For Day 2 of 7in7 (even though it’s actually Day 4, but true to form, I am just a little behind), I thought I would answer a few FAQs about myself.  It’s a joke to think that I actually have FAQs, but roll with it, people.  Here are a few answers that I know you’re dying to hear…

Say, Amanda, why don’t you like beans?

I don’t know.  (Way to start it off, Amanda.)  No, I really don’t know.  I think it’s both taste and texture.  As a kid, I liked beans.  There was no event or moment that I can recall that kicked off my bean-aversion.  But, nevertheless, it is there and it is fierce.  If you invite me for dinner (which you should), and you make beans (which you shouldn’t), I will pick around them like a pro.  I am used to it, and actually do it in my own home.  To feed a family of four that includes three males, beans will be part of their (but not my) diet.

Speaking of beans, why do you run marathons?

Good question.  I know people think it’s crazy.  Here’s the deal.  I have a slow metabolism.  My dad claims that I am genetically disposed to obesity.  So, that’s neat and does not affect my self-image at all (she said with shifty eyes).  But, the truth is that I have to exercise.  My body simply cannot keep up with calories in, if I have no calories out.  Unfortunately, I am generally not disciplined enough to work out just for the sake of working out.  So, for me, I have to set goals – something to work towards – to stay disciplined enough for exercise.  Marathons were near to my heart since I had grown up with a marathoning dad.  I ran my first marathon in 2005 and got the bug.  Turns out that I am pretty good at it, and I usually enjoy it.  Next week, I will run my 14^th marathon and hope to qualify for the doozie – the Boston Marathon.

Why do you watch The Bachelor/Bachelorette?

Listen, I am not proud of it.  But, I cannnnooottt stop.  It’s like watching a car accident.  I just can’t look away.  In no way does it inform my realities about love, but it is just good television.  With the advantages of editing, I love watching how crazy those women can be.  And yes, I know that on my best days, I am as crazy (if not more so) as any of them.  But, I just haven’t allowed the whole world to see it on television.  They signed up for this and I love to indulge them.  Give me my friend Tiffany, a glass of wine, some fingernail painting and The Bachelor and you can just forget it.  That, my friends, is the making of a perfect Monday night.

Why do you stay home with your kids?

I know that today it’s not exactly conventional, but I have never really considered another way.  Sure, there are definitely days that I miss working downtown, dressing in heels and going to lunches and happy hours.  But, more often than that I feel really privileged to be the one that feeds my kids all three meals, changes almost every diaper, disciplines, and gets to see their little bodies and hearts develop.  It is hard.  Really hard.  I ache to have conversations with adults, and to have something to show at the end of the day.  But, I think one of the greatest joys that I will have on this side of heaven is getting a front-row seat to see these boys turn into men that (God-willing) love God and love people well.  And I really don’t want to miss a single moment.

Those are the questions that I get most often.  Or at least, the questions that I imagine people wonder most often.  So, let your imaginations rest tonight, folks.