AuburnChick's Adventures

It’s that time again…

As always, a HUGE thanks goes out to Linda for this fun, weekly meme.  Play along by answering the questions and linking up on her blog!

Now, on to my answers!

1. What is your favorite fair/carnival food?

I’ve gotta tell you that I don’t go to carnivals or fairs, so I don’t have a favorite food from this type of venue.  How lame am I?

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

Hmmm…I’ve got some old t-shirts that need to be let go of, but they are soccer shirts, and they remind me of the teams that Chicky has played on, so they are staying put in my dresser, thank you very much.

Oh, and there’s a little something called resentment that I’m holding on to that really needs to get dumped in the River of No Return.  Ugh.  That’s proving about as difficult to do as getting rid of the t-shirts.

3. What is your favorite gift to receive?

A sincere compliment.

Seriously.

My heart soars when someone genuinely compliments me and it comes totally unexpected.  This totally makes my day.

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

I try new things all the time, but one of my favorites from this summer was the Strawberry Margarita Frutista Freeze from Taco Bell.  I got my first taste after finding a coupon for a free one in one of July’s supplements.

Now, one would think Taco Bell and Maragaritas do not go together, but you would be surprised.

Oh…my…gosh.  How to describe it?  Let’s just say that it is very sweet, but what gets you is when the fizz hits the back of your throat.  That sensation MAKES the drink come alive!!  Go out and buy one.  You will NOT regret it!!!

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

My favorite genre is Historical Fiction.  My love for this genre began while I was in high school.  All of the nerdy girls passed around the Kent Family Chronicles…a series written by John Jakes.  I was hooked and read through these books more than once.  I’ve since read a host of others, including a couple of series by Jeff Shaara.  Be still my beating heart.  History and romance…oh my goodness!!!

My least-favorite genre is self-help.  Folks, I know I need help.  Rooster got his drumming talents naturally, you see, as I have been marching to the beat of my own drum for years.  Plus, you know teenagers…very vocal.  Mine take advantage of every opportunity to tell me how much help I really need.

This leads me to share a tip with those of you who have young children:

DO NOT let them take AP Psychology in high school.

They will come home and tell you every mental disorder that you have.

Trust me.  Chicky did this to me.

To her credit, she did pass the AP exam at the end of the year, but I’m sure it was because she pictured my face on every labeled disorder.

I kid you not.

Who needs Dr. Ruth when you have Dr. Chicky living in your own home.

Just sayin’.

6.Silver or Gold?

Silver.

7. What makes you sigh?

Pure joy makes me sigh in contentment.  I find joy in almost everything in my life, be it God’s saving grace for little ole me or the love I have for my new teaching career.

Yeah…I sigh a lot.

Sigh…

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

Hmmm…this is a tough question.  I think I’d probably still claim my same age…40.  I feel like I’ve lived a lot of life, having gone through some pretty rough things, but I also realize that I am still fairly young and have much to experience.

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

I don’t know the answer to these questions.  I am a very black-and-white kind of gal and take everything back to the Bible.  However, if I saw someone hurting one of my babies, I think I am sure that I would want to move heaven and earth – the heck with civil laws – to save them.  That said, I would probably end up praying for a miracle and letting the chips fall where they may.

Thanks, Linda, for going all ethical on us.  LOL

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

Ok, so I am teaching English, but I originally wanted to teach history.  However, I’ve gotta tell you that I am LOVING teaching English, much to my surprise!  Writing my blog has given me a confidence that I did not possess four years ago.  I think that with each passing week, I am getting a little better at the “how-to’s” of teaching.

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?

Oh man…here we go again…another ethical question.  I would probably go all Mama Bear on the people, explain that so-and-so is a good friend, and defend this person.  The heck with respect and admiration.  Truth is the truth, and people need to learn to be very careful about criticizing people.  It’s a small world, and chances are very great that you’re going to meet up with the very person who you criticized days before.

12. I am skipping this question (no disrespect to Linda).  So, my random dozen is really my random eleven.

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

I love Random Dozen Day!

You, too, can play along!  Just copy the questions, give your own answers, and then link back to Linda’s blog!  Make sure you visit some other blogs.  I’ve made some new bloggy friends this way!

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

Honestly?  Neither.  I am not a party person.  However, if I had to choose, I would say attend a party.  I have a huge fear of letting people down…not meeting their expectations…so I tend to be very nervous when hosting things.  Plus, when attending parties, you can leave when you want.  It’s kind of hard to kick out guests when you’re tired of them!

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

I really had to think about this because, as you now know from Question 1, I do not attend parties on a regular basis.

Probably my favorite party, or I should say parties, were at my good friend’s house.  We met when she and her family moved into the third floor apartment directly above me.  She was a stay-at-home mom and had a daughter close to my children’s ages.  We hit it off immediately.

Her husband had a large, extended family, and they often entertained them.  Felisha included my family in her family gatherings.

I especially remember her New Year’s Eve parties.  We took cheap champagne because that was all we could afford.  The guys played cards, the kids played, and the women talked.  Her mom made fabulous spinach dip in a bread bowl.

There was lots of love and laughter.  I miss my dear friend and will always cherish those times.

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

I know I am going to heaven when I die.  The thing I wish for the most is to see my loved ones (including my furry babies) there.  I have every confidence that my immediate family will be there, so it would be my greatest surprise to see my dad.  I doubt I will.  He once mocked my Christianity and even called it a cult.  Although he died rather suddenly and completely unexpectedly, I hold out hope that at the very end, he called on God to save him.

4. What do you enjoy most about sunshine?

The warmth that it brings, or the promise of warmth (say, in the middle of winter).

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?

Now that I knit, I prefer to take my own gift.  However, just like in question #1, I tend to stress a lot…worrying if a person will like what I picked out or made.

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 have never had anyone else clean my house for me and can only imagine how incredible that must be.  However, cooking is just something that seems to be a last-minute chore, so I’d choose having a cook for a week.

7. What song describes your mood today?

“God is in Control” (Twila Paris) is my mood song for the day.  I am trusting God with everything…my job situation…paying bills…you name it.  I am so thankful that He is in control.

8. What is something you received for your own bridal shower/wedding that you still own or use? (If you are not married, feel free to sub a gift you received a long time ago.)

I use things until they either wear out or tear up.  Thus, I am still using my every day china and a few bath towels.  I find it amazing that the towels have not worn out after 20 years of use!  The china is chipped, and despite my buying replacement pieces on Ebay, I realize that the end is near.  I’d venture to bet that I’ll have a new set in five years.

9. Your favorite flavor of ice cream is?

I can’t really have ice cream because I am lactose-intolerant, but on days when I decide to punish myself with the pain that’s sure to follow, I love to indulge in Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie or Half Baked Ice Cream.  Anything with chocolate makes me happy!

10. When was the last time you felt “tested?”

Every day is a test when you are the mother of children (no matter the age of the children).  My patience is tested daily, as is my resolve to keep my mouth shut (I fail at this every time I’m tested, unfortunately).

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

Pringles is a food that once I start eating, I find really hard to stop.

12. “—–” is the best motivation.

Desperation is the best motivation.  I know this because of my money situation.  Having less money has led me to become more creative in ways that I can save.  It is why I spend hours each week couponing and hunting for money-saving deals.

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

I love the theme for this week – ONE!

Don’t forget…if you choose to play, go back to Linda’s blog, link up, and visit others!

On to the questions!

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

Chicken Parmesan.  It sounds hard, but it is so easy and non-brain-cell-draining!  It is also a meal that makes a bunch…perfect for a table of teenagers.

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

A sweater.  I am cold-natured and never know when I am going to find myself in a room that is chilly.

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

This is a difficult question for me because I am a homebody.  But, I guess I’d have to say one place I never tire of visiting is the yarn store that is 45 minutes away.  It is the only “real” yarn store close to me, so I do not get to visit often, but when I do…oh boy…I am in heaven!

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

My great grandfathers fought on opposite sides of World War I.  Hence, when their children met and married, they hated each other and were against the marriage.

5. Complete this sentence: “Once upon a time I ….”

…was taller than Rooster.  Now, my shoulders reach his armpits.  Lovely image, eh?

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

Dog food.  I have three larger-size dogs that go through 50 pounds of food a month.  Not having to purchase this stuff for a year would be heaven-sent!

7. “One quirky thing you may not know about me is ….”

I read magazines from back cover to front.  I do not know why.

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

A candy bar from the vending machine.

9. “One thing that always makes me laugh is ….”

My dogs playing.  They are like small children.  Each of them has its own personality.  Get them together, and you’ve got quite the show!

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

Stop buying candy bars from the vending machine.

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

Do one of their chores.

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

Getting Chicky’s graduation behind me.

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: Random Dozen | 2 Comments »

The Random Dozen is following it’s own theme this week…random (go figure…LOL).

If you want to play, post your answers on your own blog and then hop on over to Linda’s blog and post your link.

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

I attended a very small, private school.  My graduating class was HUGE…18 students.  heehee

I graduated high school in 1988, so I’m really having to stretch the memory a bit.  I think I remember one of the lights on the football field blowing out with a loud pop.  It scared everyone.

One of my favorite moments from the night, though, came when the Valedictorian and me, the Salutatorian, were the last to file off of the field.  We held each others’ hands as we walked off.  With a class that small, you couldn’t help but be close to everyone.

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

Soccer chairs.

Seriously.  You never know when your car is going to break down and you’ll need to take a load off while you wait for help to arrive.

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?

Hmmm…I don’t know.  Even though Chicky is graduating June 1st, I have no idea what people around here do.  I do know that several of her classmates are having graduation parties.  I think she’ll be attending a couple of them, but overall, I don’t think my area does open houses.  And my “events calendar” is quite full, thank you very much, of NOTHING after June 1st.  I’m not exactly a socialite.  Happy Dance Time!

4. Tell me one truth you believe about motherhood.

Motherhood is not for the faint of heart.  It encompasses an array of emotions:  unbridled joy, intense worry, fear, excitement, disappointment and hope.  Motherhood is a journey in which every gray hair that appears at the end is hard-earned and well-deserved.

5. What was the last thing you broke?

The last thing I broke was a picture frame that housed Chicky’s prom picture.  It was sitting on top of the DVD shelving unit.  When I moved it to sweep behind it, the frame fell on the floor, and the glass shattered.

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

I receive very little junk mail these days.  I went to a website (I can’t remember the name) and removed myself from some mailing lists.  The junk mail has been reduced to almost nothing, except for the things coming from colleges.  Even that is slowing down now that Chicky’s graduation date is fast approaching.

7. Do you like to shop by catalog?

I do not like shopping by catalog only because I do not have the money to!  If money were no option, then I probably would do a little more shopping this way!

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?

Lawn maintenance has been a “my” job for a number of years.  However, during the last couple, we have paid Rooster to take care of the yard.  He needed a way to earn money, and my carpal-tunnel syndrome-like hands appreciate his help.  When Rooster goes to college, the job will once again fall to me.

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

Rooster’s bedroom.  Chicky’s got a makeover a couple of years ago, but Rooster somehow got left out.  He’s due.

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

The only time I read the paper is during high school soccer season.  To save money, I unsubscribed from home delivery, and honestly I don’t really read the paper when I buy newsstand copies on Sundays.

11. Do you believe everything happens for a reason?

I believe God uses everything in our lives to glorify Him.  There is nothing that happens outside of His will.  Everything is a part of His plan.  Thank goodness!  Honestly, I don’t know how people who don’t have a relationship with God get through the hard times without having this trust.

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

I am more worried about doing things right.  I am a perfectionist.  Having the job I have (substitute teacher/regular teacher wannabe) and doing things correctly and ethically is a MUST.  As far as doing the right thing, I know I don’t always make the correct choices, but I think, for the most part, doing the right thing comes much easier for me.

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: Random Dozen | 4 Comments »

I’m glad it’s not just me having “a week,” because Linda seems to be having one as well (hugs to you, Linda).

Here are the questions and my answers, although I warn you ahead of time…I did not spend much time thinking about them…ok, not any time.

If you want to play, you still can.  Better late than never!  Make sure you go back to Linda’s blog and link up when you’ve posted your answers!

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

Not drinking sodas any more.  I keep making the promise to myself, keep using excuses as to why I “deserve” my treats, and thus put off stopping this indulgence.  However, I was a little more motivated after I looked through a couple of yearbooks at the school I’m administering AP exams.  I saw old pictures of teachers I currently know, and I was challenged not to let some of their “changes” (i.e. weight gain, etc.) creep into my own life.  Hopefully, I’ll get a teaching job at this school, and ten years from now, I’d like to still see a skinny me staring back from the camera lens!

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

I usually fall asleep within thirty minutes of laying down.  I typically sleep through the night, although I am a light sleeper.  Hey, I’m a mom.  I think we’re trained to wake up at a moment’s notice!

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

Ok.  So I put more thought into this one, even did a bit of googling.

I’ve selected the 40’s.  The styles were classic, and you still see them reflected in the kind of style I’d like to adopt…classy, a little preppy.

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

My Chicken Parmesan is a dish I can count on to feed a big group, and I make it confidently, knowing I cook it well every time I make it.

5. Are you an impulse shopper? What was the last thing you bought on impulse?

I am not an impulse shopper, unless I see chocolate in front of me.  I usually put a great deal of thought into my purchases.  The last thing I really bought on impulse was a package of Coconut M&M’s, which I had never seen before.

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

Yikes!  Dreary question, Linda!  I guess my wish would be that God’s plan for salvation would be shared.  God created us to glorify Him.  That is our sole purpose for existing and the last message I’d want to send out.

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

I think that we unnecessarily complicate our lives by buying into the materialistic attitude that abounds today.

I find joy in lazy days, being home, hanging the laundry out to dry, and sitting in the sun…perhaps knitting or just “being.”  I love my quiet time.  That is living simply, and there is a restorative peace and joy that sings a song that my soul dances to.

8. What is your favorite type of bread?

I am not a bread person, but if I had to choose, I’d say French bread, dipped in the oil and seasonings that restaurants put in front of you while you wait for your dinner to be cooked.

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

Hmmm…the grumpiness has been fully developed, and the laziness was coming along nicely until certain “children” decided to grow up and have lives of their own, forcing me to get my rear off the couch and help do the chores again.

I think the trait I am concerned about developing is apathy…the “I don’t care” attitude.  I find myself slipping into this mode more often than I’m proud of lately.  This is due to hurts that I simply don’t want to deal with.  It is so much easier to lie to myself and say it doesn’t matter.  This leads to apathy.  I do not want to stop feeling or caring.

10. What trait would you like most to develop?

I would like to talk less and listen more.  I think I would be able to avoid a lot of arguments this way.  Plus, I think it is an important trait to have when teaching.

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

I think the eat-in kitchen area reflects my personality.  On the baker’s rack, I have a couple of baskets of yarn and pictures of family.  A table on the other wall holds my Bible and the devotional I use with the kids.  Even the style of the table reflects my personality…country-ish and bare-minimum.

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

Ha!  Balance!  Linda is a hoot!!  Either that, or she’s delusional (shhh…don’t tell her I said that).

Ha, ha, ha!

I strive to maintain balance by prioritizing.  Over the years, I have learned to say no when people ask me to take on additional responsibilities that don’t fit well into my life.

Despite my attempts, I still fail miserably at this thing we call “balance.”  I spend too much time blogging and not enough time at church.

As far as other organizations, I am not a part of anything extra.  Call it burnout, whatever.  I had to draw a line in the sand.  I am a homebody, desiring little else than coming home from a day of work and relaxing.  That is how I maintain balance.

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: Random Dozen | 6 Comments »

I knew I liked Linda for a reason…she’s a fellow Lostie!  For those of you who’ve been living on another planet for the last several years, what I mean is that we are devoted fans of the television series, Lost (only one of the best shows evah…said with a New York accent).

So, this week’s questions are geared toward the Lost theme.

You know the drill…answer the questions on your blog and link back up on Linda’s.  Simple as can be!

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

Oh baby, have I been lost?  Ha, Ha, Ha!

More times than I can count!

I lived in LA (Lower Alabama, not Los Angeles) where every dirt road looked the same!  I once got lost driving home from an away football game (while I was in high school).  I wound up in Montgomery, an hour and a half away from home.  That was one long night!

I’ve also gotten lost going home for lunch.  This was when the Mr. and I had just gotten married.  We were living in an apartment a stick’s throw away from Auburn University, and I only found my way home for lunch each day by chance.  One day, I got turned around and drove in circles until I finally found the library (where I worked)…just in time for my lunch time to be over.

Oh yeah, and I once got lost in Miami…wound up in Little Havana with two very little young-uns in the back seat.  The Mr. was not amused at the thought of my endangering the innocent (not me, but the babes).

2. Have you ever been to an island?

Having been on three cruises, I can answer this in the affirmative.  Islands are heavenly!!!!

3. Are you more of a thinker or feeler?

Ok, see, the thing about Linda’s meme is that if you read the questions ahead of time, you actually have time to THINK about the answers.  So, while I was never a thinker before I started participating in the Random Dozen, I think I should now qualify as one.  In fact, I believe I could do a very convincing imitation of Rodin’s The Thinker.

Work with me here (I don’t have time to PhotoShop).  Envision that man fully dressed, with long, naturally curly hair, and a chocolate bar in one hand and a Nintendo DSi in the other.

AuburnChick…the Thinker.

Seriously, I think I am becoming more of a thinker the older I get.  I’ve discovered that being a thinker is hard work!  That’s probably why I love my Excedrin Migraine.  Cures the thinking headaches I get.

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

Black and white totally.  It’s either wrong, or it’s not.  Nobody better try to get me to stand in the middle, cause I’m having none of that!

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.)

Ok…I thought too much on this.  My first instinct was to go with a favorite book, like The Hiding Place, by Corrie ten Boom (the second person I want to meet when I get to heaven).  This book would remind me that God always provides, even in the most impossible of situations.

But then, I started over-analyzing the question and thought the most practical thing would be to select a book on how to build a boat.  However, I quickly realized, when doing a search on Amazon, that I probably wouldn’t have such items as carbon, teflon, and other materials needed for a boat, so this type of book would do me no good!  So, I’ll stick with my first choice and leave the rescuing up to the rescuers.  I might as well relax while I’m on the island.

6. What are you most afraid of?

Tornadoes.  I don’t know where this fear came from, but I think it’s the unexpectedness of them that paralyzes me with fear.  Once, about six months after my dad died (and a couple of weeks after September 11th), we were having a volunteer breakfast at my children’s elementary school.  An announcement was made about a tornado warning, and I sat shock still at the table with tears running down my face…petrified.  Tornadoes also have the nerve to invade my dreams.  Good gravy!

Sheesh!  I need counseling worse than Kate Gosselin!

*Bad AuburnChick*

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

Oh gosh, Linda.  Why the tough questions this week?

If I lost my old memories, I wouldn’t remember the joy of being pregnant and being force-fed pizza and peas (the Mr. wanted to ensure I was eating a balanced meal).  I wouldn’t remember the thrill of my babies kicking while in the womb and the inexpressible rush of emotion the first time I held them after giving birth.  As they near adulthood, I would miss the memories of watching them grow and mature and become fine mini-grownups.

However, if I lost the ability to make new memories, then that would mean that I would miss becoming friends with a daughter who’s been pushing hard for independence against my desire to hold tight.  I would miss the moment of forgiveness that will surely come one day.  I would miss watching my babies grow, meet the loves of their lives, and have their own babies.

Nope.  I’m not gonna do it.  I can’t choose.

I have to run get a kleenex before answering the next question.

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?

Whoa…I need a whole box of kleenex now!

Picture #1 – The picture I took of Chicky and Rooster on the first day of school this year (sorry I can’t show you but you know the rules…no pictures of my babes on the blog).  What strikes me about this photo is how tall Rooster is…towering several inches over Chicky.  I see her maturity and his laid-back attitude.  This picture is a glimpse into the most important things I feel have come from my life.

Picture #2 – My knitting

That is the table I decorated for last year’s women’s retreat at my church (I blogged about it here).  All of the tables were themed, and I picked knitting.  Knitting has become an important outlet through which I give to others.  It has also become the avenue through which I have made very close friends.  I always tell people that I don’t have real-life friends but internet knitting friends.

Picture #3 – Me and my sunflowers…

The teensy bit of gardening I am successful at is growing sunflowers.  I love them, and I think they know that (hmmm…kind of like the students I work with…must be a parallel).  Sunflowers are bright and cheery and make me feel like God is smiling back at me when I gaze upon them.  My kids are used to me planting them each year and look forward to how tall they get.

9. If you were re-doing your wedding, what would you do differently? (If you’re single, tell me one thing you would do if you were planning a wedding OR huge party.)

I would have picked out comfortable shoes…maybe even flip flops of some sort.  Things have loosened up a lot since the 80’s!

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

We are commanded to forgive just as Christ forgave us.  Forgiveness is an act of the will, not a reaction to something your heart tells you.

Forgiveness is hard…something I struggle with.

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

Knit, of course!

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?

Oh, I discussed this with a friend, so I am prepared!  In a parallel universe, I would want the other “me” to be the same go-getter, no waiting on somebody else to do something kind of person.  As far as better, how about if the other me could be a better cook.  At least her family would eat decent meals each night!

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: Random Dozen | 14 Comments »

I don’t know about you, but each week, I eagerly await Linda’s list of questions for the Random Dozen meme.  I just love reading others’ responses!

If you choose to play along, make sure you go back to Linda’s blog and link up!  Don’t forget to say hello to some fellow bloggers!

Onward…to this week’s questions!

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

Not very many.  I am such a rule-follower.

One main time I remember is when we were moving from Coral Springs to north Florida.

The movers packed Chicky’s room before I could get in there to retrieve a school library book.  When I called the school, the librarian must have been having a bad day, because she was not very nice at all…totally not empathizing that we were leaving everything we had known for the last seven years and moving away.

I found the book a few weeks later and sent it back.  I can only imagine the look on her face when she received it.

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?

I have two wrapping paper containers that fit under the bed.  I typically do not buy paper for special events, except Christmas.  I only buy that kind of paper after the holidays when it’s marked for cheap, cheap, cheap.  I only buy it every few years…when I’m almost out.  For birthdays, we use gift bags, which you can get at the dollar store.

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

I have run from hurricanes a few times, toting a glass fish bowl during one trip.  The kids and I have sat through a few hurricanes as well.  The worst one was a Category 3 that didn’t, at first, seem to do much damage.  When we walked outside the next day, the bushes than ran down the side of our house were tilting sideways.  There was a lot of debris in the streets.  It was an interesting experience, let me tell you!

4. What’s your favorite Barry Manilow song?

Copacabana.  I don’t think I know any others!!

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

My best costume was the one I wore for a play I was in my junior or senior year of high school.  I was playing the role of a grumpy old lady – no comments from the peanut gallery.

I struggled with getting the nuances of the character…until my teacher, a spry old gal herself, got up in frustration and acted one scene.

Being the tenacious person that I am (even at a young age), and also being a somewhat angst-filled teenager with an attitude, I mimicked her actions…to make fun of her.  That’s when she hollered, “Yes!  That’s it!”

I decided then and there to copy everything about her, including the skirt hiked up to my boobs, old lady shoes, and rolled-down stockings.

Best costume ever!

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

Dictionary.  I cannot stand not knowing how to pronounce things properly and frequently use one for phonetic spelling!

7. What’s your favorite breakfast food?

I am not a big eater period, much less breakfast, which I skip most days.  I can’t have milk, so cereal is out of the question.  The last couple of days, I’ve eaten an over-easy egg with one piece of toast.  I love dunking my toast in that runny yolk!  YUM!

8. Have you ever purchased anything from an infomercial?

Nope.  I don’t have the patience to even sit through one, much less buy anything from the TV!

9. Have you ever crawled through a window?

Hmmm…never snuck out as a teenager, never snuck out as an adult.  Hmmm…no fires (thank heavens) to escape from.  So, no.  I’ve never crawled through a window.

10. Do you believe in love at first sight?

No.  I think most people mistake lust at first sight for love.  I think love takes time to grow.

11. How man pairs of jeans do you own?

Four or five, but only one pair fits semi-properly.  I really need to get some new jeans!

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.”)

Oh man, but I love Ace of Cakes!  For my cake, I envision two children – boy and girl (representing my role as a mom) – pushing a shopping cart (representing my couponing/shopping deals) filled with the following items:

• An apple – to represent the teaching profession that I am privileged to be a part of
• A cross – to represent my relationship with God
• Knitting needles or a skein of yarn – no explanation needed if you read my blog regularly
• A Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit – to represent my determination to win (see this post)
• A soccer ball – One of the activities that has taken center stage in my family’s life
• The mirror ball trophy from Dancing With the Stars – The only thing that gets me through Mondays and Tuesdays

Sounds like tall order?  Duff and his crew could do it!

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: Random Dozen | 20 Comments »

It’s Random Dozen time!  Post on Wednesdays and go back to Linda’s blog to add a link to your post.  Then, comment on others’ posts!  It’s a great way to meet new bloggers!

This picture is a clarification for question 1:

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

I cannot stand gladiator shoes, unless they are worn by Russell Crowe in such movies as Gladiator (one of my favorites, by the way).  I’ve tried really hard to like them, but I just can’t make myself.  I think they make me feel bad for the feet they are keeping in jail.  They are nothing like simple flip flops.

2. What is your favorite pizza?

Veggie pizzas rock!  If I had it my way, I’d eat vegetarian, which would include chocolate because there’s no meat in chocolate, and cocoa beans come from some plant, which makes them a vegetable, right?

How did I get from veggie pizza to chocolate?  I have no idea.  However, this is the Random Dozen, so it’s fitting.

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.]

Russell Crow’s gladiator shoes from the movie Gladiator.

Just kidding.

If I could have a memento from a show, I’d take the Mirror Ball from Dancing With the Stars.

As one of the original fans from Season 1, I think I’ve proven myself worthy!  It would be the centerpiece on my dining room table.  Yeppers!

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

Let’s just say that Guy Fieri won’t be visiting my locale for his Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives…

Since I cannot think of a food my area is famous for, so I’ll reach back to where I grew up.  Forgive me if you’ve read this story before.

I grew up in LA (Lower Alabama), where the specialty of my small town was Chitlins.  I won’t post a picture of them as they are quite nasty.  Every year, we had a Chitlin Jamboree, complete with a parade and fair, of some sort.  There was a chitlin eating contest, and I still remember the sight of those greasy old men eating those nasty, slimy pig innards.  You could smell the aroma from my house.  Blech.  I never tried them, though.  I was smart, even as a kid.

5. What is your current favorite snack?

Brownies.  Remember that I bought 14 boxes?  We’re eating brownie bites here!

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

Gee, you had to throw in that little clause, eh?  Probability of success.

Hey, can I fake stupidity.  I’m actually horrible with math, and probability is the worst!

See, I think I could win Biggest Loser because I actually do enjoy dieting and working out.  However, I’d lose because I don’t have enough weight to lose…five pounds wouldn’t get me far.

If I was on Dancing With the Stars, I’m afraid I’d look tense, like Kate Gosselin.  You can tell she’s really focused on the dance steps, so she’s not enjoying herself.  And, although, in my imagination, I see myself moving smoothly like Shakira, if I look at myself realistically, I’d look like a 40-year-old knitting mom trying to slither around like a snake while dancing the Rumba.  Um, not ballroom worthy, and the judges would eat me for dinner.

Survivor, oh how I love thee.  I’ve watched this show almost every season it’s been on, but I have a little problem with lying, so I’m not so sure I’d do so well.  However, Ethan won by being honest, so maybe, just maybe.  But my dislike of spiders might hurt me.  Is there a place on earth that doesn’t have spiders?  Pray tell they wouldn’t stick me on Antarctica!  I’m a Floridian, and that TRULY would be Survivor!

Ok…my pick would be Survivor.  I’d beat Russell and have him crying during the finale.

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 a 5.  It’s fairly neat, if you don’t count the reusable Publix bags in the back.  At least someone finally threw out the leftover cheese biscuit from Saturday night’s dinner at Red Lobster.  One of the kids left it in the backseat, where it stayed until this afternoon.  Maybe that’s why my car smelled like garlic.

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

I can leave my windows and doors open to enjoy the fresh air.

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

During the Dancing With the Stars results show, viewers were treated to fake movie promo’s.  I hee-hawed at “Cha Chablanca,” starring Evan and Niecy.  It was really funny!

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

Finding a teaching job.  I’ve been subbing for the last year and a half.  I am so grateful for this time of preparation.  I feel confident in classroom management, and I know that this is the job that I am supposed to do (unless God sees fit to let me win the lottery and be a couch potato).

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

Does this have to be from a famous person, because I can’t think of one.  What I’ll do is share a question that a student asked me today:

“Mrs. AuburnChick, have you ever worked for the police or been in the military?”

Um, yeah.  See, this was during my fourth period class, and I’d been forewarned that this class was “fun.”  What a way to send a sub off to lunch, eh?  Gave me something to look forward to when I came back.

So, I went in ready to stand my ground.  And that’s what I did, keeping the kids on task…kicking them off of games, and making them work their magic in web design.

And then the question came.  And it’s making me think.

How do I run my classes?  Is it like being in the military?

Honestly, kind of sort of yes.  This is how I run my home as well.  Everyone has their things they are responsible for, and I allow little leeway for slacking.

My belief is that students should show up ready to learn.  That’s their jobs right now, just like it’s teachers’ jobs to show up, prepared, and ready to teach.

Food for thought…how to balance (which I think I do in the classroom…at home, maybe not as much as I should).

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.

Bake brownies or cookies.  This act alone brings grumpy teenagers out of their bedrooms.  It unites the entire family…until we start fighting over who’s had how many.  I guess my baking brings about a temporary peace.  I’ll take that.  It’s better than nothing!

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: Random Dozen | 6 Comments »

Oy, but the Random Dozen has some very thought-provoking questions this week!

You know the drill…post your questions and then link up on Linda’s blog.

1. Define a great relationship.

Communication.

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?)

On Monday, Rooster and I went through DQ’s drive-thru for Blizzards.  Yum!

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.)

Mutt!  Seriously!  I think mutts make the best pets.  I have three of them, so I should know!

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

Hawaii.  Beautiful scenery and amazing sunsets!  I’d love to be on vacation every day!

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

I thought about this question all day.  If you’re a parent, you can’t help but compare the way you were raised to the way you are raising your own children.  So, this is a hard question for me…very painful.  My mom did not know how to parent very well.  She was inconsistent…strict about stuff she didn’t need to be and lax about stuff I would never in a million years be lax about.  I once got grounded for an entire year because I stayed at a friend’s house too long after sleeping over.  No sleepovers for an entire year.  She kept her word on this.  I also lost a birthday party one year because I had chewed my nails.  My mom had been trying to break me of the habit.  Yet, I knew how to worm my way out of “instant groundings,” like, “You can’t go to the football game tonight.”  Ugh.

Ultimately, I couldn’t pick one thing.  It was a smorgasbord of things.  But, you don’t get do-overs.  I am extremely thankful that God put a hedge around me and protected me during those years.  I could have easily strayed in the wrong direction.

6. Who’s the funniest person you know?

Ms. G, the school’s receptionist.  She is responsible for scheduling subs, along with a host of other tasks.  She always has a smile on her face, and she has the best sense of humor.  Her laugh is unique and contagious.  I adore her because, most of all, she doesn’t take herself too seriously.

7. Did you get enough sleep last night?

Did you read my previous post about being up until 2am playing Mystery Case Files?  No, I did not get enough sleep!  It’s my own fault too!

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

Getting ready to shop at Target.  I knew some deals awaited me, and I needed to get my coupons ready!

9. Grilled or Fried? –HONESTLY

Grilled.  I do not like the taste of grease, so I’ll take grilled over fried every time.

10. Are you afraid of the dark?

Nope, unless I’ve been watching a scary movie, which is rare because I tend to have dreams where I’m the one being chased.  Do you remember the Nightmare on Elm Street movies?  I watched one when I was a teenager and did not sleep well for weeks.  Seriously.  I slept with the lights on and would only allow myself to sleep in spurts.  AuburnChick doesn’t do scary movies.

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

Lots of things…teacher, school psychologist (they call them guidance counselors now), accountant (that was before I had to try word problems).

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

Tenacious. When I set my mind to do something, there’s not a whole lot that’s going to stop me.  I am usually very determined to be the best at whatever I try as well.  Hence, my return and graduation from college as an adult, my straight A’s when I went back to school, and my steely resolve to secure a teaching position.

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: Random Dozen | 22 Comments »