ask G, part 6.

1. Can you tell us the story of how you and Jessi met and became best friends? – anonymous

We first met at Liberty Church! Then we saw each other again at a church Sisterhood event, talked about my blondies (haha), went out to a friend’s birthday party afterward, and literally became best friends within a few weeks. And we’ve been ever since!

2. Is there anything you won’t/don’t blog about? – anonymous

I don’t really post about my dating life because it just seems…weird (especially in the beginning stages of dating someone). When I’m in a serious relationship I’ll post about it.

I also try not to post often about (bad) things that I’m going through in life. It’s not that I’m trying to hide anything, it’s just that most of those things are actually pretty dumb, and I hate to put off a “woe is me” attitude when I know that I’m actually very blessed.

3. I just graduated college and ended a relationship with my boyfriend of 3 years. I want to start dating, but I’m so nervous and don’t know where to begin. What’s your best piece of advice for dating in your 20s?? – Allison

I can definitely relate. I went through a similar situation, and honestly I put off dating for years because I hated the idea of it. I have a lot of thoughts on dating/relationships, but I think the biggest thing is just don’t over-think it. I can only speak from personal experience, but any time I over-think I find myself not acting like myself, and being yourself is so very important when it comes to dating (and any relationships, for that matter). Go easy on yourself, enjoy the time getting to know a new person, and observe the interaction/how you feel. I feel like we tend to over-complicate things when it comes to dating/relationships when it should really be quite…simple.

4. Who is your celebrity crush? – Adam

Can I name a few? ;) Bradley Cooper, Jon Hamm, and Charlie Hunnam.

5. Do you have any tattoos? – anonymous

Yes, I have 4. Soon to be 5, possibly!

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Please note that I’m *not* an expert and that this advice is based solely on my own experiences and thoughts. Have a question? Feel free to leave it as a comment on this post or ask me anonymously.

Do you have/want any tattoos?
Celebrity crush?

ask G, part 5.

1. I’m moving into NYC soon and know nobody there. How do I find a Christian roommate? – anonymous

If you definitely want a Christian roommate, I would check out classified listings on church websites. I know Redeemer has a great one, as well as Trinity Grace. Getting plugged into a church and using word of mouth is a great way too.

2. Hi! I recently came across your blog and love it! I was wondering how you become successful and what the best blog platform is? I am afraid if I start one no one will pay attention. I currently have Tumblr but only “reblog” or post pics. – anonymous

Thanks so much! I gained a blog audience over a period of about six months, and the top ways I did so was by: social media, befriending other bloggers, and posting content often. I have more blogging tips here and here.

I’m personally a huge fan of WordPress, but I love Tumblr as well. I think you just really have to ask yourself what type of content you want to put out there. I use WordPress for GML because I find it better for writing posts/articles, but I find Tumblr to be easier and more visually appealing for photo posts. Here’s a great article breaking down the pros/cons of WordPress and Tumblr.

3. I am a Christian, blog-obsessing, college freshman in hopes of becoming a doctor one day. I absolutely LOVE your blog and am wondering if you know of any other great blogs for Christian college students? – anonymous

You should check out Andi’s blogroll! She has a handful of Christian and inspirational blogs listed there :) I’m always getting blog/article recommendations from her.

4. What sort of exercise and nutrition plan are you on? Can you share more of that in your blog posts? I’m a college student trying to stay healthy, and you’re such an inspiration! – Alex

Thanks Alex! I really try my best to practice and convey what it looks like to lead a healthy, balanced, and NORMAL lifestyle (more on that here). I see way too many bloggers overdoing it with health and fitness to the point that it seems to take over their lives, and I feel a responsibly to portray a more realistic and healthy view of what that should look like. So yes – I will try to start posting more of that :)

With that being said, I’m not on any exercise or nutrition plan. I try to exercise at least 3 times a week (a mix of strength training and cardio), but I don’t care if I go a week without any exercise at all. As for nutrition, I just…do my best. Haha. I try to get as many veggies in during the day as I can, and I try to avoid wheat/gluten if possible (I find it upsets my stomach sometimes). But I don’t have any rules when it comes to what I can or can’t eat. I also go out to eat often, and I always just order whatever I want and practice portion control. To me, enjoying life is the most important thing, so I never let health/fitness come before that.

5. Do you have any pets?

Nope, and I don’t plan on having one any time soon. If I were to get a pet it would be a big dog (a boxer, probably), and that’s just not conducive to living in a small NYC apartment.

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Please note that I’m *not* an expert and that this advice is based solely on my own experiences and thoughts. Have a question? Feel free to leave it as a comment on this post or ask me anonymously.

What about you – any pets? If you could get a pet, what would it be?

ask G, part 4.

1. What are your favorite and least favorite things about blogging? – Sarah
Favorite things:
1) Having a creative outlet and being able to post/write about the things I love.
2) The interaction with my readers.
3) Getting free stuff. I’m not sure if most bloggers would admit that, but it is pretty awesome.

Least favorite things:
1) Being so transparent. Sometimes I wish people didn’t know so much about me.
2) It requires a lot of attention, especially for growth.
3) Getting negative feedback. I’m a big baby with that.

2. Are you dating anyone? – anonymous
Yes. Nothing serious right now.

3. What’s your favorite type of cuisine? – anonymous
Hmm, I’d say Mexican. And breakfast, if that counts :)

4. If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be? – Jen
There are a few things I would change…but not in a woe is me, sort of way. I really do love my life! Right now I’d have to say I really wish I had the money to travel more.

5. What made you decide to start a blog? Did you want to do anything else for a living before that? – anonymous
I had read blogs all throughout college. When I graduated and moved back home, I went through what I call my “quarter life crisis,” so I thought it would be a good idea to start a new hobby. I ended up loving it even more than I thought I would. I’ve always loved writing and sharing my thoughts, so blogging was the perfect fit for me.

Growing up, I really wanted to be an actor. The passion faded as I got older, though, so I thought about Broadcast Journalism. I still love the idea of being some sort of correspondent or doing something in front of the camera.

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Please note that I’m *not* an expert and that this advice is based solely on my own experiences and thoughts. Have a question? Feel free to leave it as a comment on this post or ask me anonymously.

Your turn! Growing up, what did you want to do/be?
What’s your favorite cuisine?