SUNDAY SOCIAL #5

1. What is your favorite holiday season tradition?
I just love spending time with family, talking, playing games, and laughing. A lot.

2. Do you have a certain holiday movie you watch more than others? If so what is it?

3. Show us your favorite decoration or Pinterest decoration you wish you could have.

4. What is your favorite holiday song?



5. What is your favorite holiday dessert?
All of them? :) My most favorite has to be my brother's cookie pie. His is the best because it isn't overly sweet. And he uses chocolate baking discs instead of chips which can get a little overwhelming.

6. What is on your wish list this year?
Money! haha I hate asking for it, but I'm a poor college student and could really use it. Also, anything Miche, a tablet, a new phone, and a food pro. We'll see what happens. I am just grateful I can spend time with my family and I don't have to drive over 180 miles on Christmas Eve to see them.

What do YOU wish for this year? A silent night? :)

THINGS I REALLY DON'T LIKE THAT EVERYONE ELSE LOVES

Pumpkin spice anything

Seriously. Everything from margarine to air freshener to pancakes are pumpkin spiced nowadays. I remember the good old days when there was just pumpkin pie. Now, I love me some pumpkin pie but the bastardization of this traditional dessert leaves me rolling my eyes so hard you could hear it. Not everything needs to taste like something else. Pretty soon everything will just taste the same because people want to just combine all of their favorite flavors. Lets stick to the basics people! I blame Starbucks.

Football

I'm just not a fan. I live in Washington state and understand that our team the Seahawks are doing very well this year. And because I'm probably too active on Facebook I know that they are 12-2. Why can't they just say 6-1? Anyway if they weren't doing so well I would have no idea. I don't understand why these men are getting paid millions of dollars to wrestle with each other, run/kick/throw a ball for 2 yards and then take a break. They can't stay focused on shit.

Pretty Little Liars

So I hear that all white girls love Pretty Little Liars (PLL apparently) but I do not. First of all who the hell looks like this in high school? This was me in high school:

C'mon now. I think I avoid PLL for just this reason. Also because someone who is dead is sending text messages to their friends and telling their secrets? What kind of secrets can you have at that age? My secret was that I farted on my brother's pillow. Whoops. And how can a ghost even get a cell phone plan. You have to work for that!

Nutella

I dislike Nutella on principle alone. Trying to be like peanut butter. You'll never be peanut butter. Stop trying. And why would you want chocolate on bread? That's craziness.

Uggs

No, no, no. Unless you live Arctic Circle, Russia, or are a Sherpa on some frozen mountain there is no need for these to be worn. Its 35 degrees out. Put on some socks. 

Country music

If you've been following me for any length of time you know that I recently moved from the coast to a small agricultural city where there are more country stations than not. I can't get away from it. I don't care that your boyfriend broke up with you, left your dog on the front porch and sped away in your red truck. When you get down to it the harpsichord and twang of country singers' voices turn me off. Quit whining. Life goes on. And Taylor Swift just needs to go away.

What do YOU dislike that everyone seems to love?

SUNDAY SOCIAL #4

1. What is your favorite Holiday Movies/TV Specials?

Elf! National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, White Christmas (I always get goosebumps at the end when they open the big lodge doors and see that its snowing outside), Four Christmases, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, The Santa Clause (the first only), Miracle of 34th Street, and the original How the Grinch Stole Christmas

2. Do you do any volunteering during the holidays if so what?
I do most of my volunteering in the spring and early summer. Earth Day and all. I love helping beautify our community, assisting the elderly, and working with kids.

3. What is your favorite toy received as a child for the holidays?
I don't know if you'd count it as a toy, but the one gift that I practically cried about was a Sony boombox. It has a tape AND CD player. I remember telling my mom with tears in my eyes, "Mom, I know that Santa brought this to me, but I want to thank YOU for it!"

4. What was your must have item in high school for the holidays?
I wanted a triple barreled curling iron so bad. It didn't matter that my hair looks terrible curled, or that it doesn't even hold curls. I wanted it bad. Unfortunately (or fortunately looking back on it) I never received one. Oh well. I survived. haha

5. What do you do on Christmas Eve?
Ever since my Grandfather passed away it seems that Christmas Eve has been ever-changing. A couple of years ago though, my mom, brothers and I started our own tradition. We would go to the house of which ever uncle was hosting the family Christmas party. It is always fun to talk and laugh and drink and eat with our extended family no matter where we are. But afterwards the four of us would go back to mom's and we would convince her that we NEEDED to open one gift. Just one, Does it matter that we are still begging to open presents early? No. We each opened one present of our choosing. And then another. And another. Before we knew it all the presents were opened. Its the best. Mom acts like she's not going to let us just so we'll beg her. We are an impatient family. Especially when it comes to giving each other gifts. So we can hardly hang on until Christmas Eve.

What do YOU do on Christmas Eve? 

SUNDAY SOCIAL #3

1. What is the wallpaper on your cell phone?
Its a red polka-dot background from Cuptakes. Its only for iPhone and I have an Andriod, but my sister-in-law sends me some of them monthly.

2. What do you keep beside your bed?
Boring things. haha My phone, charger, a fan, the book I'm reading, vitamins, and a glass of water.

3. What is your least favorite chore?
Um. All of them? The one I dislike the most is doing the dishes. I've purchased new dishes to avoid washing the old ones. I'm THAT person.

4. If you could eliminate one thing from your daily routine, what would it be?
Taking a shower. Now, I know its pretty necessary in this day and age to take a shower at LEAST every other day; but, if I didn't have to do it I wouldn't. I want to be able to wake up in the morn with perfectly coiffed hair smelling like vanilla and lilacs.

5. What do you do to vent anger?
Besides cry? haha I don't cry often. If it does happen its usually because I'm angry or frustrated. Yes. I'm a child in that way. I'm actually trying to break the habit of emotional eating so still trying to figure alternatives out. Fast walking and cleaning seem to be helping.

6. What is your favorite holiday of the year and why?
My birthday! It should really be a national holiday. ;)

And there you have it!

How do YOU vent anger? I need some ideas here people.

Have a wonderful week!

OBSESSED WITH LES MISERABLES AND LONDON

What time did you get up this morning?
7:30 - It was so cloudy. It was like someone had put a lid on on our valley.

How do you like your steak? 
Well done.

What was the last film you saw at the cinema? 
Hunger Games - Catching Fire. Amazing. I want to re-learn how to shoot a bow. I did it when I was younger and loved it. Can't say that I was any good, but that's not the point for me.

What is your favorite TV show of all time? 
FRIENDS (I'll be there for you.)

What is your favorite movie?
Les Misérables

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? 
I would want to live within a reasonable distance of my family, but if that wasn't a problem I would want to live in London. I've never been, but it seems amazing and just about my speed.

What did you have for breakfast?
Two poached eggs and mixed veg (peppers, onions, tomato, cilantro) and coffee.

What is your favorite cuisine?
Mexican. I'm trying to convert my favorite recipes into paleo. Lettuce instead of tortillas, no cheese, no beans. Its tough, but worth it.

What foods do you dislike?
Brussel sprouts and bananas. I like to spell bananas though. Bananas.

Favorite Place to Eat? 
The Wok About Grill. Love. And you can make it paleo!

Favorite dressing?
Historically I would say Ranch, but due to my paleo conversion I am loving this Avocado Citrus dressing that I made.

Source: Jane via Pinterest

What kind of vehicle do you drive?
'97 Nissan Maxima. Its a sexy beast.

Where would you visit if you had the chance? 
London. Hands down.

Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? 
I'm an optimist with a touch of realism.

Where do you  want to retire?
If I'm not in London, probably California. I loved the energy in San Francisco when I drove through there a couple of years ago.

Note: This is actually Palm Springs. Its not bad either

Favorite time of day?
Bedtime, duh.

Where were you born? 
Wenatchee, WA

What is your favorite sport to watch?
Figure skating

Bird Watcher?
Birds scare me

Are you a morning person or a night person? 
Neither. I rock 5:00 in the afternoon like nobody's business.

Do you have any pets? 
Yep. Jack and Olivia.

Any new and exciting news you'd like to share?
I started a new job today with a delightful woman. I helping her learn how to use her computer and blogging about it. So perfect.

What did you want to be when you were little?
A nurse. And I'm going to do it!

What is your best childhood memory?
Reading books in the cherry tree.

Are you a cat or dog person?
Definitely a cat person, and I can warm up to dogs.

Mac or PC?
PC

Always wear your seat belt?
Click it or ticket!

Been in a car accident?
Nope.

Any pet peeves?
Oh yes. Loud eating. Inconsiderate driving. Talking during a scary/sad/happy part of a movie or TV show. Etcetera.

Favorite Pizza Toppings?
Canadian bacon and pineapple

Favorite Flower?
Carnation

Favorite ice cream?
Fried ice cream.

Favorite fast food restaurant?
Gah. No fast food for me any more. But my favorite used to be EZs a local 50's diner type.

How many times did you fail your driver's test?
Passed it on the first attempt baby!

From whom did you get your last email?
OkCupid. Apparently I'm in demand.

Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?
I've been able to avoid having credit cards. Ever. But if I had one I would certainly love to max it out at a huge antique mall.

Do anything spontaneous lately? 
Not really. I'm a pretty careful person who has spurts of recklessness.

Like your job? 
I really do! I don't have a traditional 9-5 and I love it.

Broccoli or Asparagus? 
Broccoli

What was your favorite vacation? 
My recent trip to the coast is definitely my favorite.

Last person you went out to dinner with? 
On Saturday I went out with the fam. Love. We can be so loud and annoying.

What are you listening to right now?
Les Misérables. Watching it for the second time tonight. Don't judge.

What is your favorite color?
Purple. All day long.

How many tattoos do you have?
I don't have any. But that doesn't mean I judge those who do. I'm pretty non-judgmental, unless you give me a reason. haha

If you could be doing anything right now that you want, what would it be? 
Hanging out with someone I'd like to get to know more. How's that for cryptic?

Coffee Drinker? 
Oh yes please. Triple grande non-fat white chocolate mocha.

SUNDAY SOCIAL #2

1. What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Fried ice cream. Hands down. Kroger makes an amazing hard ice cream to enjoy at home, but the picture of the one you get from a Mexican restaurant is so much prettier.

2. What is your favorite smell?
Ooh this is a tough one. I smell everything. Like a raccoon. I'm going to say vanilla/lilac/lavender. Its soothing, fresh, and makes me think of  a sunshiny meadow with little purple flowers.

3. What is your favorite TV commercial? (Past or present)
Oh man. I love commercials. Well, funny ones. So I have a tie.

and this one

OMG and this one!

4. What is your favorite day of the week?

I love Sunday. Its family day. Well, for me everyday is family day. More so on Sunday though because we do things together. Like going on nature walks, or play games, and have a yummy dinner together.

5. What is your favorite way to waste time?
On Pinterest like every other red-blooded American woman. haha But seriously. Its like shopping and eating without spending money or consuming calories.

6. What is your favorite article of clothing?
This sparkle dot cardi from Old Navy is my current fave. I feel long, lean, sexy and fierce when I wear it. :)

Source: Old Navy

What about YOU? What is your favorite commercial? 

HOW TO PISS ME OFF

In case you were wondering...

Be cruel to animals.

Talk incessantly during a movie I've paid $15 to see. 

Mistreat old people.

Act like a total noob when ordering at Starbucks so I have to wait even longer for my non-fat chai latte, no water with cinnamon dolce topping, and nutmeg steamed in.

Eat really loudly. Not like crunchy loud, lip smacking loud.

Take advantage of my family. 

Don't wave thank you to me when you cross the street because I didn't run your ass over.

Talk on your phone while shopping and stop right in front of what I want to grab so that I have to awkwardly get at it without grazing your crotchular area because you won't stop talking to breathe so I can let you know that "I'm just going to grab something real quick," and forcefully point at the item in question.

Shout out the answer during Jeopardy before I can answer. 

Scare me.

Cut in front of me in any line.

What pisses YOU off?

HOW TO MAKE ME HAPPY

Because I'd rather be happy than pissed off. And I'd rather be pissed off than pissed on...

Make yummy sounds when you eat food I've cooked.

Buy me coffee.

Love the restaurant I've suggested.

Talk (science) nerdy to me.

Watch Too Cute kittens and puppies with me.

The same goes for Family Guy,  Project Runway, and Hunger Games.

Leave me sweet notes.

Go with me on hikes to see beautiful things.

What makes YOU happy?

SUNDAY SOCIAL #1

I would totally appreciate it if you could hop over to my Facebook page and give me a like. 

Here's the thing... I'm jumping back on the Sunday Social blog hop bandwagon. I love linking up with other bloggers, finding new friends, and honestly, not having to think up something the post about. Its already been done! :)


This Sunday we're talking about what we are thankful for which makes sense because, Thanksgiving. Hello. I'm a firm believer in manners and I use "please" and "thank you." Frequently (read: FReeeee-qwent-ly). This also is true for saying "bless you" after sneezes. So it goes without saying that I really am thankful everyday.
I'm thankful for my family. They have all helped me in so many ways this year. It may have been tough growing up, but we have all grown into such amazing people. 

THANK YOU

I'm thankful for my cats.

I'm thankful my Gramma is still with us and will be for a long time (hopefully). A couple of weeks ago (or was it just a week ago?) Gramma had a minor heart attack that turned into much more. She's in sub-acute rehab now. Getting stronger every day. 

I'm thankful for having the opportunity to start fresh. No one likes heartbreak. I'm sure of it. But I am thankful for the opportunity it has afforded me. To just be me. To go to school. To spend time with my family. To not work. I am ready for a job though. Have any openings?

I'm thankful that I love myself. This may sound weird, but I've never really loved myself before. There was always something wrong with me. I was too fat. My life was nothing if I didn't have a boyfriend. I actually didn't even go on a date until I was 23. I didn't say the right things or wear the right clothes. But now. Now I love myself. And for the first time. And it feels great.

What are YOU thankful for? 
Remember: I'm still hosting that Miche party. Check out this post for more info. Don't miss out on the amazing deals!

Just the Facts Man

Hi Friends!
I'm hopping on the bandwagon and joining other lovely bloggers over at I Wore Yoga Pants on a ONE TIME facts blog hop. I hope you're ready for some super fun facts!
Fact: In my earliest memory I experienced deje vu. Walking the perimeter of my elementary school, looking in the windows admiring my puff paint fish t-shirt and matching sassy shorts. Oh yes. 
Fact: I broke my leg in 4th grade. Snow + ice + sled + speed + tree = broken tibia, fibula, and growth plate (in 4 places). Yikes! I had to have surgery and have a 3 inch screw in my ankle to this day.    The cast was purple (the best color).
Fact: I am the oldest child, but both of my brothers tower almost a foot above me. Additional fact: I'm 5'8 (ok, 5'7 1/2, but I like to round up)!

Fact: In high school I produced 5 school productions, and performed in 3. Being the "fat girl" in school was no fun at all. The only solace I found was participating in Drama Club, beside my favorite teacher Ms. Cole. She was loud and funny and fat like me and made me feel less alone. 
Fact: I have kept a journal (albeit sporadically) since I was 9, and blogging (again, sporadically) since age 15. I learned early that the things you put online can be ready by anyone, and can hurt. Boo.
Fact: At the lowest point in my life I weighed nearly 400 pounds. Since then I have lost over 130 pounds, but only as I have been ready. Any weight you lose before you're emotionally ready will be gained back and then some. I still have a way to go, but I know it is not a race, and that I am already a winner!

Fact: I smell EVERYTHING I touch. Trevor thinks I'm crazy, but I'm really just a very curious person. 
Fact: My first job ever was at the YMCA as junior day camp counselor. I was 14. Such a bad ass. I used the money from that summer to redecorate my room, and buy a "big girl" bed. 
Fact: I can watch FRIENDS, and The Simpsons reruns any time.
Fact: Growing up I wanted to be a sassy black woman. My hair is naturally straight, and I don't love it.  Straight brownish-blonde hair did not a black-girl make. 

Fact: I'd rather stay at home and read a book than go out to a club or big party. People can be extremely overwhelming to me. 
Fact: I love Harry Potter and Twilight!! I can't help it. I love a good young adult novel. :)

Source

What are some fun facts about you? :)