I got a whopping 3 anonymous questions today, so since dinner is far off, I’ll take tonight’s post to answer them! Just remember you can ask me anything on my “Ask Me” page… but if you’re going to ask me what it was like to be a fat bride, (yes someone asked) don’t bother. Anonymity brings the worst out in some people, as illustrated by this favorite (albeit a bit vulgar) cartoon of mine:
So true, huh?
On to the questions:
How come you don’t do more giveaways, you could do healthy foods and cooking products.
To be completely honest, the reason I don’t do more healthy food giveaways and cooking products is because companies don’t send me the stuff. While I don’t mind occasionally giving away small things that I’m responsible for shipping, most giveaways I do involve the manufacturer or distributor sending you the prize. I’m merely a middle school Spanish teacher, and my blogging revenue does little more than assist in some of our grocery purchases. I’d love to be able to buy massive amounts of products simply to give away, it’s just not financially feasible right now. Also, I really suck at getting things out in the mail. Luckily Laura (who won my anniversary giveaway in NOVEMBER) is a friend of mine, and very patient.
As a bride, did you feel pressure to look a certain way? Did it affect your cooking/food choices at all?
ABSOLUTELY! I haven’t been what you would call “small” for a long time, but I did have this nagging little voice in the back of my head saying “you should get thin for the wedding, lose weight!” And then I went dress shopping. I found that there were dresses that looked amazing on my body at the size it was, which snapped me back to reality. That nagging feeling definitely stuck around for a while, but Adam and I joke that we were the only people to quit our diets BEFORE the wedding. Financially, as I mentioned yesterday, the $80 a month for the two of us to stay WW members wasn’t realistic anymore. We ate well on our own for a while, and then the stress of the wedding planning kicked in and it went to crap. I had less time and desire to cook, and more desire to eat what was easy, and I gained a little bit of weight. Do I wish I’d been in better shape for our wedding? Sure. But, did my size make the day any less fabulous and perfect? Absolutely not!

You might have hit on this before, but I would love to know why you chose teaching? Was it something you always wanted to do or did you realize the desire to teach as you got older?
I’m one of the few people who have always known what they wanted to do when they “grew up.” I was lucky enough to have wonderful teachers almost every year that I was in school. I remember being asked in first grade what I wanted to be when I grew up, and I said “a teacher.” I went through a brief phase in high school when I wanted to be a high school band director, but that passed quickly. The main reason I teach middle school though, is because of the amazing teachers I had in middle school. See, I wasn’t always as cool with the fact that I’m a geek as I am now. I’ve always been interested in technology, crafting, computers, and other things that weren’t “cool” in 1990-1994. There was a group of girls who decided that I was going to be their target for all things bitchy during that time. (A few of them have actually apologized in recent years, which is wonderful) My teachers saw what was happening, and took me, this skinny, short, geeky girl under their wing, and kept me busy after school so I could walk home after the girls had all left. I’m a Spanish teacher thanks to the love and support of my middle school Spanish teacher, with whom I just got reconnected. SO, in answer to your question, I’ve always known.
And, for part of Flashback Friday, I present you with my lovely 8th grade graduation portrait. Pre-boobs, pre-braces, pre-hair dye, complete with half-assed mall bangs, a floral bodysuit, and velvet choker. I am willing to bet there were zipper bottomed stone washed jeans French rolled with slouchy socks and velvet flats with this outfit too…

















You look so cute! My 8th grade picture looks far worse

Somewhere, I hope a fucktard is reading your 2nd answer and feeling like shit. Love your attitude, Mara!
Andrea of Care to Eat´s last blog ..Andrea: Need a Polar HRM?
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I agree, people think they can say anything and don’t care about who they hurt unless they are caught. I think you looked beautiful for your wedding. I still remember feeling like a princess on my wedding day, isn’t that what matters the most, how you feel inside? I like your 8th grade picture too, so different with the dark hair.
Diana´s last blog ..Rosemary Grilled Shrimp with Redwood Creek Pinot Grigio
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How cute are you!!!
I love this post. I was blessed having wonderful teachers all my life, too. In fact, many of them from as far ago as 3rd grade were at my wedding last year! I still talk to them and love them.
And re: giveaways/reviews – I love that you don’t do them. I don’t get sent anything either and I just feel like the blog world is overcome by reviews or the same giveaways over and over again!
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I had the exact same hair style, similar choker and similar shirt!
Dori´s last blog ..Strive NYC Gym Fail
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Funny…I had HORRIBLE middle school teachers, which made me not only hate middle school but also vow never to have anything to do with middle school ever again
Middle schools need positive teachers like you!
Did you grow up in IL? I went to middle and high school in Naperville and Plainfield.
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You are so honest and I love reading these answers.
Okay, I’ve got one for you…..
IF you could have anyone in the world over to dinner, who would it be and what would you make?
Lauren´s last blog ..Snowed In
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You are so cute! I love the flashback friday picture! Floral bodysuits were so popular! I had several.
I loved reading these answers in particular Mara! I had a similar experience with an english teacher and it inspired me. I hope to be in a classroom next year.
Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat)´s last blog ..Flashback Friday!
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The internet can really bring out some classy folks, huh? May that douche step in dog crap
I hated my middle school Spanish teacher, so I spent the rest of my academic life doing the French thing. Quite a shame, as I wish I could speak Spanish. I think I might see some Rosetta Stone in my future.
LOVE the 8th grade pic……. aaaahhh the 90′s, what a decade….
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Awww! Your smile looks just the same! Too cute.
Victoria´s last blog ..Baked Potato Soup
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I just noticed…you have the most intense and intelligent looking eyes. It’s the kind of eyes that make you wonder what kind of quirky and fascinating thoughts are running through your mind!

You certainly looked fabulous on your wedding!!
sophia´s last blog ..I Am What I Cook
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oh… I love love love that picture of you … your smile is contagious since early age!!!!

coco´s last blog ..IT’S HERE!!!
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love the 8th grade photo!!! mine is seriously…hellish. haha!
and i love your outlook about your wedding. i wish more brides would have that mentality, and ones like, “i’m getting to dress to fit me, not for me to fit the dress!”
Melissa S.´s last blog ..Melissa, I Have Bad News For You
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Wow, I can’t believe someone would be so rude and ask you that. Well, I guess I can believe it but I don’t want to.
I love reading these! Your 8th grade picture is so cute, as is your wedding picture.

Spiceaholic´s last blog ..Box full of goodies
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Ugh, people can be such jerks. but that photo is awesome! Oh the 90′s and the awesome hairstyles!
Beth (Mackattack)´s last blog ..Running Fool
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I cannot believe someone said that; really — I’m appalled!! Cute pic!!
And I love your wedding pic!
Melissa´s last blog ..OMFG
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Aaawwww! What a CUTE 8th grade photo! Those were the days, eh?

Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl´s last blog ..Healing with (Raw) Juices Newsletter + More Contest Alerts!
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That is so crazy someone would leave a comment like that – what the fuck?! That being said, I think you are beautiful!
We went to Seigelman’s Deli for lunch today – I got the corned beef and it was amazing!
Biz´s last blog ..Best Buffalo Chicken Chili!
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I mean this in a good way, but you look the same in that 8th grade pic!! You are so pretty.
And your wedding was gorgeous. Screw the anon assholes.
Maggie´s last blog ..East Japanese Restaurant Review & Contemplation
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I’m even more smitten with you after reading this post
That ADORABLE picture of you just about makes my life!
I can’t believe how rude some people are – that anon question was completely uncalled for. How do people live knowing that they’ve hurt someone like that? It’s so stupid!
Love the answers to your questions. I think it’s so great that you’ve always wanted to be a teacher. That passion is hard to come by and it rocks that you have it!
Have a LOVELY day!
Jenn (eating bender)´s last blog ..Stir-Friday + Guest Bender: Caroline from See Cat Run
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French rolled sounds so ooo la la! We just called them “pegged”. As in, “OHMAHGAWD Tiffany doesn’t even have her jeans pegged. And she’s supposed to be popular!”
Andrea (Off Her Cork)´s last blog ..Creamy Potato and Broccoli Soup
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Mara @ What's For Dinner? Reply:
February 8th, 2010 at 11:56 am
HAHAHA I forgot about that term!!! We called it “tight rolling” too…
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