A Little About Me

Where were you born? Las Vegas, NV (Nellis Air Force Base) 
Middle Name? Lea 
Nicknames? Tricia, Trish, Tricia-poo, Pisha (what my sister called me when she was little and couldn't pronounce my name, but my Mom and Dad still call me it), Mommy and Babe (Jason called me Babe while we were dating/engaged and Jason's then cute little 4-year old brother, Jacob, started calling me Babe, so the rest of Jason's brother's followed suit). ; ) 
How old are you? 29 (Eek! 30 is coming fast! Slow down dang blast it!)
 Do you cry often during movies? I don't think so, but only because Jason never sits through those kinds of movies with me, so I don't usually go out of my way to watch them on my own. I think the last movie I cried over was The Notebook (but I did it in the comfort of my own home with my sister-in-law Rachel), so I didn't have to worry about a ton of people (or Jason) hearing my sniffles or catching glimpses of my inflamed red eye balls! ; ) 
What are your biggest pet peeves? Crazy drivers, traffic, loud car stereos, people who curse every other word, when everything God-related is taken out of school and government, people who don't support our troops, deteriorating morals and values...hmm...and being reminded of what my pet peeves are!! ; ) 
Favorite color? Blue 
Favorite food? Turkish (but I'm also partial to Greek, Chinese, Mexican and Seafood - okay almost anything!)
Favorite beverage? Yuengling beer, Starbucks Skinny Tazo Chai Latte, Frozen Margaritas and Muscat Canelli Reserve (white Italian wine made here in Texas)
Favorite cereal? Kashi Go Lean Crunch
What brand shoes do you buy? Usually Rocket Dog 
How many pillows do you sleep with? One 
Do you play an instrument? Clarinet (back in the day) and piano (well I'm currently teaching myself anyways) 
Ever been skinny dipping? No way man! I'd be way too embarrassed to ever do something like that! I guess the opportunity has never presented itself! Have I been missing out on something? ; ) 
Did you play sports in High School? Volleyball, Softball and Tennis.
What was the last movie you saw in the theater? Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who (just a tad bit disappointing). Jason and I both thought all of the best parts were in the previews. Kristin liked it though - that isn't saying much though - she also likes My Little Pony and Barbie movies. ; ) 
What is your dream vacation? Hawaii, Germany, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Scotland, France and Thailand all without the kids (they can come along for subsequent visits when they're older) and Disney World with the kids! 
What was your first impression of your spouse? I thought that he was extremely cute, really sweet, very funny and a good Christian boy. I didn't realize that he was actually pretty smart until some time later. ; )
 If I was an animal what would you be? I don't think I can answer that one - I'd hate to be an animal! 
Favorite "Me Time" Activity? Exercising and showering before the kids wake up, shopping without the kids (even just commissary shopping), going out on dates with the hubcap and planning vacations.
One of my weaknesses? butter popcorn and M&Ms (at the theater) and anything my Mom cooks!
What do I fix for dinner when there is nothing to fix? Fix if there's nothing to fix? That's a silly question - we'd just go out to eat! I guess if I had to choose what to fix - it would be omelets, toast and fruit. 
What decade/era would you want to be in? I love eras like those in Pride and Prejudice and Gone with the Wind, but I don't think I'd like to live in them myself! I enjoy running water, electricity, cars and airplanes too much! And I don't know what I'd do without my cell phone/planner or computer! I only wish our era still upheld more conservative morals and values. 
What would be your dream job? I love the job I have right now (wife and stay-at-home mom) and I wouldn't trade it for anything! I'd love to eventually start working on my MBA in finance. I'm sure I'll end up working again one day - maybe I'll do some type of volunteer work just to keep myself busy while also helping others.  
Do you consider yourself out-going? Yes. Well actually - I'd prefer people to approach me first, but I don't mind making an effort to meet people and get to know them. 
What are you constantly working on? Trying to choose a home school curriculum for Kristin, planning the perfect schedule (that usually never happens or at least doesn't last very long), adding things to my never ending list of things I'd like to start doing (hobbies mostly), planning vacations and the usual - cleaning, cooking, feeding, changing diapers, planning what to cook, planning what to clean, making grocery lists, paying bills and working on the budget and more of the same! ; ) 
Any hidden talents? I'm not sure, but I know driving whilst talking isn't one of them! ;) 
What is a word or phrase that you overuse? "Wait a second" and "Not right now" (with Kristin) 
One thing people don't know about you: That I'm obsessive compulsive - especially when it comes to making sure the doors are all locked and that the stove is off (this used to be a daily thing, but now it's only before we leave on vacation). I don't know what childhood incident could have been so traumatizing to have made me so crazy, but I've gotten better (at least I think I have)! ; ) 
Most disgusting thing I've had in my hand: During Jason's first few months of medical school, every two students had their own cadaver for Anatomy class. One lovely day, Jason decided it was time for me to meet his cadaver. She was probably in her 80's or so (or used to be anyways). When he was done showing me her and giving me a little mini-lecture in anatomy, he needed me to help him cover her back up (or so he made me believe that he needed my help), so he had me hold her in place (with rubber gloves of course) while he pulled the metal doors up and around her. It wasn't too horribly disgusting to handle a dead body, but it was very very creepy!! 
Where I'd like to retire? I used to be dead set on Washington or Oregon because of how green it is...but it's green for a reason - it rains too much!  I don't know if I'd like that kind of weather forever.  Virginia maybe? Wherever we end up, I'd love to also have a summer home somewhere amazing...maybe in another country (after I figure out which one is my favorite). That isn't asking too much is it? : ) 
Places I've lived: Las Vegas, NV (Nellis Air Force Base), Tacoma, WA (McChord AFB), Sacramento, CA (Mather AFB), Adana, Turkey (Incirlik AB), Goldsboro, NC (Seymour Johnson AFB), Portland, OR, Vancouver, WA, Rockville and Andrews AFB, MD, Honolulu, Hawaii (in temporary lodging on Tripler for 3 glorious months) and presently in San Antonio, TX (Lackland AFB). 
Jobs I've had: In Turkey: commissary bagger, waitress, elementary school bus aide and I.D. checker at BX. In North Carolina: after school program specialist at Youth Center (a.k.a. glorified babysitter). In Oregon: Applebees hostess, teacher's aide for my accounting professor, accounting tutor, intern for accounts receivable department at Concordia University and accounts payable clerk at my alma mader after graduation. In Maryland: office clerk in Department of Surgery at USUHS (medical school Jason attended). After one year in Maryland, we had Kristin and I decided to take a serious pay cut and become a stay-at-home mom. I wouldn't trade my job for anything...but I do miss those paychecks...sort of... ; )