Fears

From my list of 30 things, it is time for question 2! Yes, I know that it has taken me a while to get this one done, but it's a tough one for many reasons...

2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.

I have an absolute fear of alligators and crocodiles! If I see them on TV, I will have nightmares. I believe this fear came from a trip my family took when I was younger. I believe, if I remember right, we were visiting family in Florida. For some unknown reason, my mom decided to take us to the alligator farm. Uggghh.. why??? There was an old, rickety dock that extended out over the "swamp" where the allies and/or crocs lived. I was terrified the whole time. Every step I took, I felt like the wood beneath my feet was going to give out! I can't tell the difference between these creatures, but I know that they both scare the living daylights out of me! They are far too strong, and way to quick to jump. All I remember from that trip is practicing running in a zig-zag pattern so that I would not get eaten! You will never catch me in a lake in Florida! Or the ocean for that matter!! And to make matters worse, my dear ex-roommates and lovely boyfriend (husband now) would surprise me with huge pictures of an alligator's open mouth as the desktop background on my laptop! I would jump and scream every time!

I have some internal fears for life as well, but one big one is raising my kids in this world we live in today. Times are just so much different than they have ever been before. I used to spend my whole summer outside running around the streets with friends. I always had neighbors to play with. I was scared of nothing! These days, the streets are too busy, the neighbors aren't as friendly, and the strangers are not to be trusted! Our world is a big place, full of crime and change. There are so many stories on TV about bullies and suicide. It scares me to death for my children. When and why did our world start to believe this was even an option!?! What happened to common courtesy?? The extent of these things has come to a new level with social media. It plays a WHOLE new role in aiding to the obesity and bullying. I fear that I will not be able to show my kids the meaning of love, friendship, hard work, dedication, and self-worth.

My 3rd fear is a "what-if" kind of fear. With my hubby being in a dangerous line of work, I often think about the "what-ifs." I know I shouldn't, but it happens. I am a very analytical person. I am not very good with emotions and talking about my "feelings." I never have been good at it. I am a very closed person when it comes to this. Everything else, I am open! If I don't like you, you know it. If I am mad, you know it. I don't care what people think of me. I do what I like. But, emotions are hard for me... In the long run, I think it has made this turn into a deep fear because it is always there in the back of my mind. So, my 3rd fear: I am terrified of losing Alex. And not in the, we break-up, get divorced, move on kind of way (because I know it won't happen). But in the gone, never coming back, raising our kids without him kind of way. I couldn't imagine my life without him.

30 Things

So, I stumbled across this list on another blog, http://cherishinghopesanddreams.blogspot.com/2012/01/30-things.html and I thought it would be a fun and interesting way to get to know myself!

It's a list of 30 questions within a wide variety of topics. I am going to try to post one question and answer each day for the next month! We will see how that goes :)

So, here is the list...

1. List 20 random facts about yourself.
2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
3. Describe your relationship with your parents.
4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.
5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
6. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?
7. What is your dream job, and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.
10. Describe your most embarrasing moment.
11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.
12. Describe a typical day in your current life.
13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.
14. Describe 5 strengths you have.
15. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
18. What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?
19. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?
22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
23. List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.
24. Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs. your family dynamic now.
25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?
26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?
28. What is your love language?
29. What do you think people misundertand most about you?
30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.

And here goes...
Question One. List 20 random facts about yourself.

1. I love bright colors.
2. I was born in Mesa, Arizona.
3. My eyes change colors.
4. I had my tongue pierced for 3 months when I was 18.
5. Styrofoam cups are my favorite.

6. Starbucks caramel machiatto is my favorite coffee drink.. iced or hot!

7. If I could change one thing about myself, it would be that I could sing... well.

8. I have an odd obbsession for things in a triangle shape.

9. My dream is to live on and own a small ranch.

10. I have 3 sisters.
11. Dogs are my favorite animal, but technically I have loved ducks since I was born.
12. I believe Donald Duck is seriously understated in the importance of Disney Characters.
13. I believe in the Designated Hitter.

14. My middle name is Ann.

15. I still sometimes sleep with my "Ducky" that my aunt gave me when I was a baby. (And yes, I am 27.)
16. I wish Alex could have met my Grandma. As well as my future children meeting her and my Grandpa.
17. I could live off of mexican food and pizza.

18. My life ambition was to work at McDonald's when I was younger due to my favorite toy!

19. I know family is the key to a happy life. And Family isn't just blood related.
20. I believe in Heaven.

My Trillion cut ring :)

This is the Mickey D's playset I spent way too much of my childhood playing with.

This was the counter to order, with a pull out frier drawer and cash register. I had it it loaded down with happy meals, burger patties, french fries, and shakes.

The Drive Thru window. The trash is under the window.

It even came with a visor and microphone head piece and an apron with name badge!

I also used to play with these as I got older. Make your own shakes and fries!

For Christmas 2 years ago, my sister and I found one on craigslist and bought it for my niece and nephew! The old, sturdy version is sooooooo much better than the newer ones! It folds up and moves on wheels!

Until next time--- Cheers!

Puppy Love

So, I have an undieing love for dogs. Any dog and all dogs! Although, I do prefer BIG ones!! I have 2 labs... which make my heart melt! I had the weirdest realization yesterday. You know how dogs are constantly eating grass?? And I am ALWAYS telling them to stop! I had an epiphany yesterday that grass must be like their salad! I am a salad lover! I could eat a salad with or for every meal. Sometimes, I just get sick of meat. Especially Chicken. Chicken and I DO NOT have a good relationship! Alex lovessss it, and could eat it all day every day. This causes many problems for the meals at our house! Anywho... that's my odd thought for the day.

Our Engagement picture with the pups

The dogs enjoying the new deck Alex built

Mr. Barkley

Sweet pups sleeping

Pretty Girl Marley

Here's to a new Beginning!

So, after many internal debates, I set my mind to it to start a blog. Here I am, my OVER analytical mind, trying to determine what this blog would entail. This is what I came up with.... EVERYTHING!

For Starters... Here are a few tid-bits about me!

My name is Lisa! I recently got married, so my mind is still in the planning mode. This made me think, why stop now? I just love all the concepts of party planning. I adore coming up with creative, out of the ordinary, unique ideas. Yes, my mind is VERY different than others, but shouldn't I use the good from this?? I had the best time planning our wedding. I chose such a fun and festive color scheme, so you couldn't help BUT smile the whole time through! To me, weddings are a time for celebration. After all, it's the union of two souls who swim in love, laughter and growth! So, why not make it enjoyable just like the marriage is hoped to be? I married my best friend in the world, Alex, on May 26, 2012.

Photo by Photography by Verdi

I was born and raised in Tempe, Arizona, but I have lived in Kansas going on 10 years. If you asked me 10 years ago, I NEVER would have imagined having a life here in the midwest. Boy oh boy how that has changed! I couldn't imagine being away from here. Granted, Alex helps me stay in the state of mind, but I just love it. I dream of acre on acre with horses and dogs galore! But, let's back up.... I came to Kansas because I played softball at Wichita State University on a scholarship. When I first came to this city, I was in disbelief! I couldn't understand the "feel" the midwest puts off. I was so used to the "big city" living. I know, I know, Tempe is NOT big city living, per say. BUT, it is much more fast paced, booming, and busy! But the midwest culture sure grows on you. So now, here I am. A midwest girl, stuck (by choice) in my Sunflower State of Mind.