Reader Q&A Answers: Part One

First, thanks so much for your many supportive and thoughtful comments in response to yesterday's post about my decision to part ways with the Catholic Church. While it has been very freeing to share my honest feelings and emotions, it was also in some ways a difficult post to write and make public. It really means so much to know that many of you can relate to the way I feel, or at the very least respect my opinion, which so many in our society and the media don't.

In other, more fun news, I've finally had time to compile my answers to your reader questions! I got such a great response that I've actually split my answers into two posts, which I'll be running today and on Thursday. Here's the first batch below.

What is your favorite clothing store?

My longtime favorite for both work and play has always been LOFT. I love the classic, feminine styles, and the prices are generally reasonable for my budget. With the proper care, I’ve also found some of the pieces to be pretty long-lasting.

Image Source: city-data.com

What is your favorite cuisine when eating out?

This is a tough one, since there are so many types of cuisine I love, including Mexican, Indian, tapas and sushi. Lately, I’ve also been on a Thai food kick, especially since we recently discovered a great new restaurant in our neighborhood. My husband has even been experimenting with making shrimp pad Thai at home, which is delicious!

If you had to re-plan a completely different wedding for yourself, what kind of wedding would you have?

I loved my wedding and will always enjoy looking back on those memories, but if I had it to do over, I would definitely skip a church ceremony and instead go for something more personalized and low-key outdoors. I would also probably go for an even smaller celebration, though our 75-guest wedding was definitely pretty tight-knit to begin with. If and when we do a vow renewal, I’d love a vineyard or Hawaiian beach ceremony.  

What do you think is the hardest part of being married?

It can definitely be hard to make sure your goals are consistently in line and that each partner is able to pursue his or her passions. My husband and I made the tough decision a couple years ago to turn down a job opportunity back in California – where we ultimately want to be – since I had just been accepted into grad school here in the DC area. Now that I’m about to graduate, we’re also trying to consider all of our options and arrive at the most mutually beneficial decisions.

Image Source: Damien Smith Photography

What is your favorite game (any kind, board, app, etc.)

I love the group party game Apples to Apples! It’s fun in just about every scenario.

What is your go-to office supply?

Post-It notes. I’m constantly making notes and to-do lists to help keep myself on track and make sure I’m not forgetting anything important.

If you drink wine, what is your favorite kind?

When it comes to whites, I love crisp Pinot Grigios, along with typically sweeter Vigoniers. I also love smooth reds, including Syrahs.

What do you like to pair with your wine?

I love wine with a good meal, but also love to pair it with gourmet cheeses of all types. For Christmas, my father-in-law gave us a membership to the Cowgirl Creamery cheese-of-the-month club, which has given us tons of great options to try out!  

Since you're a Cali girl transplanted in a wintry paradise, what's your one winter must-have?

Comfy and cozy boots with great traction! 

Have a great day, everyone, and see you again tomorrow for my ROW80 check-in and writing update. I can't believe this round is already nearing its end!