Showing posts with label about me. Show all posts
Showing posts with label about me. Show all posts

1.04.2014

A New Year, A New Resolution...

Did you know only 8% of people are successful in keeping their New Year's resolutions?

I have always been fairly flippant when it comes to making New Year resolutions. It wasn't until December 31st at 11:59pm that I realized all that I had been saying I would do before the end of 2013... never quite got done.  It is with that sad realization I can admit that I am part of the 92% of the population who make and can't or don't keep their resolutions.

Like many people who view the new year as a chance to "wipe the slate clean" and begin anew, I too have decided to join in on the cliche festivities and set a few over-motivated resolutions to better myself and my way of living.  Who knows, maybe next year I will proudly say I have defied the odds and become part of the 8%!  I have a handful of resolutions this year, some of which are below: 
  • Save more, spend less money
  • Work hard...ish
  • Exercise... or at least start parking farther away from the mall entrance
  • Don't get pregnant. Seriously, Lauren, just DON'T.
  • Reach out to family and friends more frequently
  • ...get more friends...
  • Eat more fruits and veggies (fruit-flavored candies and butter-smothered veggies don't count!)
  • Read some good books
  • Keep up-to-date on my blog

While each one is seemingly noble and/or necessary in some way, the last resolution is easy and painless... unlike exercising and saving money will be.  Truth be told, I've always liked the idea of blogging, but when it comes down to doing it, I rarely finish a post.  I all too often sit down to write and half-way through think "no one cares, Lauren" and close the window.  Maybe it is because I feel no one outside of my family would care to read my blog, or maybe because I realize I'm not as exciting or interesting as I initially thought.

Just when I thought my blog was going down the same tragic path as my MySpace page and AIM account, my grade-school (does anyone say "grade-school" anymore?!) friend, Alexa, posted to Facebook that she has begun to satisfy her need to "do something and create" by blogging.  How inspiring!  It was nice to hear that I can possibly satisfy those very natural needs all while laying in bed in my pajamas with my cat!  Since I've never been stellar at "creating" delicious recipes and am certainly not motivated very often to get off my butt and "do something" that involves physical activity, I've decided to attempt to blog as often as I can, no matter how insignificant or pointless the posts may be.

Why?!

Because it is truly fun!  I like to talk about myself and what is going on in my life.  I like to entertain and educate.  I like to brag and boast.  I like to complain and carp.  I like to ponder and pick apart.  I like to woo and wow.
Okay, that's enough alliterations...
Simply put: I enjoy the convenience of talking about myself and sharing my thoughts to others while we both sit in the comfort of our own homes without any make-up on.

If you are not a member of my family and are simply reading this to pass the time or to get to know me better, bless your heart... and thank you!  Here is just a snippet of what you can expect to read/learn about in my posts:

  • Matt and Marnie, my adorable little family
  • The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
  • Books I am reading/book reviews
  • Clothes/shopping (I love style blogs)
  • My career as a drug rep
  • Product reviews
  • Things I've discovered on/tried from Pinterest 
  • Vacations, excursions, adventures
  • Everyday grumblings and other odds and ends...

 Thanks for enduring this resolution with me!

Happy 2014, everybody!
May the resolution odds be ever in your favor!

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A big motivating factor for this particular resolution was/is my brother-in-law David (hi, David!).  Practically every time I see him, he mentions my lack of posting in a friendly, yet suggestive way.  I understand the importance for David and the rest of Matt's family (who currently live in Utah, Nebraska, and Colorado) to keep up-to-date with what is going on out here in Pennsylvania.  Thank you, David, for politely getting on my case about my blog...

And thank you, Alexa, for giving me the eye-opening motivation I needed to understand the importance of the need/reason to blog and create!
P.S. Sorry to hear about your tailbone...

6.12.2012

If You Have Nothing Better To Do...

The weather today is gray and rainy (similar to my mood), so I felt the need to spend my downtime filling out another pointless survey that will probably have you guys wanting to throw a book at my head.  I feel as if I am reverting back to my old MySpace days...

Are you young at heart, or an old soul?
Hmm… I’m going to take the easy way out and say I am an appropriate mixture of both.
 
What makes someone a best friend?
 I have to feel comfortable with the person and be able to trust them completely.
Not having feelings of judgment or being judged is important as well.
It helps to have common beliefs and interests, but not always necessary.
Unconditional support is essential.

What Christmas present do you remember the most?
 I'm starting to forget what I even got at last year's Christmas!
I guess we will go with my Tim Tebow jersey or Tim Tebow FatHead...

Tell me about a movie/song/tv show/play/book that has changed your life.
Click above to learn more about it.
I honestly cannot put into a concise amount of words how true the BoM is or how it has changed my life... I would be typing for days!

Name one physical feature that you like about yourself and one you dislike.
Like - teeth
Dislike - definitely da boobs...

Would you like to reconnect with any friends you’ve lost contact with?
 There are a select few, maybe two or three?  
All of the others, I hate to say it but... I can do without.

What’s more important in a relationship: physical attraction or emotional connection?
 Obviously both are uber important in a romantic relationship!
But for simple friendship, I'd say an emotional connection.

Name a movie that you knew would be terrible just from reading the title.
 Nothing is coming to me off the top of my head, but most Will Ferrel movies are awful.
(ex: Semi-Pro, Anchorman, Talladega Nights)
They have some classic quotes, but are horrible movies.

What holiday do you most look forward to?
 A given is always Christmas, but Halloween is just spectacular, in my opinion.

How is the relationship between you and your parents?
 I think I answered this same question or a similar one a few posts ago...

You’ve got the TV on, but you’re not really watching. What channel is the TV on?
 I almost always have TLC on as background noise.
I'll occasionally jump in and watch a show.

Name a song that never fails to make you happy.
 Hey, Soul Sister by Train is pretty happy.

You know at least one person named Michael. Tell me about him.
 Wow, what a chump...
just kidding.

Have you ever read the “missed connections” on Craigslist? Have you ever posted one, or wanted to?
 I've never posted one or wanted to, but I have seem them.
Some of them are creepy and embarrassing, but others seem sincere.

If you could pick anywhere to live the rest of your life, where would it be?
 Somewhere on the beach
I think I answered that in a previous post too...

Can money buy happiness?
 No, but it can buy candy... and that's kind of the same thing.
Haha just kidding!
I don't think money should be the source of your happiness, but it is nice to have and provide with.

Do you drink? Smoke? Do drugs? Why, or why not?
 Absolutely not.
There was a period when I thought those things were acceptable, whether I did them or not, but now I have a very strong conviction and testimony of the importance of NOT partaking in drinking, smoking, or drugs.

Is there anyone close to you that you know you can’t trust? You don’t have to give names.
 Sadly enough, there are members of my extended family who I don't consider trustworthy.

Where was your favorite place to go when you were a little kid?
 Probably to an amusement or theme park, such as Knobels or Sesame Place.
Or to my grandparents' houses.

Have you ever spent a night in the hospital?
 Yes.  Most recently the night before Matt and I's first date.

Do you enjoy being with only one or two friends, or with a large group of people?
 Only one or two, preferably just one.

Do you like the type of music your parents listen to?
Do your parents like the type of music you listen to?
 Yes and yes.
I mostly listen to country and pop, and so do they.

Have you ever been bullied?
Have you ever bullied anyone else?
 I'm sure the answer is "yes" to both questions, but no explicit examples are coming to my mind.

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
 Oh my gosh, don't make me choose...

If your partner wanted to wait until marriage before having sex, would you stay in that relationship?
 Absolutely.

Do you believe in God?
Absolutely.

Of all the social networks in the world, why use Facebook?
 I'm not really sure anymore.
I've considered deleting it many times.
I guess it has it's purpose in allowing me to stay in contact with those who I want to stay in contact with.

What’s your favorite Pinterest category to browse?
 "Wedding and Events" or "DIY"

Would you call yourself/your family “middle class?”
 Sure

Name a TV series you didn’t enjoy until after it ended.
 Will and Grace
It wasn't that I didn't enjoy it while it was on the air, I just didn't watch it that often

Have you ever bought a product from an infomercial?
 Not directly off the infomercial itself, but I have tried "As Seen on TV" items.

If you could give up your car and never have to drive again, would you?
Um... no.

If you go back to one point in time to give advice to yourself, when would you go and what would you say?
 I'd probably go back to my freshman year of college and reassure myself everything will be alright and just keep breathing.

What’s your “quirkiest” habit?
 I HAVE to wear earplugs when I sleep?
Is that quirky enough?

What is “normal?” Are you normal?
 "Normal" is relative, but according to MY interpretation, yes I am.

Someone close to you is dying. You have the choice to let this person live for 10 more years, but if you do, you cause the death of 10 strangers. You don’t have to see them die. Do you take the offer?
 Iiiiiiiiiii'm going to be a bit of a jerk here and save my loved one.
Oops.

What is one thing you could never forgive?
 Infidelity

Would you rather be in a relationship after the "honeymoon" period ends, or be single?
 In a relationship after the "honeymoon" period

Is it possible for guys and girls to be just friends?
 Sure

Where do you and your friends go to hang out?
 Somewhere with food.
Always with food.

Write the first paragraph of your obituary.
 No. No, thank you.

What is the best TV theme song ever?
 The Golden Girls - so catchy!

When you were young, what would you dream you would be when you grew up?
 Veterinarian

When you’re alone in your own home, do you walk around naked?
 No. I'm usually in yoga pants/leggings and a sports bra

What gets you out of bed in the morning?
 Nothing short of a natural disaster...
or chocolate.

Do you want to have more friends than you have right now?
 I guess?
I mean, I feel pretty content.

What part of the past year sticks out in your mind?
 Matt.
I think that pretty much sums it up haha

You win a scratch-off lottery game that gives you $2000 a week (after taxes) for the rest of your life.
Do you keep your job?
 Probably not
Well, maybe.
I would continue working part-time at VS, for sure.

Could you be in a long-distance relationship?
 Well, I guess you could say Matt and I are in one right now...
it. STINKS.

What’s the best route to your heart?
 Accept me
Open up to me
Trust me

Have you ever met someone through the internet, then met them in real life?
 Yes! Melissa! She is awesome!

What is your favorite sport?
Wrestling

What has been troubling you lately?
 Matt being so far away

Did you enjoy your high school prom? 
I'm pretty sure I enjoyed them all?

What do you use more often: your intuition or logical reasoning?
 I'm not a very logical person, but can employ that quality when need arises.
I'd go with intuition

Do you know what makes you happy?
 Yes

Tell me about the last book you read.
 I'm currently reading The Time-Traveler's Wife.
It is kind of confusing, but a decent read.
Like I said in my previous post, I am a critical reader...

What is the nicest compliment you’ve ever been given?
 I've received many nice compliments.
My brain is mush right now and I cannot think of any, sorry.

Who was your first crush?
His name was Blaze
(I kid you not. Awesome name, huh?)
and it was in kindergarten.

Do you believe that there is life on other planets?
 I don't think there are the green guys with big heads floating around out there, but I know is life in the form of bacteria or plant life.

Predict what your life will look like a year from now.
 These questions are exhausting...

Often, people will ask how your last relationship ended. I want to know how it began.
 It doesn't matter.
The only one that matters is the one I am in now.

Where is your favorite place to go out and eat?
 Olive Garden or Chili's

What is something you want to change about your current situation?
 The distance between Matt and myself

Early bird or night owl?
 Night owl
If you have had the pleasure of seeing me early in the morning, bless your heart...

Are there any childhood possessions you still hold on to?
 Hope

Give me an unpopular opinion you have.
 Lady Gaga is weird.
Not an "artist", not an "icon"... just WEIRD.

What was the last song that was stuck in your head?
 Great... now its a Lady Gaga song...

Where do you live? Be as general or specific as you want.
 On Earth
In North America
In the United States
In Pennsylvania
In the middle of it
Between a corn field and cow pasture.

Do you believe in giving kids medals and trophies for participation?
 Sure do.
I also believe in giving them medals and trophies for winning, not losing.
Never hurt me or my brother as a kid, but now everyone is so sensitive...
I'm sorry, but when my kids play youth wrestling, baseball, football whatever... I am keeping score whether the other "socially correct" moms like it or not!

What was the longest car ride you’ve ever taken?
 The 12-hour trek to St. Louis in March of this year

Have you ever taken part in a protest?
 No

Would you ever use an online dating service?
 Nope. No need to now anyway!

What is your ethnic heritage?
 I'm 100% mutt - mostly German and Greek.

Describe a person that inspires you.
 I'm losing focus on answering these questions...

If you earn minimum wage doing what you love, would you?
 Whaddup, Victoria's Secret?!

Do you believe in luck?
 Not particularly.
I do refer to myself as "lucky" or having "bad luck," but I really know that luck has nothing to do with it.

Describe the last time you were very angry at someone.
 No thank you

Do you want to live until you’re 100?
 As long as I have Matt with me the entire step of the way

Do people change?
 Yes, people "change," but I see it more as a maturation process rather than a complete 180.

Have you ever risked a friendship by telling someone you liked them?
 Why do guys use the bathroom, turn the bathroom fan on, and then leave it on for 4 days afterward?!

Would you rather be alone doing something you enjoy, or doing something you don’t like with your best friends?
 I'm sure the company with friends would help, but I'd rather be alone doing something I enjoy.

Do you practice what you preach?
 I try to

If you take precautions to stay safe, do you ultimately act more recklessly?
 Stay safe, for sure.

What do you value more in a significant other: Attractiveness or intelligence?
 Intelligence since very few people are intelligent these days...

Are you hard-headed?
VERY.

Have you ever laughed uncontrollably when it was socially inappropriate?
Yes. All the time.
It seems 90% of my laughing occurs at socially inappropriate times.

When have you felt most alive?
 After my baptism

Would you prefer to live in a city? The suburbs? The countryside? The mountains?
 Countryside.
Middle of nowhere.

Do you often skip breakfast?
 Yes, or have something entirely unhealthy
a.k.a. Subway cookies...

How do you know what true love is?
 I see it and feel it when I look at or think of Matt.

Would you want to know the exact date and time you were going to die?
 No. Way.

Where is “home” for you?
Where Matt is...
and my cats...
and my parents/brother...
So, currently? Pennsylvania and Portugal.

What song best describes your life right now?
 "The Lazy Song" by Bruno Mars

Do you want to be perfect?
 Nah

What have you never tried but would really like to someday?
What’s holding you back?
 Skydiving
I don't have the money...

How do you express your creativity?
 Making things I found on Pinterest

Describe your neighborhood.
 You know what the worst thing is...
when you're craving a type of food and realize you have that same type of food up at your apartment at school, but not where you currently are.

Name something you only liked because it was popular.
 I went through a PETA phase.
I thought they had the right idea protecting animals and whatnot, but those people are CRAZY!

Give me the story of your life in six words.
No. One. Is. Still. Reading. This.

5.24.2012

A Ridiculously Long List

I found a list of questions here that I thought would be fun for me to fill out when I had some free time.  I enjoy completing surveys or questionnaires, but this one was longer and more in depth than I'm used to.

1. List 20 random facts about yourself.
I love animals.  At one point I had:
a dog, 2 cats, a parakeet, a turtle, 2 geckos, 6 gerbils, and a pac-man frog
(if you don't know what a pac-man frog is, click HERE).

I have to wear ear plugs to sleep.
The room has to be completely dark and silent.

You should be too.

I like routine.
I'm pretty simple and don't like change.

I have a strange love for creepy, Halloween-y type things.
Skulls, cobwebs, black, pumpkins, thunderstorms - love 'em all!

I CANNOT WAIT TO MARRY MATTHEW WILLIAM BROWN!

I HATE cold weather.
As far as I'm concerned, snow should only exist in December
(and preferably only at Christmas time).

My favorite word is "oolong."
Its just so fun to say!

My least favorite word is poo... I can't even type it completely... p.

I love weird baby names (sorry, babe!).
 At one point in time, I wanted to name my daughter Kruger...
and, no, NOT after Freddy (see question #2).

I like doing things myself. 
Its the control freak in me.

I love family vacations to Virginia.
Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, Water Country...
its impossible for me to be unhappy there!

I have a insatiable sweet tooth.

Every time I re-watch the Will and Grace TV series, I realize how similar Grace and I are.
except for the fact that she's Jewish and has a gay best friend...

The Harry Potter series is THE. BEST. book series there is.
I still hold out hope that the owl carrying my Hogwarts letter got lost and is still trying to find me...

I am a very picky eater and eat a total of maybe 10 things a week in rotation.

If anything would EVER happen to my teeth, I would be inconsolable.
It would be a loooooong road back to sanity for this girl!

I love quiet.
LOVE it.

I know every word to Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls and the Notebook.

I often have a craving for a soda, but won't drink any other kind than Diet Sierra Mist.
Aaaaaaand, it makes me burp...
which can be very scary for those who have never heard me burp before.


2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
Needles
Never liked them. Period.
If anyone enjoys having their skin punctured, you've got issues...

Blood 
When I was little (probably 4th grade?), I was staying at a friend's house and her family was watching one of the Freddy Kruger movies - the one where he stabs a girl in the back in a hospital room, drags her up a wall, and then drops her.  Yea, I've been scarred since then.

I have no idea where this came from... but a legit fear of mine.
I shudder just thinking about lotus seed pods.

Forgetting
I love my life.  I would hate to forget a single thing.

My loved ones being harmed or put in danger
an obvious one.
(and, yes, I realize this makes 5 fears instead of 3)

3. Describe your relationship with your parents.
As I've gotten older, my relationship with my parents continues to grow and strengthen.  I think this is due to me realizing that they know what they're doing.  I've always considered myself blessed to have the earthly parents that I have.  I've seen too many people not have the love or support of their parent(s) like I have from mine.  For example, when I became a member of the church, they loved and supported me wholeheartedly (and have even received their own copies of the BOM to learn more!).  I also don't see my parents simply as my parents, but as my friends as well.  As I've gotten older, I've relied on them for help and advice that I couldn't imagine receiving from anyone else.  They're honest and trustworthy, and have never failed to always set a wonderful example for me and my brother.  I hope to be the type of person they are to my kids someday.


4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.
BREATHE. EVERY. SINGLE. THING. WILL. WORK. OUT.
Enjoy where you are now.
Stop over-plucking your eyebrows.
Listen to your parents.  They know what they're talking about.
SAVE. MONEY.
Lauren, seriously, STOP with the eyebrows...
Work harder in school and at athletics.
Continue standing up for others and continue to be nice.
PUT. THOSE TWEEZERS. DOWN.
Love your family and spend as much time as you can with them.


5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
Matt
Our wedding
My faith
My family
Looking forward to this eventful summer


6. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?
I'd rather not go into too much detail and introduce any negativity here, but there was a lengthy period in my college life when I had given up having faith in God and His plan for me.  I realize now how great of an error that was on my end, but how forgiving and loving Heavenly Father truly is.  As a result, I have such a strong testimony of His love and plan for each of us.  I encourage everyone that is going through a difficult time to have faith and endure the difficulties.  The result is greater than any of us can imagine.


7. What is your dream job, and why?
I would love to be a stay at home wife and mom.
Many ignorant people scoff at that as a "career choice," but I can only imagine how rewarding it is.

8. What are 5 passions you have?
The Gospel of Jesus Christ
I'm in the process of learning and understanding it right now, but I hope to one day teach it.

Saving memories
I'm always the person on vacations or trips with the camera attached to her hand.
I've been known to take pictures of rocks, leaves, mulch, and water... 
for no reason other than to remember it.

Wrestling
Obviously I have never wrestled, but I am so drawn to the sport.
The principles found in wrestling are simple and can translate to every day life.

Spending time with loved ones

 Animals


9. List 10 people who have influenced you.
 In no particular order...

Mom

Dad

Matt 

Ryan

Gram Magargle

Gram Hemrick

Pap Hemrick

Pap Magargle

Sue Paterno

Jesus Christ

10. Describe your most embarrassing moment.
I feel as if I don't get embarrassed that easily.  I almost enjoy the occasional awkward situation - it makes things interesting and can really lead to some great stories.  However, when I began my brief career at the vet clinic here in State College, I made a HUGE "oops!".  One of my coworkers at the clinic introduced herself and I noticed she was wearing maternity scrubs and had the tell-tale baby bump.  I didn't say anything to her, but noted the fact that she was pregnant and moved on.  Later, during lunch with my boss at Olive Garden, I mentioned in passing about my coworker being pregnant (since pregnant women should be careful around cat feces - toxoplasmosis risk and whatnot...).  My boss gave me a strange look and said, "She isn't pregnant."  I thought she was kidding since the "bump" was soooooo obvious... but the stoic look on her face told me she wasn't pulling my leg.  It turns out that the woman, who is very petite, had a two year-old and never lost the baby weight.  Oddly enough, all of her baby weight remained in her abdomen.  Thankfully, I had never said anything to the woman or any of the other people who worked there.  I couldn't enjoy the rest of lunch due to my error, but I did enjoy the taste of my foot.


11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.
Barking dogs
Crying babies
Slow drivers or walkers
People who can't hear what I said after repeating myself 2+ times
Liberals
Animal abusers
Loud chewers
Loud people
Noise
People
(not really... but, seriously...)



12. Describe a typical day in your current life.
I'll admit, right now its pretty low-key.
I am able to sleep in and do what I need to do until 3pm when I have to pick up the kids and baby-sit.
After I'm done with the kiddos, I go home and work on my online class or wedding stuff.
That's pretty much it...


13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.
Sticking to a "budget"
I'm a control freak and I don't ask for help.
I get frustrated/angry very easily.
I'm not patient in the slightest.
I try to please others before I please myself.


14. Describe 5 strengths you have.
I'm loyal.
I am protective of the people and things I love.
I know how to present myself in a respectable and competant manner.
I have a great support system.
I'm compassionate.


15. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
Hmm... well, Matt seems to think I'd be a lynx and I don't think I would disagree! 


16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
Attending Penn State University
Scoring a hottie like Matt! ;)
Not compromising my beliefs or dreams for others
... getting through this darn list...

17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
I consider myself to be very blessed, but I do wish that I could be a better person all-around.
Obviously, no one is perfect and I am my biggest critic, but I know I can always improve.  

18. What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?
Ehh, not really "what," but more accurately "who."
I've had a difficult time forgiving myself, but have a strong testimony of the atonement as a result.


19. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
Virginia Beach.  I LOVE the beach and could never get sick of it.
Living in a house on the beach would be so relaxing and perfect!


20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
Christmas time always stands out to me:
picking out the tree (a Concolor fir), decorating it in our Hallmark ornaments, Christmas Eve candlelight church service, waking up to the smell of cinnamon buns on Christmas day, opening stockings before presents, etc.

I always remember spending time at my both of my grandparents' houses.  Whether it was at my dad's parents with my cousins, or regular Sunday dinners with my mom's parents, I've always enjoyed the time I've spent with my family.

The creek (by the way, that is properly pronounced as "crick").
There was a creek down from my old house, and I loved to go on "adventures" with my brother and our neighbors to it.  I'm sure I'm just thinking of the creek to signify my old house and the memories there.  A large majority of my childhood memories are at that house.


21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?
I would love to talk to animals.
I would use it to understand them, and it would certainly be useful in helping them.
Imagine the amount of animal abuse and suffering that could be stopped!!


22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
Hey, slow down!  I'm just trying to get through today!


23. List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.
Scrapbooking
It ties back in with having to save every single memory and not wanting to forget things.

Shopping
I'll be the first to admit that I have a bad habit of over-spending or impulse shopping.
As dangerous as it often it, it is satisfying for me to buy new things.

Reading
It is an utterly relaxing hobby because it provides an escape.

 Eating
C'mon... let's be serious. Who doesn't enjoy eating?!

Does going to wrestling matches, tournaments, etc. counts as a hobby?


24. Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs. your family dynamic now.
I don't think all that much as changed.  Sure, there is always that ignorant bliss of being a child when you're protected from worry and fear and responsibilities, but that doesn't or shouldn't change a family dynamic.  

25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?
Joe Paterno.
Hopefully we would eat some of SuePa's home cooking!


26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
Well, this is a deep question that I don't have the qualification to answer adequately...
I just think a lot of people's priorities aren't in the right place - I know mine aren't at times!
If people could understand how unimportant money, status, or power is in relation to how important family and God are, then I think a lot of problems could be solved or on their way to being solved.


27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?
My teeth because they're big and white and pretty.
That was such a 4th grade answer...


28. What is your love language?
According to the book, The 5 Love Languages, mine is "quality time," which is reallllllly difficult to do when your fiance is across the country and will be gone from you for another month :(


29. What do you think people misunderstand most about you?
I think everyone misunderstands another person's intentions.  We become so distrustful as we grow older.  For instance, I've had people question my intentions of joining the church!  They are free to offer whatever opinions or advice they want, but only when they ask me and trust my answers will they know and understand my intentions.


30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.
My love
My faith
My family
My example
My resolution
My loyalty
My humor
My compassion
My kindness
My morality

5.08.2012

99 Things... and then some!

Like Sarah, whom I got this from, I love lists... but I love talking about myself more!  Just kidding!  But seriously...
Feel free to copy and paste and then bold the things you've done!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightening storm
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Got a tattoo
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee


Okay, so I'm not the most exciting person in the world, but this has encouraged me to get off my butt and do more interesting, spontaneous stuff (you hear that, babe... SPONTANEOUS!).

Today I was fortunate enough to be able to accomplish just a bit more in the wedding planning department:  Mom and I met with a potential vendor for cakes/cupcakes - Linda Hill.  She is so energetic and knowledgeable, and willing to work with us in developing Matt and I's cupcakes + cake vision with a VERY reasonable price tag! 

Tomorrow I have a job interview for a full-time veterinary technician position at Animal Medical Hospital in State College!  It was a completely unexpected offer, but I could not be more thrilled to be a vet tech again... possibly!  I have worked as a vet tech previously while I was pursuing veterinary medicine as a major and have always missed the vet field since switching majors (that may just be the only thing I will ever regret in my life: not pursuing my dream of being a vet).  Now, this wonderful opportunity has fallen into my lap and I am just PRAYING that tomorrow's interview is successful!