finish this v14

This is part of a weekly series I got from Ruthie Hart titled, finish this.

1. My favorite recipe is... either this recipe for tropical quinoa wraps or my dad's pineapple salsa (which I will be sharing with you all very soon).

pineapple salsa

2. I believe in... second chances. I was married before and didn't think I would ever experience a relationship like some of my friends had. I thought that maybe it just wasn't in the stars for me. Luckily, I was able to get out of that marriage and get my second chance. 

my second chance

3. I need to set boundaries... with my food. I LOVE food and that isn't always so great for my girlish figure. So I need to set boundaries like not eating 10 cupcakes after dinner. Just yesterday I limited it to only 2 cupcakes!

4. I began living when... at age 26 I was suddenly single after 9 years, dealing with a divorce and responsible for a brand new mortgage on a huge 2400 square foot home. I know it may sound odd to say I began living when it seemed like the life I had built came crashing down around me, but I did. I was finally able to focus on me and not live in the vicious cycle that was my past marriage. Without going into too much detail, that relationship had turned me into someone I did not recognize, someone who just got through each day. Once I was out of it, I began to live. 

finish this v13

This is part of a weekly series I got from Ruthie Hart titled, finish this.

1. A lesson I learned from my mom... champagne bubbles go straight to your head! 

2. To burn calories, I... go to the gym and work out on the elliptical or bike. I used to love to go on long bike rides back in California, which burned a ton of calories! However, the roads here aren't the safest for cyclists so I left my bike back home. 

bike around the buttes a few years ago

3. The best hair day was... I can't think of one day in mind. I know I loved my hair for my wedding though! Also, anytime I leave my hairdresser, my hair always looks great!

4. I am grateful for... my husband and all he does for me. I love being able to stay home and focus on my business and taking care of our home and us. I am also very grateful for the fact that when his girls, my step-daughters, come out in less than 2 weeks, I'll be able to stay home with them. 

finish this v12

This is a weekly series I got from Ruthie Hart titled, finish this.

1. My last growing pain was... getting older in general? I don't remember ever having growing pains but as I get older I do notice things tend to hurt a little more and it takes me a little longer in the morning to get things warmed up.

2. I grow and nurture... all my relationships from my marriage to my friendships. As I've gotten older, I've realized that there are a very small handful of people I want in my "hula-hoop" as my friend Casey calls it. Those small handful of relationships are what I try to grow and nurture. Being 6,000 miles away from everyone (except my husband) makes it difficult at times. However, with those few friends and family that I hold dear, I try to make some sort of contact a few times a month.

3. The guilt-free snack I enjoy most is... fresh fruit. I love a crunchy pear, fresh juicy pineapple and super ripe strawberries!

4. The best reason to stay up all night is... hanging out with my husband catching up on one of "our shows" or just talking through the night about randomness.

5. If I were stranded on a desert island, I'd... set up shelter in the shade and figure out a way to get rescued!

finish this v11

This is part of a weekly series I got from Ruthie Hart titled, finish this.

1. My favorite makeup item is... mascara. I rarely wear makeup anymore because we're either at the beach, pool or I'm heading to the gym. When we do go out or meet up with friends, I'll wear makeup and mascara is always the one thing that makes the most dramatic difference.

2. The best book I ever read was... I can't really remember a lot of the books I've read. I remember Iris Johansen's The Killing Game had me hooked and I finished it really fast.

3. My favorite TV show is... George and I have gotten hooked on so many shows but I think my favorite show right now is Sons of Anarchy. The plots are so well written and always make you think and pay attention. And Jax, oh hellllloooooooo...

4. The most spontaneous thing I've ever done is... if you know me at all, you know that spontaneity is not something I possess. I like to plan. I can't even think of anything spontaneous that I've done lately. For me, changing up my grocery shopping day is spontaneous, yet nothing to write about. Lame, I know!

5. I prefer cats over dogs because... they don't require as much attention. You can also leave them at home with some extra food and water if you want to take a weekend vacation. I love dogs too, but I love me some kittens!

6. I met my husband... at work almost 10 years ago. We worked together for years before we actually started dating.

finish this v10

This is part of a weekly series I got from Ruthie Hart titled, finish this.

1. I don't get enough... friend time. All my friends are back in California and I've only met a couple people here on Guam. I miss hanging out with my girl friends and enjoying a glass of wine and just talking about whatever.

classy wine night wednesdays

2. My favorite indulgence is... gourmet cupcakes or mini desserts. I love getting a bunch of super decadent desserts and then eating a little bit of each one. I can't do it very often, but I love it!

3. I made a major change in my life when... I joined the military. I was stuck working a minimum wage job, trying to get through school and one day I just made up my mind and did it. It was definitely something I never planned on doing but it changed my life so drastically. There are a lot of opportunities I never would have had if I had never joined. It also led me to meet my awesome husband!

me enlisting over 10 years ago...

4. You should read... Death's Acre by Dr. Bill Bass & Jon Jefferson. It may not be for everyone, but it's one of the books I've read in the past decade or so that I really enjoyed. It talks about the cases of forensic anthropologist, Dr. Bill Bass, and his research project, The Body Farm. It's the book that led me to several classes I took at UC Davis. 

5. My secret ingredient is... fresh ingredients. I love to use fresh herbs in pasta dishes, fresh grated ginger in asian dishes and fresh shallots in anything savory. I think adding a little bit of freshness to compliment the dish goes a long way!

finish this v9

This is part of a weekly series I got from Ruthie Hart titled, finish this.

1. I know this is weird but... I hate wearing shirts. Or anything that covers me from the waist up. I don't know why, but I prefer to just wear shorts or sweats. Obviously, I can't do this in public or when people are around. But when I'm home alone or it's just my husband and I, I'm going shirtless. I lived with my best friend, Casey, for about a year and she was privy to my weird habit and it didn't bother her. However, she's probably the only one of my friends that I could do that around!  

2. When stopped at a stoplight, I... get so bored! I look at my phone and gaze around and try to find something to do for those few minutes or seconds I'm stopped. Luckily, in Guam you can use your phone while driving still, unlike California.

3. My guilty pleasure is... food wise, it's sweets or candy. I love getting a bunch of desserts and making a little plate with samples from each one. My other guilt pleasure is watching shows like 19 Kids and Counting or Teen Mom 2. 

4. My favorite way to unwind is... coming home and getting into comfy clothes, pouring a glass of wine and making dinner. Cooking is relaxing for me!

finish this v8

This is a weekly series I got from Ruthie Hart titled,  finish this.

1. When I need help with life's mysteries, I turn to... either my husband or my dad. Both seem to know more about everything than I do. I used to go to my dad for a lot, but now I can ask my husband for help too. I still go to my dad for any legal/ethical advice though! I'm fortunate to have two men in my life who have most of the answers!

2. My next challenge is figuring out... how to be a full time stay at home step-mommy to my 2 step-daughters. They will be out here all summer and I'll be lucky enough to stay home with them! I'm super excited, but I know it'll be a new challenge for me.

3. My latest victory... completing my first real photo shoot. I decided to start a photography business since moving out here and am slowly developing my skill and technique. Just this past Monday I did my first shoot and am in the process of editing the pictures. Looking back at the pictures I took, I'm pretty proud of myself and how professional the images look!

4. My high heels are... in storage back home in California. I knew I'd be living in flip flops here in Guam and wouldn't need them! 

finish this v7

This is part 7 of a weekly series I got from Ruthie Hart titled, finish this.

1. I plan on buying... a MacBook in the future. I'll need a lap top on the long flights I have coming up. Also, it'll give me the ability to work on my photography when I'm not at home. It'll be a while though, gotta save up for one!

2. I give AMERICAN EAGLE 5 stars because... they ship to Guam, hassle free! It's so hard to find companies that ship out here, let alone not charge an arm and leg and take 6-8 weeks to get here. I've ordered from them a couple of times now and both times they had free shipping offers and the package got here in less than 5 business days. That is unheard of out here! 

3. I felt courageous when... we took the offer to move to Guam. It wasn't so much as a choice, really, we were going to have to move no matter what. But to take advantage of the offer to move somewhere so awesome rather than to somewhere not so nice, but only 2,500 miles away made us both feel very courageous. 

us on our honeymoon, right after we got notified by his boss of our move to Guam

4. I feel about swimsuit shopping like I do... anything that I dread. I hate swimsuit shopping because it seems like nothing ever fits right. And here on Guam, swimsuits are hard to find. Weird, I know, but there is usually a few suits at the stores, but you can never find matching pieces. I'll find a top I really like, but the matching bottoms are no where to be found! They do have a little boutique style swim suit shop geared towards tourists, but their suits are cheap feeling and super pricey. No thank you! One of my favorite suits that I still wear at least once a week is one I bought in 2003. 

finish this v6

This is part of a weekly series I got from Ruthie Hart, titled finish this.

1. I celebrate Valentine's day by... just spending time with my husband like usual! I don't really care to make a big deal out of it or stand around for hours at a packed restaurant for dinner. We usually make a nice dinner at home and maybe I'll make some treats.

2. My heart goes pitter-patter for... little baby kittens. Anytime I see a picture of one or a video, I instantly want another kitty. Who doesn't melt for a baby kitty cat?!

3. When looking for romance, my best advice is... don't ignore the red flags! I'll leave it at that.

4. My favorite love story (real or fiction) is... mine is my favorite real love story, but as far as fiction... I know it's cheesy, but Noah and Allie from The Notebook. I just love how they always were drawn to each other and how he stays with her til the very end. 

5. The best relationship/love/dating advice I ever received... not really advice, but my bff, Casey, once told me to flip a coin. The rest is history!

that coin Casey had me flip, taped to my wedding shoes 

finish this v5

This is part five in a weekly series I got from Ruthie Hart titled finish this.

1. I will never outgrow... getting excited to go to the candy store. When I was younger and got an allowance, I used to spend it all at the candy store at the mall. I had a one of those plastic Caboodles that were oh so popular in the 80s filled with candy. Every Saturday night I would bust it out and eat candy while enjoying Snick. Am I showing my age here?! I still get excited when we pass the candy aisle at the grocery store and I still make a plate of candies to munch on whenever we watch a movie or a favorite TV show!

2. I splurge on... I honestly can't think of anything I splurge on. I'm more than happy buying store brand. I rarely buy new clothes or shoes and when I do, it's never name brand. The only thing I've bought that was more of a splurge than other options was my computer. I chose to pay a little more and get an iMac instead of a PC. But that was a one time purchase, so I don't really consider it something I splurge on regularly.

3. My worst habit is... going to the grocery store hungry. I always make a list with meals in mind, but once I get into the store, I see so many other things I want! 

4. My passport represents... unfortunately, not a lot. I first got my passport for Panama a few years back but had to get a new one after I got married. So far I have no stamps in my passport. I've been lucky enough to do most of my traveling with the military and haven't required a passport. 

5. My most ridiculous fear is... swimming in deep water. It's not even the drowning fear, it's just not knowing what is under me. It creeps me out! Or if we go snorkeling and there are rocks or coral or even sea grass under me, I get scared!

6. My favorite thing to give is... food! I love making treats for George to take to work or treat him to new yummy dinners.

finish this v4

This is part four in a weekly series I got from Ruthie Hart titled finish this.

1. I use my "green thumb" to... keep my fake plants alive! I don't really have a green thumb. Back home I managed to keep some houseplants alive for several years, but killed all my outdoor plants.

my "green thumb" would kill this

2. The secret to life is... I don't know the secret just yet. I do know that every once in a while you just have to laugh at the random crap thrown your way. Preferably with your best friend and a bottle of wine. Or 3 bottles if it's Casey and I!

3. I get my money's worth by... using the last drop of everything from beauty products to food. I think it's a skill I learned from my mom. I remember her tilting her lotion bottles upside down to get every last drop out and I do that now too. And with food, I always try and eat leftovers and make a meal or snack out of whatever random food we have in the fridge.

4. On a scale of 1 to 10, my level of organization is... definitely a 10, at least. I love the feeling of having everything in its place and organized. I'm lucky in that fact that my husband is just as organized, if not more than me. We have a very clean and clutter free home!

5. A gentleman always... opens doors for a lady. 

6. Handwritten notes are... hard to find these days. With texting, emailing and social media, it's rare to receive a handwritten note from someone. I love how something as simple as getting a little card from a friend for no reason can really brighten your day. 

finish this v3

This is part 3 in a series I got from Ruthie Hart titled finish this.

1. A typical day in my life... I make George his lunch, head off to the base to workout, grocery shop, come home and make dinner and clean. A lot different than my life back in California! On George's days off we try and make it down to the beach at least one day.

2. You'll never see me... running a marathon. They have at least one every weekend here on the island. Don't get me wrong, I love fitness and working out, but running is just not the sport for me!

3. It's really unattractive when a guy/girl... is rude to waitstaff. I was a server for years and never understood why some people just acted like you didn't exist or we're just plain unfriendly for no reason. If I'm out to eat with someone and they don't thank the server or are flat out rude, it always bothers me.

4. If I could buy one thing right now, it would be... a few new lenses for my camera!

5. I have high expectations for... myself and most people in my life. I feel like I'm such a perfectionist in all the things I do and I tend to expect others to be the same. I was once told by my boss that as a manager, I need to lower my expectations for my employees because I set the bar so high as to be on point with my own standards. 

finish this v2

This is part 2 of a weekly series I got from Ruthie Hart titled finish this.

 

1. If I could make anything grow on trees it would be... patience. I am definitely the type to always be a little antsy. Being able to go outside and pick some patience off a tree would be wonderful!

 

2. I can't stop smiling... when I look at our wedding pictures. It was such a good day with so many loved ones around. I can feel the happiness we felt just by looking through the pictures.

 

3. I get back to nature by... taking a minute to stand out on our balcony and watch the sun set over the ocean. Every sunset is so different and so colorful here.

 

4. I dread washing... the sheets. It always works out to where I forget about them in the dryer and come bed time, when I'm super sleepy, I have to make the bed before going to sleep.

 

Can you finish these sentences?

 



finish this

One of the blogs I follow, The Chronicles of Ruthie Hart, started doing a weekly series with other bloggers called finish this. I thought it was a neat idea and decided to try it out as well.

1. I first felt like a grown up... I still don't really feel like one! Although I would have to say that whenever my husband and I talk about investments or his 401K or taxes, I am reminded that I am a grown up.

2. I am one of a kind because... no one else has the same DNA as me?! Too generic/geeky of an answer? This one is a little tough. I think not many people I know have the opportunity to move to a tropical island, like I've done. Also, I've been through quite a bit the past few years and I've come out stronger and with some pretty crazy stories to tell.

3. Spanx... will hopefully never be required.

4. My favorite family tradition... Christmas morning when my dad cooks homemade biscuits and gravy and my mom makes us open our stockings while still in PJs and half asleep.

5. The last thing I do before bed is... brush my teeth, wash my face, kiss my husband goodnight and tell him I love him.

6. Happiness is... laying on a beach in the sunshine, with a nice cold drink in hand. Or that feeling of the wind in your face when you're on a boat at the lake.