30 Under 40
Published 10:09 am Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Editor’s note: Today in the paper is our annual 30 Under 40 special section, but we also feature online some other talented young folks. Happy reading. For more on the “preferred items,” see the bottom of the page. Pick up a copy to read about all 30.
Emily Honsey
Age: 23
Family: husband, Brian; pet miniature dachshund, Bentley; parents Dan and Cindy Bodensteiner; brother, Jeffrey
City: Albert Lea
Livelihood: in-home child care provider, market manager, Albert Lea Farmers Market
What is your favorite quotation and who said it?
“You’ve got to dance like there’s nobody watching, love like you’ll never be hurt, sing like there’s nobody listening and live like it’s heaven on earth.” — William W. Purkey
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
I would like to have the ability to help others by being able to heal injury or disease just by touching them.
What would you eat if you could have only one kind of food for the rest of your life?
Fajitas. I love all Mexican food!
What is your favorite latest technological gadget?
My smartphone, because it is so handy and seems like I can use it to do almost anything I need to do.
What was the most challenging aspect of your childhood?
Nothing comes to mind. My memories of my childhood were great.
What turn of events brought you to the Albert Lea area?
I have lived in Albert Lea my whole life, went away to college in St. Paul, met my husband and moved back here to start our life together.
What song is your song?
“I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack. The lyrics of the song are so inspirational.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
I see myself living out my passion of working with kids in my home day care and also by having several children with my husband to make our little family grow. Most importantly, I hope to be happy with whatever I am doing.
What is your favorite Kool-Aid flavor?
Strawberry.
Preferred items:
Hotel
Wine
Coke products
Macintosh
Imports
Rolling Stones
City living
Toni Watt
Age: 30
Family: husband, Blair; son, Odin
City: Albert Lea
Livelihood: optometrist, ShopKo Eyecare Center,
Albert Lea
What is your favorite quotation?
“Watch your thoughts, they become words. Watch your words, they become actions. Watch your actions, they become habits. Watch your habits, they become your character. Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.” — Mahatma Gandhi
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Telepathy or invisibility.
What would you eat if you could have only one kind of food for the rest of your life?
Pasta with chicken!
What is your favorite latest technological gadget and why?
My iPhone because I can use it at home, at work, working out, at church, traveling and the list goes on.
What was the most challenging aspect of your childhood?
Working in the family business starting at age 9, but it was a great blessing to learn a good work ethic and know how to work hard for the things I wanted.
What turn of events brought you to the Albert Lea area?
I could not find a satisfactory job in the Portland, Ore., area so we moved here.
What song is your song?
It depends …
“Fur Elise” by Beethoven, to relax.
“Breaking the Habit” by Linkin Park, to work out.
“Rolling in the Deep” by Adele, to be feisty.
“I’ll be your Lover” by Van Morrison, to be sentimental.
Anything by U2 to rock out.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
With three kids, a big dog, a busy husband and working as an eye doctor.
What is your favorite Kool-Aid flavor?
Anything red.
Preferred items:
Camping
Orange juice
Pepsi products
Macintosh
Imports
Beatles
Suburban living
Erin Lowe
Age: 30
Family: husband, Chris; son, Isaac
City: Albert Lea
Livelihood: family-based service provider
Workplace: Freeborn County Department of Human Services
What is your favorite quotation?
“Carpe diem” — Phrase from a Latin poem by Horace
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
I already have super powers; I’m a working mom. The fact that I get everything done in a day is just that — a super power.
What would you eat if you could have only one kind of food for the rest of your life?
Milk but some cookies to go with would be nice.
What is your favorite latest technological gadget?
My smartphone. I’m spoiled with the instant access to information. It sure is handy when you’ve been waiting over an hour with a toddler. Thank you, Netflix, for having “Super Why.”
What was the most challenging aspect of your childhood?
I have a twin sister who I love dearly but sometimes people forget that we were two different individuals. It was often Megan and Erin.
What turn of events brought you to the Albert Lea area?
I was born and raised in Albert Lea. I met my husband in high school. We went to Fargo for college. When we were done with school and married, we moved back to raise our family here.
What song is your song?
“I’ve Always Loved You” by Third Day. I used to sing it to Isaac before he was born. I still sing it to him often.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
Raising a slightly older family here in Albert Lea. I think it’s a wonderful place to raise a family.
What is your favorite Kool-Aid flavor?
Purplesaurus rex.
Preferred items:
Hotel
Wine
Coke products
PC
Chrysler Group
Beatles
Suburban living
We asked them to select:
• Camping, hotel or bed & breakfasts?
• Beer, wine, coffee or orange juice?
• Coke products or Pepsi products?
• PC or Macintosh?
• General Motors, Ford, Chrysler or Imports?
• Beatles or Rolling Stones?
• City, country or suburban living?
• Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest?
