Ask Me Anything: Questions Answered, Part I

I let you guys ask me anything, and now it's time to provide some answers. (Sorry for taking a little while to get the answers posted btw, but my computer issues slowed me down.) You asked so many questions though that I'll be posting the answers in two parts. Here's part one and I'll post part two later today.

And since you seemed to enjoy little Kate so much, you can imagine this face when reading my answers.



Miranda asked:  
Which of your doggies is your favorite?
It's hard to choose a favorite dog. Really, they're all my favorite in different ways. I also go through phases with which dog is my "favorite" favorite. My current "favorite" favorite has an underbite, but I've been partial to another favorite too.



What is your dream job? If you could do anything you wanted and not have to worry about being able to pay bills...what would you do?
If I could do anything, I would dance everyday. It's my most favorite thing in the world to do and I love everything about it. Practicing, performing, teaching. I could dance all day and be a happy woman. And of course I would rescue dogs by night.



Laurie asked:
What inspires you? why? I'm sure I'm supposed to say something deep here, but mostly my "inspiration" comes from copy catting what others do and twisting it to suit my personal needs and likes. I'm not naturally creative, so seeing what someone else has done really helps me. Especially if there's a good tutorial. I heart step by step instructions.



What has been your greatest accomplishment? This is a hard one. I think my greatest accomplishment has been establishing my independence. I've always been pretty independent, but actually getting myself to a place where I'm not dependent on others was a huge milestone for me. Especially so because I got married when I was pretty young (22), which wasn't something that I predicted for myself. Being emotionally, financially, and physically independent means a lot to me. I really feel like I can handle just about anything that life throws at me. Of course my family is super important, and I love them to pieces, but I don't live my life seeking the approval of others.
What advice would you give a blogger off the street? Put yourself out there! I'm an introvert so I have a really hard time with this, but I always find that when I let my own voice come out that I feel better about what I post and get a better response in return. I spent a long time trying to emulate what other bloggers do (and failing at it), and now I'm finally just doing what I want. It's great.
In one word how would you describe yourself? Pragmatic.
What is your favorite style? Retro eclectic fun. (is that a style?)
Have you had a life-changing light-bulb moment in your life? Yes. When I was about 17 I worried that my life would be meaningless if I wasn't a "star" somehow. I was dancing a ton and feeling a lot of pressure to "take it to the next level" with competing, which I really wanted to do, but I knew I didn't have the money for it. I finally realized living a "normal" life was something I should be really proud of as long as I was happy, and that's what I went for instead. I still wish I could dance everyday, but I also don't dwell on that. I'm happy for the things that I have.
What is your absolute favorite part of summer? The weather!! I love it when it's hot. I come from a long line of cold weather haters. My mother is actually allergic to the cold (really) so I think there's a genetic component to it.

I'm not the only one who hates the cold.

Hawk aka Brown Dog asked:
My Human says you really are a beautiful little girl. I say, but I don't know what she smells like. What kind of soap do you like? Do you wear perfume? What scent?
Thanks Hawk! Most days I smell like softsoap and deodorant. If I'm feeling special I wear Chanel - No. 5 or Chance.

Mrs. Foot asked:
First concert?  New Found Glory
Favorite room in your house?  The guest bedroom - it's proof that I can finish a space!
Favorite dog toy you've ever bought?  Nemo's kong ball. Best money ever spent.
Best vacation? (where was it and what made it so great)  The cruise I went on last winter. So much fun. I love the beaches.
Ideal vacation? The cruise was pretty darn close. I'd love to take another one with my friends so we could all hang out together. That would be awesome.



Two Grad Students and a Pittie asked:
If I gave you all the money in the world to fix up something in your home, what would it be?!
If you had all this money to suddenly throw at me now, I would first angrily shake my fist at the skies for not coming up with it before I bought all that flooring. Gah! Then I would get over myself and furnish my entire house with things from West Elm and Restoration Hardware.



Jessica asked:
What was the first album you can remember buying?
 I don't remember the first album I bought, but I do remember that the first CD someone gave me was by Celine Dion. I thought it was an odd gift because I didn't listen to her at the time, but now I like to think I sound just like her when I belt out her songs. My heart will go on and OOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOnnnnnnnnn!