Thursday, January 20, 2011

This one's for Mary. :)

Well, this is the most news-worthy thing I can think of that's happened recently.

Due to Joel smashing the front end on our old truck, we had to get a different one.

I'm just glad it wasn't a 4-wheeler accident, there weren't any helicopters, or $50,000 hospital stays. ;)


Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Good hair days.

Hello, random!

I remember one day in Iowa having a super terrible migraine, but going to work anyway. Why? Because I was having a good hair day! They're not that common.... Don't like to waste 'em laying around in bed! My mistake was mentioning that to my supervisor, who then announced it at our sales meeting that morning. :P

So. Does anyone else do this? Take pics of your hair?

This is just a very slight few from the past 2-3 years. My entire collection is rather enormous.

Waterloo apartment.. yay!

Hellooo, weird face.


This was a fun one.

Normal one.

If it would stay like that, I'd wear it down more.


Another fun one... don't wear my glasses often, either.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

My fatal flaw.

Heh, as if I only have one. :)

I'm usually different around people than when it's just me or the hubby and I at home. There. I said it. It's like I have multiple personalities or something.

I've been thinking about this for awhile now, ever since an older worker came up to me at Marion last year and asked me if I was a happy person. I'm sure my puzzled look forced him to clarify. He said he took notice the first few days of convention that I was always smiling, laughing, and having a great time chatting between meetings. I think my exact words were, I guess! Plus, I love convention, so it's easy to be super happy there. :)

I grew up in a household where personalities were discussed quite a bit (thanks, Mom and Dad! :D), so I've been aware of different personalities for quite awhile... which drives Hubby nuts! Anyway, I guess I strive to come across to people as relaxed, laid-back, chatty, amiable, and super-friendly. Whatever goes..

Someone mentioned they were studying personality types a while back, so I asked them to analyze me. They had a name for it which I don't remember... but essentially, they thought I was the laid-back, have fun, social type. I believe I laughed in their face. Sorry, if you're reading this... and you recognize yourself. ;)

However, I see myself as detail-driven, slightly withdrawn, and not super-social. A perfectionist in some areas, and a realist in most things. I do enjoy being around people, but I definitely need my alone times. Thankfully, Hubby is more than welcome in my alone time. haha. In my own element, I'm fairly set in my ways, hate change or last-minute decisions, and am quite stubborn.

They say opposites attract, which turned out exactly true in my case. I intensely admire Hubby because he is the exact same around every single person.

I don't know how to do that.

On one hand, people might see this as "putting on a show" or being deceptive.

However, I guess that's how I am... and I look at it as a benefit in some ways. Admit it, no one likes being around those personality types like I actually am. That's why people like Hubby are the center of the party.

It's a huge plus for talking and chatting with clients.. and honestly, being with people draws me out of my little funk for awhile. I do love people, really. But when I hang up the phone or leave a consultation, I revert "back to myself."

It's great for this showing the duplex/rental process. I can be genuinely sweet, honest, and nice when they come to look at the plexer. Then when they leave, I can sit down, analyze things, and come to a realistic conclusion (obviously with Hubby).

It's also pretty nice for having company over... especially for workers. :) Honestly, it's such a joy to have people over, and I'm pretty relaxed about people in our home.

But get me out of my routine too long, and relaxed, care-free Mariah disappears pretty quickly.



Do I have a conclusion? Not really.

Just know that I'm not being fake, honestly. When I'm happy to see you, it's the real deal.


And, aren't I lucky to have Hubby?! :) Last-minute decisions? Spontaneous? Happy? Carefree (mostly)? Of course. He really is the ying to my yang. :)

Monday, January 3, 2011

2010 Wrap-up

1. What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before?
Started an official business. Left my "office" job.

2. Did you keep your New Years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I usually don't make New Years resolutions.. it's a crutch people lean on. Rather, I do goal-setting throughout the year. heh.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Well, no sisters or sisters-in-law. Some ladies in the extended family did. :)

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Grandpa Baseman

5. What countries did you visit?
USA. Hah.

6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
More self confidence in standing up for myself and my business.
Clients, in general. ;)

7. What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
1.4.10. The day of Joel's accident. Ironically, 1 year from today exactly. That's the first time in my life I've ever truly lost my appetite.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting my business up and running... including an official business plan. And my weddings. Looove my weddings. :)

9. What was your biggest failure?
Hard to say. I'm pretty tough on myself. This year has taught me a lot of lessons about planning ahead, planning for the unexpected, valuing myself, my talent, and the hard work it's taken to get where I am now.

On a lighter note, my addiction to coffee. :)

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Not me personally. Wait. I had that thing with the heart operation... WPW syndrome. I'm all good now.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Whooeee. My lens. 24-70mm 2.8L. Love it. Also my recent purchase of CS5, as well as all my computer upgrades this year. Totally worth it... I love Win7!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My cousin, Karlene. The relationship we've created over the last 10 months has by far exceeded what I've ever expected in a relative, friend, and client. Thank you from the bottom of my heart; you have no idea how much I appreciate you and our time together! You've been incredible to get to know! :)

Also, my husband. He lives with me every day and still loves me to death. :D

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Oh, you mean the situation that caused my heart to pound, sleep to fail me, and ruined my appetite for Annie's Organic mac'n'cheese? ;) We won't go there.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Sheesh. Everywhere. Bills, mostly. Loans. This year was big for medical bills.. Food, supplements, computer equipment/software/etc... My business. ;)

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The surprise Joel planned for my birthday.
Business marketing and planning. Sad, but true.
Also, being able to tackle things head on, money-wise.
I get really excited about date nights with my hubby. :)

16. What song will always remind you of 2010?
Probably that Celtic Woman one, "Fields of Gold." Makes me think of Georgia, the lake house, being in the boat, and hanging out with Suz. :) Brings back happy memories.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Happier, yet more realistic. Maybe stoic.
ii. thinner or fatter? Heh. I think about the same for once.
iii. richer or poorer? Feel richer, but as numbers go, I'm not sure. Maybe secure is a good word.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Reaching out to others.
Laughing.
Singing.
Breathing.
Preparing.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Whining.
Complaining.
Nagging.
Worrying.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
My family! Eating, playing games, and laughing, of course.

22. Did you fall in love in 2010?
It's funny. Seem to be deeper in love with every day passing... how does that work?! If it keeps getting better, being old must rock... love wise. :)

23. How many one-night stands?
365. With the same man. ;)

24. What was your favorite TV program?
The Office, How I Met Your Mother, Modern Family, Grey's, Private Practice

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Who actually "hates" people?

26. What was the best book you read?
I don't think I read a single book this year. How sad... I used to read 2-3 books a week!

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Celtic Woman. Hands down. Plus I love that I found The Dimes and Wiretree through Animoto.

28. What did you want and get?
My business.
I'm a pretty determined person, though.. usually find a way to get things I want.

29. What did you want and not get?
Determined.. but satisfied. I can't really think of anything at the moment. Probably for dear hubby to not work out of town so much.

30. What was your favorite film of this year?
That comedy guy, Gabriel Iglesias... that cracked me up.

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
21, Joel planned a surprise weekend in LaCrosse with my mom and dad. It was gloriously fun!

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
2 less accidents, a bazillion less medical bills, and working 14-hour days due to clients banging down my door.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
Hah. Clearance racks. Random, bright color. Hair flowers. T-shirts. Hoodies. Double layer socks.

34. What kept you sane?
That certain someone and our pudder. Preferably together.
Music.
Retail therapy.


35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Me? Pay attention to celebrities or public figures? Pay attention to any current events at all? Hardly.

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
The elections this year. The health insurance thing rubs me the wrong way.

37. Who did you miss?
My Hawkeye buddies. :(

38. Who was the best new person you met?
Probably my best friend's boyfriend... because he makes her happy, and she deserves that. :)

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010:
Don't allow others to take advantage of you or perceive your expertise for less than it is.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"Does it get any better than this?
We're into something beautiful.
Bein' with you's as good as it gets.
It doesn't get any better than this!"

Better Than This ~ Kimberley Locke
Disclaimer: I am not a registered dietician, I do not have any type of medical training, and my workouts and training are only intended for my personal recollection and your curiosity. Anything documented on this blog is my personal opinion or a learned experience. All images are subject to a personal copyright unless otherwise noted and cannot be used without permission. If you read to the end of this, congratulations.