Strange, Peculiar and Unrelated Questions I Received in 2009

Like many of you, I’m reflecting on this past year and thinking about all the fortunate opportunities I’ve had and those that I didn’t foresee a year ago, including the creation of this blog and its readers. It seems only fitting that I end the year by answering some of the random, lighthearted and personal questions that readers have asked.

How do you handle criticism?

When criticized, I usually try to gain something positive from it. Not everyone is going to approve but I try my best to handle things in a civilized, dignified manner. After all, I’m modeling behavior for my sons.

What is your favorite movie?

I love foreign films (with subtitles) and I’d have to say my favorite is Nuovo Cinema Paradiso, a 1988 Italian film written and directed by Giuseppe Tornatore.

What is your favorite book?

My favorite book is The Decameron written in the 1300′s; it is a book consisting of 100 novellas by Italian author Giovanni Boccaccio and the stories are still relevant today.

What is your favorite snack?

Well, I’m taking the liberty of making that plural as in, “snacks.” I love crunchy stuff and I’m seriously addicted to popcorn (made on the stovetop not in the microwave, with sea salt and no butter) or frosted shredded wheat right out of the box. When working I snack on almonds, walnuts and dried cherries that I mix together myself.

Do you eat sweets?

Yes, unfortunately, I have a “sweet fang” opposed to a sweet tooth and limit myself to desserts on the weekends. My favorite dessert is home made caramel cake. Or, anything with marzipan. Or gelato. Bittersweet chocolate covered bing cherries. In other words, I’ve never met a sweet I didn’t like.

What do you drink?

I enjoy a shot in the dark (coffee) or a London fog (tea). When shopping at Nordies, I treat myself to a doppio. Off hours, I drink pom juice and sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lime.

New York or Chicago-style pizza? What toppings do you like?

For me, a thin, crispy crust is scrumptious (New York-style) but let me add, I love any kind of pizza so I will not turn my nose up at a deep-dish pizza. My very favorite toppings on a pizza are the same as on bruschetta: fresh chopped tomatoes with garlic, basil, olive oil, and vinegar (on a crispy, thin crust).

Do you have a favorite, can’t live without gadget?

Yes, it’s a GPS. I get turned around very easily and I think it’s possibly the best gadget invented. A real time saver for the directionally challenged (like me.)

What TV shows do you watch?

Hoarders! (Seriously, I watch every episode)
Intervention
The Office
Ellen
Colbert Report
The Soup

Do you multi-task?

Oh yes, I do! When it’s time to gab with my gal pals, I grab the headset and head for the *dreadmill*. Time flies when I’m engaged in a lively conversation and before I know it, I’ve exercised and chatted. That makes me very happy!

Do you shop differently as a result of working with people who hoard?

Yes, I use to admire and purchase holiday decorations. Now, I keep my holiday decor to a minimum. Boxes of artificial decorations taking up valuable space for 11 months of the year is ridiculous and wasteful. Plus, I no longer find mass produced holiday-related stuff attractive.

I love what you wear on TV; you have really nice workout wear. Where do you buy it and who makes it?

Thank you. This is one of the questions I get asked a lot. I buy most of it in North Carolina or Texas and the brands I’ve worn on TV are Zella and Lucy (to name two).

Geralin, you look very pretty on camera. Do you do your own make up and hair or does Hoarders do it for you? Who do you consider pretty?

First of all, thank you for the compliment! Yes, I do my own hair and make up on Hoarders but on The Today Show and the Joy Behar Show there were professional make up artists. I was very impressed with their skills; such a treat!

To answer the last part of your question, pretty comes in a variety of packages and more often than not, I think ordinary people are very pretty. But for the sake of us being on the same page, these are the first half-dozen well-known women that come to mind when I think, “pretty.”

Audrey Tautou
Jaclyn Smith
Jamie Lee Curtis
Candice Bergen
Meredith Vierra
Valerie Bertinelli

Are you a PC or Mac woman?

Mac and won’t go back!

I know you have an iPhone and love it but do you have a favorite app?

Yes I do! My favorite app is Around Me. This app has been a lifesaver for me when traveling all over the US and looking for a coffee shop, a supermarket or a parking lot. It’s super-easy to use and a huge time saver.

Is there an area of your life that you wish you were better at organizing?

Yes, I’d like to pack less (in a suitcase) but I’m not willing to compromise so I haul around my favorites. Unfortunately, they aren’t travel-friendly fabrics, sizes and shapes.

When not working what is your guilty pleasure?

The computer! I love reading blogs and can get lost hopscotching around the internet for hours.

What do you do to get ready for the show, Hoarders?

I talk to the client by phone before arriving and ask a lot of questions. Immediately before filming, I’m usually listening to music or setting up an organization station (a space where supplies are kept and sorting is done).

Many thanks to each of you for reading my blog, watching Hoarders, sharing your stories and sending me kind words. If you have questions you’d like me to answer, post them below or send me an email. Wishing you health, joy and success in 2010!