Ten On Tuesday No 28

1. Who are you and what do you do?

Hello! I’m Ruth, and I blog as DorkyMum. I’ve recently moved from Edinburgh to Hertfordshire with my husband and 3-year-old son -- I was born on a remote Scottish Island, and my husband was born in the States, so we are a fairly international family. At the moment I’m a full time parent, although before my son arrived I was an environmental campaigner… and a journalism intern, a petrol pump attendant, a climate change ambassador, a student union president and various other things!

If I could make my living from writing, I’d be the happiest wee lass in the world. In the meantime, the blog will do. I post about parenting, politics, current affairs and photography, and you can always find me for a chat on Twitter or Facebook

2. Who inspires you?

My husband. He’s quite a bit older than me (35 years older, in fact!) but he seems to have limitless energy, and a real passion for life. I admire his work ethic, and his ability to pick himself up and dust himself off after a difficult experience. I wish that my laugh was as loud and full of life as his is.

3. What item would you be lost without?

My iPhone. I’ve only had it a couple of months but I already struggle to put it down. We have family and friends all over the world, so it’s my way of keeping in touch with them – via text, email, Facebook and Twitter. It’s also how I read most of my news, and the way I take lots of photos of our life.

4. If you had the ability to turn back time and change one thing what would it be?

I wouldn’t have wasted so much time at university on a relationship that really wasn’t worth it.

5. What was the last song you listened to? Do you like it?

It was something by Van Morrison, I can’t remember what. When we’re in the house we spend most of our time listening to a digital radio station called Radio Paradise. It’s a listener-supported station based in California, and it’s just non-stop music, most of which is brilliant. I would definitely recommend it.

6. Describe yourself in 5 words

Honest, complicated, emotional, passionate, loyal.

7. Do you have an embarrassing crush?

Too many to list! My friends have always loved that about me – whatever hideous crush they confess to I’ve always been able to make them feel better by telling them one of mine that’s even worse. The only one I’ll confess to at the moment is Simon Cowell.

8. What is the best present you’ve ever received?

Oh gosh, I am very lucky to have family and friends that know me well, so I always love my presents. They all have wonderful taste. I find it very hard to choose just one.. if you twisted my arm and forced me I’d probably say the beautiful jade necklace that my husband brought me back from Singapore very early on in our relationship. I never take it off.

9. What are you reading at the moment? Would you recommend it?

I’m reading Bring me the Head of Ryan Giggs by Rodge Glass. It’s the first item I’ve ever received to review on my blog, which is a bit exciting! I’m only a couple of chapters in, and so far I really like it. It’s a bit like Fever Pitch for Manchester United fans. For my sins, I am one of them.

10. What do you appreciate most about where you live?

Oof. That’s a big question, because I still feel very much in transition. We are lucky enough to live in a safe, quiet town, with great schools and nurseries, some nice wee shops and plenty of good parks for my son to run around in. But I don’t think this is where we’re going to live forever. I’d like a house with a garden, beside the sea, in a town with lots of street art and a good bookshop.