Influences

I've been avoiding the questions on the list that require in depth answers or that ask for more than 5 things. But I guess, today, I feel adventurous. I'm going with number nine: List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how. Before I get started, this is a list of people. I know a lot of people. I know a lot more than 10 people. So chances are you won't make this list. But just because you don't make the list doesn't mean you haven't influenced me in one way or another. If you're reading this, you love me enough to click the link and take an interest in what I have to say and if you take an interest in what I say, chances are you're someone I care about dearly. So hold on to that.


Here goes nothing!


In no particular order...


1) My folks- is this a cop out answer? Probably. But I thought I'd start with an easy one. Really though, how haven't my parents influenced me? My Mom has had an influence on everything from clothing choices to college choices. My Dad has guided me in lots of ways too. Let's just say, I wouldn't be who I am (for better or worse) without them both.


2) My girls- Megan, Robin, Holly and Mary. These girls are serious lifesavers. I've called on them for every kind of advice imaginable: financial, baby, school, teaching, work, relationship, marriage, emotional. You name it. And they're always there for me. They're all hard-working, successful, beautiful, fit, smart and talented ladies and I've learned so much from them it's incredible.


3) Julie- We have our ups and downs, Julie and I, but what we figured out is that it's because we're not friends. We're sisters. Sure, there's a bit of sibling rivalry there but in the end the bond hold strong through it all. I also call on Julie for all kinds of advice. She's particularly good at giving me objective, emotion-free, logic-full advice which is really helpful considering I'm an emotionally driven individual. Plus, she's not afraid to tell me I'm being ridiculous or that I'm out of line. You need a friend like that. They keep your grounded.


4) Isaac- Oh, Isaac. Isaac is a great mix of passion and methodology. When I need someone to squee with me over something silly, I have Isaac. When I need clear, thoughtful, insightful advice, I have Isaac. When I need to have the pants scared off of me by a good horror movie, I have Isaac. He's one of a kind and the kind of person you thank your lucky stars that your paths crossed.


5) Sunny- Sunny is all the things I wish my mother could have been and wasn't. And she's introduced me to more things, ideas, concepts, lifestyles and recipes than I ever imagined I'd know about. She's also there to guide me in all things personal and, now, professional too! Sunny is the one I give credit to for helping me get my new job. Which I ADORE. 


6) Amanda- We went to high school together. I idolized her in high school. I wanted to BE her in high school. She was (and IS) beautiful. She was popular. She was a cheerleader. She was the perfect height, the perfect weight and had perfect hair. Unfortunately, in high school, while I wasn't short on number of friends, I was a giant, generally unattractive and awkward dork. So while Amanda and I were frequently around each other (same programs and since I was in drill team we were always at the same sport functions), we weren't what I would call friends. BUT! For those who say that people cannot change, Amanda is a walking example of that adage being completely untrue. These days, Amanda and I have reconnected. She has taught me that even when things are at their bleakest, there's always lilies to look for. And even back when we were not the best of friends, she taught me to be strong, to stand up for myself, to not take criticism too seriously and to always put mascara on my bottom lashes even if beauty magazines say my eyes will look bigger if I only put it on top.


7) Hubson- Duh. Hubson is a bit of an anomaly for me. He doesn't treat me like crap. He doesn't belittle me and hurt my self-esteem. He didn't knock me up and then run away never to be heard from again. He's not a deadbeat. And while I still struggle with feeling like crap, thinking I'm ugly and just generally feeling bad about myself, he does his damnedest to show me how untrue those feelings are. He tells me that I'm beautiful regularly. He encourages me on my crazy ideas (like crafting! Whaaaaat?!?). He supports me in every way you can imagine. I couldn't ask for a better life partner. 


Alright. I'm calling that the list of ten. Hey! I had my folks (That's two people!) on number one and my girlfriends (That's four more people!) on number two. If you count them all individually, that's MORE then ten. So :P You'll just have to deal with it. 


Who influences you most? I want to know. :)


The List

1. List 20 random facts about yourself.
2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
3. Describe your relationship with your parents.
4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.
5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
6. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?
7. What is your dream job, and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.
10. Describe your most embarrassing moment.
11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.
12. Describe a typical day in your current life.
13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.
14. Describe 5 strengths you have.
15. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
18. What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?
19. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?
22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
23. List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.
24. Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs. your family dynamic now.
25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?
26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?
28. What is your love language?
29. What do you think people misunderstand most about you?
30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.