So, without further ado, meet my man for life, Loren!
(thanks to Bailley for this idea)
L: Analytical, curious, friendly.
H: You're going to Indiana University grad school for speech pathology. Why speech pathology?
L: Because I really like people, and speech pathology is one of the best professions for combining the ability to add value to somebody's quality of life with creativity and a little bit of nerdiness. The more I learn in the field, the more I realize why I'm doing it.
H: What is one thing you are currently learning about in grad school?
L: Right now we're learning about stuttering: the effects on the person who stutters and more of the counseling side of things rather than treatment. I like that better because it’s more people-based.
H: What is your favorite aspect of grad school?
L: Probably just the hands-on experience we get, even though that’s also the most stressful. IU is good about hands-on. I also like giving presentations. But not preparing them.
H: You have an hour-long drive to and from IU. What do you in that time?
L: I usually listen to podcasts. It depends on each day what podcast keeps me awake. Sometimes the story telling ones like the MOTH are really good but then if I'm more curious about learning things that day, THIS AMERICAN LIFE and FREAKONOMICS are good. And I really like REPLY ALL and STARTUP. I’m not sure why. I think it’s because they delve into topics pretty deeply. Basically any podcast that looks at something in-depth then looks at it further. Then looks at it even further.
H: What is the hardest thing in school you have learned yet?
L: The anatomy of the brain. For some reason that detailed stuff doesn't stick with me. I'm much more able to remember things that deal with interactions with people.
H: What is something you've learned about speech that you want to implement with our kids someday?
L: Not even related to speech, but actually behavior, one thing I've learned is that most behavior is generated from the desire to communicate something, but the inability to. Taking that into consideration when raising kids. Not spoiling them, but good to keep in mind when disciplining and communicating with a child.
H: How do you handle stress during school?
L: Haha well I used to freak out a lot more, but right now I'm learning to step back and look at the things that are causing me stress and analyze and learn what is giving me stress. Saying “Am I afraid about such-and-such?” and if so, what, and usually that it is a lot more inconsequential. So basically when I look at the cause of stress/fear, it’s a way smaller deal than if I keep it in the back of my mind. That empowers me to look and see how I can deal with the stress.
L: Drawing and sketching, mainly people. I think I've gotten out of practice, so right now a lot of it centers around basic practice and skill so it will flow more fluidly when I’m drawing.
H: Do you read my blog?
L: Haha yes!
H: Best post so far?
L: I don’t know.
H: I haven’t written that one yet!
L: Maybe the “No TV” one because it’s more outward focused. It applies to people.
H: What is your favorite meal that I've made?
L: Haha probably your chicken alfredo. I was thinking about this on the bus the other day, “If I could eat anything right now, what would I eat,” and that was it!
H: What do you value most in our marriage?
L: That we can burp together. haha But seriously, just that we're completely...well, we can completely unwind when we're with each other. Either be completely goofy or pretend to be grown up and interview each other. But I feel I can be completely me when I'm with you. And that’s big for me.
H: What is your idea of a perfect date night?
L: Something simple, but one where we go out somewhere, wherever, and can just talk instead of whatever. Not extremely specific, more that it includes certain things. Like us being able to sit and talk, goofing off a little bit, and maybe twirling around in the living room. And then maybe finishing the evening by watching something.
H: Favorite date/dates so far?
L: The first time we did the stay-at-home fancy dinner date.
That one where we, I think before we were married, went to Cheddar’s and then got frozen yogurt and people watched.
H: What is something you want my readers to know about me?
L: That there are two sides to you. The more quiet, reserved, public side and then the completely goofy crazy side when you laugh till tears stream from your eyes. Also that you need a massage constantly.