What do you have on your bedside table?

 

My cell phone, my Kindle, my glasses, several hair fubbies (my word for hair ties), and my LadyComp.

 

Do you have a tattoo?

 

Yes, I have my mom’s name and my middle name tattooed on my hip – it’s Joy.  The Husband bought it for me when I was 20 years old.  When I sat in that chair and got the tattoo while he watched, I knew I loved him.  I have a second tattoo in mind but just need to get the courage up to go get it. 

 

Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?

 

I was brought up in a politically and socially liberal household(s) and did not practice abstinence as a teen.  Honestly, I don’t think the thought even crossed my mind to wait until marriage.   I’m glad I was educated about birth control options as a teen, and I feel like you can teach birth control without condoning meaningless sex.  I have a few friends who waited until marriage, and I love to chat with them about it because it sounds so fascinating and romantic – it just wouldn’t have worked for me personally.  I swiped my v-card around the average age for this type of thing, and I don’t regret it because it was my first close boyfriend.  I do think teens should wait until they are with someone they care about.  Sex is special, even if you don’t wait until marriage!

 

What is your worst habit?

 

My worst habit is definitely Twitter and Facebook.  I’m trying to cut back!

 

How do you handle finances in your relationship?  Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?

 

We pool all of our money into one bank account and share all of our earnings equally.  There is no ‘my money.’  I don’t think separate accounts would work for us! I pay all the bills and keep track of spending.  We have a rule that says we can’t spend more than $200 at a time without checking with the other person.

 

If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

 

I really like the name Josie.  Doesn’t Josie Boyle have a good ring to it?

 

Where do you want to go on your next vacation?

 

I’d love to go to London for the Olympics and see the swimming!

 

What is one political cause you feel strongly about?

 

Social welfare programs to help people get back on their feet after divorce, abuse, addiction, etc.  I’d happily hand over tax money for that.

 

Have you ever stolen anything?

 

Not from a store, but once I stole a coffee cup from a fraternity house.  I was really thirsty.

 

Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.

 

Even though I’ve been married for 2.5+ years, I am still an active participant in online wedding forums, especially Wedding Buzz on Facebook.  I know I should move on, but I can’t!  I love centerpiece discussions and mother-in-law drama.  Also, even though I’m not pregnant, I read pregnancy forums (but I only lurk, I don’t participate!).

 

Your turn!  Answer one (of all!) of the 10 Personal Questions in the comments section.  I’ll randomly select a winner tonight, who will receive a fun (surprise) prize!

{ 411 comments }

 

  • Victoria (District Chocoholic) July 14, 2011, 1:08 pm

    If you could go watch swimming at the Olympics, you should also catch synchronized swimming to see the human noseclip

  • Hannah July 14, 2011, 1:11 pm

    Wow! I actually learned a lot about you! Thanks for sharing 🙂

  • megan @ whatmegansmaking July 14, 2011, 1:15 pm

    this made me laugh – I’ve now learned that I have next to nothing in comming with you and would probably disagree wtih you on most things concerning religion and politics – but I still love reading your blog 🙂

    • CaitlinHTP July 14, 2011, 1:16 pm

      bawhaha for what it’s worth, a few of my closest friends are conservative. i don’t mind people with different viewpoints… life would be pretty boring if we all thought the same thing.

      • M July 15, 2011, 2:23 pm

        Actually, I am SOOOO glad you are a liberal kinda gal.
        I have realized recently many of the other bloggers I read are quite conservative/religious (nothing wrong with that of course!) and it’s nice to know that not everyone is so conservative.
        Plus kudos to you for revealing more than I would(hmmm,maybe I am more conservatove than I think?!ha ha)

  • Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me July 14, 2011, 1:15 pm

    1. Lamp, frame, magazines, books, cell phone, water…omg too much stuff.
    2. Nope! Can’t handle the commitment.
    3. No. Works for some, not for me.
    4. Procrastination!
    5. Each have our own accounts along with a joint.
    6. hmmmm this is hard. I like Lauren or Laura.
    7. Honeymoon! Caribbean!
    8. Woman’s right to choose.
    9. 🙁 Yes I have. I won’t get into specifics but it was a lonnnnng time ago.
    10. hmmmmmm I can’t think of anything right now! Lame, I know!

  • Amanda @ the beauty notebooks July 14, 2011, 1:15 pm

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?

    I am going to Vermont with my boyfriend in a few weeks for a little getaway: camping, swimming, hiking. (he also wants to catch fish and eat them for dinner … we’ll see how that goes!) He is in the military and will be home for three weeks this summer, so I am beyond blessed to have this vacation together!

  • Lara July 14, 2011, 1:16 pm

    1. My kindle, a light, an ipod home, ear plugs, and a water bottle.
    2. No tattoo, never will.
    3. I do not believe in abstinence before marriage. I think that sex is an important part of an adult relationship and honestly something would be lacking without it. I don’t think sex should be a big secretive matter that a woman withholds until a man is willing to marry her. I respect people who wait, but I don’t believe in it myself.
    4. Worst habit is picking at my fingernails!
    5. My bf and I live together so we pretty much split everything evenly. Neither of us make a lot of money, but it’s never an issue for us, we both just figure it will even out and don’t worry much about it. We’ll probably get a joint account when we’re married.
    6. I always wanted a simple name that people could spell, something like Sarah Parker or Rachel Smith.
    7. Europe, South America, Japan, I could go on and on!
    8. Immigration. I live in Arizona and it’s just disgusting what they are doing here to innocent people who happened to be born further South…
    9. A tester makeup brush from a department store once. I’m so bad!
    10. I love Gossip Girl, and wedding blogs but I’m not even engaged 🙂

  • Sarah for Real July 14, 2011, 1:17 pm

    1. Eating Animals, tissues, cell phone, lamp, dog hair, dust.
    2. No effing way. I do NOT do needles.
    3. I believe in abstinence before committed relationships. I don’t think teens can understand what a committed relationship is.
    4. Worst habit is tv watching. Somehow I end up glued to the couch every evening!
    5. We each have our own accounts but the money is shared. My husband makes more than I do so he’ll pay for more things or transfer me money if I run out.
    6. People always think my name is Susan so I guess I’d go with that just to make my life easier.
    7. The Cook Islands in the south pacific! Or Argentina for an epic ski vacation.
    8. Food and cooking education for low income families, single moms especially. I think this could change our whole country if given a priority.
    9. When I was in second grade, I stole a baby barbie from a friend.
    10. I once falsely accused a businessman on the street of offering me money for sex.

    • CaitlinHTP July 14, 2011, 1:17 pm

      Please explain #10.

      • Sarah for Real July 14, 2011, 1:45 pm

        I was checking for traffic to cross the street against the WALK signal and this guy who is standing back a ways says just, “Eighty Bucks.”

        I look back at him, confused, then because my creep-radar is so high when I’m downtown it pops into my head that he’s offering me $80 for sex. I go “EEEW!” and run across the street.

        He shouts, “No no no! I meant the ticket for jaywalking!” And then he crosses the street right as the light changes.

        I am so embarrassed and confused that I proceed to wait for him to cross the street and walk with him for two whole extremely awkward blocks trying to apologize.

        Looking back I should have just told him it’s rude to shout at women and kept on walking. His fault. Not mine.

        • Julie (A Case of the Runs) July 14, 2011, 2:13 pm

          OMG, that’s hilarious!

        • Alett July 14, 2011, 10:42 pm

          Thanks for bringing a smile to my face!

    • Lisa July 14, 2011, 1:37 pm

      OOH! please share

    • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) July 15, 2011, 12:07 am

      I think that teens can understand what a committed relationship is, because I fell in love with a boy at 15, stayed committed, and am now married to him 🙂

      • Cortney July 15, 2011, 1:43 pm

        I had a couple of friends in junior high school who met in 7th grade, dated exclusively through high school and college, got married, and are still in wedded bliss 8 years later. It can happen!

    • Jess August 2, 2011, 2:03 am

      Cook Islands is beautiful. I just got back a month ago. Go if you ever have the chance, I can’t recommend it highly enough!!

  • Holly @ The Runny Egg July 14, 2011, 1:18 pm

    Worst habit: biting my nails and not always washing produce before I eat it.

    • Sophie @ threetimesf July 14, 2011, 2:05 pm

      I am terrible for doing both of those things! Especially apples – they just seem to move straight from the bag to fruit basket to my mouth…!

      • Liz July 14, 2011, 10:35 pm

        I’m bad about washing produce as well but there was just some study about the 10 worst items for pesticides and other junk on the surface and apples were #1 on the list. I’m doing a lot better at washing those, at least.

  • Leslie July 14, 2011, 1:18 pm

    Speaking of swimming, the Olympics, and something embarrassing about yourself – I friended Michael Phelps on Facebook at the beginning of the last summer Olympics before he was super famous. At the time he only had maybe 300 friends and we had a few mutual friends on there (living in Baltimore will do that to you), BUT alas he never accepted my friendship.

  • Tammy July 14, 2011, 1:18 pm

    Growing up, I was obsessed with the movie Grease and made my family call me Sandy— to date, I still wouldnt mind being named Sandy 🙂

  • Maura July 14, 2011, 1:19 pm

    1) What do you have next to your bedside table? – My book, a glass of water, and a fan. I can’t sleep without white noise.

    2) Do you have a tattoo? – Nope, no tattoos. No plans for them either.

    3) Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage? – I sort of like the idea, it seems romantic but that ship sailed a while ago for me. No regrets!

    4) What is your worst habit? – Picking at my cuticles

    5) How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship? — Ultimately, I would like to have my own bank account as I hope I’m going to be making my own money. Of course, we’d need a joint bank account too. Maybe my views will change when I’m actually married 🙂

    6)If you could change your name, what would you change it to? – I love my name but sometimes I have the people at Starbucks write Audrey on my cup.

    7) Where do you want to go on your next vacation? Fiji, but I’m going to NOLA next. A girl can dream, right?

    8) What is one political cause you feel strongly about? — I feel really strongly about health care but there’s not enough space to explain it here haha

    9) Have you ever stolen anything? – No, but a friend gave me a ring once when I was 15 and then 6 months later told me she stole it. I’m still wearing it 9 years later.

    10) Tell us something embarrassing about yourself. – see number 6. haha

    • Amber from Girl with the Red Hair July 14, 2011, 1:57 pm

      OMG. Your answers to #6 and #10 are making me laugh so hard. Lol. Love it!

    • AndreaClaire July 14, 2011, 2:55 pm

      I always give fake names when they ask at Starbucks. One of my favourites is ‘Kara Thrace’ because that makes geeky me giggle for hours!

      • Carrie H July 15, 2011, 10:00 am

        Kara Thrace! Oh my gosh! I’m so going to start telling people I’m Kara Thrace. Has anyone ever known what you’re talking about?

        • AndreaClaire July 15, 2011, 11:32 am

          I’ve had a few who’ve paused and smiled after I’ve said it but only one who actually responded that they got the BSG reference.

    • Emily C. July 14, 2011, 4:32 pm

      That is so funny! My 3-year-old’s name is Audrey, and when I was pregnant and we told people what her name would be, everyone looked at me like I had two heads and said, “do you love Audrey Hepburn or something?” I really thought of it as a sweet, traditional but not overly used name but you would not believe how many people openly told me they didn’t like it! I always love hearing that someone else loves the name as much as I do. 🙂

      • Sarah for Real July 14, 2011, 5:09 pm

        I think it’s a beautiful name!

      • Kimberly July 15, 2011, 10:25 am

        I think it’s a beautiful name as well 🙂

  • allison @ thesundayflog July 14, 2011, 1:20 pm

    i have a tattoo – my 2 sisters and i got 3 stars on our hips. it was the kind of thing i knew i’d never regret. i want to get another one, though – the outline of africa with the south african flag inside and the word “ubuntu” written on it – it means humanity, togetherness, brotherhood. my semester in SA taught me so much about myself that i want it forever inked 🙂

  • emily July 14, 2011, 1:21 pm

    “Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?”

    No! I can respect my friends that do beleive in this, but I married my high school boyfriend and it would just be too creepy if he was also the first guy I ever slept with.

    I read some quote once where Barbara Bush talked about how she married the first guy she ever kissed (George) and it creeped me out so much that now when I tell people that I married my high school boyfriend I have to throw in the qualifier that I was slutty in high school!

    • briana July 14, 2011, 2:06 pm

      hahaha! LOVE THIS!;)

    • SarahC July 14, 2011, 2:57 pm

      Hahahaha – I almost choked on my coffee just now.

  • Ciera @ Rose and Thistle July 14, 2011, 1:21 pm

    Great post – I never you knew you had a tattoo! I’m off to LA and Palm Desert for my next holiday but your London plan sounds awesome, especially as you’re married to a Brit 😉

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) July 14, 2011, 1:22 pm

    My mom’s name is Joy too! My worst habit is procrastination. Sometimes I think it’s more fear of the unknown, but either way, it’s bad. I need to finish my cookbook, but somehow I keep putting it off…maybe blogging is another bad habit!

  • Katie G. July 14, 2011, 1:23 pm

    i ALMOST stole something once…i was 12 and my mom gave me her credit card to run into the grocery store to get a few things. i took a caramel creme out of the bulk bin and put it in my pocket for later. i was terrified as i approached the check-out with my things. when an employee came up to me and pointed to his right, i thought i was busted and tossed the candy under the counter. he was just trying to tell me that the next line had happened and i could move over….i guess i don’t have the guts to steal anything, even if it’s small, lol

  • Anne July 14, 2011, 1:23 pm

    love these! I have always wanted to change my name to Pilar

    It sounds so sexy, romantic and exotic. My husband is Peruvian so with my new name I would tango into the wee hours of the morning!!

    • Stephanie C July 14, 2011, 7:04 pm

      I love that name! I only knew two people with it, too.. so it made it even more special! I wanted Paloma for a while..

  • Kelly July 14, 2011, 1:23 pm

    One political cause I feel strongly about would have to be education – and more specifically arts education (music, visual art, theater, etc.) I lived on these classes through high school (and, well, college) and I know many people who would not have graduated high school, or really had anything going for them at all, if it wasn’t for the arts. I also think that it is really underestimated how much crossover there is between the arts and science, math, etc. People need to recognize this to be able to accommodate different learning styles! I was blessed to have fantastic art teachers and I wish everyone could have that opportunity!

  • Claire @ Live and Love to Eat July 14, 2011, 1:23 pm

    Fun post! I have a tattoo as well (that most people don’t know about)!

  • jen July 14, 2011, 1:23 pm

    1. alarm clock, most recent card from the bf
    2. no but i’ve been dying to get one for about 2 years now and think it is time ot bite the bullet
    3. no but not against it
    4. blogs hands down
    5. we’re working on pooling it all together hopefully sooner rather than later!
    6. i wouldn’t change my first name i would change my last! it is horrible having an apostrophe and extra capital letters in it it messes up all systems!
    7. http://www.miravalresorts.com/
    8. none
    9. yes
    10. i sometimes talk to my stuffed animals when i’m alone!

  • Freya July 14, 2011, 1:26 pm

    Firstly – go get that tattoo!! I really want one that says ‘Chika’, who is my horse; she’s a part of me and I love her like woah 🙂

    Have you ever stolen anything?
    YES! I steal mushrooms (a max of 2), grapes (a max of 2 grapes) and cherry tomatoes (a max of 4 tomatoes) every time I’m in the supermarket 😀 I can’t help it! I love those things raw :p Besides, I doubt Mr Tesco will ever notice 2 mushrooms missing a week….

  • Krystina (Organically Me) July 14, 2011, 1:26 pm

    I don’t practice abstinence before marriage. As crass as it sounds, I’d want to uh, taste the chips before I buy the whole bag. Plus, I think as long as people practice safe sex, are happy and responsible, they should do whatever they so chose.

    • Angie @ Musings of a Violet Monkey July 14, 2011, 3:09 pm

      Agreed! Your last sentence can be applied to many different things, particularly sexual orientation/gay marriage, etc. Love it. 🙂

      ~

  • Cassie @ Back to Her Roots July 14, 2011, 1:28 pm

    Ooooh! I’m in!

    1) Lamp, my cell phone, the current book I’m reading, tissues.
    2) Yes! My mark of rebellion that I got 2 weeks after moving away for college. It’s a cute little black and white flower.
    3) I believe in teaching realistic methods of birth control and educating about the importance of having sex with someone that respects you and you care about. Considering marriage isn’t even legal for a large portion of our nation, I think teaching abstinence prior to marriage is no longer even an option.
    4) TV. All the time.
    5) All of our money goes into one pot. I can’t even imagine doing the hers, mine and ours thing.
    6) Something that couldn’t be shorten. My full name is Casandra. I go by Cass and Cassie. I’ve had an identity crisis pretty much my entire life. Filling out a form, what do I put down? Introducing myself, what do I say?
    7) We’re planning a beach vacation for our 5th wedding anniversary. Babyface has never seen the ocean!
    8) Government subsides and control over our food system.
    9) I went to the outlet malls when I was 8 with my grandparents, we were in Claire’s and I grabbed an orange fuzzy hair tie, put it around my wrist and then proceed to totally forget about it. I walked right out and didn’t realize until we were long gone from the mall. I felt SO guilty for stealing the $0.05 hair tie.
    10) I hate taking showers. I’m lucky if I get in 2-3 a week.

    • Natalie July 14, 2011, 3:27 pm

      Love your point in #3, and LOL to #10

    • Tricia July 14, 2011, 9:19 pm

      I’m with you on 10. I mean at times I love them. But if I don’t smell or have greasy hair I don’t bother. My hair takes a good 12 hrs to air dry and blowdrying and straightening is too hot in the summer.

  • Chloe (In Fine Feather) July 14, 2011, 1:30 pm

    Hahaha, I ALSO look at wedding sites – and I am NOWHERE close to getting married! Don’t tell my bf though….he already thinks I’m a bit cray cray.

  • Courtney July 14, 2011, 1:30 pm

    I would change my name to Penny. I really don’t know why but I’m pretty sure Lost plays a part.

    • Natalie July 14, 2011, 3:28 pm

      It is for that reason that I will name my first child Charlie, regardless of the sex lol.

    • Ashley July 14, 2011, 5:41 pm

      LOOOVE the name Penny and I really loved the Lost character.

      I want to name my daughter Penelope just to call her Penny. It’s just such a happy name that makes me smile.

  • Khushboo July 14, 2011, 1:31 pm

    That was fun to read! I like the rule abt letting the other spouse know about expenses over 200 bucks..likely to save a lot of arguements!

  • katie July 14, 2011, 1:31 pm

    What do you have on your bedside table?
    alarm clock and catch all tray with coins and pens and bobby pins, a lamp and cup of water.

    Do you have a tattoo?
    i have many

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?
    NO WAY, what if the sex blows with your husband when you get married, damn that would suck

    What is your worst habit?
    candy, candy, candy

    How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?
    when i lived with my boyfriend he would give me a lump sum on the first of every month that was for rent and all utilities. i would pay all the bills since they were in my name and i knew that i wouldnt forget to pay them. for fun things we would trade off who pays and sometimes split things.

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
    even though im a girl i would change it to SEAN

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?
    Tahoe

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?
    that we should teach a better sex ed program in high schools. and it should be privatized so that companies can bid out to schools to teach seminars and classes.

    Have you ever stolen anything?
    i think i stole mini life savers when i was like 8 years old then i flushed them down the toilet because i was nervous i would get caught. im pretty sure my mom saw me and paid for them anyway though. BUT I THOUGHT I STOLE IT…

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.
    one time in college i was drunk and i slept walked into my neighbors apartment with only underwear on. yes underwear…. not even a bra…. yeah that was awesome

  • Rachel July 14, 2011, 1:31 pm

    1. Lamp, tv remote, coaster, glasses
    2. Yes. Butterfly on stomach
    3. No
    4. Soda
    5. N/A
    6. I like my name but I’d change my last name in a heartbeat. I just don’t know what I’d change it to.
    7. The Grand Canyon
    8. Woman’s right to Choose
    9. Not from a store but I’m sure of taken things from friends or ex-boyfriends but nothing comes to mind
    10. I can’t think of anything right now -sorry!

  • kyndra July 14, 2011, 1:32 pm

    love this post! it’s fun learning random stuff about people who you feel like you kind of know but have never met.

    1. What do you have next to your bedside table?
    earplugs, a tiny alarm clock that vibrates that i can slip inside my pillowcase when i use the earplugs, a hard plastic ball that i use for trigger point therapy when i’m in bed.

    2. Do you have a tattoo?
    3, actually. an inverted pentagram on my chest (because i’m metal, ha), beatrix potter’s squirrel nutkin on my hip and an omega on the back of my neck. i also have a branding (the letter pi) on my stomach.

    3. Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?
    i believe that not one set of “rules” like that fits every person. i actually lost my v-card at a very young age, not by choice, and it really affected the way i viewed sex in my teen years. i often wonder if i would have waited if the circumstance had been different.

    4. What is your worst habit?
    i tend to get really obsessed with hobbies (eg knitting, spend tons of money on them and then lose interest awhile later.

    5. How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?
    i’m not in a relationship, and honestly i don’t know if i would ever trust someone enough to pool our finances and only have one bank account. maybe i’m a cynic, but i would always keep my own account just in case.

    6. If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
    i don’t even know! when i was a teen, i wanted to change it to sage. now . . . not so much.

    7. Where do you want to go on your next vacation?
    i have my next vacation planned! penticton for ironman canada next month. as for a vacation that is not going to require me to swim, bike and run for up to 17 consecutive hours . . . i’m going to thailand alone for my 30th birthday in january.

    8. What is one political cause you feel strongly about?
    i feel very strongly about social services for addiction recovery. my city has one of the worst problems with addiction in all of canada and we’re really dropping the ball with helping these people get their lives back on track. during the olympics not too long ago, all of the addicts were carted out of the downtown core and either thrown in jail or “relocated”. it was just a way of sweeping them under the rug so that our city looked bright, shiny and happy to the rest of the world. afterwards, it went right back to normal and it’s probably worse than ever now.

    9. have you ever stolen anything?
    yep. i was not the most law-abiding teen.

    10. tell us something embarrassing about yourself.
    it’s been like 2 years since i’ve kissed a guy.

  • Mindy July 14, 2011, 1:32 pm

    For my next vacation, I’d love to head to the Northeast – Portland and Seattle, specifically! Or Europe!!

  • Anna July 14, 2011, 1:33 pm

    I want a prize!! Pick me!

    1. a giant pile of books, my cell phone, pens, journal, a candle
    2. Nay, none.
    3. I believe in people doing whatever feels right to them.
    4. I have none. I am perfect. JK. I don’t know.
    5. Responsibly!
    6. I wouldn’t change it- I like Anna!
    7. I’d like to go to Croatia
    8. Land conservation!
    9. When I was a baby, my parents would put me in a backpack carrier and go to the store. I would grab stuff off the shelves and then they would find it all later in the backpack when I got home.
    10. I have a mysterious dent in the back of my head. It’s quite large.

  • Mia July 14, 2011, 1:33 pm

    1. a lamp, an empty glass of water, my droid
    2. no, but I’ve wanted a tatoo since I was 12…20 years later, still don’t have one. I just can’t bring my self to actually pay for one.
    3. absolutely…what if you don’t get married until you’re 35? are you supposed to be a 40 year old virgin? I don’t think so!
    4. I’m messy and lazy (according to my husband :P)
    5. we keep our accounts 100% separate and I like it that way!
    6. I’ve always wanted my name to be Natalie
    7. Peru (to do the Machu Pichu trail)
    8. ummm so many! I want to make abortions legal, the death penalty illegal, make homelessness a thing of the past (free housing for the needy), univeral health care. Actually, my husband says my worst habit is that I’m too much a socialist haha
    9. a pack of cigarettes when I was 16
    10. not many people know this about me, but I LOVE to watch terrible sitcoms over and over again…think “what I like about you” and “8 simple rules”. I am kind of addicted to ABC family <- kind of embarassing for someone in her 30s.

    • Emily G. July 14, 2011, 2:42 pm

      Why abort a living, innocent baby yet allow someone to live for murdering? I understand everyone has different beliefs, but it makes me so sad 🙁

      • CaitlinHTP July 14, 2011, 2:54 pm

        As someone who is pro-choice and anti-death penalty, I will admit that the potential contradictions about these view points concern me. I can only speak for myself, but I can say that I’m pro-choice because I think it’s important to protect women’s political and social rights to control what happens to their own bodies/babies inside their bodies (i.e. if you make abortion illegal, where does it stop? birth control?). Does that mean that I would have an abortion? Not necessarily; I just want the right to. And I’m anti-death penalty because the justice system has convicted too many innocent people. I’m erring on the side of caution by saying no death penalty. But yes, I do think there are contradictions here. 🙂 I’m open to debate and would love to hear your thoughts (as long as we all keep it kosher, it’s TOTALLY COOL to have opposing viewpoints, it’s not cool to rip each other up over them).

        • Emily G. July 14, 2011, 3:07 pm

          I agree and I’m not trying to attack her at all..like I said, everyone has different viewpoints. I just have a hard time understanding them.

          In regards to abortion, I feel too many people use this as a means to wash their hands free of previous mistakes. If you’re able to engage in such activities or put yourself in undesirable situations, I believe you should have to deal with the consequences. Place the child up for adoption. So many couples are unable have babies!

          And as far as the death penalty goes – I think the only time it should be used is when there is a guilty plea or absolutely no doubt the person is guilty.

          Now – to tie them together..what is your opinion about the Scott Peterson case? I’m in no means trying to support his actions (I think he got what he deserved), but he was convicted of murder TWICE. One for his wife, and one for the unborn child. How is it a mother and doctor abort an unborn child and nothing happens, but Scott Peterson kills his unborn child and gets the death penalty?

        • Natalie July 14, 2011, 3:46 pm

          That is a good point about Peterson. I think the “what about rape,incest, life of mother?!!” is so overused as an excuse because it only makes up about 2% of abortion cases. I also think that making abortion illegal will not stop people from having abortions. Think early 20th century coat hanger abortions. Like drugs making something illegal will not some people from doing it. If a woman really want an abortion, she will find a way to have it, even if it puts her life at risk.

        • CaitlinHTP July 14, 2011, 3:57 pm

          I didn’t think you were attacking at all 🙂 I just always feel the need to say a referee-type statement when these things come up.

          Man, the Scott Peterson case did my HEAD in. As much as I would love to say in my heart that it should be considered a double-murder because the baby was so close to birth, I have to logically say it wouldn’t be a double murder. Because if I did, once again, the slope would get really slippery! What about a 6 month fetus? Or a 4 month?

          It’s definitely a very emotional subject and it’s interesting to look at the ‘what if’ statements!

        • CaitlinHTP July 14, 2011, 4:00 pm

          Oh, and regarding the, “they should just put their babies up for adoption” argument, I think that’s kind of unfair to the woman. If you don’t want to have a baby at all, why do you have to go through pregnancy and deliver? Also, I think it must be really, really hard to carry and term and give a baby up. So I imagine a lot of people who shouldn’t be carrying for babies in the first place would end up keeping them, and the kid’s life would be hell. Just a thought! Not sure what I would do in these circumstances but, as a feminist, I think it’s important for women to have the option to choose for themselves.

          I <3 debate.

      • Emily C. July 14, 2011, 4:44 pm

        I actually think that is the whole thing Caitlin!

        Most people who are prochoice think about the woman. Most people who are prolife think about the baby. When Emily G. asked why don’t they put the baby up for adoption, she was thinking of the baby. You instantly think of the woman. You did mention the child’s possible difficult life if the mother decided to keep the baby, but I disagree that the kid’s life would be hell. I’m sure there are some situations where a woman almost had an abortion and changed her mind but ended up being very happy with her decision.

        (Again, through the written word it is hard to not sound like I’m “attacking”, but I’m really not..just discussing)

        • CaitlinHTP July 14, 2011, 4:47 pm

          Oh, interesting point. I guess I do value the woman’s rights over the future child’s rights. I just never thought about it like that before.

        • Katie July 14, 2011, 5:14 pm

          I think forcing a woman to carry a baby to term against her will can negatively affect the baby even if it is put up for adoption. Being a good mother doesn’t just start when the baby is born. When you’re carrying a baby in your body, you have to take excellent care of your health. If a woman resents the pregnancy in the first place, she is less likely to quit smoking, drinking, to eat healthier, etc. That’s irresponsible of her, true, but the baby is the one who ultimately suffers. Think of all the crack babies put up for adoption.

        • Kelley July 14, 2011, 5:40 pm

          I’m a reader on this blog, never a comment-er, but these are things I feel strongly about. As for the double-murder point, I don’t think that should be allowed. Because I have heard cases in which someone was charged with vehicular homicide, and when an autopsy was done, the woman killed was found to be in early stages of pregnancy (so early that the woman didn’t know herself, or hadn’t had any medical record of it yet) and the person was still charged with double-murder. I mean, seriously? That is no one’s fault, regardless of the situation. Of course some people kill a pregnant woman knowing they are pregnant but in a case like I mentioned it can be too complicated and unfair.

          And as far as abortion, I can say that personally, I should have a choice. I have only had sex with 1 person my whole life, so I am not promiscuous or putting myself in situations where “I should face the consequences” and I am smart about sex. However, at this point in my life, if I got pregnant (from my boyfriend or anyone else) I would not want it. I do not have the finances to support a child, and would not put myself in a bad situation with money for a child I was not planning for. I should add I don’t want children at all, ever, except for being a foster parent in the future, and like I said, I take precautions but accidents do happen. A child is a life-long commitment and huge financial investment, no one should be forced to have a child they can’t provide for, just look how many kids are in poverty, on streets, in orphanages.

        • Christena July 14, 2011, 7:13 pm

          I think Emily C. makes a good point. I’m obviously in the minority here, but it is interesting to hear the other side of the debate (so civilly!) on some heated topics.

        • Cat July 15, 2011, 12:04 am

          I think the problem with the “face the consequences” argument for me is the implication that a woman should be punished for making a mistake with birth control or whatever the situation is that led to an unwanted pregnancy. People make mistakes and a child should never be a negative consequence. That sounds like the least loving way to bring a child into the world, ever.

        • Jen July 15, 2011, 9:29 am

          Oohh interesting debate! I have a problem with how nonchalantly people talk about adoption as an alternative to raising a child oneself. The child may end up being shuffled around multiple foster homes, or land in an abusive situation (I’m not saying that most foster care parents are abusive– not at all, but it does happen), or after carrying the baby to term and going through delivery, the mother may find it difficult to walk away completely and waffle on whether she wants the child or not. I’ve seen the last one happen, where my sister’s friend was trying to adopt a two year old girl whose birth mother kept trying to get custody back, and the courts do tend to favor the birth parent(s). So adoption can become a really messy, difficult, unstable situation for the child and it is by no means an easy decision. There is no guarantee that the child will end up in a loving, stable home, although that is often the case.

          I don’t mean this as a slight to adoptive parents at all; I know that these problems in foster care and adoption are uncommon and most adoption situations place the child with (a) wonderful and loving parent(s), but these problems should be considered before someone decides to place a child for adoption. I just mean to say that it’s not as simple as placing a baby for adoption and finding that perfect situation. A lot of emotions are involved on both sides (adoptive/foster parent and birth parent) that make things more complicated.

      • Kelly July 14, 2011, 5:33 pm

        Have you ever been in a situation whereby you might have to make that choice of abortion? It’s like saying you’ll never do drugs, get a tattoo, hurt the ones you love. You don’t know some things (your beliefs) until you are faced with certain situations. I am a strong believer that our choices and our “opinions” can never be set in stone. There are too many factors of life to catch you up and make you a liar, so if you hold strongly to one thing, make sure you’re prepared to let yourself down at some point in the future. (I am in no way saying we shouldn’t have strong opinions on matters, I’m just trying to point out that sometimes we do or say or think things that oppose our OWN viewpoints…it’s best to be as open as possible.)

      • Hannah July 14, 2011, 10:33 pm

        My bottom lines:
        1. Abortion sucks. It’s a hard decision for anyone and most people don’t take it lightly. No matter your views, everyone knows abortion is unfortunate, but it is an unfortunate NECESSITY.
        2. Making abortion illegal will not end abortions, it will only make them more dangerous. This has happened in the past. Back alley abortions, coat hangers, sketchy doctors, etc.. This is a reality!
        3. We must fight women’s rights before we can fight fetus rights.
        4. I find it LAUGHABLE when anti-choice people claim to care so much about the fetus/baby. They tend to care NOTHING about the QUALITY of life, only that the child is carried to term and delivered. I dare anyone with these views to approach a poor, unbathed, starving, homeless child and say, “See, aren’t you SO GLAD to be alive?” Sick and sad, but that’s reality.
        5. In terms of adoption, our shelters and foster systems are already OVERFLOWING with children. If someone wants/needs to adopt, they are more than welcome to find a child there. It’s not like there is a shortage of adoptable children.

        Caitlin, thanks for letting everyone use your blog as an outlet. You are so patient and accommodating!

    • Kelly July 14, 2011, 5:41 pm

      Tons of great points above…I personally would not have an abortion myself but I am not against them and I actually AM thinking of the child. As a teacher, I’ve seen so many parents who absolutely ruin their child’s lives… from not taking care of them during pregnancy and early childhood, to neglecting them later, etc etc. What about the girl Chelsea who was kept in a cage? CLEARLY her parents should not have had kids. Now of course she is an adult and seemingly doing relatively well, so one could argue it was still worth it for her parents to have kids, but what if she had not been found? I don’t know… it’s a tough decision honestly. I’m so bad at making definite decisions about these things because there are so many different cases. I feel MOST strongly about issues of equality/people accepting different people, for example gays and lesbians being allowed to marry/have kids, and things like that because although I myself am straight, I would just so much rather people be happy than be just like me. Those are the issues that I will fight people about haha 🙂

    • CaitlinHTP July 14, 2011, 5:42 pm

      I just want to say that I think everyone’s points are REALLY interesting. The end 🙂

      • Anonymous July 14, 2011, 8:29 pm

        I just wanted to add something to this debate. When I was in college I was raped. Ten years later it is still the worst thing that has ever happened to me. I went to the hospital right away, filed a police report, took the morning after pill, did all the things I could do. And yet, the man was never caught and my over fertile teenage body got pregnant. I don’t know what would have happened if I could not have ended that pregnancy. Actually, I do, that was a lie. I would have killed myself. I just could not do it. There was so much pain and anger and self hate going on in my mind that there was no way I could have brought that child into the world. I’m sorry Caitlin for getting all dark on your very positive blog, but I just wanted your readers who were pro-life to understand that if abortions were illegal, I would not be here today.

        I would also like to add that I am in a much much much better place in my life. I have been going to therapy since this happened and that helped a lot. I have also since gotten married and moved on with my life. My husband and I are planning on starting a family soon and I view this as such a positive experience rather than a negative one. Just wanted to make it clear that I am happy and have dealt with all the problems that come from the rape/pregnancy/abortion.

        • Caitlin July 14, 2011, 9:13 pm

          Anon, you can always be honest on my blog, even if that doesn’t mean it’s cheerful and positive!

          Thank you so much for having the courage to share your experiences. I think you put a very real face on a very tough subject, and I thank you for this. I am very, very sorry you were raped, and I am so glad you sought out therapy and have a loving husband now. I really wish you the best as you begin a family.

  • Cindy July 14, 2011, 1:33 pm

    I loved this! 🙂
    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?
    I want to go to Bora Bora and stay in one of those villas right off of the water that you get to by walking on a bridge over the ocean! Doesn’t that sound amazing? Perhaps for my honeymoon…I mean, once I get engaged…and once I have a boyfriend. Lol. 🙂

  • Nicole July 14, 2011, 1:33 pm

    1.Don’t have a bedside table… hahaha (need to get on that) but I have my glasses, a waterbottle, cell phone, and a book next to my bed.

    2.No tattoo – but I’ve always thought I’d get something in typewrtiter style letters. (I love good literary quotes and I love wrtiting.)

    3. No ma’am. I mean, it’s a nice idea – but I don’t believe it’s the only way to go : )

    4. My worst habit is spending too much time with my Google Reader whilst shunning grown-up responsibilites : )

    5. In the past I’ve split everything 50/50. In the future, I definitely want a pot that we share out of, and also have small separate accounts for ‘as you wish’ money.

    6. I’ve always liked the name Emily.

    7. Next vacation in the States – Chicago! I’ve never been and just know I’ll love it. Out of the States – Italy

    8. I absolutely agree with you about Social programs to ‘help women get back on their feet’ Also – I’m pretty passionate about the right to choose.

    9. Not that I can recall… maybe just stuff from the office supply closet ; )

    10. I’m also OBSESSED with weddings, I actually love to look at peoples registries… even when I sort of don’t know the couple. I’m a dork.

  • Lindsay July 14, 2011, 1:34 pm

    Do you have a tattoo?
    Yes, I have a sun on my stomach. Got it with my BFF when I was 18 – she got a moon. Totally cheesy, but I don’t mind it!

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?
    I don’t “believe” in it per se for everyone, but I think its great if it works for you! I am still not married at 32 so that would have been a LONG wait for me 🙂

    What is your worst habit?
    Picking at my lips and Twitter!

    How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?

    My fiance and I are going to have separate accounts. We have determined that this will work best for us at this stage of our lives…

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
    Hmmm…I really like my name, but maybe I would change it to a more gender neutral name that could be a girl’s name like Ryan. I like boys names for girls.

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?
    Africa

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?
    Separation of church and state. I don’t want religious views effecting government.

    Have you ever stolen anything?
    Not that I know of…

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.
    I am totally scared of the dark.

    • Lindsay July 14, 2011, 1:36 pm

      I missed the first question!
      Bedside table – a Real Simple or Whole Living magazine, a book, a lamp, glass of water

  • Jess@atasteofconfidence July 14, 2011, 1:35 pm

    I don’t really believe in abstinence before marriage, but I do believe that you should wait until you know you love the person (and that you know it will be safe!)

    I’d love to hear what your other tattoo idea is!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat July 14, 2011, 1:36 pm

    Have I stolen anything? Well, yes. But I returned it again. When I was about 5, I had this thing about Hubba Bubba bubblegum. I just could.not.get.enough! My parents rarely bought it for me, so one day when we were out grocery shopping, I sneakily swiped it (keep in mind, I was 5, I would never steal anything now!) and put it in my pocket. Then, when we were in the car, I pretended to reach into the side compartment in our van and went “look mum! i found some hubba bubba!!”

    Yep… she totally made me walk right back into the store and return it to the cashier. That taught me!

  • Amanda July 14, 2011, 1:37 pm

    What do you have next to your bedside table?
    Tissues, my cell phone and a lamp

    Do you have a tattoo?
    Yup, a lily on my side. I got it all by myself and I’m still proud I had the courage to do it on my own!

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?
    Not for me personally but I think it is a sweet thing.

    What is your worst habit?
    Biting my nails. They look horrible.

    How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?
    Right now, our money is our money. After we are married we will combine everything.

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
    I can’t imagine having another name…Caroline maybe?

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?
    The Red Woods would be cool.

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?
    Support for our farmers.

    Have you ever stolen anything?
    Nope. I’d be too scared to.

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.
    I’m a pregnancy addict, even though I’m not pregnant or trying yet….

  • Alexandra July 14, 2011, 1:38 pm

    this is fun!!

    1. Cell phone, tv remotes, birth control, and my ipad.
    2.No but I want one so badly! I am torn between “beauty from pain” and a cat eye on the side of my foot.
    3.Nope! Just like you I am pretty liberal 🙂
    4.Biting my nails and cursing are probably tied for worst habit.
    5. I would like to believe that in the future my husband and I would have a joint account and make decisions together, but it would also be nice to have a small side account for fun purchases.
    6.I would change my name to Emma. I absolutely love the name and only hope I have a little girl in the future so I can name her Emma.
    7. I want to go back to Belgium. Its where I studied abroad and I am forever in love with the country.
    8. I am so torn between helping at risk youth and animals.
    9.Nope and I’m a terrible liar so I’d never get away with it.
    10.I was at an indoor track meet warming up and wasn’t really paying much attention to what I was doing when my friend called my name. Out of no where I ran into the bleachers and couldn’t run because I smacked my knee really hard into them!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday July 14, 2011, 1:38 pm

    What do you have on your bedside table?

    An alarm clock and a lamp

    Do you have a tattoo?

    No

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?

    I didn’t practice it but I’m not against it or anything.

    What is your worst habit?

    correcting people

    How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?

    My husband and I pool our money together…but money brought into the marriage prior to the wedding is our own.

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

    Nothing. I like my name a lot.

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?

    Santorini Greece or Thailand. . . but I’m actually just going to the Bruce peninsula which is pretty awesome too.

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?

    Human rights and environmental issues

    Have you ever stolen anything?

    Probably

  • June July 14, 2011, 1:39 pm

    What is on my bedside table?
    Photos of my mom and dad when they were around 20 and had portraits done. They look like movie stars and since I no longer have them IRL, I like having them in my ‘safe place’. I also keep my phone charged on that same table at night.

  • Erin @ The Grass Skirt July 14, 2011, 1:39 pm

    1. An alarm clock, my cell phone, and books
    2. Nope!
    3. Depends on the individual and their beliefs I guess…but I didn’t wait. 😉
    4. Chewing gum all the time. Lord only knows how many packs I go through in a week…
    5. We have a joint account, but my husband pays the bills. We like to stick to a budget and he sends me little budget updates, so I can help to keep us on track.
    6. I’d like to change my name to something like Kate or Audrey. I never liked my name.
    7. I want to go to Italy SO badly!
    8. This isn’t necessarily a cause, but I’d like to see gay marriage legalized.
    9. I stole a bracelet by accident when I was 6. I tried it on and wore it out of the store. Once I realized, I cried and my mom took me back to return it.
    10. I once wrote a fan letter to Tony Danza and he sent me back a personalized autographed photo. He was my crush when I was a kid. I loved Who’s the Boss.

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine July 14, 2011, 1:40 pm

    I went to an all-girls’ school where they taught us abstinence, and it’s amazing how few girls I’d bet are actually waiting for marriage. It’s a nice ideal and I completely support the people who choose to do that, but I think it’s better to teach kids just what you said: sex should be a part of a meaningful, committed, respectful, loving relationship. It kind of makes me sick how the media treats sex so casually.

    I’ve never stolen anything. At all. And I have zero tattoos. I feel so boring now.

  • cathy July 14, 2011, 1:41 pm

    GREAT QUESTIONS!! i am trying to decide if i have the nerve to answer all 10 on my own blog! (would credit you, bien sur!)
    tattoos: i have two – a cardinal up on my right upper thigh, near the hip and the boston marathon emblem with the three years i ran it (and room for more dates!) on my outer left ankle.

  • Sara July 14, 2011, 1:41 pm

    I love that you posted this! I no longer have a blog and miss being about to post stuff like this, so its nice to get to post it on your blog!

    1) 2 library books, blistex, a lamp and a fan (which I can’t sleep without)

    2) No. I used to want one but have since changed my mind. I’m glad I didn’t get one because I’m sure I’d regret it now.

    3) No. For me sex is an important part of my relationship. I wish that maybe I’d waited longer when I lost my virginity, but since I was then with the boy for 6 years I suppose there was no harm no foul.

    4) Picking at my cuticles

    5) We each have our own account and transfer half of what is needed for joint expenses into a joint account. It works for now because we both have lots of student loans and pay them ourselves. When our student loans are paid off we’ll probably just pool all our money.

    6) I used to wish my name was Stacey so I’ll have to go with that.

    7) Anywhere with a beach and lots of sun!

    8) Health care reform. I work for county government and see first hand how necessary this is.

    9) A $.99 eyeliner pencil from KMart when I was 13 and my mom wouldn’t let me wear makeup.

    10) I can only blkow dry my hair without clothes on. I get too hot otherwise and my hair frizzes.

    • Tracy July 14, 2011, 1:46 pm

      #10… I thought I was the only one! My husband thinks it’s ridiculous.

      • Erinn July 14, 2011, 2:18 pm

        HAHA! I do the same thing! My boyfriend will come in the room and be (happily) surprised. It gets too hot!

      • Claire @ ThinkingClairely July 14, 2011, 2:25 pm

        ME TOO on #10. In fact, I pretty much get ready sans clothing or I get hot and stressed. Of course, if we have company, I wear a robe 🙂

    • kyndra July 14, 2011, 5:03 pm

      ha, same here on the blowdrying things. i get all sweaty if i’m wearing clothes and then i just feel like i have to shower again.

  • Lisa @ Fit in the Midwest July 14, 2011, 1:42 pm

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?–to Europe again. I want to go to Switzerland because I lived there 5 years ago and haven’t been back since. I want to show my hubby what a beautiful place I lived in.

  • Heather R July 14, 2011, 1:42 pm

    1. Alarm clock, Nook, Kleenex, Misc papers, water, and my phone charges while I sleep

    2. Yes 5 of them. A lotus flower on my foot, and ribbon in memory of my grandfather on my hip, and 3 small ones on my back. It does help that my husband is a tattoo artist.

    3. I think that you should only have sex with someone you truly care about.

    4. I am totally addicted to Facebook and reality TV.

    5. We both handle the money. We have one checking account; this is what works best for us.

    6. I like my name.

    7. HAWAII!!!

    8. Making sure that kids have the best education possible.

    9. Yep, and I am not going to talk about it.

    10. I am a total FB stalker, not in a bad way.

  • Juli D. July 14, 2011, 1:42 pm

    I feel very strongly about legalizing gay marriage. Everyone should have the right to show their commitment to another person.

  • Liz July 14, 2011, 1:43 pm

    1. alarm clock, lamp, water, magazine, birth control
    2. I have a flower on the top of my foot. I love it.
    3. I don’t really “get” people that wait until marriage. Obviously it’s not my business, but it just wasn’t the choice for me!
    4. biting my nails
    5. I live w/ my boyfriend of 5 years in a house that I own. We split everything except the mortgage principle and home maintenance – utilities, taxes, interest, internet, etc. is split. I figure the principle on my mortgage is something I will eventually get back, but all the other house expenses are basically just consequences of living somewhere and not really “investments”. We have separate banking.
    6. I actually really like my name. I think it fits my personality well.
    7. An Alaskan cruise would be perfect 🙂 But my next vacation is already planned for Vancouver/Seattle, followed by Costa Rica.
    8. Reproductive rights (abortion, free bc and std testing/education, etc.), education, healthy food, animal welfare.
    9. Yes, as a teenage. Nothing worth over $5.
    10. I watch really crappy tv – Gossip Girls, 90210, etc.

  • Michelle July 14, 2011, 1:43 pm

    When i was a kid, I used to grab individual grapes off the vine in the produce section, rinse them off in the water fountain then eat them 🙂 (that was my “stealing” confession)

  • ashley July 14, 2011, 1:43 pm

    1. nail polish, my Ipad and my DSLR
    2. No tattoos
    3. I don’t believe in abstinence but I do believe in selectivity. I didn’t with my first serious bf but I lost the v-card with the second serious bf. We are still together and I think I would be kinda cool to tell my future children that the only person I was with was their father. But if my boyfriend and I ever break up, I wouldn’t regret it either way.
    4. Google reader & internet sites in general
    5. My boyfriend and I have talked about joint accounts in the future when we are married. Right now, I’m still a student so I have no money to bring to the table at least until May when I graduate 🙂
    6. Sophia is pretty, but I don’t think it fits me.
    7. Europe!
    8. Health Care. Once you work in the health field, you see things in a way different perspective.
    9. I currently have a purse and shirt I stole from my sister. Does that count?
    10. Alone in my room, I still rock out and dance obnoxiously to 90’s pop music…

  • Lauren July 14, 2011, 1:43 pm

    I’d love to go to New Zealand for my next vacation! I have a few kiwi friends, and it just sounds like such a beautiful (and active) place to live. I’d also love to go to London sometime – I wanna run the London Marathon someday!

  • Lizzy @ runbakerace July 14, 2011, 1:43 pm

    Love this post. Thanks to you, Ladycomp is on my nightstand as well along with the Kindle.

  • Gillian July 14, 2011, 1:44 pm

    Love that you stole a coffee cup from a fraternity! My sorority “sisters” and I would always snag random things from frat houses – weird signs, funny notes/memos left for the “brothers.” So fun!

    I guess the only real thing I’ve ever stolen was a jelly belly from those cases in the super-market when I was little. I just couldn’t resist the Dr. Pepper flavored ones!

  • Cindy July 14, 2011, 1:45 pm

    1. What do you have on your bedside table?
    glass of water, cell phone

    2. Do you have a tattoo?
    yes. a sneaker with wings on my ankle

    3. Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?
    no. i think that it is important to make sure that you have a physical, emotional and mental connection with someone.

    4. What is your worst habit?
    biting my nails

    5. How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?

    One joint account and separate accounts

    6. If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

    I wouldn’t change it

    7. Where do you want to go on your next vacation?
    My friends and I are doing the Miami-Key West Ragnar and spending time partying before/after

    8. What is one political cause you feel strongly about?
    gay rights

    9. Have you ever stolen anything?
    not that I know of.

    10. Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.
    My last relationship ending was the best thing that ever happened to me.

  • Jill @ Jill is Active July 14, 2011, 1:45 pm

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

    Fun story – for the first 2 days of my life, my name was Kathleen. However, after 2 days (still in the hospital) my parents just didn’t think it fit and Jillian was the first name they agreed on after that – so there ya go!

    Although, I would NOT want to change my name back to Kathleen, I think it would be nice to be called to Ryan or Victoria (nicknamed Rory) – I kind of like a little masculine names for females!

  • Sarah T. July 14, 2011, 1:45 pm

    How fun! I’m gonna steal this idea for my blog! (don’t worry, I’ll link up)
    1. lamp and cell phone (we’re selling our house so it has to be neat and sparse)
    2. yes – 3. One on the back of my right shoulder and 2 ‘tramp stamps’ that connect
    3. I didn’t wait but I support everyone’s personal decision
    4. Popping my knuckles!
    5. Joint account that I manage. We have the same spending rule as you.
    6. NAh, I like my name
    7. Spain
    8. anything to help animals!
    9. i stole Chapstick when i was like 3. My mom made me return it than had my grandpa call and pretend to be Santa telling me how naughty I was!
    10. I sucked my thumb until I was 12! No wonder I needed braces 3 different times!

  • Rachel July 14, 2011, 1:46 pm

    1. Three half-full water bottles and my cell phone charger cord.
    2. No tattoos on purpose
    3. Not for me, but I highly respect others for chosing the path of abstinence before marriage.
    4. I bite my nails
    5. We have a joint checking, savings, and investment account. We also have our own personal checking and savings. After bills are paid whatever we each have leftover is our own to spend in anyway we choose. I am 100% happy with this.
    6. I like my name exactly the way it is 🙂
    7. We’ve got our honeymoon planned for October (to Jamaica) so I haven’t even thought about where we are going to travel after that.
    8. I feel strongly about staying away from politics 😉
    9. Stole a ceramic dog (age 16) and some stickers from a craft store (age 7)
    10. ^Please see above. I’ve, like, stolen a couple of things before. Embarrassing!

  • Cait @ Beyond Bananas July 14, 2011, 1:47 pm

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?

    CRUISE! TO anywhere. I’ve never been but the boyfriend has been on a ton!

  • Presley (Run Pretty) July 14, 2011, 1:47 pm

    Tattoos: three.

    Hibiscus, stars, and my husband’s initials (MRS)… And if we divorce, I’ll probably be another Mrs. “Something” again someday right? haha joking… kind of.

  • Elizabeth @ reads recipes runs July 14, 2011, 1:48 pm

    What do you have on your bedside table?

    This Q made me realize I don’t HAVE a bedside table! Sad day!! Hahaha. I do have a weird shelf thing above my husband’s side of the bed which I believe right now has a wine glass, coffee cup, and a few books.

  • Kim@ Wonderings of a Twenty Something July 14, 2011, 1:49 pm

    1. My phone, my tab, my glasses, a candle, and a lamp.
    2. I have wanted one for about 5 years but I can’t settle on a design.
    3. I believe in waiting for “the one”.
    4. Watching wayyy too much TV.
    5. The Husband handles the finances and provides me with timely updates!
    6. Love the name Olive!
    7. Europe!!
    8. I wish the abuse of social programs/government money by those who don’t need it was more closely monitored!
    9. Never
    10. I will watch ANY reality TV show!

  • alex July 14, 2011, 1:50 pm

    I absolutely loved this post! I learned so much about you! My ideal vacation would be to either the UK or Australia becuase I’d love to study there!

  • Cyclist Kate July 14, 2011, 1:51 pm

    1. a reading lamp, ear plugs, mouth guard for grinding my teeth, eye mask (getting a veeery sexy picture of what i look like when I sleep!), cell phone, lotion.

    2. 3, gotten at ages 17, 18, and 19 (thank heavens I ran out of money!). In order: an om symbol on the back of my neck, forget-me-not flowers on my right foot (state flower of my home state) and a bicycle tramp stamp.

    3. Nope. Been happily living in sin for 6 years. Sexual chemistry is so important in a long-term relationship and (for me), making a lifetime commitment before exploring that part of a relationship seems like going in blindfolded.

    4. Probably internet surfing. There’s so much interesting stuff out there and I can spend an embarrassing amount of time looking things up, reading blogs, etc..

    5. Currently, because we’re not married, we’ve figured out how much our monthly expenses are, he pays some of the bills, I pay the others, then he gives me a set amount of cash each month to pay rent, so it’s divided down the middle. Sounds complicated, but we only deal with it once a month and it’s quick and easy. When we get married, we’ll probably combine expenses.

    6. Nothing–I love my name! Katherine Margaret.

    7. I would love to go up to the Oregon Coast to stay in the beach house we always stayed in while I was growing up. We’re going up for a quick visit next month–very excited!

    8. There are so many, but I would say in general social support. Beyond any bleeding-heartishness, I believe strongly that our society functions (relatively) well because there’s a social safety net–taking that away from people will create social mayhem. I work with people who have diagnoses of chronic mental illness, and they’re terrified that they’re going to lose their housing, their medical care–having a bunch of people out on the streets experiencing acute psychosis->not good. I think a lot of people don’t realize that these individuals simply cannot work–it’s not a choice for them. I believe that those who live comfortable lives benefited from the system in some way–being born with good genetics, being born white, in the United States, male, etc.–those things aren’t earned and have nothing to do with the “hard work” American society is supposedly based on. I think turning around to help others by paying the taxes necessary to keep our country running is an excellent practice in humility and gratitude.

    9. In the first grade I stole a classmate’s stuffed animal and then another classmate’s hair clip. I got found out with the hair clip and was humiliated enough to cure me of my clepto-tendencies.

    10. I think it’s funny when I fart on my boyfriend. Classy, I know.

  • Jennie in Wonderland July 14, 2011, 1:53 pm

    What do you have on your bedside table?: A few books, my elephant earrings and a bottle of water. During the night, it also holds my engagement ring

    Do you have a tattoo?: Nope, not interested in tattoos… no reason really, but I think it’s a fear of commitment 😉

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?: Nope; I’m pretty socially liberal and I don’t think abstinence or abstinence only education helps anyone. Kids (but mostly girls, as they are the most susceptible to influence, I think) are much better off learning about birth control, contraceptives and self-respect rather than “never, ever have sex until he’s put a ring on it!” I lost my v-card a little late in life, but only because it just felt like the right time.

    What is your worst habit?: Procrastinating.

    How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?: My fiance and I are pretty separate with money in a lot of ways. We split bills down the middle, rent 50/50 and we each buy our own food since we eat entirely different diets. However, he pays for all dinners out and things like that. He makes more than me so it just makes sense. I like having my own money and my own agency in the relationship; I’d hate to have to ‘ask’ before I bought clothes!

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?: Isabella. But then, I plan to name my future daughter that – it’s been my favourite name since I was a child. I also love Isadora.

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?: Sanibel Island, Florida. It’s paradise on earth.

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?: Pro-Choice, always have been, always will be. The reproductive rights of women is a hot-button issue for me – I feel REALLY strongly about it. Also, animal rights, for sure.

    Have you ever stolen anything?: Yes, that’s all I’m going to say, haha.

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.: I like to stalk people on FB… lol, I am a creeper. But it’s fun to see what people are up to!

    • Allison @ Happy Tales July 14, 2011, 8:15 pm

      Yesssss Sanibel Island!! I LOVE that place! Been going there for vacay with my family ever since I was a little girl. My mom’s been going there since the 50’s… before the causeway was ever there!

  • Mellissa July 14, 2011, 1:53 pm

    Loved reading all of these! I really want a tattoo on my foot but am so chicken. Maybe some day I will talk myself into getting it done.

  • Alicia at Poise in Parma July 14, 2011, 1:55 pm

    “Where do you want to go on your next vacation?”

    I really want to take my husband to Oktoberfest in Germany for his 30th birthday/our 5 year anniversary. I don’t know if it’s in the cards for 2011 though – might have to celebrate his 31st and our 6th there instead!

    • Brittany (a healthy slice of life) July 14, 2011, 2:06 pm

      We went to Germany for Oktoberfest last year! It was incredible. My husband loved it. So many people from all over!

      • Alicia at Poise in Parma July 14, 2011, 2:09 pm

        Good to know: I’ll have to remember this for when I do get around to planning our trip!

  • Ally July 14, 2011, 1:56 pm

    1. My computer usually, a bunch of books/DVDs, a bedside lamp, and a picture of me and my best friend from a few years ago on her birthday.
    2. Nope, although I’m strongly considering getting the Sanskrit/English “Om Namah Shivaya” tattooed somewhere. Either that, or Ganeshaya Namah.
    3. I believe it’s really cool and noble if you do, and I’m all for having sex with someone you care about, but I don’t know if I could wait until I get married. I mean, I’m 25 and single…I am NOT likely to get married any time soon, so get it while the gettin’s good! 😉
    4. I bite my nails, and I’m a TEENY bit of a messy person.
    5. I would like to split everything down the middle from an equal account.
    6. I love kind of weird names like Chloe and Ryan for girls. Something like that. Or something absurdly ethnic that no one can pronounce.
    7. Oh gosh…I’m going to London for the Olympics next year. That’s what I can’t wait for!
    8. Gay marriage rights, and a woman’s right to choose.
    9. I totally stole gum when I was a kid from our local supermarket. My Catholic guilt got the better of me, I totally confessed everything, and my mom drove me right back to the store and made me apologize.
    10. When I was 5 years old I went to watch my sister perform in a Christmas pageant, and they sang John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt. Before my mom could stop me, I ran up onstage and started singing, dead center stage. We have a picture of the event; I’m standing center stage singing my little heart out, my sister is staring daggers at me, and the musical director is laughing her ass off. It’s classic.

  • Angela @ Pinching and Packing July 14, 2011, 1:59 pm

    Fun post!Since we have a travel blog, I’d luv to answer #7. Our next planned vacation is to Sedona in September, but I am really hoping that our next unplanned vacation will take us to Italy or Costa Rica!

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen July 14, 2011, 2:00 pm

    Love the name Josie! Future kid name?
    1. lamp, alarm clock, tissue box, small picture from france and “Kitchen House”-the book I’m currently reading.
    2. no tatoos
    3. not a big believer in abstinence b4 marriage for myself, but good for those that do!
    4. worst habit is probably my compulsive social media tendencies like twitter and fb too. I need to let go!
    5.my husband and I pool all our finances, no separate accounts. I do all the bills b/c I don’t trust him with paying important things! haha
    6. I don’t know what I’d change my name to but I’d like something more unique than Gina. I would particularly like to change my middle name of Marie, b/c honestly what Gina isn’t Gina Marie? So boring.
    7. Next big vacation is hopefully Greece for my 30th bday next year. I’ll take anywhere in Europe though 🙂
    8. Aww political causes, anything with animals but I also feel strongly about revamping medicare and the foodstamp program. I’ve seen too many abuses of it and it pisses me off.
    9. I did go through a horrible stage as a pre-teen with a friend and we stole stuff. Like clothes from stores. I can’t believe I did that now. It’s embarassing!
    10. See #9

  • Cait's Plate July 14, 2011, 2:00 pm

    This is awesome! Loved reading your answers and I appreciated how real yours were 🙂

    For me…

    What do you have on your bedside table? – Glasses, water, tissues and a good book (always!)

    No tattoos to speak of.

    Worst habit is definitely biting my nails! I go through phases where I stop but I always seem to start again…Twitter might be a close second!

    With finances I’m more of a separate bank account kind of gal, but we’re not married yet so that might be why. I think you should have 3 bank accounts once married, 2 separate and one joint 🙂

    I want to go to Greece on my next vacation! But I don’t think that will happen. I AM going to VT for one soon though!

    Something embarrassing about myself…hmm. Embarrassing things happen to me on a daily basis given that I’m such a klutz so I don’t know that I could ever pick just one!

  • Kara July 14, 2011, 2:00 pm

    I’m not going to answer them all, just the two I remember:

    I only had sex once in high school (didn’t enjoy it) and then I held out until I met someone I liked enough. Turns out that took a while and it ended up being my husband. 🙂

    Embarrassing: I have, on more than one occasion, pooped in the woods while I’m out running. I even carry TP with me. I don’t bury it either, unless I’m running a race and I think they’ll find out who left the unburied piece of shit in the woods.

  • Carolyn July 14, 2011, 2:01 pm

    What do you have on your bedside table?

    My cell phone, Kindle, pad of paper and pen, and an alarm clock.

    Do you have a tattoo?

    Nope. I have had a few in mind, but never had the courage to get them. I think eventually I want a compass rose on my right foot.

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?

    Funnily enough, I was raised abstinence-only. My mom was abstinent until marriage, and I took abstinence-only sex-ed in 6th grade (I went to Catholic school). Our program was called “Operation Keepsake” and the tagline was “You are a treasurebox”. It was pretty laughable. I personally decided that I did not want to wait until marriage, but sex is still something reserved for someone serious.

    What is your worst habit?

    I snore. Eek!

    How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?

    Not married 🙂 But I think pooling makes sense for my future relationships.

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

    When I was a kid, I LOVED the name Michelle. I would write short stories and the main character would always be named Michelle. I chalk it up to watching a whole lotta Full House 🙂

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?

    I’d love to go to the Pacific Northwest! I just graduated college so anything abroad is probably out of the question until I save up some moo-lah, but I’d love a long weekend spent in Portland or Seattle.

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?

    I’m passionately anti-capital punishment. I’ve read a ton of books and articles about the topic, and the fact that our country still condones something so medieval is mind-boggling to me. I think and hope CP will be abolished in my lifetime.

    Have you ever stolen anything?

    While studying abroad in Dublin, my friends and I developed a habit of taking pint glasses from pubs.

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.

    I mooned the photographer during my high school senior pictures session OOPS! I was wearing an elastic waist skirt and sitting down, when I stood up, I stood on the hem of the skirt and it fell down! Luckily I was wearing full-coverage undies 🙂

    • kristin @ wounded fawn July 14, 2011, 3:25 pm

      Snoring is not a habit. It’s a condition. You’re sleeping! You can’t help it! I snore too 🙁

    • Orla July 14, 2011, 4:17 pm

      Everyone takes pint glasses from pubs. Our apartment in
      College was like a bar stockroom there were so many! We used to take them
      From the pub in our coats & drink on the way home!!! Good times.

    • Rebecca July 14, 2011, 4:18 pm

      “You are a treasurebox.” Hahahahahaha.

      • CaitlinHTP July 14, 2011, 4:46 pm

        I died at the treasure box thing. Died.

        • Carolyn July 14, 2011, 4:49 pm

          I was thinking it would make a great Operation Beautiful post-it. Can you imagine closing the bathroom stall and seeing “You are a treasurebox”?!

  • Katharine July 14, 2011, 2:02 pm

    1. My phone (in the charger), a water glass, hair ties, an incense burner and my nail clippers.
    2. No. I’d love to get one but I’m Jewish and my grandmother would lose her mind. She’s very old and I used to say that I’d just get one in the future, after she’s gone, but I think her firm belief in not altering your body might be rubbing off on me! I don’t even have my ears pierced! (No judgment against those who do get tattoos or pierce though – I’m pretty envious of how people feel so free to do it.)
    3. No. Like you, I think it’s possible to be educated and safe without being too casual about sex. I’ve only had three partners in my 24 years, even though I started younger than a lot of people.
    4. Taking clean dishes out of the dishwasher as I need them instead of just unloading it all at once.
    5. My boyfriend and I don’t live together and so don’t share expenses. He makes a lot more money than I do but I’m careful to make sure that we split everything fairly because that’s what’s comfortable for me – we take turns paying for dinner when we go out, and split vacations down the middle.
    6. I wouldn’t! I love my name! It has rich history (named for two grandmothers AND after Katharine Hepburn.)
    7. I’m going on a cruise to the USVI in November and I can’t wait!
    8. Reproductive rights and freedoms. Birth control/std testing/ob-gyns need to be accessible and affordable to all. I won’t get into pro-life vs pro-choice but maybe if everyone could get birth control when they needed it, we wouldn’t need so many abortion providers.
    9. I accidentally stole a pack of hair ties from Fred Meyer a couple of weeks ago. I had them in my hand when I was in the pharmacy line and intended to pay for them wtih my scrip but absentmindedly put them in my purse. They were less than a dollar so I’m not losing sleep over it.
    10. I love trashy romance novels. Getting an e-reader changed my life because I can read them in public now!!

  • Brittany (a healthy slice of life) July 14, 2011, 2:02 pm

    I love reading and discussing real topics!

    Polititical cause: national defense. I think government should be there to do what people can’t do for themselves. I also think we need less hiernment reliance to fix our problems, and learn to have a little more personal responsibility.

  • Tiff @ Love, Sweat, and Beers July 14, 2011, 2:02 pm

    Ha – wedding lurker. 🙂 Enjoyed your post.

  • Ley July 14, 2011, 2:03 pm

    2. I do have a tattoo and I’m very happy to have it. When I was about 16 I started get the tattoo itch but being indecisive (oh, and underage) I told myself I’d wait until 18. Once I hit 18 I told myself that if I still wanted the same tattoo in 5 years I’d get it. And so I did. When I was 23 I got a star (cliche, I know! but it gets better) tattooed on the left side of my rib cage. In the 5 points I have the initials of my family- my parents in the bottom legs (they passed away while I was in high school), my sisters in the arms (they are my best friends) and mine at top- because they support me. It’s super corny, but I put a lot of thought in it. I like it, but I also frequently forget it’s even there.

  • Jen July 14, 2011, 2:05 pm

    Josie Boyle sounds like a detective! Cracking cases while casing crack! (Okay, she is apparently a detective by night and works for a nonprofit trying to get kids of drugs by day)

    • Kelly July 14, 2011, 5:48 pm

      I always think the name Josie sounds like a detective name regardless of the last name!

  • Jen July 14, 2011, 2:06 pm

    4 tattoos! And it’s so much fun watching them change as I get bigger 🙂

  • Natalie July 14, 2011, 2:07 pm

    What do you have next to your bedside table?
    Eye cover, clock, lamp, iPod, cell phone, water bottle & bible.

    Do you have a tattoo?
    Yes. I have a butterfly on my right ankle & the word “Hope” on my right wrist. My sister’s middle name is Hope. She has my middle name “Grace” tattooed in the same location. I currently have plans for a 3rd 🙂

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?
    I didn’t abstain before marriage but feel that there is validity to it.

    What is your worst habit?
    Putting things off (cleaning mainly) until the last minute. Then I scramble & run around like a crazy person & usually don’t fully finish.

    How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?
    Garrett & I have a joint checking account. It’s been that way since we got married. We’re really trying to clean up our spending though.

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
    I can’t come up with anything I like better than Natalie. My last name is a little funky but not too bad.

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?
    Another cruise! I had so much fun on my last one.

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?
    I suppose mine is the opposite of a cause. I think we need to STOP SPENDING so much money! Our country is in debt up to its eye balls. Why do we keep adding to it?!?

    Have you ever stolen anything?
    Not from a store. Random office supplies every now & then from work. Only items that aren’t being used & won’t get used. I’m giving them a good home. Wow that sounded super “hoarder-ish”. I promise I’m not.

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.
    I don’t use toilet seat covers unless the seat actually looks suspicious. They’re a pain.

  • Amber from Girl with the Red Hair July 14, 2011, 2:08 pm

    What do you have on your bedside table? – the ‘5 love languages’ which I’m slowly getting through, my birth control pills, a framed picture of me and my fiance at prom 5 years ago and the box for my engagement ring (I wear it for EVERYTHING but sleeping. Makes my hand go numb when I sleep with it on. Weird?)

    Do you have a tattoo? – Yes, 2. A maple leaf on my shoulder and a dolphin on my ankle.

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage? – I believe each to their own. I did not practice abstinence before marriage and lost my v-card a little earlier than the average person.

    What is your worst habit? – Agreed! Wasting time on social media sites (what am I doing right now?! LOL) is such a bad habit of mine.

    How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship? – Totally separate. Finances have been an issue for us in the past so I think it works best to have our own money and then share the bills/expenses etc. That being said, we don’t split the bills right down the middle we base it on income (I currently make more so I pay more). I also would not hesitate to help him out with money (and vice versa) if necessary but I like having my own accounts. I’m also kind of anal with savings and have like five separate ING savings accounts. LOL

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to? – I’ve always wanted my name to be Amy (that’s what my initials spell). But overall I really like my name!

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation? – I’m hoping to take a tropical vacation within the next year. I’m thinking an all-inclusive in the DR or Mexico!

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about? Gay/Lesbian rights to marriage.

    Have you ever stolen anything? – My parents used to own a little store and I once stole something from there. I got in so much trouble and it was horrible 🙁

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself. – I am a redhead and my face gets REALLY red when I’m even slightly embarrassed. It’s even more embarrassing because I can FEEL my face going red and can’t do anything about it and that makes it go even more red!!

  • kristin July 14, 2011, 2:08 pm

    My worst habit is that I’m always like 2 minutes late everywhere haha. I hate being places early for some reason.

  • Maura July 14, 2011, 2:08 pm

    Just like the #11 Maura, I love my name (Mauras unite!) And in regards to sex before marriage – while I think the idea of abstaining is romantic in some way, it’s not for me. Sex is a pretty big part of a relationship. What if you wait, get hitched…and then it’s no bueno? I’m not sure that love immediately equates to sexual chemistry – nor does sexual chemistry equate to love. I’m just selfish and want both, so abstaining is not a risk I’m willing to take. Learn from Charlotte, people. (Yes, I use Sex and the City for life lessons, please do not judge).

  • Caitlin July 14, 2011, 2:08 pm

    1. Owl earring holder, lamp, chapstick, waterbottle, at least one hair tie (and my glasses, if it’s night time) and all my small electronics: iPhone, iPod Nano & watch case (it’s awesome,) and kindle — because that’s where they charge.
    2. I have three! A cat on a moon on my right wrist, a tribal clover on my left ankle and an a cappella tattoo of dice on my right calf. They are addictive. I want more.
    3. Not particularly, as I believe you can be effective in teaching birth control and not to have sex without preaching abstinence. (I’m pretty sure my Mom /told/ me to have sex with someone before I marry them. “You need to know if it’s a fit!”)
    4. Being ridiculously messy. I just hate cleaning up.
    5. We have one bank account, but separate credit cards (so we can still buy gifts easily without the other person seeing 😉 We have a budget, and big purchases, we talk to each other about, beforehand.
    6. I wouldn’t change my first name, as I quite like it, but I’d probably change my last name to my middle name. Caitlin O’Neil just sounds so much more Irish than Caitlin Nelson.
    7. Egypt would be my first choice!
    8. Pro-choice. And animal cruelty.
    9. Pens? Tape? I also accidentally took a book about joining the Peace Corps from one of my Mom’s friends houses.
    10. My first performance of my first show at my theatre (4th grade,) I fell off the front of the stage. I was setting a stool close to the edge during the blackout before my first scene. It isn’t a very far fall, so I wasn’t hurt and just hopped back up to my place, but anyone in the first couple rows could probably tell it was me!

  • Sophie @ threetimesf July 14, 2011, 2:09 pm

    I steal a few things from work occasionally – pens, post it notes (operation beautiful addict!) etc.
    Been thinking about getting a tattoo for a while – I want to get either stars or footprints down my ankle/side offoot – one for when I graduated and one for my first real job, then get a star/footprint added when I get married, have kids etc, for big life events.

  • Jess July 14, 2011, 2:09 pm

    I never knew you had a tattoo! This post was interesting.

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?
    Bali! It will hopefully happen next year.

  • Keely (Sky Blue) July 14, 2011, 2:09 pm

    I don’t have a tattoo but I really want one and am thinking seriously about it. I think I want it on my left wrist.

  • Jess July 14, 2011, 2:09 pm

    What do you have next to your bedside table?
    Cell phone charger, glass of water, pens/pencils, book

    Do you have a tattoo? Yep, 2 actually. Got them both in Hawaii when I was visiting family there.

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?
    Nope…I believe sex is important in a healthy adult relationship and you need to know before you get married if it works for you as a couple!

    What is your worst habit?
    Biting my nails and not picking up after myself at home (clothes, towels, dishes)

    How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?
    We each have our own accounts into which our respective paychecks are deposited. However, we also have a joint account that we each contribute to for house expenses (mortgage, loans, fix ups etc)

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
    Hmm this is tough..I think I’ll stick with Jess 🙂

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?
    Aside from wanting to go to Italy, I’d really like to explore the West Coast–I’ve only ever lived in NY and have never been west of Chicago.

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?
    A woman’s right to choose.

    Have you ever stolen anything?
    When I was about 8 I stole a pack of cheap bangle bracelets from a department store. On the ride home, my mom found out and drove me back to the store where she had the security guard lecture me and threaten to take me to jail lol. Obviously that wouldn’t happen but it sure scared me straight!

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.
    Definitely spend more time than I like to admit on Facebook and friend people who I don’t really talk to just so I can see what is going on in their lives..total creeper, I know, but I get really bored at school 🙂

  • Chelsea July 14, 2011, 2:10 pm

    No tattoo. I’ve wanted one for years. I keep going back and forth on what I would get so I can’t commit!

  • Rae July 14, 2011, 2:10 pm

    The tat quesion: have 2, a butterfly and an M Dot that I am super proud of 🙂 I think that should be your next tat in a few years!!!

  • Faith @ lovelyascharged July 14, 2011, 2:11 pm

    No tattoos yet, but that will be changing soon! I’ve wanted one for a while, but I knew I didn’t want something that didn’t have a personal meaning.

    Whenever I finish my first race, I’m going to get a very small tattoo of the mileage. More than likely that’ll be a 3.1, and I love that idea that no only will it be commemorative of a big achievement, but that every time I see it, I’ll be reminded of what I can do when I combine hard work and passion. Besides, if tattoos are as addicting as everyone says, I can always add more mileage numbers as I finish more races…how cool would a 26.2 be?

  • Laura @ Cookies vs. Carrots July 14, 2011, 2:12 pm

    What a cute post! I feel like I know you a little better now 🙂

  • Anni July 14, 2011, 2:14 pm

    1) Books, clothes, my contact case, bobby pins.
    2) One for now, it says “a little faith” in calligraphy on my forearm.
    3) Whatever is right for each person, although abstinence is not something I personally believe in. Funny thing, though – I started dating my now fiancee when we were 14. We got really lucky and have had an amazing relationship. He is the only man I’ve been with simply because we’ve been together for my entire high school, college, and adult life.
    4) I get way too nervous about little things, and I procrastinate.
    5) Our money is fairly communal, but we haven’t figured out the perfect system for managing it yet. Working on it!
    6) When I was a kid, I went around telling people to call me Jessica. No idea why! I think now I’m relatively happy with my name, but it’d still be fun to try a new one out.
    7) We’re going to NYC and Paris this year, two places that are at the very top of my list. After that would be Cuba, Italy, and Greece.
    8) Marriage rights and abortion rights. I feel very strongly that we shouldn’t stand for inequality, and it really bothers me that people think it’s okay to deny others what I consider basic rights.
    9) When I was a kid, I was really chubby. Okay, I was a fat kid. I’d “steal” whatever dessert we had around the house, especially if there was a birthday cake.
    10) When we look for apartments, proximity to good coffee is a serious factor on my list. (And sorry to Starbucks fans, but it doesn’t make the cut!)

  • Courtney @ Sweet Tooth Sweet Life July 14, 2011, 2:15 pm

    Worst habits are definitely Twitter and Facebook for me. It’s BAD.
    I don’t have a tattoo but have always wanted a crescent moon with 3 shooting stars…I just can’t figure out where to put it.
    I don’t believe in abstinence before marriage, and like you Caitlin, never really gave it a second thought growing up.
    And it’s tough to think about my next vacation, since I’m currently on one right now 🙂

  • Whit July 14, 2011, 2:15 pm

    1. Lamp, Cell Phone Charger, Book (currently “Geek Love” but there is always a book there!)
    2. I have 5 tattoos (a big back piece with birds and a flame[it looks cooler than it sounds], my home state of Michigan on my wrist, a song lyric on my other forearm [dance til you fall, love til you die] and a dressform on my upper arm) and I’m planning a half sleeve to go around the dressform – all crafty stuff 🙂
    3.I believe you should be ready and educated about sex before you do it.
    4. Smoking 🙁
    5. My husband and I each have our own accounts and one joint account. We transfer money all over the place all the time and have considered going to one account for ease but right now it’s working for us.
    6. I have always liked Juliette, but I think I want to save it for my (future) daughter.
    7. Anywhere! I don’t get to travel much so I would love any vacation!
    8. Social equality. For women, gays, immigrants, african americnas, etc. I believe everyone should be equal and have equal rights.
    9. I accidentally stole a ring once – I tried it on and forgot about it and didn’t notice until the next day that I was still wearing it!
    10. I once peed my pants in second grade during class. I’m not easily embarrassed so I honestly can’t think of a more recent example…

  • Katy July 14, 2011, 2:15 pm

    What do you have on your bedside table?
    Books, my cell phone, my vitamins.

    Do you have a tattoo?
    Not yet, but I reallllllly want one. I change my mind every week or so of what to get, which is a HUGE sign that I’m not ready for one.

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?
    Nah. I don’t think you should lose it to some rando on a Saturday night- that it should be someone important- but that waiting until marriage isn’t necessary.

    What is your worst habit?
    I just got an iPhone about 2 months ago, and I am ALWAYS playing Words with Friends (it’s like Scrabble). Not texting, not on mobile Facebook… but Words with Friends.

    How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?
    I have no idea… probably pool it, but I’m sure it could get a bit messy at times.

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
    I really like the name Naomi, but it would sound awful with my last name.

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?
    India.

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?
    Equal rights for people in the GLBT community.

    Have you ever stolen anything?
    Yeah, I went through a mini “rebellious” phase in high school and stole a couple pairs of earrings from Claire’s and H&M… wow, living on the edge.

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.
    I wore a backwards baseball cap to school every day of fourth grade. I must’ve looked like SUCH a tool.

  • Katie @ cooklaughmove July 14, 2011, 2:16 pm

    What do you have on your bedside table?

    Cell phone, condoms (in the drawer), magazine

    Do you have a tattoo?

    Nope

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?

    Yes! I’m a Christian and believe what the Bible says about saving yourself for marriage.

    What is your worst habit?

    Second guessing everything!

    How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?

    We pool all of our money into one bank account and share all of our earnings equally. I pay the bills and track expenses. We don’t purchase more than a $20 item without prior consultation.

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

    I don’t think I’d change my name, I like Katie

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?

    Somewhere tropical!

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?

    Healthcare parity! I just don’t get why insurance rarely covers mental health disorders or eating disorders. How are they any different than cancer???

    Have you ever stolen anything?

    Not that I recall.

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.

    I’m very hairy!!

  • Paige (Two Runners and a Brown Dog) July 14, 2011, 2:16 pm

    I really enjoyed this post! I would have to say that my worst habit is being shocked or upset about something said to me, and not saying anything in response. After it’s over, I will think of a million things I could have said or differently, but by then it’s too late! I believe it comes from my parents always instilling in me how important it is to always zbe nice and polite…tha’s all fine and good, nut standing up for oneself is just as important…..work in progress!!! 🙂

    • Amy July 14, 2011, 9:41 pm

      I know exactly what you mean and feel the same way! If someone makes a rude/hurtful comment that upsets me, I tend not to stand up for myself and then as soon as the moment for a response has passed, I can’t stop thinking about the comment and coming up with things I SHOULD have said. For the record, my parents brought me up the same way 😉 But I tend to be a non-confrontational person as it is, and one that overanalyzes everything so overanalyzing the comment and my non-replies comes as no surprise to me, haha.

      Good luck with your WIP!

  • Lauren July 14, 2011, 2:17 pm

    I also have a tattoo! It’s closer to the inside of my ribs, underneath my heart. It’s an anchor with a heart on top. I would love to get another one/add more onto it one day once I can decide exactly what I want.

  • Britt July 14, 2011, 2:17 pm

    Oh this is so much fun!!
    1) Lamp, booklight, 3 books, tissues, lotion and alarm clock
    2) Yes, I have 3 Japanese symbols on my right big toe. It was a souvenir to myself when I took a self discovery vacay to California…it’s a lot more meaninful and cooler than a cheap coffee mug!
    3) Heck no!! sex is a very important part of a relationship…it must click in the bedroom!
    4) Worst habit is picking my finger nails and cuticles. I wake up in pain all the time!
    5) I belive in pooling money but also having your own nest egg. Love the $200 rule!
    6) I love my name…would never change it 🙂
    7) Next vacay would be the New England. You don’t have to have a passport to experience beauty and greatness.
    8) Don’t ask, Don’t tell for our military members. If you are fighting for my freedom, I don’t care about your orientation
    9) Never stole anything in my life
    10) I was trying out a new relaxation cd to help me fall asleep naturally…it made me so relaxed that I peed in my bed..EEK!

  • Jenn July 14, 2011, 2:17 pm

    Yep…I have tatoos. My first one was on a spring break trip, and I got a yin yang. Then I got a tie-dyed danced bear on top of the yin yang. Next was a sunflower on my right foot by the pinkie toe. Wasn’t a good spot b/c it faded:( So I got it redone (still faded yet again), then I had some more flowers added to it! Love them!

  • Johanna B July 14, 2011, 2:17 pm

    Bedside table – there’s a lamp, 2 pkts of emergen-C, a box of Kleenex, a spoon (for stirring my morning tea), a digital kitchen timer that I use as a clock and my cell phone which I use as an alarm clock.

  • Anna July 14, 2011, 2:18 pm

    I’ll answer controversial #3…yes, I do believe in abstinence before marriage – for myself. My husband and I got married right out college, and we both were virgins….we hadn’t even kissed in almost a year and a half until our wedding ceremony. (we had kissed prior to that when we were dating). For us, it was important to develop the trust and communication aspects of our relationship, and not let sex and gooshy feelings trick us into thinking the relationship was stronger than it was. And, since neither of us had ever had another partner, we had nothing to compare things to! I figured that if just holding hands gave me goosebumps, the rest would be ok…and it was and still is!

    • CaitlinHTP July 14, 2011, 2:20 pm

      Sweetest comment EVERRRRRRRRRRRRRR! You sound like you have a wonderful marriage to a wonderful man.

    • Anna (a different one) July 14, 2011, 3:09 pm

      Delurking to respond to such a personal post! haha. My husband and I got married almost a month ago. We both waited. I waited because I always knew I wanted to. I want to be in the MOST committed union I could possibly be. He waited because that’s the way he was raised, but when he got to college (and he and his high school girlfriend broke up), he decided if it happened with someone special before marriage, it happened. He later told me he’d essentially given up on finding anyone who had also waited…and, honestly, I had given up too but didn’t change my outlook on it. Luckily, we met before he got into any other serious relationship AND got to share such a special moment and thing together. Neither one of us had/has a basis for comparison, so there are no insecurities, “I wish”es, or “what if”s. My body, soul, and mind all know that this was the right decision for US. I shared this to let people know that is IS possible, it IS ok, it’s NOT weird or unnatural, and it’s safe for both the body and heart.
      At the end of the day, though, I absolutely respect people’s right to choose what’s best for them. Circumstances will always be different for different people. Thank you, Caitlin and others, for answering this question with RESPECT for others’ opinions and lifestyles. My heart just breaks for young people who think they HAVE to follow someone else’s (media, family, friends, whatever) plan/ideas. It’s all about being educated…and, to me, a well-rounded education on this topic means learning about BOTH choices: waiting AND not.

      • CaitlinHTP July 14, 2011, 4:02 pm

        I LOVE THIS comment. I really appreciated hearing your view!

        • Sarah July 14, 2011, 10:01 pm

          I grew up in the Christian faith and committed to waited until marriage, as did my husband. It was the right choice for us and I am thankful every single day that he sacrificed and waited for me, because like you said, Anna, there are no insecurities. My body and soul are completely his and his are mine, and it is beautiful to know that he loved me enough to wait for me even though he hadn’t met me.

          I never really considered encouraging others to have this viewpoint, though, until I started taking classes towards my Master’s in Public Health. Once you start looking at sexually transmitted diseases and the resulting issues and unwanted pregnancies at a population level, it seems obvious that our society could benefit from more monogamous relationships (and it is actually a publicly-agreed upon public health goal to encourage youth to delay intercourse, as the longer that they wait, the better the health outcomes.) That being said, I am a trained volunteer comprehensive sex educator and care deeply about exposing youth to ALL of their options and encouraging them to make a decision based on THEIR values–not anyone else’s.

          Great post, Caitlin, per usual! 🙂

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife July 14, 2011, 2:20 pm

    How fun!

    I don’t have a tattoo, and never want one! I have scriptures, lamp, books, and my phone on my bed table. I definitely believe in abstinence and am so glad I waited until marriage! I believe that is something that should be shared between a man and a woman, and I am glad I stuck to that, because it makes our relationship really special 🙂

    I am definitely adamant about protecting the family, and believe the government should do something about that! Morals and values should be a part of who we are as a people 🙂

    Can’t wait to hear what the surprise is?!

  • Kim L. July 14, 2011, 2:20 pm

    1. Books (including Operation Beautiful), picutre of my mom, a laminated copy of her obituary, alarm clock, lip balm
    2. No tattoos!
    3. Tough question as I have a teenage daughter : ) I believe it is an individual choice, all teens should be well educated about birth control options and it is ideal to be in a committed relationship.
    4. Worst habit is checking FB while at work & being impatient at times w/ my family
    5. Joint account w/my husband. He manages the finances, but we discuss all major purchases
    6. I like my name- can’t think of anything I would rather be named right now!
    7. Cruise, Hilton Head or Marco Island
    8. Politics make me cringe; that’s an embarrassing thing to admit…
    9. I don’t think I have stolen anything… maybe as a child, but I don’t really remember anything specific.
    10. I get really nervous when I have to make change and I worked as a bank teller during my college years!

    • CaitlinHTP July 14, 2011, 2:20 pm

      Thanks for reading Operation Beautiful 🙂

  • Jessica @ Healthy Dairyland July 14, 2011, 2:22 pm

    I have two tattoos. The first is a star on the back of my nexk that my sister also has, and the second is a Celtic triskel on my ankle. Sometimes I regret getting them since I will have them forever, but for the most part I like them!

  • KitKat1126 July 14, 2011, 2:23 pm

    —Do you have a tattoo?—

    I have a little Australian star (7 point star on the Aussie flag) on the inside of my left hip. It’s a reminder of the few months I lived in Tasmania and Australia and at the very end I spent a week in surfer’s paradise and I didn’t want to leave! Very few people actually know I have it/have seen it 😉

    I’d also really like to get another tattoo one day – something tri specific!

  • kelly July 14, 2011, 2:26 pm

    1) What do you have next to your bedside table? – My cell phone, whatever book I’m reading and a mini bag of unopened pretzels (from a race this weekend)

    2) Do you have a tattoo? – No, but I always wanted to get a little red balloon in memory of my friend Parker who passed away. (His favorite song was Goldfinger’s “99 Red Balloons” cover)

    3) Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage? – Not personally, but whatever works for you. I feel like I waited way too long to lose mine, haha.

    4) What is your worst habit? – Diet soda

    5) How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship? — I’m single, but I like the idea of having one joint one that you both contribute to, as well as individual ones.

    6)If you could change your name, what would you change it to? – I was obessed with Claire Danes in Romeo and Juliet, and I always wanted to change my name to Juliet after that.

    7) Where do you want to go on your next vacation? I’d love to visit California or Seattle again.

    8) What is one political cause you feel strongly about? — Way too many. I get too passionate to get into it here.

    9) Have you ever stolen anything? – Not on purpose. Once, I left Wal Mart was soda under my cart and didn’t realize I didn’t pay for it til I checked my receipt. Whoops.

    10) Tell us something embarrassing about yourself. – I’ve had seven serious head injuries. SEVEN.

  • Katie July 14, 2011, 2:26 pm

    1. Photo of me and some sorority sisters, small flashlight, box of tissues, chapstick, and Water for Elephants.
    2. No, I don’t really like the idea of putting something like that on my body forever. What if I don’t like it in 5 years??
    3. No, although I’ll admit I’ve practiced it. Just waiting for the right guy!
    4. Thinking about food too much! I live to eat rather than eat to live and I need to change that!!! There are so many other things to think about!
    5. Single, living off of student loans in a studio apartment.
    6. I love my name. Katie. Kathryn if I feel more serious.
    7. Exactly where I plan on going in 2 weeks: Denver to see my best friend!!!
    8. Sustainable fishing! (marine biology major…)
    9. I have a vague memory of stealing a small pack of gum from a gas station I was at with my mom when I was little… The gum didn’t taste good. Karma.
    10. I never let anyone watch me eat oatmeal because I have a very weird way of doing it… I spread it bit by bit around the side of the bowl and then scrape it off the side. Don’t know why, but I like the consistency better. I just look like a freak…

  • Amanda (Eating Up) July 14, 2011, 2:28 pm

    I have a tattoo on my left wrist that is technically my monogram. I’m not a huge fan of monograming though (I know this makes no sense); I just got it because my monogram spells a real word that I like: awe. I figured I was least likely to get tired of my initials tattooed on me. Funnily enough, I have only had one person ask me how I’ll feel when I get married and my last name may change.

  • Lauren July 14, 2011, 2:29 pm

    2. I don’t have a tattoo, but if I got one, I’d get the silhouette of an airplane on my ankle. I’m in a long distance relationship, and moved across the country from my family, so if it weren’t for airplanes, I would never get to see the people that I love.

  • Stacey July 14, 2011, 2:29 pm

    What do you have on your bedside table?

    An antique ashtray full of misc jewelry. My engagement ring in it’s box (recently engaged – the jeweler said to take it off each night as to not dent my finger!). “Daily Guidance from Your Angels” by Doreen Virtue. Tums.

    Do you have a tattoo?

    Yes, I have a 1/4 sleeve memorial for my best friend who died when we were 17. I was in a very dark place when I got this tattoo and if I could do it again, I would have gotten somewhere else on my body.

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?

    No. I think sexual chemistry is really important in a relationship so people need to make sure they have that before making the marital committment. That being said, I do feel that teens should wait until they really care about someone i.e. “first love” and they should be thoroughly educated on safe sex.

    What is your worst habit?

    Keeping thoughts / feelings bottled up.

    How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?

    We have separate bank accounts and each payday my fiance transfers his portion of the bill money into my account and I pay all bills. We do share savings accounts though. We have a few different accounts each with their own purpose like vacations, taxes, insurance payments, etc.

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

    I don’t think I would change it.

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?

    New Zealand!

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?

    I feel really strongly about the national debt. That sh*t really needs to be addressed.

    Have you ever stolen anything?

    Yes, and I’m not proud of it.

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.

    I have been watching really old episodes of Beverly Hills, 90210 in my spare time.

  • Carly G July 14, 2011, 2:29 pm

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?

    I do. It’s the way I way I was brought up and even though it was hard at times, it was soo worth it. Both my husband and I were virgins when we got married. What’s more, I had some emotional problems that we didn’t even have sex on our wedding night. Or honeymoon. We tried but I couldn’t get over the pain. My husband waited probably two months after we were married before we actually had sex. He was so patient and amazing with me. He never once made me feel bad for it.

    • Rebecca July 14, 2011, 3:55 pm

      That’s what I want! I want to be able to say that no matter how long I wait, it’s going to be worth it. I want to be able to look back and say that it was worth everything.
      I love that your husband was so supportive & patient! That’s awesome! What a great story to share. 😀

  • Errign July 14, 2011, 2:30 pm

    Let’s see – I don’t believe in abstinence before marriage (unless it’s right for YOU) as a rule, but I do believe in appropriate sex education (birth control etc).

    No tattoos, though if I were to get one it would probably be a snowflake or a 4 leaf clover on my foot. I’ve toyed with the idea of getting a small tattoo in every country I’ve been to, but I’m at 9 countries and no tattoos, so I guess I can scratch that plan. 🙂

  • Mari July 14, 2011, 2:30 pm

    1. Himalayan salt lam, rose quartz crystal, basal thermometer.

    2. Nope, no tattoos–yet!

    3. No, I don’t believe that you need to wait until marriage to have sex, but I do believe that you should be in a special, loving relationship before having sex. My hubby and I were each other’s firsts, and we only waited about two months into our relationship to have sex for the first time when we were sophomores in college. I’m glad he was my first (and hopefully my only!) because it’s special, but I am also glad we had sex in order to make sure our sexual chemistry meshes well together.

    4. Procrastinating online!

    5. My husband and I share one bank account and spend it equally. I take care of the bills and budget, though. Like you, Caitlin, we agreed not to spend more than $250 without letting the other know.

    6. I love the name Gabrielle, but I am saving that for my future daughter!

    7. I wanna go back to Hawaii–we used to live there when I went to grad school and are seriously considering moving back within the next few months!

    8. Protecting animals.

    9. Nothing from a store.

    10. I was in brownies/girl scouts when I was young and we were about to go on stage for a show one day. I really had to pee, but was too scared to go to the bathroom because I didn’t want to be in there when it was our turn to go onstage, so I held it in. Once we were onstage and it the middle of a song, I just couldn’t hold it in anymore and peed right there! The next group after us had to move to the floor to do their show because of the pee–LOL!

    • Sara @ OurDogBuffy July 14, 2011, 2:42 pm

      Love your answer to No. 3! That’s how it was for me too, only I was a freshman in college and I wasn’t really my husband’s first. Bummer.

  • Cindy July 14, 2011, 2:30 pm

    What do you have next to your bedside table?
    water bottle, Iphone, chapstick, lotion

    Do you have a tattoo? I have 3, and wanted to get a 4th when I was in London but didn’t have time/money.

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?
    I personally don’t, but I respect other people’s choices.

    What is your worst habit?
    being a negative Nancy

    How do you handle finances in your relationship?
    I think I’d want them kept separate. Money is such a complicated issue and I have found from previous relationships to have separate accounts, and then share costs of things like rent, etc.

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
    I’d make it legally Cynthia. It isn’t. It is legally Cindy and it drives me to drink when people try to tell me otherwise. Seriously I think I KNOW my own name.

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?
    London.

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?
    Social/Financial support for people who need it. When I was unemployed once I was told I was not qualified for support of any kind. Right now I am potentially facing the same issue if I have to go home after my second Masters program and will literally be homeless b/c I won’t qualify for support. And I don’t mean long term support, just support to help everyday people get back on their feet after a divorce or medical bills or a job loss. I think this is really important to help people out for a month, who then can go on and help themselves and then others.

    Have you ever stolen anything?
    I accidentally stole a reusable bag from Whole Foods. I picked it up to pay for with my groceries, and they assumed it was already mine, and I didn’t even think of it until I got to my car!

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.
    I have Facebook, Twitter and Google reader constantly open, even when I am working on my dissertation! (I know not really embarrassing, but other than my negative attitude, I can’t think of anything, and I am more ashamed of that…)

  • Baking 'n' Books July 14, 2011, 2:31 pm

    What a great way to get to know you. I don’t have time to answer all the questions – but I TOTALLY could see you as a Josie!! Fun and a love for life!

    Um…one question? – well, I guess I’ve always ‘secretly’ wanted a tattoo…but I get tired of certain words and stuff quick and am afraid I’d regret it. But I always thought of something on my calf muscle – right on the belly – like “strong”, “breathe” or “kick it”…meh, I don’t know.

  • Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga July 14, 2011, 2:31 pm

    “If you could change your name, what would you change it to?”

    I DID CHANGE MY NAME!

    My birth name was not Averie, nor were my middle and last names what they are.

    I changed my entire name 5 yrs ago…and love it 🙂

  • Julie (A Case of the Runs) July 14, 2011, 2:33 pm

    What do you have on your bedside table?
    – I sleep in a bunk bed (still, at age 26), so I just stash my phone, a small flashlight, and lotion in the nook between the mattress and the frame.

    Do you have a tattoo?
    – No… toyed with the idea a couple of times, but can’t commit to something and a little afraid of the pain.

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?
    – Marriage is taken so lightly these days that there’s little reason to hold to this.

    What is your worst habit?
    – I have lots. 🙁 I’d probably say it’s eating when I’m not hungry.

    How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?
    – No joint finances (yet), but in the future, I’d like to be able to spend a little bit without having to disclose every detail.

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
    – I think Juliet… which is like my name, only better!

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?
    – The Big Apple! Went there once a few years ago and would love to explore it with my never-been-before boyfriend.

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?
    – Immigration.

    Have you ever stolen anything?
    – Yes…

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.
    – My closet almost always looks like a typhoon hit it, even though most of my other personal space looks fine. But, I’m trying to do something about that for a more permanent fix, though!

  • Keelie (SweatEqualsSuccess) July 14, 2011, 2:35 pm

    1. Lamp, alarm, lotion, camera, glasses, coaster, blank note cards.
    2. No tattoos for this girl.
    3. 100% individual choice- YOU are the only one who knows what you want/ can handle.
    4. Forgetting to eat.
    5. Joint account but I still have a personal one until I return to school in the fall.
    6. I love my name. If I HAD to change it, I’d probably pick Harper.
    7. New Zealand
    8. Arts in Education
    9. Chapstick. When I was five. As soon as we walked out the door of the grocery store I gave it to my mom. She made me return it to them.
    10. I make faces at children and then act normal when their parents look.

  • Hope July 14, 2011, 2:36 pm

    How do you handle finances in your relationship?
    We both have our own seperate accounts and we have a joint checking and saving account. We use our joint checking to pay our rent and bills that we have together.

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?
    Our next vacation will probably be our honeymoon. I would love to go a Sandals resort in Antigua! It looks beautiful there! 🙂

  • Michelle July 14, 2011, 2:36 pm

    Oh man if you had asked me this when I was 14 I would have totally told you that as soon as I was old enough I was changing my name to Star or Autumn. (I was obsessed with those names.) Now I like Michelle although I wish it could be shortened to something I liked (I DESPISE Shelly)

  • Miranda @ Working Mom Works Out July 14, 2011, 2:36 pm

    What is your worst habit?

    I click pens. I twist my hair. I leave lights on everywhere in the house <- The worse offender according to my husband.

    How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?

    Everything goes into a joint account. I don’t think either of us spend more than $50 without letting the other know in advance. We haven’t had finance problems in our marriage, which rocks my socks off b/c it was one of the reasons my first marriage failed.

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

    I’ve always wanted a simple name like Sarah or Jane.

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?

    Boston or NYC. I want my husband to see the North East.

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?

    Marriage Equality

    Have you ever stolen anything?

    I’m sure I have – clothes from my sister comes to mind. I always returned them though, even if they did stink.

    I’ve never stolen anything from a store.

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.

    Oh, there’s so much. I’m afraid of squirrels. True story.

    • Miranda @ Working Mom Works Out July 14, 2011, 2:37 pm

      Dang, I forgot the first couple.

      – Yes, I have lots of tattoos. I should probably show them on my blog sometime. I <3 tattoos. My husband has a lot, too.

    • CaitlinHTP July 14, 2011, 2:42 pm

      I AM SO AFRAID OF SQUIRRELS.

      #squirreltwinfear

  • laura July 14, 2011, 2:37 pm

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?
    Spain to see my family 🙂

  • Steph @ A Life Without Ice Cream July 14, 2011, 2:38 pm

    Wow look at all those comments! So much fun.

    Yes I have a tattoo. Its a dragon I designed when i was 16 and me and my best friend got the same one with different colours in different places. We’d been friends since we were in grade 4… and now (13 years after being 16… hah, there’s a math puzzle in there for you) we’re still amazing friends and don’t regret the decision.

    I’m also trying to get up the courage to get a 2nd tattoo… seemed easier at 16 🙂

  • Sara @ OurDogBuffy July 14, 2011, 2:38 pm

    1. Alarm clock, lamp, water bottle
    2. No
    3. I do not believe in mindless sex–only sex with someone you truly love.
    4. When I get mad, I get kind of nasty. In that I stomp up stairs, hit walls hard, yell SO LOUD … it’s just not cool or pretty. Must stop.
    5. We have a joint checking and savings account but we talk to each other about purchases. “Honey, I just ordered stuff from Avon, Amazon, etc.” Generally we talk about whatever we’re buying before we buy it.
    6. Charlotte, Scarlett, Violet … something classic (My mom’s name is Scarlett and she hates it. My aunt’s name is Violet!)
    7. NYC or the beach!
    8. Women’s Rights & Animal’s Rights
    9. I stole a pack of Chiclets when I was a kid.
    10. The most embarrassing thing recently I cannot write in case someone I know happened to see it.

  • Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans July 14, 2011, 2:40 pm

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage

    I believe sex, like many things, is a personal choice and when (and who) you choose to do it for the first or 101 first time is really no one’s business. I am not a fan of anyone dictating moral code on a natural human behavior.

    That being said I believe a person is wise to wait until they are better informed about birth control and the physical and emotional implications that engaging in sexual activity can have. That could happen for one person at 15 and another at 18 or even 21 and only he/she knows when the time is even close to right.

  • Claire @ ThinkingClairely July 14, 2011, 2:42 pm

    1. Cell phone, water bottle, TV remote, books, glasses

    2. No tattoos – but was very close!

    3. To each their own but personally, no. I think that the sexual part of a relationship is just as meaningful as any other aspect, and I think it’s important to understand your sexual chemistry together before making a lifelong commitment. But that being said – I’m a big advocate for PREVENTION education. We don’t have enough!

    4. Worst habit? Social media.

    5. We have a joint account – joint checking, joint savings, joint money market, joint everything. Money decisions are made as a team.

    6. I actually don’t mind my name, but if I had to switch, I’d switch to Emma. Love that name.

    7. I’m dying to go somewhere tropical…Hawaii, carribean, anything.

    8. Phew! Too many – I work in politics. My main issues: public education funding, abortion rights, LGBT rights, healthcare.

    9. Admittedly, yes, a few times from the college cafeteria (hey, I was a broke college kid!). But I don’t really feel bad about it given the ridiculous amount of money I paid them in tuition.

    10. One time, I got stuck behind a refrigerator for a few hours.

    • Paige July 14, 2011, 5:16 pm

      Lolllllll at #10. You say that so casually, like you were just hanging out back there for giggles. Bahaha awesome.

  • SarahC July 14, 2011, 2:42 pm

    Ha – how fun! 🙂

    1.(Bedside table) Book (varies), Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter cuticle cream, and a picture of my boyfriend and I taken very early in the relationship – heh, such babies!
    2.(Tattoo) Yes, a 4-line refrain from Omar Khayyam’s Rubaiyat in Farsi. The poem uses women, wine, and the stars as metaphors, but it essentially is saying “seize the day.” I’m not Persian, but my brother-in-law (who married my sister when I was 5!) was, and Iranian culture was a huge part of my upbringing. He passed away a few years ago, and I love that I have a permanent reminder of him always with me.
    3.(Abstinence) No, but to each their own!
    4.(Bad habit) Multi-tasking. Sometimes trying to do too much at once means I’m not really doing anything well at all.
    5.(Finances) Oh boy … right now they are in separate bank accounts but we share so many expenses that once a month we tally up and make things even. Not really the best system, but we’re also not married yet, so it just seems like the smarter option for now.
    6.(Name) I love the name Isabelle.
    7.(Trip) Backpacking across Africa is my life-long dream – I would start in Senegal to Cote d’Ivoire, and Cameroon, then hop over to Ethiopia, Uganda, and Rwanda, and down through Tanzania, Mozambique, and finally South Africa! Not going to be anytime soon, but maybe someday …*sigh*
    8.(Political cause) Foster care – especially increasing support for older kids that will age out of the system.
    9.(Stolen) Like you – not from a store, but a glass from a local bar. It’s kind of a tradition here, so that justifies it, right?
    10.(Embarrassing) Oh gosh, I love reading mommy blogs and pregnancy forums, too! I probably know way too much about nipple latch and cloth diapers than a person with no kids should know!

  • Ashley July 14, 2011, 2:44 pm

    1. Tissues, picture of my boyfriend and I, glasses, and a book
    2. No tattoos
    3. I needed to test drive the car before committing, enough said
    4. Biting my nails
    5. I live with my boyfriend, but we aren’t married yet, so he pays the housing bills and I pay him every month to cover our house and utilities and I pay for all of the groceries. When we get married, we will probably make it easier and open a joint account!
    6. Dawn
    7. Realistically, New York… in my dreams, Europe
    8. Gay rights
    9. no
    10. I don’t like to shower. I mean, I do shower because I know it needs to be done, but if left to my own devices I wouldn’t shower very often…. I don’t like getting my hair wet. Weird, I know.

    6.

  • Emily G. July 14, 2011, 2:45 pm

    1. Glasses, phone, drink, prescriptions.
    2. Yes..I had a few too many to drink one night and got one. It’s absolutely meaningless, prevents me from wearing certain shirts to work (it’s on my upper back – small, but noticeable), and I’m hoping to have it removed by the end of the year.
    3. I think it’s a wonderful idea, unfortunately, I didn’t wait. At the time I was caught up in the moment of “love” and thought he was my forever. I will preach this to my kids though. It’s so sweet!
    4. Picking on the boyfriend. If we’re messing around I’ll call him “beyotch” in a sweet way but he doesn’t see it that way. I try to tell him it’s a name of endearment, but he isn’t buying that excuse. I’m not saying it to be mean, it’s just word vomit.
    5. It’s just me so I don’t have to worry about having anyone dabble in my finances! YAY!
    6. My name is Emily Ann, and although I think it’s old fashioned, I’ve lived with it for 23 years and I can’t imagine being called something else. My mom named me that for a reason and I wouldn’t want to go against her wishes.
    7. I would love to visit New York. I want to see a Broadway SO bad!
    8. I think social welfare programs should be monitored a lot more than they are. Is it really necessary for someone to live off welfare and food stamps their whole life? At some point the handouts have to stop. People don’t respect the help they’re getting and it’s disgusting to see them use in the wrong way. I believe drug testing should be mandatory for everyone on government assistance. I have to drug test to have my job where taxes pay these people..they should at least have to drug test to receive help. And I’m very pro-life..but that’s a whole different ballgame.
    9. Maybe once or twice..but nothing major. Just like a candy bar or two.
    10. I get bored when I’m using the bathroom and often call my mom. Don’t worry though – I spray my phone with sanitizer!

  • Karen July 14, 2011, 2:45 pm

    Oh, this is great!

    1. My book, eczema cream (for those nights I wake up scratching), and every hair tie and barrette I’ve ever owned.

    2. I do! Just one. My brother drew it, and I had a great artist. You can find it here: http://fyeahtattoos.com/post/6244972038/inspired-by-the-song-bluegrass-by-faithless

    3. No, especially not with teenage hormones. Have fun, be safe. Beyond then, sexual compatibility is such an important part of a relationship, I can’t imagine NOT knowing how that would work out before committing to someone!

    4. Definitely biting my nails. It’s so gross, but happens all the time when I’m not paying attention.

    5. I’m a big believer in separate accounts for most things, and splitting costs of things like eating out – what can I say, I like financial equality and feeling like an equal, but I don’t mind it if he opens the door for me!

    6. I have the most German name you can get. For a long time I wanted to change Karen to Katarina, so people could call me “Kat”

    7. Just got back from Eastern Europe and Norway. I really want to go to the South Pacific next! Hammocks and tiki drinks, here I come!

    8. Almost every aspect of sexual health and birth control. I believe in educating women and men on their risks, b.c. options, and providing them at a low cost or free. I also support the right to chose, because I don’t believe that anyone’s religious preferences should inform another’s life.

    9. I stole a handful of chips and jelly beans from the bulk bin of our local grocery store when I was 5. When I got home, I hid them behind a bookshelf. I am still racked by guilt.

    10. It goes like this – we’re at a wedding for a family friend’s son (so, not someone we know that well personally). I’m about 3 or 4. I asked my mom if I could have the cake, and she said sure, I could have a small one. I remember walking up to the cake, and asking the person in charge if I could have a small piece of cake, please. Everyone else tells the story of the moment mid bride-and-groom cake-cutting, while romantically entangled with each other trying to feed the other cake, this little kid runs up and jumps up and down, asking “Can I have a small piece please? Can I have a small piece please? My mommy says it’s ok”. Legend goes the bride gave me the remainder of her cake. I’m still monitored at weddings.

  • Lauren July 14, 2011, 2:47 pm

    1) What do you have next to your bedside table? – My alarm clock, a glass of water, Synthroid & Chapstick. Baby monitor…with ocean sounds…can’t sleep without it! 🙂 LOL Neither can she…

    2) Do you have a tattoo? – Nope, no tattoos. No plans for them either.

    3) Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage? – I do.
    4) What is your worst habit? – Worrying about things I have no control over.

    5) How do you handle finances in your relationship? It “our” money…all bills are paid before any junk spending is allowed.

    6)If you could change your name, what would you change it to? –I LOVE my name…I was named after the actress Lauren Bacall.

    7) Where do you want to go on your next vacation? Disney World! LOL

    8.)What is one political cause you feel strongly about? — I feel strongly about support for abandoned/fostered children.

    9) Have you ever stolen anything? – No.

    10) Tell us something embarrassing about yourself. – I once walked into a bathroom in Wal-Mart passing by numerous men in the process of going to the bathroom…went into the stall when it dawned on me that I was in the MENS room…seriously must have been a “slow” day for me…I quickly exited the bathroom…then went in the women’s and stayed there for a good length of time hoping that anyone who had seen what I had done was long gone!! LOL Still makes me smile to tell that story!! I HATE Wal-Mart for that very reason!!! LOL

  • Jenna H July 14, 2011, 2:48 pm

    What do you have on your bedside table?

    I don’t have a bedside table, but I tend to keep all of my crap on top of my dresser where my TV is. My kindle, iphone charger, a headband, the new People magazine, and a bunch of ligas (my word for hair tie…I grew up on the US/Mexico border) are there.

    Do you have a tattoo?

    Yes, I have the NEDA symbol for recovery on my right hip.

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?

    Nope, not for me!

    What is your worst habit?

    Biting my nails! Also, Diet Coke. I know it’s horrible for me, and I’ve cut down from a six pack(!) a day to one a week, but I’m trying to wean myself off of it completely.

    How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?

    We don’t give together/aren’t married yet, but my boyfriend and I have talked about it and since I am REALLY BAD with money, it would be unwise for me to have total access to our $$$. We’re planning on putting all of our money in one account which he can have access too (and me for emergencies and big purchases, like a car, a new fridge, etc) and for me to have my own little account with a debit card that gets an “allowance” put into it each month that I can spend on things I need and when it’s gone, it’s gone. This was all my idea, by the way. I do not want money problems ever!!!

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

    I don’t know, I kind of like Jenna, but my top 4 girl names (for a future daughter) are Imogen, Eliza, Violet, or Olive, so maybe one of those.

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?

    I’ve always wanted to go to Cape Town, South Africa!

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?

    A women’s right to choose. Texas recently passed a law that makes it mandatory for a woman to have a sonogram before getting an abortion and having to wait 24 hours after the sonogram to have the procedure, and I think it’s highly insulting and degrading. Thank god I’m moving to NYC in the fall for grad school!

    Have you ever stolen anything?

    When I was in fifth grade I was jealous of a girl’s Harry Potter bookmark in my class so I stole it. And I still don’t feel bad about it. She was mean.

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.

    I’m a pretty big control freak. I can’t stand not being in charge of a situation. Heck I’ve been picking out my own Christmas/Birthday gifts from my parents since I was in grade school (I hate surprises because I can’t stand not knowing) and I even picked out my own engagement ring. It will probably be another year or two until we actually get engaged and we’re both done with law/grad school but I basically demanded that I pick it out since not knowing when/how it’s going to happen majorly stresses me out.

  • Jenny P July 14, 2011, 2:48 pm

    For our next vacation the hubs and I would love to backpack through Europe. Maybe for our 2nd wedding anniversary in June 2012?!

  • Meg July 14, 2011, 2:48 pm

    What do you have on your bedside table?

    Cellphones (mine and husband’s), many books, retainers (still wearing them at 28), glasses, coaster my little cousin made me, glass of water.

    Do you have a tattoo?

    Nope.

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?

    As the brilliant Meg from APracticalWedding would say, “It isn’t fairies. It exists.” She would say it about people who say they don’t believe in marriage but it is still my favorite answer for “I don’t believe in” statements. That having been said, I didn’t wait, though my husband is the only person I have slept with, which I am generally glad of. I don’t think that’s for everyone though.

    What is your worst habit?

    Watching too much TV that is really meant for teens (Pretty Little Liars, Chloe King, Gossip Girl).

    How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?

    We also pool all our money. Mine goes into paying our bills and expenses. His goes into our travel fund. We ask each other if we want to make big purchases.

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

    I don’t think I would change my first time. I’m still trying to decide if I want to change or hyphenate my last name and I’ve been married for almost a year!

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?

    I want to go to Orcas Island, WA in a few weeks but I don’t know if I’ll be able to.

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?

    Adoption and child welfare all over the world.

    Have you ever stolen anything?

    Several pint glasses from various bars in college.

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.

    I also read pregnancy forums! I feel like it helps me wrap my head around the idea even though I’m not planning to have kids for a couple years.

  • @HilaryFleming July 14, 2011, 2:52 pm

    1) cough drops, alarm clock, water, book that I want to read but usually dont.
    2)Nope
    3)I actually waited. I was 26 nearly 27…so old right? It was tough because I had had a slew of serious boyfriends and it was difficult to abstain but I did. I was also living in Hollywood and was a professional Latin ballroom dancer/choreographer whose job it was to basically be a sexy diva at competitions and shows etc. Most people didn’t believe me when I told them I was a virgin (not that I broadcast that to the world) but I was brought up to save myself for marriage (Im actually a Mormon) and I felt really strongly about it. I definitely doubted that I would ever find the right guy and luckily for me, I did. We got married after six months of knowing each other (cause thats a LOOONG time to wait to have sex when you are in love lol) and we’ve been happily, wonderfully married for nearly four years and a have a beautiful little 19 month old boy. I don’t regret waiting for one second. I realize it’s not for everyone and that I am definitely in the minority, and it was definitely one of the hardest thing about my 20s, but in my case, it really worked out. Objectively I was a bit of a late bloomer and probably wouldn’t have been emotionally mature enough for sex until my early 20 or 21 had I not been raised Mormon.
    4)Nail biting
    5)We have a joint account. Everything is equal. We also don’t buy more than we can pay off immediately so we don’t have credit card debt. I think that is a huge stress avoided in our relationship.
    6) I like my name.
    7)Costa Rica or some place tropical
    8) Political view: believe it or not, I am in total support of gay marriage. It’s something that ruffles a lot of my Mormon/Christian friends feathers but I think its a right that should be awarded to everyone who pays taxes. As I said before, I was raised Mormon (and still actively practice mormonism) but I consider myself a very open-minded liberal when it comes to gay marriage. I also like your idea of social rehab programs. That is something I can def get behind.
    9) never stolen anything that I know of
    10) Sometimes I talk to myself when I drive…I’ll be thinking about something and then I will realize that my thoughts are suddenly audible…totally embarrassing when someone else driving notices it. lol
    9)

  • Martha July 14, 2011, 2:54 pm

    #6: I really like the name Daphne — I think it stems from my childhood love of Scooby Doo!

    • Daphne July 15, 2011, 10:29 am

      Yay! 😀

      I like my name, too because I never met another Daphne. 🙂

  • Catherine July 14, 2011, 2:54 pm

    1. What do you have on your bedside table?
    A glass of water, alarm clock (with the wrong time…oops), and a nail file.
    Ohhhh the post-grad life!

    2. Do you have a tattoo?
    Yup. I’d planned it for 2 years before getting it. It says “everything will be fine” in Italian. Basically, I sometimes (more like ALL the time when I really little) got wrapped up in things. If something that I hadn’t planned for went awry and I didn’t have a backup or the forces of the universe did something that was completely out of my control, I’d still lose it.
    And, even though I couldn’t do anything in my power to “fix” things during these situations, I would still blame myself. That’s when my grandfather would step in and simply tell me that “everything would be fine”. He didn’t say it in Italian — though he was — that was my added homage to him.

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?
    Absolutely not. I think that in most areas of the US it’s really unrealistic to think that teens/young adults can or will practice total and complete abstinence before marriage. I was raised Roman Catholic and they have a pretty fire-and-brimstone POV about that, and my family never really spoke/educated me or my sister about that–they wanted our focus on education first, boys second.
    But I have no regrets about my choice to break with that, and, although my high school boyfriend is long gone at this point, I wouldn’t change my experiences for the world.
    I think the most important thing in this new day-and-age is to educate young people and let them make informed, smart decisions–not to try and bully them into rebellion.

    What is your worst habit?
    Thinking negatively! I am a very positive person in regard to most things, but every now and again those little seeds of doubt can take over–that’s when I have to remember why I have #2 permanently etched on my body.

    How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?
    Post-grad, unplanned unemployment is a bitch. My boyfriend and I typically split groceries, but other than that we’re normal 22-year-olds with separate accounts and trying to make the money work. I have no idea about the future, though…I should probably be gainfully employed before I worry about that…

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
    I’ve thought about this a lot, but I can never really come to a conclusion. Probably something more Italian, because I definitely look it, but “Catherine” isn’t very telling. People get confused and then ask me odd questions like “What are you?” or “You’re an interesting mix, huh?” …Nope, not really. Just an Itali-Irish half-breed.

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?
    Anywhere I can pay for by myself with money from my first big-girl, full-time job!

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?
    Increasing awareness and support for the families of substance abusers. As the child of a severe alcoholic, I know firsthand that people often “blame the victim” (ex. “well, they allowed the alcohol in the house”) or discount the potential of severe psychological scarring. But the truth is that even once an addict has been removed from the house, the rest of the family does not magically fix itself. There are very, very few resources for teen-children of alcoholics (ALANON is mostly aimed at younger children) and even fewer resources for adult children when dealing with stressors that awaken feelings from being raised around addiction (ex. college drinking, healthy relationships, becoming parents themselves, etc.)

    Have you ever stolen anything?
    I was reading through a Farmer’s Almanac in a Home Depot when I was seven and accidentally walked out through the garage-door-openings with it. I got really scared and immediately ran back to replace it.

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.
    Even though I’ve been dancing for 17+ years, when I’m not actively dancing, I’m really, really clumsy. So much so that I’ve heard “If we didn’t know you were a dancer…” multiple times.

  • Chaaron @Sense and Nonsense July 14, 2011, 2:54 pm

    1) What do you have next to your bedside table? My book, a lamp, and at least a handful of bobby pins and hair ties
    2) Do you have a tattoo? No, I don’t think I could do it, but I know what I’d get if I did take the plunge – a Bermuda Onion!
    3) Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage? I was raised in a very conservative church that really preached abstinence so I like the idea. It just doesn’t work for everyone and preaching birth control is equally important.
    4) What is your worst habit? Just one? Yikes! Probably ripping my hang nails.
    5) How do you handle finances in your relationship? All of our money is in one pot. We maintain separate credit cards so gifts can remain a surprise, but it’s all “our” money.
    6)If you could change your name, what would you change it to? I love my name, but I use my husband’s name EVERY time someone asks for my name at a restaurant or at Starbucks. Lucky for me, his name is gender neutral.
    7) Where do you want to go on your next vacation? Bermuda!
    What is one political cause you feel strongly about? I’m really concerned about food safety and nutrition in public schools.
    9) Have you ever stolen anything? – Not that I can think of.
    10) Tell us something embarrassing about yourself. I wanted to name my first cat, “Tickles.” Thank goodness my mother intervened and named him “Fitzer” instead.

  • Alyssa July 14, 2011, 2:54 pm

    1. Lamp, clock, box of kleenex, and sometimes my phone
    2. No
    3. Not for me personally, I believe the right time is whenever you feel the “right” time is. But I do respect those who believe in abstinence, but not if they try to enforce their view on others.
    4. It’s gross, but picking at dry spots on my hair 🙁
    5. I’m single.
    6. I would never change my name, but if I had to choose I might pick Nicole…
    7. I would love to go on vacation to a tropical island, like the Bahamas or an island in the Caribbean.
    8. Health care and insurance companies not covering people for some reason or another. It’s called health care for a reason, everyone should be covered…period.
    9. Not from a store or anything.
    10. Hmm…probably my bad habit…

  • Jen July 14, 2011, 2:55 pm

    1. Glasses, cellphone, earrings, water glass, light up pikachu doll I got from a McDonald’s Happy Meal. (I’m 22, but the doll is really cool.)
    2. I just went with the bestie last week to get her zebra tattoo, and I have one in mind that I’ve wanted for awhile. I’m hoping to get it done in August before I move away again for school.
    3. I think it’s a very personal choice. Like Caitlin, it didn’t work for me, but obviously it is the right choice for a lot of people.
    4. Texting. I send so many text messages a day I often wonder how I get anything else done.
    5. I’m single! So I only have to consult myself when it comes to finances. But being a student means I basically get to spend nothing, ever.
    6. I have a very common name and I’ve often wanted to change my last name (Smith), but I like my first (Jennifer). I’m hoping my future husband has an interesting last name.
    7. I would love to go to Italy. I’m taking Italian classes and will hopefully be studying abroad next year in Italy.
    8. Gay Rights
    9. I always seem to end up with sweaters and hats that belong to other people. Mostly guys. Usually it happens when everyone is hanging out and I get cold or decide I want to wear someone’s hat and I end up going home with it. I have quite the collection
    10. I have the worst sense of direction. I can get lost absolutely anywhere. I had a class each semester last year in the same classroom and I still managed to get lost trying to find it at least once a week.

  • hannah July 14, 2011, 2:55 pm

    1. my phone, chapstick, hand lotion, and hair ties.
    2. not yet.. soon hopefully!
    3. yes, but to each her own
    4. singing/dancing in public, thinking that no one is listening or watching.
    5. i think i would do it like you, caitlin! pool everything together, and try to spend wisely. i personally like shopping a little too much but i have been getting better and not buying too much. hooray!
    6. cadence or madeline.
    7. anywhereee i have a major itch to travel! i’m going to new hampshire next but i would love to go all over europe.
    8. education ! ! !
    9. car perfume… so random. i was 5 and saw them on the counter at my parents’ friend’s shop and thought they were pretty so i took one.
    10. regarding #4—- this causes too many embarrassing moments. i should really know better! but it’s a bad habit and sometimes it makes people laugh so i’m glad it can be a good thing. 🙂

  • Susan July 14, 2011, 2:58 pm

    1. What do you have on your bedside table?

    Alarm Clock, Water Glass on Coaster, Romote Control, Lamp

    2. Do you have a tattoo?

    No but I am getting one in the next couple of weeks- having an artist draw it now. I am getting a green 4 leaf clover to commemorate a brother that died while I was a child. I always want to remember how short and precious life is.

    3. Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?

    I think everyone has to do what works for them. I never thought I would wait until marraige, but I did wish I waited for a loving relationship.

    4. What is your worst habit?

    That I take a ridiculous amount of time to get ready in the morning- seriously over 2 hours on a good day!

    5. How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?

    One account, husband pays the bills and manages the money. I am just not smart about my own money. 🙂

    6. If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

    I don’t think I would actually. I used to want to… but I honesly have grown to like the fact that Susan is a unique name for a 30 year old.

    7. Where do you want to go on your next vacation?

    Bahamas.

    8. What is one political cause you feel strongly about?
    money for that.

    Feeding kids healthy foods at school and home- love Jamie Oliver’s show!

    9. Have you ever stolen anything?

    Used to steal mugs from Chili’s in college to avoid buying cups for our apartment.

    10. Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.

    I am 5’4″ tall and I have size 9.5 narrow feet…. let’s just there are some shoes that I just cannot wear 🙁

  • Nic Dempsey July 14, 2011, 3:00 pm

    1. Radio, alarm, books, tissues, water
    2. Yep, I have two. 1st when I was 20, 2nd when I turned 30. Neither is significant but I love them both.
    3. Not against it for others, wouldn’t have worked for me. Stef died before we got married and if he had died and we hadn’t, I’m not sure I would have survived it. I’m not a great believer in living with someone before marriage though..
    4. So many bad habits..but the worst I’m really good at being where I am and not good at the transition, which means I’m often late..
    5. My account, his account, joint account.
    6. Helen, it’s my middle name.
    7. Easter Island (although full disclosure, I’m dreading the Olympics. Please, if you come understand that Londoners are friendly, we I am, but we have to get to work and you could be in the way. Also cocktails at the OXO Tower and the best view of the river..)
    8. I’m pro-choice and also passionate about social housing.
    9. No
    10. When I was six, I told my entire class at school that “Mummies have eggs and Daddies had squirms and babies grow in their Mummy’s tummies and come out of the mummy’s vagina”. Yep, I was that kid and I really did call them squirms..

  • Jill Will Run July 14, 2011, 3:00 pm

    I have two tattoos… one is the Japanese kanji for beauty and balance and the other is a sunflower. They’re both for recovery from my ED.

    What pregnancy forums do you read? I might start lurking on those, pregnancy plans are going to be sooner rather than later for me! 🙂

    • CaitlinHTP July 14, 2011, 3:04 pm

      I like Babble and the Bump!

  • Vicki July 14, 2011, 3:02 pm

    What do you have on your bedside table?
    Lamp, glass (usually with water, sometimes not), alarm clock radio.

    Do you have a tattoo?
    No, but I’ve considered it until my mother told me that I’d be considered yakuza if spotted with one in Japan.

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?
    Works for some people, not for me.

    What is your worst habit?
    Not picking up after myself. I keep trying to work on it but it lasts for only a week before I fall into my old habits.

    How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?
    Single~

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
    Elizabeth

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?
    The Mediterranean!

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?
    LGBT rights, especially same sex marriages

    Have you ever stolen anything?
    Nope. I’m boring like that, lol.

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.
    I’m afraid of moths because when I was a toddler, I got stung by a bee and blamed it on a butterfly.

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) July 14, 2011, 3:03 pm

    I think it’s fine to have sex before marriage, but I think kids are losing their virginity SO early these days! It’s really disturbing. I lost my virginity when I was 18 and I was the last of my friends to do so.

    I love the expression ‘V-card’! I had no idea what it meant but my friend text messaged me in the middle of the night once saying she had just ‘lost her V-card’ and I had NO idea what she was talking about, haha!

  • Kristie July 14, 2011, 3:03 pm

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?

    Funding for preventative health care procedures! It drives me nuts when people who have never had to pay out of pocket for regular health checks whine about how funding them is a waste of time. Preventative care = way less money spent in the future and more lives saved. I could go on and on about this :).

  • Heather July 14, 2011, 3:05 pm

    I believe in abstinence prior to marriage. As a Christian, I wanted to save myself for the one person i would spend the rest of my life with. I felt it was a gift I could give him that could only be unwrapped one time. I dont know how I would have emotionally handeled things knowing he had slept with multiple other people either(personal opinion of course, I don’t “shun” people who didn’t make my choice) But, I am SO glad I/we did!

    • Rebecca July 14, 2011, 4:01 pm

      ^ This. 🙂

  • Elle July 14, 2011, 3:05 pm

    1) What do you have next to your bedside table? – A book, glass of water, alarm clock/radio, lamp, wooden ring holder. More books on the 2nd shelf, and vitamins + piggy bank

    2) Do you have a tattoo? – Nope.

    3) Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage? If that’s what people want to do, that’s fine! I’ve only had sex with my husband, but before we were married. I dated only one other person seriously enough to have considered it.

    4) What is your worst habit? – Picking my nails

    5) How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship? — We’ve been married 3 months Saturday and have had a joint account for about 2. Right now we’re just tracking our spending in order to set up a budget, but we each still have separate accounts that we’ll move our monthly “allowances” into.

    6)If you could change your name, what would you change it to? Hmm…I’ve never really thought of that. I love the name Georgia, I think it is very old fashioned and pretty. I’d name a future daughter that, but I’m worried people would think I’d named her after my alma mater (UGA)

    7) Where do you want to go on your next vacation? the beach! I don’t care where. We went to Jamaica on our honeymoon…we want to go to Harry Potter World too (…we’re both 27…)

    8) What is one political cause you feel strongly about? — Health, specifically proper nutrition

    9) Have you ever stolen anything? – No

    10) Tell us something embarrassing about yourself. – I’m seriously considering going to see the new Pooh movie. Love Pooh.

  • Julia July 14, 2011, 3:09 pm

    1. fiance’s glasses, water bottle, hair tie, cell phone, control for heated mattress pad
    2. Not yet — scared
    3. No. I just waited until I was sure I was(still am) in love.
    4. Weighing myself
    5. Our plan post-wedding is a joint account and our own accounts to keep things happy and secure.
    6. Olivia
    7. Greece
    8. Planned Parenthood. It drives me crazy that right wing conservatives are latched onto abortion and refuse to recognize all the good planned parenthood does.
    9. I “take” things but it rarely qualifies as stealing. I’m talking about things like using change from the console of my brother’s car to make exact change.
    10.I pick my nose when no one is looking.

  • Megan @ Healthy Hoggin July 14, 2011, 3:10 pm

    You have a LadyComp?! I just got a BabyComp!!! (not trying yet… just letting it “get to know” my body so I can get the gender-predicting going!)

    I’ve never heard another blogger talk about these cool little machines before, but I’m already LOVING mine! 😀

    • CaitlinHTP July 14, 2011, 4:03 pm

      Love mine, too!

  • Nitasha July 14, 2011, 3:12 pm

    1. Lamp, alarm cell phone, real cell phone
    2. Yes…I have my zodiac symbol on my foot and am debating on a second
    3. I didn’t wait but I admire people that do! I believe that sexual chemistry is very important in a committed relationship.
    4. Cracking my knuckles or chewing my lip. I just went through a breakup (lived together for 3 years) and I now have a hole in my lip. NOT pretty.
    5. The (ex) bf and I had a joint checking and seperate accounts. We each put enough money in the joint to cover bills and groceries and whatever was in our own accounts was ours to spend.
    6. No I love my name! I would love it more if I didn’t get all those Boris and Natasha jokes. Wrong vowel people!
    7. Soo many places! Ireland, India again, Alaska, Greece, a cruise…
    8. People are always shocked I have such strong politcal views. A few being reforming the welfare system, legalizing gay marriage, keeping abortions legal (and therefore safe), and reforming the health care system.
    9. Yes. I was a bad girl 🙁
    10. I once walked into a glass door at my office. The receptionist went crazy and I spilled coffee all over myself. I had to fill out an incident report and everything…and the doors had to be etched in order to prevent other injuries.

    • Ashley July 14, 2011, 7:54 pm

      #10 sounds EXACTLY like something I would do xD Haha.

  • Shelly July 14, 2011, 3:14 pm

    1. Lamp, Clock, book, cell phone, and hair dryer (the bathroom plug doesn’t work)
    2. Nope
    3. I did when I was 17, haha! Prior to my first marriage I only had sex with the man I eventually married (though before we were married) and after that ended poorly, I regretted that I hadn’t slept with more people because I’ve sinced learned that he was *really* bad in bed- haha! And also b/c I clearly held sex to be something very special and I feel that I wasted a lot of sex on someone who ended up being a terrible person.
    4. Scratching at my acne when I get it.
    5. Dr. Hubby and I each have our own account, but they’re both technically joint accounts. We share a savings account.
    6. I’d like to be named Abigail, Lily, or Josephine.
    7. Utah to go skiing!
    8. I feel very strongly about universal health care and about women’s rights.
    9. I sort of stole some mint that was growing beside my driveway (I live in an apartment) and planted it. But I think it was growing wild anyway.
    10. I get right and left mixed up to the point that I get lost while following directions all the time. It’s really annoying since I’ve moved to a new city.

  • Michele July 14, 2011, 3:19 pm

    Your blog brings joy to me daily, I really enjoy reading your thoughts and progress with fighting being gluten free, running, biking, swimming, etc. and your wittiness and lightness always draws me in. I know you are just like all of us, you have your faults and you aren’t afraid to put them out there and I think that is great, you don’t hold back on here and I believe we all appreciate it.

    I would answer all of these but I choose this:

    “Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?”
    I do not believe in abstinence prior to marriage, it is like test driving the car before you buy it. Now you don’t go around test driving every car but you just need to know when you see something you REALLY REALLY like ya know? I too believe in being educated on birth control prior and like you I swiped my v-card at the normal age as well but I also had and still do have a wonderful relationship with my mother and was able to talk about it.

    Along with this long post . . . I also believe in living with someone prior to marriage because you REALLY learn a lot about someone when you live with them!

    xo.
    Michele

    • Rebecca July 14, 2011, 4:04 pm

      I’d much rather have the adventure of learning about each other after marriage. If it’s that big of a deal, talk about habits and routines before marriage. They may end up changing anyway, actually.

      • Michele July 14, 2011, 5:00 pm

        to each their own 🙂

    • CaitlinHTP July 14, 2011, 4:42 pm

      Thanks Michele 🙂 I appreciate it.

  • Amy @ThenThereWere July 14, 2011, 3:20 pm

    1. empty water glasses, jewellery, ipod dock, thermometer, duofertility adhesives

    2. yes a tiny spider on my foot and ‘faith hope and love, the greatest of these is love’ themed tattoo on my wrist

    3. I haven’t personally practised this, I don’t have a view one way or another – it is about personal choice in my believe

    4. swearing and faffing on my laptop/phone

    5. our salaries get paid into our personal accounts, an equal percentage of income each gets paid into our joint account It works for us, mainly as I have student finance to pay etc

    6. I was almost called Elizabeth, Libby for short – I’d have loved that

    7. I would love to go to somewhere in the UK called CentreParcs – lots of cycling, walking and swimming

    8. personally I don’t think the conviction rate for domestic violence and rape is good enough

    9. I once swapped price tickets on a picture because I couldn’t afford the one I wanted (I was about 10)

    10. when I’m driving alone I sing along to the radio and pretend I am in a music video

  • Vanessa July 14, 2011, 3:20 pm

    1 Picture frame and a vase of flowers, my books, my glasses.
    2 I have three! A cross on my right foot, a bow on my left and the letter V on my wrist.
    3 Not for me… You have to test drive the care before you buy it!
    4 Biting my nails, and flaking out on plans
    5 We share our money but maintain our own accounts as well for Christmas/Birthday presents.
    6 I always loved Charlotte.
    7 Dominican Republic
    8 Gay marriage. Families and love come in all different varieties.
    9 A rug from Wal Mart on accident once… it was under my cart and I totally forgot about it and the checker didn’t even notice it! Nowadays I would go back to pay for it… but at the time I really thought i was sticking it to the big corporations by not paying for it! Ha!
    10 I love trasssssshy reality TV… “Love In The Wild” is so deliciously tacky!
    10

  • Josephine July 14, 2011, 3:21 pm

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
    My name is actually Josie – or rather Josephine. So I will turn it around – I would want to change my name to Caitlin. I love the way you spell it too!

    • CaitlinHTP July 14, 2011, 4:43 pm

      Name swap!!! JosieHTP!

  • Chelsea @ Go Chelsea Go! July 14, 2011, 3:21 pm

    1) I have my Kindle, a water bottle, my glasses, and my cell phone.
    2) No, but I’ve always secretly wanted one! I just can’t decide what (or where) I’d want one.
    3) I think it works for some, and I don’t give my opinions one way or the other. I DO believe in birth control education for ALL, whether you plan on waiting until marriage or whether you swipe your v-card earlier! Safe is sexy, right? 😉
    4) Drinking diet soda! I keep trying to quit!!
    5) Right now, the fiancé and I have separate accounts and separate credit cards. But I expect we’ll pool it all together once we get married—it will be so much easier to track spending then!
    6) I don’t think I would ever change my name! I’ve considered using my middle name a few times, but I don’t really think I’m a Louise.
    7) Greece! No question 🙂
    8) Programs to help kids who are in tough times. People don’t realize that the kids who aren’t getting the attention they need will likely be clogging our court system in a few years!
    9) Not from a store, but I helped friends smuggle out a couple bar glasses from our college bar when we graduated.
    10) I’ll probably cry during and after the last Harry Potter movie tomorrow. I’m not a die-hard fan, but it’s so sad that there will be no more books and movies!

  • AndreaClaire July 14, 2011, 3:23 pm

    1. What do you have next to your bedside table?
    Whatever I’m reading, cell phone, lamp, kleenex, glasses (when I’m sleeping), photo of my family, cat hair (dusting is not my strong suit)

    2. Do you have a tattoo?
    Yes. It’s a shamrock and a maple leaf for my two countries, but I want to expand it to go up my back to have something for everywhere I’ve lived (six countries so far)

    3. Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?
    No. I believe in sex education and I do believe that should include talking about abstinence as an option but it should also include ways to make sex safer because if history has taught us anything, just telling kids not to do something doesn’t work. We need to make sure they have the information they need to make smart choices.

    4. What is your worst habit?
    Procrastination… and getting distracted by the thoughts in my head when other people are talking. I do entire Broadway routines in my head while they talk.

    5. How do you handle finances in your relationship?
    We had our own accounts for ‘fun money’ and then a joint account for bills, savings, etc. I liked the separate accounts when it came time for birthday/Christmas gifts. No chance they’ll see certain stores pop up on the bank statement.

    6. If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
    My dad really wanted to name me Siobhan or Sinead but we have a very difficult Irish last name (even in Ireland people can’t pronounce/spell it) and my mom nixed those because they were moving to Canada and didn’t think it was fair to give me an impossible first AND last name. So they went with Andrea. While I appreciated having at least one name I didn’t have to repeatidly spell in school, now that I’m older I wouldn’t mind throwing Siobhan or Sinead in there. (Also, the fact that there was the Irish name phase in the 1990’s helps because everyone knows these names now.)

    7. Where do you want to go on your next vacation?
    I’m going to Ireland in the Fall and I’m superstoked! It’s my first time back in 10 years (!!) and before that I went every 3 years so it feels like forever since I’ve been. A couple of the cousins are flying in from England/Germany/UAE and we’re going to party it up, Monaghan-style!
    Other than that, I’d love to go back to Africa. Living there is not the same as travelling so I’d jump at the chance to move about and therefore see more.

    8. What is one political cause you feel strongly about?
    Only one? Education and social assistance programs tie.

    9. Have you ever stolen anything?
    Postcards when I lived in Germany. I gave in to peer pressure because my friend didn’t want to wait in the line up.

    10. Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.
    I peed in front of my entire grade one class and then tried to say it wasn’t me. It’s embarrassing but still one of my favourite stories to tell because it’s funny!

  • Ashley July 14, 2011, 3:25 pm

    What is your worst habit?

    Eating meals in front of the TV/computer…I end up in a mindless trance and eat way more and my computer ends up stickkky.

  • Bethany July 14, 2011, 3:26 pm

    1.Lamp, photo of boyfriend and myself. Hah not too exciting.
    2.No.
    3.No.
    4.Checking blogs at work 🙂
    5.Not married yet, so everything is separate.
    6.I love my name since it isn’t too common, so I wouldn’t change it. PS. My grandma’s name is Josie (well, Josephine), she’s one cool lady 🙂
    7.I want to go back to England too! I studied abroad there and am dying to get back.
    8. Legalizing gay marriage. I’m not gay, I just think everyone should have the right to be married.
    9.When I was like 4, I stole a key ring from Rite Aid.
    10.Hmmm I once drew on myself when I was drunk. Before even heading out to the bars.

  • Natalie@fitjamericangirl July 14, 2011, 3:26 pm

    1. An alarm clock, my iphone, dried eucalyptis
    2. Two big ones. One is the serenity prayer on my middle to lower back, the other is seven Indinkra Symbols down my left side, from my armpit to my hip.
    3. I believe in abstinence prior to marriage but I have not practiced it and strangely I don’t feel conflicted about that.
    4. Cracking my knuckles, neck and knees.
    5. We’ve been together for eight years, we’re not married yet so we don’t share a bank account or many expenses. When we go out he just likes to pay for everything. If he needs something or is in a bind, I cover him and vice versa.
    6. Nicole. Not very far from my own name but when I was in kindergarten I forced the poor kindergarten teacher to call me Nicole. When my mom got wind of it she nipped that mess in the bud. But to this day I still love that name.
    7. Hawaii!!!! I’ve been so many places, but I’ve been wanting to go to Hawaii forever.
    8. Proper access to services for the mentally ill and childhood obesity. They’re at a tie for number one.
    9. Yes. A pack of gum in the grocery store when I was about 8. I took it right in the checkout aisle next to my mom and I a man caught me, told me not to do that again and then paid for it. Come to think of it, I was a bad child.
    10. If I go into a store and then leave and then realise that I forgot something, I can’t go back in. It freaks me out and I have to wait until the next day to go back. It’s crazy and it annoys all of my family and friends.

  • lori July 14, 2011, 3:27 pm

    this is now the third time i’m doing this because my computer is being dumb so i’m only answering one this time
    2) three stars on my right hip

  • Becky July 14, 2011, 3:27 pm

    3) I also grew up in a pretty liberal environment, and with parents who were really open about talking about sex. I think the most important thing about sex, in general, is being on the same page as – and trusting – your partner – whether you’re both in it for fun, or you both want to wait until marriage. I don’t regret not waiting (I was in a long-term relationship with someone I felt completely comfortable with, and I felt ready to do it), but realize and respect that people have different beliefs and comfort zones when it comes to sex, so what works for one (or some) doesn’t mean it works or feels right for all.

  • Mel @ Sherunsbrooklyn.com July 14, 2011, 3:29 pm

    1. about 8 books… in 2 stacks.. I read more than 1 at a time and it becomes an issue.
    2. no. i want one but my mom would cry and i can’t deal with that.
    3. iiii think everyone needs to do what’s right for them. I personally was 19, and don’t regret it at all (I’m now 26). And that i’m informed… i would never be able to marry someone without being sure they can.. “deliver”. heh.
    4. I procrastinate! At work, I get ish done. For myself? I always say, “yeah, eventually”. And now my boyfriend calls me “melventually”.
    5. Don’t gotta worry about this one yet.
    6. I’m pretty solid on Melanie actually. I’ve never thought about this before, but I don’t want any other name. Talk about a boring answer
    7. Anywhere in Italy that has delicious wine, amazing food, and sexiness in everything around me 🙂
    8. Gay marriage. All kinds of love should be honored, regardless.
    9. Around the age of 15 my friends and I went on a steal spree for like 2 weeks. I don’t know what got into us, but I remember going into the mall and coming home with 5 things that I stole in dressing rooms, or in a corner in the store. That ended very quickly, and I never got caught. Strange.
    10. I’ve drank straight from the orange juice carton at other people’s houses. Sorry, friends.

  • becca (bellebottoms) July 14, 2011, 3:31 pm

    okay, here are a few:

    2. I have two tattoos (one is my initial with a small heart – on my left inside ankle, the other is the greek word for “to hope for” on my right inside ankle)…i’m planning a third as we speak!)
    3. If I could change my name it would be to Monet…he’s my favorite artist, and the name sounds so whimsical!
    4. My next vacay would be (AND IS!) to the beach..I actually leave tomorrow!

    6. I HAVE stolen some things…(sheepish grin)…when I lived in Italy, I used to swipe these raspberry gummies from the market down the road from my house…the cheapest things, and yet I didn’t want to pay for them! oops…

  • Lee July 14, 2011, 3:32 pm

    1. Books, hair ties, the remote control to my fan/light (we’re lazy.)
    2. No tats.
    3. I say whatever floats your boat. I didn’t wait. I do believe strongly in teaching sex education.
    4. Picking my cuticles or spending too much time on the entire. Really, doing both at the same time.
    5. Basically the exact same way that you do.
    6. Lee is a nickname which I don’t really like and I don’t like my real name (Leidra) either. I’d change it to something more normal, like Sarah or Emily or something.
    7. I really want to go to San Francisco.
    8. I strongly support gay rights.
    9. No, I was always too scared, but I used to get my friends to steal stuff for me when I was in middle school.
    10. I still sleep with a blankie.

    • Becky July 14, 2011, 7:03 pm

      I totally sleep with my baby blanket too. In college, I once realized on the way to the airport to visit my long-distance boyfriend that I had forgotten it and made the cab driver turn around so I could get it (still made my flight too). My mother was horrified when I told her the story, but I didn’t regret it!

  • Kristy@RunTheLongRoad July 14, 2011, 3:34 pm

    My BlackBerry, clock, and various running books are on my bedside table. And I’m too chicken to get any tattoos!

  • Kristen @ The Concrete Runner July 14, 2011, 3:37 pm

    I’m only going to answer the abstinence question only because it’s something I’m very passionate about but don’t openly discuss unless it’s brought up. I am someone who waited until marriage. I grew up in a strong Christian household and went to parochial school from Kindergarten to 8th grade. My parents never discussed sex with us, but it was just understood that you wait until marriage. I never really had any serious boyfriends in high school until my junior year when I start dating my (now) husband. Not long into our relationship, we both found out that we wanted to wait until marriage (keep in mind, my husband is 4 years older than me and I was 17). And we did – we dated 6 years before we were married. And the majority of my friends and husbands have waited also. I wouldn’t have done it any other way…

    • CaitlinHTP July 14, 2011, 4:44 pm

      Aw, I love your comment 🙂 Very sweet.

  • Ashley July 14, 2011, 3:38 pm

    Have you ever stolen anything?
    I once accidently put an eyeliner in my purse at a check out because I was distracted. When I found out I felt so guilty that I wanted to take it back and pay for it but I couldn’t find the walmart so I just went to a different one and paid.

  • Jess (In My Healthy Opinion) July 14, 2011, 3:40 pm

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?

    I seriously want to go to Bora Bora and stay in one of those amazing huts! Everytime I see an ad, I just want to fly there immediately. 🙂

  • Laura July 14, 2011, 3:40 pm

    Do you have a tattoo?

    Yes! I do! I just got my first one and you can read about it here: http://campingoutinamerica.com/2011/06/28/the-bucket-list/

  • Jen July 14, 2011, 3:46 pm

    1. What do you have on your bedside table?

    Lamp, alarm clock, chapstick, water glass, coaster, and current bedtime reading book

    2. Do you have a tattoo?

    Nope, parents would have crucified me and I lost interest after high school.

    3. Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?

    Absolutely not. How are you supposed to discover what you like and respond to sexually if you’re forced to hold off until you’re bound to someone for life?

    4. What is your worst habit?

    I’m a huge grammar nazi (it’s my actual job too).

    5. How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?

    I’ve never dealt with finances in a relationship, but in the future, I think I would like an “ours” account for household expenses plus separate his-and-hers accounts for frivolous items. If forced to share everything, I’d probably make the check-in-with-the-other-person limit only $100.

    6. If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

    I contemplated going by my middle name, Taylor, for a while, but getting people to call me that proved futile. “Jennifer” is way too common.

    7. Where do you want to go on your next vacation?

    Island-hopping in Greece!

    8. What is one political cause you feel strongly about?

    Gay marriage, which is a huge human-rights inequity. Everyone deserves the right to marry the person he or she loves.

    9. Have you ever stolen anything?

    Yes. Bowling shoes from Don Carter’s in West Kendall. I was tired of paying for rentals, and my mother made me give them back even though I pointed out they were going out of business anyway.

    10. Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.

    When I get really frustrated, my natural response is to burst into tears. It was fine when I couldn’t solve math problems in middle school, but as a twenty-something, it’s kind of embarrassing. I wish I could stop!

  • Ginger July 14, 2011, 3:56 pm

    1. Alarm clock, cell phone, lamp
    2. I have my zodiac sign (Aquarius waves) on my right hip
    3. No, I don’t believe – couldn’t even imagine being 33 and never married yikes!
    4. Not cleaning up after myself only to have a huge mess to clean on the weekend, one day I’ll learn.
    5. If I had a relationship I think I would want the pool, having separate accounts would feel like something was being hidden.
    6. I love my name, not overly common or hasn’t been in past years it’s starting to surface more and more lately.
    7. Somewhere quiet and hot in the middle of a Canadian winter! Or I would love to road trip the states.
    8. I have no answer for this question :/
    9. Not that I can remember
    10. I still tune in every week to watch Ashley be the Bachelorette

  • Taysa July 14, 2011, 4:06 pm

    1. Book, lamp, vitamins.
    2. No–I’m not against them, I just can’t justify spending money on them.
    3. I believe in sex education, and everyone can decide for themselves. Personally, I think it’s a bad idea to “wait and find out” for many things regarding marriage, including living with your finance.
    4.
    5. We have seperate accounts and I don’t see any reason to change that right now. We’ve lived together for four years and it’s worked.
    6. I would never change my name because I love having a unique name.
    7. We’re planning a trip to London and Paris for next year.
    8. I am 100% pro-choice. Planned Parenthood provided me free exams and birth control when I had no insurance, and now I donate to them regularly.
    9. A coffee cup from a coffee shop once.
    10. I got yelled at on the bus in front of everyone last week for eating. That was embarrassing.

    • Taysa July 14, 2011, 4:08 pm

      Oh yeah, 4 is wasting time on the Internet!

  • Bonnie July 14, 2011, 4:10 pm

    Love this! Fun to learn more about you personally! Okay, here are a few answers from me:

    1. Phone plugged in, a book I want to read but never get around to, a box of jewelry.
    2. Tattoo? Yep! It’s a tree on my right side (rib cage area) and I love it; want another one too!
    3. Abstinence, yes. I waited and was so glad, and although I believe in it as a Christian, I understand people have different beliefs on this one. it saved me from a lot of pain and now being with my husband is such a joy! A fun adventure together. 😉
    4. Worst habit? Probably not washing produce…I know I should! Especially if I start eating some blueberries or an apple in the car on the way home – whoops!
    5. Joint account; what’s mine is yours (and vice versa)!
    6. Name change? Jane – my middle name. I’d love to go by it!
    7. New Zealand! For many reasons…
    8. Health care – as an American who grew up with no health care/benefits until I became a permanent resident in Canada, it’s something I’m grateful my kids will one day have, but I don’t know enough about politics to argue about it – I’m just grateful for it.
    9. No steals under my belt…well, once I stole a toy dinosaur from my cousin James and had to go back to his house to give it to him. 😉
    10. Embarrassing? Well, it’s not to me, but everyone else is embarrassed that I eat candies off the floor in the bulk bin aisle! What? You think about it too. 😉

  • Kelly July 14, 2011, 4:11 pm

    Love it!!! So fun and I love learning about other people!

    1. What do you have on your bedside table?

    Cell Phone, Lamp, picture of the husband when he was a boy, and a book

    Do you have a tattoo?

    Nope, but I really want one on the top of my foot.

    3. Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?

    Not at all! I think it is important for people to explore other people sexually before committing to one person. I think it starves off the “what if” question later on.

    4. What is your worst habit?

    I can be really self-involved but I am working on it.

    5. How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?

    My husband and I have separate checking accounts but a joint savings account. It works for us…having a joint checking account freaks me out a little…okay a lot!

    6. If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

    I really like my name but I would probably go with Amy. I have always really liked that name.

    7. Where do you want to go on your next vacation?

    Bali!!! But we are actually going to Maui for 14 days in December so I shouln’t complain.

    8. What is one political cause you feel strongly about?

    Gay Rights! I think it is so shameful that not everyone has the opportunity to marry the person they love and get those rights that go along with marriage.

    9. Have you ever stolen anything?

    Not on purpose. I was shopping at Whole Foods once and was starving so I grabbed a protein bar to eat while I shopped and fully intended to pay for it and I completely forgot.

    10. Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.

    I love love Teeny Bopper music. Like really love it!

  • Erin @ Big Girl Feats July 14, 2011, 4:13 pm

    2. Instead of going to my senior prom, my friend and I went to get tattoos. It was the most “badass” thing I did in high school. Literally – never got detention, never went out with boys, drank a handful of times. I have the word Irish with a shamrock on my low back to honor my heritage. A few months later I learned what a “tramp stamp” was and was horrified because it looked like I stamped myself Irish. But I still like it and want another one!

    3. I think what is right for each person depends on each person. But when I have kids, I am going to be talking about sex nonstop early on so they feel like they’re informed to make their own decisions(and so they are totally grossed out too).

    6. I kind of want to change my name to Nicki Minaj.

    10. See #2.

  • Hillary July 14, 2011, 4:14 pm

    1. Clock, stack of books, jewelry, water glass, lip balm.
    2. Nope!
    3. Definite nope, for the exact same reasons as you.
    4. My worst habit is my love of habit. I find it hard to break routine. Does that count?
    5. We try to split things 50/50.
    6. Molly or Madeline.
    7.Hawaii! Always Hawaii.
    8. Women’s health.
    9.I think a headband. Whoops.
    10. When I was younger, I was too lazy to get out of the ocean to go to the bathroom, so I would just pee. I remember being embarrassed about this at the time; now I just see it as practical! ; )

  • Ashley @ Thefitacademic July 14, 2011, 4:18 pm

    The cause I feel most strongly about is education. Being in education makes me biased (I’m a professor), but I think our country is currently in a state of crisis and really needs to evaluate its goals and spending structures to include more money to fund education. A mind is a terrible thing to waste! : )

  • Julie @ Shining From Within July 14, 2011, 4:19 pm

    My worst habit is DEFINITELY biting my lips/inside of my mouth hahaha. Sooooo embarassing! I don’t even know. Don’t ask. LOL

  • Emily @ Comfortable Home Life July 14, 2011, 4:30 pm

    I don’t have a tattoo but I want one in the worst way! I’m such a chicken though, I don’t know if I’ll be able to work up the courage. Love your responses and I love reading through the comments. Reminds me of those “surveys” we kids used to do back in the 90’s. AOL profiles for life!

  • Maria@La_Piattini July 14, 2011, 4:32 pm

    I have two tattoos! Although everytime I tell someone that they are surprised because both are hidden. I have a cross and an Italian flag!

  • Christine @ BookishlyB July 14, 2011, 4:32 pm

    I have a tattoo of a butterfly on the small of my back (yes, a tramp stamp). I was in college. I’d really love to get a tattoo of a book (my passion), but I’m not sure where, since I don’t want it to be destroyed by pregnancy and I need to hide it for work.

    I have many causes I feel strongly about: abortion (I’m pro-choice), education (I’m a teacher), and the environment.

  • Jessica July 14, 2011, 4:33 pm

    This is fun!

    1. Alarm clock, glasses, glass of water, and…a Rubik’s Cube costume I made for Halloween last year. I had no place to put it other than on the shelf/table next to my bed, and I store things on/in it. It looks pretty cool actually.
    2. Yes. An outline of the state of North Carolina on my left forearm. It’s where I grew up and lived until last year.
    3. It’s not for me, but I have some close friends who do, and I think that’s great!
    4. Picking at my nails. I have to keep them trimmed very short to avoid doing this.
    5. In a future relationship, I’d want to share all of our money equally, and make big spending decisions together. I know my parents each get an equal weekly ‘allowance’ that they try to stick to; that might work for me, but I haven’t been there yet.
    6. I have no idea. I used to always want a name that started with an L, because I think it’s fun to write in cursive.
    7. My next vacation is already booked for Panama; beyond that, I’d love to go back to Spain. I studied abroad there in college and loved it.
    8. Gay marriage. So happy it just passed here in New York!
    9. When I was little I think I stole some beads from a craft store; I kind of thought that because they were on the floor, they were free. I felt really guilty about it much later.
    10. At the holiday party my company had last year, I apparently broke a “glass cabinet full of glass.” I only barely remember this. Obviously that was not a good night.

  • Charlie July 14, 2011, 4:34 pm

    I have a basket with tons of things on my bedside table!! body lotion, face cream, deodorant, dry body oil, hand cream, nighttime hair serum, vaseline, foot cream, thermal spring water, mints, perfume, lozenges…
    + I have a clock, book, magazine, lamp, fan and kleenex box on my other bedside table ;).

  • Megan July 14, 2011, 4:35 pm

    I would love for my next vacation to be either to Greece, San Franscisco or the Outer Banks! Can’t decide – one’s a dream, another a possibility and the last is full of great memories!

  • Jenn @ Frost Bites July 14, 2011, 4:35 pm

    My worst habit is twirling my hair…I’ve done it ever since I was a child and sometimes I don’t even realize I’m doing it. My teachers in catholic shool would always reprimand me for doing it during class. I do it even now…not a good look when you’re in your 40s.

  • Jen July 14, 2011, 4:37 pm

    Q: Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?
    A: At the risk of sounding disrespectful to those who do (I’m really not trying to be), HELL NO. I honestly believe that sex is a great test to see if you’re compatible with somebody. Not only sexually (although that is a huge part of it), but emotionally as well. It’s the most intimate concept of being in a committed relationship, and I think it should be experienced before the knot is tied. It tests a couple’s level of comfort and security with each other, and is capable of sparking a lot of feelings that might not have been there before (whether good or bad). I’m not advocating promiscuity, but I definitely believe in the good old philosophy of test driving a car before you buy it.

  • Ally July 14, 2011, 4:38 pm

    1. Picture of my late cat; picture of my family; boyfriend’s book; my glasses; loose change; a cup stuffed with random receipts, business cards, and more change; our phones; air-con remote. Phew.
    2. No tattoos.
    3. If you can wait, more power to you. I can’t.
    4. I ‘shed’ hair when I’m washing my hair…and I sort of ‘stick’ it to the shower wall..and never clean it off. Heheh.
    5. I live with my boyfriend, and we pretty much maintain our own separate accounts. We never keep track of ‘who owes who’ things though…unless they’re big ticket items (like airfares or rent).
    6. Sophie! Or Rosie. Something cute.
    7. Somewhere in the Carribean…St Kitts? St Lucia? Whatever.
    8. Probably refugees and detention centres.
    9. I’ve stuck my hand in the bulk candy containers as a kid. That’s about it.
    10. When my hair starts to collect in little hair bunnies on the floor (see #4), I like to rub my hand all over the floor and see how many hair balls I can create. That is SICK.

  • Kelley July 14, 2011, 4:41 pm

    It was fun to learn a little bit about you! I like these!

    Personal Finances: We each have our own checking and savings accounts. And we have a few joint checking and savings accounts. We each hold back the same amount from our checks for our “play money” and everything else goes into Joint. All of our vacations, bills, food, etc get paid for out of our joint. Any personal expenses (race entries, golfing, clothes, etc) come out of our own. It’s great because we don’t have to have the ‘who spent more’ conversation. 🙂

  • Jesse July 14, 2011, 4:41 pm

    what a GREAT post 🙂

    1. What do you have on your bedside table?
    Alarm clock, light, flash light, cell phone charger, lotion, coaster & water bottle, and whatever book I am usually reading.
    2. Do you have a tattoo?
    Yes, I have 5. (1) my horoscope sign {Scorpio}, (2) a heart in a tribal pattern, (3) three purple stars on my foot above my horoscope sign, (4) the Polish Flag, (5) half of the yin yang symbol – my husband has the other half. I want MORE. I love tattoos!
    3. Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?
    I don’t have an opinion one way or the other. I believe everyone has to do what works for them based on their beliefs. I was 15 and I don’t regret it.
    4. What is your worst habit?
    I’m a “nagger” {To scold, complain, or find fault constantly}. Boo.
    5. How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?
    We have one joint checking account and one joint savings account. We opened a joint accounts when we got engaged and used them to save for the wedding and pay for wedding expenses. After we were married we closed our individual accounts and merged everything. I handle all our finances {balancing the accounts, paying the bills, creating and sticking to a budget, etc.} but I make sure the husband always knows how much expendable money we have.
    6. If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
    My full name is Jessica but I’ve got my Jesse the majority of my life. Some people shorten it to Jess, which is fine also. I never really thought about what I would want it to be if I could change it. Not Jennifer — no offense to any Jennifer’s out there — because for some reason people always mistake my name to be Jennifer!
    7. Where do you want to go on your next vacation?
    I’d love to go back to Washington DC – I went for a class trip in 8th grade. I want to experience all over again as an adult 🙂
    8. What is one political cause you feel strongly about?
    Same sex marriage. Education. A women’s right to choose.
    9. Have you ever stolen anything?
    Yes. Ramekins and pint glasses from restaurants.
    10. Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.
    I get left and right mixed up all the time and often when I’m in charge of giving directions to the husband while he is driving I’ll say “left” but meant to say “right”. I even have to hold my hands up and make the L shape with my index finger & thumb sometimes to remember which is left and which is right {since the L shape is correct on the left hand when you do this it helps me remember which is left and which is right}. Ahhh!

  • Kate July 14, 2011, 4:44 pm

    What do you have on your bedside table?
    I don’t have one, but my glasses, a bottle of gatorade, and my iPad are on my floor

    Do you have a tattoo?
    Nope

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?
    To each their own, I beleive in safety, education, and following your own value structure. Though its only pre-maratial sex if you plan to get married – otherwise its just sex. 🙂

    What is your worst habit?
    Being a smart-ass

    How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?
    All one big checking account except for bonuses – we make a deal to save half and the rest is for whatever you want to do for yourself. Regular budget is strictly followed.

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
    I like my name – Though I do like the name Vivian.

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?
    Someplace warm – Fiji, Hawaii, Mexico

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?
    Regulation of the financial industry. I typically don’t like the government interfering with businesses however this is one area that warrants it.

    Have you ever stolen anything?
    Yes, on accident. I was playing with a stress ball that was for sale at the check out counter and walked right out with it – I guess I was stressed. When I got to my car I realized I still had it and took it back.

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.
    Does my stress ball theft count as embarassing because it sure was when I brought the ball back into the store.

  • Allie July 14, 2011, 4:47 pm

    I would change my name to Amelia. My parents were originally going to name me that. I hated it as a kid, but now I think it is original! And I would love the nickname Millie!

  • Allie July 14, 2011, 4:49 pm

    And I have three tattoos.
    One is a Steelers symbol, I am from Pittsburgh and a Steeler fan until I die. Another is a bike because I am a cyclist. And the last one is the word “vive” which means live in Spanish.

  • Jamie July 14, 2011, 4:49 pm

    im in the severe minority (or you have mostly liberal readers ha!) but I am waiting for marriage.I’m not weird, socially awkward, or ugly. I’ve had chances to lose it, dated a boy for 7 years without sex, and am possibly starting another more serious relationship. Do I have urges? Absolutely! My friends call me the most sexual virgin they’ve ever met and can’t believe I still have my V-card. I wouldn’t marry someone I didn’t have great sexual chemistry with- of course I won’t know if he’s good at everything but there’s a lot we CAN do besides intercourse! But it’s really important to me to wait so I’ll hold off til I have the ring on my finger. I’m gonna have one rockin’ honeymoon!!!

    • CaitlinHTP July 14, 2011, 4:55 pm

      Hahah I don’t even KIND OF think you are weird for waiting.. I truly think it’s so sweet. I’m a bit jealous, actually. You’re right, you are going to have an awesome honeymoon. And lots of people say they waited, too! I was surprised how many have.

    • Katy (The Singing Runner) July 14, 2011, 5:03 pm

      Haha! My sorority sisters also call me the most sexual virgin they have ever known. 😉 I’m definitely the target of many “jokes” but hey, I know what I want and I can wait!

    • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) July 15, 2011, 12:33 am

      The only person both my husband and I have slept with is each other, and I love it that way 🙂

  • Nikky July 14, 2011, 4:49 pm

    1. An empty candle holder, a mini heater (the windows in my apartment are TERRIBLE) from winter that I have yet to put away, hair ties, a photo of my grandparents, and two stuffed animals.
    2. I have an eighth note on my wrist that my friend and I got together on our 18th birthday. I’m sure more will come eventually… my mom has 36 so it’s kind of expected. I just have to think about them for years before I decide.
    3. I think it can work for some people, sure, but I don’t think it’s the “ideal” solution for everyone. If the 36 tats didn’t tip you off, my family is VERY liberal, and open, about that stuff.
    4. Procrastination. And forgetfulness. I think I did maybe 10 sheets of homework through all of high school, yay for high test scores.
    5. We’ve had a joint account since we moved in together. Everything we have is shared, income, bills, debt, it’s been joint since we were young, stupid teenagers. I handle it though, he grew up used to having money so he’s more of a spendthrift than raised-in-poverty me.
    6. I love my name, but I’d have changed my last name to match my mom and grandparents. They raised me, I had almost nothing to do with my dad’s family until I was a teenager. Plus, being “Nichole Parris” was a nightmare when Nicole Ritchie and Paris Hilton had that TV show.
    7. San Diego! I ADORE that city. Orlando, to see Harry Potter land, is a close runner up.
    8. Marriage equality.
    9. I have, and then I felt so guilty that I buried it in my back yard.
    10. From kindegarden all the way to graduation (someone brought it up at the senior group pictures), I was frequently remebered as, “OH YEA! That girl who threw up all over her workbook!”

  • Emily July 14, 2011, 4:57 pm

    What a great post! I have loved reading all the comments, too. I am especially happy/proud/inspired that so many people commented on gay rights/marriage as a political issue. As a lesbian reader of your blog (and many other healthy living blogs) I sometimes wonder if there are any GLBT readers or bloggers in the healthy living community, because I mostly read about boyfreinds and husbands. I love all of your blogs, but when you have a female parter you notice these things! Anyway GLBT or not, I am pumped this community has tons of allies! 🙂

  • CJ @ http://cjh002.wordpress.com/ July 14, 2011, 4:58 pm

    On my next vacation I want to go on a cruise throughout northern Europe! I got stuck in Germany overnight last year when the volcano erupted and it was such a tease! The country looks absolutely beautiful! Plus I lived with a guy from Germany in college and he always had awesome stories!

  • Veronica (Run Write Repeat) July 14, 2011, 5:00 pm

    1. lamp, jewelry box, glasses, pill box, coins
    2. yes. cross with heart inside and “agape” (greek for “unconditional love”) underneath
    3. Yup.
    4. procrastination
    5. one bank account
    6. have no idea
    7. ideally, a country outside of north america
    8. universal healthcare… specifically, health care for those with pre-existing conditions
    9. not that i can recall.
    10. so i’m at the DMV to take my written test, and i had previously had a really bad migraine. like, vomitting every hour and can barely walk. but i finally started feeling well and made my mom drive me to the DMV. i take the test, and start feeling bad, and vomitted in front of the person grading the tests. beautiful, just beautiful.

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) July 14, 2011, 5:00 pm

    1) My glasses, a few books, two picture frames of me and best friend. 🙂
    2) I do not. However, I have been thinking about getting one after I run the Chicago Marathon in October. Maybe 26.2 or my finish time. I want something special to remember my first marathon. 🙂
    3) I feel like I am in the minority here. I am 21 years old and I am still a virgin. I was raised in a pretty conservative household (which became more moderate as I grew up) and went to Catholic school for 13 years (Pre K- 12th grade). We were always told “sex before marriage is bad,” “do not have sex until you are married,” “practice abstinence,” etc. I feel like this was shoved down my throat for so many years. Now I know that I am not stupid and most of the people I went to school with were having sex (heck, my best friend got pregnant her senior year!), but I never did. Granted, the opportunity never came up. I didn’t have my first kiss until I was 16 and I definitely did not catch the attention of many guys. However, in the past year or two, I am starting to be noticed by guys a little more (sometimes I believe it is the perk of being in a sorority ;)) and, without getting too TMI, the opportunity has presented itself a few times. (Sure it’s college and it seems like that all guys want is sex) Even though I have had the chance to have sex, I still haven’t. I think all of those years of being lectured about “waiting for marriage” has had an impact on me. That “voice” in the back of my head still rings and I always stop a situation before it goes too far. Of course I don’t think I am doing to go to Hell for having sex before marriage, but I don’t want to rush into something.
    Now, do I believe in abstinence? I do. I do believe in waiting for marriage. But will I? I’m not sure. I know that it sounds like a contradiction, but up until the past year, I was all for waiting until my wedding night. I do want to wait for the right person and I do want to have sex with someone that I could possibly marry. It has to be a serious relationship and I am not going to just “throw away” my “v-card.” Maybe I’m making a mountain out of a molehill, but when you have friends who have casual sex with multiple partners (sometimes in one night!), you realize how important it is to keep your values.
    I will say that before a year ago, I was definitely AGAINST living together before you are married, but now my opinions on that have changed. I absolutely need to live with my future spouse before marrying them. I can be a difficult person to live with. 😉
    4) I bite my nails. 🙁 I’m really trying to stop!
    5) I’m not in a relationship, so I am answering for a future relationship. I think that until I am married, I think that we should have separate accounts. We should also buy our own groceries, etc (this is if we are living together.). Once married, then we will have to talk and figure out how to manage finances.
    6) Anything but Katy. 😉 My name is too common.
    7) I really want to go back to Costa Rica. I fell in LOVE with the country! As for a new place, I really want to go to Italy!
    8) I have two: abortion and health care. However, I do not want to spark a debate, so I will not say anything more!
    9) Haha, yes. I stole a toy soccer ball when I was 5. My mom made me go back to the store and return it.
    10) Going along with question 7, I plan out dream vacations all the time! I seriously make a day by day itinerary complete with hotel, flight, and transportation information. It’s pretty pathetic actually. 😉

  • Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy July 14, 2011, 5:01 pm

    What is on your bedside table? Too much stuff, probably, haha… Two cups of water, lotion, an iHome remote control, a photo of my boyfriend, a sun lamp, pain medications (I had surgery recently), and a desk calendar

  • Ashley July 14, 2011, 5:02 pm

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

    I would change my name to Ariana. Its the name my mother wanted to name me (but my dad didn’t like it) and I think its pretty/more unique than my name.

  • Katie July 14, 2011, 5:03 pm

    1. Lamp, hair bands, glasses and whatever book I’m reading.
    2. I have 3 – a pawprint on my right foot, the word “hope” on my left wrist, and a sunflower on the inside of my right forearm, near my elbow.
    3. I believe it works for some people. For me, I think it’s important to know what your relationship looks like once the lust and newness has faded, and to see if you’re sexually compatible with the other person. Also… I like sex too much to wait 😉 I completely think there is no right answer though, and different things work best for different couples.
    4. I’m so messy. It’s disgusting.
    5. I’ve never been in a relationship where we shared finances. I imagine I would probably do something similar to your plan. I like the $200 rule.
    6. I think my name suits me perfectly and would never change it 🙂
    7. North Carolina is a contender, actually! The other 2 are California or a cruise.
    8. The idea of taking funding away from Planned Parenthood gets me pretty fired up. I sent that petition around to everyone I knew. I understand people being opposed to abortion (although I’m pro-choice), but PP does a whooole lot more than that. And if you don’t want people to get abortions, you really shouldn’t take away affordable birth control.
    9. When I was 14, I was in a pet store and saw a box of baby mice next to the snakes. They were clearly food. I “rescued” one and snuck out with it in my pocket. I set it up with a hot water bottle and tried to feed it milk through an eye dropper, but it died after a couple days. My parents made me go back and pay for it. I ended up working at that store all through college, and always wondered if they remembered me.
    10. I’m a dog walker, and frequently sing to the dogs as we drive around town, changing words to make the songs dog appropriate. For example, Katy Perry’s “Firework” now goes “Puppies, you are fireworks!”

  • MJ July 14, 2011, 5:07 pm

    I would change my name to Andrea or Caroline. I used to hate my name growing up because it had a boy’s name in it (Maria Jose in Spanish, something like Marie Joseph in English) Now I just tolerate it. It’s a very catholic name.
    Funny thing: my American friends call me “Josie” hehehe.

  • Alaina Johnson July 14, 2011, 5:09 pm

    Do you have a tattoo?

    Suprisingly I don’t have a tattoo. I say this is suprising because I am the only one in my family without one. My mom is the normal loving caring Italian mom but has 6 tattoos that she got over the age of 40!! My dad is the same way. Both my brothers began getting tattoo’s at 16 so it was always presumed I would get one once I was comfortable in my body and had a firm idea of what I wanted. Now it’s funny to just be different. My brothers fight over who will pay for my first one.
    I do want one though, I am thinking of getting the autism puzzle piece on my wrist. I am special education teacher and feel really strongly about this and I just like the whole concept of a puzzle piece, meaning you can be different but still “fit” in. Any thoughts?

    What is your worst habit?

    Burping! I know, I know this is disgusting but I seriously cannot help it. They came out of nowhere and escape without my consent. What makes this more embarrassing is that my boyfriend, who I spend most of burping time with, does not and CAN not burp. In the beginning he would get grossed out as I blushed like crazy and apologized. Now he doesn’t even notice my large loud eruptions from my belly.

  • Stacie @ Imperfectly Healthy July 14, 2011, 5:09 pm

    What do you have on your bedside table?

    The Intuitive Eating book (I’m reading it again!), C.O. Bigelow’s Blueberry Rose Salve (for my lips), a framed photo of me and my husband on our wedding day, a lamp, and a coaster since I always have to have a glass of water by the bed at night!

  • Kelly July 14, 2011, 5:11 pm

    What do you have on your bedside table?
    An antique jar full of sand and seashells, lamp, box of tissues, two mags, one book, two pens, cell phone.
    Do you have a tattoo?
    No, but I have been wanting one off and on for years, and I know with certainty what I would get if I did get one now.
    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?
    Not really. I mean, I think it’s great to wait until you are married, but there is a tremendous connection and learning experience in sleeping with someone. There are levels of commitment and communication that I think are IMPERATIVE to a relationship – especially a marriage – and I think if you don’t have that experience with someone, it leaves you open for a lot of confusion, and perhaps even regret. I’m not saying this is how it is (because I did not wait), but I just know what I have learned from my own sexual relationships and how that has helped me with my future relationships.
    What is your worst habit?
    I don’t wash fruits or veggies as often as I should. I am also a scab picker (sick, I know)…but only in my ears. Shameful. Maybe this should be bumped to most embarrassing thing!
    How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?
    I have not figured this one out yet. Right now, we have separate, but our marriage really isn’t conventional in any other way, so that’s probably why I haven’t figured it out. I would like to share, but I like to pay my own way. I’m a bit stubborn that way. I know this can be done with a joint account, but I also just like to know I’ve paid for my own stuff.
    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
    Hmmm. I like my name and haven’t ever thought of changing it. I have names I like for future babies, but not sure they’d suit me.
    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?
    Anywhere! I am a bit of a travel whore and get a kick out of small weekend road trips around my local area just as much as I do going overseas. I would be up for literally anything.
    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?
    I’ve mellowed as I’ve gotten older. I don’t feel as strongly about these things as I did in my 20s. Although, if you ask me about something, I am sure I can get on my high horse. Maybe it’s just a matter of not being able to think of any one thing right now! Ha.
    Have you ever stolen anything?
    Yes. Maybe this one should also be bumped to most embarrassing thing. For the record it was once in high school and I succumbed to peer pressure. It was the last time, too.
    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.
    I still sleep with a small, pink blanket. I have to sleep with it in my hand/fist or on my pillow against my face at all times. Not really very romantic or sensible, but alas, it’s my comfort.

  • Julia July 14, 2011, 5:13 pm

    1. So much stuff, I have my camera and cord and countless (not expensive) jewelry sprawled all over
    2. Nope! I can’t imagine I ever will because they don’t appeal to me too much, but if I did I would get a small sun on the side of my hand.
    3. I think people should put importance on being in love (whether they have a ring or not). But everyone is different, and I truly respect all opinions. As long as the person involved is confident in their choices and don’t regret anything.
    4. Spending wayyyy too much time on the computer
    5. Haha I don’t have to think about this for awhile, but I guess sharing an account for big things and having your own for personal items.
    6. I love being named Julia 🙂 My middle name is boring but a tradition (it’s Ann) so I wouldn’t mind changing that.
    7. Anywhere! I want to go visit Russia though because I’m taking classes to learn the language.
    8. Anything regarding women’s rights.
    9. I have stolen something once and then freaked out and never did it again. Oh and candy when I was little cause my Mom said no while grocery shopping.
    10. I sing and dance in the car loudly. Even if I’m at a stop light and people visibly stare at me.

  • GrabAnApple July 14, 2011, 5:17 pm

    1. Books! And more books! Plus a box cutter (don’t ask)

    2. No tattoos currently, though I have a million designed in my head. I’ve wanted a belly button ring for years (how very late 90s, I know). For the longest time, I put it off because I thought my body wasn’t “good enough”. Now, I think of all the awesome things that body’s done. Might have to take a trip to a piercing parlor soon.

    3. At one time I thought I might be a “wait till marriage kind of gal”-and then I started dating.

    4. Always looking for the best in people but only seeing the worst in myself.

    5. I ended my college relationship partially because of finances; he was in complete denial bout how hard it would be to pay off debts and, thus, not too motivated to work. I’m very proud of the fact that I can handle my own and expect the same of my man.

    6. I did change my name when I was 13. For a variety of reasons I ditched my first name, Megan, to go by Kathleen, my middle name. My classmates thought I was so weird and it gets annoying to explain (especially when my paycheck goes to a different employee) but I can’t imagine it any other way.

    7. Anywhere, I need a change of scenery. Ideally, back to Paris or Amsterdam.

    8. Creating equal access for individuals with special needs.

    9. In second grade I decided I wanted to steal something (I think it was a stone) from a gift shop, but chickened out. Thus ended my illustrious criminal career.

    10. I have an irrational fear of sharks- I sometimes think they might lurk in pools! Before my first open-water tri I frantically researched the rate of shark attacks in DC. Also my first concert was N’Sync; I saw them twice.

    • Eliza July 15, 2011, 4:14 am

      Haha the shark attack comment takes me back to my lifesaving days when I was out deep in the ocean, practising rescues, and a huge seal swam past my legs. I thought it was a shark and nearly died of fear/shock….( I live in Australia by the way, and shark attacks are very common- am guessing you won’t be coming here to swim anytime soon)

  • Sophie July 14, 2011, 5:27 pm

    I had no idea you had a tattoo!
    If I had to chose one political cause I feel strongly about (just one!) it would have to be equality. It’s such an important human right and yet all around the world it just isn’t present. But I won’t get too worked up in this comment 😉
    Great post!

  • Kimberly July 14, 2011, 5:27 pm

    1) What do you have on your bedside table? The Year of Magical Thinking, phone, lamp, picture of my boyfriend and I

    2)Do you have a tattoo? Nope, never had the guts to get one!

    3)Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage? Personally, no. I think sex is an important part of a committed relationship. But I think it’s great to wait if that’s what you personally believe.

    4)What is your worst habit? Cupcakes. Last Friday after work I frantically drove around for an hour and a half searching for a bakery that was open.

    5) I’m not married, but my boyfriend and I live together. We have separate bank accounts, and honestly, I’m not sure I’d change that after marriage. I like the financial independence.

    6) If you could change your name, what would you change it to? I always thought my name was very boring. Not sure what I’d change it to but to something exotic.

    7) Where do you want to go on your next vacation? Lately I’ve had a fascination with Instanbul.

    8) What is one political cause you feel strongly about? Abortion. I believe in a woman’s right to choose.

    9) Have you ever stolen anything? I stole a tiny horse figuring from a museum in 3rd grade and felt guilty about it for the next 10 years or so.

    10) Tell us something embarrassing about yourself. I’ve become hopelessly addicted to the Bachelor and Bachelorette even though I hate myself for watching them!

  • Courtney July 14, 2011, 5:28 pm

    I’d want to change my name to Camelia- my first and middle names are Courtney Amelia, so Camelia is like combining them! 😛

    I love the name Josie too, btw

  • Carly July 14, 2011, 5:32 pm

    As a kid, I used to rotate my name to be one of the girls from the Babysitters Club. Each week it was a different one. I was a total nerd. Now, I love my name!

  • Ellen @ Undercover Runner Eats July 14, 2011, 5:32 pm

    1. What do you have on your bedside table?
    Lamp, Kleenex Box, and remote control.

    2. Do you have a tattoo?
    Yes, on my ribs.

    3. Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?
    While it’s not the path that I chose, I admire those who do.

    4. What is your worst habit?
    I go through a LOT of paper towel.

    5. How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?
    Not married, so no joint accounts yet. I think that we should share most of our money, but have smaller accounts on the side for each of us. How else could I buy them presents!?

    6. If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
    I’ve always liked the name Gwen.

    7. Where do you want to go on your next vacation?
    The Rocky Mountains. I’ve never been and I love to hike.

    8. What is one political cause you feel strongly about?
    Is WIC considered a political cause? Then that, haha.

    9. Have you ever stolen anything?
    Not that I can recall…

    10. Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.
    I car dance, as in from the waist up. I will also mouth along and hair dance (I whip my hair back and forth!)

  • Vanessa July 14, 2011, 5:34 pm

    1)cell phone, water bottle, book
    2) none- too permanent
    3)I wanted to wait until marriage but caved with my first love
    4)reality tv junkie
    5)even steven on everything
    6)love the name sasha
    7)id love to visit either Greece or Argentina
    8)healthcare
    9) was a bit

  • Katy July 14, 2011, 5:35 pm

    1. So much more than I could name, including a workout water bottle (aluminum), an all-the-time water bottle (glass with rubber protection), and a cup from this morning’s protein shake. And two remotes for my bed. Because obviously I need remotes for my bed. A garage door opener? On my bedside table? How have I not noticed this before? I should consider cleaning.

    2. Nope

    3. I believe it’s completely up to the individual

    4. Randomly opting to sleep, rather than doing something I should do, in the middle of the day.

    5. We put everything on credit cards and I pay them off weekly. If something looks off or like one of us is spending too much, I notice, we talk about it, we fix it.

    6. Some super southern double-name, like Mary Virginia. But I’m glad I’m not changing it!

    7. There is really no question here. I’m going to Bora Bora for my honeymoon a month from today. And that’s where I want to be.

    8. Arts in school, ranging from music and art classes in elementary school to literature, drama, or art classes in college. Don’t even get me started.

    9. I really like to eat off other people’s plates and I don’t always remember to ask permission!

    10. When I’m home by myself, I make up songs that I sing and dance to for or with my dogs. And I know all of their favorite songs.

    10.

  • Jordon July 14, 2011, 5:40 pm

    1. Lamp, boyfriend’s hat, glasses
    2. Yes. I have the black outline of two interlocking hearts on the inside of my right wrist. My sister and I got matching ones when I graduated college.
    3. No, but I believe that it should be saved for someone that you love.
    4. Obsessive worrying about everything! I can really get myself worked up.
    5. I’m not married, so money isn’t an issue yet. But in the future, if I do get married, I imagine pooling our money into joint accounts would be the best way to do it.
    6. I’ve always loved my name, so I don’t think I would ever change it. But I like the name Hayden for my (future) daughter.
    7. I would really like to visit Australia! But realistically, I want to take a roadtrip out to the Western US.
    8. The right to healthcare.
    9. Not that I can think of! So I guess no.
    10. I actually really enjoy plucking my eyebrows.

  • The Healthy Engineer July 14, 2011, 5:50 pm

    These personal questions are hillarious!!!

    Who knew bloggers were so….”active” in their teens?
    😀

    I love love love reading about people’s embarrasing stories!

    Sadly I’m so awkward that every day is an embarrasing story.

  • Ashley July 14, 2011, 5:53 pm

    1. Chapstick, cell phone, Clash of Kings (a book).
    2. A star on my wrist. It’s my “I’m 18 and I’m getting a tattoo” tattoo 😛 I plan to get “26.2” once I complete a marathon.
    3. For me, abstinence would not work. For others, that’s for them to decide. 🙂
    4. Worst habit is definitely procrastination involving housework. I have the damnedest time getting motivated, but once I do it’s fine.
    5. We have separate finances and probably will after we get married, at least for the first few years. I like having my own money, and I’m more frugal than he is.
    6. If you asked me this ten years ago, brooding teenage me would want to be called “Raven” or “Willow” *cringe* Now, I’d rather my middle name (Laura) be my first name.
    7. We’re planning to go to Phoenix next year – we want to move out west to a big city somewhere warmer than Michigan, and we’re going to start getting a feel for all of the cities out there.
    8. I concur with you on this. As a Sociology grad, I feel that social welfare programs are too often overlooked.
    9. Nope. I was always a straight-and-narrow child…way too afraid of the repercussions!
    10. Singing to my cat. “You are the silliest kitten who ever did kitten…” I wait until I’m alone to do that. It’s BAD.
    10.

  • Liz A July 14, 2011, 5:54 pm

    What do you have on your bedside table?
    tissues, lamp, several books, a pencil, and a picture of a wedding cake I gave to my baker to use as inspiration. 🙂

    Do you have a tattoo?
    yep, music notes on my hip. got it on my 18th birthday.

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?
    I think it’s great when people firmly believe in and practice this. I, however, did not. I don’t regret it either.

    What is your worst habit?
    drinking Mountain Dew :/

    How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?
    we have a joint checking account, attached to a joint savings account, and also attached to another checking account. I typically pay the bills each month and make sure they’re done on time. the second checking account is for the husband, and he usually keeps around 50 bucks in it. it’s mostly for my sanity – I’m very anal about keeping the checkbook/account balanced and he’ll often buy snacks or drinks when he’s at work and forget to tell me. so then I have to write in like 1.29 and it just drives me nutty. this way he can spend away and not have to worry about “letting me know”. 🙂

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
    I did just change my name. my last name! 🙂 I’ve always liked my first name: Elizabeth. I go by Liz usually.

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?
    seriously, anywhere. I hardly ever go on real vacations.

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?
    marriage equality. I don’t think it should even be a “political issue” – whose business is it who you marry anyway?

    Have you ever stolen anything?
    yes. when I was a teenager I stole a toe ring off a bottle of nail polish at Rite Aid because I wanted the ring but didn’t want the polish. lame.

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.
    I’ve watched each season of America’s Next Top Model multiple times….

  • Ashley July 14, 2011, 5:54 pm

    1) What do you have next to your bedside table? – A lamp, mouth guard (I grind my teeth), magazines, my daily planner, water bottle

    2) Do you have a tattoo? – Nope, no tattoos. I like them on other people, but growing up my mom used to tell me I’d go to hell if I got one. It kind of stuck.

    3) Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage? – I was raised to believe in abstinence, and at 18 thought I was with the man I was going to marry. Alas, that didn’t happen and I regret that my husband was not the first man I was with on our wedding night. I was his first.

    4) What is your worst habit? – Procrastinating, not believing in myself.

    5) How do you handle finances in your relationship? My husband and I share a banking account. It just works for us… although I do feel guilty when I spend money.

    6)If you could change your name, what would you change it to? – I always wanted to. My name is very common for people the same age as I am and can get confusing at hair salons or doctors’ offices when there is more than one of me called.

    7) Where do you want to go on your next vacation? Somewhere cooler. Arizona is so hot this time of year. YUCK!

    8) What is one political cause you feel strongly about? — The Educational system.

    9) Have you ever stolen anything? – No.

    10) Tell us something embarrassing about yourself. At the age of 26, I sleep with a stuffed animal, a bear my sister game me 6 years ago. I love that bear.

  • Christie July 14, 2011, 5:57 pm

    1. What do you have next to your bedside table? iPad, glasses, box of tissues, and a lamp

    2. Do you have a tattoo? Yes, one. On my shoulder.

    3. Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage? Not for me. I wanted to live with my fiance before we got married (we did). My husband waited but I wasn’t his first marriage. I waited until pretty late to “swipe my v-card” (love that statement) but I didn’t want to wait until marriage.

    4. What is your worst habit? Taking things personally.

    5. How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship? — We put all of our money into a main checking account and pay the bills. We each get an “allowance” and then a family money budget. Similar to what Kath describes on her blog.

    6. If you could change your name, what would you change it to? When I was younger I really wanted to be a Mariah but as I’ve gotten older, Christie doesn’t seem so bad.

    7. Where do you want to go on your next vacation? For my next immediate vacation, I’m trying to convince the husband to take me on a baby moon cruise.

    8. What is one political cause you feel strongly about? Health care isn’t a privilege, it’s a basic human need.

    9. Have you ever stolen anything? Yes. Nothing major but candy as a child, change from my parents, clothes from my sister, etc.

    10. Tell us something embarrassing about yourself. I love trashy, steamy romance novels.

  • Lily Fluffbottom July 14, 2011, 5:57 pm

    I have two tattoos. Well, three. I have arrows on my feet in a Celtic knot design, and I have a Buddha sitting on a lotus flower on my right thigh. Both were custom designed for me. I loves them.

  • Nikki July 14, 2011, 6:00 pm

    My worst habits are chewing too many pieces of gum in a day, interrupting, and not cleaning my room!

  • Lauren (Clean Eats in the Dirty South) July 14, 2011, 6:04 pm

    1. What do you have on your bedside table?
    Lotion, lamp, cell phone, and hand sanitizer.

    2. Do you have a tattoo?
    Yes! I have an eating disorder recovery tattoo on my right hip (http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/208286_10150249005866978_741866977_9117083_5766981_n.jpg) and I have two lines from Maya Angelou’s “Phenomenal Woman” tattooed on my left rib cage (http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/198489_10150199302546978_741866977_8890925_7771407_n.jpg).

    3. Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?
    No. It works for some people, but not for me. I have only ever slept with the guy I’m with now, and I even think that was too soon. I think sex should be special – in a committed relationship and safe, whether you’re married or not. Whenever is right for YOU.

    4. What is your worst habit?
    Worrying. Or biting my nails.

    5. How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?
    I’d like to have a joint account and agree on purchases that are important.

    6. If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
    I like my name 🙂

    7. Where do you want to go on your next vacation?
    My next trip is to Hilton Head Island with my boyfriend and my family.

    8. What is one political cause you feel strongly about?
    I believe that women have the right to choose.

    9. Have you ever stolen anything?
    Not that I know of.

    10. Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.
    I made fun of my ex because he was a ginger, and I think that was part of the reason he dumped me. Hahaha

    • Whitney July 14, 2011, 6:49 pm

      Love the tattoos. Mine helps me feel strong also.

  • Delia July 14, 2011, 6:06 pm

    No tattoos for me 🙂

  • Nicole July 14, 2011, 6:10 pm

    I’ve always liked to idea of having a tattoo, but I don’t think I would ever actually want to get one. They’re just too permanent for me I guess. And I’m too indecisive to ever be able to figure out what I would want to get.

  • Molly @ RDexposed July 14, 2011, 6:21 pm

    I pick at my split ends NONSTOP!! I just can’t not pick a split end if I can see it. Usually by the end of the day my hair is up so I can be productive.

    Is there a patch for this?

  • Coco July 14, 2011, 6:46 pm

    How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?

    Caitlin, I looove your answer to this. I am semi-serious with my boyfriend (we are thinking of moving in together soon), so finances have been on my mind recently. I would say that while we are still dating, obviously we would have our own bank accounts but still consult each other on purchases that affect us both. Then once we are married, we would probably merge our accounts.

    • Caitlin July 14, 2011, 6:57 pm

      I know that merging finances doesn’t work for everyone, but we trusted each other financially and it helped us feel more ‘together’ to have one bank account. I also think it reduces fights because it forces you to be more honest about spending. Just a thought!

  • Whitney July 14, 2011, 6:48 pm

    I have a tattoo: To be yourself is all that you can do. ( Lyrics to an audioslave song, and a mantra to remind myself). After battling with bulimia for 10plus years it helps remind me.

  • Joey July 14, 2011, 6:50 pm

    Wow, the comments on this post have gotten some great discussions going! My worst habit is Facebook, too… I’m on there wayyyyy too often!

  • Laura July 14, 2011, 6:51 pm

    I don’t have a tattoo but I really want one! I want to get a cursive L (for Laura) with a heart at the end of the loop as a reminder to always love myself first over anything/anyone else. cheesy, for sure, but tattoos usually are, right? 🙂

  • Leighann July 14, 2011, 6:52 pm

    Hey,
    I have been reading ur blog for a while & just looked at some of my pics from my time at Pitt. A bunch of them are from outside ur house from Sr year and we are all running around in a snowstorm lol.

    To answer a question: I teach special ed in an extremely urban and low income school- the cuts being made to education are so damaging to the kids that need the most help!

    • Caitlin July 14, 2011, 6:58 pm

      I remember that night! I’m wearing a puffy grey coat, right? Fun.

  • Audrey July 14, 2011, 6:53 pm

    1. Well, i don’t have a bedside “table” ,but I do have a built in nook in my headboard, and right noe it is filled with a China set, alarm clock, hand sanitizer, a book, a lamp, a crysal little eyore figure, and a motivational keepsake box from when I was really sick.
    2. No tatoos, and I don’t think I would get one. I’m only 18, and I know that what sounds good now, will probably not sound so good ten years later.
    3. I do belive in abstinence prior to marriage, and plan to kepp my V-card until my wedding night. I don’t judge those who decide not to wait, and I hope they don’t judge me. Sex is a beautiful thing, if done with someone you love and when you are fully 110% ready.
    4. My worst habit is that I always put myself down. I constantly tell myself I can’t do something or won’t get what I want in life. I’m working on that.
    5.I’m not in a relationhip right now, and I budget my weekly expenses myself. I live (for the next 41 days-COLLEGE!!!) with my mother, but I painstakingly budget out my share of the grocery bill, gas, etc, and try to stay under budget.
    6.I’d change it to Faith or Honor-I’ve always loved thosee names.
    7. I’d go to New York! I live in California (well for the next 41 days that is 😉 ), and am excited to explore the east coast.
    8. I feel really strongly about stetting proper regulation on what the media can show-especially when it comes to promoting unhealthy eating, weight, and lifestyles. I suffer from anorexia, and don’t want to promote ANY unhealthy lifestyle, especially on young children.
    9. When I was five, I stole a Pinnie the Pooh box from Marshalls. I had one like it at home and wanted it soo badly. I still feel guilty about to this day!
    10. I have on occasion drunk sugar free flavored coffee syrup out of the bottle-shamelessly. My weekness is sugar free vanilla bean 🙁

  • Emily July 14, 2011, 6:53 pm

    The other day a friend of mine asked me if I had any tattoos, and when I replied that I don’t, she got excited and high-fived me for being unique. Apparently lacking tattoos is now special just because so many people do have them!

  • Laura July 14, 2011, 6:57 pm

    What do you have on your bedside table?

    A lamp, a clock, panadol, Nurofen and melatonin tablets, water bottle, notepad and pen, six books. Why, yes, I am messy and unwell.

    Do you have a tattoo?

    No. I’m not opposed to them in theory, but to be honest, with chronic illness you get stuck with so many needles anyway that I’m not keen to voluntarily inflict them on myself!

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?

    No. I’m in my mid-twenties, unmarried and am actually a virgin, but it’s been more the result of circumstances than moral stance. If I get to a better point with my health and meet somebody and there’s a mutual attraction, I wouldn’t really hesitate, I don’t think. Equally, though, if people do want to wait, I think that’s fine and great. Whatever works for you individually.

    What is your worst habit?

    Procrastination. Um. Witnessed by the fact that I’m reading blogs and answering memes instead of working on my thesis, oops! 🙂

    How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?

    Well, I’d LIKE to be married to a billionaire who gives me an open credit card, but more realistically I guess I would always want to feel financially secure in myself. I would have no problems with a joint account for expenses, but would want my own savings as well.

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

    I really like the names Elizabeth, Genevieve and Allegra.

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?

    Right now, it’s freezing in New Zealand, so the south of France sounds pretty good!

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?

    Benefits for the genuinely sick/disabled and single mothers, which are constantly being cut. And lower student fees, which are constantly being raised.

    Have you ever stolen anything?

    Um, I once stole a book from the public library. I was about seven and there was a book that I constantly checked out and re-read. And I totally cut the cover off it and another one of similar size that I own, switched them, glued the wrong cover onto each book and returned the wrong one in the right cover. EMBARRASSING. I was like a seven-year-old master criminal.

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.

    More embarrassing than the book incident? 🙂 I’m a full-on Potter geek, fanfic forums and all since 1999. And I totally spent hours in the weekend reading Babysitters Club snark posts at http://bsc-snark.livejournal.com/.

  • Stephanie C July 14, 2011, 7:00 pm

    I found your abstinence answer very interesting! I came from a religious background (still consider myself religious, but not in the same way I was raised) and was taught about abstinence before marriage. I fully intended on it, except it didn’t work out that way.. and I don’t regret it at all. I think I tend to lean towards how you were raised, though it doesn’t necessarily line up with the values I am taught in church.. that is something I think about often 😉 Anyways! I wanted to answer a few questions.

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?
    Italy! I have already been there but I love it and want to visit other parts. Sweden, Switzerland (again), Spain.. I could go on but I’ll leave it there!

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?
    I feel strongly about a lot.. contrary to a lot of people with the same beliefs as me, I do feel strongly about a lot of social and human rights issues. I believe that we should all be treated equally.. My mom taught me early on.. treat others as you would want to be treated, and I carry that with me throughout all areas of my life. Hope that made sense..

  • megan July 14, 2011, 7:08 pm

    let’s see.. i have 3 tattoos – 1 on my hip, 1 on my wrist and 1 on my rib cage and i love them all! & am embarrassing story.. im a big hockey fan and in april, my team was in game 7 of the first round of stanley cup playoffs. they scored & won the game & i fractured my foot while celebrating. i was totally sober and my foot still hasn’t healed (STILL in a boot!) and my team was swept in the next round of playoffs. boo.

  • Jen G. July 14, 2011, 7:08 pm

    Caitlin, this was so much fun! I’ve loved reading everyone’s answers in the comments!

    What do you have on your bedside table?
    A reading lamp, an alarm clock, a couple of coasters (I drink loads of water, even before bed!), and a book/puzzle book.

    Do you have a tattoo?
    Yes! I always thought I was too much of a commitment-phobe to get one, but I got one on my 2nd cancer-versary. I figured I already had the scar, I might as well do something myself to mark the occasion 🙂

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?
    Not for me! I was religious (with a remarkable amount of self-control) up until my mid-twenties until I finally accepted my agnosticism. However, I do believe in waiting for someone you trust, if not love. Unfortunately, combined with my innate skepticism and the late age of “un-conversion,” it leaves me still holding my v-card at an embarrassingly old age (28). I’m ready to give that one up!

    What is your worst habit?
    Obsessive email checking. I won’t let myself get a smart phone because I know I’d be one of those people who can’t put it down.

    How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?
    I think finances would be super-hard to cede to someone. (See question 3 and my lack of trust.) I’m super-responsible and a saver (except when it comes to my Kindle). Trusting someone else to be the same would be hard.

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
    I grew up as Jennifer, which I hated (because there were 5 million of us around). An ex-boyfriend called me Jen and it fit so much better!

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?
    I have a conference in California next year, and I’m planning on staying a few extra days and taking surf lessons. Depending on my savings, I’d also like to take a long ski weekend this winter.

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?
    Health care. I just hit my five-year cancer-free mark, but for five years, every school/career move I made was based on the realization that I couldn’t get insurance unless it was through group coverage. My mom had to stay in a job much longer than was good for her health because of insurance. I’m also big on equal rights for all (including women’s reproductive rights, marriage equality, etc.)

    Have you ever stolen anything?
    No! I’d feel way to guilty! In high school, I lied to my mom and told her I’d done my homework when I hadn’t. Two days later, I went to her in tears and confessed. The guilt had eaten me alive over the past two days!

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.
    I think any number of the answers above would qualify.

  • Rika July 14, 2011, 7:17 pm

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.

    I WAS going to write about how I spilled glue into my first crushes hair in first grade- buuut I accidentally forgot to lock the door to a(n unisex) bathroom today and my guy coworker (who I met a couple of days ago) walked in on me without a shirt. smooooth.

  • Donna MacDonald July 14, 2011, 7:18 pm

    Yes, I have a tattoo! Two, actually. A small pretty rose on my shoulder blade and a purple rose and a pink butterfly on my right upper arm that’s in memory of my baby granddaughter Emily Rose who we lost to a brain tumor when she was three years old.

  • CH July 14, 2011, 7:22 pm

    2. Do I have a tattoo? No, but I have wanted one for three years now, and I now precisely what I want! Since I have had the exact same vision for so long, I know it’s something I really truly want; it’s not a phase or anything. I want a small flock of 3-4 dark green birds, each about 1 inch wide and a centimeter or two high, on my upper left shoulder, directly over my shoulder blade. Very specific, I know. 🙂

  • Maria (RealFitMama) July 14, 2011, 7:22 pm

    DO YOU HAVE ANY TATTOOS??

    YES!!!

    I have 3 at the moment. I have an angel fish on my upper left shoulder blade that I got when I was 18. I have a sun on my right ankle that I got when I was 19. I have a large peace sign on my upper right shoulder blade with my daughter’s names (Linsey & Regan) wrapping around it. That was my 30th birthday present to myself!

    I have an idea for one more, but have to work up the money for it!

    The coolest part is – my husband (who was my boyfriend for the first two) was with me for all three of them. Of course he’s covered in tattoos and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

    Because I’m out of ideas (and time) for tonight’s post I’m going to steal this from you AND do a giveaway as well. I hope you don’t mind!! 🙂

  • Marie July 14, 2011, 7:27 pm

    1. Lamp, crocheted coaster, 3 books, journal, pen, picture of my puppy Katie (she’s 17).
    2. I don’t have any tattoos but like everyone else in my high school I got my belly button pierced.
    3. No I don’t, but it’s romantic!
    4. Worst habit= procrastination! I’m awful.
    5. I live with my boyfriend so everything’s still separate. He pays mortgage + bills, and I buy groceries and anything house decor-related.
    6. Probably Mary, since like 85% of people think Marie = Mary. It would make life easier. I tell people at Panara & Starbucks that my name is Mary.
    7. Europe! Particularly Scotland and England.
    8. Oh lawd… too many. Universal Health Care.
    9. Yes 🙁 A clearance bin lip gloss that had no code in a store that shall not be named when I was 13.
    10. Something embarrassing? The reason I got my belly button pierced because Britney Spears had hers pierced. YUP.

  • Susan July 14, 2011, 7:30 pm

    5. The BF & I put our paychecks into a joint account (we own a house together) where pretty much everything is paid from. Then we each get the same amount transferred into our personal accounts every month for our own spending.

  • Elle July 14, 2011, 7:30 pm

    My nightstand is a complete mess. I have my IHome, hair ties/bobby pins, a little holder for my cellphone, ipod, computer chargers along with my ipod, cell phone, and pens. I also have the most recent coupons that I can use, the current book I’m reading, and current magazine. There are lots of piles!!

  • Brooke July 14, 2011, 7:32 pm

    1. Alarm clock, engagement ring & box, 3 Vogue magazines.
    2. I have 5 tattoos, only 1 I regret, the rest I love.
    3. I’m brought up to be abstinent, but I chose to do the opposite. Lived and learned from it.
    4. I pick my lip..my fiance hates it.
    5. We have separate accounts, but equally pay our bills.
    6. I would change it to Yeardley (pronounced yard-ly).
    7. Dream vacation would be Germany and Paris. European culture fancies me.
    8. More funding for school lunches to be healthier.
    9. I stole Silly Putty in 1st grade, I took it back. They let me keep it.
    10. I wear my smelly running shorts for 2 runs then wash and alternate pairs and do the same thing.

  • Emily C. July 14, 2011, 7:34 pm

    1. A mother’s day card, a lamp, the TV remote, a book.
    2. No tattoos!
    3. Either way is fine by me!
    4. My worst habit is diet soda.
    5. I handle the finances and we have a joint account.
    6. I don’t think I’d change my name…
    7. Disneyworld or a Disney Cruise.
    8. Abuse of welfare (food stamps, etc) I just want it to be there for people who really need it!
    9. Not on purpose…I did have an unknown shovel and pail that my daughter had thrown into the cart once that I did not go back in to pay for. I guess that was on purpose because I didn’t go back in. Not a very exciting item though.

  • Trista July 14, 2011, 7:35 pm

    I accidentally walked out of a store with a box of candy canes when I was 14. I brought them back. I felt so guilty and embarrassed!

  • Sana July 14, 2011, 7:41 pm

    Do you have a tattoo?

    Nope, only henna!

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?

    Uhhh, I am a walking contradiction, I actually do but I have tested the waters so to speak with an ex. However current bf and I plan on waiting 😉

    What is your worst habit?

    I am terrified of expired food.

    How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?

    I would personally like to have my own money but I am not opposed to the idea of sharing!

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
    I totally love my name!

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?

    Turkey

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?

    Freedom of religion

    Have you ever stolen anything?

    yep, a shirt from walmart would not scan in the self checkout and I was running late, so I just took it.

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.

    I pooped and peed in my pants 3 months ago.

  • Jenna July 14, 2011, 7:41 pm

    Bedside Table – lamp. book. alarm clock. pens. note paper. [just incase a thought strikes]
    Tattoo – around my ankle. got it at eighteen. it reminds me to speak up. although I wanted a tattoo – I got ‘talked’ into this design and was too embarrassed to speak my mind. seventeen years later. it reminds me of my voice.
    Abstinence – everyone has the right to chose what’s right for them.
    Worst Habit – I hoard papers. Tons of papers. Receipts. Bills. Magazines. Messages. And purges although they happen – aren’t frequent enough. I have a bit of a potty mouth, too.
    Finances – would have joint + single.
    Name – Fynn. Love the name. Boy or Girl.
    Next Vacation – Hopefully Montana or Hawaii.
    Politics – Advocating for the working poor.
    Stolen – Was going to say ‘no’ but realized that a couple restaurants are a few salt shakers short.
    Embarrassing – I’ve waited six years for ‘the’ guy to come back to me – because he always said and kept saying he would- only to learn [not even from him] that he got engaged to the other girl. I’ve wasted so much time and devalued myself so much in the process.

  • Christena July 14, 2011, 7:44 pm

    What do you have on your bedside table?
    No room for a bedside table btw my side & the wall. I have a crate with some books on the floor beside my bed, though.

    Do you have a tattoo?
    No. Too chicken.

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?
    I always believed in abstinence prior to marriage, but ended up compromising my beliefs in college. I regret it. I wish that I had waited.

    What is your worst habit?
    passivity

    How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?
    Joint account, just like Caitlin, except my husband handles bill-paying, etc.

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
    Grace or Catherine

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?
    Alaska

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?
    Food politics – CAFOs, subsidies, etc, etc. I come from a long line of small family farmers.

    Have you ever stolen anything?
    Once I stole a plastic shopping basket from Wal-Mart. I had used it to carry my groceries to the car, and just plopped it in my car’s trunk without thinking. I never took it back! I used it for years to carry things (esp groceries) to and from the car until it wore out.

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.
    1. I am a huge klutz at the most inopportune times. I manage to fall down or fall off something at least once a month, almost always in public. I spill food & drinks on myself in public (during nice dinners or while I am mid-sentence). I am constantly dropping (and breaking) things, usually in public. In fact, sometimes I end up dropping random items so many times that they finally break. Last week I went to a work reception & before it had even started I spilled a soft drink on the pristine white tablecloth. A week later I was introducing a speaker and spilled another drink all over the table, AV equipment, etc. I honestly cannot help it.
    2. My single most embarrassing moment: when my young, unmarried hairdresser told me she was pregnant, I asked who the father was. Just like that!! Feel free to judge me, because clearly this was totally inappropriate & inexcusable. The words just came out of my mouth before I could stop them. As if I would know the dude, because I barely know her! I still get humiliated thinking about this.

  • sara July 14, 2011, 7:48 pm

    have you ever stolen anything?

    Once when I was about 2 years old my Mom turned around to back out of the parking lot after stopping in a convenient store and found me with a York peppermint patty smeared all over my face haha! I guess I had good taste at a young age and decided it had to be mine 😉 (We apparently went back in and paid for it she insists)

  • Jennie July 14, 2011, 7:54 pm

    What do you have on your bedside table?
    My cell phone, my current book (High Fidelity by Nick Hornby), hairbands, lotion for stretch marks (eek!), hand lotion, my baby monitor

    Do you have a tattoo?
    No! I can’t commit to a design! My hubby has two…lately I’ve been thinking about getting my daughter’s name on my foot.

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?
    I believe people need to do what is best for them, it’s different for everyone.

    What is your worst habit?
    biting my nails

    How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?
    My husband calculates and balances everything. I am horrible at math! We pool all of our money into one bank account and share all of our earnings equally.

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
    I like my name Jennifer but I think I would change it to just Jennie. It’s what I go by, yet when I introduce myself people always call me Jen! It takes ages to get people to get it right! I might change my middle name to Katherine. It’s my mom’s and my sister’s middle names and I’m always a bit jealous- like I was left out of a club. 😉

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?
    Las Islas Canarias (I was a Spanish major) 🙂

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?
    I’m not sure I could state any one cause, but I do think the government needs to work on being FOR the people…this country needs some help these days! All of us! 🙂

    Have you ever stolen anything?
    Not that I recall. Maybe something little as a kid…I used to have more spunk.

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.
    I was terrified to start a blog thinking no one would want to read it. Now that I have a brand new one and not many people read it…I realize that’s probably good! I can be new and terrible for a while, and no one will notice (or very few will anyway).

    Also embarrassing — I tripped and fell flat on my face right at half court of my senior year senior night basketball game while being announced as team captain. In front of about a hundred or two hundred people. Oops. More embarrassing? The reporter included it in the next morning’s local newspaper! OUCH!

  • Amanda @ The Beauty Notebooks July 14, 2011, 8:00 pm

    Caitlin, have you ever read the book “A Return to Modesty: Discovering the Lost Virtue?” My favorite college professor lent it to me, and I was reminded of it after reading everyone’s thoughts on sex ed/pre-marital sex. Wendy Shalit writes how modesty is related to sex, relationships, sex ed, the “hook-up” culture,religion and many other interesting topics, and how we as women can use sexual modesty to essentially undo the negative outcomes of the sexual revolution/the push for equal rights of women. She compromises between feminsim and conservatism, and as someone who has considered herself a liberal, I found the book to be fascinating with many interesting points of discussion. I have not gotten through all of it yet, but just thought I would pass the title along. I would love to hear your thoughts!

    • Caitlin July 14, 2011, 8:02 pm

      That book sounds right up my alley, actually. I would love to check it out soon! Kindle, yay!

    • Amanda @ The Beauty Notebooks July 14, 2011, 8:03 pm

      And that’s not to say that conservatives cannot be feminists, but that is basically the language she uses. One of the points I disagreed with is that she thinks feminism is kind of a dirty word. In my experience, not true at all!

      • Amanda @ The Beauty Notebooks July 14, 2011, 8:05 pm

        Basically, I think she is trying to write from a point that anyone could see as valid, regardless of politcal stance. Ok, I think I’m done, haha 🙂

      • Amanda @ The Beauty Notebooks July 14, 2011, 8:05 pm

        Basically, I think she is trying to write from a point that anyone could see as valid, regardless of politcal stance. Ok, I think I’m done, haha 🙂

  • Katherine July 14, 2011, 8:25 pm

    I don’t have a tattoo but I seriously want one! I want one on my hip and on my ribs.

  • Hilary July 14, 2011, 8:38 pm

    I love to answer questions about myself. ; )
    1. bedside table= a few books, chapstick(s), assorted crap , pics
    2. tattoo? no.
    3. abstinence? theoretically…
    4. worst habit? I’m ultra judgemental.
    5. Finances? We have separate accts and pay different bills. It’s a strange set up but it works for us.
    6. name.? I like Paige.
    7. next vacation: I’d love to take my 4 y.o. back to DIsney world. She talks about it all the time. We had a blast when we went there.
    8. politicalcause? I’m pretty anti-political but I donate to environmental causes.
    9. stolen anything? yes, when I was 4, I stole a pack of lifesavers from the grocery store and my mom made me take it back and apologize. it was mortifying.
    10. embarassing? I’m 8 mos pregnant and I just sneezed and peed on myself a little tiny bit. ugh. I can’t wait to be done!

  • Samantha July 14, 2011, 8:44 pm

    2. I have a tattoo on my ankle and I kind of wish it was somewhere else. I don’t regret getting it, but I also wish not everyone else could see it.

  • Mandee Lei July 14, 2011, 8:53 pm

    2. I have 5 and would like more.
    4. Procrastination is definitely my least favorite habit. TV is my number 1 time waster.
    6. Madison
    7. Anywhere! We never got to go on a honeymoon and have still never had a vacation together. In fact, neither of us has ever had a vacation. California would be a good start. We’ve been living in Arizona for a year and a half now and have never seen any other West Coast state.

  • Marissa C July 14, 2011, 8:53 pm

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?

    Yes! My husband and I waited and it was totally worth it–even though it made for a hard 6.5 years of dating/engagement. He was my first kiss too! (we waited until we got engaged)

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?

    Adoption (I think it is sad how hard/expensive/rare domestic adoption is)

    NOAA Awareness–people need to know how awesome the National Weather Service is! Weather.gov is where it is at people! Most other weather outlets (including weather.com) get their data from the NWS anyway. All of the Weather Channel’s forecasters are in Georgia, while the NWS people in every state/most cities and they provide detailed analysis of weather conditions in paragraph form. They are good too–it is really hard to get a job with the NWS–you have to have lots of education and be really good!

    • Marissa C July 14, 2011, 8:53 pm

      Oh…and 10 day outlooks are just stupid. Drives me nuts when I see people look at anything past Day 5 and think it is going to be accurate.

    • Liz A July 15, 2011, 8:24 am

      6.5 years….. wow! good for you guys! 🙂

  • Katie @ peacebeme July 14, 2011, 8:57 pm

    Loved learning about you in this post! I totally agree with your answer on sex before marriage. I am actually really glad I have had sex with other people before my fiance because I have something to compare to and can see how much more wonderful sex is with someone you love and are comfortable with. And I definitely think we can teach kids about safe sex without condoning meaningless sex.

    I don’t have any tattoos and I would honestly never get one. And on my next vacation, I want to go to any French-speaking country. I’m minored in French in college and I just want to speak it again! 🙂

  • Sarah G. July 14, 2011, 9:00 pm

    1. On my bedside table is an alarm clock, three yet-unfinished books, birth control, a pencil and pad of paper (I’m a compulsive list-maker!), my water bottle, and some stuff to numb mosquito bites!

    2. No tattoos here.

    3. I am not married, but I still did not practice abstinence before marriage, haha. I believe in comprehensive sex education and giving young people the information and resources they need to make smart, safe choices when it comes to sex. If abstinence if your thing, that’s great! I just think it’s important for people to have all different kinds of options.

    4. My worst habit is doing small actions without thinking them through first. What I mean by this is things like: grabbing a pan that just came out of the oven with my bare hands, or moving a table that has a bike leaning against it so the bike falls on the floor, or trying to break a big block of ice with a karate chop instead of getting a proper tool (yes, I actually did that, and I had to go to the hospital because I thought I broke my hand! They gave me two Motrin and sent me home.)

    5. My fiance and I have a joint checking account (for rent, groceries, and bills) as well as our own bank accounts (for personal expenses like clothing or books). It works great for us now, though I’m not sure if (or how) we’ll change our set-up once we’re married.

    6. When I was younger I was obsessed with the name Emily and really wanted to change my name. I even began adding an extra “E” to my initials as though Emily were a second middle name!

    7. I would love to visit New York with my fiance. Hopefully we will get to go in the next year!

    8. I am ardently pro-choice. Like Caitlin, I too grew up in a socially and politically liberal family, and my current political views certainly reflect that!

    9. I palmed a tiny gift-wrapping bow from a Hallmark store when I was five or six, and when I proudly showed my “score” to my mom, she was horrified and made me take it back!

    10. Even though my boyfriend and I moved in together over two years ago, I still sleep with the stuffed dog I’ve had since I was a little girl!

  • Maren July 14, 2011, 9:02 pm

    What a neat post! I would have to say I feel very strongly about planned parenthood. I think it is crucial to women like me who cannot afford to spend tons of money on health care to have an affordable option. I really hope it never goes away.

  • April July 14, 2011, 9:22 pm

    What do you have on your bedside table?
    Nook, cell phone, notebook

    Do you have a tattoo? Not yet. I want to get something to symbolize my family.

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?
    No, I think it is up to the couple to make a decision that is right for them. I think it is important to teach my children about sex and how to make an informed decision.

    What is your worst habit? Mindless shopping. I have to go to the store with a list or I will fill my cart up with stuff I don’t need.

    How do you handle finances in your relationship? We have a joint account. We pay our living expenses first. Then put some in savings, and use the rest for fun.

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

    In middle school I hated my name. My mom said when I got to high school I could go by my middle name. By the time that came, I actually like my name now.

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation? Somewhere tropical in the winter.

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?
    Education – I feel we are severely disservicing our kids by not giving every opportunity to get ahead. Knowledge is something that no one can take from you.

    Have you ever stolen anything?
    Not intentionally

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself. Facebook is a big priority in my life.

  • Keri July 14, 2011, 9:23 pm

    1. Omnivores Dilemma, Gratitude Journal, Candle, Glasses
    2. Om symbol on inside of my right ankle
    3. Abstinence if marriage age is before 20 is something to aim for, but honesty and birth control should be discussed openly.
    4. obsessive compulsively plucking eyebrows. sad, but true.
    5. share everything, we are one, consult before larger purchases.
    6. Olivia maybe? When I was younger, though, Monique (from Better Off Dead–classic 80s movie
    7. Tibet. Or India.
    8. Drastic changes need to take place in public education
    9. Stole a whistling lolli-pop from the grocery store when I was 4. My dad made me take it back and apologize to the manager. He seemed 13 feet tall. I was 18 feet sorry.
    10. My sister and I baby talk to each other.

  • Pauline July 14, 2011, 9:33 pm

    1. My bedside table has a lamp, alarm clock, baby monitor, picture frame, several books and coaster.

    2. I have a tribal armband on my right arm.

    3. I do not believe in abstinence, don’t want to be disappointed for the rest of your life.

    4.Looking in the mirror for zits.

    5. My husband and I a joint account for all bills and household spending and we each have an account for our personal spending.

    6. I guess I’ve always been happy with my name. Its an old name and I’ve only met a handful of people with it.

    7. Jamaica, my husband and I went two years ago and had a wonderful time. A friend recently went and just hearing about it makes me want to go back.

    8. My oldest daughter is starting kindergarten in the fall so I’m all over nutrition in the schools.

    9. I stole a necklace once from Kmart and felt so guilty about it I put it back the next day.

    10. I have really stinky toots.

  • Krista (kristastes) July 14, 2011, 9:35 pm

    Joy is my middle name, too! 🙂

  • Kristin @ Wounded Fawn July 14, 2011, 9:40 pm

    1. Jewelry box, ear plugs, cell phone, perfume makeup, 2 vhs tapes of the royal wedding lol
    2. I have 6 tattoos, I got the first when I was 14 and the 6th last year in maui.
    3. I personally do not believe in abstinence. I have a very high sex drive and have even been told I’m sexually intimidating. What if I had waited for marriage and then been told that, I shouldn’t feel bad about my sexual needs!
    4. I pick and I hate it. Just an anxious behavior that needs to stop
    5. I’m not sure if I will get married but either way the bf and I would share an account
    6. I wouldn’t change it now but as a child I wanted my name to be Sandy, you know, from Grease.
    7.I’d like for my next vacation to be somewhere warm, romantic and tropical
    8. I feel very strongly about protecting animals that get caught in political warfare, like elephants and gorillas and also saving orangutans. Let’s all stop using products with palm oil!!!
    9. yes, a shirt from kmart, oh well
    10. I am clean and neat in the whole apartment but in the bedroom I am super messy. I hate folding clothes especially 🙁

  • Maggie @ ReadySetBreathe July 14, 2011, 10:17 pm

    I always wanted to be named Carrie Smith for no particular reason!

  • Kris July 14, 2011, 10:20 pm

    No tattoo but I’ve always wanted one, and I keep thinking of getting one. I asked a coworker if a tattoo could be done on the instep of the foot, thinking of my doggie’s name who I just lost. Two weeks later I hear Jennifer Aniston just got her first tattoo — her late doggie’s name on her instep! How weird is that? Still haven’t talked myself into it; think I’m too old.

  • Ruby July 14, 2011, 10:22 pm

    I’d love to go to Europe for vacation and visit all the touristy places!

  • kirsten July 14, 2011, 10:23 pm

    I love posts like this!
    1. glasses, cell phone, books and magazines
    2. yes, 4 tattoos. I am currently working up the nerve to get an arm piece done that I really want.
    3. not at all. I really respect people who do though!
    4. I crack my knuckles around 50 times per day
    5. Me and my husband pool all money into one checking account. We charge all gas and groceries (then pay in full from the checking account) each month, and for spending money we take out a lump sum once per month and split it then portion it out so we have a certain amount of money to spend per week (this is for going out to eat/movies/shopping etc…) I also keep track of everything in google docs. It’s kind of anal but my husband was laid off last year and out of work for 12 months so although he has a job now, we’re still very frugal just in case it ever happens again.
    6. Kira. It’s similar to my name now but I like it better and I would still be able to keep my nickname Kir.
    7. Definitely Europe. I want to go to Spain, France and Germany
    8. financial aid so students who cannot afford college still have the chance to go.
    9. I used to steal all the time when I was about 12. Luckily I got caught at a Rite Aid and they called my mom so I got in trouble. I have never stolen anything again. I think if I hadn’t gotten caught I would have kept doing it.
    10. even though I am 26 years old I recently read all 9 pretty little liars books (which are definitely meant for teenagers)

  • Laura July 14, 2011, 10:58 pm

    1. remote controls, ipod clock radio, lotion, chapstick, and a lamp!

  • Jen July 14, 2011, 11:08 pm

    I don’t even care about a prize…I just like “quizzes” like this, lol.

    1) On my bedside table – a lamp, a hairclip/hairtie (well, until one of the cats runs off with it), an empty waterglass and sometimes my cellphone (Kindle lives on the floor so the cats can’t knock it down & harm it!)
    2) No tattoo yet. I have something in mind but don’t have the guts to get it…yet.
    3) I don’t believe in abstinence before marriage. I lost my v-card at 15 to an awesome guy that I went on to have a 3 year relationship with. I was lucky that he was a great guy (didn’t pressure me at all)…BUT, I was also very confidant and very sure of how I felt about him & sex at the time. I don’t regret it at all. Different strokes for different folks 😉
    4) Worst habit? HA! Sooo many…the worst are probably that I pick at my cuticles when I’m anxious and I smoke…I know, I’m gross.
    5) Finances…hubby and I have completely separate finances. I give him my share of the rent/utilites, etc once a month and we trade off on buying groceries every other week. It works for us.
    6) When I was a kid and one of 9 Jennifers in my class, I wanted to change my name to Heather (no idea why I picked that one), but I’m cool with it now.
    7) Next vacation – it’s already booked, we’re going back to the Caribbean on a cruise. Would LOVE to do Tahiti someday though!
    8) I’m passionate about several political causes…won’t get into them here.
    9) When I was 5 I accidentally stole a pack of gum from a department store (I put it in my “big girl purse” and then forgot it was there). On the way home, I realized what I’d done and burst out in tears. My parents felt so bad for me they didn’t even make me return it to the store (they did take the gum away though).
    10) I once gave a 45 minute presentation in highschool without realizing my jeans were unzipped and everyone could see my undies. I couldn’t figure out why people kept chuckling at me, lol (that so did not help my confidance as a public speaker!) After my presentation, one of my classmates told me the barn door was open…needless to say, I only wore button fly jeans for many years after that!

  • Lyn July 14, 2011, 11:10 pm

    What do you have on your bedside table?
    Tissues, phone and charger, lamp

    Do you have a tattoo? Nope and don’t think I’ll ever get one – just don’t think there’s anything I would want to have that’s so permanent. I love watching LA ink though!

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?
    No, but I always believed in waiting until you are mature enough to accept the possible consequences of sex (like pregnancy or god forbid an STD). I knew I couldn’t emotionally handle those things in high school. Therefore, I waited until my 20’s, and I’m 28 now and have had 2 partners, and feel pretty good about that with no regrets whatsoever 🙂

    What is your worst habit? Definitely mindless shopping, which was also mentioned by someone else above. I’m have a little bit of a shopping addiction and definitely make too many impulse purchases when it comes to clothing/accessories! (At least I usually don’t let myself buy something unless it’s on sale, but it definitely adds up!) Trying to only let myself buy something if I am really in love with it.

    How do you handle finances in your relationship? I’m not sure how I’ll handle this in the future but I can definitely say that after being financially independent for this long, I can’t imagine not having my own account or having to justify every single purchase to someone else.

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to? I’m not the biggest fan of my name, I think it’s kind of bland and boring. I do like that my parents decided to spell it differently though, with one ‘n’ instead of 2. Love the name Natalie, mostly because I have a giant girl-crush on Natalie Portman 🙂

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation? Somewhere warm and beachy!

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?
    Equal rights for LGBT community and easier access to HIV testing (changing the consent laws, at least here in Pennsylvania)

    Have you ever stolen anything?
    Hate to admit it but I did go through a minor shoplifting phase with a friend as a pre-teen… (little stuff, like nail polish, earrings, etc). Just so grateful that I woke up and realized how wrong that was and never got caught.

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself. Had a huge crush on Clay Aiken a few years back – I just love his voice, I can’t help it!

  • Theresa July 14, 2011, 11:18 pm

    What do you have on your bedside table?

    Study bible and zebra striped eye cover, though I’m not really religious. My dear sweet mother-in-law got it for me. And I do mean sweet, I’m very blessed with a kind MIL.

    Do you have a tattoo?

    Nope

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?

    Well yes of course I do. Who here can honestly say that they didn’t wish they had waited for the love of their life? I love who I am and know it wouldn’t be possible if I didn’t make the mistakes I made, but yes I would prefer that my dear sexy husband was my one and only. I hope my children wait for marriage, tho I would never be overbearing about it.

    What is your worst habit?

    Haha – it begins with an A, ends with an L, and has lchoho in the middle.

    How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?

    We also pool our money and have made a valiant effort to stop going out to eat. We both contribute to retirement plans, and have started exploring low risk investment options(CDs, etc.)

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

    Too many names come to mind – summer, eden, eve, eva, bella, grace, sienna, sierra, there are too many pretty names! and theresa is not one of them…

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?

    Honestly, hubby and I have some US relocation ideas in mind (Denver is #1), and we’d love to just go visit the places on our short list.

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?

    I wish I could speak intelligently on this, but I don’t follow politics that much. I know that’s irresponsible.

    Have you ever stolen anything?

    Oh yes. Haha, not recently.

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.

    I don’t think Zack Galafianakis is funny.

  • Tara July 14, 2011, 11:25 pm

    I don’t have a bedside table! On my floor/imaginary bedside table I have my ipod and phone, tons of magazines, a waterbottle, and a fan.

  • Jessica July 14, 2011, 11:50 pm

    What do you have on your bedside table?
    books, lamp, lip balm, alarm clock

    Do you have a tattoo? No. I would possibly get one in the future with a spiritual meaning. Maybe.

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?
    Not personally. I think that this is an individual choice. If you are emotionally mature and in a loving relationship, it is a healthy and natural thing.

    What is your worst habit? Procrastinating putting clean clothes away.

    How do you handle finances in your relationship? We have separate accounts. I handle a few of the bills and my husband handles the rest.

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to? I have no idea. Something less common, for sure.

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation? To a big city… Seattle maybe?

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?
    I wish that our health care system could be improved. I am not sure what the exact answer is but I would like to see more research/funds go to natural/holistic health. Also, I think that education is SO important. We need to put more money into public schools… like a lot more money.

    Have you ever stolen anything?
    No

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself. I was SUPER shy as a kid and I blush easily. When I was in middle school, I had a crush on the hottest guy in school. I was sitting next to him on the bus one day (He was actually talking to me!) I was so nervous and my face turned beet red. He asked me if I had gotten hit in the face. LOL

  • Melody July 14, 2011, 11:50 pm

    1. My AP Physic textbook, the current novel I’m reading, and a calculator.
    2. Nope!
    3. It really depends on the situation. I don’t care what other people choose to do but personally, I doubt I’ll wait.
    4. The Internet and late night snacking. 😛
    5. I have a bank account which is purely mine.
    6. Probably to my middle name: Serafina.
    7. Phoenix, AZ or Australia.
    8. Gay marriage.
    9. Nope! I’m boring.
    10. I just got braces and now I’m afraid to smile.

    Have you ever stolen anything?

    Not from a store, but once I stole a coffee cup from a fraternity house. I was really thirsty.

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) July 15, 2011, 12:04 am

    For my next vacation I would like to go to India, but really I am going to Vegas for my next vacay.

  • Rebecca July 15, 2011, 12:08 am

    At the risk of sounding crass…sex is fun ;).

    But in all seriousness, I think if you have your stuff together and aren’t using it for validation (which is all too common among teens, especially females), then I believe that sex is a good HEALTHY thing. I was raised in a family where sex was discussed with positivity, never as something to feel embarrassed about. Am I sexually active? Yes. Am I promiscuous? No. There are smart and dumb ways to go about adult decisions like this and I have chosen the former, but I give 99% of the credit for that decision to the way I was raised. I think it’s high time that sex stopped being frowned upon because it only causes more issues–secret, dangerous abortions, poor family planning, shame etc. Sex has been going on for a loooooooooooooong time, which leads me to believe that it’s NATURAL.

  • Rachael July 15, 2011, 12:53 am

    1) What do you have on your bedside table?

    No bedside table here! And I like it that way. Otherwise, clutter would be everywhere all over it. Instead, my glasses simply go on the floor next to my bed.

    2) Do you have a tattoo?

    Unfortunately, yes. I mean unfortunately because I like them on other people, just not on me. For my adult years, I always see the real me as being a blank canvas. But, alas, when you are 18, stupid, and drunk, you get a tribal sun tattoo. UGH. I’m 29 now and I’ve hated it for YEARS. Maybe I should turn it into something else?

    3) Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?

    Um, hell no. Not one bit. Like others have commented – what if you get married and there’s no sizzle between you and your now husband?

    4) What is your worst habit?

    Nail biting. I go through phases, but right now, they look like crap. I’ve been biting my nails since I was two.

    5) How do you handle finances in your relationship?

    It all goes into one pot, no matter what. For large purchases, we always consult one other. If the other has doubts or is upset by it, we make sure we can either return it later or not do it at all. Thankfully, we are both savers and enjoy simple living (other than my small clothing collection – a woman has to love her clothes!).

    6) If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

    Harper. I LOVE that name. I don’t want to give it to a kid, I want it for me, but overall, I think that Rachael suits me just fine.

    7) Where do you want to go on your next vacation?

    To the Pacific Northwest.

    8) What is one political cause you are passionate about?

    Plenty of them. I am a Social Work student and I’m so into my field and I was practically born an advocate. But, I will give you one of the many. I am hard of hearing (only can hear 15% out of my right ear and about 80% out of my left ear) and it infuriates me that we aren’t completely accommodating to the rights of the Deaf (in case you didn’t know, in Deaf culture, the ‘D” in deaf is capitalized). Look at Netflix. They don’t offer subtitles. Not every theater offers the service, either.

    9) Have you ever stolen anything?

    When I was 13, I stole makeup from Target. I don’t know why other than I was bored. What a teenage dumbass.

    10) Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.

    Oh wow! Haha. I always embarrass myself, and mostly on purpose. Not in a ridiculous way, but I don’t mind too much to make a fool out of myself. But, as far as something about me that’s embarrassing? Not sure, but I know that there’s plenty here!

  • Emily July 15, 2011, 1:14 am

    I just moved to the middle of nowhere – and out of my parents house for the first time – to a place I’ve wanted to live since I was 16. My boyfriend I may have walked 2 miles down a gravel road to the street sign at the end of my road because I wanted it…he didn’t have the right size wrench so he just ripped the whole pole out of the ground and walked home with it over his shoulder. So I guess I didn’t technically steal the road sign, but I was the instigator

  • Juani July 15, 2011, 5:22 am

    1.What do you have on your bedside table? Books,my childhood teddybear,a lamp,some handcreams and my cellphone.

    2.Do you have a tattoo? No,but I want the word “liefde” (love in english) written in my Dad’s handwriting,tattooed on my wrist,if I could only work up the courage 🙂

    3.Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage? To each his own.As long as you’re safe and responsible.I didn’t wait,and don’t regret it,since I’ve been in a long-term relationship since I was 22 (and only starting doing the deed right before turning 21).

    4.What is your worst habit?

    Not cleaning the apartment as soon as it gets dirty.I always procrastinate,and then hate myself for it.Also,I have no control around carb-filled foods.

    5.How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?

    We share basic bills like rent,electricity,tv,etc.But I buy most of the groceries and household stuff,since I mostly make our meals,whereas the Boyfriend pays for entertainment (ie.movie rentals,fun foods like chips and pizza,etc.)since I’m too cheap to spend my money on seemingly ‘frivolous’ things 😉

    6.If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

    Mirabel,after the character in Steve Martin’s ‘Shopgirl’.I just instantly loved that name.

    7.Where do you want to go on your next vacation?

    To a mountain lodge in Austria (swoon!)

    8.What is one political cause you feel strongly about?

    Free and decent health care for everyone.In South Africa,even people like me with health insurance,can’t afford private hospitals because they are INSANELY expensive,so my provider doesn’t cover most of the costs.

    9.Have you ever stolen anything?

    Yes,when I was about 12 I stole a magazine,because I wanted the pictures of Christian Slater (LOLS!) and of course,I got caught,and never did something like that again.

    10.Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.

    I can’t drive a car :/ Actually,I suck on anything with wheels,bikes,skateboards,rollerblades,etc.

  • Allie S July 15, 2011, 8:20 am

    That is so weird. My middle name is Joy too, and ever since I turned 18 I’ve been thinking about getting it tattooed on my ankle. It’s a sign. 😉

  • Julia @ Brides Up North July 15, 2011, 9:00 am

    Can I tempt you over to Brides Up North Josie Boyle?!

    LOL

  • Heather July 15, 2011, 9:28 am

    reading through the answers to #8 that people have left in the comments makes me feel extremely empowered. [and also, i really love your readership.]

  • E July 15, 2011, 10:14 am

    What do you have on your bedside table?
    -Lamp, alarm clock, cell phone (most of my stuff is in the drawer of the nightstand – glasses, retainer, Nook, eye mask, watch…)

    Do you have a tattoo?
    -No, wouldn’t mind getting one (on the inside of my wrist), but my mother would kill me (even though I’m 29) and I’m not sure what I would get, so definitely not getting one now.

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?
    -Not necessarily, but I do think it’s important to wait for a serious, long-term relationship

    What is your worst habit?
    -Spending too much time on the internet!

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
    -I wouldn’t change mine! I love my first & middle names (Elisabeth Anne) and love that they’re both spelled slightly different than the most common ways.

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?
    -Back to DC again (I go there usually every couple years), or Disney World (haven’t been in a few years) or Vegas (never been!)

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?
    -LGBTQ rights (in particular marriage equality)…and so many other causes!

    That was fun! Hope you do make it a permanent feature 🙂

  • Kimberly July 15, 2011, 12:22 pm

    After reading most of these I have to do it myself!
    What do you have on your bedside table?
    Cell, Glasses, Water, hair ties, birth control, lotion

    Do you have a tattoo? Yes, the zodiac sign for Cancer with flowers on my foot. I’d like to get another sometime.

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?
    No, although I wish i would have learned at a younger age the importance of sharing the act with someone who respects and cares for you.

    What is your worst habit?
    Binging on sweets and then obsessing over my bad choices.

    How do you handle finances in your relationship? The bf and I have a joint account where we split our expenses but also have our own accounts.

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
    I like my first name.

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?
    I’m reading Eat Pray love and it has me thinking of Italy. More financially realistic probably camping!!

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?
    Environmental issues, animal rights, allocation and monitoring of social security benefits, gay marriage, and on..

    Have you ever stolen anything?
    Yes, I went through a phase where stealing makeup from Wal mart was the thing to do with friends. Shameful!

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.
    I used to have this huge disgusting mole on my scalp and it embarrassed me so much telling a new hair stylist or when a boyfriend tried to pay with my hair.. etc. BUT I recently had it removed!

  • Ash July 15, 2011, 12:49 pm

    #3:

    I was 20 and my boyfriend was 19 when we lost our virginity to each other. We were in the relationship a little over a month before having sex. We trusted and loved each other and really talked about it before having sex for the first time. It actually took us SEVERAL tries before really having sex. The first few times it hurt like hell for me, so we stopped. My boyfriend was very kind and supportive–definitely no pressure–but I was upset that it took me a while to relax and just let sex feel good without it hurting.

    I know everyone is different and there are plenty of women who have sex for the first time and it doesn’t hurt at all, but all I could think of was that I was so glad we didn’t wait until our wedding night to have sex because we would have been so sexually frustrated on our honeymoon. Ha!

    I think it’s great to wait until you are in a loving, committed relationship. The boyfriend that I lost my virginity to is now my husband–seven years later! 🙂

  • Amber K July 15, 2011, 1:02 pm

    The one I feel strongest about is abstinence before marriage. It was really important to me. I had decided that if I wasn’t willing to marry (and actually go through the wedding) with someone then I wasn’t ready to give them that part of me. I always thought that I would be with a guy who felt the same way. Cut to me, falling for a guy who had already been with a few other girls. Which bugged me at first, but I loved that he was very understanding and understood how important it was to me to wait.

    My mom was actually “appalled” that I could be so “mean.” She always said it in a joking way, but mentioned it quite often. Mostly when he and I moved in together. We had separate bedrooms at first, and then got a roommate so we started sharing a bed, but still waited until after the wedding. I’d constantly hear “you make that poor boy sleep next to you and you give him nothing?!” Thanks mom, I really don’t want to have this conversation! lol

  • Michelle @ Turning Over a New Leaf July 15, 2011, 1:22 pm

    I know you’ve already picked a winner, but I’m such a magnet to any opportunity to overshare!

    *What do you have on your bedside table?
    Lamp. Books. Box of Kleenex. Thermometer. Chapstick

    *Do you have a tattoo?
    Not intentionally! 😉 I accidentally stabbed myself with a pencil in the heel of the foot in 8th grade and a graphite marking is still there, under my skin.

    *Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?
    Yes, and I did technically wait until I was married.
    Half the people I know believe in it but didn’t practice it. I think it just happens and I don’t condemn, and I don’t think that makes anyone “ruined,” though there are always undeniable consequences.
    For the comment about how it hurt for her the first time so she’s glad she didn’t wait… it hurt for me too. I was sore during my entire honeymoon. It didn’t make it any less special for us. Frankly, being on the pill was more damaging physically than waiting until our wedding night. If anything made it less emotionally special for us, it was the non-intercourse “fooling around” we did prior to our wedding. Would have been nice to slow down and “explore” each other for the first time. 😉

    *What is your worst habit?
    Computer addiction???

    *How do you handle finances in your relationship? Or, how would you like to handle money in your future relationship?
    It all goes into one joint account and filters down through the primary bills/expenses account, then into family allowance (another account), individual allowances (separate accounts), and joint savings. Our combined income is so small that if we were sharing all our money in one account, one trip to Subway without telling the other could cause serious damage, so we have allowances separated so we don’t have to worry about small things like that.

    *If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
    I never hated my name, and over time I’ve grown to like it the way it is. My husband thinks my name has sort of an exotic ring to it, so I’m satisfied. 😉 In any case, any names I particularly love I’ll likely assign to my children anyway!

    *Where do you want to go on your next vacation?
    Back to Europe. Though my husband wants to go on a cruise first. Though next month we’re going to Santa Fe, so I’m excited about that!

    *What is one political cause you feel strongly about?
    Several. Pro-life. Homeschool rights. And I have strong issues against big business in general. I’m a crunchy conservative. Can you tell? 😉

    *Have you ever stolen anything?
    When I was a tot I stole gummy bears and Elmer’s glue from K-Mart. Mom found the gummy bears and took me back there to make me confess and apologize.

    *Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.
    Um….. I google my friends?

  • Kelsey July 15, 2011, 2:06 pm

    I just wanted to share my point of view on abstinence before marriage. Not surprisingly those of us who have decided to wait are in the minority. I admit I get a little embarrassed about our choice to wait sometimes. We both grew up Christians but have since drifted away from any organized religion. Since we don’t really identify with a religion it would be easy to just do it. Believe me, we want to! But after 6 years of dating and now being engaged, we are both still choosing to wait. I kind of hate how sex is being compared to test driving a car because to me, it’s so much more than that. There are plenty of things we can do besides intercourse to show each other we are sexually attracted to each other and those things make it easy to see how conpatible we will be when the time comes. When I think about changing my mind, I think about our wedding night and how two first-loves will have such a special night. I know it probably won’t be perfect and we’ll probably giggle or try and then try again the next day, but I’m really looking forward to learning and growing together. The end!

  • Heather July 15, 2011, 3:14 pm

    I posted mine this morning, Im late for the contest, but I can still share 🙂

    http://illtake2ofeverything.blogspot.com/2011/07/10-randoms.html

  • Lauren July 15, 2011, 6:30 pm

    I definitely believe in abstinence before marriage but yet have many many friends and family that don’t practice that same belief. It’s each individual’s decision but I made the commitment to save myself for my husband when I was a teen and was able to acknowledge that part of myself during our wedding ceremony. And let me tell you, as nervous as I might have been on my wedding night, it turned out the be the most special, perfect night of my life. Everytime I reflect on it, I feel like it was a dream. I couldn’t have asked for a better reward for waiting like I promised myself.

    I don’t feel there are any negative aspects to waiting. And if people argue “What if it’s terrible?!”. Well, if you have no one to compare it to than how would you know it was so terrible? It’s part of learning each other and developing that trust and is/was so rewarding. I’m thankful I waited but would never not be friends with people who didn’t. I just know that waiting was rewarded with the best gift ever!

  • ksco July 15, 2011, 7:57 pm

    What do you have on your bedside table?
    water and glasses

    Do you have a tattoo?
    yes, two: a star i drew on my foot when i was 18. not much of an accessories person so i consider this my “accessory” and the ancient tao symbol for “water” on my lower right back. my brother and i are both pisces but think zodiac signs are kind of cheesy. the story behind the symbol is beautiful and describes our relationship to a tee.

    Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage?
    no – but i think it’s different for each person and i respect that.if you seriously lose sleep over someone else’s decision, please find a hobby or use your energy to volunteer somewhere.

    What is your worst habit?
    overanalyzing everything.

    How do you handle finances in your relationship?
    flying solo, so it’s all me 🙂

    If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
    my mom wanted to name me gwenyth but my dad hated it – i think i would have grown into the name!

    Where do you want to go on your next vacation?
    headed to napa in october and the philippines in march. next stop: peru.

    What is one political cause you feel strongly about?
    i consider myself politically apathetic, but i will never forget this article in the new york times that took up the entire front page and three pages inside (very rare) about the affects of PTSD if left untreated and how our government provides such little care for veterans. it made me so angry that i made a point to read as much as i could about it – nothing has changed, but it needs to.

    Have you ever stolen anything?
    a case of water – it was on the bottom of my cart, checked out, put it in my trunk and didnt realize it until i got home.

    Tell us something embarrassing about yourself.
    i secretly love this show called “instant star” that was on the n network (now teen nick) – i may or may not have bought some of the seasons on itunes. real. oh, and i’m 25. yikes.

  • Jess August 2, 2011, 2:11 am

    1) What do you have next to your bedside table? – A lamp, bottle of water and a whole lotta crap I probably don’t need

    2) Do you have a tattoo? – No, I’m not good with commitment

    3) Do you believe in abstinence prior to marriage? – No way. Try before you buy! Sex is a really important part of a relationship and you should know what you are getting into

    4) What is your worst habit? – Swearing. Like a drunken sailoor

    5) How do you handle finances in your relationship? We have a joint back account, but due to my partner being a contractor he has his own account that he gets paid into, so it is easier to keep records. The money gets transfered right away though. I do the budget and deal with the finances, trying to make sure we get some personal money, which is to be spent as the person sees fit.

    6)If you could change your name, what would you change it to? – Angela. That is what I was going to be named!

    7) Where do you want to go on your next vacation? I am planned an epic holiday now. LA, San Fran, Seattle, Vancouver and Toronto. It will happen. Eye on the prize!

    8) What is one political cause you feel strongly about? — Education. But I am going to be a teacher, so that explains it!

    9) Have you ever stolen anything? – Not that I know of.

    10) Tell us something embarrassing about yourself. – Oh gosh…Ummm…I’m not engaged yet but the wedding is pretty much planned. He told me to start thinking about it…So I did!

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