15 Relevant Facts

My most recent pic... me and the hubby on our staycation in WAIKS

15 Relevant Facts ABOUT ME:

1. I have totally OUTGROWN this tattoo on my right leg. A rash decision to get it done has pained me and left me with NOTHING but the opportunity to GRIN & BEAR IT. Yes, young people, this could be you in a few years -- regretting the tattoo. Don't do it! It's more original to NOT have any tattoos than it is to have tattoos. Exercise some restraint.

2. I joined Weight Watchers two weeks ago. My first week I lost 2.8 pounds. Later today will be my second week weigh-in. I hope I lost a pound or 2, even though 3 would be better. I am so inspired by Jennifer Hudson. Amazing! Those "I Believe in You and Me" commercials really has me going. Also, several of my co-workers have been talking about it for years and I'm finally giving in to it. Hopefully I can exercise some restraint on the amount of food I eat.

3. I am very impatient in my personal life but has patience for days at work. Is anyone else like that?

4. I am in serious need of a makeover. My hair really needs some work. I don't know why my husband is so infatuated with long hair. I mean, I get it but man -- he ain't the one taking care of it or having to fix it every morning. I been wanting to cut it real short... like a bob or something and he is not agreeing with me. BUMMERS!! We'll see though... if the opportunity presents itself, I'm ALL IN for cutting my hair short.

5. PET PEEVE of the moment: having a code of ethics and standards that everyone at work has agreed to; student, faculty and staff... and majority of them ARE NOT adhering to its policy. **sigh** DISCOURAGING.

6. I have a serious addiction to reading books on KINDLE. It is one of my most pleasurable activities of the day.

7. Lately I have such affection for country music. Blake Shelton tickles my fancy. LOL

8. I get extreme pleasure from working up a sweat in the yard. I love to weed and dig up the yard... cutting the grass with the week whacker and alllll that!

9. I have found affection for working up a sweat in the gym also. Elliptical is my best friend, as is the Stair Master!

10. Favorite outfit for work: black slacks, purple paisley top w/ purple crop sweater 3/4 length sleeve... easy!

11. I am looking for a dependable car to buy. More recent than 2004 and nothing higher than 50k mileage.

12. Favorite color lately::::: PINK, Fuschia... just makes me smile.

13. I miss having my husband work for DELTA... I wish he would go back so I can hop on a flight to anywhere in the world for minimal cost. I miss it!! Really -- I wouldn't mind going back to Japan for some tonkatsu... ahhhh... I miss the food in Japan!

14. I wouldn't mind if husband worked for Hawaiian Airlines. That wouldn't be too shabby either.

15. Until this morning, I hadn't touched coffee in a good two weeks. That's a record!

Lack of Creativity

Since I am lacking in the creativity department these days... mostly due to my mother's passing, I thought I'd find something to try and get me blogging again. This photo challenge seems appropriate. **heavy sigh** So here it is... hopefully I can get through September. Should be interesting... At least it will get me behind the camera lens again and blogging as well.

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with ten facts
Day 02 - A picture of the person you have been closest with the longest
Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show
Day 04 - A picture of your night
Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory
Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day
Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item
Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh
Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most
Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most ****** up things with
Day 11 - A picture of something you hate
Day 12 - A picture of something you love
Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist
Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without
Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die
Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you
Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently
Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity
Day 19 - A picture and a letter
Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel
Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget
Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at
Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book
Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change
Day 25 - A picture of your day
Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you
Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member
Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of
Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile
Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss

Live Forever? Here?

Challenge #8: If you could live forever, would you? Why or why not?


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This question instantly makes me reflect on my own personal philosophical beliefs. Everyone has a different way of looking at things. Even if people subscribe to the same "religious" philosophy, ultimately we each choose what it is that actually speaks to our core.

Many people struggle with death. For me, the sadness comes from the loss of contact and not from a belief that I WILL NEVER SEE THEM AGAIN. Death, for me, is a birth into another existence. There's nothing far-reaching about believing in that. With that being said, if I could live forever in this existence I WOULDN'T! Remaining in the earth dimension means I'm stuck... no progression... and I want to move on to the next stage. Living forever on the earth without a way off of it is like playing a game of baseball and never ending it. At some point, the game must end.

Many eastern religions/ philosophies believe in reincarnation -- that our souls are immortal and we are birthed into many different existences. I tend toward the belief that it is possible. One finite existence seems to be the enemy of infinity and abundance. Our universe is ever expanding, infinite, and if God is the Creator -- why would he limit us to one mortal existence? Why would I only get one opportunity to learn whatever it is I need to learn here upon the earthly plane?

Wow... that was a mouthful. Me live forever? Here? Nahh... Not me!

The Hive

CHALLENGE #5: If you had your own reality show, what would it be called? What would it be about? Who would the main characters be?

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We live in the era of REALITY SHOWS. I have my favorites. The Real World is the show that started it all for me. I think that was way back in the late 80's. That first season had me hooked. I was convinced that it was scripted because there just couldn't be that much drama in one place, seemingly, 24 hours a day. I am already a 'people watcher' by nature so reality shows have just taken it to another level. From Biggest Loser to Basketball Wives on VH-1 and Housewives of Atlanta on Bravo. True Life on MTV and Pregnant at 16. RuPaul's Drag Race is quite entertaining. Watching it makes me feel like I'm in a room with my tranny friends. HGTV's Design Star is another fave. My all-time reality show though is PROJECT RUNWAY on Lifetime. Tim Gunn is the shizzz! Oh -- I also like What Not To Wear.


If I had a reality show it would be called
THE HIVE

THE HIVE would star ten secretaries (administrative assistants) in a large corporation. Here are some "must-have" scenario's:

• Single mother in a custody battle with her ex-husband

• Admin assistant sleeps with boss

• Super Mom that wishes she could be a housewife

• Addictive personality admin assitant

• The "B" -- nothing is good enough for her

• The ultra conservative lady with "strong morals"

• The Cheerleader turned Corporate Cheerleader

• The lesbian that made a mistake and wants to go back to heterosexuality

• The heterosexual male admin assistant (think of that guy in Sandra Bullock's movie, The Proposal)

• The gay male admin assistant

I think that would make an excellent show if not, dramatic!! I call it THE HIVE to be symbolic of all the worker bees that make a corporation run.

NEW Blog Challenge

I love a good blog challenge. I didn't finish the last blog challenge I started mostly because there were duplicates... and that gets wayyyy boring!! Hopefull this will perk up my "LACK OF" inspiration.

Thank you to a dear sista for extending the challenge to me. I hope any or all readers take on some of the topics. It would be so fun to read!

Bring it on! One at a time would have been nice.

1. Write a story from your neighbor’s perspective
2. Who is your greatest hero of all time?
3. If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
4. Are you an optimist, a pessimist, or something else?
5. If you had your own reality show, what would it be called? What would it be about? Who would the main characters be?
6. What’s one piece of technology you can’t live without?
7. What’s going on in your life right now that’s driving you nuts?
8. If you could live forever, would you? Why or why not?
9. If stranded on a desert island, and could only bring one music album with you, which would it be? What is it about this music that never gets old for you?
10. Who are the three funniest people in the world? Who are the three funniest people you know personally?
11. What’s your idea for a perfect Sunday? How would it differ from a typical Sunday? If it’s Sunday where you are, what kind of day is it so far?
12. What is your favorite sound?
13. What are three things you can do to be a better friend to the people in your life?
14. How do you define the word friend?
15. Is it always better to know the truth, even when it hurts? 
16. Describe what your laugh sounds like. 
17. What’s the single most important thing you accomplished in 2010? And how do you plan to top it in 2011

Well, good luck everyone. I look forward to reading all of your responses.

Have a great day!



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**Cartoon credit

Day 12: What's In My Bag

I have had a love-hate relationship with bags. This post could very well go down like my fashion post, revisiting my mishaps but I don't have enough pictures to do it. I think the love-hate relationship with bags started because I was such a tom-boy. It was difficult for me to embrace my feminine side. I was so busy on the heels of my older brother, desperately attempting to keep up with his accomplishments that I tried to do everything like he did.

Eventually, I grew out of the tomboyishness into full femininity. These days I absolutely adore handbags. With all the moves I've done in the last year, I have had to downsize significantly! My everyday bag is a messenger bag... black, over-the-shoulder, four pockets. Right now it contains my pocketbook -- it's equipped with all my credit and debit cards, library card, frequent shopper cards, old receipts, no cash, a little bit of change, drivers license, and that's it.

This is my bag of choice if I need something better than my "everyday bag".

The bag also has the following items:
-a pen
-a white 13 gallon garbage bag (don't know why)
-a mini-composition book
-my address book (5x7)
-hair clip

I watch those reality shows like The First 48 where detectives attempt to solve a murder within the first 48 hours after the discovery of the victim. I wonder, if I were a victim, what would my purse say about me. What are some of the things they would "deduce" about my lifestyle. They'd read the weight on my license and know that I was a liar (figure that one out). Ummm... according to the receipts (I just looked at them) they would be able to know my whereabouts at specific times within the past week. They would also deduce that I like to eat, since most of the receipts are for groceries or from a restaurant. They could check my reading list from the Public Library. That's really about it. They wouldn't be able to tell much about my personality. Or could they?

What would the contents of your bag say about you?

Day 11: My Siblings

In many different Polynesian languages there is no word for cousin. There is a word for mother, father, sibling (not gender-specific), grandmother, grandfather... but no word for cousin. I explain that only to say that so many of my cousins I consider to be my brother or sister. On top of that, my parents helped raise a lot of 'other-peoples-kids'. There is so much behind that bit of information of which I do not wish to discuss at this point in time... but maybe someday.

There's my birth brother... three years my senior. Me. Then there's Kilifi and Siaosi who moved in with us during their high school years, up until my parents sent them off to serve LDS missions. Both are a year younger than me. Then there's Michelle. She moved in with us when she was 10 or 11 and stayed until she turned 18 then she was off to conquer the world. She is four years younger than me. Then there's Tory who is turning 17 in a few weeks. Keith, who just turned 13... and that does it. Those are my siblings.

That's really all I have to say about siblings. Writing the tribute to my parents a couple days ago really drained me. In an effort to avoid that kind of exhaustion, I decline to write a highly emotional post. I can say that I love all of them dearly.

Day 10: What I Wore Today

Does this topic really matter? Actually, I guess it's up to me what I'd like to talk about. What I wear is hardly an interesting topic unless I'm a fashionista. I assure you, I'm not. But maybe in another life I could have been. **shrugs**

I used to love to draw pretty dresses, do a sketch up like fashion designers do; actually, I still enjoy doing that. My nieces love it also because I usually draw the dress then they color it in. #1 niece has a real sense of color. She also draws designs into the dresses. I tell you, the next generation never cease to amaze me.

One of my most favorite shows of all time is Project Runway. I love the challenges that Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum think up for the contestants. It really gets my creative juices going. I'm in such admiration of the really good designers. Some garments that make it to the runway looks like trash and for some strange reason, Michael Kors, Nina Garcia, and Heidi Klum adore them. My sense of style that differs from theirs at times and sometimes we are in sync. I like bold. I like classic. I like clean lines and curves.

What were thinking with these dresses?

My fashion, over the years, is still a work in progress. I remember that the dress I wore to my freshman banquet was hideous. The color was ridiculously "pepto-bismol-ish" and the cut was not flattering to my body. Ugghhh... and my mother who desperately tried to help me pick a nicer cut was silenced by my headstrong-ness. I should have listened to her. Mauve taffeta? Ahh well, we live and learn. I am pictured in my mauveish-pink taffeta with two of my dear friends. This was after a night of dancing. My cousin escorted me to the dance  because my folks said I was too young to date. I also could not wear makeup. All I did with my hair is gel it. I'm glad I didn't do anything fancy because I danced all night long and I was soaking wet by the end of the evening. In fact, this picture was taken when the cleaning crew arrived. We were still hanging around, socializing, not wanting the night to end.

So freshman banquet was in the spring. That summer I turned 15. By winterball, I had a date with a dear friend. I couldn't believe my parents let me go with him to the ball. We had a blast. He was such a gentleman. I seen him at our 10-year reunion, met his wife and daughter. I love that -- meeting up with old friends where EVERYTHING was perfect. Nothing happened between us that would be embarrassing for either of us. We're Facebook friends also. I should invite him to read this blog entry. Anyway... this picture I loved my outfit but look at my hair. I wore a classic black suit with white lapels and white and gold buttons. It was stunning! What's with the hair being combed all too one side? Was that the trend?

I went through this phase where I would cut pants into shorts, roll the leg twice, no hem, and call it a day. Why I did that is BEYOND me. I think it's so funny to look back at what I thought was decent clothing. For instance... both pictures feature a jeans where I cut the legs out to a length just above the knee. I rolled up the leg into a cuff, no hem, and threw those shorts on. Oh, but before I even cut them (picture on the right) I had decided to throw some bleach on it to mimic the "acid-wash" look that my mother absolutely detested. See... even back then I was a Project Runway candidate, designing my own bermuda shorts. I like the length of the shorts. Even now, this is the preferred length of my bottoms. Capris and Clam Diggers are alright but they tend to enhance my calves... which anyone who has seen me in person KNOW how large my calves are. Capris don't work as well as bermudas on me. Picture on the left... I had a bodysuit on (1994... that should explain everything!). Picture on the right... Adidas windbreaker -- don't know why I loved it but I did. I believe that was 1992.

To summarize -- I'll never wear mauve taffeta again. I do like black suits and bermuda shorts. Classics! It's funny how I totally avoided the subject of what I wore today. I donned my work-out clothes all day long. After I took a jog this morning, the clothes stayed on while I did chores around the house.

Day 08: A Moment

...The moment I crossed the finish line at the Great Aloha Run - fantastic!

...The moment I went from just a girl to "aunty" - miraculous!

...The moment I signed papers that forever divorced me from my ex - transformation!

...The moment I said "I do" in front of a judge in Illinois - gutsy!

...The moment I went from civil marriage to FOREVER -euphoric!

The only thing missing... children. Hopefully in time, I'll have that too.

Day 07: My Best Friend

Best friends change over the years. I can't even count how many times I've said the words, "You're My Best Friend"! Several people come to mind though and the thing that they all have in common is that they have been there for me in my most desperate hour of need and have shared a slew of good times also.

The definition of friendship has changed over the years also. I'm so grateful to have really good friends in my life that continue to redefine what it means to be a true friend. Ironically, my family both immediate and extended are the ones that are closest to me now. It's ironic because as a teenager, hanging with the family is the last thing that comes to mind. As an adult - family is first - as it should be.

The one constant I have had though is my diary. I've poured out my soul to my diary and have felt the burdens lifted off my shoulder. There is something so freeing about letting go of the hurts by either talking about it or writing it down. It's like I send off my troubles into the universe when I release them onto paper. Some people are meant to express themselves in that manner. I happen to be one of them.

My husband is also "my best friend". We do EVERYTHING together. Hopefully, one day soon, the Lord will bless us with children.

Day 06: My Day

My day was... well... quite uneventful.

I woke up bright and early while husband was getting ready for work. He gives me "chicken skin" all through my body when I peek over at him fast asleep. This morning, I woke to peek over at him and he was wide awake on his laptop, reading the comments that were left overnight on his video blog. We had a good laugh at how "plugged in" the both of us are because I rolled out of bed and straight to my Blackberry.

After I sent husband off to work, I put my sneakers on and walked the dog. Some mornings I take our Shar-pei/ Mixed dog to the beach across Kamehameha Highway and let him run loose. He absolutely loves it to be able to run without a leash. I love to see him abounding with energy. He's such a good dog. His name is Stony. When Stony had expended all of his energy, we walked home. I gave him some water and fed him a nice meal of the dry, bagged stuff mixed with a 1/4 pound of chuck roast. I cubed it up in small pieces. Stony LOVES the beef.

As soon as I had Stony back in his corner of the yard, I donned my ipod and headed for a morning run. It was a beautiful morning! I recently set a goal to be able to do the Great Aloha Run in 3 hours instead of my usual 4. It is about an 8 mile run and today was day 2 of my recommitment to reaching my 3-hour goal. One day, I hope to do the Ironman Triathlon. It's a lofty goal but one I would like to pursue nonetheless. Aim high!

On my way home from the run, my nephew was in my Uncle's garage. I didn't know that he came with his mother from Utah. I was so happy to see him. He is such an adorable, little boy. He has a difficult time pronouncing esses. So when he says swim, it comes out "whim". His specific words when he seen me was, "Aunty, we go whim!" Too cute! I chit chatted there for a couple hours.

When I got home, I raked the yard and cleaned the drive way. Yardwork is so therapeutic for me. I'm not sure why that is. I had my iPod in my ears and I stayed out there for quite awhile. When I finally came into the house, I started on some homework, played some wii, had a bite to eat, and FINALLY took a shower.

Dinner consisted of some concoction I made up from countless observations of master and amateur chefs on the Food Network. I started by browning some bacon. Added some chopped onions. Turned the fire off and added a half a stick of butter. Added about a 1/2 cup of flour. I added about three pounds of chicken pieces. Coated it in the fat and flour mixture. Turned the fire back on. I slowly added milk until it was nice and creamy. Added brocolli and cheese, tossed in a pound of penne pasta and it was a done deal. It turned out really yummy!

That was my day. Nothing fancy. Nothing adventurous. The adventure begins tomorrow. Have a great day!

Day 05: My Definition of Love

I think my definition of love has changed over the years. As a child and teenager, it was largely shaped by the music I listened to. A typical "cassette" from back-in-the-day would be like this:


A-Side
Please Don't Go Girl - New Kids on the Block
Don't You Want Me - Jody Watley
Shining Star - Manhattans
Take My Breath Away - Berlin
Roni - Bobby Brown
Still Say Yes - Klymaxx
Superwoman - Karyn White
Mercedes Boy - Pebbles
Lost In Emotion - Lisa Lisa
Slow Jam - Midnight Star

B-Side
Always - Atlantic Starr
Share My World - El Debarge
My My My - Johnny Gill
Lost In Your Eyes - Debbie Gibson
A Teenage Love - Slick Rick
Do We Have a Chance - Whistle
I Need Love - L.L. Cool J
Borderline - Madonna
Separate Lives - Phil Collins
Out On A Limb - Tina Marie

Plainly stated...

Love is...

...when the way a person loves you makes you love yourself.

This has been my definition of love for the past 10 years or so. I formulated the phrase while writing in my diary. I have never forgot that definition. When people ask me, that's the phrase I use! Through my first marriage, when it was going well, I learned to love myself because of the way he loved me. It felt good. I felt good. I looked in the mirror and loved everything about myself. My definition applies to romantic love as well as familial relationships. It fits everywhere.

I reposted an article that I clipped about Love.





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Photo Credit

Day 04: What I Ate Today

Thank goodness this topic is simple because I am totally drained from the post about my parent's... not because of what I wrote but because of my perfect rememberance of my selfishness. UGHHH... sometimes it sucks to grow up!

I skipped breakfast this morning. I had a 9am appointment at Home Depot... we're remodeling my parents kitchen. I picked up my three-year old niece and we made a "day" of it.

After Home Depot, we headed to Pearlridge Mall. I had to take my watch to the jeweler to change the battery. I have no idea how to change it. The jewelry store is right next to Cookie Corner and my niece was drawn to the M&M cookie and me... drawn to the oatmeal-chocolate chip-walnut cookie. It was delicious!

We shared the plate of noodles and chicken

Niece saw the monorail and wanted to ride so we did a roundtrip on it. Then, she wanted to eat at Panda Express. She was very specific. She wanted orange chicken so that's what I got her. I had the noodles and she ate the chicken.

Evening time I had laulau and poi -- delicious!

At the Friday Night Red Raider football game, I ate an apple and munched on sunflower seeds all-night-long!

Thank goodness for easy topics!

Day 02 : My First Love

The events in my life plays out like a series of "firsts". I feel like I've fallen in love a million times and could defnitely fall in love a million more. Defining love and trying to pin point who or what, exactly, is my first love has been a difficult task.

I look back on my life and associate my first love with my first heartbreak. My first heartbreak is the guy I first held hands with. It was so sweet, so innocent how he went from the first guy I was really, truly into to my first heartbreak. The broken heart I received from my high school crush was a precursor for the heartbreak of my first marriage but paled in comparison.

High School crush and I went to the Winterball together. FYI: I have never been escorted to an event by the same guy (so you have three guesses as to which date I'm talking about). Every semi-formal/formal event has been with a different date and ALLLLL were gentlemen. How many girls can say that? I hope all of you readers can!

I met him in the 7th grade. We had the same P.E.,English and Hawaiian History class. We've had the same teachers all throughout intermediate and high school. I was never quite into him in intermediate. I was still a tomboy and he was, well, just a boy. The oddest thing happened over the summer between freshmen and sophomore year... we both kinda blossomed. I put away my tiger shorts and gym shoes and traded them in for cute jeans and pretty sandals. He, on the other hand, rid his body of the baby fat and turned into HUNK #1.

It's that magical transformation that happens with every teenager. One day you just stop being your old self. The world begins to look different. We were really good friends. We'd pass notes back and forth in the classes we had together. In the ones that we didn't have together, he'd write me a letter and I would write him a letter then we traded them at recess. Sometimes we'd eat lunch together. My friends and his friends were all good friends. After school we would sit in study hall together. We would run together during track practice. During the football season, he would look for me after every game. We'd hang out before he went back to the locker room. He would wait with me in front of the gym until my ride came to pick me up after practices. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word and I was smitten!

As is the case with most smitten, teenage girls, I fell for him. Fell for him in a teenager-ee, high school crush, innocent kind of way. It was all very sweet. Sophomore year passed and I had the entire summer to cool off. This was when summer break was actually three whole months. Ahhh... those were the days. Junior year came around and we picked up right where we left off. By December we agreed to go to the Winterball together. That's where we first held hands. Our pictures turned out really nice too. Everything was downhill after that.

I don't quite remember what happened. Friends were playing messenger between us and trying to prod us into a relationship. I was for it but embarrassed to admit it unless he would admit it first. It was one of those things! Our friends getting involved kinda screwed up our friendship. We ended up parting ways and my heart was shattered. It's not like we were in a "committed" relationship. We didn't pledge to each other that we'd be girlfriend/boyfriend but we did spend almost every free moment at school together. And all of a sudden it came to a complete stop.

What halted it was another girl. His heart had wandered to another camp. At the time I was so broken by it but looking back on it now, it was all so sweet. I recognize him as my first love only because he was my first heartbreak. We were never the same. Even now when we see each other around, it is cordial but not warm and friendly. He was a great guy back then and is still qreat guy now.

Really though, it was a learning experience.

Photo Credit

Day 01: continued, The Answers

Answers to Day 01's Two Truths and a Lie:

1. a - I have never lived in New York City.

• My first husband was from New Mexico so I spent some time there.

• St Louis -- I was there with my cousin after the demise of my first marrige.

2. b - American Government was definitely NOT my favorite subject.

• Senior year, I was co-editor of the yearbook. Loved it! I still love doing the layouts and all that fun stuff. 
• Ceramics was a challenge but I loved it. For some strange reason, I had the hardest time centering the clay on the potter's wheel.

3. b - I did not want to be a chef.

• In elementary school, I used to tell everyone I was going to be a lawyer or a journalist. I don't think I even knew what lawyers did but I liked the way the word sounded. True story -- I'm taking the LSAT soon and applying to law school in the fall 2011. 
• The whole journalist infatuation began long ago. I still write regularly on this blog and in my personal diary.

4. c - I do not have any Polynesian tattoos.

• I have a butterfly on my back and two other tattoos. If I could rewind time, I would have never gotten any tattoos. Nowadays, they are just soooo unoriginal.

5. a - I am no professional with MS Excel. I can do simple formulas and that's it.

• I do love to draw and used to block out hours to fulfill the need to put charcoal to paper. 
• And of course, I absolutely LOVE photography. That is the hobby that I have invested the most money and time into. If I could, I really would do it professionally.

6. c - Purple is not my favorite color. I think I was traumatized as a child when I wore purple and a mean boy called me Grimace, the big fat McDonald's character. I have never felt the same about the color purple. (Love the movie, The Color Purple, though).

• Yes, I am a public library junkie. Why buy a book when you can read it for free? Audio too! 
• And I do enjoy hanging clothes. There's something oddly therapeutic about it for me.

7. a - I do not use Oil of Olay. Most mainstream moisturizers irritate my eyes. For that same reason I don't really wear eye make up.

• I love VS strawberries and champagne and I use cold pressed virgin coconut oil to moisturize. There's nothing like it!

8. c - I know a few characters on the Young and the Restless but have never really followed it. All My Children, that's a different story. My maternal grandmother loved to watch All My Children which forced me to watch it (except for the kissing scenes... she made us look away) and so it will ALWAYS be my favorite soap.

• Red is my favorite color and I did have the hugest crush on Kirk Cameron.

9. c - I have never owned a turtle or received a live one as a gift. However, I absolutely adore sea turtle's and went through a phase where everything I bought was turtle themed.

• I did have three dog's named Tasha. I don't know why but when the first Tasha died, my father named the replacement dog Tasha. And then when that Tasha died, the next dog was Tasha too. Funny! 
• HoneyPig was the most adorable cat you have ever seen. She was so pretty!

10. b - Hamburger Helper is not my favorite... anymore. Though I'm not as strict a vegetarian as I was, I still don't really care for Hamburger Helper.

• I did do the nail thing for a couple of years until my real nail was torn from the nail bed because the adhesive for the acrylic nail was too thick. Ugghhh -- pain! 
• And yes, I have over 20 journals. I'm missing a couple journals due to floods and fire (I set it on fire on purpose).

Day 01 : Introduce Yourself

Before I begin this blog challenge I must disclose the following: I probably WILL NOT finish this within the 30 days that has been alotted. The main reason is because I have more to talk about. Current events and things that I have been thinking about are already in the works. Now that I'm on a week break between terms in my on-line courses, I have so much more time to blog. So... expect to see "other" things in between the blog challenge. I am super duper jazzed about this blog challenge and more superdee duperdee jazzed about reading all of your responses.



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Regular readers of my blog are quite familiar with who I am. Much of what I could blabber about would not be something new to your eyes but then again, it could be. Either way, this is the way I have decided to introduce myself.

Two Truths and a LIE
Comment back and guess which one you think is the lie. I will post the answers on Day 02 of this challenge.

ONE
a. I have lived in New York City.
b. I have lived in St Louis.
c. I have lived in New Mexico.

TWO
a. One of my favorite subjects in high school was Yearbook.
b. One of my favorite subjects in high school was American Government.
c. One of my favorite subjects in high school was Ceramics.

THREE
a. When I was little I wanted to be a lawyer when I grew up.
b. When I was little I wanted to be a chef when I grew up.
c. When I was little I wanted to be a journalist when I grew up.

FOUR
a. I have three tattoos.
b. One of my tattoos is a butterfly.
c. Another tattoo is a traditional Polynesian design.

FIVE
a. I am a pro at Microsoft Excel and enjoy the challenge of figuring out difficult formulas.
b. I love to draw.
c. I would love to be a photographer, professionally.

SIX
a. I am a public library junkie.
b. I enjoy hanging clothes on a clothes line instead of throwing them in the dryer.
c. Purple is my absolute favorite color.

SEVEN
a. Oil of Olay is my brand of choice as a facial moisturizer.
b. My favorite Victoria Secrets spray scent is strawberries and champagne.
c. I moisturize with cold pressed, pure, organic coconut oil.

EIGHT
a. Red is my favorite color and pink is right behind it.
b. As a pre-teen, I had the biggest crush on Kirk Cameron of Growing Pains fame.
c. My favorite soap opera will always be The Young and the Restless.

NINE
a. I've had three dogs and all their names were Tasha.
b. When I was little I had a cat named HoneyPig.
c. I received a pet turtle as a gift before.

TEN
a. I maintained acrylic nails, non-stop, for three years before I swore them off forever.
b. I could eat Hamburger Helper Mac and Cheese every night for dinner.
c. I have written over 20 journals.




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New Mexico Photo Credit
Kirk Cameron Photo Credit

Blog Challenge Coming

For faithful bloggers... here's a challenge that will help you in topic selection.

I have probably talked about all the topics on here before but I'm sure there's more to be told, more to be purged from the recesses of my mind! I am going to start this on September 1st, 2010. I wonder -- are any of you up for the challenge?

Day 01 – Introduce yourself
Day 02 – Your first love
Day 03 – Your parents
Day 04 – What you ate today
Day 05 – Your definition of love
Day 06 – Your day
Day 07 – Your best friend
Day 08 – A moment
Day 09 – Your beliefs
Day 10 – What you wore today
Day 11 – Your siblings
Day 12 – What’s in your bag
Day 13 – This week
Day 14 – What you wore today
Day 15 – Your dreams
Day 16 – Your first kiss
Day 17 – Your favorite memory
Day 18 – Your favorite birthday
Day 19 – Something you regret
Day 20 – This month
Day 21 – Another moment
Day 22 – Something that upsets you
Day 23 – Something that makes you feel better
Day 24 – Something that makes you cry
Day 25 – A first
Day 26 – Your fears
Day 27 – Your favorite place
Day 28 – Something that you miss
Day 29 – Your aspirations
Day 30 – One last moment