What are you really good at?  What are you really bad at?

 

I’m really good at:  cooking, writing, staying organized, taking care of my house and dogs, book smarts, and talking to strangers.  I’m really bad at: math, not gossiping, street smarts, directions, and putting together stylish outfits.

 

Have you ever been in a car accident?  What happened?

 

I’ve been in two self-caused car accidents.  The first time, I was 18.  I was driving my mom’s car and she was driving mine (can’t remember why).  We pulled into a totally empty parking lots and I made a quick U-turn… and slammed into a concrete pole.  Totaled my mom’s car in an empty lot.  Seriously.  The second time I was in a car accident was two years ago – I ran a stop sign and side-swiped another car.   I’m not a very good driver.  I should probably add that to my list above!

 

Why did you attend your college?

 

I went to the University of Pittsburgh from 2002 – 2006.  I attended because my boyfriend at the time was attending Carnegie Mellon, and I got a full academic scholarship to PITT.  I loved going to PITT!  Best school ever.

 

Describe your morning routine today.

 

My alarm went off at 7:30, I got out of bed, washed my face and brushed my teeth, walked and fed the doggies, did the dishes, make coffee, attempted to make a new recipe, threw the new recipe in the trash, made a peanut butter sandwich, ate breakfast while doing e-mails, went to the gym, walked the dogs again, took a shower, got dressed, and left for work by 10:15. 

 

Have you ever snooped through someone else’s things? Did you find anything interesting?

 

Yes… I’ll admit that I’ve gone through boys’ phones (a long time ago!).  Sometimes I also peek in people’s medicine cabinets.  Not very mature.

 

What do you think happens when you die?

 

Since I’m not religious, I don’t really have a ‘guide’ on what happens at death, so I’m really not sure.  I guess I have several theories:  first, maybe we just die.  People always think I’m being super morbid when I say this, but I don’t think it sounds so terrible – you’re dead, so what do you care?  Secondly, maybe our souls enter another dimension and live on… You know how it sometimes feel like the people we love but have passed are still around?  Maybe it’s their soul hanging out!  Or third, maybe our souls get reincarnated and are reborn as babies.  Some people just seem more ‘self-aware’ than others; maybe they’ve been here before!

 

Are you superstitious?

 

I am superstitious about making wishes at 11:11 and kissing the airplane before I get on it.  Yes… I literally kiss the side of the door before I step on the plane.  People always look at me like I’m crazy, but if I don’t do it, I feel really out of control and become paranoid that the plane is going to crash.

 

Do people think you are younger or older than you actually are?

 

People never think I’m older than I am – 27 – and I usually get pegged for younger.  I don’t mind!  I love getting IDed.

 

How did your parents’ relationship influence you?

 

My parents got divorced when I was 7 or 8, but they managed to keep things pretty healthy.  I only had a few moments when I felt like I was being ‘forced’ to choose between them.  So I think my parents’ divorce actually had a positive impact on me because it taught me that it’s possible to argue without screaming at each other.  It also made me realize that family should always come first, even if you don’t want to live together anymore… if that makes sense.  I think, by getting a divorce, they actually did put themselves and me first.

 

What were the three happiest moments of your life?

 

The three happiest moments of my life were:  the day I found out I had a scholarship to PITT; the day I married the Husband; and the day I got my first book deal.

 

Your turn!  Answer one (of all!) of the 10 Personal Questions in the comments section.  I’ll randomly select a winner tonight.  The winner will receive $20 to donate to the charity of their choice – fun!

 

PS – The winner of the Rock N Read 5K giveaway is Kelly Woodfin!

PPS – Want more personal questions?  Check out the first installment in the Personal Questions game.

{ 196 comments }

 

  • Nicole August 11, 2011, 2:21 pm

    I’m really good at: being lazy, making paper flowers, and remembering details. I’m really bad at: being productive in the morning, managing my time, and taking risks.

    • Caitlin August 11, 2011, 2:31 pm

      You’re good at being my BFF!

  • Bonnie August 11, 2011, 2:33 pm

    SO fun! Love learning new tidbits about people.

    I, too, am a medicine cabinet snooper, but only from time to time. I also like to look in people’s fridges and pantries – I love seeing what people stock up on! 😉

    I’m not superstitious at all – maybe it comes with generally not being a worry-er and trusting that God is in control and acts with purpose in my life.

    I attended my university to live in a different location (from San Francisco to British Columbia, Canada!), to be in the rain (got lots of it!) and to study French (ended up with Communications & Recreation). I met my husband there = huge, unexpected bonus and now I’m a Canadian permanent resident!

    Have a great rest of your day!

  • Emily G. August 11, 2011, 2:34 pm

    Describe your morning routine today.

    The first time I woke up was when the boyfriend came home. I had to make sure I had my goodnight hug and kiss. Then I asked how his day was and all that sweet stuff. I stayed up for about 30 minutes talking to him about random stuff while cuddling. This happens every night – he gets home way after I go to sleep.

    The second time was when I actually had to get up. I smother him in kisses (so mushy!) and shower, dress, and tell him goodbye 🙂

    Then I get to work and well, work! lol

  • penny August 11, 2011, 2:41 pm

    Describe your morning routine today.

    Woke up at 6am when my son woke up. Ate to forestall morning sickness – even at 28 weeks its bad. Traded childcare/feeding/getting ready time with my husband and then dropped son off at daycare. Went back home, watched A Baby Story, cried from hormones. Then went to visit a client at 9:30. An easy morning.

    • Lyn August 11, 2011, 7:50 pm

      Haha I totally cry at a baby story and I am not hormonal and preggs. It’s just so amazing when the mom sees the baby and holds them for the first time! I’m a sap.

  • Jen August 11, 2011, 2:42 pm

    I’m really good at writing essays, crocheting, doing crazy tricks with my tongue. I’m bad at science, confrontation, doing my laundry before it piles up.

    I’ve never been a car accident, not even a fender bender. This is a small miracle since one of the girls I lived with last year is the absolute worst driver I have ever seen.

    I decided on my university (University of Calgary! Woo!) because they offer double majors, have an award winning student run newspaper and it’s only an hour and a half from my hometown so I can come visit as much as I want. Second year starts in a month! Yay!

    Today is a complete lazy day for me so I got up, showered, puttered around the house, fed Elmo (our cat), answered some emails.

    Like Caitlin, I have gone through some guys phones (not cool, and I’ve vowed to never do it again). Other than that, I’m not a big snooper. I do like checking out what books people have though, but I don’t think that counts.

    I like to think we’re reincarnated, but I really don’t know.

    No, I’m not superstitious at all. The only sort of superstitious thing I do is always look behind the shower curtain when I go in the bathroom because I just KNOW that the one time I don’t do it, a crazy serial killer with a knife will be behind it.

    People always think I’m younger. I’m 22, and I was ID’ed in a liquor store recently and the woman commented that she thought I was “barely 18” (I’m from Canada). I guess it’s not a bad thing when people think you look young, at least she didn’t say 14.

    My parents got divorced when I was 8 but they have a really great relationship. My dad has been with someone for years and she and my mom get along amazingly, they even go out for dinner just the two of them. We all spend holidays together and even went on a two week vacation to Mexico. I’ve never felt like I’m from a broken home and my parents have taught me how to handle myself maturely in relationships.

    Hmm… getting into university, having my first article published in print… I think the 3rd is yet to come.

  • Meredith August 11, 2011, 2:51 pm

    I’m really good at being organized, multi-tasking, making lists, baking vegan goodies, and shopping :). I’m really bad at putting others before myself (and therefore not getting enough me time) and biting off more than I can chew.

    I’ve never been in a car accident; I’ve only had my license about a year and I don’t own a car, so I barely ever drive!

    I chose my university (Dalhousie in Halifax, NS, Canada) because it was close to home but not too close, is in a not-too-big city, has good research facilities, and I got a scholarship.

    My morning routine consisted of sleeping in till 9, lazing around with my brother and Mom who are visiting, eating a lovely bowl of whipped banana oats (a la Kath) and then shopping (oh how I love Lululemon!).

    I’m sure I have snooped through someone’s things at some point in my life, but I can’t remember a specific occasion.

    I’m really not sure about what I think about what happens when we die; I grew up in a slightly religious house held, but as I’ve grown older, I’ve questioned many of the things I’ve learned. So I don’t have a solid idea :).

    I’m not superstitious AT ALL. I broke a mirror a few weeks ago and didn’t think twice about it.

    I’m 21 and people are always surprised when I tell them that; they always think I’m older. I don’t think it’s that I look older than that; I think I just carry myself as an older, more mature person (according to my mother anyways :)).

    My parents have been married since I was three and like everyone, have their ups and downs in their relationship. The fact that they went an unconventional route (i.e. had two children before marriage and my mom kept her maiden name) taught me that your relationship doesn’t have to be the ‘norm’ to be okay. They also taught me that no relationship is perfect, and that it doesn’t have to be perfect to be happy.

    Hmmm, three happiest moments in my life; probably the day I started university (I felt like such a grown up!) and hopefully when my first scientific article gets published in the coming months! Can’t think of a third one…

  • Sara August 11, 2011, 2:52 pm

    I always look forward to your posts! Thank you so much for being here for us! =D

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat August 11, 2011, 2:55 pm

    I’m really good at:
    Cooking, running, getting up early, organizing my schedule, motivating myself, and spending money at Lululemon and Whole Foods.

    I’m really bad at:
    Staying up late, dancing, drinking beer (can’t stand the taste!), sticking to a grocery budget, and washing my produce well. 😉

    • Meredith August 11, 2011, 4:43 pm

      Hear ya on being good at spending money at Lululemon!

    • Dana @ the Big Fat Skinny August 12, 2011, 9:09 am

      I feel like I wrote this response! Who CAN stick to a grocery budget while shopping at Whole Foods?! Too many interesting and enticing things!

      • Caitlin August 12, 2011, 10:17 am

        You mean Whole Paycheck?

  • Lisa August 11, 2011, 2:55 pm

    What were the three happiest moments of your life?
    1) Reaching my goal of losing 100 pounds.
    2) Being on the cover of a magazine because of my weight loss.
    3) Moving in with my boyfriend.
    4) Running Hood to Coast!

  • Claire @ Live and Love to Eat August 11, 2011, 2:58 pm

    I had no idea you were a Pitt grad! I was there 03-10! 🙂

  • emily August 11, 2011, 2:58 pm

    The three happiest moments of my life were…

    When I found out I was accepted to a specialized program within my department, when I finished my first half marathon, and when I married my husband!

  • Aine @ Something to Chew Over August 11, 2011, 2:59 pm

    I’m really good at…cooking, eating ( 🙂 ), listening, organising and being flexible!

    I’m really bad at…maths and numbers in general, typing, being in crowds, saying no.

  • June August 11, 2011, 2:59 pm

    I definitely am younger than my age. People drop to the floor almost when they find out that I am in late 40’s, but rather think I am 30’s. Yay!

    I am really good at being organized and being uber punctual. I am really bad at being ‘fair’ and non-judgmental about people sometimes.

    I am SUPER superstitious!!

    • AndreaClaire August 11, 2011, 4:51 pm

      Nice work on people thinking you’re in your 30’s. When I was younger, I hated that people always thought I was lying about my age. When I got ID’d on my 30th birthday, it finally clicked that there’s a definite upside to being thought younger than you are 🙂

  • Katie @ cooklaughmove August 11, 2011, 3:00 pm

    I’m really good at: loving my husband, watching Detroit Tigers Baseball, baking and awkward phone conversation.

    • AndreaClaire August 11, 2011, 4:51 pm

      HA HA HA! Love the awkward phone conversation comment 🙂

  • Kat August 11, 2011, 3:00 pm

    happiest moments: day I married my husband, the first time he told me he loved me and the first time I heard my baby’s heartbeat

    • Caitlin August 11, 2011, 3:04 pm

      Awww. 🙂 That is so sweet.

  • Laura @ My Reason to Tri August 11, 2011, 3:04 pm

    OMG, me too with the 11:11! except mine is a little sad. an ex of mine used to tell me if i looked at the clock and it was 11:11 (or 3:33, 4:44, etc) i should know that he is thinking of me. he died suddenly a couple of years ago. but it happens to me every single day, especially with 11:11, but i see consecutive numbers on the clock at least once a day. not sure if its just strange coincidence, or my subconscious telling me to look at the clock, or if its him thinking of me in the next life.

    • Caitlin August 11, 2011, 3:06 pm

      I am so sorry about your friend. I think that’s really amazing and sweet that you continue to see those times everyday! Shows how strong your bond was with one another.

    • Kelly August 11, 2011, 3:18 pm

      This is wonderful! It made me tear up. I’d like to think it’s him thinking of you in another life. Sometimes bonds are that strong.

  • Army Amy* August 11, 2011, 3:06 pm

    My parents got divorced when I was in my twenties. My dad had been having a long term affair with another woman and kept it hidden from everyone. It really rocked my world. I think that’s part of the reason that my husband and I waited so long to get married. It made me feel like things that seem dependable, really aren’t. (Daddy issues!) My dad and I have actually repaired our relationship significantly since then, but it’s still not 100% what I would want.*

    • Caitlin August 11, 2011, 3:08 pm

      That’s terrible, Amy. I would’ve been gutted, too. I think it speaks a lot to the type of person you are that you can forgive and move on a little.

  • allison @ thesundayflog August 11, 2011, 3:06 pm

    3 happiest moments!

    1. when my niece was born 🙂
    2. when i finished my first 5k and sprint tri (so proud)
    3. when i first got to south africa for my semester abroad

    i suspect one of these will get booted when i get engaged/married. everyday is the happiest day with my bf

  • Freya August 11, 2011, 3:07 pm

    Aah I’m totally with you on after-you-die thing – I’m not religious and think we just..die. I don’t think it’s morbid at all! It’s actually a relief to see someone else agrees with me!!

    • Caitlin August 11, 2011, 3:10 pm

      Haha, me too!

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) August 11, 2011, 3:09 pm

    I’m good at cooking, baking, reading, eating, and waking up early 🙂

    I’m bad at math, parallel parking, getting anywhere on time, and directions!

  • Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) August 11, 2011, 3:09 pm

    I agree with you on the what happens when you die question. i don’t know. I’d like to think the spirit lives on. Guess we’ll all find out one day! I just don’t talk about it much because I think it makes people uncomfortable.

    People always think I’m younger than I am. I’m 27, but always get told I look younger. I think it’s because I’m so short.

  • Julie (A Case of the Runs) August 11, 2011, 3:11 pm

    I’ll play, though I won last time, so don’t pick me!

    1) What are you really good at? What are you really bad at?
    Good at proofreading (papers, not blog posts!), eating/drinking quickly, remembering random dates. Bad at too many things to mention, including directions and keeping things neat (though I’m organized, if that makes sense).

    2)Have been a passenger but have yet *knock on wood* for self.

    3) I attended my college because the other one was too expensive!

    4) Normally, I wake up at 5:30, use the restroom, and get dressed for the gym. Take my lunch and out the door!

    5) I admit, I’ve snooped, though not much anymore. And I don’t snoop when I’m afraid to know what I will find.

    6)Your body decays?

    7) I am only a little superstitious now… opening an umbrella indoors still scares me.

    8) I get both. In public, people see me as younger, and at work, older (good!). But the low-guesses aren’t proportionally as low as they used to be, which means I am starting to look older. Alas…

    9) I took off running the other way in some regards.

    10) When I graduated from grad school (though just for that day), one time when I went to Disneyland in high school (not grad night), and seriously the rest are random ones with my love. I’m sure races would go in there somewhere… I guess finishing my first marathon?

  • Catherine August 11, 2011, 3:12 pm

    Oh, I love to snoop through hair products and makeup drawers!

    • Caitlin August 11, 2011, 3:18 pm

      Oooh, good one.

  • Sarah @ w30 August 11, 2011, 3:13 pm

    Car accident(s) … hmmmm … this may make you feel better about your driving. I have been in four accidents in three countries.

    The first accident (in the US) was not my fault, but included a five car pile-up, the road being flooded by a water hydrant, and street signs flying through the air.

    The second (in Germany) was totally my fault. I forgot they have different yielding laws, so I side-swiped a car. The Germans don’t mess around, and I had to go to the police station to fill out the report.

    The third (in France) was also my fault. I still have NO IDEA how this happened, but I ran into a giant (seriously, 20+ feet tall) sign in front of the French equivelant of Home Depot, and took the dang sign down! Embarrassing.

    The fourth (back in the US) was yet again my fault. Just your typical icy-road, turning-right-on-red, oh-I-thought-that-wasn’t-a-lane, oops(!) story.

    But … knock on wood (also supersticious) … I haven’t been in an accident in about 10 years.

    P.S. I also kiss the plane when boarding! Well, I kiss my fingers and touch the OUTSIDE (must be the outside part) of the plane. I once had to turn around and re-enter because I forgot and I’ll be damned if the plane crashes because I don’t kiss it!

  • Allison August 11, 2011, 3:13 pm

    HAIL to PITT!

    • Caitlin August 11, 2011, 3:18 pm

      Yay!

  • Kelly August 11, 2011, 3:13 pm

    Describe your morning routine today.

    It felt like a Monday because it was so ugly..but thankfully it isn’t Monday!

    Woke up at 6:30, cried because my bed was warm and the house was cold. I fell back asleep until almost 7 at which point I flew out of bed because I was running late. I dragged myself into the kitchen, poured some kashi love in a bowl, and took it to my makeup counter so I could multitask. Finished eating, brushed my teeth, sort of fixed my hair, made a wrap for lunch, and tossed clothes in a bag for my run later. I thought I was in the clear for the morning, but then I hit bad traffic and was late anyway.

  • Jenn August 11, 2011, 3:21 pm

    I’m going to recommend a book you should read: Heaven is for Real. It’s short and quick – and I think it will change your mind about your answer to the question “What do you think happens when you die”. It’s an awesome book that will really make you think twice! Love your site. I’m a lurker who’s been lurking for a long time. Thanks for continually posting and giving me the confidence to try running and to eat more vegetarian. I’m not there yet…. maybe soon!

    • Caitlin August 11, 2011, 3:25 pm

      Ooo adding to list. It looks good!!

      • Casey @ Pocket Full of Sunshine August 11, 2011, 4:53 pm

        Heaven is for Real was wonderful. I loved it and I wholeheartedly believe it is a true account of what happened to that little boy. I highly recommend!

        • Brenda August 12, 2011, 1:26 am

          DEFINITELY!!!!

      • Amber K August 12, 2011, 12:56 pm

        I really like that book. My husband read it, it didn’t change his mind about anything, but it really touched him. And it made me feel a lot better about my miscarriage.

    • Jen August 13, 2011, 3:47 am

      I actually “gifted” that book, but have not yet read it myself (really need to)…I’m pretty sure that I read an excerpt a while back that prompted the gifting. 🙂 For the record, I do believe that Heaven IS for real & that pets go there too! If anyone is interested, I can probably find a really interesting article that I read on that subject…I read it in print a while back, but imagine that I just might be able to find it on the good ol’ web! 🙂

  • Kerri August 11, 2011, 3:23 pm

    I LOVE your site! I just started following you a few weeks back and visit at least once a day 🙂 Thanks for posting and sharing.

    I am really good at baking, organizing, shopping at Lululemon (as a few others have posted as well..hehe), following routines, crafts and reading blogs!!! I am really bad at making phone calls to my friends/family (texting/emailing is too easy these days), thinking outside the box, taking risks and waking up early.

    My morning routine today was wake up, a little too late at 745, shower, get dressed, make lunch and grab breakfast, get in the car to go to work.

    Have a great rest of your day!!

  • Carrie @ No More Tomorrows August 11, 2011, 3:24 pm

    My parents’ relationship influenced me by making me never ever want to be in a relationship.

    But then I met someone. And I fell in love. And he is amazing.

    • Caitlin August 11, 2011, 3:26 pm

      Awwww. I love.

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday August 11, 2011, 3:26 pm

    I suck at anything involving hand-eye coordination. I also suck at playing musical instruments. I really suck at being honest with people without venturing into brutally honest/rude territory.

  • Cindy August 11, 2011, 3:27 pm

    If I had a little more time I would answer them all!

    Why did I attend the college I did? OK this is so embarrassing. When I was 15 I met this boy where I worked p/t and was totally head over heels (and in hindsight, EW) and when I found out where he went to college a few years later I HAD to go there and I did. I kind of wish I had been more mature about it, and had a better idea of what I wanted out of college. I never even saw him anyway. It was a totally bad decision, but I did make some good friends at the time.

    • Caitlin August 11, 2011, 4:13 pm

      You were boy crazed. 🙂

  • Wendi @ A Southern Yogi August 11, 2011, 3:32 pm

    I am superstitious.. Like during a football season, if I wear a pair of panties and we lose, i won’t wear them again. Same with a certain type of purse or jewelry. seriously…

  • KitKat @ Pursuit of Happiness August 11, 2011, 3:35 pm

    Haha, I would in fact being one of the people looking at you like you’re crazy when you kiss the plane! But at the same time, I completely understand those types of superstitions.

    I am superstitious too — I always wear the same pair of green underwear to every road race (otherwise I wouldn’t run as fast, obviously). Also every time I ride over railroad tracks in the car I lift my feet and make the same exact wish, that I’ll be happy (even though I truly am happy and believe you create your own happiness anyway, so it’s kind of a waste of a wish) 🙂

  • Ashley @ Feeding Ashley August 11, 2011, 3:35 pm

    I’m really good at visual arts and crafts, remembering pretty much everything for a long period of time, especially small details,and giving advice/helping others.
    I’m really bad at cleaning/organizing, waking up early, singing, team sports, and staying consistent.

    I’ve never been in a car accident, though there have been some close calls.

    I attend college at UNCW and it is the best school ever.

    Today I woke up at 745, surfed the internet, brushed my teeth, got dressed, watched Boy Meets World with my dad then went to the oral surgeon and got my wisdom teeth removed.

    I don’t go through peoples phones, or computer history or anything, but I am really bad about snooping around bathrooms like in cabinets, drawers, pretty much anything. It’s awful. I’ve done it ever since I was little.

    I’m not religious, so I’m kind of on the fence. I really want to believe in heaven, because it breaks my heart to think I wont’ be my family again, and I believe in ghosts so there’s that option, but sometimes I just feel like I’ve experienced something before and that makes me believe in reincarnation.

    I’ve broken too many mirrors to be superstitious, but I do believe in karma so when something bad happens to me I reevaluate my life to see if I’ve done anything wrong and if I need to make changes or amends.

    When I was younger people always thought I looked younger than I am, and most older adults still do sometimes. Most people closer to my age think I’m older though.

    My parents separated when I was 2 months old. I have no memory of them being together, but I always remember them being close. We go out and eat together all the time, and its a really healthy (different) relationship. My dad never remarried, but my mom has remarried twice. I think her relationships have affected me and my older sister, because it kind of instilled in us that divorce was okay and happens, which kind of makes me scared to get married, because I don’t want divorce to be an option for me.

    Any moment with my dad is one of my favorite memories, the day I got into art school (which turned out horribly but I was proud to be accepted), and a weekend my boyfriend came and visited me at college we had the best day we have ever spent with each other.

    • Ashley @ Feeding Ashley August 11, 2011, 4:23 pm

      Oh, and I attended my college, because it was a back up school for me. I thought it wouldn’t be difficult to get into, which it wasn’t, but its so much better than I would have ever expected. I’m so happy that I ended up there,and I never want to leave.

  • Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga August 11, 2011, 3:39 pm

    What were the three happiest moments of your life?
    Finding out I was pregnant
    Giving Birth
    Holding my daughter for the first time!

  • Anna August 11, 2011, 3:45 pm

    I think it’s interesting to find out why people chose their colleges… I went to American University because I thought I wanted to study politics. I switched my major after 1 semester and graduated with an Environmental Studies degree. Hah.

  • Shelley@MileHighHealthy August 11, 2011, 3:45 pm

    What were the three happiest moments of your life?

    1. My wedding to my husband (and the awesome honeymoon that followed)
    2. Graduating from the University of Arkansas
    3. Being able to hug my husband again when he returned from Afghanistan a few weeks ago.

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss August 11, 2011, 3:46 pm

    I make wishes on 11:11, too!!

  • Taylor @ Crumbs Don't Count August 11, 2011, 3:47 pm

    Are you superstitious?

    I kiss the clock and make a wish whenever it is all the same number (i.e. 3:33) and I actually do something similiar with the plane but I dont kiss the outside, I touch it with my hand. My Dad told me he always does for good luck and I have done it ever since!

    I also “knock on wood” but am not really superstitious other than those things!

  • Susan August 11, 2011, 3:53 pm

    Ha ha ha-I’m totally laughing at your car accident stories! The three happiest moments of my life were marrying my husband and the births of my two sons. I guess if I have a third, someone gets left out!

  • Katie August 11, 2011, 3:57 pm

    i love snooping through other people’s things. it is such a bad habit. i babysit (often times for strangers) and it is incredible what they leave sitting out on counters! i have seen private school tuition bills, self-help books on a variety of things (marital troubles, abuse, alcoholism, to name a few), and also one time found some nekkid pictures when looking for a takeout menu in a drawer!

  • Lee August 11, 2011, 3:58 pm

    People always think I’m younger than I am. I’m 33 but often get pegged for 26-27.

  • Jess (In My Healthy Opinion) August 11, 2011, 3:59 pm

    Pitt is great! My whole family went there, and my grandpa was a professor there as well. I went to Duquesne. 🙂

    What are you really good at? What are you really bad at?
    Good – writing, singing, organization, talking with others. Bad – being patient, doing dishes, also directions (it’s embarrassing).

  • Erin @ The Grass Skirt August 11, 2011, 4:04 pm

    I’m superstitious about making the bed. I believe that if my bed isn’t made I’ll have a bad day. Pretty sure my mom burned that fear into my brain as a child somehow…

  • Alyssa N August 11, 2011, 4:10 pm

    My morning routine…typically very frantic
    Alarm goes off at 6:15 I debate getting up and working out but never do, go back to sleep and usually wake up again around 7 and in a hurry because that’s late. Shower, brush teeth, get dressed, do make up, and sometime hair if there’s enough time. Throw some things in containers or grab stuff from the fridge to take for lunch while throwing breakfast together or finding something to eat. Gather up all my stuff and run out the door about 7:45, even though I’m supposed to leave at 7:30. Oops. You would think I would learn, but I don’t. So on my list of things I’m bad at being on time and getting ready in the morning. Good news is I’m good at sleeping and being fast.

  • My Blonde Moments August 11, 2011, 4:11 pm

    I LOVE these fun little info survey things (whatever you call them). People always think I’m way younger than I really am. I’m 28, but people always think I’m still an undergrad and around the age of 21. I have no clue how to fix that, but I’ve been told to enjoy looking young while I can 🙂

  • My Blonde Moments August 11, 2011, 4:12 pm

    I LOVE these fun little info survey things (whatever you call them). People always think I’m way younger than I really am. I’m 28, but people always think I’m still an undergrad and around the age of 21. I have no clue how to fix that, but I’ve been told to enjoy looking young while I can 🙂

  • Jen August 11, 2011, 4:15 pm

    The three happiest moments of my life were the first college acceptance letter I received, graduating from college, and when my fiance proposed to me. Aww, what happy memories!

  • Kristie August 11, 2011, 4:15 pm

    I like to think that my parents’ relationship helped me figure out all the things to NOT do, although I don’t think it helped that both my parents were extremely opinionated and stubborn while my husband I are both laid back and up front about what things are important to us. That’s the beauty of being our own selves – we can learn from good examples or bad! 🙂

  • Brooke @ Tales of a Bride-To-Be August 11, 2011, 4:17 pm

    The car accident is the one that stuck out to me, I’m 22 and have been in 4 accidents! Starts at 17-21
    1. Was not my fault, I had my car for 2 weeks and was pretty much ran over by a fellow classmate, we just got out of school and he didn’t see me (so clearly didn’t slow down) and hit me and totaled out my car
    2. My fault, but not legally. I hit a truck in front of me going 35 mph, but the car in front of him stopped randomly and I didn’t have time to stop.
    3. My Land Rover tire came off while going up a hill and it flew off hitting a car going in the opposite direction.
    4. Last year in Orlando like 5 minutes from our house, a girl not paying attention slammed in the back of my car and with so much force I hit the car ahead of me (she was about 8 feet ahead of me) and she hit the car in front of her and it continued. My car was totaled out immediately, thankfully I only had some major bruises and nothing else.

  • RhodeyGirl August 11, 2011, 4:20 pm

    CAR ACCIDENT:

    I got into a car accident on the day I got my license! I was so embarrassed. I was trying to back out of my parents’ garage and there was a car in the driveway to the right. I ended up scraping the entire side of both cars. I felt so bad!

    PARENTS’ RELATIONSHIP

    My parents were the lovey dovey type. Yes, they fought, but I have very clear memories of my mom lingering at the trunk of the car at the airport when sending off my dad on a work trip to smooch or my dad going up behind my mom to give her a hug while they did the dishes. They had such a beautiful relationship and it taught me what I want out of my own. I feel very lucky that I got to see that every day of my life, especially knowing what others went through.

  • Jen August 11, 2011, 4:21 pm

    People usually think I’m younger than I am too — but actually, I think I’m at the age where that’s about to change. :-/ I’ve found a few gray hairs lately! I’m only 28!!

    • RhodeyGirl August 11, 2011, 4:24 pm

      No worries Jen. I’ve had some grays since the age of 21! If you only have a few you can use some mascara on them 🙂

  • Adrienna August 11, 2011, 4:23 pm

    I actually answered them all on my blog (but it’ll post at 6 tonight), but in the meantime: “Have you ever snooped through someone else’s things? Did you find anything interesting?”
    I used to be the queen of snooping. I found plenty of interesting things – things that kind of taught me a lesson about snooping (think Polaroids you NEVER wanted to see and legal documents that tell you things you didn’t want/need to know).

    • DadHTP August 11, 2011, 4:28 pm

      ok, now it’s just MEAN to stop there.

      • Adrienna August 11, 2011, 4:30 pm

        I just literally laughed out loud, but think prom dresses (and less) and stepmothers…

  • jen August 11, 2011, 4:30 pm

    when i was younger i used to snoop A LOT. then i realized how horrible it made me feel inside 🙁 from time to time i feel the urge to go back to this habit but i am able to stop myself in the act! i’ve really come a far way. yayay

    • Caitlin August 11, 2011, 4:32 pm

      Snoopers Anonymous!

  • Shannon August 11, 2011, 4:30 pm

    So sweet of you to do a donation giveaway!! I’m big on 11:11 wishes too – I see it almost as praying, haha. I attended my college (U of Richmond) because it was the one of my top 3 schools that offered the best financial aid package. It was a great decision! Go Spiders!

    • Jen August 13, 2011, 4:06 am

      As much as I hate spiders in real life, I have always loved that mascot name! 🙂

  • Chrissy August 11, 2011, 4:31 pm

    I love these!
    #1 Really good at making chocolate chip cookies and keeping in touch with friends. Not so good with confrontation…
    #2 Backed into the only pole in an empty parking lot – we could be twins!
    #3 Went to University of New Brunswick (Fredericton campus) for engineering. I eventually switched to physical education.
    #7 I wish on 11:11 too. Eat the same stuff on race days – is that superstitious or just being smart??
    #10 Finishing my first half – thought I was invincible. Graduating the first time (I have 2 undergrads and a Masters). Celebrating the birth of my niece.

  • jen August 11, 2011, 4:33 pm

    i’m really good at: absolutely never letting a day go by that i don’t meditate and pray, having compassion for others, no matter how bad a day is starting fresh the next day. i’m really bad at: staying informed about what is going on in the world, being nice to myself, keeping drawers organized

  • AndreaClaire August 11, 2011, 4:39 pm

    First, it`s not that you`re bad at not gossiping, it`s that you`re really good at sharing other`s personal information 😉

    1.What are you really good at? What are you really bad at?
    Good at being a nerd, using my internal compass to figure out where I am, crafy things. Bad at saving money (working on that!), dressing myself in something other than jeans/shorts and fitted t, cleaning.

    2. Have you ever been in a car accident? What happened?
    I was rear-ended when I was a student driver. Despite the huge ‘student driver’ sign in the back window, some jackanape decided to tailgate me. Being a new driver, when the light turned yellow (and I should have gone through the intersection, I know that *now*) I applied my brakes and stopped quickly. He hit me but there was no damage to me or my car. His car, however, had the front end totalled. 1982 Jetta bumpers for the WIN!

    6. What do you think happens when you die?
    My family throws a huge Irish wake and gets rip-roaring drunk telling stories from my past while laughing a lot about the life I lived. Oh, what happens to *me*… nothing. I’m dead. (I’m a science-based skeptic. When you’re dead, you’re dead.)

    9. How did your parents’ relationship influence you?
    My parents divorced shortly before my 2nd birthday but they both found stable relationships fairly quickly after that. The biggest impact on me is that I get really angry when people talk about step-parents or step-siblings as if they’re some how less than family. I grew up with a really strong sense that a family is not just about blood, it’s about love.

    10. What were the three happiest moments of your life?
    When my mom committed to sobriety. When I returned from vacation and a room full of toddlers didn’t know how to express their excitement so they all stripped off their pjs while screaming “mommy’s back, mommy’s back”. When Ireland beat Romania in Italia ’90 (I watched a video of it for the 20th anniversary of it last year and I choked up so much I couldn’t breath.); I jumped, screamed, cried, shouted on the phone to Ireland, sang ‘Fields of Athenry’, screamed some more. Actually just thinking about it is making me tear up.

    • Caitlin August 11, 2011, 5:37 pm

      I love your happiest moments!

    • Julie (A Case of the Runs) August 11, 2011, 11:23 pm

      I also love your answers to #10!

  • Heather August 11, 2011, 4:40 pm

    No one ever guesses my age right. Ill be 30 in 7 months 🙁 and I get carded for everything. I dont know how many times I have been told that if I get a fake ID to make it beliveable. Ill be thankful for this when im 60 right?

  • Ali @ Ali Runs August 11, 2011, 4:45 pm

    People ALWAYS think I am younger than I am!! My sister is 2 years younger than me and everyone thinks she is the older one. I’m just hoping it stays like that all of our lives 😉

    Ps–I love these posts!! 🙂

  • Leah August 11, 2011, 4:49 pm

    The three happiest moments of my life….
    1) marrying my husband
    2) the birth of our children
    3) Completing the Disney Princess Half Marathon!
    4) loosing 100lbs

  • Zuuzuu August 11, 2011, 4:49 pm

    Oh god, when I was 16, I re-ended a school bus. None of the kids were hurt! Only my ego. I’ll never live it down, I swear…

    As for the afterlife, or lack thereof, I’m all for the notion that a part of us, some tiny part, sticks around. Maybe it’s just energy, or something similar. Not necessarily a “soul” per se, but some kind of intangible essence. I think this has some merit because it fits in nicely with scientific law: the theory that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed. And I think that goes for humans and animals, too. So, I guess in that sense, I don’t believe that when we die, we’re just done. I think we transform, in some kind of way.

    Also, my family has pets that always sparkle like people we used to know.

    • Zuuzuu August 11, 2011, 4:49 pm

      *rear-ended.

      • Caitlin August 11, 2011, 5:38 pm

        omg, we can be in contest for the best worst accident ever!

        • Zuuzuu August 11, 2011, 5:39 pm

          Uh, totally 🙂

  • Amber from Girl with the Red Hair August 11, 2011, 4:53 pm

    Oh Caitlin, you sure do kill my productivity at work with these posts. I become obsessed with reading the answers in the comments!

    Where do you get the questions by the way? Do you make them up or get them from somewhere?

    • Caitlin August 11, 2011, 5:38 pm

      I just make them up 🙂

  • Kelly August 11, 2011, 4:56 pm

    I’m a fairly new reader (love your blog!)and this is the first that I’ve commented..I thought I was the only freak who kissed the plane before boarding. Although I don’t physically kiss the plane (that seems kind of gross haha) but I do kiss my hand and then touch the plane right as I step on.

    • Caitlin August 11, 2011, 5:39 pm

      Yay! I’m not the only one. Welcome to HTP!

  • Lindsey August 11, 2011, 5:01 pm

    1. I’ve been in a few fender benders but nothing of substance or worth contacting insurance for. However my car is pretty rough looking.

    I was in a motorcyle accident the night I graduated from college. It wasn’t my proudest moment and having an ER doctor treat severe road rash on my butt the following morning was definitely a humbling start to the ‘real world.’

    I went to Indiana University of Pennsylvania. It was my back up plan and I wasn’t thrilled about it at first. In the long run, I received a great education, made tremendous friends, and came out with a manageable amount of student debt. (So, getoveryourself Penn State!) And a giant scar on my butt from graduation night. 🙂

    The lack of ID-ing or ‘how hold are you’s’ lately leads me to believe I do, in fact, look 29. I’ve been dying grays out of my hair since I was 24 though.

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write August 11, 2011, 5:04 pm

    What are you really good at? What are you really bad at?

    I’m really good at: directions, writing, sounding intellectual, creative ideas. I’m really bad at: organization, staying motivated, baking.

    Have you ever been in a car accident? What happened?

    No. Although, I’ve hit a parked car and a wall – both while parking.

    Why did you attend your college?

    It was close to home.

    Describe your morning routine today.

    Woke up naturally at 6:30ish. Checked emails, drank some tea. Kissed hubby goodbye. Ate breakfast, photographed, blogged. Went to gym. Came home, showered, dressed, did my hair/makeup. Prepped for a meeting (that didn’t end up happening).

    Have you ever snooped through someone else’s things? Did you find anything interesting?

    Yes. I have an issue with that.

    What do you think happens when you die?

    I think something happens, though I don’t know what. I tend to lean toward Buddhist thinking, so perhaps reincarnation? I don’t know.

    Are you superstitious?

    Not really.

    Do people think you are younger or older than you actually are?

    Younger. I’m 29, but people tend to think I’m early 20s.

    How did your parents’ relationship influence you?

    They taught me good things about stability and steadfastness, but it also taught me a lot of things I wish it hadn’t. I think that led to me marrying the wrong man the first time. I did it right the second time.

    What were the three happiest moments of your life?

    When Ryan told me he was moving to California. Our wedding day. And meeting my nephew for the first time.

  • Liz August 11, 2011, 5:13 pm

    What are you really good at? What are you really bad at?

    I’m good at: math/science/english, logical thinking, cooking, baking, driving.
    I’m bad at: public speaking…and I’m sure other things!

    Have you ever been in a car accident? What happened?

    One day when I was walking home from school in the fifth grade, I crossed at the crosswalk of a street with stopped traffic (a driver of a car motioned to me that it was safe for me to go) and got hit buy a car. I flew up onto the hood of their car and than thrown onto the street. I blacked out for a second, but somehow I had no injuries except a stiff neck & broken glasses. I felt really stupid, though, and tried to leave to go home before the paramedics came. The driver of the car got me to stay & sit in their car, however, and then I got strapped to the backboard for a ride to the hospital in the ambulance. Then I was really embarrassed at the hospital because it turned out I had wet my pants when I blacked out. The nurses were really nice to me though 🙂

    Why did you attend your college?

    I went to Bowling Green State University in Ohio from 2000 – 2004. It was not actually my first pick (a screw up with my financial aid for another college at the last minute…), but it worked out really well for me because I ended up getting a full-tuition scholarship from them & I discovered a major there that I hadn’t known anything about during high school.

  • Kim August 11, 2011, 5:13 pm

    Why did you attend your college?

    I went to Clarion University, which is a semi-small school in a small town about 90 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. I’m a city girl, but I loved spending a few years somewhere where it’s easy to meet a ton of people but not so small that there’s no anonymity. I really enjoyed the classes, my job as an RA, the fall weather, and pretty much the whole experience.

    What do you think happens when you die?

    I do think we just die.

    Are you superstitious?

    Not one bit.

    Do people think you are younger or older than you actually are?

    People that have just met me ALWAYS guess younger. People that have gotten to know me a little always guess older. So maybe I’m an old soul or something?

    How did your parents’ relationship influence you?

    My parents separated when I was like 3, and my mom has always been sole provider and caregiver and she’s really been a great example. My dad and I had an inconsistent relationship until I was about 14 and stopped speaking to him. I’m 25 now, and he died this summer, which was kind of sad in a way but not upsetting. I have no regrets about our lack of a relationship. I think in a lot of ways my independence and strength are a result of watching them. On the flip side, I have an extremely hard time being dependent on anyone, even in minor ways. It’s just something I fight really hard against. Consequently, I’m hard to get close to and relationships are difficult for me.

  • Sarah T. August 11, 2011, 5:13 pm

    Wow you had a really busy morning!
    My happiest moments – graduating with honors from college, marrying my hubbie and giving birth to my daughter!

  • becca @ bellebottoms August 11, 2011, 5:14 pm

    Why did you attend your college – I received an athletic scholarship to play soccer at the University of Arkansas, but I also chose them because they were a great fit for me!

    morning routine today – woke up at 6:07, showered, did my makeup and hair, ate some breakfast while watching Will and Grace, then headed out for work by 7:30…

    am I superstitious? – Yes, but I say no in case it’s bad luck 😉

    people always think i’m older than I am…

    yet I still get carded…

  • Delia August 11, 2011, 5:21 pm

    I’m a short Asian girl, so I often get asked how old I am. At the airport a few years ago, I was asked if I was 12 before they were going to do a pat down. I was 22. Most of the time now the question is asked while I’m at work in the hospital. It’s entertaining :).

    • Caitlin August 11, 2011, 5:39 pm

      TWELVE?!! LOL That ridiculous!

  • Shari August 11, 2011, 5:23 pm

    I love these … such fun to find out more about everyone!

    ~Have you ever been in a car accident? What happened?

    My mom and I were in a pretty bad accident just a few months before I turned sixteen. We were stopped at a red light, which happened to be at the bottom of a hill, and a car came FLYING over the curve at what the police later said was somewhere around 65-70 mph (35 mph speed limit). My mom’s quick thinking saved us from being pushed into oncoming traffic – she angled the car toward the traffic light pole instead, so the impact slammed us into that instead of the intersection. The other car side-swiped two others before driving off half on the road, half on the sidewalk. The ambulance driver and cops said we were really, really lucky to be able to walk away from the crash. The doors jammed from the impact, but we were able to get out eventually. I had some really nasty bruises and back pain, and my mom had to go to physical therapy for months for her neck and back, but it could have been so much worse.

    To this day, I can’t drive through that intersection without thinking about it. Gives me goosebumps!

  • Carrie August 11, 2011, 5:23 pm

    Eeeeeee! I ALSO went to Pitt from 2002-2006 and think it’s the greatest school in the world! Husband & I got married in Heinz Chapel!

    • Caitlin August 11, 2011, 5:40 pm

      Cool!! What was your major??

      • Carrie August 11, 2011, 5:54 pm

        English Lit!

        • Caitlin August 11, 2011, 6:08 pm

          I was English writing 🙂

  • Mel August 11, 2011, 5:26 pm

    Sounds like you and I are really bad at the same things (i.e. math and directions)!

    I think I’m really good at: photography, scoring finds at thrift stores/estate sales, registering my best friend for classes (Seriously! I’ve helped her figured out her schedule since we were freshman…although since we just graduated, I won’t get to do this anymore!), and being a good older sister.

    I’m pretty bad at: being patient, mustering up the courage to talk to the guys I like (at 22 I’m starting to think I need to get over this one!), and worrying too much.

  • Courtney August 11, 2011, 5:33 pm

    I hit a concrete pole in a parking lot doing a U turn too! Lol!

  • Amanda @ The Beauty Notebooks August 11, 2011, 5:38 pm

    How did your parents’ relationship influence you?

    My parents started dating in their late teens, when my dad was in the Navy. They became engaged when he was 20 and she 18 (he was actually stationed in California when it happened — he sent a ring to my mom as an early Christmas present to Philadelphia, where they both were from: no note or anything!). They waited six years to marry after my dad finished his service and got a job. My mom told me they stayed in touch through letters and the occasional phone call that he could manage when he could find a phonebooth wherever he travelled with the Navy, which was all around the world. Their story has shown me that love can transcend all boundaries and has given me so much hope. The story of my boyfriend and me is slightly similar. He attends the US Coast Guard Academy (four year military college) and will graduate as an officer in the Coast Guard May 2012. Nearly all of our three-year relationship thus far has been long distance. The story of my parents has only inspired me and taught me to believe that love can only be strengthened by distance and time. I love this quote from the book, “The Time Traveller’s Wife:” “I love you. Time means nothing.”

  • Samantha @ Mama Notes August 11, 2011, 5:42 pm

    People always think i’m younger than I really am. (26 this month) but I don’t mind either!

  • Jacalyn August 11, 2011, 5:43 pm

    My morning:
    3:45am – turn off my alarm and check for any texts or overnight pages.
    4:00am – get dressed and roll my plantar fasciitis.
    4:15am – workout.
    5:30am – shower and kiss the hubby goodbye as he leaves for work.
    6:00am – wake up my 2 year old boy and try to get him dressed for school.
    6:30am – drop son off at daycare and hit the road for the hospital.
    7:10am – Get to hospital and power walk through the hallways to get to the operating room before my surgeon.
    7:30am – surgery start time. Operate until 3:00pm today with a quick apple and packet of tuna in between cases.
    3:30pm – go to my desk and make sure tomorrow’s patients are ready for surgery. Make sure I have caught up on dictations and orders.
    4:15pm – realize I am too tired to stay at work any longer and am excited today was a light day – high tail it out and go home!!!!

  • Courtney August 11, 2011, 5:46 pm

    What are you really good at? What are you really bad at?

    I’m really good at dancing (or… better at it than most?), studying, baking banana bread, and arts & crafts. I’m really bad at giving directions, using directions, driving, and being patient.

  • Nikki August 11, 2011, 5:54 pm

    I went to Marietta College in Ohio, about 8 hours away from where I actually live because I like the small size, friendliness, and the fact that I came away with no student loans

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin August 11, 2011, 6:00 pm

    Haha I’m really bad at not gossiping too! 😛 I’m also really bad at making decisions, spending money on myself, and anything involving the fine arts.

    I’m good at taking notes in class, cooking fish, waking up early, and getting stuff done on time.

  • Liz August 11, 2011, 6:03 pm

    Have you ever been in a car accident? What happened?

    I have been in multiple self caused accidents. I also scraped the side of my mom’s car on a pole, twice. And ran straight into a light pole in a parking lot (from park). I also scraped up the side of my boyfriend’s car last December. I’m terrible at turning right.

    Why did you attend your college?

    I went to Cal Poly – and had no real reason! It was the first school I was accepted to and it was far enough away from home (4 hours) without being too far. But I literally did no research and never visited – so it’s good that I loved it!

    Describe your morning routine today.

    My alarm went off at 5 am. I woke up, fed the cats, meditated for 6 minutes, made eggs and beans for breakfast, took a 3 minute shower while brushing my teeth, flossed, got dressed and was on my bike by 5:55 am.

  • Sophie @ threetimesf August 11, 2011, 6:12 pm

    Just a few answers for me…

    My morning routine today: Alarm went at 6.45am, got up and woke to girls up (I work in a school boarding house), showered, brushed my teeth and did my har before register and breakfast at 7.20am. Had some beans on toast, went for a run, showered again and then back to bed for my morning nap!

    I never used to believe in death until my Dad passed away. Now I like to believe in heaven and spirits and stuff just so that I can take comfort in the fact that he’s still around.. 🙂

    Not superstitious, not one bit. I don’t walk under ladders, but that’s because I am worried about them slipping down on my head (which would actually be bad luck!) more than anything else.

    I <3 this personal questions series! 😀

  • Clare August 11, 2011, 6:18 pm

    I also believe in the ‘when you’re dead, you’re dead’. I don’t really understand why people find it morbid or odd, it actually annoys me when people say so as I would never tell anyone who believed in afterlife, reincarnation etc that they were weird. I guess the finality of it is something people find unsettling.

  • Carly (Swim, Run, Om) August 11, 2011, 6:22 pm

    Why did you attend your college?

    I attended Young Harris College for my A.A. for MANY reasons: a.) It’s GORGEOUS, b.) excellent teachers, c.) I got a free ride, d.) I started college when I was still technically a high school senior, and it was easy enough to commute back and forth that year.

    I went to Berry College for my B.A., and I still couldn’t tell you why! I was all set to transfer to UGA, but chose Berry at the last minute. My parents weren’t so happy because it’s a private institution and while I had a lot of scholarship help, it wasn’t completely paid for. But I’m so glad I did. I attribute my decision to go there to one of those “life nudges” … I’m not sure why the choice was the right one, but it was and I listened to my gut.

  • Meghan August 11, 2011, 6:24 pm

    These questions were all super random, but fun!

    3 Happiest moments: Graduating Summa Cum Laude from college, job offer at a big four accounting firm and the day that my sister finally got out of a super unhealthy relationship (also the day that we got our amazing relationship back!)

    Loved your response to after death theories..I grapple with all of those options too! People are often horrified with the “when you’re dead, you’re dead” theory..

  • Cristina August 11, 2011, 6:25 pm

    I woke at 5:15, for the third day in a row! I just started a new job that requires me to be there at 6:30am. Sometimes I like waking up that early because I have the house to myself! I woke up, made my bed and shuffled downstairs for some coffee. Treated myself to a warm cup of joe and toast with peanut butter + melted dark chocolate chips, banana and honey on top! Opened my computer and sat to catch up on some e-mails. Read through one very sweet e-mail from a dear friend. It brought tears to my eyes – something about the quiet house and her gentle words! Smiled and had a few moments of quiet reminiscing until I rushed off to work! Drove downtown, parked, took my daily 10 minute walk to restaurant and greeted my new co-workers with a smile. Snapped a photo for my morning photo blog (http://thestartofday.wordpress.com/), and began working as the sun just started to rise and warm the surprisingly cool air. Beautiful.

  • Errign August 11, 2011, 6:29 pm

    Is it okay to repost these questions (with credit)? I think it’d be a fun blog post!

    • Caitlin August 12, 2011, 10:18 am

      Of course!

  • Lana August 11, 2011, 6:39 pm

    I love this series!

    I am also the occasional Medicine Cabinet snoop! Uh oh!

    I am not at all superstitious. It just doesn’t make sense to me!

  • Rosa - Fitness, Food, Fulfilled August 11, 2011, 6:54 pm

    I’m really good at being a stepmom, a wife, running, pushing myself to do more, grocery shopping, and prepping for parties. I’m horrible at cleaning the house, admitting I’m wrong, eating without spilling, and laughing at inappropriate moments (out of nervousness).

    • Caitlin August 12, 2011, 10:18 am

      Yay 🙂 The world needs more awesome stepmoms like you.

  • mi-an d. August 11, 2011, 7:07 pm

    3 happiest moments of my life:
    1. getting my diploma as Dr. Dela Cruz and my family cheering for me so loud (they were the loudest in the whole auditorium at Lincoln Center, NY)
    2. Meeting my boyfriend (unexpectedly) while doing rotations in UK
    3. next year i’ll have my #3. 🙂

  • Christy August 11, 2011, 7:24 pm

    I think PENN STATE is the best school ever – just a little college rivalry between Pitt and Penn State! Although I do currently live in Pittsburgh (I am not from Pittsburgh) and have worked at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, my heart blogs to Penn State! My husband went to Carnegie Mellon 🙂

  • Jess@atasteofconfidence August 11, 2011, 7:25 pm

    I always “write” my initials on the plane. A tradition I learned while traveling with my swim team!

  • Hillary August 11, 2011, 7:27 pm

    We have so much in common, it’s actually kind of weird. Although I don’t kiss the plane! That’s something I’ve never seen anyone do before. Love it.

  • Caitlin August 11, 2011, 7:39 pm

    I haven’t been in a car accident but I did back into a car when I lived at my old apartment senior year of college. woops!

    btw, do you know anything about the dietetics program at Pitt? I have been looking at becoming an R.D. and Pitt is one of the schools I have been looking into!

    • Caitlin August 12, 2011, 10:19 am

      I do not 🙁 But Pitt is a really awesome school and I highly recommend it in general!

      • Caitlin August 12, 2011, 4:56 pm

        thank you! It does look like a great school!

  • Shannon @ My Life As I Live It August 11, 2011, 7:42 pm
  • Lauren August 11, 2011, 7:45 pm

    The car accident is the one that stuck out to me the most. My most recent accident was horrible but ended up changing my life for the better.

    In December of 2009( I was 19 at the time) my best friend and I were heading home from dinner and a late movie. We were on a really narrow road that wasn’t very well lit, and out of nowhere we were hit head on at at least 60 miles an hour. The car was completely totaled and me, my friend, and the other driver were all seriously injured. Unfortunately, I got the worst of it. I broke three vertebrae in my lower back, and two fractured vertebra and a compression fracture in my neck. I had to wear a back and neck brace for four months, and was on bed rest for the first month and a half. After I got my back and neck brace taken off I had six months of physical therapy and personal training sessions. I have arthritis now and still have back pain from time to time, but overall it doesn’t really effect my day to day life.

    Before the accident I was a COMPLETE wreck. I drank way too much, ate crappy food, was extremely self conscious, didn’t exercise at all, and let people walk all over me. Now a days I am a completely different person. My personal trainer is over 20 years older then me and we are in very different stages of life, but he has had an incredible impact on me. He made me fall in love with exercise and I am so incredibly grateful! It doesn’t feel like a chore anymore, it’s how I start my morning each and every day….I can’t imagine life without it. Not only did he help me physically, he helped me emotionally too. He made me a strong, independent, confident person. He taught me to stand up for myself and not let my friends at the time affect me so much. He also encouraged me to become a certified personal trainer so I can share my passion with others.
    Since the accident I’ve lost over 20 pounds and found a new passion, learned to love cooking, gotten rid of all the negative influences in my life, and gained self confidence I never had before. But most importantly I learned to be grateful and to never take anything for granted. Even though the accident was horrible I’m thankful that it happen. I’m a better person person because of it.

    • Julie (A Case of the Runs) August 11, 2011, 11:18 pm

      Wow, that is an incredible story!

      • Caitlin August 12, 2011, 10:19 am

        That is awesome and amazing. You rule!

  • Reese August 11, 2011, 7:54 pm

    What are you really good at? What are you really bad at?

    I’m really good at cooking, anything to do with PR/Marketing, giving out good life advice to my dear friends.

    I’m not so good at having an indoor voice, remembering where my phone and keys are, parking between the lines, and math.

    Have you ever been in a car accident? What happened?

    I’ve never been in a car accident, outside of a fender bender that my mom got into when I was 9. I’m guessing that all of the country road lessons of my youth paid off!

    Why did you attend your college?

    My alma mater has this amazing energy; full of school spirit, rememberance, focus, and unwavering pride. I’d visited a few other colleges and nothing compared to the way that the campus adorned in cardinal and gold made me feel!

    Describe your morning routine today.

    Woke up, was so tired that I thought that my alarm was the smoke detector in my apartment, showered, made coffee, got a ride with my boyfriend to work, had three meetings.

    Have you ever snooped through someone else’s things? Did you find anything interesting?

    Nope! I’ve always been afraid to look through other people’s phones, just in case they said something bad about me. I’m a softy, I know!

    What do you think happens when you die?

    Since I’m not religious, I’m not really sure. It’s nice to believe that we all get to wear bathrobes and have wings for the rest of eternity, but I’m not sure what happens.. so I live my earthly life as morally and fully as possible!

    Are you superstitious?

    Not at all, in fact whenever my mom watched paranormal shows I’d always start listening to rap in my Walkman– apparently I thought that that was appropriate revenge.

    Do people think you are younger or older than you actually are?

    Usually younger! During my senior year of college, the student tour guides kept telling me to get back with the tour group…

    How did your parents’ relationship influence you?

    My parents didn’t get a divorce when they very clearly should have. It’s affected my relationships into being realistic and responsible, and I try to advocate for healthy relationships– in my life, my graduate research, and my volunteer work.

    What were the three happiest moments of your life?

    The day I found out that I had a full assistantship to graduate school and would not be separated from my boyfriend, the day I was accepted to my undergraduate institution, and the day I realized that I was in love with my best friend.. who has been my boyfriend for more than two years.

  • Laura August 11, 2011, 7:56 pm

    This is awful, but I snooped through a college roommate’s desk because something was way off about her. For example, her sleeping patterns changed, and she was away a lot more. Turns out she was pregnant…and the father was in some detention center. I know I shouldn’t have snooped, but something was way different about her. She told me during the summer, about a month before she was due.

  • Kelly August 11, 2011, 8:15 pm

    I totally thought of Father of The Bride when you said you snoop in medicine cabinets. ha! Such a funny scene.

    The 3 happiest moments of my life:

    1. Winning third place in the AAU Junior Olympics in Track (the 400) when I was 16.
    2. The day my husband proposed
    3. Going on a Mother-Daughter trip to Paris when I was 24

  • Kelly August 11, 2011, 8:16 pm

    Oh and car accidents…I backed through my garage door when I was 16. I really shouldn’t have had my license. 🙂

  • Hwasun August 11, 2011, 8:17 pm

    I also think when we die we just die. No heaven/no hell or anything in between. I have thought this way for over 10 years now but am always hesitant to tell this to people. As you mentioned people think I am dark or weird or they try to “teach” me as if they know the answer for sure. I mean if you are religious and have some beliefs about death that is all good and I respect that. But do not try to teach me about something nobody can know for sure!

    I talked about this to my ex one time and it caused us a huge fight. To be fair he was kinda drunk so overreacted but after that night I try to avoid this topic.

    • Caitlin August 12, 2011, 10:20 am

      Sometimes I feel like you aren’t ‘allowed’ to have spiritual viewpoints in our society that don’t fall in line with the status quo. It’s a shame that people like you and me feel like we have to remain silent just because we think differently!

  • Heidi August 11, 2011, 8:22 pm

    I’m really good at napping in random places (I have a baby and a toddler, so I don’t sleep at night! I get sleep wherever and whenever I can!), staying organized, and organizing activities to get my friends all together. I’m really bad at balancing my checkbook, saving money, and cooking dinner.

    I went to my college (Muhlenberg) because I had older friends from a summer camp I worked at who went there. I went to visit them when I was a senior in high school, loved it, and applied early decision. Case closed.

    The 3 happiest moments in my life? The days both of my daughters were born, the day I graduated from grad school, and the day we heard my 2nd daughter’s heartbeat (because I had miscarried twice after our first daughter was born and had some spotting early on with baby #2. I was terrified of losing her too and was overjoyed when I heard and saw her heartbeat on the ultrasound screen!).

  • Ellie August 11, 2011, 8:23 pm

    1) I’m really good at: cleaning, putting furniture together.. I’m really bad at: getting up in the morning.
    2) My boyfriend and I were driving to Austin (where we were moving) from Florida and a little dog ran across the highway outside Mobile, Alabama. He slammed on the brakes, realized he would still hit the dog, and swerved to avoid it. (He later said the only reason he tried so hard to avoid it was because I would break up with him if he hit it . . . I don’t believe him though!) The car spun across the two lanes and slammed into the guardrail facing the wrong way while the dog ran off into the woods unharmed. The car was still driveable (actually we still haven’t got the dent and headlight repaired) and we weren’t hurt.
    3) I pulled out of attending an all-women’s college at the last minute and decided to take a year off and apply or reapply to a couple of different schools. I went to University of Chicago because it was the only school I got into this time around. Best decision of my life!
    4) My boyfriend drags me out of bed at 1:00-ish every day, sometimes he has to lure me out of bed with food. I always beg to sleep longer too. It’s so embarrassing but I’m unemployed right now and he works from home so there is not much reason to get up early. I used to be a very early riser even when I didn’t have early classes. I always have to have two cups of English Breakfast Tea in the morning!
    5) I’m a huge snoop. If I’m in someone’s house by myself I’ll go through everything (except their bedroom or whatever).
    6) I’m terrified of dying and think about it a lot. Honestly I think we just die. I would like to be able to come back as a ghost to observe the living (I guess because I’m a huge snoop!)
    7) Definitely not. I sometimes do the airplane thing though! I’m terrified of flying too.
    8) I’m 24 and I don’t get carded too much. For some reason I still want people to think I’m older, though that won’t last forever I know.
    9) Oddly I don’t think my parents’ relationship has affected me in any way I notice. They are still together and I’m very close to both of them.
    10) This one party with my friends in college where one of my friends made flavored vodka and we were all together; hooking up with this one guy I was just crazily in love with; and probably any random happy moment with my boyfriend now.

    • Ellie August 11, 2011, 8:24 pm

      I always forget that an 8 with a parenthesis turns into the sunglasses face!

  • MathTeachD August 11, 2011, 8:24 pm

    What are you really good at? What are you really bad at?
    I think I am really good at my job.
    I am really bad at skiing. I look like Scooby Doo.

    Have you ever been in a car accident? What happened?
    There are too many to count. I went for several years where I averaged one a year. Knock on wood, I haven’t had one for at least 2 years now.

    Why did you attend your college?
    I went to NCMC because my Dad wanted me to play softball.
    I went to SEMO because Illinois College wouldn’t take a bunch of my transfer classes and my brother said I would like SEMO. I never even toured the college before I started going to school there. I loved it though.

    Describe your morning routine today.
    My morning routine changes so much from day to day. Today, I got up at 4:30 made coffee and lunch for H and then when he left for work, I went back to bed.

    Have you ever snooped through someone else’s things? Did you find anything interesting?
    When my cousin was living with me a few years ago she kept bragging about how much $ she made. I snooped her tax statement that she left laying on the table. She REALLY wasn’t making that much $.

    What do you think happens when you die?
    I don’t know. I hate to think that there are all these dead people watching over me.

    Are you superstitious?

    Not since I quit playing softball.
    Do people think you are younger or older than you actually are?
    Usually younger.

    How did your parents’ relationship influence you?
    My parents will celebrate their 49th wedding anniversary this month. Watching them has taught me that there are definitely going to be hard times…. But hopefully we can work through them all.

    What were the three happiest moments of your life?
    1. Getting married just recently.
    2. Getting my first full time teaching job.
    3. Finishing my second triathlon. The conditions were so brutal, but I didn’t drown.

  • Stephanie C August 11, 2011, 8:32 pm

    Why did you attend your college?
    This is probably the worst reason ever. But the main reason was to be far away from my parents, but still close enough to go back home and visit my boyfriend (now husband) on the weekends. The other reason was that I attended a cult-like church as a teenager, and I wanted a better foundation for why I believed the way I did.. which eventually led me to convert 😉

    • Stephanie C August 11, 2011, 8:33 pm

      And I’d love to win this.. just started volunteer work at The Help Group and they do amazing amazing work with kids that have autism.

      • Caitlin August 12, 2011, 10:21 am

        Yay for volunteering 🙂

  • Clare @ Fitting It All In August 11, 2011, 8:54 pm

    Fun post! I attended Notre Dame for college ultimately because it was best for ME. My dad was very adamant about my going there because he is an alum, which only turned me away. I had to make the decision on my own and I love it!

  • Ann August 11, 2011, 8:57 pm

    The last question definitely made me think, in a good way.
    The three happiest moments of my life, SO FAR:
    1. Opening night of my first play in college, with my first lead role.
    2. Riding on a camel in the Sahara Desert- never felt so alive and in love with life.
    3. graduating magna cum laude in undergrad- six long years of hard work paid off!
    Thanks for the thought provoking questions- it made me smile to remember these moments 🙂

  • katie @ KatieDid August 11, 2011, 9:13 pm

    I chose University of vermont because I visited all the other schools after I got accepted and did not like any of them… so I sort of decided i HAD to like UVM since it was the last one I was seeing, and I did and I’m SO happy here…

    I kiss the airplane every single time also. But I use my hand lol!

    My parents just separated this past year and are going through a divorce now. It changed my entire year, family, and outlook on relationships in more ways than I can count.

  • 'Dee August 11, 2011, 9:25 pm

    Love reading everybody’s comments!

    Three happiest moments in my life (so far): The day I released a rehabilitated dolphin back into the wild, the day I realized I loved the man who is now my husband and learned he loved me, too, and the moment I crossed the finish line of my first half-marathon.

    Looking back on each of those, it is difficult to feel anything less than invincible and impossible to believe that dreams cannot come true.

  • Samantha August 11, 2011, 9:43 pm

    The three happiest moments in my life that have happened so far: The day I got accepted into my ASME magazine internship program and started actually moving toward my dream of living in NYC, the day I finished my first half-marathon, and the day of my best friend’s wedding.

  • Kim L. August 11, 2011, 9:48 pm

    Describe your morning routine today: Alarm went off at 5:05, 35 minutes on the elliptical, shower, make up, blow dry hair, made breakfast to go (oatmeal w/blueberries, rasberries & almonds in a travel mug), took out the recycle bins, brought in the newspaper, brushed my teeth & kissed the hubsband goodbye. Out the door to work by 6:45!

  • Claire August 11, 2011, 9:50 pm

    Car accident – yes, a head on collision on a wet road in Belarus (that’s right, one of the last untouched outposts of the former soviet union). We were on an eastern European holiday travelling mainly by rail from St Petersburg to Vienna. My hubby has long lost relatives in Belarus which is why we were there. Belarus is not somewhere you’d go on holidays for the enjoyment of it. We were on a day trip with them in the countryside when we had a head on car crash. It was scary – we were taken to hospital although sustained no serious injuries. We managed to find someone who spoke english who could translate for us and help us convince the hospital to let us leave. Scary, and I’ll never forget it. Apparently it was the talk of the town where the hospital was located that two Australian tourists had been in a car accident. I don’t think they’d had tourists there before, let alone Australian ones.

    I went to La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia and studied Physiotherapy. Which I only practiced for 6 months after graduating. Too many sore backs/necks, too many people who won’t heed advice. I teach in the health faculty at Deakin University now, much more fun.

    Three happiest moments – the births of our three kids, hands down. That day when they go from being squished up in your tummy to being their own separate person is by far the biggest high I’ve experienced. You go through this crazy out of control birth then it’s all over and you have a bundle snuggled to you – bliss. Closely followed by my wedding day and finishing my first marathon in 3.51.19.

    • Caitlin August 12, 2011, 10:15 am

      Sweet marathon time!

  • Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me August 11, 2011, 10:09 pm

    Love this! I’ve totally snooped too but it was never without warrant and I always found what I was “looking for.” Women’s intuition!

  • Meaghan (My Spoonful Of Inspiration) August 11, 2011, 10:10 pm

    What were the three happiest moments of your life?

    1. My first day of college at the University of Michigan. Small town girl hits Ann Arbor and lives alone for the first time. Big step for me!

    2. The first time I saw my name published in a newspaper. (The Greek Forum- Campus Newspaper). I wrote an article about a Fraternity Halloween party with a local children’s hospital that was also a fundraiser.

    3. The day I could finally stop looking at food as the ‘enemy.’ I have struggled a lot with body image and restrictive dieting, and am proud to say that it no longer has complete control over my life. Although I cannot pick a specific moment/day, I am so thankful for the journey and support from an incredible group of family and friends.

  • Katie @ Peace Love and Oats August 11, 2011, 10:13 pm

    I’m totally with you on the dying thing, who knows! I think all three are viable options, and whichever it is I hope to not find out soon! Also, I chose by college because they gave me a big scholarship, I wanted to move to the east coast, and they had a Marine Biology program. The College of Charleston was one of the best choices I could have made! I loved the city and all my friends and sorority sisters!

  • Jen August 11, 2011, 10:14 pm

    Medicine cabinet snooper all the way! 🙂 I started a blog on a whim tonight (call it new mom mania…) I know you’re thinking about pregnancy sometime in the new future, so please check me out…hopefully I’ll keep the blog going… 🙂

    • Caitlin August 12, 2011, 10:16 am

      Off to check out your bloggie!!!

  • Dee August 11, 2011, 10:36 pm

    No I’m not superstitious. In an odd way, I wish I did have something that could be viewed as an endearing quirk. But the things I do out of habit that are quirky, are just that a quirk with no rhyme or reason!

  • Queenie August 11, 2011, 11:37 pm

    Do people think you are younger or older than you actually are?

    I always have people tell me that I look like I’m in college, although I’m 26. When they realize my real age, they typically follow it by saying I’ll love looking younger when I’m in my 40s. It just makes me laugh.

  • Jen August 11, 2011, 11:41 pm

    I think my skepticism has turned the corner round into superstition again.

  • Mary @ Rabbitsand Runs August 11, 2011, 11:42 pm

    Have you ever been in a car accident? What happened?

    The day before I left for vacation in 2007, I was driving to work and took a left turn…and another car plowed into the passenger side of my car. My car was a total loss, but I walked away from the accident a little shaken, but otherwise okay for the dumbest reason. My air conditioning wasn’t working and I had the window open. If the air had been working, the window would have been rolled up and the impact from the accident would have sent my head crashing through the window and seriously injured me.

  • Catherine August 12, 2011, 12:20 am

    What are you really good at? What are you really bad at?

    I’m good at: baking, stretching, organizing.
    I’m bad at: finding a big girl job (apparently), being patient, directions, touching raw meat–to name a few

    Have you ever been in a car accident? What happened?

    I’ve only been in a fender-bender ever, but my mom was driving. Luckily I’ve never been involved in anything more serious OR been the cause of the crash. Knock on wood.

    Why did you attend your college?

    I just graduated from Emory University. Unbeknownst to me at the time, it is a VERY good school. But during my senior year of hs (2006-2007) I had no idea. I only applied to Emory because it was closer to home (central FL) than nearly all of my other options.
    I was originally offered four full-ride scholarships to schools that I wasn’t big fans of, but I desperately needed the financial aid to attend any school. So, I wrote a letter to Emory and two other schools saying that each was my first choice school and that I needed more financial aid to be able to attend. One school came back with another offer of $10,000/year, another to $15,000/year, and Emory answered with a 95% academic and merit-based scholarship package that lasted all four years.
    Four years, a little ingenuity, luck, and a LOT of hard work later I cherish my Emory diploma.

    Describe your morning routine today.

    I woke up late (10:30 am) and immediately started researching new places to live. My lease ends on MONDAY and my boyfriend and I don’t yet have an apartment. 80% is because I have not found my “big girl” job yet and so we need something temporary AND short notice–a difficult mix. Hopefully something will give tomorrow…
    I continued this until 6:30 pm when I hit the gym. Dinner and laundry were shortly after and now I’ve cleaned the kitchen and am baking a lemon pound cake…because butter can’t last if we start living out of his car (KIDDING…kinda).

    Have you ever snooped through someone else’s things? Did you find anything interesting?

    It’s not snooping if it’s opened in front of you, is it?
    If it IS (which it shouldn’t be) then yes, I’ve definitely read-over-the-shoulder.
    Most notably was this kid in my 8:30 am class during Spring 2010. He was involved in an intense love triangle and by the end of the semester I just wanted to shake him and tell him that he needed to let Amanda know how he felt about her.
    I still wish I knew how that ended–it was the best motivation to get up for that class!

    What do you think happens when you die?

    I have no idea. I’d rather not think about it, honestly.

    Are you superstitious?

    I knock on wood and all of those little things, but I wouldn’t say I’m “superstitious”.

    Do people think you are younger or older than you actually are?

    Always, always, always older. I’m still barely 22 now but I’ve been getting 26-27 since I was 19. Depressing, kinda. Most people then make justifications for their answer such as “well, your ethnic look threw me off” (actually got that comment earlier this week. I didn’t know that an Italian-Irish hybrid was “ethnic”…oh well!

    How did your parents’ relationship influence you?

    My father was a severe alcoholic and my mother (though smart and well-educated) was completely co-dependent. My parents married later in life and were very, very shocked when my mother had not only me, but my younger sister as well. My father’s dependence was an issue from very early on and I whole-heartedly believe that she should have left the first time she tried–when I was 5–instead of waiting until the entire situation had degraded so terribly–when I was 17.
    The only reason that I am able to be in a relationship whatsoever at this point in my life is because I had a great example of what real love–not dependence or because there’s ‘no other way’–is, is because I was very close with my maternal grandparents. They’d known each other since they were 12 and 13 and were married nearly 60 years when my grandmother passed away in 2004. They had good years and bad years, but they were a team who appreciated each other every, single day.

    What were the three happiest moments of your life?

    1. Getting a scholarship to Emory.
    2. Graduating from Emory.
    3. Christmas 2003:I didn’t know it at the time, but it would be the last one with my grandparents. During that celebration for some reason I paid extra attention to the ways that my grandmother prepared and I’m so glad I have those memories now.

  • Seema August 12, 2011, 1:23 am

    What were the three happiest moments of your life?

    Graduating with my B.A. and then my B.Ed.

    I just wanted to let you know that your header, “when everyday decisions add up to something amazing,” motivated me to get out and run today. Thank you.

    • Caitlin August 12, 2011, 10:17 am

      Yay! It’s the small efforts that add up 🙂

  • Khushboo August 12, 2011, 1:45 am

    I love your posts! I almost fell off my chair when I read that you did all that by 10.15 in the morning..u are superwoman!!

  • Marika August 12, 2011, 3:30 am

    I’m really good at school, baking, editing, sleeping, and being courteous to other people. I’m really bad at small talk (sometimes), taking risks, and sending birthday cards on time.
    People think I’m younger than I am. At age 27 I’ve been carded several times buying alcohol (and the drinking age where I live is 18!).
    I really tried to think of my three happiest moments, but it’s tough! One of them would have to be when I realized the man I love wanted to be with me too (as we’d both been dating other people previously). I’ll get back to you on the other ones :).

  • alice August 12, 2011, 5:14 am

    Wow you are so smart! My friend got a 2-year scholarship and she’s extremely hard working and smart. PS you are street smart! But guess it depends on how you define street smart 😀

    • Caitlin August 12, 2011, 10:17 am

      🙂 thanks!

  • Natalcho August 12, 2011, 6:25 am

    I am really good at writing (I’d like to think that:), being positive, laughing and smiling, being a friend. I am really bad at driving, make up, not gossiping.

    I have never been in a car accident but I am sure I would have if I had used my driving license:)

    I never considered not attending college. It was the thing to do with a sister who graduated with MBA and a phd mother and father.

    This morning my alarm went off at 8.10 and I snoozed until 8.30. Took a shower, got dressed, made coffee and walked to work through Greenwich park (I live in London) crossing from the east to the west side of the Greenwich meridian.

    I don’t know what happens when you die. I have no clue but I hope that there is something else otherwise this whole concept of living seems a bit tragic, don’t you thnk?

    Yes, very very superstitious! I always travel with my copy of the Shakespeare sonnets, I have been known to change hair colours depending on what promise I have given myself.

    Not sure whether I look older or younger but last time I got carded at 28 I was very happy (legal drinking age in England is 18!) I didn’t have an ID on me but I showed them my wedding ring and that convinced them I must be older than 18:)

    My parents have been together since they were students and they have a loving and supportive relationship. They have definitely influenced me in that I want to make sure that my marriage is as stable as theirs.

    My happiest moments were: i) getting accepted to Columbia as a transfer student (I was in Cornell and not happy at all), ii) getting married and iii) being told that I will relocate with my company from NY to London – I was so happy to go back to Europe!

  • Kristen @ notsodomesticated August 12, 2011, 6:26 am

    I’ve been in one car accident. I was in high school and leaving a party. I looked both ways before making a left turn, but a car was going so fast that we ended up hitting. It was a lot of drama. The cop said no one would be getting any citations … but then he turned around and mailed me 3 citations … to the wrong address! So I never got them, and there ended up being a warrant out for my arrest!!! Nuts.

  • Tricia August 12, 2011, 7:13 am

    I’m really good at: organization, time management, and budgeting. I’m really bad at keeping in touch with people, letting things go, and accepting any kind of criticism.

    Three happiest moments of my life… 1) When I was 15, my dad (a retired police officer) was with Kevin Richardson from the Backstreet Boys after a concert (that I attended of course) and got Kevin to call me on my dad’s cell. I could have died! It was fantastic. 2) When I got accepted to my number 1 college choice. 3) The day I got married 🙂

  • Britt August 12, 2011, 9:35 am

    Never snoop through your mom’s drawer..you may just find CONDOMS!! I will NEVER do this again! EEEKKKK!!!

    I knock on wood all the time!

    I attended/graduated nursing school…best years of my life 🙂

    My parents go on dates every weekend. I love that after 30 yrs and 2 kids, they still love each other and spend quality fun time together 🙂 Point: you must have a good foundation as a couple and work on your relationship before/during kids.

  • Sara @ OurDogBuffy August 12, 2011, 10:23 am

    1. Good: taking care of my pets; caring for others? Bad: math, history …
    2. I totaled my car in college. I was making a left turn on yellow to clear the intersection and was hit by a redneck in a jacked up Ford Bronco. He said he was trying to not hit me–right. I think he sped up to beat the red light!
    3. I attended VCU so I could live at home with my parents during college and save money. I can’t imagine the debt I’d have if I’d lived off campus. Oh and that way I could keep my part-time jobs.
    4. Get up around 6:15, feed the dogs, make my breakfast and lunch, feed the cats, scoop the cat box, feed the fish, let the dogs out, eat a banana while giving half to the dogs, take a shower, get ready for work, kiss the husband goodbye (he doesn’t get up until 20 minutes after I leave for work at 7:30), get in the car, drive 30 minutes to work.
    5. Cell phones, Facebook and email–husband’s but when we were dating.
    6. I’m a Christian so I believe we go to Heaven. I just wonder if we’ll know our loved ones or if we’re just all up there together.
    7. A little
    8. I’m almost 26 but we went to a high school play a few months ago and the ticket person thought I was a high school student, but knew my husband was an adult. Creepy.
    9. My parents were married nearly 15 years before having me. They have an interesting relationship. I’m sure it has influenced me. There’s some things I’ve taken from their marriage that I would like to have in mine; some things I don’t.
    10. 1) getting my first pet 2) meeting my future husband 3) getting my first dog.

  • Juani August 12, 2011, 10:49 am

    What are you really good at? What are you really bad at?
    Good: Taking care of my cats and boyfriend.Getting to bed early.Eating no matter how ill I am.Being nice to strangers.Always brushing my teeth,morning and night.
    Bad: Getting up early.Not eating everything on my plate.Saying no when I really don’t want to do something.Letting small things bother me.

    Have you ever been in a car accident? What happened?
    Luckily,I’ve never been in an accident.

    Why did you attend your college?
    Unfortunately,I never went to college,I had to start working straight after school,but I believe things happened the way they should have.

    Describe your morning routine today.
    I get up at 6:30am,pee,give the cats breakfast,wash my face/shower (depending on how I feel),brush my teeth,put on make up and do my hair,dress for the day and last thing I always do before leaving for work is watch the weather for the day – even if I can see out my window,I am obsessed with weather predictions.

    Have you ever snooped through someone else’s things? Did you find anything interesting?
    Yes,I have on occasion snooped,especially at people’s photo albums.

    What do you think happens when you die?
    Your explanations sound amazing,and very close to what I believe.Even though I believe in a God (ie.a higher being that created everything) I also believe in lots of other things.I sort of have a mish-mash of ideas of what happens after death.

    Are you superstitious?
    With some things yes.I always knock on wood,and never walk under a ladder.

    Do people think you are younger or older than you actually are?
    I think I act older,but look a little bit younger than I am.

    How did your parents’ relationship influence you?
    Positively.They were like up and down,so different from each other.Despite their differences,their relationship worked and really set me up for my future.

    What were the three happiest moments of your life?
    The day I saw my niece for the first time.
    The day my boyfriend said I love you for the first time.
    The day I moved out on my own for the first time.

  • natalie (the sweets life) August 12, 2011, 12:26 pm

    I’m actually not at all superstitious…which will probably come back to bite me 😉

  • Amber K August 12, 2011, 1:15 pm

    I have been in two car accidents, one was supposedly 100% my fault, although to this day I’ll only admit to maybe 60/40. The other car could have stopped in time, but actually sped up to hit me. I had a witness, but apparently teen girl who has had her license a week and can’t afford to miss school to go to a trial loses out. The other one I was just a baby and it was a really bad accident. The entire car was smashed up, the front, the driver’s side, the back passenger side, the front passenger side, all sides, EXCEPT where I was. I was completely unharmed even though my mom had to be taken to the hospital. That’s probably where part of my faith comes from. I am meant to be here.

    My parents got divorced after I graduated high school. It was NOT a good situation and they were quite horrible to one another. Thankfully now they pretty much just completely ignore one another. But if the other one is brought up they won’t refrain from snide comments. Both my husband and I come from divorced parents and that’s a huge reason why we dated for so long and were engaged for 18 months before getting married. We wanted to be completely sure that we both understood that it was until death that we part.

    People always think I’m way younger than I am. It’s been 10 years since high school and yet I am always carded and even have been asked how I feel about just finishing high school. A few years ago I had someone ask if I was nervous to START high school. Seriously? Even with my gray hairs you can’t tell??

    Maybe I will like looking younger one day. But I am sooo tired of the constant condescending “Can I see your ID?” Which I can tell is short for “There is no way in hell you’re old enough, nice try. Ooh whoops I guess you are.” And then the fake “So what I can I get for you ma’am.” Really? You look down your nose at me and then call me MA’AM? This happens more often than I’d like, if you couldn’t already tell, lol.

  • Nikky August 12, 2011, 2:26 pm

    –What are you really good at? What are you really bad at?
    I’m really good at: reading, cooking, writing essays, tests, and teaching (oldest of many, I did a lot of that!) I’m really bad at: small talk, remembering details, baking, staying organized, cleaning.

    –What do you think happens when you die?
    I struggle with this. My boyfriend grew up religious, he has doubts but he’s pretty sure of what he believes. I WANT to believe, I desperately wish I had the conviction that I was going to see my grandma (she raised me) again. Sometimes I think I do, other times it sounds so impossible I don’t know.

    –Do people think you are younger or older than you actually are?
    I’m 23, and at a party my mom recently hosted I was mistaken for a friend of the turning-13 guest of honor. I’ve been denied purchasing/going out for having a “fake id” more times than I can count.

    –How did your parents’ relationship influence you?
    My biological parents married and divorced before I was 5. y dad went to prison when I was 6 months old, and just got out last year. They got along though, so I guess given the situation I was lucky that she made sure I knew my father at all. Obviously, his being in prison and still being the good man that I know has shaped a lot of my opinions. My step dad abandoned my mom and their four kids two weeks after our house burnt down when I was 13. We’ve seen him MAYBE 5 times since. I’ll admit that it jaded me a little, but it’s had a much harder effect on my younger siblings than on me. I lived with my grandma instead of my parents until she died, so I’d already lost the person who was most my “parent”. I think the biggest effect of his leaving was that I had to help raise my siblings (all 6-12 years younger than me) while mom worked. I missed after school activities, and could’t hang out with my friends unless they came to me, and all that sucked… but I wouldn’t trade the relationship I have with my siblings for anything.

    Now that I’m older, it’s given me a huge amount of respect and understanding for my mom though. I think she’s incredible for all she dealt with alone in such a short amount of time.

    –What were the three happiest moments of your life?
    Moments? Ooo, tough. Visiting San Diego with my grandma. The boyfriend and I moving into our own aparment together. The last has to be a toss up between my very pregnant sister Laci graduating on time after MONTHS of late-night tutoring together, the birth of my nephew, my sister Sierra finally getting into a special needs school and getting back to her old cheery self, or any moment spent with my mom and siblings ever.

    I am apparently also REALLY good at being long-winded.

  • Allie Q (Fit Geek) August 12, 2011, 4:11 pm

    I’m really good at falling asleep, lifting weights, editing (you wouldn’t guess it by my blog though), being punctual, driving, directions (I joke that my brain is a GPS) and controlling myself when I’m really, really angry.

    I’m really bad at anything that requires coordination (sports, dance), initiating conversation, being confrontational, waking up early, baking, and saying no to sweets!

  • Sarah August 12, 2011, 6:54 pm

    I love that you kiss airplanes! I don’t kiss them but I always “pat” the door as I’m going through. I figure it looks like I’m trying to steady myself when in reality I’m sending my love to the plane and all the people in it.

  • megan August 12, 2011, 9:47 pm

    i love the ten questions game!people always think i am way way younger than i am. it used to bother me a lot, but im sure ill like it more and more as i get older.

    not too long ago, when i graduated people thought i was talking about graduating from high school instead of college bc i look so young.. haha!

  • Anna August 17, 2011, 11:35 am

    I love PITT! I work there now!!

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