AuburnChick's Adventures

So, this could be the last Random Dozen…forever or for a while…Linda hasn’t decided yet.  To help wean us from our daily dose of fun, she’s gone ahead and posted two random questions.  Play along since it will be the last chance you have for a while.

1. What scares you the most

A) Physically
B) Emotionally

Why does it scare you, and how do you cope?

I don’t think I can answer this question separately.  What scares me the most is being in the midst of a tornado.  I do not know why.  I have never been in one, but I do remember being a youngster and sitting in the hallway at school many times with my hands over my head when the weather was really bad.

I have had many dreams where I’m just about swept away by tornadoes.  The dreams are paralyzing, and I wake up with my heart racing and a despondent attitude.

Now, let me share a funny story…sort-of.

Just today, I was on the phone with a customer service rep from Louisville, Kentucky.  In the middle of the conversation, she interrupted me and apologized for the fact that she had to cut our call short because her building was being evacuated for a tornado warning.  She promised to call me back.  Two hours later, I still had not heard back from her, so I tried calling.  The message on the company’s voicemail claimed that the office was unavailable.  I freaked a little, thinking that the building had possibly been blown away.

She called me back an hour later and assured me that all was well, but that things had gotten very scary.

Weird, huh?

2. What comes to mind when you read the phrase, “Nothing gold can stay?”

I am not sure exactly.  With me being an English teacher, I suppose I should give it a valiant go and try analyzing it.

Let’s see…gold signifies finery and permanence.  After all, when we marry, we typically exchange gold rings.

However, according to the quote, even gold will not last forever.  Thus, nothing in this life is permanent, even the finest of things.

Now, I’ll take this a bit further and argue that the only thing that is permanent is the relationship you have with God.  That is something that can never be taken away.  Its worth is of more value than the finest jewels or metals.  His gift of mercy…the sacrifice of His Son for our sins – cannot be taken away from us either.  Once we believe and confess that Jesus died for our sins and was resurrected, then we have that forever.  It will never ever tarnish or disappear.

How’s that for an analysis?!

Linda, I’ll miss the Random Dozen.  I hope this break is temporary and that you breath new life into it after you’ve had some time to rest.

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Poor Linda.  She’s had a rough week, so Mocha with Linda stepped in and helped out with the questions.  Yay for bloggy friends!!

So, we have Random Dozen questions this week, and I have an easy blog post for the week!  Everyone wins!

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

I prefer to read books rather than see movies about books.  Movies do not adequately describe the setting and characters.  There are just so many extra details that you miss in movies.

2. What is your favorite holiday and why?

My favorite holiday is Christmas, although I will say that the last few years, I’ve been a bit humbug.  I think that not having much money has made it kind of depressing.  And, in my heart, I know that this holiday isn’t about buying gifts, but it’s hard to get out of that mentality with all of the materialism in the world.

This holiday reminds me of how Jesus humbled Himself and came down to earth as a baby.  The story of the prophetess, Anna, recognizing Jesus in the temple when He was but a babe and praising God for allowing her to see the Promised One before she died simply blows my mind.  THIS is what Christmas is about!

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

I do not like heights or cliffs, so the mountains are not my thing.  I live 15 minutes from the beach.  Although I don’t go much, I am so thankful that I can.  The smell of the ocean and the sound of the waves puts my heart at peace.  The sight of sunset over the ocean is breathtaking.

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

I don’t need a fancy car.  I have a Jeep, and I love it.  Given the choice, maybe I’d take a fixed-up Jeep…one in which there are no dents, and the paint job is fresh.

5. What is your favorite cold-weather beverage?

I love, love, love hot chocolate!!!

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

I communicate more by Facebook.  It is so convenient!!

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

I have a mailbox at the end of my driveway.  This is the first house in my 21 years of marriage where I’ve had my own mailbox!!

8. Of the four basic personality types – sanguine, phlegmatic, melancholic, and choleric – which is your strongest? Which is your least evident? (See definitions below.)

I am a combination choleric/melancholic.  I am a doer, to the point of forgetting to take care of such things as fixing dinner and whatnot.  But, I do not consider myself very creative (despite the fact that I can knit, I don’t stray from patterns).

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

I celebrated my 20-year birthday as a woman who had been married for six months.  I had just moved to north Florida and was working full time for the state of Florida.  I miss the freedom of that time…the innocence of it.  Although I had barely any money (some things don’t change), I don’t remember feeling overly stressed.  It was a happy time.

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

I’m usually out of bed by 5:45 each morning.  Rooster and I hit the road by 6:45.  I need that hour to take care of myself (30 minutes) as well as my dogs.  Rooster and I have continued the routine of doing devotions on school mornings, and this usually takes ten minutes.

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

I usually take the cars in for oil changes, but the Mr. handles big things like new tires and other repairs.  He and I pay different bills out of our checking accounts.  This is a long story.

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?

As the child of divorced parents, I traveled frequently during my early years (when my mom allowed my dad to see my sister and me).  He lived in several different states.

Hence, I have probably visited most of the states in the West and Midwest.  I’ve also been to all of the southern states.  I’ve visited New York and driven through many of the northern states on the way to New York.

I am a well-traveled woman!

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Personality type definitions courtesy Wikipedia:

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.

Choleric

A person who is choleric is a doer. They have a lot of ambition, energy, and passion, and try to instill it in others. They can dominate people of other temperaments, especially phlegmatic types. Many great charismatic military and political figures were cholerics. They like to be leaders and in charge of everything.

Melancholic

A person who is a thoughtful ponderer has a melancholic disposition. Often very considerate and get rather worried when they could not be on time for events, melancholics can be highly creative in activities such as poetry and art – and can become occupied with the tragedy and cruelty in the world. A melancholic is also often a perfectionist. They are often self-reliant and independent; one negative part of being a melancholic is sometimes they can get so involved in what they are doing they forget to think of others.

Phlegmatic

Phlegmatics tend to be self-content and kind. They can be very accepting and affectionate. They may be very receptive and shy and often prefer stability to uncertainty and change. They are very consistent, relaxed, rational, curious, and observant, making them good administrators and diplomats.

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: Random Dozen | 11 Comments »

So, this week’s questions are a smorgasbord from Linda’s readers.  Hence, the questions truly are “random.”

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?

“Here she comes, Ms. America”

Then, everyone would stop and stare at my beautiful self doing the beauty queen wave and listening while I thank them all for sharing the same breathing space as me.

Vain, I know, but work with me.  I’m administering my first final exams as a teacher, and I’m a little sleep deprived.

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?

I love these…they make my big ole size 8 feet feel dainty.

My least favorite would be a really nice pair of high heels that keep slipping off of my feet all the time.  No picture though.  I’m feeling lazy.

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

I think my most recent birthday…in March…when I turned 40.  I did not have to sub, so I took the entire day and played.  I drove to two very nice yarn stores (an hour and a half away) and bought a bunch of yarn (with the blessing of the Mr.).  My favorite part was when Rooster told me that he could have gone to a couple of friends’ houses, but he had chosen, instead, to stay home with me because, in his words, “In three years, I won’t be here to celebrate your birthday with you.  I’ll be in college.”  Melt my heart!  Who wouldn’t love to hear that on her birthday?

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

Is there Pina Colada ice cream?  If not, then I’m hereby inventing it.  I want something that is like me…a breath of fresh air with the happiness that you feel when you visit the beach.

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?

No, I have never had a crush on a movie star.  Lame, I know, but what can I say.  I’m just that way sometimes.

6. Jill from “Jill Boyd’s Place” inquires: Glasses or braces–if you had to wear one, which would it be?

I’d wear braces because they are temporary, and glasses are not.  Besides that, I grew up wearing the thickest glasses known to man before having my eyes fixed in corrective surgery.  I will not return to glasses until I am an old, old lady.

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

Hawaii.  Why?  I don’t know, but the beach pictures I see on TV or the internet are always so pretty.  Plus, it’s warm there all year around, and I need to live in a warm climate.

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

I would love to have a live-in maid and cook.  Hey!  The question said money is no obstacle, so why not reach for the stars?

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

My favorite birthday meal is anything I do not have to cook.  Anything except for Zaxby’s, which makes me sick to my stomach.

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

Yes, I still hand-write my thank you notes.  In fact, I make the entire AuburnChick family write thank you notes.  Nothing says thank you like a penned note.

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

I never imagined that I would own three dogs…at the same time.  They are a joy to watch…almost like having children.  I love seeing how they interact (except for Molly and Aubie, who cannot be together because they will kill each other).  My dogs have greatly enriched my life, and I am so happy that I have them.

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?

How about the person who invented chocolate?  I mean…seriously.  Chocolate can solve world peace.  That person’s face should totally be on Mount Rushmore.

If my answers sound loopy, please forgive me.  I am exhausted and simply answered according to whatever popped into my head.

Go visit Linda’s blog.  Link up.  Visit other blogs.  Leave comments.  Make new friends.

That’s my PSA for the day.  😀

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: Random Dozen | 13 Comments »

I always love the Random Dozen questions!  Join in on the fun by posting the questions on your own blog and then visiting Linda to link up!!

1. Do you believe, somewhere deep inside, that blondes do indeed have more fun? That they are “dumber” than brunettes or redheads? Be honest!

This is a tough question because I consider myself blonde, although my hair has darkened with age and is now sporting a smattering of white hair.

Do I think blondes have more fun?  No, although they/we like to think so.  Are blondes dumber than those with different hair colors?  Most definitely NOT.  I’m a teacher.  I have seen kids with all sorts of colors, including pink and green.  Let’s just say that dumbness is an equal opportunity employer.

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

When I was a teenager, my high school class took a field trip to the zoo.  One of the guys started agitating a gorilla by running back and forth in front of its cage.  The gorilla finally got so mad that it picked up a pile of gorilla poop and threw it at my classmate.  My classmate ducked, and the poop hit a very young elementary student in the face.

So, why the long story?  Well, because I wonder if gorillas really throw poop in their natural environment.  So, this is the animal I’d like to observe.

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?

First of all, please tell me that my tax dollars are not going to be funding this most atrocious of positions.  Seriously?

So, have I or anyone I know seen a UFO?  Unless you can count my mom flying across the room to tear a knot in my rear end when I was a child, then no, I can’t say that I’ve seen a UFO of the alien kind.

4. Name your favorite Hitchcock film.

How sad is this, but I have never seen a Hitchcock film.

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

I’d rather be home.  I am a homebody.  What can I say.

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

Does Ariel count?  She was King Triton’s daughter, so that makes her a princess, right? 

7. What kind of art is your favorite?

I think that artwork done in pencil is pretty.  I subbed for the art teacher at Rooster’s school, and some of the students had incredible talent using a pencil to draw and shade in their pictures.  I think this kind of art is very raw, and it’s hard to cover up your mistakes.

There.  Did I sound like an expert?  heehee

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

Viral videos don’t bother me.  I don’t usually watch the links that people post to them because I think they are a little overrated, but sites like YouTube have really opened up the world.  Where else would you see a dog praying?

9. Where do you buy your jeans?

I buy my jeans wherever I can find some that fit.  I am so petite that I have a hard time finding small sizes.  I usually get them from American Eagle, but I found a pair at Aeropostale not too long ago.

10. Tell me about your first automobile accident.

I’ve been very fortunate not to be in any serious accidents.  I have been in three small fender benders.  My first one would probably be the time someone rear-ended me at a stop light.  This happened a little over ten years ago, and the Mr. was in the car with me.  It wasn’t a super-hard hit, but it was enough to scare me.  To this day, I am skittish where it comes to waiting too long to start pressing the car’s brakes.

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

Yes.  Lies can be so much easier to tell if you know they are going to keep you out of trouble.  While I won’t say that I’ve never lied (that would be a lie), I will say that in some big things, I’ve been pretty doggone honest.

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?

I think the first thing I would show them is the Double Chocolate Chip Frappucino from Starbucks…

Of course, while introducing said drink to said aliens, I would probably talk about God and His plan to save mankind by sending His Son to die for us.  See, I’d have to, because God is such a huge part of my life that it would inevitably come out in my discussions with them.  I think that grace would be a difficult thing to explain, though.

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Time for Random Dozen!!  To play along, post your own answers to the question and then visit Linda’s blog to link up!

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

Well, I’ve certainly never won anything near as honorable as a military medal, but I did win a state typing championship in 1987.  I won for fastest fingers on a manual typewriter.

Did I just hear birds chirping?

Manual typewriters were the kind where you had to punch down the keys, and when you got to the end of the line, you had to “throw” the carriage return.  To this day, I am proud of the win, thank you very much.

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

I do not have ANY relatives who served in the US military.  My entire birth family is French.  My dad served in some foreign military (maybe the French navy), as did both of my grandfathers on my dad’s side (but on opposite sides during WW1 or WW2 – dad has passed away, and I cannot remember what he told me).

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

I love seeing the flag held out by ROTC members before football games.  It is very stirring to see as the band plays the National Anthem.

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 oldest child, and, thus, I grew up being responsible for everything, including my younger sister.  I took care of her when my mom was a single mom…way back when we were both toddlers and should have had someone else looking after us.  My experiences made me a take-charge kind of person and one who doesn’t accept lame excuses for not getting a job done.

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

The I-Can-Do-Anything-If-I-Set-My-Mind-To-It trait.  I don’t give up, and I believe that my grandparents didn’t either.  I watched my mom almost everything when I was a child, and this is why I do so many of the home repairs and such in my own house.

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

Hmmm…tough question.  I like wearing skirts that aren’t too long…at least to work.  They are so much comfortable!  But, I work in a very conservative environment, so pants it is.

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

I rarely wake up during the night, and if I do, it’s usually because I’m sick to my stomach or have to pee.  In fact, the other night, I left my poor Molly outside, all night, because I went to bed with the intention of only lying down for a minute when she wouldn’t come in when I called her.  I figured I’d hear her if she barked to come in.  Oh, I heard her alright…when it was 6:15.  I had slept like a log!  I think that teaching has exhausted me!

8. Share a favorite movie quote.

I am notorious for misquoting everything!  In fact, I tend to sound like Yoda…getting things backwards ALL the time!!

The only thing I can come up with is Scarlett O’Hara’s famous words, “Fiddle-dee-dee.  I won’t worry about that today.  I’ll worry about it tomorrow.  After all, tomorrow is another day.”

That seems to be the theme of my lesson planning the last few days.

9. What is your favorite Fall candle scent?

Hmmm…I think it’s the cinnamon apple candles I like the best.  I can’t remember.  It’s been almost a year since I’ve smelled them!

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

Turning the air conditioning off?  Oh wait.  That’s not really an activity.  Hmmm…I can’t wait for the high school soccer season to begin.  Even though Chicky has graduated, I cannot wait to go out and support the kids she left behind…boys and girls.  I see them all the time at school, and they always greet me warmly.  They are like family.

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

Just yesterday, one of the girls from church sent me a private message on Facebook…letting me know that she had been thinking of me and what a wonderful person she thinks I am.  I cried.  It was something I desperately needed to hear.

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

You know how the guy is supposed to be nervous when meeting the girl’s parents?  Well, my mom and step-dad were strange birds, so there was no need for the Mr. to be nervous.

But meeting HIS parents?   I’d heard about how conservative they were, and I did not want to make a bad impression.  We sat in the Mr.’s grandmother’s formal living room, with it’s old-fashioned “sitting room furniture,” and I was scared to death.  I don’t know why, because Coupon Queen is the epitome of Southern grace.  But still…as a girl, you just want to make a good impression.

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: Random Dozen | 5 Comments »

It’s time for the Random Dozen!  I’m calling it Random Dozen – DIY Style!

Come and play along.  It’s a lot of fun and a great way to meet fabulous bloggers!  Hop on over to Linda’s blog to link up!

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

I actually do not go to garage sales, but I have had a few of my own and worked a few as fundraisers for soccer.  Why don’t I go?  Well, because on the rare Saturday that I’m home, I like to sleep in.  Everyone knows that you have to get out of bed at o’dark thirty to get the best stuff.

2. Name the last thing you fixed.

If you’re new to my blog, I must tell you that I fix EVERYTHING in my house!!  I fixed the doorbell (not as easy as it looks), the heating element in the oven, the garbage disposal, the stopped up sink, the vacuum cleaner, the lawn mower’s carburetor, and, most recently, my lawn mower’s wheel.

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

After Question #2, you’re probably expecting me to answer with my favorite tool, eh?

Well, you’d be wrong!  heehee

My favorite item of makeup is my eye-liner!  I have scraped change together to buy a new stick when I’ve run out!  I never leave home without it!

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

I am very organized, though you wouldn’t know it by the mess (thanks to spending at least 70 hours per week working).  But, if I had to pick, I’d say it’s a tie between Rooster’s room and my garage.  As I said, things are pretty organized, but these rooms could do with some improvement.

5. Which room could use re-decorating?

I still consider my house new, even at seven years old.  I guess I’d have to say, though, that Rooster’s room could use some re-decorating.  Although Chicky’s room was painted green a few years ago, we just never got around to “customizing” Rooster’s.  Poor guy.  It’s the Youngest Child Curse – neglect.

6. Share something unique about your town.

The most unique thing about my town is that it is where the one and only AuburnChick lives.  You can’t get more unique than that!  (lame, I know, but it’s all I could think of)

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

Love the Lord, your God, with all of your heart and all of your soul, and all of your strength and with all of your mind.

8. Do you Facebook?

I am soooo glad this question wasn’t, “How often do you Facebook?”

So, I guess you know that my answer is yes, I Facebook.

9. Describe your favorite shoes.

I have two new favorites, which I recently bought at Kohls (I got a great deal on them).  I love them!!!

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

Ugh…I HATE talk radio!  It’s so annoying!!!  I love my music.  Driving in to work, I listen to a local station.  Once I get to work, I might turn on Way FM or Pandora (tuned to Christian music).  I always play music when my students aren’t in my classroom.  Once, one of my students came in and recognized one of the songs.  It was a Christian song, and he is Muslim.  It was a neat moment.

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

I do not travel far for food.  I am not a huge eater, so food just isn’t that important to me, although I will say nay to certain places.  So, I’d say any place over ten minutes away, and I’m not going.

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

I could probably be lesson planning, but seeing how most of this week is planned out, I’m vegging.

Oh, who am I kidding.  Blogging is my therapy.  I’d be doing it even if I was strapped for lesson plans.

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: Random Dozen | 9 Comments »

It’s Wednesday and what does that mean?

It’s time for Linda’s Random Dozen!  Let me hear a “Hey, Hey!”

Post your answers and then link back to Linda’s blog!

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

I am not a huge sandwich fan, but if I had to pick, I’d say that Panera’s Mediterranean Veggie rocks!!

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

A good conversation makes me happy, happy, happy!  I draw inspiration from other people!

3. What is your favorite board game?

I love Trivial Pursuit.  Yes, I am a nerd.

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

I actually think that I am getting more patient with small children.  Thus, I’ll be ready for grandchildren in about ten years!

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

Toilet paper, hands down.  This happened once, when I was a teenager and visiting a friend.  We ran out of toilet paper, and there was no paper anywhere in the house with which to wipe with.  I mean nothing…no kleenex, no napkins, and not even one single paper towel.  Living out in the country meant that you had to drive a LONG way to get to a grocery store.  So, I sat.  And waited.  And waited.  My legs were numb by the time my friend’s mom returned with my precious TP.  I’ve never run out since.

6. Do you agree with Tennyson’s assertion, “‘Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all?”

Yes, I think I do.  Despite the hardships that come with loving someone, I think that missing out on love would be like missing the sunrise.  Despite the ebb and flow of love, love leaves an indelible imprint on each person’s life.

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

I visited Washington, D.C. as a teenager and once, as an adult.  Probably the national monument that left the biggest impression was the Lincoln Memorial.  It is HUGE!  I was awed by the statue of Lincoln.  It was very moving.

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

I think that being disappointed in myself is one of the most painful things of all.  I expect other people to let me down.  It’s inevitable that people aren’t going to live up to my expectations.  However, being the perfectionist that I am, “missing the mark” hits me in the gut.

9. What makes your kitchen uniquely yours?

The unwashed floor.  It’s not a floor that anyone else would claim, much less eat off of.

10. Are you a crafty person?

Well, I knit, so I guess you could say I have a smidgen of craftiness in me.

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

I like hot dogs.  Just add a little mustard, ketchup, relish, and onions, and I am set to go!

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

Knitting!  I started a new project because I ran out of yarn before I could finish my other project.  It was a treat to relax and knit instead of work on lesson plans!

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: Random Dozen | 10 Comments »

I totally love the questions this week because I have legitimate answers to nearly all of them!  Thanks, Linda, for posting them.

Hey, if you’re reading this, you can play along too!  Just copy the questions, post your answers, and then link back to Linda’s blog!  Voila!

Onward!

1. What insect are you most afraid of? Feel free to post a picture.

Oh my gosh.  I absolutely will not post a picture of the icky creature I am most afraid of…SPIDERS!!!!

When I worked at a middle school, I had a walkie talkie (yeah, I was special like that).  I once discovered a large, hairy, brown spider hiding behind a technical binder.  I grabbed my radio and managed to squeak out in a barely audible voice, “Tech to anyone with a radio (“Tech” was my name on the radio).  Can someone please come to my office ASAP.  I found a really big spider, and I am really, really scared of spiders.  Hurry!”  The custodian came to my room, donned a pair of gloves, and emerged a bit later with a horrified look on his face.  “That was the biggest spider I’ve ever seen.”

Told you so.

I have to share one more story…just to illustrate why I LOATHE these buggers.  I once tried to kill a humongous spider and wound up breaking open a sac filled with a quatrillion zillion baby spiders that started scrambling around like crazy.  Talk about freaking out!  My kids will tell you that I never, ever, ever go near spiders.

2. What is the greenest/most organic thing about you or that you do?

The most organic thing I do is to make fresh apple/orange/pineapple juice…especially when Chicky is sick.  It knocks up a cold in a day.  No kidding.  I posted how-to’s here.

3. Tell me about a recurring dream that haunts you.

For some reason, I have two recurring dreams.  Either I am about to sit through a tornado (my greatest fear ever and for what reason I have no idea) and having someone chase me with the intent to kill me.

Sleeping often comes at a cost for me.  😦

4. Have you ever missed a flight? What were the circumstances?

Oh my, but yes, I have missed a flight!  Right after we moved to Podunk, USA, Chicky started playing for a travel soccer team that took traveling very seriously.  Our first out-of-state trip was to Washington, D.C.  We took a flight from Slightly-Bigger-Podunk, USA to Atlanta.  Unfortunately, though, the flight to Atlanta had been delayed when getting off the ground, so when we arrived in Atlanta, we missed our connecting flight by less than five minutes.  The Mr., not having experience with making travel reservations, had not allowed enough time between flights.  Plus, it was some sort of national holiday, so everyone was flying that day.  We spent the entire day running from one gate to another, waiting on standby and begging the attendants to let us on their planes.  It was almost like The Amazing Race except without the prize at the end.

We finally, finally got the last four seats on the very last plane going out that day.  It was one of the most nervous I’ve ever been when traveling.

5. What do you consider your best feature?

Is this physical feature?  Hmmm…I am torn between saying my hair and my calves.  My hair is naturally curly, but I’ve come to terms with it over the years.  My calves are still in good shape despite my penchant for chocolate.  I often am asked if I am a runner.  I tried, people, but my feet wouldn’t cooperate!  Maybe it’s time to give it another go?

6. What was the last concert you went to?

Perfect timing!  I went to three concerts two weekends ago.  I was fortunate to see Point of Grace, Chris Tomlin, Amy Grant, and Michael W. Smith.  I just uploaded videos from the concerts too!!!  BP funded the concerts as a way to draw tourists back to the beaches that its oil threatened to destroy.

Having never gone to a concert before, let me tell you that this was the BEST way to start out!  The joy that filled my soul from praising God with upwards of 8,000 people was simply more than words can describe!

7. Describe the most embarrassing church moment you ever experienced.

I am fairly well-behaved in church, so I haven’t had many of these moments.  I do remember when I was a teenager and attended a small Baptist church (no more than 30 pews, that’s how small).  As the communion was passed around, my step-dad put his hand out and refused to allow me to partake.  He had never done this before.  He told me that I wasn’t saved yet, so I didn’t have the right to take part in this ritual.  I was mortified.  We sat in the second pew, and I know everyone saw it.

Did he have a valid point?  Perhaps.  All I know is that I felt humiliated.

8. Are you a whistler, hummer or singer?

I was going to say singer, but when I shared this question with Rooster, he told me that I am all three.  I think I mostly sing though, to the unfortunate ears of those near enough to listen.  Try listening to the Amy Grant video.  You can almost hear my voice as I sang along with her.  heehee

9. George Washington Carver said, “I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaksto us every hour, if we will only tune in.” What is God saying to you through nature today, or this very minute?

I have been waking up to slightly crisp mornings.  This holds the promise of cooler weather and relief from this heat (as well as a break on my electric bill).

10. On September, 1, 1752, the Liberty Bell arrived in Philadelphia. What memorable event will take place in your life on September 1, 2010?

I am reviewing vocabulary words with four of my classes.  We will be playing Vocabulary Bingo, and I am psyched!  It will be a fun break from the literature we’ve been reading, and it will give me a chance to catch my breath.

11. Taco Bell or the Liberty Bell? (You must choose.)

Taco Bell.  I’m still digging the recent introduction of the Strawberry Margarita Frutista Freeze.  YUM!

12. Do you believe men and women can have purely platonic friendships?

Yes, I think it’s possible, but one has to be very careful when entering such relationships.

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: Random Dozen | 10 Comments »