get to know me

It's been awhile since I've shared a little "about me" post, and since I have some new readers, I thought I'd re-introduce myself! SO HEY. I'm Samantha (or Sam). Formerly Samantha Rose, now Samantha Fredericks. Well, not officially. Social security has been closed, and I need to [finally] mail in my documents. But long story longer - my married name is Samantha Fredericks. 

I'm a Florida native, born & raised.

I grew up on a Florida beach, but moved about 30 minutes inland when I was 11 years old so that my parents could keep horses on our property. I used to ride competitively on and off up until I was a teenager, and then my horse passed away a few years back. While my parents still keep several horses, I haven't ridden in years. I would love to change that by the end of this year (once the weather cools down a bit).

Speaking of weather, I love weather. 

There was a point in my early teenage years when I considered being a meteorologist, until I realized just how much math and science that degree requires. I check weather apps and radar every week so I know what type of weather to expect and stay on top of my hurricane apps during the season. I also love a solid weather disaster movie. I finally watched Twister for the first time a couple of months ago, but The Day After Tomorrow is one of my favorites.

I met my husband at a bar.

We met at a local Tampa bar almost seven years ago. I was semi-freshly out of a relationship, and while I was dating around a bit, I thought I wasn't ready for anything serious. But when I met him, I knew he was going to become my boyfriend. After six months, I had a feeling that I could spend the rest of my life with him. Four and a half years later, he proposed, and we got married on October 12th last year.

Speech-language pathology is my second "career."

I got my bachelor's degree in mass communication and started working in sales right out of school, but ended up getting my master's degree in speech-language pathology a few years later. Growing up, I never pictured myself in a "helping" career. As a speech-pathology grad student, I never anticipated just how much I'd love working with children with autism. Now it's pretty much my "specialty" at work, and I love it!

Growing up, I wanted to be an actress.

I took acting classes and participated in drama and productions in high school, but my parents were always very adamant about pursuing education first, and then I could "do whatever I want." Even though I've held a job since I was 16 years old, I was basically living on their dime throughout college, so I followed their guidance. I guess you could say that dream kind of fell to the wayside as years passed. While I enjoyed it, I'm not sure I was passionate enough about it to truly pursue it. Maybe I'll join an improv group or community theater down the line, though! 

Poodles are my love language.

(Don't tell our mixed breed, Einstein). I've had dogs for as long as I can remember - primarily poodles. I had two standard poodles until I was around 13, then we've had a family toy poodle since then. When I met Ryan, he sent me a Snapchat of his toy poodle, Benni, and I think that's when I knew we were meant to be. Poodle people for the win. Plus, I thought it was pretty cute that a 6'8 guy went to the animal shelter on a "study break" during his last college finals week and walked out with a toy poodle.

Other random bits and fun facts:

- I can't stand the song "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey.

- I'm naturally dirty blonde and get a "balayage" about 1-2 times a year...but I've been brunette twice. 

- I'd opt for loungewear over regular clothing any day of the week.

- I turn 30 next summer! This blows my mind, but I'm actually pretty excited about it.

- I am a Taylor Swift fan, through and through. I don't own a single CD player, but I will continue to buy a physical copy of any album she puts out. I'm loving folklore, and my favorite songs are august, exile, and my tears ricochet.

- I don't consider myself a picky eater (I'll try anything at least once!) but I don't like peanut butter or olives. Bleh.

Anything surprise you? Tell me something about you in the comments!

20 things you probably don't care about.

1. I'm a candle fiend. Coconut and sea salt scents in the summer, pumpkin goodness in the fall, and Christmas tree in the winter. 
2. I've been a blonde my entire life, but I lost my mind for a six month period about four years ago and went brunette. Never again.
3. My boyfriend, Ryan, has had my whole heart for about six months now and I'm the luckiest girl in the world to be able to call him mine.
4. A soy chai tea latte is the key to my heart. So is a hot dog. And chocolate covered raisins. And sour patch kids. There is a whole key ring to my heart.
5. "I like my money where I can see it...hanging in my closet." Yep, pretty much sums me up.
6. I don't think Anchorman is funny.
7. I'm always down for frozen yogurt. Always. Ryan hates it. I think he's just trying to be fiesty.
8. I listen to all kinds of music, which is why Spotify is my BFF. I'm currently on a heavy country rotation, but three days ago I was listening to Icona Pop and Slightly Stoopid like it was nobody's business. And Mandy Moore. Yeah, whatever.
9. I graduated from the University of South Florida last spring, landing a sales job where I interned about five months post graduation. Some days I want to gauge my eyes out with a spoon from the stress, but most days I have a blast with my coworkers and all days I'm so thankful to have a job.
10. I'm moving out of my parents' house (again) in June. I'm terrified but so excited.
11. Guilty of heavily using Instagram filters. Shoot me.
12. I own all four season of The O.C. on DVD and when I'm craving comfort, I'll put in any of the DVDs and catch up with my BFF's Seth, Summer, Ryan and Marissa.
13. My other BFF's include McSteamy and McDreamy. If you watch Grey's Anatomy, you'll get that reference. If you don't watch it...well, you should probably start.
14. Pretty Little Liars is a guilty pleasure. Sorry not sorry.
15. Four years ago, I started a weight loss journey. In eight months, I managed to drop about 20 pounds. After fluctuating on and off for the next two years, I got down to my lowest weight and dropped an extra five. My weight goes up and down all the time, but I'm happier with my body than I have been in awhile.
16. I'm a pretty bright and bubbly person, but I own more black, navy and gray clothing than anything else.
17. Anticipated crowds give me anxiety.
18. Racism, sexism and bigotry is a huge turnoff for me; for friends, for colleagues, for significant others. 
19. You'll never catch me with unpainted toenails.
20. I spend just as much money as I make. I can't tell if this is a good thing or a bad thing.