If You Really Knew Me, You'd Know...

I am a lefty. So is my hubby. Here’s hoping begging for a lefty when we have a kid, or else that poor child may never learn to write or throw.

I love numbers and spreadsheets and lists. If there is some way to put a numerical value to something, believe me, I do. I make lists for anything and everything. You can find them throughout our house... none of them checked off or completed. Yes, I make lists and then never look at them again. I’m addicted.

I sucked my thumb until I was twelve. Yeah... kinda embarrassing to admit that, but it’s a part of my life. I quit cold turkey when my family moved. Three years of braces later, and you’d never know!

I was in a sorority. It wasn’t a Greek sorority though, it was a service sorority. I was a member all through college and spent a lot of my free time volunteering, whether it was with children, elderly, blood drives, etc. I haven’t volunteered in some time and am working on getting back into it. It really is good for the soul.

I know all the states in alphabetical order... and can sing it for you. {although you might not want to hear me sing} Speaking of singing, I love to sing! I’ll sing in the shower, in the car, in the kitchen... basically anywhere. My husband wishes I didn’t.

I’m very shy when I first meet new people. Once I get to know them, they can’t get me to shut up. Growing up, all my mom had to do was say “Ellen..." and I knew she wanted me to stop talking for five minutes.

I’d usually last about two.

I'm loud.  I blame my family. When you have seven siblings, you  have to be loud if you want anyone to hear you.  People have to remind me to use my inside voice... I have to remind them I don't have one!

I am probably the pickiest eater you will ever meet. I don’t eat vegetables. {except peas, green beans, corn, and sweet potatoes} I don’t like Mexican {unless meat and cheese tacos count} and you can just keep dreaming if you’re thinking of taking me to an Asian restaurant! And that’s just the tip of the iceberg... my poor husband.

I’m low maintenance. I don’t wear make-up on a daily basis. I don’t wear high heels. I don’t spend hours in front of the mirror doing my hair in the morning. If I’m going out with friends or the hubby, I’ll generally put a small amount of make-up on and straighten my hair. That’s about it.

I love reality TV! {well any TV for that matter} My most drama filled addiction is Bachelor / Bachelorette / Bachelor Pad. I’m certain it’s rotting away at my brain, but I’m sucked in and can’t get out! I also love shows like Master Chef, America’s Got Talent, Hell’s Kitchen, and So You Think You Can Dance.

I was in scouting most of my life. First, it was girl scouts until I got to high school. Then I switch to a venture crew, which is a high adventure group. We did things like white water rafting, rock climbing, skiing, camping, mountain biking, etc. I was part of that group until my sophomore year in college. It was a lot of fun and I really miss it.

I love sweets! I will choose dessert over a meal any day. Sometimes, I pick a restaurant for dinner just because I love their awesome desserts. Almost any kind of sweets will do... chocolate, candy, ice cream, cake, cookies, pie, brownies... yum!

{now I need to wipe the drool off my keyboard}



Friday's Letters

Dear weather... please try not to be too hot this weekend.  I know it's the middle of July, but I have outdoor events scheduled both Saturday and Sunday and I don't want to melt in the heat.

Dear hubby... I am so excited for our date night tomorrow night!  It's been a while since we had an actual planned date night. {hopefully, it's not too hot for the baseball game} I'm really looking forward to our new monthly planned date nights and hope that we can keep the new tradition going.  I love you.

Dear dentist... {I am absolutely terrified of you} I know I won't be seeing you for two months, but I've made an appointmentand that's a big step.  Please, please, please be a nice dentist.  I don't really want to go back in hiding, but if you scare me, I will. {yes, I'm taking clues from my cat, but hiding when you're scared sounds like a good idea}

Dear Lion King... I know you are still a month away, but I am so excited to see you live in theater... especially The Fox Theatre.  Yes, it will be my first visit to The Fox even though I've lived in St. Louis my entire life.  Don't judge.

Dear books... oh how I've missed you.  I forgot how much fun it is to sit down and get lost in your pages.  Somehow, I've started reading several of you at one time, but I love the variety!

Dear Emily from The Bachelorette... you're making your big decision on Sunday. {although I'm not watching until Monday... don't ruin it for me} I'm not really sure what to expect from the show because ABC loves to play up all the drama that is to come.  I don't know how I got sucked into this, but I can't wait to see who you've picked!  Hopefully, you are happy with your choice.

Dear PMS... I can already feel you rearing your ugly head.  Please try to take it easy on me this week.  Hubby I would really appreciate it.

Bloggers 411

I'm linking up today with From Mrs. to Mama for her Bloggers 411.

Becky explains this as a way to "re-introduce myself again on the blog. Really give you the information all in one post. The 411. The bloggy bff run-down. The basics. The nitty gritty fun stuff."

Feel free to join in and link-up!


1. How long have you been blogging? And what got you started on blogging? Has your blog changed?
I had a blog a long time ago... but nothing that I kept up with on a regular basis.  I started blogging regularly just a few weeks ago.  I have several friends that blog and I really enjoy reading blogs, so I thought I would give it a try.  I'm still getting the hang of it, but so far, I've been enjoying it.  Plus, I think it will be fun to have the blog to look back on.


2. Did you go to college? If so where, and what did you study?
Yes... I did go to college.  I went to Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri.  I didn't really study all that much... lol.  But I did get my bachelors of science in accounting and then continued on to get my masters of accountancy. {hence my horrible sense of humor}


3. Where have you traveled?
I wouldn't say I'm much of a traveler... but I still think I've got a decent list.  Here's an idea of some of the places I've been...

• British Isles {Ireland, Scotland, England, Whales}
• Mexico {Cancun, Reynosa}
• Florida {Cocoa Beach, Destin, Orlando}
• Colorado
• Los Angeles, California
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• Columbus, Ohio
• Washington, D.C. {several times}
• East Coast {New York City, Philedelphia, Atlantic City}
• Detroit, Michigan
• Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Beloit, Wisconsin
• Chicago, Illinois
• Texas {San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Galveston}

Plus I've been on tons of camping trips from Missouri to Tennessee to West Virginia.  I love travelling and its something my husband and I hope to continue to do.


4. If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would buy?
Justin and I have actually talked about this recently. {when there was a huge powerball and we were convinced we were going to win} Justin joked that the first thing we would do is pay off the house we still own in Springfield and then burn it to the ground.  I told him I'd rather donate it to some charity that could use it... ha ha.  Honestly, the first "purchase" would be a financial planner to help figure out what to do along with some kind of estate planning.  I know we'd buy a house and probably a new car for each of us.  And we both agreed we'd give some of it to our families.  Then we'd invest it and start a college fund for our future children.... now I just need to win!


5. What are your 3 biggest pet peeves?

1. People who can't drive.  Is it that hard to speed up or stay out of the fast lane?  Or how about using a turn signal every once in a while?  And quit honking at me when you cut me off!
2. Bathroom etiquette.  Guys, put the seat down.  How hard is it to change the roll of toilet paper when its empty?  Flush when you're done and if you pee on the seat, have the courtesy to wipe it up!
3. Waiting in lines.  Have you even been at the grocery store, waiting in line, and the person in front of you waits until everything has been scanned and bagged before they realize they're going to pay with a check and start digging in their purse to find said checkbook?  Have it ready!  And if you forgot something, don't make me wait while you run through the store looking for what you need.

Okay... those are really just the most recent pet peeves I've had.  I'm sure I have a ton more, but that will do for now.


6. What is your favorite movie?
I'm not sure I have a favorite.  If you send me to pick out a movie, be prepared for a romantic comedy. {chick flicks rock} I'm definitely a fan of The Little Mermaid and basically anything Disney.


7. What is your drink of choice; wine, beer, or liquor. Or Water, Soda, Tea?
Most of the day, I drink water.  At night, with dinner, I drink Diet Sunkist.  When I'm out with friends for drinks, I prefer frozen girlie drinks, like strawberry daiquiris.  I don't drink wine or beer (can't stand the taste) or coffee or tea (for the same reason).


8. What is something you enjoy to do when you have me time?
Well, normally during me time, I'm enjoying one of my wonderful shows.  But when I'm not watching TV {or, actually, while I'm watching}, I enjoy to knit and crochet.  I've made several baby blankets and I know several more soon-to-be mommies that I will be knitting for in the next few months.  I'm also starting to pick up reading again.  I forgot how relaxing it could be.


9. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, which store would it be?
Can I get around this question by saying "the mall"?  No?  Okay... that's a hard one.  Part of me wants to spend it all on clothes.  Then the other part of me wants to spend it on household things.  I guess I can get a mix of both worlds with a store like Target... so lets go with that.  Besides, every time I go to Target, I can easily spend $100, so it'd be good to get to spend for free.


10. Share with us an embarrassing moment of your past? Or present.
Today, I was at zumba, and I tripped over my own feet and almost fell into the instructor.  Okay, maybe it doesn't sound embarrassing, but I sure felt embarrassed!  At least we all laughed about it.

Okay... you want to know something else that's embarrassing?  I sucked my thumb until the age of twelve.  So embarrassing to admit, but it's true!  I finally quit when my family decided to move far away. {well at least to twelve-year-old me, it was really only about ten to fifteen miles} I wasn't about to start at a new school with all new people still sucking my thumb, so I quit cold turkey.


11. What day would you love to relive again?
I know it sounds cheesy, but my wedding day.  Yes, it was only about 3 months ago, but that day was absolutely amazing.  The look on Justin's face was perfect and I couldn't stop smiling... my cheeks actually hurt.  I'm so glad I have it on DVD so I can watch it over and over again.


12. If your life was turned into a movie... what actor would play you?
I have no idea... maybe Ann Hathaway.  I've always liked her and she seems kind of goofy and awkward like me.


13. What are the jobs you had in high school/college/the early years?
My first real job was at DSW Shoe Warehouse.  I did a little of everything... cleaning, sales associate, cashier.  When I went to college, I worked on campus at the front desk of the dorm.  That was probably my  most interesting job.  I spent evenings at the front desk and enjoyed watching drunk people come home.  Also during college, I worked at Lowe's Home Improvement.  I learned a lot about home improvement!


14. Show us a picture from high school or college.

Second from Right - Senior Year - High School {2001}

Middle - Sophomore Year - College {2003}

Left - Senior Year - College {2005}

15. If you could travel anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, where would you go?
Turtle Island. {check it out} It's this little island resort in Fiji that is home to only 14 couples at one time.  Each couple gets their own private beach.  It sounds absolutely wonderful.


16. Show us the most current picture of you or you and your family.
This is the hubby and I from a few weeks ago when we were at the St. Louis Cardinal's baseball game.

17. Where do you see your life 5 years from now?
Five years from now?  Let's see.  Well I'm probably going to win that lottery you mentioned earlier, so see above comment.  Okay... honestly, here's what I'm hoping.  I want to be living in a house that my hubby and I own. {and not the one I own in Springfield} Hopefully, in five years, we'll have at least one child and maybe another one on the way.  Not really sure one the career front.  I would love to be a stay-at-home mom, but that may not be realistic financially.  I could definitely see myself at the same company I'm at now, hopefully with a promotion and a raise.  Really, I just want to be happy.


So there you have it... seventeen questions to give you the four-one-one on me.  Hope you enjoyed... now link up and let me know a little more about you!

Friday's Letters

Dear Mom... I had so much fun seeing Aladdin at the Muny with you.  Thanks for always finding time for me.  It means the world to me.  I don't know what I would do without you.

Dear hubby... you are amazing.  You may not be the best at everything {think laundry, putting the seat down, and ballet}, but you are the best at making me smile, and for that, I am forever grateful.  I am one lucky girl.  Oh, and thanks for letting me sleep in the car tomorrow while you make the three hour drive.

Dear Eldon family and friends... I hope you're ready for us, because we'll be there tomorrow!  I'm really excited to see all of you.  We're bringing wedding pictures and videos {I'll be blogging about the wedding eventually}, so be excited!  I hope we have enough time to visit everyone we want to see, but if we don't get to you in our short visit, just know we miss you like crazy!

Dear fan... you and I have a real love - hate relationship.  I love that you keep us cool at night in our second story bedroom... I just wish you could do it a little more quietly!  If you don't stop squeaking every few minutes, I'm putting you back in your box and replacing you.  You've been warned.

Dear Maggie... you know you're a little devil cat, but you really embrace it.  Thanks for always attacking your daddy instead of me.  Mommy appreciates not looking like a cutter.

Dear Girls Night In (GNI)... I am so, so, so excited for tonight!  A backyard barbeque sounds perfect this time of year.  Who would have thought that when we started this thing, we'd still be going strong a year and a half later?

Dear new apartment... you are awesome!  Justin and I absolutely love you. {I need to post a blog about our new place once we get all settled in} Please don't let any crazy people move into the empty apartments near us.

Dear extra weight... I don't know who invited you to this party, but you aren't welcome!  Please take this as your notice of eviction.

Dear gym... I know I haven't seen you much lately, but that's going to change.  See above.

Blog Star... More About Me

Welcome!  Today, I just happened to stumble upon Mrs. Monologue’s Blog Star link-up, so I thought I’d give it a try.  I’m relatively new to the blogging world, so I’m hoping to meet some new people through this link-up, along with finding some new blogs to read.  So here’s a little introduction to my little corner of the blog world.

I’m Ellen, although some people call me Ellie.  I married the love of my life, Justin, about two months ago.  We have a cute little fur-baby, Maggie Mae, and hope to be parents sometime in the future.  Last week, I turned 27 28.  (I’m still in denial about that one.  It seems so much older than 27!)  We just moved this past weekend and are still working on organizing our lives again, but I’m sure we’ll get there soon enough.

I was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri.  Even though I ventured out for a few years (2002 – 2010), I’ve made my way back to St. Louis and love living here.  It’s going to take a whole heck of a lot to get me to leave my beloved home.  During the day, I work as a business analyst (aka. number cruncher).  It’s not the most exciting job in the world, but it pays the bills.

I’m a zumba enthusiast. Over the past few years, I’ve lost over 50 pounds and have been (mostly) maintaining for the past year or so. Exercise and I have a love hate relationship. Zumba is the one thing that will always get me to the gym. I’ve been trying to get into running, but my mind is fighting me on that. I will do it eventually.

I’m a TV junkie. What can I say? I love sitting down on the couch with some junk food and catching up on all my crazy TV. Right now, I’m really sucked into the drama of reality TV – The Bachelorette, Hell’s Kitchen, Masterchef, and So You Think You Can Dance. It makes for great summer TV.

I’m from a huge family and it drives me nuts I absolutely love it. I have seven siblings (two older, five younger)… all from the same mom and dad… and yes, we are catholic. I have over 20 aunts and uncles and over 30 cousins who I see on a fairly regular basis. Family get-togethers are something I look forward to. I can’t imagine life without my crazy family.

Like I said, I’m new to the blogging world, so I’m still trying to get my footing on what exactly this blog is about. I did start a new “series” on my birthday last week that is going to revolve around my bucket list for this year of my life. This blog will also incorporate crafts (I knit and crochet), fitness and health, family, friends, and much, much more. It’s my life and this is my blog… I hope you stick around and enjoy the ride!