A Closer Look With…

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done?
Being a creature of habit- probably a tie between moving to Austin and leaving ER nursing. It took a huge leap of faith to make those changes and they’ve mostly worked out.

Describe one of your parent’s funniest traits.
My mom has “sneaky sass.” She’s a super cute uber mom type that takes care of everyone, but, she’ll call out nonsense at times with pointed snark that is both shocking and hilarious. I can’t get enough, it’s incredibly delightful.

If you were entering a baking contest, what recipe would you make?
I’m not a baker, but I would love to learn how to make bagels.

What is something you hate, but wish you loved?
Road trips/long car rides. I love seeing scenery, but the “sitting for long periods of time part” is not my jam.

What do you love most about the internet?
Cursed TikTok song mashups. Last year, I listened to a mashup of Cake’s “The Distance” and “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” at the start of most workdays to hype myself up for the last push of the year.

What topic do you always give your two cents on?
Anything healthcare related. I may be “retired”, but I’m still fascinated by the science of it all. The stories of that time are fun to share when I can. I mean there’s a whole “tales from the ER” show. I could add a few.

What do you think airlines should offer on flights that they currently do not?
Armrests that aren’t shared. It feels so silly, but the logistics are confusing. I usually opt for a window seat every time to lean towards that side if I want a nap.

Would you rather swim in a pool or the ocean?
Pool for sure. Something about surprise slimy textures gives me the “ick.”

What is the funniest movie you’ve ever seen?
It’s maybe not the funniest- but Empire Records is definitely my comfort comedy movie.

What was the last social faux pas you made?
A better question is probably when was the last time I didn’t 😃. Somewhat related to the next answer, someone was trying to tease me about how I say “coffee.”

What is something you’re teased about relentlessly?
My Jersey accent. It usually slips out after I’ve chatted with my mom. “Co-ah-fee” is usually the giveaway it’s in full swing. Sorry kids, I really do sound like a character plucked from The Sopranos.

Is there a food you loved as a kid that you hate as an adult?
Probably sweets like cotton candy, skittles, etc.

What are you hypocritical about?
SELF CARE! I will preach taking care of yourself to others and then proceed to ignore my own limits. A terrible nurse trope I haven’t shaken yet (and is probably not a surprise to anyone :)).

Name your alter ego.
Probably Janet; she’s the one with the customer service voice that’s chill.

Who have you learned the most from?
It may not fit, but I learned the most from my colleagues at my ER job in New York. From dealing with interns to surviving natural disasters with a quiet strength and insane sense of humor. It has helped me shift my perspective in many aspects of my life.

When was the last time you felt lucky?
The last time I FaceTimed with the niblings. I lucked out and my sister made the two coolest kids on the planet. Who needs rollercoasters when a toddler controls an iPhone?

If you were to reincarnate as an animal, which animal would you choose?
Either a Golden Retriever or an orange cat that’s real chill, but has “head empty, no thoughts” vibes.

What is something that both scares and intrigues you?
Kids. One minute they are tiny and delicate and you’re afraid they’ll break. The next they’re eating off the floor and whacking their head and laughing about it. Tiny humans are wild.

Would you ever pick up a hitchhiker?
For a multitude of reasons, no thanks.

Have you found something valuable? Did you turn it in or keep it?
Not that I can remember, but I would turn it in. I am good at losing things so I would hope someone would do the same for me.