5 questions, 5 answers, starting now

I got tagged by Lucy to do this meme, and it's a fun one!

1. If you could change one part of your body, what would it be? This bald spot at the nape of my neck! Lol! It appeared after the birth of our 4th child... and this is not just typical post pardum hair loss. It's like all that new pregnancy hair growth fell out of just this one spot on my head! And it's not filling back in like it usually does; I always get and then lose a lot of new hair at the nape of my neck and around my hairline. The spot is only noticeable when I pull my hair up high on top of my head (which is, well, never, because it's NOT the 80s). But still, I know it's there and is freaky.

2. How much money do you think you need to make to be "really comfortable"? (Think annual salary). For me and my family of 6, really comfortable means being debt free, having an adequately growing savings, living in a home with room to spare and not worrying about the coupon section in Sunday's newspaper. Here in Texas, I'd say that's about a $140,000/yr salary.

3. What is your greatest God-given talent? Music. I began studying violin at the age of 8 - with a variety of teachers and under a variety of methods. I climaxed under the tutelage of a professor at Rice. When I turned 15, I began studying the viola as well, with a professor from the University of Houston. I became much more serious about music at this point, practicing multiple hours day, becoming active in the city's reputable youth symphony and joining my performing arts highschool's symphony (where I was already enrolled for dance). Until my senior year, I was torn between my love for both music and dance. After auditioning in both these areas for a number of university scholarships, it became obvious to me that music was where I had my edge, and I chose to pursue a degree in viola performance and pedagogy at Brigham Young University. Since graduating, I have had some incredible experiences... touring Central and Western Europe, performing with the Utah Ballet and Honolulu Symphony, teaching both at a private academy and private lessons, and recording for movies/soundtracks. But greater than the blessing of ability itself has been the blessing that no matter how much time passes between musical opportunities (which have become fewer and fewer as I've had more children), I've never felt as if I've lost that edge. I truly believe that the Lord has given me this gift as my reward for dedicating myself to motherhood. It is amazing that it took so many hours of fervent practice to get to where I am, and yet I have maintained myself with very little effort.

4. Winter Olympics or Summer Olympics? I'm torn! Growing up, we always watched the Summer Olympics. We'd be on vacation in Galveston at a beach house and watch gymnastics, primarily in the afternoon/evenings after we'd been sunburned and exhausted. The family I married into loves to watch figure skating, and it wasn't until then that I began to pay attention to the Winter Olympics. Of course now I have children and never have time to watch tv. Or, I guess I'd rather be blogging. ;)

5. If you could have any career, and you were GUARANTEED success (no tests to get in, no auditions, no worrying about daycare, or money or time) what would you do? For a long time, I have toyed with the thought of opening up a performing arts school. I'd love for it to be public - open to anyone who qualifies (by audition). I'd want not only to be the administrator, but to teach as well - to choreograph, conduct the orchestra, teach an art class. I can't think of any other environment in which I could be involved in all 3 of my biggest passions. Maybe this isn't far fetched, but it's what I really want to do.

Now for my questions and the people I want to tag.

1) What has been your greatest accomplishment?

2) Name one book that has had a profound impact on your thinking.

3) Do you have any guilty pleasures?

4) What need does blogging fulfill in your life?

5) What is one thing people can appreciate about you?

I invite Meta, Kasie Sallee, Michelle, Lara and An Ordinary Mom to answer.

*you might notice a few changes to my blog over the next little while. it's going to look patchy until i decide what exactly i am doing. lol! i welcome comments on the new look as it progresses!