100 things about me

1. I am the oldest child in my family. I have two sisters and a brother. We are incredibly different from one another, but they are my best friends.




2. I have lived in Utah, New York, Wisconsin and Arizona.

3. I am not a small-town girl.




4. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

5. I learned to drive a standard transmission in a Porsche, I believe my dad has finally recovered from the experience.

6. I have a reputation for being incredibly indecisive.

7. If I were to hire out two household duties: cleaning the shower and cleaning the microwave. Dread those.

8. I have been scuba diving off of the coast of Batangas in the Philippines. Also in Hawaii, Mexico and St. John’s.

9. I sweep and mop my floors on Mondays.

10. Not a big fruit fan. It’s a texture thing.

11. My body was born with a magnet inside for the sun. It literally warms me inside and out. A guilty feeling eats at me when I'm not taking advantage of a beautiful day outside. It is very possible that my body will be old and wrinkly someday (I use sunscreen everyday mom).

12. My checkbook and budget need to be balanced to the penny several times a week for me to be satisfied. It was not always that way (note: freshman year of college) but it has become a mild obsession.

13. I could watch "Friends" reruns for the rest of my life and still laugh at the same parts.

14. I lived seven blocks south of Harlem for three years. It is a fascinating place to experience, especially as a Caucasion, LDS female.

15. I used to be able to rollerblade down a super staircase at the Univ. of Utah. I have the scars on my knees to prove my dedication to the task. This not-so-bright accomplishment was done to impress a boy (there are a few not-so-bright things I have done for that not-so-bright reason).

16. I have a Master's of Science in Social Work from Columbia University.


17. I was the only girl on our high school rock climbing team (also done to impress a boy, or two..). I was actually pretty good, in case you were wondering.

18. The only pets I grew up with were fish (for short amounts of time) and a rabbit or two that I was never close with. My family got a few dogs after I left home and while I've never minded other people's dogs, I never cared about having one of my own. Then people I love dearly (bro. and sis.) decided they needed dogs and that they were as much a member of their family as I am. They have convinced me that dogs provide great healing and friendship, sometimes when people can't. I have dog hair issues (I don't like it) but am willing to ignore it when it is a dog I care about; or rather when the dog belongs to a person I care about. Don't know if that make sense to anyone but me, but it's my blog!



19. I love the rain. Especially here in Phoenix. I love the sound, the smell and the fact that it is a great excuse to have a cozy day inside.

20. I clean bathrooms and do laundry on Tuesdays.

21. There are three garage doors in the world that will never quite be the same due to the questionable driving skills I possessed as a teenager.

22. I love color. I currently have 10 different paint colors in my home (which due to my indecisive nature took months to decide on). I also enjoy brightly colored flowers, they just seem happy.

23. I enjoyed the blessing of wearing braces and headgear for 5 years.

24. I believe that human beings of any sexual orientation should have access to the same rights, privileges and courtesy’s that I enjoy.

25. My drink of choice is water, cold and without lemon.

26. If one were to say that having a C-section was a not-so-painful method of giving birth, I would think one was out of their mind.

27. I would go through the above discomfort again without question if it meant experiencing motherhood again.



28. I vacuum upstairs and empty garbage’s on Wednesdays.

29. I have been married nearly 8 years to an amazing man. Eight years is a long time. He is completely a part of me.




30. I took piano lessons for 13 years. The majority of that time I practiced one hour a day. Tamara’s orders. I don’t regret it.

31. Naps and I have always agreed with one another. I believe I’ve taken the opportunity to have a nap most days since high school. I see that changing in my future, but the hours my son sleeps will always be cherished time for me. I am off limits during nap time. You know if you’ve tried to call!

32. I will always have a soft spot for London and the ways it changed my family. And my wardrobe. Somedays I long for Hobbes and Karen Millen, however I know if they were available here I would not hold them in such high regard.



33. A sunny day, a lounge chair and the latest issue of “Real Simple,” equals a bit of heaven on earth.

34. I believe in the law of attraction.

35. Another bit of heaven: climbing into a bed at night that has clean, fresh sheets. I love clean sheets.

36. My child is a miracle in my life in many, many ways. Modern medical technology combined with divine intervention brought my baby into this world. IVF, vasa previa, a cesarian delivery and lack of breastmilk were all obstacles my child overcame to get here. He knew I needed him.



37. I don’t like guns. I understand they have their place in this world, but as a general opinion, I don’t like them.

38. I pegged my pants in sixth grade (yes, for a boy, but it was fashionable at the time!).

39. Sixth grade was also the time it was brought to my attention, by a very sensitive 11-year old boy, that I was a bit challenged in the chest region. By “a bit challenged,” I mean my nickname included the term “flatwall.” I spent a few years wishing with all my might they would grow. I have since come to appreciate the lack of breasts that are mine. Wouldn’t change them at all if given the chance. My sisters feel bad for my husband, but I was not deceptive during our courting period… he knew what he was getting (or not getting…)!

40. I use lists.

41. I am a social being. I love people, parties and conversation. I love to be where the action is and fully absorb the electricity a room full of people provides.

42. I had an incredibly guilty conscience as a child (high school years: not so much).

43. I will only eat one kind of cold cereal. It’s the only one I like, really. I have not purchased another kind cereal for myself since I left home. Cracklin’ Oat Bran. I don’t eat it enough to keep them in business, but it’s the only one I eat.



44. I believe in positive energy.

45. My favorite time of day is when Denten gets home. I love how excited Cooper is to see him each day and I love when Cooper is in bed and it’s just Dent and I. I look forward to our “debriefing” time together, when we share what went on during the day- sometimes the discussion is brief, but I love that time.

46. I vacuum downstairs on Thursdays.

47. When I first moved to NY in the fall of 2002, I thought I was going to die. I recall a moment the first week we were there when Denten, Katie and I all started crying, wondering if we had made a huge mistake. Imagine: sinking feeling in pit of stomach. We survived, and those years turned out to be incredible learning years for me.

48. I am a firm believer in moving away from home after marriage. My relationship with my husband was strengthened in NY because we had to rely on each other. We were not surrounded by family or friends we had known for years. We were each other’s best, and sometimes only, friend. We learned a lot about each other those three years and learned to love each other even more.

49. I am incredibly proud to be a Banks. I love the Robinson family, and know that is part of who I am, but I will always be a Banks inside. I love that name.

50. There are a few things that I believe will be in Heaven to greet me when I arrive. One is a molten chocolate cake with vanilla bean ice cream. It will taste just like the one in the Virgin Islands, and look just as spectacular.

51. I believe my family is surrounded by angels.

52. I overanalyze most situations.

53. I have been called a worry-wart, for pretty good reason.

54. I should be folding laundry right now. I don’t like to fold laundry, but it’s a great feeling when it’s folded and put away.

55. I don’t look forward to doing my hair or make-up in the morning, but I don’t really feel ready for the day until I do.

56. When I take the time to do my hair, I think it’s pretty.

57. My hair has been its natural color for at least 5 years.

58. Also available for me in Heaven: Marie Calendar’s Chocolate Pie. Eat it slowly, you gotta make it last.

59. I appreciate organizational systems. I get excited about projects that allow purging and organizing. I feel great satisfaction when everything has a place.

60. If I round a few corners on a scrapbook page, they all need to be rounded. I’m working on scrapbook spontaneity.

61. When I load the dishwasher, all of the knives, forks, spoons, children’s utensils and cooking paraphernalia need to be separated in their own compartments and facing the same direction. I also rinse before I load. Thanks mom.

62. I was very fortunate to marry into a deep-seeded Native culture. I am proud my son can grow up with an incredibly rich heritage.



63. While I love a new unread message in my inbox, I believe letter-writing is becoming a lost art. Receiving a hand-written note in the mail is special.

64. I have never lived near a great beach. I don’t think I married the right man for that to ever happen, but I would have made a really great beach bum. Swimming suit, flip-flops, tanning oil, perhaps even a surfboard. In another life maybe.

65. I love crossing things off of my lists.

66. I have a tendency to be a bit controlling sometimes. I have a picture in my head of how things should be and often have a hard time deviating from that picture.

67. My angels are also arranging an endless supply of Café Rio pork tacos for Denten and I after we die. I like that he likes them as much as I do.

68. My husband has taught me to value “good” Italian food. Olive Garden does not cut it my friends. In fact, if you ask D, it’s a disgrace to call what they serve “Italian.” Serving in Italy for two years raised the bar.

69. I dust my furniture and some of the blinds in my house on Fridays.

70. Cold Stone Ice cream: chocolate with coconut and almonds. Divine.



71. I will go on a cruise through Europe someday. My child will either not be with me, or will be grown. My husband will be there.

72. I have visited both Canada and Mexico. I choose Mexico. It’s warmer.

73. It took persistence for Dent to ask me out. Good thing I’m persistent. I was “not his type,” which actually I agree with, but I’m not sure what his type is. I suppose we’re proof you can marry someone “not your type” and still live happily ever after. Well, we’re working on the “ever after” part.

74. My partner and I won first place in a "Rhumba" competition when I was dancing with the ballroom team at SUU.

75. I’ve never been too keen on tomatoes until my dear friend Alicia presented me with a delightful tomato sandwich at cooking class. I have been more daring since.

76. It is amazing to me how quickly one can get through a grocery store, fulfill every item on the list and get out when minus a two-year-old.



77. I do not believe violent torture should be used on prisoners of war.

78. I do not believe that it is ok to detain a person for any reason without making said person aware of the reason they are being detained.

79. I lived in Cedar City, Utah for four years. While I gained a great education and made a handful of close friends, I’m ok not to live there again.

80. I currently change approximately 4-5 diapers a day. I currently can’t wait for potty training to click. I have resolved to be more patient on this issue.

81. I have never broken a bone aside from my toe, but have had stitches in my left foot. Riding my bike without shoes on and metal Rainbird sprinklers.. not a good combo. Also, my front left tooth is not all my own.

82. I enjoy creating delicious things in the kitchen when I am well-prepared.

83. My son thinks I’m very funny. This is new to me as I have never felt especially funny.



84. My most productive hours are in the morning.

85. I love my friends and look forward to any opportunity to be with them. They are huge blessings in my life.



86. I look forward to airplane trips, but getting ready to leave town is usually an overwhelming task. There are always lists involved.

87. I enjoy communication in any form. Letters, phone calls, emails… they’re all good. They are connections to people. Remember, I love people.

88. I like to talk on the phone while I drive. Perhaps this sounds unsafe, but it has not caused any problems as of yet. I get where I’m going so much quicker if I’m having a good conversation on the way.

89. I also like to talk on the phone while I clean. I was able to clean all my bathroom last week while talking to my mom. So much more pleasant than doing it alone!

90. Anyone recognize this man? He and his wife are amazing.


91. I appreciate that I was introduced to culture as a child. I love music and the arts. I’m grateful that I have been able to experience Broadway shows, ballets, operas, symphonies and orchestras. Music is healing.

92. I strive for my home to be a place of culture and refinement.

93. While I may not always practice proper etiquette, I’m thankful I know how to behave in various social situations. A shout out to Merrilee for saving me some embarrassment.

94. Too bad Merrilee couldn’t save me from being called “Hooter-girl” one summer while working as a counselor at a day camp. The swimming suit was just not in the right place as I emerged from the wave pool. This was realized, mind you, after having a conversation with a male co-worker. The nickname was ironic, I know, considering the non-existent state that my breasts are in.

95. I love pesto. On anything.

96. Hearing my son laugh is the best sound in the world.

97. I love that Cooper thinks that cleaning is super fun and always wants to help. I’m much more productive without his help, but the fact that he enjoys cleaning the mirrors, scrubbing the tub and emptying the dishwasher means I better take advantage of it now. I know from personal experience that excitement doesn’t last.

98. I became much more open minded after I left the state of Utah. It was a combination of being exposed to a diverse group of people while also being submerged in serving them through my schooling.

99. I also love that Cooper thinks the scriptures are great stories. He is currently in his bedroom talking about King Benjamin and his tower. Towers are very cool.

100. Aside from my husband, the person I most admire in the world is my dad. I have learned, as an adult, that he does indeed have flaws, but I think the world of him and always will. I spent a good part of my life doing things to please him. He told me recently that he was proud of me and I realized that while that meant a lot, it wasn’t the reason I do things anymore. Perhaps I’m growing up.