Friday Face!

Doug Surratt

Doug and Shaun have been friends since Freshman year in college - where they shared the same dorm.  they then lived together in their apartment.  see below!

We love to hang out with Doug and Jackie - especially being on a boat drinking some cold beers during Summer!

Here we go with Doug's answers - please note these are his original answers, I have edited NOTHING!!! hahaha...

Thanks for doing this Doug!

What is your favorite vacation spot?
Kentucky Lake

What is your favorite holiday and why?

4th of July because it is a good day for boating and partying. It's one of the only holidays that isn't completely over commercialized. I don't have to watch commercials and listen to music 5 months ahead of time.

What scares you?

 If our country keeps borrowing, printing, and spending money the way it is right now it will go bankrupt at some point in the future. When that happens you will be lucking to buy a cheese burger from Mc Donnalds for a 100 bucks. It has happened in other countries and could happen here. The US goes 188 million dollars more into debt ever hour and right now spends more than a trillion dollars a year in borrowed money. The national debt is at 14.3 trillion dollars. Each tax payer's share of that debt is 129,000 dollars. Hows that for a credit card bill?

What are you usually doing at 3:00?

Finishing up work.

What is your pet peeve?

Bad drivers especially when talking on their cell phones, the news media for their liberal slant and pretty much anything Obama says.

Where is your favorite place to eat out?

Old Chicago

 What is your favorite childhood memory?

Learning to ski.

In your opinion, what is the biggest waste of time?

Watching to much TV. I'm actually doing it right. It can easily kill an entire night.

 Do you like rain or snow better?

Rain because if it snowing its to cold out.

What is a piece of advice you have to give?

Vote republican and assume every word Obama says is a lie.

What do you put on your hot dog?
Ketchup, Mustard, and pickle relish.

What is your favorite possession?

 The Moomba.

What is the craziest thing you have ever done?

 Hillbilly water skiing

 Who would you love to meet?

Rush Limbaugh

Describe yourself in one word...

Inquisitive

Friday Face

Andy Haug


Andy is my cousin!  Our Mom's are sisters and I recently interviewed one of his sisters, Lydia!  Andy went to Macalester College in St. Paul and majored in Political Science.  He now lives in Milwaukee.  I wish I got to see all of my Wisconsin cousins more but I love the time that we do get to see each other!  Thanks Andy so much for answering all of my questions!

What are you thankful for?

Every day I'm thankful to have a fresh chance to do my best; and I always need a lot of those chances!

What is your favorite food indulgence?

Oh gosh, it's so tough to narrow this down.  Dark chocolate (between 80-100% cocoa) is probably the winner, but there are many others...

Where have you traveled to?

I've been to about half of all the US states, and just in March I had a chance to visit El Salvador.  That was my first time using my passport!

What has been the happiest moment in your life so far?

I'm going to skirt this question and say that I hope it's still coming in the future.

What is something you are really good at?

"Power clashing" with my shirts and ties.

What are you usually doing at 5:00 pm?

Eating an early dinner.  I get really hungry by that time.

What is your pet peeve?

Traffic.

What makes you laugh?

"The Office," and funny youtube clips.

Name two items that you use every day...

A toothbrush and pants.  Never go a day without those!  Some people probably would've expected something coffee-related for this question, but believe it or not there are days that I don't have coffee.  (Not lately, but it's definitely happened.)

Who would you love to meet and why?

J. S. Bach, to see him improvising music.

What is your happiest childhood memory?

 Playing Monopoly with my sisters.

What surprises you the most about your adult life?

I never would have guessed about the job choices I've made, and I still don't know for sure what sort of career I might have.

What is something you believe in? 

The power of bikes.

You are most happy when...

...Donald Driver catches touchdowns.

Describe yourself in one word

Hopeful

Thanks Andy :)

Right now I am sitting on my parents couch relaxing!!!It is so nice.  Shaun, my Dad and my brothers are up in Fremont, WI fishing - so I am hanging out with my Mom!  So far today they said they caught around 40 white bass!!!  Guess who is having fish for dinner!!!

So glad it's finally Friday.  Today Joelle, Tracy and I watched Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse!!!!!  Yes, all 3!  It was so nice to sit and just hang out.

I hope you all have a great weekend!

P.S. The favorite part of my day was when Ryder was over and I was bouncing him up and down on the exercise ball and he was just squealing with laughter - it was so cute!

Friday Face

Lydia Haug!!!


Lydia is my cousin.  Our Mom's are sisters!  She is a very thoughtful, honest and good-hearted person :)  I love the time that we get to spend together.  Although we don't live by each other we do get to see each other a couple of times a year! 


Thanks so much Lydia for answering my Friday Face questions!


I love you!

What is your favorite time of the day and why?

I must take after my mom because I'd probably have to say it's when I get home from work and change into more comfortable clothes and get to relax.

What makes you laugh?

The cute and funny things that my nephew Christopher says. Or the kids at the daycare I work at. Kids in general.

What are you thankful for?

Every time I sit down at the piano, I'm thankful that my parents gave me the gift of music lessons and a love of music. I've been meaning to tell them that lately but haven't, so thanks mom and dad!

What has been your happiest moment in your life?

Marrying my best friend almost 2 years ago!

Who is your hero?

My parents, who have always put their kids first, even if it's at their own expense.

Who is your best friend?

Well, if I don't want to contradict my other answer it's my husband. :) He is the one person I don't get sick of spending time with and that I want to experience everything with.

What surprises you the most about your adult life?

I'm surprised by my discovery of how much of my self-worth was tied into the job I had.  By not being able to get a teaching job in this area when that what I always thought I would do, I've had to work through a lot of feelings of failure these last couple years in order to get to a place where I'm happy with what I'm doing, which I know is still very much child and education-related and very valid.

What is your motto?

I don't know. Keep on keepin' on? No but seriously, I guess it's probably the motto from the Boys' and Girls' Brigade, a youth organization I was very involved in, that says "My own self at my very best all the time."

What is something you believe in?

Heaven.

What scares you?

Losing my husband and therefore the dreams we have for our future together.

Name (2) things that you use everyday...

Laptop. TV.  (Insert look of moderate shame).

What is your favorite item in your closet?

I can't think of anything in my closet that I'm overly attached to. Maybe my brown zip-up sweater that's warm and comfy.

What is your worst habit?

Biting my nails, something which I've half-heartedly and unsuccessfully tried to quit several times.

You are most happy when...

I am surrounded by family or friends.

Describe yourself in one word.

Loving. 

So glad it is Friday!  I am so excited - my parents are coming down to visit for Mother's Day.  My Mom and I are running the Race for the Cure tomorrow and plant some flowers :)

Also - I CANNOT wait for my Mother's Day post.  Check back on Sunday morning for Mother's Day surprise on my blog!

Friday Face

Aunt Diane

Thank you Aunt Diane for answering all of my questions!

My Mom will be so happy :) hahaha

My Aunt Diane is my Mom's sister and she lives in Neenah WI.  My Aunt Diane is caring, thoughtful and FUN!  I had such a blast when she drove down (all 6.something hours) to come see me in Pekin!  It meant a lot to me!  Some of the pictures below are from that weekend...

Here we go...

What are you thankful for? 

My faith, my family, and my health

What are your goals? 

To get my house and office de-cluttered and to travel to Alaska

What is your favorite food indulgence? 

DQ Cappuccino Heath Blizzard

What makes you laugh? 

My kids and my husband

What is your favorite holiday and why?

 I like them all but I guess if I had to choose, it would probably be Christmas with Thanksgiving coming in second.

What is something that you are proud of? 

I'm proud of our kids, their spouses (the two that are married), and our grandkids.

 What was your happiest childhood memory? 

Always having a sister, brothers, and lots of cousins to play with.

What is your favorite time of day and why? 

Getting home from work, changing into comfortable clothes, and relaxing.

What is something on your mind lately?

 Having too much to do and not being able to keep up at work.

What scares you? 

The possibility of losing someone I love.

Your life would be simpler if... 

I weren't so sentimental and could get myself and home organized and get rid of some things. 

What are some words of advice you can give people? 

Something I've always told my kids...the decisions you make each day may affect the rest of your life.

 If you had a million dollars what would you do with it? 

Donate at least 10% to favorite charities, take the family on a once in a lifetime trip, pay off some debts, and probably put the rest away for retirement.

Finish the sentence....If I knew then what I know now.... 

I might have chosen to stay in my job in the guidance office at Neenah High School rather than working as the assistant to the superintendent.

Describe yourself in one word. 

Happy! 

Thank you Aunt Diane for doing this!  It was so nice to see you guys a few weeks ago.  Hopefully soon we will live closer so we can see each other more often!  

I love you!

Happy Friday People!  Shaun and I are actually staying at home this weekend!  I have a baby shower tonight and then celebrating a friends 30th bday Saturday night!

Cheers!!!

Friday Face - My Mom walks for a cure!

Obviously you can tell from the title and the above picture - 


My Mom is walking in the Susan G. Komen 3 Day for the Cure!!!!!


Go Mama (& Myriam) !!!!!!!!!

I am so proud of my Mom and her good friend Myriam for doing this.  It is a lot of money to raise and it is  A LOT of walking!  But what an amazing cause!!!
Here is my first alternative Friday Face post.  Thank Mom for doing this!
With out further adieu...
From my Mom...


Back in the early spring of 2004 my friend Jean asked me if I was interested in doing a breast cancer walk with her.  Without knowing much about it I signed up. We recruited our friend Myriam & off we set on our training walks.  I remember how after our 1^st

2-3 mile walk we didn’t think we’d make it but we pushed on and after logging hundreds of miles on training walks & the amazing financial support of our friends & families we joined the thousand of other walkers for our 1^st,  60 mile, 3-Day For The Cure walk. 

Words can’t express what an amazing experience it was. They are memories we will always cherish.

In the spring of 2006 I caught the bug again & my daughter Lauren gladly joined in with me.  At the time her boyfriend (now husband) Shaun’s mom had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Although Lauren is more of a runner she was a trooper during our long hot training walks & I think we both treasure those times. yes, definitely Mom - it was awesome!!!

This year it was more of a “whisper in my ear”.  I registered, & after mentioning it to Myriam she enthusiastically signed up.  She is currently doing a long term sub for a young teacher who is being treated for breast cancer.  So off we have started on our training walks once again.

After a walk last Sunday, still wearing my 3-Day “Why I Walk” t-shirt I stopped to pickup some groceries. A woman stopped, looked at me & said “Thank you for doing that”. I was overwhelmed.

Each time has been more meaningful & touching. We all know of someone who is or has suffered with breast cancer. We all feel helpless & want to do something. This is something we can all be part of.  Thanks to my wonderful, generous family & friends for your tremendous love & support.

WHY WE WALK

WE WALK BECAUSE WE CAN

WE WALK FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T

WE WALK FOR THE FUTURE

WE WALK FOR THE PAST

WE WALK FOR MOMS, DAUGHTERS & SISTERS

FOR GRANDMA’S, AUNTS & NIECES

WE WALK FOR DADS, SONS & BROTHERS

FOR GRANDPA’S, UNCLES & NEPHEWS

WE WALK FOR FRIENDS & C0-WORKERS

FOR NEIGHBORS & STRANGERS

WE WALK THROUGH SUN, WIND & RAIN

THROUGH PAIN, SWEAT & TEARS

WE WALK FOR AWARENESS & SUPPORT

WE WALK TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

WE WALK FOR HOPE & COURAGE & LOVE

WE WALK IN MEMORY AND IN HONOR

WE WALK FOR A CURE

Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Thank you Mom & Myriam for doing this.  Personally it means a lot to Shaun and I.  It means a lot to others too.  


I am sure that everyone reading this either knows someone personally who has suffered from breast cancer or knows someone who does.  

Currently there is no cure.

No cure.  

There are only treatment options which are not fun - and not much of an option if you ask me.

When I think back to when my Mom and I did the 3 day a few years ago I remember waking up on the third day and not wanting to go any further.  My feet hurt, I didn't sleep well, the bathroom lines were long, the weather wasn't the best I could go on.  

It made me think - seriously Lauren???  Are you really going there?  Nothing is wrong with you - you are healthy, happy and blessed.  What did I have to complain about?

Nothing.

People with cancer don't want to keep going either.  They want the pain to end.  They want all the chemotherapy and radiation to stop.  They want to be able to taste their food again.  They want to WANT to eat. They want to watch their kids get old and have babies of their own.  

But guess what?  They wake up every morning and face the day.  They stay positive.  They ask you how YOU are doing.  They go to the treatments, they go to the MRI's, they do it all.  Why?  Because life is worth it.

So - again - what was I complaining about?!?!?! 

I don't mean to get sappy or emotional.  Wait - actually I do.

This is a big deal.

Breast cancer does not discriminate.  So many people we love are suffering or have suffered from this disease.

So, please if you are able to donate, please do.  Even a small amount.

It helps.

It matters.

Donate here.