Jennifer Condas
1. What does a typical day for Jennifer look like?
My day starts around 5 a.m. I workout every day by either taking a Pure Barre or a spin class. I like to exercise if I can, first thing in the morning. I then pack lunches, take my girls to school and then I hunker down at home or in the library to read/research/write - I am getting my master's degree in U.S. History at UC Irvine. If I have a charity meeting or luncheon, I try my best to attend, but I miss many events because of my workload for school. In the afternoon, I pick up my girls and drive them to all their activities, I walk the dog, and then at night I try to get dinner together, make sure the girls are settled, and then it's back to writing/reading/researching until the wee hours. I catch up on emails and Facebook when I need a break.
2. What’s your most prized possession?
My girls' baby books without question.
3. Favorite drink?
Decaf lattes all day long from Starbucks or Peet's; I am not a big drinker but I like an occasional glass of Champagne or a glass of red wine, like a syrah or pinot.
4. What's next on your "to do" list?
This summer, I plan to submit an article to an art historical journal about women and modernism in the early 20th century. I will also continue my work on a book about Abby Aldrich Rockefeller and the important role she played at the Museum of Modern Art. Oh, yes...and start playing some more golf!
5. Fantasy purchase?
A glorious apartment overlooking Central Park - 5th Avenue would be nice!
6. What can’t you live without?
My family.
7. You are so fashionable, who are some of your favorite designers and why?
I absolutely love, love, love Diane Von Furstenberg. I probably have 25 of her wrap dresses. They are so easy to wear and they pack very well for travelling. Versace, Cavalli and Gucci are all favorites and I recently started collecting Lanvin jewelry.
8. Biggest regret?
Oh, boy...that's a long list! I guess the biggest is not getting my degree when I was younger. Going back to school later in life is not an easy endeavor; working on a master's is even tougher. It's humbling being surrounded by brilliant young minds at UCI. I just keep telling myself...I am almost done!
9. Cause that you’re most interested/involved in?
I am completely devoted to finding a cure for Type 1 diabetes. I have had the pleasure of serving two terms now on the Board for JDRF and co-founded The Dream Guild, the women's support group for JDRF. I know we are closer than ever to finding a cure.
10. Your dream day in Orange County?
A long, quiet, spa/pool day all by myself at The Montage. Plus, spending the night there - I love that resort.
11. Favorite place for breakfast?
My house - we make yummy scrambled eggs with tarragon!
12. What was the best day of your life?
The day my twin girls were born.
13. Last concert that you went to?
Okay, no judging - Britney in Las Vegas! Before that, the Rolling Stones.
14. Favorite vacation spot?
I like cities - New York and London.
15. If you had to live somewhere else, where would you like to move?
New York City.
16. Favorite books?
Some favorites lately are The Canal Builders by Julie Greene about the Panama Canal, and Drew Gilpin Faust's This Republic of Suffering - Death and the American Civil War. I read those for school but for a book club I am in we read Unbroken a few years ago, which I loved.
17. Favorite restaurants in Orange County?
Napa Rose, Il Barone and Marche Moderne.
18. Biggest accomplishment?
Marrying a man who is smart, steadfast, loyal and supportive. I'm lucky.
19. What’s your biggest fear?
Have to say I am not a big fan of public speaking.
20. Secret most people don’t know about you?
Hmmm...well, I can't see two feet in front of me without my contact lenses or glasses. I have had horrid vision since childhood!
