FAQ

How many pairs of shoes do you think you own?
I counted for you! I can hardly believe I did that. I must really like you. Anyway, final shoe tally: 75—which includes 19 pairs of flip flops, one pair of snazzy (albeit dirty) wedding heels and one pair of slippers. How many purses? Less than ten. My obsession with shoes does not extend to handbags, oddly enough. I've never spent more than $50 on a purse. And my current purse was on clearance for $12 at Target.

How do you support your shopping habit?
Now, if we asked Mike this question—hell, let's ask him, shall we?—Baby, how do we support my shopping habit? Well, you can't see him, but there was a look of sheer disgust on his face and a few answers that were NOT funny or clever. In all honesty, it's called eBay.

What kind of clothes do you wear?
I am incredibly lucky because I can wear jeans to work. So I do. Other than denim, I wear a lot of skirts, gauchos and cotton/jersey dresses. Where do you shop? Francesca's, Target, Movida, J. Crew, Banana Republic and Anthropologie. Color preferences? I own far too much black. Also, I love jewel tones—deep greens, purples and reds. What suits you? I am hipp-y. When I was 108 pounds, my hips were still hard to miss, so I can't wear skinny jeans or certain pieces that are made for a straighter silhouette. I'm also short (5'3) so skirts have to hit just so or I risk looking stumpish. But, honestly, I'm still figuring out what suits me. 

How will you decide which of the items you will buy from your last post seeking advice on makeup/hair/face products?
I made a master list and am going to price and research each item (no, really). I'll then narrow it down to 1-2 per category. And I'll report back to you, of course.

What is your all time favorite item you bought recently (before the 30-day shopping ban) and why?
I bought a necklace before the holidays at Silver Moon, a jewelry boutique in Dallas, and it was somewhat of a splurge. I considered it my Christmas gift to myself. Here's a picture: 

How did you and your husband meet? And how did you get together?
Mike and I had known each other for a few years, through our friend Crystal, before we began dating. But I was infatuated with someone else entirely and he thought I was strangely quiet (HA!) and, really, we hardly spoke throughout those years. But, one night in late 2003, we were both out celebrating Crystal's birthday. He told me I looked nice. I let him buy me a drink. And it all shifted. But then he didn't call—for a month. I actually began dating someone else. After that month had passed he called to wish me a happy birthday and a week later we ended up together again, thanks to Crystal. From that day on, we stayed together. The detailed story of how we came to be is here. The story of our first drunken night together date is here. 

Will you ever get over Veronica Mars?
Not likely.

How are you doing with cooking at home?
It's going surprisingly well! What's your favorite thing to make? Chocolate chip sour cream cake from Smitten Kitchen. What's your worst kitchen disaster? Oh, you are all going to be quite glad someone asked this. When Mike and I first started dating, I wanted to cook for him. (Because that's romantic and sweet, right?) I found a random recipe online and went about making Baked Ziti. I actually prepared it in his kitchen, while he was at work. When he came home, I was beaming with pride. He walked in, kissed me and looked at the warm, cheesy pasta. And he kept looking. And blinking. And furrowing his brow. And then, finally, after MINUTES of silence—what I came to find out later were spent debating with himself about whether or not to keep his mouth shut—he said, "Did you, um, boil the noodles?" And I said (AND I STAND BY THIS), "No. The recipe didn't say to boil the noodles." AND IT DIDN'T. IT DIDN'T SAY TO. And then I started crying because why on earth would he ever want a woman who didn't know to BOIL THE NOODLES. Maybe Mike was being sweet or maybe he wanted to make the crying girl in his kitchen calm down—we've been dating like five minutes, this is incredibly awkward, woman—but he scooped up a plateful of crunchy Ziti and ate every last bite. He did mention later that it tasted very much like a Kindergarten art-project. 

What did you graduate in?
I went to college to become a middle school teacher, but at my school (and at most colleges in Texas at the time) all secondary teaching hopefuls were required to major in a preferred subject, with an emphasis in secondary education. So, I began college as a History major. Then, summer after my junior year, I changed my mind. I dropped the education emphasis and picked up an additional major. I graduated with a double major, History and English. Although they only gave me one diploma which sort of irritated the heck out of me. 

What is your favorite kitchen appliance?
Our sifter. Seriously. 

How do you like your coffee (if you do)?
I like my coffee to be a mocha. I actually don't drink coffee and never have, which is very odd as I have quite the addictive personality and I'm anything but a morning person. 

What kind of car do you drive, standard or automatic?
I drive an automatic although my new years resolutions include FINALLY learning how to drive a standard. I could never be on The Amazing Race without that particular piece of knowledge.

Do you think leg warmers are a trend that should have been reserved for the 80s only?
Well, how about the 80s and ballet classes. 

Is Cloverfield the worst movie you've ever seen (or maybe haven't seen)?
I haven't seen it yet, but I want to. Why, is it not good? Oh, I hope it's good! Keep in mind I found Dr. Doolittle 2 and AirBud to both be ridiculously underrated. 

What is your favorite childhood memory?
Going to the zoo. 

When was the last time you felt really nervous?
This week—it was work related.

Where do you live?
In the Dallas/Fort Worth vicinity. I started this blog a bit naively and posted my last name, where I lived (exact city), etc. It was stupid but, in my defense, three people were reading back then and I apparently didn't grasp the concept of Googling. I received one sort of creepy e-mail a while back, from an older man who lived nearby. He wanted to be "friends" and to "take me to lunch." I declined and immediately erased some details from my archives. Although I'm sure he was harmless (right?) I realized it's just not wise to make it that easy for people. But, if you know me or if we've exchanged a fair amount of e-mails, I'm sure you know where I live. It's a lovely little place and I'm quite happy here. If you're ever in the area, let me know. I will make sure the brownies are straight out of the oven.

What is the biggest regret you have about your life so far?
I think some things are meant to stay off the Internet forever, but I will say I deeply regret a relationship I had in college. For eight months, we secretly talked and spent time together but I wasn't someone he wanted to acknowledge in public. Over those eight months, I became the worst version of myself. I know I learned a lot, so, was it really a regret? I don't know. I will say I wish I could have learned those same lessons without all the gut-wrenching pain. But I imagine that's missing the point.

And what are you most proud of?
I am proud that the version of myself I just mentioned isn't a version I see around anymore.

If you could only say one thing, what do you like best about Mike?
Just one? Sheesh. I sat here for a moment, thinking about him and all his quirky traits and my mind rested on his laugh. His laugh is deep and full and it lights up his eyes just so. Oh, that laugh. It's something.

What is one household chore you wish you never had to do again?
Mopping. 

Where is your favorite place in the world?
A villa on St. John, VI. I could have stayed there forever:

Front view 

Back view  

About Texas: How did you end up there?
I grew up in San Francisco. My parents divorced when I was 10, and we stayed in the city for a year after that. But we couldn't afford to stay any longer. We moved to Texas because we had family here. Do you like it? I do. I imagine some of the stereotypes are warranted but some really aren't. It's such a grand state that if you hate one city, you're bound to love another. We have so much here, it shocks me when someone writes it off entirely because of one place, one person, one visit. Are you going to stay there forever? I'm inclined to say no, as I think both my husband and I would love to move somewhere else for at least a little while. Good things, bad things? Good—the bluebonnets, cheap beer, street festivals, nine months of flip-flop weather, SONIC happy hour, hole-in-the-wall bars, hill country, Schiltterbahn, every professional sport represented, my mother, chivalry, great margaritas and even better Mexican food and, well, this place. Bad—no H&M, the beaches, the shittiest drivers in the country, no In & Out Burger, everything's so damn far away (including my father, step-mom, brother, sister, brother-in-law and nephew), sales tax, the traffic, mid-August and tornadoes instead of earthquakes or hurricanes. 

What's your favorite city to live in and why?
I have loved them all. I really can't choose.

Why do you like purple?
I do like purple, yes, but the name of my blog actually comes from a song of the same name. I just love it, especially this part:

She's kinda quiet
Don't let it fool you
Cause that girl
She's got an opinion . . .
She says purple is never out of style

Why do you love Veronica Mars?
WHY DON'T YOU? All jokes aside, watch this. And then, yes, I'll let you borrow all three seasons. Also, it was created by Rob Thomas, who also created Drive Me Crazy, one of my favorite teen movies (notice Entourage's Vince!). 

How did you pick flowers for your bridesmaids bouquets?
My wedding colors were brown and lavender. I asked each bridesmaid her favorite flower and then asked my florist to come as close as possible to matching it in a purple shade. Here's the result:

Which show did you prefer in its prime, Veronica Mars or Dawson's Creek?
Oh, jeez, Robert, that's a tough one. I think, AND THIS PAINS ME, I'll have to say Dawson's Creek. Only because it gave me the happy ending Veronica Mars couldn't. 

What is one thing in your home that Mike absolutely loves but you cannot stand?
Um, possibly the Mustang hood resting against one wall. Don't believe me? Here:

 

Your fascination with Alaska ... may I ask why?
Here's the back story on Alaska. Do they have Target there? I actually don't think they do, which is quite tragic for them, isn't it?

Why do you blog? Or what was the first blog you were ever really into—or were introduced to?
I blog because writing is my coping/venting/expressive skill of choice. It's instinctual, in a funny way. I don't know if that makes sense, but I write every moment of the day, in a way, and this site allows me to keep my thoughts firmly placed somewhere. So many things have been lost because I had no way to keep track of them. Thankfully, never again. And, just like half the blogosphere, the first blog I was ever introduced to was Dooce's.

What's your favorite dessert?
Yellow cupcakes, chocolate frosting and tiny rainbow sprinkles.

Favorite drink
Champagne

Favorite cheesy 80's movies
Can't Buy Me Love, Lucas, Breakfast Club

If you were allowed only one type of drink for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Again, champagne. I'd be much drunker, of course, but it's one of life's great pleasures and I don't think I could ever really part with it.

What is it like being fairly liberal-minded and living in Texas? Is Texas as crazy-conservative as it seems like to the rest of the country?
Nearly 3 million Texans voted for John Kerry in the last election (including me). Although we're a "red" state, we're also a huge state. So, no, I don't think Texas is as crazy-conservative as a lot of people probably think, although, sure, it generally leans to the right. I have great friends who are Republican, and all I can say is kindness isn't reserved for liberals. I'm lucky in that I am surrounded by people who love me for exactly who I am—even if that person is resting to the left of them on the political spectrum.

Are reality TV shows here to stay or will they fade in popularity?
I think they're here to stay. We have too many channels to fill up these days. 

What are the minimum styles of shoes that everyone should own? Like "one pair running shoes, one pair black pumps, one pair boots, etc."
I'm probably not the best person to ask this of, honestly, but I'll try: one pair of fitted-to-your-feet running shoes, one pair of expensive black heels, one pair of colored flats (red, green, yellow), one pair of both black and brown boots, one pair of crazy patterned heels—shoes you really shouldn't own but you just love so fiercely (and you feel just fabulous while wearing), one pair of chunky summer sandals (espadrilles, wedges, etc.), one pair of strappy heels to wear out somewhere fancy and a really comfy pair of slippers to give your feet a break from all that cuteness. 

What are you most afraid of in starting a family?
I like to think Mike and I are already a family, but I'd say, as of now, I'm not afraid of anything. What I'm most afraid of is not starting one at all. But if I took a rational step back and did away with my paranoia, I'd say I'm most afraid he or she will take after their father and want to watch the Discovery channel at all hours of the day. And I'll have to yell at them if that happens and I don't want to do that. My mother never yelled. Mike can't remember his mother ever yelling. It's not a bad legacy to hope to continue on.

What breed of dog is Molly? Is she sociable?
I love that someone asked about Molly! She's a vizsla, a Hungarian hunting dog. (Although Mike would want me to clarify that she does the "flushing" not the actual retrieving of dead birds.) She's a bit high-strung, so we like to say that Molly loves all dogs but not all dogs love her. She's not aggressive, very intelligent, also very needy affectionate and as pretty as can be, right?

Are you as afraid of giving birth as I am?
Actually no. That's weird, right? I know I should be. But right now it just feels like an abstract experience, one I won't have. Let's talk once I get knocked up.

Do you like to be on the bottom or top?
My mother reads this site! 

What would your dream kitchen look like?
I haven't thought about this—I should. Let's say my dream kitchen is any kitchen I own.

What's one thing that no one in the world knows about you?
This is kind of lame, I know, but whenever I see a motorcyclist on the road, I get behind him/her. It's my silly, ridiculous way of protecting them. My husband rides one and I guess I do it because I hope when he's out on the open road, someone will look out for him.

What is your favorite item of clothing in your closet and when/where did you get it?
My wedding dress. I got it at a dress boutique in Frisco, TX. The link. 

When did you first fall in love with Purple?
Kindergarten—it's the only favorite color I've ever had.

What is one of your secret guilty pleasures?
Owning (and loving) Ashlee Simpson's first CD. Also, my obsession with One Tree Hill—more specifically, Lucas and Brooke. 

What's your favorite time of day and why?
Weekdays—Right around 7PM, I'm turning onto our cul-de-sac, moments away from checking the mail, catching up on blogs, starting dinner, seeing Molly and, well, exhaling. Weekends— First thing Saturday morning. Hours and hours ahead of me, with no work in sight. Breakfast in our immediate future. Some last-minute snuggling before one of us gets up to smack Molly in the head for whining ALL MORNING LONG.

What is your favorite scenario for a girl's night out?
I feel this may show my age, but an afternoon of shopping (with a stop for a manicure/pedicure, perhaps), a late afternoon movie (something cheesy and girly, of course), dinner with cocktails and good food. 

Comments

[Jen]

Sadly, I can completely relate to the hood - although I did manage to banish it to the basement. I have a feeling that Mike and my husband would get along verrrry well because we have not only had hoods hanging around our house before, but he also loves Mustangs.

[biddy]

love it! i think i'm gonna have to do this!

[Someone Being Me]

There are so many things on this list that I want to comment on that I will probably forget a few. One, I love mochas and next time you are in town we must meet up at Sweet Eugenes. Secondly, I too love yellow cupcakes with chocolate icing and sprinkles and I used to make them all the time when I was in college and no one lived with me to shame me. Thirdly, I am obsessed with One Tree Hill although I only discovered it about 2 years ago. My husband will humor me to watch it only because of the "hot chicks". Fourthly (is that the proper usage?), you won't really stress about labor until you hit your third trimester and realize that watermelon has to come out one way or the other. Lastly, I am a little freaked out that someone who owns 17 pairs of flip flops didn't even put them on the list of shoes everyone should own. If for no other reason than for shower shoes. Remember fish camp? I still shiver when I think about those showers. I am so sad that we lived in the same town for years and never met...

[Michelle]

1. I pictured you taller than 5'3"
2. The Baked Ziti story made me laugh out loud and almost sent blackberry yogurt out my nose.
3. I'm glad I gave you an excuse to say something nice about your husband.
4. I wasn't afraid of giving birth either, and I'm still not. And I'm afraid of everything.

[Kristie]

Damn, I was hoping for a longer reply to the Vernoica Mars question. ;-)

Poor Ally, it's like she's half naked.

[Katie]

Ohh, I'm so sorry I missed the call for questions!! Still catching up.... But if it's not too late, here's a question for you: What's your favorite time of day and why?

[Camels & Chocolate]

Oooh, FAQs are the most fun (and Shag is the best movie!), even if in actuality they're once-asked questions.

I'm going to Alaska this summer. Glad to know I should get my Target fill beforehand.

[Angela]

Oh my gosh, I LOVED this! I really feel like I "know" you so much better now :)

[Closetmom]

This is awesome!

[Elizabeth]

This was awesome, although I can't believe you left flip flops off the must own shoe list.
Am also admitting that I am obsessed with One Tree Hill - but I am a Lucas-Peyton girl so we'll have to be enemies now. :)

[Nic]

This is great. It's nice to "meet" you.

[bethany actually]

Drive Me Crazy? Can't Buy Me Love? Wow, someone else besides me will admit publicly to liking both those movies! I love cheesy teenage flicks, and those two are particularly good.

I didn't start drinking coffee till I was about 20, and then it was only hot-candy-bar-in-a-cup type espresso drinks for a long time. I drink regular coffee every day now, though.

I was never afraid of giving birth, either. Giving birth lasts only 24 hours, give or take. It was always the nine months of pregnancy that scared me more! (So far so good; I had an unbelievably easy pregnancy.)

[Larissa]

I just love all your "You and Mike" stories and interactions. Keep 'em coming, por favor!

[Stephanie]

You have totally inspired me. If I ever get married - that is exactly how I'm going to choose the flowers in the bouquets! So lovely!

Your biggest regret... can I just say I am SO happy that ended. And I better not ever meet that guy.

And, wow. I can't believe you answered my question!! :) You're brave. I bow down.

[Cheri DeLurker]

You're a Dawson's Creek fan too??? I love, love, love the show. Love. I love it so much, my heart is breaking for Michelle Williams currently.

[alyndabear]

Ha... I love this idea. FAQ's, classic. I think I'll have to put these together at some point. Very clever, J!

[Cheri DeLurker]

OMG - I too am obsessed with One Tree Hill waaaay more than is healthy, and my FAVORITE character is Brooke. Love her, love love love.

[KTS]

Loved this list!!

[Angella]

This is awesome.

As are you :)

[amieable]

Hi I laughed out loud when you said your favorite kitchen appliance was your sifter. I have an old-fashioned sifter from my great aunt and it's pretty awesome.

I really like your answer to my question about what scares you in starting a family. I like that you state that you ALREADY are a family. I am unmarried so I of course didn't even think of that. But it encourages all of us out there to rethink the definition of "family." It can now include pets, friends, girlfriends, boyfriends, neighbors and houseplants. If we change our definition of family we can include a lot more people and a lot more love.

[Robert Mass]

I'm just happy to have been referenced by name :)

[nonsoccermom]

I just found you via Pickles & Dimes, and as a fellow Aggie thought I would say hello!

What a neat idea with the bridesmaid bouquets - it looks like it turned out great.

I don't think I have ever seen a vizsla anywhere other than dog shows. What a beautiful girl!

[LiteralDan]

In your defense, they do make no-boil noodles just for lasagna/ziti/etc. You should start planting the seeds of revisionist history now, slowly. By the time you guys are telling it to your great-grandkids, a rival suitor at the grocery store will have switched the labels on the boxes in a fiendish plot to keep you two apart.

Secondly, I'm grateful someone else thought Dr. Doolittle 2 was hugely (I'm presuming for you, here) underrated. I saw it for free while working at a movie theater, without having seen the (boring) first movie, and without any expectations, judgments, or other constraints, I found it hilarious. More than once, I'm only mildly ashamed to admit.