Ten on Tuesday

Sorry for the extensive vacay from here. I hope to be back up and running this week. In the mean time, here is this week's Ten on Tuesday.

1. When you were a senior in high school, what career did you think you’d choose? Did you? Why or why not?
I had thought being a microbiologist would be awesome. I had read an article some where that listed their salary at $180K, which sounded pretty good to me. I did graduate with a BS in Biology, and while I was successful in labs I knew lab work wasn't for me. I spent the summer before my senior year of college working for an adhesive company supporting the VP of Global Operations. It was then that I realized I really enjoyed working in a corporate atmosphere, running reports and playing with data. The good news is - that's precisely what I do now!
2. What one thing about the “real world” did you find most surprising once you were on your own?
I was surprised to find out you have to pay for garbage collection service. I'm not sure why I didn't realize this. After all, I remember my parent's switching garbage collectors throughout the years, but I guess I hadn't realized they paid for that.
3. Name 3 things you think your closest friends DON’T like about you.
I have spent way too much time thinking about this. I'm not sure what my closest friends don't like about me, but I'm hoping, because they are my closest friends, there isn't much. If anyone would like to comment on what they don't like about me, feel free to fill me in, I guess.
Here is one for sure: I appear to disappear off the planet for months at a time. [I need to get better about that! Many of my friends I haven't seen in MONTHS! Not cool.]
4. In order to sleep, do you need background noise or absolute quiet?
I am fine either way. Most nights I fall asleep watching television, but on the rare occasions I actually go to bed before I go to sleep I prefer no noise.
*BTW - I really need to work on physically going to bed before I fall asleep!
5. Why do you choose to reside in your current city? Yes, you have a choice
When we were looking for our new house we had two cities in mind. Our goal was to be closer to my family (though we ended up being virtually equidistant) and to gain a yard. We ended up picking our current location because it seemed calmer than the other city and we have everything we need within just a few miles from our house.
6. Are you close to your parents?
Yes. I love them and couldn't pick better parents if I tried. I am probably closer to my Mom, because I talk or email with her daily. I don't talk to my Dad as frequently, but I still think we are pretty close!
7. What is your favorite fiction book? Poem? Blog?
Book: James and the Giant Peach. I have always loved that book!! And while I don't love peaches, this book makes them sound so juicy and succulent!
Poem: I'm sure there is some adult poetry I like, however I still really enjoy Shel Silverstein poems like: Peanut Butter Sandwich and Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out.
Blog: I check a crazy number of blogs. When I check for updates, I tend to scroll to my favorites first and am thrilled to see an update. One the first ones I check is my good friend Krystle's blog. I'm not sure if she would be okay with me linking to it, since it includes her last name, so instead I'll just mention it.
8. Do you enjoy cooking or is it a chore?
I love to cook. I am not good, by any means, but I like to do it. In fact, my husband is a much better cook that I am, but he rarely gets the opportunity anymore because I'm always in there. I am trying to get better!
9. Be honest. What one thing would (the majority of) your blog readers would be shocked to find out about you?
I was very afraid of dogs before we got our pup, Malin. I'm not sure if I've mentioned it before on here, but most people tend to be surprised by this statement. [For example: I used to have to cross to the opposite side of the street if an owner and dog were approaching. And once I cried, full-out bawled, when three dogs (off their leash) ran by me and Rich while we were on a walk.]
10. If you were given your own national holiday, what would you require people to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner on the Day of You? Would there be a parade? Greeting cards?
Breakfast: Eggs Benedict (or anything w/ Hollandaise sauce) + bacon
Lunch + Dinner: This would be a combo of both, so maybe it should be called "Lunner" or "Dinch," either way it should include a gathering of your favorite people to enjoy a plethora of appetizers, drinks and board games.
Parade: Not necessary to celebrate, but not forbidden. (only rule: you must give the free stuff to everyone, no age restrictions)
Greeting Cards: Again, not necessary. In fact, I would prefer potted herbs be exchanged as gifts.