Meet my BFFS: Nad

Nadia, Madeline, and Brad

aka "Bradialine"

It's Nadia's birthday today!  Hip hip hooray!  I got to thinking about it, and even though all my siblings, and in-laws, have blogs, they're all much more humble than I, and rarely will talk about themselves.  I think this is so sad because, well, they're all really cool.  So to honor Nad on her birthday, I thought I would interview her so you all could learn a little more about her.

When reading her answers I found myself laughing out loud one minute, and tearing up a little the next.  This is exactly my relationship with Nadia.  When we get together we're always laughing, however at times we can have very deep conversations that might make me shed a tear or two (in a good way) and leave me always feeling closer to this sister-in-law of mine whom I'm so blessed to have in my life.  (Good job picking such a great one Brad.)  :)

Anyway, I hope you enjoy reading Nadia's interview as much as I did.

Happy birthday Nad!  I love you!  (And to everyone else, a happy 4th of July!)

Describe your perfect day.

My perfect day would consist of being surrounded by the people I love. Of course, we would spend the day at my summer home in Greece, swimming and sailing in turquoise water, then lunch with the locals and off to the Hellenic Festival, for theater and dancing…

If I could give you front row tickets to any concert, what would you pick?

Until a few days ago it would have been Michael Jackson – without a doubt. Now that that’s not an option, I still love Brit. So I guess Brittney Spears.

If you only had time to watch one tv show a week, which would you choose? 

TMZ

What's something people would be surprised to know about you?

I hate surprises, I know it sounds weird. It’s not like I don’t like the “surprise I got you a gift, for no reason” it’s the surprises that need planning – visitors, trips… also, I’ve realized half the time I don’t even know what I want, so I’m very hard to buy for. It takes a special person to know what I will like.

(Except of course visitors from New York showing up on your doorstep, right?:)

When you've had a really bad day what makes you feel better?

A cozy blanket and a good movie or book.

Who's your celebrity crush?

Bear Grylls but that’s no surprise. Sooo I’ll add another - Christian Bale.

What beauty product can you not live without?

Just one?? How about 3 - Mascara, lip stuff and lotion

What's one of your guiltiest pleasures?

I’ll give you two, one for the tummy and one for the funny bone. See’s Chocolate and Katie and Peter, if you don’t know it you are better off – trust me.

If you could change one thing about the male race what would it be?

I wouldn’t mind if they took a little better care of their feet. A quick pedi wouldn’t hurt.

You've been married for five years. Is there anything that still surprises you? Or would you say you and Brad are perfectly predictable?

Well, of course there are always surprises. I think on the outside looking in we are pretty predictable, but we have our little quirks just like everyone else.

What's your favorite comfort food?

Carbs – Is that a food?

I love bread, potatoes…all that stuff. And I’m always up for a lil Mexican Food. LOL, for real I LOVE Mexican.

What is one trend you just never quite understood? 

Skinny jeans for guys …

(Amen!)

What's one of your favorite things about living in Boston?

The Red Sox, not just the team but the games, the players and the people who cheer for the team. Those people make the Red Sox who they are. The people here are amazing. If you have never been to a game at Fenway Park I highly suggest it. It’s an awesome experience whether you like the teams that are playing or not. 

What's your favorite part about being a mom?

Being a mom is the thing that brings me the most happiness I have ever known. One of my favorite things is seeing the world through Maddie’s eyes. Everything is so new and exciting.

What book are you currently reading?

Beyond the Myth: The Story of Joan of Arc (plus a few others on the side.)

What is a piece of modern technology that you could not live without? 

Computer (we have a love hate relationship) oooh and my camera!!

Where is the most beautiful place you've ever been?

Costa Rica - The Rain Forest.

What book should be required reading for every American?

Oh man, I love to read! I cant possibly pick one. Follow the River by James Alexander, The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann Wyss and Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

You've got two roundtrip tickets anywhere in the world. Where do you go and who do you take?

Ummm, ok can I make a few stops with those tickets?  I would go all over Europe, Africa, Egypt, Greece and Peru (and I mean anywhere and everywhere.)  And I would take Brad.

What three material possessions do you value most?

My wedding ring, because it’s from my sweetheart. A life time worth of pictures; But most of all, recent gift from my dad that his dad (my Grandpa) had given to my Grandma at a very special time in their lives. Both my Grandparents are gone now which is part of the reason I value this more then anything.

What are you looking forward to?

Learning and having as many new experiences as I can, and watching my kids grow up.

What are three things on your "bucket list"?

Skydive, bungee jump and travel to as many countries as possible. I’m trying to talk Brad into “the ticket around the world” (and yes there really is such a thing.)

(I may join you on that round the world ticket, I've been checking those out as well!  I'm obsessed.)

Who is someone who has changed or shaped your life for the better?

My daughter Madeline. I’m not the same person I once was. Being a mom has changed me in a hundred ways, and I wouldn’t change any of them. Also my mom, I could go on for days about her but instead I'll just say, if I can be half the mom she is to me I will know I have given my kids the best of me.

What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t worry so much about what other people think. Take care of yourself and the people you love and the rest will work it self out.

What do you know to be absolutely positively true?

I know that if I live this life to the best of my ability I can be with my family for all eternity. Nothing makes me happier than knowing the people I love will never be very far away.