I was on facebook a couple of weeks ago and there was an advertisement on the sidebar for
Macy's Million Dollar Makeover. I decided what the heck, its worth looking into. So I applied. I have to say that it was one of the funnest applications I've ever filled out, so just for me, I want to record my responses here on the blog, to give me something to look back on and have a great "gut" laugh at myself. I realize with all of the millions that applied, its really about who has the biggest sob story. So I'm taking a safe bet and saying that I won't be chosen, but it was fun to fill it out anyway.
Current Job Title & Responsibilities: Domestic Engineer
General Operations Management of Crane household including but not limited to: Schedule Coordinator, Accounts Payable, Chef extraordinaire, tutor, teacher, activities director, cleaning and maintenance coordinator, Historian, resident expert in Child development, Dental Hygienist, Family Nurse, Massage therapist, Singer, Dancer, human jungle gym and tickle monster.
How would you describe your personal sense of style?
My sense of style consists mainly of the classic “preppy “or business style clothing. Button up or knit shirts, black slacks etc. As a mom, it’s usually jeans and T-shirts. I've liked these styles mainly b/c they’re simple and I can do it VERY cheaply. However, I've really wanted to expand my wardrobe. Wait! Let me rephrase that, I'd like to actually HAVE a wardrobe, yes, I'd like more than 5 shirts to choose from and more than 4 pairs of pants, COUNT THEM, yes you heard or rather read correctly... I didn't forget a zero on the end of that 4. I recently went into Buckle with a friend and found myself laughing while reading the price tags. I've never purchased an item of clothing that was more than $25 besides dresses or formals from high school. The most expensive items I own are my $100 running shoes, but I traded for them, so that doesn't really count. I am very open to suggestions; I've just never been able to justify paying an arm and leg for clothes.
How would your peers describe your personal sense of style?
I just recently moved from UT to WA, and my new friends/peers here are very well dressed. The majority of their closets come from Buckle or other stores like unto it. SOOO...they would probably say my sense of style is, uhhh BORING!!! (DR, she’s flat-lining, quick get the paddles!) As mentioned above, I was in Buckle with my friend and I was telling her that I wouldn't even know how to put the whole layering thing together. She said that "when you're ready, I'm here to help!" HAHA...yes this girl needs a LOT of help!
Describe your wardrobe collection
Well, this won't take long. I have 2 pairs of jeans that I got at a 2nd hand store. I have a pair of black polyester/cotton capris and 1 pair of black dress slacks. I have 3 sweaters, 1 knit top, 1 nylon/spandex top (all purchased at either Wal-mart or Target). I have a few other items for work out clothes and stuff but that's it. Now, if that doesn't have you excited, then my VAST array of shoes should do it for you. I have 1 pair of flip flops, 1 pair of running shoes, 1 pair of black pumps, 1 pair of black boots, and 1 pair of black loafers. All but the running shoes were purchased at Payless or 2nd hand stores. I have 2 dresses and 3 skirts that I alternate wearing to church on Sundays. I have 1 nylon scarf and a red sash that I wear to try and dress things up a bit. As for jewelry, I have 2 pairs of earrings that I alternate between and 3 necklaces. That is the extent of my "collection" haha if you can call it that. :D
What is missing from your current wardrobe collection
I don't think there is enough space in this little box to answer this question. :D What my wardrobe lacks is DIVERSITY! What would be AWEsome (The AWE is sung) to have in my wardrobe starting off is a red pair of 3" heels. Every girl deserves that! I would love some pieces that are a little vintage style (as in Audrey Hepburn), I'm kinda diggin that right now. I would like all different types of clothes that could go with my mood, like if I'm feeling really classy and I want to dress up, I want pieces that look elegant with COLOR and style. If I'm feeling sassy and/or sexy, I want something that I can wear that's says, "Now there's someone to go have fun with!", that would make my hubby have a coy grin on his face all night and have him telling me over and over how HOT I look. ;) Seriously, as long as it has capped sleeves, isn't too low cut and goes to my knees when I sit down, (otherwise known as modest) then I am an open canvas ready to be painted!
Has your existing wardrobe presented itself as a challenge in your day to day life?
The question above for the value of my wardrobe would probably be more like under $300, and that's being VERY generous. For the day to day, I'm just really not a high maintenance girl, I have a 21 mon old little girl that usually slimes me every day, so I wouldn't want to be hanging here at home in $150 pants and $80 shirt, however I have some really great friends here that like to go out and do lunch and movies, date nights and parties so not having a variety of clothes to choose from gets really depressing! (insert big pouty lip frowny face)
Describe your dream job and what is preventing you from doing it
My dream is to be a professional motivational speaker/singer. I especially love working with youth. I am a passionate person with a zest for life. I have been called "Pollyanna" on more that one occasion. I have done a lot of personal development and love to share what I have learned as I experience it more in my own life. God has given me a gift in music and I want to share that gift with as many people as possible. I'd love to be a life coach and assist people in going after their dreams. What's preventing me? Well exposure for one thing, but also I would deserve to have further training in public speaking and vocal coaching. And $$ is a big factor for me...I'm still working on the "positive" attraction to it and feeling like I deserve it. -How's that for being honest and accountable? :D I'm currently in voice lessons and I study almost daily on positive mentality. I'm blessed to be where I'm at and I'll bloom where I'm planted!
Describe any interesting jobs you've ever had
1st The entire summer before my senior year of high school, I got to be my nephew's nanny. I got to attend his birth and it was such an amazing experience. He was only 6 weeks old when I started taking care of him. I had him for 8-10 hours a day 5 days a week. It was so great being his Nanny, and my nephew and I still have a great bond today. 2nd, I’m a Massage Therapist. I LOVE ( insert operatic overtures) this line of work. It’s very rewarding. My talent of healing is another gift from God. I've been told by many, many clients that of all their massage experience, I'm the best they've ever had. It’s very humbling. So when would you like to schedule an appointment? Heehee
How would your peers describe you?
Hmm...my blood pressure just went up a bit, this is the kind of question that I've asked my friends before and they've described me but when its me being put on the spot of saying how they would describe me, even though this is the same answers they've given me, in the back of my mind I’m hoping they still agree and would back me up. haha! So here goes... happy, outgoing, kind, silly, fun, crazy, playful, great singer, compassionate, ray of sunshine, beautiful inside and out, true friend, generous, serving, thoughtful, a big kid, sincere, inspiring, powerful, leader.
How would your family describe you?
Quoted directly from my husband "SUNSHINE!, vivacious, optimistic, spring in a wintry world, likes to be in the spotlight". My 7 year old son would probably describe me as beautiful (because he tells me a lot), fun, a great cook, but also grumpy sometimes! ;) My extended family, would probably describe me as positive, loving, energetic, happy, thoughtful, good listener, passionate, definitely loves being the center of attention, beautiful, great singer, and playful.
How would you describe yourself?
My personal mantra is that "I am a powerful, inspiring loving woman of light. Through being a powerful inspiring, loving woman of light, I bring joy, passion and forgiveness creating a world that glorifies God in unity." I am passionate about learning and growing, I thrive on serving others. I'm very affectionate and hug everyone, including strangers. I'm not afraid to talk to ANYONE; and I LOVE (you should get the singing by now) to LAUGH!!! I recognize my weaknesses and the limitations I’ve put on myself and I’m committed to stretch and grow beyond my comfort zone everyday so I can make a difference in the world. My mission in life is to raise my beautiful children to be the leaders they are; to be the most amazing wife to my wonderful husband and to be love, compassion, strength, and light to those around me. And to do it all with LAUGHTER and joy!
What is your proudest moment in life?
I'd have to say that I have 2 proudest moments, because in those two moments, I felt 100% Loved, and 100% successful, and that is describing the births of my two beautiful children. I was able through the assistance of my sweetheart, my massage therapist, my doula, and my sister as well as the support of the medical teams and close family to have 2 amazing, un-medicated natural deliveries. Both experiences changed my life forever. I felt strong, I felt peace, and exhilaration in working with my body to allow these miracles to happen the way they did. It was AWEsome! (again the awe in sung ;)
Describe the most important person in your life
My sweetheart and best friend, my husband Jason is the most important person in my life. He is so selfless and hardworking. He's a great listener and communicator. He's funny and playful and HOT. He's an amazing dad, with 2 kids that absolutely adore him! He's forgiving and compassionate. He’s loving and kind. He's opinionated but open to hearing other's opinions. He admits when he's wrong. He's usually the 1st to apologize when we have a fight. He's trustworthy. He believes in me and encourages me. He stretches me. He has a HUGE heart! He loves me. :D I could go on for days. ;D I'm so blessed to have him in my life. We are both passionate so we fight with passion and we love with passion. ;) He's so fun to talk to! He's my handy man, my jack of all trades! He just has to pick up a book and read how to do something and then he does it. I don't even have to ask him to take out the trash... ok, so most of the time anyway ;) I know, you can hardly wait to meet him huh!?
Where do you see yourself in 2 years?
I see myself in a new house, that's fully finished and furnished from top to bottom. It's beautifully landscaped yard is breathtaking. It has a big back yard that we can play football and basketball and soccer and hide-n-seek in. I see me in my kitchen making delicioso and nutritious meals, with the aroma of honey wheat bread baking in the oven. I see me at 130lbs working with my personal trainer and playing with the kids with almost as much energy as they have. I see my sweetheart and I looking hot as we go on our weekly date squeezed in between his schedule of work and classes. I see me giving lectures on taking action in life with a positive mentality and singing inspirational songs to lift those attending. I see myself surrounded by beautiful and inspiring people that assist me in my own growth....I'm excited!!!
What do you need to do to get there?
In order to get there, I get to write down and read my goal$ and take committed action on them every day. I would like a mentor to be accountable to who will $tretch me. I get to attract the $$$ to purcha$e a home, Realtor & an interior designer to put the house together and decorate it. I get to find audience$ to $ing/$peak to; . I get to $tudy great leader$ and leader$hip. I get to use my pa$$ion and drive to follow through and $$$, did I mention $$$? :D
Can you give us an example of an obstacle you currently face that winning this makeover would be able to help?
In being a presenter, especially someone that's not well known, I deserve to show the world what and who I am on the inside, with the grace and elegance of allowing my inner beauty to reflect on the outside of me. I get to go after and reach my dreams, if I want to coach others to do the same! But its hard to take myself serious when my shoes are falling apart because they're so old and my clothes say "Salami Mommy" instead of "mystique & chic"!
What community service have you been involved in?
Once a week for last 2 school years, I have assisted in my son's classrooms. Just this week, our family went to an assisted living facility to sing and dance for them. For the last 3 years I've worked with young women in my church in assisting them in reaching their goals. Last November I made brownies for our family to take to our local fire dept to show our appreciation for their service in our community. I assisted my neighbor by cleaning her entire house when I found out her brother had been killed. I make meals and bread for our neighbors all the time. Service is a HUGE part of my life. I look for opportunities daily to serve others and get my kids involved and we do it as a family. It’s amazing.
What area of your life needs a makeover?
Finances would be the #1 factor. Two job losses in 2 years has been a huge burden. We are still drowning. We're barely keeping our car from being repossessed and up on rent and utilities. Thankfully we have a lot of food storage so we've been able to minimize our spending on groceries. So if we could just get caught up and have an emergency fund again, it would be heavenly! Obviously my wardrobe definitely needs some assistance! I've grown my hair out and I'm learning how to take care of long locks with out looking like a pioneer woman (ya know, bun in the day, braids at night, like Laura Ingles). I'd love tips on skin care, mainly a good inexpensive moisturizer and make up tips to bring out my natural beauty. My body deserves a make over. Being 30 lbs overweight is very doable to correct. I would use a trainer and nutritionist! My home is laughable by it mismatched furniture, but it’s filled with love so we're grateful.
If you won what would you splurge on?I dare to dream so here it is!...I’d buy my hubby a new car b/c our whole marriage he’s driven junk and given me a good car. I'd buy a $250k 4 bdrm home ~2500-3k sq. ft. And all the decor to decorate it modestly. Dark brown leather couches, flat screen TV, Paint for the walls, picture frames that match. I'd get the kids new beds and a dresser and shelves for their toys and get new linens for the whole family. Bookshelves. An inexpensive up right piano to assist me in my music development. A new dining room table with actual nice chairs instead of folding chairs that are falling apart. I'd pay for my massage license for WA so I could do massages again and have a massage room in my home. I'd buy a queen bed and linens for a guest bedroom. I'd buy a BBQ grill, and patio furniture. I'd get a gym membership or buy weights to do at home and find a personal trainer. I'd restock my food storage. I'd find a way to pay this forward, so that I could assist others.
Why?
The home is the safe haven from the world. We've created the emotional and spiritual haven, now I'd like the love and tranquility to manifest in the physical realm so when you come into our home, you feel a sense of peace and safety, and BEAUTY. We love having people over and want a space big enough that we can have meals and games together. I love to have our home be the place my kid's and their friends want to hang b/c we have a fun, safe environment for them to play. I enjoy good health but I want to have the energy and stamina to run and play hard with my kids and future grandkids! So the weight deserves to come off and stay off! Plus my hubby deserves to have a Hot Mama next to him! I deserve to pay this forward b/c that's what life is about.
Why do you deserve to win?
I know who I am as an individual and through out my life I've always looked for opportunities to serve everyone around me. I truly love and care about people. I've not needed to wear the latest fashions to feel good about myself or to give me identity. I've created my own identity by just being me. I do however deserve to have my inner beauty and personality reflected on the outside of me and in my surroundings. I like to look good and fashionable. I would be humbled and honored to be blessed by such an amazing gift and I know of many ways that I can pay it forward. Thank you for taking the time to read my entry, I hope you enjoyed it. When given the opportunity whether through this or another means, I truly look forward to meeting you.
