Guest Post: Welcome to San!!

I’ve never met Sandra (San) in person, yet I’ve always felt like we are kindred spirits. She loves organization and structure, adventuring outside, and is married to a John!

Perhaps the similarities end there because San is an intense athlete (she is not messing around with Peloton and has maintained outrageously long streaks), lives on the Western side of the US in sunny California, and grew up in Germany.

San is also a blogging powerhouse. In addition to managing a wonderful site – both in terms of content and aesthetic, some of which she self-coded (a woman of MANY talents) – she is the genius behind the revival of National Blog Posting Month (NaBloPoMo) and has organized a growing crew of amateur bloggers to fill the interwebs with all sorts of joy and cheer the last few years. She is also the source of much holiday delight by way of her Secret SANta Swap which is So. Much. Fun (she’s organizing it again this year and you can sign up here)!!

Today, I’m thrilled to be doing a blog swap with San. After reading her answers to my “interview questions” here, head on over to her site to learn a bit more about me.

Welcome, San <3

Q: What seemingly “little” moment have you observed or been a part of lately that brought a disproportionate amount of joy?

Watching the hummingbirds that have been visiting my bird feeder. I smile every time I see one of these tiny, delicate creatures stop by in our yard.

Q: What aspect of your current life/career would most surprise 20-year-old San?

I live in California, 6000 miles from home, I have dual citizenship, and I am considered an expert in my field of work, at least in our office. None of this seemed like a remote possibility when I was 20, when I was in a long-term relationship and on the path to becoming a high school teacher.

Q: Do you have a go-to reset when you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling to stay focused?

I go for a run (if I have the time) or at least get outside and sit on our front porch for a few minutes and try to calm my mind. Fresh air and a little sunshine usually do the trick. 

Q: What’s one piece of advice you wish you had heard (or understood) at an earlier age?

It doesn’t matter what other people think as long as it makes you happy. It seems simple, and dare I say, obvious, but as a professed people pleaser, it’s a concept I still constantly have to wrap my head around, although I feel like I understand it much better than I used to.

Q: What was your favourite purchase (under $200) in 2022?

A Theragun. It’s an awesome tool for muscle recovery after workouts, but also just great to have around if you feel like you need a bit of a massage. So much easier to use than doing a massage with your hands.

Q: If you could eat only one meal on repeat for a week, what would you choose?

Easy, fresh bread and cheese. Can you tell I am German? 🙂

Q: What song is most likely to put a smile on your face?

“No Rain” by Blind Melon. It’s a bit of a sad song, but the tune is so sweet and the video has such a happy ending.

Q: What’s your biggest pet peeve?

Poor communication. I think I have brought this up on my own blog several times recently because it’s such a topic of frustration for me, both in professional and private settings.  I realize that nobody’s perfect and I have probably not always communicated clearly, but I do try very hard.

Q: If you had $5,000 that had to be spent “frivolously”, how would you spend it?

I would buy the Peloton Tread. I don’t think anybody is surprised by this answer. 

Q: What international destination – that you’ve never visited – do you most want to see?

There are a lot of places that I’d like to see, top of my list are Scotland and Iceland right now.

Q: List five things that would happen as part of your idealized “perfect day”.

A cup (or two) of freshly brewed coffee, a run and/or Peloton workout, time with family, a good book, a nice dinner with Jon.

Q: Share a weird/random/true fact – any odd skills or unusual experiences?

In another life, I could have been an Olympic javelin gold medalist.  I know, how is that for a random fact, right? The short story is: nah, not really. I am exaggerating, but I was pretty good at it in college.

The long story: I have a degree in physical education and as part of the degree, I had to pass a practical exam in “track and field” (and other sports, of course). You had to pick three disciplines (one in each category: running, throwing, jumping). In my first exam,  I tried to “cheat my way” through it. Track and field wasn’t really my thing and my strategy was to put in the least amount of effort to pass. I chose 100m-sprint (get it over with), discus (seemed cool!), and long jump (why not?). Well, apparently not good choices for me, because I failed that first exam.

I had another shot at the exam the following semester and I chose the disciplines more wisely. I chose 3000m run (the previous semester had proved that I was definitely NOT a sprinter, but maybe that’s where I learned that middle to longer distances might be my thing?!), long jump (again) and javelin. I did pretty well in the running and jumping discipline, but apparently, I was a natural at javelin throwing. I could barely get the discus out of my hand, but apparently, the javelin was a different story. The distance I threw was off the grading chart. Ha! If only I had known that earlier. The possibilities!

Q: What is your most treasured possession?

I know you all are going to think that I am going to say “my Peloton”, and you’re not entirely wrong, but I think it would come in as a close second. Haha.
I think my most treasured possessions (I am assuming you mean something “tangible”) are photos (hard and soft copies). I’d be devastated if I lost any photos. They trigger so many memories for me. 

Q: If you could only wear one colour for the rest of your life, which colour would you choose? 

I wear a lot of black and neutral colors, but my clothing color of choice is purple/magenta. [Me too!]

Q: Did you have any pets as a child? 

I did not have any pets as a child. Can you believe it? I am probably the only person in the world who hasn’t had any pets (of her own) in her life. I know most of you must be appalled. My parents didn’t want pets (although they both grew up with pets) and my sister got a cat (now has two, plus three tortoises) as soon as she had her own place. For me, it was just never practical (and our current landlords don’t allow pets).

Q: If you could trade places with someone for a week, who would you want to switch with and why?

I’d switch with my best friend from home. She’s been battling a brain tumor for 15 years (and other related health issues) and she has endured so much and has really been robbed of a normal life. I’d want her to be without pain and without worry for one week and to have the opportunity to do all the things she hasn’t been able to do anymore due to her illness. [I’m so sorry for your friend and her loved ones; your friendship must be such a blessing in her life <3]

Q: What’s your favourite article of clothing in your wardrobe?

My current favorite article of clothing is my Gaiam yoga pants. I wear them all the time. [You know how I feel about these AND they’re shades of purple so extra gold stars for that.]

Q: Of all the places – near and far – that you’ve been able to visit, what is your favourite spot on earth?

I love Horseshoe Bend in Paige, AZ. I have seen other beautiful places but if someone asks, I am also quick to answer that Horseshoe Bend is my happy place. It’s just such a unique and beautiful natural feature, and the lighting there is always so magical. [Stunning!]

It used to be a place that was freely accessible and untouched. Unfortunately, in recent years, a parking lot was built and the state park has an entrance fee now. It’s a bit of a bummer.

Q: Do you have a favourite marathon (or other formal race!) experience? Why does it stand out?

I guess I am going to say that my most recent half marathon, the Urban Cow, has been my favorite race to date, not just because I ran an 8+ min PR, but I also have never felt so ready for a race before. I am more physically fit now as a middle-aged woman than I ever have been in all the years I have been physically active, and that gives me tremendous satisfaction and joy.

Q: How and when did you meet your husband? 

I met Jon in late 2001 when I was in California as an exchange student. We randomly crossed paths on campus and he decided to come up and talk to me. How’s that for a random meet cute?

Q: If you had a warning label, what would yours say?

*Extremely sticky, not easy to get rid of.*

Q: Tell us something about your personality you think might surprise readers! 

I am very shy in groups and don’t like to be the center of attention. I usually try to blend in and keep in the background, but I also have no problem stating my opinion (when asked) or disagreeing with someone. It’s a bit of a contradictory trait. 

Q: What words would your friends use to describe you/your personality?

Loyal, kind, thoughtful, organized, enthusiastic, reliable, humble. 

Thanks so much for being here today, San.

Your turn. Any questions for my special Monday guest? Did you ever have a shot at being an Olympian? What would your warning label say? How far away from your childhood home do you live now? Has anyone been to Scotland or Iceland? What song is most likely to put a smile on your face?