The BEST #SecretSubjectSwap

Welcome to July's Secret Subject Swap. This week thirteen awesome bloggers picked a secret blog subject for someone else and were assigned a secret subject to interpret in their own style. Today we are all simultaneously divulging our topics and submitting our posts. 

My “Secret Subject” is:

What were you obsessed with as a child (favorite toy, TV show, food, etc.) and why?

It was submitted by: http://www.angrivatedmom.wordpress.com/ (Thank you for such a fabulous subject prompt!)

I honestly cannot think of anything from my younger days, that I was obsessed with. I mean, I did want to marry the Incredible Hulk. Once I was older, and discovered it was Lou underneath, I was not quite so into the idea. I think that is probably weird. I really wanted to marry this green hulk of a person, but was not so into the actual human underneath. It was a brief love affair. A not so brief one, was when I wanted to marry Beast, from the TV series, based on the Beauty and the Beast characters. Well, I got older, and discovered that underneath Beast was Ron Perlman, and I would honestly still marry him. 

I loved sweet tea as a kid, but I would not say I was obsessed with it. There really was not much I was obsessed with. I guess you could say I was obsessed with reading, and I still am. Speaking of reading, I have a few more book reviews coming up for you guys! So, keep an eye out. 

So, when I really think about myself and obsession, only two things come to mind.... Coffee and Matt Damon. Coffee is a given. I started drinking coffee when I was five. I would drink it every chance I got. I was a bit lucky. My dad constantly had a cup of coffee in his hand, and so I got many opportunities to "steal" sips. 

My Matt Damon obsession began while I was sitting in the movies with my sister Luci. We went to see Good Will Hunting. I was obsessed with him nearly instantly. Anyone who knew me back then, will tell you... Obsession is the only way to explain it. Now, I am thirty-four, and I have grown out of it. Not. I am seriously still obsessed with him. Lucky for him, my obsession these days is quite different.

Back then, I read every single piece of material I could find about him. Magazine articles, books, blurbs in the newspaper. I watched all his TV appearances. I owned so many books and magazines, it was probably a tad ridiculous. These days, I just get giddy when I see him in a movie or on TV. I keep an eye out for him in the news. I am still very obsessed, it is just a healthy obsession.

I think the odd part of my obsession, is that I do not want to be his wife. That is a good thing, considering he is married and a father. I really just want to be his best friend, which is unfortunate, because that has been taken by Ben for ages. So, I don't stand a chance, but a girl can dream. Plus, people can have more than one best friend. So, there is still some hope for me, right?! Right. 

I just think Matt is the most amazing human being. His parents obviously did an amazing job raising him, and he really has become one of the greatest human beings to ever live. I absolutely adore him. As Gigi's mom, I often find myself hoping that she grows up to be so much like Matt, and I often genuinely wish I would run into him, and he would instantly feel the BFF connection, so he could have an influence on Gigi. Okay. So, maybe my obsession is still a bit crazy. Sigh. Fine. So, yes, over twenty years later, and I am still OBSESSED with Matt Damon. 

I think it is probably fitting that my two biggest obsessions are Matt Damon and coffee. Absolutely two of the greatest things in existence. Not that Matt is a thing, but you know what I mean, I am sure. 

So, take it from me, if Matt isn't a huge blip on your radar, you need to fix that. However, don't get it twisted.... He is MINE. I have always staked claim on him, which is kinda weird, since I don't technically want him. I want his friendship. So, don't get that twisted. If he is going to get a new friend, it is going to be me.

Also, as a little side note... Of course my sister Luci had a crush on him, and so we would "fight" over him. He ended up marrying a Luci (Luciana). For a year or two, I was bummed he didn't marry a Jules. It kinda feels like him marrying a Luci, means that my sister won. So not cool. Also, the names of his children, are some of my favorite names, which only solidified my belief that he is AMAZING. 

In truth, he only has one real flaw. Albeit, it is a massive flaw. He just happens to be a fan of the Patriots and Tom Brady, and that is a massive flaw for sure, but he is just so AMAZING, that the good outweighs the bad. So, I let his poor taste in football teams and players slide, and I just hope that whenever we meet, and he realizes how imperfect I am, he can just let the imperfections slide, and we can be best friends.

I am just kidding. Kind of. I mean, I am basically just joking, but I am also serious. Would I love to meet him?! Yes, please. Would I love to be his best friend?! PLEASE PLEASE please please. I just know that life does not work that way. The likelihood of me actually meeting him, is not that great. The likelihood of us meeting and it being significant enough for a friendship to blossom, is even less. The likelihood of he and I actually being compatible enough to be best friends, well, let's just say that is not very likely at all. However, I am certain, that if I were ever to meet him, it would be the second most amazing thing to every happen to me. Giving birth to Gigi is unable to be topped ever, not even by Matt.

So, if you don't know much about Matt, you should look into him. I think you will like what you find out. Also, check out water.org!! Watch his movies!! Learn about him!! Your life will be better for knowing him. :) 

I mean, he really is quite perfect!! 

Picture of Mr. Perfect found here

So, to answer the question... I was, and I am, obsessed with Matt Damon. Why?! Well, because he is the most amazing individual I have ever had the pleasure of being obsessed with. He makes the world a better place, and by learning about the person he was, when I was a teenager, I grew up to be a better person, than I would have been had I never known about him. The rest of my why can be found in the below videos. I mean... How could I not be obsessed?! 

So, yes, as you can see my obsession is totally justified. I hope you all have an amazing Friday and a fabulous weekend!! 

Here are links to all the other Secret Subject Swap posts for July: 

Baking In A Tornado

Cognitive Script

The Blogging 911

The Lieber Family Blog

Simply Shannon

Southern Belle Charm

Never Ever Give Up Hope

The Angrivated Mom

Not That Sarah Michelle

Bookworm in the Kitchen

Part-time Working Hockey Mom

Climaxed

Acting Lawyer #SecretSubjectSwap May 2016

Welcome to a Secret Subject Swap. This week thirteen brave bloggers picked a secret subject for someone else and were assigned a secret subject to interpret in their own style. Today we are all simultaneously divulging our topics and submitting our posts. 

My “Secret Subject” is:

You just found out that you have an interview for your dream job, what is it?

It was submitted by: The Diary of an Alzheimer’s Caregiver (Thank you for such a great subject!!!)

I decided when I was six years old, that when I grew up I wanted to be a lawyer. It was a short time later, I would say about a year, that I decided I wanted to be a Supreme Court Justice. Somewhere around the age of thirteen, I decided definitively that I wanted to be a lawyer. The judge and Supreme Court Justice gig had lost all appeal to me. I definitely just wanted to be a lawyer.

Over the years I have gone back and forth with the type of lawyer I wanted to be. I think I have spent the most time wanting to be a defense attorney. I did, for a short time want to be a prosecutor, or possibly even a District Attorney. I have also considered being a Corporate Lawyer or an Entertainment Attorney or a Family Law Attorney. I always found issues with each option. Something about each thing I just didn't quite make it the perfect fit. In the end, I decided to go with being a defense attorney. 

When I was actually in school studying legal studies, I realized just how much the legal world was not for me. I felt overwhelmed. There was so much that needed to be done, so many people who needed help, and I felt like I would never be able to make a difference. I ended up walking away from law. I still do not have a degree. I have been considering going back to school lately, and have been trying to decided what I would study. I keep going back and forth between law, education, social work, and writing/English. If I ever figure out exactly what I want to do, I will let you know. Admittedly, I need to make a decision soon, and I am leaning most towards teacher. 

The awesome thing about this subject is that it specifies "dream job", which enables me to really think outside of the box of the normal options and possibilities. I get to ask myself... What would I do, if I could do ANYTHING?!? That really is a good question. A very good question. The better question is... I was given an interview, but am I guaranteed the job? My guess is no. Sigh. 

After a lot of thought, and internal debate, and a bunch of hypothetical scenarios, I think I finally came up with an answer. I am not sure interview is the best word, but I would be at an interview for a leading role in a movie. My co-stars would be Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, Melissa McCarthy, Amy Schumer, and Shemar Moore. Obviously it would be a hit! In my mind, I obviously get the role. Let's just say I don't... Also in my mind... At the interview, the stars (or at least Matt and Julia) would be there, and so I would already be a winner. I would meet Matt Damon and Julia Roberts. That right there is a perfect day. Seriously though, how could they not cast me? I would be perfect for the part. Trust me. 

My second runner up answer.... I would be interviewed to be the head of an organization that has unlimited funds and does charity work all around the United States and does select foreign aid movements as needed. That would be the most amazing gig. Helping so many people. I would love going to work every single day, knowing that I was helping so many people. Obviously, with the unlimited funds aspect, it is only a dream, but well, this is my Secret Subject, and that is my answer. LOL! 

Here are links to all the sites now featuring Secret Subject Swap posts.  Sit back, grab a cup, and check them all out. See you there:

Baking In A Tornado   

Southern Belle Charm   

Not That Sarah Michelle    

Spatulas on Parade  

The Diary of an Alzheimer’s Caregiver

Dinosaur Superhero Mommy     

My Brain on Kids

The Lieber Family Blog

Never Ever Give Up Hope

Climaxed

Confessions of a part time working mom

The Angrivated Mom 

Crisis, Crisis!! Read All About It #SecretSubjectSwap April 2016

Welcome to a Secret Subject Swap. This week fourteen brave bloggers picked a secret subject for someone else and were assigned a secret subject to interpret in their own style. Today we are all simultaneously divulging our topics and submitting our posts. 

My “Secret Subject” is:

How do you handle a crisis? Do you fall apart or remain calm?

It was submitted by: http://batteredhope.blogspot.com 
(Thank you for the fantastic subject!!)

I actually do really well in crisis situations. I think it is probably a blessing. I actually suffer from horrible anxiety, so you would think I would do horribly, but somehow I manage to hold it together. Now, once the crisis is over, that is another story entirely. That is when I lose it. That is when my cool as a cucumber status ends and my OH EM GEE AHH AHHH AHHH status begins! 

I actual am quite proud of myself. I do get borderline upset, if Gigi gets upset, but I always manage to hold it together. I know I find my strength in the fact she needs me. Yes, I always fall apart once I am able, but in the moment I am okay. I even did well when she had her surgery. I was worried that would break me, but I maintained. 

The one instance where I am never in control, is when there are spiders involved. I have jumped from a moving vehicle over one of those things. I have had anxiety attacks. I have jumped from the driver seat, into the passenger seat, while driving. Crazy, I know. My brain shuts off, and I go into full blown panic mode. Admittedly, I think I am better if Gigi is around. I still freak out, but I hide it better than I have ever been able to prior. 

Now that I am thinking about it, I think that this is something I should be proud of. I have been in some pretty bad situations in my life, and I have always been able to maintain a cool head. Maybe that is why I managed to come out unharmed. I guess I am grateful. Now, I do want to make it clear, afterward, I may end up being a complete mess, but during the crisis, I am fine. 

What about you?! How are you in a crisis?!

Here are links to all the sites now featuring Secret Subject Swap posts.  Sit back, grab a cup, and check them all out. See you there:

Baking In A Tornado

Southern Belle Charm

Not That Sarah Michelle

The Lieber Family Blog

Spatulas on Parade

The Angrivated Mom

The Diary of an Alzheimer’s Caregiver

Dinosaur Superhero Mommy

Someone Else’s Genius

My Brain on Kids

Confessions of a part time working mom

Never Ever Give Up Hope

Climaxed

Use to be #UseYourWords September 2015

Today’s post is this month's Use Your Words writing challenge. This is how it works: participating bloggers picked four to six words or short phrases for someone else to craft into a post. All words must be used at least once and all the posts will be unique as each writer has received their own set of words. That’s the challenge, here’s a fun twist; no one who’s participating knows who got their words and in what direction the writer will take them. Until now.

My words are: 

sweet tea ~ door ~ car ~ sunshine ~ school

They were submitted by:  http://www.thediaryofanalzheimerscaregiver.com/blog.html  

I miss the feeling of sunshine on my face.

I miss long, aimless rides in the car.

I miss attending school and learning new things.

I miss the taste of your homemade sweet tea.

I miss the way life use to be.

I miss seeing you walk in the door.

I miss the electricity I would feel when our eyes would meet.

I miss hearing you say my name.

I miss staying up late in the night talking to you.

I miss the way life use to be.

I miss the feeling up your arms wrapped around me. 

I miss day trips to the beach, sand between my toes.

I miss everything being in its own place.

I miss cooking delicious meals.

I miss the way life use to be.

I miss being yours.

I miss you being mine.

I miss us.

I miss planning our future.

I miss the way life use to be.

Links to the other “Use Your Words” posts:

                            Baking In A Tornado

                         Spatulas on Parade

                                       The Momisodes

           Stacy Sews and Schools

                              Sparkly Poetic Weirdo

                       Southern Belle Charm

                         The Diary of an Alzheimer’s Caregiver  

                        Dinosaur Superhero Mommy

               The Angrivated Mom

                          Confessions of a part time working mom

                          Someone Else’s Genius

                      Climaxed 

                  Evil Joy Speaks 

                    Never Ever Give Up Hope

                    Eileen’s Perpetually Busy

                    Searching for Sanity

Freshman Redo #SecretSubjectSwap September 2015

Welcome to a Secret Subject Swap. This week sixteen brave bloggers picked a secret subject for someone else and were assigned a secret subject to interpret in their own style. Today we are all simultaneously divulging our topics and submitting our posts. 

Happy September!!! Anyone else shocked that it is September already?!?!

My “Secret Subject” is:

Back to school time, if you could go back in time to your freshman year, knowing what you know now, how would you do things differently? or would you?

It was submitted by:  http://spatulasonparade.blogspot.com/       

This topic really made me think. I thought of the endless list of things I could change. I thought of the endless list of things that I could keep as is. I thought of the endless list of things I did not do, that I could do. I am a huge believer in everything happening for a reason, and to learn from both the good and bad. So, I guess at the end of the day, I would not change anything. Everything happened for a reason, I survived, and I ended up right where I need to be.

That answer does not exactly make for an interesting read, so I have decided to list the things I would change, if I did change anything. 

I would study harder and get better grades. I did fine in school, but I have learned that knowledge is truly power. I would love to have learned even more. I would have paid more attention, taken better notes, done more research, and strengthened my weaknesses. 

I would have learned more basic life skills. Cooking, money management, and other basic life knowledge. I would have learned to sew and crochet and do other DIY household activities. I would have learned more about credit and mortgages and investing. 

I would have set up my credit better.

I would have gotten into a different college, and I would have better prepared for the whole college experience. I should have looked into more colleges over the years. I decided on three colleges my Freshman year, and never really explored other possibilities. I also would have given more thought to the major I selected. It was great when I was six and selected it, but it wasn't that great for adult me. I would have spent my years in high school exploring other career possibilities. 

I would have gotten down to a healthy weight. I was always chubby, and if I could do it over, I would have been extremely fit and active. 

I would have done more with my faith. I am still not confirmed and I am nearly 35. I would have followed through with confirmation and attended Bible Study regularly. 

I would have learned how to do more mechanical and carpentry skills. 

I would have strengthened my bonds with family.

I would have partied a bit more. I would have been a kid. I think I took on too much responsibility. I missed out on many normal teenage activities. I would change that.

I would have traveled more, focusing on international travel. Looking back, I had a few missed opportunities for travel, that I should have definitely taken advantage of. I should have gone to Mexico my Freshman year. 

I would have stressed less. I think I really stressed myself out during high school, especially my Freshman year and my Senior year.

I took Spanish from Kindergarten until eighth grade. My Freshman year, I chose to take French. If I could do it over, I think I would have done both.

There is a lot I could change. I still think I should leave everything as is, but must admit, with a few small changes, my entire life could probably be better. Regardless, my life is my life. My choices were my choices. I am grateful for the life I have, imperfections and all. 

Here are links to all the sites now featuring Secret Subject Swap posts.  Sit back, grab a cup, and check them all out. See you there:

                             Baking In A Tornado

                                 The Momisodes

                Stacy Sews and Schools

                            Dinosaur Superhero Mommy

                            Spatulas on Parade

                               Sparkly Poetic Weirdo

                       Southern Belle Charm

                         The Angrivated Mom

               Confessions of a part time working mom

                           The Lieber Family Blog

                             Cluttered Genius

                The Diary of an Alzheimer’s Caregiver

                            Someone Else’s Genius

                          House of J Chronicles

                                Climaxed