As Of Late...

I'm weird about blogging now. I still check blogs, but with Van, I just feel like it's an invasion of his privacy to put too much out there. And people scare me. So I just hover.

But then, MSKS posted this meme. I love memes. And I love her blog. So here you go...

My current state of affairs

Current guilty pleasure: "The Bachelor" (Team Lindzi!), Facebook and Twitter. I really need social media detox. Bert would wholeheartedly agree.

Current nail polish: Clear gloss on my fingers, OPI Lincoln Park After Dark on my toes. I had the most wonderful mani/pedi at the Westin Spa last weekend in Hilton Head. If you go, you must see Dee Dee!

Current play list: Not a whole lot of excitement here...I mainly play music I think Van would like. On repeat: Guster, Barenaked Ladies, Rod Stewart ("Forever Young" - that's our song). Confession: I do not like Adele, Bon Iver or any of those other "cool" singers right now. Bor-ing!

Current read: No time for books with Van, and when there's time, see "Current guilty pleasure" above. I snuck in an "Us Weekly" last night and it was fabulously trashy. The last books I read were "The Hunger Games" trilogy and they were amazing. I'm open to suggestions! I don't like beachy or too dark -- somewhere in between would be great.

Current drink: My big ol' purple container full of water. I indulge in a Diet Dr. Pepper too often.

Current food: I just ate a Kashi meal and it was delicious - Black Bean Enchilada in case you're wondering. The last meal I cooked was Sunday: homemade spinach quiche (crustless) with skillet potatoes and it was delicious. Bert made me an amazing sandwich Saturday, which is the best thing I've eaten in a long time...super thin grilled chicken with wilted spinach, sundried tomatoes and feta on ciabatta - with homemade rosemary potato fries.

Current favorite show: Obsessed with "Once Upon A Time"! Love that show. I'm also still watching "Grey's Anatomy" and I can't stand Teddy or Cristina.

Current wish list: To lose the last 13 pregnancy pounds. On the upside, I have lost 13 already and am feeling much better. Thanks, Weight Watchers!

Current needs: To continue to grow in being more grateful for my many blessings. I need to stop sweating the little things (like the cat litter on the dining room floor this morning that sent me into a tear and made me snap at someone that called me A-niss-a).

Current triumphs: Losing 13 pounds and buying a pair of pants in a "good" size this weekend.

Current indulgence: Diet Dr. Pepper, coffee (I'm a newbie!) and Skinny Cow ice cream cones. And the fun size Butterfinger I just ate.

Current blessing: I read recently...What if you woke up one day with only the things you thanked God for the day before? That really struck a chord with me. I thank Him now daily with a very specific list, including: Van and his health, our health, my marriage, my job, our home, friends, family, etc. etc. I try to take stock and give God all the glory and praise.

Current excitement: I wish I could say that Courtney had been dumped by Ben. But, alas, I cannot. I suppose my current excitement is girls night Friday with two fantastic ladies. And, hey, I'm excited that tonight it's still Februany and we're gonna get $5 footlongs, so I don't even have to wonder what I'm going to have for lunch tomorrow. Score!

I missed you peeps.

Labels: meme

Day 13 - Goals

So, today, I am supposed to share my goals. Clearly I am forgetting some, but here goes what comes to mind:

1. Pray more.
2. Keep my weight under control.
3. Make sure my husband and parents and others that are super close to me know what they mean to me.
4. Continue on this path of recognizing blessings and being thankful.
5. Potentially rock some jeggings. Or maybe not. Hmm.

And I think I've decided to be done with this 30 day thing. :)

Labels: meme

Day 12 - I Believe

I believe...

That all we really leave behind on this Earth is the way we made other people feel.
That God is infinitely good and has worked miracles in my life.
That God is the only one who can judge. Period. End of story.
That family is what's most important.
That my successes wouldn't be a fraction as sweet if I didn't have someone to share them with.

Labels: meme

Day 11 - Fave TV Shows

So I have a love/hate relationship with TV. I only like it in small doses. I married a man who loves his sports and news and we have finally compromised because I cannot stand the TV serving as background noise.

Anyway, I believe in my heart I could get rid of the TV, but alas, it's not going to happen. I might as well enjoy my guilty pleasures!

Here are my favorites:

Labels: meme

Day 10 - Scaredy Cat

Today, I am to post something I'm afraid of.

1. I absolutely hate "puppet people" - a.k.a. mascots, the Easter Bunny, etc. If I can't see your face, I don't like you. The worst is Spike, the UGA basketball mascot:

Labels: meme

Day 8 - Paradise

Today, I am supposed to post a picture of a place I've traveled to. Easy choice of the place I want to talk about:


Excellence Playa Mujeres was a fabulous resort outside of Cancun Bert and I visited in July. It was the best vacation ever. I loved every second of it. I think about it daily, as I still wear the hotel slippers every evening.

Oh, how I miss you, EPM.

To see much more on this magical destination, click here and read the post that will pop up below.

Labels: meme, travel, vacation

Day 7 - Favorite Movies

This is a fun post! Delicious, wonderful movies are one of life's little pleasures. Here are my favorites below:

#1 of all time...definitely Steel Magnolias.


Then, I just have a list of favorites that are impossible to rank order:

The Holiday (tie for #2)
Love Actually (tie for #2)
Keeping The Faith
The Family Man
Can't Hardly Wait
Sixteen Candles

When I am sick, I watch at least one of the following: The Holiday, Keeping The Faith, The Family Man and Can't Hardly Wait. And every Christmas Eve, Bert and I watch Love Actually together. It was our first date and has now become a tradition. I love love love this night every year.

Sixteen Candles is just a classic...oh Jake Ryan! When you roll up in that red Ferrari (?), you just melt every teenage girl's heart.

And Steel Magnolias...well, that is just an absolute classic. I love everything about it.

Oh...and I also have a list of my favorite comedies. These are the movies that I quote on a regular basis:

Talladega Nights: The Legend of Ricky Bobby ("Don't you PUT that evil on us, Ricky Bobby!")
The Hangover ("And we're the three best friends that anybodycouldeverhave...")
Wedding Crashers ("MOM! MEATLOAF!!!")

OK, now I'm going to have to watch a movie tonight!

Labels: meme

Day 6 - Happiness

Today's challenge is to post a picture of something that makes me happy. This is hard because SO MANY things make me happy such as family (including my cat Matty), friends, vacation, dreaming of Paris, pizza and MUCH more.

My absolute favorite thing in the world is just talking to Bert. Number 2 is when Bert rubs my back. But I have no pictures of any of that. And no one wants to see Bert rubbing my back.

This post is too stressful.

But this photo will work. It's what I would love to be doing right now:


Sleep. Oh beautiful sleep! Especially when you are kind enough to grant me dreamless sleep. And how I love a sleep without waking to pee.

I have loved sleep my entire life. Sure, I'm 30, but I can still sleep until 10:30am. It's not hard. It's heavenly.

So there you go; I love sleep.

Labels: meme

Day 5 - Sister Sara

Today, I am supposed to introduce you to my sibling. That would be my younger sister, Sara. You can see a picture of us as little kids in the previous post.

Sara has such a heart for others. She is always giving of herself. I often hear people talk about simplifying their life and making more of a difference. Sara has been living that way since we were in high school.

There aren't many clothes in her closet, but she sponsors several children in foreign countries. She never wears a stitch of make-up, but her beauty is evident in the time she spends serving others. She volunteered at a nursing home when we were in high school, and she became a nurse after college. Today, she dedicates most of her time to her precious 1-year old, Olivia. She is already talking about volunteering again.

She doesn't care about things. She doesn't watch TV. She cares about leaving her mark in this world. She has a big heart and I love my baby sister.

Labels: meme

Day 4 - Meet The Parents

First, I shall start with a photo introduction:



Where do I begin? My parents, Tommy and Rani, mean more to me than I could ever express in words. I talk to my mom every single day. I need her advice and input on everything. I trust her 100%.

She loves this poem by e.e. cummings and this excerpt from "i carry your heart with me" really says what I feel about her:

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart) i am never without it

It's true. I carry her with me, always. OK. Now I'm crying.

On to Daddy. We are two peas in a pod! I am one of those incredibly lucky girls that can talk to her Daddy on the phone for an hour - no problem. We never run out of things to talk about. He is incredibly loyal and generous. I never, ever have to worry about having him in my corner. He would go to the ends of the earth for me, and I for him.

They are just the best.

Labels: meme

Day 3 - First Love

Well, if you want to get technical and know who my first love was, his name is Fred.


My cousin, Omer, told me that I wouldn't let him sit by me when we were little because that was where Fred was sitting. I may or may not have kissed the television on occasion.

Now, as for my first real love, that's someone else.


Love you, Bert.

Labels: meme

Day 2 - Meaning Behind Access Anisa

All right, here's Day 2 of the challenge! Today's is "Meaning behind your blog name."

I actually posted about that 5 years ago! Hard to believe I've been blogging that long!

To find out all about why I chose the name Access Anisa, click here.

Labels: meme

Up For The Challenge (#1)

So, I have been following this on LT's fabulous blog, and thought I would join in on the fun. It may take me a while to do all 30 challenges...they definitely won't be in 30 days...but I'll get there!

DAY 1: Introduce yourself, include a recent picture, and tell 15 facts about yourself. Here goes...

Hello. I'm Anisa. Above is a picture taken a few weeks ago with my precious niece. I've been blogging for over 5 years now (WOW). I'm originally from Mississippi and I live in Georgia now. I have been married over 6 years (WOW) and am the proud mommy to a fat cat.

Here are my 15 facts:

1. I was born June 22, 1980 - on the cusp of being both a Gemini and Cancer.
2. I am obsessed with anything to do with Paris. I have never been, but I WILL get there.
3. I think being an aunt is just about the greatest thing ever. I love sweet Olivia so much.
4. On November 14, I will have known Bert (my husband) for 7 years. Wow, have things changed in those 7 years! We were just kids back then. :)
5. I do public relations for a living.
6. I worked so hard to get to this point that I really am not sure what's next.
7. I am a clean freak, but spoiled. Bert is a full-time Ph.D. student and has been doing the "big" weekly cleaning for a while now. I love the weekly smell of Pine-Sol!
8. I am prone to allergies and stomach problems.
9. I lost a size this year, and am now the proud owner of some single-digit jeans.
10. I really do think Diet Dr. Pepper belongs on the dessert aisle.
11. I plan on celebrating Halloween by watching the movie "Teen Witch" that I recorded off of ABC Family. Man I love that movie.
12. I am obsessed with my iPhone.
13. My doctor banned me from visiting WebMD. No, I no longer think I have prostate cancer.
14. I would rather be sleeping.
15. I would rather be sleeping at me and Bert's favorite cabin in the North Georgia Mountains. That place is truly heaven to me.

Labels: meme

Crystal Ball

Shamelessly stolen from LT:

I don't have a crystal ball, but here's what I am planning on for 2010. However, we know how God can laugh in the face of our plans! :)

Will you be looking for a new job? Nope. I am pretty happy with what I'm doing now! I am the Director of Public Relations and Communications for a K-12 school district.
Will you be looking for a new relationship? Heck no.
New house? Not this year...we will get to that in 2011 when Bert finishes his Ph.D. hopefully!
What will you do different in 2010? GET ABS
New Years resolutions? GET ABS
What will you not be doing in 2010? Sleeping like crap (hopefully) due to our amazing new king-sized bed!
Any trips planned? We just got back from a fun couple's trip to the Blue Ridge mountains in North Georgia - SO fun. Hope we will get to the beach this summer as well.
Wedding plans? Nope.
What's on your calendar? Lots of meetings, tasks, etc. It makes me tired to look at it!
What can't you wait for? Friday at 5 p.m. Story of my life.
What about yourself will you be changing? I hope to get in better shape and grow spiritually. That sounds so cheesy. Sorry about that. I just have to be honest that I find time for a lot of things, but not enough for exercise (see Boot Camp post below) or God. Need to do better.
Will you be nicer to the people you care about? Yes. I always try to be nicer each year. :)
Will you dress differently this year than you did in '09? I started taking some fashion risks in late '09 and was very happy with the results! I plan on doing more in '10.
Are you going to be in school in '10? Nope. Maybe I'll go back in a few years and work on being Dr. Anisa. We shall see.
How will you make more money in '10? More? Hmm. Well, there are no raises in sight due to the economy, so my plan is to stick to our savings plan!
Will you do charity work? Yes.
Will you be nice to people you don't know? Yes, but I will try to focus more on those that I do know.
Do you expect 2010 to be a worse year for you than 2009? I hope better, although I had a really good 2009.
How much did you change from this time last year til now? I am MUCH happier now than a year ago due to a much better work situation.
Do you plan on having a child? Yes - someday!
Will you still be friends with the same people you are friends with now? Absolutely.
Major lifestyle changes? You never know!
Will you be moving? Nope - not planning on it.
Is there anything you are not looking forward to this year? Can't think of it, although I do dread Monday mornings. It's rough to dread something that happens roughly 52 times a year!
What change would you like to make to your life? To stick with all my grand plans! :)

Labels: meme

2009 In Review

Shamelessly stolen from LT! :)

1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before? Visit the East Coast
2. Did you keep your New Year’s Resolutions in '09, and have you made some for '10? My goal is always to lose 10 lbs. I lost 9. I gained most of them back. Here we go YET AGAIN.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Yes! My sister gave birth to my precious niece, Olivia. I also had several good friends/family members give birth too.


4. Did anyone close to you die? Yes. Lora DeFore, my former professor and great inspiration passed away a few months ago from cancer. I am so happy I was able to tell her what she meant to me.
5. What countries did you visit? Didn't leave the U.S. However, I did go to San Francisco, which was my first time to the East Coast. Amazing!

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009? Abs
7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? When my niece Olivia was born (Oct. 10)
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Getting a fabulous job!
9. What was your biggest failure? Gaining those pesky 9 lbs. back.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? I had a horrible ear infection at one point, but that was about it - thank God!
11. What was the best thing you bought? My iPhone (although Bert would disagree because I am too obsessed with it) and a pair of perfect-fitting jeans at Ann Taylor Loft

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Bert! He was able to get an assistantship and fellowship while working on his Ph.D.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Sarah Palin, all kinds of psychos in the news, the plotline to Precious, etc. etc. Personally - well, some things are better left unsaid. :)
14. Where did most of your money go? Living expenses and savings
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Visiting San Fran, going to the mountains for a quick getaway and time with family and friends
16. What song will always remind you of 2009? "Right Round" by Flo Rida
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? happier (b) thinner or fatter? Always the same! (c) richer or poorer? a little richer
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? getting up early/going to bed early/praying
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? thinking about the future and not living in the present
20. How did you spend Christmas? With my family!
21. Did you fall in love in 2009? Yes. I fall in love each year with my Bert.
22. What was your favorite TV program? Lost

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? No...no one new. :)
24. What was the best book you read? "The Help" - HIGHLY recommend
26. What did you want and get? Happiness.
27. What did you want and not get? To end the battle of the bulge.
28. What was your favorite film of this year? "Avatar" - do NOT miss this movie in 3D!
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 29. I saw "Jersey Boys" and ate at the Sundial Restaurant - a GREAT birthday!
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? If my grandfather would still have been alive
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009? Ann Taylor Loft with some funky accessories
32. What kept you sane? Bert, Mama, Prayer
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Bradley Cooper. After "The Hangover," Bert said he would go get a black button-up to wear with his black suit. Love my man. ;)

34. What political issue stirred you the most? Anything dealing with small mindedness. I shall leave it at that.
35. Who did you miss? Abbu, of course. I miss him every day.
36. Who was the best new person you met? My two new friends - both Jennifers!
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009. With hard work, anything is possible. Sometimes you just have to have faith that things will turn around and keep on keeping on.

2009 was good to me. Looking forward to a hopefully even-better 2010!

Labels: meme

Thankful

Got this great idea from LT'S blog.

Labels: family, friends, holiday, meme

Running Red Lights

Friday afternoon...I think it's a perfect time for a meme.

1. It's early morning, about 2:00AM, and you're driving home. You come to a red light and sit there. There is no one in sight for miles around. Do you wait it out or run the light?
So, it depends where I am. In my small Mississippi hometown, yes. Guilty as charged. Where I live now...depends on where I am. This feels like one of my dirty little secrets coming out!

2. If you had the chance to re-do the last 24 hours, would you change anything?
Actually, no. OK - one thing. I would eat less candy.

3. When you reply to someone's comment on your blog, do you reply in your comments or go to her blog and comment? (Or email that person)
I usually reply in my own comments.

4. Your favorite Disney movie is:
Sleeping Beauty.

5. Do you recycle?
Yes. I do believe in recycling and the price to recycle is already included in our trash service. We recycle plastic, glass and paper at home. At work, I do the same. I am on the Solid Waste Task Force in my town (representing my workplace) to try and get more policies in place to encourage recycling!

6. Games of strategy or games of chance?
Games of chance. That way, the outcome has nothing to do with my intelligence. And it's less competitive. Just more relaxed.

7. Do you have any recurring dreams?
I have a lot of nightmares. They are scary. I'll spare details.

8. What did you learn from your first real job?
That I do not like manual labor. I worked for an apartment owner/appraiser and I did 95% office work, which was good because I HATE manual labor.

9. Do you buy or borrow most books?
Buy. Something about a book I love sitting on my shelf makes me happy.

Hmmm...can't really think of any. I can think of some trends I said I'd never follow and did, though. I said I'd never wear Birkenstocks or gray New Balances, but I definitely did both. I have owned probably 5 pair of gray New Balances actually.

11. When do you start Christmas shopping?
Early December.

12. Have you ever been so happy that you literally jumped up and down for a few seconds? If so, what was the occasion?
Nah, but I have squealed with delight before. Takes a lot to get me to engage in physical activity. See manual labor sentence above.

Labels: meme

You Know I Love These

This idea was stolen from Laura, who stole it from Facebook. I have a sore throat and this is what I feeling like doing. I realize you don't REALLY care to read a bunch of confession questions about me, so pick a few to read and consider doing it too! I happen to enjoy these. :)

1. The phone rings. Who do you want it to be? Like Laura, I love talking on the phone...always have. There are a few folks who I let go straight to voice mail (NONE of y'all...I promise!), but other than that, I love it.

2. When shopping at the grocery store, do you return your cart? Yep.

3. In a social setting, are you more of a talker or a listener? Depends on my mood. Would love for someone to chime in and tell me which one I am!

4. Do you take compliments well? Perhaps a little too well. Just kidding! But I do need lots of affirmation, so I have to say I enjoy a compliment.

5. Do you play Soduku? No. Whenever I think of Soduku, I think of Patrick Davis - the master.

6. If abandoned alone in the wilderness, would you survive? I'm tougher than you might think.

7. Did you ever go to camp as a kid? No and I wouldn't let my kids go to an overnight camp either. I'm too paranoid.

8. What was your favorite game as a kid? I loved to play "teacher" and as far as board games, my fave was Life.

9. Would you slow dance with someone that you knew was married? No way Jose.

10. Could you date someone with different religious beliefs than you? I did...and he converted. :)

11. Do you like to pursue or be pursued? These girls today...I tell ya. Ladies, be pursued! Any time I tried to pursue, I ended up looking like a fool.

12. Use three words to describe yourself. Extroverted, introspective, passionate

13. Do any songs make you cry? Yes, the most bizarre of which is "Hate it or Love It" by the Game feat. 50 Cent. I am pro-choice, but when he says in the song that any time he gets exhausted, he thinks about what if his mom got that abortion. Then he says, "I love you, Ma." I'm crying now.

14. Are you continuing your education? Would love to be Dr. Anisa one day! When Bert gets done with his, I'd like to go back for mine.

15. Do you know how to shoot a gun? When your daddy is from Sturgis, Miss., you better believe you know how to shoot!

16. If your house was on fire, what would be the first thing you grabbed? My cat Matty...and if Bert had him, then our wedding album.

17. How often do you read books? Not nearly enough. The last book I read was probably 6 months ago. Bad Anisa. I started "The Secret Life of Bees" a few weeks ago and need to pick it back up. Any reviews on this book?

18. Do you think more about the past, present or future? I think of all of it...but I do think of the future more than I should. I need to focus more on the here and now rather than waiting for this or that to happen.

19. What is your favorite children's book? I have lots. One is "A Time to Keep" by Tasha Tudor...quite a magical book.

20. What color are your eyes? brown

21. How tall are you? 5'4" and a HALF

22. Where is your dream house located? Somewhere closer to family.

23. Have you ever taken pictures in a photo booth? Yes...some of my favorites!

24. When was the last time you were at Olive Garden? Like 2 months. Love their pasta e fagioli.

25. What is the furthest place you traveled today? Starbucks to get a hot chocolate...like I said, my throat hurts. :(

26. Do you like mustard? GROSS. Well...honey mustard is good (only if it is not dijon).

27. Do you prefer to sleep or eat? Sleep.

28. Do you look like your mom or dad? I look like my own person, but you can tell they are my parents. I guess a tiny bit more like my dad.

29. How long does it take you in the shower? 20 minutes. I know.

30. Can you do the splits? Like Laura, I can't do that, cartwheel or dive.

31. What movie do you want to see right now? Harry Potter...going tonight!

32. Do you think The Grudge was scary? SO SCARY.

33. Do you own a camera phone? Yes.

34. Was your mom a cheerleader? Nope

35. What's the last letter of your middle name? My birth middle name ends in "T" (Margrett)...my maiden is now my middle and it ends in an "N"

36. How many hours of sleep do you get a night? Not enough! Usually close to 8, but not quite. I think my body needs at least 9.

37. Do you like care bears? No strong feelings one way or another

38. What do you buy at the movies? BUY? I sneak my stuff in!

39. Do you know how to play poker? Kinda

40. Do you wear your seatbelt? Yes, or my car makes this ANNOYING beeping sound that won't stop

41. What do you wear to sleep? T-shirt and shorts/capris/pants. I wish I was the kind of person who wore cute nighties like they do on TV every night.

42. Anything big ever happen in your hometown? Johnny Cash was arrested there for picking flowers while drunk, George H.W. Bush spoke at graduation one year and that's about it! Oh - one of the American Idol contestants was from my hometown and I went to Jr. High with a former Miss USA.

43. How many meals do you eat a day? 2 or 3.

44. Is your tongue pierced? No.

45. Do you like funny or serious people better? Funny people that can be serious.

46. Ever been to L.A.? Nope...would love to.

47. Did you eat a cookie today? No, but that's a great idea.

48. Do you use cuss words in other languages? Oh yes! Urdu. Bert's favorite is the one I say that translates to "low class shoeshine owl." SO lost in translation! :)

49. Do you steal or pay for your music downloads? Pay - iTunes.

50. Do you hate chocolate? I LOVE CHOCOLATE.

51. What do you and your parents fight about the most? We don't fight hardly at all any more now that I don't live with them! :)

52. Are you a gullible person? NO. I am quite the opposite...always skeptical.

53. Do you need a boyfriend/girlfriend to be happy? I'm married...and the happiest I've ever been because I'm happy with myself.

54. If you could have any job (assuming you have the skills) what would it be? Novelist. Hands down. My dream.

55. Are you easy to get along with? I think so...not to say I can't be difficult and/or bossy, but I would like to think I'd be friends with me. :)

56. What is your favorite time of day? The moment I get home, put on jams and relax with Bert.

Labels: meme

More About Meme

9. I love playing games. By games, I do not mean anything that is a physical game...well, except maybe bowling. I am terrible at it, but I love it. I am competitive, but have learned through bowling that you can not be good at something and still enjoy it. I also love Yahtzee, word games, trivia games, etc.

10. I would love to write a novel. This is a dream of mine - to pen a book. I even have the general plot set. To see my name on the spine of a book would be incredible.

11. Hot pink is my favorite color, but I rarely wear it. I got a hot pink iPod for graduation, but even had to think on that. I have no idea why...I guess the flashiness of it. But, I will tear up a hot pink Sharpie! Which brings me to the next point...

12. I love Sharpies. The Ultra Fine Point markers are the best. I have the pens and like those, but nothing compares to the markers. I have a rainbow of them on my desk.

13. I think I've said this before, but I'll say it again - my favorite thing in the English language are words that fit the definition of onomatopoeia. Slither, sizzle, sparkle, crackle, buzz, pop, etc. Anything that sounds like what it is.

14. I cry at Publix commercials. You know - the one where the kid asks his mom to help him make a cake for his sweetheart for Valentine's Day. And then, she takes the kid to school and says he forgot the cake...and he smiles and runs into school. TEARS. And the Christmas one where the new doctor is all alone on Christmas..no one on the train...he is on the phone with his mom, and SURPRISE! They bring Christmas to him.

15. Puppet people scare me. I hate mascots, characters at amusement parks, etc. I know it's a real condition because I saw it on Montel once!

16. I am a deeply sensitive soul, and while this can be very difficult, I have come to view it mostly as a blessing. I truly LIVE life. I feel deeply; I am not numb. My emotions sometimes get the best of me, but this also means that I love with everything in my being.

Labels: meme

Sweet Sixteen

My friend Lindsey tagged me via email, so I thought I'd post here. I love a meme, especially on a Friday!
Rules: once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 16 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 16 people to be tagged. (I am tagging anyone who wants to do this! I love reading these!)

1. I have a crazy memory. Not only do I remember most everything, my brain is also a cross-reference for celebrities. My sister and I share this quality. For example, if I see some character in a movie, I will be able to tell you TV shows, movies, etc. they have appeared in. Just last night, moments before I fell asleep, I thought, "Was Richie on Family Matters the same as Devon on The Young and the Restless?" Although I have not seen Family Matters in several years, I still remember the kid's name was Bryton McClure...and that on Y&R, Devon is billed simply as Bryton. A quick Wikipedia search confirmed that I was indeed correct. I am aware that this all makes me slightly crazy...and that is fine with me!

2. I love really, really dark nail polish. My winter staple is Midnight in Moscow. My little cousins ask my why I wear black nail polish, but I quickly inform them that it is a deep brownish-purple with hints of red. My nail tech wants me to also try Lincoln Park After Dark. If I really search my soul, I must sheepishly admit that I started wearing dark polish after admiring Lauren Conrad's. Yes, I love The Hills.

3. I love national politics. I used to work for a Congressman and that instilled a love for national politics in me. During the Presidential election, I was glued to MSNBC and developed a mini-crush on Keith Olbermann. I love how he tells it like it is! I am a little burned out now, but am sure I'll come back to news eventually.

4. I am very regimented. My mind is a constant to-do list. Every morning, I follow the same routine of shower/make bed/put on make-up/iron clothes/put on clothes/take vitamins/pray/dry and straighten hair/grab breakfast on the way out the door. The rest of my day is very regimented, as is my pre-bed routine. My week is set also...for example, on Wednesdays during my lunch break, I clean everything in my house except bathrooms. Thursday is bathroom day. Everything has its time and its regiment. Luckily, my husband is not as anal as I am, so that helps balance me out!

5. When I cook or clean by myself, I pretend I am hosting a show. I have done this as long as I can remember! I talk to myself when I am doing this, as well as when I'm in the car.

6. As I mentioned a few posts ago, I am taking a pottery class. I went to get extra help, and I am proud to say that I have now made 6 pots! They are all very amateurish and look like something you would see in a museum that was made in 8000 B.C. Believe me...I have seen pots that old at The High Museum in Atlanta, and that was before they had wheels and all the stuff we have today to make pottery. And mine don't look any better than theirs, but hey - I've been at this less than 2 weeks, so I'm OK with that!

7. I love, love, love kids! I always have, except for a short stretch in my early 20s. I already have my kids names picked out and no, I won't tell! I have mentioned before that I am obsessed with names. I have had Baby Name books since I was a little kid. So, when it finally comes time for me to have my own bundles of joy, I will know that I have chosen their names with much thought and care!

8. I am obsessed with all things Paris. It is my dream to go, and Bert has promised it for our 10th Anniversary. Can't wait. I know I've mentioned this before on here, but truly - it is a huge dream of mine. There are several depictions of Eiffel Towers in our house (3) and I try to read things in French before reading them in English. Je t'aime Paris!

And since this is getting long-ish, I will save 9-16 for my next post!

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