9.16.2015

32

Today marks the third anniversary of my 29th birthday (see what I did there?), and while it will likely be a pretty typical day for us I thought it would be fun to share 32 facts about me. Plus, these kind of posts are my favorite, and since it's my birthday, why not?!

1. My full name is Desirée Joy Macke. Often I'm called Des or D.

2. I'm surprised at how often my last name is mispronounced. So often I hear it pronounced Mac (like the truck). But the "e" isn't silent, so it's pronounced mack-EE.

3. I was born and raised in Iowa, but lived in two different towns. Growing up I always thought I wanted to leave. Now, nothing is better than going home. 
4. I've known my best friend literally my entire life. We went to the same baby sitter as infants. Hi, Amy!
5. My first car was a 1997 teal, two door Chevy Cavalier. It didn't have power locks or windows, but it had a sunroof. I freaking loved that car. 
6. In school I played volleyball and softball. Softball was by far my favorite (I was the 2nd basemen). 

7. Hindsight - I should have run cross country in high school. But, back then I thought I hated running. It wasn't until much later that I learned I just hated running short distances (ie. sprints). 

8. I participated on a swim team for eight years. My favorite stroke was butterfly.

9. I attended Iowa State University (GO CYCLONES) for 4.5 years, majoring in Journalism and Mass Communications, with an emphasis in television broadcast. I minored in Sociology.  
10. Aside from an internship and this blog, I haven't really done anything with my degree.

11. Growing up I always thought I was going to be a veterinarian. Then I took biology and chemistry. Nope. 

12. My dad has worked in the radio industry my entire life. In high school I worked for him as an evening and weekend announcer. It was a huge influence in my decision to go into journalism. 

13. For 12 years I participated on a synchronized swimming team. 

14. It wasn't until I was 24 that I discovered my love for running longer distances. 

15. My first road race was a half marathon. I figured go big or go home. After I crossed the finish line I was exhausted and hooked.

16. 16 is my favorite number.

17. In college I held multiple jobs: water aerobics instructor, pool manager, lifeguard, environmental specialist (just a fancy term for janitor - it was the least glamorous job of all time), and veterinary kennel attendant. 

18. Before I married Scott I never thought I would have kids. 

19. Now, my kids are my world. 
20. Scott and I met playing on an intramural softball team for the city we worked for (he was a police officer, I was the aquatics coordinator). 

21. When I was 27 I was in a pretty wicked car accident. The accident wasn't my fault...
22. Said car accident resulted in my first stitches and broken bones.
23. Thanks to that accident I now have two metal plates and 12 screws in my right arm.
24. When I first moved to L.A. I taught private swimming lessons in people's personal backyard pools. I occasionally lifeguarded as well. At one private pool party I worked Molly Ringwald was in attendance and blew my whistle to get her daughter's attention. I still have that whistle. 
25. Since living in L.A. the only other celeb sightings I've seen are David Spade, Daniel Tosh, Jere Burns, and Neal McDonough. Scott once saw Mark Whalberg at a Mass that I didn't attend (I'm still kicking myself for that one). 
26. I'm a huge Kansas City Chiefs and Royals fan. 

27. Never in a million years did I think I would be a domestic engineer (most call it SAHM). While I don't plan to do this forever I'm truly amazed at how much joy I've gotten from such an important role.

28. I have one younger brother - Tyler. He's 27 and he's single (hey ladies!). 
29. My favorite songs of all time are classic oldies: Paint it Black by the Rolling Stones and Tiny Dancer by Elton John. 

30. Though I'm a born and raised Iowan I don't eat beef or pork. But, give me all the sweet corn. 

31. I had no idea blogging would introduce me to some of the greatest ladies I know. Many I've never met in real life, but still consider some of my closest friends. 

32. 31 was great, but I'm pretty sure 32 will be the best year, yet! 
Cheers to this year and all it has to offer!

20 comments:

  1. Happy, happy birthday!!!!! Loved getting to know more about you! And love that we are so close in age!

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  2. Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    It's so fun to learn more about our favorite bloggers! =)

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  3. Happy birthday!!!!! Love these kind of posts. Is your brother still in Iowa? I have a single friend...but she's here in KC with me. :)

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  4. I didn't know you don't eat beef or pork. I don't know why that surprises me but it does. Also, I just sent you a birthday text. It's 6:39AM.... I'm hoping you are up with Julia and not because of my text. OOPS! Love you friend! Happy Birthday!

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  5. WOOHOO! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Loved this post! So many things.
    Umm worst friend EVER. Totally thought your last name was Mac and not Mack-EE! So embarrassed!
    That is so crazy and so awesome that you and your best friend have literally known each other since you were practically born!
    And you didn't want kids before you met Scott? That's so crazy to me because you are like the best mom ever and you can truly see how much you love being a mom and the love you have for your kids!
    I had no idea you didn't like running from like day 1. So crazy your love only started 8 years ago!
    Also kinda jealous of all your celebrity sightings! Don't forget the Bachelor guys at IKEA! :)

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  6. Happy birthday! I played second base as well when I played softball. All the cool people play second base. :)

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  7. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Last year I celebrated the 10th anniversary of my 21st birthday. I plan on doing the same thing this year. 10th anniversary of my 22nd birthday. As for #2, guilty!

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  8. I love this! I was planning on doing one for my 30th and now I got to lol. What a scary accident Im so glad it was only your arm. Talk about random celebrities, when I lived in SD I once sold movie tickets to Joe Simpson and Ryan Cabrera and didnt even recognize them haha! So you and Scott share a birthday month?! Thats adorable! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DESIREE!!!

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  9. Ok, Paint It Black is on my top ten list of greatest songs of all time! But I think you knew I loved oldies so that shouldn't come as too big of a surprise. And I am beyond jealous of your time on the radio! Sunday afternoon's our local station played Dick Bartley's show from 1-5 and I wanted nothing more than to DJ just so I could sit and listen to that show all afternoon! The only reason I never applied was b/c we went to mygma's for Sunday dinner most weekends and I was afraid of missing out. I still tell Andy I should apply for their weekend gig. :)

    Loved your list of facts - Happy Birthday!!!

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  10. Happy birthday!!! Love these kinds of posts. It's so fun to see how different people are and what makes them unique!

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  11. I've been one of those who have pronounced your last name wrongly! But now I know differently!

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  12. You did all the sports ever! Basically.
    Did Scott want kids and that changed your mind? Or, maybe you were like 'that guy...he'd make really cute babies'? =)
    I'm cringing at the metal plates and screws.
    hahah 28. does he read the blog? Think he is cringing?

    Happy Birthday!!! Always enjoy these type posts.

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  13. Happy Birthday!!! I love all these facts! So cool that you were so into swimming! I honestly hope Henry joins the swim team! I also want to know what made you change your mind about having kiddos! You're such a fabulous mom!

    Your poor x-rays! I have never (knock on wood) broken a bone. I can't imagine the pain!

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  14. Haha the brother plug. Is he going to kill you?

    I loved 30 so much that I will soon celebrate the 2nd anniversary of my 30th birthday.

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY friend. I just think you are the best. So glad to have "met" you.

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  15. Happy Birthday to you!!! I swear that at one point we will meet in real life. You would have thought four trips to CA this year would have done it... I guess it will be the fifth trip!?!!

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  16. Happy happy birthday!! I love these kinds of posts, and I totally thought your last name was pronounced Mac too :) Ouch to that car accident! I love that you were on a synchronized swim team- that's pretty cool. Just out of curiosity, what made you move to California from Iowa?

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  17. First of all happy belated birthday!! I finally got around to checking out your blog and I love this post, I feel like I know you a little better now :) My birthday is also September 16th! Can't wait to follow along more!

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  18. Go Royals!
    Chiefs too although I'm still trying to get over last night

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  19. happy late birthday! sorry I wasn't around on the actual day. loved the facts!

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  20. Happy belated birthday! I had an unpronounceable maiden name and my married name is even worse for pronouncing--except for people who speak Spanish...considering I live in Southeast Asia, that's not many people I know. I just spell it, I don't say it, whenever I need to give my name or sign up for anything.
    When I was growing up I thought I would go to engineering school like my mom and dad. Then I took calculus in high school and decided...never mind.

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