And we’re back with a new set of late-summer icebreakers! My favorite way to find out more about your quirky and wonderful and wise selves. Please copy and paste any/all of these and leave your responses in the comments!
01. What part of adulthood did you feel least prepared for?
02. If you consider yourself “Type A,” is there anything “Type B” you do that plays against character? And if you are “Type B,” is there anything “Type A” you do?
03. The most high maintenance thing about you.
04. Travel bugaboo.
05. Current meal/food hyper-fixation.
06. How do you feel about your height?
07. Something normal/trivial you find surprisingly intimate.
08. An objectively bad movie that you secretly (or not so secretly) love.
09. Do you have a connection to a particular make/model of car?
10. Things that strongly shaped your childhood that no longer exist.
****
My answers:
01. What part of adulthood did you feel least prepared for? How unclear things continue to be; how you must learn to live in the middle of things. I’d always assumed adulthood meant certainty. Also, watching my parents age.
02. If you consider yourself “Type A,” is there anything “Type B” you do that plays against character? And if you are “Type B,” is there anything “Type A” you do? I think I’m pretty Type A, but my pragmatism really mitigates the potency. For example, I’m unbothered by clothes with a little wrinkle or stain on them (good enough). I publish half-baked things daily. I live (fairly comfortably) amidst a sea of half-started and discarded drafts. I have to force myself to measure things on a kitchen scale (something my engineer husband has ingrained in me) but sometimes I can’t help myself: I just eyeball it.
03. The most high maintenance thing about you. I travel with my Dyson AirWrap. My skincare regimen is also pretty extensive. And I am really exacting about cocktails. (I am usually too polite to interrupt, but I do watch the measurements when a cocktail is being made and know when something is out of wack.)
04. Travel bugaboo. When people elbow one another to get into the aisles or cut in front of you while deplaning. I try to practice grace — maybe they are hurrying to make a connection! maybe they are unwell and need medicine! — but…it is the antipode of my ethos.
05. Current meal/food hyper-fixation. Santa Claus melon. What honeydew wishes it was.
06. How do you feel about your height? Hated it when I was younger; I was always first in the class line at my Catholic grade school for pageants, filing into Church, etc. And people always thought I was younger than I was — sometimes as young as my sisters (“who’s the oldest?!”). Didn’t mind so much in high school and college, as I got a lot of favorable attention from guys because of it? (“You’re so tiny!”) Now I find it annoying in crowds and when standing next to my tall friends (my best friend is 5’9, and she’s known to wear heels), but mainly, as with the rest of me, I find I’ve settled into it just fine.
07. Something normal/trivial you find surprisingly intimate. When someone remembers a specific detail from a story you told them awhile back. Like a little hug. Also, seeing what the person in front of you in the grocery line is buying. Or catching a glimpse of a serious person’s phone background. (Like, what is on my attorney’s?! Z., if you’re reading this, I’d like to know.)
08. An objectively bad movie that you secretly (or not so secretly) love. Too many to count. “Anyone But You” and “Fools Rush In” spring to mind.
09. Do you have a connection to a particular make/model of car? Jeep Cherokee. The boxy kind from the 90s. That was Landon’s car when I met him and it was — still is — so perfectly him. Sporty but not bro-tastic, stylish in an unfussy way. It also felt like you were driving in a tin can; you could feel every dip and divot in the road. But that was sort of perfect for that time in my life, where I was feeling everything at max volume.
10. Things that strongly shaped your childhood that no longer exist. MTV Summer Break (specifically those weird ads/break clips with popsicles melting on sidewalks), my Discman, the liner notes on the inside of a CD case (I pored over those and sometimes taped them to my wall), My Little Ponies (still technically exist but not in the format I had them), Limited Too at Montgomery Mall, Mrs. Grossman sticker books (oilies, shinies, puffies, fuzzies, etc!)
Your turn!
Post-Scripts.
Icebreakers from seasons past here, here, here.
Image via.
Shopping Break.
+Ordered myself this robin’s egg blue tunic. So cute!
+Fab new arrivals at J. Crew: Doen-esque midi, this short-sleeved cable-knit, these mild kick-flare jeans in a great everyday wash.
+OMG these CUTE boat shoes from Madewell. Love the contrasting red laces!
+Absolutely love this balloon-sleeved top from Madewell, too, in the punchy red. Tuck into white jean shorts now or these wide-leg crops later.
+Just ordered a bunch of these “passports” while they’re 50% off — use code SUMMER. I got some for my kids, a few to give as gifts, and the bird one for me!
+I’ve been noticing all these chic peas wearing dainty lace and silk and eyelet tap shorts with chunky knits — love the look. I think it originated with Doen! Currently trying to find my perfect pair of shorts: maybe these, these, these?
+Speaking of Posse, I absolutely love this mid hydrangea blue suite from their latest collection.
+Classic Six never offers sales but they discounted this striped shirt I was raving about for just a few days if you use code JEN15. I really love this shirt. The cuffs are magic — they fold up to the perfect length and the material is phenomenal.
+Fun party dress currently in my cart.
+These personalized Alex Mill totes are SO fun and giving me the best back to school vibes.
+A denim jacket with a great silhouette (and $50!)
+Love this boldly patterned top.
+Fun, on-trend accessory to tie around your bag handle, in your hair, etc!
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.
01. What part of adulthood did you feel least prepared for?
Like many others have said… seeing my parents age and having to acknowledge this in some new capacity again and again… like last month when my mom said she’s no longer going to color over her gray hair; holding my breath each time I hear any results from their recent doctor’s visits; watching as friends’ parents pass… total heartbreak, over and over. I often tell my sister (I’m 1 of 4 kids), “I am so glad I’m not an only child! I can’t imagine weathering this alone!”
02. If you consider yourself “Type A,” is there anything “Type B” you do that plays against character? And if you are “Type B,” is there anything “Type A” you do?
Type A to my core, particularly when it comes to my work and interests. For personal “administrative” tasks (scheduling a doctor’s appointment; getting around to canceling my internet provider; etc), it oddly feels overwhelming and I find myself procrastinating.
03. The most high maintenance thing about you.
I care a lot about product quality… I would rather have 1 cashmere sweater than 15 polyester.
04. Travel bugaboo.
The attitude I get at airport restaurants… I get working at Chick-Fil-A in the Atlanta airport isn’t glamorous and surely it’s hard engaging w/ frustrated travelers, but at least TRY to be pleasant?
05. Current meal/food hyper-fixation.
All things Mediterranean…bring on the tzatziki!!
06. How do you feel about your height?
Very happy. It wasn’t fun being the “taller girl” through elementary school or middle school, but once everyone else grew up, I’ve settled into my 5’7” well. Short enough for me to wear heels comfortably, but tall enough to feel elegant and help disperse my weight!
07. Something normal/trivial you find surprisingly intimate.
Riding in the elevator with just one other person. Whether it’s a one-story ride or twenty, something feels oddly intimate about sharing a few seconds, all alone, in a quiet place with another person.
08. An objectively bad movie that you secretly (or not so secretly) love.
Sabrina. Someone Like You. John Tucker Must Die. Picture Perfect.
09. Do you have a connection to a particular make/model of car?
Toyota 4Runners. At one point in time, all 3 of my siblings and I were driving 4Runners. Even today, my dad drives one. Nothing beats rolling that back window down on a summer evening… freedom!
10. Things that strongly shaped your childhood that no longer exist.
The game shows!! How I miss Guts, Legends of the Hidden Temple, Finders Keepers, and DoubleDare. SO fun.
I nodded my head so vigorously to so many of these things! Especially your notes on watching your parents age and the elevator! It really is such a strangely vulnerable few minutes, so close to a stranger, and you’re just sort of awkwardly in one another’s orbit for a second. Love also that your entire family has “a car.” So cool!
xx
01. What part of adulthood did you feel least prepared for?
All of it, I think!! We were married at 23 and had our first baby at 24. There was still so much we didn’t know…and that we didn’t know we didn’t know. Early adulthood is often blissful ignorance!
02. If you consider yourself “Type A,” is there anything “Type B” you do that plays against character? And if you are “Type B,” is there anything “Type A” you do?
I am definitely Type A, very exacting and very competitive! However, as I’m aging, and perhaps because I became a mother again at 50, I find I’ve mellowed. So many things I did for recognition and/or validation just no longer seem important.
03. The most high maintenance thing about you.
I must have order in my surroundings. I cannot work, cook, journal—even just sit and read!—if there is clutter and/or chaos.
04. Travel bugaboo.
Call me judgy, but sloppy dressers—I just cannot.
05. Current meal/food hyper-fixation.
Granola for breakfast. Trying to add fiber and calcium!!
06. How do you feel about your height?
I’m 5’4”, so technically petite, but I’m also curvy, so not really. There is a foot between me and my husband, but it hasn’t kept us from kissing yet!
07. Something normal/trivial you find surprisingly intimate.
Buying cards—it’s like broadcasting everything good AND bad in your life.
08. An objectively bad movie that you secretly (or not so secretly) love.
Dirty Dancing
Valentine’s Day
09. Do you have a connection to a particular make/model of car?
For the last 16 years, I’ve driven one of two VW Beetle convertibles. Current one is pink!
10. Things that strongly shaped your childhood that no longer exist.
Paper dolls—I loved them!!
Saturday morning cartoons
Cassette tapes…and 45’s!
Early friendships that were lost to Air Force moves.
I love these answers SO much, especially the note on buying cards! I hadn’t thought of that – how true. And paper dolls! Me too!!
xx
01. What part of adulthood did you feel least prepared for?
“Switching places” with my parents – driving while they sit in the back, showing them how to use phone or TV features, and being the planner of family vacations while they tag along.
02. If you consider yourself “Type A,” is there anything “Type B” you do that plays against character? And if you are “Type B,” is there anything “Type A” you do?
I’m Type A but typically don’t worry about something until the facts are officially confirmed.
03. The most high maintenance thing about you.
Making a list for everything! It centers my brain and helps me not to stress.
04. Travel bugaboo.
Sleeping in a hotel without any white noise in the background. My husband and I use the Calm app to help with this!
05. Current meal/food hyper-fixation.
Frozen red grapes – they are so much better frozen!
06. How do you feel about your height?
At right around 5’9”, I love my height. It’s “tall” without needing extra long pants or having to make any other accommodations.
07. Something normal/trivial you find surprisingly intimate.
When you get your hair washed at a hair appt. It never feels the same when you wash your own hair!
08. An objectively bad movie that you secretly (or not so secretly) love.
As a millennial, I’m very nostalgic for Disney channel original movies. They are 90s kids TV movies, but I still love many of them, especially the Halloween ones.
09. Do you have a connection to a particular make/model of car?
A funny answer, but I love seeing school buses and kids going off to school. The nostalgia! If I’m walking my dog before work, I try to wave to the kids on the bus and be a smiling face for them as they start their day.
10. Things that strongly shaped your childhood that no longer exist.
A landline phone. I remember it ringing, picking it up, and yelling across the house for whoever it was for. It felt so personal to talk to my mom’s friends or my aunt or whoever until I passed the phone off. How things have changed!
The landline phone, wow! Did you also have a “phone answer” your parents drilled into you? Ours was: “Hello, Nurmi Residence, may I help you?” Like it rolls off my tongue so quickly!!
I love the vision of you smiling at kids to start their day warmly 🙂
xx
Yes, the drilled response: I can still hear my little sister saying “Hello-this-is [first name] may-I-help-you” so fast it was one word. 🙂
01. What part of adulthood did you feel least prepared for?
How gut wrenching it is to start to see your parents age and realize you’ve entered that stage of life where you’re going to have to contemplate existing without them.
02. If you consider yourself “Type A,” is there anything “Type B” you do that plays against character? And if you are “Type B,” is there anything “Type A” you do?
I’m type A but prone to so much clutter.
03. The most high maintenance thing about you.
I’m particular about things being made properly – an incorrectly pulled shot of espresso or badly made cocktail makes me crazy! Also textures (maybe a mild OCD thing?), but I cannot handle certain textures or people making foods for me like eggs. I do not want them cold, sitting, overcooked, etc!
04. Travel bugaboo.
Hotel pillows – no matter the hotel, I’ve never found even the nicest ones to have pillows firm enough for me.
05. Current meal/food hyper-fixation.
Currently averaging two BLTs a week, but I can’t help myself when tomato season is in full swing.
06. How do you feel about your height?
I’m 5’8/5’9 – I feel OK about it! I think I always really liked being tall outside of how awkward it made me feel around guys. I always felt much shorter girls were deemed as more attractive, cute, etc.
07. Something normal/trivial you find surprisingly intimate.
Seeing what book someone is reading over their shoulder in a small space like the bus/metro.
08. An objectively bad movie that you secretly (or not so secretly) love.
Hmm…I don’t know! This one has me stumped.
09. Do you have a connection to a particular make/model of car?
Not really – I love the design of old cars from the 30s and 40s. And I’ll always have a soft spot for a Jeep Grand Cherokee – I desperately wanted one in when I learned to drive!
10. Things that strongly shaped your childhood that no longer exist.
Magazines/catalogs (like the American Girl catalogs – I used to die for those! Or Delia’s). Used book sales – I know these still exist but they don’t feel as commonplace as they did then. So many weekends we would pop by a yard sale or book sale and find gems – my bedroom at my parents is still filled with those on the shelves – old vintage Nancy Drew, Boxcar Children, Saddle Club, Anne of Green Gables.
Love the image of seeing what book someone is reading over their shoulder!! And amen to being heavy into BLT season!
xx
01. What part of adulthood did you feel least prepared for? Life after raising my 2 kids. How I miss those days…..
02. If you consider yourself “Type A,” is there anything “Type B” you do that plays against character? And if you are “Type B,” is there anything “Type A” you do?
Type A but yah always a little or at least rushing
03. The most high maintenance thing about you.
Having my coffee at home, just the right cup, temp and iPad
04. Travel bugaboo.
People crowding in or not waiting their turn to exit planes
05. Current meal/food hyper-fixation.
LOVE all the summer fruits and tomatoes/basil
06. How do you feel about your height?
Love, I’m 5’, makes me feel younger (I’m 55!)
07. Something normal/trivial you find surprisingly intimate.
What people are doing on their phones, weird what we do now.
08. An objectively bad movie that you secretly (or not so secretly) love.
An Officer and Gentleman, loved Richard Gere!
09. Do you have a connection to a particular make/model of car?
My first new car, a Nissan Sentra. lol
10. Things that strongly shaped your childhood that no longer exist.
Eating junk food, boxed cereals, candy,etc.
***
Love these and love the note about your height making you feel younger!! xx
01. What part of adulthood did you feel least prepared for? When I was young, I thought adults just somehow knew everything, and had it all figured out. How wrong I was! Everyday I am figuring out something new that I had no idea I would have to navigate.
02. If you consider yourself “Type A,” is there anything “Type B” you do that plays against character? And if you are “Type B,” is there anything “Type A” you do? I am very Type A in my work life- super organized, task oriented and hyper efficient. But if you opened any drawer in my house you would see my secret disorganization.
03. The most high maintenance thing about you. My kitchen counters must be spotless!
04. Travel bugaboo. I realize that when I travel, when I am in an airport or crowded space, how much I HATE crowds and people.
05. Current meal/food hyper-fixation. I am currently obsessed with fresh tomatoes and basil from the garden in a quick pasta.
06. How do you feel about your height? I am 4’10 ¾. It is what it is. I would love an extra inch so clothing wasn’t always too long, but oh, well.
07. Something normal/trivial you find surprisingly intimate. Sitting in “our chairs” with my husband at night, just reading or talking or watching a show.
08. An objectively bad movie that you secretly (or not so secretly) love. Mean Girls is amazing, maybe it’s not objectively bad but it never gets old.
09. Do you have a connection to a particular make/model of car? My husband inherited a 1969 Shelby GT500 that is dusty and sitting in our garage. Very cool.
10. Things that strongly shaped your childhood that no longer exist. I remember waiting for a show to come on TV- Water Babies was the bomb.
LOL – I also have spaces/drawers that are wilderness. And how true is this: “Everyday I am figuring out something new that I had no idea I would have to navigate.” Yes!
And I adore the image of you and your husband in your chairs at night!! So sweet!
xx
01. What part of adulthood did you feel least prepared for? I definitely thought that adulthood meant that everyone had their shit together. Turns out many adults do not!!
02. If you consider yourself “Type A,” is there anything “Type B” you do that plays against character? And if you are “Type B,” is there anything “Type A” you do? I am not Type A in that I am not a perfectionist, overachiever type, but I am extremely anal about being on time.
03. The most high maintenance thing about you. I travel with a foam roller, no matter how long/short the trip or how close/far flung.
04. Travel bugaboo. People who bring more than their 1 allotted carryon and 1 personal item. I recently had to wait for almost everyone to deplane before going back to retrieve my carryon at the very back of the plane and observed how many people had like 3 items in the overhead! No wonder mine barely made it on the plane.
05. Current meal/food hyper-fixation. Air fryer tofu.
06. How do you feel about your height? Totally fine. I am 5’5″ so few people are THAT much shorter or taller than I am.
07. Something normal/trivial you find surprisingly intimate. Seeing the handwriting of someone you know but aren’t close with. It happens less and less in the digital age but when I catch a glimpse of someone else’s handwriting it always makes me heart jump a little.
08. An objectively bad movie that you secretly (or not so secretly) love. Pearl Harbor. The best worst movie.
09. Do you have a connection to a particular make/model of car? Not really. I’ve been car-free NY living for so long I barely think about cars at all anymore.
10. Things that strongly shaped your childhood that no longer exist. American Girl magazine! I recently found an instagram that features pages from old editions and it reminded me how I used to pore over each issue and practically memorize it.
I remember so many rainy afternoons going through those catalogs with the neighbor girls! Sometimes drooling and sometimes hypercritical, ha.
Same here!!! I collected them!!
I am such a nerd/nostalgic that I’ve ordered a couple of the 90’s American Girl catalogs on eBay! They are soooooo much fun to look through!
Love this!!!
Fellow punctualist!
And what a sweet note about handwriting – I agree!
xx
01. What part of adulthood did you feel least prepared for?
So many things? One that comes to mind is making friends. Or just how to have small talk with people you do not know, yet see everyday as you go about your normal routine.
02. If you consider yourself “Type A,” is there anything “Type B” you do that plays against character? And if you are “Type B,” is there anything “Type A” you do?
I am very organized. I know where everything in my home is…except my phone, airpods, and keys. I am constantly misplacing those.
03. The most high maintenance thing about you.
How I like my coffee in the morning.
04. Travel bugaboo.
Linens, generally. I get the ick if bath towels or bed linens don’t feel clean. I really dislike sleeping in any bed other than my own.
06. How do you feel about your height?
I always wished I was shorter. Still do.
07. Something normal/trivial you find surprisingly intimate.
Seeing someone’s bedroom.
10. Things that strongly shaped your childhood that no longer exist.
Visiting blockbuster. Seeing my friends every single day. That carefree feeling. Going to a party in a wide open field, with no cell phones or cameras.
OMG, yes to seeing someone’s bedroom! It still gives me that feeling (even when I’m accompanied by its owner) of getting caught doing something I shouldn’t be! It feels so voyeuristic!
xx
01. What part of adulthood did you feel least prepared for?
The realization that many adults still behave as if they are in high-school.
02. If you consider yourself “Type A,” is there anything “Type B” you do that plays against character? And if you are “Type B,” is there anything “Type A” you do?
I’m Type B, with occasional flashes of Type A organizing fervor.
03. The most high maintenance thing about you.
My nails. Very short, very red.
04. Travel bugaboo.
On flights, when people put their carry-ons in the compartment over my seat.
05. Current meal/food hyper-fixation.
Making my own yoghurt. I have had a yoghurt maker for over 20 years that I could not bring myself to get rid of. I finally started using it this year, and now I am obsessed.
06. How do you feel about your height?
Fine! I am 5’1″. It has never been an issue (except at some live music performances).
07. Something normal/trivial you find surprisingly intimate.
Listening to people order at a restaurant. Both what and how they order.
08. An objectively bad movie that you secretly (or not so secretly) love.
The Mummy (the Brendan Fraser one).
09. Do you have a connection to a particular make/model of car?
I have always wanted to drive a Fiat 500. The model with the roof that rolls back like a sardine tin. Unfortunately, it’s not the most practical car to drive in Minnesota. Maybe some day.
10. Things that strongly shaped your childhood that no longer exist.
Everything. I grew up in rural Ireland in the 1970’s. It is simply a world/country/society/time that no longer exists. I don’t say this as someone pining for “the good old days”, it is simply the passage of time.
“My nails. Very short, very red.” A great motto – one to which I subscribe, too 🙂
xx
01. What part of adulthood did you feel least prepared for?
How quickly our paths can diverge from those of our friends. While I had varying interests from friends in high school and college, we still shared the commonality of school and other anchor activities. Now when we hop on the phone or get to see each other in person our days truly could not be more different! I love being friends with people with diverse interests, but it is still jarring sometimes!
02. If you consider yourself “Type A,” is there anything “Type B” you do that plays against character? And if you are “Type B,” is there anything “Type A” you do?
I would say I am Type A when I need to be (i.e., work) but I find myself being more relaxed and flexible (Type B) when I don’t feel the pressure to be “on”.
03. The most high maintenance thing about you.
I am always planning my next trip and have endless lists of places to go, luxury hotel bucket lists, activities I want to try, and the like.
04. Travel bugaboo.
Sitting in traffic due to seemingly unnecessary construction on the weekend. I know roads (especially in major cities) are often less crowded on the weekends but still, haha.
05. Current meal/food hyper-fixation.
Rice bowls with japanese BBQ sauce – yum!
06. How do you feel about your height?
I’m about 5′ 5” and honestly I don’t think about it much so I’m fine with it.
07. Something normal/trivial you find surprisingly intimate.
Everyday interactions I/people in general have with staff in office buildings – the cafe employees, maintenance, security, etc. We all see them more than we think and it’s fun to build a rapport with them. I think I saw this mentioned below as well but I speak (conversational) Spanish and one day I started chatting with one of the women that works around my office in Spanish and someone else jumped in!
08. An objectively bad movie that you secretly (or not so secretly) love.
Another Cinderella Story
09. Do you have a connection to a particular make/model of car?
I’m not a big car person but my husband got an Audi S5 shortly after getting a job that has put him on a different career trajectory (one that he likes more) and so I associate that car with achieving a big goal!
10. Things that strongly shaped your childhood that no longer exist.
Wooden playgrounds. Camcorder home videos. Gmail chat – still exists but not a primary form of communication for most. Long summer road trips with my grandparents where we never had hotels booked and just took it day by day.
I absolutely adore this detail: “Long summer road trips with my grandparents where we never had hotels booked and just took it day by day.” That does feel like such a vestige of the past! Slower times, less plotted out, things on paper!
xx
01. What part of adulthood did you feel least prepared for?
The never ending expense and list of things required in home ownership – like the squirrel that took up residence in my attic last week. Secondly, the loss of syllabi. I remember desperately wishing there was an outline of my expectations and dates in the real world; an outline of how to succeed.
02. If you consider yourself “Type A,” is there anything “Type B” you do that plays against character? And if you are “Type B,” is there anything “Type A” you do?
I’m fairly Type B these days, but overwhelmingly particular about types of pens and sunscreen.
03. The most high maintenance thing about you.
Horse ownership – high maintenance, high expense and my world revolves around them with only immediate family taking higher priority.
04. Travel bugaboo.
Listening to things without headphones! I’ve had this happen TWICE this year. Who does that?!
05. Current meal/food hyper-fixation.
Do LMNT electrolytes count? I feel SO much better after adding these in daily.
06. How do you feel about your height?
I’m 5’1″ and adore it, pretty much always have. I love being ‘little’ and it’s afforded me more opportunities (fit into more things easily, ride various size horses, lots of options in the kids’ section!)
07. Something normal/trivial you find surprisingly intimate.
Seeing inside people’s fridges or their closets. How are they organized? What do they have? What’s in there that I wouldn’t expect?
08. An objectively bad movie that you secretly (or not so secretly) love.
I can’t think of a movie, but I’m still watching Grey’s Anatomy 20-some years later even as it devolves.
09. Do you have a connection to a particular make/model of car?
I will always love the feeling of being a petite woman climbing in/out of a big ol’ truck, like a 2500 or 3500. Even though I do it often, it always makes me feel just a little more badass.
10. Things that strongly shaped your childhood that no longer exist.
Limited Too, shopping out of catalogs, having to talk to your friend’s parents when you called their house, AIM
Ooo — this: “I will always love the feeling of being a petite woman climbing in/out of a big ol’ truck, like a 2500 or 3500. Even though I do it often, it always makes me feel just a little more badass.” So specific! I’ve actually never had this experience and would love to have it!
xx
01. What part of adulthood did you feel least prepared for?
Being in such different stages from some of my closest friends! I’m single and dating, most of them are getting married and starting to have children. It’s both delightful and at times terrifying.
02. If you consider yourself “Type A,” is there anything “Type B” you do that plays against character? And if you are “Type B,” is there anything “Type A” you do?
Type A but I’m always 5 min late,
03. The most high maintenance thing about you.
I also travel everywhere with my Dyson!
04. Travel bugaboo.
Open toed shoes on long flights. Ew!
05. Current meal/food hyper-fixation.
Chicken nuggets for salad! Love that crisp
06. How do you feel about your height?
I go back and forth – most of the time I like being tall (I’m 5’ 10”) but it was really hard as a child/teenager. It’s also definitely narrows the dating pool for me now, to be honest!
07. Something normal/trivial you find surprisingly intimate.
Hearing people talk on the phone with their parents.
08. An objectively bad movie that you secretly (or not so secretly) love.
Four Christmases.
09. Do you have a connection to a particular make/model of car?
Jeeps! They were the “it” car in high school.
10. Things that strongly shaped your childhood that no longer exist.
Going to steal Kelly’s below — waiting!
These are SO good. Love this note: “Hearing people talk on the phone with their parents.” Yes, I so agree! I feel like you see a different side of people!!
xx
01. What part of adulthood did you feel least prepared for? My ingrained tendency to overcommit. Where did that come from!? But also the uncertainty: that you don’t just wake up feeling confident about everything one morning. Also the great mystery of how you end up actually getting married to someone. I thought I’d know after I’d been through it, but it feels as mysterious as ever.
02. If you consider yourself “Type A,” is there anything “Type B” you do that plays against character? And if you are “Type B,” is there anything “Type A” you do? The Type A/Type B framework doesn’t work for me – I couldn’t tell you where I fit.
03. The most high maintenance thing about you. BREAKFAST. If I go without it (and coffee + carbs doesn’t count!), I feel sick, and when I’m away from home it’s not always possible to get what I want, as early as I need it.
04. Travel bugaboo. See above, ha. Also hot hotel rooms, or air conditioners that go on and off all night.
05. Current meal/food hyper-fixation. Not a meal, but I’ve been reading Nigel Slater cookbooks straight through and would eat anything he made. We also ate a lot of strawberry shortcake this summer.
06. How do you feel about your height? When I was still growing, I wanted to be either remarkably short or remarkably tall…and then I passed the remarkably short range…and then I stopped. So I was disappointed for a while. Now I realize that most people think of 5’7″ as tall, which tickles me.
07. Something normal/trivial you find surprisingly intimate. Totally groceries in people’s carts. Like, sometimes I want to cover my cart up because it feels so personal – or I feel conflicted about snooping on what other people have in their carts though I DO snoop because it’s fascinating!
08. An objectively bad movie that you secretly (or not so secretly) love. I don’t watch many movies, and never have. There was an old Disney movie called Almost Angels about the Vienna Boys’ Choir that I recently-ish rewatched and it didn’t hold up as well as my six-year-old self would have thought.
09. Do you have a connection to a particular make/model of car? One childhood dream car was the Honda Element (I wanted to put a kayak in the back and camp out of it); but a family friend also told me once that he thought I would drive a Volvo and that was a compliment that shaped my sense of self in a bigger way than you would expect. While I was dating my husband he drove a little silver Civic and I still get a thrill from seeing one on the road.
10. Things that strongly shaped your childhood that no longer exist. So many reminders in the comments here! Lisa Frank for sure; VHS tapes and cassette tapes (my sister and I liked to play “radio” and tape shows we made up on cassettes). Dial-up internet. Our old library building. My parents have also moved out of my growing-up house, and I miss the easy access to the woods behind it.
Yes! I completely agree with your marriage is a mystery answer to #1. I’ve been married for 25 years and I still can’t quite understand how it came about. It’s also a mystery why my sister and sister in law both came so close over the years, but ultimately have not yet married.
So interesting to think about this! It does still feel like magic, the way two people are drawn together and ultimately decide to pair off for life!!
I love the note about someone predicting you’d drive a Volvo. I’ve had similar offhanded comments that have helped me “make meaning about myself” at particularly fragile moments. It’s so shocking to see someone else’s (favorable) view of you when you need it!
xx
01. What part of adulthood did you feel least prepared for? Probably the monotony of the corporate America schedule. I remember it just being so depressing to start my first job out of college and know that I only had 5 vacation days (which were already spoken for, family vacation) and I had to work every weekday from Jan 1 until Memorial Day, the first holiday of the year at that company.
02. If you consider yourself “Type A,” is there anything “Type B” you do that plays against character? And if you are “Type B,” is there anything “Type A” you do? I’m type A but cannot manage to enforce bed making. Or even tidy bedrooms.
03. The most high maintenance thing about you. My coffee preparation (I travel with my chemex/kettle/scale/etc when possible) and my intermittent fasting eating style.
04. Travel bugaboo. When I fly and therefore can’t bring my chemex etc haha. Also, trying to install the car seat from the rental car company. Thankfully we are past that stage!
05. Current meal/food hyper-fixation. Adding seeds/nuts to most meals.
06. How do you feel about your height? Fine. Although I did feel tall as a kid until about 9th grade when I stopped growing and people caught up.
07. Something normal/trivial you find surprisingly intimate. Seeing people in stocking feet.
08. An objectively bad movie that you secretly (or not so secretly) love. Like Kelly, I have warm feelings towards Bill and Ted 🙂
09. Do you have a connection to a particular make/model of car? Ford Ranger 4×4, first new car I ever drove! Sadly it was only a 2 year lease, but I felt real cool driving it my senior year of college. Its name was Ruby Red. I loved that car!
10. Things that strongly shaped your childhood that no longer exist. Not sure that this strongly shaped me, but I do remember stuffing candy wrappers and other junk in the ashtrays in the back seat of my mom’s station wagon. Also, cassette tapes and vhs! Be kind – rewind.
LOL – “Be kind, rewind.” That made me remember the THRILL of going to Blockbuster on a Friday night and picking out one of the videos with a RED cover. New release! One day rental!! Wowza!
xx
01. What part of adulthood did you feel least prepared for?
Motherhood. Lots of surprises. My mother was great but I sometimes feel I’m as good of a mother as my Mom was to me.
Also this part of life when you really realize your parents aren’t here forever and now you’re their caretaker. I feel it’s our duty to care for our parents.
02. If you consider yourself “Type A,” is there anything “Type B” you do that plays against character? And if you are “Type B,” is there anything “Type A” you do?
Definitely Type B artsy person who has become. A little type A because I’ve very organized, no mess in the house, and keep a diligent planner for family members who can’t keep things straight. I think being a Mom made me more Type A and a wife. But I still don’t measure when I hang pictures which drives people crazy. I love antiques and always find places for them even in a tight space.
03. The most high maintenance thing about you.
Food I’m very particular about where my food comes from and where it’s sourced. At least I try. I like the finer things good olive oil, good coffee, fresh baked bread, and nice things in my home. Im addicted to antiques and art and love good design. Right now my house does not reflect all of my style but soon it’s slowly getting there.
Flowers locally sourced. David Austin roses
04. Travel bugaboo.
When you’re deplaning and people rush from the back only to stand in line and block you when it’s your time to leave your seat.
05. Current meal/food hyper-fixation.
Swedish gummy candy sour in the shape of fish in peach, blueberry, strawberry and elderberry. Bon Bon
Cooking Indian and Asian dishes at home instead of going out
06. How do you feel about your height?
I’ve always been so short. Younger it use to bother me. I still get heckled about it. But as I’ve aged I’ve learned it’s how I’m made and God made me this way for a reason. So I just own it. I like I don’t have to duck when other people do and I can fit in small spaces. Plus short people are stronger than you think.
07. Something normal/trivial you find surprisingly intimate.
Walking outside with someone you love. Can be a time to truly connect and be intimate at the same time. Looking at wildflowers or flowers in gardens or in the wild
08. An objectively bad movie that you secretly (or not so secretly) love.
Happy Gilmore, anything Will Ferral ( old school, etc.) those early 2000’s movies and 90’s movies. Trying to get my teenage son to watch those. CW shows like Vampire Diaries and the Winchesters ( fantasy shows)
09. Do you have a connection to a particular make/model of car?
Love old land-rovers and Toyota and Lexus suvs, my husband has an Outdoor vehicle. So it reminds me of him and all of our outdoor adventures. VW rabbit/gulf learned how to drive a stick on my VW rabbit with my Mom in my late 20’s. Craving a vintage 60’s car or a Scout or International. Something that goes in all terrain from beach to country to mountains.
10. Things that strongly shaped your childhood that no longer exist?
Some days I feel like this list is non existent and gets longer the more I age. Lisa Frank. Humor ( like 90’s/early 2000’s) MTV music videos. Cassette tapes, CD’s, VHS, and the movie store like your local one small mom and pop or Blockbuster.
Love your emphasis on hyper-local / well-sourced ingredients! My husband is the same way and I feel so lucky!
xx
01. What part of adulthood did you feel least prepared for? Seeing my parents as real people and not parents. Also, emotions in general, and how to handle them. Also, half jokingly, taxes, buying a home, things like that.
02. If you consider yourself “Type A,” is there anything “Type B” you do that plays against character? And if you are “Type B,” is there anything “Type A” you do? Type A and Type B. Type A because of my high-functioning anxiety. Type B because I have a hippy side.
03. The most high-maintenance thing about you. I will only buy high-end bed sheets and towels.
04. Travel bugaboo. People at airports.
05. Current meal/food hyper-fixation. Carvel cake. Yep, I said it.
06. How do you feel about your height? its a love and hate. Hate how 5lbs feels like 100, love how cute short people are.
07. Something normal/trivial you find surprisingly intimate. The way someone’s face lights up when they know I am conversational in Spanish, and they speak it too. Since I don’t appear Spanish or Latina, it’s a welcome surprise and its an instant appreciation for their culture and background.
08. An objectively bad movie that you secretly (or not so secretly) love. Notting Hill. Also, fools rush in too!
09. Do you have a connection to a particular make/model of car? Yes – Subaru Forrester. I hated it when I had one, and now I love it and want to get another. It’s functional, sporty, and different.
10. Things that strongly shaped your childhood that no longer exist. I want to say the telephone and answering machines. So many memories of talking on the phone as an adult and dialing friends, memorizing numbers. Just a different way of connecting with people.
Teal! So good to hear from you and I LOVED all of these answers, especially your notes about the surprise of “emotions in general” and how people respond when you speak to them in Spanish! So insightful and beautiful. I say get that Forrester ASAP!!!
xx
I love Fools Rush In. Such a classic, Jenny! Miss you
Thank you!! Miss you!!
01. What part of adulthood did you feel least prepared for? The realization that we are all just learning as we go.
02. If you consider yourself “Type A,” is there anything “Type B” you do that plays against character? And if you are “Type B,” is there anything “Type A” you do? I’m very much type B, but I worry about things as if I’m type A. Unfortunately worrying doesn’t actually complete the task.
03. The most high maintenance thing about you. I think it’s probably wanting beautiful things around me as much as possible. Not the most expensive things necessarily, but I will always chose form over function. Fortunately, rarely do I need to choose between the two these days.
04. Travel bugaboo. Noisy hotel rooms. Travel is discombobulating enough without having to deal with noisy neighbors, the seemingly all-night wedding in the courtyard ect..
05. Current meal/food hyper-fixation. Trader Joe’s chocolate covered pistachios
06. How do you feel about your height? I’m 5’8 and wish I was an inch or two taller. I hate heels.
07. Something normal/trivial you find surprisingly intimate. Sitting next to strangers as audience members of so many venues. The kind where the entire row has to stand up to let in the late people.
08. An objectively bad movie that you secretly (or not so secretly) love. I don’t really have one, but my 6th grade best friend Amy was obsessed with the movie Flashdance and would have it on in the background or would watch it every day. I would love to know if she still loves it now and what was it about that movie that she loved so much!!
09. Do you have a connection to a particular make/model of car? My mother only drove Volvos her entire driving life and so far that’s true for me too.
10. Things that strongly shaped your childhood that no longer exist. Impossible to narrow it down to just one, but probably our family trips to places that are now overrun and negatively impacted by over tourism.
These are SO observant – loved reading them! I need to try those chocolate covered pistachios — will be seeking out this week!
xx
01. What part of adulthood did you feel least prepared for? Postpartum feelings
02. If you consider yourself “Type A,” is there anything “Type B” you do that plays against character? And if you are “Type B,” is there anything “Type A” you do? My ‘Type A’ self feels lost and lonely when my husband travels
03. The most high maintenance thing about you. Enjoying my coffee served to me in bed each morning (while reading Magpie, of course!)
04. Travel bugaboo. Late hotel check-in times
05. Current meal/food hyper-fixation. Sunflower sprouts
06. How do you feel about your height? Like Goldilocks, just right
07. Something normal/trivial you find surprisingly intimate. Fitness routine
08. An objectively bad movie that you secretly (or not so secretly) love. Not sure if they are considered bad movies, but a tie between Best Friends with Goldie Hawn and Burt Reynolds, and Heartburn with Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholson
09. Do you have a connection to a particular make/model of car? I don’t hold emotional connections to vehicles, my mother didn’t/doesn’t either and think I inherited from her
10. Things that strongly shaped your childhood that no longer exist. Elaborate holiday and birthday celebrations, loved ones have passed and family is scattered throughout the country
Love these – I’ve never seen “Heartburn” but I absolutely love the book and the audiobook version narrated by Meryl. I think I need to watch!!
xx
You do! At the time when I watched it I was in a similar relationship as Meryl Streep’s character so it really hit home. Especially the scene in the hospital with the rice pudding. Such a good movie! I still get choked up when hear Carly Simon’s Itsy Bitsy Spider.
Ooh I will watch!! xx
01. What part of adulthood did you feel least prepared for?
Turns out you shouldn’t do stuff you dislike just because you’re good at it, or try to please everyone, or push yourself to the point of burnout. Who knew!
02. If you consider yourself “Type A,” is there anything “Type B” you do that plays against character? And if you are “Type B,” is there anything “Type A” you do?
I am extremely Type A in almost every avenue of my life, but very relaxed about anything physical or embodied. I don’t mind aging, I’ve never minded my body at any shape or size, I have skincare rituals I like but 0 desire to measure myself against my general attractiveness, and I have a louche confidence with my body, its capabilities, my sexuality and physical presence.
03. The most high maintenance thing about you.
I have one million lists, for everything. If I see something I like, I’m pinning it (easily 30 things a day). If I have something to do, it’s on Trello. I have a bazillion Evernote notes, including names of everyone and their kids from the playground and preschool plus any salient tidbits, any thought that enters my head, and all my incoming packages. I organize all my recipes in Paprika. I start planning Christmas gifts in April. The idea of forgetting something bothers me deeply.
04. Travel bugaboo. I hate the idea of missing a connection, though honestly, it mostly works out. It’s too big a “what if” for me to easily parse.
05. Current meal/food hyper-fixation.
I’ve made some sort of chopped salad with chicken fingers in hot honey mustard weekly this summer, full of scallions and radishes and celery, usually with some sharp cheddar. And we eat a massive tub of 8% fat Greek yogurt nearly every day.
06. How do you feel about your height?
I can’t imagine being any different? I’m 5’8″ and depending on where I’ve lived that has been ridiculously tall or somewhat short.
07. Something normal/trivial you find surprisingly intimate.
Getting a manicure when they’re holding your hand! Or hearing a couple I don’t know well yet use pet names for each other.
08. An objectively bad movie that you secretly (or not so secretly) love.
I love cheesy movies. Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Sister Act one and two, The Last Witchhunter.
09. Do you have a connection to a particular make/model of car?
Just my dad’s old Chevy. We’re not car people!
10. Things that strongly shaped your childhood that no longer exist.
Waiting. Waiting for the bus, waiting for your food at a restaurant, waiting for your show to come on. I’m always looking for ways to artificially build in a wait for my children, or boredom, without digital media stepping in.
You are so right about waiting. I can’t remember the last time I just stood on line waiting somewhere, absent a podcast in my ears or scrolling on my phone.
Agree on this! Something I’m actively trying to teach my kids!!
So true on the waiting front. I love all your lists and list-making devices!!
xx