a wee bit... on thurs

{one} what is your biggest pet peeve?
bad drivers

{two} what is your favorite dessert?
cake, yellow or white with buttercream icing and any type of fresh fruit filling

{three} what is the first thing you notice about people?
their height

{four} are you usually late, early or right on time?
ALWAYS early, by at least 10 mins - my mom and dad used to make me late everywhere growing up and it was always so embarrassing, so I go out of my way to always be early now. Not sure I will be very successful with this once I have a child of my own, but I will be early as long as I can manage it.

{five} have you ever fired a gun?
nope. I have never even seen a gun in person before.

{six} are you right-handed or left-handed?
right-handed

{seven} which do you prefer: coke or pepsi?
I am a Pepsi girl all the way! I have a strong dislike for Coke.

{eight} do you dance crazy when no one is looking?
nope. I was raised Baptist, so I guess you could call me a foot tapper. I might move my hips a little bit if I have had a few drinks. Ha!

{nine} what’s your favorite movie snack?
popcorn w/ extra butter

{ten} do you scream on roller coasters?
nope, I usually hold my breath or laugh at other people screaming!

day thirty

a dream for the future

My dream for the near future is for a safe delivery, welcoming our little boy into the world with open arms, and caring for him the best that I can.  My dream for the long term future is that Matt and I will work together to raise our son to be compassionate, caring, honest, confident, and passionate, providing him with all the knowledge and skills to make a difference in the lives of those around him, and to become a productive member of society.  I really can't wait to meet this little guy and to watch him discover and create his place in the world!

day twenty nine

your day, in great detail

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

6:00 am wake up to alarm clock, put dogs outside while I use the bathroom, let dogs back in, make sure they have food and water, take shower, put on deodorant and lotion and brush teeth, blow dry hair (with mason in my lap), get dressed, make bed, put on make-up, pack breakfast and lunch, out the door

7:00 am drive to work

7:30 am park car, walk in, drop off lunch at pantry, fill up water bottle, get to desk and start computer, eat breakfast while checking e-mail and reviewing my to do list for the day, prepare my mind for the day

8:00 am phone calls begin, work to do list, work, work, more work

12:00 pm warm up lunch and eat, check emails and work any mail that has come in, enjoy time before phone is my responsibility again

1:00 pm back to work, more phone calls, work, work, and more work

4:30 pm shut down computer and head for the door to start commute home

5:00 pm stop for dinner

6:00 pm home, let dogs out, change into pajamas, wash any dishes in sink, wipe down counters, do quick pick up of house, throw the ball around for the dogs, make sure dogs still have food and water, turn on computer while matt turns on tv, settle in for the evening to relax and wind down

9:00 pm refill water cup, take prenatal vitamin, start dishwasher if it is ready, turn off lights, make sure doors are locked, make sure cell phones are charging, head upstairs, use the bathroom, brush my teeth, get in bed, set alarm clock, watch matt change channels until finding something to watch, fall asleep

Pretty exciting stuff, huh?  I will do this again once the baby comes and I return to work starting a whole new daily routine.  I can't even begin to imagine how much this is going to change.  I am preparing my mind for how hard it is going to be and how every single minute of my life will be different.  I know in the future, I will look back on this post and this time line and I know I will be telling myself how much easier I had it.  I also can't help but think how much more enjoyable it will be once we have our little boy.  Harder or not, it will be at least be enjoyable!

day twenty eight

the best part of your day

This really depends.

During the week, the best part of my day is in the evening when we are finally home and spend our time relaxing, winding down, and watching television before we head upstairs for bed.  I use that time to catch up on e-mail and my blog reader. 

On the weekend, the best time of my day is early morning. It is a relaxing time where I never have anything planned. I can sleep in if possible, although, I naturally wake up right around 7 am if the dogs don't start breathing on me sooner. This time of year it is nice because it is cool enough to spend time outside. It is also a fun time to play with the dogs because they are energized and eager to play, and the sunlight in our backyard is perfect in the morning.

day twenty seven

something you could never get tired of doing



Hands down, taking photos. I love this hobby of mine! I sometimes obsess over how to get the best shot and won't give up until I have it.  I also have moments in public of being too timid to pull the big camera out, so I miss some good things and then kick myself later for not having the guts to go for it.  I have a habit of taking way too many photos, only to sort and delete until I have the perfect ones.  I have never had an interest in doing photography it for a living because I wouldn't trust myself to be responsible for capturing others most important moments, especially a memorable day or event. It is more of a hobby for me and a way of capturing my own life. I find joy in taking photos and then editing them and sharing them with others. There is a lot that I could do to develop my skill set, but I am afraid it would take the fun out of it. I would like to eventually learn how to use the manual settings and learn the elusive photography language.  For now, I try to rely on what little natural ability I can get by with.  For me, photography is fun, and my cool camera makes it even more fun!

And, here is my favorite photo from our State Fair excursion:



(and the best part... I conquered my fear of whipping my camera out in public and snapping away.  I had my camera out for most of our walk around the fair.)

day twenty six

a photo of something you ate today

Ok, so these are photos of things I ate yesterday during our foray to the Virginia State Fair. I didn't eat all the things on my list because I got too full, but everything I had was yummy.


chocolate covered banana with nuts



smoked turkey leg

My drink of choice was fresh brewed sweet tea. I also had German candied nuts and chocolate covered strawberries.  Matt and his mom shared a funnel cake and Matt tried a piece of pizza. Next year I will try the deep fried oreos and fried dough first!

So tell me, what is your favorite fair food?

day twenty five

things you crave




cinnamon toast crunch or lucky charms
rotel salsa w/ tortilla chips
pepperoncini w/ shredded sharp cheddar on saltines w/ a glass of milk (very specific here)
chocolate milk/hot chocolate
chicken tenders with honey mustard
banana cheesecake
fried pickles w/ ranch dressing
homemade macaroni and cheese
nutella on everything - bananas, graham crackers, toast, etc.
fried spinach from firebirds
bark (you know, chocolate, saltines, sugar, and butter melted and spread together)

And for the record, none of these items are pregnancy cravings.  I crave these when I am not pregnant!  Some of them are snacks that I have eaten since childhood.

day twenty four

a photo of you last year + this year, and how you have changed


October 2009 at the beach in Nags Head, NC.


last month

shorter hair and a much larger belly

I will be back on that same staircase overlooking the beach in a few weeks (1 year from when that beach picture was taken). I will try to pose the same way and will post the photo later so you can really see the difference.

day twenty three

favorite season

Fall



I love everything about Fall, except for the fact that it turns directly into Winter. I love picking and baking with apples, choosing and carving pumpkins, watching leaves transform and fall (I should mention that I don't do any leaf blowing/clearing of any sort - thank you Matt), cool mornings snuggled with a blanket on the porch, finally having a reason to make hot cocoa, fires in the fire pit, baking and making stews, watching the boys play in the leaves, the wardrobe changes, and the vibrant colors against the gorgeous blue skies.

What is your favorite season?

a wee bit

{one} what is your happiest childhood memory?

I always loved Christmas Eve and waking up the next morning at my Grammie and Papa's house. My whole family gathered along with friends of the family for a big feast, Papa Larry was known to make me the occasional virgin Shirley Temple with extra cherries, we sang Christmas Carols, I was the little helper handing out the gifts to all of the guests, we went to bed to the sounds of sleigh bells ringing outside of our bedroom window, and we woke up to the biggest spread of toys any child could ask for. It was wonderful and I got to enjoy it every year of my life until the age of 25.

{two} what is your middle name?

Marisa

{three} what’s the habit you’re most proud of breaking?

I can't say that there is a habit that I have ever broken because I don't really have any habits.

{four} what do you order when you order chinese food?

sweet donuts, singapore noodles, chicken w/broccoli, hot & sour soup

{five} what’s the best bargain you’ve ever found at a garage sale or thrift store?

I have to admit that I have never shopped at a garage sale or a thrift store. Crazy, I know. I have nothing against them, I have just never sought one out.

{six} what’s the best costume you’ve ever worn?

I wore an apple costume at the North Carolina Apple Festival way back in the 90's. I got to stand on stage with my little brother (also dressed in apple costume) and the first President Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush. I stared at Mrs. Bush's shoes the entire time - they were sequined!

{seven} who’s your favorite game show host?

Howie Mandel

{eight} what’s your favorite breakfast food?

anything with cinnamon - cinnamon toast crunch, cinnamon oatmeal, cinnamon muffins, cinnamon toast, cinnamon bun cake

{nine} what’s your least favorite word?

diarrhea

{ten} describe something that happened to you for which you have no explanation.

Nothing is coming to mind. Everything happens for a reason and I always search for the logical explanation!

day twenty two

a show you are currently addicted to

Real Housewives of DC

It is not my favorite Real Housewives cast, but I like to see what's going on in DC.  It is neat to hear names of places, neighborhoods, and restaurants that are familiar. And let's be honest, who can turn away from a drama filled train wreck!?!  Not me!

image credit: 1

day twenty one

a recipe

With Fall just days away, I am posting my favorite recipe for the season. I can't believe I have never posted it before. It is a family recipe from my grandmother passed on to my mom and to me, and has been on our Thanksgiving table since I can remember.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Preheat oven to 350°.

For filling, mix together:

• 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes (plain canned without syrup or oven roasted)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/3 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup butter
• cinnamon

Spread mixture into a buttered 13 x 9 baking dish.

For the topping, mix together:

• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup butter (don't melt)
• 1cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
• 1/3 cup flour

Sprinkle topping over sweet potato mixture evenly.  Bake at 350° for 35 minutes or until top is bubbly and brown sugar is evenly melted.

Great as a side dish or even a dessert!

day twenty

a hobby of yours

I make handmade stationery. I actually had a small side business before we had a mortgage and I started working at my current job.  This is just a sampling of ones that I have photographed.

I haven't made any cards since we started the nursery and consolidated my entire craft room to our guest room closet.  Now that I am posting this, I may go dabble a bit with my materials.  I can't wait to come up with the design for our baby announcements!

day nineteen

what's in your bag?

1: regular strength tylenol (normally this would be ibuprofen/aleeve, but those are not pregnancy approved)

2: bare minerals lip gloss

3: origins sensory therapy - peace of mind (for headaches)

4: carmex (the best for lip moisturizing)

5: bare minerals lip gloss

6: smashbox lipstick

7: lolita lempicka lotion

8: twist & pout lip balm

9: bobby pins (a must for my shorter hair)

10: my vw car key (love this thing)

11: dooney & burke wallet

12: ipod

13: lg chocolate touch cell phone

14: tape measure (a gift from a designer I have worked with off and on for years, monogrammed so I never lose it on the imaginary job sites that I visit for now - hey, I have it in case the need arises and it has come in handy)

15: wet wipes from buffalo wild wings

16: sunglasses (nothing special, just from target - I break them too easily)

17: chick-fil-a special sauce (this originated in our area, but I hope it is countrywide now - so yummy!)

18: security badge for work (how exciting)

19: bare minerals brush/dispenser (keep mineral veil in it for touch ups)