My Motto and Really Funny Friends

I missed yesterday...I was busy. And I was busy today, too. More about that later. So here's the Getting to Know Me in 30 Days questions for Oct. 4 & 5.

Oct. 4

Do you have a life motto?

I don't really have a "motto" but my philosophy on life is just to be kind. Be a nice person. Be sympathetic, have empathy, show love and compassion. Of course we all have our moments that we wish we could take back and when we were not acting nice. We're human after all. But just be kind. (I have to admit I often beat myself up with guilt if I think I've hurt someone's feelings. I get obsessive about it).

So I guess my motto is "Be kind."

Oct. 5

Here's where my friends come in and think they are so funny. I asked for questions, and here's what I get...

1. Where is Oct. 4th post? Nice question...I was busy smarty pants, ahem, I mean, Baloney AND Impulsive.

2. Are you coming to the fair with me? I really do think anyone who reads this wants to know if I'm going to the fair with Baloney. Right? Since this is apparently a really important question that people want to know, my answer is no, I'm not going to the Fair. Tomorrow is my day to volunteer in my son's Kindergarten class. And there's no way I'm missing that! (I'm still adjusting to him being away from me all day, M-F. So I'm going to spend time with my boy). Really, it would've been fun, though. Have a turkey leg and fried doggie toes for me! Love ya, Baloney!!!

More tomorrow, friends!

Goodnight!

Getting to Know You in 30 Days

In an effort to blog more, I've decided to do one of those "30 Day to Get to Know Me." In other words, each day I'm going to answer a question (or post a pic, depending on what the question of the day is...I'm getting the questions off the Internet) about myself or my life, etc. Surely I can manage to answer one question per day and post it. Ya think?

Since I'm three days late getting started--I was going to start on Oct. 1--today you get the first three questions. Thanks for following along. I'm hoping to incorporate any linkies into the questions...just going to have to get creative on how to cross brand (but I'm a former marketing professional, I think I can manage). So let's get started...here's getting to know you...I mean, me.

Oct. 1 (should've been):

Post a current pic of yourself

Here you go. That's me.

Oct. 2 (happy birthday to my mom yesterday, Oct. 2):

What is your full name and tell us about it...were you named after anyone, did you like your name as a kid, etc., etc.

My full name is Alyssa Allison (I'm not giving you my maiden name or last name, even though you probably know what it is. Still, just for precautionary measures). Not named after anyone, my mom just liked the name Alyssa. My sister and I have the same middle name--Allison. Guess my mom really liked that name. Did I like my name as a kid? NO! Though the name Alyssa is becoming more and more popular, when I was a kid it was NOT popular. And I wanted a popular name so I could buy a personalized bicycle license plate or mug. I wanted to be a Stephanie or Molly or Jill or one of those names that were popular when I was kid. Also, my maiden name started with the letter A. So that was super awesome to have the initials AAA. Not really. But I'm okay with my name now. You know how it is when you're a kid, you just want to be like the other kids.

Oct. 3

When is your birthday and do you share it with a celebrity? What's your sign and do you fit the stereotype of your zodiac sign?

My birthday is May 11, and I don't think there are any celebrities with it. Hold on, let me Google that.....looks like Natasha Richardson. My sign is Taurus. I'm not really into that whole zodiac sign business, but apparently Taurus are patient and reliable, possessive, inflexible, stubborn, warm hearted and loving, persistent and determined, steadfast, loyal, and don't like change (got those personality traits off the web). Looking at those, I would say, yes, I fall into most of those categories. Except the "don't like change"...I'm pretty spontaneous and a go-with-the-flow type of gal.

Now...here's what I want from you. What do you want to know? What questions would you like me to answer? I'd love it if you'd give me your questions...leave it in the comments!

Talk to Us Tuesday--On a Wednesday

I promised Impulsive that I'd link up to her new linky dealy. Her linky is on Tuesdays...today is Wednesday. So, as always I'm a day late. That's my life.

Impulsive's linky is Talk to Us Tuesday where you basically just chat about whatever you want. So I'm going to give it a try--and try not to bore you. Here goes:

(Patrick after he scored a goal! Yay!! His back is to the camera, that other little cutie is his best friend. They are so cute together...little boys, LOVE THEM!)

-I'm officially a soccer mom--but NO mini van! Patrick is playing soccer this fall. He loves it, it's super cute and we're having fun. Is there anything cuter than little 5/6 year old boys and girls running around in their too big chin guards. And really, you know why they play...for the after game snacks.

-My heart was so sad and heartbroken for the past two weeks. A friend of mine lost her 4 month old baby. It's the first time that a child of one of my friends died. I struggled with the right words to say, when to act and when to back off. I couldn't make sense of it, this precious family who has gone through so much heartbreak already. Why is this happening to them? They are the strongest, most faithful family I've ever seen. God is with them everyday. But won't you please say a prayer for my friend (God will know who you're talking about, I don't want to put her name out in public without her permission), for continued healing of her heart, peace, understanding and for them to help their other children grieve while she's grieving herself. And give your children one more hug and tell them you love them, life is precious and unpredictable.

-I'm obsessed with my hair. It's ridiculously out of control and ugly right now! I need to get my highlights done, but I don't know what to do. I'm in need of a serious hair cut, but I don't know what I want. Ugh, my hair has always caused me great disdain (except when I was preggers with Patrick, I had awesome hair then).

-Visit ttownmoms.com. Comment, put something in the forum. Stop by and say 'hi'! We'd love to see you over there. There's big plans coming down the pick for ttownmoms.com, can't wait to tell you about it when I know more. But stop by!

(seriously, why'd I put this ridiculous photo of me on here? It's the only pic I have of myself running...gag).

-Running...you knew I was going to go there. I've had some serious setbacks lately. Nothing physical. It's all mental. My motivation is gone. I need to get my running mojo back! Help! I used to run at least 4 times a week, but now I struggle to get out twice a week. I just don't feel like going. And I actually kind of like running (well, I don't like it when I'm doing it, but I love the way I feel afterwards--weird, I know). If anyone would like to give me some words of motivation, that would be great.

So there you have, my "Talk" for Talk to Us Tuesday (on a Wednesday). Sorry I wasn't too boring.

Busted!

I think I mentioned back in January that we got two new kitties. Manx kitties. They were sweet, little teeny baby kitties when we got them.

Then they grew.

And ate.

A lot.

And turned into adolescent kitties.

And now they are ornery.

See.

This is Toby, he's into shredding paper towels and toilet paper. Usually he does his little shredding destruction when we're gone. But this time I heard a ruckus in the kitchen and tiptoed in....BUSTED!!!

I feel like I have a toddler in the house again. I keep telling myself it's a phase, soon they'll be big, fat, lazy cats that just lay around in the sunlight all day (I'm ok with that).

And I admit....they are still sweet. I'm pretty smitten with these kittens.

Daydreaming on a Friday Afternoon

I'm following in Impulsive's footsteps today and hooking up with her friend, Becca, who hosts a Friday DayDreaming on her blog. It's kinda cool (well, not 'kinda', it IS cool), where you post a vacation pic and daydream about it. You should go over and visit and link up.

So, here's what I've got for this week. Last month, as you know, we went to Cape San Blas, FL.

Had another wonderful time. It's a magical place, but one of the best times of the day is sunset. The sunsets are amazing, I literally stand there and just stare until the sun drops into the ocean and leaves behind a glowing horizon.

This is Katie standing at the ocean's edge watching the sun go down. She just stood there and watched and watched. When the sun was gone and darkness had descended on us, she turned and said, "well, that was another great day." Love her!

I'd like to just sit here on this Friday afternoon and dream about standing in the warm ocean as the waves lap around my feet watching a beautiful sunset.

Happy Weekend!

My Neck of the Woods--Angry Birds

I'm linking up with the RHOK today to share what's going on in My Neck of the Woods. What's really going on is back-to-school preparation (school starts one week from today), but I'm choosing to ignore that and squeeze every last minute out of summer. So let's just pretend BTS isn't happening.

Here's what's going on in My Neck of the Woods...

The Angry Birds live show.

Of course we've all played Angry Birds on our phones or iPads. And I'm sure you know that the stuffed animal birds are available for purchase (at the grocery store and other retailers). If your kids have blocks they build up the village with the pigs strategically placed then they throw the stuffed Angry Birds at it. It's totally awesome when the blocks come crashing down over and over and over again on the wood floor (**sarcasm**). But shoot, they're happy, so it's all good.

That's what's going on in My Neck of the Woods!

Perspective

It's hot. We know, we know. It's HOT! So please quit posting your dashboard temp gauges on Facebook, etc. We're all hot and we all know it's hot. Ok?

Sorry to get testy...I think the heat is getting to me (ho ho ha ha hee hee). Not really...I like HOT weather--I'm cool with it!

Ok, seriously, it's not going to be hot forever, so let's all simmer down a bit and put it into perspective.

You could be doing this....

Or this...

See this...this is the temperature forecast for Baghdad, Iraq.

It's really hot there, too.

As you know, I don't get political on the ol blog (in the words of Bush the 1st "not gunna do it"), but I think we need to put our little heat wave in perspective. You're probably wearing shorts, tank tops, swimsuits, flip flops, etc. Not full combat gear. Just keep that in mind the next time you say, "ugh, I'm soooo hot." We don't have it that bad.

Hopping off my soapbox now. Hope you have a great Wednesday!!!

3 Quick Reviews

Ok, so you know we just got back from vacation. I like to read. I love to read on the beach. And it took two days to get there and two days to get back, so that's a lot of car time, too. So I read. So today I'm not going to give you long book reviews, I'm going to keep it quick. Here's what I read last week:

The Middle Place

by Kelly Corrigan

Rating: 4 out of 5

This is not a non-fiction (like I thought it was when I grabbed it as I was whizzing through the bookstore the day before we left). It's very well written and very relateable for mothers who have small children and are in "the middle place" between being a parent (to their children) and a child (to their parents). The main theme is her fight and her father's with cancer. Her wit and humor make it an easy read for a topic that could be depressing. It wasn't a "I couldn't put this book down" type of book, but it's very good and I would recommend it.

The Red Garden

by Alice Hoffman

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

This is a very interesting book. If you decide to read it here's my first piece of advise...stick with it. The first 3 or 4 chapters you'll be thinking "blah...eh." But stay with it. This book isn't a 'story,' each chapter is a glimpse at the life of a citizen of a town in Massachusetts starting at the founding of the town and continuing through the 1990s-2000s. The common thread that binds the chapter together and the character together through the centuries is this garden that is behind the founder of the town's home where the soil is blood red. I would recommend this book and it's interesting cast of characters. But like I said...stick with this book through the beginning.

A Soft Place to Land

by Susan Rebecca White

Rating: 3 out of 5

Man, I really wanted to like this book. I really wanted to like the characters and was waiting for that "aha" moment in the book. But it never happened. It's the story of two sisters whose parents die in a plane crash when they are in 7th and 10th grade and their relationship throughout the years. This could have been a beautiful story but I just kept wanting to take a hold of both girls and shake them by the shoulders and say, "it's not always about YOU!" This is a decent 'beach read' where it isn't too deep, so don't expect too much out of it except for one mini drama after another. Oh--also more character development was needed. Read it if you'd like...it's just ok.

Happy Wednesday! Have a hot day!

My Neck of the Woods

I'm linkin' up with the RHOK today and showing you My Neck of the Woods.

Go check them out to see others, always fun to see what's going on in other's Woods.

Here's what's going on in my neck of the woods.

'Nuf said!

Later gators.

A Month? Dang!

Shazaaaam! Whoa--no way has it been almost a month since I posted. In the words of Joe Dirt..."dang!"

Dang!

I could sit here and give you a million excuses why I've been absent for a month, but shoot, it's summer girls and boys and sometimes mama's get a summer break, too.

But really I've just been uber-busy. I won't give you details, I'll just say it goes a little something like this...summer camp, VBS, golf camp, pool time, grandparent's visit, pool time, kid #1's birthday, 5K races, pool time, kid #2's birthday...etc, etc. But I'm no different than the rest of you parents out there. I've just put blogging on the back burner. But I'll be back. Just not next week.

Oh, and there's this little thing, too...

I'll fill ya in on that later...

Dang!

Happy Hot Thursday!

The Man in the Middle

I really hope you can see what's going on in the photo below. I took this photo last Thursday while out for my morning run on the river trails. This is three men out for a morning walk. But let me tell you, I don't know for sure, but I think it was more than just a morning walk.

I'm not good with ages, but if I had to guess, I would say these men are probably in their 70s. If you can't tell, the man in the middle is walking with a cane. They weren't walking at a brisk clip, but they were chit chatting and seemed to be enjoying themselves. When I ran past them (this pic was taken after I turned around and caught back up to them) I could tell that the middle man looked to be recovering from some type of medical issue. I don't know what it was, maybe a stroke, maybe cancer, maybe just the loss of a loved one. I don't know. But what I do know is that he has two good friends who got up at 6:00 a.m. with him and patiently walked along with him, encouraging him, talking to him, being his friend. Again, I absolutely don't know the situation, but what I do know is those other two men are...what true friends are...someone you can count on to carry you through the tough times in life.

I hope that if there's ever a time where I'm the man in the middle that I'll have those kind of loyal friends by my side.

Perfect Pairings--Isaiah 40:30-31

I've been MIA for a couple weeks, sorry. More on that later. For now I'm linking up with Baloney to do another Perfect Pairing. Go over and see her and the other pairings.

If you've been reading for the past month you know we've had 4 Robin's eggs in the perfect little nest that is perched on top of the electric meter on the side of the house. The eggs hatched, the babies grew and recently the flew the nest. Even mommy Robin moved on.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. --Isaiah 40:30-31

Perfect Pairings--The Rainbow

Wow--it's been a week since I've posted. I'm so, so sorry. It was the last week of school and recital week at dance, but we're on cruise control now on the lazy days of summer. So I hope I can promise you that more timely posts are on their way. For today, I'm doing Baloney's Perfect Pairing. Hop on over and see her and the other pairings.

I'm sure everyone in the Tulsa area saw the beautiful double rainbow last week. Our last t-ball game got rained out in the bottom of the first inning and there it was on our drive back home. I don't know how anyone can look at a rainbow and not remember God's covenant. What a promise! So I find this pic and verse a Perfect Pairing.

I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. --Genesis 9:13.

Perfect Pairings--Hebrews 12:1-2

It's Monday...not Perfect Pairings day, but does that really matter. Any day is a good day to post the Word of God, isn't it? Anyway, head over and see Baloney and check out some of the other Perfect Pairings from yesterday.

Also, please pray for the people of Joplin.

This is a pic from a run I did on Saturday. Photo is courtesy of Fleet Feet Tulsa. I kind look like I'm ticked off. I wasn't ticked off (other than I didn't feel like running on Saturday), I was just focused on the finish line which was right in front of me when this was taken.

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. --Hebrews 12: 1-2

Your Neck of the Woods--St. Mary

It's Tuesday, you know what that means--it's Your Neck of the Woods day! Head over to the RHOK and check out what's going on in other's neck of the woods.

Today I'm sharing this photo (sorry the quality of the photo isn't very good). This is a statue of Mary that is outside of my kids' school and our church.

We pass by this statue everyday as we pull into school, it's a very peaceful and calming way to start our day. Lately in my neck the woods we've been spending even more time at school and church than normal. You know how the end of the school year is...special parent's days, ceremonies, end-of-the-year concerts and performances. It's a busy, busy time of year. So we're seeing the Mary statue more than usual this past week (and next week). But I don't mind, I need the daily reminder that God is in control of my life...not me. I'm very glad that His presence is in My Neck of the Woods.

Have a blessed day!!

The Babies are Here!

Remember when I posted this pic. Beautiful blue robin's eggs...sign of life to come? So pretty and photogenic.

Well...the babies were born this weekend.

Honestly, I find them a little creepy. But here are our four baby robins.
Ick. I'll keep checking on them, but I sure do hope they'll have feathers soon.

I think I like the eggs better.

We Want to Know Wednesday

I'm going to link up with Impulsive today (sorry I missed last week) and do We Want to Know Wednesday. It's really fun. So go over and see her and Mamarazzi and Seriously Shawn and Janette and have a little fun learning about other bloggers!

So without further ado, here are this week's Q&A's...

1. What game show have you thought you could be on and totally WIN? I was going to say The Price is Right because I've watched since Bob Barker had dark hair (that was a long time ago), but then I thought, that game has a lot of luck involved and everything is priced according to California prices--not Oklahoma. So I changed my mind. But, I could TOTALLY win Deal or No Deal. Now I might not win the million bucks, but I guarantee I'd walk away with a pretty good chunk of cash. It's all about statistics people. Take the emotion and adrenaline out of that game and it's an easy one to win some big money.

Howie--I'll take the Deal!

2. Do you have a tattoo(s)? If so, what are they and what made you get them? If not, would you get one, yes/no/why? No, I don't have any tattoos. No I would never get a tattoo. a). because it's permanent, and, b). it hurts. Plus, I have an awesome birthmark on my right thigh in the shape of the Playboy bunny. Who needs a tat when nature provided that??

3. What is your favorite piece of jewelry that you own? Easy...my wedding and engagement ring. I never take it off. Except to clean it. Other than that, it hasn't been off my finger since WM put it on there. The other is my crucifix necklace that I wear.

4. What is your driving pet peeve(s)? Oh, I have quite a few. But here are my two biggies...when someone is in the right turn only lane and the light turn greens and they smash the gas and go straight (not turn right). They just didn't want to wait in the line of cars that were in the correct lane. But my very most, biggest, can't stand it pet peeve is when people throw cigarette butts out the window. I can't stand that!!! It's littering, it's putting your disgusting habit in my environment. If you do this you're a jerk wad. There have been so many times that I've been at a light and someone has thrown out a cig and I've been so tempted to get out of my car and flip it back into their car. But I'm non-confrontational, so I just sit seething in my car. It's a gross, dirty, stinky habit. Keep it to yourself. (Oh man, how I could go on about this...moving on).

5. What was your favorite sitcom when you were little that you wish was still on? "One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight...schlemeel, schlemazel, hasenfeffer incorporated!" Laverne and Shirley! I loved that show and totally didn't get half of what they were talking about, but I thought their below the ground apartment was cool. Lenny and Squiggy were annoying but you loved them. Laverne and Shirley was on when I was little. I loved Friends very much, too, but it was on when I wasn't so "little." The cast of characters were my age and I "got it", my friends and I were in the same phase of life they were, it was like watching a show about our lives.

But Laverne and Shirley...I Heart You!

Have fun--link up with the gals!

My Neck of the Woods--Babies are Coming!

I'm hookin' up with the laaaaay-deeeees at the RHOK to let you know a little bit about what's going on in My Neck of the Woods today. Head over to the RHOK to find out more about what's going.

In my neck of the woods, or I should say, on the electric meter on the side of my house, a mama Robin has made her perfect little nest and laid her perfectly Robin's Blue eggs. I wish I had gotten a better photo because this nest is seriously something out of a nature photo, it's perfectly symmetrical with cute little sprigs shooting out here and there. And look at those eggs. Precious little birds. BUT...I was taking my life in my own hands by taking this pic, that perfect nest-making mama was lurking, just waiting to attack if I made the wrong move. I will tell you this, she hasn't left her nest since I took this pic. She's probably thinking, "I leave for one second and blondie over there descends on my nest. No way am I leaving again." And she hasn't.

We're just waiting for the arrival of our four babies birds. Our next door neighbor has a nest on her front door wreath and her babies have hatched, so I'm thinking it should be any day now.

I love spring. I love signs of new life and new beginnings. The flowers blooming, the birds chirping. I love that even though we live in the middle of town that nature is unfolding right in front of us.

Happy Spring, my friends!!!

Oh--and I'd love to have a dress in the exact color of those eggs.

Here and There and a Bunch of Other Random Stuff

Been awhile, huh? It's that time of the year...busy, busy, busy. Does anyone else find the end of the school year...the whole month of May...just crazy? So here's a quick post with a few pics to show you what we've been up to.

Last Thursday, Patrick's preschool class had their May Crowning ceremony. It was darling and the kiddos learned about the importance of the Blessed Mother.

Here's Patrick before he walked into the chapel with his flowers for Mary.

After the May Crowning, the mom's were invited back to the classroom for a muffins, photos and crafts. Patrick made me a beautiful necklace and I got lots and lots of hugs. Watching him with his friends and how much they've grown makes me realize he really is ready for Kindergarten. In three short months he'll be in "big" school. I'm going to enjoy this summer with my "little" boy.

Here's my little guy and me at his preschool Mother's Day party.

Saturday morning I got up and did the Ready, Set...Run! I was on Team Logan's Storm Breakers. The Storm Breakers is Yogi's son's team. Everyone wanted to be on our team, but there is simply only enough room for greatness, therefore, it was me and Yogi. I'm sure I was running so fast that storms were breaking. Not really. It was a great run and a great inspiration to see these families who are so dedicated to their children. Thank you, Yogi and Logan for letting me be on your team. It was GREAT!!!

I don't have a pic of me at the race--but Yogi does and so does Baloney (who didn't run because she doesn't believe in sweating. I'm also starting to believe that she's using her shoulder as a good excuse to get out of anything that involves sweat. Am I right? Totally kidding)!! So go check out Yogi and Baloney to see proof that I was there.

There was a little t-ball action after the run. It was hot but I was still sweaty from the run, so it was all good.

Crush it, Patrick!!!

Sunday was a day to celebrate moms! I love being a mom--I would never be able to put in words how blessed I am to have the three little munchkins I have. And I wouldn't be the mom I am today without the example set by my mom. Who I love with all my heart. (and who is going to kill me that I posted a pic of her).

Here's my mom holding Katie when Katie was about 12 weeks old.

Sunday afternoon was filled with family time and messing around the house and little shopping with my Katie. A great dinner made by WM and topped off the evening watching The Real Housewives of Orange County (my first time watching and are you kidding me?!?!).

That brings us to today. Katie was scheduled to get some fillings today. Which she did...plus, look! They also pulled two teeth. Surprise! Didn't know about that until we got there. She wasn't happy. She's still not happy. Bless her heart. She's one brave little girl.

Katie's missing teeth. I think the Tooth Fairy owes her BIG TIME!

Tonight is more t-ball, dance photos, homework, getting ready for tomorrow's Patriotic Concert at Katie's school and Fun in Sun day at Patrick's. Like I said...just a busy, busy time of year. I'm going to do my best to keep up and post regularly.

XOXO--til tomorrow!

Beardacolypse--In Case You Miss It

I really was planning to do a In Your Neck of the Woods today because I have a great one. I still might, later today. But for now you get this...incase you missed it last night. Two of my favorite actors/entertainers. You know I love me some Will Ferrell. Be warned...there is some adult content. Enjoy! And laugh--it's ok to laugh!!

Perfect Pairings--2 Timothy 4:2

For today's post I'm going to join up with Baloney and do a Perfect Pairing. Go on over to That's Baloney, say hi and check out the other pairings. They are wonderful!

I'm posting this sweet pic of my little Josie that shows her kind, serene, gentle side. Which I've seen once in the last 6 weeks. She's going through a phase. She's testing me and my patience. So here's the verse that I chose to match my little sweetie's face.

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and gentle instruction. --2 Timothy 4:2.

Only in Oklahoma--Baseball

Well, it's been a bit of time since my last Only in Oklahoma post. But last night at Patrick's t-ball game I was presented a situation that just screamed "ONLY IN OKLAHOMA!" I'm not going to tell you the name of the team we were playing or where we play because a). I don't want some weirdo coming out to the ball field and b). I don't want "Coach" to come get all redneck on me. Okay? Ok.

Let's just say in Oklahoma it apparently is okay for your baseball team to wear camo shirts, and for the coach to wear sweatpants and work boots and a half cocked hat. There may or may not have been chewing tobacco involved, I'm not totally sure on that, I felt like my life was on the line as it was by taking this pic. I was acting like I was taking a pic of Patrick playing in the field...but he was playing 3rd base, so....

I'll give the guy credit, he seemed to be great with his little team, even when half of them were crying.

But still, being good with kids is no excuse for dressing like a redneck. Unless you are a redneck, then I guess it's okay.

No, never mind, it's never ok.

We Want to Know--Random Randomness

I'm all about linking up with others this week, and today is no different. I'm linking up with Impulsive Addict, Mamarazzi, Seriously Shawn and Janette to do another installment of We Want to Know Wednesday. They don't have a theme this week, they just want to know a little about random things in our lives. So link up with those gals and check out what other people and thinkin'.

Here are today's questions:

1. What is the first thing you notice about he opposite sex. Are you an eyes or a smile person? Another body part? Two things...hair and smell. I know that's weird. But if a dude has nasty hair...yuck OR if his hair is full of product and perfectly styled...double yuck. I don't want a dude who spends more time on his hair/appearance than I do. Puh-leeze! And of course, the smell thing. I am super sensitive to smells (it was dreadful during my pregnancies), so if a guy smells yucky...bleck! Or worse, if he's drowned in colonge...gag me more!

2. If a movie was being made about you who would you like to see cast as you? And would your movie be a comedy, drama, romantic-comedy, action film or horror movie? Well, it would probably be a comedy and I'd think Gwenyth Paltrow or Charlize Theron or Uma Thurman might be cast as me, but just because of the height and hair color thing. OH--no, Lisa Kudrow...she's probably who should play me (when Friends was the popular TV show, everyone said that I was a lot like Phoebe. Not sure if that's a compliment or not...but I like Phoebe).

3. Does your high school yearbook include a senior comment section? If so, share what you shared about your future goals. Have you met those goals? If you do not have a senior comments section, share what your goals were when you were 18 years old and if you're brave enough share your senior picture. We didn't have a senior comments section in our yearbook, but our local paper ran the Senior Class section the week before graduation where our senior pic and our future plans were listed. I said that I was going to attend University of Oklahoma and major in Business Administration. Well, instead I graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Broadcast Journalist and public relations. So I didn't exactly fulfill my 18 year old goals...but really, what do you know when you're 18? Regardless, I had a successful career and now am doing exactly what I want as a stay at home mom.

And here's my rockin' 1988 senior portrait. You're jealous.

4. What latest trend simply baffles you? Ok...this one really got me going and there simply isn't enough room for me to do all my "what the heck?" thoughts. Boy did you gals open a can of worms with this. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE fashion and love to put outfits together and give advice. Here are just a few thoughts:

Jeggings: these thankfully are going out of style. Who the heck ever thought that spandex made to look like jeans was a good idea? Stupidest look I've ever seen! Even if wore with a tunic or long top/coat/sweater...looks silly. Jeggings=2 thumbs down.

Maxi dresses: I know I'm going to get some serious grief over this one. But I have seen some super duper fit and skinny women wear these dresses and it makes them look hippy and big. Seriously, ladies, if you've got curves, quit trying to hide them under drapy, flowy fabric that is somewhat clingy at the same time. It just makes you look bigger. These dresses always look weird around the feet. Sorry if you love your maxi...I don't.
Gladiator shoes: Again, I know I'm going to hear it about this one, but these shoes always seem to make women's feet look enormous! I love me some Kelly Ripa, but she had some of these on the other day and her feet looked huge (and she has itty bitty feet). So, if you want everyone to look at your big ol feet, even if you wear a size 5, go ahead and wear these. They're distracting.
And meat dresses. They seem inappropriate for all occasions. Even the VMAs.

5. When you walk into a room how do you present yourself? Do you walk in with confidence and command attention or do you slink in and do your best to go unnoticed? I walk in with confidence but not in an attention getting way. I don't like to be the center of attention and have everyone look at me. But I present myself in a confident, inviting manner. Hopefully people will talk to me. Ha!

Go visit the gals and link up today!