Where did you begin 2008?
Here in Portland, Oregon!

What was your status by Valentine's Day?
I had just had a baby and she was barely two weeks old.  I think we took her to Casey Eye yet again for blocked tear ducts, so we were kind of in a daze...a sleep deprived daze.

Did you have to go to the hospital?
Oh yeah...that's where Gabriella was born.  OHSU!

Did you have any encounters with the police?
Might have called the cops on our crazy neighbors across the street.


Where did you go on vacation?
Not this year...toooooo freakin' poor.

What did you purchase that was over $500?
Just bills, bills,bills, and more frickin' bills.


Did you know anybody who got married?
Robin's son Zach got married to his long time girlfriend Rachel. It was a gorgeous wedding!  Such a sweet pair!

Did you know anybody who passed away?
A few clients...very sad.

And then my college roommate...that was a complete and utter shock.

What sporting events did you attend?
Blazers game.  And a half dozen Warriors games (Andres' basketball team)


What concerts/shows did you go to?
Just Trick Sensei, baby!  Not too shabby!

Where do you live now?
No Po.

Describe your birthday.

I was soooo pregnant...I think we just went to a movie, "There Will Be Blood" and to Hot Pot City...mmmm....hot pot.  Julia and Robin also took me to Portland City Grill for Happy Hour another night, followed by seeing "I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With" at the Living Room Theaters.  A fun birthday week, but still soooo very pregnant!

What's the one thing you thought you would never do but did in 2008?
Be this flat ass broke.  I knew money would be tight, but not like this!

What has/have been your favorite moment(s)?
The birth of my gorgeous baby girl!  That kind of seals the deal for a long time!

Any new additions to your family?
Gabriella Elizabeth Caputo!

And Jolie Paine Mello...my cousin David and his wife Sarah's precious baby girl who was born a few weeks before Gabriella.

What was your best month?
January!  They've all been mixed, bad and good.

Who has been your best drinking buddy?
This year??? Not too much since I was either pregnant or a new mom.  I guess my best drinking buddies would be Andres, Robin, and Julia. 

Made new friends?
We were already friends, but I got to be really close with Kristen!  Our babies rock!

Favorite Night[s] out?
Date night last Friday was pretty spectacular.  Seeing "Mama Mia!" with Tracey, Julia, and Robin was fun.  Seeing Trick Sensei at the Chaos Cafe....Andres' birthday at Dot's.  The best ones have been pretty recent.

Any regrets?
Financially, yes.

What do you want to change in 2009?

To crawl my way out of this debt.  For Andres to be employed (and a few other loved ones). 


Overall, how would you rate this year?
10 for Gabriella!
Zero for the financial mess.

Have any life changes in 2008?
Becoming a mom!  Relishing the parenting lifestyle.

Change your hairstyle?
Um...it's fallen by the wayside, actually. 

Get a new job?
Hellooooo???? Did you hear that I became a mom????

How old did you turn this year?
32

Do you have a New Year's resolution?
Has to do with money.

Did anything embarrassing?
Like I would tell.

Get married or divorced?

Stayed married.


Be honest - did you watch American Idol?
Not this year.


Start a new hobby?
Hanging out with the baby, being on guard as she crawls toward anything suspect.

Been snowboarding?
I wish.  I envy Megan to an extreme!

Are you happy to see 2008 go?
In some ways, yes....but it was the year that Gabriella was born, so that will forever be one of the highlight years of my life.


Drank Starbucks in 2008?
Not until the later part...I'm a fool.

Been naughty or nice?
Always nice.  I'm Nicole.


What are you wishing for in 2009?
Money, money, money!

JANUARY

Who kissed you on new years?
Andres...and probably some other friends at Robin and Carl's New Year's Eve Party...

Did you have a New Year's Resolution this year?
I think I just wanted to be the best parent possible and all I could think about was the upcoming birth...my baby was due to arrive within a couple weeks.  So baby,  baby, baby was on my mind!

Does it snow where you live?
Sometimes...usually in January.  We mostly have ridiculous ice storms that shut down the city for a couple days.

1.

How many children do you want/do you have?
Two, although I'm pretty damn content with the one I have now!

2.

What did you like most about being pregnant?

Just having that intense and wonderful connection to her, feeling her move around and hiccup (boy, she did ever hiccup!), and that everything was about her.  It really was divine.  I loved every minute of it (even the nausea and fatigue during the first trimester).

3.

How many times have you been pregnant?

Once

4.

Missing question...

5.

How many are boys/girls?
One gorgeous daughter

6.

How old were you when you had your 1st child?
32

7.

Did you have a c-section?
Nope, I was lucky

8.

What hospital/s were your children born at?
OHSU (Oregon Health Science University)

9.

Any complications?
I had preclampsia at the onset of labor....but not before.  Made for a very long and hard labor.

10.

How far along were you when you found out you were pregnant?

Four or five weeks??? I found out at the start of Labor Day weekend and I was in awe all weekend long.

11.

What was your best baby shower gift?

There were soooo many!  My work pitched in and got me a gorgeous stroller. 
Amy threw me a surprise shower that was amazing.  Stacie framed pictures from "Where the Wild Things Are"...that gesture made me cry, it wasn't a baby shower gift, but it was still for the baby and wonderful. My grandma knitted these incredibly cute booties.  Tracey handcrafted a gorgeous hat and matching booties set.   The HIV ribbon onesie that Kristen made.  Tons of stuff.

12.

Did you know what sex the baby was?
Nope, we waited until the moment she popped out!  But I had a hunch she was a girl the entire time, although most everyone else was convinced she was a boy.

13.

Did you formula feed or breastfeed?
I nursed as long as possible...she's gone to formula after about 8 months.

14.

Did your baby use a pacifier or suck thumb?
She does a little of both (more like she sucks her fingers/hand).  She only uses the pacifier at bedtime, or if she's really overtired.

15.

What was each child's nursery theme?

"Where the Wild Things Are"

16.

How old are your baby's today?
9 months, 3 weeks...she will be 10 months after Thanksgiving!  Woo hoo!

17.

What was the worst illness that your baby has had?
Terrible flu where she didn't eat for a couple days.  Plus, she had blocked tear ducts in her first few weeks, so she had to have them unblocked...twice.  A really nasty procedure that I won't describe...but ewwww!! Poor little gal!

18.

How has your life changed since being a mom?

I am truly and utterly happy.  Gabriella is the brightest spot in my life and she helps me treasure everything about my life.  Her laughter kills me.  She's funny, vibrant, smart, and just a joy to be around and raise. Despite this being the worst financial year of my adult life and being constantly afraid of losing the rug beneath me, I have to say that having Gabriella is the best thing I have ever done and will ever do (aside from having a second child).  Andres and I are just so blessed.  I am lucky to have them both in my life. 

HOW MUCH HAVE YOU CHANG​ED IN 10 YEARS???

10 years ago.....

1) How old were you?
22

2) Where did you go to school?
Finishing up at Lewis and Clark College

3) Where did you work?
Grant writing for the LIFE Center, intern for NAIL, then Shift Supervisor for Moyers First Stop Video

4) Where did you live?
NE Portland, then we moved out to Beaverton to save money.

5) Where did you hang out?
La Luna, The Rodney House, La Sirenita, Dot's, Pied Cow, Powell's, LC

6)Did you wear contacts
Nah

7) Who were your favorite friends?
Andres, Jane, Mark, Susan, Andrej, Megan, Eddie, Carl, Randy, Josh, friends at Moyers First Stop Video and at NAIL Distribution

8) How many tattoos did you have?
None

9) How many piercings did you have?
None

10) Were you Single/Taken/arried/Divorce?
Taken

11) Any Kids?
None

5 years...

1) How old were you?
27

2) Where did you go to school?
Been there, done that

3) Where did you work?
Beaverton Planned Parenthood

4) Where did you live?
In SE, off Clinton Street

5) Did you wear glasses?
No

7) Who were your favorite friends?
Andres, Megan, oh...sheesh....the whole Planned Parenthood crew: Shelby, Maria, Darcy, Peter, Aaron, Julia, Robin, Tracey, etc etc.

8) How many tattoos did you have?
None

9) How many piercings?
None

10) What car did you drive?
The Nissan truck

11) Had your heart broken?
Nope.

12) Were you Single/Taken/Married/Divoroced?
Married!

13) Any Kids?
Not yet!

Today September 15th, 2008!

1) How old are you?
32

2) What do you do now?
Hip Mama.  HIV Case Manager

3) Where do you live?
In No Po!!!

4) Do you wear glasses?
Nah

5) Who are your closest friends?
Andres, Megan, Julia, Tracey, Robin, Rhi, Farrah, Stacie, and Susan

6) Do you talk to your old friends?
I try to

7) How many piercings do you have?
None still

8) How many tattoo's?
Nope

9) What kind of car do you have?
A Honda Fit!  (and the truck, El Crunchy is still around)

10) Has your heart been broken?
Nope

11) Are you mad at anyone right now?
Not really

12) Want kids?
I have a gorgeous daughter, thank you very much!

13) Are you Single/Taken/Married/Divoroced?

Married...oh yeah!

What's the greatest thing that happened to you today?

It was Gabriella's first day at Growing Seeds, her new daycare, and she seemed to be very happy.   The transition worked very smoothly.  She quickly took to chomping on a wooden drum shaped toy that made all sorts of cool noises when you banged it around.  She also loved being able to see outside.  This MADE my day.

How many TRUE best friends do you have?

Hmm...let's see.  Megan, Andres, Julia, Tracey, Robin, Susan, Rhi, and Stacie.  That's 8!!  Crazy 8!

Tell me about the shirt your wearing.

It's a v-neck light khaki green t-shirt from the Gap.

Would you rather smile over a lie or cry over the truth?
A litte bit of this, a little bit of that.

What's on your bedroom floor right now?

Dustbunnies.  Possibly Momma, she's been hiding out on the floor lately, not sure why.

Who's the last person you got into a argument with?

No need to argue.

If you could move away, no questions asked, where would you move?

Vancouver, BC

Could you go a day without eating?

Probably.

When was the last time you had your hair cut?

Too damn long.

Would you rather be mad or sad?

I'm not great with anger, so I guess sad???

Does it take a lot to make you cry?

Depends.

Whats the best feeling in the world?

Snuggling with the daughter....but seriously, LOVE and happiness.

Are you close with your mom?

I wish.  She passed away almost ten years ago.

Are your parents strict?

Neither really were.  My dad was about bedtimes until the day I left for college basically.

Name some fears you have:

Not having enough money.  The way our nation is headed if things continue the way they have been.  Dad getting older. 

How many kids do you want?

Two...tops.

What's your favorite season?

Fall!

What's your favorite color to wear?

I don't have a single favorite color.  I love black, blue, red, green, and purple.  Purple has been a recent fave, I guess.

Who was the last person in your bedroom?

My husband...why???

What are you doing today?

Working, always working.  Perhaps taking the daughter for a walk after I get home.

What's something that someone can do that really bothers you?

I'll have to go with Kelly....lying and not being true to yourself or anyone bugs me...dishonesty.

Did you ever want to change your name when you were younger?

Not at all, just my last name.

Do you wish you were famous?

Sure...who doesn't??

Do you make a wish at 11:11?

Why would I???

When you go to the beach do you swim or lay out more?

I swim, swim, swim!  Unless I'm at the Oregon coast...brrrrr!

Who's the last text message you received from and what did it say?

None of your biznatch.  But I think Rhi actually texted me about Obama's speech.

What are you freakishly obsessed with?

Money.

What's your favorite song at the moment?

"Graveyard Girl" by M83.  "I Will Possess Your Heart" Death Cab.  "Orphans" Beck.  "Champion" Kanye West.    The newest Kings of Leon.

Do you like going to the mall to shop or just shopping online?

I adore shopping in person, but now that I have a child, I think I have to do more shopping online.  I prefer boutiques and locally owned stores, but do frequent the mall once in a while.

Can music affect your mood?

Oh yeah!

What piercings do you want?

None

Have you ever been in a cave?

A few...I love Ape Cave!  OOoooooooo

Ever eaten a bug?

I'm sure it's happened at a camping or hiking trip.

Are you in a good mood?

Sort of.

Would you rather skydive or bungee jump?

Neither, thank you very much.

Do you like snakes?

God, no!

What's one place you would like to visit?

Africa!

Do you like waffles?

Hells yeah.  I love the Flavour Spot especially!

Be honest, do you like people in general?

Most.

MyHeritage: Celebrity Collage - Blank family tree - Pedigree

Yep, this is what I do with my free time...I find this hilarious...I look like Jennifer Connelly??? I haven't gotten that comment since high school and I highly doubt it now...must be judging by the big hair or something...

It's hilarious that I  resemble the second most is the creepy girl from "The Ring" and "Big Love"...maybe I'm engaged to the Prophet, too!

I also apparently resemble Jeremy Northam and Angie Everhart, but couldn't include their photos...ahhh...too bad!

I haven't written here in a while...not sure why, maybe I've been too busy at work, maybe it's that I don't have a second of free time at home, maybe, maybe this, maybe that.  I need to write more...it helps me process.  And when I suddenly start to write, or discover the time for it, all this sadness comes out.  I rather write about happy things, instead of the same things that plague my mind often.

I'm sick and tired of worrying about money.  I really am.  I feel like we have depended on others for far too long and I have strange feelings about that.  So many friends and family and co-workers and people who aren't quite friends, (but are getting there) have pitched in and helped us out.  I am tired of calling OHSU Medical Billing and begging for a payment plan.  I hate knowing that I got paid today and I won't have a single cent for another two weeks.  It's humilating.  I am raising a daughter that I want to be happy and healthy, yet I can't keep my finances afloat.  I swore that I would never become my mother, but it feels like it all the time.  She expected her parents and friends to help her out ALL the time when she was really sick. She  bought "sports" cars that were pieces of crap that broke down all the time and begged people to give her money for repairs.  She bounced checks up and down the Pacific Coast Highway.  She ate POTATOES for days to support whatever the hell she was spending the rest of her money on.  She let our cupboards go bare so much, that I often remember eating hard sphaghetti noodles to curb the hunger.  And here I am, barely skirting by, trying to support my family and letting things slide.  It sucks and I'm scared to death. 

It sucks that this is the greatest year of my life and here I am bitching and moaning that I'm broke...when...my baby girl is a radiant joy, she lights up my life.  She really keeps me going (and well Andres, too).

If I had days like this in the past, I would probably be in the fetal position and hide from everyone.   But with a baby, you can't do that.  So I suck up the tears and approach her with the happiest face I can have..and still I know that she often senses that I'm amiss.  Poor girl. I don't want to burden her with our finances.  My parents (yes, even my wonderful dad) discussed money way too much in front of me, even at an early age.  I was highly aware when my Dad's store went bankrupt and I was in first or second grade.  My mom "borrowed" money from me probably from the time I was 8.  My dad was on FOOD STAMPS when I was in the fifth grade...yes all you Chapman Hill alums.  I don't remember ever going to the doctor that year even though I was sick a lot, because I don't think we had insurance.  We were that f-ing broke. 

Being broke sucks.  I refuse to do this to Gabriella.

I know it will get better, we have had some harsh financial times in the past...but I'm just sick that it's happening again.  I haven't even taken Andres out for his birthday dinner...we had to cancel plans for his birthday weekend because we had to pay for both daycares at once (one check to her current daycare, another check for the daycare she will start at the first of September).  And as many of you, one daycare check is like rent or a mortgage payment.  So then, double that... Owch.  Of course, that stings.

And I know I'm not the only one.  I work with clients on a daily basis who have it way worse than I, who don't have a roof over their heads, or food, or most of all..people who are looking out for them.  I need to get over this and just keep working and living moment by moment.

Some friends have had terrible losses in the past few months, dealing with all kind of awful things...I won't even share for sake of confidentiality.   My mother in law had BRAIN surgery!  It's been a rough period, that's for sure.

So....I have to concentrate on the good things.  I have a healthy and vibrant and enthusiastic baby...who has started to sit on her own and acts as if she's done it for years.  A baby who is discovering how to form sounds and use things to her advantage...like a rattle to turn things off, or grasping a mobile and pulling it towards her, or flicking light switches on and off.  Or rolling and tumbling like a gymnast to get from one corner of the room to the other.  It's an amazing sight to behold.

And  yes, I'm mildly frightened that she's small and feels like a feather when you pick her up.  And that the pediatrician still isn't completely satisfied with her weight.  But I know she's healthy otherwise.  And smart. 

And I have a wonderful husband...a loving dad...terrific in-laws and tremendous friends.  I have a good job despite all the stresses.  I am doing what I want to do in life.  Sure, I would like to further my education, get my doctorate, travel the world a bit more.  But seriously??? I have a family.  I love them.  And that's all that matters.... 

But right now, I just got to concentrate on the present.  So we're not going to Bend...big deal.  There's a cool park around the corner that I can stroll to.  So I can't even buy those $12 jeans at that Old Navy sale tomorrow...there will be more jeans in the future (but damnit, that's a good freaking deal).

It'll get better.

I just needed space to vent.  It's not a pity party.  I am just trying to heal.

Thank you.

Yep, we did it!  Andres, my highly crowdphobic father (who missed out on the epic Monterey Music Festival and the RFK rally for fears of crowds), my nearly four month old daughter Gabriella, and even myself, who doesn't fare well in heat....braved the long lines that stretched from the waterfront to the farthest reaches of the PSU park blocks, and waited for hours to see Barak Obama speak.   And it was amazing.  Truly.   We didn't give up even when the lines snaked around and around city blocks and the temps reached into the 90's.  I am super impressed with Gabriella who endured it all, with few crying fits.  Hey, I wanna cry too when it gets too hot.  She took it all in with her huge blue eyes, watching people as they banded together to witness a historic occasion!  The event was wild.

The crowd estimate was around 72,000!  The day was beautiful, people were so friendly and polite!  And a Starbucks Strawberry Frappucino never tasted so good (sorry, we had to do it...nothing else was open or the longs were too long!).  I felt so energized and optimistic to be with my tiny little family with the people I love most in the world (although wish my best friend could've been there, too!) and watching a man make a difference.  Our country is clearly ready for a change and hope to embrace a better future and Obama really seems up for the task!  We even caught a glimpse of him from afar as we stood near the Marriott Hotel at the far end of the waterfront.  I sat on the grass with Gabriella who was soo happy to be in the shade and playing while my dad was protectively standing behind me and Andres jumped around in the crowd.  At one point, Andres even took Gabriella and perched her high up in the air, and stood her on his head, so she could see.  Who knows what she could see at this early of an age!  I would like to believe that she liked Obama, since she shook both her lion and giraffe rattle during a huge wave of applause following his words on education.  She seemed so delighted!

Yes, I feel so hopeful!  Times have been scary for us, and the whole country.  Our economy has gone to the toilet.   Schools are in turmoil as well as everything.  I really hope we get a Democrat back in the White House and I hope change will happen.  I have hope.  It's incredible how one little day can make such a difference.  72,000 people in Portland alone wanted to see that change. 

I don't want change just for myself and the country, I want it for my little girl.  I want her to grow up without fearing poverty, war, and prejudice. 

To recap yesterday....WOW!

Actually, if Gabriella grew up to be a cowboy/girl, I wouldn't mind.  Really.

Thirteen weeks have just sped by in a haze of too tight onesies, diaper changes, tweats (a noise Gabriella made in her first month), coos, and numerous visits by friends and relatives.  I am already back at work and living up to that working mom image, which I'm still grasping the concept of.  I'm not a soccer mom, yet, but I do find it funny to strap Gabriella into her safari animal Graco carseat in our economical Honda Fit and fly off to daycare, trying to outrace her next cries for food and make it to work in time.  It's a juggle fest that's for sure.  I haven't mastered several things like Gabriella's schedule, but guess what...she's a BABY. She doesn't have a schedule.  And that's the beauty of her personality.

I could write for days about how much I am in love and in awe of my daughter and how she has changed our lives for the better.  Everyone says that about their kids (well some people) and I think it's beautiful.  Gabriella is my life.  Period.  I never thought that I would want to be a stay at home mom, but now it sounds so appealing and I regret having my daughter at a daycare, having some near stranger raising my child.  But I also think it will help Gabriella to become independent, make friends, and most important...trust people!  Besides, we found a wonderful daycare for her, a proper learning environment in a gorgeous old style NE Portland home, and Gabriella can swing inside, gaze at the khalediscope of colors on the ceiling and fans, or chill out on the porch all day.  Knowing my daughter, she has to do a fast combination of all the above, plus constant holding.  She digs attention, thrives on it, laughs at it, and smiles grandly. . I took her to a tea party (yes, I kid not)at Darcy's yesterday and my friend Tracey held her and perched her on her knees, so little Miss Gabriella could sit at the table and face all the ladies as we conversed about naughty things, life, death, and the plight of Miley Hannah Montana Cyrus. 

Nothing gets past Gabriella.  And that's why she doesn't nap.  People tend to sympathize with me on that, especially when they know that I spent most of maternity leave, catering to Gabriella's every whim and cry.  Housework fell by the wayside.  I didn't eat much during the day since I could barely put a sandwich together before Gabriella tired of her bouncy seat.  And I couldn't write or read anything (it took me a week once to read the "People" magazine about Heath Ledger's death).  And she went through growth spurt after ravenous growth spurt...ie...she was hungry ALL the time, day and night.  I got little sleep.

But now, my gorgeous little one sleeps through the night.  Knowing her quirky personality, that could change tomorrow, but for the last two weeks, she konks out by 9 and sleeps until 6 or 7, and maybe wakes once.  Heaven!  I miss seeing her now that I'm back at work.  TERRIBLY!  But a fully rested child is a happy child.  And our time spent together is magical.  I can whisk her along for a stroller ride at our nearby Columbia Park so we can feast our eyes on the trees and cherry blossoms, or the crazy drunk guy meandering down the path.  And we can converse on the couch where we exchange strange looks, I teach her things, and she "talks" back as she develops the capacity to talk.  And Andres partakes in these activities when he can.  My poor husband is just busier than ever.  He doesn't slow down.  Hmmm...maybe that's where Gabriella gets her energy.

I didn't realize that this would become a Mommy Blog...don't worry, I won't discuss her diapers.  I will report that she's fully grabbing onto anything, whether it's a rattle or a dangling elephant 9she's our little elephant girl!), or my hair.  She's chattering all the time.  She's even pre teething.  Yes.  At this early of an age.  She's just marvelous.  I'm simply amazed by how much a little baby goes through in a short amount of time, how they learn and develop so fast in the fight for survival and knowledge. 

So, yes, I still miss caffeine and the ability to have more than one alcoholic beverage.  And I miss that I can't run out and see some cool movie like "IronMan".  Or indulge the frivolous shopping spree.  I miss dates out with Andres.  But it's worth it.

No joke.

And everyone has been just absolutely and truly wonderful.  I am so touched by the countless visitors bearing gifts and food.  Our friends and family who have helped us out financially as we struggle through the high cost of parenthood, especially after I didn't get short term disability (curses to you, OHSU!) and had half of my leave unpaid.  Yikes.   People have just came forward and helped us so much.  I hope I can repay all of you in some way, although I can't even see how Andres and I will ever have money again. 

But things have a way of working themselves out. So, thank you, everyone.  It truly does take a village to raise a child.  Yep, motherhood makes you say cliches

 Hmmm..what other amusing thing can I say to boost my hip Mama status......

Oh, I dressed Gabriella like a cute snowboarder girl yesterday, complete in Gap overalls, long sleeved onesie decked out in pink elephants (I call it her "drunken" elephant onesie), and green and white knit hat with matching booties.  She pumped her giraffe rattle in anticipation of the day ahead of her as we drove down Lombard, listening to the newest Weezer and Death Cab songs.  Gabriella likes her indie rock....she also likes the Notorious BIG (who knew!), her Dad's bands, and "I'm Too Sexy".  Even her grandma noticed that Gabriella turned her head when she heard a "an indie rock sounding band" on TV, as if to look for Andres.

Andres, Gabriella, and I are a No Po family.  Nuff said.  We're parents.  Nothing better than that.

BTW, we're not Republicans.  Our family just happens to love elephants.  It might have been those countless viewings of "Dumbo" when I was a little girl.   Gabriella just seems to gravitate to them.  And they seem to be in style.  Why not?

Sweet.

The holiday is quickly approaching and my brain has turned to mush..hence why I'm just posting my answers to a silly survey..although it's regarding one of my favorite themes...the 80's!!!  Gnarly!!! 

I wish all of you a wonderful Christmas and apologize that I didn't have the energy to send greetings to each and every one of you.  I am truly grateful for the support and friendships this year, and the love everyone has showed me and my soon to be born baby.

And yes, being 34 weeks pregnant during the holidays is downright exhausting...at least, I have another month to go, knock on wood, knock on wood.   I about had a collapse in IKEA of all places...true story.  I'm too pregnant to shop...can't bend over, can't see my toes as I walk down stairs.  Belly always in the way.  But the baby is doing great and despite a scary moment/afternoon last Saturday, everything is going wonderfully.

Now, let's see if I can tackle Christmas wrapping...sheesh...

without further ado...a silly survey about the 80's....

I HEART THE 80's!!!!

1.How old were you in 1980?
Going on four years old

2. How old were you in 1989?
Approaching 13...teen age years, here I come

3. Were you a Toys R Us kid?
Oh baby....you bet.

4. Did you watch Transformers?
Not really

5. Did you see E.T. on the big screen?
A few times, yes...and you bet I waited in lines that whipped around the block.

6. Did you own a Lite Bright?
No...but I had friends that did.

7. Who is your Favorite Golden Girl?
Bea Arthur... of course! Dorothy rules!

8. When someone says " Who you gonna call? " You think?
My hero...Bill Murray...when he's not slimed and all.

9.What was your favorite toy?
Depends on the age....I loved all my Disney stuff....I had a few years obsession with Cabbage Patch kids and I owned them in massive quantities, despite being broke. Strawberry Shortcake. CareBears. My Little Pony

10. Did you have a Pogo Ball?
Nope

11. Did you listen to New Kids on the Block?
Yes....I had a brief like for them in the late 80's before I discovered alternative music.

12. What New Kid did you have a crush on?
None actually

13. Did you play M.A.S.H?
Over and over and over again. Andres even wrote a song about it...it's a great Third Grade Crush ditty.

14. Did you watch The Care Bears?
OH yeah...bom bom bom.

15. Did you have Jelly bracelets?
Loved them.

16. Did you have a charm necklace and/or bracelet?
Yes...it was awesome

17. Did you own a glo-worm?
He spooked the crap out of me!

18. Did you ever own a slap bracelet?
I somehow missed this trend....

19. The Breakfast Club or Sixteen Candles?
Why do you have to put me through such hard choices...sigh it's "The Breakfast Club."

20. Did you have a crazy hair style?
Umm...I was born with big hair, I was a natural for the 80's and I didn't have to add Aqua Net or anything!

21. What was your first bike?
Powder puff...then a Schwinn

22. Name one thing you remember from your childhood?
ONly one thing??? Ramblin Rod. Disneyland. Muppet Babies. Pee Wee's Playhouse. Horseback riding. Driving along the So Cal coast with my mom.

23. Did you have a Cabbage Patch Kid?
A few....dozen...ok, more like 5 or something and yes, we were poor, so I don't know how my parents managed that.

24. Did you dress like Madonna?
Maybe a little...more like the lace bows in the hair and puffy skirts

25. Rainbow Brite or Strawberry Shortcake
Rainbow Brite blows monkeys!

26. Did you watch Miami Vice?
Nah, but my Dad did and I developed an appreciation for Michael Mann after watching "Manhunter" and getting freaked out.

27. Did you own a pair of Jelly Shoes?
My parents wouldn't allow me...said that there were bad for my feet. They were probably right

28. Did you own a Trapper Keeper?
Oh yeah...I had one a year for a while...one had unicorns...another had hearts. I heart my Trapper Keeper

29. Atari or Nintendo?
Atari...I was all about Donkey Kong and Frogger.

30. Did you play Pac-Man?
Yes...and Ms. Pac-Man too...don't forget!

31. Which was better: Jem and The Holograms or Barbie and the rockers?
This is so hard...I'm in a pickle! Kidding...Jem! She's truly outrageous!

32. He-Man or She-Ra?
He-Man because he's not afraid to show his feminine side

33. What movie scared you the most?
Poltergeist. And Halloween. Then again, I watched horror movies and got desensitized at a really early age....not sure how my Mom allowed all the horror movie viewing.

34. Did you try to dance like Michael Jackson?
No, but I wanted to marry him...seriously.