A reader encouraged me to a share 20 random facts about myself, so here goes! (The bolded blue type indicates the link to a post that provides more info.
1. My name is Ellie, and I am a newlywed in my early 20s who loves the Lord.
Engagement |
2. My husband–whom I refer to as Mr. Handsome–and I were married in June 2015 after a 23-month dating courtship and a three-month engagement. We were married in a church in his hometown and had an outdoor wedding reception with nearly 300 guests in my in-laws’ backyard.
3. I grew up in the suburbs of a large city, while my husband is from the country. We now live in Nashville, Tennessee (hence the name of my blog).
4. I work at home as a freelance writer.
5. I only have one sibling (a brother who is three years older), and although we are close, I always begged my parents to have more children.
Skiing with my brother (-20F) |
6. My husband is the oldest of seven, and we both hope to have a large family. (We say our range is 4-10 kids.)
7. Growing up, my family rarely went out to eat. (And by rarely, I mean less than 10 times.) My husband’s family enjoys eating out at least a few times per month, so that’s something I have had to adjust to in our marriage.
8. My family is originally from Canada, so my parents both learned to ski from an early age and passed that on to my brother and me. Starting when I was six years old, we hit the slopes almost every weekend.
Wedding |
9. We never had dogs or cats, but we did have birds. Our parakeet wasn’t trained, but we allowed him to fly free in the bathroom for a few hours per week. Our cockatiel, on the other hand, loved to sit on shoulders and give kisses.
10. Mr. Handsome is not a fan of birds, so it’s unlikely that we will ever have one.
11. Dark chocolate is my guilty pleasure.
12. I was born at 8:30pm on Easter Sunday. My mom’s labor was so quick that she was able to attend church and organize a small Easter egg hunt for my brother before heading to the hospital.
13. I only drink coffee when I have to drive long distances, but when I do, I like it black. (On the rare occasion that I receive a Starbucks gift card, I do indulge in one of their sugary lattes or iced drinks, although one can hardly consider that true coffee.)
14. I shower at night because I find it more relaxing. Is that weird?
Valentine’s Day banquet |
15. I played competitive tennis and badminton in high school. (While tennis has a steeper learning curve, badminton rallies are actually quicker and more physically demanding when playing competitively.)
16. My goal for 2016 is to read through the Bible.
17. Guacamole is my second guilty pleasure.
18. My passion for writing prompted me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in news-editorial journalism.
19. I attended a state school with more than 40,000 students but was blessed to live in a house with three dozen other like-minded Christian gals. (I bunked in a large dorm with 19 of them but somehow managed to sleep soundly every night!)
20. During college, I cooked a meal for my 36 “sisters” every week, so I’m not at all intimidated by the idea of preparing food for large crowds.
I would love to hear some random facts about you all!
Anonymous
I would love to hear more of these, and hear more about your college years!! π
Anonymous
interesting facts!!!!!!
Emily
When do you and Mr Handsome think you will have children? Love your posts! Xx
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Hi Emily,
We're not sure yet, although we don't plan to wait a super long time. For now we're just enjoying life as newlyweds and trusting God for the next step.
Blessings,
Ellie
Johnna
Oh wow!! Love those random facts. I take a bath every night and a shower every morning. The bath relaxes me and the shower invigorates me. Blessings!
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Blessings to you, too, Johnna!
Ellie
Anonymous
I enjoyed reading the facts about you. I'm a 62 yrs. young lady who recently started to draw social security. I also like dark chocolate. And once a week in the evening I put epsom salt in my tub. Fill it with hot water and soak for 1 hour. It feels heavenly and also gets rid of my aches and pains I got from cleaning my house all week. And cleaning a friends house once a week. And cleaning 6 bathrooms at my church once a week. You sound like a sweet young lady. I pray life is good to you. Take care.
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Thank you for your prayers and kind words! It sound like you keep very busy! π
Ellie
Anonymous
Thanks for sharing. Shower at nite is not weird.
Sarah Warren
Thanks Ellie! Your blog has been a pleasure to read!
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Thank you, Sarah! I'm blessed to have you as a reader.
Ellie
Carrie-Lee Hurzeler
I'm Canadian as well. By chance what province is your family from?
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Hi Carrie-Lee,
How neat! We're originally from Alberta, although we now have family members in BC, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Which province are you from?
Ellie
Anonymous
Did you grow up in Canada?
Carrie-Lee Hurzeler
I'm from Saskatchewan although my family now lives in Alberta and I live in the Arctic in Alaska.
nashvillewife@gmail.com
I only spent three years of my childhood in Canada, so I really grew up in the United States.
Ellie
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Carrie-Lee,
Thanks for sharing! We have friends who live in the far north, up where it's light all summer and dark all winter. π
Ellie
Anonymous
Hey, I live in Alaska, too! Small world!
Jessica Bishop
Awesome! Thanks for sharing about you Ellie!!
Just a few about myself… I recently had weight loss surgery and have lost 110 lbs. in 2015. I am the only child by my mom and dad, but with half and step siblings, there are about 18 of us total. I am going to school for Business Administrative Technology with a Medical Office specialization. I have spent half of my 26 years in Florida and half in Georgia, although, I feel like I'll be moving away from this area soon (or when I marry)! My grandfather was from Mt. Olive, NC, so I actually have family that work at the Mt. Olive pickle plant (and I LOVE pickles!). I absolutely LOVE the Duggars and everything that's happened is just breaking my heart. I've watched them so long and learned so much from them about God that they feel like family. I hope I'm able to meet them one day.
Hope you're having a blessed new year! Oh, and if you get a chance (or need a treat!) try IveyCake Cupcakes in Franklin or Brentwood. They are amazing!
-Jessica
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Thanks for sharing, Jessica! A friend took us to IveyCake this fall, and the pumpkin spice cupcake I bought was delicious. π
Blessings,
Ellie
Anonymous
Interesting facts about you Ellie. Once one of my daughters complained to me that I did not really know my own children. I said of course I know you, you are my children! But then she proceeded to go through some random facts to point out to me things I did not know about my own children. Anyway your ability to communicate information about yourself helps people to get to know you.
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Thanks for those words of wisdom. π
Ellie
Chandler
Ellie,
I have been wanting to make homemade laundry detergent. I found a recipe that makes two gallons instead of five. I've been looking online to see if it is safe for an HE washer. It's also the same recipe the Duggars use. Do you know if it is HE washer safe? Also the Duggars fill the clean dispenser container half way with soap and the rest with water. That is the only difference I found on their recipe compared to other ones. I think I will do the same and end up with four one gallon dispensers.
Thank you, for your help.
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Hi Chandler,
The Duggars' recipe is safe to use in HE machines, but you will not need as much soap per load. Try using half of what the recipe calls for per load, and see what happens. If there is excess soap on the clothes at the end, just run an extra rinse cycle and then use less detergent next time.
Let me know if you have any other questions. π
Ellie
Anonymous
In the black and white photo your face profile makes you two look like a female and male version of the exactly the same looking facial features, or in other words you two look alike there.
nashvillewife@gmail.com
It's funny you say that because we have had a few other people say the same thing about that photo. π
Ellie
Anonymous
I read a study once that said that it's normal to feel attracted by someone who looks like you (at least in some features or aspects ). I guess on a psychological level it's unconsciously comforting to look for "something you already know". Also, married partners and up looking more alike with time, but that depends also on having similar eating and lifestyle habits.
nashvillewife@gmail.com
How interesting! That makes perfect sense. I have definitely noticed that married couples end up looking more alike the longer they are married.
Ellie
Anonymous
That was interesting,I didn't want it to end. Random facts about me:I'm a homeschooling mom of two.
I got married at 17 years of age.
No matter how much I eat I never gain weight.
At one time I was working full time, going to school full time, and being a wife and mom.
Now I just stay home with my two boys.
My 9 year anniversary is coming up this month!!
Lily.
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Thanks for sharing. π Congratulations on your nine-year anniversary!
Ellie
Anonymous
If you like birds there is a bird rescue called Feathered Friends Forever. http://www.featheredfriendsforever.org/wp/ You could volunteer there. You should think about fostering a cat. They are great pets! And if you foster then you would be helping a pet rescue without the commitment of adopting a pet.
nashvillewife@gmail.com
I'll have to look into that. Thanks! We rescued our cockatiel from a bird sanctuary. π
Ellie
Anonymous
Interesting, Ellie! I'm the middle of seven children, have 3 brothers and three sisters, was born in Canada, my Mom is American andy Dad is English. I was raised in the country in Indiana with horses, dogs, chickens and sometimes other animals like a couple ducks, miniature donkey, birds… I love chocolate, but "try" to refrain from it most of the time:) I enjoy hiking, boating and other outdoor life. Photography is another one on my list, as well as cake decorating, diy home decorating, playing the piano, sewing and cooking (preferabley desserts). But most of all I'm a Christian, love the Lord, reading my Bible (I read it through when I was 12) and singing. π
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Thanks for sharing. I am impressed that you read through the Bible at age 12. And how neat that you are also from Canada!
I am blessed to have you as a reader.
Ellie
Anonymous
Hi! I was just wondering what's your opinion on homeschooling versus going to school. I guess that, being maried and wishing to have children, you're giving a lot of thought to things like this. π
I live in a country where everybody goes to school and I think it's very beneficial: I think that people who studied a specific subject with th specific purpose of teaching it are more qualified than a parent, who can't be an expert at everything.
But, out of genuine curiosity, what's your opinion on that?
Anonymous
Some people do better at homeschooling and some people do better at going to public school, and that's my take on it. I love being homeschooled but I know that it's not something everyone can do. Everyone learns differently.
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Hi there,
I attended public school from kindergarten through 10th grade, and I did have a good experience. We were blessed to have a fabulous public school system. (Unfortunately, that isn't always the case, as the quality of schools in the U.S. varies by district.) It wasn't until high school that I began to want something different (more in my post on homeschooling: https://www.nashvillewife.com/2015/11/my-homeschool-journey.html).
I have nothing against public schools, but I also believe that dedicated parents with a learning spirit (and quality homeschool resources, which are readily available) can provide their children a quality education.
Both my mother-in-law and sister-in-law have teaching degrees and taught in the school system before becoming stay-at-home moms. My mother-in-law has homeschooled all her children, and my sister-in-law will homeschool when her daughter is old enough.
Hope that answered your question. Feel free to respond. π
Ellie
Anonymous
Thank you for your answer, very kind of you. π Honestly I prefer regular schools, which, here in Europe, are the normal if not only, way to go. I think only child actors are homeschooled, because it's difficult to make their jobs work with going to school regularly.
I don't know the american school sistem other than from what you see on tv, but here in Highschool we study for example: math, science, latin (sometimes ancient greek too!), art history, history, philosophy, foreign langauges, modern media, as well as our maternal language and literature… So in my reality it's impossible to imagine a really qualified homeschooling system: there are so many and so different subjects that how could a single person know how to teach them?
Certainly if they have a teaching degree it's a good thing, but still I find it difficult to imagine.
Also, I read your post about homeschooling: it's true that people in their teens can be immature (especially boys), but isn't it useful as a lifeskill to learn to socialize with people who are different from you?
I don't know, I'm absolutely not criticizing, I just enjoy politely discussing and comparing opinions and realities. π
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Hi there,
I am enjoying hearing your thoughts on home education. π I do agree that homeschooling is not for everyone, so public schools are necessary.
We have cousins in Europe, and they have said that homeschooling is illegal in many countries (although not in all). It seems that your education is more of a classical education than most American public school students would receive, although it sounds very similar to the homeschool curriculum that my sisters-in-law use. They are part of a group called Classical Conversations, which includes Latin and other "classical" subjects.
I do agree that learning to interact with people who are different is an essential life skill. Before leaving public school, I weighed the pros and cons, and my parents and I decided that the pros of homeschooling outweighed the cons in my situation.
As a homeschool student, I was able to be more efficient in my students, which gave me time not only to socialize but also to babysit, work in an orthodontics office, study under an interior designer, and develop my blog. Some teenagers would have preferred to stay in school, but I thoroughly enjoyed my two years as a homeschooler. π
Ellie
Anonymous
Very interesting. You always learned something when you talk to someone with a different experience. π
I can imagine that the personality and character (if that's the right word) of the student can have a huge impact on how homeschooling to. If they're very hard-working and interested in studying the experience can probably help better administrate their time, while if they are a bit lazy it can be difficult to handle.
Anyway, thanks for the discussion! π
nashvillewife@gmail.com
I enjoyed our discussion, as well!
The personality and character of a student would definitely have an impact. And there are plenty of kids who love public school and would not enjoy being homeschooled, and that's okay. To each their own.
Please continue to share comments on my future posts. It's fascinating to hear the perspective of someone from a different country. π
Ellie
Anonymous
Random input: I have been homeschooled all my life, and one thing I say when people ask me what I like about it is how flexible the schedule can be. If a death or some emergency comes up, you don't have to worry about missing school – you can take it with you or simply catch up later! It also allows you to work at your own pace, so if you are a fast worker, you graduate early. And one more plus… you can camp (or vacation) when no one else is, because they are all in school!
Cassie
That was interesting to read! I'm the oldest girl and second oldest child of 9 kids. We are Christians. I enjoy singing, playing piano, and I'm currently enjoying teaching myself violin! I love chocolate myself! I just turned 16 recently so I'm really enjoying driving! I enjoy sports such as volleyball, badminton, frisbee, etc. even though I'm not that good at them! Lol! I'm used to making large meals and baking, not to mention taking care of children! I've been cleaning an elderly lady's house from church since I was 11 years old, and babysitting a neighbors sone when I was 14, and when he was only 4 months old. I'm homeschooled and lord willing I will graduate this year, a year early!
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Thanks for sharing, Cassie! I played violin in elementary and middle school, so I know how difficult it is. Good for you! You sound like a hard worker. π
Ellie
Federica
Thank you Ellie! Some random facts about me: I am Italian, speak 5 languages, have lived in and traveled to all continents except Antarctica, but my favorite of all being the USA, I chose to make my permanent home here. Over the years, I lived in the West Coast, in the South, and since a few years, I am happily settled in the nation's capital. I am a career woman and vowed I would never marry, but God had a different plan for me, and I will be marrying the best man in the world in a few months, two days shy of my 35th birthday. It is truly humbling to witness God's hand at work, and it is really true that (par.) we may make plans, but the Lord determines the steps (Proverbs 16:9).
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Hi Federica,
That's impressive that you speak five languages and have lived in so many places. Thank you for sharing your love story. Congratulations on your engagement! May God bless you and your man!
Ellie
marta
Hey Ellie!! So..random facts about me:
1. Born and raised in a small town of northern Italy
2. I'm in med school…hopefully graduating in 7-9 months
3. Lonely traveler..my greatest adventure was flying to New York City by myself when I was 23
4. I enjoy knitting even if cross-stich is my passion
5. My goal for the 2016 is to enjoy every moment π
I wish you and your family all the best!! Happy new year you all π π
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Thanks for allowing me to get to know you, Marta. Happy New Year to you, as well!
Ellie
Shela G
Enjoyed the random facts you shared. You asked so here are some random things about me. 1. I graduated from Christ For The Nations. 2. I did not get married until I was 36. 3. I am an only child. 4. I love children but am unable to have any of my own. I find joy and fulfillment in working with kids at church. 5. We have 2 dogs and 1 cat. 6. I am not a morning person a shower is what wakes me up.
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Thanks for sharing, Shela! And thanks for being such a loyal reader. π
Ellie
Anonymous
Fact, I enjoy reading your blog a lot more than the Duggars blog. I know you write them both, but I am almost to the point where I can't stand reading about them anymore. They seem so fake now, but you seem real and genuine. Thank you for writing Nashville Wife.
nashvillewife@gmail.com
I'm glad to hear that you are enjoying Nashville Wife. π
Ellie
Anonymous
Ehi, I forgot to ask you? What are your favorite books and authors? Do you like Jane Austen? She's oe of my favourites!
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Hi there,
I haven't had time to sit down and read a novel since our wedding, but I read several Jane Austen books in high school and loved them. Mr. Handsome and I often listen to audio books while we drive to visit our family, although the most recent ones have not been very good.
Blessings,
Ellie
Anonymous
Nice to hear you appreciated Jane Austen! She was so good at describing feelings and the inner troubles and joys of one's heart and mind; and she made that with a really bright irony and a critical eye on her society and what was wrong at the time. It's unbelievable that she wrote her books 200 years ago but they are still so relevant and modern nowadays.
Anonymous
Thanks Ellie for sharing facts about yourself. I enjoyed getting to know you a little better. A few things about me…I have been married for twelve years. We have four very handsome boys, ages seven months old up to ten years old. I enjoy homeschooling three of them. On our free time we like playing in the snow, hiking in the mountains, kayaking, and fixing up our house. I enjoy spending time creating healthy, delicious vegan meals for my family in the kitchen. π
Liz from Southern California
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Thanks for sharing, Liz! We also enjoy outdoor activities. π
Ellie
Odie Boggs
Interesting facts. I enjoy reading your blog. My name is Andrea but go by Odie. I am 30 and I'm an only child. On two more states to visit and I will have all 50 states. I love sauerkraut. Orange is my favorite color.
Odie
http://www.boggsblogs.com
nashvillewife@gmail.com
I'm thrilled to have you as a reader, Odie, and I enjoyed browsing your website!
Ellie
Anonymous
Chocolate is the best!!! Guacamole you can eat without guilt though, avacados are great "brain food" and a healthy fat. π
Anonymous
Hi Ellie,
I was wondering if you will post your brothers wedding?
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Hi there,
My brother's wedding is not until the end of this year, but I plan to post pictures. π
Ellie
Anonymous
This was very interesting!!!! Thank you for all the hard work you put into taking time to write this blog!!!!! It is one of my favorites!!!! Love it!!! Hope your year is great!!!!!! Love ya!!
nashvillewife@gmail.com
It's my pleasure! I'm glad to hear that you enjoy my blog. π
Blessings,
Ellie
Aaron Fedrick
Thanks for sharing Ellie! I love your sweet and genuine blog.
Some random facts about me:
I live in Australia
I'm 37 years old and have been married 6 years and love it
I love to travel and have been blessed to go on mission trips in India, USA, Sri-Lanka and Indonesia
My guilty pleasure is raw organic chocolate
I love summer
My favourite place is the beach
I work as an administration officer for a missions organisation
Thanks Ellie, have a great day!
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Hi Robyn!
I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying my blog. I've always wanted to visit Australia, but it's just so far away. Maybe we'll make it there someday. π I've never tried raw organic chocolate, but it sounds delicious! Do you buy it from a health foods store?
Ellie
Aaron Fedrick
P.S. Just realised I'm logged in as my husband, my name is Robyn, not Aaron lol. The joys of technology… π
Anonymous
I am Canadian!
I love chocolate too (maybe a little too much)
I love wildlife, hiking, and the great outdoors – it is my dream to spend some time doing a long distance hike before I have kids
I am not married yet but I have been dating a really fabulous guy for 4 years
Someday we hope to buy a farm – I would love to have bees and sugar maples (for syrup!)
I have an MSc in biology
I like to read your blog (and others) because I think it is great to see life from different perspectives – the world will be a better place if we can all be kind and understanding!
Happy New Year Ellie – wishing you the best in 2016!
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Thanks for sharing your random facts! I'm glad to have you as a reader.
Blessings,
Ellie
Anonymous
Random Fact: I don't have pinky toenails! My mom didn't, two of her sisters didn't, my grandmother didn't, and several of my girl cousins. The first thing I asked when my little girl was born was, "does she have pinky toenails?!?!" She does! I was shocked π —-Stephanie Swift
nashvillewife@gmail.com
How interesting! I don't think I've ever heard of that.
Blessings,
Ellie
Luann
Here ya go;
http://habeckerlife.blogspot.com/2012/03/some-little-things-about-me.html
nashvillewife@gmail.com
I enjoyed reading your random facts, Luann. Thanks! π
Ellie
Anonymous
Thank you for sharing. I really enjoy your blog.
A random fact about myself that always seems to surprise people. I was born and raised and Switzerland and do not know how to ski.
Greetings from Canada! JB
nashvillewife@gmail.com
That is a interesting fact, JB. I suppose it would be easy to assume that everyone who lives in Switzerland can ski. Did you do other activities in the mountains, such as hiking?
Thanks for reading my blog!
Ellie
Anonymous
It's so relaxing to shower at night, my only problem is I hate sleeping on wet hair/wet pillow! I never blow dry π Also you are not getting the days grime into your sheets!
Love that you want a large family!
nashvillewife@gmail.com
I agree that sleeping on wet hair isn't the greatest feeling. I did that throughout my childhood, but now I blow dry my hair before bed. π
Blessings,
Ellie
Anonymous
This was an interesting read. One thing I was wondering about, after reading this and a few of your other posts, is why do you and your husband try to be so frugal? Not that it's a strange thing to do but your husband probably makes a decent income as a dentist, and it's just the two of you. So what drives you to try to spend so little?
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Hi there,
I'm glad you found it interesting! There are a few reasons why we choose to live frugally. We believe in being good stewards of our money, since it all belongs to God. The more we save, the more we can give. We are also saving up to someday buy a house and a dental practice. And we hope to have a large family. π
Ellie
Anonymous
How is reading through the bible going Ellie? Quite the undertaking!
nashvillewife@gmail.com
I'm still plugging along, although I'm a little bit behind. Thanks for asking. π
Blessings,
Ellie