Saturday 9

11/6/10
1. What do you see when you are watching the wheels go round?

my life spiraling out of control


2. Do you watch reality shows? Which ones?
a few....So You Think You  Can Dance, Food Network Challenges,


3. What's your favorite all time reality show?
So You Think You  Can Dance


4. Do you feel "reality" shows are real or are they faked?
i think some of them are faked....but not all of them


5. What does your personal neon sign say to the world?
"Welcome....Come in, stay a bit...but don't forget the way out"


6. Ever seen a neon sign with certain letters burned out so that it said something unintended?
I'm sure I have....but nothing comes to mind


7. What gives you a headache? Could be a scent, a sound, someone's actions - anything.
stress....in fact, about a month ago I had a headache that lasted for 3 weeks straight; found out it was a tension headache...got a prescription, took 3 days to get any relief.


8. What song, artist or album in your music collection would you pull out and play if you wanted to give your roommate/neighbors a huge, head-splitting headache?
Lady Gaga


9. What do you do to relieve stress?
what I'm doing now (although I am not as stressed now as at other times....but sadly stress is a constant companion I am afraid)....I blog, I journal, I read, I play bejeweled or free cell, I write poems, I sleep if I can

Friday Fives

11/5/10

5 things that are gonna be on your Christmas List this year

I have actually already gotten my Christmas gift from my husband....but he is still planning to get me something to open on Christmas morning from my children..so all my list consists of is getting the items for my children  (and since at least one of them reads this blog....can't actually say what it is...:)

10/29/10

1. Whats your go to recipe?

for work potlucks....green beans and cheese (even when I've signed up to bring something different, this gets requested)

2. When you hear "American food" what comes to mind?

hot dogs, hamburgers and fries

3. What would you say is one of your "weirdest" quirks?

all of my pens have to be writing end down in the cup....I've been called a less complimentary word than weird by more than one person (aka "an_l...a term used to describe perfectionistic Type A personalities)

4.What color do you mainly wear?

black or navy blue pants....cuz they go with everything.  My shirts are pretty varied in color, although I do tend to have quite a bit of pink, green, white, and blue

5. Always have to say everything on your mind or never speak again?

depends on if I am writing or speaking....I communicate much more effectively in writing than I do verbally....especially if the conversation is emotionally charged or otherwise close to my heart.

Rock and Roll Friday

11/5/10

Billy Joel.

1. PIANO MAN… “Sing us a song, you're the piano man, Sing us a song tonight. Well, we're all in the mood for a melody, And you've got us feelin' alright”

What is your favorite Karaoke song to sing with?

I don't sing outloud...period.  No Karaoke for me.  Correction:  I only sing aloud at church, with the congregation or as a group....but that's it.

2. CAPTAIN JACK…”Saturday night and you're still hangin' around, Tired of livin' in your one-horse town. Like to find a little hole in the ground, For a while”

If you grew up in a one-horse town, are you still there, or did you try living somewhere else?

I grew up all over....my dad was in the Army.  I attended high school, however, in a one horse town....so small, there was only a blinking yellow light (at the time).  My school was so small, not only did it encompass grades k-12 on one campus, there were only 36 people in my graduating class.  We moved the summer after I graduated, and have only gone back on occasion for the summer fair.   And now, I live in TN.

3. NEW YORK STATE OF MIND…”It comes down to reality-and it's fine with me 'cause I've let it slide, Don't care if it's Chinatown or Riverside, I don't have any reasons, I've left them all behind- I'm in a New York state of mind.”

What is your favorite New York food?

I was way too young when we were in New York....and I don't know that I have ever had any New York food. 

4. SHE’S ALWAYS A WOMAN TO ME…”But she'll bring out the best And the worst you can be, Blame it all on yourself, Cause she's always a woman to me”

Has someone else ever brought out the best or worse in you?

I like to think my family brings out the best in me...even though they have also seen me at my worst.  They make me who I am, tho.  As for someone bringing out the worst in me....sadly, there is someone.  I have turned into a very cold and distrusting person and have been accused of things that are untrue, that I misrepresent my life and my family....I admit I'm not  perfect (noone is) and I know I sometimes make poor choices (who doesn't?) ...but if I am going to be accused of something, it should be something I have actually done.  I am ever hopeful that one day ~soon~ this person will no longer be an issue. 

5. MOVIN OUT…”Workin' too hard can give you a heart attack ack ack ack ack ack, You oughta know by now. Who needs a house out in Hackensack? Is that what you get for your money?”

What is the most annoying line from a song lyric of all time?

there are way way too many to name here....that New York song from the spring comes to mind but don't know who sings it

6. ONLY THE GOOD DIE YOUNG…”They say there's a heaven for those who will wait. Some say it's better but I say it ain't. I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints …Sinners are much more fun...”

What would heaven be like for you? A shopping mall? A forest? Mansion? Do tell…

Heaven will be a place of love...filled with family who have gone before me, a place of constant worship and continued learning at the feet of our Heavenly Father and Jesus...a place with no pain, with no ill feelings for others, a place of warmth and health...and so so much more than anything anyone on Earth can comprehend. 

7. JUST THE WAY YOU ARE…”Don't go trying some new fashion, Don't change the color of your hair. You always have my unspoken passion, Although I might not seem to care…”

Have you ever changed something about yourself to please somebody else?

I think everyone does to a certain degree....it is a natural part of relationships.  During the course of long term relationships, changes happen.  I know during my marriage, I have changed quite a bit.  Not necessarily in an effort to please, but in an effort to be a better wife and mother and friend.  Changing yourself to please someone else is very short term and will likely not have the lasting results that are desired.....

8. STILL ROCK N ROLL TO ME…”Should I try to be a straight `A' student?

If you are then you think too much. Don't you know about the new fashion honey? All you need are looks and a whole lotta money. It's the next phase, new wave, dance craze, anyways , it's still rock and roll to me…”

What besides “looks and a whole lotta money” would you require in a mate?

looks and money are not required....neither are components for a long term relationship; what is required is respect, trust and honesty first and foremost (if you lose those, the rest don't matter as much anymore and they are very hard to regain once lost), compassion, kindness, sincerity, tolerance, understanding, love, passion, and more I can't think of. 

9. YOU MAY BE RIGHT…”You may be right, I may be crazy. But it just may be a lunatic you're looking for…”

Do you like bad boys (girls) or good boys (girls)?

depends on the definition of "bad"....a little of both can be great....as long as "bad" is not illegal or immoral

10. WE DIDN’T START THE FIRE… “Wheel of Fortune, Sally Ride, heavy metal, suicide, Foreign debts, homeless vets, AIDS, crack, Bernie Goetz, Hypodermics on the shores, China's under martial law, Rock and roller cola wars, I can't take it anymore”

List 13 things for a Billy Joel verse in this aggravating song…

11. TELL HER ABOUT IT…”Tell her about it. Tell her all your crazy dreams. Let her know you need her, Let her know how much she means…”

Have you told your significant other or dearest family member recently how much

they mean to you?

my husband and I we start and end each day with a kiss and "I Love You"...and we
express our love for each other multiple times on a daily basis....

12. UPTOWN GIRL… “I’m in love with an uptown girl, She's been living in her white bread world. As long as anyone with hot blood can, And now she's looking for a downtown man. That's what I am…”

Have you dated someone above or below your “level”? (richer or poorer). Did you feel comfortable with them?

I don't classify people at "levels".....income has no bearing on love...

13. THE LONGEST TIME… “Who knows how much further we'll go on. Maybe I'll be sorry when you're gone. I'll take my chances, I forgot how nice romance is, I haven't been there for the longest time”

What is the longest you have gone without a love relationship?

I couldn't begin to tell you....I have been in love for 19 years and counting, which is
longer than I was ever out of love....

10/29/10

MARILYN MANSON :


1. SCHOOL’S OUT : “School’s out for summer. School’s out forever…”
What was your best summer vacation memory as a child?

my dad was in the army, so his transfers didn't always occur in the summer.....but the vacations I enjoyed the most as a child were the "leave" in between his duty stations....we would go home (aka Waco, TX) to visit family we hadn't seen for 4 or more years.  It was awesome...it was always like a huge family reunion that lasted for days, especially on my mom's side of the family (she is the oldest of 5 children)

2. BILLION DOLLAR BABIES : “Billion dollar baby, I got you in a dimestore

No other little girl could ever Hold you any tighter, any tighter than me baby”

What was the last thing you remember buying in a dimestore?

I'm not sure I remember ever going to a dimestore....dollar stores are the lowest denomination I have been too...inflation, I suppose....lol

3. WELCOME TO MY NIGHTMARE : “Welcome to my breakdown,

I hope I didn't scare you. That's just the way we are, When you come down!

We sweat laugh and scream here, Cause laugh is just a dream here…”

Can you tell us about a nightmare you have had recently?

nope, afraid not; it was almost too close to a reality not too terribly long ago...so it shall remain one of those unmentionable topics....I can however, tell you about one that I had on more than one occasion....at the time, there was a chance it could become a reality, but did not....
my youngest son (Kraig) is a surviving twin....his twin (Kyle) died at birth, and
Kraig spent the first 11 weeks of his life in the NICU...it was a very stressful, scary time.  On the days that we were unable to go visit him (due to admissions in the NICU, the weather on one occasion, a fever I ran on another, etc)....I would dream that there were two headstones at the cemetary.  I usually woke crying....thankfully my husband was (and still is) a fairly light sleeper so he would wake up....and we would call the NICU to check on Kraig....and of course he was fine everytime (well, "fine" considering he was in the NICU)....

4. ELECTED : “We're gonna win this one, take the country by storm

We're gonna be elected, You and me together, young and strong”

Democrats, Republicans or Tea Party? Who will sweep the elections?

my original answer for this question was I don't know...but I didn't get it answered before the elections...and I suppose by now everyone knows how the elections went....

5. NO MORE MISTER NICE GUY : “My dog bit me on the leg today

My cat clawed my eye, Mom's been thrown out of the social circles, And dad has to hide…”

Have you ever done something that embarrassed your family?

I do plenty to embarass myself, and I embarrass my children on a regular basis I am sure....but other than that...no.  I am much too reserved for anything like that.

6. SICK THINGS : “Sick things, in cars, rotate round. My stars. Sick things. Pretty things…”

Have you ever been motion sick? Was it in a car, on a plane, or on a boat?

nah...I don't get motion sickness....the only time I lost my supper in the car was on the way home two nights before my sons were delivered...and that had nothing to do with the ride

7. I LOVE THE DEAD : “I love the dead before they’re cold, their blueing flesh for me to hold. Cadaver eyes upon me see nothing. I love the dead before they rise, No farewells, no goodbyes…”

What celebrity death really bothered you?

probably Princess Diana....just because I kind of grew up watching her seemingly fairy tale life...her wedding, her children....she was beautiful, prim, proper, a lady through and through...and her death was so tragic and such a shock and so very unneccessary....I remember getting up that Sunday morning and staring dumbfounded at the news reports...and listening to it as I got ready for church (that's the only reason I even remember it was a Sunday)

8. SCIENCE FICTION : “Forever I’ll enjoy your under-achievement, I gonna see you every day now if I can, Why then don't the night show really matters, I still wake on the fields of regret”

What is your favorite science fiction movie?

Star Wars....I Robot...Wild Wild West...Smith Family Robinson (the more modern version in the space ship, not the island one)

9. WHITE KNUCKLES : Fistfuls of you… You pulled me through with white knuckles…

Fistfuls of you”

Has someone ever grabbed you to save you from a dangerous situation?

literally....I don't think so.  metaphorically....frequently--my husband keeps me afloat, keeps me sane, keeps me from succombing to my natural tendencies of despondency and insecurity.  He is my rock.  He recently shared with me other ways he has protected me...things I didn't even know about at the time they occurred.  He keeps and makes me feel safe. 

10. THIS IS HALLOWEEN : “I am the clown with the tear-away face

Here in a flash and gone without a trace. I am the "who" when you call, "Who's there?"

I am the wind blowing through your hair. I am the shadow on the moon at night

Filling your dreams to the brim with fright”

What is the oddest thing you ever did on Halloween?

can't think of anything odd I've ever done....I worked at a nursing home once on Halloween night...and the residents had a "Sock Hop"....but that's about as odd as I can think of

11. THE WOW : “I’m worse than what you think you’d catch from me. Complicated’s understated. Did you stop and take a look at who you fell in love with?”

Have you ever been through a divorce?

I can proudly and happily say that I have not...my husband and I have been married for 19 years,
20 years next June....with plans to just keep right on counting

12. THE FOOD PYRAMID : “Everybody! My body is a pyramid that's made of healthy food so do what we say (yeah) eat right every day (food) I love you.”

What does your food pyramid look like?

better than it used...but it's still a bit unbalanced....it's a work in progress

13. THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE : “Hey you, what do you see?

Something beautiful, something free? Hey you, why you trying to be mean?

You live with apes man, it's hard to be clean”

What makes a person beautiful?
beauty comes from the inside out...so one's personality traits determines how beautiful a person they are;  respect, charity, trust, friendliness, honesty, dependability, compassion, loyalty, kindness, spirituality, patience, sincerity, tolerance, understanding, love, passion, and many more I can't think of at the moment

Fill in the Blank Friday

11/5/10

1. My last haircut was this past Monday.

(NOTE:  I am not a good self photographer--but it is much much shorter than before..i like it!)

2. My most daring hair moment was the year I colored it red...I liked it well enough, but it was a pretty drastic change.  And it didn't last...so I won't do that again.

3. A hairstyle I'd never be brave enough to try is:  I'm not sure there is one...I mean there are plenty I probably won't ever do...but not due to lack of bravery...I try to keep a cut that is easy to maintain and does not require alot of time or work in the morning.

4. I've always dreamt of being a (blonde, brunette or red-head):  I like my hair color...I just would like for it stay longer...I am too young to be gray! 

5. My go-to hair do is blow dried bangs with a round brush and scrunched back.

6. My biggest hair disaster was non existent.  I I tend to be pretty cautious with my hair...i don't try anything on my own that I haven't had done professionally first...and even then, I don't go extreme. Whatever happens I have to live with or pay out the wazoo to have fixed...so I just tend to stay on the safe side.

7. A hairstyle I am dying to try is going out of style now....but I did want to try to stacked layers with the long sides..I don't really know what it was called.  I never did, because it would have required more trips for touch ups than I am willing to pay for my hair.

8. My best hair day was the day of our family pictures we had made in 2005.  I actually use that picture when I go get my hair cut (or I try to remember to take it)...what I have now is similar, but this is shorter. 

9. The worst hairstyle I ever had was in jr high.  I was letting my hair grow out of the feathered wing sides...and is was ugly. 

10. My hair is blonde from a bottle, just wavy enough to not be straight but not enough to be curly and so very thin I have to practically lacquer it to make it hold a curl.  And I shed.  I'm picking up blonde hairs from everywhere.  All. The. Time.

10/29/10

1. My Halloween plans this year will include eating way too much candy!

2. My most memorable Halloween costume was 2004--I dressed up as a twinkie box (I was pregnant with identical twins at the time).

3. For Halloween this year I'm going to be at home, watching tv, because my lovely daughter volunteered to take my youngest son trick or treating...there are times I truly cherish having an adult child!

4. I've always wanted to dress up as something unique and creative....the most creative I was ever able to accomplish was the Twinkie box.  That won't be happening again (at least not with the subtle comparison to my then pregnancy.)

5. Halloween free association! ????

6. The worst thing about Halloween is it is to close to my son's birth/angel day for me to enjoy it much....

7. The best thing about Halloween is the chocolate!

8.  What are your Halloween plans?  since Halloween is now over...see answer to number 1

Five ? Friday

11/5/10
1. If you could have any talent and turn it into an occupation, what would it be?

i'm trying to turn my scrapbooking and crochet talents into a business; it is a very slow process, especially since I have to work

2. Would you rather have a house at the beach or a cabin in the woods?
not sure...do I have to choose....?  I like both....I'd prob choose the beach...I love the sand and water, sunsets on the horizon, dolphins, warm weather...and my husband loves to fish.

3. Is there any meaning or reasoning for the names you chose for your child/children?
Kyrstyna--my daughter--chosen long before I ever got pregnant with her...simply because I liked it.
Christopher--my oldest son--is named after my husband
we chose names for our twins the weekend we found out they were twins....and had decided that whomever was delivered first would be named Kyle and second was Kraig...but Kyle's middle name is for a cousin of my husband's that he was close to

4. What is your guilty pleasure? (I know we've done this one before, but I'm guessing people's "guilty pleasures" change frequently. At least, mine do!)
blogging!  I love it...the memes, meeting new people, getting ideas for everything under the sun....it is awesome!

5. Do you live in a house that is deep cleaned or straightened?
straightened most of the time...but it does get deep cleaned when I can't take it anymore or we are having a get together...which doesn't happen very often


10/29/10
 
1. If you could be a fly on any wall, which would you choose?
there are a couple....but I don't necessarily wish to be a fly on a wall as much as a worm in a couple of computers...

2. Do you budget your Christmas shopping or just get it done without budgeting?

the closest I've come to budgeting has been when I buy throughout the year...I haven't done that in a while though....should really start again...it works out so much better when I do

3. What is the craziest fad diet you have ever done?

I can safely say I haven't done any fad diets...I have tried various methods to lose weight..but other than starvation style, no fads

4. Is there a TV show that you have seen every episode/season of?

not sure...prob not...

5. What one song always pulls at your heart?

there isn't just one song that pulls at my heart....

One More Day -- Diamond Rio

Streets of Heaven -- Sherrie Austin

The Little Girl -- John Michael Montgomery

Do I -- Luke Bryan

Open Arms -- Journey

Concrete Angel--Martina McBride

Everything I Do (I Do It For You)--Bryan Adams

Families Are Forever--LDS Church Hymns

I Know That My Redeemer Lives--LDS Church Hymns

I Stand All Amazed--LDS Church Hymns

...and many more than this

Thursday Thunks

http://thursdaythunks.blogspot.com/

10/28/10

1] We all love snuggly things, right? In your own words, explain how the "X" and "O" became symbols for kisses and hugs!

X--from having to angle your face just ever so slightly to kiss

0--your arms make an "O" around the other person

2] Besides eliminating sticks, what would you put in a non-stick pan?

eggs...had some this morning...my hubby made me my favorite breakfast--overeasy eggs and toast

3] x=y over pi squared. What are your thoughts on crematoriums having discounts on those that die in fires?

I think that whoever thought of this question had waaaaaay too much time on their hands....

4] Tongue twisters are fun...but, it's torture to try to say lisp with that "s" in the word. What is your favorite tongue twister? Risque answers get extra credit!

i don't do well with tongue twisters...even when I try to take my time and enunciate, I still  mess up! (and sorry...no risque answers here--my family reads this blog!)

5] Cold weather is coming up. If it's zero degrees Fahrenheit, and tomorrow night it's predicted to be twice as cold, what temperature will it be?

too damn cold...but great snuggling weather!

6] Your significant other is upset with you, would you rather be skating on thin ice or be in hot water? Why?

being in hot water just means he is angry....being on thin ice means he may be at his breaking point and may make a decision in anger that neither of us really want...so I would rather be in hot water and work through the anger (making up is always fun  :)

7] What's worse, expecting the unexpected or being a wise guy?

not really sure how the two compare...but expecting the unexpected should be the equivalent of being prepared....being a wise guy is just rude

8] What brand of vacuum cleaner sucks the best? Mine really sucks!!!

probably one I can't afford...lol

9] How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire? Do you like playing with fire?

playing with fire...no.  I do love candles and fireplaces and campfires....I call my husband our own firebug....he loves making fires and keeping them going.  I also like food cooked over the fire.

10] Toys R us...what was your favorite toy?

oh gosh...I don't know.  When my children were young, I loved the selection of baby furniture and toys and clothes....in fact a new one just opened up...so I'm sure we'll be visiting it for Christmas gifts for my (now) 6 year old 

11] Halloween is near...let's go grave robbing....what would you like to find?

money!

12] Do you wake up or open your eyes first?

wake up first, but eyes open immediately after

13] What mask would you wear to a Halloween Party?

i don't really do masks...can't stand to have my face covered or my vision obscured..plus they're hot

Whatcha Say Wednesday

11/3/10

1. What actor/actress do you think looks most like you? or that people have told you.

hmmmm...it's late...can't think of anyone right off the top of  my head

2. What do you secretly want for Christmas this year?

I already have my Christmas gift...and as for what I secretly want....it shall remain a secret

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

(keeping the blog author's answer...)- NOTHING! hah my childhood made me who I am today and I wouldn't change a thing.

Bonus!

What's the worst pick up line you have ever heard?

I was once told my voice was "muy bonita" and that someone with such a pretty voice had to be beautiful...ok...lame....It was over the phone...had not met the boy (I was in high school)...I know what my voice sounds like over the phone...not so pretty.  (FYI...muy bonita means very pretty)

10/27/10

1. Do you have any birthmarks? If so where?

I do...I have a couple of "beauty marks" (?) on my legs...I personally don't think they are very pretty...and I have been told I have a freckle on top of my  head but I can't actually see that....

2. Where did you last go on vacation, where are you going next?

we went to Vancouver, WA to visit my best friend (and visited Forks, WA while we there as well)...our next vacation will be just my husband and I...we are going to meet my best friend in Utah/Idaho...I can't wait!

3. What is your favorite physical feature on yourself?

I'd have to say my eyes.....and my fingernails (even though I pay for them...lol)

Bonus!

Look around the room find something that begins with an A, B, and C. What did you find?
A--boy angel figurine given to my for my birthday from my husband and sons
B--bottle of water (I am really really trying to drink more)
C--computer (not a stretch there, huh)

Wednesday Wickedness

11/3/10

Dolly Parton. Here's Wednesday Wickedness!

1. "I hated school. Even to this day, when I see a school bus it's just depressing to me. The poor little kids."

What was your worst year in school? Why?

prob my freshman year.....we had just moved during the previous summer, so I knew NOONE..and we moved to a small school...so everyone had known everyone since birth...it was a while before I found my "niche"

2. "I still close my eyes and go home - I can always draw from that."

Tell us about YOUR home.

if you mean home as in where I'm from....that would be Texas....; if you mean home as in where I live..that is TN, where we have been for the last 7 years.  We like it....beautiful landscape, sports events (for my hubby and son especially),  

3. "I'm not going to limit myself just because people won't accept the fact that I can do something else."

What have you been told that you couldn’t do, but proved them wrong?

it was suggested that I wouldn't be able to properly raise or take care of my daughter....but I did.  :)

4. "I'm old enough and cranky enough now that if someone tried to tell me what to do, I'd tell them where to put it."

What was the last incident where you were told what to do and were insulted?

that unfortunately does happen sometimes....but we get past it;  I have been insulted many times over the last year....not by being told what to do, but by the simple fact that certain individuals attempt to insult my intelligence...little do they know how smart I really am and clever they really are not.

5. "If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one."

Have you ever reinvented yourself? How?

to a certain extent, I do this each day, each week.....I try to be a better mom, wife, employee, etc everyday; I try to more fully incorporate the gospel in my life each week and day as well

6. "If you talk bad about country music, it's like saying bad things about my momma. Thems fightin' words."

Is there a type of music that you hate?

nah....not hate anyway.......there are plenty of songs I don't like, primarily those that have offensive language or topics

7. "It's a good thing I was born a girl, otherwise I'd be a drag queen."

Have you ever crossed dressed for Halloween or just for the hell of it?

no...my costumes have always been gender appropriate

8. "My weaknesses have always been food and men - in that order."

What are your weaknesses?

chocolate, chocolate

9. "The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain."

Tell us about something that you did that required patience, but was worth it.

this is still ongoing....but so far has been worth it

10. "We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails."

When was the last time you made a major change in your life?

hmmm....i have this year refocused my efforts on making and keeping my family relationships  stonger than they have been 

10/27/10

Stephen King. Here's Wednesday Wickedness!

1. “I tend to scare myself…”

When was the last time you scared yourself?

um, not sure I remember....but I have done this before

2. “Time heals all wounds…”

What was the longest it took you to recover from an illness, injury or surgery?

physical illness/injury/surgery--probably the recovery period after the birth of each of my children
emotional--I think in most cases, this is an ongoing process, especially depending on the type of emotional "injury or illness"...

3. “Your first impulse is to share good news. Your second is to club someone over the head with it…”

What was the last good news you had to share?

that my husband has *hopefully* completed his throat procedures....WOOT! WOOT!; the other good news is ongoing...every day that I wake up with my family intact and healthy is good news

4. “When it comes to the past, we all stack the deck…”

Is there something in your past you speak highly of that was not so great while you were going through it?

not sure this really applies....but it's all I can think of--the days, weeks, and months following the death of my son were pretty intense, but I can now speak about it on a more positive note, ie, I can see the effects of it, I have grown in my faith, my husband and I are closer as each year passes, and while I do still question why and sometimes feel angered at the unfairness....I do believe there is a reason

5. “Do you drink? Of course! I just said I was a writer!..”

What do you need to drink to do?

while there are times that I seriously think I could use a drink....I don't drink. Anything. Ever.  at least nothing with alcohol...

6. “If you liked being a teenager, then there’s something really wrong with you…”

What did you like about being a teenager?

the friendships I made...I still talk to many of my friends from high school and a few from before that even (thanks to facebook)

7. “Nobody likes a clown at midnight…”

What do you like at midnight?

I like to be asleep, snuggled up with my husband usually

8. “It is the tale, not he who told it…”

Who is your favorite teller of tales or jokes?

my husband, hands down...I tell him often he should have been a stand up comedian....

9. “The trust of the innocent is the liar’s most useful tool…”

Were you ever conned or fooled into a scam?

no...not a scam anyway.  There have been attempts recently to fool me, to hide things from me...and while I may not know the whole story, I know more than I am given credit for. 

10. “If fear cannot be articulated, then it can’t be conquered…”

What do you fear?
losing another of my children

Wee Bit of Me

11/3/10

{one} do you still use a checkbook?

nope...don't even have a true checking acct....have debit cards, but they are not linked to a brick and mortor bank....

{two} what size shoe do you wear?

i can fit an 8-9...but usually buy a 1/2 to full size larger for comfort depending on the style and fit

{three} scary movies or happy endings?

both?  I like scary movies....but happy endings always make me smile :)

{four} do you prefer spontaneity or stability?

it depends...I am truly a planner type of person (ie schedules, advance notice kind of thing), but I don't necessarily mind surprises (the good kind anyway)

{five} what is the most embarrassing cd that you own?

I don't know that I own any embarassing CDs...there may be some songs in my music library that might be embarassing depending on the who hears them...but they came from my daughter....I've tried to filter them out though....

{six} do you watch reality tv?

not sure what's considered "reality tv" anymore....if it's the elimination type shows....then only So You Think You Can Dance.  But I also watch some shows about real life cooking places (ie The Cake Boss, DC Cupcakes, etc)  and challenge shows on Food Network

{seven} what is your favorite home-made meal?

hmmm....hard to say...most of our meals are home made and they are all good....um...probably Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner.....

{eight} do you have any allergies?

as a child I was allergic to wool...so haven't ever used it; might have outgrown it, but not gonna test that.  also allergic to bees....been awhile since I've been stung...but that isn't typically a type of allergy that goes away with age...

{nine} if you could open your own restaurant/store, what would it be?

I don't know....not sure I'd want to own an actual store....

{ten} would you ever go skydiving (or have you been)?

… i haven’t been, but I would if the opportunity presented itself....I think it would be fun.

10/27/10

{one} have you ever seen a ghost?

this has been a popular question this week....and no I have not seen a ghost....I have felt the presence of spirits however.

{two} when was the last time you dressed up for halloween?

in 2005...we had a Halloween party for my oldest son's bday party...I was a witch.

{three} what’s your favorite candy?

anything chocolate

{four} did you have a favorite costume growing up?

nah....not really

{five} did you carve pumpkins this year?

nope

{six} what’s your favorite scary movie?

....I like scary movies...but I don't know that I have a favorite

{seven} haunted houses or corn mazes?

corn mazes… I don't like knowing that something is going to jump out at me.....

{eight} are you superstitious?

not really....I mean i knock on wood sometimes, but I don't really believe it makes a difference one way or the other

{nine} have you ever owned a black cat?

yes I have...she was a solid black manx with green eyes...her name was Midnight

{ten} what are you plans for this coming halloween?

no real plans...we had planned to go to our church trunk or treat, but ended up not being able to go....so my daughter and her boyfriend took my youngest son trick on treating

Random Dozen (or just 2)

1. What scares you the most

A) Physically--spiders and snakes....need I say more?  actually spiders don't scare me so much as I just don't like them.  Snakes however....totally different story.

B) Emotionally--this has actually already happened....but losing add'l people I love, primarily in death, but also in other ways....this does scare me immensely...and I will do everything in my power to keep it from happening.

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

A)  unless they are poisonous, spiders are just creepy crawly; snakes on the other hand are seldom harmless, even if they aren't poisonous...and I have enough to keep track of without having the wherewithal to identify types of snakes....I cope by breathing in and out, as slowly as possible....

B)  one day at a time, one foot in front of the other....I realized earlier this year that I can only change me and then hope it's enough.  So far, so good. 

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

something I learned some time ago in church....all the money, all the possessions, all the "things" we accumulate in this life...stay here.  We take nothing with us into the next life except the knowledge we acquire in this life.

HOO R U

11/2/10

1. What is the most physically painful thing that has ever happened to you?
actual physical pain...c-section delivery...I have a very high pain tolerance, but nothing prepares or compares to feeling like your insides are going to fall right out (and knowing the incision was secured with tape does little to increase confidence!); however, certain emotional pains can invoke physical pains as well...such as heartbreak...emotional cause, but it is a very physical pain. 

2. What would you name your next child or if you don't have any your first child?

there will be no more children--my babymaking days are done!  My children's names are:
Kyrstyna, Christopher, Kraig, Kyle

3. If you could add one feature to your car, what would you choose?

hmmmm....seat warmers or a CD player

4. If you named your house (or car or computer) what would you name it?
none are named....not really into that

5. What is your dream occupation?

as a child I wanted to be a teacher, then a child psychologist...but I got into healthcare, and then discovered Health Information Management...and I LOVE what I do. 

10/26/10

1. How many times a year do you get your hair cut?

not enough....but since I recently found a new hairstylist (haven't had one I liked since we moved here um.....7 years ago)...the frequency will increase. 

2. Where is the worst place to be stuck waiting?

in a line...anywhere.  But especially a line to the restroom....

3. What are your favorite pizza toppings?

pepperoni and extra cheese!

4. What's your favorite thing about where you live?
lots of history, lots of scenery, activities for everyone,

5. What's your favorite fruit? Veggie?
don't really have favorite fruit--I like them all!  as for veggie...prob broccoli and cauliflower

Curious As A Cat

1) Do you believe the death penalty is justified and/or effective? Why or why not?

justified....I don't know...hard call to make.   effective...not so much; if it was truly effective, people wouldn't continue to commit crimes that qualify for the death penalty.

2) Does it sometimes make you paranoid when other people laugh?

not as much as it used to...now I don't care what people think; I know who I am, I know what I can be....

3) How many birthdays and/or anniversaries of friends and family will be happening this month?

4 birthdays just in my immediate family...2 in my extended family...and unknown friends

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

makes me think of dusk in the desert.....end of a long hot day...

McLinky Monday

What do you know about your family's history? What's your genealogy?

I know that my family is from Czechoslovakia and Scotland and England(I think).  My dad has traced our line pretty far back.  My husband's family is from Germany.  We went to a family reunion a couple of weeks ago...it was awesome to correct some info we had and add to his genealogy.  We also went to the cemetary where his grandparents, great grandparents, and uncles are buried.  I actually love to do genealogy work...the names, the stories...it's so intriguing.  My husband actually joing ancestry.com...he caught the bug while we were there!

Friend Making Monday

http://www.mychihuahuabitesblog.com/

What are your holiday traditions?

What holidays traditions did you have as a child?

New Year's--staying up to watch the ball drop in New York and drink sparkling cider or grape juice at midnight

Easter--church, egg hunts

July 4th--fireworks

Halloween--usually trunk or treat at church, trick or treating in the neighborhood

Thanksgiving--food, food, food

Christmas--read Christmas story in Luke/John, look at lights Christmas Eve, breakfast then gifts Christmas morning, and food and pies

Did your family do anything specific or special during the holiday season (Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter – any holiday!)?

nothing different than as listed above

What traditions would you like to implement with your own family or your future family?

also as listed in question 1

Monday Minute

http://happilyalawmama.blogspot.com/

11/1/10

What did you dress up as your first Halloween?

I absolutely do not know....I'm sure I could dig around in my mom's boxes of pictures to find...but it's already 10pm...and I will already be a day or more late getting this posted...

What has been your favorite Halloween costume of all time?

when I dressed up as a twinkie box (ignore how miserable I look...I really felt as uncomfortable  as it looks like I did)  I was pregnant with identical twin boys...they were born 4 days later (15 weeks early; you can read their birth story here.)

Do you believe in ghosts?

ghosts...no.  Spirits...yes.  I believe they co-exist with us; some good, some maybe not so much.  But they are here...to guide us, to help us, to tempt us.

What's your favorite holiday of the year?

don't really have one anymore...used to be Christmas...but not as much now as it used to be

What's your favorite fall dessert?

my mom's pecan pie...YUM...so can't wait for Thanksgiving!

10/25/10

(1) Have you ever been hospitalized? (OK, maybe that one isn't so upbeat)

3 times--for the birth of each of my children; I've had other procedures, but only stayed overnight with my husband when he's been there and for the previously mentioned children

(2) What’s the last bit of good news you received?

after my husband's most recent dilation...the doctor said that might be the last one...WOOHOO!

(3) Who was your favorite teacher?

Mr. Bode (taught high school math 2 of the 4 years I had to take it)

(4) Do you sing in the shower?

not out loud

(5) Describe the happiest day of your life.

there are four equally happy days...

June 15, 1991--the day I married my wonderful husband

December 13, 1990--the birth of my oldest daughter

October 3, 1995--the birth of my oldest son

November 4, 2004--(this day is/was equally happy and sad at the same time)

the birth of my identical twin sons

and one more day that is almost equal to those...

June 4, 2003--the day I picked up my college diploma!!!!

Monday Mayhem

11/1/10

1. What is your favorite orange colored thing on the planet?

leaves I guess...orange is not really at the top of my list of favorite colors, but one of the few things I like about fall is the changing colors of the leaves

2. Ever see an orange person?

only someone who used way too much tanning cream.....not a pretty sight!

3. Name something that you hate that is orange.

candy corns....all I can say is YUK!!

4. What is your favorite sports team that uses the color orange?

University of Texas, of course!  Hook 'em Horns!

5. Name an orange food.

carrots (but I don't like them either)

6. Tell us something funny that entails an orange (like a joke or image).

drawing a blank...sorry.

7. When is the last time you ate an orange?

don't remember....I don't like to peel them, so I don't eat them very much

. What's your opinion about pulp- does it belong in juice or should it be removed?

I don't mind it...to each his own.

9. Name an orange piece of your wardrobe.

I have a couple of shirts

10. Orange you glad we didn't say banana?

um...yes?

10/25/10

For each of the prompts below, simply mention what ticked you off within the past week. If you can't think of anything from the past week that did tick you off, mention what would have ticked you off. Got it?

Have fun!

1. What ticked you off last week while you were on your way somewhere?

traffic tends to do that to me....stupid Memphis drivers....

2. Who in your house really ticked you off and how did they do it?

since most of the people of in my house read my blog (or could if they choose)...I won't be answering this one...don't really remember anything specific anyway; but when I do get ticked off...it is normal "living in the same house" kind of stuff....nothing out of the ordinary...

3. What politician or political event really ticked you off last week?

nothing specific...but I am so glad election day is almost here....I hate political commercials and all the signs....so trashy

4. Tell us what ticked you off on TV last week.

didn't watch too much tv last week....this Tuesday however, will be a different answer...as much as I hate the political commercials, I ABHOR the constant interruption with the poll results and commentary

5. What ticked you off online last week?

not much

6. What celebrity ticked you off last week and how?

celebrities aren't worth the effort of getting angry at....and I don't pay attention to celebrity gossip anyway

7. Tell us something food related that really ticked you off.

simply the cost....I hate buying groceries...I can literally feel my wallet getting smaller as the basket gets fuller!

Meet Me On Monday

11/1/10
Questions:

1. Have you ever been on a cruise?
nope...but it is on my bucket list...

2. What is your favorite way to eat eggs?
over easy with toast (and hash browns and bacon if at a restaurant)

3. What is your favorite reading material?
the scriptures...scrapbooking and crochet magazines....family fun magazines

4. Name all the pets that you have ever had?
if I can remember....we've had pets almost all my life:
Past Pets:  Heidi (dog), parakeets, various fish, Stanley (German Shepherd), Littlebit (Chihuahua), Beauty (Dachshund/Doberman mix), Blackie (Black Lab/Wiemaranger mix), Tip (black lab), Parrot (cat) and 2 litters of her kittens, Midnight (manx cat), CJ(Siamese cat), Dots(Dalmation dog), Max(chow/shepherd mix),
Current Pets:  Zeus(yellow lab), Red and Bruno (Hungarian Viszla brothers), Patches (tortoise shell cat),   Tom and Jerry (brother cats), Miss Kitty (tortoise shell), fish

5. Were you ever a girl/boy scout?
I was, when we lived in Germany



10/25/10
Questions:

1. Do you sleep with a night light on?

no...we do leave our door cracked, but that's for the cats more than for the light (and it's only cracked for the cats because they will claw at the door if it's closed)

2. What do you drink with dinner?

herbal tea, usually Celestial Seasoning Sleepytime, but recently have been drinking green tea with honey (all cold..not hot)

3. Do you play the lottery? If so, how often?

nope...my husband does on occasion, but not much

4. How often do you go to the grocery store?

every 2 weeks for groceries, weekly for milk, etc

5. Would you rather travel back in time 500 years or travel forward 500 years?
hmmm...prob travel back...because at least there is history and I can have some idea of how to live etc...going forward would mean new technologies and I would be totally lost...I don't do well lost.