Favorite Book
I love books and buy more than I have time to read. My favorite book is always the one I’m reading now, which changes monthly. The majority of the books I read are business success/how-to and non-fiction Christian books. I don’t get into fiction much but I love Francine River’s books, especially her historical fiction series like Mark of the Lion and others. You can also see a list of my favorite books here.
Favorite Movie
The only movie I’ll watch more than once and enjoy it every time is Sound of Music. I’ve watched it since I was 7 or 8 (it was my dad’s favorite movie too). I get to watch it every few years, and I’m captivated by it every time. Even my 10-year-old daughter who has watched it a handful of times knows many of the songs. There are two other movies that I’ve particularly enjoyed: The first one was Titanic with Leonardo DiCapirio and Kate Winslet. It was the movie Brahm and I went to see on our first date. But that’s not the only reason it’s my favorite. The underlying message(s) of the movie spoke to me a lot at that time in my life. The second movie that I really liked was A&E’s Pride and Prejudice. A&E’s production of the movie was the best rendition of book-to-movie that I’ve ever seen. It captured every detail and nuance of the plot and the characters. It literally missed nothing, which probably explains why it is an 8-hour movie series.
Favorite Quote
I have many favorite quotes depending on the specific subject, but here is my all-time favorite. I call it the Exceedingly Abundantly quote—such great adjectives: “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21.
Hobbies
Much of my hobbies were put on hold when I had kids. Between managing Zine Graphics and my kids, one would think my hobbies were working and taxiing my kids around. Thankfully, I enjoy my work and I love spending time with my children. Even in the car, we have some of the best, most profound conversations. They’re both amazing little people that have shaped me and made me into a person I never dreamed I could be. Now, had these amazing little people never entered my life, I would probably be a Pilates instructor, bike a lot more, read more books, and go back to cross-stitching to relax.
Pets
Growing up, we were a cat family. Once I got married, Brahm (and his family) were non-pet people. And his sister has a serious cat phobia which she warned me about should I ever consider getting a cat. I always felt dogs were a bit too much work until about 5 years ago when I met a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and instantly fell in love with the breed. When Bahar was 5 (and hankering for a dog) we started to explore getting a Cav. I was trying to come to terms with the immense responsibilities of having a new puppy when I discovered I was pregnant. I decided I can’t do the “puppy thing” and have a baby/toddler at the same time. Now that Micah is almost 4 and growing out of the “squeezy, cuddly, baby-talk” phase, I’m back to considering a replacement for squeezing and cuddling and baby-talking.
What I love about my job…
I love that I love what I do. When I was younger, I always envisioned myself as a stay-at-home mom, pouring my energy into my family and my children. For many years, I fought the fact that I actually enjoyed coming to work. I thought the ideal was to be a full-time mom. When I realized that I can love my job and still pour into my family, Zine Graphics took on a new life. The best part of working here is the intense creativity that we’re constantly engaging in. It’s more than creating beautiful graphic design or compelling marketing messages—those are always challenging and gratifying. Perhaps the most intense creativity comes from managing this business—creating solutions to constant challenges and navigating the ever changing landscape. In this, I’m able to collaborate with brilliant, savvy clients, learn from them, and pass on the wisdom and creativity to other clients. It’s a wonderful synergy that I believe is apparent and felt by our own team, by our clients, and by everyone we touch.