20 (or so) questions on how Sarah (@apfelbee) works

This series of posts was inspired by Lifehacker’s How I Work series, which I’ve been reading for quite some time and thoroughly enjoy. It’s about time we discover how our colleagues work and get to know them a little better.

If you want to participate in this fun series, send us an email at info@linguagreca.com so we can send you the Word template where you can fill in your answers and your bio (incl. your site/blog/social media links) and then send it back to us as an attachment along with your photo (optional but preferred). If you don’t like any of the questions, just delete them and add your own. You can read the previous interviews here.

Location: Derbyshire, England
Desired location: Derbyshire – except with a tropical beach magically on my doorstep
Current work title: German to English translator at Sarah Appleby Translation
Desired work title: I could call myself owner/founder but translating is what I love to do!
Languages you have studied or currently speak: English (mother tongue); German, of course; a smattering of French, Italian, Spanish, and British Sign Language. I used to understand some Latin and Ancient Greek, too. Russian defeated me so I should probably try it again sometime.
The project you’re most proud of: Translating, editing, and proofreading all sections of a magazine-style annual report – single-handedly. This was for a direct client when I first started freelancing. I’m still pleased with the finished product but now I’d involve a colleague at the editing stage and/or on the first proof to really maximize quality (client confidentiality permitting, of course).
Your current computer setup: Two PC laptops and just upgraded to a 27-inch monitor with portrait mode.
Do you own a smartphone? Absolutely, it’s a crucial piece of kit. I’ve owned a succession of Windows smartphones over the years but now enjoy the fabulous, multi-purpose Galaxy Note II. The wordsmith in me likes the S-Pen and it doesn’t make sense to me to carry a tablet and separate phone around.
Favorite time of the day: About 10am for “zweites Frühstück” (second breakfast). My brain functions better if I snack.
Favorite gadget (apart from computer & smartphone): The electric kettle (not exactly cutting-edge but tea breaks are essential).
Next conference/event you’re planning to attend: Language Show Live in London
How many hours per day do you usually work: 8-9 including breaks. I have worked crazy hours when necessary but aim for more balance in my life these days.
Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Introvert (quiet but friendly)
Are you an early-riser or a night-owl? In the middle. I try to be at my desk by around 8 for my European clients so that’s not super-compatible with burning the midnight oil.
What do you listen to while you work? Birdsong and traffic. I prefer peace and quiet to translate efficiently.

And a few non-work related questions to get more personal 🙂

Next city/country you want to visit: Hamburg, Germany
Favorite vacation place: Deutsche Weinstrasse
Favorite book: One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez
Favorite song: Islands in the Stream by Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers or anything by Metallica
What are you currently reading? Der Schimmelreiter by Theodor Storm

Author bio

Sarah Appleby provides German to English language services and specializes in corporate and product communications, plus technology marketing. Ambition: to own one of the luxury cars she gets to write about.
www.sarahappleby.net
Now blogging at http://sarahapplebytranslation.wordpress.com/
Twitter: @apfelbee