Gotta be honest… I’ve agonized over writing this particular blog entry since the day I found out I would have to do so. Writing isn’t a problem for me, especially when it comes to fiction. I can dream up wild and crazy scenarios, iterate passionate love stories, have readers crying and laughing throughout the same sentence… but when it comes to writing about myself, sometimes I struggle to find the interest.
As the only child of two hard-working parents – the long-time eldest grandchild on one side of the family, the long-time baby on the other – having grown up in America’s “Bible Belt,” I’ve lead a fairly idyllic, sweet-tea drinking, Kentucky Wildcat’s basketball loving, FFA competing, Southern Gospel music singing first quarter century (or just shy thereof.) I’ve had some fairly awesome adventures – I jet-setted around Australia/New Zealand when I was 16 – however, the perfectly happy, contented, typical life I’ve lead sometimes seems a fair bit… run of the mill. Alas, thankfully we live in a world full of aid wherever one many need it, and in moments like these when my creativity is stifled, Google once again comes to my rescue!
Searching “fun self interview” I ran across some digging questions that I thought might make this “Ashlee in a Nutshell” thing a bit more bearable for us all.
Q: Most valuable gift you’ve ever received?
A: I’ve spent a vast majority of my “adult life” romantically unattached, much of that time by choice. The lesson that I’ve learned through this is one that I definitely consider a gift: it’s important to know how to be happy by yourself before you’ll ever really know how to be happy with someone else. I know myself unbelievably well. I take advantage of opportunities to be spontaneous. I have unbreakable connections with my friends and family. And I’m happy living the life that’s been designed for me. That’s really an gift beyond value!
Q: Favorite way to chill out?
A: Sitting by the camp fire, recently well fed, flanked by a wealth of friends. Stories being shared. Music being played. Excellent view of the stars.
Q: If you were any TV sitcom Character, which one would you be?
A: After practically every episode of “Grey’s Anatomy,” I proclaim to my best friend that, “I should have been a doctor,” so my instinct is to go with my favorite character, Dr. Meredith Grey. But I’m really not all that “dark and twisty.” I’m probably much more like-minded with Jill Taylor, from the 90’s sitcom, “Home Improvement.”
Q: What is the last book you read?
A: I’m always reading multiple books… currently I’m somewhere in the middle of: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, Where Will You Be 5 Years from Today by Dan Zadra, and Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. The last book I finished was probably The Mockingjay (Hunger Games trilogy) by Suzanne Collins.
Q: What is the last movie you went to see?
A: Timing is everything here… I saw The Hunger Games on opening day, which was only a week ago. Prior to that… I saw Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.
Q: How would you explain your business in one sentence to your 8-year-old cousin?
A: “I do Spiderman’s day job.”
Q: If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?
A: “Writer’s Block.” Yes, I’ve definitely thought about this a time or two.
Q: What kind of people do you dislike?
A: I’m not fond of rude or intolerant actions, but I (annoyingly so, sometimes) try to give people, themselves, the benefit of doubt overall. I make the same kind of mistakes and I try to remind myself that I’m no judge. I'm a bit pet-peevish about disrespect of elderly people and teachers.
Q: How would you describe yourself in three words?
A: Dependable. Futuristic. Passive.
Sigh. That wasn’t so bad. As far as other particulars about me… Stay Tuned!
Be Blessed!
-Ashlee
