1. I lived in Ghana for 5 years, between the ages of 11 and 16. I learned the language and I can speak it. I speak Krio too, although I never lived in Sierra Leone, my mother’s side of the family did.
2. My lineage is primarily Ghanaian, but I was raised with an interesting mix of Ghanaian, Sierra Leonean, and American values.
3. I was the first person in my (large) family born in America.
4. Before I married my husband, I’d called 21 different places “home.” This is probably why settling down and establishing roots are so important to me now.
5. I need to be outside at least once a day; errands, the park, the tot lot, anywhere. If not, I get cranky. Maybe it has something to do with getting my daily dose of vitamin D.
6. Cleaning or de-cluttering relaxes me. Especially when I’m mad.
7. I don’t like talking on the phone very much.
8. I’m not a big fan of French kisses; although I love French culture. (Are French kisses really French, anyway?)
9. I’m a bibliophile. I spend way too much (money and space) on books I don’t need. I don’t think I could ever switch to digital books, because I love the smell and feel of the real thing. Plus, they’re pretty to look at.
10. I envy women who have real careers. Not jobs. Careers.There’s a sense of purpose, drive, and relevance there that I wish I possessed. However, I have no desire to dedicate my time to everything it takes to climb some ladder.
11. I may be described as quiet, but I prefer observant. I talk when I’m comfortable with the vibe or when I have something to say.
12. I like being a stay-at-home mom, but I don’t see the benefit of doing it forever. I will eventually find my true calling and pursue it.
13. I studied abroad in Paris, and I’m dying to go back. I appreciate how people work-to-live over there and not the other way around. People there seem sure of themselves and naturally live simpler lives.
14. Am I vegan? I can honestly say yes now. The last two years, I’ve tried to get back on the wagon after I fell off during my first pregnancy, with no success. I’ve been vegan for a week now and it feels GOOD! I don’t think I’ll relapse again. I was vegan for a year before I got pregnant and I felt at my very best. Animal rights wasn’t my primary reason for being vegan, although I’m sensitive to speciesism and animal torture. Truth is, my being is at its best when I don’t eat meat or dairy. On a superficial level, I enjoy being “the vegan in the room,” it’s powerful.
15. I hate naps. I feel disgusting after I take one, like the whole day is gone, wasted.
16. I want to homeschool my children. I feel like could do a better job teaching (and giving access to) everything they care to know. I envision luxurious unschooled afternoons in museums, bookstores, libraries, interesting field trips around the country (and globe). Really? On the other hand, I’m looking forward to the bus stop, the big yellow bus, and afternoons to myself. Is that selfish?
17. Old African men give me the creeps, I can’t put my finger on the reason. But I’ve warned Evans, if he starts to look like one…
18. I don’t believe in obeying authority blindly. I never did, but when I was younger I kind of had to. It’s an African custom I won’t be passing on to my children. Question. Think. Respectfully object and/or walk away when necessary.
19. Naturally, I’m an anxious person. I try to temper that down though.
20. I don’t see what the hype is about running, but I do it anyway. I prefer walking.
21. I don’t believe virginity is a virtue. Discernment and a good head on one’s shoulders are.
22. I’m a self-taught photographer.
23. And a self-taught domestic goddess. I didn’t have very many role models in my life for this role so I read a lot, observe, ask questions, and piece things together. So far I believe I’ve done well and I’m finally hitting my stride.
24. I don’t like to spend money frivolously. My husband and I taught ourselves how to get out of debt, save, and manage our money. We are proud of our financial achievements and are reluctant to unravel them.
25. I want a big family; five kids. But I don’t want to physically have them all.
26. I’m uncomfortable with other people’s kids.
27. I don’t like receiving advice I don’t ask for—especially about parenting.
28. I’m a great listener. Often, friends will call me, tell me all their problems and forget to ask me how my day has been. (You know who you are, lol)
29. People make me self-conscious when they look at me for too long, even Evans. Weirdos.
30. I look through my blog when I start to have doubts about how I’ve spent my life so far. It’s an instant reminder of all the great things I’ve done and it inspires me to want to keep up the good work.
31. Some people thrive in chaos, but I’ve learned I need to be organized. In my opinion creativity requires organization. I’m not all the time, but its a work in progress.
32. It doesn’t bug me that my father isn’t in my life. You don’t miss what you’ve never had. But I’ve had a hard time articulating this concept to people who think I am (or should be) affected by his absence.
33. As of this post, Evans, Ellie and I are expecting baby number two! We find out what we’re having in 3 weeks. Yay!Look at those feet, so cute! lol! P.S. I never thought I’d be that person who put her ultrasound picture on the internet, but since we’re getting personal, it only makes sense.

Thanks for the great post idea Monique!