Ten on Tuesday (Vol. 44)

1. How do you feel about Groundhog’s Day?

I have no opinion of Groundhog’s Day. I don’t get caught up in what ole Phil is doing on February 2nd, to be honest. I live in Florida and we have had summer-like temperatures for most of the winter season. I wasn’t too concerned with his opinion of winter this year.

2. What color are your fingernails right now?

No color. I never paint my fingernails. Anytime I apply nail polish myself, it looks so sloppy and makes me feel like my nails are suffocating. I like the natural look better.

3. Do you like riddles?

They are fun to try and figure out, but I’m usually pretty bad at doing so!

4. When you were 10, how old did you think “old” was? At your current age, how old do you think “old” is?

Hm…interesting question. For me, I think there was such a wide range, even starting with high schoolers! I think “old” to me was just maturity and independence, not so much an age.

5. Do you wish on stars?

No.

6. Do you recycle?

Yes! We recycle plastic bottles, aluminum cans, paper, and glass. Our apartment now has on-site recycling cans to make the process even easier. I think it’s irresponsible not to, unless your community makes it too difficult.

7. On a scale of 1-10, how good of a cook are you?

I would say 7 or 8. I am not a bad cook. I just don’t like to cook.

8. Do you color your hair? Professionally or at home?

I get my hair colored professionally. While I could do it for much cheaper at home, I can’t get the same results that I need from my salon. And I just like having someone else do it and know she’s not going to screw it up! Hehe.

9. On a scale of 1-10, how do you rate your manners?

An 8? Sometimes, I think my social anxiety gets in the way of my manners and my brain completely shuts down. I don’t mean to be rude or unfriendly, but sometimes it’s not in my control. I will say I always say “Please” and “Thank you” and always, always, always hold the door open for someone, even if it means I have to stand there for more than a few seconds. (Such a pet peeve of mine!)

10. Who are the last 5 people you have texted?

Melissa, Amber, my mom, Kate, and my boss.

Ten on Tuesday is a weekly series run by Chelsea of Roots and Rings.

Ten on Tuesday (Vol. 43)

1. What are 3 things that are on your Christmas wishlist?

I posted about my Christmas wish list last week but one item I desperately want to receive this year (that I forgot to list!) is a new comforter set. I have my eyes on this set from Target. I currently have one from IKEA but the comforter is way too big for my full-size bed. Also, my dog isn’t a fan of the comforter. I’m not even kidding. He has protested the change until I finally brought my old comforter up on our bed for him to sleep in. No, he’s not spoiled at all.

Talk about going off on a tangent! OK. Three things on my wish list: a new comforter set, a new cover for my Kindle, and new workout clothes from Target.

2. What’s your favorite Christmas song?

I’m torn between “Little Drummer Boy” by Jars of Clay and “Go Tell It On the Mountain” by Needtobreathe. Two of my favorite bands with beautiful renditions to both songs.

3. Do you have a favorite band or singer that sings it especially awesome?

Whoops. See above.

4. Have you heard about the website Goodreads?

Yes, I most definitely have! It’s one of my favorite sites. I use it constantly to look for new books to read, rate and review books I’m reading, and keep up with #twookclub! We use a Goodreads group to suggest books to read, vote on the next book to read, and just chat about general things. I’m debating whether or not to put up a discussion about the book pick of the month for others to discuss the book in further detail (especially for those who can’t make the monthly chat!). But yes, know of and love Goodreads. If you consider yourself a bookworm, you need to be using this site!

5. What are 3 books you want to read?

• Stuff Christians Like by Jon Acuff, because I’m obsessed with his blog
• The Christian Atheist by Craig Groeschel, because the tagline reads “Believing in God but Living As If He Doesn’t Exist” which is basically the way I’ve been living my faith over the past year
• Divergent by Veronica Roth, because of the rave reviews it is getting from everyone

6. Do you hunt deer?

No, I don’t.

7. Have you started Christmas shopping? Are you completely finished?

I have started. I am finished shopping for my brother and my boss. I’m still drawing a blank as to what to get my sister-in-law. I’ve bought my nephew a shirt, but have a few other items to purchase for him. And I haven’t even started on my mom which is always a big process for me. (I like to spoil her since she never was spoiled when she was married to my dad - nor in the years that followed, as a single mom to teenagers.) But I love Christmas shopping so, so much that it doesn’t bother me at all. Not the rush, not the lines, not the busyness. I love it all.

8. Did you shop on Black Friday? What was the best deal you got?

I have never shopped on Black Friday but I think I will one year. Just for the experience. And only for something silly, like a Belgian waffle maker. Because who doesn’t need one of those?!

9. What’s one holiday tradition that your family has?

I think our biggest tradition is waiting until Christmas Day to open presents and stockings. I couldn’t imagine opening presents on Christmas Eve and it’s such a fun, special memory. (Especially staying up late with my brother when we were younger. We always tried so hard to stay awake!) We were finally allowed to get up at 6am, open our stockings, and then wake our parents up to open the present haul. Now, with my brother out of the house, it’s a little more calm. I’m able to sleep through the night (although it’s still a little hard! I’m a five-year-old on Christmas Eve, still!) and my mom and I wake around 7:30-8:00 to open our stockings/presents before waiting for my brother and his family to come over.

10. How many blogs do you read? Do you subscribe/unsubscribe often or do you purge every once in a while?

I follow 84 blogs in Google Reader, but they are all in their own folders so I make sure I read the blogs that I love the most first. I use the “mark all as read” button more than I would like but it’s impossible to keep up with them all. About once a month, I’ll add a few new blogs to my Reader, as well as purging blogs I’m either skimming or not reading at all.

Tell me: What is one holiday tradition your family has?

*Questions found here

Ten on Tuesday (Vol. 42)

1. Do you were glasses, contacts, or are you one of those perfect eyed people?

I wear glasses currently. I want to switch to contacts when I go for my next eye appointment (in January) since glasses get in the way when I’m exercising or running but I think I look better with glasses than not, so I’ll probably always wear them for the majority of the time.

2. What is the next item you are going to purchase?

Currently, my brother’s Christmas gift. I don’t think he reads my blog but I won’t mention what it is, just in case. It will be my first Christmas gift purchased and I can mark him off my list. Yay!

3. Have you ever watched Judge Judy or any other real court show?

Yes. I watched them all the time in the summers when I was younger. Whenever I think of those shows, I immediately associate them with my dad and Velveeta with tuna fish. :)

4. How do you feel about fake nails?

They’re not for me but almost every woman in my office has them. I just don’t feel the need for them, personally.

5. What is your favorite sport to watch?

Football. NFL football, especially. I could watch it all day, every day.

6. If you could create your own Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor, what would it be and what would it be named?

Oh, gosh. I am so not original or creative enough to think of a good answer to this question! I do say that “Half-Baked” comes pretty close to perfection.

7. Do you have any scars?

None! Does this make me lucky... or boring? I’ll go with lucky! ;)

8. Does your pet’s name fit them? Is there a more appropriate name?

I think it does. I’m not sure I could come up with a better one, at least off the top of my head.

9. What is your favorite television show theme song?

I think we can all agree that Friends had the best theme song. Anytime I hear it, I get so happy. I also loved the theme song for Growing Pains, which remains as my favorite family sitcom. “As long as we got each other, we got the world spinnin’ right in our hands...”

10. What was your favorite activity on the playground?

It’s a toss-up between the swings and the monkey bars.

Ten on Tuesday (Vol. 41)

1. What is your favorite month?
November has always and will always be my favorite month. It's the kick-off to the Christmas season and features my two favorite holidays: Thanksgiving and my birthday! Thanksgiving has always been one of my most favorite holidays, although it's going to be a whole lot different this year. But I think the change will be a good one!

2. What is the best candy to get while trick or treating?
Anything with chocolate! I was always a sucker for Three Musketeers when I was little.

3. What kind of pen do you use?
I don't have a specified type or brand I have to use. I don't like gel-ink pens at all, though. I'm really simple when it comes to my pen needs. Give me a plain, ole ballpoint pen and I'm happy.

4. You go to a new Italian restaurant, what is your go-to order?
It depends if I was trying to be healthy or not. Let's go with not, in which case I would order chicken parmesan. That's my favorite thing to order from an Italian restaurant and surprisingly, Olive Garden has the best-tasting chicken parm, in my opinion.

5. If you could choose to have any celebrity’s hair, who’s would you choose?
Kate Walsh. I just love her hair. It's so gorgeous and the color is fantastic. I want her hair.

6. What’s your favorite board game?
Trivial Pursuit. My mom and brother hate it but I almost always pick it when it's my turn to pick. I'm also pretty darn good at it, if I do say so myself!

7. Do you know how to play poker?
Nope.

8. What do you think about Old Navy commercials?
I think they are so cheesy and poorly done. I really can't stand them.

9. What hurts worse- a stubbed toe or a paper cut?
For me, a stubbed toe because ever since I've started getting pedicures, my big toe will hurt like a mother if I stub it. The nail ladies go to town on my cuticles and the area is so tender for weeks afterwards.

10. What’s your favorite kind of pie?
None. I'm not a fan of pie. In fact, I could never eat another slice of pie for the rest of my life and I would be just fine. The same could be said of ice cream. I'm not sure why, but pie and ice cream don't tempt me in the least and I almost never have cravings for either.

*Questions found here

Ten on...Wednesday

1. What is the worst compliment you have ever received?
I get comments a lot on how quiet I am or how young I look. Those can be good and bad. Sometimes, it's hard to go places and people think you're 15 or 16 when you're actually well into your twenties. And whenever I get "complimented" on how quiet I am, it always feels like they say it like it's a bad thing. For a long time, I felt like my quietness was a bad quality to myself but now I know it's not. I love my quiet nature now, although I have my chatty/loud moments!

2. Did you/would you tell everyone the name of your baby before they were born, keep it a secret, or not choose until after they were born?
I would probably tell close family, but I don't think I would tell everyone. I tend to let others' opinions affect me too much so I know if other people hated the name, it would cause me to wonder if it was the right one. Plus, all the "Oh, I used to know a so-and-so and he was a demon child..." remarks would get on my nerves.

3. What is your favorite candle smell?
Anything but vanilla or the super sweet smells that Bath & Body Works is selling now for the holidays.

4. What is the best birthday/Christmas gift you received when you were pregnant or the best birthday/Christmas gift you gave a pregnant person that was really appreciated?
I have no idea. I've never been pregnant nor have I gifted too many pregnant women. The only one that comes to mind is my sister-in-law, which I'm sure were appreciated, but none of the gifts really stand out for me.

5. Who was your favorite teacher?
I think the teacher who impacted me the most was my fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Chapman. She had a fun, laid-back personality but she also knew how to lay down the law. I learned so much from her and she made the year so fun. She's the reason I wanted to go into teaching (even though that career path didn't seem to work out...).

6. What is the best game/activity you have ever played at a baby shower?
The only baby showers I remember going to are my aunt's when my cousin was born (I was younger than 10) and my SIL's for my nephew. At my SIL's, we played a game where everyone was given a pacifier on a necklace when they entered and anytime you saw someone crossing their arms, you could take their pacifier necklace (and any more they had collected). I had an entire competition with another girl who was there, but she won, in the end. Sigh. Such a fun game, though!

7. What was your major in college and did you end up using it in your career?
Journalism and Media Studies, although my diploma says "Communications". I do not plan on using my journalism degree in any form, although I do use the communications/media part of my degree to some extent.

8. What is a beauty product you swear by?
I love Cetaphil for facial cleaner/moisturizer. I used to use it twice a day religiously and made my skin clear up and feel so much better, but I got away from that. And I also use BareEscentuals for my make-up, which I love. It covers nicely and I barely even remember I'm wearing make-up when I have it on.

9. What is the kindest thing a stranger has ever done for you?
Holding a door open for me. It's a simple thing, isn't it? Common courtesy? But so many people don't do this and it drives me nuts. When they do (especially if I'm farther away than needed to keep the door open), it brightens up my day!

10. If you could recommend one new baby necessity, what would it be?
I’m not a mom, but one of my favorite local radio DJ's just became one and she called in to the show one morning and said the best gift she got was someone to clean her house. She left with her baby and when she came back, her house was sparkly clean! So, I'm guessing that! Hehe.

Questions found here.

Ten on Tuesday - On Vacations

source

1. You're packing for a week long vacation, do you pack ahead of time or wait until the last possible minute to pack?

Usually, I get really excited so I make a big packing list a week before. But it's always too early to pack for anything so I wait until usually the night before. I didn't pack anything for my cruise until 10:00 the night before I left, even though I made list after list a month before.

2. Are you a light or heavy packer?

Heavy, heavy, heavy. I packed so many clothes for my cruise that I didn't even touch and always tend to overpack even when I go to Orlando. But I'd much rather pack too much than pack too little.

3. What are your favorite road trip snacks?

I don’t go on enough long road trips to require snacks but if I did, I’m sure they would be the perfect mixture of sweet and salty: M&M’s, chips, pretzels, Twizzlers, etc.

4. Do you take any reading material along?

Always. Of course, I almost always have my Kindle with me anyway. You never know when you’ll get stuck somewhere! Reading material is always a must.

5. Do you prefer to drive or fly to your vacation destination?

I never fly to my vacation destinations, sadly. I want to, but I’ve never had the opportunity. I’ve actually never been on a plane in my life. I need to remedy that SOON!

6. What is your favorite time of year to take your vacation?

Any time! I love taking vacations but I don’t have a specific time of year that’s my favorite. It’s nice to do something around my birthday, but also nice to go away in the Spring/Summer to break up the monotony.

7. Where is your favorite place to vacation?

On a cruise ship. I swear, if you haven’t been on one, YOU NEED TO GO. I find them fairly reasonable (price-wise) for everything you get. And they are just absolutely amazing. I am SO excited to take my second one next May. Being on the cruise ship last May was the best experience of my life.

8. You are vacationing in the mountains, what is your favorite thing to do while there?

I’ve only vacationed once in the mountains and I was twelve, but it was so much fun. My favorite thing would be skiing, of course! I only skiied on the bunny slopes but it was so fun. I really want to go again sometime, even if I stayed on the bunny slopes again.

9. You are at the beach for your vacation, do you like to take it easy on the beach or play all day in the water?

I am definitely more of a fan of taking it easy. I hate salt water and being in the ocean. It’s either freezing or I’m constantly getting thrown over by waves. I don’t like it.

10. While you’re on vacation, do you prefer to eat out every night or cook some of your own meals?

No way am I cooking while on vacation! I don’t understand people who do this. But that’s probably because I hate cooking even when at home. I have never cooked my own meal while on vacation, but I’ve also never vacationed for more than five days. I’m not sure I would eat out every night if I was doing it longer than a week, because that would get expensive!

*Questions found here

Ten on Tuesday (Vol. 38)

1. What is your favorite brand of shoes?

I don't really have one. Usually, I hit up Target or Famous Footwear when I want to buy new shoes. (And it is only recently that I've been interested in more than just flats and flip-flops!) I'm still not very brand-conscious when it comes to buying shoes. Just whatever looks pretty!

2. How old were you when you learned to tie your shoes?

I don't think I learned until kindergarten, because I distinctly remember my father yelling at me while he took me to school when I was in kindergarten about not knowing how to tie my shoes. I'm guessing I learned quickly after that.

3. How do you feel about freckles?

I love freckles! I don't have any of my own, but I've always wanted some. I'm also really very jealous of the smattering of freckles across my mom's and brother's shoulders. I want shoulder freckles of my own!

4. I can count to ten in ___ languages.

Three. English, Spanish, and Japanese. And if you count Pig Latin as a language, then four.

5. What is your favorite store-bought ice cream flavor?

Chocolate chip cookie dough. No question. Best flavor to ever exist. (A very close second is Publix-brand Chocolate Trinity. Omgggg. Heaven. Pure, blissful heaven.)

6. Were you in ballet or gymnastics as a girl?

No, but I desperately, desperately wanted to be in gymnastics. After watching the 1996 Olympics, I was convinced I would be in the 2000 Olympics, not concerned with the fact I was already 8 years old and could barely do a straight cartwheel. (I did not perform in the Olympics, in case you're wondering and I know you are.) I did t-ball and cheerleading, instead.

7. Who is your favorite Sesame Street character?

Elmo, since he's my nephew's favorite. Also, Elmo is just so cool and adorable and talks in third person. What's not to love?

8. What's your bedtime?

Ideally, 10:00pm but I usually don't get to bed until 10:30 or 11:00.

9. Do you have any jewelry that you wear every single day?

No. I rarely ever wear jewelry.

10. Who is the bug killer in your household?

Whomever finds the bug first! I've killed my fair share of cockroaches, spiders, and flies, as has my mom.

Who knows how to count to ten in another language? Teach me!


*Questions by Chelsea

Ten on Tuesday - All About Jobs

I am literally so excited for this round of Ten on Tuesday questions. They come at the perfect time for me! Hosted by the awesome Chelsea, as always.

1. What do you do for a living?

I work in the media department of an advertising agency. I'm an assistant right now, learning the ropes. We promote giveaways for charities.

2. What's your favorite thing about your job?

I started my job on Wednesday so I'm brand-spankin'-new and in the honeymoon phase right now. I love my desk. I love my co-workers. I love my bosses. I love my new schedule. I love the work. I love the spreadsheets. I love the organizing. I love going the bathroom whenever I want. I love wearing cute outfits to work. I love the atmosphere and environment. Oh! I just love this job!

3. What's your least favorite thing about your job?

The newness. There is so much I want to do already but I have so much to learn before I do that. The good news is that they don't expect you to jump in on your first day and know how to do everything. They know it's a process and my boss has been very good at training me and making sure I'm kept in the loop. I cannot wait for the day when everything becomes common knowledge, but I'm patient to wait and be trained the right way first.

4. If you weren't a _____, what would you be?

I would probably still be working at the daycare. I'm shuddering right now.

5. What is something you would love to get paid for that you think no one would ever pay you for?

Sleeping. I wish I could get paid to get 10 hours of sleep a night. How awesome would that be?

6. If you could have any job for exactly one day, what would it be?

I think everyone needs to do a job in retail or customer service for one day. I worked at a movie theater one summer and it's amazing how customers act. I genuinely loved serving our customers but I think many consumers don't understand what it's like for the workers. They're just rude and usually, it's not the fault of the staff.

I would also love to be Kelly Ripa for one day. But on a day when she's co-hosting with Anderson Cooper. Regis gets on my nerves.

7. If you had to do manual labor, what would you do?

Working at a daycare is manual labor, right? Running after kids, changing diapers, cleaning boo-boos, getting kicked/hit/screamed at. Sounds like it to me! ;)

8. What is something you were forced to learn in high school that was supposed to be super important, but you never actually use?

Geometry? I don't know if it was ever labeled as super important but honestly, I think it's all important in some aspect. You need English and grammar skills. You need to know your history because you just look like ignorant if you don't. You need to know math, because many jobs use it and it gives you a lot of good problem-solving skills. Et cetera, et cetera. It's all important in a way.

9. Who was your favorite boss? Why?

I guess I can't choose my current one, since she's only been my boss for four days. Hehe. I have to say that my former one, at the daycare, was pretty spectacular. She was tough on me, but also so supportive of everything I was going through, especially my schooling.

10. Where would you rather work: Dunder Mifflin Paper Company (The Office), Wernham Hogg Paper Company (The Office - UK), or Initech (Office Space)?

I've never seen the UK version of The Office or Office Space (don't shoot!). But I have seen many, many episodes of The Office and I would love to work for them. But only when Pam was the secretary and Michael was the boss. The new secretary (still don't know her name) annoys me and an office without Michael Scott? How does that even work?

Ten on Tuesday - Mac or PC?

1. Mac or Windows? (Or Linux for you super geeks!)

I use Windows right now but I will be switching over to Mac soon. The laptop I have now is on its last leg (it needs a new battery + a new power cord) and I’m just ready for a change. I’ve wanted a Mac for years and I’m finally going to get myself one. I’m super excited, but holding off until probably the new year to buy it. (A car comes first!)

2. What drew you to that operating system?

The price, to be honest. My old Toshiba laptop had died a few months earlier and I was saving up to buy the cheapest laptop I could that would also work well for all my school projects and Internet things I would be doing. My old Toshiba had lasted 5 years while I had gotten an HP laptop in 2006 that died within 2 years so I definitely wanted to stick with a Toshiba. This one was about $450 total which was within my budget. It’s been a good computer, but I’m just ready for a change.

3. Mice - wireless or wired? Mousepad or none?

I don’t use a mouse, just the trackpad that’s on my laptop. Since I rarely use my computer on a level surface, there’s really no point. But to answer the question, wireless and with a mousepad. Using one without just feels funny!

4. Other than the Internet - what do you use your computer most for?

To write blogs that will go on the Internet? Honestly, take away the Internet, and there’s not much I do on this thing! Hehe. I should be doing more writing but I never seem to get around to it.

5. What’s one computer-related thing you wish you were best at? (CSS, Photoshop, Excel, etc.)

I would really like to be better at HTML/CSS. I know the basics of it, but not enough to do anything with it. I can tweak blog designs, but nothing more than that.

6. Describe the first time you ever used a computer.

I believe it was this big, clunky computer we got from a friend. I wrote a story on it, my first ever!, about a kindergarten class. It was pretty awful and boring. I also played Where In the World is Carmen Sandiego? That game was super fun.

7. How often do you upgrade to a new operating system?

Every few years when I get a new computer. I wish I had Windows 7 on this computer. My mom has it on hers and it’s really awesome. 

8. Are you a shortcutter (CTRL + C) or a right-clicker?

Usually, I right click. It’s something I’ve become so used to, and it drives me crazy that you can’t do that in Google Docs. I almost always highlight the entire selection I want to copy, right click, forget I can’t use that option, and have to rehighlight the whole selection to do CTRL + C. It’s really very annoying.

9. Is computer use a constant thing in your life (such as using it at both work and home) or do you get a break (because you don’t use them at work)?

At my old job, it wasn’t a constant thing but it will be at my new job. In a way, this excites me because I like being connected but in a way, it makes me fear what my home life will resemble since I’ll be using it so much at work. I don’t know if I’ll still be as connected at home or will want a break from it. Time will tell!

10. Where do you think the world would be if personal computers did not exist?

I think we would have found something else to occupy our time with. I have no idea what it would be but we have been constantly evolving with the way we live from the beginning of time so I’m pretty sure there would be something else to make our lives easier, if not for the personal computer.

Ten on Tuesday is run by Chelsea of Roots and Rings. Questions from Kara of Chatter.

Ten on Tuesday - The Perfect Edition

1. What’s the perfect meal?
If you don’t yet know about my obsession with Publix subs, then we are not as good of friends as I thought we were. I have them at least twice a week and challenge you to find a sub that’s more yummy and filling than this one. Subway has nothing on Publix. Sadly, they only have locations in the Southeast with Florida being the state with the most locations.

Anyway, I still haven’t answered the question. Perfect meal: a Publix sub with an ice-cold Coke. Yum, yum, yum. I have this once a week as my “cheat meal”.

2. What are the perfect pair of shoes?
Anything that I can comfortably walk in for a long period of time. My foot has a high arch so sandals and flats usually make the arch hurt (it literally feels like the skin on my arch is stretched to the max and any heel-to-toe foot strike makes my arch sting and feel like the skin will rip apart. You’re welcome.) so I’ll have to be lame and say running shoes. They offer the perfect support, although there are certain flip-flops I can wear that don’t hurt my foot as bad.

3. What is the perfect afternoon?
Napping, especially if it’s a weekday. I’m usually busy applying for jobs, blogging, and cleaning during the afternoon so my afternoon naps have decreased over the past month. But it is a pleasurable way to spend an afternoon, I must say.

Now, if it’s the weekend, the perfect afternoon is usually spent at a water park. I have passes to 3 different water parks in Orlando and I’m looking to use them to their full extent this summer! Water parks are the perfect way to spend an afternoon in Florida, because it’s just too hot and humid to do anything else!

4. What’s the perfect house?
I’m not exactly sure. Somewhere that feels like home, that has comfy furniture and homey accents. Somewhere where I’m not afraid to kick my shoes off and curl up on the couch.

5. What is the perfect outfit?
Something comfortable. Are we sensing a pattern here? Yoga pants, shirts that don’t cling to me, tank tops.

6. What’s the perfect wedding song?
My friend Anisah’s first song with her husband was “At Last” by Etta James and to this day, I cannot think of a better first dance song. It’s poignant, slow, and romantic.

7. What is the perfect job?
Right now, any place that will hire me! Ideally, something in communications where I can combine my passions for writing and marketing into one pretty sweet job.

8. What is the perfect hairstyle?
I really don’t know. I love my hair short, but keep daydreaming about growing it long. But really? A ponytail. That is the perfect hairstyle. It’s off my neck and out of my way so I don’t have to bother with it.

9. What’s the perfect music festival?
I love Christian music festivals, I really do. I’ve been to 2 or 3 and they are my absolute favorite. Being surrounded by people with likeminded views and singing praises to God is amazing. I feel at peace and completely whole.

10. What’s the perfect day to yourself?
The last part of that question is the key: to yourself. Having a day to yourself is awesome enough! I would sleep in, read, go to the gym, read, catch up on blogging, read... Do absolutely nothing that required work I didn’t want to do.

Ten on Tuesday is run by Chelsea of Roots and Rings. Find the questions here.

Ten on Tuesday: The Movie Edition

I promise a recap on my graduation tomorrow, but it will be epically long and full of pictures. I just didn’t have time to get around to it yesterday, so be prepared for the onslaught tomorrow. :) For now, enjoy my answers to Chelsea’s Ten on Tuesday, questions by the lovely Nora!

1. If you could watch only one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Tough question. I’m not a fan of sad or dramatic movies, so I would probably choose something light and fun like Leap Year! I have yet to own this movie but I want it because it was such a sweet romantic comedy, without any crass humor. It’s the perfect movie for a pick-me-up!

2. Let’s say someone wrote a screenplay about you: what actor/actress would you choose to play you and why?

People tell me all the time that I look like Kellie Martin so maybe her? And then there are a bunch of actresses I just absolutely adore like Reese Witherspoon and Amy Adams. It would have to be someone good at being quiet and aloof, but also funny and silly. Hmm...

3. What’s the first movie you remember seeing in theaters?

I have no idea! Possibly The Lion King, which I fell asleep in halfway through.

4. Did you ever make out at the back of a movie theater in middle school/high school?

HA. HAHAHAHAHAHA.

5. Are you a Netflix-er, Blockbuster-er, or a Redbox-er? (Or none of the above?)

None of the above. I am a On Demand-er. The sad thing is, I rarely see movies. Every once in a while, I’ll venture out to the theater and my mom and I did just watch Life As We Know It a few weeks ago, but before that, it had been a while. Our DVR list is always so full, we just don’t have time!

6. Name one actor/actress who you would give anything to have a dinner date with?

Let’s see...either Shia LaBeouf because he’s so adorable (although his legal issues leave a lot to be desired!) or Reese Witherspoon because I have a monster girl crush on her. In both cases, I probably wouldn’t be able to say a thing, I would be so star-struck!

7. What’s the worst movie you’ve ever seen?

There have been a few. I hated Napoleon Dynamite and there was this awful movie called Stealing Harvard with Tom Green. I went with a bunch of friends in middle school to see it and had to pretend I thought it was good, like they did.

8. Do you sneak snacks into the theater when you go?

Usually, no. I always end up buying popcorn at the stand (I can’t resist!) and sometimes, I’ll buy their overpriced candy. I’m a sucker for that stuff.

9. Movie theater popcorn: love or hate it?

Love. Love, love, love, love, love, love. It’s so delicious, especially those first few handfuls coated in buttery goodness! Yum, yum!

10. What is the all-time best Disney movie, in your opinion?

I’m going to have to say Pocahontas, even though I know it’s not historically accurate. But, man, did I love that movie! I had Pocahontas bed sheets, the soundtrack (with a book to go along with it!), and I believe a Pocahontas Barbie doll. I can still sing every song from that movie, word for word, and I still think John Smith was a hottie. :)

Don’t forget to enter my giveaway for a set of 30 address labels or seals! Giveaways ends Thursday at 8:00 p.m.!

Ten on Tuesday (Vol. 32)

1. If you work, do you drive to work or take public transportation?
I drive. The bus system in our area is not too good and I’m a little leery of using it at 6am in the morning.
2. How often do you get your hair cut? Do you go to the same person every time?
Usually, every 8 weeks although I tried to make my appointment later this time around so I wouldn’t have terrible hair at my graduation. Only… I forgot which day I had originally set my appointment for. Yesterday, while going through my receipts, I realized my appointment had been last Saturday. I am dying to get my hair done because it’s a) too long and b) my roots are growing like crazy so I’m so mad at myself for writing down the wrong date! Luckily, I was able to get one in two weeks but I have no idea what state my hair will be in by then.
To answer the second question, yes. I’ve been going to my same stylist since I was in 10th grade. I’ve tried other people at the salon, but nobody is as good as she is!
3. Do you read the newspaper? If so, a hard copy or the online version?
I don’t. I make a terrible journalism student but news just doesn’t interest me. It should. I know it should. But hey, I follow Breaking News and journalists on Twitter. They give me all the news I need.
4. What is the best book you have read this year?
Water For Elephants was such a great read. I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. But, I have to say, The Truth About Forever (review to come!) was an incredibly, awesome read as well. In fact, I’m still really sad that I finished it so fast and the characters in the story are no longer a part of my everyday life. I haven’t felt that way about characters in a long time. (And, by the way, Sarah Dessen? SHE’S AMAZING! Why has it taken so long for me to discover her?)
5. What is the best movie you have seen this year?
Um. I haven’t seen any movies this year. How sad is that?! I do have plans to see Soul Surfer, Something Borrowed, and Water for Elephants, though! If I see all three of those in theaters, I think I will have hit the total I saw last year in theaters. I find it very hard to fork over money for movie tickets and tend to forget about renting movies when we have a DVR chock full of shows to watch.
6. Do you tend to crave sweet or salty foods?
Usually, sweet. I have a major sweet tooth. Rarely do I crave salty things, although it happens every once in a while.
7. Do you eat breakfast every day? If so, what do you have?
I am really bad at eating breakfast. I’m trying to get better at it but it’s hard when you start work at 6:30am and are basically running nonstop until after 10am. Right now, I’m trying to eat some fruit in the morning and then a granola bar/string cheese for a mid-morning snack (around 10am). Usually, it fills me up which is surprising since nothing has ever seemed to keep me full until lunch.
8. If you celebrate Easter, what Easter treat/candy are you most looking forward to?
Ah…the hollow Easter bunny! I told my mom I didn’t want an Easter basket this year, just a big chocolate bunny and some Robin Eggs. Chocolate bunnies are the best. (I should also mention that I eat a chocolate-covered Peep a few times a week now. Such a yummy treat!)
9. How late is “sleeping in” to you?
Ugh, lately? 9am which I am NOT OK with! Sleeping in for me is at least 10am, but my internal clock has me up by 8-8:30 most weekends now. Bummer.
10. Where are you going on your next vacation?
CAYMAN ISLANDS AND COZUMEL, MEXICO! I AM SOOO EXCITED! 38 days!
picture credit

Ten on Tuesday (The Name Game)

1. How did your parents decide on your name?
My father originally wanted to name me Doogabock. I'm not sure of the spelling because it's not a real word. Luckily, my mom vetoed that nomination but wanted my name to be a little different, so I wound up with Stephany. I hated it growing up, but I've grown to love the unique spelling.

2. Do your initials (First, Middle, Last) spell out anything funny?
No. It spells out SMR, which always makes me think of the Smurfs.

3. Did you taken your middle name from childhood or did you take your maiden name as your middle name? (If unmarried, what do you plan to do?)
I'm taking my husband's last name when I eventually marry. I have no connection to the last name I currently have and pretty much hate it. (It's super German and nobody pronounces it right!) I would probably drop my last name, if I can do that. Just keep my first and middle name the same, with my husband's name as my last name.

4. Are you or will you name your children thematically (i.e., same first letter, all of the same origin...)
I've known quite a few families that have all their children's names the same first letter. I think it's kind of cute. I don't know if I'll end up doing the same, but it is an option I would consider. Right now, the whole multiple kids ordeal is so far in the future, I'm not even thinking about it.

5. Did you decide on baby names as a little girl? Did you stick to them or change your mind?
Not as a little girl, but probably around fifth grade was when I started really thinking about baby names. I used to be obsessed with them! But my favorites would change rather frequently, so I expect the names I do settle on for my babies will be a lot different than I imagined.

6. Does your family have any names that have been passed down through generations?
No. I mean, my brother does have my dad's name but they have different middle names. And he didn't carry on the name to his son.

7. Do you look at the meaning of the name or just the name itself?
Honestly, I don't put too much stock in meanings. I think they're important, but not so much that it hinders my decisions. For example, the name "Mallory" is one I love and it's the name of a cousin of mine. Meaning? "Ill-omened." Meanings carry very little weight for me.

8. Do you name pets with human names (Sally, Henry) or with pet names (Fluffy, Mr. Bo Bo)?
With all the dogs I've had (Minnie, Buford, Dutch), they've all been named previously so I had no input on that. (Although I did name the dog next door Rory, because he looks like one.) I had a bird, once, that I named Rachel. And a hamster named Shadow (from Homeward Bound...). I also had fish that I named Jack, Rose, Ti, and Tanic. I am nothing if not original. (And I also had a strange obsession with Titanic as a fifth-grader.)

9. Are there any names you have an affinity or dislike based on a childhood experience/someone you once knew?
There are a few names I've taken off my list thanks to other people having the same name. Sometimes, it just ruins the name, you know? And then there's the names I used to hate due to knowing someone with the name, but then grew to love after knowing someone else with the same name.

10. What are some of your favorite names? Why?
I can't give a reason to why I like these names so much, but I just love them. For girls: Aubrey, Bailey, and Lucia. For boys: Levi, Jonah, and Noah.

*Hosted by Chelsea

Ten on Tuesday (On a Wednesday)

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1. What type of cell phone do you have and how would you rate it?
I have a Blackberry Curve and it's alright. I think my only complaint about it is the battery life, because it honestly doesn't last more than 3-4 hours, even if I use it minimally. Most likely, I'm going to get the EVO in August when my contract is up for renewal. My mom has the EVO Shift and I'm pretty much in love.

2. What has been your most serious injury?
This past summer, when I sprained my ankle. It was a pretty bad sprain and I don't think I did it any favors by walking around Aquatica and Sea World on it. It had a pretty good bruise on it, which makes me wonder if I actually broke it, but it ended up healing on its own. I took about three weeks off exercise to make sure it was 100% healed. Sometimes, if I bend my ankle too much in the direction I sprained it in, it hurts.

3. What is one movie you hate and why?
There are actually quite a few. I hated Napoleon Dynamite and then there was that movie Stealing Harvard with Tom Green. Awful! I saw it with a bunch of friends and had to pretend I really liked it because they did.

4. How many e-mail addresses do you have?
Just two. I have my personal one, also connected with this blog. And I have the one I use for school. I really need to make a third one for my more "professional" life, but I haven't gotten around to it yet.

5. What website do you waste the most time on?Most definitely, Google Reader. I spend way too much time catching up on blogs but it's also something I love to do. I don't know how I lived before Reader. Seriously.

6. What Mexican restaurant makes the best salsa?
Beats me. I'm not a fan of Mexican food so I wouldn't even know where to begin.

7. What is your dream car?
Honestly, any car would be good right now. My mom has been so incredibly awesome to let me use hers for work and school, but I know she wants her car back! It's one of the first big, adult purchases I'll be making once I have a big, adult job.

8. If you could spend up to $100 with no strings or restrictions or guilt, what would you buy?
A Kindle! I've been on the fence about e-readers but since everyone who has one loves it, I can't stop thinking about getting one. It would be so useful on my cruise in May!

9. What is your favorite board game?
Trivial Pursuit! My whole family hates it, but I absolutely love this game! Also, Apples to Apples is so much fun with a group.

10. How often do you change your hairstyle?
Pretty often. I have to pay a good chunk of change for my haircuts, so I always want to make sure I'm getting my money's worth! Every time I go to get a haircut, I always want to do something wild and crazy. Usually, it's never anything more than a slightly shorter style or bangs, but it's always something.

*Hosted by Chelsea

Ten on Tuesday (Vol. 29)

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1. Any vacations you are looking forward to this summer?
YES! My mom and I are currently planning a cruise in May which I am so excited about. It’ll be my first time out of the country and my first time on a cruise. The one we’re looking at seriously is a 5-day cruise, stopping at Cozumel, Mexico and the Cayman Islands. Eee!

2. What is your favorite article of summer clothing (shoes are included)?
Last summer, I was tied to cotton skirts, tank tops, and cut-off capri jeans. I’ll probably be tied to them again this summer. (Can I just say how happy these questions are making me? Yay, summer!)

3. What is your favorite summer drink (alcoholic or non)?
I don’t really have one. Anything I drink in the summer, I drink any other time of year. I will admit that strawberry daiquiris are pretty summer-y and probably my favorite alcoholic beverage.

4. Do you tan or burn?
I never tan. I either burn to the extreme or remain pale as a ghost. I’m trying to get better at wearing sunblock when I’m outside because a) I don’t want skin cancer and b) I’d much rather be ghostly pale than deal with the pain of a sunburn.

5. Any goals you are working toward this summer?
Job searching! I’m hoping to be employed very soon after I graduate, but I know it’s going to be tough. There’s not a lot out there for a new graduate with very little experience. I’ll also still be going strong with this weight loss journey, so there’s that.

6. What is your favorite summertime food?
Hm…hamburgers? Ooh, especially hamburgers on the grill! Yum, yum, yum! And watermelon. I love watermelon in the summer. It’s just not the same any other time of year.

7. What song most says “summer” to you?
There’s really not too many songs that say “summer”. The only ones that come to mind are Avril Lavigne’s “Complicated” and Eminem’s “Without Me” because they were basically my anthem’s in the summer of 2002 and anytime I hear them, I’m instantly transported to that time.

8. Any home improvement goals planned for the summer?
Not really. I would like to buy better furniture for my room, because I don’t have a dresser and my full-size bed is sitting on a queen-size frame. My room is basically the “before” picture of any home decorating project.

9. What is one thing you hate to see at the beach?
Myself? I just really don’t like the beach with the sand and the salty water and wearing a bathing suits. And now I’m realizing how odd that statement is, given #1. But whatever.

10. Did you ever go to summer camp?
Twice, with my girls’ group at church. We only went for a week but it was so much fun. I had a blast both times.

*Hosted by Chelsea

Ten on Tuesday (Vol. 28)

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1. What is your favorite kind of donut?
Honestly, I really don’t like donuts. I’ll eat them if they’re offered, but they really don’t tempt me and I’m never like, “Ohhh…I so want a donut right now!”

2. Do you use the snooze button?
Oh, yes! Too much. Sometimes, I’ll snooze it for up to an hour. I really need to start putting my phone out of reaching distance so I just get up when it goes off.

3. Do you write in cursive, print, or a combination of the two?
More often than not, print. But when I’m trying to write fast, I usually write in cursive.

4. Tell us a joke.
Honestly, I can’t think of anything and I don’t feel like searching a joke site for a good one.

5. How many languages do you speak?
Just English. I took 3 years of Spanish in middle/high school and I’m in my second semester of it now, but I still could not hold a decent conversation.

6. Why did you start blogging?
Because I love to write. I’ve had blogs since I was in high school and while I’ve jumped from blog to blog, I’ve always had one. I need a space to write and get my thoughts out.

7. Do you use bar soap or liquid body wash?
Body wash! I can’t stand bar soap. I don’t feel like I can ever get clean enough and it always leaves my skin feeling super dry.

8. Do you buy bottled water?
We’re looking into getting a Brita filter but right now, we buy the big gallon jug of water and fill up reusable bottles with them.

9. What did you think of the Super Bowl Half-Time show?
It was awful. I like the Black-Eyed Peas but I thought the show was so painful to watch.

10. How do you feel about Steve Carrell leaving The Office?
I hate to say it, but a part of me wouldn’t mind The Office ending after this season. I feel like all the stories have been told and the jokes aren’t funny anymore. A big part of The Office was Pam and Jim’s story and there’s not much to say about that anymore. And I think the show is going to be 100x less funny without Steve Carrell.

*Hosted by Roots and Rings

Ten on Tuesday, Vol. 27

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1. Do you decorate for Valentine’s Day?
No. Never have, and probably never will. Although, I did see Valentine’s window clings at Target with a weiner dog saying “Be Mine!” I almost bought because hello, how perfect would it be? But then I remembered I am a humbug for Valentine’s Day.

2. Does your desktop have a picture or a computer graphic? Is it organized?
Yes, a picture of my brother and I. I love it. It’s cute. It’s mostly organized, although I have a tendency to just take my pictures from my camera and place them on my desktop. I just organized my pictures (I had probably 20-30 just floating around) but then added about 5 new ones I need to organize.

3. Do you use a paper planner, electronic planner, or no planner at all?
I’m definitely a paper planner girl. I’ve tried to do things electronically, but for some reason I need to be able to touch and feel my planner and see things in my writing. And I just got this fabulous $5 Vera Bradley planner. It was basically love at first sight with this thing.

4. Do you change purses or bags often, or stick with a good thing?
Stick with a good thing. I only change purses at most twice a year. I just find the whole purse experience to be time-consuming (I’m very picky!) so when I find something I like, I keep it around for a while. ;)

5. What’s your favorite YouTube video?
I don’t really have one. I’m not a big YouTube-r. Although, yesterday, I was keeping my nephew occupied with Cookie Monster and Elmo videos on YouTube and we learned “Elmo’s Song” and it feels like we learned it together so it’s pretty special to me. :) (And what’s fun about watching videos with a 2-year-old is halfway into Elmo’s video, he would ask for “Cookie”. Then, halfway into Cookie Monster’s video, he would ask for “Elmo.” It’s like he has the attention span of a two-year-old!)

6. Do you use Turbo Tax or a real person to pay your taxes?
Turbo Tax, although it’s not that. It’s some other free thing that my mom found online, since I only work part-time and have nobody to claim.

7. How many states have you stepped foot (or tire) into? Which ones?
Let’s see: Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. That’s it! Only 6. Pathetic. I need to get out more.

8. How many countries have you been in? Which ones?
Just this one. Again, pathetic.

9. How many pillows are in your house? (Sleeping or decorative)
I have 4 in my room, my mom has 3 with her, and we have 2 for the couch. So…nine! (This reminds me that I really need to get some new pillows! Mine are lumpy, lumpy!)

10. How cold is too cold for flip-flops?
I would say in the 40s. But then again, I’m a wimp when it comes to cold weather.

*Hosted by Chelsea

Pick a question and answer it!

Ten on Tuesday (Vol. 26)

Another installment of Chelsea’s Ten on Tuesday for your viewing pleasure!

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1. What’s your favorite color to paint your nails?
I am really, really bad at remembering to paint my nails. I should just fork over the money for a pedicure once a month, but I never seem to get around to it. Right now, they’re red and I don’t really have a favorite color. Whatever catches me eye, really!

2. Do you like to sneeze?
No! No, no, no, no, no! I avoid it at all costs, which I know is horrible for you. I hold all my sneezes in when I’m in public, unless I have a tissue. I don’t have a cute sneeze and always have tons of snot. I’m awkward enough as it is without having to deal with my snot-nose.

(Although, when I have a stuffy nose, sneezing feels like heaven!)

3. How often do you fill up your car with gas?
It gets filled up twice a week, once by me and once by my mom.

4. Were you named after anyone?
Nope.

5. Have you made any good recipes lately?
I made these awesome snickerdoodle cookies for my sister-in-law for Christmas. She liked them so much, she requested me to make more for her New Year’s Eve party! Oh, and last night, I made Hungry Girl’s turkey chili which is so good. And makes enough leftovers to last at least a week!

6. What’s an easy money-saving tip that you use regularly?
I try to use the “Come Back Later” rule to stop impulsive purchases. If I see something I want, I make myself wait at least 3 days before buying it. If I still want it as badly as I did 3 days ago, then I can buy it. But I usually find that I didn’t really need it as badly as I first thought.

7. Would you rather have a sore throat or an earache?
Probably a sore throat. They can be annoying but pain falls on maybe a 3 or 4 on a scale of 1-10. When I was little, I got earache’s all the time, although I haven’t gotten any in recent memory. Still, I can’t imagine they would be pleasant. With the 5+ sore throats I got last year, I’m a pro at handling them.

8. Do you have any scars? What are they from?
I have a small, barely recognizeable scare on the inside of my thumb from when I had stitches in September. And I have a scar on my belly where a dog bit me when I was in 5th grade. But that’s about it!

9. What are you “known for” in your circle of friends/family?
Probably my intense love for football and my writing. I want to say my humor, but it may just be me who thinks I’m funny. ;)

10. How do you like to eat your pancakes?
Can I admit that I’m not a big fan of pancakes. I’m really not a big breakfast fan, period. When I do eat them, usually plain with no butter and lots of syrup. Sometimes, with chocolate chips. Mmm…chocolate chip pancakes! I cringe to know what the PointsPlus value of those would be!

Don’t forget to enter my giveaway - a $55 gift card to CSN Stores! Giveaway closes at 7pm on Sunday.

Ten on Tuesday (25) – The Thursday Edition

Since I’m anal about writing my posts the night before, I’m taking a different approach to reverb10. While I will be participating, it won’t be every day, especially since the daily prompts aren’t announced until that day. Expect more reverb10 posts than regular posts, but as this is my blog, I reserve the right to post whatever the heck I want! :)

And without further ado, here is this week’s Ten on Tuesday, hosted by Roots and Rings.

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1. Where are you from? Have you lived there your whole life?

I’m from St. Petersburg, Florida and I have been born and raised here, which is pretty uncommon! I love the area, even though the summer’s are disgustingly hot and my skin is way too thin to handle the winters here.

2. How would you classify your clothing style?

Probably as casual. I’m big on jeans and tees and while I try to be fashionable with it, it doesn’t always happen. I just like to be comfortable!

3. What kind of car do you drive?

A 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer, with three missing hubcaps which irks me to death. Also, it’s my mom’s car. I’m lame.

4. What would your dream home look like if you could have it (or already do!)?

I’m not sure. I haven’t thought about it too much, since I’m not in the market for a house for a good, long while. I would like to move back to my old apartment with the stainless steel appliances, glasstop stove, and granite countertops. Oh, how I miss that place! (But not the $1200 rent payment!)

5. Do you have kids, and is so, how many and how old were you when you had them?

I do not. Thankfully. I want them, but I say that because making it to 23 with my virginity intact and no kids on my hips with the past I have is a pretty big accomplishment.

6. What is your favorite hobby?

Blogging, of course!

7. Are you going to have any New Years resolution for 2011?

Most definitely. I am a big believer in resolutions, even if they never do seem to come to fruition. I am going to connect them with the goals I laid out in Tuesday’s post, though.

8. What is something, if anything, that you’d want to change about yourself?

My weight. And I will change my weight. But it’s going to take a lot of big changes. I’m a little scared about that part. Can I just hire Jillian Michaels for 3 months?

9. What is something you love about yourself?

My sense of humor. It’s probably the best part of my personality and when I can make someone laugh by something I said? Best feeling ever!

10. Pick one of the following: Someone to cook for you, someone to do your laundry, or someone to do your dishes.

Hands down, someone to cook for me. I hate meal-planning and grocery shopping and cooking in general. I would love for someone to take care of all that for me!

Ten on Tuesday (Vol. 24)

Thanks for all your helpful advice on Sunday's post. I've decided to take the weekend trip to Orlando because why not? It'll give me something to look forward to and I'm pretty sure I can have one paper finished before the trip. Now my big decision is whether I want to go to Disney, Universal Studios, or Islands of Adventure on Sunday. I haven't been to Disney since I was 10, and haven't been to the other two theme parks in almost three years. I'm so excited, though!

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1. What are your plans for the holidays? Do you travel at Thanksgiving? If you celebrate Christmas, do you travel then, too?

I am lucky and blessed enough to have the majority of my family living in the same area as me. My grandparents live five minutes away, my brother and his family live about 20 minutes away, and we have other scattered relatives close by. I've never traveled during Thanksgiving or Christmas.

On Thanksgiving, my mom and I generally wake up at the crack of dawn to take on the Turkey Trot, then stuff ourselves with breakfast, shower and get ready for dinner, and head on over to my grandparents house around 2. From there, it's a lot of family time, football, and eating. I just love being around my family and I'm especially excited since one of my uncles will be eating with us this year! And since my birthday usually falls a few days after, it's always a fun time.

Christmas is a little different. My mom and I wake up around 7am to open presents and my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew come over around 10am to open their presents. And from there, we head over to someone's house for dinner. I'm really not a big fan of Christmas Day. I feel like all the magic is gone as presents are unwrapped, stockings are torn apart, and there's not much to look forward to. I love the anticipation of Christmas!

2. How do you make the plans for the holidays? If you have a significant other, how do you decide which family to visit?

These have been long-standing plans for a while now. We don't really make any decisions, it's just the way things are.

3. Do you have your Thanksgiving meal at lunch or later in the day?

Thanksgiving dinner is usually served around 3pm.

4. Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving tradition?

Not really. I just love the tradition of going to my grandma's house and the hustle and bustle of getting the dinner ready, sitting down to eat, and enjoying my family. I know it's possible I'll be living in a different city or state during the next holiday season (if not then, in the future), and I'm trying to enjoy this while I can.

5. After a big meal, do you lounge around or get up and take a walk?

I'm definitely a lounger, thanks to doing exercise early in the day. I watch football and eat for the majority of Thanksgiving. It's really the best holiday.

6. Do you shop on "Black Friday" or do you avoid it?

I never have and I don't think I ever will. I just don't see the point to it, aside from scoring some really great deals. It just doesn't seem worth it. I hate crowds and rude people, so I tend to stay away. Cyber Monday, though? Oh, I'm all over that!

7. When do you usually finish your Christmas shopping?

When my money runs out? Typically, I'm finished by the weekend before Christmas, though. Right now, I'm just about finished shopping for my nephew and brother, which has to be a new record! Although, I haven't even begun shopping for my mom, so there's that.

8. Do you and your significant other exchange gifts? If there a budget?

Sigh. Let's move on before I become too depressed.

9. When do you decorate for the holidays?

Usually, it's the weekend following Thanksgiving. We buy a real tree, because artificial trees make me gag. And we spend the night snapping at each other as we try to get it to stand up, string the lights, and find spots for our many ornaments. And then we drag out the rest of our decorations. I love decorating the house for Christmas! Taking everything down, though, is such a bummer.

10. Do you go "all out" with the decor or keep it simple?

It's pretty simple. Just the tree and some knickknacks. We do not have the ability to put up lights outside and make them look good, so we keep everything indoors.