Miscellaneous Stuff About Me

I don't remember where this came from...but I love stuff like this.  I think it started as a "blog swap/featured blogger" questionaire...but I thought it would be fun to answer them....kind of a get to know me post. 

Are you a night-owl or an early-bird?

I am more of a middle of the day person...lol.  I'm not a night person....although lately I haven't been able to get to sleep or sleep well when I do.  And I am definitely not a morning person...mostly because I don't sleep well, so mornings come fast and furious.  But I am at my best from about 10ish to about 6 or 7ish....most productive, most coherent....get the most done then! 

And would you change it if you could? 

um...maybe.  I like getting up early in the morning, in the moments before everyone else gets up...it's quiet, peaceful, I can read my scriptures, write in  my journal.  But the nighttimes can be fun too....I just tend to be too tired to enjoy it much....Just because I'm not able to sleep doesn't mean I'm functioning well!

If you could go back to any moment in your past and make a different choice, would you?

possibly, but maybe not.  I believe that everything that happens, happens for a reason...and by going back to make a different choice would change the path that has been planned....now, that is not to say that our choices don't have any influence over the blessings that we are to receive or that poor choices may alter the original path the Lord has planned for us, as I also have been  taught and believe we each have our agency to make decisions...but those choices are to be made knowing that the Lord will bless us for making the right choice...not as a go back or a do-over to change a decision after knowing the results.  Not sure I am making sense...but I hope so.

If it's not too personal - what was that moment? 

one is that I would have held fast to my values, my morality; the other is that I would not have put my dreams of a Temple marriage on hold. 

Do you believe in prayer?

ABSOLUTELY!!  There is no question that they are answered...maybe not the way we would like or are expecting or in the time we would like...but they are answered

If you won a $500 shopping spree, but had to spend it in ONE store - what store would it be?

Michael's.....no question!  I can satisfy ALL of my crafting obsessions in one fell swoop!

What is your favorite food?

Mexican, preferably a local, family owned place.  Chips and salsa,  authentic burritos, homemade guacamole....yum 

Who has been your biggest inspiration in life?

this is a hard one....kind of depends on what the inspiration is....there is a lady I met several years ago who has been an inspiration to me spiritually, specifically about keeping hope, not giving up....and my boss is an inspiration to me professionally...

Which room is your favorite room in your house?

depends on what I'm doing...I tend to migrate to my office/craft room...it's where "my" stuff is, my computer, my projects, etc.  But I am also quite comfortable in what is now essentially my husband's room....we watch tv and movies together frequently....

Are you a country-girl, or a city-girl? And I'm not asking where you LIVE but who you are!

country girl, definitely.  I love wide open fields, fresh air, wild animals (from a distance ....lol), the colors of the grass and flowers, the breeze, sunsets and sunrises, crickets chirping, butterflies, cattle, horses....

If you could pick one place to live, where would it be?

if I could relocate my son with us.....hmmm.....somewhere with more moderate temperatures, less allergens, fresh air, yard area...so, yeah, whereever THAT is...lol...as it is unlikely such a place exists...I'll just stay where I am, thanks

Are you a dog or cat person?

can I be both?  if I have to choose, I would say I'm  a dog person...but each have their own quirks 

Why? 

dogs they are more affectionate, but require more attention and work; cats tend to be more independent, but are also more moody and standoffish

 we have both...and I love all of our animals....they each have their own personalities that endear them to us 

3) Close your eyes and reach into your purse; what is the first thing you grabbed?

my nametag from work and a prescription bottle...neither item are usually even in my purse....I took my nametag off when my husband and I went to read to my son's class at school and I need to get my medicine refilled

4) What was your favorite childhood toy?

probably my Barbies...I loved to "play house"...lol

5) The seasons are about to change; which is your favorite?

spring and fall used to be about equal...but now I like spring more than fall...I love the cooler weather that fall brings...but it also brings about a busyness to our lives with the holidays and birthdays (we have at least one in each month from Oct thru Dec) and it also is a time of reflection and grief for us. 

6) What side of the bed do you sleep on?

depends on how the room is arranged...I tend to sleep on whichever side the alarm clock and lamp are on....currently it is the right side as you face the bed from the foot, although that may soon be changing--my husband sleeps better on his right side (which would be the left side of the bed if you weren't paying attn), but also likes to hold me when we sleep....which means I'm on the wrong side for that--

And do you like cuddling when you sleep or do you have to have your own space? 

as you might have guessed from the previous question....cuddling,  always...I love falling asleep wrapped in my husband's arms (and legs... ;)..waking up that way is nice too...;;)

7) What is your favorite candy?

3 Musketeers

8) If I gave you $100 right now, what would you do with it?

right now...probably pay a bill...sad but true

Ask Momma's Wednesday

My question is:

How do I get my 5 year old to go to sleep on his own, in his own bed at night?

(Getting him to stay there during the night will be a future question!)

He currently goes to sleep in the living room, on the couch, next to my mom, usually while watching tv.  He is very attached to his grandma....On the weekends, when my dad works nights, he will go to sleep in her bed while she is on the computer.  But we'd like to get him to go to sleep in his bed, on his own. 



Whatcha Say Wednesday

1. Now that all the T.V. shows have started up again, what are your favorite shows?

I don't know yet....we DVR everything (I HATE commercials!)..and we are behind.  So we haven't gotten to the new shows yet...but there are several that look like they should be good!

2. What are you guilty of doing while you are driving or in the car?

I listen to the radio way too loud when I'm driving...sometimes I drive too fast (cruise control is my friend...lol)

3. Would you rather have the superpower to be invisible or read minds?

oooohhhh...I don't know.  Either one could be quite helpful....but perhaps invisible....because a person can control their thoughts if they know of your ability to read them...but not knowing if you are in the room....that could be quite beneficial.  Where do I get that?

Bonus!

Is there ever a day that mattresses aren't on sale?

ha...I don't think so....there is always a furniture store having a sale somewhere

Wednesday Wickedness

Wednesday Wickedness -- quotes from Paul McCartney

1. “George wrote Taxman, and I played guitar on it. He wrote it in anger at finding out what the taxman did. He had never known before then what could happen to your money.”

No one likes paying taxes. But do you think the tax system is fair?
I think that when utilized appropriately, yes, it can be.  All persons should be taxed fairly, and all programs funded by taxes should be available equally to all who pay. 

2. “I definitely did look up to John. We all looked up to John. He was older and he was very much the leader; he was the quickest wit and the smartest.”

What did you think of John Lennon?

I would love to have an answer...but I don't.  All I know about him is that he was a singer....

3. “I saw that Meryl Streep said, I just want to do my job well. And really, that's all I'm ever trying to do.”
How do you approach your job whether in the workplace or at home?
with everything I have...I give my best effort and just do what I can....

4. “I used to think anyone doing anything weird was weird. Now I know that it is the people that call others weird that are weird.”

Have you found that you have more tolerance for unusual people as you get older?

depends on what "unusual" means...I have always been tolerant...I like and can get along with most everyone;  what I am finding as I get older is that I do not have tolerance for petty, selfish people or for people who insert themselves where they don't belong.

5. “I don't take me seriously. If we get some giggles, I don't mind.”

How seriously do you take yourself?

sometimes a bit too serious...I can and do laugh at myself and my mistakes...but I am also a perfectionist and sometimes try way too hard to do everything right...which makes me grumpy and irritable...and tired

6. “I think people who create and write, it actually does flow-just flows from into their head, into their hand, and they write it down. It's simple.”

Does your blog writing just flow from your head, or is it a lot of effort?

for the most part, it just flows.  I have always enjoyed writing...I keep a personal journal, I write poems, I have written short stories...what I am finding that takes effort on my blog is that since it is public, I take care to be more positive, and to not share too much personal or private information.

7. “Think globally, act locally.”

Do you do anything to help your local community?

I try...I am team captain for The Twin Ks, our March for Babies Family Team...and I do things through my church throughout the year. I also have participated with functions at work and one day I would like to be part of bringing a walk/run to this area for The Fetal Hope Foundation to raise funds and awareness for Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome specifically, but also for other fetal disorders.

8. “When you first get money, you buy all these things so no one thinks you're mean, and you spread it around. You get a chauffeur and you find yourself thrown around the back of this car and you think, I was happier when I had my own little car! I could drive myself!”

Have you ever had a period where you felt that you were set financially?

um...no.  We tend to get to the point where we think are headed in that direction...but something inevitably happens to quickly bring us back to reality. 

9. “Lyricists play with words.”

Do you think what you write on your blog is clever or just ordinary and why?

I think there are maybe a few clever lines...but for the most part...just ordinary...I am just an ordinary girl, living an ordinary life with a few extraordinary moments here and there.

 

10. “Where I come from, you don't really talk about how much you're earning. Those things are private. My dad never told my mum how much he was earning. I'm certainly not going to tell the world. I'm doing well.”
Who in your circle knows how much money your family makes?
just my husband and I...others can guesstimate.

Random Thoughts

I have so many random thoughts in my head...this could go on a while, but I will try to be brief...

New "kraigism" added just now on the Kraigism page....he is such a hoot...I better never lose the data on my blog because the things he says are just priceless!

I have a quote in my office at work that says "The Lord put me on this Earth to accomplish a certain number of things; Right now I am so far behind, I will never die."  That is exactly how I feel today, and have felt for several months now.  I just never seem to get caught up.  More and more gets added to my to do list, I spend my time putting out fires and handling "right now" kind of stuff that I don't feel like I accomplish any of the routine tasks I have to do or if I do get to them, it is days later. 

I have so many projects at home that I want to do that I just don't get the time or opportunity or funds to do....doesn't help that when I restored my computer last week, I forgot to back up the Works Task Launcher projects...which is where ALL of my projects were housed.  So now they are gone....most of them I have floating around in my head or have some physical representation of...but some were simply statements that I might not recall.  Sometimes paper is not such a bad thing.....

There are days I wonder why I bother, why I even try.  I just want to feel like I have accomplished *something*, like I am making a difference to someone.  I want to be able to trust people, to not second guess or question what I am told or what I see or read.  I want, I need to be able to trust, no secrets, no keeping things from me. I want to feel like the most important person to someone (a specific someone), without having to ask or wonder or confirm.  I want to be able to have open, honest conversations..and not feel like I am walking on eggshells or wondering what the response or reaction will be if I pose a question about something or someone.   I just want some peace, some calming...and I don't know if or when that might happen or where it will come from.  Actually, I do know where it can come from...and I am working on that currently....see paragraph below.  I learned earlier this year that I can only change me.  Hopefully it is enough to reap the results I desire...but if the results are different, then I have to have faith that the Lord will get me through whatever the path is that my life takes.  Faith and patience.  Patience is hard...I want answers NOW.  I deserve answers now...but I don't have them...and don't anticipate getting them anytime soon, unfortunately.  I am starting to feel like I am going down a road I have traveled once before...I didn't like it then; and I refuse to do it again for very long. 
My primary goal this year is to go to the Temple.  It has been my dream to go with my husband, but that hasn't happened yet, and does not appear that it will anytime soon.  My patriarchal blessing (which I received after I was married) instructs me to "be an example to my husband so he will want to be part of the gospel."  I try, and have tried over the years and will continue to do so in the years to come...my hope was that I could be that example so we could go together, but perhaps the example I am to be will come after I go myself.  I just know that I can't and won't put my dreams on hold anymore for something that may or may not ever happen in this life.

I guess that's enough for now....sure did go off on a deeply personal tangent...but that's what random thoughts sometimes do, right?  And bring some insight and clarity to the snippets of thoughts bouncing around in my  head...so it's all good. 

Top 2 Tuesday

Top 2 Favorite Songs...

Just 2?  ugh...
I love music...I am always listening to the radio, my zune, pandora.....I've been told I have very extreme tastes....one end of the spectrum to the other....I have several that will always be my favorites, but I also have "current" favorites too

1.  Teenage Dream by Katy Perry (I think of my husband when I hear this song....for reasons you can imagine...  :-)

2.  Streets of Heaven by Sherrie Austin  (this is a song about a child who is terminally ill and not expected to survive...see my pictures on the right to see why this song means so much to me)

Hoo Are You?

1. List 3 words that remind you of fall.

pumpkins, football, blankets

2. Do you wear jewelry often?

I have a few pieces I wear every day....a pair of earrings (no particular pair, just a pair), my wedding rings, my husband's wedding band, my mother's ring, my watch, and an angel pin in memory of my angel son

3. Do you like your toe nails painted or natural?

painted all the time...

4. Do you ever wear a hat?

rarely...I have worn a baseball cap when I'm going to be out in the sun and I have a winter cap to wear in the cold

5. Do you have someone that you talk to everyday on the phone?

during the week, I talk to my husband multiple times during the day....on the weekend....don't use the phone much

PINT

McLinky Monday

What is your favorite pet peeve as of late?
I don't have a "favorite" pet peeve but they don't change much....I don't like liars, gossip, petty judgements...and I absolutely do not tolerate people who profess to know things they don't or can't possibly know....ie many times I have had conversations with people who tell me what I believe in my faith.  Really?  Because your preacher said it's so doesn't make it true.  It's interesting the things people come up with.....kinda sad, but there are some creative thoughts out there.   And then there are the people who claim to know what happens within the walls of  my home....so what...you have xray vision?  That kind of stuff truly irritates me.... 

Monday Minute

http://happilyalawmama.blogspot.com/

(1) What’s the last restaurant you went to and what did you order?

my husband and I often stop at McDonald's on the way to work....but last week we went to Chick Fil A instead...I got the chicken minis.....my favorite chick fil a breakfast!

(2) What's your greatest phobia?

snakes.  nuff said.

(3) On a scale of 1 to 10, how hot are you?

I would score this much much lower than my husband I am sure....based on physical attributes solely...a 3; from the chest up...a 8; based on internal qualitites...a 9 for sure!

(4) You just found out you (or your partner) are having a baby. What's your reaction?

O M G...!  We had this experience 6 years ago....it started as surprise which quickly escalated to shock when we found out I was pregnant with twins, which then became fear and excitement....and then bittersweet joy and grief.  Kraig will be 6 in November, and Kyle is awaiting our arrival in Heaven.

(5) You just won a free vacation to anywhere in the world. Where would you go?
somewhere without children, parents or any other distractions...just my husband and me...to renew and rejuvenate our marriage.  So many things and stressors going on right now....we could use a peaceful, tranquil, quiet place just to do what we want, when we want....and rediscover the newness of our marriage when we got married 19 years ago. 

Curious As A Cat

http://curiousasacat.blogspot.com/

1) What was your first conscious thought this morning?

my first conscious thought on Monday (since this is a day late) was "I get to sleep in a little today!"....normally I get to work between 7 - 730a, but on Mondays I go in usually by 830a due to my dad's work schedule...last week I forgot, got up and was in the shower when I remembered that I could have slept for another hour....

2) Discuss a book that left you disappointed.

not sure I can think of any....if I don't get into it from the first 2-3 chapters, then I don't finish it...I hate starting books in a series before the final volumes are out....I did that with Twilight...I didn't know the 4th one wasn't out when I read the first 3...of course Twilight did not disappoint...I just hated having to wait!

3) Do you ever talk to telemarketers, or do you just hang up on them?
Caller ID is my friend.....I don't answer numbers I don't know or don't reasonably think I will know....so nope, don't talk to 'em

4) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.

"go eat a lizard!"....I used to say that a lot when I was in high school...lol

Meet Me On Monday

1. How many TV’s do you have in your home?
5 functioning (there is one in my parents room that is not plugged in...probably works)....one in each bedroom, one in the living room, one in the entertainment room (for lack of a better word...don't know what to call it...the computer and a tv and movie projector are in there along with some of our son's toys....my husband uses it primarily)

2. What is on your bedside table (nightstand)?
alarm clock, 2 bottles of lotion, air freshener, foot cream, bandaids, reese's pieces carton, container of tacks,

3. How many pair of shoes do you own?

way way too many to count....

4. Can you change a flat tire?

you know, this answer should be yes....and if push comes to shove, I'm sure I could if I had to...but my wonderful hubby handles that for me

5. Do you prefer sweet treats or salty treats?
a mixture of both.....chocolate covered pretzels...YUM!

Friend Making Monday

http://alltheweigh2009.blogspot.com/

FMM: My Favorite Weekend Moment

My favorite weekend moment was attending the General Relief Society broadcast and preceding stake activity.  It is almost like a mini reunion for me....we moved from one congregatin 4 years ago, but remained in the same stake...so whenever there is a stake event, I get to see so many of my friends.  The broadcast is a worldwide address from the General Relief Society leaders and the prophet spoke as well.  I never cease to be amazed at their inspiration and  guidance they provide.  They are truly leading and preparing us for the times in which we live. 

Sister Beck spoke about the value of women~our purpose and identity ...and how society and Satan do their very best to lesson our value we place on ourselves, and lesson the value and influence that we can and should have in society.  She counseled that we should learn and know the history of the Relief Society and to be watchful, prayerful, inspired. 

Sister Allred spoke of our strength and how we handle our trials and tribulations.  What helps YOU to stand fast and immovable in today's world?  She offered the following:
Prayer, Scripture Study, Obedience, Service.
Our best effort is all that is required.

Sister Thompson (who I had the privilege of meeting a couple of weeks ago...I will get to that post soon, I hope!) spoke of visit teaching.  She said Compassion equals visit teaching and then discussed the blessings we BRING and those we RECEIVE when we faithfully, compassionately do our visit teaching.  I would expound...but I was having trouble hearing her and missed much of what she said.  I am anxiously waiting for the talks to be available on lds.org to print so I can make notes and review.

And President Monson.....how I love to hear him speak!  He has such a humor about him and you can feel his love for the Savior and for each member to whom he addresses, even via satellite.  He began his talk with a story, which I would like to share (in my own words, of course). 
Each morning, John and Lisa sit down to breakfast together.  They are able to look out their window to the neighbor's yard.  The neighbor hangs her laundry out to dry each each week...and Lisa often comments about how dirty it is, how she should wash her clothes better, how she should do this, do that, etc etc.  John offers no comments, just quietly eats his breakfast.  This goes on for several weeks....until one morning, she looks out and exclaims that the neighbor has finally figured out how to get her laundry clean.  She asks John if he noticed.  He says to Lisa...I got up early this morning, before you came down to prepare breakfast and cleaned our window.
This is a very poor synopsis of the story, but I hope the message is conveyed. 
His talk was about how we view each other, about judging others...how we shouldn't be so harsh to one another, how what we think we know or see is merely a reflection of our own shortcomings. 
He quoted Mother Teresa...
"If you judge people , you have no time to love them."
Every person--every woman--has faults, but those faults do not lesson the worth of the soul.
He said true charity is love in action. 
Charity is being:
tolerant, 
lenient, 
forgiving, 
patient, 
sympathetic, 
compassionate, 
merciful. 

He ended by saying

"Life is perfect for none of us."

Monday Mayhem

1. Why do you blog?

intially, I started my blog to share our family happenings and photos with extended friends and family who live away from us....now I blog for that but to also share my life and stories with others and to meet new people.  I have also found blogging to be a great way to share my hobbies and interests and passions with others, to get new ideas for crafts, for church projects, and to find other women who have similar interests and experiences as me.

2. Name your three best memories.

only 3???  I have 5....
1.  the day I married my  husband
2.  the birth of my daughterNina
3.  the birth of my son Christopher
4. and 5.  the births of my sons Kraig and Kyle

3. Name 4 of the best fiction books you've read.

1. Twilight Saga (which is 4 books by itself, but I'll count it as one since it is one story)
2.  The Work and The Glory (again a series, but one story)
that's all I have...I read alot, but those are by far the best books and have had the greatest impact on my life 

4. What are the 5 best movies ever made? (and that you love....)
1.  Titanic
2.  The Notebook
3.  Red Eye
4.  Independence Day
5.  Armegeddon
(there are many more...but the question asked for 5)

5. Name 5 things you can't live without.

in no particular order...
1.  My scriptures
2.  My laptop
3.  My journal
4.  My family
5.  Pen and Paper

6. If you could change your name what would it be?

I wouldn't...I like my name

7. Tell us a unique and interesting fact about yourself.

I don't know how interesting it is, but it is unique.....I had the chicken pox twice as a child....and also had the German measles while I lived in Germany.

8. What do you love best about yourself?

my ability to endure and (hopefully) triumph over some very challenging experiences

9. If you had a "Freaky Friday" experience, who would you change places with?

I don't want to change places with anyone...I might like to be a fly on the wall sometimes, but change places....um...no

10. What is the best thing about being a woman.
being a mom  :) 

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing: The "I've Been Tagged" Meme

1. Where are you from?

Waco, TX

2. If you could live any place in the world, where would you live?

somewhere with moderate temperatures, no extreme weather

3. What's your favorite blog? I'll check them out of course!

I have alot...check out my blog rolls on the right and left

4. What is your biggest blogging pet peeve?

innuendo and presumptions about other people and events, copying posts and pictures that don't belong to you

5. What's your favorite TV show this season? I need a new show! :)

I DVR everything...so we haven't gotten to the new shows yet!

6. What's your favorite 'down' time {nothing computer related}?

scrapbook, reading, journaling, writing poems....

7. Are you a parent? If so, what's your favorite thing to do with your children?

read to them, play games with them, color pictures

8. What about your blog, have you considered changing?

i changed the layout recently.....and I change the background at least each  month, sometimes more;  I also recently started participating in meme's etc, which is new, and I also decided a couple months ago to not let other people dictate what I do and don't blog about.....this blog is about my life, my family, my thoughts and feelings...I will blog about the things we do, and whatever else I choose to.  I actually deleted a post not to long ago because of criticism about it..I won't do that again.

9. What do you do for a living (if you work outside the home or if you work at home)?

I work  in Health Information Managment (aka Medical Records)...I love my job, I love where I work, I have an awesome boss.....I couldn't have hand picked my job if I had tried!

10. What is your favorite song at the moment?

I have alot...but right now it is Teenage Dream by Katy Perry

What is your favorite song ever?

Streets of Heaven by Sherrie Austin

11. What is your favorite niche TV channel to watch?

Food Channel

12. If you could have any career, what would it be and why?

I'm doing it!

13. What is your favorite outfit?

t shirt and shorts!

14. If you could tell your teenage self something, what would you say?

don't settle for less than what you deserve, and
don't let others hold you back from your dreams

15. What is your favorite recipe?

i don't know....I have a blueberry muffin recipe that I like to make alot

16. What is the funniest joke you've ever heard?

???I hear alot of jokes...can't pinpoint one

17. What is your favorite vacation spot and why?

the beach....I love the smell of the ocean, I love the sun reflecting off the ocean, I love the beach,  there is a peace and an energyy that cannot be matched

18. What are you most excited about with fall here?

cooler temperatures; fall doesn't really excite me much anymore....in fact, other than the cooler weather, I don't really look forward to fall anymore..it is a sad time of year for me...too many memories, too many hopes not realized

19. Did you envision yourself to be where you are today ten years ago?

um..nope

If not, what did you envision?
it's probably easier to say what I didn't envision than what I did....
--I didn't imagine I would have another child (and I have had two add'l children);
--I never dreamed I would have a twin pregnancy ~see previous statement~ (up until it happened, I had same misconception as most people...that twins are genetic; well, there are none in my family.  What most people don't know is that identical twins just happen....genetics only play a part in fraternal twins.)
--I certainly never dreamed that I would be a bereaved parent and visit a cemetary where my child is buried
--I didn't see myself living anywhere other  than somewhere in TX (we are in TN),
--I didn't envision some of the struggles I have had this last year....that seem to be continuing to some degree

20. If money were no object, what would your dream house look like?

BIG...a bedroom for everyone; bathrooms for everyone; carpet, bay windows, stairs (especially if my son has anything to do with it), pantry, basement,  fireplaces (note the 's')...

21. What is your all-time favorite Disney movie?

don't really have a favorite...but I did  like The Lion King..it't not the prince, rags to riches peasant to princess fairy tale like many othe disney movies

22. What blog do you think isn't getting enough notice?

mine?  I don't know....don't pay that much attn to that stuff...I just click on the ones that catch my eye and go from there

I Wanna Talk About Me

The Questions:

1. Which do you prefer: Vacation or Staycation?
i don't know....both have their advantages...usually vacations are too short, but I do love to go explore and experience new places...and my husband is a great travel planner....once we've chosen a destination, he explores and researches....
but staycations are fun too....they don't typically require as much money as there are not travel or lodging costs or add'l food costs

2. Are you a spontaneous vacationer? In other words, could you take off at a moment’s notice, without making reservations or planning any activities, basically just flying by the seat of you pants?
oh no.....i have to plan....especially for travel

3. What’s the best vacation you’ve even been on?

I don't know if I can pick just one....we've been on a few great ones....we went to Galveston one year--camped on the beach (well, close enough to hear and see it anyway),  we went to East TN a couple of years ago which was beautiful and awesome, we've been to Sea World San Antonio a couple of times....as child we drove to California for a family reunionn and went to Disneyland, San Francisco, the Grand Canyon,

4. Which did you love more as a kid: Summer vacation, or Christmas vacation?

we didn't really do either one when I was a child....our vacations were timed more around my dad's leave times (he was in the army)...

5. What was the last vacation you went on?

in March, we went to Vancouver, WA to visit my best friend; it was AWESOME!  see my post here....

6. Have you ever vacationed somewhere all on your own?

no...my vacations have always been with my family, unless you count the business trip I took to Chicago just after we moved to Memphis, but 1--that was not a vacation, and 2--I was not alone (it was a training seminar for a software program my boss and I attended)--but Chicago was great...we stayed in a hotel just one block down from "The Magnificent Mile" (aka Michigan Ave for those who don't know) and we ate dinner one night at the Navy Pier and then just did some sight seeing (on foot) the last day to kill some time before going to the airport...we ate lunch at The Cheesecake Factory in the bottom of the famous tower there..the name escapes me....

7. What would be your idea of a dream vacation?

just somewhere to relax, have fun, make memories....I'm hoping for a trip for just my husband and I next year for our 20th wedding anniversary....just not sure the funds will be there for a family vacation AND a couple trip...if not, we are planning couple time during the family vacation to celebrate our anniversary, and then something on a smaller scale on our actual anniversary

8. Do you have a passport (and if you don’t, why the heck not?)
no I don't...haven't had the need...and it seems like alot of hassle

Saturday 9

Just Like Me

1. Who in your life do you think behaves and thinks the most like you do?

my best friend Jenn..we are SO much alike, we could have been related (but then we probably wouldn't get along as well as we do)..we are different enough though that we don't get on each others nerves...lol

2. As a kid, were you ever wrongly accused (and punished, if it went that far) for something you didn't do? If so, what was it? What happened?

i'm sure....I am the oldes of 3; my sister is just 1 year 10 days younger than me and my brother is 4 years younger....so yeah I'm sure I was accused of things I didn't do...and got punished for as well..but I don't remember anything specific

3. What about as an adult, were you ever wrongly accused for something you didn't do??

directly, no...but it has been insinuated that I have done or said things that are not true, that I fabricate things and events...but the way I see it...it's my life; it's my home; I would KNOW what I do and don't do and with whom..if you aren't here, you can't say.

Do you think it's worse to be accused as a child or an adult? Why/why not?

worse as an adult.....they say kids are resilient...they grow, they move on: ....adults, it "sticks" more I guess....hurts more, especially if the accuser or the believers of the accuser are close to you

3. What’s the scariest weather situation you’ve experienced?

tornadoes.....when I was in high school, my two best friends and I drove to have our senior pictures taken in the absolute WORST storm I have ever been in....we couldn't see the hood of the car we were in much less the car in front of us....the rain, the wind...it was awful.  We drove over a ladder that was in the bed of the truck in front of us.....Then the rain stopped, just like that.  Shutters on the homes we passed were crooked, trees and branches were everywhere...but you know what?  It was not declared a tornadoe....a severe thunderstorm...yeah right.  Now I hate "severe weather"...so spring in TN is pretty intense!

4. If you could wake up tomorrow morning in another country, where would you want to be and why?

oh I don't know...somewhere with fresh air, romance 

5. Instead of going to work Monday, if you could spend the entire day doing something else--any one or two things that you absolutely love doing--what would you do?

anything with my husband...just the two of us, no interruptions, no tension, no stressors.....a bath, a walk.....

6. What sites (other than meme sites) do you use most to help you post on your blog?

no sites....the rest of the material for my blog comes from my life, such as it is

7. Check out a post on your blog from six months ago (March 2010) and tell us what is different now about your blog and/or life?
brb....I had no posts in March....but what is different is that I post more frequently, and it is not ALL just a recount of family events...I discovered meme's and hops etc...and have met and found wonderful people and blogs

8. What was the last photograph you took?

I just took a couple of pictures of my cat.....

either the light was too bright or his nose was cold....and where does he think his feet are going to go....?  lol

9. Which fashion trend do you believe is the most horrendous and why?

there are so many....grunge I guess...there is absolutely nothing attractive about it IMHO

Saturday 6

1.  What's the worst advice you've ever taken?

hmmm....I don't think I've ever taken any bad advice..I've been given bad advice...but I don't often follow the advice given, whether good or bad

What's your favorite expletive?

as in cuss word...I don't do that much...but the worst it gets is dxmn or shxt....usually I just say dagnabbit or something similar

Would you sacrifice your life for a strangers?

my life...I don't know.  maybe....I've not been faced with that decision or experience....

Are you an organ donor?

i am indeed

What would you want written on your tombstone?

that I was a devoted wife and mom who loved the Lord and strived to motivate and inspire my family to do their best

Who would you really like to punch in the face right now?

punch?  nobody....I'm not given to violence...but I would really really like to have a heart to heart conversation with a couple of people...a get it out in the open, tell the truth, get to the bottom of things talk.

Friday Five

http://mcclintockb.blogspot.com/

Random Question Friday

1. What's your "comfort food"?

ice cream--vanilla with cinnamon sugar...

2.One thing thats on your mind right now?

all the things I should be doing...

3.What's the best advice you've ever received?

to be patient..it wasn't advice so much as it was....inspiration.  I needed some guidance and direction back in the spring, so I requested a blessing....the answer was not specific....just the feeling I got was that I should wait out the situation and not make any direct decision.  I did...and so far it has paid off.

4.If you found $10 today, what would you do with it?

put gas in my car

5. What is your least favorite thing to clean in your house?

the bathroom...for sure....hate cleaning the tub and the toilet, especially the base...this aged body doesn't bend like it used to!

Rock and Roll Friday

 Bob Dylan.
Here's Rock 'n Roll Fridays!

1. TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGIN’ “And there’s no tellin’ who that it’s namin’ for the loser now will be later to win, For the times they are a changin’”

What would you do or play at a Casino?

I don't go often (in fact the last time we went was in May)..but when I do go...I play the penny or nickel slots.  My husband has played the quarter and sometimes the dollar slots, but we typically stick to the smaller amounts.

2. ON DESOLATION ROW “To her, death is quite romantic, She wears an iron vest. Her profession’s her religion, her sin is her lifelessness”

What was the worst job you ever had?

depends on how you define "worst"....I hated my job at Chick Fil A....but I made good money

3. DON’T THINK TWICE IT’S ALLRIGHT “I ain’t sayin you treated me unkind, you could have done better but I don’t mind. You just kinda wasted my precious time. Don’t think twice it’s all right”

How do you waste your time besides memes?

play bejeweled on facebook, play free cell on my computer....I'd say crochet, scrapbook, work on other projects, but I don't see those as time wasters...they are life and memory enriching 

4. IT AIN’T ME BABE “You say you’re lookin for someone, never weak but always strong. To protect you an’ defend you whether you are right or wrong. Someone to open each and every door, It ain’t me babe”

What traits make up the ideal mate for you?
compassion, understanding, patience, kindness, love, humor, sense of adventure,
(and I have all of this and more in my "mate"...aka my husband of 19 years  :)

5. JUST LIKE A WOMAN “She takes just like a woman, yes she does, she makes love just like a woman, yes she does, and she aches just like a woman, but she breaks just like a little girl”

What woman would make a great president?

I don't know that such a woman exists...but then I don't know that we have yet had a "great" male president either; there have been some that are better than others...but to describe them as great might be a stretch

6. KNOCKIN ON HEAVEN’S DOOR “Mama put my guns in the ground I can’t shoot them anymore, that long black cloud is comin’ down, I feel like I’m knockin’ on Heaven’s door”

Have you ever fired a rifle, handgun or other firearm?

I have....my dad taught me to fire a shotgun when I was young, and my husband was an armed security guard for a while.....so he had a handgun.  I learned to shoot it. 

7. LIKE A ROLLING STONE “You used to laugh about everybody that was hangin’ out, Now you don’t seem so proud, about havin’ to scrounge for your next meal”

Have you ever been on Welfare (the Dole), or collected Unemployment Insurance Benefits?

I collected unemployment for a short time when the nursing home I worked for closed in 2003; I have received WIC with each of my children, and received food stamps for brief periods but that was years and years ago. 

8. MAGGIE’S FARM “Everybody says she’s the brains behind Pa, She’s 68 but says she’s 24”

When was the last time you lied about your age?

I haven't ever lied about my age

9. MR TAMBORINE MAN “Hey Mr Tamborine Man, play a song for me, I’m not sleepy and there is no place I’m goin’ to. “

Have you ever played a musical instrument?

no.....I would like to play the piano or organ....

10. ONE MORE CUP OF COFFEE “One more cup of coffee for the road. One more cup of coffee ‘for I go…to the valley below”

What brand of coffee do you drink and how do you take it?

I don't drink coffee...I love to smell it brewing, but I don't drink it.  I can, however, do some damage with some hot chocolate!

11. ONE TOO MANY MORNINGS “Down the street the dogs are barkin’, and the day is getting’ dark. As the night comes in a fallin, The dogs ‘ll lose their bark”

When was the last time a dog barked near you?

daily...moments ago.  Our yellow lab, Zeus, stays outside the majority of the time...and he barks at EVERYTHING!

12. SUBTERRANEAN HOMESICK BLUES “Look out kid, don’t matter what you did. Walk on your tip toes, don’t try NO DOZ, better stay away from those”

When you have to stay awake what do you do when you are very sleepy?

I have taken vivarin or equivalent....but not so much anymore.  Guess my body has gotten used to being sleep deprived!

13. TANGLED UP IN BLUE “I was layin in bed wondrin if she’d changed at all. If her hair was still red…”

What color(s) has your hair been?

when I was young, it was tow head blonde.....as I got older, it got darker; now as I get older, it gets lighter... aka gray....but I color it  :)...usually blonde, but I have done red as well..it just doesn't last as long or blend as well.  In fact, I just colored my hair over the weekend...it has a hint of strawberry blond, which I don't really like, but I have gotten lots of compliments the last couple of days...so I guess it looks good.

Fill In the Blank Friday

1. In the story of my life the actor who would play me would be ....I have absolutely no idea and frankly, no preference. There would likely not ever be a story of my life...as much of a soap opera as I think it is....it would certainly not bring in any dollars at the box office!

2. If I could change one thing about the world it would be the intolerance that people have for each other.

3. Yesterday was great!

4. My favorite comfort food is ice cream.

5. My new favorite blog find is there are too too many to name!  If it's in my blog rolls or part of a blog hop that I have listed...then I like it!

6. If I could meet any blog friend (who I haven't met yet) in real life, I'd choose to meet Stephanie from A Daily Scoop.  She inspires me and I admire her strength....but there are so so many many more!!!

7. My favorite breakfast food is overeasy eggs and toast made for me by my husband...  :-)

Five ? Friday

1. If you could speak with a different accent, what would it be (i.e Australian, Scottish)?

I like accents....well most of them, anyway.  The most exotic I have heard is a Greek accent (one of the physicians at the hospital where I work is from there.....or was raised there at least.)  I would want a British, Australian or similar accent...I like how it sounds, how words are pronounced.

2. Can you fall asleep anywhere? (i.e floor, couch, deck)

if I'm tired enough, and if I am forced to sit still...I doze alot in the car and sometimes while watching tv or movies....I don't necessarily stay asleep or sleep very soundly, but I will doze.

3. Do you use public restrooms? If so, do you sit on the toilet?

not if I can help it...I only use them when I can't wait to be home and IF I sit on the toilet, I use a liner (thankfully most public bathrooms have them now) or I line the seat with toilet paper.  Otherwise, it's quite the scene...lol.

4. If you were stuck in an elevator for 24 hours, what celebrity would you most want to be stuck with?
I wouldn't want to be stuck in an elevator with any celebrity....I would however not mind being stuck in an elevator with my husband  ;-)   We are positive my son has a "touch" radar inserted in me somewhere....because everytime he holds my hand, kisses me or otherwise, here he comes.  If we were in an elevator....he couldn't interrupt those moments.  I'd like to be stuck with him even just for uninterrupted conversation....

5. Where did you & your significant other go on your 1st date?
We went to eat at a now closed (I think) restaurant, then to the movies.  We went to McDonald's for a snack and a drink after the movie, and then to a park near the river (but left due to some questionable persons walking  around) so we decided to go downtown to the  suspension bridge for a romantic end to what was a very very enjoyable night.

Mama Kat's Writing Workshop

The Prompts:

1.) In the book I’m reading,Girls of Tender Age,the main character is deeply affected by the murder of a childhood friend. Describe a tragedy you didn’t expect to be as deeply affect by as you are.

2.) Tell us about a day you were sure you wouldn’t get through.

3.) A time when you should have listened to your mother.

4.) Your pets least likable character trait.

5.) 10 Reasons why you love your job.

I chose #2--

Tell us about a day you were sure you wouldn’t get through.

Seems like I have been talking about this alot...part of it is the time of year, part of it is because it is never far from my heart.  There are actually two that actually equally hard and ... the first is the day I left the hospital with empty arms after the birth of my identical twin sons, born 15 weeks too early.  Kyle was stillborn and Kraig was in the NICU.  The next worst day is the day we buried our son.  Walking into the funeral home that day were the hardest steps I ever took and I  honestly wasn't sure I would be able to do it.  But, with my husband by my side, we did it together.

Thursday Thunks

http://thursdaythunks.blogspot.com/

1. We are changing your name. You have no choice. You get to pick it, but we must approve it. You must have a good reason. Ok, what is the name and reason?

no idea.  I like my name, most of the time.

2. I say Shotgun, you say?

wedding?

3. We are sending you away. Africa or Mexico?
once upon a time, I might have said Mexico, but given the current political climate and gang affairs going on, I think I would like Africa

4. When you're home alone, do you still close the door when you use the restroom?

no....at least if I don't think about it...

5. Berleen told me that I have to ask a mean question. Tell us about a horrible memory.

perhaps the worst memory is the one I don't have....my twin sons were born by emergency c-section...I awoke to my husband telling me that Kyle did not survive delivery and that Kraig was in the NICU.  I remember the nurse asking if we wanted to hold Kyle, and I know that we did...because I have the pictures.  But to this day I do not have any memory of my own of holding him.  All I see when I am try to remember is the image of the picture...not a "memory".  That is the worst.

6. What are your plans for October?

My oldest son turns 15, we are going to a family reunion, my sons have fall break and then Halloween.  I am hoping to begin preparations for Christmas (ie card lists, gift lists, etc)

7. Is there anyone that you regret ever meeting ?

You know, I have always believed everything happens for a reason...so by the same token, I have always believed people are put in our lives for a reason.  But I have to say, there is one person that I not only regret having met, but if we never see each other again, it will be too soon.

8. You have 3 months left to live, what do you do?

Keep making memories with my family.  Write them letters to open at future times and dates. 
Take lots of pictures for them to keep.  Write in my journal.  Work on the bucket list that I haven't yet created....

9. You wake up in an unfamiliar place, what is your first reaction?

where am I and how did I get here....check to see how to get back to somewhere that is familiar

10. Your phone rings at 4am, just before you kill this person, who do you expect it would be?

there is a semi enforced rule in my house...any phone calls after 10p or before 6a better involve the death or dying of a family member..so any such phone calls would probably be from a family member

11. You're having a bad day, what one thing can make your day better?

a hug or smile from my husband or my children ALWAYS makes me feel better....

12. You are doing a meme written by the blogosphere's shadiest character. Is there anything else that you should be doing right now?
oh I'm sure there is *plenty* I should be doing....but it's Friday nite....why would I do anything else?

13. If money were not a problem, (and it never is, right? Yes, I stole this f$%*ing question. Sue me.) where would you like to live?
in  a very very large house near a beach and the mountains (such places do exist)

Whatcha Say Wednesday

1. What is your favorite sport, do you watch sports?I am SO NOT a sports fan...but my husband got me hooked on hockey a few years ago, but only in real life....I also like to watch basketball and baseball 

2. What is one retail store you would love to work at just for the discount?

Archivers (do they get a discount?)...if not, Michael's or Hobby Lobby

3. What is the very last thing you do before bed?

set my alarm

Bonus!

Can you unwrap a Starburst with your tongue?

haven't ever tried...don't really like starbursts..

Wednesday Wickedness

Today we picked William Shatner.
Here's Wednesday Wickedness!




1. “Captain Kirk has been a source of pleasure and income a long time now.”
Who is your favorite Star Trek character of all time including all the shows and movies?
Why?
I liked Spock and also Scotty...I don't know why, really, I just did. 






2. “But if you want to know the truth, the weirdest thing that has happened has been my discovery that people who attend conventions are filled with love.”
What was the last public gathering that you attended where you “felt the love“?
church on Sunday....we moved to the town we are in now about 4 years ago and changed church congregations....but on some occasions during the year, we have the opportunity to meet together with our previous congregation....this past Sunday was one of those times....I love it...it's like a mini-reunion each time!




3. “How do I stay so healthy and boyishly handsome? It’s simple. I drink the blood of young runaways.”
What do you do to stay youthful?
I have children!






4. “I think acting satisfies the need and desire for approval.”
What in life gives you a feeling of approval?
making things...I am crafty by nature, though I don't get to do it much.  But I love the process and I love when I finish something that I have made for someone else....






5. “No I don’t regret anything at this point. That may change on the next phone call, but at the moment I don’t regret anything.”
What is a decision that you have made that others thought you’d regret, but you haven’t?
not an open subject....I wasn't sure that I made the right choice at the time, but so far, no regrets..I am hopeful that remains






6. “If you make a fool of yourself, you can do it with dignity, without taking your pants down. And if you do take your pants down, you can still do it with dignity.”
When did you last get asked when you made a fool of yourself? (Extra points if you guess the correct meme.)
I don't know that I have been asked when I made a fool of myself...I do foolish things on occasion, but don't know that I publicly make a fool of myself....too self conscious for that....

 7. “One of the advantages of being a captain is being able to ask for advice without necessarily having to take it.”
What is the best advice that you’ve ignored?
not  waiting....for a lot of things...but too late now to change those decisions




8. “I’ve never had green alien sex, although I’m sure it will be quite an evening!”
What did you do the last time that you had “quite an evening”?
this is a family blog, remember?  I have "quite an evening" many times over!




9. “Don’t just shove food into your mouth. Taste the flavor exploding in your mouth. Appreciate the texture. Honor your food with the time you take.”
Describe your perfect meal.
salmon, cooked on a cedar plank; broccoli cheese soup with crackers; salad; grilled or roasted vegetables; mushrooms; and some sort of chocolatey dessert and ice cream




10. “For commercial reasons, we stayed away from advancing the theory of God.”
Are there topics that you stay away from on your blog to remain non-controversial?
there are topics I stay away from, but not because they are controversial.  Some things are too private, too personal to share with just everyone that happens to read my blog.  Some things are too "new"...ie not enough time has passed to share or discuss objectively.  And some things I don't share out of respect for my husband...he doesn't like "to be talked about"....some of what I put here he doesn't like anyway...but he is part of my life and family, and this blog is about my life and family.  He has accepted that...and I try to stay within the boundaries of what he is comfortable with.