A delightful Q & A and I plan to return the favor
By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times
I am so honored to be a part of an amazing blog entitled “People of Kennett Square” by the talented photographer, Jie Lan. Her list of featured individuals is impressive and I was humbled to be included alongside those MUCH more talented than I will ever be!
It was a beautiful day when Jie came to my house to take photos. Anyone who knows me will not be surprised that the prep work to get ready for the shoot was rather intense. I’m pretty sure that I had every article of clothing from my closet strewn all over my bedroom in the attempt to find something appropriate to wear. I didn’t want it to look like I was trying too hard (even though I WAS), and I thought it was best to stick with the classics: denim and a buttondown. Of course, my entire outfit was courtesy of my favorite, No.109 Shop.
Jie was so sweet and made me feel comfortable as she snapped pictures. We chatted about life in Kennett, the balance of work and motherhood, and our mutual love for fancy shoes!
I thought that the blog post came out beautifully and wanted to share it with all of you. Please, stay tuned for my questions for Jie. In fact, if there are any questions that you can think of that you would like me to ask, please leave it for me in the Comment section below.
Here are Jie’s questions and my answers:
1. What was your dream job when you were a kid?
My dream job was to become a pediatrician. However, as a kid, I did not realize the plot twist looming in my future that I affectionately refer to as “Organic Chemistry.” Yikes.
2. You are a lawyer, blogger, columnist, what’s next?
I am in the midst of changing careers! After many years of practicing family law and custody mediation, I decided to go back to school for a graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health. I am excited to help children and families transition through the divorce process from a therapeutic perspective, as opposed to a litigious one.
3. When and how did you start your career in so many fields?
My family and friends like to tease me that I have as many jobs as there are hours in a day (which, at times, feels like an accurate statement!). However, at this point in my life, I am used to juggling a multitude of tasks. The “counselor” in me likes to help people and the “fashionista” in me loves to be surrounded by beautiful clothes, shoes, handbags, and makeup! I can’t possibly choose a favorite…so, I try to do it all.
4. What does your typical day look like?
I rarely have a typical day! It’s possible for me to be facilitating a custody mediation in the morning, taking photos at No.109 Shop or Houppette for social media posts in the afternoon, and counseling in the early evening. In between those jobs, I try my best to be a good wife and mother. Although, if you were to look in my laundry room right now, you can tell that housekeeping is not on my list of daily chores.
5. What are your 5 tips for time management in a multitasking world?
Ugh, perfecting the art of multitasking is ever evolving . While I am by NO means an expert, here are my best suggestions:
• Write it down — I can’t survive without my Day Planner. I like to physically record my schedule with paper and pencil, as opposed to keeping notes on my phone.
• Exercise — This may sound silly, but, making a workout a priority is critical, in my opinion. It is easy to let the drudgery of daily life get in the way of self care. But, a good sweat is as important for your mind as it is for your body.
• Sleep — When I take on too much, I have a tendency to stay up really late trying to get everything accomplished. The result? I am cranky and totally unproductive the next day. Forcing myself to get a minimum of seven hours is a worthwhile mission.
• Delegate — Sometimes it is difficult to relinquish control to others (especially if you are a perfectionist, like I am). However, learning how to ask and accept help from others is important.
• Have FUN — Embrace your busyness! If you are running around like a chicken with your head cut off, you may as well be having a good time doing it. I work with some fabulous people who challenge and energize me and it makes the crazy schedule all worthwhile.
