Monday, March 02, 2009

Answers! (#1)

I got lots of fun questions last week! Thanks, everyone for playing and making me feel loved.

I’m starting at the top of the list and going down. Today I’m answering four people’s questions (which is actually seven questions, since Susette asked four).

***

Jan asked, “Who was your inspiration? Or those who pushed you along toward your dreams of writing?”

My sister provided some inspiration as far as me thinking that writing was a cool thing to do when I was really young. I had some teachers who were inspirations, among them Mrs. Mixa (third grade) and Miss Drummond (high school). My earliest inspirations as far as other writers go would be Beverly Cleary back in second grade and L. M. Montgomery when I got a little older. (I have lots of other inspirations now, but those were the earliest ones.)

***

KristinaP asked (okay, so I edited her question, because she had some nice compliments thrown in, and it felt weird to post them): “You don't have to answer, but I was wondering how old you were. You look so much younger than I pictured you! I think that's what threw me off when I saw you in person. You look 22!”

I think a good chunk of why I look young is that fact that I have chipmunk cheeks. Seriously. As you age, you’re supposed to lose the face fat and get a nice, sleek face with cheekbones. Hasn’t happened to me yet.

I just tried finding an example but couldn't land on good photos, so trust me here. Jennifer Aniston is a great example. Next time you see an early Friends episode, notice how round (not fat, round) her face is. Then look at a current issue of People and see how her face has lengthened and sharpened. Do the same with lots of celebrities as they age from their 20s to their 30s. Why is this not happening to me?! I keep waiting.

When I’m my mom’s age and I look as awesome as she does, I’ll love looking young. For now? Not so fun. There’s a level of respect you just don’t get when people think you’re right out of high school and therefore have no maturity and no brain. I’ve often wondered how many people think I had a teen pregnancy (or four). I get looks like that when I’m out with my kids.

I like to ramble, don’t I? To actually answer the question: I’m 35, and proud of every year.

***

Kimberly wanted to know: “Favorite chocolate confection?”

Tough one. At times, I’m an equal-opportunity chocoholic. But one of my all-time favorite favorites would be Fazer chocolate from Finland, specifically the “Blue” bar.



But since I can’t have that very often, some of my favorites around these parts would be Marie Callender’s chocolate mousse pie and Utah Truffle’s bars. Their orange and almond and raspberry flavors are divine.

***

Susette asked several questions. First, “Do you get the hiccups when you eat raw carrots? I do.”

No, I can’t say I’ve ever knowingly gotten hiccups from raw carrots! :-)

***

“What's your favorite season?”

Fall. It’s love having things cool off after a hot summer. I love the colors and the smells. And as much as I adore the kids, when fall comes, it’s time to get them back to school and get the whole family back on schedule!

***

“Have you ever met any of the prophets or been in the same room as one of them?”

I have, when I lived in Finland for three years back in the 80s. President Benson made one of his few foreign trips while I lived there, and I got to be present at both the big member conference and at the missionary conference (there are perks to being the daughter of the mission president).

He was the one who first dedicated the country for missionary work, so he had a real soft spot for the people. I was maybe ten feet away. I remember being intimidated by his body guards.

I also got to attend the Stockholm Temple dedication, which both President Hinckley and President Monson attended, although of course neither were prophet yet. I was really close to both.

***

And finally, Susette asked, “How would you spend a weekend if you had it all to yourself with no husband or children?”

Hmm . . . I’d almost certainly sleep a lot. I’d read. I’d write. I wouldn’t cook or clean at all. And I’d probably go to some of my favorite restaurants. Maybe catch a movie alone.

***


More answers coming soon!

Three bits of bloggy news:

1) TODAY, Tower of Strength ships to bookstores, so it should be on shelves in a matter of days!

2) THIS WEEK my virtual book tour begins. I'll be sure to let you know where I'm stopping each day. (Or check my sidebar for links.)

3) FUN TIMES: We're down to a week before my week-long giveaway begins! Definitely stay tuned for that, plus a fun post tomorrow!

19 comments:

Kristina P. said...

Wow, I never would have guessed! And I have the whole chipmunk cheek thing going for me too.

I printed off your book today, so I am going to get reading for Monday!

Randi said...

Ooo! Fall is my favorite, too!

And Susette, I get hiccups from raw carrots. Also Diet 7-Up. Every single time.

Lara Neves said...

I think getting hiccups after eating a food is a sign of an allergy/sensitivity.

Love fall.

Excited for your blog tour!

Josi said...

I'm suddenly feeling very sorry for myself for not ever having had a Fazer bar. Thanks alot. I love fall too, wish it lasted longer.

The word verification was scaldemi--sounds Finnish to me :-)

Wonder Woman said...

E-mail me again with the tour info!

Rebecca Irvine said...

Hi Annette, You have not sent me the pdf of your book to read yet for the review on the 11th. Do you still want me to do that? Thanks, Rebecca

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the book coming out! I'll be sure to grab a copy! =]

Jan said...

This is going to be fun reading your answers. Still laughing about the carrots Susette.

It is nice to be young looking. I am losing my chubby cheeks. I am a lot older than you though. I think it started in my mid 40's. But hopefully, you will have that secret of keeping those cheeks forever.

Let us know what you want us to do regarding the tour. I noticed Kristina downloaded the book. Where do I find that. I have missed a few of your posts.

Erin said...

I loved reading these answers, and I'm excited that your book is coming out!

Luisa Perkins said...

I get hiccups from raw almonds.

I'm so excited for the tour! I'll have my questions to you pronto.

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

I have the cheeks too.

Sigh.

Yay for the tour! Can't wait!

wendy said...

That is an odd question --hiccups when you eat raw carrots?? I have never tasted that chocolate. And YES indeed, your chipmunk cheeks will serve you well as you continue to age. that's awesome

Heidi said...

How long does your tour last? I'm down for the 23rd--or so I thought. Am I all wet about that?

Anonymous said...

Ha! I am 35, and I love the fall. Plus the knitting and you love to write and I love to read what you write ... We're practically twins!

Rebecca Blevins said...

Those were fun to read!

I've missed you! I'm caught up on WNW and on your writing journey posts, and can't wait for more!

LisAway said...

Mmmmmm Fazer! Their little liquid filled mints are one of the things that helped me transition to Poland, as there was NO other chocolate mint combination in this country until recently (now they sell after eight mints and a few others) Yum.

And awesome about the perks of being the mission President's daughter. Major perks! There are similar (sort of) perks being married to Greg. And I'll have to post one day about my experience at women's conference in my girlhood.

And really!?! Carrots don't give you hiccups!?! :)

Heather Moore said...

That Finnish chocolate you brought once to critique was so good. Now I'm craving chocolate--I guess I'll have to stop the store today. I'm fresh out.

Jen said...

I loved reading your answers, especially the chipmunk cheek one. I can totally relate. I've always had a rounder face with cheeks. My daughter inherited from me, too! And I'm a total lover of the fall, too! So beautiful and serene. I'm excited about your books coming out. Woot!

carrhop said...

I'm still giggling on that carrot/hiccup revelation--don't think I've ever heard of the carrot-diaphragm spasm connection either!

Blessings!

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