What inspired you to start a blog?

There are 2 reasons I started blogging.  The first is that I have a terrible memory.  I can’t even remember what I did for my birthday last year.  The hope is that chronicling my life online will help me remember things a little better, take things a day at a time, and be more accountable for the things I say I’ll do.  The second reason I started blogging was to become part of the amazing community I’ve witnessed among bloggers – the sisterhood that can be found online.  I realize what we post on our blogs is only a tiny peek into our lives, but it’s nice to follow someone’s life and have them follow yours.  Technology is an amazing thing, and I’ve witnessed friendships forged via the internet.  I hope to be a part of that someday.  I already feel a kinship to the lovely ladies that read my not-so-fabulously written posts regularly.  Hi ladies!  You rock! 

Where did the title “Crooked Halo” come from?

I look like a sweet, innocent little girl and I’m easy to pick on…but the older I’ve gotten, the more comfortable in my skin I’ve become.  I’m still an easy target, but I’ve become increasingly more capable to hold my own!  (Something my mother is very proud ofJ).  About 4 years ago, I was having my bridal portraits taken by a couple of amazing photographers who happened to be a husband and wife team.  I had a great rapport with the photographers and we joked while I posed and smiled and tried not to get grass stains on my pretty designer gown.  I can’t remember what he said, but the male photographer made some sort of joke and I quickly reciprocated.  His wife looked at me, a young, sweet 24-year-old in a pure white dress, and told me I had a crooked halo.  I think the phrase suits me to a tee, and I’ve adored it ever since.    

When did you start making purses/bags? Who taught you how to sew? 

I started sewing around 2 years ago.  A good friend of mine had a “purse party,” where we got to pick out fabric, a purse design, and then had a bag custom-made.  I signed up to have my own party, and then started thinking about just how much I was paying for something I could probably make myself!  My mom got me a sewing machine for Christmas in 2005 and I taught myself how to use it.  I now make purses, wallets and other crafty items under the name Crooked Halo Designs. 

What are your two degrees in?

I went to UNC Chapel Hill and graduated in 2002 with 2 B.A.s – Spanish and Interpersonal/Organizational Communications.    

What is your dream job? If possible, would you ever blog for a living?

I would love to do something rewarding.  As a child, I wanted to be a singer, and actress, and a pediatric oncologist.  I also had aspirations of working with autistic people (after watching Rain Man of course!).  In college, I toyed with the idea of studying audiology and speech pathology.  I took a couple linguistics classes (including a Spanish phonetics class!) and loved the subjects.  Sadly, I had slacked off too much in my first year or two of college to have the GPA necessary for grad school in such a competitive field.  FYI, I made Dean’s List my entire senior year – I wasn’t a complete slacker!  I still don’t know exactly what I want to be when I grow up, but I think very few people know what they want out of life.  As I get older, my interest change, I develop new strengths.  If we’re being completely honest though, I’d give up my salaried job in a heartbeat to be a stay at home mom. 

 As for blogging for a living, I would do it in a heartbeat, but I’m no Heather Armstrong.  I am not sure I’m eloquent enough for someone to pay me to write.   

 I, too, am nearing thirty. I think everyone has a list of accomplishments that they hope to have checked off by their thirtieth birthday. Focusing on your resolution to live for the present, what things have you accomplished/checked off already?  

I’ve never really had a laundry list of things I hoped to accomplish by 30.  I have traveled a fair amount, though nowhere near as much as I hope to.  I’ve married a wonderful, hard working man.  I’m working on living a healthier lifestyle, but haven’t gotten to that exercize thing yet.  Bah!  Overall, I’d say my biggest accomplishment is that I’m happy with who I am.  I’m still awkward at times, and I still have the nasty habit of comparing myself to others, but I like who I’ve become.  I’m more assertive, more independant, and I look forward to knowing myself more as the years pass.  Who we are is anything but stagnant - getting to know who you are is a lifelong, beautiful process and I’m learning to enjoy the ride.

You’re a self-proclaimed “procrastinator.” What are you currently putting off?

Answering this question. 

10 minutes later…  I’m putting off these things (in no particular order):

• tidying my house
• learning how to use Elements 6 because the instruction manual I bought is intimidating
• purchasing interfacing so I can make a wallet I promised someone as a Christmas gift – it means I’ll have to go to Walmart!  Gah!
• exercising – I’m waiting for daylight savings to spring forward so I can start the couch to 5k program.
• photographing and posting some items for sale at my etsy shop – I want to learn to make the pictures prettier in photoshop!
• drinking water – my diet pepsi is so much tastier! 

What is your favorite “$100 word”? 

My favorite lately is probably the word trollop.  I don’t think we use the word trollop nearly enough these days – and it sounds so much nicer than calling someone a skanky ho!  

Answer your own question: What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?

The best gift I have ever received is my Yorkie, Rex.  I had begged, pleaded, and been particularly obnoxious in regard wanting a puppy for several months leading up to Christmas.  B is a saint for not knocking me out and stowing me in the apartment storage room for the puppy pleading hell I put him through.  I was so sure I was NOT getting a dog for Christmas that I spitefully bought him a little bendy dog magnet for his stocking so I could say that I gave him a dog for Christmas, even if he didn’t love me enough to get me one.  I know – I act like a 5 year old sometimes!  Anyhow, I came home from that exact shopping trip to find a little 1.5lb fuzz ball sitting in B’s lap.  My husband can keep a secret like no other!  While we’ve felt like sticking Rex in the microwave from time to time because he’s so damn stubborn, I love the little mongrel.  I still regularly tell Brian (4+ years later) that Rex was the best gift I’ve ever gotten.    

Write a brief personal ad for your dad.  

Fifty-nine-year-old gentleman seeking female companion of similar age.  Ladies with the personality of a dishrag and those who are high maintenance need not apply.  Must love to travel, enjoy random conversations about off-the-wall subjects, and deal well with being interrupted (as we’re bad about that in my family) during conversations.  Must also like dogs, aviation, be family oriented,  and receive the stamp of approval from my daughter. 

What’s your favorite piece of marital advice?

Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each
other but in looking outward together in the same direction.
Antoine De Saint-Exupery

While I wasn’t given this bit of advice before marrying, I think it rings extremely true. Marriage is not all rainbows and sunshine. You don’t spend a lifetime gazing into eachother’s eyes and rolling in puppy love. Marriage is about working together, realizing you’re on the same team, and making the best life you can together. Boy has B’s time in school taught me that lesson! He barely has time to touch ass to the couch to relax these days, but we endure because we know working his butt off now will result in a better life for us in the future.

Thanks for the great interview t.w.i.t!