Blogger 411: All you need to know about Me and my life.

I recently came across the blog "From Mrs. to Mama." It's a great mom blog that I have enjoyed catching up with. She posted this link up last Tuesday but I just found it and wanted to join up before it closes!

1. How long have you been blogging? And what got you started on blogging? Has your blog changed?
I have been blogging for over 5 years.  My first post went up on April 2, 2007.  I've written about this recently in this post, however, it started out as a place to write thoughts/online journal and no one really read it and then became a knitting/dog blog and now it's this mash up of all things me.  It's changed so much as I have changed in the last 5 years and I have a feeling I'm not done changing so this blog will change as I do.

2. Did you go to college? If so where, and what did you study?
I started my college career at the University of South Florida and spent 2 years there.  I then took a leap and went to the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and got a B.F.A. in Computer Arts, specializing in 3D Character Animation.  Not sure I really thought that degree through all the way but it's what I saw myself doing until it was actually time to do it and now I haven't animated in so long I wouldn't even be sure where to start.

3. Where have you traveled?
I grew up in Panama and traveled throughout the country, however, there are still places I would love to go back and see.  I have mostly traveled throughout the US.

4. If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would buy?
A house! Pay off my student loans! A minivan! (Yes, that's three)

5. What are your 3 biggest pet peeves?
Lying, being mean to children/pets, and neglectfulness

6. What is your favorite movie?
Shawshank Redemption

7. What is your drink of choice; wine, beer, or liquor. Or Water, Soda, Tea?
I mostly drink water and at least one cup of coffee in the morning.  For a treat, I love me some Cranberry Ginger Ale or some Maracuya aka Passion Fruit juice.  My alcoholic drink of choice is beer then wine...specifically either a Blue Moon or Stella Artois but I've been getting more into stouts as well.  And I like both red and white wines depending on my mood.  Summer time a light white wine is nice but I love good red wine too...on a cold day a glass of red wine warms you right up!

8. What is something you enjoy to do when you have me time?
Me time consists of all things fibery, be that knitting or spinning.  A comfortable spot with a nice view or TV show/Movie and my knitting or spinning and I'm a happy camper.  I love being able to spin or knit outside but in the FL heat...that is NOT possible most the year.

9. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, which store would it be?
Oh this is so hard!  Right now I think it would be Home Depot or Lowes because well...not really ready to go into details why but soon.  Otherwise, I would think Target would be nice because we'd be set on diapers and living for a while.  I know this all sounds so practical!  I should say some store to buy new clothes or fun stuff...but honestly I can't think that way right now.  I'm in the land of saving and being practical so this is the answer I have now.  Some day it may change. :)
 
10. Share with us an embarrassing moment of your past? Or present.
 Oh I am sure there are many many many of these but right now I just can't pin point one to share.  Let's just say I have a tendency to shove my foot right into my mouth. 
 
11. What day would you love to relive again?
I'm not sure I can answer this.  I started by thinking my wedding day but then Carmen wasn't there and so that's out.  Then I thought about her birth...umm...really not sure I want to relive actually giving birth to her when I already got through that...not that I'm not up to giving birth again but I already gave birth to Carmen.  Check that off my list and move on.   Then I thought about those first days with her...but I was SO tired and learning so much that it's not the best option either.  I would love to be able to experience all the firsts with her again and be "awake."  There you go...the best answer I can give.

12. If your life was turned into a movie... what actor would play you?
America Ferrera

Photo Source

13. What are the jobs you had in high school/college/the early years?
My first job was the first summer after high school and I worked for a temp agency doing computer jobs.  In college, I worked for the computer lab in the library at USF.  When I got to San Fran, I worked at a Fitness Club as the front desk person and got a free membership!  SCORE!  I also worked at the Children's Museum, and for a short time I worked for a small indie coffee shop that was right down the street from where I lived.  Oh and I worked at Border's downtown San Fran in the coffee shop there.  That's where I first started drinking coffee...I knew I could get it to taste as good as it smelled.
 
14. Show us a picture from high school or college. 
High School Volleyball days.  I'm on the far left.

15. If you could travel anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, where would you go?
I would love to go to Italy! 

16. Show us the most current picture of you or you, or your family, or anything of meaning to you. 
Here are just a couple from the last month of our little family...I'm sure those who read this blog see LOTS of pictures of my family. :)

 

17. Where do you see your life 5 years from now?
In 5 years, I see myself as a mother of 2 or 3 kids(don't tell my hubby as he only wants 2), our 2 pups getting older but hopefully still around, and still happily married to Special K.  I see us owning a house and finally having finished any major renovation I'm sure any house we get will need.  I'd also like to have taught more people how to knit and spin!  I've only taught several people how to knit but really want to spread the spinning love!

Happy Linking!

This link up closes 7/24/12 at night...so if you want to join...get on it!

Was there something I shared in this link up that surprised you?  Something that didn't? Let me know if you join so I can read your answers too!

To break things up. A Christmas Meme!

So, to break things up and talk about something other then my wedding. :) I found this cute Meme on Baa Baa Blacksheeps blog. Figured I'd do it for fun! If you want to join in the fun please do!! ;) (The pic is Abby's new favorite spot)

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Wrapping Paper
2. Real tree or Artificial?
I love Real trees but with two big dogs and to make things easier, we got an Artificial. Actually it was given to us by Special K's boss.
3. When do you put up the tree?
The day or so after Thanksgiving.
4. When do you take the tree down?
Usually around Epiphany but this year since we are moving it will be Dec 25 or 26th.
5. Do you like eggnog?
Sometimes...I have to be in the mood.
6. Favorite gift received as a child.
I remember getting the Barbie mansion with the elevator. I loved that thing! :)
7. Hardest people to buy for?
Sometimes my sisters.
8. Easiest person to buy for?
The kids
9. Do you have a nativity scene?
Yes, it was given to me by my Pastor, who is actually marrying us. His father or Her father gave it to them and it was made from an olive tree in Israel. It's small and very pretty.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Mail but this year might be hard to get them out...so we'll see.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
I don't think I remember getting a bad gift.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
Big fan of Elf but I have no favorite.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
When it's getting close. :)
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Not that I can remember.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Love Turkey!! YUMMY!!
16. Lights on the tree?
Yes...all white though. One strand of dancing ones and then some solid ones.
17. Favorite Christmas song?
Little Drummer Boy
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Stay at home and be with family.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
No.... :)
20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
I like Stars and have one but SK is a big fan of angels. We dropped the stained glass star I have this year...it's ok but we will probably replace it with an angel for next year.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Only one present the night before and the rest in the morning and at my sister's house.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
Too many things to do and people around!
23. Favorite ornament theme or color?
We have silver and Red ornaments and then a bunch of random ornaments. I bought two this week. A black lab and a golden from Walgreens. :)
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?
Turkey on Christmas day!

Well...if you'd like join in the fun!! I hope you are all well. Happy Holidays!!

A meme finally!

Jenny Girl and Mary-Catharine tagged me!

The rules: Posted here at the beginning. The player answers all questions. The player then chooses six people you want to know more about and tags those people by listing their names at the end of the post and going to their blog and leaving a comment, letting them know they've been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Also, you let the person who tagged you know when you've posted your answer.

1. What was I doing 10 years ago? I had just graduated from High School in Panama and moved to Florida to go to USF. It was my first summer with a job and I worked for my sister's temp agency being sent out on random jobs all summer long. I worked at a Physician's place and they told me they would hire me without any college education but I knew that I was going to college. I also had just broken up with my high school boyfriend and we were still working out the break up so there was a lot of crying. I went through a lot that summer but I am better for it. I am glad I stuck it out and went to school and I am SO glad I'm not back in high school. I need to figure out what I'm going to do for my 10yr reunion this coming month...weird!!

2. What were 5 things on my to-do-list today (not in any particular order)? 1. Finish work. 2. Play with the dogs for a bit. 3. go the the Cubs game 4. Call the Flower place 5. try to get in some knitting!(I may sneak it to the baseball game)

3. What snacks do I enjoy? Cookies, chips, FRUIT...I love fresh fruit!

4. Where are some places I've lived? Panama, Rep. of Panama; Tampa, FL; San Francisco, CA; San Diego, CA; Melbourne, FL; and now St. Pete, FL

5. What things would I do if I were a billionaire? I would pay off Special K and my bills and cars. I would buy a house for us with a big yard for the dogs and maybe a pool for Abby. I would increase my yarn stash and buy a spinning wheel(Selfish I know but it's what I would do). I would pay off some of my families debt and help them with houses and cars if needed. I would help out some of Special K's family and set them up with houses of their own.

I would set up a fund for teachers and others who are in need who aren't really poor but can't afford basic health care and living expenses. I'd like to help those out in our country who are just barely getting by and need a little boost to help them through or to help them with their debt. I think our country has too much debt and it keeps people back and is a huge weight on their shoulders. I'd like to be able to help them out.

There you go. That's a bit about me. If you haven't gotten tagged in this meme or just would like to fill it out. Consider yourself Tagged. And those who don't have blogs and want to answer...put it in the comments.