Q & A with Jillian
Mother Nature has been up to her old tricks again. Walking outside feels like stepping into a freezer and Gloucester is pretty much underwater. Those are the breaks when you live in New England. Heck - even the Patriots went to practice!
So...Kara and I came up with this great idea to interview each other. The twist: we had no idea what questions were coming our way. Enjoy!
1) You have deep roots in Gloucester. What makes you proud to tell people that you are from here? And what do you hang your head about? And speaking of Gloucester, tell me a favorite local spot to get coffee. (Will this start a riot?)
Growing up in Gloucester, I had no idea how sheltered I was. Or maybe that was just my family. Ha.It’s such a beautiful area and an amazing community to raise a family. The support from my family and friends is unprecedented. Most of my family still lives here. Oh - if you’ve ever met me, I’m very proud to tell people I’m in the Gloucester High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
The day I was inducted into the GHS HOF. Definitely makes the list of best days of my life.
A quick scan of the local news and there are usually a handful of things to make me hang my head. I try not to dwell on it. I’m sure all small cities deal with their own issues. I do my best to stay away from anything that will embarrass myself or my family.
Favorite local coffee spot: Brothers Brew in Rockport. Hands down. Dark sin iced coffee and a buttercrunch donut. All. Day. (Blasphemy, I know. It's not Gloucester. Eeeek.)
2) You're my single mom hero! Love how you and Ben share a love of sports. What other kind of legacies are you hoping to leave with him.
Resilience. Love. Support.
May 9. 2009 - the day I became a mommy. Best title ever!
All three all connected to each other. Before Ben, I was career-focused and selfish. Something changed the day he was born. Every decision I’ve made since May 9, 2009 has been based on what is best for Ben. Ending a sad marriage. Changing careers. All of it. I’ve been knocked around pretty good but we are still standing. I want him remember me for being his rock, his support and his #1 fan. Parenting is really a crapshoot. Fingers crossed he continues to make good choices, works hard and loves with all his heart.
3) Talk TV with me. What is the smartest show you're watching right now? And what is your guilty pleasure? Do you have to wait to watch a favorite series with Mr. Boyfriend, or is it every woman for herself when it comes to binge watching?
It’s no secret that I’m really not a TV/movie person. I’m more of a book reader. Always have been - thanks to my Nana Helena. I’m pretty hooked on watching Ray Donovan right now. Liev Schreiber is a babe! I’ve loved him since he played Cotton Weary in the Scream series. The show is smart, dangerous and exciting. I also like the connection it has to Boston. Although the accents are a little ridiculous. It’s really every woman for herself over here!
Photo cred: Google Images
4) If money and time were not an issue, what would you be doing for a career?
Oooh! I thought about this so much! I’d own a custom stationery and invitation shop. Sending cards is one of my favorite things to do! Just another trait I picked up from Nana Helena. There is nothing like getting a hand-written note in the mail. My love for letterpress really started when I was planning my wedding. TPD Design House designed custom wedding invitations for me and I was hooked. This was the first year I didn’t send out Christmas cards. GASP. Maybe I have something else up my sleeve...
5) Tell me why you are excited about 2018? What is on the horizon for all your big categories?
I’m excited about a fresh start! I spent a significant amount of time in 2017 wishing that things were different. I was putting way too many negative feelings out into the universe. I also didn’t realize how critical and judgmental I am of myself. I promise to make an effort to improve compassion for myself in 2018.
I’d also love to be able to focus more on doing more of what I love this year. Reading. Writing. Working out. Getting in a good workout is a key factor in maintaining my sanity.
“Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t kill their husbands. They just don’t.” - Elle Woods from Legally Blonde
I’m also super excited that one of my best buddies from college is getting married in May. I don’t see my entire college crew that much so anytime we can all get together it makes it so special! Speaking of college, I’m excited that my alma mater is currently ranked 21 in the country. The East Regional is in Boston this year. I’d love to see Seton Hall get that far in the tournament.
#HALLIn Baby!
Maybe the biggest thing on my 2018 to do list is a road trip to South Bend, Indiana. For what? The Bruins are playing the Blackhawks at Notre Dame in the annual Winter Classic! My plan is to surprise Ben. The setup couldn't be better. He's a Bruins fan and he's a Notre Dame fan - thanks, Rudy! I'm picturing one of those amazing surprise Disney videos you see on YouTube. But sssshhhh....keep it a secret. He has no clue!
I’m ready for you 2018! Let’s goooooo!
