Secrets, Secrets Are So Fun...

Today, I am linking up with Lauren and Tiffany for their 10 Day Challenge.  Today's challenge (well actually, yesterday's challenge, but I'm behind) is about secrets.  Let's be honest, everyone's got them.  But there are also some secrets that should stay just that.  This is a mix of fun and serious secrets... now it's time to spill!

1.  My ten year high school reunion is coming up in October and there is a part of me that is dreading going.  I feel like I have to go and prove that I am doing great in life, as if I really need the approval of a bunch of girls that I went to school with for four years and haven't talked to in ten.  I'm happy with where I am.  I have a great job, an amazing hubby, and a promising future... and yet I'm worried I won't stack up to the rest of my class.

2.  I hate cleaning!  When people tell me they are coming over, I frantically clean shove everything in the closest hiding space.  The hubs and I are working on being better about cleaning... we even got out the vacuum this past weekend... and used it!

3.  I am terrified of falling.  I have no problems with heights.  I can stand on the top floor of a building and look out and have no problems... but put me on the top of a parking garage, and I freak out!  I can't get within ten feet of the edge without thinking that I'm going to fall to my death.

4.  I am horrible at keeping in touch with friends.  Out of all my friends from my childhood (grade school, high school, extracurricular activities, etc.) I am only still in contact with one of them.  I wish I would have stayed in contact with more because it seems so much harder to make friends once you're an adult.

5.  I can do eat more than my hubby.  After dinner, he looks over at my plate and says, "You really ate all of that?!" as if I was some kind of monster.  Then a couple hours later... I'm eating more.

6.  I've been divorced.  It's really not a secret, but I don't think I've ever mentioned it on my blog before.  Maybe one of these days, I'll tell the story... or maybe not.  It's not something I really enjoy rehashing.

7.  I love my kitty, Maggie, but sometimes I really miss my puppy.  Unfortunately, I lost my dog in my divorce.  It probably doesn't help that my cat actually likes my husband more than she likes me.  It means the world to me every time she curls up in my lap and snuggles me.

8.  I'm slightly OCD.  When I'm adjusting the radio volume or TV volume, it must be on an even number.  Same with the AC... it has to be either an even number or a multiple of five... don't even think about adjusting the temperature to seventy-three degrees!

9.  I have baby fever!  I have a ton of friends and family who are having babies and every time I see a baby, my heart melts.  I just want to hold them for hours!  And don't even get my started on tiny baby clothes... so adorable!  Someday, we will have our own family, but until then, I will just have to cuddle and love on my friend's babies.

10.  I really want to have a creative side.  As an accountant, let's be honest, I don't scream creative.  I'm not really sure how to decorate my house or accessorize an outfit.  Pinterest is amazing because it allows me to pretend!

So there ya go... ten secrets you may or may not have known about me!  Lauren and Tiffany... thanks for the awesome link-up.  Can't wait for next week!

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}



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!

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!

Introduction to the World

Hey there everyone (or the few people who might actually read this)!  Welcome to "The Nerd Life"!  I finally decided to join the blog world and see what it's all about.  So this is me testing the water and trying to kind of document life.

I guess I'll start with an introduction to the nerds...

I'm Ellen, and I'll be your tour guide through this blog.  Let's see, what would you all like to know?  I was born and raised in St. Louis as a math nerd.  I'm from a very large family... I'm number 3 of 8 children.  I went to college (in Springfield) to decide what I wanted to do with my life, and left with a masters in accountancy.  Now I work as a business analyst for a distribution company in St. Louis.  I spend my day crunching numbers and analyzing data.  After work, I hit the gym a few times each week.  I'm kind of a homebody, but I do enjoy getting out when I can.  I'm definitely a TV junkie.

This is Justin, my fiance.  He's just along for the ride.  Justin was born and raised in Eldon, a tiny little town in the middle of Missouri.  He's also from a large family, which includes both his biological family and his adopted family.  He went to college (in Jefferson City) to get a degree in computers.  He now works as a computer programmer for a manufacturing company.  He spends his day typing gibberish (he calls it code) and fixing people's computer problems.  He's very much a morning person and enjoys hitting the weights before work.  After work, Justin enjoys playing Starcraft and spending time with me.

And last, but not least, this is Maggie, our little fur-baby.  She is definitely a handful, but we love her very much.  She spends her day watching birds through the sliding glass door and lounging around on her new perch.  She loves picking fights with Justin and snuggling up with me.

Justin and I got engaged in March 2010 during a romantic getaway for the two of us in St. Louis.  We spent the weekend at the Westin where I was pampered with a massage, mani, and pedi.  In the evening, Justin took us to dinner at Dominic's where he proposed!  We are planning a beach wedding for April 22, 2012 (only 3 more months) in Cocoa Beach, Florida and we are very excited to start our life together.

So I guess that's enough of an introduction to us nerds.... see ya on the flip side!