What Women Think

Written by Bakersfield Magazine

Amy Smith

Age 41, Foundation Associate, San Joaquin Community Hospital

How old were you when you had your first crush? Who was it? I think my first crush was Shaun Cassidy who was on The Hardy Boys. About the same time, he had the #1 hit “Da Doo Run Run.” What a cutie...wonder what happened to him?

Did you ever get away with anything as a teen? I was pretty “tame” as a teenager. The worst thing I can remember doing that my parents (I think) never heard about was playing flashlight tag in some new construction up in the hills above where I lived (Sonoma County). We were caught by security and I accidentally left our “good” family flashlight there. I was terrified that somehow they would track me down since my mother had so diligently written “Powell” (my maiden name) in nail polish on the flashlight!

Were you a tomboy or a girly girl growing up? I suppose I would consider myself always a girly girl, although I did win a nail hammering contest at our local county fair when I was little. I drove the nail into a piece of wood completely straight. Don’t think I could now though.

What did you want to be when you grew up? I always knew I would be a mother and do something to help people.

Name three things you'd have to take with you into space? First and foremost, my iPhone since it contains the three things I’d really want: photos of my family, something good to read, and the ability to check e-mail. In addition, some good chocolate and a camera would be fantastic.

Most embarrassing thing to happen to you on a date: Zane and I were in a car accident! It was our first date (really!) and we were just getting out of the car, when a drunk driver hit another car that lost control and slammed into my new Honda Civic! Zane pulled me out of the way of the on-coming car so after that (and about five more years of dating), I married him.

What's your favorite video on YouTube? I really don’t have a favorite. My son (Christopher, 16) is always showing me funny ones.

Worst pick up line you've ever heard: I’ve been married for almost nineteen years, so I can’t even remember any!

When a woman says “maybe,” she really means: I really need to go discuss this with my girlfriends, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.

What do you love most about men? In general, I think most men are good people. I think that they want to love someone special, have children, and have a good life.

What do you like least about men? I think that some men have a very immature view of what their “perfect” woman is. Sorry guys, Ken already married Barbie...she’s not available.

What is your version of the perfect Girls' Night Out? Dinner, great conversation, and movies with friends.

Whose poster was on your wall when you were growing up? Shaun Cassidy and The Bay City Rollers.

What's the best thing you've ever said to get out of a relationship? I’m married.

If you could be CEO of any company, which would it be and why? Well, I’m already the CEO of “The Smith Family company” which keeps me pretty busy (wink, wink). I suppose that if I had to pick something, I’d like to be the CEO of a large family foundation that gives out millions to charitable causes. (I have my resume ready anytime!)

If you found $100 in your jeans you didn't know was there, what would you do with it? After doing a “happy dance,” I’d probably wonder what I had forgotten to pay! I’d probably save it for vacation.

If you could go on a date with any celebrity, who would it be and why? I think I’d pick Dan Brown (author of DaVinci Code and The Lost Symbol). I really enjoy his books and I think he’d be fascinating to have dinner and a long conversation with.

When you shop, do you go in with a list or do you have to look at everything? I’d like to say that I’m always prepared with a list, but honestly, I end up looking at everything to see if there are any good deals!

If you only had one song to listen to for the rest of your life, what would it be? When my kids were little, I would sing “Baby Mine” (from Dumbo) to them. That part of the movie still makes me tear-up!

Any tattoos? Does Mom know? Nope.

If you could travel to any time period, which would it be and why? I’d love to go back and meet my maternal grandparents when they were young. They fled Estonia (near Finland) during the Soviet Occupation of their country and immigrated to the United States when my mother was five. I would have loved to have met them before they had to start their new lives.

How do you keep romance alive? Zane and I love to have dates where it’s just the two of us. We always promise to not talk about the kids, but it always happens anyway! We usually have dinner out and go to a movie. I also have to say that Zane knows that one of my “love languages” is gifts, so he frequently brings me a special gift from Sweet Surrender such as a necklace or ring.

Ashley Vorhees

Age 27, Business Development Director, AHA

How old were you when you had your first crush? Who was it? I was 7 years old. He was my uncle's best friend and to show my undying love for him, I braided him friendship bracelets. I know, friendship bracelets, but hey, I was 7!

Did you ever get away with anything as a teen? I was as perfect as they come as a teenager. (My mom reads this magazine, so, I'm not going to relinquish all my secrets.)

Were you a tomboy or a girly girl growing up? I am your typical girly girl stereotype—make-up wearin', talk too much, gossip-lover, attitude queen all wrapped into one.

What did you want to be when you grew up? A princess. What would any other girl want to be?

Name three things you'd have to take with you into space. Chocolate, a good book, and a bottle of wine!

What's your favorite video on YouTube? “Why first time moms lose their mind” by Mompetition. All mothers can relate!

Worst pick up line you've ever heard: “Are your legs tired? Because you’ve been running through my mind all day.”

When a woman says “maybe,” she really means: She knows exactly what she wants, she just doesn’t want to say what she’s really thinking. We can be so complicated at times!

What do you love most about men? That they’re simple and can tell you exactly what they want (at least most men anyway as there are a few exceptions).

What is your version of the perfect Girls' Night Out? Some good drinks and a dance floor!

Whose poster was on your wall when you were growing up? Jordan from New Kids On The Block!

What's the best thing you've ever said to get out of a relationship? This really is no April Fool's joke...

If you could be CEO of any company, which would it be and why? American Heart Association! Because raising money and creating awareness for cardiovascular disease and stroke, the #1 and #3 killers of all Americans, is rewarding work. I love being a part of something that makes a difference!

If you found $100 in your jeans you didn't know was there, what would you do with it? Donate it to the American Heart Association. Every dollar makes a difference!

If you could go on a date with any celebrity, who would it be and why? Ryan Reynolds. He is funny, charming, and very yummy to look at!

When you shop, do you go in with a list or do you have to look at everything? I have to look at everything.

If you only had one song to listen to for the rest of your life, what would it be? “The Dance” by Garth Brooks.

Any tattoos? Does Mom know? Nope. I could never come to terms with branding my body with something I would have for the rest of my life.

If you could travel to any time period, which would it be and why? I would love to be there at the time Christ was born and be witness to the many miracles he performed on those who believed in him.

How do you keep romance alive? Always surprising my husband either with little love notes, small gifts, or unexpected affection always keeps it alive in my house.

Beth Brookhart Pandol

Age 52, Marketing Director, Bakersfield Museum of Art

How old were you when you had your first crush? Who was it? Second grade—Davey Jones from The Monkees.

Did you ever get away with anything as a teen? I was pretty good at popping the screen off my bedroom window and sneaking out. I don’t think my parents knew but my grandma knew and never said anything. That’s because she probably did the same thing...grandma was a pistol.

Were you a tomboy or a girly girl growing up? Both! I wanted to play football, I played softball, and I played with Barbies. I’m still a huge football fan. Go Broncos.

What did you want to be when you grew up? I really had no clue.

Name three things you'd have to take with you into space? A bible, an iPod, my curling iron.

Most embarrassing thing to happen to you on a date: I slipped on wet concrete and fell down some steps at an amusement park.

What's your favorite video on YouTube? The one in the Belgian train station where everyone starts dancing to “Do, Re, Mi.”

Worst pick up line you've ever heard: I’ve been with my husband for so long that I can’t remember.

When a woman says “maybe,” she really means: Try harder, buddy.

What do you love most about men? I love when they are direct and to the point; not wishy-washy.

What do you like least about men? They sometimes fail to pay attention to small details.

What is your version of the perfect Girls' Night Out? A few bottles of wine, nice music, and lots and lots of good conversation—not gossip.

Whose poster was on your wall when you were growing up? A Peanuts cartoon of Lucy.

What's the best thing you've ever said to get out of a relationship? “Hey maybe you should call my dad instead of me since all you seem to want to do is talk sports with my dad.”

If you could be CEO of any company, which would it be and why? Martha Stewart Inc. How fun would that be to be able to work around all that creativity?

If you found $100 in your jeans you didn't know was there, what would you do with it? Give it to my husband because I probably “borrowed” it from him.

If you could go on a date with any celebrity, who would it be and why? I am not a Hollywood celebrity fan but I would love to visit with Charles Krauthammer from The Washington Post. I think he’s brilliant.

When you shop, do you go in with a list or do you have to look at everything? I have a list in my head but I get distracted and look at everything with a sale sign over it.

If you only had one song to listen to for the rest of your life, what would it be? “Love Shack” by the B-52s.

Any tattoos? Does Mom know? Ick—no.

If you could travel to any time period, which would it be and why? The Renaissance. It was an amazing time and so many beautiful artworks were created then. It would have been fascinating to see, especially to observe Leonard da Vinci. What a guy!

How do you keep romance alive? My husband and I like to travel and we have a lot of fun together. He’s my best friend.

Dianne Hoover

Age 50+, Director, Bakersfield Recreation and Parks Department

How old were you when you had your first crush? Who was it? So long ago, I really do not remember. Maybe college.

Did you ever get away with anything as a teen? Living in the country with no car, you really do not have a chance to do much that your parents won’t find out about. We toilet papered a friend’s house, but had to clean it up because everyone knew who did it. That pretty much cured me of pranks.

Were you a tomboy or a girly girl growing up? Has anything changed? Definitely a tomboy—nothing has changed.

What did you want to be when you grew up? Seriously, I wanted to be a parks and recreation director; especially once I found out that there was an actual profession for creating places and programs for people to enjoy the outdoors and to be introduced to new and different activities.

Name three things you'd have to take with you into space? My tennis shoes, to see how high I could jump; my swimsuit, just in case there was water to swim in; and tea bags for mornings.

Most embarrassing thing to happen to you on a date: It was a very crowded room and my date and I were trying to move to a less crowded area when he accidentally hit my hand, which held a full glass of cola. It just so happened that the person who received the majority of the spill was my former boyfriend’s date. I was mortified at the time; I never saw any of them again, including my own date.

What's your favorite video on YouTube? As a rule, I don’t watch YouTube, but my friend sent me one of a guy at a small pond trying to waterski on a flat board behind a riding lawn mower. Seriously.

Worst pick up line you've ever heard: In the frozen food section of the grocery store. “I could thaw that out for you if you want.” I walked away before I heard anything else. Seriously, a long time ago.

When a woman says “maybe,” she really means: Just maybe she wants to think about it—not yes, not no, just maybe.

What do you love most about men? They can open any jar in the kitchen.

What do you like least about men? They make it look so easy.

What is your version of the perfect Girls' Night Out? Go see a movie and talk through the night.

Whose poster was on your wall when you were growing up? None; it was not permitted.

What's the best thing you've ever said to get out of a relationship? Just the truth. I was not creative when it came to that point.

If you could be CEO of any company, which would it be and why? Ford Motor Company so my husband can get the Mustang he wants without worrying about the cost.

If you found $100 in your jeans you didn't know was there, what would you do with it? Most likely buy a gift or two to give away.

If you could go on a date with any celebrity, who would it be and why? I would take my husband for a double date with President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. They both care about healthy lifestyles and the First Lady supports healthy eating and exercise, especially for children.

When you shop, do you go in with a list or do you have to look at everything? It depends on how much time I have and whether I am on vacation or on a mission.

If you only had one song to listen to for the rest of your life, what would it be? Whatever I choose, I would have to turn it off because I know I would hate it after awhile.

Any tattoos? Does Mom know? Definitely not.

If you could travel to any time period, which would it be and why? When the American west was first being explored, it would have been great to be among the first to see Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon and have abundant wildlife, clean air, and clean water.

How do you keep romance alive? My husband brings me flowers every week, so I will ask him.

Janelle Capra

Age 37, Director, Children’s Miracle Network at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital

How old were you when you had your first crush? Who was it? My first crush was over Bo Duke played by John Schneider. I was seven years old when The Dukes of Hazzard was a popular TV show (don’t judge, you know you liked it too). I remember clipping out all of his pictures from TV Guide and other magazines and putting them all over my room. Who would’ve ever guessed that years later because of my chosen profession, I would meet John Schneider (CMN Co-Founder) in person at a CMN national conference. And, to my surprise, John returned my affection with a kiss on the cheek. Talk about a full circle moment!

Did you ever get away with anything as a teen? Nope. I was a “good girl”…for the most part. I do remember trying to sneak off to a party when I was a freshman in high school, but parents of my friends saw me and told my mom before I got home. Let’s just say, I was grounded for a bit after that one.

Were you a tomboy or a girly girl growing up? I was definitely more of a girly girl and even had the nickname of “Prissacerio” which was a play off of “prissy” and my maiden name Primicerio. However, there was a time in grade school when I was sort of “tomboyish” and even went as Darth Vader along with my friend as Yoda for Halloween.

What did you want to be when you grew up? I remember wanting to have a talk show like Oprah. I believe that I’ve been given the gift of gab and would like to put those “super powers” to good work! Who knows...maybe with Oprah’s new network, there’s still time to make that dream a reality.

Name three things you'd have to take with you into space? Bible, iPod, and grande, non-fat, no whip café mocha.

Most embarrassing thing to happen to you on a date: I was once on a “date” when my ex-boyfriend just happened to show up at the same place! Needless to say, “three’s not company!”

What's your favorite video on YouTube? Cat’s Playing Patty Cake and What They’re Saying posted by Justin C. Elliott.

Worst pick up line you've ever heard: “You must be exhausted because you’ve been running through my mind all night”…yeah, gross!

When a woman says “maybe,” she really means: Not gonna happen.

What do you love most about men? Simplicity: food, sports, “bed”…repeat.

What do you like least about men? Poor listening skills. “Can you hear me now?”

What is your version of the perfect Girls' Night Out? Gotta love a good GNO! My favorite would be a spa getaway weekend…ooh, la, la.

Whose poster was on your wall when you were growing up? Okay, so you already know that there was John Schneider. But I also had posters of Ricky Schroeder, Kirk Cameron, and Wonder Woman.

What's the best thing you've ever said to get out of a relationship? “I’ve been thinking about going out with your twin…”

If you could be CEO of any company, which would it be and why? I would be CEO of Mattel because they need to get back-to-basics and build better toys like they used to. The Barbie Dream House is a perfect example. I would show them the one that I still have (somewhere in my mom’s garage) and compare it to the one they make now and ask, “Hellooo, what’s the problem here?”

If you found $100 in your jeans you didn't know was there, what would you do with it? Uh, duh! Mama needs a new pair of shoes!

If you could go on a date with any celebrity, who would it be and why? Okay, okay, so you probably thought I was going to say John Schneider. But that just wouldn’t be right as he’s married with kids and I’m married with kids. Oh, you mean just a “pretend” date? Well, then I’d have to say David Beckham. I know, he’s married with kids too…but he’s just so darn hot!

When you shop, do you go in with a list or do you have to look at everything? It depends. Groceries definitely warrant a list; however, I’m very capable of shopping “list-free” to hunt for clothes, shoes, handbags, make-up, etc.

If you only had one song to listen to for the rest of your life, what would it be? Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s “Somewhere Over The Rainbow.”

Any tattoos? Does Mom know? Nope. See above regarding “good girl.”

If you could travel to any time period, which would it be and why? I would first travel back to the 1960s to spend the day with Audrey Hepburn as she filmed the iconic roles of Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. Then to the 1980s to spend time with her as she traveled the world helping children as UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassador. We would talk about her family, life, career, and probably do a little dancing, too.

How do you keep romance alive? Whisper compliments in his ear. Works every time!

Laura Lollar Wolfe

Age 49, Interim Executive Director, Arts Council of Kern

How old were you when you had your first crush? Who was it? About 12...I’ll never tell who.

Did you ever get away with anything as a teen? As the mother of a freshman in college and freshman in high school, I choose not to answer this one!

Were you a tomboy or a girly girl growing up? Somewhere in between...haven’t changed much

What did you want to be when you grew up? Publicist to the stars.

Name three things you'd have to take with you into space? Video camera, favorite foods (freeze-dried of course), business cards.

What's your favorite video on YouTube? “Candelight”—The Maccabeats

When a woman says “maybe,” she really means: Probably not.

What is your version of the perfect Girls' Night Out? Just completed a perfect girls’ weekend with college friends in Santa Monica. Food, drink, laughter, shopping. Girls night out in Bakersfield is usually Happy Hour at Goose Loonies or Tahoe Joe’s, with all of the above except shopping.

Whose poster was on your wall when you were growing up? Bobby Sherman.

What's the best thing you've ever said to get out of a relationship? “It’s not you, it’s me...”

If you could be CEO of any company, which would it be and why? Google…you have the power to influence the world and have an intense but fun team to work with.

If you found $100 in your jeans you didn't know was there, what would you do with it? Treat the Arts Council staff to Happy Hour!

If you could go on a date with any celebrity, who would it be and why? Prince William…he seems like such a gentleman and I’m sure we would go somewhere exciting.

When you shop, do you go in with a list or do you have to look at everything? I have a list, but am open to surprises.

If you only had one song to listen to for the rest of your life, what would it be? “Power and the Passion” by Midnight Oil.

Any tattoos? Does Mom know? No! But my son surprised me by getting one, but not until he was 18.

If you could travel to any time period, which would it be and why? The Future: the year 2222. I am so curious to see how our technology overload is going to turn out.

How do you keep romance alive? I laugh at my husband’s jokes.

Lisa Plank

Age 43, Vice President/Director of Public Relations & Community Affairs for BARC

How old were you when you had your first crush? Who was it? Right out of the gate with an embarrassing question! I was in 4th grade and my family had just moved to Bakersfield. While we were looking for a house I attended Roosevelt Elementary for half the school year where my first crush was a boy named Matt Earls. I’m sure he never even knew and I certainly hope he doesn’t live in town anymore so that there’s no chance of him seeing this.

Did you ever get away with anything as a teen? I was a pretty straight arrow. Other than having too much to drink at a party (or two...) and having to look sober to my mom, I didn’t try to get away with too much.

Were you a tomboy or a girly girl growing up? Definitely a tomboy. I still have quite the tomboyish side with my love of sports, but I also love spa days, cute shoes, and romantic comedies.

What did you want to be when you grew up? A veterinarian and a police officer. Looking back now, had I known you could grow up to be a chef, I would’ve totally done that.

Name three things you'd have to take with you into space? My iPod, a photo album of family and friends, and lip gloss (I hate chapped lips).

Most embarrassing thing to happen to you on a date: I must have blocked them all from my memory because other than having a drink spilled on me, nothing comes to mind.

What's your favorite video on YouTube? This is rather embarrassing since I’m quite the gadget and computer person, but I rarely watch anything on YouTube. And what videos I have seen are because either my son, one of his friends, or my husband has said, “Hey, come look at this.”

Worst pick-up line you've ever heard: Said “innocently” at the end of a first date: “Why don’t you let me follow you home? I just want to make sure you get home safe.” The request was declined. In retrospect, it wasn’t the worst line ever since we’ve been married 19 years.

When a woman says “maybe,” she really means: This is a great idea, but I don’t want to seem too eager to agree.

What do you love most about men? Their strength and fearlessness.

What do you like least about men? It’s a toss-up between their inability to listen for longer than 30 seconds and their inability to find any object not sitting directly in front of them—a phenomenon known in our house as “front shelf paralysis.”

What is your version of the perfect Girls' Night Out? Location is not important, just the friends involved. In no particular order there has to be: great food, cocktails, laughter, '70s music, and pajamas at some point. Bonus if anyone brings a board game that can be turned into a drinking game.

Whose poster was on your wall when you were growing up? Oh boy, I’ll never hear the end of this one! Randolph Mantooth (from Emergency) and (less surprising) Wayne Gretzky and Steve Yzerman (hockey players for all my girly-girl friends out there).

What's the best thing you've ever said to get out of a relationship? Truthfully, I have been blessed with great relationships and have never had to use my wit or sarcasm (of which I have plenty) to get out of a relationship.

If you could be CEO of any company, which would it be and why? I would be the CEO of a major league baseball team. I always wanted to save the SF Giants from themselves, but now that they have finally won the World Series again and no longer need me, I’d have to turn my attention to the San Diego Padres.

If you found $100 in your jeans you didn't know was there, what would you do with it? My friends and family would say I would buy a new pair of sunglasses…and they’d probably be right.

If you could go on a date with any celebrity, who would it be and why? This answer changes regularly. Today’s answer is Matthew McConaughey. There are the obvious reasons—handsome, charming, and a Texas Longhorn. He could read me the phone book with that drawl and I’d be perfectly happy. But also because he loves to cook and entertain and enjoys the simple things in life.

When you shop, do you go in with a list or do you have to look at everything? I don’t love shopping (see tomboy question above) so I’m definitely a list girl. Having to look at everything would be sheer torture.

If you only had one song to listen to for the rest of your life, what would it be? Really? Only one? Unfair question. I have such a love for music that I’m not sure I could live with just one. “To Make You Feel My Love” by Garth Brooks is one of my all time favorites and comes to mind first.

Any tattoos? Does Mom know? No tattoos, but I have threatened to on more than one occasion.

If you could travel to any time period, which would it be and why? I’d have to say the Old West. Life was tough, but uncomplicated and there’s a simple beauty to a time where making your own way in life was rugged and a bit dangerous.

How do you keep romance alive? Live in the moment. Laugh together. Make time for each other—whether it’s grabbing lunch together occasionally or that phone call or text to share something silly about your day—it’s all part of keeping your connection to each other.

Name: Maggie Cushine

Age 43, Resource Development Director

How old were you when you had your first crush? Who was it? About 12 years old and it was on Shaun Cassidy. Loved them Hardy Boys!

Did you ever get away with anything as a teen? I lived on an air force base so we never got away with anything.

Were you a tomboy or a girly girl growing up? More tomboy with some girly girl. Not much has changed.

What did you want to be when you grew up? I never saw myself having a career when I was a child. My goal was attend college on a full-ride scholarship.

Name three things you'd have to take with you into space? I would take my handsome husband, Michael, and my two wonderful children, Mickey and Mackenzie.

Most embarrassing thing to happen to you on a date: I was making out with my date (future husband) on the couch and he dislocated his shoulder.

What's your favorite video on YouTube? I really haven’t checked out YouTube.

When a woman says “maybe,” she really means: Not now, but ask again later.

What do you love most about men? They can make you feel safe and protected.

What do you like least about men? Burping at the dinner table.

What is your version of the perfect Girls' Night Out? Great food and lots of time to talk!

Whose poster was on your wall when you were growing up? Shaun Cassidy’s, of course!

If you could be CEO of any company, which would it be and why? Pleasant Holidays, so I could travel the world.

If you found $100 in your jeans you didn't know was there, what would you do with it? I would treat my husband for a date night!

If you could go on a date with any celebrity, who would it be and why? Bradley Cooper – I just love his smile!

When you shop, do you go in with a list or do you have to look at everything? I have to look at everything!

If you only had one song to listen to for the rest of your life, what would it be? “Sweet Home Alabama.”

Any tattoos? Does Mom know? None.

If you could travel to any time period, which would it be and why? I think it would be great to travel to medieval times—he knights were so sexy!

How do you keep romance alive? It’s the little things—a card, a gift in the car for him to find after work; it’s a kiss and a hug whenever and, of course, saying “I love you” as often as possible!

Sarah Woodman

Age 33, Historian and Educator, Kern County Museum

How old were you when you had your first crush? Who was it? I was in kindergarten and he was the son of my teacher. Unfortunately he moved away in third grade.

Did you ever get away with anything as a teen? I grew up in a small town so even if I wanted to get away with something, my parents would have heard about it before I made it home.

Were you a tomboy or a girly girl growing up? I was a tomboy with girly girl tendencies, and I guess not much has changed.

What did you want to be when you grew up? An ornithologist.

Name three things you'd have to take with you into space? Coffee, wool socks, and a camera.

What's your favorite video on YouTube? My nephew getting the hiccups while dancing

Worst pick up line you've ever heard: I must have a very common face, because I often hear, “Do you know who you look like? You look like... .”

When a woman says “maybe,” she really means: Probably not.

What is your version of the perfect Girls' Night Out? Dinner and a concert.

Whose poster was on your wall when you were growing up? I was kind of a nerdy kid and had a lot of nature posters on my walls, like Wildflowers of the Sierra Nevada and Lifecycle of the Monarch Butterfly.

What's the best thing you've ever said to get out of a relationship? I’m moving to Bakersfield.

If you could be CEO of any company, which would it be and why? Etsy, because of all the talented and creative people who would surround me.

If you found $100 in your jeans you didn't know was there, what would you do with it? I sew a lot so I would dream about all the fabric I could buy, but then I would probably end up spending it on something mundane like groceries.

If you could go on a date with any celebrity, who would it be and why? George Clooney. No explanation needed.

When you shop, do you go in with a list or do you have to look at everything? I keep a mental list and then deviate.

If you only had one song to listen to for the rest of your life, what would it be? Blame It on the Rain by Milli Vanilli. Yes, I know there was lip synching drama, but it’s a good song!

Any tattoos? Does Mom know? My little Chihuahua died this past October, and I had her paw print tattooed on my shoulder.

If you could travel to any time period, which would it be and why? 1840s, to witness westward expansion.

How do you keep romance alive? Still trying to figure that one out...

Name: Trish Reed

Age 40, Investor Relations Coordinator

How old were you when you had your first crush? Who was it? I was in fourth grade and a boy named Andy liked me. I liked him too and one day he gave me a gold necklace.When my mom saw it she told me that I was too young to get jewelry from boys and I had to give it back to him.

Did you ever get away with anything as a teen? When I was in high school, I ditched a lot. I was a good student so my studies were not in jeopardy. I always had friends with cars and our school was an open campus. We could come and go as we pleased, so we did. The year after I graduated they closed the campus. I don’t see any correlation…

Were you a tomboy or a girly girl growing up? Has anything changed? I was a mixture of both. I was the girl who could play ball but look stylish doing it. I did not enjoy watching sports when I was younger. My husband is lucky because I love to watch sports now.

What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a Broadway actress. I started when I was three and in my senior year in high school I had the lead role in the school play.

Name three things you'd have to take with you into space? Make-up, my iPod, and my family, not necessarily in that order!

Most embarrassing thing to happen to you on a date: I was 16 and on an amazing date, and I knew he was going to kiss me when we returned me home. He walked me to the door and I began to look for my keys. They were nowhere to be found and I had to ring the doorbell to have my parents open the door for me. I didn’t get my kiss.

What's your favorite video on YouTube? Baby monkey riding backwards on a pig. You’re looking it up right now, aren’t you?

Worst pick up line you've ever heard: “I lost my teddy bear, can I sleep with you?”

When a woman says “maybe,” she really means: No, or not right now.

What do you love most about men? Their compassion. It is refreshing when they are moved by an event or how they demonstrate love for their children. Men aren’t always allowed to be soft and when they are it is so attractive.

What do you like least about men? It would be their ability to relax after a hard day of work. I come home and franticly start dinner, a load of laundry, check on homework, etc. They can just come home and sit and not worry if any of that is being done. I guess I am a little envious. My husband never does this (wink, wink)!

What is your version of the perfect Girls' Night Out? Shopping trip that includes a movie, then a bite to eat, then drinks.

Whose poster was on your wall when you were growing up? Duran Duran. I just loved Simon LeBon. Although John Taylor was my first pick, my girlfriend already called “tap tap” on him so I fell for Simon.

What's the best thing you've ever said to get out of a relationship? I am moving and I won’t have a phone in my house. I will call you when we do. Wasn’t that mean?

If you could be CEO of any company, which would it be and why? I would have my own exclusive catering and event company. I would be the go-to event authority for famous and high society clientele. I would create events from everyday entertainment to elaborate festivities.

If you found $100 in your jeans you didn't know was there, what would you do with it? This is a hard dilemma! I’d either take friends to lunch or splurge on a new pair of shoes!

If you could go on a date with any celebrity, who would it be and why? This might sound outrageous and wouldn’t necessarily be considered a date, but my celebrity pick would be Lady Gaga. I admire her as a talent and we could talk fashion, perhaps gossip about her famous friends, and it would be a guaranteed good time. Following our “date” I would become her best friend and closest confidante.

When you shop, do you go in with a list or do you have to look at everything? I don’t take a list when I am shopping for clothes and shoes. When I grocery shop, I do have a list and I break everything into categories. I plan my menu and add the ingredients to my list in their specific place. All meat items are on the top right-hand side, all dairy items are on the top left side, etc. I admit I am a little OCD about it.

If you only had one song to listen to for the rest of your life, what would it be? It would be “Happy Birthday” because it would mean it was my birthday every day! Seriously...I couldn’t narrow it down to a genre, artist, or song. I am a lover of all types of music. My parents gave me a great appreciation for music so depending on my mood I can be listening to jazz or speed metal!

Any tattoos? Does Mom know? No tats. I have thought about getting one many times. I actually have a close friend who is a tattoo artist. If I ever became brave enough to have something permanently inked, he would get the honor.

If you could travel to any time period, which would it be and why? I would travel back to my early childhood and tell myself to not listen to certain negative people and to relax and enjoy life more as an adult.

How do you keep romance alive? You have to make time. Our son is finally old enough to be home alone for a couple of hours so we can go out on a date. It is our time to reconnect and just be in the same space together. It makes the hustle and bustle of the week bearable.

Wendy Devers

Age: 41, Wedding/Event Coordinator – Stay-At-Home Mom

How old were you when you had your first crush? Who was it? I think I was in 6th grade, and we had a sweet crush on each other. But it wasn’t so sweet when we had our first kiss, and locked braces. Having to have my dad come and help us unlock. No need to mention names…he knows who he is.

Did you ever get away with anything as a teen? I may have gotten away with it right then, but my dad eventually always found out everything. And now, I am thankful he did! It kept me from getting into serious trouble!

Were you a tomboy or a girly girl growing up? I was a tomboy! Not a whole lot has changed; still love sports, just a little bit more refined (just a little) and know when I need to behave like a lady. And when I can hoot and holler a football games! But since winning the pageant, I have been into makeup a whole lot more!

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Most embarrassing thing to happen to you on a date: On our first date (at a wedding reception, I know, right?) being asked when our special day was going to be by the bride and groom. I looked at him and said “Uh, no, we're not getting married, this is our first date.” He then looked at me and said “Really no? Why not?” Well that was 15 years ago.

What's your favorite video on YouTube? Oh, so may to choose from. Probably JK Divorce Entrance Dance.

Worst pick up line you've ever heard: "I hope you know CPR, because you just took my breath away."

When a woman says “maybe,” she really means: No...well wait...yes...but I don’t want to admit I want to say yes. So can you read between my words?

What do you love most about men? Well about “my” man, I love how he loves me unconditionally, no matter how bad I look, or how ornery I am.

What do you like least about men? My man doesn’t do this, but their incessant need to be all macho.

What is your version of the perfect Girls' Night Out? Starting out the afternoon with a mani/pedi for everyone, next being chauffeured through the wine country doing wine tastings, having dinner along the way at a cute chic little restaurant, and finishing the night off with dessert at a quaint coffee house, before heading back home in the limo.

Whose poster was on your wall when you were growing up? Ooooh Shaun Cassidy! Mmm hmm. “I met her on a Monday and my heart stood still, Da Do Run Run Run, Da Do Run Run.”

What's the best thing you've ever said to get out of a relationship? I told him that I needed to work out some issues in my life and not be with anyone right now. I explained that it had nothing to do with him, but I needed to find out who I was as an individual.

If you could be CEO of any company, which would it be and why? I would be the CEO of St. Jude’s Hospital, so I can help make a difference in the life of a child, to help them to have an increased survival rate, and enrich their life with happiness as much and as long as possible.

If you found $100 in your jeans you didn't know was there, what would you do with it? Is there any doubt? Go shopping!

If you could go on a date with any celebrity, who would it be and why? I would go on a lunch date with Julie Andrews. She has seen, experienced, and done so much with her life. I would love to hear her stories life, love, Broadway, and what she has planned now.

When you shop, do you go in with a list or do you have to look at everything? Are you kidding me? I like to look at everything!

If you only had one song to listen to for the rest of your life, what would it be? Mercy Me “I Can Only Imagine.”

Any tattoos? Does Mom know? No...I always thought about getting one. But I am afraid of the needle. Besides, I donate blood every eight weeks, and that would be postponed for a whole year if I did.

If you could travel to any time period, which would it be and why? Civil War era, when gentlemen were gentlemen and ladies were ladies. Plus all the beautiful dresses, just like Gone with the Wind.

How do you keep romance alive? I try to make time for my man every month. Go on a date, cuddle on the couch and watch a movie, or even cook his favorite dinner. It’s all about spending time with one another.

Article appeared in our 27-6 Issue - February 2011