An Interview with Me

Florinda did this fun meme going around where you have someone ask you some questions that you post on your blog! So I asked her to ask me some questions, because I thought she'd come up with some good ones, and I was right!

What hobby or pastime that you don't seem to have time for anymore would you like to start up again?
Okay, that's kind of difficult, but I'd like to go back to studying languages. I used to always keep the French and Japanese I know fresh in some way, but lately I've totally been slacking off. So I'd like to do some refreshers and then get back in the swing of things by joining some discussion groups or something. I think it would really help to read a book in French, though it will take me at least twice as long. I need to apply what I've learned at my job to improve my reading in French!

List four of your all-time favorite songs, and one you would be happy if you NEVER heard again.
By all time favorite songs I'm going to go with ones I can listen to a million times in a row and still feel like I need to hear again.

"The Blower's Daughter" by Damien Rice
I love this song so much it's ridiculous. It was used heavily in the promos for strange little movie Closer that had Jude Law in it. Actually it was probably in the film, too, only I can't remember.

"Sometimes You Can't Make it on Your Own" by U2
I love this gorgeous, moving, and personal song.

"Nothing to Say" by Andrew Peterson
I'm choosing this one because it was the first song I fell in love with by him. There have been so many more and some I probably love better, but this one is special. ;)

"Hold On" by Sarah McLachlan particularly the live version which is just so achingly beautiful.

A song I'd be happy to never hear again? "Jesus, Take the Wheel". I don't like Carrie Underwood much and the song just oozes cheesiness.

What's on the menu for your last meal? (The foods can come from anywhere - six different restaurants, your late grandma's kitchen, a taco truck, etc.)
My favorite food in all of the world is potato casserole, so I suppose, potato casserole, asparagus, ham, and a nice green salad. With maybe some stuffing and a little yaki niku on the side.

What is your most surprising talent or interest - the one that makes people say "I didn't know you (did/liked/knew)..."?
Huh. Apart from reading and writing, people are usually surprised by all my interests. I look like a pretty boring person, I think, so they are always surprised when I like other things. I think people are usually surprised to find I really enjoy karaoke. And I don't need an ounce of alcohol in me to love it. Granted, I haven't done much karaoke in public (i.e. not at a private party) in the States, so I don't know if I'd enjoy it as much here.

If you could go back and give your eighteen-year-old self a few pieces of advice, what would you tell her?
I would tell her to believe in herself, and to try to please no one but God. (I'd tell my 28 year old self that, too, ha) I'd tell her to guard her heart above all else for it is the wellspring of life and casually throwing it away will take years to recover from. And I'd tell her that it's okay to make mistakes--the very worst thing is to never try at all.

Thanks Florinda, that was fun! Does anyone else want to play along?
Leave me a comment saying, "Interview Me." Please include your e-mail address if it is not in your profile.
I will respond by emailing you five questions. (I get to pick the questions.)
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You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.