When I first started on the rain, I remember reading a very special lady. It was a post that made me feel and think. One of those posts that really impacted me and caused me to send her an e-mail.
I asked her if Keyser, West Virginia was close to her she replied back, the answer was no but the e-mail was kind, warm and inviting..the same feeling I got when I was in West Virginia.
- Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background? "I was born and raised in West Virginia and have lived here all but about six years in Charlotte, NC -- my husband's hometown. I've been married to Jay for 17 years and we have two girls, who I call Tall One (15) and Little One (10) on-line because I am paranoid. I am a Mom first, a wife, a friend, a real estate agent, a blogger ... and the list would go on from there. I've been in real estate about 2 1/2 years."
- Are you still involved with Habitat for Humanity? Can you tell us a little bit about your experience? "No, sadly I haven't gone back to help with another house -- but now you certainly have me thinking about it again! (Boy, you've read my blog, haven't you?) I was just telling someone last week about working with them, and what fun it was. You get to give while you learn new skills and work beside lots of interesting, talented people. And then you have a cute little house to drive by sometimes and think that you helped someone. It's all good!"
- I know giving back is very important to you, what charities are you involved with and why? "Hmm. I give blood and make donations to the Red Cross. Cancer has really ticked me off lately (and continues to do so) and I really don't have any other way to fight it, other than to donate. I am registered as a bone marrow donor thanks toJulie Ferenzi and Rocky Turner telling us a about a sweet little boy named Trevor Kott. Trevor's memory actually comforted me when I was in a bad spot about someone I loved -- I couldn't help him, but maybe I could help someone else not have to lose someone. I also help the Putnam Animal Relief Center and the Putnam Humane Society with their efforts at fund raising and getting the word out about events. I would love to go back and volunteer as a dog walker again but just don't see how to fit it in. And does blogging for Mothers Fighting for Others count as charity? We promote many charities, and Rocky is getting ready to head back to Africa again. To get my kids into giving we started a new birthday tradition -- they have to choose a charity to donate to for their birthdays. (I sponsor the donation.) Little One sent a box of panties to Underwear for Africa and Tall One (if she will ever get it in gear) will be adopting a dolphin."
- I know you have pen pals all over the world. How long have you been doing this? The longest pen pal friendship and have you met them face to face? "I've had penpals since high school ... but lost touch with those and gained new ones. The longest I've stayed in touch has been eight years so far. I haven't met her face to face yet but she did send her daughter to live with us the summer before last. So even though I haven't met her, we do share a child now. :)"
- Your girls and your family are your everything, what helps you to maintain balance and sanity? Any advice? "I maintain my balance by not working too much, really. I'm lucky, I work because I got bored when I didn't. (We live simply, don't read more into it than that.) I know I am blessed, if I get stressed my husband just tells me to quit and go walk those dogs again. (At times, that has been very tempting!) But I love what I do and as long as I keep things simple it all works out. I have a standing afternoon appointment to meet my daughter's school bus. I work on a team and we help share the workload when needed. One of my fellow team members is my Dad, and he's good about making sure his grandkids have Mom around, and I'm good about letting him play golf."
- Any blogging tips you would like to share? "Yes, write whatever you want. Today I posted a myth that Tall One wrote when she was in third grade. It had nothing to do with anything but I love it and there it is. My last post on AR was about a Mother of the Bride dress. Don't get hung up on what you're supposed to be doing and just do it. It's going to end up making some kind of sense when taken all together. Don't overthink it."
- It seems you have a beautiful spirit always, what keeps you smiling and writing those beautiful and fun posts? "Midori, you're a total sweetie!! :) I have no idea ... I like the people around me. I wake up and talk to a friend to start off right, maybe some more, spend time with my kids and then head off to work with a smile. If I start getting stressed out I head over to Twitter or email a friend and find a way to have a laugh again. Happiness is a choice, every day."
- Favorite inspirational quote? "Geesh, I like lots of them! How about, "Take risks: if you win, you will be happy; if you lose, you will be wise." ~Author Unknown (I tweeted that on Twitter today, so I must like it.)"
- What inspires you to write? "Anything. It all wants to be said."
- Just how many social networks do you belong to? "Uhhh ... I don't remember!! :) I actually USE Twitter, Skype, Flickr and MySpace. I quit Facebook, it irritated me to no end".
- If you were just starting out blogging, what 3 tips could you give to newbies? "WRITE. Just write. Don't be afraid. It's only blogging. It's not a big deal. Try it and see what happens. Have FUN with it. If you aren't having fun with it, it will become a chore and you'll hate to keep up with it. HAVE FUN!"
If you are on twitter, Sarah is the very friendly and outgoing WVagent you might spot! She is the one who says hello and is always involved in many conversations. Thanks Sarah for taking the time to talk to me and I will definitely see you on twitter! :)
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