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You asked for it!

Sometimes, I have a hard time coming up with topics to blog about.

Actually, I have a million things I want to blog about but some topics are off-limits, and sometimes I start several posts at the same time, without finishing any of them. Since I was having a hard time last week, I asked you to ask me questions you wanted me to answer. So, thank you for your questions—and now, here are my answers!

John Cave Osborne asked: What's your stance on the proposed mosque in Manhattan near ground zero?

I wrote a blog post about this a few weeks ago. I would like the victim's families to be consulted. If they're okay with it, so am I. I also want you to read this amazing post by a great blogger I know about this very topic. Her post and the comments she received are worth reading.

Marinka asked: Who is your favorite actress? Which actress can't you stand? And what is the one question that you hope no one asks?

I love Audrey Hepburn, Julianne Moore, Natalie Portman, Uma Thurman, Diane Lane, Rachel McAdams and Winona Ryder. I don't love Jennnifer Aniston as an actress, even though I want her body.

The one question I hope no one asks me? What I dislike about myself. Because then I'd have to be honest and point out things about myself that I don't love!

Leslie asked: What draws you to shop as much as you do?

Shopping is like therapy for me. I love the feeling of walking into a store, running my hands over the clothes, or trying on new shoes, and walking out with new purchases. It's a natural high and I love it. Shopping makes me happy, and when you're happy, it's a good thing!

Suzanne wanted to know: In today's world, what do you think is the SINGLE most important thing you can teach your children?

I think the single most important thing I can teach my children is to treat everyone with respect, and to love their family, because there is nothing more important than family.

Jen wanted to know: What has been the best and worst experiences blogging, tweeting, etc? Any negative encounters? Best connections or favourite opportunities, moments that arose from blogging?

My blogging experience has been 98% wonderful with a lot of fabulous connections and opportunties made, from working with Mom Central Canada to being asked to co-host a big couture cosmetics gala here in Ottawa later this month. There have been a few negative encounters, but I don't dwell on people who don't like me or who are mean. There is so much greatness in the blogging community, I'd rather focus on that!

Tell me how you can walk around craving a salad and a workout, simultaneously.

That doesn't happen often, but when I am working out hard-core I like to eat healthy. I feel better overall! However, mostly I crave chocolate and chips and ice cream!

What the heck do you do for work, anyway?

I have degrees in Communications and Broadcast Journalism and I used to work as a reporter and as a news writer. Currently, I work in communication for the Federal Government—writing, editing, research work. My real job, though? Being a mom to my two little boys! No job on earth is more hard or more rewarding than being a mom!

Avitable asked: What is your favourite movie?

I love so many movies that I can't give you only one answer! But, okay—the one movie I watch over and over again is Dazed and Confused. I love that movie! I also love Goodfellas, Blow, Snatch, Kill Bill (1 and 2), Cluesless, Legally Blonde, Amercan History X, (Actually, American History X is one of the greatest movies ever made.) American Beauty, Chicago, Scarface and Godfather II. And of course, my all-time favourites, like Say Anything, The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink and Sixteen Candles.

Elisa asked: What is the one thing you believe it's worth spending money on? What about the one thing that isn't worth spending a lot of money on?

I think it's worth spending money on purses - I'm a designer purse addict and I love it. I drop money on purses and sunglasses and I have no regrets. Not worth spending money on? Things like tank tops and little tshirts - they're just as good at Old Navy as they are at Banana Republic! And bikinis! My favourite bikinis are usually just $20. My favourite bikini was purchased on a beach in Acapulco from some Mexican man selling bikinis for $10. Score!

You must have seen that episode of friends where everyone compiles "the list". Who would be on your list? 6 names, in order of preference.

I have never really thought of mine! And in order of preference? Well, I like, um... Edward Norton, George Clooney, Kevin Spacey, Johnny Depp, Eminem and Denzel Washington. Because they're all very talented!

As your birthday buddy, I'm almost obliged to ask: What do you REALLY want for your birthday this year? (And don't say world peace.)

I know world peace is not going to happen in my lifetime, so I'll settle for a key necklace from Tiffany & Co. (I also just received an awesome new Canon camera from my husband that I'm super excited to use. My children are going to be so annoyed with me very quickly! Also excited that I will be like all the other bloggers at BlogHer11 with a 'grown-up' camera!)

Fanderson: I want to know about your D.C scary moment!

As I was waiting for the bus to get to work one day, a man in an orange truck (why is it always a truck, why?) approached me and asked me to get in. I said no, and he insisted, opening his passenger door. He sped off and then drove around again, coming closer to me, almost driving onto the sidewalk. He yelled at me to get in his truck again. I was so scared, I didn't know what to do—luckily, the bus came and he sped off. I'm pretty sure I was almost kidnapped and to this day I remember what he looked like.

Heather: What was your worst/best experience while blogging?

The best experirence has been meeting bloggers in person and getting to know people better. It really is a great community. The worst experience blogging? Feeling like I have nothing to blog about!

Chelle asked: What do you like to do for "you" time at home? And lets say that the boys were away with your husband and you had, oh, 8 hours of peace and quiet. What would you do?

I'd be on the computer, organizing our closets, or catching up on missed episodes of Entourage.

What is one room in your home that you would want a makeover done on? Why?

I want a new kitchen—new granite countertops, a new backsplash, and a new kitchen table! If I had all this, I swear I'd be better in the kitchen!

What's your favorite drink at Happy Hour? Or anytime for that matter!

I love wine. All the time!

Faiqa asked: Why do you never say no to your children?

I have a hard time saying no because I have a hard time with discipline. I hate making my boys upset so I just give in. I have recently started saying 'no', but for some reason, my children do not understand the meaning of the word! Also, saying 'no' doesn't mean my 2 year old won't march right past me and get that box of Oreos and proceed to eat about 12 while staring at me with that devilish look in his eyes. And then, sigh. He melts me... so I go from saying 'no', to yelling, 'why don't you ever listen to me?' to just... letting them get away with whatever they want. Bad, bad, me.

Jill aka Scary Mommy asks: Is Mary Hart as annoying in person as I believe her to be? Inquiring minds want to know.

I only saw her briefly, for like a second, as she walked past me outside the studio. She smiled. And that was the only encounter I had with her!

Kate asked: Would you ever consider having plastic surgery (cosmetic - not reconstructive) and if so, what would you do? And what would you never consider?

I would probably not have anything done. I'm pretty happy with myself and my body. I know any improvements I want to see in myself can be attained by working out and eating well. I am not against anyone else having cosmetic surgery, though. And if I had to get something done? Maybe a boob job? Whatever it takes to feel good about yourself is okay with me! (Unless you're Heidi Montag. Then I just feel sorry for you, beause I can't imagine being 22 and feeling the need to get 10 surgeries done to make yourself feel pretty. That's just awful.)

Sara: What is on your bucket list?

One day, I'm going to write a really good bucket list. Currently, the only thing on my bucket list is to buy a house in Florida, visit Italy and France, and take as many vacations as I can. I love to travel! I'd also love to get back into the media world, when my children are older. Maybe I should add 'travel writer' to my bucket list!

Jen asked: What did you think of 'my big fat greek wedding' ?

I laughed! Great movie. Was it a totally accurate depiction of Greek people? Not really. At least, not in my family. We do love eating a lot, though! And Greek people are very passionate about life.

Anonomous asked: Why do you bring 2 glasses of water to bed with you?

One for me... one for my baby!

Midwest Mommy asked: Do you paint your nails from left to right or right to left?

I don't do my own nails! That's a disaster waiting to happen!

CaraBee asked: Do you change your purse to match your outfit or do you always carry the LV?

I usually carry my LV, but I do switch it up. I have a big Marc Jacobs purse that I carry when I'm with the kids, or my Coach over-the-shoulder purse. I have a cute little Gucci for evenings, too, that I love using.

Modern Mom: You have a great following on your blog and twitter. Do you find it easier to form relationships, get to know people on twitter or through your blog? Oh, and were you a blogger or a twitterer (is that a word) first?

I started blogging close to 4 years ago, so I was a blogger first. I love Twitter and have met many awesome people because of it. The only negative thing about Twitter is that people tend to leave blog comments there, and not on the actual blog post - that's a no-no!

I have found that every blogger I've admired online has been just as terrific in person. Twitter is like a non-stop party, where conversation is fun and fast, and blogs are more intimate. More like a sit down dinner or drinks with good friends. I love the connections I've made through blogging and through Twitter.

Nenette asked: Who was the most obnoxious celeb you encountered while interning for ET?

I left my ET internship early because I was offered a job in radio back home. I absolutely regert this now. If I had stayed for the entire internship, the last few weeks would have been me going out with the reporters to interview celebrities. So, I didn't meet any celebs while I was an intern at ET, sadly!

What are your 3 makeup case must-haves?

I have a few favourite lip glosses from Chanel and Estee Lauder - I am always re-applying! I also love StudioFix from MAC and black eyeliner.

If you were told that you had to move out of Canada, which country would you move to? (US and Greece don't count.)

Oh, come on! I'd move to the US in a heartbeat! Even though I love Canada. I need to live in Florida. It's my second home. I crave the ocean. I'd also live in Bethesda, MD - I love, love, love Washington, D.C. and visit as often as I can. I actually wouldn't live in Greece. It's great to visit, but not to live, in my opinion. Okay, so I'd live in... Capri. Or Monaco. And then I'd get to watch the Grand Prix from a yatch. How awesome would that be?

Comments

Sarah Fader said…
See, I'd move to CANADA in a heartbeat. I'm sort of done with the U.S.

This was a really interesting post!
Unknown said…
I love these because it does help learn so much more about the blogger! I need to do this too...

Oh and my hubs was born in Bethesda and I think he'd like to go back. Maybe we'll be neighbors someday - ha!
Theta Mom said…
Loved learning more about you mama!! What a FUN post!
I love your analogy of blogging + twitter - blogging more like a sit down dinner and twitter like a cocktail party - that's SO PERFECT ! :)

this was a fun post to read :)

I'm with you - not so much sunglasses for me, but handbags and shoes... my collection of both is not regrettable ! :)
Alicia said…
Love that you did this!!! You seem really sweet and kind and fun!! I bet your kids are so glad that they have a cool mom!!! I will def be following you!
Avitable said…
I still have never seen Scarface. I need to watch that.
Great answers and questions too! I love learning more about people!
Kaci said…
Great getting to know you better.

Thanks for stopping by ImPossible.
BusyDad said…
This is better than a Barbara Walters special. Let's make sure to hang out someday. I promise I don't own an orange truck.
Shell said…
Loved the idea of this post!

And totally agree with the most important thing to teach your kids.
Mom2Miles said…
Great idea for a post. Wow, your movie picks are pretty eclectic! Then again, I'm a fan of Clueless & Legally Blonde, but I also liked "Hotel Rwanda". But no "Shopaholic"?? The books were better, for sure.
Faiqa said…
I loved reading this post... I feel like I really got to know you. And you know what? We have LOTS in common. I love to shop, LOVE designer purses (so much that I have a bag borrow steal account) and think family is hugely important.

So, in short and in light of our many similarities, you're awesome.
Jill said…
Loved getting to know you even better here! I don't paint my nails either, I love Bethesda as well (best friend lives there), and shopping is definitely therapy for me too (oh Anthropologie - you ARE my favorite store!).
Pres. Kathy said…
This post makes me like you even more!
Nikosmommy said…
great post Mama! When in doubt, take it to the people to ask the questions! We learn more about u everyday!
Awesome I love getting to know you and so wish I had a question but man - it must have taken you long enough to answer all those! This was a great post and I am so glad to be blogging with you!
Stephanie said…
Oh I loved this post!
I knew I was not the only girl dreaming about a nice warm place in Florida to escape too:)
....and you scary moment. Truly scary! Maybe they just wanted your fabulous bag.
Lady Mama said…
Great post! I agree about the new kitchen - I think I'd be a better cook if I had granite counter tops too. And wow, that incident in DC sounded crazy scary!