There are many reasons why I adore Hallie. It could probably warrant its own blog post.
So I’ll leave you with one big reason – she truly gets me thinking about things I wouldn’t have given a second glance to. Like this New York Times article, and the questions it poses.
Hallie bravely tackled many of the questions the article poses, and challenged others to do the same. What I love about this space we’ve all created is how safe it is. No judgement. No pettiness.
Just smart, amazing women coming together to help one another live their best lives.
Which I why I accepted Hallie’s challenge to answer these questions.
Would you like to be famous? In what way?
I used to want to be – truly. But now, I relish a private life filled with mutual respect with the people I’m close with.
Before making a telephone call, do you ever rehearse what you are going to say? Why?
Again – I used to! Now, I just wing it.
When did you last sing to yourself? To someone else?
To myself – I busted out ‘Don’t Stop Believin’ when I was getting ready this morning. To someone else – I was singing ‘Cabaret’ to my husband yesterday while making dinner, after we came home from seeing it on Broadway. (It was amazing. And the run is nearly finished. So GO, if you have the chance!)
If you were able to live to the age of 90 and retain either the mind or body of a 30-year-old for the last 60 years of your life, which would you want?
My mind. And hopefully a continued insatiable appetite for learning.
Name three things you and your partner appear to have in common.Â
1) We’re both unabashedly ambitious
2) We’d rather spend our money on experiences over material objects
3) We are massive science fiction geeks (Trekkies forever)
For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
Personally, my marriage. I don’t talk a lot about my husband or our relationship in this space, but it is the most important thing to me. We’ve grown a lot over the past four years, and I’m really proud of the respect, empathy, and, well, love we have for each other. It hasn’t been easy (especially in the first year), but it has most definitely been worth it.
Professionally, having grown Hitha On The Go to the level it is now. I went back and read some of the early posts, and am really proud of how I’ve grown as a writer, a photographer, and a businesswoman. I’ve learned SO much in cultivating Hitha On The Go that has directly impacted where I am today – an entrepreneur, efficiently working from home, and a much braver woman.
If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be?
Superhuman focus. Not the sexiest of abilities, but it would transform my day-to-day life.
If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about yourself, your life, the future or anything else, what would you want to know?
I’m fascinated to know what’s going to happen in the future. What country (or countries) will emerge as the next superpower? Will we ever live in space? What’s going to happen in the Middle East? Will we cure AIDS? I’m too…afraid? wary? to want to know about my own future.
Is there something that you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven’t you done it?
Getting over my fear of the water and become a stronger, more confident swimmer. My fear of the water (specifically, large bodies of it – the ocean, lakes) is staggering and prevents me from enjoying any kind of water sports. Which is a shame, since my husband is a keen swimmer and would love to scuba or snorkel together.
What is the greatest accomplishment of your life?
My marriage. We work at it every single day, and each day is better than the one before. Learning how to be a wife and partner has made me a better person in every facet of my life. I couldn’t ask for a better guy to tackle adventures in parenting with.
What do you value most in a friendship?
Loyalty, intellectual stimulation, and laughter. People who push me to be better.
What is your most treasured memory?
I’m pretty sure I’m about to have it, with the birth of my child. But for now, it’s when I told my husband and family that I’m pregnant.
If you knew that in one year you would die suddenly, would you change anything about the way you are now living? Why?
I’d get rid of all the non-essentials and hop on a plane with my family, with one-way tickets. Preferably to a place we’d never been.
What roles do love and affection play in your life?
They’re incredibly important – from a select group of people. Quality > quantity, especially in this case.
Alternate sharing something you consider a positive characteristic of your partner. Share a total of five items.Â
His intelligence, sense of humor, financial responsibility, and willingness to learn about the things that matter to me. But he is the ultimate partner in our relationship (at home, emotionally, everything) – and that’s what I find to be his best quality as a husband.
How do you feel about your relationship with your mother?
I’m really proud of it. We’ve certainly had our ups and downs, but I treasure how close we’ve become – especially recently. I can’t wait to see her in grandma mode!
Complete this sentence: “I wish I had someone with whom I could share…â€Â
Pregnancy. While I’ve been blessed with a relatively easy one, it’d be nice to pass this bowling ball to someone else to lug around. I’m grateful that it’s nearly over!
If you were going to become a close friend with your partner, please share what would be important for him or her to know.
There are moments when I need to be left completely alone to cool down. Give me 10 minutes, and I’ll be fine.
If you were to die this evening with no opportunity to communicate with anyone, what would you most regret not having told someone? Why haven’t you told them yet?
I’d regret not telling my family and friends how much I love them and what they mean to me. I need to do a better job of telling them more often!
Your house, containing everything you own, catches fire. After saving your loved ones and pets, you have time to safely make a final dash to save any one item. What would it be? Why?
My grandmother’s diamond earrings. Everything else can be replaced.
Let’s do this, guys. COMMENT below with the answer to one or any of the questions that strike your fancy. Got a blog? I’d love for you to answer the questions YOU want from the NYTimes article, and include the link below. Here’s to falling a little more in love with one another!
UPDATE – if you need a chuckle (warning – this will cause ugly laughing), check out The New Yorker’s Falling Out Of Love.
