One of my favourite blogger friends, Shannon at Comments from a Non-Blogger, tagged me in this interview meme. I enjoyed getting to know her better from her interview and I hope that this will give you an opportunity to learn a little about me.

Enjoy!

What experience has most shaped you, and why?

I don’t talk about the details of this experience publicly for the sake of the other people involved, but it has shaped me more profoundly than any other in my life. Although this experience was traumatic at the time, it lay the foundation for some of the most important lessons in my life. Through betrayal, it taught me how to forgive. It taught me how to let things go and allow them to help me grow. I learned how to identify the positive aspects of any situation and focus on them. These lessons have influenced how I parent, how I interact with people, and how I view my place in this world. Traumatic as it was, I am beyond grateful for it.

If you had a whole day with no commitments, what would you do?

I’d love to be able to say I’d go to a spa, or read a book over coffee, or something sophisticated like visiting a museum. However, I would probably sleep much of the day and watch TV in my sweats.

What food or drink could you never give up?

I love me some caffeine. I love espresso drinks and cola. I have tried to give up cola a few times in the past – to no avail. It has been a fave of mine since I was a teenager.

If you could travel anywhere, where would that be and why?

I have always wanted to go to southeastern Africa, but right now I am aching to see the ocean and really want to go to Maine where we used to vacation when I was a kid.

If you were leader of your country, what would you do?

If I had the power, I would over-haul the education system. I would make the curriculum inclusive and reflective of all the population. I would make sure that the history children learned actually represented the perspectives of everyone involved.

I would also ensure that social inclusion theory and anti-oppression frameworks were incorporated in the training and education of all teachers.

Give me one easy savoury recipe that doesn’t include cheese.

I love my Shepherd’s Pie. The secret is lots of basil in the ground beef.

What did you think you were going to be when you grew up?

I always knew I would be a mother. When I looked forward in my life, that is what I saw.

If you could spend just one day in someone else’s body, who would it be?

An infant. I think it would be fascinating to see the world through a newborn’s eyes. And, I’d get to sleep whenever I wanted to… I’d even be encouraged to!

Which woman writer – living or dead – do you most admire and why?

bell hooks. I admire that she writes what needs to be read – the intersections of race, class, and gender.

What character trait inspires you the most?

Generosity. People who give unconditionally inspire me. The world needs more people who consider what they can do, provide, offer, or be to make someone else’s life easier.

Which book or books have inspired or touched you the most?

I have quite a few that have inspired me. Richard Bach is the author of 2 of them – One and Illusions. His perspective on life resonates with me and what I know to be true.

What is your favorite family custom?

We don’t really have any. We used to go out for brunch on Sundays, which I loved to do, but it got too costly. Our family is not big on holidays or tradition. I think my favourite ones will be those that develop organically and evolve as Q gets older and understands more.

____________________________________________

Thanks, Shannon, for tagging me in this interview.  I like that I got to sink my teeth into some of the questions!

Now, this is my opportunity to tag other bloggers and get to know them better.

Shawn @, What will you be, Pea who is a great friend of mine and a funny daddy blogger.

Maria @ Bored Mommy Blog who is one of the first mommy bloggers I ever read.

Kameron @  a Wrinkle in Time who I actually met in person before reading her blog.  I would love to learn more about her.