Q&A Part I: Me and My Favorite Things

A big thank you to everyone who left a question on my Q&A post!  I've decided to divide all of your questions into categories (because I am a little bit OCD like that and there were a lot of questions to answer)...so, here are my answers to your questions about me and my favorite things!

Ruby @ By Ruby asked... 

What inspired you to be a teacher? 

To be honest, going to grad school to become a teacher is something I kind of fell into. Teaching was something I had thought about as an undergrad (while majoring in English and American Studies). But, at the time, I felt like there was something more "exciting" or important I would be doing as a career. After an internship in PR (which I thought would be my calling), I realized it just wasn't for me.

After a lot of thought post-graduation, and taking a year off to do some soul-searching, I decided to get my Master's in Elementary Education. I have always loved and been good with kids, and thinking of the teachers who ignited my passion for learning in the early years of my life made me realize that there really is nothing "more important" I could be doing.

I was worried what people would think, as I am obviously not going to get rich being a teacher, but I just really feel like the fulfillment I will get from it is what was missing in other careers for me. That, and it was time to grow up and stop worrying about what people think. As it turns out, I am really loving my teaching classes, and I'm excited about getting into the classroom and applying everything I'm learning. (Plus, did you know...you get summers off?!)

Laura @ Our Crazy Adventure asked... 

I know you are going to school to be a teacher, but are you also planning on being a pilot one day too?

I have always wanted to fly, for as long as I can remember. I am fascinated by planes, and considered at one point becoming a pilot as a career. When it comes down to it, though, I want flying to be a hobby, and something I can do for fun and to relax. So I definitely do plan on getting my private pilot's license when I have a steady job and can afford it, but it will be something I just do for fun!

Lauren Kelly @ *Walk with me on this journey called life* asked... 

Will you take me flying with you and take me wherever I want???? haha!!!! :)

Of course! I hope you like Florida, because that's where I plan on flying to a lot! 

SCH @ Uncommon Life, Uncommon Joy asked...

What do you love most about flying?!

The feeling you get between being on the ground and then, suddenly, being in the air. There's a split second where you wonder if the plane will fly, and then...miraculously, it does. It seems to go against any common sense; something so big and weighty shouldn't just lift off the ground and soar through the air. But it does. I think it's a very freeing, light, and amazing feeling.

If you could own any plane what would it be?

I would say a Piper Cub. I think they're really cute.

(image source)

B would answer this question by saying a Beechcraft Bonanza, which is pretty cool looking and very fast and powerful (you know, things that are important to a boy).

(image source)

Because we will likely have to purchase a plane together, it might be something to compromise on. But, let's be honest, I'd be beyond thrilled about owning any kind of plane!

What is your favorite recipe?

I think my answer to this one would always change. For a relatively easy and impressive homemade dinner, I love Spinach Canneloni. I also love this super easy banana bread  I'm not sure where the recipe is from, so I can't credit it; all I know is that it's a recipe I return to again and again.

The Very Best Banana Bread

2 ripe bananas
2 eggs
1 3/4 c. flour
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 c. chopped walnuts
1/2 c. oil
1/4 c. plus 1 tbsp. sour milk (may substitute with sweet milk plus 1 tbsp. vinegar)
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Mash bananas. Mix all ingredients. Bake 1 hour and 20 minutes. Do not double recipe!

Christa @ According to Christa asked...

What is your favorite store to shop at?

I don't know if I have a favorite store. I've been having trouble finding things I like when I go shopping lately (which has never been a problem before!) I buy my casual clothes mostly at American Eagle (although I think I'm starting to outgrow it...I feel like I'm in style limbo) and will occasionally find something I like at Forever 21, Express, and H&M. I love the style of J. Crew, but things fit me weird there and I can't usually afford it anyway. :)

What is your favorite season and why?

I'm quick to say Summer, but I also like the warmer days of Spring and Fall. But you can't beat laying by the pool or at the beach, wearing flip flops and sundresses, and cooler evenings that only require at sweatshirt, at most. I get cold extremely easy, so I love warm weather. 

Hannah D. @ Hannah D and Queen B asked...

What is your favorite Baltimore restaurant?

I can't pick one favorite, so I'll tell you about some of my favorite places to eat in the area.

It's not exactly in Baltimore, but Sushi Hana in Towson is one of the best places to get sushi ever! It's not fancy at all inside, but you will not be disappointed if you love sushi!

Tidewater Grille in Havre de Grace is where B and I went for our one year anniversary. The food was awesome, and there was a live band playing while we ate outside on the deck by the water. The restaurant just had a great atmosphere for a warm summer evening.

A little more upscale and in the city, R.A. Sushi is also amazing when you want to spend a bit more for great sushi as well as a fancier dining experience.

Chiapparelli's is my favorite place for Italian, and it is in Baltimore's Little Italy. They have an amazing garden salad, and it is huge! Obviously, the pasta is delicious too.

I feel bad not including an amazing seafood restaurant for Maryland crabs, but the best crabcakes I've ever had were from a little rinky-dink seafood stand on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. I was shocked, but the Blue Crab House had easily the meatiest crabcake with the least amount of 'filler' that I've ever had (but don't be deceived, it's definitely a carryout and not a restaurant).

The Luckiest Mrs. asked...

What is your favorite childhood memory?

 I think it would have to be just the random summer days that we would spend outside, playing with the kids who lived in our court, drawing with sidewalk chalk, walking up to the 7-11 with our parents to get Slurpees or ice cream (or orange Flintstones push-up pops) or just waiting for the ice cream truck by our house, running through the sprinkler or playing on the playground in our backyard, and just enjoying the summer weather.

Lyr @ Breaking Through asked... 

What do you like about blogging and why did you start?

I'd had a couple of "online journals" before I discovered Blogger, but I had never really kept up with them. For a long time, I just read blogs; then, one day, I decided...hey, why not?! I'd start my own! I wasn't exactly sure what I would write about, but I love to write, so I figured pinning down the specifics would come later.

Now, I like blogging because it is something I use as a creative outlet and something I look forward to doing during my busy days. It's not like I blog because I have nothing better to do (like, for example, there are plenty of things I should be doing right now!), but I make time to do it because I enjoy looking back, telling my stories, dreaming for the future, and writing it all down so I will remember it later...as I have a terrible memory. :)

Whew, that was a long one. Lots of props if you stuck around 'til the end. Tomorrow, I'm going to answer all the questions you guys asked me "Just for Fun"!