Wednesday, February 4, 2009

25 Things About Me

I've been tagged about a gazillion times to do this on Facebook but decided to put it on the blog instead...

1. I grew up as an Army Brat. Moved a lot. As a result, I believe I am much more worldly and aware of differences in cultures, etc. I have no trouble making friends with strangers.

2. I love to collect wedding magazines and books, despite the fact that I've been married almost nine years and have no plans of remarrying any time soon!

3. I sleep with socks on. Always.

4. I also sleep with at least one foot outside the covers. Always.

5. I really do not like to work out...although I always feel better after I do. My workouts are usually running, or doing The Firm workouts (see ad in sidebar). I started doing these after BabyBoy was born and ended up with a better body that I'd ever had. EVER. They work. They are awesome. I just have to get motivated to DO THEM!

6. I probably drink too much wine. I always say I'll have one glass while I cook dinner. That turns into two and then maybe another while I eat. Then I'm ruined for the night. I end up sitting in front of the tv or computer and get nothing done. Waaaah.

7. My kids only bathe every third night or so. They have super dry skin and if they were to bathe every night I'm convinced they'd look like turtles.

8. I love to cook. It's very therapeutic for me. I started cooking in high school. My mom just didn't really like to cook so I kind of took over. I love making people happy with food. It makes me feel good.

9. I believe that volunteerism should be a pillar in everyone's lives. The impact you can have in others' lives is immeasurable. Even if you spend an entire year on a project and don't get paid a penny, it's worth it if it makes one person's life better or easier. My Mom taught me that through her work and her deeds.

10. I really want my kids to go to good colleges. I want them to work hard and earn it and then go and have fun. It's only four years and the world after college can be really hard. I think college is an important piece of every person's growing experience. Even those ridiculous philosophy 101 classes make a difference. I think parents shouldn't have kids if they aren't prepared to be able to send their kids to college.

11. I'm a huge proponent of private school education. Not because I'm an elitist. I believe you can be elite without being elitist. I love that my kids' school instills manners and ethics and honor. I love that the four year olds in JK have to sign the honor code at the beginning of the year, even if they can only sign with an "X". I love that each and every paper turned in at their school is stamped with the honor code and signed by the student. It makes a life long impact. I also believe that they have more freedom to learn through creative process because they aren't subject to the SOL's.

12. I'm irritated by parents who think they don't have to keep tabs on their students or their students' teachers just because they're paying the big bucks to send their kids to private school.

13. I wonder every day why God chose to snatch my mother away before she got to know my children and my husband. I wonder why He thought we didn't need her anymore. My relationship with Him has suffered greatly as a result.

14. I'm a more thoughtful and purposeful person as a result of my mother's death. I don't take things for granted. I obsess over creating traditions for my children that they will always remember when I am gone and I insist on maintaining the traditions that my mother started so that my brothers will always remember her and what per plans were for us.

15. I think that no matter what you plan for your children you must be prepared for them to have their own plan...and embrace it.

16. The older I get, the less tolerant I am of other people's stupid issues. Get over it. Life's too short.

17. I'm annoyed by people who complain endlessly about things but aren't willing to be a part of the change that they desire. You have no right to bitch if you aren't willing to work to make a difference.

18. I love Diet Coke.

19. I also love Oreos. I read somewhere that it has been proven that they are clinically addictive. I'm taking that and running with it.

20. I make decisions very quickly without necesarrily thinking them through and over analyzing. I rarely regret those decisions. I know what I want and I go for it.

21. I am more apt to have a few very close friends to whom I am comfortable confiding in. I'm not the uber social lots of "friendly" friends type person. I need to be able to pick up the phone and unload on you and have you listen and relate.

22. I love to shop. It's fulfilling in a somewhat disturbiing way.

23. I struggle to keep my life organized. I am not at all organized by nature. It's an everyday process that I have to really think about and insist on doing.

24. While I have many friends and socialize quite a bit, I am a closet introvert. I hate making phone calls, small talk, going to planning meetings, etc. I would much rather sit at home on my computer and do everything via email. Some weeks I just want to sit in my house by myself all week. It's comforting.

25. I am fiercely independent. Once I've made my mind up to do something it's not likely I will cave and do something different...depending on the issue. I won't push something if it's just not that important.

26 comments:

Running In Stilettos said...

It is good to know someone else is a closet introvert. Being around strangers, having to entertain those I am not close to, being involved in "new" things always makes me a bit uneasy. I do it all the time, but I never find it as fulfilling as having a glass of wine while snuggled on the couch with my husband and dog. Home is definitely where my heart is!

Preppy Engineer said...

We have so much in common!

sle said...

I am with you completely on your comments regarding your mother. My mother died when she was 57 and my kids knew her but didn't know her. I have also suffered in my relationship with HIM as a result. I don't think I will understand this side of heaven.

Mrs. McB said...

Wow! We are a lot a like. I love diet coke also and I collect wedding stuff too! I was reading through your list thinking this is so me! :)

Preppy Pettit said...

I also love the honor code! The twins don't have it yet, but they will!

Unknown said...

You and I sound very much alike! I totally agree with you on #20!

Debra said...

Great list. Especially the parts about education. Thanks for sharing.

Erin said...

I have never left you a comment before, but I follow your blog and enjoy it emmensely! I wanted to comment on the loss of your mother...first of all I'm so sorry. I know if I lost my mother how hard it would be. My own mother lost hers when she was 34 and I know she could relate to your feelings. (I especially think of this as I am turning 34 this year.) However, please know that God did have a plan, and most likely gave you your own little girl because of it. Your daughter is not a 'replacement', she will just be your friend as much as you would have been with your own mother as she grows up. God Bless!

Unknown said...

I'm totally with you on 11 & 12.

I am addicted to Oreos. I can admit it, so I don't need the 12-step program. :)

The older I get the more I like to stay home. Email is my friend! It helps to get straight to the point w/out all the chit chat.

The Golf Widow said...

It's crazy how many of those we have in common.Oreos should get their own food group :)

The Pink Clutch said...

tag ... you are it!

shanna said...

Number 14 might be one of the reasons for #13. You wouldn't be who you are today without going through what you've been through.

Jordan said...

I loved reading your 25 Things! We're alot alike (introvert, loving wine, and ideas on life) and that doesn't surprise me since I really enjoy reading your posts everyday. Your children are gorgeous!

Sarah C said...

Thanks for sharing. I stumbled across your blog the other day while doing a search for "fancy nancy party ideas", and really enjoyed your description of the one you did for your daughter.
On your college comment, as someone who decided not to go (and has never yet had a regret about it) remember if your kids don't go it may be a part of their special path in life....don't try to cookie cutter them.
Thanks again for a fun blog :o)

Misty said...

I really like your blog and enjoy reading it but must say I was shocked by the ending statement in number 10.
My children go to public schools and everyday I see children who's parents can barely afford to feed, cloth and keep a roof over their heads but who are LOVED by their family's. These are the kids who parents will more than likely not be able to afford to send them to college but will grow up to be productive adults in society with jobs that I am sure you depend on daily. I am almost positive some of the people use use to work on you car, ring up your grocery's and paint your house do not have a college degree. Are you saying that their parents shouldn't have had them?? I sure hope not, I hope I misinterpreted what you were trying to say because without the people I mentioned above this country would struggle. There are many blue collar jobs that we depend on in this country that do not require a college degree. Without blue collar you cannot have white collar. I am saying this as a person who is college educated and expects her children to attend college but understands not everyone can send their children to college and not every child will want to go to college. Like I said before, I really hope I misunderstood what you were trying to say.

Katie Ryan said...

Have you read "The Shack"? I'm reading it now. It is supposedly answering the question of why God let's bad things happen to the ones we love or why he takes them away. People have gone on and on about how great this book is. Honestly, I have two chapters left, and I get it and all that, but it didn't hit home for me like it has the other readers. Anyway, give it a read. Maybe it will be helpful to you.

leigh said...

I don't know if you come back and read comments or not, but I've been thinking about #13. My mother died unexpectedly when I was 25...before husband or children. I don't remember feeling bitter or angry with God about it. And it did bring me closer to my brother and father. I get it though. It's a very tough thing to endure. I hope you can come to some peace about it. I enjoyed reading your other 24 things too.

Hopsy said...

I grew up all over the world too! Also, I am a HUGE supporter of private schools as well!

The I.O. Blaster said...

I agree that volunteerism should be a pillar in everyone's lives. You should blog about your volunteer work. I would love to hear about the projects that interest you.

Sheila said...

Misty-
you sound like a liberal-

not everyone who doesn't go to college is pumping gas or packing groceries- how elitist!

Rush Limbaugh and Bill Gates- no college degrees. Blue collar?

The opinion expressed here is that college is a life experience that parents should strive to provide for their kids.

ANYBODY can afford college in this country by the way. Even Obama- Ivy League for that matter even without the stimulus pacakge.

Surf Girl said...

I'm sorry about your mother. My mom passed away when I was 13 and I wish she was here every day. Especially since I had my own child. There's so many questions I need to ask her! My spiritual life has suffered a great deal recently as well. I think I'm still angry with Him.

I sleep with one foot out of the covers too. :)

SouthernBelleJM said...

I'm a closet introvert too! I grew up in private school and hope to send mine *when I have them* to private school. Sounds like we have a lot in common:)

Elizabeth said...

#13 We usually don't know the answers to our whys? But we do know that His own Son sufferred a horrible death, and He knows the meaning of loss. Also, He uses this trials to bring us closer and dependent upon Him. Give it a try. Turn your whys over to Him and allow Him to give you some peace on this side of eternity. You'll find great joy; of that I'm sure!

Preppy Pearl Girl said...

I too am a HUGE supporter of private schooling! It instills so much!

Anonymous said...

I, also, recommend "The Shack". It is a really well written book.

Tres Poshe Preppy said...

LOVE your list! I wholeheartedly agree with the education point. Every parent should want the best and do their best to make it happen for their children.