My friend, Crystal decided she wanted to learn more about her friends. So for the entire month of December she posted one question a day on Facebook for her friends to answer. Some I answered, some I didn't. Some I just didn't know how to answer but they are answered below.
- What is your favorite memory from 2015? Why?
For almost 4 years my brother and I barely spoke. He married and his "wife" and the rest of my family did not get along. It was a very difficult time for me because he and I were super close growing up and as early adults. My favorite memory of 2015 was being able to watch my brother marry a fantastic girl who the whole family gets along with! - What is your favorite color?
Mine is navy blue but burgundy runs a close second. - Did you go to college or a trade school (or both)? Why or why not?
YEP! I started at MACC as duel credit in high school, continued to Truman State University, and then after graduating MACC I moved on to Central Missouri State University (Warrensburg). I originally went to college to get my teaching degree. After being a firefighter for almost 5 years (and then 9-11 happened), I decided to officially change my major to Crisis and Disaster Management with a minor in Fire Science (against my parents wishes.) After getting married, moving to FL, and having a baby, school was not a priority, or financially feasible. I am 4 classes away from my BS in Crisis and Disaster Management. - Apparently she was busy on December 4 with her new baby because it is missing (or was deleted).
- What is your biggest regret?
My biggest regret is not finishing college but for the most part, I have taken everything in my life as a lesson. I may not have learned from everything, but specific things are a reminder. I think another regret is allowing things that do not affect me to affect the outcome of my life. - How many children do you have? I'm talking blood related, adopted, fur babies, etc. If you consider it your child, then it's your child!At the time I responded I had six (6) kiddos. One (1) human and five (5) furbabies. Since then one furbaby has passed away.
- Are you a cat or dog person? If neither apply, what is your animal of choice?
Cats. We currently have Grouchy Gracie (11), Pissy Missy (10), Sir Stink, King Louie the 3rd, and Abigail (aka "the kittens age 9). - What was/is your favorite subject in school?
My favorite subject in school was science. In fact they started a Biology 2 class just for my friend, Boone and I. - Do you still talk to any friends you had in high school? I'm not referring to liking their Facebook status, I mean actually talk to them.That's a tough one. I moved out of the state a couple of years after graduating. Most of my close friends at the time are mere acquaintances right now. Those I still remain in contact with I chat with them via private message on Facebook or the occasional email or Christmas card. I agree just liking their Facebook status is not "talking" to them. When I travel back to MO, I try to touch base with as many friends as possible as our schedules allow, but sometimes it is difficult.
- Who do you miss most during the holiday season?
My Grandma. She is 94 years old and although she is slowing down nd her memory isn't fantastic, she is an amazing (stubborn) woman to me. Every time I see her, we play cards. Usually it is Hand and Foot but when we are short on time it is Skip-Bo. As she has gotten older it is easier for me to beat her but there are times she skunks me. - When do you typically put up your Christmas tree and decorations?
Since we travel during the Thanksgiving holiday we usually are not in town until the 2nd week in December. Sometimes it has been as late as the week of Christmas, but I try to put it out sooner than that. - What is your favorite movie?
This is another hard one. The Princess Bride is one of my all time favorites. I also love watching Serenity with Nathan Fillion. And then there Tangled and Brave remind me of me growing up (plus I love the songs). My household was very...sheltered. Then my romantic movies are Stardust, PS I Love You, What Dreams May Come, and Under the Tuscan Sun. - Of the places you have visited, which one is your favorite?
It's a toss up between Washington, DC or Atlanta, GA. Both are wonderful places to visit. I went to DC when I was 13 and was able to see President George Bush (which was pretty cool to a 13 yr old). Riding on a train for the first time from Richmond, VA to DC, visiting several of the Smithsonian buildings, touring many of the monuments, and just the sights that have stuck with me over the years has been amazing.
Atlanta we travel through almost yearly to go visit family in MO and although we have only stopped a couple of times I think it is a beautiful city. If you ever get a chance to go, make sure to visit the Georgia Aquarium. You won't be disappointed! - If you were on a deserted island what 3 items would you want with you?I would love to have my husband and daughter but I don't consider them "items." My first choice would be my go-bag. This bag is a large medical supply bag that has first aid supplies, water purifying tablets, three sets of silverware, flashlights (and batteries), 25 ft of rope, lighter/matches, a tarp, bug spray and sunscreen. I am sure there is more because it is a large bag, but that is what I consider the essentials. I can also use it to carry things that I find on the island. The next item would be a canoe or kayak to get around. Depending on the size of the island, there might be some better supplies on the other side. Last but not least a pan or other container that I could use to cook food, purify water, etc.
- Favorite band\artist?
Great Big Sea - The band broke up in 2013 but I was lucky enough to see them in concert before they split. They are a Canadian Folk Rock band. Although the band split the the lead singer, Alan Doyle, started his own band and sings many of the GBS songs. - Number 16 is AWOL.
- Are you a cake or pie kind of person?
I really don't like pie unless it is strawberry or apple. I usually don't have cake either but when I do I prefer Angel food. I guess my answer would be yes? - What is one of your favorite holiday traditions?
Making monkey bread Christmas morning with my favorite monkey! - Hum...19 too?
- What is your least favorite holiday food?
My least favorite holiday food...well, I honestly don't know. I only eat what I like so it's hard to remember what is on the table I don't like. It used to be the stuffing because I couldn't eat it. I am allergic to onion. Now my Dad and Sister-In-Law make stuffing without onion. - Have you taken any trips this year?
Of course! My annual flight to MO trip to visit family and friends, then we had a nice casual drive back. - What is the most unexpected thing that has happened to you, so far, in 2015?
I have a freelance/part time job!! - What is one Christmas tradition of which you are not a fan?
More and more I am hating this holiday. To me it was always a special time of year for all my family to get together. Since I moved away it has actually become depressing for me. I have tried to keep some traditions for Kira but it has been hard. The Elf on Shelf was my worst tradition started and was quickly given up. - What is the best Christmas present you have received?
My Roomba! I don't remember if it was a Christmas, birthday, or Mother's Day gift but it is awesome! Rosie does a fantastic job cleaning my floors when I remember to turn her on. With cats I can't exactly put her on a schedule. I really don't want cat puke spread around my home. - What was your happiest moment from 2015 thus far?
Did I mention that I got to see my brother marry a beautiful, fun-loving, sweet girl that our entire family likes? - When do you take down your holiday decorations?
Usually it is around January 6th. It goes along with 12 days of Christmas. One year it was February! - Did you read any good books, thus far, in 2015?
I truly can't answer this one. I have so many that I have read this year (mostly childrens books) that have just stuck with me. So since I am indecisive I will list those...
Children's books: Puppies for Sale, The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore (pictures are amazing), I love it when you smile, Without You, The Giant Hug (sending to my Grandma because I miss her so), Miss Brooks Loves Books, I loathe you, Someday;
YA: The One and Only Ivan, Stardust (prefer the movie), The School for Good and Evil
Adult: Hearts on a String, Searching for Paradise in Parker PA (1st Chapter is my mother to a "T"), Annie Freeman's Fabulous Traveling Funeral - What is your favorite drink? Alcoholic, nonalcoholic, or both.
Non-alcoholic: Mt Dew of course!
Alcoholic: Rum and Coke - Do you prefer toilet paper over or under the roll?
Over. Since we don't have room for a roll holder upright on the back of the toilet or sink is preferred. - What is something/someone you are the most thankful for this year?
My husband. Being 1600 miles from our closest family and friends we have had to do a lot of things on our own for most of it and it hasn't been easy. I know I am not the easiest person to deal with and the stress that it put on him was/is tremendous. I am truly blessed to have him in my life. We have a feeling that 2016 is going to have a rocky start but with what we have endured thus far, I think we will manage. - It's only the 30th...still waiting on the 31st!
