AuburnChick's Adventures

One can honestly say that Linda has a sense of humor and good timing.

This week’s Random Dozen focuses on the chicken theme (to accompany Easter).  I hope you enjoy reading my answers.

If you choose to play along, head back over to Linda’s blog, link up, and take a peek at other people’s answers.  I’ve found some good blogging friends this way!

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

Honestly, I don’t like them!  They are too sugary and airy for me.  Makes me want to burp when I eat them.  Yeah, yeah…TMI.  Whatever!

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

I either eat chocolate or take a nap.  In both cases, life seems a little less nerve-racking after.

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

YES!  I love a nice, slow rain.  The sound and smell of rain is very soothing to my soul.

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

Oh gosh…what an interesting question!  I will say that the thought of getting a tattoo BRIEFLY crossed my mind yesterday when I was out yarn shopping.  I say briefly as in half of a nanosecond.  That said, I cannot imagine having a person’s face etched into my skin!!  Ugh. 

If I absolutely had to pick a person’s face, then I’d choose Rooster’s.  Why?  Because he was uber nice to me yesterday on my birthday.  He told me he had two invitations to friends’ houses, but he chose to stay home because it was my birthday.  He went on to say that when I turn 43, he might not be here because he’ll be in college.

Good boy, that one.  Think I’ll keep him.

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

Tattoo any day.  A tattoo can be inked in a discreet place; whereas, a nose ring…well, it kind of sits in the middle of your face for the world to see!  Not my thing.

6. Do you have any special plans for Easter?

After church, I will be hanging out at home with the family, enjoying a weekend of no soccer.

7. Cadbury Eggs or Reese Eggs?

Reeses, all the way baby!  I’m not big on filling in the middle of my chocolate.

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

My grocery haul from yesterday.  Lame, I know.  What can I say.  I lead a boring life.

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

I am listening (if this counts) to Pilgrim’s Progress.  I might even decide to buy the hard copy one day.  WONDERFUL book, I might add!!!  Love the symbolism!!

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

Um, the cleaning itself?  I hate to clean.  It’s too time-consuming.  So, I don’t really do a true “Spring Cleaning.”  My mom never did, so I’ve not been taught properly.  I don’t plan on learning any time soon either!

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

I think I own about four pairs.  Living in Florida, flip flops are a must…almost year-around!

12. Which color makes you happiest?

Light blue.  I do like yellow, but I can’t wear yellow very well.  Light blue reminds me of the sky on a clear day.

Bonus Joke (not part of the Random): Why did the Easter egg hide?

He was a little chicken!

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

While Linda is out this week, another gal is hosting the Random Dozen.

You know the drill…visit her site and link back to your own answers!

Here are mine for the week:

The theme is Spring . . . and any other random questions that crept in.

1.  What is your favorite sign of Spring?

People doing yard work.  Notice I said “people” and not “me.”  Knowing that it’s warm enough to be outside planting flowers and fertilizing the grass…well, it makes me happy!

2.  Did you remember to spring forward on March 14?  If not, how did it impact your day?

I cannot believe this, but I actually FORGOT!  Chicky happened to get up just in the nick of time for church.  I did not, so I missed it.

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

White peas.  If you’re from the South, you know what I’m talking about.  These are the kind you shell, parboil, and freeze for use during the winter.  There is nothing better than white peas.

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

Watermelon.  Oh man…pulling a watermelon from the garden and eating it fresh…doesn’t that just speak of summer??

5.  What is your least favorite insect?

Spiders.  By far.

A funny, and true story:  When we moved back up to north Florida, we rented a house.  I was still a stay-at-home-mom.  One morning, shortly after the move, I was getting ready to take the kids to school.  It was the rare morning that the Mr. was already in the office (he typically doesn’t go in until 9).  Just as we were getting ready to cross the threshold across the front door, I saw a humongous, fat spider.

Well, I knew I could not leave the house and return, knowing that spider would still be sharing space with me, so I got the broom to kill it.  However, spiders give me the heebie jeebies.  Seriously.  I kid you not.  I get covered head-to-toe in shiver bumps if I’m even in the same room as one.  I could not approach it with the broom.

So, the kids took turns trying to swat it, but that stupid spider protected itself by cowering in the corner where the two baseboards met.

Finally, exasperated, I took the broom.  In a spurt of bravado, I raised the broom up and came down hard on the part of the spider I could reach.

All of a sudden, the spider exploded, and little baby spiders came scurrying out!!  I had nailed a mama spider, and she was fat because of the sack of babies on her back!  Oy, the fright!

I screamed bloody murder, freaked out and wondered what in the world I was going to do.

I ran to the kitchen and grabbed the bottle of bleach water I kept under the sink.  I ran back over and squirted the heck out of that tile landing, drowning and chemically killing those creepy baby spider wannabe’s.

Um, yeah.  This really happened.

One more story.

A few years later, when I worked as a computer tech at a local middle school, I found a humongous spider lurking behind my technical manuals.  It was so big, I could see each leg in detail.

In a fit, I got on my school-issued walkie-talkie.  I could barely get out the words because I was so freaked out, so I squealed like a little kid…

“Tech to anyone.  There’s a really big spider, and I’m really, really scared.  Can you send someone to help me.  Pretty please?”

Mind you, this went out to every administrator and teacher with a walkie-talkie.  I obviously do not care that people know I am a wimp.

The custodian came in, donned rubber gloves, and ten minutes later with out saying, “Whew.  You were right.  That was the biggest spider I’ve ever seen.”

So, spiders are my least-favorite insect.

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

I’m a soccer mom.  Of course I drink bottled water.  I prefer Dasani, but I also like Nestle.  I do not like Aquafina.

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

When I was little, I was on a rare visit to see my dad (my parents were divorced).  We traveled across the border to Mexico, and I remember my dad telling me not to drink the water.  He offered me beer instead.  Before you go thinking bad of him, remember that he was French.  I think the French start drinking in the womb.  Regardless, I was disgusted by the thought and passed on his offer.  I don’t think I got dehydrated, but I didn’t drink anything that day.

8.  How many glasses of water do you drink per day?

Depends on what kick I’m on.  I probably, on average, drink two large glasses.  My kids, on the other hand, drink tons.  I started giving them water when they were old enough to have it mixed with their juice in their bottles.  They always had it in their sippy cups too.  To this day, they drink tons of it.

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

I’ve watched one or two while on cruises.  I don’t get overly impressed by this stuff because I know the tricks are all illusions.  Now, make money appear from thin air, and you’ve got my attention!

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

No.  I’m thinking I’d probably freak out.  Remember, I’m a wimp, and I’m not ashamed to admit it.

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

No to the westerns, and a probably not to the gangster movies.  I did like a Bonnie and Clyde movie I saw recently.  Could that be counted as the two mixed together?

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

Hawaii.  I have sock yarn from there, and it’s to die for.  I’d love to get more yarn from Hawaii.  LOL

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

It’s Random Dozen time!

So, are you ready to play Plinko?

Definition of plink: “Plinking refers to informal target shooting done at non-traditional targets such as tin cans, glass bottles, and balloons filled with water.” Plinko is also a carnival game we play at Oneighty, but pot-luck shots fits this meme better, I think.

So here are your random plinko questions lined up in a row just like tin cans:

1. How old is the oldest pair of shoes in your closet?

I’d venture to guess at least ten years old or more.  I have several pairs of dress shoes that very rarely get worn anymore.  But I hold on to them just in case I ever start dressing up again.  I mean, heels and blue jeans…so very 80’s and not exactly my thing.

2. Did you buy Girl Scout cookies this year? If so, what variety?

Because money is tight, I’ve avoided the cute little gals; however, the Mr. is weak and bought two boxes.  One, a box of Thin Mints, for Rooster, Chicky and myself to share (we counted out the cookies and divided by three…not easy for me…see last Random Dozen post…and we had a few extra, so I had to eat them to make the number divisible by three).  The Mr. also bought himself a box (that he didn’t have to share with anyone).  I think he got the Tagalongs.  Honestly, since he didn’t share, I didn’t care.

3. Do you know how to ballroom dance? If not, would you like to?

I do not know how to ballroom dance, but if I could go on Dancing With the Stars, I would totally be all over it!  Who would my preferred teacher be?  Probably Derek.  He is so charismatic.  Either him or Jonathan, who is the ultimate gentleman.

4. Were you a responsible child/teenager?

As the oldest of two, I had to be…from the get-go.  My mom was a single/working mom for the early part of my childhood, and I had to take care of my sister.  Even as a teenager, my mom was busy doing her own thing, so I was on my own a lot.

5. How many of this year’s Oscar-nominated movies did you see?

Was Up nominated?  Um, yeah, that question kind of tells you that I’m not into the Oscar thing.  I don’t see movies very often mostly due to the useless junk directors put into the movies.  Why pay $10 to watch people have sex and listen to them curse?  No thank you.

6. If you’re going to have a medical procedure done, such as having blood drawn, is it easier for you to watch someone else having the procedure done or have it done yourself?

Neither.  I’m squeamish to the point of nearly passing out.  When Rooster was in kindergarten, he cut his chin open so badly that I had to get a plastic surgeon into the ER to sew him back up in a respectable manner.  Chicky was there with me and had to hold his hand as he got the numbing shots (why do they give you shots inside the area that’s hurting) because I almost passed out from the ugh factor.  She’s also had to hold my hand when I’ve gotten blood drawn.  I am a needlephobiac, and I’m not embarrassed to admit it.

7. What is your favorite day of the week and why?

I was thinking Saturday, but then the thought of Friday brought a smile to my face.  There’s something about the anticipation of two days off that makes me float on air. So, Friday it is!

8. Do you miss anyone right now?

I miss my healthy Rooster.  He’s done throwing up, but he’s groggy from sleeping all afternoon.  I cannot stand when my kids are sick.

9. Do hospitals make you queasy?

Yes!  I do not like the smell or the bright lights.  Ugh.

10. At which store would you like to max-out your credit card. Not that you ever would, you responsible person, you.

Kohl’s.  Bet you thought I was going to say a yarn store, eh?  Not.  I need new clothes, and I love the ones that Kohl’s carries.  This store also sells fantastic jewelry and other accessories.  Oh, and I love the shoes!

11. Are you true to the brand names of products/items?

Mostly no, but for a few things, yes.  Heinz ketchup is a MUST in my house (we did a taste test once).  Charmin Aloe TP is another must-have.  Otherwise, I go with whatever I can get for next-to-nothing or free now that I’m couponing.

12. Which is more difficult: looking into someone’s eyes when you are telling someone how you feel, or looking into someone’s eyes when he/she is telling you how he/she feels?

The latter…especially when they are telling you how you made them feel bad.  It’s hard to look the ones you’ve hurt in the eyes.  I have a feeling that this is one reason why every knee will bow before the Lord.  That and His incredible AWESOMENESS.

OK … ready, aim, PLINK!

Make sure you visit Linda’s blog to link up and share your answers!

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

Yep.  Time for Random Dozen, which means you get to learn 12 more facts about me that you probably didn’t care to know!  heehee

Please feel free to join in the group and link back up on Linda’s blog.

1. Do you prefer even or odd numbers? Any particular reason?

Even.  I’m all about fair, and even just seems fairer.  Think about it.  If you have an uneven number of kids at your house, someone gets left out…gained up against.  It’s also easier to divide things by even numbers.  Trust me.  Every morning, the kids and I do devotions.  We read about a chapter out of the Bible, taking turns reading the verses.  Dividing the number of verses by three does me in every single day…unless it’s a multiple of three.  Eek.  Math.  But, I digress, as usual.

2. On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being “not at all” and 10 being Carly Simon-worthy, how vain are you?

I would say a three or four.  I used to be a seven.  I’ve aged.  I gave birth to a couple of babies with random people in the delivery room.  I nursed my children for a year each.  You stop being vain after that, if you get what I mean.

3. Among these Irish stereotypes, with which do you identify most closely? Talkative, Proud, Inquisitive, Love to party, Hot-tempered

Well, my family would say hot-tempered.  My students would say talkative.  I would label myself inquisitive.  I’ve taught myself how to fix almost everything in my house, and I am a self-taught computer semi-guru.  I chalk this up to being curious.

4. How lucky do you consider yourself?

I don’t believe in luck.  I prefer the word “blessed.”  Of this, I am very…on a scale of 0-infinity, definitely infinity.

5. What is the subject of your favorite post that you’ve written?

VERY tough question.  One of the posts that sticks out in my mind is this one, in which I give my definition of success.  The other post I thought about was this one, in which I talk about the word indescribable.

6. Describe March weather where you live in three words.

Warm, sunny, refreshing

7. How apt are you at detecting blarney when you hear it? (Smooth talk, flattery)

C’mon…I work with teenagers every day.  I can smell it when I walk into the school.  I know the moment a student (usually a male) starts spouting off blarney…”Mrs. AuburnChick, you’re the nicest sub ever, and by the way, did you do something new with your hair?”  Yeah, yeah, I know you used all of your bathroom passes, and you’ve REALLY got to go. 

8. How “green” are you, environmentally speaking?

Sort-of green for the main reason that I don’t have much green in my wallet.  I hang clothes on lines in my garage, but beyond that…hmmm…not very green.  Podunk, USA doesn’t have a recycling program, so I’m stuck there.  A compost pile in the backyard would get dug through on a daily basis thanks to the dogs.  AuburnChick hangs her head in shame…

9. What is your favorite song this week?

Not song but songs.  With the work I did on the slide show last week, I still have several on my brain.

Time of Your Life – I used this in the slide show for Chicky’s soccer banquet.  I cried every time I watched the senior section, which I set to this song:

I also used this song, Boom, which was FIFA’s theme song from the 2002 World Cup…

And The Second Coming, which the Mr. found online and was PERFECT for the team’s incredible season (listen to the words)…

10. You are walking along and see a coin on the ground. What denomination does it have to be before you will stop to pick it up?

A penny.  Money is money, and it’s hard to come by these days.  But, even in better financial times, I would still pick up pennies.

11. Complete the sentence: “Every time I look outside my window ….”

I am reminded that as soon as I start getting paid more, I’m going to re-grade and re-sod the yard.

12. What was the #1 song on the day you were born? See this site to find out.

I Want You Back by The Jackson 5…

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: Random Dozen | 12 Comments »

Yay for Random Dozen!  Linda’s weekly questions save my blog behind every week!

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

Can you believe that I grew up in the South but never fired a gun?  I have, however, shot an arrow…way back in 6th grade in P.E.

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

I did not have many close friends growing up.  I recently reconnected with a couple through Facebook, so I guess you could say that I know where they are (having been a smart girl and checked out their info pages).  The one friend I’d love to find is somewhere out there.

3. Do you usually arrive early, late, or on time?
On time, if not a couple (but only a couple) of minutes early.  There’s always just one more thing to do before leaving the house!!

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

California, definitely.  I am totally not stylish enough for New York

5. Do you have a special ring tone?

My uber-favorite used to be my “Hips Don’t Lie” ring tone.  Every time my phone rang, the kids groaned because I would totally do a little jig (now Shakira would be groaning).

I have separate ring tones for different people.  For Chicky, I have “Free To Be Me.”  For Rooster, I have “No Sweeter Name.”  For everyone else, I have “How Can I Keep From Singing Your Praise.”

6. What is your favorite type of chip?

Poker?  Just kidding.  I have no idea how to play the game.  I just wanted to make you laugh.

Seriously, it’s gotta be Pringles.  One summer, my sister and I stayed with our “step-grandmother.”  She bought us each a two pack of Pringles, and we hid them from each other among the many boxes of sewing materials in our grandmother’s bedroom, which we shared with her.  The only problem was that I lost a can.  I never did find it.  I’m thinking my mom did, though, when she cleaned out my grandmother’s house after she passed away.

7. Best comedy you’ve ever seen is ….

13 Going on 30, hands-down.  I love Jennifer Garner, and the Thriller scene makes me laugh so hard I get tears in my eyes…every time I see it, and I’ve watched it often since I own a copy.

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

No, but I tried to cut the mole from my sister’s face when we were little…with the blunt-ended safety scissors that kids are allowed to have.  How’d that work for me?  Not very well.  I believe I got a sound spanking.  Sorry…I didn’t really answer the question, but I sort-of did, I guess.

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

This one is hard.  I’d love to get a new wardrobe, highlights in my hair, and maybe even a pedicure.  However, my yard needs to be re-graded and re-sodded, and my wood floors could stand to be replaced.  I’ll say my house.  I can do my own highlights (who remembers Sun-In?).

10. Are you allergic to anything?

Housework.

11. Why is it so hard to change?

Because I’m stubborn.  At least that’s what my mom always told me.

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.

Love is risky.  It opens the door to rejection.  Just as God loved us and sent His Son to die for us, many reject God’s gift…and ultimately miss out on experiencing His love.

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: Random Dozen | 16 Comments »

Ok…so I’m having ANOTHER busy week.  I’ll elaborate in a few days.  Hence, the blogging has been…um…every other day even though I really have wanted to blog every day.  Unfortunately, I haven’t won the lottery yet, so I have a few less hours in the day to get everything done (is that ever possible anyway???).

Anyhoo, I’m taking the lazy way out, which means RANDOM DOZEN TIME!!!

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

Oh…definitely pleasant.  I’m a fairly brave sort, I think (except where it comes to xraying my teeth, during which I cry like a baby).  But, when I’m sick, I tend to talk less and be wayyyyy more accommodating and accepting of chores not getting done, etc.

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

Can you say Pajama Day??  Oh my, but a hurricane day is a great excuse to stay in night clothes, not shower, and watch the History Channel all day!!  I absolutely love getting to stay home with the kids, even now when they are teenagers.  Yeah, I like those kind of days.

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

Keeping my house clean.  I get distracted by the computer and knitting.  Cleaning is last on my list, and I don’t do it well.

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

Nope.  Valentine’s Day is not really my thing.  I do have a heart thing to hang on my front door, but I usually forget to pull it out of the closet.

5. What song is on your mind today?

Not one song but a few…dance songs to name a few.  You might want to stay tuned to my blog during the next few days…

6. Do you prefer contemporary movies or classic?

Ugh…what kind of question is this?  Let’s go contemporary.  The filming is usually a better quality.  Although, I will admit that one of my favorite movies ever is Gone With the Wind.  You can’t get much more classic than that, eh?

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 well at all.  My feelings tend to permeate my entire being.  I’m usually pretty happy, but look out when I’m not.  My mom used to tell me I wear my feelings on my sleeve.

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

He was new in town.  Growing up in a small town you know everybody.  A fresh face is considered fresh meat.  Sorry…but I grew up in the country where hunting is a sport.

9. When was the last time your heart raced?

Last Friday.  More to come in the next few days…watch the blog.  (I’m such a tease!)

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

Everyone else getting balloons and flowers.  I was ugly when I was in school (I’d like to think my looks have improved somewhat, but it’s probably just my confidence.).  It was a tense day, waiting to see if the boy I liked would like me in return and, thus, have something special delivered to me.  It didn’t happen but once…maybe.  Yeah, it was sad.

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

Milk Chocolate.

12. Red or pink?

Red.

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: Random Dozen | 1 Comment »

Yeah, yeah…I haven’t blogged the last couple of days.  Chalk it up to being a mom and a sore mouth, which is healing, by the way but still sore nonetheless.

I have progressed from eating soup to Chocolate Truffle Cookies, so I guess you could say I’m doing better.  😉

For today’s post, I’m sort-of taking the lazy way out.  Actually, I like doing the Random Dozen postings.  I think they give you a little more insight into who I am (like I don’t already bare all on this blog of mine), but you get my meaning.

So, without further ado, here goes!  Be sure you visit 2nd Cup of Coffee.  This gal puts up the questions each week!

1. Do you use the labels various charities send you as “free gifts?”

Yes, I do.  I don’t want to waste what’s already been printed.

2. What is your favorite time of day (or night) for skywatching?

I thought I had no preference…until I started typing the answer to this question.  That’s when I realized that I love sunsets.  Especially the ocean-view kind.  Oh my gosh but how amazing!!  You probably remember the pictures I took from the cruise?  Um, yeah.  Words are not adequate…

3. What is the most adventurous you’ve ever been with trying a new food? (Keep it G-rated please)

I’m not very adventurous with food (unless it’s chocolate).  I don’t eat bugs, and I am not a huge fan of meat (unless its a Whopper Jr. from Burger King).  Probably the most adventurous I’ve been is when trying fresh carrot juice for the first time a few years ago.  It’s actually very good, if you can get past the mental problem of drinking carrots.

4. Have you ever heard a rock sing? (Trust me, there’s a reason for this one!)

Unless I consider myself a rock, then no.  And I don’t go around talking to them either.

5. If you could learn a language you don’t presently speak, what would it be?

French.  What a beautiful language, not to mention that I am a Frenchwoman by birth.

6. Al Capone’s tombstone read, “My Jesus, Mercy.” If you could write your own epitaph, what would it say?

Heaven-Bound.

7. If you were a famous musician who was known by one name, like “Cher,” “Sting,” or “Jewel,” what would it be? It doesn’t have to be your first name, but it can be, if you’d like.

Grace.  I am so grateful for God’s gift of salvation, and I know it’s only because of His grace that I am saved.  Having a name like that would be a reminder to me to always be humble.  Plus, it’s a pretty name.

8. Have you ever been inordinately “into” a television show?

Oh yeah, baby.  Unfortunately, it’s not one show, but any show I take a particular liking to.  Chicky and Rooster know to wait for commercials to talk to me.  Who knows what they’ve gotten away with because I’ve been distracted by Lost or 24.  Oy…I’m such a sucker for the Boob Tube.

9. When you sneeze, do you go big, or do you do that weird “heenh!” sound that makes people think you’re going to blow your brains out? Any other variation we should know about?

Little.  I’m not into sneeze drama and think it’s dumb when people think they’ve got to spread the sneeze love.  Gimme a break.

10. Do you still read an actual newspaper that you hold in your hands, or do you get your news elsewhere?

I’d rather read the local paper and enjoy perusing the morning copy in the library at school; however, I’m broke and can’t afford a paper every day, so I usually get my news online…via Facebook.  Sad, eh?

11. Are you a good speller?

Yes.  I’m an old-school English student.  I loved everything about English class and relished spelling tests.

12. At what time each day do you start thinking about Lost lunch?

I’m not a huge eater, so I don’t give lunch much thought.  However, since I had my teeth pulled, I think about lunch after I get to school.  I wonder what I can eat that won’t hurt my mouth.  Soup anyone?

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: Random Dozen | Leave a comment »

Yay for the Random Dozen!  As always, thanks, Linda (and yes, this is THE Linda from my post yesterday).

I’m finding that I’m enjoying these questions each week.  I think they are introspective, which is something I need.

So, on to the questions!

1. If you physically lock in one age for yourself, which would you choose and why?

I think my ideal age would be 31.  I was still a full-time SAHM, I volunteered at the kids’ schools a lot, and I was working out at the gym.  I felt good about myself all the way around.  The kids were still young enough to like me, and I was down in South Florida surrounded by really close friends.  I miss the afternoons I spent at the park or at friends’ houses…chatting away until it was time to go home and get dinner ready.

2. What is the best dish that you cook or bake (your piece de resistance?)

Dessert-wise, my chocolate chip cookies are to die for.  Trust me.  I kid you not.

Snack-wise, I make a mean deviled egg.  Coupon Queen taught me how a number of years ago, and I’ve proven to be a good student.

Entree-wise, I recently discovered this recipe for Chicken Marsala.  Oh my, but it’s easy and so delicious!!

3. When you feel blue, what is one strategy you use to help yourself back to normal?

I eat chocolate.  And I pray.  And I cry.  And I take a nap.  Somehow, things seem better after a little sleep.  Yes, that’s my ONE strategy.  It’s all-encompassing.

4. When was the last time you danced in public?

Yesterday, I think I did a little gig at school during class (don’t tell my kids).  I LOVE to dance.  Always have, ever since I was in high school.  I have danced with my kids in the house, I’ve car-danced with my kids’ friends in the car (Shakira’s song, “Oh Baby When You Talk Like That” brings on groans from my children).  I’ve danced impromptu with one of Chicky’s former soccer coaches in a restaurant (out on the patio).

Um, yeah.  Sometimes I’m not shy.  Or rather, I can be egged on rather easily.

5. Do you consider yourself a realist or dreamer?

A realist.  I am so practical, it’s disgusting.  Sometimes, though, I can dream, but then the realistic side of me will try to figure out how to make that dream happen.  Case in point…finishing my college degree.  I dreamed about it for a long time.  I finally went back to school a few years ago and got my diploma.  Second case in point:  I used to dream about working in the school system.  I finally applied and obtained a position (my tech position at a middle school).  Now I’m subbing in hopes for a teaching position.  Sometimes being a realist is not bad.

6. As a parent, what is one thing that you have done well?

How to be a contributing member of the family.  By that, I mean that my kids are independent, and they understand that the house doesn’t cleaned up by itself.  They can sweep, wash clothes, hang clothes on the line, take care of the dishes, clean their bathrooms, and even cook (Rooster is starting to get better at this).

One other thing I think I’ve done well is that I’ve taught them the value of money.  I always gave them allowances and allowed them to spend them, not tying them into chores (see previous paragraph).  Yet, I didn’t buy them the things they wanted.  They learned to save their money.  They learned to do extra chores (clean the windows or wash the cars) if they needed extra money.  Chicky now how her own bank account, credit card, and check book.  She takes care of business.  Rooster is not far behind.

7. Which is your favorite character on the Andy Griffith show?

Can I be honest and say that I never liked this show?

8. On a scale of 1-10, how much do you know about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?

Probably a 6.

9. What is your #1 driving pet peeve?

People who honk at you a tenth of a second after the light has turned green.  C’mon people!  This isn’t a race!!

10. Which color best represents your mood today? Care to elaborate?

Yellow.  Yellow is happy, bright, and cheery.  Today, I was teaching my students about indefinite nouns and verb agreement.  I realized they didn’t know anything about prepositions (a must for the lesson), so I went outside the box (i.e. went beyond the teacher’s lesson plans) and taught the section on prepositions.

I watched as the lights went on in those students’ brains.  They put the pieces together and GOT it!  That made me happy!

11. If your spouse were an animal, which would he/she be?

The Mr. is a grumpy sort…a bit of a brooder.  Of course, he is married to Your’s Truly, so that could be part of the reason.  I don’t really know what kind of animal would describe this behavior.

12. What activity takes up the bulk of your time on an average day?

Reading blogs.

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