Ten on Tuesday

1. If you could watch only one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I used to always have an answer for this question, but the question alone makes me really depressed because I would quickly hate that movie. But if I have to pick one…. Can I just say ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’, yeah that sounds good.
2. Let’s say someone wrote a screenplay about you; what actor/actress would you choose to play you and why?
Elizabeth Taylor. The Early years, I think that would do my story justice.
3. What’s the first movie you remember seeing in theaters?
That’s a great question, I can’t remember. My dad used to take me to movies all the time growing up. For some reason I distinctly remember watching the movie ‘Big’ before I was 4. That is when my love for Tom Hanks started.

4. Did you ever make out at the back of a movie theater in middle school/high school?
Hahaha. Yes, I remember one where I went on a date and the guy took me to go see ‘Jacob the Liar’, it’s a movie about Jewish Life in the ghetto during Nazi Regime. I cried so hard, that poor guy never had a chance.

5. Are you a Netflix-er, Blockbuster-er or a Redbox-er? (Or none of the above?)
Um, yea… none of the above. I really don’t understand why anyone does those anymore. We ‘borrow’ movies and we get to watch lots and lots of things that aren’t even on DVD yet.

6. Name one actor/actress who you would give anything to have a dinner date with.
TOM HANKS. I would laugh at his jokes, nickname him T.Hanks and we would talk for hours while gazing into each other’s eyes. The end of night would be hard since he would realize that we were true loves destined to be with each other, he would offer me everything I ever wanted, but alas I would break his heart and leave the end of the night to be with my husband… but I would always remember T.Hanks and the memories.

7. What’s the worst movie you’ve ever seen?
Sex and the City 2. I probably should write it’s own blog for that… and you know what, I will. Of how Sex and City gave me hope as a woman that things will always get better in my life and then out of now where they just dropped a piano on me. It was a disgusting horrible movie and they should all be banned from this country.

8. Do you sneak snacks into the theater when you go?
No. The only thing I eat is popcorn. I love popcorn. It is the greatest thing ever. I am obsessed.
9. Movie theater popcorn: love or hate it?
Once in a blue moon. It’s to heavy to eat. Air popped or over the stove homemade is the way to go.

10. What is the all-time best Disney movie in your opinion?
It’s a tie. Cinderella or Beauty and the Beast. Probably Beauty and the Beast. *Sigh* :D

Ten on Tuesday

Thanks again over to Roots and Rings! Here's my Ten on Tuesday!

1. What is the weather like in your city today?
It is cold. I was just talking to a coworker yesterday that on Saturday I wore shorts and now it’s cold. Right now it is 50 degrees and the high today is a 74. And it’s May! Seriously? Yes, May!

2. Do you like the zoo?
I love the zoo. The one is Austin is a little, humph. I wouldn’t go, but the one in San Antonio is pretty great. My favorite animal is the elephant. I love to watch the elephant!

3. Do you eat coconut?
I hate coconut. The flavor, the texture, really everything about it. I hate it so much! I tried a drink with coconut, it didn’t take long before I just gave up and threw it away.

4. Have you ever hammered a nail? Are you good at it?
I used to be really good a hammering nails. At least I think I was. I bet if you ask my dad, he might disagree. But I got that nail in! Now, I have a wonderful husband that will hammer in the rest of my nails so I won’t have to.

5. Does your family have a vacation destination that you visit often?
Not really. One of my favorite things about my childhood was that we would go on a vacation about once every 2 years. My dad would plan out the whole thing and take us and let us see everything. I always appreciated it and looking back I appreciate it even more.

6. How many pillows do you sleep with?
Two. I always have to have 2. David also sleeps with 2. He could probably sleep with one or none, but he knows I need to have two.

7. What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
Go to the bathroom.

8. Will you send your kids to summer camp?
I would like to. I went to a camp once and looking back it was fun but I wish I went to more. I think it would be a great memory for them to have with their siblings and friends.

9. What do you put in your baked potatoes?
I don’t really eat baked potatoes. I could probably count on one hand how many baked potatoes I have eaten. But when I do eat baked potatoes, I like to have them with everything on them. Not item is spared on my potatoes.

10. Did you take swimming lessons as a kid?
I did. When I was 5. I remember being so excited about it because I was a big girl and I was going to learn how to swim! And then I remember being sad that my class was over because that meant I couldn’t swim anymore I really love being in the water.

Ten on Tuesday

Well Howdy there! I know I haven't written anything since my little fancy getaway, but I will let you know how amazing that was and I will be catching you up to all the Balentine's stories soon, now it's time for Ten on Tuesday! Thanks again to Roots and Rings for the help.

1. If you work, do you drive to work or take public transportation?
Of course I drive to work! You have heard me talk about my Hemi Charger haven't you? And I also car pool with a co-worker to work. Hopefully at one point, David and I will work at the same building and we can go to work together. That would also be better than the 30 minute drive I do right now. In Austin, that is forever long.

2. How often do you get your haircut? Do you go to the same person every time?
I get my hair cut once every 2 months. Yep, and I get it colored and all the fancyness to go with it. The girl who cuts my hair is named Lola. I love her. She is perfect!

3. Do you read the newspaper? If so, a hardcopy or the online version?
I read The Daily What and listen to Shade 45 in the morning. I am able to hear about any news that is need to know. It's horrible how i get my news but it really works for me.

4. What is the best book you have read this year?
Water for Elephants. by Sara Gruene. This is the book I took out to our vacation and spent a great time just sitting, reading and relaxing.

5. What is the best movie you have seen this year?
So this year, we saw the Adjustment Bureau. It's really great, even though I fell asleep during the end of it, it wasn't the movies fault, just the fact that I get really tired and fall asleep during anything. :(

6. Do you tend to crave sweet or salty foods?
Right now, I have to have the saltiest thing available. I absolutely love love love salty!

7. Do you eat breakfast every day? If so, what do you have?
I wish I did. I pack a small snack for me to have something. I love applesauce or crackers.

8. If you celebrate Easter, what Easter treat/candy are you most looking forward to?
We celebrate Spring, but not with candy. Don't like it much. But we do bar b que! Lamb Chops! Yum!

9. How late is “sleeping in” to you?
If I am crazy tired and can't do anything else but sleep, I can sleep 12 hours. But normally I get 7-8 hours a night.

10. Where are you going on your next vacation?
If things go exactly right to our plan, we will be going to Disney World!! :D We are also crossing our fingers that we can go to Vegas in July. There is a huge conference that David wants to go to, and I just want to gamble.

Ten on Tuesday

As always, thanks to Roots and Rings for being a provider of Ten on Tuesday. These questions were super fun, enjoyed them much!

1. What is your idea of a great date?
One of the best dates I have ever been on with was with some guy from Houston, that we only had one date. We met for kebab wraps and had old fashioned coca cola near the water wall in Houston. Then we went to a starbucks to chat. Then we went to have dessert and Melting Pot and went out for drinks. It was a fun night, but didn't want to hang out with him again.

2. How long does it take you to get ready to go on a date?
Depends on what type of date it is. If I really go all out, it's an all day event. I start by curling my hair early in the day. Saturday Night we went out and I started getting ready at 4 and we left the house at 9. So yea... I take a long long time, but David always likes the results.

3. What would you wear on the date?
Depends on the date. I usually see where we are going and decide what he might wear and work with that. On Saturday, I pulled out a cute white top I haven't worn in a while. I felt it gave me a sweet southern girl type of look.

4. If you are married, how often do you go on dates? If you are single, when was your last date?
We make a point to go on a date at least once a week. Sometimes we will meet after work and talk and go out to a nice dinner or a place we have been wanting to try for a while. I am very happy with our dating life as a married couple.

5. What was your worst date?
Oh. This one is a doozy. It was Valentine's Day. I was stuck in another city and couldn't leave due to lack of vehicle for the time being. I met this nice guy, he was quiet. And I get a call from him and he says "Hey, since we are both single, I was wondering if I could take you to a nice place for dinner." I said, that would be great and he told me to dress fancy. So I did. He picked me up, took me back to his place to meet his mother who seemed very attached to her lazy boy recliner and her moo moo dress. Then he took me to this fancy restaurant. He took me to the Golden Corral. On Valentine's day. Then he spend the rest of the date crying about his past relationship. It was my own personal hell.

6. Do you/Did you kiss on your first date?
I do not kiss on the first date. My first date with David was great and ended at 5 in the morning. We spent the whole night talking. But when it was time to leave he leans and with his pouty lips and I pull back. I told him that I didn't kiss on the first date and that if he wanted a kiss he would have to take me out again. He then asked me out for another date. :)

7. If married, how long before you knew he/she was the one? If single, how long before you know if the person is marriage material?
The night we met. It was a blind date set up. I showed up and I was terrified, shaky and so nervous. He knew I was there to meet him and I knew he was there to meet me, but we played coy. When he finally sat next to me to talk, I immediately calmed down. After the bar closed we went to our friends house to hang and talk. I was hooked instantly. We enjoyed talking so much and his confidence just had me hooked. It was when we discussed the topic of religion and we both were able to state that we believe in different things, but talk about it like old friends, it hit me. This guy is perfect for me. And he has been since.

8. Do you prefer day dates or night dates?
I prefer later afternoon dates. Starting on a early night so you can do some day stuff and do some night stuff and then go home, watch a movie on the biggest tv screen and cuddle.

9. How old were you when you first were allowed to date?
I don't really remember. I'm sure I shouldn't have been dating but I had friends that were boys that I called boyfriends, but nothing ever happened when I was in Junior School. My first boyfriend my parents knew was was when I was in High School. I think I was a sophomore.

10. What is the most embarrassing moment you have had on a date?
I've had a couple. I remember saying good night on one date and he was in a big suburban. I opened the door, tell him I had a great night, accidentally call him by the wrong name and then fell out of the car instead of landing on my feet. Or the time I picked him up and I got lost and ended up 30 minutes out of the city and in the wrong way. Oh, and there was the one where I only brought a $20 in case I needed to take a cab back home and he expected me to pay for the while date... that was awkward.

Ten On Tuesday!

Ten on Tuesday is provided to you by the wonderful Roots and Rings. I don't know how she does it every Tuesday, but she always has them ready! Thanks

1. What condiments are always, always in your fridge?
Ketchup, Mustard, Spicy Mustard, Olive Oil Mayonnaise, Grape Jelly and Ranch. Yes, I am the type of person that considers Ranch a condiment.

2. How do you like your steak cooked? Your burgers?
Steak.. Medium / Burger... Medium Well.

3. What’s your favorite use for fresh tomatoes?
Homemade salsa. I am pretty sure David would agree.

4. What’s your go-to dinner when you haven’t planned anything in advance and you don’t feel like going out?
Romano's Macaroni Grill Dry Dinners. All you have to do is add some stuff and cooked chicken. Super easy and yummy to make. I would suggest this for anyone who wants a great quick meal.

5. What’s your favorite snack food lately?
Homemade popcorn. On top of the stove with some salt and lime.

6. What’s your favorite weekend breakfast to make at home?
David and I go all out of weekend breakfast. He will make waffles and I will make eggs. Sometimes we will have bacon or sausage.

7. What’s your favorite thing to grill? How do you do it?
David is the griller in the family. But I will put together these amazing shrimp wraps. Slice of serrano pepper, slice of peppered cheese, placed in a butterfly of shrimp, wrapped in bacon. Grill.

8. What’s your favorite wine for under $10? If you’re not a wine person, what brand of beer is your favorite?

9. Give us your most delicious cocktail recipe.
It's called Caipirinha. It's a Brazilian drink that makes me giddy. You just need one and it is soo oh my goodness good.

10. How do you like your eggs?
I used to like them scrambled. Then David introduce me to something called fried eggs. It changed my world. It was so good.

Ten on Tuesday

Thanks to Roots and Rings again for positing TOT.

1. What is your cleaning style like?
Our house is really big. I mean really big so it's hard to clean it all at once. But stuff can pile up, so what I have started to do is when I see stuff laying around the living room, I pick it up and leave it at the bottom of the stairs. So when I have to go upstairs, I can bring it with me. It actually helps out a lot. I wish I could find more time to sweep and mop, but the dishes, that's David's job. I just can't do dishes. And laundry... that happens on Saturday/Sunday. Every weekend. All of the clothes, sheets and towels. I might start doing mine during the week, I wear a lot of clothes.

2. What is your favorite thing to add to an outfit to take it from casual to classy?
David bought me pearls this last winter, I really love to wear them whenever. But for me to change the feel of an outfit is perfume. I have started to learn that your smell can change everything, and with the right smell, you have a totally different outfit, and maybe pearls. :)

3. Do you like stormy weather?
You mean stormy like this?
Yes. I actually took that picture from my backyard when a storm was rolling in from the southeast of town. It was so beautiful. I also enjoy the hard rain and loud thunder that shakes the house. Not a fan when the power goes out or if I am sleeping and I wake up. For some reason, when I am in bed and there is a bad storm, I feel like the little kids in Poltergeist.
4. What is your favorite cold treat on a hot day?
Bomb Pop Popsicle! or Sweet Tea.

5. What is your favorite warm treat on a cold day?
Hot Tea. What can I say? I love tea!

6. Who is your favorite animated character?
That's really not an easy question. I love Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz and she was actually a character based off of a book, but I have seen cartoons of Dorothy and children's books that are animated. So sorry if you were expecting another answer, but I do love Dorothy. Also Skeeter from the show Doug.

7. What do you keep your jewelry in?
My girlfriends and I had a slumber party one night while the boys went out on their own. We made jewelry boxes and this is mine.

8. Do any of the rooms in your house have a theme?
No. I am still working on decorating the house up. But we have discussed nursery themes and a theme has already been decided for either boy or girl. I will not speak of what it is until it is done and all I have to say is that it will rock your socks off and you will be so jealous that you didn't have a room like this when you were a kid.

9. Do you watch any interior design TV shows – if so, what is your favorite?
No, I used to be really into that. At the gym I try to watch the Home and Garden station on one of the TV's but honestly, I am just more obsessed with bad TV.

10. When was the last time you did something risk-taking?
I rode the motorcycle last week. That is probably the most risk-taking thing I have done in a while.

Ten on Tuesday

Sending a Howdy and a Thank You to Roots and Rings for always hosting the wonderful Ten on Tuesday.

1. How did your parents decide on your name?
Funny that you ask. The way I remember it was that my mother had a dream that the Virgin Mary came to her and told her that she would have a daughter and she would name her after the Virgin Mary's sister, Elizabeth. Yep. So that's how I got my name.

2. Do your initials (First, Middle, Last) spell out anything fun/funny?
EKB. I have mentioned it before, but I have the same amount of letters in my first and last name. I think that is kind of cool.

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 choose to keep my childhood middle name. Kelly. I was named after the Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio. And with my maiden name 'Pena' I thought if I had it as my middle name I would sound like a law firm. Pena and Balentine, Law Enforcement!

4. Are you or will you name your children thematically (ie. same first letter, all of same origin…)
I think the first same letter is kind cheesy. And I hate things like Jack and Jill, fairy tale type of things. But we have already talked about names for future children and David and I both think it's best to involve family names.

5. Did you decide on baby names as a little girl? Did you stick to them or change your mind?
When I was a teenager I swore that I would name my first son Harvey Danger. So he could say his middle name was 'Danger', girls name not so much.

6. Does your family have any names that have been passed down through generations?
Not that I know of. There are some great names out there but nothing that has been used over and over again.

7. Do you look at the meaning of the name or just the name itself?
Just the name itself. I don't think the meaning of a name determines what kind of person they end up being. But I do think that just the name itself can give you a first impression of the person.

8. Do you name pets with human names (Sally, Henry) or with pet names (Fluffy, Mr. Bo Bo)?
Actually, we name them with human names. But after musicians. Erin Copland. Johnny Cash and Ella Fitzgerald

9. Are there any names that you have an affinity or dislike for based on a childhood experience/someone you once knew?
Hated Names: Joni. Beth. Jennifer. Hannah. I could go on, but I might mention too many names.

10. What are some of your favorite names? Why?
Bruce, Katherine, Madeline. I'm sure I could think of more, but it has been quite a long day and I call this the end of my post.