Incoherent Ramblings...

I figure I needed to take a break from being such a bookworm and write an actual post.  You know, one where I don't bore y'all by advertising how much of a nerd I am.  The only problem is: I don't know what to write about!

There are a bunch of random things running through my mind right now, but nothing that would make a coherent post.  For the looooooong time while Matt and I were apart, I would send him e-mails like this when I had too much to say but no real train of thought.  So, enjoy a mish-mash of random thoughts crammed into one post!

• MATT IS HOME!  And it is about time too!  I was going absolutely bonkers waiting for the days to tick down until I was able to see him again.  Last Tuesday, I drove to Harrisburg to pick him up and to do some shopping at the Capital City mall until his flight arrived.  As I was driving through the ghetto of Harrisburg to find the mall, I got a text from Matt saying the flight was delayed 2 hours.  I then received another text about an hour and a half later saying the same flight was delayed yet another hour and wouldn't be in until 1030-ish that night.  At that point, I was sitting in baggage claim watching flight after flight arrive and keeping my nose buried in my book.  But, the next thing I knew, Matt was walking toward me (with what seemed like a halo of light surrounding him) and we were back together!  YAY!  Now we only have 39 days until the wedding and are enjoying spending as much time as we can with each other to make up for lost time.
• I had a great time at my bridal shower and couldn't be more grateful for all who came and made my day special!  I've been slacking on writing my Thank You cards, but I promise anyone who came or gave Matt and I a gift will be receiving one shortly!
• All wedding RSVPs have been received and we started putting together the seating chart.  It has been a fun process thus far, even though we have a few random people/groups that we just can't figure out where to put them.  The next step is to work on the menu and get our marriage license, and we were able to go to PNC this afternoon to set up our joint bank account.  Whew!  So much to do yet!
• I don't eat healthy foods and I certainly don't exercise, but recently I've found my clothes to practically be falling off of me.  These are clothes that originally (at the beginning of my senior year of college) were painfully tight and unflattering.  Now, I struggle to keep pants up with a belt and shirts look like they were stretched out by a sumo wrestler.  I don't understand!  A lot of people ask if I'm on a diet/exercise plan for the wedding, but I tell them I'm not and then dig into my plate of french fries, chicken quesadillas, and mozzarella sticks! 
• Matt and I will be going home to spend the 4th of July with my family on Wednesday.  I think we will be going to a family picnic at my great uncle's cabin and then coming back to my parent's house to grill and set off some small fireworks before we head to a big fireworks show that night.  It should be fun.
• Never sign up for an Old Navy VISA credit card.  I was a naive senior in high school (or maybe college freshman? I don't remember...) when I signed up for the dreaded thing and have regretted it ever since.  I am not responsible with money (which is why I am so grateful that Matt is!), so I let my spending on that card get a bit out of control.  Tack onto that an unexpected $50/month security fee that I was never properly informed of, and I found myself to be in trouble.  I've been making regular payments to pay it off, but noticed during my most recent payment, I was charged another $52 fee for interest.  When I called they company, the woman explained that even though the card was closed, they still charge a monthly interest fee unless I pay off the COMPLETE balance (which I certainly cannot do right now!).  What a joke!  I probably sound like a moron, but when I told Matt, he was understanding and very supportive - what a guy!
• I have also been trying to figure out what to wear to our temple sealing in December.  I obviously cannot afford ANOTHER wedding dress after having NO luck finding a modest, temple-approved wedding dress while shopping for a dress for an August wedding in central PA.  Even though we will be sealed in December, I really would like to find a poofy-ish, tea-length dress for the occasion.  I've been looking on Latter-DayBride.com at the temple dresses (many of which I like!), but the wedding dress to wear outside of the temple is what is frustrating me.  Surprisingly enough, I've found a few that could work, but they are considered  "Bridesmaids" dresses.  But they could become poofy-ish if I found the right underskirt (or whatever those thing are called...)... Hmmm...

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.

 the Book of Mormon

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.

Updates (Life, Wedding, & Then Some!)

I have been slacking on the blog posts again!  Sorry!

I am finished babysitting Ryan and Kate, and they are headed to Arizona for the summer to spend time with their mom and family out west.  I know Scott will miss them terribly while they're gone, and it will certainly take some time for me to get used to not having to pick Ryan up from school every day or running Kate to her various activities! Heather, Scott's girlfriend, has two kids about the same age as Ryan and Kate and has asked me to "nanny" for her 3 days a week for the rest of the summer.  Heather is a such sweet lady who is battling cancer and has been needing extra help to entertain/watch the kids and help her out or drive her around when needed.  How in the world would I have been able to say no to helping someone as nice and as deserving as her?!  Her kids - Paige and CJ - joined Ryan, Kate, and I at the pool on Thursday.  It was nice to get to know her kids.  Paige is such a cutie - she's going into the 4th grade next year and is so innocent and shy; CJ is going into the 7th grade and is so eloquent and mature.  I never would have thought that I would be nannying or babysitting to ANY extent... and ENJOYING it!  This whole experience has taught me so much about what type of parent I would like to be and how I want to raise my kids.   For example, the issue of letting a kid play video games has come up quite often since Ryan LOVES those darn things!  I'm not a fan.  I've witnessed the explicit language and violence on those things enough to know that I will not allow any video games in my house... unless they are educational or Wii games!  But I also see how active and involved Kate is and I admire that she is able to do all the things she wants to pursue without being overwhelmed.  She loves taking horseback riding lessons and guitar lessons... and is great at them both!  

So... now what?

I am home for a week to relax and get some more wedding stuff figured out.  Here are some of the latest accomplishments/things to look forward to:

• 2 MONTHS UNTIL THE BIG DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
• Mom and I have an appointment tomorrow with the florist to see what they can do with my brooches for my brooch bouquet.  I also hope to get some ideas of what they would be able to do for boutonnieres and corsages.  
• On Thursday, Mom will be picking up cupcake samples for us to try (don't worry, babe - we're freezing some so you can try when you get back!) before officially signing on with Linda Hill, or the "cake lady," as she has become known to us.  Matt and I have chosen to do cupcakes in three flavors - banana cake, carrot cake, and chocolate with peanut butter filling - and a small, square tier for our personal cake to cut into (in chocolate and peanut butter, of course).  He and I both decided against cream cheese icing for the carrot cake cupcakes (I have a STRONG fear and hatred of anything with cream cheese!), but realize that a lot of people enjoy it, so we may have to revisit the idea of having some with cream cheese icing and some without.
• I have found the perfect pair of shoes, strapless bra (thank GOODNESS!), and garter to add to my outfit for the day.  All that needs to happen now is my dress fitting, which will take place on the 23rd.  I had one last month, but wasn't prepared - I didn't have my "final" pair of shoes or strapless bra, so the seamstress refused to do the fitting.  That was an awful experience...
• My bridal shower looks to be tons of fun on the 24th, but Mom, my grandmothers, and I still have to research some fun games to play.  
• We have decided to do a sparkler send-off (meaning every guest will get sparklers, light them, and we will walk out - simple enough, right?!). 
• I think Matt and I will see each other before the wedding.  I know it goes against tradition, but I really like the idea of having time to enjoy each other privately before the hectic day ensues.  Plus, it will be a great opportunity to take pictures beforehand that would otherwise eat into our reception time.  They say it is "bad luck" to do this, but I would like to tell whoever "they" are to deal with it.  I don't believe in bad luck when it comes to love; well, TRUE love, at least!  I am very secure with Matt and I's relationship - when you're entering into marriage with someone, shouldn't you be 110% confident you will be spending eternity with this person?!  Therefore, I don't think seeing each other before the wedding ceremony will really hurt our chances at having everlasting love haha 
• Mom and I have sent out all the invitations!  Thus far, we have received about 50 "yes" RSVPs and 10 "no" RSVPs; however, we may have over-invited people (if that's correct "wedding terminology").  I am now realizing it will be difficult to fit the estimated number of guests comfortably in the reception space.  Oops!  We'll just have to make it work.
• Until we get everyone's RSVPs, we are limited to what we can do.  The "big things" that I'd like to accomplish soon (such as seating arrangements, the menu, favors, etc.) will have to wait.  I am impatiently awaiting for the arrival of June 30th to see the final count!

Speaking of "impatiently awaiting" something...

Only 16 days until I am with Matt again!  I will pick him up at the Harrisburg airport on the 26th at ~7 pm, and I. CANNOT. WAIT.  I'll be honest - I have NOT been handling being away from him well at all.  People keep telling me "absence makes the heart grow fonder."  While I find this to be true most of the time, it is just extremely unsettling to be away from him this long!  I don't know how the wives/fiancees/significant others of deployed military men do it (nor do I ever hope to find out!), but they certainly have my respect!  Luckily, where he is at now he has a decent internet connection.  We have been able to e-mail, use Voxer, and even Skype, but that may change when he moves to his next location.  I thought I would be able to keep my mind busy babysitting the kids, but even when I'm chasing 4 kids around a community pool, making sure each one of them is above water and breathing, my mind is on Matt.

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.

I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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.

Trypophobia

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?

Becoming a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

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

Back Handsprings and Band-Aids

It has been an extremely hectic week full of countless ups and downs!

Since last Saturday (well, last Wednesday, technically), I have:

1) Interviewed for a full-time veterinary technician position in State College

2) Been offered and accepted the vet tech job

3) Moved back to State College

4) Began working at the veterinary clinic

5) Began babysitting for a 12 year-old boy and 11-year old girl

6) Resigned from the veterinary clinic (see below for details...)

and

7) Been host to my body's raging and uncontrollable hormones 

    (thus, frightening my fiance - I'm so sorry, babe!!)

Needless to say, it has been a BIG sigh of relief to be at home in the company of my family again, even if it is only for the weekend. 

To expand on the vet tech thing...

I had received an email from a veterinary clinic in State College Monday.  The woman in charge had found my resume on Indeed.com and reached out to me stating she would be interested in setting up an interview.  I called her Tuesday and an interview was scheduled for Wednesday.  Although I switched out of majoring in veterinary medicine and biomedical sciences my sophomore year, I still love animals very much and loved being a vet tech during previous employment.  I was also so stoked to find out that this was a full-time position!  The interview went well and I received a call the next day saying that I was being offered the job.  I'll be honest: I was hesitant about taking the job - ideally, I was hoping to find a pharmaceutical sales job in State College, but since I don't have my "official" degree until the end of August, that wasn't going to happen.  I was hesitant because I had my own "plan" for the summer, which included:

babysitting until June 8th in State College

coming home and working at Victoria's Secret until the beginning of August

having plenty of time to spend with my family and my "sisters" at work

being free and able to actively plan the wedding

However, I figured that there was a reason I was being offered this job, so I sucked up my reservations and accepted the position.  I started Monday, working again on Tuesday, and resigned on Wednesday.  I won't go into to much detail on here except to say that the position I was offered was different than the one I was actually training for.  I wasn't very thrilled about the job (the pay and the hours were less than desirable) and was also looking at a very busy summer and needed a good amount of time off (wedding, family vacation, etc.).  I told them that I thought it would be fair to both myself and the clinic if I didn't continue there.  Thankfully, it ended amicably between me and my supervisor.  I can now breathe a huge sigh of relief.

One good thing about this week was that I started babysitting for two very neat kids, Ryan and Kate.  Ryan is a very intelligent, respectful kid and Kate is extremely talented and energetic.  I took over the babysitting responsibility when Rachael had to leave to support her husband in his soccer career (best of luck, Daniel!).  This week with the kiddos has been extremely eye-opening.  For starters, I need to get accustomed to their energy!  Kate is especially active and loves doing gymnastics.  She and I have been working on a back handspring and she did one all by herself on Tuesday!  Unfortunately, she's doing what I used to do when I was learning mine and overthinking way too much - she still needs me to spot her.  Ryan is incredibly passionate about everything he talks about.  He cracked me up on Friday when I picked him up from school by telling me he got his first girlfriend, but he doesn't know her name and already "has to" break up with her!  Ohh, the love life of a 6th grader!

I snuck a picture of Ryan sleeping after I picked him up from school.

Must have been a rough day!

 Kate and I went to her school's park on Thursday to swing and play on the equipment.

I'm so impressed by her strength and energy!

There was a blood drive in her school's gymnasium, so we snuck in and Kate showed me her classroom. 

We also made sno-cones!

I have been learning a lot about these kids, but even more about myself.  I used to be "anti-kid," meaning that I didn't see myself ever having any (mostly as a result of the customers at VS who would bring in screaming children and fail to discipline them or pay attention to their needs.  I still run to hide in the back room every time a kid comes into the store...).  To put it simply, I considered myself too selfish and immature.  Boy, does that change in a heartbeat!  Obviously these two are not my kids, but when I'm around them, I want to make them happy and make sure they are excelling in school and having fun and are safe.  For instance, Ryan has been constantly bullied at school and, from what their father has been telling me, it is becoming pretty severe.  Just hearing that makes my blood boil!  I can imagine being a parent is extremely difficult at times, but I now know how any fears or any "bad day" can be made better with a simple hug and a smile.  To me, the sacrifice is worth it.

I was sitting in the carpool lane on Friday and was looking around at all the mothers who were there in their SUVs or mini-vans to pick up their kids.  I thought about their lives as stay-at-home moms (I was assuming that's what they were...) and pictured them picking their kids up, helping them with their homework, taking them to wrestling practice (again, just assuming...), and keeping them safe and loved.  I am probably imagining a glorified version of the work these women really do, but I immediately felt this warm feeling of gratitude and desire.  I don't understand the feeling of gratitude yet, but I know that in that moment I desired to be able to do the things these women were doing.  

Don't worry, Matt... I'm not saying August 11th we have to make this dream a reality, but having a family of my own is now a heck of a lot more desired... in about 3+ years! ;)