Fill in the Blank Friday

1. My idea of pure perfection would be fresh flowers on my table every day, rainy evenings, sunny days, and no more sickness/cancer/illness afflicting the world.

2. Hope makes the world go 'round.

3. If it weren't for bills that need paid every time I turn around, I'd be content to be a stay-at-home wifey (and someday mother).

4. Bloggers are totally awesome. Creativity galore!!

5. If I had a paycheck I'd buy you something shiny and new.

6. I'm glad it's Friday because well, what's not to like about a Friday?? :)

7. Something I'm excited about is the upcoming fall season! I love fairs, and concerts, and truck pulls, and sausage sandwiches, and fries, and fried everything, and the animals, and cowboy boots and jeans, and the cooler weather, and football starts, and pumpkins, and my birthday! and fall colors...YAY!!!

Fill in the Blank Friday

1. My most favorite birthday was ahh! I don't remember my age...maybe 13? My BFF at the time threw me a surprise party and lots of friends came, we laid and watched the stars next to the road after dark, and had a cake fight with my birthday chocolate chip cookie cake!!! It was so much fun!

2. My worst birthday was my 21st birthday...most of my friends were too young to take me out, but one guy was old enough and did take me out...I ended up crushing his box of cigarettes (he kept blowing smoke on me), he went to the bathroom and threatened that I better give the box back to him when he got out, and I ran...I ended up hanging off a guard rail down a gorge waiting until he passed, sneaked through Cornell University's campus hiding behind bushes and trees and signs while he was driving up and down the streets yelling my name, until I got to a Blue Light to call someone to come escort me home; two big guys did come and escort me home and my good friend who I called for advice prior to finding a Blue Light ended up calling the cops over the entire incident and I had to give a deposition when I finally got back. UGH!

3. My favorite birthday memory is arriving in Hawaii for the start of our honeymoon on my birthday!! Now if only that could happen every birthday....

4. The best birthday present I've ever received was that Hawaiian vacation!

5. The best birthday present I've ever given was a homemade cheesecake. Everyone loved it, even my mother, and she really isn't that big a fan of cheesecake at all! AND my sister, a HUGE cheesecake fan, told me it tasted BETTER than Cheesecake Factory!!

6. Birthdays are awesome!!! It's great to get spoiled or spoil someone for one special day...a day that's all your own!

7. My favorite age so far has been 27/28...married at 27, Hawaiian honeymoon for my birthday, and this first year, while challenging and tough at times, has been amazing with my husband by my side!

Fill in the Blank Friday

1. My go to outfit for a dress-up occasion like a wedding is a floor length strapless dress in varying colors depending on the time of day and venue...I have quite a few!

2. This week has been somewhat uneventful...I've been spending most of my time worrying about the water situation here at the house, or job-hunting and filling out application after application after application...

3. When it's dinnertime and I'm feeling lazy I'll usually eat soup and maybe a grilled cheese sandwich if I can get myself to make it.

4. My favorite pair of shoes is my Birkenstock sandals or my Airwalk sandals...then my Timberland boots when the weather turns...

5. A random item that I own that is completely unnecessary, but that I could never part with is a quarter that I found in a coin purse from my grandfather that I was given after he passed away. The purse always sat on his dresser, and now it sits on mine with other coins in it...but I cannot spend THAT coin.

6. My favorite person is Joshua David Fiske. Then maybe Gary Allan...;-).

7. If I were going to write my own blank it would say hmm...My favorite structure is a lighthouse.

Fill in the Blank Friday

1. My favorite color is blue. All shades. BLUE!

2. My travel destination of choice is the beach. With a low chair, a cooler, and the waves lapping at my feet.

3. My favorite food is steak. Filet mignon to be exact...but I'm not too picky, as long as it's cooked properly!

4. My happy place is in the arms of my husband and best friend--Joshua.

5. My favorite saying is hmm...tough one, I have a few I love! "Let go, Let God", "Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain", and "I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so you can learn to let go. Things go wrong so you can appreciate them when they're right. You believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself. And sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together."

6. My dirty little secret is I lick my plate or bowl clean if it's been an absolutely amazing dinner or dessert...if I'm at home. ;-)

7. Something friends might say about me is that I am there when they need me? Maybe? I don't know...

Fill in the Blank Friday

1. One of my happiest moments ever was my wedding day. Nothing that day could have gone wrong that day, because I knew at the end of the day I would be married to my best friend, starting my life with him...sigh. It was the best!!!

2. Summer is wedding season and weddings are enchanting! I look at the two getting married and hope that they have at least half the happiness in their hearts that I feel for my husband, and that I know he feels for me...and that they make the effort to beat the divorce odds out there!!!

3. This summer has been all over the place weather-wise! It started out rainy and crappy so much of the time, and has become a part of this infamous "heat wave that's gripping the nation". I prefer somewhere in between...I like to get a workout in, but being outside sucks when it's rainy all day AND when it's 90+ degrees outside!

4. My summer food of choice has been iced tea? I know that's not a food, I can't say that I've had a food of choice so far...maybe yogurt? I DO know that I've been sucking down iced tea like it is going out of style, though!!

5. My summer uniform has been shorts, cut-offs, and sneakers for working out, and going out it's been shorts, tank tops, and flip flops (occasionally a sundress thrown in there when it's fitting ;-)).

6. If I could spend the entire summer in one location I would choose the Outer Banks. Loved it there!!! I could spend my summer on a beach every single year. I love the fresh seafood there, the beaches, the little shops, and the breeze coming off the ocean. LOVE IT!!!

7. My summer anthem is Sublime's self-titled album playing on repeat in my Jeep with the windows down and bass turned up. Always has been since I have been able to drive, always will be summertime in my ride!!! This year also brings Zac Brown Band's "Knee Deep" and Jason Aldean's "Dirt Road Anthem" to my speakers a lot... :-)

Fill in the Blank Friday

1. I am a (morning, evening, middle of the day person) evening person. I totally don't do mornings, and anymore my middle of the day is my morning. Sigh. This unemployment thing is wearing on me.

2. My favorite Pandora stations are....dunno? I do not do Pandora right now...

3. 3 of my "must-have" songs for a road trip playlist are Sublime "What I Got", Travis Tritt "It's a Great Day To Be Alive", and The Darkness "I Believe In a Thing Called Love"

4. My favorite pattern is Houndstooth. Or Gingham. Or big Polka Dots.

5. My favorite perfume is Victoria's Secret Divine.

6. Rules are suggested guidelines. History shows me to be a "rule breaker", but as I have aged, I have come to realize that rules are in place for a reason (most of the time) and are best to be followed (at least until I become bored! Ha!).

7. My most overused phrase or punctuation is "Why Don't You Love ME??" when arguing with Josh (totally ridiculous, I know), and...I know for a fact....that I...use...too...many..........

Fill in the Blank Friday!!!

1. My plans this summer include doing anything I want to for the summer! I am hoping to get my yard under control, get my gardens finished up, and working out as much as possible! I hope to explore the Presque Isle Peninsula in its entirety, hang out with my sister, keep my mocha-licious tan going, and have numerous dates with my hubby doing lots of fun things! I am not worried about finding a "big-girl" job until I enjoy every last moment of this summer!! And, hopefully another vacation is in order...even if just a mini-vakay for a long weekend!!

2. The best summer I ever had was ... this is a tough one. I'd have to say any summer that I've spent with Josh. They have all been full of excitement and adventure with my best friend! Maybe our first summer together...it was kinda ridiculous!!! And so carefree...sigh. :-)

3. Summer is sunshine, campfires, loud music out of a pick-up truck sitting around the fire with a bunch of friends, cold beer, smores, hotdogs and hamburgers, grilling out for every meal possible, sunsets, shorts and tank tops, sundresses, corn-on-the-cob, and popsicles!!!

4. My favorite summer food is peas right off the stalk, macaroni salad, cheeseburger with fresh relish, and corn-on-the-cob. Mmm.

5. The best way to quench a summer thirst is with fresh, homemade sangria. Or Lynchburg Lemonade. Or Jeremiah Weed. Or some sun tea right off my porch into a chilled glass...mmm.

6. My summer uniform consists of shorts and cut-off T-shirts for daily use (working out, working in the yard, hanging out in the house), shorts or skirts and fun tank-tops, or sundresses for going out and having fun! (Always with a hoodie of some sort around for when it gets too chilly, of course!)

7. The best thing about summer is sitting around a fire without a care in the world for a few hours. Laying in the yard looking up at all the stars, watching for shooting stars, holding the hand of the one you love. Catching fireflies. Basking in the sunshine. Watching life thrive outside...we only get to enjoy that for a few months up north here!!! :-)

Fill in the Blank Friday!!!

1. The best news I ever received was when Josh proposed to me. Happiest day of my life thus far, second only to our wedding day!! To find out that Josh wanted to have me in his life forever, that he loved me as I love him...it was intoxicating!!! :-)

2. Something I'm looking forward to is the wedding we are attending this weekend when we get home! Mr. and Mrs. Wright...it's going to be a great time! :-) (Besides, I have to look forward to something soon, as I am really dreading going home from this lovely paradise in OBX!)

3. Something I would never do is...oh wow, this is a tough one. I'm really one of those "I'll try anything once" kind of people...and so far in my life, I have lived up to that saying....I'm going to go with I will never wear my Uggs between April and November under ANY circumstances.

4. If I could choose someone to be my life coach (famous or not, living or dead), I'd choose my G'ma and G'pa Fuhrer. They had such a loving life together; they were each others everything; they raised 4 wonderful children (my awesome mother and 3 equally awesome uncles), helped raise 9 totally awesome grandchildren, and were just two of the most giving and amazing people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. I miss them each and every day; there isn't a day that goes by that I don't have a question that I would love to ask them and then learn from their answers. Mostly, their marriage was one of the most loving and lasting ones I ever witnessed. I know there were certainly challenges, but I also saw with my own eyes the absolute love and passion between the two of them, even after 50 years of marriage. I wed my best friend on their (62 or 63rd??) wedding anniversary, and I hope my marriage lives up to be even half of what theirs was. Love you both so much, and I wish you had had the opportunity to meet my wonderful husband.

5. If I had to put a label on my style it would be laid back. Plain and simple...just laid back. :-)

6. One should always live by the Golden Rule---Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. And always be true to yourself.

7. I want to plan another vacation before the end of this summer! As this one is wrapping up, I am so ready to get home and begin looking forward to our next adventure!!! :-) (this rolling stone gathers no moss!)

Day 30: Self-Portrait

Day 30 is here already! The last full day of our OBX vacation; the last visit to the 4x4 Beaches in Corolla. I know it's not a pic of just me, but it is of a "complete" me!! (Cheesy, I know, but Josh does complete me!)

Day 30 of the 30 Day Photography Challenge = Complete! Whew!

Day 29: Black and White

I stayed in the Explorer while Josh went into the Food-O-Rama to get some more adult beverages, and this guy came right over, thinking I was going to feed him. But, he's black and white!!! Damn seagulls! :-)

Day 29 of the 30 Day Photography Challenge = Complete! (and annoying...ugh!)

Day 28: Flowers

Pretty Tiger Lily picture that Josh captured near the base of one of the lighthouses we visited in OBX! They were so fragrant too! Just Gorgeous! :-) Josh is such a good photographer too...:-)

Day 28 of the 30 Day Photography Challenge = Complete! (and gorgeous!)

Day 27: From a Distance

In the center, in the far distance, is the Ocracoke Lighthouse. We drove through the tiny town (think: golf carts and bikes are better to use in this town than actual cars, it's so congested and tight!) and missed the road to the lighthouse. We stopped at a visitors center and sighted it across the little bay. Unsure if we would actually find it, I snapped a picture from the car! We did end up finding it, and it was certainly tiny like the little town, with a tiny parking spot for only 5 cars, and it was filled with--what else--golf carts! Oh well...but here it is "from a distance"!

Day 27 of the 30 Day Photography Challenge = Complete!

Day 26: Close-Up

This one was accidental, but works out for what I need for today's post! Josh and I were on a Sunset Cruise on the Downeast Rover out of Manteo, NC. It was phenomenal! We got to take a cooler aboard and drink and feel the breeze in our faces while sailing on the Roanoke Sound. We had a good Captain and First Mate telling us stories, and even got to see some dolphins! And, of course, the Sunset Cruise lived up to its name, giving us one hellofa show! :-)
This pic was accidental because I had zoomed in for a picture of the shoreline, and forgot to zoom out before trying to take a "self-portrait" of myself and Josh. Oh well, we've got good looking eyes and smiles! :-)

Day 26 of the 30 Day Photography Challenge = Complete! (and cute, if I do say so!)

Day 25: Something Pink

This one is a cheat too...I spent all day Saturday the 25th traveling from Erie, PA to Manteo, NC. I packed my camera away, and ended up sleeping a lot of the trip anyhow! Aside from that, I am rather decidedly "ungirly" and lack in the pink department, sadly! I prefer blue almost all the time! But, this picture is from our first night of vacation in OBX...the sunset was just gorgeous! And, it was PINK! :-)

Day 25 of the 30 Day Photography Challenge = Complete! (and breathtaking!)

Day 24: Animal

Cash, Bertie, and Elin, all lounging while I pack! Couldn't get Daphne to keep still. She was pouting, I am pretty sure! :-)

Day 24 of the 30 Day Photography Challenge = Complete! (and Furry!)

Fill in the Blank Friday!!!

1. The last thing I ate was a ham and cheese sandwich on honey oat bread. Josh wasn't home for dinner, and I didn't feel like cooking!

2. The next thing I'd like to eat is a bagel with Nutella. Mmm.

3. The best things are to love and be loved. I live to love my husband, my doggies, my family...and there is nothing like knowing you are loved back by them just as much. :-)

4. Something that makes me supremely and utterly happy is making an amazing meal or dish or dessert, having everyone thoroughly enjoy it to the last drop, and then getting asked for the recipe or my secret to making it. I don't cook all that often, but when I do, it does come out pretty amazing!!

5. Sports are awesome!!! Josh and I both love sports, all sports, any sports! Thank goodness too, because I don't think I could deal with a man who doesn't love to watch football on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, or who cannot stand the thought of watching soccer or the Olympics when they are on TV here (no cable or satellite, so it's hit and miss...). Anything sports (almost) and I will watch it! And if possible I will actually participate in the sport too! (Love pick-up games or going out for a day of hunting or fishing or kayaking...or evening of spotting so my hunny can bring home a big buck!) Sports...EFF YEA!!!!

6. I miss simplicity. Summers hanging out with friends with no real work scheduled. My hubby...we don't get enough "alone time"...things are too busy anymore.

7. Right now I am looking forward to leaving tomorrow for our vacation in the OBX!!!! I cannot wait for some alone time with the hubby, and some beach time!!! I just cannot wait for an adventure! :-)

Day 23: Sunflare

Another stolen from 6.06.11...I took a few good pics that day! :-)

Day 23 of the 30 Day Photography Challenge = Stolen, but Complete!

Day 22: Hands

I stand with my hands on my hips a lot, even though the habit was broken for awhile when I was in ROTC. I try not to do it...but I do love looking down and seeing my rings "BLING" in the sunshine on this hand! Can't wait for another band to add to it! :-)

Day 22 of the 30 Day Photography Challenge = Complete! (and shiny!)

Day 21: Faceless Self-Portrait

I kinda like my feet. :-)
(This was an attempt at Bokeh earlier, it didn't work, I tried again, still just a pic of my feet, so it goes in here!)
Not an entire Self-Portrait, but it still counts!!

Day 21 of the 30 Day Photography Challenge = Complete!

Day 20: Bokeh

Ok, not gonna lie, I did not take this picture on 6.20.11. I took it back on 6.06.11 for "From a Low Angle". I tried taking a few others pics for "Bokeh" and none of them turned out as nicely as this one did. I will keep trying and hopefully get it down--it's a nice photographic tool to know how to use!

So...Day 20 of the 30 Day Photography Challenge = Done...even if it is "kinda cheating!" ;-)

Day 19: Something Orange

Today is Father's Day, so we went to my parent's house for a little cook-out! We made hotdogs on the fire...which is Orange! Worked out well! :-)

Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's out there!!!

Day 19 of the 30 Day Photography Challenge = Complete! (And warm!)

Day 18: Your shoes

Kickin' it old-school!!! Love these shoes. :-)

Day 18 of the 30 Day Photography Challenge = Complete! (And Kick-ASS!)

Fill in the Blank Friday!

1. The last movie I saw was Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.

2. I want to eat Chinese food for dinner tonight.

3. Surprises are meant to be fun, and are usually in good taste, but I generally do not like surprises. The only kind I like are flowers from Josh for no apparent reason sitting on the counter or coffee table when I get home.

4. The best accessory is subtly understated but eye-catching. Like a good pair of sandals or earrings.

5. My favorite warm drink is a regular latte. I don't drink them much, though...I tend to prefer black coffee on a daily basis.

6. My favorite cold drink is plain ice water! I diverge from my regular path on occasion: raspberry Ginger Ale when I am feeling ucky, a cold Bud Light on the weekends, and a regular margarita when I am out with my sister. :-)

7. Currently loving having more time at home!!! Panicking slightly about some things, but overall I am so much happier with life right now! And, I CANNOT WAIT for vacation to begin next Saturday!!! OBX with my baby!!! :-)

Day 17: Technology

My Mac may be a bit old ('05 model, so maybe ancient by computer standards!) but she gets all the jobs done that I ask of her! We use her a LOT to look up the weather...so that's another form of technology on Mac's screen there! :=)

Day 17 of the 30 Day Photography Challenge = Complete!