"do I know you" interview one: tara s. & michele b.

Last night I put out a simple facebook status asking for people willing to participate in a 20-question interview.  To the ones that responded I sent the questions via private message, they answered, and sent them back.  Piece of cake.  I am blown away by the number of people that responded.  It's going to be awesome getting to know friends a little more through this "Do I Know You?" interview series*, and sharing them with you here.

First in the line up of interviews are these two: Tara and Michele.  I won't always have two interviews within the same post, but that feels only natural where these two are concerned.  They are best friends.  Peas and carrots, these two, and they are awesome.  If you think you are clever or witty, I'm sorry to say you have nearly nothing on these fine gals.  I have known them for years, since they were friends of my older sister who was always really good about letting her punk little sister tag along, and they eventually became my friends.  Finders keepers . . .

Because Tara was quicker on the draw with finishing her interview (which I totally expected) I will start with her.

*The only edits I will make to any of the interviews in the series is correction of misspelling/typos, because really, nobody likes a typo.  (Unless it's the ones on Parents Shouldn't Text.  Those kill me.  I dig those typos.)

Tara S.

A few words about Tara:

I've known Tara now for close to 30 years (WHAT?!).  She is one of the kindest people I know.

One of my most vivid memories of Tara is riding on Westlake Drive in Athens, GA in her Jeep.  It was raining and I kept thinking the Jeep was going to tip over, but then I remembered I was riding with Tara - uber-safe driver that she was - and knew we'd be quite alright.

Tara had a little brother named Ben (who I will forever call "Benjy" in my heart and mind) who was a year younger than me.  The summer before sixth grade he and a friend, Shawn, were hanging out at each other's house.  They called our house, and in a short, professional message left on the answering machine, they asked me to be their girlfriend.  They told me to think about it.  They said I could let them know who I picked at church that night.  What a quirky and vivid memory.
I love when I get to see her, though the times are few and far between.

Without further ado, the interview . . .

1. Occupation?

School Counselor

2. How did we meet/how do we know each other?

We met at LFF [church] many moons ago. SO thankful for that. 

3. Single or married?

Married 

4. What’s the greatest thing about being single or married?

The greatest thing about being married is that I always have my best friend with me and I know I don't have to face every struggle alone. 

5. What was your first vehicle?  Love it or hate it?  Why?

My first car was this hot number...go about 1/3 down the page to the 1977 Dodge Colt that is white with a red vinyl roof (don't be jealous) and red racing stripes. I didn't care...>I was just glad to have transportation!

6. Beach or mountains? Why?

Mountains - I just love cool weather more than hot weather. I love the peacefulness and remoteness and majesticness (I know...not a word) of the mountains. 

7. Darkest time of your life?

Definitely the span of time between 1995-1998. I found out about dad's terminal cancer in '95, lost him in '96, lost one grandfather that same year, then Ben [brother] had his accident in '97, then lost my other grandfather in '98. Mom was also very depressed during this time and I felt like I had to be the strong one in the family...all while working full-time and being miserably single. Rough time, but I grew so much from that period of my life. 

8. Happiest childhood memory?

My happiest childhood memory was living on our farm in Bogart when I was in middle school and my entire family would come to our house for Christmas. We'd ride horses, mopeds, throw cow patties, fish, play in the barn, open presents, eat some of the best cooking ever, and it was just full of joy. 

9. What would people be surprised or shocked to know about you?

I'm way too concerned about what others think of me as a person, as a spouse, as a parent, as a colleague. I struggle with this and am really trying to just be me and be happy with how God sees me and who He made me to be. 

10. What work of art (book, music, etc.) has heavily influenced you?  Why?

My hymn book from LFF. I am so moved by hymns. I grew up singing hymns in church and those words resound in my mind when I'm going through trials or tests. I sing them in the car sometimes just randomly. They're so poetic and possess such deep truths that we should never forget. My current church doesn't include hymns in the service we have to go to and I miss them so much. I have taken old hymns and re-written the music to them to update the sound, but the words cannot be changed. I just love them. 

11. Favorite place you’ve traveled to? Why?

Definitely Ireland. My ancestry comes from Ireland, so visiting there was a dream come true. It's so beautiful. The live music I had the privilege to hear was just amazing. 

12. What brought you to the city you live in now?

My husband and I attended graduate school in Valdosta. We both earned our school counseling degree there. So, when we graduated, we were both looking for school counseling positions. We tried to get back to the Athens/Watkinsville area, but we couldn't both find positions there. We both were offered positions in Cumming/Dawsonville, so that's how we ended up here. 

13. What is your favorite trait about yourself?  Why?

Physically, I think it would be my eyes. People have always complemented me on them, so I think they naturally make me feel better about myself. Character-wise, I would say it's my desire to help others. I just naturally like to help people problem-solve and fix things. 

14. Vintage or brand new?

Oooh, good one. I love both...truly. But, because I'm a little bit of a germophobe, I have trouble with some vintage things because I fixate on how it was used, who touched it, what was done with it, etc. I know...I'm weird that way. 

15. Fill in the blank: It’s quiet and no one is around.  I think I will __________.

...play the piano.

16. What would you describe as one of your biggest triumphs in life?

Beating breast cancer. 

17. City or country?

Country, if I had to choose. I like suburbia pretty well because it has a little of both. 

18. If today was your last, what three things would you do?

Goodness... so hard to think that way! First, I'd spend lots of time with my husband and son telling them how much I love them, even though they already know. Second, I'd call or visit those dearest to me who are not saved and I'd try again to lead them to salvation. Third, I would talk to Lance about everything I want for Lane and his future, hoping that Lance would honor those things once I was gone. (Wow, that was a hard question and I might change my mind on this answer 50 times if I keep thinking) 

19. Fast food or “just say no”?

Just say no. I'm trying so hard to get healthier, but sometimes on rare occasions, it's just necessary. 

20. If you got a tattoo (or another one) what would it be?

Hmmmm.....never wanted one, so I haven't really thought about it. I have 4 permanent tattooed dots on my chest from radiation. Would that count? lol I don't know...maybe a pretty "L" for Lance [husband] and Lane [son] hidden somewhere very inconspicuously?

Michele B.

A few words about Michele:  I have known Michele for nearly 30 years as well (weird!).  She is one of the funniest people I know.  She's got sass and snark in spades.
Michele was my camp counselor one summer when I was a kid, which cracks me up because we're nearly the same age.  She discovered my deep-like for a fella named Mike and called me by his last name forever. I still have a yearbook she signed from middle school that goes on about my and Mike's future marriage. She's hysterical.  But she's also candid and real about life, with it's highs and lows and the straight roads in between.  That's not easy to find.
Shamefully, Michele and I live within driving distance, but rarely see each other.  Perhaps we should figure a way to remedy that.  And soon.

Now, for the interview . . .

1. Occupation?

Oh gah. I'm so boring. I'm a front office specialist for a doctor's office.

2. How did we meet/how do we know each other?

We met when I came to Living Faith Fellowship and I worked as a leader with the children's ministry. And I was your camp counselor at children's camp. 

3. Single or married?

Gah. Single. 

4. What’s the greatest thing about being single or married?

Hmm, the greatest thing about being single is not having to "ask" anyone about going away for the weekend, not having to share the remote, cooking only what I like to eat. Ok, so I don't cook that much but still. 

5. What was your first vehicle?  Love it or hate it?  Why?

It was a 1984 Orange Chevette. Hated it, but it was free so I really shouldn't complain. It had one of the "old timey" push button radios. It was very small and did I mention, orange? 

6. Beach or mountains? Why?

Mountains. I love cold weather and swimsuits and I aren't the best of friends. 

7. Darkest time of your life?

Wow, tough one. I wold have to say the last three weeks have been a pretty dark time due to many different life events. My mom went into a nursing home, I had surgery, my job duties changed while I was away from work on medical leave.

8. Happiest childhood memory?

Chip [brother] and I used to put the Grease record on our little record player and we would dance and sing. 

9. What would people be surprised or shocked to know about you?

I am aggressive (maybe not a shock) and would defend the people I love the most, either physically or with my big ol' mouth. 

10. What work of art (book, music, etc.) has heavily influenced you?  Why?

Hmmmm..tough one. Obviously the bible is one of my biggest influences, but I think Chris Tomlin's music would be what has influenced me the most. His lyrics usually hit right where I am and encourage my faith in ways that other musicians don't. 

11. Favorite place you’ve traveled to? Why?

Alaska with my best friend. It was the best trip ever. The weather was perfect, scenery was gorgeous and I had the best company in the world. 

12. What brought you to the city you live in now?

Most of my mom's family was in Athens and she moved to Athens in 9th grade. My parents lived in Jackson, Ga and when I was in 7th grade my mom decided to move us to Athens to be closer to family. 

13. What is your favorite trait about yourself?  Why?

Oh, Jessi. Um. Can I pass on this one? Great, thanks! [NOTE: we're still in negotiations over this one]

14. Vintage or brand new?

Hmmmm, I like both. I guess if I had to choose it would be brand-new.

15. Fill in the blank: It’s quiet and no one is around.  I think I will __________.

"take a nap" (to be fair, my house is always quiet and no one is around so I can really do whatever I want). 

16. What would you describe as one of your biggest triumphs in life?

I think my biggest triumph so far has been the progression I have seen since I turned 40. As you know, I didn't want to turn 40 and still be single, but it happened and life isn't bad. I thought turning 40 was worse than death and it's not. I made it and I'm happy about that. 

17. City or country?

City, all the way. 

18. If today was your last, what three things would you do?

Go talk to my mom, call Chip, snuggle Tuscany [cat] and then go to Tara's house. Ok...that was four but it's ok. Mom and Chip kind of count as the same. 

19. Fast food or “just say no”?

Fast food.

20. If you got a tattoo (or another one) what would it be?

A small "G" for the Georgia Bulldogs (shocker) or a small flower on my ankle.