I love it when I can introduce you to someone I’ve actually met in real life because I can confirm that they really are as cool as they seem “on paper.”  (That comment in no way implies that people I have not met are less cool than they seem.  That would be a really dumb thing to say.  Just the law of witnesses here.  Anyway…)  I happen to know that Alyssa is a bonafide in-the-trenches mother because several attempts to have lunch together have been thwarted by things like fevers, plumbing disasters, kids who peed their pants at preschool, etc. . . . you know, real life stuff.  I turned on my sarcasm radar, but it was inconclusive about her real feelings about this survey.  Decide for yourself.  Also known as “Wonder Woman” on her blog, and rightly so, here’s Alyssa:

Hi!  My name’s Alyssa, but around the blogosphere I go by Wonder Woman.  My husband, “Superman” and I have been married for almost 8 years.  We’ve got 3 kids: two boys, 5 & 6, and a little girl who just turned one.  We live in the heart of Happy Valley (a place I thought I’d never be happy living) and lead a life full of rainbows and unicorns and bubbles.  And the occasional tantrum, dirty diaper, chaotic FHE, and bag of chocolate.  Ours truly is a blessed life

My husband I grew up in Kansas where we met and fell in love. He was the first boy I ever dated and despite looking really hard while I attended BYU-Idaho, I could never find his equal. We married, moved to Utah, and started having children.  How original, right?

What’s your favorite part of motherhood?  Spontaneous hugs and kisses and “I love you’s.” Without question.  I also love being surprised by my children and what they can do.  (Mimicking, mastering technology, learning to read, and the like.  I don’t particularly like being surprised by toilet paper unraveled and dirty underwear hidden under the bed, but motherhood’s about taking the good with the bad, right?)

What part of motherhood would you subcontract out if you could?  Dealing with tantrums.   The whole discipline aspect.  I’m not as good at it as I thought I was.  I think I’m too concerned with my children being happy and not worried enough about them being obedient.  I would also subcontract the dishes.  I LOATHE the dishes.

Name 2 or 3 items on your “bucket list.”  (Some things you’d like to do before you die.)  Visit Europe. The good parts, not the scary or impoverished parts. Be rich enough to pay for someone else’s groceries at random.  I don’t really need to be rich I just want the power to grant and crush other people’s dreams. Also, be cast in a telenovella.

Brag for a minute.  Do it.  What are a few things that you’re pretty good at?   I am musical.  I love singing and playing the piano and listening to all kinds of good music.  I’m pretty good with little kids. I’m also excellent at responding to questionnaires about myself. Keep reading and see for yourself.

What are you loving lately?  Big Bang Theory, Parenthood, and the gorgeous weather.  And I’m really, loving this survey.  Its clever and inclusive.  Gives me a chance to self reflect and dig deep.

Do you have a favorite scripture or quote?  Why? “Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other.”  Elder Marvin J. Ashton said this.  This is my favorite quote because . . . . . . . it speaks to my soul.

What’s something you don’t usually want people to know about you, but that they need to know if they’re going to be your friend?  If you’re going to be my friend, you can trust me to be dependable.  If I say I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it.  I will probably be about ten minutes late, but I will be there.  (Or in this case, I had the survey completed, but I sent it to Steph pretty late on the deadline day.) Also, I really {heart} pop-culture. I can name the last people booted off American Idol and Dancing with the Stars, tell you about Steve Carell’s last episode, and what fashion faux pas Helena Bonham Carter has committed lately.

Desert Island Question.  If you were stranded on a desert island (most moms would actually crave this) and could only take 3 items with you, what would they be?  Chocolate, sunscreen, and a laptop with wifi.  So that I could fill out more surveys.

If you were awarded an “honorary degree” in something, what should it be and why?  Blogging, with a minor in filling out surveys.  Tell me I’m wrong.

Let’s say you’re dying in your sleep tonight.  What would you eat for your last meal? Anything from the Olive Garden, with a Diet Dr. Pepper. Also, I’d order a glass of water from the Fountain of Youth.

What homemaking job/task gives you the most satisfaction?  Vacuuming.  Without question, vacuuming is the most satisfying activity for me. The floor is so clean when I’m done!  But really, it’s probably because before vacuuming I have to wipe the counters and table, sweep, pick up dirty laundry, toys, shoes and scrape soggy cereal off the floor.  By the time I’m done vacuuming, I’ve actually cleaned most of the house.   So now that I think about it, I actually HATE vacuuming because there’s so much prep work.  Thanks, Stephanie.  Now I despise the only chore that gave me a sense of satisfaction.

If your life had a theme song, what would it be and why?  Bruno Mars “Amazing.”  Because, DUH.  I’m aMayzing.

Tell us about your blog:

The aMayzing Wonder Woman  It’s about me.  Mostly random, occasionally profound, and often sarcastic.  But always aMayzing.

Thanks, Alyssa!  I’m thinking next week we just ought to continue the interview since she’s clearly so attached to this survey.  What do you think?