Friend Makin' Monday: Easy Answers

Easy Answers 

1. Are you a planner, or do you prefer to see where the moment takes you? This is a really hard thing for me to answer. I am a list and goal maker but I love to be spontaneous. I guess I plan a lot for the big stuff and let everything else just fall into place and see where life takes me.

 2. How often do you blog? I'm working to get better about this but with my schedule it's maybe once or twice a week. I'm hoping to blog 3 to 5 times a week in the future but I'm just taking things one step at a time!

 3. Do you color your hair? I'm in hair school...I think that should answer this question. HAHA! I actually had no color or anything in my hair when we got married but I've since cut most of it off and colored it multiple times.

 4. If you had to choose between running or riding a bike, which one would you choose? I would say bike...I like moving quicker and biking gives me that chance.

5. Have you ever traveled outside of your home country? Yes, I spent 10 days in the Czech Republic and it was 10 of the most amazing days of my life. I've often told Brad that he's lucky he put a ring on it before I went over there or I wouldn't have come back! I also really loved our honeymoon in Mexico.

6. Do you like weddings? Yes! I love a good party and what better reason to celebrate than two people starting their new lives together?! It also means 2 more couples that we can double date with! LOL

7. What is your favorite guilty pleasure on TV? It's not on anymore but I love Lauren Conrad so I loved watching Laguna Beach and The Hills.

8. Are you good at math? I'm ok...I hated math so I didn't apply myself but I did fine in all the math classes I took especially for the lack of work I put into them.

9. What is the last movie you watched? Safe Haven (It's an awesome movie but as usual the book is even better!!!)

10. Share five adjectives that your friends would use to describe you. Positive, Stubborn, Loyal, Caring, Busy

Bonus: Did you celebrate Independence Day? If so, what did you do? We spent the day in Seward walking around and checking out the vendors and stayed until the parade was over then headed to my aunt's house in Crete where my family was "farm camping." (They pull their RVs into my aunts yard and camp out  there and party. As much as it pains me to say due to it's sheer redneckness...it is pretty fun.) On our way back into Lincoln we looked across the whole city and saw everyones fireworks which was pretty awesome. We ended the night in our neighborhood watching fireworks of our neighbors and visiting friends around the neighborhood. Brad's birthday is on the 5th so I even got a barbershop quartet (one of them lives next door) to sing him Happy Birthday at the end of the night. It was a great day!

Friend Makin' Monday: The Internet

The Internet

1. Have you ever met anyone online before meeting them in person?  I  have but had sources that said she wasn't too crazy. Now I keep in touch with the lovely Katka and love her to pieces!!

2. What is your opinion on social media’s impact on our society?  Does it make life better or worse?  I think there is good and bad. I think it has increased our communication but a lot of the verbal and face to face communication has been lost...and kids today don't even know what that means! LOL

3. Do you believe that it’s possible to fall in love with someone that you’ve never met in person? I don't think it's impossible but I don't know if I could do it. I think to an extent that you can but you never truly know a person until you are with them face to face. Sometimes you can have a lot in common but not feel the chemsitry when you're face to face. 

4. Do you prefer to shop in stores or online? In Stores for sure with clothes but I don't mind shopping for other things online. I can't really buy much for clothes online because I have to try things on and most things don't work. 

5. What blogging platform do you use?  (WordPress, Blogger, something else?)  Blogger

6. Have you ever blogged for another site?  Would you?  Yes, but I've never been asked. I think it would be a lot of fun. 

7. Do you use services like Netflix and Hulu?  Both! We actually dropped our cable service and got them to replace it.

8. Would you prefer to get blog comments or to interact on twitter?  I like blog comments and responses on Facebook. My Twitter is linked to my Facebook so I don't actually post on there most of the time it's just what I posted on Facebook being auto transfered. 

9. Do you prefer to read books or e-books? This one is a hard one for me. I like having all the books loaded in one place and not having to carry or store a bunch of books or have to strain to read in the dark but I would much rather have a paper book in my hands when I'm reading. 

10. Share at least one experience that you would not have had without being a blog author.  I have been emailing my July Cara Box partner and we have a ton in common. I would have never met her without blogging. You'll read more about her at a later date! :-D 

The Good Life : Your Vehicles

Oh geeze...you would ask about the Husak Car Lot! :) We have several of ours and it seems like we always have a few extras hanging around in the "Garage-mahal". Yes...our GIANT garage has it's own name and even has a sign to prove it!

I'll start with my favorite car in the collection...my Mustang! :) She's also known as the Queenmobile. I had always wanted a sporty fun car and after driving the Stratusfaction, my first car, a '96 Dodge Stratus (insert SNL quotes here) for almost 10 years it was time to move on. My best friend was selling her Mustang and I had always wanted one. This was the first big purchase Brad & I made together. It had only been owned by one person before Stephanie (yes my best friend has the same name as me) bought it so I knew it had been well taken care of. When I got plates for it I got custom plates and put "CZECH QN" on them. It looks like Czech On to most people but it's a Q. I haven't changed the plates yet but when it's time for renewal I will get something to do with Czech but probably drop the queen part. I love driving this car and it has taken me many miles through Lincoln, Nebraska, and all over the US!

Next we will visit Brad's Baby...this one ranks up there with his accordion! ;) Brad has owned several muscle cars in the past and sold them (I was still bitter to find out about the Chevelle but that's another blog someday...) but he finished this one! His '69 Nova is his baby and even made it in our wedding pictures. Someday we will get it licensed and get her back out on the road. I've been told I'll be the first girl to drive it too! Woah buddy...we're getting serious here.

Next in the Collection is the Colorado. This is the truck Brad had when we met and he has picked me up for dates in this little guy through the years. It would be sad to see it go but I know that eventually it will have to be upgraded. We've taken it on a few long trips and it's not very comfortable, I know that putting a couple of carseats would fill it up way too quickly.

We both argue over the next one...the Silverado. I'm pretty sure it's my truck but he likes to drive it sometimes. This was Brad's dad's truck and when he passed away his mom gave it to us. There was one set of keys that his mom had in her purse and her blush broke and the buttons came out pink. I told Brad that this was a sign that they were pink so they're my keys and his dad wanted me to have it. HAHA! We both love this truck but it is hard to fill that gas tank from Empty to Full!

The Taurus is at the bottom of the list because we have it but neither of us really love it. It definitely serves its purpose though and that's why we keep it around. Usually it's Brad's daily driver unless the roads are icy then we drive the trucks.

Ok...to balance things out here with Ford and Chevy I'm counting the Model T in the mix since it's sitting in our garage. Our house is divided on a few things and Ford vs Chevy is one of them...full on war here people!  I was raised a Ford fan by a dad and grandpa that teach Auto Collision Repair (Auto Body) at a college near here. Brad somehow fell into the dark side although his dad was previously a Ford fan. He even has a rediculous tattoo that we need to scrub off of him when I finally convice him to be sane again. ;)

Friend Makin Monday: Ten Simple Questions

It's not Monday but I just found this link up and thought it would be fun!! I hope you enjoy learning a little bit about me each week!!

Ten Simple Questions

1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?  Holy cow...I need a tan before we go out on Friday!

2. Do you prefer to pay for things with cash or plastic?  Plastic because I spend less that way...when I have cash I don't worry about how much I have in the bank.

3. What is one word that you use too often? I say "I was like" a lot when I'm telling a story. I also say "blah blah blah" when I'm talking about what someone was saying and don't feel like explaining everything they said.

4. Who is the last person outside of your family who said “I love you” to you?  Is my husband part of my family now? LOL Ok...besides him it was my best friend Stephanie (for those of you that don't know...my best friend is also a Stephanie...just spelled with a "ph" instead of an "f" like me!)

5. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone and mailed it? It was included in the Cara Box I sent back in May!

6. Have you ever been called upon for jury duty?  Yes, I was sure I would get taken out when they realized I had the same name as an officer that responded to the DUI incident and asked me if I knew him...yupp he's my cousin. Somehow I ended up in the jury and spent the day there. I actually liked it and hope I get called again!! :-D

7. How many keys are on your key ring?  There are 8 keys on there and probably just as many key rings. My keys are huge and everyone laughs at me for it but at least I don't lose them. (Most of the time!)

8. List two characteristics that you want to change about yourself.  I would love to be more organized and be less selfish.

9. Do you bring your own shampoo and conditioner when you travel, or do you use what the hotel provides?  I bring my own. I used to do this because my hair was too long and the little bottles weren't enough but now it's more about what kind of product they are. I've officially become a product snob.

10. What is your birthstone?  Do you like it?  It depends which one. Some lists show amethyst which I'm not a fan of but others list pearl as they're not technically stones  but I love them! I'll stick with pearls and be happy. 

May Cara Box Reveal

Ok...I'm way behind in everything in life and am finally getting around to blogging about an awesome experience I had with a fun blog activity called Cara Box.

Cara Box was started by Kaitlin at Wifessionals (one of my favorite blogs to read so be sure to check it out!) It was created as a way for all of us bloggers to get to know each other, send each other some encouragement, and get something special in good old snail mail! We're paired up with someone to send something to and someone who will be sending something to us. It's a fun way to get to know something new and have a special box come in the mail just for you. Each month even has a special theme. Find out more about joining in the fun!

May's theme was "Let's Get Regional" and here is how it was described: "So this month you will get to know your partner. Figure out things they love or are passionate about. Then make them a box filled with thoughtful items - but they must be themed towards the region YOU live in. This will give you the opportunity to send things to your partner that shows them a little bit about where you come from. So if they like chocolate, maybe send them a locally found chocolate bar! Please be mindful to still include things themed around what they like, just figure out a way to tie in your region."

I was paired up with two amazing women and had a lot of fun participating. I'll definitely be doing this again soon!!

I sent a box to the lovely Laura from Inspiration.Sparks. She is a 22 year old newlywed but is braver than me and has moved from home (Puerto Rico) to North Carolina and most recently to an island in Japan (they call it Japan's Hawaii.) They will be there for 2 more years and she blogs to keep everyone at home up to date on what is going on in their lives. I sent her 2 Nebraska Date Nights in her box and you can read about them on her post HERE. Hopefully they have some fun learning about Nebraska and maybe even try a few new things! :)

I received a box from Ashley over at Discovery Toys Mom. She is a wife and mom of one two legged baby and one four legged baby. :-D She enjoys working as a Discovery Toys Educational Consultant. We have a lot in common with or love of our families and our in home businesses. She sent me some fun new things and some things that I LOVE!!

Ashley sent a note explaining what she had sent. She sent an awesome magnet from their local zoo. If she knew how many magnets and things I constantly have hanging on my fridge she would know this was perfect. She also included some Mary Kay hand cream from a local consultant (double thumbs up because I love their hand cream and I love that she's supporting a local small business owner.) I loved the Stella and Dot necklace charm that she included. I know it will be perfect this summer. There were several samples that I haven't tried but if they're as awesome as everything else she included I'm sure I will LOVE them. Last but not least she included a surprise for my babies!! She knew enough about me to send something for the 3 little babies that are my world! I opened them right away and gave them to the puggies. I will preface the following photos by telling you that Lilly has it OUT for tennis balls...she goes completely ballistic when she has one...you'll notice most of the photos are blurry because she is shaking the ball so hard and the still ones are where she happens to be taking a breath before starting again. I didn't realize it but my husband had never seen her have one and we proceeded to laugh till we were both nearly in tears. :) They are still playing with them all the time.

I had so much fun and can't wait to participate in a Cara Box again very soon!!! Read more about it and join in the fun. I'm sure you won't be disappointed...who could be with new friends, snail mail, and presents?!?!

The Good Life : Career Day

College of Hair Design
My current "full-time job" is to be a student! I thought I had this life thing figured out and then I realized that money isn't everything and happiness is what counts in the end. I decided that my job in the business world wasn't all I hoped it would be. (If you know me then you know the truth...I talk too much to sit behind a desk for 8 hours a day.) We got married in September and I started Cosmetology School in October. I'll finish school in January and am currently planning on starting the Esthetics program right away in January to finish in July. Little over a year and I'll have my business degree, cosmetology license, and esthetician license. If you need your hair done just let me know! :) So far I love it and am just over halfway done.

Best Buy
I've worked at Best Buy on and off since 2004 and learned a lot along the way. At one point I even thought my career goal was to be a retail manager. I have since realized that I love working in retail but don't enjoy the retail schedule of nights weekends and holidays so I have changed that plan. I went back to Best Buy when I needed a part time while I was going to school. I have worked in many departments so I help out wherever they need me but I just accepted a position in Asset Protection to help prevent loss in any way to the store. I'm excited to try something new as I have never worked in this department. I'll let you know how that's going in a few weeks after I start the new position.

Scentsy Family
I started selling Scentsy Fragrance in May of 2010 thinking it would be a fun thing to do here and there. My team began to grow that November and I now have 26 consultants on my team. I have met and become closer with some awesome people because of this business and I love owning my own business and being the leader of the most amazing team in the entire Scentsy company. I also get to go on vacation once a year and write it off as a business expense. I know that it's not technically vacation because it's annual convention but it's not work if you have as much fun as we do. I went to Fort Worth, TX in 2011, LasVegas, NV in 2012, and will be heading to Indianapolis, IN in 2013. My business expanded when Scentsy Family was born by adding Velata (Fun Fondue) and Grace Adele (Purses and Accessories) were added to the company. Where else can you have one team with 3 completely different opportunities?! I LOVE IT! Be sure to check out my websites to learn more by clicking the following links: Scentsy Fragrance, Velata, and Grace Adele. Follow me on Facebook too!

Miss Czech-Slovak US Pageant
If you haven't read my blog before you have some catching up to do. ;) I was crowned Miss Czech-Slovak US in 2010 and soon after my now husband asked me to marry him on stage in front of everyone. The year I spent traveling the US (and even beyond) representing my heritage as queen was the most amazing year of my life. It was very important to me to stay involved after I passed on the title to the next young lady. I took over as the webmaster and have now joined the pageant committee and help with several other things to keep this pageant going! Learn more about this pageant and the opportunities we have for the young women that participate visit our site: http://www.missczechslovakus.com

Young Czechs of Nebraska
I founded the Young Czechs of Nebraska to keep our youth involved in their Czech heritage. It started with a childrens' Czech heritage festival called "Czech It Out" that we held in several different towns and continued with a choir that performs at festivals throughout Nebraska. Depending on what we have coming up I work with the kids one or two nights a week to teach them Czech songs in English and in Czech. It is so much fun seeing their progress (if only adults could learn that fast!) We're working to continue our choir but start a dance group and continue the festivals to help kids explore their Czech heritage. Be sure to follow us on Facebook!

Wife & "Mommy"
I'm a new wife (I wonder how long I can call myself before I'm an old wife LOL) and a mommy to 3 black pugs. I love our little family but unfortunately things are so busy I don't get to spend as much time as I would like to with them. I know that this schedule is temporary but things will get a new kind of busy when our family grows. I spend what little time I have left over relaxing on the couch and watching movies with my hubby and "kids."


So there you have it...things are busy and crazy and sometimes I don't know if I can keep going one more day but I LOVE MY LIFE! I couldn't ask to have more wonderful opportunities and more outstanding family and friends to share my experiences with. I wear a lot of hats but I do my best to be sure I look good in all of them! :-D

I'm So Sore!!

I haven't joined yet but I got a free week trial to a local gym and have gotten up the past 2 days to be at the gym at 6:15 am. I'm so sore but feeling accomplished to be doing not just one thing I don't enjoy but two....getting up early and going to they gym. The first morning I think I had myself so nervous about oversleeping that as soon as my alarm went off I hopped out of bed. Class on Tuesday was fire which is a low cardio, low weight, high repetition toning workout. I left the gym and showered then had a dentist appointment...all BEFORE I had class that day and it was my late night so it was a long day away from home. I was a bit sore but survived! To top it off I got up this morning and went again. :) This morning was spin class...I was still a bit sore in my hips and thighs from yesterday so riding that bike didn't help. The worst part?? My butt is killing me just from sitting on that dang seat for an hour. (They really need to figure out how to fix that...I'm hoping my butt will get used to it and go numb next time or something!)

If I can keep it up I'll be joining the gym and doing this every week. We attended a good friends wedding this weekend and I got dressed up. It felt good to look in the mirror and not hate everything I saw and the comments I got were exciting too. I want to keep it going and that helped to get me more motivated. I have gained a few of the pounds I lost since the beginning of the year but not for long!

Better get to bed...only 5 1/2 hours till I have to be up to go to the gym in the morning and this week only gets busier from here!

I'll post again when I'm not sore....that could be a while. JUST KIDDING! :)

Stefanie Husak