Q& A: Cheryl, Live from the UAE!

Cheryl & her daughter Eleanor of www.alainnotebook.com

1. Describe who you are in ten words or less
Mother who loves books, my family and friends and beauty

2. Tell us what you do for work, and who you do it for, OR how you spend your days (besides blogging. HA!)
I am a librarian on hiatus as my little family is currently living abroad in the United Arab Emirates for a year. I have worked for two great libraries in Ohio and love the purpose and vision that public libraries serve! I can say that while I loved my job, this not working gig I'm doing right now is pretty sweet. Days are spent with my toddler and husband exploring our new city in the desert and then there are always the domesticalities of the day which I actually really enjoy. I am relishing in the extra time I have and doing yoga again, reading and cooking more, and trying to learn more about photography.

3. What organization methods do you use to keep all your bits and pieces in order?
I am kindof OCD (my husband would debate the "kindof"). I like everything to be in it's "place," although I do have secret "junk drawers" and such. I figure as long as I can't see it, it works. I like things to be contained so I used small bins and things for organization. I like notebooks too for keeping lists and info.

4. Share a defining moment in your life, which had a direct effect on who you are today.
Hmmm.....I'm not going to think about this too much because then it'll become too difficult and unanswerable. I would say having my daughter Eleanor two years ago. There is nothing more defining to me than bringing another life into the world. What a crazy, beautiful experience.

5. Please tell us the story of the biggest belly laugh of your life.
I'm one of those people who have a hard time pulling off a "funny story" at times, which is a real bummer! I like spontaneous laughter like last night in yoga class with a friend getting into a crazy pose that seems impossible and compromising :) or just with a funny movie on like last night's Spanglish. I talk to my Mom every week through Yahoo Messenger and we were dying laughing the other night but I can't even remember what it was about! :) I also email her every day - I'm a good daughter. I hope if my Eleanor moved half way across the world she'd do the same for me. I know it's hard having such distance.
6. What work of art, creation, project, photo, etc. are you most proud of? 
I love this picture that I took the first day my daughter came into the world. I love photography and am really trying to learn more while abroad and capture this amazing time. Photography can be a real challenge though, especially with an active toddler! So I am trying to be patient with myself.

7. Which children's book influenced you the most?
This is not an easy question for a librarian! :) As a child I was greatly influenced by the Ramona series by Beverly Cleary. I loved them. At the time Ramona was my age and I loved reading about all the things she was doing. I have very special memories of reading her books at my library as a kid. There was a large mural covering all the walls of the children's area and a fish pond just off to the side. It was awesome.
As an adult, the children's book that has influenced me the most is The Giver by Lois Lowry. It's a dystopia and a very powerful story that I believe is just as good as any literary fiction adult title I have read. I love reading about dystopias and utopias - it gives interesting perspective and makes you think - what would a perfect world be like for you? others?
And you also can't beat Good Night Moon and the Olivia books by Ian Falconer

8. What is your favorite pie? Favorite flavor Ice Cream?
Me loves some APPLE pie the best, especially when it has the most delicious crunchy crust. Not the biggest ice cream fan (shocking I know!) but I do like mint chocolate chip. And vanilla does add to the apple pie :)

9. Which blog post of yours has had the most comments?
I'm pretty new to blogging. I just started this August to stay in touch with family and friends back home. As readership slowly builds the comments come more. Plus somehow my template did not enable comments for like the first two months! duh. Anyway, I just started something similar to this Q&A called a "Spotlight Series" where I am interviewing bloggers I admire and want to share. That has been my most comments so far. Guess who I'd like to come and be my guest soon?

10. What message would you like to leave for the world? (here is your chance)
To remember that every one on earth is someone's child and to respect and take care of one another.