Random Dozen

1. Do you prefer to read the book or see the movie?

I love a good book. However, there are some I just can't get into and prefer to watch the movie.

2. What is your favorite holiday and why?

Groundhogs day. It is my Anniversary.

3. Which do you like better - the mountains or the beach?

Both. Here, we don't have mountains, but I am near the beach. I love the sounds of waves lapping on the lakeshore. I miss the crashing of the waves off the ocean though. I will say though I miss the mountains. More so now that we have just driven through them on the way to New York. I love vistas and the good breezes that flow through the mountain passes.

4. If money were no consideration, what vehicle would you drive?

site I got picture from

5. What is your favorite cold-weather beverage?

Russian tea

6. How do you communicate most often with your friends: phone, email, text, face-to-face, or Facebook?

Email or phone. I don't like to make phone calls, but my friends know this and call me.

7. How do you receive your mail? Mailbox on the porch, at the end of the driveway, down the street, or post office box?

Post box around the corner from my home.

8. Of the four basic personality types - sanguine, phlegmatic, melancholic, and choleric - which is your strongest? Which is your least evident?

I am a sanguine: The Sanguine temperament personality is fairly extroverted. People of a sanguine temperament tend to enjoy social gatherings, making new friends and tend to be quite loud. They are usually quite creative and often daydream. However, some alone time is crucial for those of this temperament. Sanguine can also mean very sensitive, compassionate and thoughtful. Sanguine personalities generally struggle with following tasks all the way through, are chronically late, and tend to be forgetful and sometimes a little sarcastic. Often, when pursuing a new hobby, interest is lost quickly when it ceases to be engaging or fun. They are very much people persons. They are talkative and not shy. For some people, these are the ones you want to be friends with and usually they become life long friends.

The one I relate least to is Choleric

9. What do you miss the most about being 20?

Nothing. I have earned every sag, bag and grey hair I dye!

10. How long from the time you get up, does it take you to get ready to walk out the door in the morning?

about 40 minutes. Can do it faster, but I like to have time.

11. Who handles the car maintenance and pays the bills in your family?

I do.

12. For those in the US, how many states have you visited? For those outside the US, how many provinces/other countries have you visited?

Most of them. I think there are 5 I still need to go to.

Random Eleven

You can link up here.

1. Is there a word which you initially mispronounced? Were the circumstances in which you made the faux pas embarrassing? By the way, that's not "foax pass." (I know you know that. Just jokin' with ya.)

I can't think of any. There probably are, but really, I can't think of any right now.

2. How do you feel about the use of texting shortcuts and trends? (ex: "I've got ur notes. Get them 2 u 2morow.")

I like full words. I can read it, but really, do I need to?

3. Tell me about your high school senior picture. Please feel free to post.

In my senior picture I was wearing a black and grey pinstriped jumpsuit with a black velvet jacket. I had 80's hair and 80's make-up and no I will not post it.

"poor #4. I have no idea what happened to him. Maybe he felt too good to be part of my Random list. Maybe he was a question about national security or the public education system or the meaning of life. And so he just disappeared before I noticed to be disassociated from all the riff-raff questions about high school pictures.

We'll just soldier on without him."


5. Share a high school or college homecoming memory.
Homecoming dance my senior year was a combined school dance. I think it was the first time they did it off campus. We dressed up, went out and found the dance to be rather boring. I think we then headed up to Littlerock Dam to go to a party instead.

6. Linda at Mocha with Linda wants to know: "Do you prefer sunrises or sunsets?"

I like both. I am just hardly ever up early enough to see the sun rise. I am quite a night owl.

7. Lea at Cici's Corner asks, "What is something you have not done that you desire to do?"

get a tattoo- I am thinking of a heart shaped yarn ball with a knitting needle & crochet hook. I want dog tags hanging off the hook.

8. Carol at Wanderings of an Elusive Mind ponders, "If you could come back [in another life] as an animal, which would it be?"

My husband asked me this the night we met, many moons ago. At that time I said a giraffe. Now, I would say a desert tortoise, so I could have a good long life in the desert I love.

9. Joyce from The Other Side of the Pond is curious: "Where were you 10 years ago?" Please feel free to elaborate more than just your physical location.

In 2000, we had just moved to Michigan from California. I had just lost my mother to a battle with illness that had lasted for 4 years. I was not married to the man that I crossed the United States to be with. I was working two jobs to keep my children fed. I can say looking back I was lost and struggling to come to terms with who I was. I am glad I made that journey.

10. When you are proven to be correct in any contentious discussion, do you gloat?

I don't think I do. Other may have another opinion ;)

11. What is your favorite food which includes the ingredient "caramel?"

A caramel apple. I have not had mine for the season yet.

12. From my 17 year-old daughter to you: "If you could be part of any fictional family, which family would you choose and why?" (She's so cute. And clever.)

The Jetsons. I want to fly in space.

Random Random

You can link up here

1. From "Men Are Dumb ....": If you had a theme song that played whenever you walked into a room full of people, what would it be?

My husband would answer this "She don't know she's beautiful"

I would say, "Forever in Blue Jeans"



though it used to be "Daddy's Money"



2. From Pam of "Alert And Oriented x 4": Which of your shoes are your absolute favorite, and which are of the object of your most painful shoe-buyer's remorse?

My Justin Boot are my most comfortable, I need to get them resoled.
Worst shoes I own are my black dress shoes. UGH!

3. From Susanne of "Living to Tell the Story": Tell about your favorite birthday celebration that you've personally experienced.

My 17th birthday. My parents allowed me to have a luau in the back yard. Tons of people came, we drank (parents took car keys) slept out under the stars, walked to Carrow's for a 3 am snack (only 3 miles from the house) It was a blast!!


4. From Lori of "Just me and My Life": If you were a flavor of ice cream, which would you be?

Vanilla, easy, good and has the ability to change when needed.

5. Cindy Swanson of "Notes in the Key of Life" asks: Have you ever had a crush on a movie star? Who was it, and are you still crushing?

Oh yeah. tons, my taste now is Kurt Russel, Val Kilmer, and Sean Connery could just call me on the phone. mmmm

6. Jill from "Jill Boyd's Place" inquires: Glasses or braces--if you had to wear one, which would it be?

Glasses, though I much prefer my contacts.

7. Nel from "Fasteneau Facts" asks: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I have lived all over and each spot was home for the amount of time we were there. My heart lies in the Desert Southwest though. One day we will retire there.

8. Thena from "Patiently Waiting" wants to know: If money were no obstacle, what would be the perfect birthday gift to receive?

My husband home.

9. From "Life Through Bifocals," LynnMarie asks: What is your favorite birthday meal?

Mexican. Starting with albondigas soup, Fajitas, enchiladas, and ending with a churro.

10. Debby at "Just Breathe" checks in with: Do you still send hand-written thank you notes?

Depends on the occasion. For formal events, yes. Less formal, I try to say thank you in person.

11. Linda from "Mocha with Linda" poses this question: What is something you've done that you never thought you'd do?

I went back to college at 38. I am almost finished now and I had really never seen myself doing this, this late in life.

12. Jewel, my homegirl from Indiana who writes at "Musings from the World of Jewel," is very insistent that we answer this: Mount Rushmore honors four US Presidents: Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt. If you could add any person to Mount Rushmore, who would you add and why?

I wouldn't add anyone. It is a glory to see.

Let's hear it for the Girls--Random Dozen

Link up Here
1. Do you believe, somewhere deep inside, that blonds do indeed have more fun? That they are "dumber" than brunettes or redheads? Be honest!

No.
Having been just about every hair color there is, but being a natural blond, I have been treated differently when my hair is red or brown. It is all a stereo-type.

2. Which animal would you most like to observe in its wild habitat?

Tasmanian devil

3. This week the U.N. announced that Dr. Mazlan Othman has been appointed the official "Alien Ambassador," should any extraterrestrials contact us. Have you, or has anyone you know, ever seen a UFO?

No, but I have plenty stashed away in bags in my closet.

4. Name your favorite Hitchcock film.

Rear Window

5. Would you rather spend time at the library, the mall, a craft store or home?

Home. Surprised? Why? I am very much a home body. Second would be a craft store.

6. Which Disney princess is your favorite? (Or Disney character, if you are a guy)

Not a huge princess fan, but Pocahontas, I guess. As she was based on history. As for Disney Character, Pluto or Figaro are my favorite. Favorite Disney movie is Aristocats. Just thought I would throw that in.

7. What kind of art is your favorite?

Textile art.

8. How do you feel about viral videos, that is, videos made by amateurs that end up on Youtube receiving thousands of hits?

Some are fun. I love being able to see new up-n-coming peoples work.

9. Where do you buy your jeans?

Hmmm, last pair I bought were from Lane Bryants.

10. Tell me about your first automobile accident.

I have a perfect driving record so far, all accidents have been when I have been a passenger. Though I have been hit by a parked car (emergency brake released) and it broke my back and both Femurs.

11. Have you ever been honest when you knew you would benefit more if you would be dishonest?

Yes. It was not an easy thing to do, but I think honesty is best.

12. If you were appointed "Ambassador to Aliens," what would you show and tell first about life on Earth? What would be the most difficult thing to explain?

That for the most part we are gentle and caring.

War and disease would be hard to explain.

It's Random Time Again

Link up here

1. Have you, or has someone close to you, ever won an award for anything?

Yes, several.
My daughter has earned awards for academics, and graduated with Top Honors.
My Son won the National Choir Award.
My husband has earned a few awards in the military.

2. Who is the nearest relative to you who has served in the US Military?

LOL...Everyone but me, and I serve by marrying it. My husband is currently deployed, serving with his unit in Afghanistan.

3. Share something that stirs the patriotic spirit in you.

My family. Freedom is worth fighting for, we do not just give lip service to being patriotic.

4. Where are you in the birth order in your family? Do you think your "placement" made a difference in your personality?

I am the baby. Yes it has made my personality what it is today and yes, changing that would have made me a different person. I not only had to vie for attention, I had to be strong when my older siblings went off. By the time I was a teenager, only one brother was still at home and for a few years, I was an only child. My parents and I had a different relationship, we talked, joked and were friends. I miss them dearly.

5. Name one trait you hope you carry that was evidenced in your parents or grandparents.

Long life and going until the end.

6. If female, do you prefer wearing a skirt or pants? If male, shirt and tie or polo?

I love my jeans! I do like dress pants and wearing sundresses in the summer, but really, I am a blue jeans kind of girl.

7. Approximately how many times do you wake during the night? What do you do to go back to sleep?

Once or twice normally. I get up, do my business and get back in bed. Without hubby here, I turn on the ihome to sounds of a thunderstorm over the beach and fall asleep.

8. Share a favorite movie quote.

Suck my Dick! -- GI Jane

9. What is your favorite Fall candle scent?

Macintosh Apple or hot buttered rum.

10. What is one Fall activity you're looking forward to?

Rhinebeck!! True name is the New York State Sheep and Wool Festival. Any other year, the changing of the trees. It is like they put on fancy pants before going out for the winter.

11. Tell us about a pleasant surprise that happened to you recently.

Haven't had many surprises lately.

12. What was it like when you first met your in-laws-to-be?

I had driven across the country with Sarge. The future in laws asked us if we had gotten married along the way. Nope, waited a few more years on that one.

Random Dozen

1. Do you do garage sales? If so, tell me about one great find. If not, tell me why not.



Not really. I am trying to get rid of thing, not add more in my house. I would love to have a clean, spartan or minimalist home. I will probably never get it, but it is a goal.



2. Name the last thing you fixed.



Door knob on the closet in my room. I need new ones all around, but I fix until I can buy.



3. Name your A) Favorite item of makeup OR B) Favorite tool



Make up is Burt's bees lip balm, yeah I really don't wear makeup. Tool, my rubber man. no...get your mind out of the gutter!!! it is a gripper rubber mat that helps me open jars.



4. Which room in your home needs organizing more than any other?



My bedroom. The storage room doesn't count as everything is in boxes.



5. Which room could use re-decorating?



My living room/dining area. I know what I want, just need to get it.



6. Share something unique about your town.



I live in Coast Guard City, USA.



7. If you could send a one-sentence message to your great-grandchild, what would it be?



No matter what you do in life, it doesn't mean a thing, unless you are happy.



8. Do you Facebook? Do I facebook?



Is that really a question? Is Facebook now a Verb?



Do I have an account on Facebook and do I use it? Then yes, I do. I do not play the stupid games but use it to reconnect with friends and family as we are spread out all over the world. Right now I use it mostly to stay in contact with my husband while he is deployed.



9. Describe your favorite shoes.



Bare feet. Really, how am I am woman? I hate shoes!! I own maybe 6 pairs, of these I only like wearing three. My sandals, my crocs and my clogs.



10. Do you listen to more talk radio or more music radio? What kind of station is it?



I listen to podcasts or books when in the car. At home I use the TV and surround sound to listen to 80's music, country or classic rock. Not much of a true radio fan because of the commercials.



11. How far would you travel for a really good (favorite) meal?



Well, I traveled to Texas for really good Mexican food. But, here at home, we don't go out of our way just to eat somewhere. I am a good cook who prefers to eat at home.



12. If you were totally honest with yourself (and us) what should you probably be doing right now instead of blogging?



Nothing...Dishes and laundry are going, I am sipping my coffee as I type this and then I will get the vacuuming done. Not a big "gotta do this at this time" type person, when it comes to my house. My kids are moved out, my husband is deployed, who is going to complain if the *whatever* waits til later to get done?

Random Dozen, Labor Day Style

Link up here.

1. Describe the best sandwich in the world, according to you.

Veggies, lots of veggies.
Plus a good cheese, like feta, Baby Swiss or a sharp cheddar
and...
either stone ground mustard or olive oil and vinegar.
oh...or hummus
All on a good sour dough bread
Then toasted so the cheese melts
Ok now I am hungry.

2. Which inspires you more: a good conversation, a song, a book or movie?

A good conversation.

3. What is your favorite board game?

Trivial Pursuit

4. As you grow older, are you more or less patient with small children?

Less I think, but I never was patient with children. I like kids, but now I like to give them back. Some are better than others.

5. Name one item you never let yourself run out of.

Toilet paper.

6. Do you agree with Tennyson's assertion, "'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all?"

Yes. Love is very important.

7. Name one national treasure or monument that you have visited.

Grand Canyon

8. Which is more painful, to be disappointed in someone else or to be disappointed in yourself?

in myself. I cannot control others, only myself.

9. What makes your kitchen uniquely yours?

I am the only one who cooks in it.

10. Are you a crafty person?

LOL, yeah, that is an understatement.

11. What is your favorite traditional picnic or bbq (cookout) food?

Fried chicken on a picnic, Burgers or chicken on the grill.

12. Name one leisurely activity you enjoyed over Labor Day Weekend.

I sat with a friend and spun all weekend. It was amazing!! Thank you Lorrie!

Random Dozen

From the Second Cup Of Coffee blog

1. What is your favorite Mexican dish?

Well his name was... ok that is for another time.
I love Mexican food. Enchaladas, Carnitas, Carne Asada, Tacos.. all good, but my favorite is Albondigas Soup and of course flan or a churro at the end of the meal.

2. When you were a kid, did you get started on your homework right away after school, or did you procrastinate?

I procrastinate. Even now, when I should be studying for finals, I am on here, typing this.

3. What is your favorite store for home furnishings?

Pier one, not sure if they are even around anymore.

4. When you were young, did you like school lunches?

My mom always made my lunch when I was little. When I reached high school it was always a green burrito or nachos. mmm miss those days.

5. Is religion a crutch?

Depends on what you believe. For me, no. I believe what I believe and go forward from that.

6. In your region, what is the "big" (most popular in the community or state) high school sport?

I guess that would have to be Football, though Basketball has a big following as well.

7. Do you consider yourself rich?

Yes. No in financial terms, but in friendship, love and knowledge.

8. Which of these would you have the best chance for success in administering:
A) CPR
B) Heimlich Maneuver
C) Changing a flat tire

I have been trained to be able to do all three.

9. Which dance would you prefer to learn & why:
A) Salsa
B) Hip Hop
C) Waltz
D) Swing

I used to teach country dancing about 12 years ago. Yeah back when I was much thinner than I am now. I taught the Waltz and Swing as well as line and the steps (2 & 10). Hip hop is not for me, but I would love to learn Salsa.

10. What's the worst news you've ever delivered to someone?

I took the phone call that told us my husbands best friend had passed away. It was Christmas eve and I was working at the hotel where we were holding the family dinner. It was hard to walk into that room and deliver that information.

11. Name something you learned in college that had nothing to do with classes or academics.

Age doesn't matter.

12. New variation on an old question: If there's a song in your head that just won't get out, what is your favorite (or most repeated) line in that song?

I don't have an earburn, but my favorite line from a song is from

"You're My Home"

When you look into my eyes
And you see the crazy gypsy in my soul
It always comes as a surprise
When I feel my withered roots begin to grow
Well I never had a place that I could call my very own
That's all right, my love, 'cause you're my home

When you touch my weary head
And you tell me everything will be all right
You say, "Use my body for your bed
And my love will keep you warm throughout the night"
Well I'll never be a stranger and I'll never be alone
Whenever we're together, that's my home

Home can be the Pennsylvania Turnpike
Indiana's early morning dew
High up in the hills of California
Home is just another word for you

Well I never had a place that I could call my very own
That's all right, my love, 'cause you're my home

If I travel all my life
And I never get to stop and settle down
Long as I have you by my side
There's a roof above and good walls all around
You're my castle, you're my cabin and my instant pleasure dome
I need you in my house 'cause you're my home.You're my home.

You're my home.

Randomness is back!!

1. What is your favorite fair/carnival food?

Churros, but you can't get them in the mid west, so I go with funnel cakes here.

2. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?

Have you seen my house?

3. What is your favorite gift to receive?

Friendship...well that and yarn.


4. When was the last time you tried something new?

Yesterday. I made Mac n cheese then I added chopped tomatoes and topped with fresh basil. OMG good!

5. What is your favorite and least favorite book genre?

Historical romance with scifi thrown in. Good brain candy books. LOVE THEM.
I do not read horror, I like to sleep.

6.Silver or Gold?

Yes please, with or without jewels.
Really it depends on what I am wearing as to what color I wear. Right now I don't leave the house without hubby's Titanium wedding ring on my thumb with an o-ring to hold it on to match the one he wears in Afghanistan and his dog tag around my neck.

7. What makes you sigh?

I love to sigh. Sometimes out of desperation, sometimes out of love, sometimes just for the hell of it. I think of it as a way of cleaning my psyche.

8. If you didn't know how old you are, how old would you claim you are?

I claim every 41 years I am. I love this age. I am happy, pretty healthy (weight I am working on and I need to stop smoking) but I like me and I am ok with how old I am.

9. Would you break a law to save a loved one? To protect a loved one?

Bend it quite a bit, not sure about breaking it

10. If you had to teach something, what would it be?

My passion, which I do teach, knitting and crochet

11. You're having lunch with 3 people whom you respect and admire. They begin to criticize a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. What do you do?

I am open, I will tell them that I am her friend and that if they have anything constructive to say, I will convey the message. If not, shut the fuck up!

12. Which of the 5 Love Languages is your prominent means of experiencing love?
Quality Time
Physical Touch
Acts of Service
Gifts
Words of Affirmation

I am in the middle of reading this book. I do not know what each of these mean yet. So far I would say I am most prominent in the physical touch, but getting better at others.

Wednesday Wickness On Thursday

Today we picked Phil Jackson. Here's Wednesday Wickedness!
1. "Always keep an open mind and a compassionate heart.” Do you ALWAYS keep an open mind?

I try to keep an open mind. There are certain things I do not budge on.

2. “Wisdom is always an over match for strength.” Who is the wisest person you know? Who is the strongest?

My father was the wisest person I ever knew. Now, I am not sure. Each of my friends are wise in different ways. The person I turn to the most for anything is my husband.
Strongest is harder. I am surrounded by strong people.

3. "Yes, victory is sweet, but it doesn't necessarily make life any easier the next season or even the next day." Do you think a successful day at your job makes the next day better or not?

I think you take each day as it comes. There is no need for worry about the future or regret in the past. What is, is.

4. "...True joy comes from being fully present in each and every moment, not just when things are going your way." How would we tell by your behavior if you are having a bad day?

I get quiet. I do vent to friends, but on a truly bad day, I get very quiet.

5. "I gave it my body and mind, but I have kept my soul." Do you have days when you feel you gave it your all, but may have compromised your values?

No. I can give all but there are very few times I have ever compromised my values. I have a line in the sand that just doesn't get crossed.

6. "Your problems never cease. They just change." What do you feel is your biggest problem at the moment?

LOL, the blog is not long enough nor do I have time! Let me just say, my husband is deployed, my daughter is graduating, my son just started a new job and I have finals in college next week. What problems? *twitch*

7. "My dad always had this little sign on his desk: "The bigger your head is, the easier your shoes are to fill." He really drilled that in." Does your ego sometimes get in your way?

I try to keep it under control *grin*

8. "There is a saying that I love...It says: "There are no Zen masters, there's only Zen." "Zen master" is a contradiction in terms. You don't master Zen." Do you believe in Zen? If yes, can it be mastered?

I believe there is a calm that comes from introspection and meditation. I can get this calm when I sit and knit. It is a time that nothing good or bad goes through my mind, a time of just being. If that is Zen, then yes, I believe. Can it be mastered? Why try. Zen is Zen.

9. "You can not teach competitiveness." Do you believe you could teach someone, like your child, to be competitive?

I think it is ingrained. I think my kids are competitive, however, they know that winning is not everything. That if you do your best then you have achieved the best you can do.

10. "Home is where the heart is, right?” Obviously Phil didn't originate this quote. He said it when asked if he'd retire after this season. Do you believe home is not a place but rather a state of mind?

Yes!!
Being military I have several places I call home. California, because that is where I spent my teenage years. Michigan, because that is where we live right now. Really what home is to me is summed up in this song by Billy Joel.

Let's Party!! Random Dozen

You can join in the fun on Linda's Blog.

1. Would you rather host party or simply attend a party?



Hard question. I like both. I like to give a good party and I like to go to friends houses for parties. I am not much for the type of parties you have to "dress to the nines" for but regular, hang out and have fun. Either way works for me.



2. Tell us about the most memorable party you've been to.



Halloween parties. I love dressing up in costumes and hanging with friends. Traditions of Halloween goes back to high school, but even now I love the holiday and the parties that surround it.



3. What is one thing you hope for in the after-life?



That it doesn't happen for a really long time. I have too much to live for.



4. What do you enjoy most about sunshine?



Sunshine makes me happy. Since moving to Michigan, I get S.A.D. in the winter. My mood is better and I am a happier person when the sun comes out and warms my face.



5. When you attend a bridal/baby shower, do you prefer to bring your own gift or chip in with others to buy a larger gift?



I almost always make my gift. I don't like gift cards and chipping in on presents in the past has left me burned, so as a crafter, I give of myself, my time and my creativity.



6. Would you rather have a FREE week of having your house cleaned or all of your meals cooked for you and your family?



I am not the greatest housekeeper there is. My house isn't filthy, but it sure is messy and cluttered. A week of a housekeeper please!! I love to cook and am way to picky to share my kitchen with someone, but the house, really I need this. I am thinking of hiring a housecleaning crew before the Sarge comes home, after I get organized, so he has a spotless house to walk into.



7. What song describes your mood today?


Red Red Wine
Today was great until I went to college. This quarter is killing me. After class I had to ask the instructor if I was even going to pass the class. I am not one that normally struggles, especially not in math. Algebra 2 is kicking my ass. I will pass but I have to work hard to make the grade. Upon getting home and deciding I was not going out again, I uncorked a bottle of wine and we will see how much it takes to get me in a good mood again.



8. What is something you received for your own bridal shower/wedding that you still own or use?



We only got two presents when we were married. Towels from my dad which are still in use and blenders from my brother and his family. One blender died and I had to replace it but the other is the best drink maker I have ever owned.



9. Your favorite flavor of ice cream is?



Real french vanilla bean.



10. When was the last time you felt "tested?"



Every single day. Right now I am being tested on patience and longevity. I think I am hanging in pretty well.



11. "[Fill in the blank] is a food that once I start eating I find really hard to stop."

Rice Krispy treats. If I make them (rarely) I will pig out until they are gone.


12. "-----" is the best motivation.

Competition!! I like a challenge and coming from a large family, I love to compete.

One Random Dozen

1. What is one really fast, know-by-heart "go-to" meal to fix in a pinch?

Chip Chicken

2. What is one item you won't leave home without. (Purse and license do not count.)

Knitting bag

3. Where is one place you never tire of visiting?

The beach

4. Share one factoid of your family's history.

Since the founding of our country, there has been at least one member of my family in the United States military, most times many more than one.

5. Complete this sentence: "Once upon a time I ...."

wanted to be an accountant. I am glad I found my creative side.

6. If you could win a one year's supply of anything, what would it be?

Gasoline, so I could travel to all the places I want to go to. Please.

7. "One quirky thing you may not know about me is ...."

I don't like ketchup

8. You have one dollar in your pocket. What will you buy?

Gum. I have to have gum.

9. "One thing that always makes me laugh is ...."

My friends, they are wonderful.

10. What is one thing you could do today to help yourself reach a personal goal?

Join the YMCA

11. What is one thing you could do today to bless someone else?

I taught someone to turn a heel of a sock today.

12. What is one thing you're looking forward to soon?

My daughter graduating High School on the 3rd.

Day 6

Way Random ...Wednesday on Saturday

1. Please share one memory of your high school graduation. Pics would be great!

No pictures, have no idea where that album is right now. Memory though I can do. We had our graduation on the football field. It was grass and not to level. I was not sure if I was more afraid of falling in the heels I wore or of the wind flipping my dress up. I remember getting the diploma holder and then having to go afterwards to pick up the actual diploma. That way no one got the wrong one. After party was at my house. Nothing like the open houses here, it was an actual party. Lots of us drank too much, but it was fun.

2. What is one "emergency use" item you keep in your vehicle at all times?

For the car: Jumper cables. I even bought a new set for Kanga.
For me: I try to leave a sock knitting bag in the car so I don't go stir crazy when I have to wait somewhere.

3. In your region, do you celebrate graduation open houses? Addendum: (If so,) how many open houses/bridal showers/weddings are on your upcoming events calendar?

Yes, in this area they do. My daughter is graduating this year so I swear there are about 80 invites. I will probably attend 3 or 4. But I have to do presents for at least 12, all her friends.

4. Tell me one truth you believe about motherhood.

Here are a few:
When you think you are playing the game right, the rules change.
Cherish each year you have with your kids, they move out way too soon.
It is not necessary to be their friend while they are growing up. Having them as friends when they are grown is a blessing.

5. What was the last thing you broke?

My suitcase. The feet at the bottom, one broke last night as I was setting it on the suitcase holder in the room. Need to buy new luggage.


6. On average, how many pieces of junk mail do you receive daily?

In the snail mail, very few. Maybe 3 or 4 a week.
In email, I have one email that I use when signing up for stuff, so my regular email stay relatively clear of junk.

7. Do you like to shop by catalog?

Not really. I am a tactile person. I want to touch before I buy.

8. Is lawn maintenance at your house a "his job," a "her job" or "his/her job" or "that's why we have teenagers" job?

Well, normally it is a teenager or husband thing. But this year it is me, all me. Teenagers are moving off to college and their own homes and hubs is deployed.

9. Which room would you like to redecorate in your home?

My living room. I want comfortable furniture. Soon...

10. Do you read a newspaper regularly, or do you read most of your news on line?

Right now I can say I avoid the news. I need upbeat stuff in my life.

11. Do you believe everything happens for a reason?

Yes.

12. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?

I am not a perfectionist, but I like doing things right. I am really all about doing the right things though. Karma has a way of kicking us in the ass if we don't.

Random 1/2 dozen, dozen

1. What was the last thing about which you procrastinated?

Homework

2. How long does it take you to fall asleep, and do you sleep through the night?

I read to fall asleep so it depends, but normally a half hour. I do not sleep through the night. I get up at least once.

3. Which decade would you choose to exemplify your favorite fashion styles?

50's or early 60's

4. What is your personal best dish to feed a crowd?

Inside out Ravioli or Spaghetti

5. Are you an impulse shopper?

I can be when I am in a yarn store.

What was the last thing you bought on impulse?

Um Yarn.

6. What is one wish you have for your own funeral?

That people celebrate my life instead of being sad about my death.

7. If it's true that joy is in found in the simple things in life, what does your joy look like today?

Knitting/hooking group with the ladies, it was great!

8. What is your favorite type of bread?

I have two. My mothers bread recipe fresh from the oven or San Francisco sour dough fresh out of the oven.

9. What trait do you fear developing the most? (Laziness, greediness, grumpiness, etc.)

Alzheimer's' I rely on my memory.

10. What trait would you like most to develop?

Patience, but I will not ask God for help. He has a warped sense of humor.

11. Which room in your house best reflects your personality? Why?

My living room. Clean but cluttered and relaxing while still entertaining.

12. How do you maintain balance in your life regarding, work, family, church, other organizations and activities, and blogging?

Yeah, who says I do? Really, I take each day as it comes and do my best.

Random Dozen

1. Have you ever been so lost that you were really afraid?

Yes.

2. Have you ever been to an island?

Several different islands. I love being surrounded by water.

3. Are you more of a thinker or feeler?

Both. I feel deeply but I try to rationalize as well.

4. Do you tend to see issues or situations in life as black and white or shades of gray?

Shades of gray.

5. If you were stuck on an island, what book would you hope to have with you (Let's pretend the Bible is already there, so you can't say that.)

Lace knitting. I also better have enough yarn to actually make something from it as well.

6. What are you most afraid of?

Dying alone.

7. Would you rather lose all of your old memories or never be able to make new ones?

Neither thank you. I like all my memories.

8. Pretend I'm looking at a scrapbook page about you. There are three spaces for you to drop in individual pictures. What are those pictures of, and why did you select them?

My husband, he is my hero
My children, they are my life.
My knitting, it keeps me sane.

9. If you were re-doing your wedding, what would you do differently?

Have it 4 years earlier so my mom could have been there. Other than that it was perfect.

10. Tell me one thing you know/believe about forgiveness

"To error is human, forgive divine" Alexander Pope.

11. You're waiting in a doctor's office. What is your favorite way to pass that time?

Knitting or crocheting

12. If there were a clone of you in a parallel universe what is one way you hope she/he would be the same as you and one way you hope she/he would be better?

I hope she would be able to keep her mouth shut better than I can.

Random Dozen

This has become something I look forward to each week. If you want to play along, remember to link your post to this blog. Also, check out some of the other blogs listed there and comment to them.

1. Ever had any run-ins with the "library police?"

Not that I know of. I did however move once and forgot to return books before I left. They got packed. When I returned for a visit, I took the books back.

2. Do you have a special organizational plan and place for wrapping paper, gift bags, etc., or do you just purchase whatever you need as you give gifts?

Not really. I do have a small 4 drawer unit for all of my shipping sttuff for mailing packages though.

3. Have you ever been in (first-hand witness) a natural disaster?

I lived in California for many years, earthquakes were normal. I have also been through many floods in the desert.

4. What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?

I write the songs.


5. What's the best costume you've ever worn?

My Scottish wench costume for the Renn. Faire.

6. Which do you use more often, the dictionary or the thesaurus?

Thesaurus. Always looking for new ways of saying the same old thing.

7. What's your favorite breakfast food?

Cold Pizza. Really.

8. Have you ever purchased anything from an infomercial?

Yes. They were books for making stuff with kids. I used it when I was a girl scout leader and still have them around the house somewhere.

9. Have you ever crawled through a window?

Yes. I was a wild teenager. Had a lot of times we snuck out.

10. Do you believe in love at first sight?

Yes. I had that with my husband. I knew the night we met that he was the one for me.

11. How man pairs of jeans do you own?

Four. But I am shrinking, so I will have to go shopping soon.

12. If someone were going to bake a cake to honor/represent you, what would it be? (Think creatively, like Duff and Crew on "Ace of Cakes.")

A stack of text books with a yarn ball on to and a laptop on the side. Both knitting needles and a crochet hook would need to be represented as well as a spinning wheel.

You can link up to the Random Dozen by the link on my side bar.

1. How do you feel about "Gladiator" sandals, also called "Roman" or "Jesus" sandals? A fashion yea or nay?

I got off the fashion train many years ago. I think, if you like them wear them. I do not like them, so I will not be wearing them.

2. What is your favorite pizza?

Thin crust rubbed with roasted garlic. Sun dried tomatoes, chopped basil, cashews and pineapple. I make it at home. To die for!!

3. There are plans in the works to sell roughly 1,000 items from Star Trek: The Experience in Las Vegas. This means you could buy Picard's chair for your family room. If not a Star Trek item, what prop, background, set, etc. from what TV or movie would you buy if you could? [Ex: Hurley's "I Love my Shih tzu" shirt from LOST, the plantation home "Tara" from Gone With the Wind, or Tracy's tambourine from the Partridge Family.]

I want a tri-level chess game from the original Star Trek. My brother had one when we were growing up and we loved playing it. I wonder what happened to it over the years.

4. Name a local food or restaurant that your area is famous for.

There are 3 restaurants this area is known for:

Fricano's Pizza. In my opinion it is nasty pizza, however people who have lived here forever love it.
Pronto Pup's. I had one once, never again, but my kids love them.

and Butch's Beach Burrito. I have never eaten at Butches so I have no opinion on this one.
I am not originally from here, so my tastes did not develop while growing up here. Maybe that is why I prefer to eat at home.

5. What is your current favorite snack?

Hummus and pita with pine nuts

6. Hypothetical: You are required to be a reality show contestant. Which show would you choose based on your probability of success? (You cannot choose "none.")
A. Dancing with the Stars
B. Biggest Loser
C. Survivor

The biggest looser I think. I can dance, but I would be voted off by my looks on DWTS and my idea of camping is ordering room service so no way would I try out survivor.

7. On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being uninhabitable and 10 being cleanliness that meets the standards of OCD, how clean is your vehicle's interior?

10, had it detailed by the daughter this week. She wants to use it for her driving test.

8. It doesn't feel like Spring until _________.

I get allergies. I have them, pollen is out. *sigh*

9. Something that made you laugh really hard recently is ____.

I know I am under too much stress right now because I cannot think of the last time I laughed really hard. I know it was recently, but I cannot for the life of me remember what it was about.

10. Tell me about a goal you're working toward.

Losing weight.

11. Share a thought-provoking or inspiring quote this week.

"In the fields of observation, chance favors only the prepared mind."--Louis Pasteur

12. Name one thing that you do as a parent that you absolutely know will make your kids happy. If you're not a parent, feel free to substitute "friend" or nomenclature that works for you.

I called both my kids and they both answered this by saying "Give me money." I love having teenagers!!

Random Dozen

1. Define a great relationship.

Honesty and open communication lines.

2. Why is it called a "drive-through" if you have to stop? (Real question: What was the last food/drink you purchased at a drive-through?)

Vanilla Soy Latte this morning

3. As I type this, the Butler Bulldogs are getting ready to play in the NCAA championship game. Every Hoosier is hysterical about this except me. So in honor of the Bulldogs ... what is your favorite breed of dog? (I tried.)

I love labs, St. Bernards and Basset hounds. Basset puppies are the best as the walk on their ears :) So adorable.

4. If you had to move to a state besides the one you currently live in, where would you move?

New Mexico. I love the desert south west.

5. If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?

Oh hard question! I am who I am because of the way I was raised. But one thing I would change going back is that I would have listened to my parents more. I used to think they were lecturing me when really they were giving me tried and true advice.

6. Who's the funniest person you know?

My husband

7. Did you get enough sleep last night?

Enough, is there such a thing? I slept very poorly last night due to not feeling well. I should have taken a knock out drug, but I knew I had to be up early this morning.

8. What's the first thing you thought about this morning?

That I had to get Boo to work and Sarge to the dentist.

9. Grilled or Fried? --HONESTLY

Honestly, it depends. I love grilled meat, veggies and bananas--yes bananas.
Here is how I make a grilled banana spit:

Take a banana still in the skin over a grill, Heat until warm all over.
It will mush out a bit when done.
Peel it and put hot banana mush in a bowl, top with cold vanilla ice cream, fudge and caramel. Put cherry juice and two cherries on top.
OMG yum!!
Don't knock it til you've tried it!!

Oh- and here is a healthier version that I will be having now that I am on a diet.

On the other hand, I love fried. Fried zucchini, green beans, cauliflower, carrots. Good non greasy fried chicken. YUM. Now I mostly eat "oven fried" but it is not the same. Every once in a while you just have to be bad.

10. Are you afraid of the dark?

Sometimes. It is not really that I am afraid of the dark, just that I like to know I have a light so I can see. I do not feel comfortable in pitch black.

11.When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Anything but a mom. Really, I didn't want kids until I became pregnant. Now I know they are my life.
As for a career, I wanted and still want to own my own business. I do not like working for someone else.

12. If you had one word to describe yourself , what would you choose?

Knowledgeable.

Over the years I have had many people refer to me as a Know-it-all. This can be a bad thing, but I have learned to accept that I am knowledgeable on a lot of different things. I now take that phrase as I am sure my friends intend it and ignore the people who mean it in a degrading way. I do not look at it as being all knowing, as I am not, but I am a jack of all trades, master of none.

Random Dozen

1. How do you feel about the marshmallow Easter Peeps?

I am not a fan of marshmallow anything.

2. Chickens are notoriously nervous creatures. When you are nervous, what is the best way to calm down?

When crap goes down that I am nervous about, I Knit. Seriously, it takes my mind off problems and allows me to think.

3. People say, "April showers bring May flowers." Do you enjoy Spring rains?

Yes, Love a good light rain. Here in Michigan we never get light rains, but thunderstorms instead and I am not a huge fan of those.

4. When I was randomly flipping through TV channels this week, I saw a show in which tattoo parlor employees received tattoos of a co-worker's face on their bodies. I can't imagine having a portrait of a colleague tattooed on me. But if someone forced you to receive a portrait tattoo (face only) of anyone, who would it be? Why?

This would not be a choice that I would make. I could do both my kids in baby caricature if I had to, but really...REALLY???

5. Would you rather have a tattoo (any kind) or a nose ring?

No bugger glitter for me. I do want a tattoo of a yarn ball with needles and a crochet hook. I was going to get it when I turned 40, but the money was needed elsewhere. Maybe when I turn 45.

6. Do you have any special plans for Easter?

No, not really. Both kids are working on that day and I think the Sarge and I might go out for brunch.

7. Cadbury Eggs or Reese Eggs?

Cadbury mini eggs or caramel eggs, but not the yucky gooey cream eggs.

8. What was the last thing/person you took a picture of?

My swap package

9. What book are you reading now, or what was the last one?

The new spin off magazine is by my bed for reading tonight.

10. What do you think is the most difficult task when it comes to Spring cleaning?

Cleaning. My house is a disaster that as much as I try to throw everything away, it seems to keep multiplying. I want to live a non cluttered life, I just have too much crap to do so.

11. How many pairs of flip-flops do you own?

Two

12. Which color makes you happiest?

Pink. It makes me smile.

Bonus Joke :

Why did the Easter egg hide?

He was a little chicken!

Random dozen- Spring is here

1. What is your favorite sign of Spring?

The snow melting and tiny flowers popping up

2. Did you remember to spring forward on March 14?

Yes, I remembered. It was a very long day and we got to the Women's expo and hour early, but hey, my clock was right.

3. If soil, time, talent and climate were no problem, what vegetable would you plant in a garden this year?

All of them. I love fresh veggies, but I have a very small yard. I have thought about the 1ft gardens so maybe this year I will implement it.

4. If soil, time, talent and climate were no problem, what fruit would you plant? pineapple and Dates


5. What is your least favorite insect?

All of them. I don't like bugs.

6. March 22 was World Water Day. To celebrate, here are some water questions. Do you drink bottled water? If so, what brand?

Very rarely. I carry a metal water bottle with me now, but I hate to drink water. I am trying. I also prefer tap water to bottled or filtered water as I can taste the carbon and salt used to filter. Bleck!

7. Have you ever been somewhere that it was not safe to drink the local water? If so, how did you handle that?

Yes, I have. You boil water or you use pills to make it potable. Not that hard.

8. How many glasses of water do you drink per day? I am up to 6-7 need 8-9

9. March 24 is the birthday of Harry Houdini. Have you ever watched a professional magic show? Share.

Only David Copperfield on TV.


10. Have you ever been a participant in a professional magic show (up on stage!)?

No. but I have been part of a juggling act st a Renn. Faire. Does that count?


11. March 24 is also the birthday of Steve McQueen and Clyde Barrow. Do you like Westerns or gangster movies? If so, what is your favorite?

My father used to watch all the old movies with gangsters and cowboys. My husband loves Clint Eastwood. Me, I can take them or leave them.

12. (Really random) What U.S. state that you've never visited would you like to visit someday?

Vermont, because I too can be random. Really I want to revisit the ones I have been to and visit all of the ones I have not. A goal of mine is to have been in all 50 states.