My Birthday Spotlight

Okay Kris, I'm finally responding to your tag and Jay said he wouldn't do my spotlight, so here goes...


6 things you may or may not know about me.


I love video games. Ever since I was little, I have been a video game nut. Whenever we were stuck inside, you could find me in front of the television playing Montezuma's Revenge, Pacman, Frogger, or Mario Bros. I think most people thought I'd grow out of it, but I haven't. I'm pretty proud that no one can beat me at Mario Kart 64 and I'm dying to get Guitar Hero III. I've asked for a Wii for Christmas and my birthday, but I still don't think it's on the list. It's probably a good thing too, because my children would get soooo neglected. They would also get in trouble a lot if they screwed me up by walking in front of the tv or messing up my concentration. Unfortunately, I don't have much time to spend playing video games anymore, but it's only a matter of time until I get back in the game!

I am incredibly stubborn! If any of you have ever taken a personality test, you'll know what I'm talking about when I say I'm a Red. And I'm not just a little bit Red, I'm a lot Red! People are always blown away by this bit of news because I'm not very outgoing and pretty softspoken. But, if you ask my opinion, I'll definitely give it and won't be swayed. I just don't force my opinions and am not one to stand out in the crowd, but ask anyone close to me and they'll tell you it's true. I think Jay has learned that he'll never change my mind and we have some good debates, but of course I always win. Unfortunately, I think my daughters have inherited the stubborn gene and even though she's almost 5, Sierra and I already go the rounds because we're both too stubborn to give in. I believe that being stubborn does have it's advantages as I tend to accomplish any goals that I set and have many achievements that I'm proud of. I set goals when I was young to always do the things that I believe are right and have never strayed from them. I attribute the accomplishments of those goals to my stubborn gene.

I am extremely competetive. I can never let anyone get the best of me. I always wanted to be the best when I was little and was quite a poor loser when I wasn't. The poor loser has gone away, but I'm still not very happy when I get beat. It doesn't matter whether it's sports, a contest at work, a game with the family, or fantasy football, I have to win. I always strive to be the best and love the feeling I get when I accomplish that.

My other hobbies include reading and cooking. I read as much as I can. I'm always looking for a good book and usually finish one a day. I'm so glad Jay works for Seagull Book, because he's always bringing home demos for me to read. I was a bookworm when I was little and was so excited when I got into Junior High because they had a library. The librarians knew me by name and I read almost every book on the shelves by the time I left! I feel like such a nerd, but I can't help it. There's nothing better than snuggling under a blanket with a good story. Feel free to send me your favorite books as I'm always looking for new ones to read! As for the cooking part, I think it is satisfying to create something that is yummy. Unfortunately, I can't post what my part-time job is, but most of you have held shows for me and gotten some good recipes and products in return. Even though it has mostly been a hobby, I'm grateful that I joined 8 years ago. It is like going to chef school for free, as I have learned so much about food and how to prepare it. I'm always trying out new recipes and reinventing the ones that we already make. Kris stole my idea of putting a recipe on my blog, but I'll try to add some on pretty quick. I always have tons of recipes on my website, so email me if you don't have the link.

I love the outdoors. I've always enjoyed camping, hiking, biking, and anything you can do outside. I'd much rather pull weeds or mow the lawn then stay inside and do dishes. Whenever I had the chance to go to the barn when I was little, I'd go. I'd would much rather muck out stalls than clean and dust my room. Plus, I'd get the chance to go for a ride when I was done! I can't wait for our kids to get a little bit older so we can do more of those things outside, such as family bike rides and campouts. I've always enjoyed the beauty of nature and have a great appreciation for it. I enjoy working in the yard and seeing the fruits of my labor. We've just started doing a bit of gardening and I find it to be very satisfying work. I'm going to continue planting more and gaining the knowledge to take care of our garden.

I love my family! I'm not the type to always say it to my extended family, but I'm very grateful to my family and the love and support they show me. I would do anything for them and I hope they know and realize that. I've had the opportunity to work with every one of my siblings at my jobs throughout the years and those are cherished times for me. I relish the closeness that I've felt with each of them. I also couldn't have married into a better family. I'm so glad that I found Jay and that his family is so good to me. I enjoy all the good times that we share and look forward to getting together all the time. As for my immediate family, I love my kids tons, even though they drive me crazy most of the time. I love taking the opportunity to go do fun things and create lasting memories. I want to create a loving, happy home where my kids will always feel safe, wanted and loved. I also want them to succeed and will do everything I can to get them to achieve their goals. Jay is my perfect companion and my best friend. We do everything together and never like to be apart, even after 9 years. I enjoy his company more each day and look forward to eternity with him. I can't say any more or I'll start to cry and I hate to cry, but Jay knows how much I love him and how glad I am that I met him and guilted him into our first date so many years ago.

Happy 30th Birthday to me!