Sunday, February 2, 2014

That's random.




I'm so proud that I've been nominated for the Liebster Award by two wonderful bloggers.   

Debbie who blogs at Buisson International, is a fellow Texan who now finds herself in London.  We've recently started sharing emails and I'm hoping that we can meet up for reals very soon. 

Alexa from Travel mi Amor is also a Texas girl who discovered her passion for travel early.  She now writes about all of her adventures and shares travel tips.  

These are two of my favorite bloggers and you need to follow them both on Bloglovin.  From Texas and love to travel?  We are all three peas in a pod.  I've always said the best thing about blogging is connections. Be sure to connect with these ladies.

The Liebster Award is a way for bloggers to show their love to other bloggers.  It's also a great way to discover new blogs.  

The rules are that you tell 11 random facts about yourself and answer the 11 questions from the blogger who nominated you.  Then you nominate some blogs and give them 11 new questions to answer.  And you pass on the love.  

So here are 11 random facts about me.  Do you detect a theme?




I love, love, love my camera.

It's not really mine, it belongs to Matthew.

It's my safety blanket when I travel.

I take thousands of photos on our trips.

I'm embarrassed to admit that I always shoot on automatic.

I really want to learn to shoot on manual but have a brain block.

Photographs are my most treasured possession.

My daddy is an amazing photographer and has won awards.

I got my travel bug from him.

And my Mom.  (She just did a tour of South America.)

Exploring someplace new with my camera in my hand is absolute bliss.


Now it's time to answer some questions.  I've picked several from each nomination.
(I know you don't want me to answer 22 questions!)
 
1 - What is the biggest obstacle you have faced while traveling?

I've mentioned before that I'm bit of a worrier (and by that I mean I've been diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder).  I don't control it with meds for various reasons, so I have to find other ways to manage it.  Of course, traveling takes me out of my comfort zone so it can really be a struggle.  However, I will never let it stop me from going.

2 - In terms of behavior, were you good or bad in school?

I was pretty good.  I made decent grades without too much effort.  My dad was in the USAF, so if we got in trouble, he got in trouble.  That was an effective deterrent.

3 - Which would you rather play during a night out: ping-pong, darts, or pool?

Pool.
 
4 - Would you rather live at the beach in the winter or in the mountains in the summer?

I can't decide.  Can I pick beach in the summer and mountains in the winter?

5 - What song gets you in the mood to sing and dance?

Anything by Abba.  I've seen Mamma Mia three times and I have the movie.  Always manages to make me happy.
   
6 - What is the most amazing tourist attraction you have come across while traveling?

Probably the Medina in Fez that I've been writing about lately.

7 - Who (a celebrity) was your biggest teenage crush?

Really showing my age here.  Shaun Cassidy and Donny Osmond.
  
8 - What are your top 5 travel destinations that you haven’t been to?

Thailand. African Safari. Australia.  Bali. Iceland.  
 
9 - What is your favorite place you have visited?

That's so tough to narrow down.  So far my favorites have been Ireland, Italy, Austria and Turkey.
 
10 - What is something you collect?

We collect ornaments throughout our travels and I keep them in a basket on a shelf.  At Christmas, I love going through them and remembering all of our adventures.

11 - Is there anything cool about your family history/ancestry?

I think it's pretty cool that my ancestors are from Scotland.  This summer, my dad and my brother are coming for a visit.  We're going to trace some history and tour Scotland.  I can't wait!


Now it's my turn to nominate some blogs!

Jess from Jess-On_thames
Kaelene from Unlocking Kiki
Dannielle from ChicaDeeDee
Meredith from Ponder The Irrelevant
Quyen from Itinerant


And here are my questions:

1.  What is one challenge that you have set yourself this year? 
2.  What is the biggest obstacle you have faced while traveling?
3.  What are some of your favorite sayings?
4.  In everyday life, what is your number one pet peeve?
5.  When do you feel your happiest?
6.  What traits have you inherited from your parents?
7.  What are your top 5 travel destinations that you haven’t been to?
8.  What is your favorite cocktail?
9.  What is your dream job?
10.  If you could have 3 wishes granted, what would they be?
11.  What is on your mouse pad?


I can't wait to hear your answers!




16 comments:

  1. Thanks Selena!!!! So glad you participated :) I love your 11 things about you :) And nope, you can't pick the beach in the summer or mountains in the winter haha, that's why it was a tricky question!

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  2. Thanks for the nomination :) I can't wait to answer your questions :)

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  3. I loved this. I love your openness and honesty. I truly respect that, I too have been diagnosed with panic disorder a few years ago, it sucks butt! I truly admire that you get out there and travel when you have anxiety issues, seriously girlfriend, you're my hero.
    I am flying into London on March 8th, I don't know for sure where I will stay yet, as John is out of the picture, any suggestions for a reasonably priced hotel? I was thinking Holiday Inn, I don't need a 4 star place but I do want something decent. I know you're the person to ask. I will be there for a week and I do hope that we can meet up, I was going to see if you wanted to meet that Sunday? March 9th? Do you have plans to be out of town then?
    I hope you have a phenomenal week and I so hope we can meet up!
    Much love,
    Tammy

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  4. Yay! Thanks for the nomination!! :)
    I have similar issues with anxiety and it can certainly make traveling...interesting. But I've found that although it's difficult on a min-to-min basis, overall I tend to feel better when traveling. Maybe the excitement outweighs the panic? I don't know, I just go!

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  5. I don't think I could pick between the mountains or the beach either, your answer sounds pretty good. Thanks for nominating me!

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  6. Thanks so much, Ashley! I'm looking forward to reading all of the answers.

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  7. You are welcome! :D I agree with that. Traveling is a good distraction. And every time I fly it gets easier and easier. I used to spend months ahead of time fretting. But now I don't even think about it until it's time to fly.

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  8. Tammy, you are such an encourager! Thanks so much. Have you found a hotel yet? Holiday Inns are good options, but most don't have WiFi. Shall I do some checking for you? What area do you want to stay in? Can't wait to see you on the 9th!!! xoxo
    Selena

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  9. Loved your questions and really had fun with this. Thanks again for including me!! Are you going to make the tea on Sunday? Would so love to meet you!!

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  10. I booked at The Jurys Inn Heathrow... I decided I didn't want to haul my luggage through the tubes!!

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  11. Good thinking! You must be getting so excited!!

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  12. I bet your trip to Scotland this summer is going to be a blast! I love tracing my heritage and visiting places where my family is from :)

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Thanks for commenting. I love to hear from you!