Elaine Vail is the managing editor here at Nonahood News. She is Nicole and Van’s favorite person ever (sorry, Rhys!). From her incredible kindness and her hysterical laugh to her ability to keep the rest of the staff organized, Elaine always defies expectations and handles every situation with grace and poise. We are incredibly lucky to have her.

What brought you to the Nonahood?

Hubby got recruited for a job at Orlando Health, so we packed up 20 years worth of crap in Indy and left the only family and friends we’ve ever known and started over. We moved here in August 2015. It was so dang hot, we wondered what we’d gotten ourselves into!

Where are you from originally?

Most recently, from Indianapolis, Indiana. I was a Navy brat, so I’ve lived in New York, Virginia, and South Carolina before settling in Indy. I only remember Norfolk, Virginia, though.

What’s your favorite hobby?

I love music. My degree is actually in music education, but I stopped teaching many years ago to be a stay-at-home mom. I miss playing the flute and percussion and hope to join a community band or orchestra someday.

I love to read self-help/self-improvement books, but I’m a slow reader, so I don’t read a lot because I always feel like I should be working on something else.

Probably my favorite thing to do since moving to Florida is sitting on the beach with my family, just chillin’, no agenda.

What’s your biggest dream?

Honestly, I’m already living my dream. I have an amazing family who I love spending every minute with, I live where people spend years saving to go on vacation, and I have the coolest job in the world working with the best team of people I could ever hope for. This might sound really strange, but I’ve always wanted to be an editor. Seriously, living the dream, people! Moving here has been one of the best things that has ever happened in my life.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hmmm – I’ll be 52 (OH MY GOSH, that sounds SO OLD). I hope to be continuing to live my dream in Florida, spending more time on the beach, and loving my job at NHN. By then, hubby and I will be empty nesters, so that’ll be new…um, I don’t like this question.

What are you most excited about in Lake Nona?

I LOVE the people here. Seriously, I have never in my life met a more close-knit community of people who care about each other, enjoy being together, and help each other out. I love the choice of restaurants – always something good to eat here. I love the innovation and the diversity and being in the center of so much exciting growth. And it’s just beautiful here!

Who’s your biggest inspiration?

My kids, Vicky and Bridget. They inspire me to be better, work harder and never give up. Hubby, too. Aaron really is my hero. I don’t know what I’d do without him. Except when his snoring keeps me awake…

What’s your favorite book?

The Peacegiver by James Ferrell.

What’s something you’ve done that scared you the most or brought you out of your comfort zone?

Leaving everything and everyone behind I’d known my whole adult life and moving to Florida.

Describe one of your most memorable experiences.

Leaving everything and everyone behind I’d known my whole adult life and moving to Florida.

Rapid Fire Questions

Extrovert or Introvert?

What’s that in-between one? Ambivert. Depends on the situation and who I’m with.

Indoors or Outdoors?

Halfway – I love sitting on my covered back porch when it storms, love sunsets, love plants and animals, but mostly from the comfort of my lanai. (I had to ask Rhys how to spell that fancy Floridian word for back porch.)

Sun or Snow?

Snow is breathtakingly beautiful, but I HATE driving in it, and I hate being cold. I LOVE THE SUN.

Dogs or Cats?

I have two rescue kitties. I would love to have dogs because I love their personalities, but they need to learn to bathe themselves and use a litter box first.

Vans or Converse?

Sandals.

Coffee or Tea?

Ice water.

Adventurous or Laid Back?

I wish I were adventurous, but I’m not. I love to try new things, but I am not much of a risk-taker. I’ve definitely opened up more since moving here, though. I don’t think I’m laid back, either. I have high expectations and an obsessive personality.

Canon, Nikon or Sony?

I’m sorry, I don’t know. Am I fired?