Thirty Days of Me: Day Thirty

The Thirty Days of Me project is explained here. The challenge for day thirty: What is your favorite song?

This is such a tough question to answer. Mostly because I actually enjoy pop music, which means I'm always finding new songs.

I suppose, though, if I was sticking with classics, I would have to go with something from when I was a kid. Now, my favorite group as a child was - ahem - Menudo. (I'd have totally lied about that, but some of my readers know better and would have called me out.) Once I outgrew that stage, my favorites were hair metal and hard rock from the 80's and 90's. Kiss is one of my all time favorite bands, as is Bon Jovi. Any one of their songs could easily be a "favorite" of mine (except Wanted Dead or Alive - I never really liked that song, despite its overwhelming popularity).

But if I really had to pick a favorite song ever, it would probably be by an absolute favorite artist - so I'd have to say Simon and Garfunkel. I grew up on their music, because my dad is a huge fan. They have some really well-known songs - Bridge Over Troubled Water, Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover, Sound of Silence, Khodachrome, The Boxer... The list goes on.

My favorite? A lesser-known tune called Song for the Asking. It's short and sweet with a pretty melody. It's a very simple song with simple lyrics - and a simple message.

I've always been pretty short and simple (never mind some of my long-winded posts). I'm not huge on detailed explanations - I'm a bottom-line kind of person. So short and sweet appeals to me.

Of course some things in life are complicated. But the things that really, truly matter - like love and friendship - should be simple. We should all be grateful for the people in our life. Those that are just passing through, and those that stay for a while - or forever. They're all important, and they're all a gift.

I've never understood why anyone would withold their love, or respect or friendship for another person. So for me, it's always been simple.

My love and friendship is there - all you have to do is ask.

Thirty Days of Me: Day Twenty-Nine

The Thirty Days of Me project is explained here. The challenge for day twenty-nine: In the past month, what have you learned?


I suspect that this question comes on day twenty-nine with the idea that I will have learned something from this challenge. I think I have.

I've learned that I have a lot of photos of me in facebook; I've learned that I don't look half as bad in them as I sometimes worry; and I've learned that I need photos of my newest friends.

I've learned that the people who have hurt me in life have also done me a huge favor.

I've learned that thirty-seven feels an awful lot like thirty-six. I've also learned that forty isn't nearly as old as I thought it was when I was twenty.

I've learned that my taste in music is quite random.

I've learned that I have a lot to look forward to.

What have you learned in the last month? About me or about you? 

Thirty Days of Me: Day Twenty-Eight

The Thirty Days of Me project is explained here. The challenge for day twenty-eight: A picture of me last year and this year - and how have I changed.

July 2010

How have I changed? I've changed a lot. I'm more independent; I'm happier; I'm more sure of where I'm going and how I want to get there.

But you don't see most of that in photos. 

May 2011

What's been the biggest change for you in the last year?

Thirty Days of Me: Day Twenty-Seven

The Thirty Days of Me project is explained here. The challenge for day twenty-seven: Why are you doing this thirty day challenge?


Well, that's a good question.

Maybe I'm doing it because she did it, and she did it, and they are both cool. Though, if the cool kids jumped off a bridge, I wouldn't do that...so I guess that's not the right answer.

Maybe I'm doing it to full-fill a need for self-exploration and understanding. Then again, if that were the case, I could just do it privately, it wouldn't have to be a blog. Or, I could have just answered the questions as comments on one of my friends' posts. So I guess that's not the right answer, either.

Maybe I'm doing it because this will be a tremendously busy month for me at work, leaving precious little time to blog. Plus there might be a vacation in there somewhere, leaving me with even less. And this is great, pre-fab content that will give me a break.

Yep, that sounds about right.

Thirty Days of Me: Day Twenty-Six

The Thirty Days of Me project is explained here. The challenge for day twenty-six What do you think of your friends?


At first, this seems like a silly question. If I'm friends with someone, I obviously think very highly of him, or we wouldn't be friends, right? But I suppose that's true for everyone.

Some might say, "My friends are the people who put up with me."

Others might say, "My friends are the coolest people I could find to hang out with."

Still others might say, " My friends are the people who've known me the longest, or who know me the best."

If you're really lucky (like me), you can say all of those things. You can also add, "My friends are the most precious thing in the world to me. They are my greatest strength when I am weak, and my greatest laughter when I am happy.

They are the people who let me be who I am going to be, and love me - faults and all. They are the people for whom I would do anything, to whom I would give anything or for whom I would go anywhere.

My friends truly are the family I've chosen; and I am so lucky to have them."

How would you describe your friends?

Thirty Days of Me: Day Twenty-Five

The Thirty Days of Me project is explained here. The challenge for day twenty-five: What would we find in your bag?


Well, that depends on the day - and the outfit, which determines the bag. But, at its worst, on a work day with my largest purse in tow, you'd probably find:

• Makeup bag
• Wallet
• Phone
• Lip gloss
• Cuticle oil
• Perfume
• Nook
• Eyeglasses 

How about you? What do you carry everywhere?

Thirty Days of Me: Day Twenty-Four

The Thirty Days of Me project is explained here. The challenge for day twenty-four: A letter to your parents.

I considered making this a joke post, because I knew it would be tough for me to write. In the end, I decided to open it up and get very personal, because I think that's a good thing to do now and then. So I cried my way through.

Just like I don't believe family is restricted to blood, I also don't believe parents are restricted to the people whose DNA combined to make you. At least, it wasn't with me.

Dear Mom,
For a long time, there was no possible way I could forgive you for all that happened when I was little. As is often the case, my point of view has changed as I've gotten older. It's nice when that happens, you know? It shows we're growing. Anyway, now I know that you did the best with what you had to work with and offer at the time. While I'll always wish some things were handled differently, I am glad we've been able to put some things behind us and become friends. I'll never forget how you were there for me this last year - I don't think I'd have made it through that horrible heartbreak without you.

Dear Nanny,
You were so tough on me, but I know it was because you were doing what you knew. I'll tell you a secret - it worked. Because of you, I know how to make guests comfortable - but not so comfortable that they never want to leave. I know how to be a good house guest, and not to over-stay my welcome. I know never to wear white shoes before Memorial Day or after Labor Day and I know not to apply lipgloss at the dinner table. I know that when I make a promise, I'm to keep it, and when someone is doing me a favor, I'm to say thank you. I know that when someone hands me food they've prepared, I'm to eat it - whether I like it or not. It's always been important to me that you are proud - I truly hope you are.

Dear Karen (Mom),
You put up with me even though it wasn't required. You taught me how to dress for the occasion, and how to handle all the "stuff" that goes along with being a woman. You took me to get my ears pierced, and helped me through my first crushes. You were my mom when I needed one most. Thank you so very much.

Dear Dad,
I know I was a complete pain - and sometimes, I suspect I still am. I'm sometimes terrible at telling you what I really think - so let me state for the record, I think you're awesome and amazing. You are absolutely my hero - you not only stepped up in a big way to raise me on your own, you also set an example of exactly the person I want to be. You are smart, resourceful, kind, generous, funny and vibrant. I would consider myself a success if I'm half the person you are.

In everything I've ever done, I've only cared about making you proud. I hope that I have.

Love to you all,
Sue

Thirty Days of Me: Day Twenty-Three

The Thirty Days of Me project is explained here. The challenge for day twenty-three: What makes you different from everyone else?


Cravings. Cravings are the bane of my existence. I have almost zero will-power. When it comes to shopping, gifts for others, good food - I want what I want, when I want it.

I'm working on the moderation.

My greatest craving? Probably chocolate. I've loved it since I was a little kid. It's my favorite cake, pie, ice cream, candy. As far as I'm concerned, dessert isn't dessert if it isn't chocolate.

I especially crave chocolate when I am stressed out at work. There's probably some science mumbo-jumbo that supports why this is - some sort of chemical reaction that chocolate triggers in my brain, relaxing me and making me happy.

I have no idea - I just know that when I'm having a bad day, there'd better be chocolate, or it's going to get ugly.

What are your cravings?

Thirty Days of Me: Day Twenty-Two

The Thirty Days of Me project is explained here. The challenge for day twenty-two: What makes you different from everyone else?


Well, first of all, we're all different - and thank goodness for that.

When I thought I had it all figured out, I thought people who didn't were immature, or non-committal or selfish. I thought that because my life was in a certain order, I was done learning and growing - and that was just where my life was going to be. I thought there was a schedule, and wherever I was at a certain point - that was it.

Then I woke up from that dream and realized that I am, in fact, not always right. In fact - more often, I am not right. I have a lot to learn; a lot of growing to do; a lot of changes to make. It doesn't mean I don't have anything to offer - because I do. It just means that I can gain as much from my experiences and relationships and life as I can give.

I learned that the only constant is change. Life is always evolving, and the truly smart, together people know to change and evolve right along. I found that I can learn from anyone, and I found that what I thought was confidence was really just buried low self-esteem.

I'm not sure if that realization makes me different from everyone else. I'm sure it makes me different from some people - from those who do think they have it all figured out, and they always know best, and they have nothing left to learn. But I figure, eventually, it's a lesson we all learn. Some just figure it out sooner than others.

But different or not, my experiences - good and bad - are what make me, me.

What makes you different?

Thirty Days of Me: Day Twenty-One

The Thirty Days of Me project is explained here. The challenge for day twenty-one: A picture of something that makes you happy.

A lot of things make me happy. Few things more so than Yankee Stadium. 

September 23, 2010

Thirty Days of Me: Day Twenty

The Thirty Days of Me project is explained here. The challenge for day twenty: Someone you see yourself marrying and/or being with in the future.

Boys have cooties. So far, there's only one that hasn't let me down. So...

It'll always be him.

Thirty Days of Me: Day Nineteen

The Thirty Days of Me project is explained here. The challenge for day nineteen: What are some nicknames you have, and why do you have them?

I hate nicknames. Most of the time, I think they are a sign of disrespect; that someone's name isn't important enough to learn, or remember. A sign that you see them as just a pretty girl or a little boy, rather than an individual man or woman.

But I know a lot of times, the intention behind nicknames is affection. We use them to express familiarity and intimacy.

Technically, "Sue" is a nickname; my full first name is Susan. I reserve that for business dealings, and people who I really don't like that much. When a friend or family member calls me Susan, I expect to be sent to my room immediately.

Other than Sue, a few nicknames have made it past my barrier over the years. They are:

Suse - only my father and my cousin are allowed to call me by this name.

Susie - my grandmother liked this nickname, and many followed her lead. If you knew me before I was 13, I'll let this go, even now. If you haven't known me that long, and address me by Susie - I simply won't answer.

Q - a shortened version of Susie Q, this was a short-lived nickname given to me by a boy on whom I had a huge crush in grade school. That's the only reason I let it go.

Soup - only Chrissy's kids get away with this. Ever.

What are your nicknames?

Thirty Days of Me: Day Eighteen

The Thirty Days of Me project is explained here. The challenge for day eighteen: Plans, dreams and goals that you have.


I used to think I had it all figured it out. Then I was scared out of my mind because, as it turns out - I didn't have anything figured out. Now I'm excited about what I look forward to, and all the possibilities that lie ahead.

I have plans to save some money and continue to chip away at my debt.

I have dreams of selling my home, and moving into an apartment with a little less work and a little less cost involved in the up-keep. Sometimes, in my dreams, that apartment is here; other times, it's downstate. In my far off dreams, there's a special guy with me....but as of right now, he's sort of fuzzy, in the background and off to the side.

I have goals of getting fit; to continue what I started earlier this year, challenging myself to do better with each passing month. I also have a goal to get my new business up and running. Eventually, I plan to work for myself full-time, doing what I love - with maybe a part-time job to supplement here and there.

What's a goal, plan or dream that you have?

Thirty Days of Me: Day Seventeen

The Thirty Days of Me project is explained here. The challenge for day seventeen: Write about someone you would want to switch lives with for one day, and why.


Interesting question. The funny answer would be Minka Kelly because she dates him. Also, she's obviously beautiful, and who wouldn't want to be that gorgeous for a day?

A more serious answer would be switching places with someone who has my dream career - like The Blogess, for example. I just love her.

If I've learned anything in my thirty-seven years, it's that the greener grass on the other side is almost always astro turf. Everything really does happen for a reason, and we really are right where we're supposed to be. There's a purpose to the place I'm in right now, and switching places with someone else just cheats me (and the world) out of whatever purpose I'm supposed to fulfill.

That's the real, introspective, grownup answer. Which is probably not what you were hoping for. So, here's another.

If I could make this switch with any person, under any terms, for one day - I would go back in time and switch places with my 18-year-old self. Not to give away the future - but to remind her that she's beautiful and smart and has her whole life ahead of her. To remind her to make family and friends and school her priority. To remind her not to let anyone treat her poorly, abuse or take advantage of her.

Who would you switch places with for a day?

Thirty Days of Me: Day Sixteen

The Thirty Days of Me project is explained here. The challenge for day sixteen: Another picture of yourself.

Ummm....October 2010, I believe.

Thirty Days of Me: Day Fifteen

The Thirty Days of Me project is explained here. The challenge for day fifteen: Put your iPod on shuffle; what are the first ten songs?


I have no iPod; it was stolen. People are jerks.

I do have an mp3 player, but that's all the way out in the car, and it needs batteries, anyway.

Pandora - here I come. I put on my most random station that I've created (cleverly titled "Sue's Radio") and will list the first ten songs to play.

• Feels Like Tonight - Daughtry
• All or Nothing - Theory of a Deadman
• Bad Day - Fuel
• Irreplaceable - Beyonce
• I Want You Back - Jackson 5
• I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
• Say Hey (I Love You) - Michael Franti & Spearhead
• Pieces - Rascal Flatts
• Crazy Dreams - Carrie Underwood
• So What - Pink

What's on yours?

Thirty Days of Me: Day Fourteen

The Thirty Days of Me project is explained here. The challenge for day fourteen: A picture of you and your family.

More pictures?

Marlena, Joey and me
Some pumpkin patch
October 2010

Billy and me
NYC Toys 'R Us
September 2009

2009
Marlena and Bill made me this cake.
Happy Birthday to me!

Thirty Days of Me: Day Thirteen

The Thirty Days of Me project is explained here. The challenge for day thirteen: A letter to someone who has hurt you recently.


You know who you are. You're the guys who say I'm not pretty or thin enough. The one who didn't even have the nerve to write me back and tell me you didn't want to go out. You're the client or the coworker who treats me like a secretary, just because I'm younger - and female. You're the person who cut me off in line because your time is so much more important than mine. You're the friends who didn't invite me out because I'm not the "fun" one. You're the family member who begged me for help, and then belittled what I do.

Sure, it's happened recently. But the truth is, it's been going on since I was a little kid. I've gotten angry. I've cried. I've used it as an excuse to be miserable. I've hidden behind the fear of it ever happening again.

At one time, I would have told you how I cried myself to sleep. I would have told you how I lashed out at the people closest to me, because I was angry with you. I would have told you how I pushed people away because I was too afraid to let anyone get close. I would have told you how I stayed in a safe place, whether I was happy or not - just to be safe.

But now, I just have one thing to say:

Thank you.

Thank you for pushing me past the point of safe; for making me see that the world is bigger and brighter than I ever imagined. For showing me that walls aren't the way to go. They keep out the bad - but they also keep out all the good.

Thank you for showing me that I can survive the worst - so I really don't have to be afraid of anything.

Thirty Days of Me: Day Twelve

The Thirty Days of Me project is explained here. The challenge for day twelve: How you found out about Blogger, and why you made one.


I thought this was a funny category for the thirty days of me project. Most people don't use Blogger anymore, right? Lucky for me, I do, so this is easy.

I found out about blogger from a friend. I was talking to him last year about wanting to start a blog, after watching the movie Julie & Julia. He said to me, "You have a google account; so really, you already have a blog. You're just not using it."

I actually started on Live Journal, and if you ever want to read what I wrote, feel free to check it out. I know it's very out-dated,, and really is more of a journal - but it was a good start.

I moved to Blogger when a friend had trouble leaving a comment on a Live Journal post. Eventually, I'd like to move on to my own website - but of course, I need to develop that idea a bit. For now, this is a nice little home for me and my nonsense ideas.

So that's the how....as for the why, I've really talked about that already. But for some added background - I wrote for years as a kid and young adult. I wanted to write for a living; but life happened, and those plans shifted. When I was going through my divorce, and the aftermath, writing helped me sort through the feelings. When I started dating, my cousin said to me, "You should write a book; you have something to say."

So, I say what I like here; eventually, I'll write that book.

Thirty Days of Me: Day Eleven

The Thirty Days of Me project is explained here. The challenge for day eleven: Another picture of you and your friends.


What? More pictures?! Here are a couple more....

New friends...March 2011

Old friends....June 2009

Classy fan is Jeter-worthy

A-maz-ing.

On Saturday, July 9, 2011, Derek Jeter got his 3,000th hit as a major league ball player - a feat that will surely secure his place in the Hall of Fame (on the first ballot, natch). His hit? A home run (he's only the second player to do that - Wade Boggs was the first). He went on to go 5 for 5 on the day, even hitting in the winning run.

Sigh.
Source

Like I said - a-maz-ing.

One of the first things I thought (in my car, with my phone buzzing) was, what will happen to the ball?

Most people would see a payday. After all - if you catch a ball that flies into the stands, it's yours. So, the person who caught this ball had every right to leave the stadium and keep the ball for himself, or put it up on ebay, or lock it in a safe deposit box.

But he didn't do any of that. Instead, Christian Lopez told security personnel that all he wanted was to give the ball to Jeter.

"He deserves this; he worked hard for it."  

This seriously cool guy ended up meeting Jeter; he was also given some autographed merchandise and luxury box tickets by the Yankees. So he made out pretty well. Could he have gotten more? Sure. He could have named his price and maybe Jeter would have paid it. The thing is - who does that? Who looks at someone else's achievment and sees only what could be in it for him?

Not a real fan; not Christian Lopez. He saw the chance to create a memory for a lifetime, and the chance to do the right thing, no matter what. 

That's class. It's class even worthy of Jeter.

Thirty Days of Me: Day Ten

The Thirty Days of Me project is explained here. The challenge for day ten: Songs you listen to when you're happy, sad, bored, hyped or mad.

This is a really hard challenge for me, largely because - music only plays a small part in my life. I listen mostly to the radio in my car - so no matter the emotion, I listen to whatever I can find that's appealing.

If I'm bored, I probably want something more upbeat and poppy, that I can be-bop around in. If I'm hyped or mad, I want something a little more rock-driven - hard rock is always a favorite genre. The truth is, if I'm sad - it's probably just quiet in the car.

But, thanks to my friend, I do have a new happy song. This song is magic - you can not be in a bad mood after listening to this tune. So, it's my happy song, and it does lift, or keep up, my spirits when the need arises.

(Excuse the still; think I could find the actual video anywhere? Of course not.)

Thirty Days of Me: Day Nine

The Thirty Days of Me project is explained here. The challenge for day nine: Something you're proud of in the last few days.


I've been working on a new business, something done for me and by me. You can read about it here if you like. Last week, I was able to really help a client come up with some good ideas, and put them into motion. I even earned a tiny bit.

I was proud of that.

Also last week, I heard about a friend who is going through a really rough time. Though we aren't close at all, I can relate to where he is, and I reached out and offered my help. I know others did the same, and then backed down - but I didn't. I'm proud that I a) know not to over-extend myself and b) keep my promises. Pretty simple, really - but important.

I'm also very proud that I have not, as yet, done anything to get back at this guy. Because my inner crazy-bitch really wanted to for a moment.

Feel free to tell something you're proud of from the last few days. 

Thirty Days of Me: Day Eight

The Thirty Days of Me project is explained here. The challenge for day eight: Short term goals for this month and why.


Goals are a funny thing. It seems like there should be an end - like a finish line. But life isn't like that; it doesn't "finish" - it just goes on. Which means more goals. Which means all goals, even short-term, are bound to evolve.

But there are also truly short-term goals - like, I want to redo my bathroom, or plant those flowers.

I don't have many short-term goals for this month. I want to save more than I spend, because I'm working on some debt. I want to go to the gym more, because that's an on-going goal of mine that I deal with in the short-term (to avoid getting discouraged).

I'd also like to pick out a new hairstyle for my next hair appointment which is in August. I really need something new.

A very short-term goal of mine is to pick an outfit for today and get the heck out of the house, because I'm running late.

What about you? Any short-term goals for the next 30 days? Or the next 30 minutes, even?

Thirty Days of Me: Day Seven

The Thirty Days of Me project is explained here. The challenge for day seven: A picture of something or someone that has had the biggest impact on you. 

I was so scared that I'd lost love forever. I was grateful to find it in the last place I would have thought to look.

Now I know that love comes in many forms, and I don't have to be in love - or even in like - with a guy, to know and feel true love. It's the greatest lesson I've ever learned.

Thirty Days of Me: Day Six

The Thirty Days of Me project is explained here. The challenge for day six: Who is your favorite super hero, and why?


When I was a little girl, I had Wonder Woman underoos. I used to watch the show with Linda Carter all the time. I loved that Wonder Woman was...well, a girl woman. I also liked that she was a princess, and that she could make people tell the truth.

She's still my favorite, because in recent years, I've found what it means to save yourself. WW wasn't like other female super heroines, who mostly operated as a sidekick to a man. She was a solo act, and didn't really need any help. She was strong on her own, which is a running theme in my life.

I could tell you all about it. But the truth is, I've written it before. So, if you'd like to read more, click here and visit Chin Musik, a blog I follow and love.

Who is your favorite super hero?

Thirty Days of Me: Day Five

The Thirty Days of Me project is explained here. The challenge for day five: A picture of somewhere you've been.


I've been quite a few places. These are just some of my favorites. What are some of yours?  

If you're going to send a picture...

...of your penis to a woman you met on a dating site, here are a few things you should do:

• Make sure she does not author a blog (or two) where she might be willing to post the picture - alongside your user name.
• Make sure you are tougher than (or can at least out run) the man she has on reserve to attack men boys like you. Related...
• ....Make sure she does not subscribe to an internet service that allows her to find you using the contact info you so foolishly gave up.
• Make sure she does not have ample access to the single women in your community. If she does, she can (and will) tarnish your dating pool (if you haven't already).
• Make sure she doesn't have the resources available to otherwise make your life a living hell.

Most importantly?

• Make sure your "subject" is impressive enough that you want it displayed. It takes a boy of very small character to attack a woman this way. No point in proving how small you are everywhere else, too.

Or, you could always look for a woman who might actually be interested in some random guy's goods. I hear there's plenty out there.

Thirty Days of Me: Day Four

The Thirty Days of Me project is explained here. The challenge for day four: A habit you wish you didn't have.


There's a crap-ton of things about myself that I don't like. I'd list them, but I won't have your attention that long - and who could blame you? Talk about boring.

If I really think about it, most of the things that I don't like about myself come back to one, main trait or habit that I'd love to change: Impatience.

My lack of patience is to blame for half of the trouble I get myself into. It's my biggest challenge in losing weight, it's had the most negative impact on my relationships, and it's even affected where I am in my career. I've made a lot of poor choices for the sake of quicker results, to satisfy my impatience.

If I could beat this habit and slow my life down a bit, maybe I could make choices more for the sake of quality, instead of quick results. I've made improvements, and am better at remembering that things have a way of working themselves out in their own time, and there's no need to push to the end.

Then again, if I was a totally patient person - I guess I wouldn't really be me, either. Sometimes, ya gotta take the good with the bad.

How about you? What habit do you wish you didn't have/could break?

Thirty Days of Me: Day Three

The Thirty Days of Me project is explained here. The challenge for day three: A picture of you and your friends. 

Here are few. This is by no means a comprehensive list of friends - just a few I found in facebook.

My best friend (you know her as Chrissy)
and me at SPAC to see Bon Jovi, July 2010.

Me and Cute~Ella at the
derryX Bash, June 2011.

My cousin Marlena - she's
family and friend all in one.
February 2009 - Revolution Hall

Thirty days of Me: Day Two

The Thirty Days of Me project is explained here. The challenge for day two: What is the meaning behind your blog name?

I used to think I had it all figured out. I knew what I wanted, I went out and got it - everything was happening according to plan. I treated life as though it was one giant to-do list, checking items off in order.

Then, in what felt like the blink of an eye - everything changed. My whole world, and everything I'd come to trust and believe in, was gone. I was devastated; depressed, scared, anxious.

Slowly, I came to realize that everything does, in fact, happen for a reason. There was a lot of good coming out of my pain - good that might not have happened if things hadn't changed.

Turns out, the life I was meant to have is not the one I thought I wanted; it's not the life I ordered. But it's still the right life for me. That's what my blog is about, and that's where it gets its name.

If you had a blog, what would its name be?

Thirty Days of Me: Day One

The Thirty Days of Me project is explained here. The challenge for day one: A recent picture of you and fifteen interesting facts about yourself.

I don't know about interesting, but here we go....

• I played the flute from ages 9 - 18. Despite countless hours of musical training, practice and education, I still consider myself to be tone-deaf and the only song I'll sing in public is Happy Birthday - and only with others. 
• I was a straight A student (with a stray B here and there) whose GPA was brought down only by gym class, and the fact that I passed notes in Science. I rarely brought books home to study and did most of my homework on the school bus.
• When I was a tween, my entire wardrobe (with the exception of jeans) was pink. Every. Single. Item.
• I collect Barbies, but am currently looking at selling my collection on eBay. If you're interested, email me.
• I was born with one leg longer than the other. 
• I've had arthritis in my knees since I was fifteen.
• Nuns hate me. I'll elaborate in a future post - but seriously, they hate me.
• I've never been drunk. I had one full beer in college - and promptly threw it, and my dinner, up in some random guy's bathroom. Let's hear it for higher education!
• I get text messages with updates from CNN, ESPN and The Weather Channel. I set them up several years ago, and no longer need them, but can't remember any of the passwords to change the settings. 
• I wrote my first story in pencil when I was eight years old. At thirteen, I won a fiction-writing contest for a story written entirely from a baby's perspective. In college, I won awards and was asked to present academic papers. Then I graduated and needed a job. "Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans."
• I put up a Christmas tree in every room of my home. Each is decorated to match the room where it sits. 
• When I was about five, I had a terrible experience in a daycare center. I ate cooked carrots for the first time and got sick. True or not, in my mind the carrots caused the sick, and to this day - I don't eat 'em.
• I've never been on a legitimate roller coaster, though I am determined to one day work up the nerve.
• I studied for four years to earn the CPCU designation. In insurance land - that means a lot. It also means I get a little alphabet soup on the end of my name, when I like. 
• I long ago accepted that I am a flawed person. The thing I like least about myself is my appearance - it's the one button a person can push and really hurt my feelings. Because of that, sharing my photo is not something I do lightly....

February 2011
National Harbor, Maryland

Tell me something interesting about you? 

Thirty Days of Me

It's a trend sweeping the blogsphere - the thirty days of me project. I first saw it over here, but Dri bored of it (and I don't blame her one bit). It re-emerged here, and Cute~Ella inspired me to try it for my birth month as well. Plus, who am I to scoff at an idea for content?

So for the next thirty days, I'll tackle this list...

1 - Recent photo and 15 interesting facts about yourself
2 - Meaning behind your blog name
3 - Picture of you and your friends
4 - Habit you wish you didn’t have
5 - Picture of somewhere you’ve been
6 - Favorite super hero and why
7 - Picture of someone/something that has had the biggest impact on you
8 - Short term goals for this month and why
9 - Something you’re proud of in the past few days
10 - Songs you listen to when happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad
11 - Another picture of you and your friends
12 - How did you find out about blogger, and why did you make one?
13 - A letter to someone who has hurt you recently
14 - Picture of you and family
15 - Put your music player on shuffle; what are the first 10 songs?
16 - Another picture of yourself
17 - Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
18 - Plans, dreams and goals you have
19 - Nicknames you have and why
20 - Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
21 - Picture of something that makes you happy
22 - What makes you different from everyone else?
23 - Something you crave for a lot
24 - A letter to your parents
25 - What would one find in your bag?
26 - What do you think about your friends?
27 - Why are you doing this 30 day challenge?
28 - Picture of you last year and now; how have you changed?
29 - What have you learned in the past month?
30 - Your favorite song?

....along with random sprinkles of the other nonsense, awesome and random silliness that I like to share.

Happy Birthday-Month to me!!