January 1st GTKY

ErikandAfton · January 2020

I thought it might be fun for us to do a bigger GTKY vs just the weekly questions.

Who is your hero?
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
What is your biggest fear?
What is your favorite family vacation?
What would you change about yourself if you could?
What really makes you angry?
What motivates you to work hard?
What is your favorite thing about your career?
What is your biggest complaint about your job?
What is your proudest accomplishment?

ErikandAfton · January 2020

Who is your hero? Honestly my Dad. He's been through a ton but just keeps going and is always positive and supportive. Also he had a big dream of retiring to Montana and he did just that.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Montana. DS and I visited my Dad out there this summer and it was so peaceful and felt like life moves at a slower pace.
What is your biggest fear? As a kid it was my Mom dying. As an adult it is losing a child. My mom died when I was 23, I lost a baby at 29. I survived both and it's made me stronger. So losing a child is my biggest fear but I know I'll survive.
What is your favorite family vacation?So far as a family we went to Yellowstone when Ds was 18 months and that was fun. We just got back from Disneyland which was fun but I think camping and national parks are more our place. We would love to do Norway when the boys are older.
What would you change about yourself if you could? My need to please others and the fact that I care way to much about what others think.
What really makes you angry? Being underestimated because people think I'm so nice and sweet. I can be a force if I see the need or if you piss me off enough.
What motivates you to work hard? The feeling of accomplishment. I love doing something and sitting back and appreciating my hard work.
What is your favorite thing about your career? That I get to share my love of science with kids. It's super fun. And I teach integrated science so I teach a lot of different aspects of science throughout the year.
What is your biggest complaint about your job? Being asked to be department lead for the last 2 years. I'm sad that I have to step down next year, but I know it's best for my family
What is your proudest accomplishment? Getting my teaching credential. I had so many people try to talk me out of teaching but it's my calling and I'm so glad I did it!

lynkat · January 2020

I’ll play!

Who is your hero? Jesus
If you could live anywhere, where would it be? We hope to own land one day in the Texas hill country
What is your biggest fear? losing a child or my DH
What is your favorite family vacation? I loved visiting Pagosa Springs, CO a few years ago!
What would you change about yourself if you could? I would have had a list for you years ago but I’m pretty content these days
What really makes you angry? injustice, lies, and children being harmed
What motivates you to work hard? the belief that I don’t labor in vain, modeling for my boys, and taking pride in my work
What is your favorite thing about your career? I’m educator turned homeschool mom in the last year so not sure how to answer this question. My last position was an instructional coach and I loved supporting teachers and helping them become more proficient.
What is your biggest complaint about your job? I’m super jaded with the education system (part of why I left) so honestly - too many things to list.
What is your proudest accomplishment? my marriage and my babies 💙💙💛

runwmusic · January 2020

Who is your hero? Not sure I have one
If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Maybe north Carolina. Close to the coast and Appalachian trail.
What is your biggest fear? Losing loved ones and being alone
What is your favorite family vacation? Haven't vacationed since ds was born but favorite with dh is our honeymoon in kauai.
What would you change about yourself if you could? Be less quick to anger
What really makes you angry? Stupid people. The fact we still have random acts of violence.
What motivates you to work hard? Recognition and future ability to retire.
What is your favorite thing about your career? Working from home
What is your biggest complaint about your job? The commute when I'm not working from home
What is your proudest accomplishment? Running a marathon, keeping ds alive for a year.

chaos-and-coffee · January 2020

Who is your hero? My mom. She killed it as a badass working mom growing up and if I can be half as good as she is I’ll be happy.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Hmmm. Spain, maybe
What is your biggest fear? Losing one of my babies or my husband
What is your favorite family vacation? The only vacation as a family of 3 so far has been to the east coast. It was fun but exhausting! DH and I went to Boston and Maine on our honeymoon and loved it.
What would you change about yourself if you could? My anxiety and constant second guessing myself. I need to be more confident.
What really makes you angry? People that don’t take me seriously.
What motivates you to work hard? My son who watches everything I do.
What is your favorite thing about your career? I just started a new position and it’s challenging me in a new good way!
What is your biggest complaint about your job? I’m the youngest in my department by 10+ years and often get talked over. Hence the need to stick up for myself and be more confident.
What is your proudest accomplishment? Hands down birthing my giant headed DS, who I tried to push out for 5 hellish hours before a c section and keeping that tiny dude alive for 14 months.

mariabele · January 2020

Who is your hero? I don't have one, is that weird? Everyone has wisdom and everyone has flaws.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Barcelona, or anywhere in Spain.
What is your biggest fear? Just the run-of-the-mill stuff like death of a loved one.
What is your favorite family vacation? I can't pick a favorite!
What would you change about yourself if you could? Be more patient maybe? I seriously lack patience, though something tells me a baby will set me straight.
What really makes you angry? People being evil or simply unkind; people spreading garbage on the internet.
What motivates you to work hard? Advancing in my field, gaining knowledge, being respected.
What is your favorite thing about your career? The fact that I get to do just a little bit of good for the world. (I work in clean energy.)
What is your biggest complaint about your job? That my job is now fully remote (beginning 6 months ago). I know I know, I'm complaining about getting to work from home. I know many would do anything to have that privilege. But there's something motivating in getting up, putting myself together, and spending the day around other professionals. Working from home is lonely, to be honest, and makes me feel unemployed.
What is your proudest accomplishment? I don't have one major accomplishment. I'm proud of all the little ones.

hayhay2501 · January 2020

Who is your hero? Like @mariabele I don’t really have one! I have lots of people I admire things in but not on a hero level.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Ahaha I have no idea. This is DH and I’s biggest question as we want to leave London within two years but don’t know where!
What is your biggest fear? Super volcanos ha. Or losing a child.
What is your favorite family vacation? We had a great trip to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island when my sister got married there in July 2018. Part 1 of the trip was Iceland, which we HATED ha but Canada made up for it!!
What would you change about yourself if you could? I wish I had less anxiety/ worried a lot less
What really makes you angry? Brexit and the lack of a legal minimum maternity leave in America
What motivates you to work hard? I want to give my kids a nice life
What is your favorite thing about your career? My job is very flexible and I’m generally proud to tell people where i work
What is your biggest complaint about your job? My current job is a lot slower and more analytical than my last role. I like to get things done fast
What is your proudest accomplishment? Getting promoted 9 months after getting back from maternity leave. The promotion process in my company is hard and I had to REALLY push to do it!

kjack86 · January 2020

Who is your hero? I really admire my mom, but can’t think of anyone I’d necessarily call a hero. Some days my husband gets that title for putting up with me lol.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be? I honestly can’t see myself living anywhere but my current hometown (northeast Texas), where both me and my husband were raised. I visited Hawaii for my sister’s wedding several years ago and loved the laid-back lifestyle, but I’d only go if all my family and friends could move there with me.
What is your biggest fear? I usually respond ”snakes” or “heights” (both legitimate fears of mine), because generally people don’t want to hear about the really deep, dark stuff when they ask this question, but it’s definitely losing a child.
What is your favorite family vacation? We got married in Puerto Vallarta and had all of our family and close friends there for the week, and it was absolutely amazing! We want to go back with our kids when they’re older and show them where we first became a family.
What would you change about yourself if you could? My lack Of patience and quick temper. My son definitely helps me overcome those, but only when I’m dealing with him. I still lose my patience quickly in situations not involving him.
What really makes you angry? Mistreatment of children and animals. And slow drive-thru lines!
What motivates you to work hard? I’m competitive and like to prove myself. I feel like young females are often underestimated, and I love performing at a higher level than others expected of me. It sounds shallow to say I’m also motivated by money, but I want to provide a more comfortable life for my kids than I had growing up, so it’s definitely a factor.
What is your favorite thing about your career? Almost every day is different, and I’m not trapped behind a desk all the time.
What is your biggest complaint about your job? I have to wear slacks (rather than jeans like I did at my former job).
What is your proudest accomplishment? Not sure that this is considered an accomplishment, but I’m proud of myself for taking a leap and leaving a stable, well-paying job that caused so much stress and frustration. My new job doesn’t pay quite as well and doesn’t have the same perks, but I don’t dread Mondays, so I call it a win. I know so many people who are miserable at their jobs but don’t make any effort to change their situation, so I’m proud I did (and that my husband was supportive).

bbluemoo · January 2020

Who is your hero? I don’t really have one
If you could live anywhere, where would it be? I’ve always said that if Canada had a tropical island, that’s where. I’d love to be by the beach somewhere that doesn’t get cold
What is your biggest fear? Losing loved ones. Also a house fire when I’m not home so my dogs are trapped
What is your favorite family vacation? We did a destination wedding in Mexico and it was so amazing having a week with all our family and friends together. Second favourite would be the trip I took without my mom and grandma to pei and Nova Scotia!
What would you change about yourself if you could? My self esteem/confidence and my social anxiety
What really makes you angry? When people talk to me like I’m an idiot
What motivates you to work hard? I want to leave a legacy of some kind behind and I enjoy when people take notice of my hard work
What is your favorite thing about your career? It’s very flexible, short work days, and I work for the government so I definitely appreciate the benefits that come with that
What is your biggest complaint about your job? My schedule doesn’t come out until Thursday or Friday for the following week, and it often changes day to day, so it’s really hard to make plans outside of work
What is your proudest accomplishment? Graduating with a bachelors degree. The final year of my degree was extremely tough for me and my family, and there was a period where I didn’t think I could do it. So finally finishing really showed me that I can do anything.

bbluemoo · January 2020

@hayhay2501 what about Iceland did you hate? It’s been on my bucket list forever and before getting pregnant we were looking at going this coming summer but now obviously that’ll be delayed.

ReneeJ2011 · January 2020

Who is your hero? My paternal grandmother. She was an amazing lady and I wish i could be just like her.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Right where I live right now. After 8 years away I moved back to my small home town and wouldn't have it any other way.
What is your biggest fear? Losing a child
What is your favorite family vacation? Estes Park, CO or Cozumel, Mexico. Depends on if I'm feeling the beach or the mountains.
What would you change about yourself if you could? I would have more patience.
What really makes you angry? Incompetence and when people are mean for no reason.
What motivates you to work hard? Providing a wonderful life for my kids. And my desire to never need to rely on anyone else financially.
What is your favorite thing about your career? Helping women be empowered for the birth they desire and supporting them when plans need to change.
What is your biggest complaint about your job? We are currently understaffed by 2 midwives so I'm real tired of being stretched thin. We have a new girl starting in January but if anyone knows a CNM looking for a job send them to Arkansas lol
What is your proudest accomplishment? Getting my MSN in Nurse Midwifery. I did it while pregnant and then with a infant (DS was 15 months old when I graduated) and I am so proud that I finished going full time with no breaks and now get to work at my dream job.

alli392 · January 2020

I’m so glad we’re doing these now!! I loved reading through everyone’s responses and will have to make a separate post when I have The chance.

Who is your hero? I’ve been blessed with lots of mentors to look up to. I’ve learned different things from all of them-especially parents and an Uncle of mine
If you could live anywhere, where would it be? We love where we live because it’s right by both sides of the family. And we actually love our families. Now if I could make the whole family move we’d probably end up somewhere with mountains or scenery for hiking-I hate how hard it is to get outdoors year round in the Midwest!
What is your biggest fear? Losing those closest to me
What is your favorite family vacation? We go hiking or skiing in Colorado most years. I did growing up and now my DH and DD and I have too. All those cumulative memories mean the most to me.
What would you change about yourself if you could? I’m lactose intolerant. I miss ice cream 😂
What really makes you angry? Right now it was going back to work on a Friday with students on Monday...bigger picture things don’t get me started
What motivates you to work hard? Pride and perfectionism. I hate he feeling of not being proud of what I did-I don’t like apologizing for my own laziness or inability to learn so I do really try to give things my best effort
What is your favorite thing about your career? I’m a teacher. The students are the best and I love the relationships and memories and day to day.
What is your biggest complaint about your job? It’s hard to balance family life. Seriously considering this being my last year for a while and I’m struggling. But they can replace me and my kids can’t. That’s more important. Also financially two babes on day care on a teacher salary is extremely hard from my Private school
What is your proudest accomplishment? Getting through DDs pregnancy and birth. Super scary times mentally and physically. Lots of unknowns when they caught my Lupus midpregnancy then huge postpartum complications from not being treated in time. But it made me realize the support I have around me, how important my faith is, and how incredibly blessed we are to be able to make and carry these babies 😊 and live in America with modern medicine.

Apparently I’m feeling a little sappy tonight with that last one. Let’s keep doing these!

lynkat · January 2020

@alli392 I totally know how you feel about how hard it is to have good work/life balance as a teacher raising a family. I was so thankful that I had an opportunity to move into a coaching role on my campus because I had the same feelings during pregnancy #2. It was still challenging but definitely not as much as it would have been being a classroom teacher. My DH was a HS football/baseball coach at the time so that added to the stress.

hayhay2501 · January 2020

@bbluemoo so the summer we went apparently had their worst weather on record so that didn’t help. I’m attaching a photo of when we drove through their apparently beautiful national park.

But besides that- it was overrun with tourists (expected), SO SO expensive (expected also) and the food was not only BEYOND expensive but terrible. We went to a highly recommended greenhouse that makes their own tomatoes and literally spent $35 each on tomato soup. I’ve been to expensive locations but usually the food has been good so i don’t mind spending a lot. Also geyser literally goes up 3 feet in the air- cool but not when you’re standing in the rain in a horde of pushy tourists.

I honestly think all the scenery we saw (besides the huge waterfall) was similar to what you can see in the Scottish Highlands except that’s cheaper and with much friendlier people. We REALLY hated it Ahahah.

That being said we would be go back in winter to see the northern lights but stay somewhere rural and bring all our own food lol.

bluehydrangea17 · January 2020

Who is your hero? Don’t know if I have one. I have many people I admire though, such as my mom.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be? I would probably move back to the Midwest to be closer to family.
What is your biggest fear? Losing my children, husband or other family member. Other than that, I am terrified of thunderstorms.
What is your favorite family vacation? Pre-kids I would say Cozumel. With the kids, we did a road trip this summer and went to Cleveland, Chicago, and Mackinac Island. It was exhausting but a lot of fun.
What would you change about yourself if you could? I need to stand up for myself more.
What really makes you angry? When people at work do not do their fair share of the workload.
What motivates you to work hard? My kids and my husband.
What is your favorite thing about your career? I love knowing that I am providing the students that need the most help with the services they need.
What is your biggest complaint about your job? Lack of resources. I work in a very low income district and we have no books in the resource room and have been without a functioning printer for a while.
What is your proudest accomplishment? Either earning my Master’s degree while working 2 jobs or having my second son via VBAC with no epidural.

lwhrmomma · January 2020

Who is your hero? I can't say I have one hero, but there are a lot of people that I admire.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be? I would move to North Carolina in a heartbeat. If money was no issue, I would go somewhere tropical.
What is your biggest fear? Something bad happening to my kids or husband.
What is your favorite family vacation? Disney World! Already planning our next trip for early 2021!
What would you change about yourself if you could? I wish I wasn't so anxious about things that I don't have any control over.
What really makes you angry? Unkind people. Like, seriously is it that hard to just be kind to people? And if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all.
What motivates you to work hard? I work hard so my kids can have the best possible upbringing. They are my purpose.
What is your favorite thing about your career? I'm a SAHM now, and love being able to be here for all of the milestones. Before kids, I taught, and my favorite part was seeing the kids have that "a-ha" moment, and start to love math.
What is your biggest complaint about your job? For the SAHM part, I hate the constant cleaning. As a teacher, I hated the standardized testing and the lack of respect we got from a lot of parents and higher ups.
What is your proudest accomplishment? My kids!

bbluemoo · January 2020

@hayhay2501 oh yeah if the weather sucks it ruins it entirely. No sense in going somewhere for the scenery to then not be able to enjoy the scenery. I feel like Iceland has gotten super trendy in the last couple years so I imagine the tourists are worse than ever 😬😬
Neither me nor my husband are really foody so we manage just fine in places with shitty food hahaha. But if/when we go I’d definitely prefer to rent out a place and do mostly our own food because I know it’s a pretty expensive place to visit.

pourmeanothermocktail · January 2020

Who is your hero? I don't have just one, I have many partial heroes. My mom for managing to raise two kids alone, but so so many others.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be? In a commune with friends and family where of are largely self-supporting-growing and gathering food, etc. but only mostly, because we like the internet and stuff.
What is your biggest fear? Not being there/able to take care of my kids.
What is your favorite family vacation? My husband has had a series of such crap-tacular jobs that since we were married, 4.5 years ago, he's not been able to have time off to take a vacation. Not one. So we haven't had what I would call a family vacation. Him and I did have a lovely time at Niagara Falls in 2011 though, would do again with kids, 100%. We found a great motel, had a blast, even ate relatively cheap.
What would you change about yourself if you could? Fix my pelvis so that I didn't feel crippled.
What really makes you angry? When people are being discriminated against or hurt, for no reason.
What motivates you to work hard? To prove people wrong, or accomplish hard goals.
What is your favorite thing about your career? I don't have one. Hoping to one day be a home birth midwife, help women transition to mother's. Currently, I'm happy to know that I'm physically there for my kid's early years.
What is your biggest complaint about your job? Lack of time off. I'm a SAHM who is basically on the clock 24/7 except special circumstances. Never had a night away from my kids.
What is your proudest accomplishment? Surviving my first birth, where I was abused, managing not to completely lose my sanity, getting through 3 weeks in the NICU largely caused by my doctors incompetence, and being brave enough to have another baby, at home.

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