Finn of a A Life Less Ordinary. (Questions are based on things I learned about her on her blog. Check it out.)

You've been blogging for a year now. What did you hope to accomplish when you started? Have your expectations been met or changed?

I've actually been blogging for about four years; I had another blog that I closed a few months before this one. For me, blogging is about expressing myself. Giving voice to things that I may not talk to others about. It's also a way to track the changes in my life, to chart my progress so to speak.

I don't really think that I had many expectations when I started; it was a just something that I wanted to try. What I've gotten back is beyond anything I could have imagined.

I can tell from your posts that you've been working to achieve a balance in your life between caretaking for others and living a purpose-driven life. Do you feel you're making progress? What's the hardest part for you?

I do think I'm making progress, although at times it seems to be two steps forward, then one back. I've done a good job of making things more about me once in a while and not being afraid not only to ask for help, but to expect it from time to time. I think that may have been the hardest part: Convincing people that I needed help. It took me a while to get them to understand.

You say you're a hopeless romantic. Describe your fantasy man or fantasy relationship.

My fantasy man simply "gets" me. He understands me and can relate to me. He's strong, decisive and creative. He's sensitive, caring, affectionate and gentle. He's adventurous, loves to travel, loves to read, loves to talk all night. He's got a compatible sense of humor to mine. He's proud of me, encourages me and pushes me to be the best I can be. He is not intimidated by me. And he's uninhibited and unselfish in bed.

Tell us about your novels or one of your favorite characters.

My novels are largely unfinished, but usually deal with the struggle to find love in one's life. Of course that's probably the romantic in me.

I suspect in the future the themes in my writing will change as my journey changes.

You blog, write novels, and take photography classes in your free time. Does your day job take advantage of your creative drive? I'm wondering if your artistic hobbies are an escape from your job or a continuation of what you do in the 9-5 world.

Yes, my job is fairly creative. It took me a long time to realize that I would never be content in a traditional job. I write, edit and layout a monthly newsletter for a union. It requires a gamut of creative abilities, which is ideal for me.

What qualities do you most appreciate about your 9-year-old son?

I love that he's very smart and "gets it" more than most adults I know! I also love his gentleness and concern for others. And he's got a great imagination.

What's the best thing about driving a Mini Cooper?

The best thing is that it is different than most cars out of there. It attracts a lot of attention and comments. It's a ton of fun to drive, and it's good on gas. What's not to love?

I gathered you lived or vacationed in Capri, Italy.  Which was it? What did you like best about European life?

My entire family vacationed there last year for a cousin's wedding. We rented a villa rather than staying in a hotel.

My favorite thing about European life was the pace. It is a lot more relaxed and laid back than the U.S. My second favorite thing was the food: It was all fresh without a lot of crap in it. And much simpler. The wine too.

Are you more likely to go on a shopping spree in Sephora or Staples?

I'm more likely to plan a shopping spree at Sephora, but I'm equally likely to drop a large sum of money at either store. I have as big a fetish for good paper, pens and organizers as I do for makeup and skin care.

When you go to Borders, is it all books, all music, or a mix?

All books. I get my music exclusively from iTunes because it suits my musical style: A little bit of everything. Plus I like to be able to throw a wish list together and listen to the samples a few times before I buy a song.

You post a lot of still life photography. Is this a type of art journal for you or are you interested in gaining commercial work creating stock images or custom ones for media projects?

I like taking pictures, and I like sharing them with my friends. The only commercial aspirations I have for my photography may be selling prints or putting a book together with words and photos. But I have along way to go before my photography skills are good enough for that. 

(Note from V-Grrrl: Last week I left a comment on Citizen of the Month that inspired Neil to host an "I am Somebody" interview event. Participants are interviewing fellow bloggers and posting the results. Stay tuned to read  Neil's interview with me.)

January 22, 2008