A Very Random Random Dozen

                                      

It's Wednesday and another session with Linda and her Random Dozen.  Does anyone see the irony in the fact that I have to display this picture of donuts on my blog every time I do this meme?  Oh, Lid, if you only knew...

 

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

I never had a librarian come after me, but I did have one get a little stern with me once.  Many years ago my record showed that I had 2 books that had been overdue for something like a year.  What didn't make sense was that they were books from the children's department.  Something about science experiments, if I remember correctly.  Well, I don't have children, so I'd have no need for checking out children's books.  The librarian tried to pin it on me, and I continued to insist I don't check out kids' books.  She finally gave up and marked it as lost in the system.

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?

Gift wrap organization?  What's that?  I basically put tubes of wrapping paper in a corner in the spare bedroom and keep a small tote with tissue paper and odds and ends.  I never purchase the stuff ahead of time, though.  I buy it as needed.

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

No, I can't say that I have.  It's amazing that I've lived in Indiana for 37 years and have never experienced a tornado.  I've been nearby when some have come through and have seen high winds and green-colored sky, but I've never actually been in the middle of one.

4. What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?

"Weekend In New England" YouTube video

Barry who????  Okay, I am sooo kidding.  I do know who Barry Manilow is, but that's only because a long time ago my mom had all his records, which were played a lot at my house in the 70's.  I was a kid. 

I didn't actually know the title of my favorite song, but I knew what it sounded like.  So I just went looking for it on YouTube and discovered it is called Weekend in New England.  Oh, my heart, I love that song.  I think it's the melody and the words combined in such a way that just tugs at my heart.  If you need to see Barry perform this, here's the video for your own enjoyment.  You know, I only provide quality entertainment here at the blog...

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

I'm going to take a lot of liberty with my answer.  When I turned 7 my parents threw a surprise party for me and invited all my little schoolmate girlfriends.  Although it wasn't a costume, per se, Mom had made me a skirt and bonnet out of a red calico that matched, and she made each of the girls matching bonnets to wear at the party, too.  It was a Holly Hobby theme because I was really into her at the time.

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

I use the dictionary more.  Usually I'm looking to see if a word means what I think it means.  You know how you use a word for years, and then you go to use it in your blog and aren't even sure if you've been using it correctly?  (Like for question #5 I had to look up "per se")

7. What's your favorite breakfast food?

I love granola.

8. Have you ever purchased anything from an infomercial?

I remember when I got my first credit card after entering college I saw this hair flip tool that would turn your ponytail inside out.  I ordered it and used it about 5 times.  I could never get my hair to look quite right. 

9. Have you ever crawled through a window?

It's funny that Lid would ask this question because of my blog post of yesterday about my husband getting locked out of the house.  I don't think I've ever had to crawl through a window. 

10. Do you believe in love at first sight?

No, I don't.  Infatuation, yes.  Love, no.

11. How man pairs of jeans do you own?

I own 5 pairs of jeans that I wear.  I have a couple others in my drawer that I've been holding onto for skinny Liz, but I haven't seen her in a long time.  Sure wish she'd come back and wear her jeans already.

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.")

I think it would probably be a piano.  That's what I think I'm most known for in church ministry because it's what I've been doing the longest.  I think it would be cool if it had a bar of music floating out and into the air.  Someone recently gave me a gift for playing at their daughter's wedding.  It's a grand piano encased in a crystal cube, and the music is floating out the top of the piano.  It's beautiful.  This is a picture of it.

                                 

For more Random Dozen or to link up with your own, hop on over to Linda's 2nd Cup of Coffee.

  

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Random Dozen... Very Random

It's Tuesday night as I write this.  I've been home all day nursing a dizzy head.  The dizzy is gone now, but the effects of the Dramamine linger on.  Feeling a little spacey right now.  As I answer my Random Dozen, I hope my sentences make sense.  Forgive me if there are any typos.

                                          

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

I can't say that I love those sandals... or even like them.  I wouldn't want to discourage anyone from wearing them, though.  They just aren't my taste.

2. What is your favorite pizza?

Any kind that my friend Judy makes!!!  She knows how to make pizza like the pizzerias.  I don't care if it's veggie, pepperoni, hamburger or sausage... she makes an awesome pizza.  People at church put in requests for her pizza.  We joke about her doing pizza delivery out of her home.

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.]

Every time I've watched the Biggest Loser I've thought about how I'd like to have their gym.  At least, I wouldn't mind having all their equipment.

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

I guess that would be the South Bend Chocolate Cafe'.  They specialize in chocolate, or did you figure that out already by the title?  They make large and delicious desserts.  I've had cake there before that I couldn't eat all at one sitting.  I had to take the rest home in a box.

5. What is your current favorite snack?

I like Brown Cow cream top yogurt in raspberry or strawberry flavor.  It's so delicious and better than any yogurt out there.  Cream top is the way to go, baby.  It's good for you.

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

This is a hard question for me.  I don't believe I would fare well at any of these reality shows.  Since Lid won't let me off without answering, I'll have to pick Biggest Loser.  I cannot see myself capable of learning dances or even being flexible enough to do what all they do.  Survivor?  Forget about it!  I don't like dirt, bugs, reptiles or going more than one day without a shower.  I also enjoy food and running water...oh, and toilets.  I'd never survive!

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?

I'd say my vehicle is a 7 on the cleanliness scale.  The dash is dusty, there's some pet hair on the seats, and the floors need to be vacuumed. 

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

It doesn't feel like spring until the kids are playing at the park where I take my walks.  It makes me happy when everyone returns.  Life at the park makes me happy.

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

I can't remember the last time I laughed really hard.  I did get seriously tickled the other day during the Ultimate Blog Party when I visited A Daily Dose of Toni's blog and saw her dancing in a vlog.  The woman seems to have no qualms about being crazy for people, and I think it's hilarious.

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

A goal?  What's that?  Okay, I'm so kidding.  I have a goal to read every day, particularly non-fiction.  I've even got an Excel sheet that I fill out with how many pages I read each month and am adding it up for the year.  It helps me have an idea of the progress I'm making.  I can't say I'm doing very well with my goal these days.  I do read, but not as avidly as I want to or probably should.

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

I was re-reading a chapter from Sacred Marriage today and came across this quote again.  It is very thought provoking to me.

Most of us, in fact, probably never approached the relationship of marriage with the thought that "apathy" is the antithesis of Christian love.  As long as we're not mean, vindictive, or cruel, we may think we're fulfilling our Christian duty.  But we're not. The truth is, I owe my wife this "gift of self."  When I refuse to fall forward and begin withholding myself, I am saying in effect, "I will no longer be married to you on a spiritual level."  (Sacred Marriage, Gary Thomas, pg. 161)

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 don't have kids, so I'll answer this as it pertains to a friend.  I know that if I say I'll ride in Judy's Jeep, she is very happy.  The Jeep is fun, but if you have a lot of hair that's a bit unruly and you don't come prepared to keep it restrained in some fashion, riding in a Jeep with the top off and the wind blowing like crazy can make for a bad hair day.  I just like to be prepared.

 

If you'd enjoy meeting Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee, go on over to her blog now and say hello.  Link up with the other Random Dozen-ers.

Random Dozen: April 7

I thought I would randomly join Linda for her Random Dozen today.  I am all about random, you know.  If you didn't know that, just look at the frequency of my blogging.  {chuckling}

1. Define a great relationship.

I think a great relationship consists of good communication, a willingness to confess your faults to each other, a readiness to forgive, and a love that is willing to sacrifice your own desires.

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?)

I think the last time I hit a drive-thru I was picking up a burrito supreme at Taco Bell.  I had a craving, but it didn't even taste good.

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.)

Shelties!!!  Are you telling me there are other breeds of dogs?  (By the way, I'm a Hoosier and didn't care about the NCAA Championship.)

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

I guess the lame answer is Michigan.  It's not too far away, and I have many good memories of trips to see relatives there.  If I were to move farther away to someplace different from Indiana, I guess it would be Florida.  I still wonder, though, if I could stand the heat in summer.

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

My parents should've let me eat more kid cereals.  LOL!  I'm not sure if that's what Linda's really asking, but it's what came to my mind.  Dad didn't always want us eating those sugar cereals like Corn Pops, Fruity Pebbles, Cookie Crisp, Honeycomb, etc... Instead I ate things like Shredded Wheat and Wheat Chex.

6. Who's the funniest person you know?

There's a man who's a member of my church who has a very quick wit.  He is hilarious.  He does celebrity impressions and has a joke for everything.  He always gets us laughing during choir practice.

7. Did you get enough sleep last night?

No.  I haven't been sleeping well in the last several nights.  I've got a lot on my mind, and I've been sleeping restlessly.

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

My first thought was "uuuuggghh!"  I have been dealing with a muscle spasm in my shoulder, and it's pretty harsh first thing in the morning.  The second thing I thought about was needing the Lord's help for the day.

9. Grilled or Fried? --HONESTLY

Well, honestly.... FRIED. 

10. Are you afraid of the dark?

It's not a fear of the dark.  It's a fear of whatever is LURKING in the dark, especially if I've just watched the movie "The Sixth Sense".  Which hasn't happened in a really long time and never will happen again because I know better.  If I read or see anything scary at night, I will run to the bedroom as quickly as I can and pull the covers up over my ears for protection.  (As if the boogeyman is repelled by my blanket.)

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

I wanted to be a teacher.  I often played school with my sister.  I had a chalkboard and everything.

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

COMPLEX.

For more Random Dozen answers, visit Linda's 2nd Cup of Coffee.

Random Dozen: Feb. 24

1. Have you ever fired a gun or shot a bow and arrow?

No, I haven't.

2. Do you know where your childhood best friends are?

Not exactly.  I think my friend who was my next-door-neighbor still lives in the area, but I haven't talked to her in years.  We eventually lost touch a few years after her parents divorced, and she moved out of town with her mom.

3. Do you usually arrive early, late, or on time?

I used to arrive early for absolutely everything.  Now I typically arrive on time or a little late.

4. Are you more of a New York or California type?

Can my answer be neither?  I can't see myself feeling comfortable in either region.  I am truly a mid-western girl.

5. Do you have a special ring tone?

I use one of the ringtones that came with this phone.  I tried "Who I Am" by Jessica Andrews because that's my dad's song for me, but my dog barks every time the phone rings.  It makes it just a little bit harried when I need to get to the phone, so I switched it back to the more mellow, generic ringtone.

6. What is your favorite type of chip?

Chocolate chip!  Ha Ha!  I guess maybe that wasn't the type of chip you were asking about.  I haven't eaten chips in many months, so I'll have to try and remember what I used to enjoy.  I believe Fritos were one of my favorites.  Okay, I totally have a craving now.  {sigh}

7. Best comedy you've ever seen is ....

I think I have to take a pass on this question.  I don't watch many movies, and I can't think of a comedy off the top of my head.

8. Have you ever cut your own hair? To quote Dr. Phil, "How'd that work for ya?"

I have only ever cut my own bangs, but even in doing so, I was very careful.  It would be so like me to make a mess of it.  I could tell you about an eyebrow waxing incident, but that's another story for another day. 

9. If you were going to have an extreme makeover, would you rather it be about your house or your personal self?

There's no question about it.  I would want a makeover on my house.  It's old and needs a lot of work.  Oh, what I wouldn't give for my kitchen countertops and cupboards.

10. Are you allergic to anything?

No, I don't think so.

11. Why is it so hard to change?

It's just easier to do the same things we're accustomed to.  Change requires effort to make the adjustments.

12. One last question dedicated to February love: CS Lewis said, "To love is to be vulnerable." Please share one example of that assertion or share any thought you'd like to about this topic.

It is definitely vulnerable to love.  If love means I'm denying myself to give to another person, it means I'm opening myself up to any type of response from them.  I have to sacrifice without expecting anything in return, and that might mean I get hurt in the process. 

For more Random Dozen blogging, go visit Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.  Why not tackle the Random Dozen on your blog?

Random Dozen: Feb. 17

 

1. If you could compete in one Olympic event (not necessarily winter sports) what would it be?

I always thought the rhythmic gymnastics looked interesting.  Of course, if I was to compete I would have to actually...you know... be a gymnast.  And we know that was never gonna happen.  I don't even know how to do a cartwheel.  The whole notion of my feet being above my head and not on the ground is not my idea of fun.  You should've seen me in 9th grade when we had gymnastics in our P.E. class.  We had a whole weeks-long unit of learning various skills.  I had to do a routine that involved me getting into a tripod position.  Ugh!  It was a nightmare.

2. Do remember a specific Olympic moment from the past?

My favorite Olympics were Atlanta 1996 and the ladies gymnastics dream team.  They won gold when Kerri Strug pulled off a vault with an injured ankle.  Unforgettable!

3. Have you ever known anyone who competed in the Olympics?

No.  I don't believe I know anyone.  There was a young woman from my hometown, who I believe was a swimmer, but that's about as close as I've gotten to an Olympic athlete.  Which isn't very close, seeing as I don't know her.  :)

4. If everyday activities were Olympic-worthy, which activity would you have a gold medal in?

Hmmm... What am I good enough at to get a gold medal?  Nothing domestic, that's for sure.  Maybe if I trained really hard I could medal in typing.  I know if I practice, I can type pretty fast.

5. Do you know anything about your ethnic heritage?

I know I have some Irish and some British in me, but I really don't know more than that. 

6. Do you enjoy sleeping late?

I enjoy sleeping late, but I hate the effects of sleeping late.  I like routine, so if I get up later it throws off the whole system.  Makes me feel behind.  So I would just as soon get up at a normal time and go about my day.

7. Have you ever performed CPR on anyone? Do you know how? (Yes, that's two, I know. Whatevs.)

No, I haven't.  I was taught in junior high in Home Ec class how to perform CPR.  I think I remember enough that I might be able to implement it, should the need arise.  At least I hope I would remember.

8. Name one country you'd like to visit and explain why.

Oh, you're asking the wrong person this question.  I'm sooo not the traveler.  That would require flying, over an ocean nonetheless.  I guess if it came right down to it, it would probably be Great Britain.  I do love English accents.

9. Have you ever fixed up a couple romantically?

No.  I wouldn't want the responsibility or the blame if it didn't work out.  There's potential for things to get messy if I got involved with matchmaking.

10. What is the last book you read?

I read Winter Haven by Athol Dickson.  That was a fairly interesting novel and the first I've read by that author.  Very different from other Christian fiction I've read.  It was somewhat of a ghost story, and it creeped me out a few times. 

 
11. Do you enjoy sleeping late? NO, YOU write the question! How's that for random??

Alright.  My made-up question is "Now that we're in February, how are you doing on your goals for 2010?"

I am so glad I asked myself that question.  :)  I am doing quite well.  I wanted to read more and keep track of pages read and books completed.  So far, so good.  I also wanted to get disciplined about my laundry.  I throw a load into the wash before I leave for work, put it in the dryer after I get home, and then fold it sometime in the afternoon or evening.  I've stuck with that routine for the most part, but I must say this week it got totally out of control, meaning that the baskets of clean clothes were multiplying.  My husband is very kind, though, and he took it upon himself to fold everything on his day off yesterday.

12. What is your favorite meal at your favorite restaurant?

I think I'm gonna have to go with Shrimp Ravioli at Papa Vino's Italian Kitchen.  I also thought of my other fave, the Caesar Salad with Shrimp at Carraba's Italian Grill.

There's more Random Dozen to be had over at Linda's 2nd Cup of Coffee today.  Hop on over to her blog and say hi.

Random Dozen

I haven't been part of the Random Dozen in many weeks, but I thought I'd jump in today.

1. Are you pleasant when you're ill, or are you a grumpy, fussy patient?

I guess I'm grumpy when I'm sick, but I always try not to ask for too much.

2. When you find out that school is canceled (due to inclement weather) what is your gut reaction?

My gut reaction is to wish I was still a kid in school, so I could take a day off.  I don't have kids, so snow days (or bad weather) don't affect me. 

3. What is one domestic skill you wish you could improve?

Baking.  I can do it, but there are a lot of times I've had to throw dough or batter away that just didn't come together right.  I also struggle without a photo accompanying a recipe because I'm never sure how to tell if something is done.  I'm always afraid I'll over bake something, and then they get burnt.  I sure could improve in the baking department.

4. Do you decorate your home for Valentine's Day?

No, I basically ignore Valentine's Day.  Does anyone else ignore it?

5. What song is on your mind today?

"Glorious Day" sung by Jeff Johnson

6. Do you prefer contemporary movies or classic?

I like both, but I guess I'm more into contemporary movies these days.  When I lived at home, my sister and I would sit with our mom and watch musicals together like Singin' In the Rain, Funny Girl, The King and I, and Brigadoon.  I still like those movies, but I guess they're more fun to watch with someone, rather than alone. 

7. How well do you "compartmentalize" your feelings? For example, how well can you put aside a really trying moment to deal with the immediate situation which is not related to the trying moment, e.g., putting aside a tiff with your spouse in order to finish wallpapering a room.

Not good at ALL.  I have to deal with problems like right now.  If things aren't resolved pretty quickly, I find it hard to do anything else.

8. What is the first thing that attracted you to your spouse? (Or if you're single, to your best friend.)

Rich just sort of has this charm about him.  It's kinda like a shy humor.  I don't know how else to explain it.

9. When was the last time your heart raced?

It was last week.  Sometimes our surround speakers pick up a frequency from CB radios or cell phones when trucks drive past our house.  It comes in LOUD and SUDDEN.  Scares the livin' daylights out of me.

10. What are your memories of Valentine's Day at school?

I remember being in elementary school when we would decorate paper bags to receive valentines from our classmates.  Seems like we'd get some candy and conversation hearts, and we probably even had a little party with heart sugar cookie cutouts with pink or red frosting.  I remember one year I was probably in the 3rd or 4th grade when I was home sick with the flu on Valentine's Day.  I was so depressed because I was going to miss out on the party.  They did save me a bag of valentines and treats, though.

11. If you were going to receive candy for Valentine's Day, which would you prefer?

CHOCOLATE!!!  Ghirardelli or Dove would be just fine.  Although I will eat conversation hearts, I've never really cared for them ever.

12. Red or pink?

Definitely pink!

 

You should go and visit Linda's blog now and see how other bloggers answered the Random Dozen.

Random Dozen

I don't know how Linda comes up with her questions, but she asked a couple of tough ones this week.  Here are my responses, for what it's worth...

 

1. Which Wizard of Oz character are you most like?

I never gave it much thought, but I guess I would be Dorothy.  As far as I'm concerned, there is no place like home.  I like the idea of traveling, but I am a homebody.

2. When you're deciding what you're going to wear each morning, which item do you select first?  Why?

It all depends on the day.  Sometimes I know I want to wear a particular top, so I'll choose the pants that make me look the skinniest with that top.  Is that how everyone else gets dressed for the day?

3. What kind of animal do you think the world could live without?

Snakes

4. How many Christmas trees are in your home?

I think we own 2 artificial Christmas trees, but neither is put up yet.  We have no decorations up at all. 

5. Would you prefer to be emotionless if it mean you didn't have to feel a heartbreak?

I think feeling emotion is a gift, and I wouldn't give it up, even if it meant I didn't have to experience heartbreak.  Feeling that pain means you have loved, and isn't that worth something?

6. Do you ever experience holiday let-down or depression?

I have felt the holiday blues before.  It usually comes because I have expectations of how things ought to be, and I'm let down when they aren't met.  I also sometimes get that low feeling after the holiday has passed because the event I was all hyped up for has passed, and I'm not sure what to look forward to after that.

7. Do you like Michael Jackson's music?

I have to qualify my answer for this one.  I have never owned any of his music, but it's all very familiar because it was so prevalent in places I'd go, i.e. the mall.  Sort of like it's part of the background soundtrack of my life.  Some of his songs I have found to be "catchy", but I never liked the man.

8. Why is it that we never judge people who have their teeth fixed for cosmetic reasons, but every other cosmetic procedure has a stigma?

I never really thought about that, Linda.  Hmmm...I guess I'm stumped.  I'll be interested to see what other people think.

9. Enjoy horseback riding?

I have only ridden a horse on two occasions.  The first time I was just a little girl, and it was a pony guided by my dad at a zoo or something.  The second time I must have been about 12, and that time I actually got to hold the reins and follow the guide.  That was also at a zoo, and I'm pretty sure the horses knew exactly where they were supposed to go.  I am sure I enjoyed it, but I hardly remember it.

10. Shoes--practical or stylish?

I try to incorporate style into my practicality.

11. What was the name of your first pet? Feel free to post a pic.

We got a puppy when I turned 10.  Her name was Penny.  She was a black lab/beagle mix and the runt of the litter.  She was a free puppy, so we named her Penny since she didn't cost us a cent.  {That was until she went to her vet check-up and probably had to be dewormed and vaccinated.  I'm sure Mom & Dad paid plenty for that dog.}

12. What percentage of your Christmas shopping is done?

None. Nada. Zip. Zilch.

My answers weren't too snappy today, were they?  Oh well, maybe you'll have to go over to Linda's blog and see what other people had to say with their Random Dozen today.

Random Dozen - Thanksgiving Edition

1. Are you sticking to traditional Thanksgiving foods this year, or are you being culinarily adventurous?

We pretty much eat the same things every year.... turkey, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, yams, corn casserole, etc... Hey, if something is delicious, why mess with the classics?

2. Tell me something concrete that you're thankful for. (Something you can literally touch, see, etc., not a concept like "hope.")

Family & friends

3. You knew the flip side was coming: Share about something intangible that you're thankful for.

I'm thankful that God keeps me. Every morning when I wake up I still have my faith. It's not something I have to go to bed hoping I still have the next day.

4. Share one vivid Thanksgiving memory. It doesn't have to be deep or meaningful, just something that remains etched in your memory.

I think I've shared this photo before, but it is what I think of every year at Thanksgiving time. When I was in kindergarten everyone in our class was supposed to bring in a vegetable for stew, and then we got to eat the stew together. I remember the school hallways were filled with the aroma. We made Pilgrim and Indian hats and tops out of construction paper. Here I am modeling the Pilgrim. Isn't my prairie apron with applique adorable?

5. What is one thing that you know beyond a shadow of a doubt is going to happen this Thanksgiving because it always does, year after year?

I'm going to eat pie. That's the one and only thing that I'm absolutely sure of.

6. Do your pets get any left-overs?

We can't feed Dixie "people food" because she usually gets an upset tummy.

7. Does your family pray before the big meal? If so, do you join hands while seated, stand, repeat a formal prayer or offer a spontaneous prayer? Who does the praying?

We always say a prayer before the meal. We sit at the table, hold hands, and Dad leads it.

8. Will you be watching football in the afternoon? If not, what will you be doing?

My parents have never been into sports, so no we won't be watching football. A tradition of the past has been to watch a Christmas movie. One of our favorites is the musical Scrooge with Albert Finney. In our family's opinion, it is the BEST telling of Dickens' story A Christmas Carol.



9. There are two distinct camps of people on this issue: How do you feel about oysters in the dressing/stuffing?

I have never tried it, nor would I want to. I'm not sure I know anyone who has had oysters in their dressing, either.

10. Do you consider yourself informed about the first Thanksgiving?

I believe I have a pretty good grasp on the story of the first Thanksgiving.

11. Which variety of pie will you be enjoying?

Apple & maybe Pumpkin at my mom's. I'm hoping maybe I can snag a slice of Pecan at our church fellowship on Wednesday.

12. Do you feel for the turkey?? (This is a humorous throw back question related to the 12th question in another Random Dozen!)

Nope, not at all.

So glad you stopped by today. Please take a moment to visit Linda's 2nd Cup of Coffee blog. She's a fun lady.

Time for Random Dozen

You know what this picture means, right? Looks like Linda has some tough questions today.

1. If you could master one sport, what would it be?

Golf! It doesn't require speed, running, or playing on a team that's depending on you to make a play.

2. When you make a major purchase, do you go with your gut instinct, or do you do research to make an informed decision?

My husband and I do research. More my husband, but since he likes doing it, I just let him.

3. There is an old kids' game that says you can find out what your movie star name would be by using your middle name as your first name and the name of the street you grew up on as your last. What is your movie star name?

Anne Belmar

4. Would you rather give up your favorite music or your favorite food?

I believe I would rather give up my favorite food than favorite music. I have already given up some of my favorite foods like donuts and Oreos (and my flavored creamers are on their way to extinction too), but I can't do without my music. I love my Kari Jobe and Sara Groves because they speak to my heart.

5. There are two types of banana preferences. One is pristine yellow, almost to the point of being green; the other is spotty and more ripe. Which is your preference?

I prefer my bananas spotty and more ripe. As long as there is no green showing, a banana is perfect. They're sweeter that way.

6. Your favorite tree is?

A great big Maple. They were the kind that most of our neighbors had when I was growing up. There was one across the street from my house, and it had terrific shade. My friends and I would sometimes have a picnic lunch underneath it on a summer day. Good memories.

7. On a scale of 1-10, how tech savvy are you?

I think I'm a 7 on the techy scale.

8. Has H1N1 touched your family?

My niece and nephew both got a flu a few weeks ago, but the hospital wouldn't test them. They may or may not have had H1N1.

9. Are you an analytical person, or do you just accept things the way they are without questioning or scrutinizing?

Oh mercy, what a question for me! I question everything, analyzing every in and out of a thing. Rarely do I ever accept things the way they are. I've got to know the why.

10. Is your personality more like that of a dog, cat, or Koala?

I had to look up Koalas on Wikipedia just to find out what they are like. I didn't exactly know what Koalas do. Now that I know they sleep most of the time, have a slow metabolism and basically live on Eucalypt leaves, I can see I have nothing in common with them.

I guess I'm most like a cat. I'm fairly independent and sometimes aloof. I like to greet people on my own terms and don't like being pushed into anything I don't want to do. I like things to be my own idea.

11. Do you keep in touch with friends you made years ago?

Facebook has pretty much changed that for me. I never was one to keep in touch with friends from the past. It has been an interesting experience, and I do enjoy learning about where they are now and what's happening in their lives.

12. You are checking out at a grocery store. In the express lane, there are more people than the regular lanes, but of course, their load is less than those in the regular lanes. Which lane do you choose (assuming you qualify for the express lane) and why?

It would be a gut decision. One day I might choose express, and another day I might choose a regular line. It's something I weigh out at the moment and then go with my gut as to which line would move faster.

Well, that's all for me today. Be sure to visit Linda's blog for more Random Dozen.

Random Dozen... Again

Do you know what day it is? If you guessed Wednesday, you're right? Since it is Wednesday, then you should know it's time for another edition of Linda's Random Dozen at 2nd Cup of Coffee. Woo Hoo!!!

1. What was the last song you listened to?

Barry Manilow singing "The Christmas Song"... Yes, I am listening to Christmas music already, but only when I'm at the office. It brings out the warm fuzzies and makes me feel nostalgic.

2. Have you ever had “buyer’s remorse” over anything?

I typically get buyer's remorse when I buy a new pair of shoes, try to wear them the next day, only to find out they pinch somewhere. Drives me nuts! It's too hard to choose a good fitting shoe in those few moments of walking up and down the aisle at the store.

3. What is something in your life that you are thankful for now that you didn’t think you would be at the time of the event? (Something that seemed ill-timed, inconvenient or hurtful which turned out to be a good thing)

I went through a painful break-up when I was in college and not one that I had chosen for myself, but I believe it was for the best. I'm sure I would've been a different person if I had remained with him. God works in mysterious ways.

4. Do you watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade every year? If so, do you have a favorite float or balloon?

I usually have the parade turned on, but I'm always doing other things while watching it. Sometimes I'm folding laundry, surfing the internet or cooking. I really can't just sit and watch it, though. And I don't have a favorite float.

5. Share a quote, scripture, poem or lyric which has been an inspiration to you lately.

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." I've been needing to meditate on this one a lot the last few weeks.

6. This is meant to be a fun question, and this is a G-rated blog, but please share a “guilty pleasure,” something that you enjoy that’s probably not the most edifying, time-worthy or healthy thing you could be indulging in. Did I mention this blog is rated G?

Oh, is this an easy one! A Starbucks PEPPERMINT MOCHA TWIST. (Sorry, Starbucks.) It is sooooo not good for me with all that sugar, but it is ooooooooh so delicious. I have to drink them sparingly.

7. What Thanksgiving food are you looking forward to?

I think I most anticipate pie on Thanksgiving. It's one of the few times during the year that I eat pie. It doesn't matter what kind either, just so long as it's pie.

8. What is your favorite book to read to children, or what was your favorite childhood book?

I read "Charolotte's Web" a couple times because I enjoyed it so much. I remember being home from school in the 5th grade with a pain in my back and deciding to read the entire book that day.

9. Do you collect anything? (Feel free to post a photo.)

I used to collect Boyd's Bears and Cherished Teddies because I worked at two different gift shops early in my marriage. At this moment they are all boxed up and sitting in my loft, never seen since our move 3 years ago.

10. Gift bags or wrapping paper?

I prefer to use gift bags, but it always depends on the size of the gift and what I happen to have on hand in my gift wrap stash. Gift bags are just so convenient.

11. Share an after-school memory from when you were younger. What was your routine like on an average day?

I can't remember a specific routine, but I know I spent a lot of time playing outdoors with my friends. I was either on the swings in my backyard, playing basketball with the boy across the street, or riding my bike through the neighborhood.

12. True story: Once, in a job interview, I was asked this question and told there would be no clarifying; I simply had to answer the question: “When you’re fishing, do you feel for the fish?” So what about you? Do you feel for the fish??

When I read this question I took it to mean one thing, but I wasn't entirely certain what Linda was going for. I went and read answers from a bunch of other bloggers, and it seems some of them are uncertain as well.

I first took it to mean that when I'm trying to catch a fish, do I feel for the tug on the end of the line? If that's what you're asking, Linda, then the answer is "yes". I do feel for the tug on the end of the line.

But if you're asking me if I feel for the fish, as in, do I feel sorry for the fish? Then the answer is mostly "no". That's not to say I don't wonder what goes through the fish's mind when he's caught his mouth on that hook, but there's nothing like that feeling you get when you've caught a walleye and your friend hasn't. {winking at Judy}

It's Another Random Dozen

I enjoy Linda's Random Dozen, but I don't always have time to sit down and give much thought to her questions. Let's see if I can do it today...

1. It's early morning, about 2:00AM, and you're driving home. You come to a red light and sit there. There is no one in sight for miles around. Do you wait it out or run the light?

I'm really into obeying rules, so I would wait for the light to turn green before going...even at 2:00 AM.

2. If you had the chance to re-do the last 24 hours, would you change anything?

Yeah, there are a lot of things I would do differently right now. I'm struggling with the way I use my afternoons at home. I have plenty to keep me busy but can't quite figure out what to do first, and I have a lack of energy. Hoping to get it figured out soon.

3. When you reply to someone's comment on your blog, do you reply in your comments or go to her blog and comment? (Or email her)

I try to send a reply by email, but often people don't have their email turned on for their account. So I will just reply in the comments area.

4. Your favorite Disney movie is:

Oooh, that's such a hard one, picking a favorite Disney anything! You know I'm a fan. I think I'm gonna have to say "Finding Nemo". Dory cracks me up!

5. Do you recycle?

No. I would, except I think I have to go downtown to an office to pick up a bin, and it's not that important to me.

6. Games of strategy or games of chance?

I don't really play games, but I guess strategy would be my pick.

7. Do you have any recurring dreams?

Not in more recent years. A couple years ago, though, I would have dreams from time to time where I had to use the (ahem) facilities in very odd places. VERY odd places. If anyone has any idea what that might mean, feel free to share.

8. What did you learn from your first real job?

I practically grew up at the mall. That's because my father's family owned a small chain of full-service shoe stores, and as kids we spent much time helping at the store. When I became a teen I helped off and on during big sales and such, so I guess that would qualify as my first real job. I learned two things. #1-Women lie about their shoe size, and we were taught to bring out 3 different sizes for ladies to try on in case the size they claimed was not the right fit. #2 - All the really cool high heels would be entirely out of style by the time I was grown up enough to wear them.

9. Do you buy or borrow most books?

I like to both buy and borrow. I guess I do a fair amount of both. Typically, I'm such a slow reader that when I check out books from the library for the 3-week period, I then have to renew them for another 3 weeks. Sometimes I still don't finish them. So buying books at least takes the 6 week pressure off of trying to finish before time is up. A semi-solution to that problem has been PaperbackSwap.com. I trade my books for others I want on the website, and I can take as long as I want to read a book. Then I repost the book to swap for another.

10. What fashion trend of the past did you say you'd never wear again but did?

I was just a kid when they were in fashion, so it wasn't that much of a tragedy, but...bell bottoms! Okay, so they don't call them bell bottoms today. They're bootcut, flared or whatever, and I love them.

11. When do you start Christmas shopping?

Christmas shopping doesn't typically begin for me until two weeks before Christmas. Last year I waited too long to get a particular gift I could only find at the mall and did a big no-no, venturing out to the mall on the Saturday prior to Christmas. Traffic was backed up a mile from the mall, and I think it took me 30 minutes just to drive that far. I think I almost cried.

12. Have you ever been so happy that you literally jumped up and down for a few seconds? If so, what was the occasion?

When I finally got to the mall to buy that Christmas gift. Ha! (See #11.) Just kidding. Actually, I was pretty happy a couple weeks ago when I finally reached a weight goal I had been working at. I don't think I jumped, but my jaw dropped and I did a cha-ching with my arm. Is that close enough?

Okay, peeps. Go read Linda's blog now and see how everyone else answered the questions today.