100 Questions

Once in a while, I like a good Q&A – or a “tag” as we called the back in the OG days of blogging. Oh how I loved to be tagged in one of these. I’ve been reading Still Being Molly’s blog for ages and she posted a fun “tag” and encouraged readers to play along. I have a heap of content nearly ready to post, but I thought “why not?” and so, here we are – 100 questions about me, some more random than others.

I’ll also borrow from Molly and say if you decide to play along, please tag me!

1. Are you named after anyone? My middle name, Katherine, was my mom’s mother’s name. She passed when my mom was very young. I love my name: Sarah Katherine. It’s very “southern” and I doubt I’ll drop my middle name when I get married.
   
   
2. What would your parents have named you if you were the opposite gender? Phillip
   
   
3. When was the last time you cried? Watching the new Netflix Christmas movie Holiday in the Wild. There were baby elephants and she had to leave and she clearly didn’t want to… 
   
   
4. Do you have kids? If no, how many do you want? No kids yet, but I want 2-3 and will likely adopt at least one of them – so many babies out there need love and a home. 
   
   
5. If you were another person, would you be a friend of yourself? Um, OF COURSE. I’m pretty awesome.
   
   
6. Do you use sarcasm a lot? Fluently. 
   
   
7. What’s the first thing you notice about people? If I get a good feeling about them. Being incredibly empathetic is a blessing and a curse. I tend to get instant feedback on someone and am usually never wrong in my instincts about them. 
   
   
8. What is your eye color? Blue/green – sometimes they look REALLY blue. Other times they have a more turquoise green tint to them and once in a while, they get a really deep blue-green. 
   
   
9. Scary movie or happy endings? Happy endings. I don’t do scary movies. At all.
   
   
10. Favorite smells? Lilacs, fresh cut grass, and sawdust/mulch all remind me of my dad; and cookies or bread baking in the oven remind me of my mom 
    
    
11. What’s the furthest you’ve ever been from home? Italy – unless you count a couple of hours at the Frankfurt airport in Germany. 
    
    
12. Do you have any special talents? Writing, for one, but I’m also really good – like, Katniss Everdeen good – with a bow and arrow. 
    
    
13. Where were you born? Charlottesville, VA 
    
    
14. What language besides your native language would you like to be fluent in? Spanish – I speak it well, but not fluently. I’d love to speak French, too – it just sounds pretty. 
    
    
15. What are your hobbies? Weightlifting, reading, writing fanfiction, baking, coaching gymnastics… I have a lot of hobbies. 
    
    
16. Do you have any pets? Knox, the world’s cutest yorkie who doesn’t know he’s a dog, so let’s all agree not to let him in on the fact that he’s not people. 
    
    
17. Do you have any siblings? A brother and a sister – they’re twins! 
    
    
18. What did you want to be when you grew up? So many things… a vet, a teacher, an artist, a pro horseback rider… It changed often. It STILL changes often. 
    
    
19. Who was your first best friend? Jennifer B. – she lived down the street from me when I was 5. She actually still lives on that same road, but our paths have gone very different directions. 
    
    
20. How tall are you? 5’2″
    
    
21. What is the least favorite thing about yourself? I worry too much and let fear and comparison keep me from doing the damn thing. I’m working on that right now – HARD. 
    
    
22. What is hard about being a parent? I’m not a parent yet, so I don’t have a true answer. But something I find myself thinking/worrying about constantly is my future kids’ eating habits. I want them to have a healthy relationship with food. I can’t have certain foods due to allergies/sensitivities and if they don’t have those same issues, I don’t want them to not eat gluten or drink milk because of the impression that those foods are “bad.” I have spent far more time thinking about this than I need to at this season of my life but here we are. 
    
    
23. How many countries have you visited? 6? I think? I think I’m adding a 7th in February! 
    
    
24. What was your favorite/worst subject in High School? Favorite: English; Worst: all things math, but especially trigonometry (which I have yet to use – just saying) 
    
    
25. What is your Favorite drink? Coffee. Red wine. Old Fashioned.
    
    
26. Favorite Animal? I was a horse crazy girl and I still love horses. But also – dogs. We don’t deserve dogs. 
    
    
27. Favorite Perfume? Philosophy’s Grace at the moment. 
    
    
28. What would you (or have you) name your children? Ooh, I have lists of girl/boy names on my phone. Names I really like for girls: Hadley, Hollis, Sutton; Boys: Hardin, Grey, Jack 
    
    
29. What sports do you play/Have you played? I’m all about weightlifting now, but I grew up cheerleading and competing in horse shows (three-day eventing) every weekend. 
    
    
30. Who are some of your favorite fashion brands? Athleta, Zella, ABLE, Anthropologie… I’d wear Athleta all day every day if I could though. 
    
    
31. Favorite memory from childhood? Oh goodness. SO MANY. I was blessed with an overall great childhood in spite of some hard seasons. I’d say the hours spent playing with my cousins or with my grandparents is a highlight. 
    
    
32. How would you describe your fashion sense? I think I’m only just starting to find my style – a little boho, a little classic, athleisure when appropriate.
    
    
33. What phone do you have? (iOS v Android?) iPhone 
    
    
34. Tell us one of your bad habits! Procrastination. I will put things off like it’s my job. But I also genuinely do my best work under pressure so it works out? 
    
    
35. Have you forgiven yourself for past personal failures? Why or why not? Yes. Failure is something I feared and struggled with for a long time, and still do. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that failure isn’t failing. Failure is re-directing you to something better.  
    
    
36. Have you ever visited a country outside your continent? Yes!
    
    
37. Have you ever won a trophy or an award? What was it for? Lots of them. Classic Enneagram 3 right here. The more meaningful ones are probably my Young Author awards and the Governor’s Award in high school for leadership. 
    
    
38. Have you read any of the Harry Potter, Hunger Games or Twilight series? Which was your favorite? I’ve read all of them and Harry Potter is the only correct answer to being my favorite. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve read the series through. 
    
    
39. What is under your bed? Nothing save for a couple of Knox’s toys. Under the bed is his lair to hide things he’s not supposed to have, so I keep it clean and check often. 
    
    
40. What is one guilty pleasure you enjoy too much to give up? Netflix binges. 
    
    
41. What is something you are gifted at? Writing and the aforementioned ability to read people well – my intuition is really strong and I work constantly to continue to develop it. 
    
    
42. What is the first movie you remember seeing? The Wizard of Oz – we have a history, me and Dorothy. 
    
    
43. What do you like about your home? It’s location and my decor.
    
     
44. What do you love about living in your neighborhood? Again, the location – great location, close to everything, great price. 
    
    
45. If you could change something about your home, without worry about expense or mess, what would you do? There is very little natural light in my apartment and no overhead lighting, save for the bathroom and kitchen. I’d also like space to have a table and chairs to eat at and more storage in the kitchen. I’ve loved my little apartment, but I’ll be moving when the lease is up in the spring!
    
    
46. What time do you usually get up in the morning? By 7, at the latest. I used to wake up much earlier and I’m working my way towards that again – I get a lot done in the AMs when I’m up before the sun. 
    
    
47. What time is your usual bedtime? I’ve been working on getting into bed by 10:30, but realistically, that’s when I start getting ready for bed. I’m usually in bed by 11, but then I start reading… I’m terrible at sleeping. I know I am. But I’m getting better at prioritizing it! 
    
    
48. 3 things that upset you? Mean people, sad stories about animals on the news, slow drivers in the left lane. 
    
    
49. 3 things that make you happy? Spending time with friends/family, seeing my gymnastics kids or a personal training/nutrition client reach a goal, hitting a PR in the gym. 
    
    
50. How is your relationship with parents? My mom passed away in April. We were close but we also had our differences – don’t most kids and their parents? I’m a daddy’s girl through and through, always have been, even though we, too, have had our moments. 
    
    
51. What’s on your mind? A running to-do list for something I’m working on for Strong By Sarah launching next month – and just a running to-do list in general. 
    
    
52. What’s your talent? I’m a writer – a bit repetitive question here. 🙂 
    
    
53. One word that describes you? Intuitive.
    
    
54. What’s your favorite quotes? A recent favorite: “Fine is the worst four letter word there is. Your life should not be fine.” – Mallory Ervin, from her Living Fully podcast.  
    
    
55. Are you an extrovert or introvert? Introverted extrovert. I love being around people and socializing, but I also crave solitude. I’m pretty protective over my Friday nights – I tend to turn down plans and such because I need some time to decompress after a week of GO. I think it’s part of being so empathetic – I absorb a lot of energy throughout the week and just need to let it go. 
    
    
56. Are you left or right handed? Right-handed.
    
    
57. Do you consider yourself a good cook? I’m a great cook and I LOVE to cook! I just need people to eat it!
    
    
58. If money were no object what would you get for your next birthday? A girls trip with my best friends to somewhere amazing in Europe or Africa. 
    
    
59. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? London. I would drop everything right now and move to London. Knox and I would THRIVE in London. 
    
    
60. What’s your favorite thing to have for breakfast? Waffles. The way to my heart is through a waffle topped with berries, whip cream, and melted peanut butter. Plus chocolate chips. 
    
61. What’s your favorite gadget? My air fryer. I love love love that thing. 
    
    
62. What’s your longest relationship so far? My dog and I are 7 years in and going strong. But other than Knox, two years – got a couple of those two year relationships in the books. 
    
    
63. What is your biggest accomplishment? Leaving my rural hometown – that’s huge. That’s not something people where I’m from do. 
    
    
64. What is your biggest fear? Living a “fine” life. I was not put here for mediocrity. 
    
    
65. What is your biggest regret? None. I don’t believe in regrets. Everything happens for a reason, even the bad stuff, even the “wish I could take that back” stuff. 
    
    
66. What is the most important thing in your life? My faith and my family. 
    
    
67. Who is your favorite musician? Ooh… This is hard. First one that popped to mind? Don Williams. “Good Ole Boys Like Me” – beautiful.
    
    
68. What has required the most courage of you in your life so far? Leaving my hometown and everything that was familiar to chase dreams and reach goals. 
    
    
69. Beach or mountains? Beach. 
    
    
70. What is your favorite food? Peanut Butter.
    
    
71. What is your favorite fairytale? Cinderella, but Beauty and the Beast is a very close second. 
    
    
72. What is your favorite ice-cream flavor? Just give me chocolate. Regular ‘ol chocolate. 
    
    
73. What is your favorite bible verse? Romans 8: 28 and Romans 12: 6-21
    
    
74. Where’s your favorite place to take an out-of-town guest? In Chapel Hill? Downtown Durham. In Charlottesville? Monticello. 
    
    
75. What was your favorite TV show when you were a child? I was obsessed with Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. 
    
    
76. Are you more likely to avoid conflict or engage it head-on? Somewhere in the middle. I used to actively avoid it, but as I’ve grown, I’ve become more and more comfortable stepping up and saying what I need to say. 
    
    
77. Are you a fan of any sports team? I’m a tried and true Tennessee Vol. And it ain’t always easy. 
    
    
78. What is good about how you are living your life right now? I’ve tried some things that I wanted to try and they didn’t work. Those things taught me lessons and have helped me shape where I want to go from here. I’m choosing to see things in the light and trusting my faith more and more. 
    
    
79. If you could eliminate one weakness or limitation in your life, what would it be? The fear of being considered an “imposter” and procrastinating on really going for it because of it. 
    
    
80. Who has left the most impact on your life? My mom.
    
    
81. What’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen in your life? This post nicely explains that. 
    
    
82. Who is the best teacher you’ve ever had? Mr. Barton for AP U.S. History and Humanities. He was phenomenal and I can recall more about U.S. history than most because of him. He was also – eccentric. Like, throwing car keys out of windows eccentric. 
    
    
83. Who is the biggest pack rat you know? It’s a toss up between my grandma Myrtle and my stepdad’s mother. 
    
    
84. Who is the first person you call when something exciting happens? My dad or my friend Hanna 
    
    
85. Who is the first person you call when something horrible happens? My dad or my friend Hanna haha 
    
    
86. Who is the worst boss you’ve ever had? I haven’t really had awful bosses. I’ve had bosses that could have been better, but none that were outright awful. 
    
    
87. Do you save old greeting cards and letters? Some, yes. The ones I save are usual from one of my grandmothers or have something cheeky written in it from my dad or are a sweet note from a friend.
    
     
88. Do you sleep with the lights on or off? Off
    
    
89. Do you prefer Titanic or The Notebook? Titanic – it’s the superior movie, for one, but I also have a great memory of my dad taking my stepbrother and I to see it in the theater. 
    
    
90. Do you have a garden? No – I did not inherit my dad’s green thumb. I have dreams of having one though! 
    
    
91. Do you have a hidden dream that you’ve never shared with anyone? Yes – I want to be a screenwriter/write for television. If I could make a living writing and running a fitness empire, that would be amazing. 
    
    
92. Do you hold any convictions that you would be willing to die for? My faith, my family, and the fact that Darius Rucker’s “Wagon Wheel” cover is NOT as good as the original and should not be played in its place. I will die on that hill.
    
    
93. Who sent the last text message you received? My brother. Who accidentally played “Rocky Top” in the middle of a 400 person lecture at UC Irvine.
    
    
94. Who was the last person you ate dinner with? A few fitness friends! 
    
    
95. What is your most embarrassing moment? I had a lot of “bathroom issues” growing up given that I had undiagnosed digestive issues and had to have the bus pull over at a gas station during a field trip in fifth or sixth grade. It was mortifying. 
    
    
96. What is something that amazes you? How resilient humankind can be in the face of tragedy. 
    
    
97. What is at the top of your bucket list? To be happy – that’s the ultimate goal, no matter my other goals. 
    
    
98. What scares you about aging? I think aging is a blessing – you get to live another day and that should be celebrated. But I also worry that I “won’t get to do it all” if I don’t get to doing it already. 
    
    
99. Would you ever consider living abroad? Yes, absolutely. See – London. 
    
    
100. What book are you reading at the moment? Super Attractor by Gabrielle Bernstein. I also read After and After We Collided by Anna Todd recently. Don’t judge me. I’m already judging myself. Sometimes you just need a good trash read though.