30 Day Challenge-Day 30 :-(

What I have gained from this blogging exercise…

First off, I want to say that I am sad to see this exercise come to an end…..

I loved doing this and I hope I can find something similar to it somewhere else.

I actually learned quite a bit about myself. I had to dig deep into my memory for quite a few days; they weren’t easy questions so I couldn’t give a very simple answer.

I learned a lot about other people who also did this exercise, which was really cool.

I’m not the “greatest” blogger and sometimes have a tough time trying to find things to blog about since I don’t have children or a house yet. I tend to find my life a little boring but still want to blog about it. :-)

I hope most importantly that all of my readers enjoyed learning about me. Some things were very personal but that’s me and my life. They are not things that I think I should hide or be ashamed of. They are what made me who I am today and I appreciate all of my life experiences.

Please continue to visit my blog often. I hope to have a Giveaway soon as well but first I need to think about what I’d like to “give away.”

30 Day Challenge-Day 29

My best feature...

Physically, I think it's my eyes for sure. I get SO many compliments on them along with my eye lashes. And yes, they are real. lol

This is a weird picture because it was after a wedding and well, we (My Mom, me and Mr. A) were all drunk, if you couldn't tell. But this is the best picture I have right now to show my eye lashes.

Mr. A also loves my boobs. haha Probably something you all did not want to hear but it's true.

30 Day Challenge-Day 28

My Most Luxurious purchase

Was my 2007 Toyota Corolla S. It was my first brand new car and I didn't need a co-signer or anything. I felt very much like an adult.

I love my super white girl that I call Pearl.

I'm still paying her off but only have a little less than 2 years left. YAY! That will be a great day when it's all paid off!!

I wish I had a picture for you but I don't since I'm at work. I'll edit this later with a picture.

30 Day Challenge-Day 27

What I am good at...

Well, I like to think I'm good at these things....

*Bowling
*Photography
*Shopping
*Finding good deals
*Being a loyal friend
*Texting
*Sports
*Driving
*Giving unique gifts to people
*Loving Mr. A and my dog, Dexter

30 Day Challenge-Day 26

My Most Surprising Moment

This is a weird one for me as I really can't think of anything very surprising.

However, I have write about something so I'll write about my engagement.

It happened Dec. 9th 2006 next to our first Christmas tree together.

We were drinking some wine and relaxing. Mr. A left the room so I asked if he was just getting more wine. He said yes and asked if I need anymore, which I did not.

He went into our room where he had the ring in a drawer (good thing I wasn't expecting this or I would have snooped), and changed his pants, which I didn't even notice, because his other ones did not have pockets.

I was sitting on the couch so he got down on one knee (I didn't notice, I just thought he was getting down to my level) and said "You know I love you, right?" I said, "Yes, and I love you too."

He said "Well, good, because I was wondering if you would marry me?"

I was SHOCKED!!! My jaw dropped and I couldn't say anything besides "are you serious? You're not joking, are you?". He said "Yes,and it's real"

I finally said "Yes", got up and started jumping around the house. haha

I knew we'd be getting engaged soon but I was expecting it more around Christmas time when we were going back to California to see his family!!

I can't believe it's been almost 4 years since that day. It feels like yesterday!

30 Day Challenge-Day 25

My Dream Home

There are way too many things that I would want in a house so I know I will never get it unless I have it built. I may do that someday but most likely not. Haha

Anyways, here’s the list….

Not sure of the color or outside style

Front porch

Finished basement

Bar in the basement

At least 4 bedrooms but that would depend on how many kids we would have

3+ bathrooms

Granite countertops

Dark custom made cabinets

Fire place but not a real one, maybe gas

An island in the kitchen

Huge pantry

Double ovens

Hard wood flooring

Huuuuuge closets in all the rooms

Double sinks in the master with a Jacuzzi tub

Walk in shower with 2 shower heads

Enough storage space for the whole house

I think that’s all for now……

30 Day Challenge-Day 24

The next 7 days to-do list:

Since this was supposed to be done yesterday, I will act as though I wrote it yesterday! :-)

Saturday- Hang out with a friend in the A.M. then come home and get ready for the Diamondbacks/Giants baseball game then over to another friends to celebrate their Late Father.

Sunday- Nothing but relaxing. Usually what we do every Sunday.

Monday- Nothing. Work...BLAH

Tuesday- Nothing. Again, work! BLAH

Wednesday- Work then Native New Yorker for free chicken wings. YUMMMM!!

Thursday- Nothing other than work.

Friday- a Get Together (GTG) with some girl friends. It's going to be a huge group, around 25 at the Cheesecake Factory. It should be a lot of fun!

Saturday- No plans as of yet. Maybe lay by the pool if the weather permits. Hopefully no Monsoons on the weekends.

30 Day Challenge-Day 23

What is in my handbag aka purse...

*Wallet
*Checkbook
*Ipod
*gum
*chapstick
*lip gloss
*Pepper spray-watch out or I'll getcha
*Pens
*Reusable bag
*Mirror
*little notebook
*M&M's
*My work badge
*Band-aid's
*Ibuprofen
*Iron pills
*Lotion
*Tampons/panty liners
*Tweezers
*Nail clippers

Wow, I have too much in there. That's what happens when you have an over sized purse. I really should cut down on the size.

30 Day Challenge-Day 22

What I would do with millions of dolla dolla bills, ya'll! :-)

I would....

• Pay off my student loans
• Pay off my car
• Buy the perfect house (for us)
• Buy my Mom a house here, in AZ
• Travel the world
• Pay off my parents debt
• Be a Stay at Home Mom (when they time came)
• Buy Mr. A a new whip. Gosh, his is awful. Poor guy!
• Buy a Personal Trainer
• Save some
• Put some away for our future kids schooling
• Invest some

That's the jist! Gosh, it would be amazing to not have to worry about money. I don't need millions, I just want like $20K more a year and then I don't think I'd worry about things as much!

30 Day Challenge-Day 21

3 Celebrity Crushes

#1. Paul Walker-MMMM MMMM He is delicious to look at.
#2. Cristian Ronaldo-He's Portuguese like Mr. A so how could I not. Plus, just look at him. Another delicious guy to look at.



#3. This one isn't really a crush. I was having a tough time thinking of a 3rd. So, it's Tyrese. I really just like looking at him. lol

30 Day Challenge-Day 20

The hardest thing I’ve ever had to deal with

At first when I thought about this, I was going to talk about my parent’s divorce but the more I thought about my life, the more I realized that wasn’t the hardest.

The hardest, by far, was growing up with a Mentally Retarded sibling. Nobody can truly relate or understand what it’s like unless they’ve gone through it themselves.

As a kid, you grow up wanting to be accepted…well, I did at least.

This was hard since when we would go out into public people would stare like crazy, point, laugh, whisper…you name it, and they did it. It was cruel beyond belief and at times, I really just wanted to run and hid.

My brother is older than me by about 3 years. He was never diagnosed with anything specific just severe mental retardation. He can’t talk, dress or bathe himself, prepare food, pour himself a drink, drive, etc. However, he can walk. He didn’t necessarily like to walk or maybe it was just easier for my Mom. She had gotten him a stroller. No, it didn’t look like a child’s stroller; it was definitely more for a teen/adult. We would use it when we’d go to the mall, a fair, anything with a lot of walking.

This would cause people to stare because they would wonder why a 15 year old boy was riding in a stroller. I was so embarrassed; I’m not going to lie. I didn’t want to have friends over to my house because he would always “bother” us. If I met a new friend, it was so hard to explain what he was like and then when they met him, they would also stare.

My Mom would get really upset at how people treated him or us. Her or I would often respond to people who were staring or I would stare back to see how they liked it.

I now hate when people stare. I hate when people use the word “retard” so loosely.

I love my brother. How could I not? But…it was.the.hardest thing to deal with when growing up. It’s still hard to explain to people who don’t know me well or him at all.

People treat him as if he’s not a real person.

I understand that a lot of people don’t encounter people like him so they don’t know how to act around them or towards them. Let me just tell you this….treat them like any other human being. They have feelings too and he’s very smart given the circumstances.

It’s still very hard but as I live across the country from him, it’s not as hard as it was when I was younger and living with him.

I just wish people would be more respectful. I know, that’s farfetched but I can hope, can’t I?

30 Day Challenge-Day 19

20 of my Favorite Things

1. Chocolate
2. Warm weather
3. Laying by the pool
4. Shopping
5. Ice cream
6. My new friendships
7. My wedding video & pictures
8. The internet-I’m addicted
9. A new pair of heels
10. Flip flops
11. Michelob Ultra Pomegranate
12. Burt’s Bees Pomegranate chapstick
13. My camera
14. The love Mr. A has for me
15. Amusement parks
16. Las Vegas
17. Pineapple Skyy
18. Traveling
19. Going out to a new restaurant with Mr. A
20. My baby blanket

30 Day Challenge-Day 18

What I collect....

I don't really collect anything. How sad is that?!

I started collecting the State Quarters when they came out but I haven't done that in years. I even have the little map that you can stick the quarter in each state. LOL

Oh, I found a picture of it.

My husband makes fun of me. I know, it's pretty dorky but I just couldn't help it.

The two state I've lived in!

30 Day Challenge-Day 17

Pet Peeves

Bad drivers-I could go on for hours about the things I hate when I’m driving. UGH!

Loud Chewers-it REALLY grosses me out

“One up” type of people-Is there really a reason they need to tell a story that is so much better than yours/mine? They have to be the best, know the most, have the worst or best life/experiences, etc. So annoying.

Liars or people who exaggerate the truth. Just tell the damn truth!

Cattiness- Get over yourself and grow up. Thanks.

When people use the word “retard.” Think about those who it may offend. Yes, I know some people don’t care and those people I won’t associate myself with but it’s not a word you just throw around loosely. It can be very hurtful.

TARDINESS!!!!! My Father and Grandmother were.the.worst.ever. My Dad is still really bad with being on time. I would wait for hours when I was a kid for him to come pick me up. I’d stand in the doorway or look out the window for him. This has caused me to usually be early for everything and if not, I’m right on time. I HATE WAITING!!!!

Close talkers- CREEP me out!!!

When someone leaves the room and doesn’t turn the light off.

When the toilet paper roll isn’t replaced.

When people take advantage of the "system."

These are just a few....

30 Day Challenge-Day 16

My worst habits

I bite my nails. I wish I could stop. I really do want to have pretty, somewhat long, nails but I just can’t. I’ve been doing it my whole life. I love the way they look when they get the white part on the tip but then I love biting it off. Haha I may have picked it up from my Mom as she does it a lot too.
I even pick at my toe nails. (Now, I will go run and hide as you laugh and probably say “eww, that’s so gross” but I’m really NOT gross.)

I also pop pimples. I know I shouldn’t because it can leave scaring and blah blah blah but once again I.JUST.CAN’T.HELP.IT!!! It’s kind of fun…

I’m sure I have more but these are the first two that came to my mind.

30 Day Challenge-Day 15

Bucket List- Top 5

1. Have children

2. Go to Tahiti/Bora Bora

3. Sky dive

4. Go to Portugal (Mr. A is Portuguese. MMMM)

5. Own a motorcycle. I've always wanted a crotch rocket but never had the nerve to buy one. And now that I'm older and married it's not very practical. Maybe one day I will own a Harley. haha

30 Day Challenge-Day 14

Where I blog

Usually, I blog from work because I tend to not have much work to do. But I'm not supposed to nor should I SO....

When I can't or won't at work...then I am sitting at my computer at home. It's on a very smaaaaall computer desk as I've mentioned before, we live in a 800 something sq. foot apartment. BLAH!

Sorry there's no picture. I'm being lazy and don't want to take one and upload it to my computer.

:-)

30 Day Challenge-Day 13

My ideal age....

Well, I don't think I can pick just 1 age because there are perks to many and downsides to many as well.

Like...being a small child. You have no responsibilities. You don't have to pay bills, find a job, be in crazy relationships, worry about your children, etc. Everything is given to you (well, the fortunate children, at least). My parents were still together and life seemed awesome.

Then there's your early teens. You have CRAZY hormones so you're moody and not very nice to those you love. You are starting to worry about what people think of you and you want to find a boyfriend or girlfriend. You're emotional and don't usually think of the repercussions of your actions. You worry your parents to death.

Mid to late teens. You finally get to drive. Wow, what a responsibility but I do think 16 is a little young to be driving by yourself (though I didn't think this when I was 16). Here come the responsibilities. Which for me, led me to a job. Then you get to graduate HS and go to College which usually happens around 18. Oh how fun. But how do you pay for it, where do you go, what do you go for? Now you are making life changing choices. And you get to vote...a huge freedom that comes with responsibility.

Early 20's. You can finally get to drink legally. Now, you have to worry about getting DD's when you go somewhere or not drinking too much to the point of alcohol poisoning, etc.

Mid 20's....woohoo, your car insurance 'should' go down and you can rent a car on your own without being charged a crazy amount of extra fees. Most people are wondering about marriage or finding the right person they want to spend the rest of their life with.

Late 20's...for me have been awesome. I got married and moved across the country. Both HUGE responsibilities and changes in my life. They weren't easy choices to make. Ok, the marriage one was but the moving one not so much.
Buying a home, trying to have a child....wow, very emotional and life changing things.

I wouldn't want to be young again because then I would have to go through all of that again. I've been through a lot (I'm sure not as much as others) and I wish some things were different but all of my life choices and experiences are what made me who I am today. I love being in my late 20's. I don't feel almost 29 which is great. I just wish I had a child to add to our little family.

30 Day Challenge-Day 12

I am FINALLY caught up! Woohoo!

My Biggest Regret....

Honestly, I can say that I have very few regrets in life.
What's the point? I can't change the past so why dwell on it?
Of course there are things that I would have changed but I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and that I have learned from the things that I have experienced.
For instance....the guys I have dated. Ok, two guys that I dated. I wish I never did. I feel like they held me back from my full potential and to be honest, none of my friends and family liked either one of them. I've always been told that I would find guys that I could "help." I find that very interesting as I really do enjoy helping others. They were real, um, losers?! haha BUT, I learned what I didn't want in my next boyfriend/future husband because of each of them. I realized that there were a lot better guys out there that would treat me the way I should/wanted to be treated. Needless to say, I found that guy and he's my Mr. A! :-)
I wish that I hadn't quit things when I was younger. For example, gymnastics and bowling. I was great at both but when things got too hard or my cousins/friends weren't doing it anymore, I quit. So sad. But, I had a great time when I was doing them and I've even picked bowling up again but only as something fun to do.
I have mentioned this before but I also wish I had gone to school for something other than Psychology. It would have been nice if someone sat me down, talked to me about my possibilities, told me my options and then let me decide. I bet I would have gone to school for something else. I would have gone for something I truly enjoyed...like Photography. *sigh* Oh well! At least I finished my degree in something, right?

I'm sure there are more but these are the few that stick out over the rest. Life experiences is what helps you learn and grow. Hard times only make you stronger and I believe staying positive will help you decide the best course for you!

30 Day Challenge-Day 11

Where I live

I live in the Valley of Sun…Arizona. The Phoenix area….

It’s no lie. It’s sunny almost ALL.THE.TIME and I love it.

It is one of the 4 corner states; it borders New Mexico, Utah, Nevada and California and touches Colorado.

It is the largest US landlocked U.S. state by population. Gosh, there are so many people that live here which makes rush hour traffic HORRENDOUS!!! The major highway (I-10) is 5 lanes wide and during rush hour, it’s stop and go. It’s awful!

We don’t observe Daylight Savings Time except on the Navajo Nation but that’s really small.

We get Monsoons in the summer to which I’ve heard are beautiful to watch. However, we moved here May 29th of last year and didn’t get to see even 1. It was a very dry summer. And so far this year is pretty dry too.

I love Arizona. Yes, it’s hot…it gets up to 120 in the summer (not always) but there’s usually no humidity which helps. We have great winters and it hardly rains. Perfect for me and Mr. A! We both hate the snow. It’s pretty to visit but not to live in all the time.

We currently live in a 1 bedroom 800 something square foot apartment and it sucks. We are in the process of buying a home. Well, we are trying to buy a home. We’ve been looking since mid January and the cards have been kind of against us until recently. We have an offer on one now that we should hear back from any day now. Once we get a yes, we close in 20 days. TWENTY DAYS!!!!!!! OMG, I’m kind of freaking out. That’s so fast. We have to give a 60 day notice to our apartment complex. That sucks. I’m pretty mad about that but I guess there’s nothing we can do about it. We are very excited to get out of our apartment though.