10 On Tuesday

I have so much to write about but since I can't seem to find a good place to start I thought I would just fill in the blanks! 

10 on Tuesday stolen from Amber @ A Little Pink in the Cornfields

1. How did your parents decide on your name?

I was named after the title character in the novel Forever Amber ; Amber Sinclair - if it weren't for that book my name would be Marci (gag) 

2. Do your initials (First, Middle, Last) spell out anything fun/funny? 

ALL was my maiden name and in middle school I used to say I was, "ALL that and a bag of chips" ( because I was lame) Now its ALS and all I can think of is ALS Toy Barn from Toy Story!

3. Did you take your middle name from childhood or did you take your maiden name as your middle name? (If unmarried, what do you plan to do?)

I took my husbands last name and kept my middle name the same. I feel like my middle name is as much a part of me as my first name I would feel weird without it- and its also a family name. My mom never had a middle name so she took her maiden name as her middle name when she married.

4. Are you or will you name your children thematically (ie. same first letter, all of same origin…)

I might- I'm Amber and my husband is Ben so I thought maybe we could continue the alphabet but then I thought that's dumb because for the most part none of the baby names I like would follow suit and that would be a dumb reason to name a baby something you don't love. More lately I've thought having all As and Bs might be cute because there are several names I like that begin with those letters.

5. Did you decide on baby names as a little girl? Did you stick to them or change your mind?

Sort of. I have a laundry list of names that I love but I'm not sure that I came up with them when I was a little girl or later. I shall share (Middle names are in () ): Girls: Autumn (Lane), Addison (Rose), Bridgette (Audrey) Jolie (Georgeanne) I also like the middle name Grace Boys: Lane, Gabriel, Christian, Dominic, Caleb, Aiden

6. Does your family have any names that have been passed down through generations?

Lane. My grandma's middle name - my middle name - a future middle name of a girl or first name of a boy for me!

7. Do you look at the meaning of the name or just the name itself?

I look at the name's meaning definitely. For example I love the name Addison but it means: Daughter of Adam. Adam was the name of a boy I dated who almost killed me; emotionally and literally. I don't know if any child of mine can have a name that literally translates to daughter of Adam.

8. Do you name pets with human names (Sally, Henry) or with pet names (Fluffy, Mr. Bo Bo)? 

Five cats two have "human" names: Izzy and Zoey. The other 3 are Bryndel, Rennie, and BG Snugs.

9. Are there any names that you have an affinity or dislike for based on a childhood experience/someone you once knew?

See above on Adam. I also don't like the name Maria, Mary, Chrissy and I'm sure if I really thought about it there would be more.

10. What are some of your favorite names? Why?

See above! On another note about names..with a last name like Smith any child we have must have a name that will be strong and stand on its own. 

30 Day Challenge Days 13 & 14

Goals:

I'm not much of a long term goal setter...probably something I should work on but I'm kind of a live in the here and now kind of girl. Odd because in everything else I'm so methodical and well planned.

The goal I've kept the best - maybe in all my life  - is my weight loss goal. I originally set out to lose 35 lbs and have since lost somewhere in the 55 lb area. My "ultimate" goal is to drop down another 7 (give or take) to bring my total weight lost to 64 lbs.

People have been telling me lately that this last little bit must be for vanity because THEY can't see where I need to lose more- but I know that this last little bit will be completely healthy for me especially since the first 45 or so seemed to just fall off and the last 10 I lost hung on for dear life so I know this last 9 is going to take some time and a lot of work!

So there's a goal. Get to the 64 lbs lost mark ( and keep it off)

More generally than that:

1. Be successful and respected in my new community
2. Pay down debt with my husband, pay off his parents and actually start padding our savings
3. Buy a house
4. Travel LOTS more
5. Own a Louis Vuitton Bag (not on credit)
6. Christian Loubitan sky high black pumps MUST BE MINE SOMEDAY!
7. Become fluent in another language
8. Write a novel
9. Star in a musical
10, Babies? Someday?
11. Learn to play the guitar and piano
12. Be financially sound
13. Make sure my our parents are well taken care of throughout their lives
14. Have a wonderful marriage that withstands the obstacles of life

And I could go on and on. Not that these are SMART goals (you know specific, measurable, etc.) but they are goals- and when the time is right... I'll either figure out a way to achieve them- or move on. That's just the kind of girl I am.

A Picture I Love:

I had no idea what picture I was going to use here until this morning when I logged into Facebook and I discovered that my uncle had posted this picture of me to my wall:

I have NEVER seen this picture before and right off the bat of course I thought it was stinkin' cute. Then as I studied it more I fell in love with it.

Look how happy. Unashamed, unassuming, head thrown back, chipmunk teeth baring, chunky, little happy, curly headed baby. It almost brings tears to my eyes thinking about it- I love what this picture captured in me and I am so glad I have it to remind me forever.

I actually think I'm going to get a print of it and frame it in my office- because I don't think I'll ever be able to look at it without grinning from ear to ear.

Never saw it before today...but yes, I love this picture.

Much Love Always!

Miss Amber Lane

30 Day Challenge Days 11 & 12

Day 11:
My Favorite TV Shows:

Let me preface this post by saying...I watch entirely too much TV...I know this. My only redemption is the fact that I DVR most everything so I don't watch it all the time. I set aside TV hours and catch up then. That being said...here we go.

Dexter
True Blood
Big Love
Californication
Board Walk Empire
Nurse Jackie
How I Met Your Mother
The Big Bang Theory
Teen Mom/ 16 & Pregnant
Dancing With The Stars
The Middle
Modern Family
Cougar Town
Wipeout
Wife Swap
Jeopardy
Project Runway
Boy Meets World ( every morning while getting ready for work)
Ellen

And sadly - there are probably other off-season shows that I am forgetting about. Oy!

Day 12:
What I believe:

This is awfully broad is it not? I think I'm going to have to go with the very first thing that pops into my mind when I think of my beliefs and that is that even though we all get bogged down in the, "woa is me" when things don't go the way that we plan (I know that I certainly do) that ultimately:

 EVERYTHING happens for a reason and that there is a greater plan for all of us.

Basically: Everything will be ok in the end and if its not ok - its not the end.

How optomistic of me huh?

Lol.

I will be writing a real post very soon- I have lots to update you on! So much is going on - and I do of course want to share my Halloweeen costume!

Hope everyone is having a good week!

Much Love Always

Miss Amber Lane

30 Day Challege: Day 10

AGHHHHHHHHHGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!

Real post coming tomorrow in addition to the challenge! See ya manana!

• Miss Amber Lane 

30 Day Challenge: Day 9

A Picture of my Friends:

From Left: Emily, Jessica, Diana, Megan, Moi, (Makayla), Jennifer-Marie, Rachel, Denise

These are my best friends and two of them are my sisters. We've already talked about Denise and Diana so let's skip them this round

One of just the girlfriends and me

Though my best friends all know each other - none of them really are good friends independently of me. Megan and Jen may chat from time to time or make plans. Emily and Jessica may also. Otherwise its with me or nothing. I like that I have best friends from different places in my life: Reiterates that each of them make up a part of who I am today.

So of course I have to say a little bit about each of them:
.

Emily:

Emily is my P.I.C. She is my go-to girl these days when it comes to nights out on the town, shopping, or advice. We met in college and at first didn't really care much about the other- but that changed one semester and the summer that followed when we really got to know each other and how much in common we actually have. We both love a good glass of wine, hip-hop music at the bars, travel, delicious food, and we have many TV nights together over True Blood, Dexter, and Bengals football. She and I have similar views on life, love, and all the above. 

Jessica:

Jessica and I also met in college and really became close through the Children's Theater group I was telling you about yesterday. She's crazy smart and creative and always up for something fun. We love to sing karaoke together or hit up a bar. She's not afraid to be unique and individual - which has her convinced that's the reason she's still single. I just don't think she's found a guy who can hang with her complete awesomeness at this juncture. Jess lives in sunny California- living the dream and paving her way as a theatrical costume designer. Looking forward to planning a visit soon!

Megan:

Megan is my oldest, nearest, and dearest friend. We met in second grade and have been friends ever since. We've certainly had our ups and downs though.

For instance you may remember if you've been reading for a long time, that Ben and Megan dated in high school and when Ben and I decided to step out of friendship and into romance and I told Megan- it did not go so well....

We got through it though and even though we thought that we would never make it back to being as strong as we were before- we did, in fact I think we're stronger now- we've grown up - and grown as individuals- before we were always so much like we were virtually interchangeable. I mean consult the picture..hello matching outfits! Megan is expecting her first baby in March- can't wait to meet him or her and be the best Auntie I can be!

Jennifer Marie:

First name Jennifer, middle name Marie- went by Jen when she and I met and then Marie later so I still call her Jen. Jen and I met in middle school and became great friends. We had one wild and crazy summer when we were 16 and working at the local water park. Most fun/trouble I've ever had. Jen and I have also had ups and downs but I guess that's the thing about long friendships/ friendships you create when you are young and still changing. Jen's an awesome drinking buddy and she'll dance the night away with you for sure. She lives about an hour and a half away so I don't see her as often as I would like but once or twice a month usually. She has two kids a boy and a girl- both were in my wedding.

Rachel:

You read Rachel and my story a week or so ago. We met in high school when I changed schools for the remainder of my junior year and my senior year. Never would have guessed then that I could make a life-long friend that fast- but I did! We are favorite shopping partners- good for our closets,vanities, jewelery boxes - bad for our wallets! Rachel recently got married too as you know- so she's busy being a newlywed right now. You also know that she lives in Baton Rouge and that I LOVE to visit. I'll be back again soon Rachel... WATCH OUT!!! 

Of course there are other girls and gals who mean the world to me: Julie, Will, Ashley, Kristen, Rae-Leigh, Jackie....and many others but these 5 are my heart and deserve a special post just to them! 

Much Love,

Miss Amber Lane

20 Day Challenge; Day 8

A Place I've Traveled:

So in 2005 I contracted with a privately funded Children's Theater group that was run by a theater prof. at my school. Each contract bound you to the group for 1 full year and countless performances of a cute little show that seemed simple at first glance but was physically, crazy, demanding, and vocally draining. It was an operetta called: The Girl Who Sang Wolf and it was full on opera singing my friends.

The unique thing about joining the group was that the travel was stellar. We toured to Russia by way of Finland and Taiwan. Not to mention a three week mid-west tour.

Our group was unique because it was 6 chicks, all theater majors and basically all the same graduating class. Meaning: we already knew each other before joining the group and for the most part had A BLAST!

From top left: Natalie, Emily, Kat, Ashley, Jessica, and moi...yep we were roller skating!

All except Jess- headed to an Indians game on Mid West Tour..look at my hair back when I was a broke college student and did it myself...yikes!

On to the trips!

Russia:

Was beautiful. So mysterious and different. Loved visiting the Hermitage and The Church on Spilled Blood, and St Isaacs Cathedral.

Only problem was it was so darn cold you could hardly stand it: This was back before I had a digital camera so my shots are limited:

Me twirling in palace square- the winter palace is to my left

Natalie and I in front of the large doors at St. Isaacs Cathedral 

Crazy Taxi Rides!

Taiwan:

Balmy, beautiful tropical weather in December....this one was niiiice!

The types of things you see just walking down the street...that and 7-11s!

Jess and I with our host family

These trips are what cemented our friendship

The girls in Taiwan 

Since those trips my adventures have been much smaller: Florida, Myrtle Beach, Charlotte, NC, Baton Rouge, New Orleans....can't wait for a big trip again someday!

Much Love Always!

Miss Amber Lane 

30 Day Challenge: Day 7

My Favorite Movies in Screen Shots: If you haven't already peeked at my favorite movies from Day 1 - guess along!

Also for your enjoyment I've captioned with some of my favorite lines from the movies!

"YOU got into Harvard?!?!"
"What, like its hard?"

"And last week I saw Cameron Diaz at Fred Segal, and I talked her out of buying this truly heinous angora sweater. Whoever said orange was the new pink was seriously disturbed."

"OK so by now your probably going; is this like some kind of Noxema commercial or waht?! But actually, I seriously have a way normal life for a teenage girl. I mean I get up, brush my teeth, and pick out my school clothes"

"I simply say, babay, oh babay, my sweet babay- you're the one"

"I only eat the brown m&ms because I figure chocolates already brown, has less artificial colors"
"How very scientific of you Dr. Steve"
"I'll toast when I see fit"

"Tawanda"

"Face it girls I'm older and have better insurance"

"Tell him its carol singers"
"You saucy minx"
"I feel it in my fingers, feel it in my toes"

"I hate boats"
"Certainly not ALL boats"
"Yes, ALL boats"

"Hey man gotta joint?"
"No."
"Hmph It'd be a lot cooler if you did"

"That's the thing about high school girls, I keep getting older- they stay the same age" 

30 Day Challenge; Day 6

A Photo of Something That Makes Me Happy:

This is a two part photo series.

Part 1: The Sentimental:

Taken the day after we got married on my camera phone after being saudered and re-sized. It wasn't meant to be an earth-shattering picture but I love it- and what it symbolizes.

That I married a man who on a regular basis can make me laugh like this:

Part 2: The Vain/ Proud

This past year I had two of my best friends get married 1 year to the weekend apart from one another. 

Megan and Kenny tied the knot on October 17, 2009

Rachel & Brett got married on October 16, 2010

Of course I got married smack dab in the middle of em (yup gratuitous wedding photo here:)

The point I am getting to however is that I was a proud bridesmaid in both weddings - but in one I was just MORE of a proud bridesmaid:

Meg's 2009 Wedding:

Can't even believe I'm showing you this next one...

Eek!

Rachel's 2010 Wedding:

Proud as a peacock! 

So yes, these pictures taken 1 year from the date of each other and the difference in my body between the two of them- makes me VERY HAPPY! 

Much Love Always,

Miss Amber Lane

30 Day Challenge: Day 5: My Siblings

I am the youngest of three girls. And by youngest... I mean - YOUNGEST.

My sister Denise was born in December of 1965. 

My sister Diana was born in July 1966

Miss Amber Lane was born in August 1984

That my friends is a 17 year difference between me and my sibling closest in age. Can you say- SURPRISE! My mom was 7 months pregnant with me at my sister's high school graduation. I LOL at the thought!

Growing up it was kind of like having three mothers. Diana got married when I was 3 and Denise when I was 6 so they didn't really live with mom and I together ever with the exception of a year or so.

Diana:

 Diana always lived near by so she was the sister who picked me up to go shopping or have lunch. Who never missed a play or awards ceremony. For many, many years I didn't quite understand Diana. Her husband ; though he treats her well has never been too friendly with me so that prevented us from being closer in my younger days and I kind of resented her for that for a long time. Then one day she showed me one of her favorite pictures of us together- a picture I had never even seen:

This picture was taken at our grandparents house and Diana said she had just gotten up and ready for the day and was getting ready to make me my favorite breakfast: scrambled eggs. I instantly fell in love and some of my "childhood resentment" melted away. 

Personality wise I see now that a lot of my personality traits are very similar to hers. When it comes to style, and grooming, and organization,  

Diana's birthday- we were being hat ladies

and approach to projects.....

She was the cornerstone of all my Wedding DIYs. She let me use her basement as my workshop and it remained in turmoil for MONTHS! 

The result of weeks of work on centerpieces!

Diana has one son named Calvin: He's 13 plays the sax and guitar, loves old school comedy like Chris Farley, Adam Sandler, etc. 

Calvin in 2001:

Diana's Family Mother's Day 2010:

Our wedding day portrait

Denise:

Denise and I were always close even though she lived away for the better part of the first 19 years of my life. First Tennessee, then Virginia, Indianapolis, Tennessee again, Florida and now finally back home in Ohio. Because of her distance away when I would visit her, they would be extended visits. Whole summers, spring breaks etc. This helped reinforce our closeness. Her husband David is also one of those awesome father figures I mentioned in yesterday's post. Denise is the wife a music minister in the church of God and the two of them have been my "spiritual guides". Our relationship has always been more mother/daughter than that of sisters (at least until recently) and I've appreciated that.

Denise and I Christmas 1987

Thats what sisters are for...1 to hold the dress and 1 to hold the camera lol

Our Wedding Day Portrait

Denise also has 1 son named Devin: He's 15 and an awesome musician; singing,guitar, mandolin, saxaphone, piano - the kid is gifted. He's also an avid skateboarder.

Devin and his Aunt Amber in 1995 x 2

(In case you ever wondered about the Cuban heritage of mine that I talk about- this pics from my younger days prove it lol)

Denise's family (2006 maybe)

Both Nephews in June 2010 - They've grown up so fast! ) ; Sniff

So, well its not "traditional" to have sisters so much older than you with no one else in between- its worked out pretty well for me! 

Awesomely enough  my wedding actually helped bring us closer by getting us together for project nights, showers, and pre-wedding slumber party with just the three of us: 

One of my fave moments before the wedding was when they handed me a gift bag with a picture frame that read:

Together Through it All....

Which evoked this reaction from me.....

I didn't actually cry...yet. No the only thing that actually made me cry was when my 15 year old nephew got up to do his reading and balled through the whole thing. THAT was a heart melter.

Anyhow I could go on and on about my awesome sisters and the awesome nephews that they have provided me with but this post is getting long enough. 

Instead I'll leave you with a few more photos: Enjoy!

Ready for the wedding!

The picture in the earlier mentioned frame

Sassy girls

rehearsal

Bachelorette Party Down Town

Graeters Ice Cream

Much Love Always!

Miss Amber Lane