About 2 years before the birthday party incident.. with my fresh new baby sister

10) Top three pet peeves?
-People not using their blinkers, interrupting, rudeness
About 2 years before the birthday party incident.. with my fresh new baby sister

10) Top three pet peeves?
-People not using their blinkers, interrupting, rudeness
I’m catching up on my smutty mags during brief study breaks and in a recent People, they had an interview with actress Lily Collins (Phil Collins daughter, who knew?) and asked her these “one last thing” questions. So although Lily’s answers are cooler, here’s my rendition of People’s One Last Thing:
Last time I went out to dinner: Funny you should ask that, because it was just last night actually. I met up with some of my peeps for a lil girl time, margarita and Mexican time. The event has been better documented here and here.
Last time I laughed: Well I just recently got twitter and one of the best peeps I follow is Ellen DeGeneres. And I was dying laughing watching this video that she tweeted. Basically I laugh every time I watch her.
Last big splurge: Well there’s this thing called “grad school tuition,” that I splurged pretty big on. But aside from that… I can’t remember the last large purchase I made. I mean, our cruise was pretty much a splurge. But when I think “splurge,” I think clothes/shoes/purse shopping… none of which has been done in a while.
Last song I listened to: I usually study to something soft and slow on Pandora, alternating between John Legend radio, Natasha Bedingfield, sometimes Glee and my new found great station, Karmin. The current song on now is Killing me softly by the Fugees on John Legend’s station. What a great classic.
Last time I cried: Probably yesterday… wait a couple days ago? A week ago? Have I gone a whole week?! Who AM I? Hold up again. That is false. I teared up in The Voice the other day watching all of them so emotional (ahem, Jamar) and grateful when they do well and get great feedback. I don’t cry when they get eliminated because suck it up, sister (ahem, Cheesa)
Do you have certain songs that just take you back? Ones that make you tear up or laugh and reminisce? I get very touched by songs. I hardly every cry in a movie, but I’ll tear up at a good song. I was parousing through my music on random the other day and some songs just jumped out at me. For a great throw back, put your iPod or Pandora on random and just feel the jams.
“Collide” by Howie Day: This is one of Merrick and my first songs. He put it on a mixed cd for me titled “Underage CAM” which were my to-be-initials if we ever got married. I kinda liked the “Cam” thing so I decided to keep him for his last initial. And the “Underage” was because whenever we’d go out together, I’d always get carded and my old man wouldn’t, so I was his Underage Cam.
“My Love is Your Love” by Whitney Houston: oh my gosh this one takes me back… Back circa 1998-ish, my sisters, cousins and I all choreographed a dance (if it can be called that…) for my Grandmama on some big birthday. It was recorded and SO embarrassing! Thankfully, no pictures.
“Let’s Get Outta This Town” by Carrie Underwood: Merrick and I got engaged in a beach town about half hour from his place. This song came on during the drive down to our beach hotel when we were “getting out of town.” This song always puts a smile on my face when I think about when we took the next step towards forever.
“Bubbly” by Colbie Caillat: You know the part in the beginning where she goes, “Will you count me in?” Our friends Josh and Andrea visited us December 2007 and this song was the hottest thing. The guys thought it was hilarious to chime in, “Merrick/Josh, will YOU count me in?”

“You are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne: Although the words actually remind me of the Hus, this song takes me back to my Homes – my younger brother. We’re 12 months apart and the bestest of buds. I was always into Top 40 pop music but he dug the more undiscovered bands (and Ray wasn’t quite as big then as he was now) . So thanks for introducing me to some good jams, Homes. Go Wings.

“Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” by NSYNC: My sisters and my FAVORITE Christmas album. My brother and my Dad’s most hated Christmas album. We start playing it right around Thanksgiving and it’s become this huge joke to the guys who aren’t as infatuated with 90’s boy bands as the girls are. Every Christmas season, my sisters, momma and I dance in the kitchen with hairbrush microphones and pretend we’re rockstars.
NSYNC jamming caught in action!
“Yeah” by Usher: My college girlfriends and I went to a country-line-dancing bar a few times, and one time there was an intermission from the country songs and this song came on. We were the ONLY cowgirls dancing to Usher and we thought we were so awesome and hilarious. This was THE song of 2006!

“Mama’s Song” by Carrie Underwood: Reminds me of my Mamma and of me telling her about this good, good man I met and that I couldn’t wait for her to meet him because I knew she’d love him too.
And I know you watched me grow up, and only want what’s best for me, and I think I found the answer to your prayers…. Mamma there’s no way you’ll ever lose me. Giving me away is not goodbye…
“Once in a Lifetime” by Keith Urban: This one is definitely for the Mister. This song totally summed up the nervous/excited feelings I had when I realized he was The One.
And don’t fear it now, we’re going all the way… It’s a long way down, and it’s a leap of faith, but we’re never giving up. Cuz I know we’ve got a once in a lifetime love…”

What if I were to get pregnant? II would have a quick moment of “Oh crap…” but then embrace it. We’re not ready, but sometimes “Ready or not” forces you to get ready real quick. That being said, please do not be on the lookout for a baby bump any time soon. And by the way, I catch you looking at my stomach, that’s a food-baby, not a baby-baby.
What if I could have any job in the world? It would be a slight variation of what I’m doing now but from 10a-2p 3days/week. Or a professional athlete… haven’t figured out what sport yet though.
What if I had a day to myself? I would spend too much time farting around, perhaps go shopping or get my nails done. But then midafternoon/early evening I’d get bored and have to talk to someone or meet up with friends. I can only handle being secluded for a short time … then again, I can only handle being around people for a short time too…
What if I could get married all over again? I wouldn’t. Just kidding, I would. It was the best day of my life. I’d make a few changes however… but I’d keep the groom and I’d keep the day.
What if I could live anywhere in the U.S.? I’d go back to San Diego in a heartbeat. Love that city and I miss living there.
What if I were to have more children? How many more? The SCB is quite the handful as it is. I suppose anymore than I have now would still be a lot. So I’d still say no thanks.
What if I could have any talent in the world? I’d be the worlds best harmonica player. Or I’d be a really good dancer/singer/musician/photographer/anything artsty that requires talent. I somehow missed out on ALL of those genes.
What if you met me in real life? I have met me. I live with me. And I’m my biggest fan.
What if I went back to school? Merrick would probably shoot me because that’d mean I’d go back for my doctorate and or that I’ve gone crazy (possibly true…) because I swore on everything holy I’d never get my doctorate. I like being married more than I like grad school and me going back once has already caused me enough stress that I take out on my husband.
What if money weren’t an object? We’d be rich! I’d travel and have fancy pants things and be friends with celebrities and never have to worry!
What if I could meet one celebrity? ha speaking of celebrities… Hmm I really like Katherine Heigl, she seems really down to earth and cool.
What if I could only shop at one store for the rest of my life? If there’s only ONE store that’s a one-stop-shop for life the only answer is Target of course. Even beats out Costco.
What if I could choose an animal/pet? Oh I want my little golden retriever puppy so so bad!
What if I could go on a trip right now? I’d go to the Caribbean or Australia, mate
What if I had to choose between a house cleaner and a professional chef? Oh don’t make me choose! House cleaner… no chef… no. How about all of the above
What if I had the option to get plastic surgery? I’m not anti.
25 Christmas Questions
Eggnog or hot chocolate?
Every year I think I like eggnog and every year I remember I actually don’t like it. And since I drink hot chocolate year round, we’ll go with that one.
Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
They all come wrapped and color coded per person.
Colored lights on tree/house or white?
White lights for suresies. I never was a big fan of the colored lights.
Do you hang mistletoe?
Thanks for reminding me! That’s actually something we forgot this year… and seeing as we won’t be back until after Christmas, guess we’ll start that tradition next year.
When do you hang your decorations up?
We try to do the day after Thanksgiving, but this year it ended up being a little later.
What is your favorite holiday dish?
Stuffing, sweet potatoes or my mom’s famous egg kick-asserole
Favorite holiday memory as a child?
My sibs and I spent Christmas eve-eve (aka the 23rd night) sleeping under the Christmas tree together.
What is on your Christmas wish list?
Our “Christmas” present this year was new furniture. Cuz we’re awesome like that. And old apparently.
Do you open a gifts on Christmas Eve?
Not usually, but I know a lot of families who do pj’s on Christmas eve… I like that and may start that tradition once we have kiddos.
How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
Merrick and I make it an all evening event. We put on Christmas jams, drink some wine and decorate! It’s a fakey so I watch while he puts the tree together, then we put up the lights and garland and then hang the ornaments. We’ve got ornaments with our names, our professions, years, Michigan stuff, places we’ve been and a bunch of other sentimental stuff. After the tree goes the stockings and rest of the Christmas decor (towels, salt & pepper shakers, wreaths, more garland, candy canes, etc!)
Snow? Love it or dread it?
That is a hard question to answer… I think it is BEAUTIFUL too look at, terrible to be in, but isn’t Christmas without it. The first year we were in California on Christmas and driving in the convertible with the top down, it just didn’t feel like Christmas. So I’ll take it for about 1 month a year, no more and no less.
Real tree or fake tree?
I LOVE real trees! Unfortunately living on a 3rd floor apartment makes it difficult to lug one up every year, so we went with the fake one and will likely start getting real ones once we get a house.
Do you remember your favorite gift?
Hmm… there’ve been so many great gifts, not any one in particular is sticking out in my mind…
What’s the most important thing about Christmas for you?
Family time.
What is your favorite holiday dessert?
Christmas morning cinnamon rolls! And all the yummy pies and peppermint ice cream and… and…!
What is your favorite tradition?
Watching Elf while addressing Christmas cards is my fave with the SCB, but Christmas morning brunch is my fave with my fam.
What tops your tree?
A pretty angel.
Do you prefer giving or receiving?
I like giving if it’s a really special gift that I know someone will love. If I ran out of time and had to grab whatever I could find, I prefer receiving.
What is your favorite Christmas song?
I love “Mary Did You Know” and “Little Drummer Boy” and “Jingle Bell Rock”
Candy canes, yay or nay?
They make everything more festive! They go on the tree and in lunches and around the house for decoration.
Favorite Christmas movie?
“Elf” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
What do you leave for Santa?
My Santa Baby likes his coffee hot with french vanilla or hazelnut creamer.
Do you have a Christmas morning tradition?
We always used to wake up at the butt crack of dawn to go down to Detroit and serve the homeless breakfast and give out Christmas presents (that tradition has since been moved to Christmas Eve morning). We’d come home and take our time opening gifts – going around the room one by one and ooh’ing and ah’ing the whole time. After presents were opened, we’d sit for Mom’s egg kick-asserole and cinnamon buns and inevitably someone would have received a movie as a gift so we’d spend the rest of the morning/afternoon watching a movie all together.
Fortunately and unfortunately, Merrick and I are always at one of our parents houses on Christmas, so we haven’t been able to come up with our own Christmas morning tradition as our little family of 2…

Do you prefer to shop on-line or at the mall?
I HATE shopping in stores during this season… there are too many people and it’s overwhelming. I’d much rather sip my cocoa in my jam-jams and order online.
Christmas letter or Christmas card?
The Mister and I started a Christmas picture card tradition in 2009. It’s nice to keep track of the pictures marking years gone by and see how we’ve changed (usually it’s my hair color).
The picture we used for Christmas card 2011
What couple from a movie or TV show are you most like?
HER: Whitney and Alex from the new show “Whitney”
HIM: Steve Carell and Tina Fey from date night… and when I told him they were old and lame he said, “we’re them because occasionally we take crazy chances like them and it ends up being fun”
Do you have a song and what is it?
HER: “Lost in this moment” by Big N Rich is the forever song, the NOW song is “Without you” by David Guetta and Usher
HIM: Every love song is ours.

First movie you saw together in the theater?
HER: I honestly can’t remember, but it was summer of ‘07 at Quality 16 theater, I drove in my parents van (yup, rocking the minivan), I was wearing an orange dress, he was wearing a green shirt… But I don’t remember what we saw.
HIM: He had to do some hard thinking, but he thinks it was Superbad
Where do you eat out at most as a couple?
ME: Chili’s 2 for $20 baby! Plus a few presidente margaritas and stumble over to the movie theater a block away makes for a great date night!
HIM: Chili’s!
Who is better at handling money?
HER: Oh I handle it just fine… I can handle it at Target and Kohls and Nordstrom Rack. I don’t have any problem handing over my credit card. But the Hus manages our finances.
HIM: Me
What was the first meal that your wife ever cooked for you?
HER: Sausage stuffed tortellini with vodka sauce, sometime fall ‘07 – DE-LISH and it’s still a staple in our lives
HIM: Sand chicken (this is false by the way… I might have once made chicken that was a little too dry… I haven’t lived down that day)
If your spouse was a super hero which one would he/she be?
HER: Superman. Cuz the SCB is the bomb dot com. Plus he’s got this cute nerdy Clark Kent side, but then when he takes his clothes off, BAM! SUPERMAN! Err… I mean, when he’s working hard at something or feels passionate about something, that man’s got power.
HIM: Wonder Woman (ah bonus points for that boy!)
What is your idea of a perfect date?
ME: A picnic by the beach in the early afternoon with not a lot of people around and we spend the day by the water just enjoying each others company, drinking wine, eating cheese. Then once evening rolls around, we move the date in-land for a nice dinner.
HIM: A nice dinner on the beach that takes a couple hours with multiple bottles of wine, talking about nonsense
What physical feature first attracted you to your spouse?
HER: The dimples, the curly hair, the big brown eyes… swoon!
HIM: your smile
What is your spouses favorite show?
HER: The Big Bang Theory or It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, although Workaholics is close behind
HIM: Whitney (not too far off… I’m totally digging it, but I think all time fave show is Friends)
If you could go anywhere on a second honeymoon, where would you go?
ME: Jamaica, Virgin Islands, Australia… basically anywhere exotic, warm and beachy
HIM: Those kind of questions are nonsense because you and I take honeymoons like every year. But the next big place I want to go to is Australia
What surprised you about your spouse after marriage?
HER: His great love for the hottest, hypest, newest electronics. Boys and their toys..
HIM: Your messiness (I plead the fifth)
What’s the best thing about being married to your spouse?
HER: He’s a good play-date. The silly things that we do or say together. We (mostly) have a fun time together and I wouldn’t trade him in … yet ![]()
HIM: You’re always there for me
*written on Friday, posted on Sunday. Some answers may have changed in the last few days…including the peeps I’ve talked to, what I’ve eaten, my workouts and what’s making me happy now
Last five people I talked to on the phone:
Merrick… no brainer
The clinic I work for on Thursdays… I left a notebook there
Apartment landlord… our sink wouldn’t turn off
My college girlfriend, Emily… caught up for an hour!
My classmate, Juliana… to meet for our workout
Last Five Meals I Ate:
Strawberry banana smoothie this morning after my run
Handful of candy corn for dinner last night (lunch was big, I wasn’t hungry for a real din-din)
Veggie grill for lunch yesterday with this lovely lady
Chicken-spinach-tomato alfredo pasta for din din
Turkey sammy for lunch
Last five places I’ve traveled:
Besides gallivanting all over Orange County (Laguna, Irvine, AV, etc…) I’ve been to
Michigan
Mexico
Los Angeles
San Diego
San Clemente (but that’s OC… oh well… I can’t remember another place I’ve been outside of it)
Next five places I will go (outside of my hometown):
Michigan for Christmas
Los Angeles for New Years (possibly)
Vegas for a bachelorette
Nashville for a wedding
Hawaii for spring break (hopefully)
Last five workouts:
Oh thanks to my “Workout” Google doc, I’ve got it all written down…
Ran 5 miles with my Skinny Runner bud
Ran 5.6 miles with my classmate
Jillian’s Shred
Walked 25 min (lame-o day)
Ran 4.2 miles with my homie
Five things making me happy right now:
It’s Friday, Friday, gonna get down on Friday! (TGIF)
Not being behind in school work (although I’m not technically ahead either, but I did get some stuff crossed off my list)
Getting back into running shape… 5 miles, what what!
A possible going-out night tonight!
Being able to talk to the Mister during lunch when I thought he’d be super busy
I’ve always thought I give off a relatively nice/friendly first impression and that I can interact well with most types of people. I thought I was a good conversationalist and that I was able to make small talk well (blah, who likes small talk anyway…).
However, I’m realizing I’m actually pretty awkward with first interactions. I stutter, laugh nervously, talk about nonsense, interrupt and blabber. I’m not very good at small talk, and I don’t know how to end a conversation, so I keep it going awkwardly. Or I have the opposite problem where I clam up and become the shy guy, giving one word answers and not participating in the conversation.
Oh, it’s painful and cringe-worthy.
I also realize I’m not a “big group” person. I much prefer smaller, more intimate settings where I can actually get to know people (think less than 4 people… I told you I can’t handle people!). Larger groups just overwhelm me and lead to the above problems. One such problem recently was a get together near my grad school campus, and someone asked me where I’m going to grad school. I replied, “Right here. My hometown, WHOO!” (complete with fist pump in the air, oh yes)
Um WHAT?!
First of all, my school’s campus is NOT my hometown. And what was that little “Whoo” at the end of it? Ouch. Time to wave the awkward flag.
I just should not be allowed out anymore. I’m locking myself up in an effort to save myself (and sometimes the Hus) from future embarrassment. Oy, Kate, you’re a hot mess.
So to the girls I met on Friday night, I’m sorry I was an awkward ball of spaz.
I’m about as awkward as that rando’s butt in our picture
I know I’ve answered a few of these before, but here we go…
If not in California I would live… in Hawaii or Paris
My dream holiday would be to… all of us (SCB’s fam, my fam, our bestest buds) gathered at our (imaginary) huge house with a cook (also imaginary) who will keep me from slaving away and getting cooking timing right so everything’s ready at the same time. There’d be lots of drinking, eating and laughing (not imaginary – happens at every family gathering)
My current obsessions are… Unfortunately, I’m obsessed with school right now and not much else
I channel my childhood self when I… Drink chocolate milk and on the rare occasion, eat sugary cereals (which were only for special treats growing up)
If I had to be outdoors all day I would… Be on the beach with the Hus, a drink and a smutty magazine
My favorite quality in a man is… Listening, generosity, good sense of humor
My favorite quality in a woman is... self confidence and self control
My cocktail of choice is… Long Island Iced Tea, Adult Arnold Palmer, Rum & Diet, Mojito… basically, I won’t say no to any cocktail
My celebrity crush is… Hmm… maybe Jennifer Garner – beautiful, timeless, classic and a great family woman. Man – probably The Clooney or my bff Ryan Seacrest
My friends and I like to…Talk about our husbands (only good stuff, duh). Exercise, eat, drink together.
If I could go back in time for one decade it would be… I know everyone digs on the 80’s, but I think it would’ve been fun to be a teenager 25 years ago, there was so much self expression!
As a teenager I was totally into… NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, 98 Degrees, wearing eyeshadow that matched my shirt… oh the horror
I tend to splurge on… I’m more a saver than a splurger, but usually its for wardrobe pieces and if I’m shopping with friends
Enjoying a Mexican meal in Mexico
Favorite time of day – I’d have to say mid morning to early afternoon, like 10-3pm
Favorite season - Probably spring. 2nd is summer – I like it hot!
Favorite month: August, duh
Favorite holiday: Well August 5th first, then Christmas
Favorite subject in school: Physical Assessment, Procedures
Favorite channel: The Coco variety… ala Coco Chanel… I don’t watch TV, but if I did, it’d probably be Bravo (Real Housewives!) or Food Network
Favorite song: Way too many to list, but top of the charts include most Rascal Flatts ballads, “Then” by Brad Paisley, “Lost in this moment” by BigNRich
Favorite movie: My Best Friends Wedding…. although I should probably update that since it’s about 20 years old. I guess The Notebook could make the cut or anything with Ryan Gosling (swoon!)
Favorite celebrity: Ryan Seacrest, my buddy. I also really like Jen Aniston. Or Donny Osmond but only cuz I met him.
Favorite thing to do: hmm interesting question because it varies based on who I’m with. Favorite activities with various friends include exercising, eating, laying out, etc.
Favorite place in the world: London and San Diego are pretty sweet cities
Favorite hobby: Read and scrapbook
Favorite kind of animal: Gosh I haven’t thought of these answers for years and I think they’ve kind of changed… maybe dogs, but I think tigers are beautiful
Favorite place to live: Sahn Deeahgo
Favorite place to vacation: Hawaii, North Carolina
Favorite restaurant: We don’t go out to eat often, but I love a bunch of them in Laguna Beach… great seafood, great drinks, great view
Favorite food: Chocolate anything and Pizza. Or anything creamy, fatty, carby and delicious.
Favorite thing to cook: I make good enchies, stuffed chicken breasts, chili, homemade mac n cheese and I can whip up a mean salad or bowl of cereal in a pinch!
Favorite drink: Watah. Or big girl beverage – Adult Arnold Palmer or Long Island Iced Tea
Favorite chore: Um it’s a chore for a reason, no one likes doing it. The one I hate the least maybe making the bed or general tidying (Windex the table, Lysol the counters, ya know)
Favorite makeup: Bronzer and eyeliner
Favorite memory: Our wedding day still holds the best day of my life. But there’ve been a couple other great ones – family vacays in North Carolina, our engagement, getting into grad school
Favorite books: 5 Love Languages, Hunger Games, Harry Potter, Narnia, Tolkien Trilogy
Favorite Verse: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29.11
Favorite thing to wear: Dresses or yoga pants
Favorite kind of day: Sunny, beachy, with no agenda but to enjoy the weather and the company.
Favorite job: Pooper Scooper. Or grocery store bagger. Although Paper Boy (girl) is up there too… All jobs I’ve actually had. Favorite future job? Trophy Wife – one who doesn’t work and stays home all day beautifying herself and the house. Kind of like a SAHM, but minus the kids
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