A Little Q&A

I've been reading the local newspaper for as long as I can remember. Every Friday they have an "ID" column, where they profile an individual and ask them questions. I thought it'd be fun to give my answers here on Lines from Lithia. It brings me back to the days when friends and I would email "surveys" back and forth to one another- that was way before Facebook!

Full Name: Kristen Marie Estelle

Date and place of birth: April 3, 1983 in Northampton, MA

Address: Goshen

Job: Stay at home mom, Assistant Town Clerk of Goshen, Newsletter Editor for the Goshen COA

Who lives under the same roof as you? My husband, Steve; our children Rosemarie (Rosie) and Stephen (Buddy); our beagle, Scout and our golden retriever, Maggie.

Children: Rosie, 3.5; Buddy, 2

Education: B.A. in English and a Minor in Women's Studies from MCLA, 2005; Hampshire Regional High School, 2001.

Hobbies: Reading, blogging, family history, quarry walks, puzzles

Book you'd recommend to a friend: "The Signature of All Things" by Elizabeth Gilbert

Favorite movie/ TV show/ singer: Movie- "The Wizard of Oz"; TV Show- "Survivor", "Mad Men", "The Walking Dead", "Parenthood"' Singer/ group: The Beatles

Five things you can't live without: Family, Friends, Water, Books, Car

Last thing you purchased just for fun: A few lawn decorations

What's at the top of your bucket list? Learn how to swim

Life-changing experiences: My mom's death and my babies' births

Strangest job you ever held: Answering phones in the Classified Department. Phones make some people very brave- they can yell at you all they want or even try to hit on you because they like your voice. To this day, I do not enjoy phone calls.

Your current Facebook status: "It never fails. Roasting an entire chicken always makes me feel like little Suzy Homemaker".

A little known fact about you: I've only flown twice, and the last time was 9 years ago.

Dumbest thing you ever did: Pick up a hitchhiker. Nothing bad happened, but what was I thinking?! (I was in high school).

One trend you'd like to see return: Modesty in teen girls' clothing before Rosie reaches that age, haha.

What really sets you off: People who don't RSVP. I like to know how many people to expect. Don't worry about hurting my feelings if you can't make it!

Best advice you ever got: "You will never have enough money"- our college roommate's father told Steve and I this when he asked when we were getting married, and we told him: "When we have enough money saved up." On paper, Steve and I probably shouldn't be able to afford two kids. But here we are. We're making it work.

Favorite place to get a bite: Ashfield Lake House, Fitzwilly's, A1 Hilltown Pizza, Tom's Hot Dogs, West End Pub to name a few...

What does your ideal weekend look like? Friday night date night with Steve- outside dining with a few brews, then a walk around Hamp. Sleeping in Saturday morning, going on adventures as a family, and then having friends over for steamers & lobsters, cards and lawn games. Sleeping in again Sunday (doesn't every woman wish for more sleep?), big breakfast, more outside adventures with the family.

One thing you would change about yourself: I would find joy in indoor exercise.

Whom do you most admire? My grandfather. He's been dealt more loss than anyone should ever have to bear, yet he soldiers on, finding joy in nature, family and new fishing buddies at the local state park.

Parting shot: Only you have the power to make yourself truly happy. So make time to do what you love and enjoy, because we only have one shot at this wonder called Life.