100 Questions

I joined a group on Swap-bot that you have to trade the answers to 100 questions with 2 different people. These are my answers to the specific questions we had to use for this swap.

What is your full name? Alex Christine Beck (maiden name: Lopez-Rogina... what a change right?!)
How many stuffed animals do you own? Only a few childhood ones that survived our house fire my Sr year of HS.
One charity organization you think is worthy of your money? Any cancer fighting organization.
Favorite zoo animal? I really love animals so this is tough... penguins, panthers, elephants
If you could fly anywhere around the world, where would you want to fly to and why? Am I flying in a plane, or have I sprouted wings? Europe(All over it) and Cuba
Shoe size? 8.5 in running shoes, 5 in Converse
Favorite School Subject? Math/Science classes
Have you ever eaten at the Costco food court? No, but sometimes it taunts me as I walk by.
Favorite pizza topping? Cheese, cheese, and more cheese
What kind of laundry soap do you buy? Whatever is the cheapest at the time that doesn't make me break out.
Do you like to take pictures? I love to, but I'm terrible at remembering to do so.
Favorite childhood toy? Lego's, cardboard boxes turned into cars or houses... pretty much my imagination and my sister
Favorite novel/book? The Looking Glass Wars (the series)
Do you like to go on nature walks? Absolutely
Pepsi or Coke? Coke!
What TV character inspires you? This is actually a movie character, but Edward Norton in The Painted Veil
Did you watch the 2011 Miss American Pageant? 2011 just started... Has that already happened? The closest I've come to watching a pageant is Ms Congeniality
Blockbuster or Netflix? Netflix
Hamburgers or Cheeseburgers? Cheeseburgers... buns, meat, and cheese Only!
If you were trapped on a deserted island for 60 nights and 60 days, what 5 items would you take with you? My husband (even though he isn't an item), a gun, a box of the most amount of bullets that is sold, a pen, and a notebook. We are resourceful enough for the rest.
Do you have children? If so how many? How old are they? None for a few more years. I want 2.
What kind of car/truck do you drive? Honda Accord, Volkswagen Jetta
Ultimate dream vacation? Anything camping
Favorite Disney character? Peter Pan
When is your birthday? Feb 24
Have you been to college? If so what did you major in? Still in it. Civil Engineering
Chocolate or Vanilla? If it is ice cream: vanilla. If it is candy: chocolate.
Ever been to Washington DC? Never
Favorite wild animal? Cheetah
Are we there yet? No, and do you know how long it's going to take us? FOR-EV-ER
Favorite clothing brand? Who cares... as long as it fits and looks good without killing my budget
Do you like to cook? I love to, but I'm just learning the tricks of the trade
Favorite household chore if any? Organizing. I will go a few days of making a mess, and then go into organizing overdrive. I love it.
Are you bored yet? Give it about 23 more questions.
How did you hear about swap bot? Google
Did you have a good News Years? What did you do to celebrate it? Yes because it was with my family. We sat and watched tv and went to bed.
Favorite season? Spring! Even though my allergies get upset
Do you have a nickname? If so what is it? Allie, Lo-Ro, Seaturtle, Sissy
Your best friend’s name? Luke Beck and Danni Lopez-Rogina
Pizza or spaghetti? If it is Liza's, then pizza. If not... spaghetti.
Enchiladas or burritos? Enchiladas, but I do love burritos too.
Do you have any tattoos? I do not.
Wide ruled or college ruled paper? If I'm doing math: college ruled. Writing (english or history): Wide ruled
Sears or JC Penny? No preference
Ever been to California? Twice
What TV show from your child hood would you like to see come back on the air? Pound Puppies!
Body wash or bar soap? Soap
What kind of computer do you have? HP laptop
Smart phone or regular phone? I've been spoiled by the wonderful capabilities of a smart phone, but if it was between regular and nothing I'd choose the regular.
Do you need new furniture? New furniture? I need furniture period.
Where do you buy groceries at? Walmart
Where do you buy clothes at? I don't buy clothes often, but I'm not picky when I do.
Ever had a pillow fight? Yes. I knocked out my sisters tooth.
Did your parents give you a car at the age of 16? About 9 months after, but we shared until then.
Ever been in a car accident? I spun around and landed in the median when I fell asleep once, but no one else got hit.
Do you drink? Orange Juice!!! No alcohol though.
Do you smoke? I think I'd die if I did.
Ever been to Detroit, Michigan? The state or the football team?
Ever been to Alaska? Only through my Granny and Papa's post cards.
What are you afraid of? Losing loved ones. Disappointing others.
What is your weakest link? My knees. I need bionic replacements
Bikini or one piece swim suits? bikini... might as well while I'm young
Ever been skinny dipping? Not that I remember, but who knows about the days when I was too young to remember.
Have you ever worked at McDonalds? Nope
Rain or Snow? Rain. No Mo Sno!!!!
Favorite comedy movie? What a terrible question... I could never choose. There are way too many.
Favorite action flick? Matrix
Do you like chick flicks? I'm a girl aren't I?
Cookies or brownies? Brownies
Do you use a bath robe? It's more of a dress
Scrunchies or hair ties? Hair ties. Black preferably
Hotel or Motel? Hotels are better, but when you need a place to stay and every other place is packed due to a biker convention, motels work just fine.
Do you believe laughter is the best medicine? Yes
Do you like buffet restaurants? Some
What would you do if suddenly the whole computer system world crashed? Be blindsided
What do you think will happen in December 2012? I will have my two year wedding anniversary with Luke
Are you bored yet??? No. I love these as long as the questions are good.
Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck? Mickey Mouse
Spongebob or Patrick? Patrick
Lightning MCQueen or Tow Mater? Tow Mater
What the heck? Hit the deck!
Advil or Tylenol? Ibuprofen... tylenol I guess.
If you could change one thing about the world today what would it be? Take away the greed.
How many pen pals do you have? Right now... none.
What magazines do you read? As many as I can get my hands on, but my favorites are Real Simple, All You, and Latina
Favorite author? JK Rowling. I have major respect for her.
What radio stations do you listen to? At home (Dallas, TX) I like The Edge, Jack FM, Kiss FM, and 102.9 (don't remember the name). At school (Huntsville, AL) I push buttons until I hear a song I like.
Do you remember the 80s era well? Did you like it? I wasn't alive for it. I only caught the end of it in the womb.
Flintstones or the Jetsons? Flinstones
What have you done to make a difference in someone’s life? I don't know. I try doing little things here and there, but I don't know if it helps or not. Once I met a man in an airport who was going to preach at TX Tech. We didn't sit together, but I wrote him an encouraging note with my favorite verse in it and waited to give it to him as I got off the plane. Never saw him again.
VHS or DVD? Be Kind, Rewind...... DVD
Have you ever been to jail? Never
Favorite board game? I love board games... all of them.
Do you play games on pogo? Nope
How much wood does a wood chuck, chuck if a wood chuck could chuck would? "Hey you dang wood chucks! Quit chuckin my wood!"
How much is that Doggie in the Window? woof woof
Did Grandma really get run over by a reindeer? My grandma? No. The kid in the songs grandma? Well apparently, or their wouldn't be a song about it.
Did you make any New Years Resolutions? Not really
Where were you in 1999? RC, TX. 9 years old and ready to go.
Would you like to be pen pals with me? As long as I can read your handwriting... mine is terrible.

I LOVE ICE CREAM!!!!!

This weekend has been nice. I love 3 day weekends. The only problem is today feels like Sunday, but tomorrow is Tuesday. I feel like I haven't been to class in a week. We had track practice yesterday to make up for being stuck inside all week. Today practice was inside, but CT made a little track in the weight room where we had to sprint and now the ball of my left foot is killing me. She announced who is going to the first meet this weekend: Jaion, Richard, Desmond, Rico, Latrice, Leah, Andrew, Luke, Josh, Will. CT said she wanted to take me, but because I have been dealing with a quad strain she wanted to give it one more week. Leah told me that Julia wanted to go to the meet, but her mom isn't comfortable with her driving alone, so it all works out. I'll ride with her and CT said we could stay in the hotel room with them. I'll let Julia take the bed with Leah and I'll take the floor. I'm not picky. We will leave after my math class that goes from 9-10. Luke jumps on Saturday, so I'll be there to film him and cheer for everyone else too.

I have a few more ATCs to show you, but that would require a lot of work right now. Another day. I will however show you a picture I got of the internet of the new boots I got today. The top part folds down... I don't know if you can see the line or not in this picture.

I am happy about them. I wore them to get shoes with the track team today. I don't need spikes so I just got some more trainers. All I had to do was walk in and say exactly what I wanted. The same thing I always get. I have had at least 9 pairs of this shoe in my lifetime. Why change what works? I think we might actually get to go to the track tomorrow. Hopefully it isn't under snow anymore. It was supposed to rain all day today and them some more tomorrow, but all we got was a few drops too tiny to really notice. If it had rained a lot it would probably flood a bit. The ground is already so saturated with the melting snow. The paths that people usually cut through the grass are now mud trails. I won't get to wear my new boots with all this water hanging around on the ground.

I feel like this week is going to be pretty busy, so it's time to get some shut eye. Goodnight World.

Funky Chunky Junky Monkey

I have completed yet another ATC. On swap-bot I joined a group called "Key to My Heart", and the obvious theme is keys. It actually doesn't have to be about love... just keys. I decided I really wanted to use my stamps and went ahead and added the title to it. The picture is terrible, and I was upset with it for a little while until I realized that it honestly doesn't matter that much. The background is actually a dark purple, but I couldn't get it to stop looking blue. I tried every blarpin setting on my camera and it just went from one blue to another. I messed with it a little on my computer, but just ended up just giving up and playing with it. These are the best I got.

Huntsville is still covered in snow. Every school in the area except UAH was closed the entire week. That's okay with me though. I'd rather not extend the semester by a week like we had to last year because of the shooting. I think it's funny that we don't have school Monday for MLK day. We had 3 days of classes, and then a 3 day weekend. Everyone is feeling pretty mutual about the snow right about now:

This is my picture from last year, but I feel the same way so I get to use it again. It isn't snowing at all, but it has been cold enough that the 8 inches that is on the ground won't go away. People are slipping and sliding all over the place while walking to classes. It fun for about two days. Now it is a curse. Now going to Indiana for track meets won't be exciting because the snow will be old news.

I'm going to leave you with a video today. This is an amazing song that everyone should listen to. If your connection is slow and it takes forever to load... Wait for it! It's worth it. If you have heard the song, watch the video too. If you have already seen it... Watch it again! It is on YouTube... so just click the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfq_A8nXMsQ&feature=related

I'm going to go work on another card now.

Blood Clot Fox Trot Polka Dot Rot

School is canceled for today! Hooray! Hooray! Hooray! Today I'm going to Michaels to get a few supplies for my trading cards. I don't know if I've told you this before, but here it is anyway. I have found this website called swap-bot.com. It is a website that allows you to trade all sorts of things in the artsy/crafty world. I joined a group where were traded scrapbook materials. This helps people pass on the stuff they don't want in hopes for new interesting material. There is also artist trading card(ATC) swapping, and I have signed up for two of those. I think my mom should join and trade her cards that she will be making with her new watercolor hobby. There are lots of different kinds of swaps, and I think Danni and Frankie should join... but you have to be 18 to join. I have also found another swapper that is also a blogger. I commented on her blog and now we are going to do an ATC swap. I really hope mine are decent enough to actually trade with someone as good as she is. Hopefully she won't be disappointed.

Yesterday was a looooong day. I feel like it was actually two days jammed into one. We went out into the snow around 1 and the guys started building an igloo. After a while I went inside to make the bean soup and corn bread. The guys stayed outside for four hours working, and came in hungry. They all said the soup was really good, but for some reason it just didn't impress me. Instead of Rotel I just used diced tomatoes, and it definitely made a difference. Next time... Rotel. I'll just have two drinks on hand to calm the flames. After eating, more halo, and watching the national championship (Go Auburn!) we went back outside to finish the igloo. It was completed around 2:30 am, and then celebrated at IHOP. I slept until 11 this morning, and I'm sure Luke could make it to 3 if no one disturbs him. Even Ethan, Mr. ROTC who wakes up at 6:30 0n a Saturday, slept in until at least 10.

Today I'm going to end with tulips because I'm tired of snow.

First Day of School? How About A Snow Day!!

Watching the forecast yesterday was just too much. The weather channel said it was going to start snowing wildly, and even when the radar said there were enormous snow clouds over us the grass continued to stare us in the face. Walmart was So Busy! I bought stuff for the bean soup recipe that my lovely Granny gave me. I decided that would be a good dinner to help shake off the cold from a long day of going to classes. On the news school were being canceled left and right, but UAH was determined to remain open. They wanted to make sure we weren't going to get some pitiful little flurry that melts by 10 and classes get canceled for nothing. After Walmart we went to Spragins Hall for the Celebration of Life of our late athletic director. All the different sports teams wore matching Polo's or warm-us. The service was nice, and it made me realize that not only are the people going to miss him, but the teams as a whole. He was the one who approved Luke and Passen getting that pole vault pit and setting it behind the bleachers. He was determined to improve all sports at any given chance, and I appreciate him for that. Without him we couldn't have gone to that last minute indoor meet in Anderson where we ran so fast in the 4x400. He helped us (and allowed us) to squeeze it in. I hope our next AD will be just as dedicated.

After the service we went to the room where the boys played Halo. This time though it was Luke, Passen, Will, Ethan, and Aaron. The group just keeps growing! There won't be any place for them to sit if anyone else decides to join. Of course they were glued to the TV so they didn't see me take a picture, and didn't know about it until they checked their Facebook hours later. I really wish I had my camera handy when they realized it had started snowing. All five on the jumped up and ran to the window. All at different levels, looking through the blinds like children waiting for Santa. The only thing that finally got them away from their precious XBOX was the six inches of snow that coated the ground. We all got bundled up and went out to the top level of the parking deck. I got lots of pictures of them building a snow ramp, using different materials to see what slid the best, and throwing snowballs. It was a lot of fun, and my hair was hardened under a layer of snow, but my fingers started to get angry at me as the snow started to melt into my gloves. I went in, and Ethan soon followed. Will and Passen weren't too far behind, but Luke and Aaron were out until 2 am. I'm surprised I'm even awake right now because I sat reading my Real Simple magazine until the final two cows came home. I was amazed that I actually had to trudge back through the snow to get inside. My UGGs served me well because my feet felt great, and I only had one pair of thin socks one. The boys weren't so lucky though... frozen toes, fingers, faces, soaked clothing from sliding and snow angels. Aaron's mop hair was actually frozen in one place because he wasn't wearing a hat. It wasn't until extremely late that UAH grudgingly posted "No classes Monday" on the website. Good thing, or we would have had to walk to classes in this:

It really is amazing, but this warm weathered girl had her fair share last night. I'll just admire from the fifth floor window. Its nice having a view! It is actually still snowing this morning. Luke says it might stick around all week because the temperature is supposed to be below 35 all week. Needless to say, I'm sure they will be back out today. Good thing I'll have bean soup waiting to warm them at supper time. I wanted to go to Michaels today for supplies to work on my ATCs, but I guess I'll have to make due. Time for breakfast, and then more magazine cutting!

Register Today!

I am considering joining the National Marrow Donor Program's (NMDP) Be the Match registry. I just read three articles in my All You magazine, and I cried through all three. They made me think of Mr. Smith (my amazing high school physics teacher (one of the best teachers I've ever had)) and I realized that this is such a huge thing. Being on that list could mean saving someones life. I might not know them, but think of all the people that do. Think about how you would feel if someone you knew needed a stem cell or marrow transplant, but doctors couldn't find a match for them. It doesn't cost anything to join the registry or to donate. Your body will completely replace your own stem cells or marrow within a month, and most people go home the same day and continue with their regular routine after donating. I'm looking at marrow.org right now on how to join the registry. They send you a kit, you swab your cheek, send it back. Easy peasy. I you come up as a potential match doctors do thorough tests to make sure you are healthy enough to donate, and that you are a perfect match.

Orange Juice = Magic

I Am Exhausted. This morning Luke and I went to Public Storage to check in and sign all the paperwork. We took a look at the sizes and went ahead with a 10x10 just in case. It ended up being a very good choice. We are now proud renters of our very own storage unit. We then went to the house to start packing. Luke started up the scooters and filled their gas tanks. Around 12 we went back to the dorm to get changed for track practice. Practice was Hard... with a capital H. We ran 6 250s. The 4th and 5th ones felt terrible, but throwing up a little acid made the 6th one feel like a walk in the park. It amazes me how much better I feel once I give into that miserable feeling. Luke and Passen did something easy like usual. Luke said they were doing lunges back and forth on the field. After 100 yards he was hurting, but when he looked up and saw the runners dying all over the place he decided that he shouldn't complain. When I was finished all I wanted to do was Nothing. CT said stretch, but I was even too tired to sit and reach for my feet... I swear they were at least 2 miles away from my body. Luke took me to sonic and got me a Route 44 Poweraid. It was really sweet and I didn't want to drink it, but then I realized if I put my straw in the top with all the ice it was slightly watered and just perfect for drinking. So I sucked it down. For lunch Luke made a pizza that we bought at Walmart last night. I was so good. I don't remember the brand, but it was delicious. After the energy boost, it was time to pack some more. We had seen Leah go to the house earlier but when we got there after lunch she was gone. I packed up the room and the boys took my stuff and packed it as I went. With my furniture on the trailer hooked up to Passen's vehicle, Luke's backseat holding boxes, and Ethan's truck bed holding Luke's tools and some of the other stuff he had in the shed we took our first trip to the storage unit. It was dark by that time, but luckily the units have light bulbs in them. With the 4 us of it went quickly. We went back to the house to get the last of it, and it was an easy, quick trip. After getting everything out I left my keys on the hook by the door, locked it, and left. The storage unit is pretty close in case I need to get something from it. We are most likely going to keep Luke's trailer at Ethan's beach house for the next 2 months. For dinner we came back to the dorm and cooked eggs, bacon, and biscuits. It was delicious. The guys played Halo 3 for a while, and now I can hear them stomping around in the living room playing XBOX Kinect. We played it yesterday for a little bit, and it is so fun. I might join them when I finish this.

They have to move the couch out of the way to make room for it.

Our drive yesterday wasn't too bad for the first 5 hours. Our drive should have taken us 9 hours, but sitting in Memphis traffic for 50 min delayed us a little bit. It was strange seeing all the dead Kudzu. When it is alive the green, leafy fields and trees can be seen in all directions. This time of year it is all dead, so it looked like giant spiders spun webs all over the trees and fields, letting them turn to dirty cobwebs.

Tomorrow is going to be another busy day. I have to change my name with the school, bank, and NCAA. Luke and I are both going to change our meal plans to the cheapest plans. This week because we have to be back, and the food services aren't open on campus, we get checks to pay for groceries. We have decided to pool the 4 of ours and go to Walmart to buy really good meals that we will cook. Steaks, chicken, potatoes, yadda yadda yadda. It is going to be so good.
My closing picture will be these penguins going in for a group hug.

Show and Tell

Success!!! These are my first peanut butter cups. There were more, but knowing my family... they have disapeared. Mom's friend, Tracy, taught me how with her materials. I liked it so much that I went and bought my own chocolate melter, molds, and brushes. I still need to get a thermometer though. Next time I'll have to learn to make something else.


These are my first trading cards. The first picture is the front of the cards and the second is the backs of them. I'm rather proud of myself. They don't look amazing like actual artists' cards do, but I still like them.