Anything You Are Glad to Say Goodbye to With the End of 2007?

I will miss 2007...it was a great year, but I am happy to have the worries of the first few months of my daughter's life in the past. Here's to a great 2008!


How Do You Feel About Christmas This Year?
I was looking forward to my daughter's first Christmas, but dreading the stress of rushing from place to place and trying to squeeze it all in. All in all it went better than I expected, but I also made sure we had Christmas morning in our own house, with just the three of us.

How do you feel about Christmas this year

Its strange to see that as we grow older the wonder of Christmas sort of leaves us. Christmas use to seem so magical when I was younger.. now I view it more as a time to spend with family and friends and let everyone know ow much we care about them. There isnt any kids under the age of 13 in my family right now so it seems like all they want is the present, and all the adults want is to spend time with them. =)




Favorite Wintertime Drink?
Anything warm! Right now I am having a coffee with pumpkin spice in it.. yum!

Favorite Wintertime Drink?

Hot chocolate, of all varieties. Yum!


How Do You De-Stress?
Relaxing at home with my family. Locking the world out.

How do you de-stress?

I didn't realize this was a de-stresser for me, until I found myself in a way better mood once I was done. I put in a Neil or Phil CD in the car and I blast my favorite songs.. SONG SUNG BLUE.. everybody knows one.... and then BAM I feel better

What Have You Forgotten Recently?
That I love to do crafts and that I love to see people when I give them some thing I made just for them.

What Have You Forgotten Recently?

I totally forgot it was my turn to post a random question! Haha, how is that for a cheap post?! My husband and I have also been playing "Guess Which Christmas Song Will Be Played First." It's as exciting as it sounds, believe me! We both pick a song and then whoever has the song that gets played first "wins." I keep forgetting which song I have picked. Good thing we are not playing for money.


Something You Have Been Meaning to Do...
I have some buttons I need to sew on my husband's pants. So I need to get some matching thread and get on that already.

Something you have been meaning to do..

I bought the paint for the guest/exercise room in the summer and its been sitting in the closet since. I would like to finish up the bedrooms and bathroom upstairs in the house.



Favorite Thanksgiving Food
I am not a big turkey fan either! My favorite things about Thanksgiving are: the eggnog, the deviled eggs and being with family and friends.

Favorite Thanksgiving Food

For the record, I am not a big turkey fan. And yes, I have had it deep fried and it still didn't do much for me. I am basically just in the meal for the side dishes, mainly green bean casserole and mashed potatoes. Yum!


Are You a Germ-a-Phobe?
Nope, I don't think so...I am more cautious now than I have been in the past, because I try to keep my daughter healthy. I am aware of what she touches, knowing that most everything will make contact with her mouth. I don't mind her getting a little sick, I just would prefer to prolong it until she is a little bigger and better able to handle it. We don't use antibacterial products, preferring instead to use nontoxic eco-friendly cleaners. I also am a little icked out by public rest rooms...I will use the seat covers if they are available, but don't bother with TP if they are not. I also have been known to use paper towels to avoid touching the icky handle on the way out. I am not scared of getting sick, but poop germs are icky!

Are you a Germ-a-phob?

No, probably not as much as I should be. I do wash my hands and keep myself clean but I dont wipe every surface every day. I actually ask this question because a friend of mine was in a hotel recently and used a plastic trash bad to cover the remote before using it. I would have never even thought there was tons of germs on the remote, but I am sure there is. In Vegas I did try not to touch alot of things and I did wash my hands alot more. The only time I tend to even think about germs is if I "see" them, as in a kid with a runny nose or sneezing.

Do You Believe in Love at First Sight?
No! I think there is chemistry at first sight, something that tells you hmm this person might be something, but I do not think that there is love at fist sight. I think the world likes to promote a fairy tale to people as if you look across the room and catch the eyes of someone and you know that's the person for you. I just don't believe its possible.

Do You Believe in Love at First Sight?

I would love to say yes, but I really only believe in lust at first sight. Certainly, you can fall in love with that person you first lust after, but sometimes some sexy looking people open their mouths and you are so sad that they aren't mutes.


What Movie Do You Want to See?
Hmmm...Dan in Real Life looks good. I loved Little Miss Sunshine. I like Steve Carell in dramadies. I am out of the loop for new movies, because we rarely go to theaters, preferring instead to rent them on Netflix. Get new releases, sent right to your home and watch them at your convenience, without the annoying teenagers and their talking/cell phone calls/climbing over you a million times. One of the best inventions.

Movie you want to see?

I really wan to see Dan in Real Life. For some reason that looks awesome to me. Of course Fred Claus has my man Vince in it, so thats also on my list right now.

Coffee Black?
Cant do coffee black, although I don't normally drink coffee - I am on a Chai Tea kick lately - with soy milk. Yum! On the occasion that I do have coffee I like the flavor creamers, no sugar, and decaff or regular is good.

Coffee Black?

Usually black and these days decaff. Less calories. I rarely drink it, but will have a cup occasionally. If I am going all out, I like some real cream, but I try to stay away from the scary chemical-y stuff...same with sugar, go real or go home. I am really more of a hot chocolate gal anyway...


Which Way for a Duvet Cover?
It has been a long time since I had my down comforter on my bed with the duvet, but I think I put the opening at the bottom. The opening was a flap that folded over the top and buttoned down, so the comforter wasn't slipping out. I think I put the opening at the end of the bed with the buttons on the underside.

Which way for a Duvet Cover

Do you use a Duvet cover for a comforter? I have one and I like for the buttons to be at the head of the bed. For some reason it seems upside down to me if the buttons are at the foot of the bed, as if maybe the comforter is going to slip out.



Toilet Paper - Over or Under?
Usually its whatever way it happens to come out of the closet and end up on the holder. I just try to remind myself to make sure to grab a new roll right when I notice the one is getting low. I am not picky about over or under.

Toilet Paper - Over or Under?

The end of the TP roll in my house is always over the top of the roll. Down the back makes no sense to me...so hard to reach if it is against the wall. Of course, in my house there is often the issue of making sure my dear husband replaces the roll when he uses the last piece, but that is another topic all together...


Favorite Vacation?
Being raised by a single mom didn't leave a lot of money left for vacations. We usually took lots of short trips, Cedar Point, Chicago, Museums, Kayaking, etc. We did take a vacation for a long weekend (4 days, I think) when I was just out of college...my mom, brother and I went to visit Michigan's Upper Peninsula. We hit all the sites, lighthouses, the Pictured Rocks and hiked between the upper and lower Tahquamenon Falls. It is one of my best family memories.

Favorite Vacation

I have two vacations that come to mind when I think of my favorite. Both were with my mother, myself, my aunt Kathy and my cuzzy Barb. For graduation we all went on a cruise for 7 days, and about 5 years ago we all went to Myrtle Beach for a week. Each of the vacations was fun and I have a lot of memories from them.


Hair Product/Styling?
Not usually. Typically I just wash and go. Sometimes I will flatiron my hair once its dried, but that's less and less since my new haircut. Typically sometime during the day I do end up tossing my hair up.

Hair Product/Styling?

Nope, au natural! Wash and go, baby. If I do style, it is to add some curls, but that usually happens less than once a year. And no product. My hair holds the curl without spray and other products weigh my fine hair down, making it flat.


Which of your five senses would you LEAST want to lose? Why?
Definitely taste. Losing any of them would suck, but I could live without enjoying food. Sight, Hearing, Touch and Smell are more important...and if you lose smell, you lose most of taste anyway.

Which of your five senses would you LEAST want to lose? Why?

I would say sight would be the sense I would least want to loose. If given the choice I wouldnt mind loosing taste, heck might be good for diet - wouldnt know how good Cheetos taste! I would still like to see the pretty orange color of the cheetos though.



How are you Green?
Admittedly I am not very Green. Does watching Getting Fresh with Sarah Snow count? There are a few little things I do.

• I do not subscribe to magazines and I reieve all my bills electronically.
• On the same hand I pay all my bills electronically.
• I dont water my grass so it doesnt need to be cut (that count??) =)
• I dont use areosole cans for anything
• I have an energy efficant thermostat which I utilize to conserve energy when I am not home.

How are you Green?

I selected this question in honor of October being Energy Awareness Month. We do try to be environmentally friendly. Having a kid really puts a face to the little people who will be inhabiting the Earth after we are gone. Right now here are some of the things we do:

• Drive fuel efficient cars (30-35 miles per gallon) and our next vehicles will hopefully be a hybrid/green versions
• Use cloth napkins and microfiber towels instead of paper
• All our most use lights have energy efficient bulbs
• Recycle some, but we should do more (we would be better if our city would start curb side recycling, right now they don't even have a good recycling center)
• Buy organic whenever possible...tastes better, healthier and so much better for the environment
• Use cloth grocery bags (Whole Foods sells them for ~$1 a piece and you get a $0.10 credit for each one you use every time you check out, so there is really no excuse for us)
• I did buy cloth diapers, but when I ended up having to work instead of stay at home, I couldn't attempt the extra laundry...maybe for the next one
• Use environmentally friendly cleaning products. I can't say enough good about Method products. They work great, smell good and are non-toxic, renewable and biodegradable. What more can I say?!
• Try to use glass over plastic. I am hooked on these Pyrex glass storage containers. They work great, never warp, stain or trap odors. Not sure why I didn't switch a long time ago.

I am sure there are some more, but these are the little things we try to do every day to make our planet a little better for all.



What smell brings a lot of memories for you?
Shalimar by Guerlain. That is the only perfume my mom will ever wear and she wears it every day. Her pillow always has a lingering scent to it and I can smell a slight whisper on my daughter after she has spent the day with her grammy. I even have vivid memories of the vintage bottle she always had on her dresser...so 70s!

What smells brings alot of memories for you?

My mom has always worn Opium perfume since before I was a twinkle in her eye. Every time I smell it I instantly think of her. I love driving her car, it always has a faint hint of her lingering. It's probably my most favorite smell, but I would never wear it since I reserve that smell for my ma.



Sleep Commando or PJs?
Well, not so much PJ's, but most defiantly NOT commando. Typically its t-shirt and undies. I don't like to sleep with something around my legs, or on my feet!

Sleep Commando or PJs?

PJs...what if there were a fire?! I even like a sports bra. I read that it is supposed to help keep the girls perky, but when I tried it, I actually just liked the support and keeping them "in place." So sometime PJs are just bra and undies. But I am usually more comfortable in "something."

What are your feelings about porn?
I am fine with porn amongst consenting adults. I would only personally have a problem with it if used in place of me or behind my back.

What are your feelings about Porn?

Porn doesn't bother me. I don't mind if someone I am with enjoys various types of porn as long as its not something that interferes with out relationship or something that I am excluded from. I personally think its fun upon occasion to enjoy porn with someone I am with, I like changing things up and making things fun. Of course, if it comes to the NEED for porn, then I am not okay with it.


What makes you sad right now?
There are a few things that make me sad right now. One is not having my family close by where I can just drive over for dinner or get a hug when I need one. The second is the lack of someone special to share my life with and to be a part of their life. I try to not let either of these bother me, I do appreciate my family more because they aren't close and I know if I never find that special person just for me, that I will be okay because heck - I am a kewl chick and Amy Rulz (even if I become the cat lady)!

What makes you sad right now?

My life is very good. I am sad if I think about my daughter struggling or being teased. And although I love the season, fall also makes me sad, as it hails the start of winter. Don't get me wrong, winter is lovely until about New Years and then I am longing for warm spring showers.


First Crush?
I think the first that I can remember was Elliot from the movie ET. I was about 5. You can do the math. I, of course, loved ET as well.

ET was followed by Michael J. Fox, Kirk Cameron, Fred Savage, the two Coreys, etc.

First crush?

Ok.. I LOVED Fred Savage when I was like 12. Wonder Years was good to me. I remember Fred being on magazines like Teen Beat and Heart Throb.


Are you registered to vote?
Yes, I am. We were granted extra credit in Government class in high school if we were old enough to register and proved we did. Although, I must admit I am not as up on the current state of political views as I would like to be at this point in my life.

Are you registered to vote?

Yes, I have voted in every presidential election since I turned 18. I am not good at voting for local issues (school boards, millages, etc.), but I do vote in the elections for state government.


If you could have dinner with any 3 people in the world, who would you invite?
George Lucas for my husband, so he could grill him on Star Wars. Barack Obama so we could talk to him about his plan to turn America around (and because I want to be excited about him, but just need to hear more about his policy). And Bono, just because I think he would start some great conversation with Obama regarding his humanitarian efforts and when we get bored of that talk, we could listen to him sing some of our favorite U2 songs.

If you could have dinner with any 3 people in the world, who would you invite?

Oprah, Phil Collins and Lauren Graham.
I would love to have dinner with these people! I would even really love it if Oprah would just do a show with Phil Collins or Lauren Graham!



What is your favorite pizza?
I think it depends on my mood. I am sorta hooked on Papa Romanos right now, they have a ranch crust which is the ranch seasoning packet on the crust - so good!

What is your favorite pizza?

There are really not a lot of "bad" pizzas in my book. How can you go wrong with cheese and your favorite toppings? I guess my favorite pizza is more of an "experience." There is a quaint little vacation town along the banks of Lake Michigan called Saugatuck. Saugatuck is home to Morro's Italian Restaurant. They have a delicious thin crust pizza and you can get any topping you could imagine. Seriously. Look at the list:

Sausage Pepperoni Ham Beef Bacon *Shrimp *Chicken

*Canadian Bacon Mushrooms Green Peppers Pepperoncini Peppers Onions Artichoke Hearts *Pine Nuts

Zucchini Black Olives Green Olives Fresh Garliv Jalepeno Peppers *Fresh Basil Broccoli

Spinach Pineapple Tomatoes Anchovy *Meatballs *Portabella Mushrooms *Roasted Red Peppers

*Gorgonzola Cheese *Feta Cheese *Fresh Mozzarella *Sun Dried Tomatoes

At this moment, what are you excited about?
The weekend! I am always excited about the weekend. It's the best part of the week. I am so sad on Sunday night when it is over.

At this moment, what are you excited about?

I am so excited about my new job. I love the challenges and opportunities its providing me! I am also extremely excited about Genesis in 4 days! Oh and my sister coming up in 2 days.

Favorite Season?
I would say fall. I love the leaves changing and the cooler weather moving in. I love sleeping with the windows open and smelling the crisp air.

Favorite Season?

Spring, it is always so hopeful. Everything is turning green and coming alive after the long winter. There is the promise of the summer to come. I love fall, but the nice days are too short and the shorter daylight hours are depressing. Winter and snow are really only nice through New Years and then I am done. I love summer, but spring temperatures are the best.

Does your bra always match your undies?
Nope, almost never. I have ivory or black bras. Always the same style from Victoria's Secret. It makes the girls happy. Underwear I am less picky about. Cotton is most comfy, in a variety of colors.

Does your Bra always match your Undies?..

Yes, always! Usually both are white for workdays.. although I do have "special" sets for "special" times. =)



Place in Your Home that Needs Reorganized



The office is very messy right now. I usually go thru the mail and pull out what I need and then toss the rest in the office to go through, cept I haven't gone through it.

I am really proud that I just finished my bedroom closets last weekend. Now they are both pretty and organized!

Place in Your Home that Needs Reorganized?

The nursery is a huge mess. Huge. My daughter's crib is in our room because we stupidly bought a house with a first floor master and I can't bear to have her sleep so far away from us. So this means she also has a drawer in our dresser that she lives out of and her nursery is a plethora of all the unused or no longer used junk that you accumulate when you have a child.


Favorite Comfort Food?
Ah, so hard. Comfort food is my weakness. I will take a good pile of mashed potatoes or a yummy casserole over dessert any day. I guess I would say my favorite comfort food might be macaroni and cheese. You know, the homemade kind with all the crispy cheese around the edge. Yum!

Favorite Comfort Food..

I know this is going to sound gross, but when we were sick or not feeling good my mom would make us soft boiled eggs. Ahhh sooo good. I only crave them when I am feeling icky, so even right now to me they sound kinda gross. =)



Best Fries?
Hmm, fast-food wise I would say McDonalds. However I did have J.Alexanders this week and their fries were da bomb! I like shoestring fries.. a little crunchy and not all oil soaked.

Best Fries?

McDonald's, all the way. I would get a Whopper from Burger King and McDonald's fries. I don't really eat either anymore, but that's the only way to go!


What does your desktop look like?
I never really see my desktop, because I always have something running...usually the internet. At work I have a picture of my daughter, but here is what my desktop on my laptop looks like:

What does your desktop look like?

My desktop is pretty clean. I do love this picture... better then the purple flower I had for years!

Favorite Birthday Cake?

I LOVE Costco's mouse filled cakes. So yummy! I usually like anything cream cheese type icing, and I am not too big on chocolate, so give me vanilla or confetti.

Favorite Birthday Cake?

I am not a huge dessert person. I used to really love pineapple upside down cake as a kid and had that for quite a few birthdays. Mmmm, lovely caramelized pineapple...

Now I would chose something more along the lines of a nice Godiva chocolate cheesecake...

How do you sleep?

90% of the time I sleep on my side...the rest of the time is on my back. I used to always sleep on my left side, but when I was pregnant her position made it impossible (even though that is the "preferred" side they would like you to sleep on while pregnant, due to arteries and whatnot). I also wanted to sleep on my back while pregnant, but that gets pretty impossible pretty quickly. Now I sleep on my back more than in the past and I am back to mainly my left side. I am going to have to remember to be photographed only on the right, since I will have the left side wrinkles. ;)

How do you sleep?

I usually am on my side with Kenya curled up next to me, but sometime through the night I turn onto my stomach and Kenya moves to my head on the pillow. I never sleep through the entire night without waking up atleast once. Usually to go potty, but sometimes I just wake up and watch t.v..



First Job?
Aside from babysitting (although I had a regular gig after school for 3 years for 2 girls), my first for real paycheck job was MacDonald's when I was 14. I remember Chris #1 worked at the Wendy's right next door and we use to coordinate our breaks and lunches together when we worked. I picked up an icky liking from working there. The squeeze mayonnaise (the kind in the caulking gun) tastes awesome on the chicken nuggets (and fries too).

First Job?

Aside from babysitting, my first "real" job was working at a bakery. I worked there for about a year in high school, after school and on the weekends. I worked with one of my good friends so it was fun. They called us "bakery girls" and wanted to get us T-shirts to that effect. We made good tips and had fun with the regulars. The downside was that it was smoky and cake donuts are really disgusting. They are all crispy when they are pulled from the fryer and then get soft when they sit and absorb the grease. Yuck. It took me many years to get over that trauma! Haha.


What is a guilty pleasure you wouldn't want everyone to know?
Well, I am not that guilty about much! Maybe that I sometimes enjoy lurking on the Trying to Conceive (TTC) boards on my pregnancy website. I love seeing people get their Big Fat Positives (BFP). It's the beginning of a great journey and some of the women have been TTC for so long and have tried so many different therapies. It is heartwarming to see them finally get the baby they have been trying so hard to have.

What is a guilty pleasure you wouldn't want everyone to know?

I LOVE Little House on the Prairie. I could watch many episodes back to back. Actually, thinking about it I wonder if there is a DVD box set....

What shoes do you regularly wear?
Hmm, I thought about and thought about.. I don't really have a pair I wear on a regular basis. I have about 4 pairs of sandal type things I wear usually right now, and then my new Fit-Flops I wear when I am going to walk around a lot. Although interesting enough I do not own a pair of brown shoes.

What shoes do you regularly wear?

These are the shoes I wear everyday. Ok, they are not glamorous or sexy, but they really make my feet happy. And frankly, my husband prefers me with my shoes off. ;-)





If you could send a letter that traveled back through time, what would you write to yourself?
Everything is temporary, nothing lasts forever. Enjoy every precious moment, because nothing in life is guaranteed. I would remind myself that time really does heal. And I would tell myself that things will be fine with my daughter.

If you could send a letter that traveled back through time, what would you write to yourself?

I would tell myself that everything always works out in the end, and that stressing and worrying about things doesn't help. I would say to always work towards your goals and to trust your instincts (even though I prolly wouldn't listen).

When was the last time you were sick?
Hmm, guess it depends on how you define"sick". 6/18 I had my first kidney stone, it kicked me down for two days. I kind of count that as sick, although not virus sick. Last time I was virus sick was a long time ago, I cant even recall. I do get flare ups of allergy and sinus pressure every now and then but not too bad.

When was the last time you were sick?

I was just thinking today that it has been a good long time (*knocking on wood*). I had a very small cold early in my pregnancy...lasted a day or two. I think that's it, so about a year or so. I am hoping I don't get sick and bring home germs to my daughter...that is one of my bigger worries right now. I know she won't make it the whole cold and flu season unscathed, but hopefully she rebounds quickly and without much trauma from any illness.


If you could pick up and do anything tomorrow what would you do?
I would love to have a nice long vacation with my family. Maybe see the leaves changing somewhere on the east coast.

If you could pick up and do anything tomorrow what would you do?

I would get in the car and go for a drive to Chicago and spend the night there and see sights and just have a nice short relaxing trip.

Something Fun You are Doing Today?
Today.. Last day of job I like, moving on to bigger and better things. After work, I am going to get my eye brows done, pick up my new kewl purple glasses, go to Target and get another closet organizer, and then when I get home – prolly start going thru my 2nd closet. Oh Oh and play with my new phone that should be waiting for me at my doorstep when I get home! Of course this is subject to change if someone calls and has something better to do. =)

Something Fun You are Doing Today?

Hmmm, I'm not sure, but we may venture out to the library and run some errands this afternoon. We might also take our 6 month pictures of the little one, depending on her mood. Is that only fun to me?


What item could you not live without?
I am going to have to vote on the internet/laptop as well. It gets the most use of anything I have. I read about current events, follow tons of blogs, post on a pregnancy/motherhood forum, upload pictures into online galleries and of course email friends and family. Every once in awhile the wireless craps out and it's not a pretty time around here.

What item could you not live without?

Computer/Cell phone with internet connection. I think it would be hard for me to be “disconnected” even for one day. I am on my email all the time, and constantly connected to the internet!


Favorite Book as a Small Child?
Hmm, this was a hard one for me, as I liked a lot – I didn’t really have one. However Curious George was always one of my favorites. I don’t know why, and it’s not like I think it was a super book – but I recall reading it several times over and over and over again.

Favorite Book as a Small Child?

Goodnight Moon. I can remember my mom reading it to me and now I read it to my daughter. Goodnight to the bowl of mush and little old lady whispering "hush."


Do you like your nails?
Yep. The are strong and grow quickly. I keep them short right now because it is easier with a 6 month old who is usually trying to wiggle her way "over there."

Do you like your nails?

I just started (about 4 weeks ago) making sure I had some sorta polish on my finger nails.. and man oh man, they have been growing like mad.. so I love them. Although I don’t wear dark or much color on my fingers, I always have polish on my toes. So yeah, I like my nails… pretty.


If you had to describe yourself as a child in one word, what would it be?
Different. By that I mean different then “normal”. I always did my own thing how I wanted to do it and now how others did it. I found what was best for me and went with it, and I didn’t care if it meant that I would stand out in some way. I love frogs, and that started in childhood.. what girl likes frogs? I loved Phil Collins (and what kid can say that), and Neil Diamond. I really loved listening to the Fiddler on the Roof record (even though I didn’t see it until about 24 when I rented it once). I was just kinda the person who did her own thing in life.

If you had to describe yourself as a child in one word, what would it be?

Confident. I remember feeling that I had the world at my feet. I could be whatever I wanted. I felt smart and pretty. I played with the boys, but did it wearing a skirt. I had my own opinions and ideas and no doubt that I would be happy and successful.


Is there any trait your mother has that you hope you also have?
There are some traits I am fighting against! But seriously, my mom is a tough old bird. She raised two kids on her own, working several jobs at a time, underneath debt she got stuck with when my father left. She's a very tough cookie and loved and supported us unconditionally. I hope my kids feel as loved as I did.

Is there any trait your mother has that you hope you also have?

As I was older, my mom always allowed me to make my own choices. She would tell me what she would do, or what she would think is best, but always let me decide for myself. I never really went against what she thought was the best thing. Guess I was a good girl =) So I hope that I cary her trait of trusting in her kids, and allowing them to make thier own mistakes (with in reason)



Something or Someone That You Miss
I miss my godmother Ann. She passed away when I was 19. Her and my mom were best friends in high school, and she couldn't have any children so when my mom baptized me, she did it with the name of AmyAnn. Ann was always there for me, encouraging me to reach for my dreams no mater how far out they seamed. Whenever I go through something that makes me feel like I am a better Amy, I think about her and how proud she would be. I miss her alot! I bet she would be so proud of who I am and what things are open in my life.

Something or Someone That You Miss

Growing up, there was an older woman, Kitty (Mary Catherine, so the Irish nickname is Kitty), who watched us before and after school and spent a lot of time with my mom, brother and me. She was more like a grandmother to me than my actual grandmothers. She died when I was in middle school. I saw a picture of her the other day, back at my brother's First Communion (back when I was Catholic). It made me so sad that she didn't live to meet my daughter or husband. I hope she would have liked the woman I have become. She always believed in and encouraged me. It meant so much during the turmoil of my parents' divorce. I miss her. I especially think of her every Christmas, as she gave me an antique lighted village. I hope to tell my daughter about her one Christmas as we set up the wondrous, snowy scene.



One thing that I can think about or look at that ALWAYS makes me smile?
So easy...my daughter. I mean I love my husband and smile about him often, but there are times when neither one of us brings a smile to the other's face. I mean, you always love each other, but you are not always thrilled with each other at any given moment. For instance, when the toilet seat is up. Sure, there are days when I just put it down and go on my way, but trust me, there are days where I can't do it even one more time. Luckily, I think of my baby and smile.

One that that you can think about or look at that ALWAYS makes you smile?

My family. Even though they are crazy and sometimes drive me nuts.. I can think about my mom and how shes always there for me and always has a hug for me when I need it. Sometimes too, I think about my life and where I am today and that makes me smile. OH oh and like below, thinkig about Kenya purring.


Favorite Thing To Do on a Rainy Day?
Think I have to agree with ya on this one, with a slight variation. I like to curl up with my kitties and take a nap. One of the best things in the world to me is Kenya on my pillow purrrrring me to sleep! I love for it to be on the chiller side, so nice cool rainy days are sooo nice!

Favorite Thing To Do on a Rainy Day?

Read a book. Curl up with my husband and baby and take a nice long nap. I love rainy fall days. If the day is a little chilly, all the better for a nice fluffy comforter and a hot beverage.


Something that bothers you that others do?
Assume they know best about my life. I don't need parenting advice, religious advice or any general advice on life...especially since I don't recall asking your opinion. I really do know best and if I am making a mistake, it is my mistake...don't worry, I won't blame you.

Something that bothers you that others do?

Today, I would say Judging other people. If you don’t know someone’s situation or the facts behind their life’s, then shut-up! If your lacking things to talk about then ask me about the weather or my cats. If you want to pass judgment on someone, do it on yourself, because I am sure you’re not perfect. No one person should pass judgment on anyone else, and if you would to spend your time doing that then please don’t do it near me. (wow that was harsh huh? – you know who I b’z talking about here K =)



What was the Last Lie You Told?
Hmm.. I told Jeff I was everything was “Okay” when he asked after I was obviously peeved off. Everything was NOT okay. Walking in front of me and leaving me behind while you pay for just yourself to get into a club is rude. I need to learn to speak my mind, rather than be passive about things that bother me.

What was the Last Lie You Told?

Hmmm, I am not sure. I don't lie very often...honestly! I told my mother-in-law that I was happy to help her when she called this past weekend and couldn't figure out how to use the Amazon gift certificate that we sent her for her birthday in April. Apparently, she has been trying all this time. She didn't know what number to use or something. I told her to forward me the email, as I didn't have the Amazon emailed gift certificate format memorized (duh) and she couldn't figure that out either. She said we could help her the next time we visited. Needless to say, I was not happy to spend 20 minutes on the phone with her this past weekend and won't be happy to help her when I see her next. I am a good wife.


Most Annoying Habit?
I am terribly impatient. With everything. I want everything to work out as I want it to and to work out right NOW. I will be cursing about your rudeness if you dare show up late to an appointment without a good excuse (this will not usually happen to your face, unless it is a serious violation). My time is as valuable as yours. I will also drive my husband nuts, making sure we get to places on time (preferably a few minutes early). Poor guy. We will leave in more than enough time and I will still worry about unforeseeable events making us late.

Most annoying habit?

People say its that I have a need to be right. I think my need to be right is for people to see the actual facts and to agree off the facts ;) Its not that I ALWAYS right.. just usually =)


Boxers or Briefs?
Hmm, I think it depends on the guy. Most times I guess I like the mix boxer briefs (like the Tommy ones).. meow. Tidy whitties don’t do much for me, but then again who cares once they are off!

Boxers or Briefs?

Anything except tighty whities...and banana hammocks...and commando. So basically boxers or boxer briefs.


What is on your bedside table?
Cherry Chapstick
Alarm Clock (Radio/CD player)
Lamp
Baby Wipes and Folded up Changing Pad

Yep, I am a mom.

What is on your bedside table?

There is ALWAYS Chap stick – Blistex in the Blue tube.
Books: Right now – Memory Keepers Daughter (almost done) and The Truth about Love
Candle: Bath and Body Works Eucalyptus – its calming and relaxing next to the bed
Light: Small lamp – silver with black shade




Are You Happy with the Life You Have?
I am happy with the life I have, even though right now it’s going through major changes and taking me outside of my comfy box I normally like. I think for the most part you make the choices in your life, and granted sometimes the choice isn’t yours to make - but how you handle things is your choice. I have made some crappy choices along the way, but I think we all do. I learned and moved on from them and I think it helps make me the person I am today. I can say this isn’t where I thought I would be at 30. I thought by now I would be married, have my CPA license and be set in my career. I also never thought I would live 500+ miles away from my family. The most important thing for me is to be able to say I am Happy.. and yes right now I am happy. I am moving on to a great opportunity for my career, and while it scary and uneasy for me, I am excited and happy that I even have this chance. Even though my family is far away, I am still close with them and see them often. I have friends, especially Karly, who love me and are always there to encourage and support me no matter what. Life is good!

Are You Happy with the Life You Have?

Yes, I am at a place where I can say I am very happy with life. I am married to my best friend and have a wonderful daughter. Life is good. Not always fair or easy and often messy, but good.

Amy's Idea

I have a blog for my family and I am always trying to convince Amy that she should blog. She's a fun, single gal and I tried to convince her that she will want to remember these times...this from a boring married gal. Amy was not convinced. She does, however, have lots of suggestions for things for me to blog about. One of them was to answer random questions on a regular basis. She probably didn't imagine that she would be dragged into it. Here you go, Aim!