Yes, the lovely Charlotte Otter (who is a Hollywood correspondent, a mother, a novelist and all-around brilliant person) graciously agreed to interview me for the Interview Meme. I thought, since my blog has been sorely lacking in content lately, that a little more about ME would be a way to spice things up around here. You know, because you definitely don’t hear enough about me, right? So here are Charlotte’s questions, and my answers.
1. You have recently started teaching Spanish. What has surprised you about the experience?
First, I am surprised that I can actually do it, despite lack of formal training, and do a decent job of it. The biggest surprise, however, has been what a truly joyful experience it has been. I am continually amazed by the ways in which teaching demands that I approach my students and colleagues with an open heart, with compassion and without judgment. And if I am able to do this, I am met with warmth and joy, and I feel that from that place, I am so much better able to really teach, rather than just teaching from my head.
I am also surprised by how teaching fulfills my creative needs. I love nothing better than coming up with a creative, innovative lesson; it doesn’t happen every day, but when it does — and when I teach it, and it WORKS — well, there’s nothing like it.
2. It’s been a while since you blogged about yoga. How’s your yoga practice going?
Oh, you noticed that, did you? Honestly, other than during WoYoPracMo, I haven’t been very consistent in my asana practice lately. Too many distractions, too little time… I just feel that my energies are being pulled in a different direction these days. I do manage a decent practice about once a week, which is lovely. At times I feel guilty — and I have to admit that I’ve put on a couple of pounds since my practice has waned — but then I think that yoga practice should be a joy, not an obligation, and that until I can approach it with that mindset, I’m better off giving myself a break.
3. You have a whole day to yourself, in which you don’t have to account for anyone’s needs but your own. What do you do?
First, I would sleep as late as I want. Then, I would get up and have a latte while reading a good book. A long walk somewhere beautiful, followed by a leisurely yoga practice, would be lovely. And then, of course I would need a massage and a pedicure. Some quiet time to write would follow, and by that time I would definitely need a nap. I would love to end the day with a lively dinner out with all of my best girlfriends (that would be quite a crowd!), with many bottles of wine.
4. What are your top three cities and why?
Paris. I have only been there once, and it absolutely blew me away. I could spend the rest of my life just wandering the streets, admiring the bakeries and cheese shops (and sampling their wares), looking at art, and soaking in the ambiance.
New York City. The food, the theatre, the art, the history, the shopping, the 24/7 freak show…. what could be better?
Denver. Because it is livable. Because everyone is so friendly. Because the mountains are just over there, calling my name. Because you can wear jeans everywhere. Because folks here don’t take everything so seriously. Because you can always find parking. Because there is so much sunshine. Because there’s just enough of everything I need, but not so much that it makes life overwhelming.
5. You are a keen reader. What book have you just read, what are you reading now, and what’s next on the TBR pile?
I just read “The Art of Racing in the Rain,” by Garth Stein, for my book club. Actually, I didn’t quite finish it, but I’ve moved on to “Gregor the Overlander” — a children’s book that I am reading for a mother-daughter book club on Monday. So far, I’m liking it. There are giant cockroaches…and the main character is named Gregor…obviously a nod to Kafka, yes? Next on my reading list: “Take This Bread” by Sara Miles. This is my book club pick for next month; it’s a spiritual memoir by a woman who experienced an unexpected conversion to Christianity. In between all these books, I’m reading a few work-related books with such riveting titles as “Dyslexia and Foreign Language Learning” and “Differentiated Instruction for Foreign Language Teachers.”
So, enough about me, what about YOU? If you’d like to play, here are the meme rules –
1. If you want to be interviewed, leave me a comment, and I will send you some questions.
2. Update your blog with the answers to the questions and link back to the original post.
3. Include the rules in your post.