Next up on the interview train is a wonderful girl that used to go by the name Heather Power. I met her through my sister, and I think she is just terrific. Mostly because she introduced me to the Grasshopper. It’s a green, minty, alcoholic drink. I want to take it behind the middle school and get it pregnant. Anyhoo! Time for the interview!
Question One! Who are you?
Heather P. (sidenote: This interview was conducted before AND after her wedding… you’ll see)
What makes Heather P. happy?
Lots of things! Good movies, babies wearing glasses, bubble baths, grasshopper pie, random acts of kindness, hydrangeas, prairie dogs, and so much more!
What kind of job would make you happy?
I would be happy with a job that allowed me to meet different people and work in different places. I’d like something that would allow me to be funny and smart and artistic. I’d like to work at a zoo. Or a school. Or maybe at a hospital. Or a museum. I feel like lots of different jobs would make me happy!
I’m pretty sure you went to NAU… did you get a degree related to any of the aforementioned careers? If not, what did you get your degree in?
I did go to NAU and got some sweet degrees. My BA is in Art History and Anthropology, and my Master’s is in Elementary Education. Everybody should get a Master’s, they are so much quicker and a lot more fun than schlepping through an undergraduate program. Yay education! I’m also considering a second Master’s since no one’s really knocking down my door to hire me… Maybe in Library Science so I can be a children’s librarian or maybe in Art History so I can head in that direction again. We shall see.
I can definitely see you as a children’s librarian. Have you worked with kids before?
I love working with kids. I grew up in a big family so I’ve kind of always been around little ones. During college I worked in a museum and it was always a lot of fun when we got kids on fieldtrips. After the museum I worked as a preschool aide and decided that teaching seemed pretty cool. During grad school I taught preschool full time and took classes at night, it was tough but pretty rewarding. Since graduation I have subbed in a lot of classrooms, it’s nice knowing if you have a rough day you can choose to walk out of that classroom at the end of the day and not come back… classroom teachers don’t have that little luxury! My sister is an educator at the San Diego Zoo and I am totally jealous of her amazing job. She gets to introduce kids to animals every day…and wear safari pants. She rocks.
Speaking of the zoo… what’s your favorite animal??? (sorry… it’s silly question time…)
My favorite animal of all time has always been and always will be: BUSH BABIES!
Adorable! And how about your favorite childhood movie?
No contest, no question: MAC AND ME. So classic. This child alien from a planet with a liquid core (of soda?) climbs into a space rover that’s collecting… space rocks… and accidentally comes to Earth. His family figures it out and follows. They wind up in what looks like Southern California, separated, and hilarity (and actually a good amount of sadness and worry) ensues. The hero is a physically-disabled kid so of course I became emotionally invested in this the very first time I watched it. I remember watching it all the time with my brother and sisters, but 2 sisters HATE aliens and would always get angry and leave the room. Got my high school sweetheart to watch it years later… he loved it. Last year I got my 8 year old brother to watch it for the first time. It was even better then I remembered. Check it out y’all!!!
So hey… you got married! How’s that going?
You know, I have to admit that married life is great. I’ve lived with a couple of serious boyfriends in my day: I mean real bill-paying, chore sharing, grocery buying cohabitation. I never really imagined “married life” being that much different. I’d get a different last name, maybe we’d share a checking account… bfd right? I was surprised to find out that — for me at least — being MARRIED to my partner does feel pretty different. First of all changing your name is totally weird. Weirder than I thought. I still don’t recognize it in print… you know?… like “did I get someone else’s mail?” Secondly the vibe of our relationship kind of changed from being comfortable/casual to being a life-long endeavor. Something about speaking vows in front of a horde of witnesses, signing a legally-binding contract, and wearing rings makes things seem like the “long haul” more than they used to. I guess I can’t explain this… and I’m not even sure if I answered your question. I like having a “husband”… I like the social role of “wife”… and I love the fact that I have someone to eat sushi and watch horror movies with for the rest of my life. Plus he rubs my feet after work. That was a pre-nup.
Do you and your new husband have any pets?
When we first started dating I had a cat named Suki who didn’t like many people. She’s kind of wild… and a snob. Luckily she warmed up quickly to Tim and he’s convinced she likes him better than anyone else (which is probably true…) Now she’s his buddy and we both agree that taking care of her is about the limit to our responsibility right now.
Of course, this leads me to the question… Are you and Tim planning on having any kiddos?
We’re on the fence. We shelved the discussion until we’re both 30… 4 more years
Damn good idea!
Okay. Last question. It’s very important: What is your favorite Pixar movie?
Tough, tough, tough. Ratatouille has to be my favorite for several reasons:
1. I love to cook.
2. I am a major Francophile.
3. Rats have a bad rap, this movie gave them some cred.
4. I love to EAT ratatouille.
Magnefique!!!
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! I asked Heather for a video to post at the end of her interview and she gave me that. Too damn adorable. Geez.
Here is a list of TV shows I want to watch and/or catch up on:
1. The X-Files. I’m still surprised I haven’t watched this show yet. I mean… I don’t think I’ve seen a single freaking episode! What’s that all about?? Actually… I may have seen one of the movies, but I cannot remember a damn thing. Or… maybe I’m just thinking of that movie, Evolution. Weird.
2. Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I started watching this show back when it premiered on TV. I believe I got through the first season, but I can’t remember. Regardless… I need to watch this show. Joss Whedon. Jesus. I’m so sorry.
3. Community. Have heard nothing but great things about this. Definitely gonna give it a try.
4. Parks and Recreation. Have heard nothing but great things about this. Definitely gonna give it a try.
5. Doctor Who. So, when I say Doctor Who… I’m not really sure which Doctor Who I am talking about yet. Should I watch ALL Doctor Whos since its inception? Or should I just watch the recent ones? Hmm… need to find a British person ASAP!
6. How I Met Your Mother. So many inside jokes I don’t get because I haven’t seen this. NPH? Come on now… NEED to watch this. It’s gonna happen.
7. Freaks and Geeks. Don’t know much about it, but from what I do know, I think I would love it!
8. The Monkees. I’ve seen Head many many times, but never actually a full Monkees episode. I’m sure it’s tacky and corny as hell, but the music is good and I’m sure I’ll have a blast watching it.
9. Smallville. Not super familiar with the show, but I do know it is about Superman and that it is pretty good. Probably least excited about watching this, but would like to watch it nonetheless.
I’m sure there are more, but that’ll do for now.
If you have any suggestions, feel free to let me know in the comments!
Hold on to your butts because I have got a lot of shit to talk about and show you.
First up… um… yeah… over to the right… that’s a My Little Pony… and that My Little Pony… is me. And no… I am most definitely NOT a brony. Someone Tweeted a link to General Zoi’s Pony Creator and I just couldn’t resist. I know… I’m weak. Hey! You know what… whatever! I like my pony! He’s fucking awesome! Deal with it.
Moving on! Disneyland. Wow. Heather and I have been to my favorite place in the world twice in the last month! And we’re going back with Team Willis in three weeks! And then again in January with The Bartlemans! Ah! I love having an annual pass. So much. So very much. And Star Tours! Holy Cow! What an experience! I loved the original, but this new version is just beyond anything I ever expected. It’s so good, I don’t even mind that it (sometimes) involves a pod race or even a visit to Naboo! I was really skeptical about the overhaul (I’m lookin’ right at you, Mr. Lucas… idiot), but Disney Imagineering has created one of the greatest attractions ever.
And speaking of Star Wars! Watch this!
I love ATATs…
Christmas! Ah! It’s officially Christmastime and I love it. 99.9 KEZ has been playing Christmas music nonstop for a few weeks now and people are slowly but surely putting up their decorations. Stores have already detonated their Christmastime explosives and are covered from floor to ceiling in greens and reds and silvers and wreaths and toys and trees and fruitcakes and pies and ornaments and lights and so much happiness! Yippie!
What else? Oh yeah! Rufio, my scooter, is fucking broken again! Well, not broken to the point of not working, but he’s making noises he shouldn’t be making. Let’s just say he is definitely not feeling bangarang. Hopefully I’ll be able to take it in tomorrow so I can start riding it to work again. Cars are damn boring.
Also… Heather and I are watching the Twilight movies. Yeah. They’re just as bad as everyone says. Silver lining: Jacob’s abs. Yum. Yum. Yum.
What’s my favorite place in the whole god damn world? Disneyland. Where am I going to be in five days? Disneyland. To say that the previous two questions and subsequent answers make me happy would be a tremendous understatement. I have not been to Disneyland for almost two years. Think about that. Me. Disneyland. Apart since December 2009. NOT. FUCKING. OK.
Also… speaking of Disneyland… you know that stupid Arizona sign you see as you enter this terrible state from beautiful California? This is how I see it in my mind every time:
Anyone who visits the Google homepage today will be greeted with this beautiful doodle:
I recognized the art style immediately. This doodle honors the amazing artist, Mary Blair. She obviously didn’t draw this (she’s dead), but it is definitely something she would have drawn. That doodle making dude at Google did a fabulous job. If the style of her art seems familiar at all, it’s probably because she was the designer for It’s a Small World. That unique look is distinctly Mary Blair. In addition to It’s a Small World, she was also involved in the art direction for Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Song of the South and Cinderella.
I really do love her art, and I won’t lie… I teared up when I saw the above image this morning.
Really taking this a lot harder than I though I would. I don’t really have much to say that hasn’t been said by a myriad of others who are much better at elaborating on their heartfelt appreciation for such a great man, but I will say this: Pixar would not exist if it weren’t for Steve Jobs. That fact alone makes me sincerely mourn his passing. Pixar has deeply affected my life. Watching their movies after my divorce helped me see the real beauty in life and get back in touch with many emotions I had lost during my first marriage. Also, Heather and I don’t quite have the same taste in movies, but we do both share a passion for ones made by Pixar. Steve’s eye for talent and love for true innovation are responsible for this. Thank you, Steve. I mean it.
You are missed.
“Steve Jobs was an extraordinary visionary, our very dear friend and the guiding light of the Pixar family. He saw the potential of what Pixar could be before the rest of us, and beyond what anyone ever imagined. Steve took a chance on us and believed in our crazy dream of making computer animated films; the one thing he always said was to simply ‘make it great.’ He is why Pixar turned out the way we did and his strength, integrity and love of life has made us all better people. He will forever be a part of Pixar’s DNA. Our hearts go out to his wife Laurene and their children during this incredibly difficult time.” – John Lasseter, Chief Creative Officer & Ed Catmull, President, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios
Hold on to your butts because I have got a lot of shit to talk about and show you.
Interview With Heather Guasco, Teacher of Kids
Next up on the interview train is a wonderful girl that used to go by the name Heather Power. I met her through my sister, and I think she is just terrific. Mostly because she introduced me to the Grasshopper. It’s a green, minty, alcoholic drink. I want to take it behind the middle school and get it pregnant. Anyhoo! Time for the interview!
Question One! Who are you?
Heather P. (sidenote: This interview was conducted before AND after her wedding… you’ll see)
What makes Heather P. happy?
Lots of things! Good movies, babies wearing glasses, bubble baths, grasshopper pie, random acts of kindness, hydrangeas, prairie dogs, and so much more!
What kind of job would make you happy?
I would be happy with a job that allowed me to meet different people and work in different places. I’d like something that would allow me to be funny and smart and artistic. I’d like to work at a zoo. Or a school. Or maybe at a hospital. Or a museum. I feel like lots of different jobs would make me happy!
I’m pretty sure you went to NAU… did you get a degree related to any of the aforementioned careers? If not, what did you get your degree in?
I did go to NAU and got some sweet degrees. My BA is in Art History and Anthropology, and my Master’s is in Elementary Education. Everybody should get a Master’s, they are so much quicker and a lot more fun than schlepping through an undergraduate program. Yay education! I’m also considering a second Master’s since no one’s really knocking down my door to hire me… Maybe in Library Science so I can be a children’s librarian or maybe in Art History so I can head in that direction again. We shall see.
I can definitely see you as a children’s librarian. Have you worked with kids before?
I love working with kids. I grew up in a big family so I’ve kind of always been around little ones. During college I worked in a museum and it was always a lot of fun when we got kids on fieldtrips. After the museum I worked as a preschool aide and decided that teaching seemed pretty cool. During grad school I taught preschool full time and took classes at night, it was tough but pretty rewarding. Since graduation I have subbed in a lot of classrooms, it’s nice knowing if you have a rough day you can choose to walk out of that classroom at the end of the day and not come back… classroom teachers don’t have that little luxury! My sister is an educator at the San Diego Zoo and I am totally jealous of her amazing job. She gets to introduce kids to animals every day…and wear safari pants. She rocks.
Speaking of the zoo… what’s your favorite animal??? (sorry… it’s silly question time…)
My favorite animal of all time has always been and always will be: BUSH BABIES!
Adorable! And how about your favorite childhood movie?
No contest, no question: MAC AND ME. So classic. This child alien from a planet with a liquid core (of soda?) climbs into a space rover that’s collecting… space rocks… and accidentally comes to Earth. His family figures it out and follows. They wind up in what looks like Southern California, separated, and hilarity (and actually a good amount of sadness and worry) ensues. The hero is a physically-disabled kid so of course I became emotionally invested in this the very first time I watched it. I remember watching it all the time with my brother and sisters, but 2 sisters HATE aliens and would always get angry and leave the room. Got my high school sweetheart to watch it years later… he loved it. Last year I got my 8 year old brother to watch it for the first time. It was even better then I remembered. Check it out y’all!!!
So hey… you got married! How’s that going?
You know, I have to admit that married life is great. I’ve lived with a couple of serious boyfriends in my day: I mean real bill-paying, chore sharing, grocery buying cohabitation. I never really imagined “married life” being that much different. I’d get a different last name, maybe we’d share a checking account… bfd right? I was surprised to find out that — for me at least — being MARRIED to my partner does feel pretty different. First of all changing your name is totally weird. Weirder than I thought. I still don’t recognize it in print… you know?… like “did I get someone else’s mail?” Secondly the vibe of our relationship kind of changed from being comfortable/casual to being a life-long endeavor. Something about speaking vows in front of a horde of witnesses, signing a legally-binding contract, and wearing rings makes things seem like the “long haul” more than they used to. I guess I can’t explain this… and I’m not even sure if I answered your question. I like having a “husband”… I like the social role of “wife”… and I love the fact that I have someone to eat sushi and watch horror movies with for the rest of my life. Plus he rubs my feet after work. That was a pre-nup.
Do you and your new husband have any pets?
When we first started dating I had a cat named Suki who didn’t like many people. She’s kind of wild… and a snob. Luckily she warmed up quickly to Tim and he’s convinced she likes him better than anyone else (which is probably true…) Now she’s his buddy and we both agree that taking care of her is about the limit to our responsibility right now.
Of course, this leads me to the question… Are you and Tim planning on having any kiddos?
We’re on the fence. We shelved the discussion until we’re both 30… 4 more years
Damn good idea!
Okay. Last question. It’s very important: What is your favorite Pixar movie?
Tough, tough, tough. Ratatouille has to be my favorite for several reasons:
1. I love to cook.
2. I am a major Francophile.
3. Rats have a bad rap, this movie gave them some cred.
4. I love to EAT ratatouille.
Magnefique!!!
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! I asked Heather for a video to post at the end of her interview and she gave me that. Too damn adorable. Geez.
Well… there you go.