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!