Sunday Stealing

1. What is your favorite Mexican dish?

just one?  Mexican is my favorite cuisine...um....fajita burritos...

2. When you were a kid, did you get started on your homework right away after school, or did you procrastinate?

depended on what the plans were for the night and how much I had....usually started after dinner though

3. What is your favorite store for home furnishings?

ikea

4. When you were young, did you like school lunches?

i ate them...liking them was something else entirely..i ate the parts I liked

5. Is religion a crutch?

absolutely not....religion, when applied to life properly, is faith in action.  Many people choose to follow the parts of their religion that fits their life or justifies their actions. 

6. In your region, what is the “big” high school sport?

FOOTBALL...people here tailgate for High School football....
Basketball is a close second, being that we have an NBA team here and two major universities

7. Do you consider yourself rich?

financially...NO; spiritually and otherwise non-monetarily....YES...I have a very strong foundation in my faith (even if it has faltered on occasion, I still have strong roots) and I have been blessed with many many wonderful friends  and the ability to learn

8. Which of these would you have the best chance administering:

A) CPR

B) Heimlich Maneuver

C) Changing a flat tire

best chance or best skill???  I could do and have done each of them...but would prefer to change a tire over the others...not much into being responsible for someone's else's life (but would in a heartbeat if necessary)

9. Which dance would you prefer to learn & why:

A) Salsa

B) Hip Hop

C) Waltz

D) Swing

any of them....learning to dance is on my bucket list for the year....but to choose one to start with...swing...mostly because salsa and hip hop require moves I just don't think my bones can do anymore and waltz is kinda slow...

10. What’s the worst news you’ve ever delivered to someone?

telling my children that their father wasn't coming home

11. Name something you learned in college that had nothing to do with classes or academics.

college was a while ago....i don't remember

12. New variation on an old question: If there’s a song in your head that just won’t get out, what is your favorite (or most repeated) line in that song?

currently..."you're gonna catch a cold from the ice inside your soul"  (Christina Perri, Jar of Hearts)

Saturday 9

1. What new TV show rocks your world this year?

I'm liking Hawaii 5-O

2. What is your least favorite ethnic food, and what makes it your least favorite?

hmmm....there's not alot that I've tried, and what I have tried, I like

3. When does liking someone a lot become loving that person?

it doesn't always....love develops over time....love encompasses so many other characteristics and feelings

4. Is there a job you would do for free, and is it your current job?

I would not do my current job for free...but there are aspects of my profession that I have done for free...ie advocating for Personal Health Records is something I feel very strongly about, and have given presentations about on a volunteer basis

5. What is one person/thing that inspired you to take action of some sort?

the refusal of certain persons to change their behaviors...the continuance of contact between these two individuals forced me to make a decision that will impact not only my life but that of my children...i only hope they realize what they've lost and won't get back

6. Though you might not believe in it, would you like fate to exist?

I don't think so...because to believe in fate, to believe that things are "meant to happen" would be to negate not only the Lord's plans for us, but also our agency to make choices...fate means things would happen regardless of what the Lord wants or what we want

7. Tell us about a news story that truly shocked you.

not a clue

8. What's something you're looking forward to?

finally being free of the negativity in my life...

9. What characteristics do you despise?

lying/dishonesty, gossip, manipulation, cheating, disloyalty, irresponsibility,

SO READY FOR THE NEXT PHASE

Friday Fill Ins

1. Family is all that matters.




2. Life is full of ups and downs.



3. Trust yourself first and foremost before you allow yourself to trust others.



4. I always hope and pray for the best.



5. Parents live and learn, and in the end, do the best they can.



6. There are times I wish I didn't remember what was said.



7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to doing absolutely nothing of importance (at least not to anyone but me), tomorrow my plans include an early morning meeting at church, taking my children to my daughters so my future ex husband can get his things from the house, taking my youngest to Lowe's kids workshop and Sunday, I want to finally start moving forward in my life!
 

Rock N Roll Friday

The Rolling Stones.

1. As Tears Go By : “It is the evening of the day. I sit and watch the children play. Doing things I used to do, they think are new...”

What do you miss about being a young child?

i miss the carefree nature of childhool...of being able to play for hours without worrying about what wasn't getting done, of not having to worry about money, or what people think

2. She’s A Rainbow : “Have you seen her all in gold, like a queen in days of old. She shoots colors all around, like a sunset going down…”

If you could be a royal figure, whom would you like to be? This could be a past or ancient royal as well.

perhaps Princess Diana, but only because she was so full of grace and poise, not for the publicity or attention she always had on her

3. I Can’t Get No Satisfaction : “When I’m watchin my TV and that man comes on to tell me how white my shirts can be…”

What is your favorite current commercial?

since i don't watch commercials...can't really say

4. Beast of Burden : “I’ll never be your beast of burden. My back is broad, but it’s a hurtin…”

What were you doing the last time you hurt your back?

my back hurts all the time....gets worse as the day wears on...

5. Brown Sugar : “Gold Coast slave ship bound for cotton fields, sold in a market down in New Orleans…”

If you hired a maid, what tasks would you have her do?

clean the bathroom and dust first and foremost...after that the laundry, the kitchen, and clean the house (sweep, mop, vacuum, etc),

6. Paint It Black : “I see a red door and I want it painted black. No colors anymore, I want them to turn black…”

What is your favorite wall color?

hmmmm...I helped a friend paint her house in December...she painted one room red...looks really really cool....and her front bathroom was a lavendar...really really nice...so it's a toss up between those

7. Miss You : “Well I’ve been haunted in my sleep, you’ve been starring in my dreams. Lord I miss you. “

Who has been starring in your dreams lately?

I've tried NOT to dream lately....sleep aids help eliminate dreams, thankfully

8. Under My Thumb : “It’s down to me, oh that’s what I said. The way she talks when she’s spoken to. Down to me, the change has come, she’s under my thumb…”

Has anyone ever been under your thumb?

not to hear them say so, but no, noone has been under MY thumb; however, I have been under someone else's for quite some time...but no more

9. Emotional Rescue : I will be your knight in shining armour, coming to your emotional rescue…”

Have you ever been to a therapist? If not, would you ever seek professional help for emotional issues?

I have actually just started seeing a therapist...first time ever...kinda soon to tell how it will turn out; if nothing else, I am using my journal more effectively

10. Ruby Tuesday : “Don’t question why she needs to be so free. She’ll tell you it’s the only way to be…”

Do you prefer to be free or settled down?

depends...I am a "make my nest and stay there" kind of person...but I think everyone needs a certain degree of freedom to be themselves, to express themselves...and should have the freedom to find and create themselves early on in life....I was suppressed in alot of ways in that regard....I'm told I have the opportunity to do that now...to figure out who and what I am...the doing is a lot more difficult than it would seem.   

11. Mother’s Little Helper : Things are different today, I hear every mother say. Cooking fresh food for a husband’s just a drag, so she buys an instant cake and she buys a frozen steak…”

What is your favorite convenience or frozen food?

smart ones frozen dinners....they are great for lunches...

12. Gimme Shelter : “Oh a storm is threatening my very life today, If I don’t get some shelter, Oh yeah I’m gonna fade away…”

Have you ever been in a tragic fire, flood or storm where damage was done to your home or apartment?

in high school, we had a fire in our house...no fire damage, but had some smoke damage

13. Sympathy For The Devil : “Please allow me to introduce myself, I’m a man of wealth and taste, I’ve been around for a long long year, stole many a man’s soul and faith…”

Who is the sleaziest man you know currently?

hahahaha....i had to laugh out loud when I read this question.....lets just say, I think they (he and the female version of him) know who they are...

Fill in the Blank Friday

1. The TV show/website that I watch/read that I would be embarrassed to tell anyone about is none.  I watch a variety of things, but none that I would be embarassed by.

2. An item of clothing that is worn and torn but that I love far to much to throw away is a nightgown I have had since my now 6 year old son was born.  It is getting kind of threadbare, and now the memories associated with it are kind of tarnished... 

3. My grocery store impulse buy is hmmmm......non food would be books or magazines; food would be powdered sugar donuts or 3 musketeers at the checkout.

4. Something I do at work to pass time that I wouldn't want my co-workers to know about is chat with friends online sometimes.

5. One thing in my life that I could give up, but never will is social networking....facebook, blogging, my other online message boards and communities.

6. A little indulgence that I have is getting my nails done, something I haven't done since the fall...but am hoping to get back to soon.

7. The junk drawer/area in my house is not just one spot. I have "collections" kind of everywhere....in the office, in the bedroom, in the tv room, the living room.....

What guilty pleasures are you indulging in this weekend?

I will be baking and making lots of goodies....I haven't baked or cooked in a really long long time and I am looking forward to it....oreo truffles, chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cookies, white chocolate macadamia nut cookies, cupcakes, and whatever else my baking frenzy conjures up!

She Let Herself Go By George Straight

A friend sent me the link for this song....think she's trying to tell me something???

Five ? Friday

1. Would you rather be on ABC's Extreme Home MakeOver or TLC's What not to Wear?

Extreme Home MakeOver for sure!  They do some amazing stuff......

2. Do you have any tattoos?

nope...and no plans to get any...one it requires needles, and well, I don't do needles.  Second, i see no need to permanently deface my body....

3. Do you tell your kids about things you did growing up?

if it comes up...but I was pretty boring much of the time...so not much to tell

4. If the traffic signal turns yellow, do you stop or speed up?

depends on how close to it i am...if i have time/room to get through (and there's no traffic cam) I go for it

5. What's your preference: chocolate or chips?

how bout chocolate chips  ;)

Five on Friday

I'm guessing these songs don't need much explanation as to  what my "theme" is....

Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop

The Prompts:




1.) A lecture you still remember.

2.) You know you’re a rookie mom when you…

3.) A poem for your special Valentine.

4.) Share a photo that captures special Valentine(s).

5.) Read the following quote and respond: “Sometimes you have to break the rules around you to keep the rules within you” -Martha Beck O Magazine

4.) Share a photo that captures special Valentine(s).

The one who has been my primary valentine for the last 20 years (we met the week of Valentine's Day 20 years ago)  has a new valentine this year, so my Valentines this year are my children and friends.  (But I don't yet have pics of all my friends, so rather than leave anyone out, I will only post pics of my children.)

In order of birth....

My oldest child and beautiful daughter, Nina.  She is one of my best friends and biggest supporters.

My oldest son, Christopher.  He has also been a huge support to me in recent weeks and understands so much more than anyone gives him credit for. 

The firstborn of my identical twin boys...Kyle...born sleeping and  watches over us with the angels. 

My youngest son, Kraig, born 4 minutes after his twin, who is both an extreme blessing and joy and the ultimate challenge all at once. 

My friends that would be included are Jenn and Holly (without whom I would not have the strength to keep pressing forward), and Colby and Debra (whom have both been where I am in different perspectives and offer invaluable insight). 

There you have it....I almost didn't do the workshop this week...didn't think I would be able to choose a prompt given the current state of my marriage...but I'm glad I did.  My children have always been the light of my life....everything I have ever done, good or bad, everything I have endured...has been for them.  Even my current choices have been for them...as painful as it is for all of us.

Wednesday Wickedness

1. A tree's a tree. How many more do you need to look at?

Are you concerned about mankind's intrusion into forests and jungles?

not so much...I believe we should be respectful of nature, use what we need and not in excess...but I also believe the Lord has provided the Earth with the resources necessary for our survival and benefit

2. All great change in America begins at the dinner table.

What is the biggest change that you've seen in your lifetime with the U.S?

the availability of computers and the internet, the openness of immoral behaviors (homosexuality, unmarried couples living together, acceptance of extramarital affairs)

3. All the waste in a year from a nuclear power plant can be stored under a desk.

Do you feel nuclear power is still the fuel of our future?

i don't have any idea

4. But there are advantages to being elected President. The day after I was elected, I had my high school grades classified Top Secret.

How did you do academically in high school?

i did well in high school (and college)...but I like to learn

5. Concentrated power has always been the enemy of liberty.

How closely have you followed the uprising in Egypt? Thoughts?

not very...not enough to have any thoughts

6. Democracy is worth dying for, because it's the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man.

Do you feel a political system is worth dying for?

a political system....hmmm...probably not; there are plenty of things I do believe are worth dying for....politics don't make the list

7. Don't be afraid to see what you see.

What do you see that scares you?

my children displaying behaviors of their father; my dtr dating a boy (man) who also displays many of the same unhealthy relationship characteristics of my future ex husband

8. Each generation goes further than the generation preceding it because it stands on the shoulders of that generation. You will have opportunities beyond anything we've ever known.

Tell us about an advance that you think we will see in our lifetimes that is not in existence.

i don't know

9. Facts are stubborn things.

What is something that most think of as a fact that does not ring true to you?

10. Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged.

What do you think of politicians that use religion as justification of their beliefs?
i'm not sure I understand the question...justify their beliefs of/in what?  I think most anyone that practices and lives their religion supports their beliefs by what they are taught in their faith.  Using religion to justify illegal or immoral actions is something entirely...

Wee Bit of Me

{one} ice: crushed or cubed?

crushed, definitely

{two} what is your worst traffic pet peeve?

drivers that don't use the turn lane to turn from....drivers that try to get through a light knowing there is not enough room so they end up in the middle of the intersection while MY light is green....drivers that don't speed up and merge into traffic when entering the highway...rude drivers that don't let another turn or change lanes

{three} what room in your house best represents your personality?

currently...my bedroom...just rearranged it and moved office stuff in...but still needs some work...decor mostly

{four} do you save old birthday cards?

i do...i scrapbook them

{five} when was the last time you went on a picnic?

this past summer...my now future ex husband and my son bought dinner at a little hamburger stand just off the square, then ate it in the gazebo at the square...

{six} do you regularly check your horoscope?

i do...not because I really put any value in it...but sometimes they are interesting and some are amazingly accurate

{seven} when you’re home, what do you wear on your feet?

nothing if I can help it...if my feet get cold i might wear socks, but usually just wrap them up in a blanket for awhile...can't stand anything on my feet (it's an OCD thing...)

{eight} what’s your favorite gambling game?

none

{nine} have you ever written (or started writing) a book?

no, but I will soon be writing weekly blog posts on ldwmagazine.com...I'm excited (and a little nervous)

{ten} what is your favorite musical?

i've only seen a few, and only one professionally performed...which was Carmen...love the music (didn't understand the words..it was performed in another language that now escapes me)

 

PINT

Meet Me On Monday

Questions:

1. Did you watch the Superbowl?

I was at a Superbowl party...but to say I was "watching" would be not entirely true...I was crocheting preemie hats to donate

2. What is the last book that you read?

Narcissistic Lovers

 

3. What is your favorite kind of cake?

does cheesecake count?  no real preference other than that

4. Do you snore?

only when i'm sick

5. Do you play an instrument?

unless tapping my feet and fingers to the beat counts...no

The Monday Minute

(1) Do you use shaving cream when you shave? (thanks to Sierra for this one!)

nope....used to use shaving gel, but now I just shave every day in the shower 

(2) Name 2 things you consider yourself to be very bad at.

keeping my mouth closed, no willpower when it comes to food choices

(3) What's your favorite song?

today...a few:  Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri, Catch a Grenade by ??, According to You by Orianthi, Just a Dream by Nellie

(4) If somebody asked you to sum yourself up in three words, what would they be?

currently...hurt, confused, determined

(5) Out of the following three, which do you hate most: pineapples, cantaloupe, or strawberries?

do i have to hate one...i like them all...but if I could only have two...I would skip either the pineapple or cantaloupe...

Friend Making Monday

Did you watch the Superbowl? If so, did you enjoy it? If not, what did you do instead?

It would be misleading to say I "watched" the superbowl....although I was at a Superbowl party.  I crocheted preemie hats to be donated to local NICUs.  I attended so my son could have someone to watch the game with.....plus the company was good and the food was great.