Going a little rouge and spreading a little sunshine :)

This blog, although not as active as I had originally intended, has served as a great foundation for a research project in a doctoral course, future research possibilities, a conference presentation, and networking opportunities!

And although 2014 has not yet begun, I have a goal to be more active within this blog.  And for that, this blog shouldn't just be a place for me to rant and rave about complaints, but about all facets of my journey to get a doctorate, including my networking opportunities in education. 

And so, I got tagged in this "spreading some sunshine" from a favorite person of mine...and here I go!

So, I got tagged in some sunshine this morning by Jami Vandergrift.  I admire Jami for what she has and is doing in education, her confidence and flow as a presenter, and how awesome she is!  Although Jami and I met this past summer for the first time, we seemed to instantly click, bonding over our Panhellenic sisterhood and love for education and technology!

Here are the rules listed by Jami on her blog:

1. Acknowledge the nominating blogger. – CHECK — She.  Is.  Awesome.
2. Share 11 random facts about yourself.
3. Answer the 11 questions the nominating blogger has created for you.
4. List 11 bloggers. They should be bloggers you believe deserve some recognition and a little blogging love!  (Here is a problem for me.  Blogging is still very new to me, so I will be tagging people on Twitter...I'm hoping they have a blog!  LOL)
5. Post 11 questions for the bloggers you nominate to answer and let all the bloggers know they have been nominated. (You cannot nominate the blogger who nominated you.)

Random Facts:

1.  I get an absolute thrill from presenting.  It is my adrenaline rush.  I would love for presenting to be my career :)

2.  As much as I love technology, I have a paper-and-pencil planner.  I try to use my digital calendar on my phone...but I don't do well with it.  My tech buddies have TRIED and TRIED and TRIED...but no luck.  Paper planner for me!

3.  I have changed my potential dissertation topic many times.  I am finally coming to understand "you have your whole life to do your life's work...just jump this hurdle."  As a result, when people ask me my focus, my answer is "I'm not sure yet." ;)

4.  I am a little OCD.  Walk into my classroom and you'll understand.  Everything has a place.  Everything has a specific spot and I KNOW if it's not in the right spot!

5.  I love Christmas music to a fault.  My best friend from college (sorry Travis!) and I got in a HUGE fight one day in the library at Concord over Christmas songs like "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas!"

6.  I love jewelry, scarves, shoes, purses, and clothes.  Love them.  LOVE them.  LOVE THEM.

7.  I have a mean streak.  Most people haven't seen it.  This is because before I do something I might regret, my conscious steps in and reminds me that mean streak should probably stay hidden.

8.  I love to read.  I don't get to do it as often since I've been working on my doctorate, but I still find time to read some!  Right now, I'm in the Divergent trilogy and I can't wait to begin the last book!

9.  I like to shop.  Black Friday is my second favorite holiday (behind Thanksgiving).  I shop all night with my father-in-law (I KNOW, right?) and I love it!

10.  I hate real coffee, but I love the smell.  Give me a French Vanilla Capp from the local 7-11 any day!

11.  I am a Poca Dot.  Really, that was/is my high school's mascot.  Voted "best mascot in the nation" by ESPN.

Now For Jami's Questions:

1. Do you prefer to shop in stores or online?  It depends...I love Amazon, Vera Bradley, and TOMS online...but I also love actually being in the stores and hunting for bargains! (I <3 Gabe's, TJ Maxx, Marshall's...!)

2. How many pairs of shoes do you own? Ummmmmmmmmmmm, a lot.

3. What is your favorite type of music? I love all types of music.  I would be hard pressed to name a favorite--it changes daily!

4. Cats or Dogs?  We have both at the house, but they belong to my kiddos...

5. What is your typical bedtime? Depends, what has the day been like?  LOL...usually between 10 and 11 pm.

6. Favorite twitter chat? #gaedchat Had the opportunity to meet the creator and moderator of this chat at the HSTW SREB Conference this summer...awesome man!

7. Democrat/Republican/Other?  Republican… but I really just want government to make sense… So if a new party can make that happen, let’s do it! (Totally stole Jami's answer to this one!)

8. Best place you ever vacationed? Lake Norris, TN

9. Best book you’ve read in 2013? Catching Fire ;)

10. Favorite television show when you were growing up? Full House or Boys Meets World or Family Matters or HOME IMPROVEMENT ;)

11. What is one thing you never/rarely share that you are exceptionally proud of? I graduated summa cum laude from Concord in 4 years after changing my major 3 times!

I will be tagging my peoples from Twitter!  And if any of ya'll have blogs, use the same questions I was given! :)