Absolutely HAB

Today is my birthday! I have a fun filled day with friends and family. As I look back on the past 30 years, I thought of 30 lessons I learned.

1. My birthday is in December, which results in the name Holly. My mother was also supposed to be bowling the day and time I was born – at Holly Lanes.
2. A romance novel is a good escape. The sexier it is, the better. I miss the summers of Sweet Dreams.
3. “White Christmas” is a great movie no matter what time of year. I love the singing, dancing, glitz and glamor.  (and yes, I cry at the end EVERY SINGLE TIME)
4. When you can’t find a good book, the Hallmark Channel, ABC Family, Lifetime, Oxygen, Bravo and E! always have quality programming (see #2).
5. Learn what type of eater you are. I am a quantity eater, not so much quality. It doesn’t matter if I eat carrots or potato chips, I eat as much as I can in one sitting.
6. It is fun to cook dinner for two.
7. When my boo takes leftovers to lunch, it makes me feel like he not only wanted it once, but twice.
8. I fall victim to spandex often and by choice. It is the best material when working out (thighs.rub.together - see #5).
9. My favorite teachers were the ones who taught my most favorite subjects – band and public speaking. Thank you, Chuck Taylor and Melinda Warthman.
10. I will never be a mechanic. I am so “damsel in distress” when ANYTHING goes wrong. I hate that feeling.
11. My driving becomes worse and worse as I get older. I am that person sometimes.
12. Not everyone likes to grocery shop…I on the other hand could spend 3 hours in the grocery store and not get bored. I may get hungry, but not bored. (Do you know how many magazines there are to read at the register?)
13. I don’t like left hand turns. I will go around a block to not have to make a left on Poplar (or Beechmont Ave for you Ohio peeps.)
14. I love airports. I like to get there good and early, because when you run to your gate once, you never want to do that again!
15. I play the clarinet somewhat well when I actually practice.
16. My family is SO fun! We actually have a band. We only perform on Christmas and we only have three songs (We Three Kings, Silent Night and Jingle Bells). The band consists of three guitars, a flute, a clarinet and a triangle. There are strict requirements for membership.
17. I will always prefer white chocolate over milk chocolate and vanilla over chocolate.
18. I prefer a no nut option when offered next to a nut option. For example, ALWAYS go for the brownie without nuts. Now if it the nut-filled is the only option that doesn’t stop me, but if I have the choice…
19. I love watching CBS Sunday Morning and drinking coffee in bed with my boo.
20. I have never been a nail biter. My boo on the other hand, thinks of my nails as his “Thanksgiving Dinner.” (No, he has never bitten my nails, but I do offer when he gets cranky and hungry.)
21. Bunions are hereditary. I had a bunion removed from my left foot when I was 28. Most people have it done when they are 60.
22. I am 5’4” but project to be taller. The tall shoes I wear help with this image, hence the bunion at an early age.
23. One of my best purchases is my leather gloves from COACH. They are just your basic black, but I love them and they keep my hands warm.
24. I will be eternally “cute.” Which is not so bad except when you are wearing a business suit.
25. I like to use exclamation marks! I always re-read and delete at least two.
26. I love a white button down shirt. Every woman should own at least two. (I have 7…)
27. I am naturally hot natured - it is even worse when I sleep. I have been given the nickname “Holly Hotlegs.”
28. When I go to any type of athletic game, it is important to wear team colors. I guess that is why I was voted “Most Spirited” in high school.  I really wanted the title, even back then.
29. Anything with rhinestones has an automatic advantage over anything without rhinestones.
30. I have great friends. One is actually named Muffin (it’s even on her business cards) and one is a famous author - I am not kidding, I about fell over when we actually became friends. I can’t wait for her next book to come out!

Hope you all have a HOLLY JOLLY day today!