 2012?
I have to say that it wasn't just one book.  That's just like asking me to choose one quote!  So I narrowed it down to two.... which was quite hard, actually!  I finally got around to reading The Perks of Being A Wallflower.  It was a well written book, that's for sure, but.... let's just say it was an interesting read for me.  Another great book I read (yes, the title is strange) was Foreskin's Lament.  It is a memoir of sorts, and I really enjoyed reading it.  The first time, and the third time!  

5. If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
So funny!  This was the fifth fact about me I posted in the first part of this award response!  Since you asked again... I'd say that aside from cereal... nope.  Cereal it is.

6. What is your most prized possession?
This might be cheesy, but my most prized possession is my college diploma.  Yes, it's tucked away in a drawer, but it represents a lifetime of hard work and commitment, along with struggles and stress, that have paid off.  I love my job, I can't imagine doing anything else.  And I couldn't be doing my job with out that piece of paper.

7. What would you name the autobiography of your life?
Believe it or not, I have already chosen a title for my memoir, which shall remain secret until the memoir is actually written!  I do have some other ideas though, including Small Me, Big Stories, Once Upon a Pony, and The Booktabulous Life Of.  We'll see what ends up happening when the time comes!

8. What is your first memory of being really happy/excited?
Is it sad that I can't remember?  Cause I can't!  I have memories of times I was happy or excited, like when my dad would let me stay up late and chew bubblegum while we played checkers.  Or when we went to feed the ducks at the pond nearby.  Or the time the street flooded and we got to swim in the street, literally!  There are memories that I know were happy ones, but I can't pinpoint one single happiest moment......

9. What 5 things would you bring with you, if stranded on the beach?
If I were stranded on the beach, the first thing I'd bring is a solar powered charging base station.  That way, I'd be able to power my iPad so that I'd be able to access the internet (we're talking the G3 enabled pad) and all the books on my kindle app, as well as stay in touch with loved ones.  The third thing I'd bring is a water purifier, that would also be powered from the solar charger, so that I'd never run out of water.  Which leads to the fourth thing, a bottle to hold the newly purified water!  Finally, I'd bring sunscreen.  I am way to sensitive to be out in the sun for long without it!

10. If you could replay any day in your life, which one would it be?
This is another tough one.  When I look back, there are actually a few "events" in my life that I'd like to get a do-over for.  One sad day is the day I put my horse down.  I couldn't bring myself to be there, so my coach went to take care of things.  To this day, I wish I could go back and make myself be there, to say good-bye and give him one last hug.  One day that I'd love to redo is the day I competed in my first medal finals.  It was in the HUGE arena, double the size of the normal show rings.  I had a beautiful round!  My horse was wonderful, and everything went fantastically.  Except for the first line where I added a stride (fancy word for step).  If I hadn't added the stride, we'd have won for sure.  I'd like to ride that class again, but even with the added stride, I'm still so proud of my riding and of my horse!

11. What is 1 quality that you admire in others?
One quality that I admire in others is their self-confidence.  In the self-confidence department, I come up very, very short, and always admire those who are confident and comfortable with themselves.  

These were some great questions!  Very thought provoking!

Liebster Award Details

1.  Thank the person who awarded you - check!
2.  Share 5 facts about yourself - check!
3.  Answer the 11 questions you were asked - check!
4.  Nominate 5 up and coming blogs
5.  Ask them 11 questions.