Random for 10/27/10

Today there are only 2 Random Dozen questions:

1. What scares you the most

A) Physically
B) Emotionally

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

Physically, I'm terrified of mice and I'm terrified of heights.  It's a toss-up between the two.  I think the reason mice scare me is because one of my earliest memories is seeing a mouse jump out of a cereal box and my mother screaming.  (Who wouldn't?)  And the reason I'm afraid of heights is because I don't want to fall and hurt myself. I cope by buying lots of mice poison and never going higher than the second rung of a ladder.

Emotionally, the idea of losing one of my children scares me the most.  I think that is a fear most moms have.  I cope by reminding myself of 1 Corinthians 10:13 which tells me that God will not put more on me than I can bear. If ever I have to walk through that valley, He will carry me through it.


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

When I hear "nothing gold can stay" I think of another phrase "this, too, shall pass."  This is the way life is, nothing stays the same forever, both good and bad will pass away. Life is change.


If you'd like to join in the randomness, visit Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

Random Dozen - October 13

1. Is there a word which you initially mispronounced? Were the circumstances in which you made the faux pas embarrassing? By the way, that's not "foax pass." (I know you know that. Just jokin' with ya.) 
Hors D'oeuvres is a word that I mispronounced the first time I saw it.  I was not embarrassed because I first said it wrong in my head - no one ever knew until you asked me this question!


2. How do you feel about the use of texting shortcuts and trends? (ex: "I've got ur notes. Get them 2 u 2morow.")
I am possibly the world's slowest texter so I am all in favor of using shortcuts.

3. Tell me about your high school senior picture. Please feel free to post.
The thing I remember most about my picture was being worried because I had a rash break out on my neck the week of my senior pictures.  I have never had a rash there before or since, but I felt it was just my kind of luck for it to happen that way. (See, I used to be a negative thinker!) However, when the picture came out, you couldn't even see the rash.  Yay! (Check back later, I'm going to scan that picture into this post tonight.)

What?? No question 4?

5. Share a high school or college homecoming memory.
I was raised in Florida which is football country.  Our school had a Pirate for a mascot.  We had a great marching band with baton twirlers who even twirled their batons while they were on fire!  (The batons, not the girls!)  I can't specifically remember anything about homecoming other than there was always a parade the day of homecoming and the half-time show always included those flaming batons!

6. Linda at Mocha with Linda wants to know: "Do you prefer sunrises or sunsets?"
Well, I love them both, but since I love new beginnings, I'd say sunrise - the start of a new day.


7. Lea at Cici's Corner asks, "What is something you have not done that you desire to do?"
Wow, hard to pick - I have a rather long list of things I'd like to do.  Here's 4:
1. Become physically fit
2. Visit Prince Edward Island
3. Write something for publication
4. Speak at a women's retreat (other than at my own church!)


8. Carol at Wanderings of an Elusive Mind ponders, "If you could come back [in another life] as an animal, which would it be?"
I have to admit that I am not an animal lover.  I think some of them are pretty, but when you consider what some of them eat ... no way could I be one.  I guess if I had to choose, I'd be a horse.  If I were a horse, then I could realize a lifelong dream of running like the wind!

9. Joyce from The Other Side of the Pond is curious: "Where were you 10 years ago?" Please feel free to elaborate more than just your physical location.
Ten years ago, I was learning to deal with my husband's disability.  He had become disabled the year before and mistakenly I thought that after a year of almost complete bedrest, he would feel up to joining in with family life.

Also, ten years ago I was Supermom to my kids.  They used to actually fight over who got to sit next to me at the table or in the car ... Seriously, we had to make a schedule on whose turn it was ... Nowadays, I can't even get them in the same car with me!

10. When you are proven to be correct in any contentious discussion, do you gloat?
I hope not, because that kind of behavior is really really annoying.

11. What is your favorite food which includes the ingredient "caramel?"
Any food with caramel in it has to be a good food, but the first thing that came to my mind when I read this question was a candy - "Milky Way" bars.


12. From my 17 year-old daughter to you: "If you could be part of any fictional family, which family would you choose and why?" (She's so cute. And clever.)
This question requires some thought ... I first thought I would say "The Waltons" because John Boy seemed like a good big brother and I was tired of being the oldest child, but then I realized the Waltons were not fictional, they were a real family with different names. 

I'd want to be a part of a family that had Christian values and that really loved and supported one another so I'm going to pick being one of the Baxter family featured in three of author Karen Kingsbury's series, "Redemption," "Fame" and "Sunrise Series."


These random questions were asked at Linda Crow's blog, 2nd Cup of Coffee.  If you'd like to join in and link up, go here.

Random Dozen - Birthday Edition

1. From "Men Are Dumb ....": If you had a theme song that played whenever you walked into a room full of people, what would it be?
I guess I spent way too much time going to Amway seminars when I was younger, but I'd love to hear the theme from "Rocky" played when I came into a room!  Sorry, I don't have a more spiritual or profound answer ...

2. From Pam of "Alert And Oriented x 4": Which of your shoes are your absolute favorite, and which are of the object of your most painful shoe-buyer's remorse?
My brown sling-back wedges are my favorite, the object of buyer's remorse is some black sandals I bought at Marshall's this summer.  After I'd worn them a couple days or so, they started to squeak every time I take a step.  I hate that! (Anyone know of a solution to keep shoes from squeaking?)

3. From Susanne of "Living to Tell the Story": Tell about your favorite birthday celebration that you've personally experienced.
Well, now it all seems funny and nice, but on my 50th birthday, people made a big deal with black balloons, funny signs, and bouquets with black flowers.  The worst thing, though, was that someone had a Meals on Wheels (Senior Citizens dinner) delivered to me!  The delivery person said, "I heard you're going to be needing these meals!"

4. From Lori of "Just me and My Life": If you were a flavor of ice cream, which would you be?
Mint chocolate chip - sweet rich chocolate with a tangy creamy bite - that's so me!

5. Cindy Swanson of "Notes in the Key of Life" asks: Have you ever had a crush on a movie star? Who was it, and are you still crushing?
This is funny ... I used to have a crush on Glen Campbell (when I was like 13). I had posters of him in my room and I had all his records.  Of course, I watched "True Grit" several times ... but no, I'm not crushing anymore ....

6. Jill from "Jill Boyd's Place" inquires: Glasses or braces--if you had to wear one, which would it be?
I've worn glasses since I was 17 and I don't think it's all that bad to wear them. In fact, I think my glasses define me. I wouldn't look like me without them.

7. Nel from "Fasteneau Facts" asks: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Interesting question, Nel!  I've never been there, but I heard that Salinas, California, was like 70° year round.  Since I don't like to sweat, and my husband hates being cold, it seems like Salinas would be the perfect compromise!

8. Thena from "Patiently Waiting" wants to know: If money were no obstacle, what would be the perfect birthday gift to receive?
A cruise, one that lasts as long as possible!

9. From "Life Through Bifocals," LynnMarie asks: What is your favorite birthday meal?
A perfect birthday meal is one I don't have to cook myself! Actually, we usually go out for my birthday.  I usually get the appetizer combo at O'Charleys.

10. Debby at "Just Breathe" checks in with: Do you still send hand-written thank you notes?
Yes, I do ... however, they are not always sent in a timely manner!

11. Linda from "Mocha with Linda" poses this question: What is something you've done that you never thought you'd do?
After struggling with infertility 10 years, becoming a mom was something I thought I'd never do ... but I did!  I had three baby girls over a period of 7 years.  They're all practically grown now, but I still have times of looking at them and I have to pinch myself to remind me that yes, I'm awake, and they are all really mine!

12. Jewel, my homegirl from Indiana who writes at "Musings from the World of Jewel," is very insistent that we answer this: Mount Rushmore honors four US Presidents: Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt. If you could add any person to Mount Rushmore, who would you add and why?
Who would I add to Mount Rushmore and why?  That is really a tough question, because we already have Lincoln up there, and I think he is one of the greatest Americans ever.  I guess if I were going to add someone, I think of Billy Graham because he is the greatest (or at least the most well-known) preacher of our times.  I mean, we have 4 political leaders, why not a spiritual leader.  America was built on spiritual principles, I don't care what people try to say about it nowadays, and we should honor that.

Would you like to random as well? Link up at Linda's 2nd Cup of Coffee.

RD12 for September 29, 2010

1. Do you believe, somewhere deep inside, that blondes do indeed have more fun? That they are "dumber" than brunettes or redheads? Be honest! I just think that blondes attract more attention than anyone else.

2. Which animal would you most like to observe in its wild habitat? Let's see ... I'm trying to think which animal is native to Hawaii ...

3. This week the U.N. announced that Dr. Mazlan Othman has been appointed the official "Alien Ambassador," should any extraterrestrials contact us. Have you, or has anyone you know, ever seen a UFO? No

4. Name your favorite Hitchcock film. I have always stayed away from "scary" movies, because they make me ... well ... scared.  I have never seen a Hitchcock film.  However, my brother loved that genre and saw everyone he could.  I remember he was particularly impressed with "The Birds," so if I were going to pick a favorite, I'd pick that.

5. Would you rather spend time at the library, the mall, a craft store or home? Hands down, I'd rather spend time at home.  It's good to be home! Next, it would be the library, then the craft store for places to spend time.  As for the mall, I only go when I have to, and for as little time possible.

6. Which Disney princess is your favorite? (Or Disney character, if you are a guy) I don't know if she is technically considered a princess, but Belle from Beauty and the Beast is my favorite.  We've only seen her story about a million times here in our household! [Music from the soundtrack still plays in my head today - at the oddest times!]

7. What kind of art is your favorite? I love landscapes.

8. How do you feel about viral videos, that is, videos made by amateurs that end up on Youtube receiving thousands of hits? I think it's great - encourages creativity ... unless ... why is it called VIRAL?  Does it impart viruses to others?  If that is the case, then it's very very bad ...

9. Where do you buy your jeans? Wherever Gloria Vanderbilt stretch jeans are sold ... usually JC Penney's

10. Tell me about your first automobile accident. I was 17.  I came out of the house that morning to find my windows all frosted over.  I cleaned the front window, leaving the side and back windows alone.  When I got to the main road, I pulled out in front of a speeding truck because I could not see through the side window that it was coming. Suffice to say, I did not have electric windows, or I could have lowered them to look before turning out into the traffic. The force of the collision made the windshield look like a glass spider web.  But my old Dodge Coronet was built like a tank.  My dad took it to the body shop and it lived to run the roads for a long time after that.

11. Have you ever been honest when you knew you would benefit more if you would be dishonest? I always try to be honest for two reasons, 1) I want to please God, and 2) if I attempted something dishonest, I would be caught immediately and, with my luck, publicly humiliated. It's just not worth whatever benefit I might think I'm getting.

12. If you were appointed "Ambassador to Aliens," what would you show and tell first about life on Earth? What would be the most difficult thing to explain? The first thing I would show would be a family and tell how that it is the first organization that God created.  The most difficult thing would be to explain how even though He created them and gave His life for them, most people don't believe in God .... Also difficult to explain:  how children can be so attached to a parent, even fight over who gets to sit next to mom or dad, and then about age 12, suddenly decide that being seen with a parent is totally lame! This aversion to a parent may last the next 6 to perhaps even 12 more years .... Just sayin'

If you'd like to join in on the random fun, link up at Linda's 2nd Cup of Coffee blog.

Random Dozen - Happy Fall

1. Have you, or has someone close to you, ever won an award for anything? No, we're pretty average people ...


2. Who is the nearest relative to you who has served in the US Military? I've had four uncles serve. My future son-in-law has just joined the army. He graduates boot camp in about a week.


3. Share something that stirs the patriotic spirit in you. I'm very patriotic and I feel patriotism rise up in me anytime I see the flag, or hear our national anthem or see any of our monuments.  Also, I get teary eyed whenever one of our athletes is on the podium at the Olympics and receives a medal!


4. Where are you in the birth order in your family? Do you think your "placement" made a difference in your personality?  I am a firstborn and I definitely have all the firstborn characteristics.  I do think birth order accounts for a lot.


5. Name one trait you hope you carry that was evidenced in your parents or grandparents.  My granny Violet loved everybody all the time.  I hope that I can always be as loving.


6. If female, do you prefer wearing a skirt or pants? If male, shirt and tie or polo?  Now that the style is to NOT wear pantyhose, I like wearing skirts best ... but in the winter, I mostly wear pants.

7. Approximately how many times do you wake during the night? What do you do to go back to sleep? I wake up one to two times a night, but I always go right back to sleep.  I just hit the pillow, close my eyes, and I'm out.  It's a gift ...


8. Share a favorite movie quote. The first thing that popped in my head when I read this question was "ET Phone Home."  I used to know some quotes from Napoleon Dynamite ( I work with youth pastors) but now I can't remember them.


9. What is your favorite Fall candle scent?  cinnamon


10. What is one Fall activity you're looking forward to? making chili and stews


11. Tell us about a pleasant surprise that happened to you recently. Our car insurance didn't go up when I thought it would.  We have 5 drivers on our policy, 3 of which are accident prone!


12. What was it like when you first met your in-laws-to-be? It was awkward.  I first met them at a family dinner that my finace invited me to attend.  He has four other siblings. There was so many loud conversations going on at the same time, it was very overwhelming.  I just sat there and marveled.

What would you have answered to these questions?  Join Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee and share!

Random Dozen for What Seems Like a Thousand Times ....

Our Random Hostess, Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee, says it feels like she has been coming up with questions for the Random Dozen for the millionth time.  I haven't been participating since the beginning, so I guess it's my thousandth time ... Seriously, this is a fun little exercise that sometimes gets you thinking out of the box.  Join up here if you'd like to be random with us.


1. Do you do garage sales? If so, tell me about one great find. If not, tell me why not. Yes, I absolutely yard sale!  (Yard saling is a verb in my book.)  I have lots of favorite finds, but I guess my current fave is a pair of shutters I found for $5.  (Actually it was a bi-fold door that my hubby took apart to look like shutters.) He painted them for me and we glued on some wooden embellishments, then hung them on either side of my bedroom curtains.  It looks awesome!
2. Name the last thing you fixed. I fix dinner ... everything else is fixed by my incredible hubby.
3. Name your A) Favorite item of makeup OR B) Favorite tool A) eyeliner B) glue gun
4. Which room in your home needs organizing more than any other? Living room/office area
5. Which room could use re-decorating? We've repainted the whole house recently ... the kitchen could use some new curtains ...
6. Share something unique about your town. Our one claim to fame - we have a super-max prison.  (How sad is that?)
7. If you could send a one-sentence message to your great-grandchild, what would it be? It's worth everything to make Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior.
8. Do you Facebook? Yes
9. Describe your favorite shoes. Lets' see ... it's hard to narrow it down to one favorite ... I'll say my flip flops that are cheetah-colored material.  The sole is really comfy.
10. Do you listen to more talk radio or more music radio? What kind of station is it? Music radio, a southern gospel station.
11. How far would you travel for a really good (favorite) meal? I always dream about going to Memphis to Catfish Cabin which is 4 hours away, but really the farthest I go, just to go out to eat, is 50 miles.
12. If you were totally honest with yourself (and us) what should you probably be doing right now instead of blogging? I should be getting dressed for work ...

Random Dozen, Don't Belabor It!

1.Describe the best sandwich in the world, according to you.
Right now, my favorite sandwich is Subways Italian BMT on monterey cheddar bread, toasted, with provolone, light mayo, lettuce, tomatoes and cucumber slices... Now, I'm hungry.


2. Which inspires you more: a good conversation, a song, a book or movie?
I have found inspiration in all of those things; however, I find a book to be more inspirational.  There's just something that sticks with you when you see the words in print.

3. What is your favorite board game?
Scrabble.  I come from a family of scrabblers. (Well... some of them are scrabblers.  The others don't have the patience for it.)

4. As you grow older, are you more or less patient with small children?
I'm not around any right now to know if I'm more patient.  Actually, I've always been patient with small children.  It's teenagers that are harder to deal with, in my opinion!

5. Name one item you never let yourself run out of.
Actually, there are 3 absolute must haves at my house: teabags and sugar because we must have sweet tea at all times, and toilet paper because ... well, just because.

6. Do you agree with Tennyson's assertion, "'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all?"
I do agree.  If you've never loved someone (doesn't necessarily have to be romantic love), then you've never gotten out of your "self-centered" mode. The hurts you may encounter as you love are what make you a better and stronger person.

7. Name one national treasure or monument that you have visited.
National treasure ... I've visited state parks and historical sites, but I don't guess I've ever visited a national one!  I have to do something about that!


8. Which is more painful, to be disappointed in someone else or to be disappointed in yourself?
Oh, it's definitely more painful to be disappointed with me!  I have such high hopes for me ... it really bums me when I mess up.

9. What makes your kitchen uniquely yours?
My blog readers know that my dish collection makes my kitchen unique... my many many dishes ...

10. Are you a crafty person?
I used to do crafts when I was a stay-at-home mom.  Now it is very rare when I have time to make something.  It makes me sad that I don't craft anymore ...

11. What is your favorite traditional picnic or bbq (cookout) food?
Recently, I have been using Mary's recipe for BBQ chicken from Deep South Dish.  I have to say that I've been making this everytime we cookout!

12. Name one leisurely activity you enjoyed over Labor Day Weekend.
My hubby and I went for a drive and explored some country roads, a park, and took some photos of old barns.  We ended the drive with a visit to Dairy Queen where I partook of one of my favorite things:  a Georgia Mud Fudge blizzard.

Are you a random person?  Why not join the group at Linda's 2nd Cup of Coffee and participate.  It's fun!

RD12 for August 18, 2010

1. What is your favorite fair/carnival food?

In my area, fairs usually sell those boneless pork chop sandwiches - the smell makes them irresistible!

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

I've got four boxes right now waiting for me do de-clutter.

3. What is your favorite gift to receive?
Money or jewelry!

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

About two weeks ago, I tried a panini at Panera's for the first time.  I know, I don't get out much ...

5. What is your favorite and least favorite book genre?
Memoir, Mystery, Political Intrigue, Romance, Humor, Historical Fiction, Historical nonfiction, Chick Lit, Self-Help, Other

Favorite - Mystery, Least Favorite - Romance

6.Silver or Gold?

I like both, but if had to choose I would pick gold.

7. What makes you sigh?

I sigh when I find the iced tea pitcher empty, AGAIN, or when I cleaned up the kitchen and then come back into the room and find dirty dishes in the sink.  Seriously?  Are you kidding me?

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

35

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

First, I would pray and ask God to make a way out of the situation without breaking the law.

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

I love to teach the Word of God.  Oh wait! I already do!

11. You're having lunch with 3 people whom you respect and admire. They begin to criticize a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. What do you do?

Point out her good qualities.

12. Which of the 5 Love Languages is your prominent means of experiencing love?
Quality Time
Physical Touch
Acts of Service
Gifts
Words of Affirmation

Oh, I'm definitely a words of affirmation girl which is why I love comments on my posts so much!

Let's all go over to 2nd Cup of Coffee and give Lid some words of affirmation now!  

Random Dozen - May 26, 2010

Have you ever wondered ...


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

Attend!  I'm need to work on my hospitality skilz ...

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

Hmm... the last party I attended, I managed to trip over a room divider (?) and fell slow-motion from the dining room into the living room.  Quite a feat, actually ... That's really the only thing that stands out in my mind about parties, which proves I'm not a party girl.

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

I believe that I will experience communion with my Lord, reunion with relatives who have lived for God, peace, neverending joy, and a beautiful dwelling place.  I also hope for the ability to eat whatever I want and remain the perfect size!

4. What do you enjoy most about sunshine?

I love light, and sunshine just invigorates me and motivates me to do something!

5. When you attend a bridal/baby shower, do you prefer to bring your own gift or chip in with others to buy a larger gift?

I always bring my own gift.

6. Would you rather have a FREE week of having your house cleaned or all of your meals cooked for you and your family?

This is a toughie, but if I had to choose, I would like to have all my meals cooked for me and my family. I would also like to have whoever cooked those meals to clean up after themselves!

7. What song describes your mood today?

"Something Good is Going to Happen To You" - I'm in a mood of expectancy.

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

I still have several kitchen items that I received 34 years ago that I still use:  tupperware canisters, rolling pin, hand held can opener, a set of Corelle dishes.

9. Your favorite flavor of ice cream is?

Mint chocolate chip

10. When was the last time you felt "tested?"

October 2009 through January 2010 (Those in leadership with me at my church know why those dates are significant.)

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

M & M's

12. "-----" is the best motivation.

Desperation is the best motivation.  Sometimes it is a blessing to feel desperate because then you care enough to get something done!
 
Do you like randomness?  Join in with the crowd at Linda's 2nd Cup of Coffee!

Random Life, Random Dozen

Hello, everyone!  I feel like I have been away forever from you! Life has just been so busy lately ...

Anyway, I figured I would get back in the groove with participating in the Random Dozen.  I'm actually posting it on the right day ... all this time, I thought everyone ELSE was posting on the wrong day!


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



(I'm glad the question is not: "What are you procrastinating about, now?")  I had an audit at work that I just kept putting off ... now that it is done, the relief is huge!  I don't know why I keep doing that to myself ...


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


I had to smile at Linda's before bed routine, I have one too, but I don't think it is that involved.  Basically, I must have my outfit for the next day laid out - even if it's Saturday - and I must read SOMETHING (even if it's just a short magazine article) before turning out the light. Once that light is turned out, BAM, I'm fast asleep.  Just call me sleep-deprived.


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


I was also going to say the 70's because I love jeans, T-shirts and sandals, but then I remembered that in the 70's women wore miniskirts.  Let me just say that I do not want to go there again. So, then I thought about the 80's because I love shoulder pads and big hair. But wait, the 80's had those awful stirrup pants ...  I guess I'm just going to have to be eclectic and wear stuff from all decades!


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


My two mainstays of dishes to take to potlucks (that's the kind of crowds I feed) for years was Taco Dip (which is actually a layered bean dip) and Peanut Butter Bars.  But I'm tired of making those, so I am on the lookout for new dishes.

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


I am a impulse shopper on things under $20.  If it costs more than that, I have to mull it over awhile ... Anyway, my weakness is to buy shirts.  If I see a shirt that is cheap, I don't think twice.  I grab it, and if it's in more than one color, I'll buy two ... or three ...


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


I want my funeral to be a celebration and that people will say that I had a life that was well-lived.

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


I'm loving this time of year with beautiful sunny days and nature is blooming everywhere and the air feels wonderful (not too hot). It feels heavenly! The best part is knowing that God loves me and that no matter if I mess up and make mistakes, He is still going to love me.  That brings me more joy than anything!


8. What is your favorite type of bread?


Mostly I eat wheat bread, but I do love all types of homemade bread.  Fresh out of the oven, with real butter, it's a feast for a queen (or king as the case may be). Let's don't think about carbs ...


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


Laziness ... I feel sometimes that it is just waiting to get me!


10. What trait would you like most to develop?

I definitely want to develop self-discipline.  Lack of self-discipline has always been an issue with me. I have overcame this lack in a lot of areas, but still have a long way to go.  I think lack of self-discipline is an area that most people struggle with in our culture.  It's something I believe that we have failed to instill in our children.


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


I guess perhaps the kitchen shows my personality best.  I display my beloved dishes, centerpieces, candles, fresh flowers if I have any, and linens there.  Also, right by the door, are all my tote bags which reflect all my different interests and activities.

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

I don't do a very good job at balancing (see my answer #10).  I think finding the right balance is a life-time goal!  I'm like Lid, if something has to go, having a perfectly clean house is it.  However, it does really bother me when my house is not perfectly clean ...

Say, why don't you hop over to Lid's blog at 2nd Cup of Coffee and read everyone's random answers?  I bet you'd enjoy it!

Random Dozen - Chicken Edition

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

I, myself, am not crazy for them, but my kids. Have. To. Have. Peeps.  It's not Easter without them.

2. Chickens are notoriously nervous creatures. When you are nervous, what is the best way to calm down?
I listen to Praise and Worship Music. I hear that some "chicken ranchers" play music in their henhouses to calm the chickens ...

3. People say, "April showers bring May flowers." Do you enjoy Spring rains?
I enjoy a gentle spring rain when I can stay home and curl up with a book.  I dislike deluges on the days I'm getting groceries.  Slinging sacks of provisions into a wet cart and then loading them into a trunk dripping water onto my head is not my idea of enjoyment.

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

5. Would you rather have a tattoo (any kind) or a nose ring?
See answer #4.  Ditto for nose rings. 

6. Do you have any special plans for Easter?
We do have certain traditions for Easter.  I always get the fam a new outfit to wear to church for Easter Sunday.  I always do Easter baskets even though the kids are grown. I just buy them peeps, some sort of chocolate, and one gift.  We always have ham and hawaiian bread for dinner.  We always dye Easter Eggs (well, I dye them - the kids don't like to do it.) Then I put them in my cut-glass bowl that is shaped like a basket and admire them.

7. Cadbury Eggs or Reese Eggs?
Reese


8. What was the last thing/person you took a picture of?
My table set with my favorite dishes and salad fixings just because I thought it looked pretty.

9. What book are you reading now, or what was the last one?
Robert Whitlow's "Greater Love."  I just love Robert Whitlow books. (He writes fiction about Christian attorneys.)

10. What do you think is the most difficult task when it comes to Spring cleaning?
Washing windows ... I've always hated that.

11. How many pairs of flip-flops do you own?
2 pair, one of which is barely broken in... I'm not really a flip-flop person

12. Which color makes you happiest?
Yellow!

To join in randomness, visit Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

Dozen O'Random, March 18, 2010

1. On a scale of 1-10, how superstitious are you, honestly?
I'm not superstitious at all, so it would be 1.  I believe my footsteps are ordered by the Lord.

2. Julius Caesar is quoted as saying, "I came, I saw, I conquered." Which circumstance or experience of yours does this saying best describe?
I think my workplace experience describes "I came, I saw, I conquered" best.  Each job that I have had was an experience in scheduling and organizing.  Once I was there for awhile, I felt I had my "little office kingdom" running smoothly!


3. If I peeked in on your day like a mischievous little leprechaun, at what time would I most likely find you blogging?
Let's see ... I blog in the morning, blog in the noontime, blog at suppertime. Or in other words, I blog when I'm not sleeping, working, driving or at church.


4. Re springing forward for Daylight Saving Time, is there anything you've ever been really early or really late for?
Once, we forgot to spring forward, so we were one hour early for church.  Really surprised the Pastor, because we usually slide into the pew just as the service begins.


5. What are you most looking forward to concerning Spring?
I am anxiously anticipating green-ness.  I am so sick of looking out onto dead landscapes.  I want to see green grass, green leaves, and as a bonus, lots of crocuses, tulips, daffodils and flowering trees.


6. Shamrocks are the national flower of Ireland and are picked on St. Patrick's Day and worn on the lapel or shoulder. Do you wear green on St. Patty's Day?
For years, I didn't own any green clothes, so I could have been pinched on St. Patty's Day.  However, now I own a tunic that has brown, lime green and yellow, so I wore that for St. Patrick's Day.


7. One of Caesar's assassins, Casca, said, "But, for my own part, it was Greek to me," which of course means he didn't understand something. Probably his own lines in the play. Anyway, what is something that is "Greek to you," something incomprehensible or indecipherable?
Any math that is above basic algebra is incomprehensible to me.


8. Is March behaving more like a lion or a lamb where you live?
March is behaving like a very small lion where I live.  It's just been breezy.


9. "An extra yawn one morning in the springtime, an extra snooze one night in the autumn is all that we ask in return for dazzling gifts. We borrow an hour one night in April; we pay it back with golden interest five months later." -Winston Churchill. If you had one extra hour per day every day, what would you do with it?
Why, blog more, of course!


10. Legend says that every Leprechaun has a pot of gold hidden deep in the Irish countryside. Aside from real gold or money, what material item would be in your dream pot of gold?
My dream pot of gold would contain a new house with plenty of space to fill with thrift store goodies that I would repurpose in my spare non-blogging time.


11. "The best things are nearest: breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of God just before you." Robert Louis Stevenson. Look around you right now and tell us about something essential or beautiful very near you that you take for granted every day.
Lately, I've been impressed how beautiful the friendship and love of my church family are.  I especially think it's so beautiful when we gather around the altar and pray for one another's needs.


12. Just for a bit o' fun, click here (www.blogthings.com/irishnamegenerator/) and then report your Irish name. Mine is "Zoe O'Sullivan." I love it!
This is hilarious.  My name is Izett Brennan!  (I never heard of Izett before ...)


Join in the fun!  Visit Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee to read everyone's random answers.

Today's Random Dozen - March 11, 2010

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


2. Did you buy Girl Scout cookies this year? If so, what variety? No, this is the first year in a long time that I haven't bought any Girl Scout cookies. Usually I buy several boxes of Thin Mints for me and the girls and a couple boxes of the peanut butter ones for Jim.

3. Do you know how to ballroom dance? If not, would you like to? 
No, I have two left feet. Ballroom dancing is a spectator sport to me.

4. Were you a responsible child/teenager? 
Yes, I was born a little old woman inside a child's body, plus I am first in the birth order of my family.  Firstborns are nearly always a dictator responsible.

5. How many of this year's Oscar-nominated movies did you see? 
Ummm... I don't know which movies have been nominated, but just guessing, I would say ... none.

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


7. What is your favorite day of the week and why? 
I love two different days:  Mondays, because I love fresh starts.  I also love Fridays, because I always look forward to staying home.  I love being home!

8. Do you miss anyone right now? 
I always miss my daddy.  One of the great things about heaven will be the fact that I will always have him with me!

9. Do hospitals make you queasy? 
I don't know if queasy is the word, but I'm always ready to go home as soon as I walk into a hospital.

10. At which store would you like to max-out your credit card. Not that you ever would, you responsible person, you. 
If we are talking about buying things clothes, definitely Penney's, but if we are just talking about buying things for the house and family, probably Wal-Mart!  They have everything!


11. Are you true to the brand names of products/items? 
Me?  Not so much. I'm all about if I have a coupon for a certain item.  My kids?  They only want certain brands of things.

12. Which is more difficult: looking into someone’s eyes when you are telling someone how you feel, or looking into someone’s eyes when he/she is telling you how he/she feels? 
Definitely when I'm trying to tell someone how I feel, which doesn't happen very often.  I usually write my feelings!




If you'd like to participate in the Random Dozen, visit Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

Random Dozen - March 4, 2010

1. Do you prefer even or odd numbers? Any particular reason? 
Even.  I guess because evens are always divisible by two.  I'm willing to share half!


2. On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being "not at all" and 10 being Carly Simon-worthy, how vain are you?
I think at this point in my life, I'm a 5.  I would have said a 2, but the other day, I got a new dress and I got so excited about it that I realized I still have some issues ...


3. Among these Irish stereotypes, with which do you identify most closely? Talkative, Proud, Inquisitive, Love to party, Hot-tempered 
I guess Proud might be the one I must identify with ... it's not that I think I'm better than anybody, I'm not, but I do want people to think well of me and my family ... I want to have a good name in the community.

4. How lucky do you consider yourself?
Lucky? Not at all ... Blessed?  Definitely!

5. What is the subject of your favorite post that you've written?
Well, I love my series, Words to Stand On. (Click here for a link to the first one.)  I also like one of the first posts I ever wrote:  The Stabilizer of the Universe (found here). Who am I kidding?  I like all my posts! They are like my babies, I labored as I gave birth to each one.

6. Describe March weather where you live in three words.
Unpredictable, changeable ... and soggy.

7. How apt are you at detecting blarney when you hear it? (Smooth talk, flattery)
I think I'm good at detecting it, but I still like to hear it even if I do know it's blarney.

8. How "green" are you, environmentally speaking?
maybe "mint green" ... I could try harder ... does buying things at thrift stores and yard sales count as repurposing?

9. What is your favorite song this week?
I've had the chorus "The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower" stuck in my mind all week.

10. You are walking along and see a coin on the ground. What denomination does it have to be before you will stop to pick it up?
I'll pick up any coin I see ... "a penny saved is a penny earned." Or something like that ...

11. Complete the sentence: "Every time I look outside my window ...."
I see dead grass and bare trees.  I am ready to see new spring growth!

12. What was the #1 song on the day you were born? See this site to find out.
This question is not fair because it makes me sound old!  It was Dean Martin's "Memories are Made of This."  I have heard of Dean Martin, but not sure I ever heard that song ...

The Random Dozen is a great meme created by Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.  Visit her and read everyone's random answers.  You'll have fun ... trust me.

Random Dozen

1. So I was thinking about how Jon Bon Jovi never seems to age much. His hair is smaller nowadays, but he still manages to look like a boy somehow. And then that made me think of the story of Dorian Gray. Question: If you physically lock in one age for yourself, which would you choose and why?


If I could physically lock in one age for myself, it would be 20 because I think that is when I had the perfect weight for my frame. If I could mentally lock in one age, it would be 30.  I was finally a new mom, I felt confident in myself, I was ready to take on the world.


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


My peanut butter bars.  Here is a link showing how to make them.


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


If I feel in a down mood, I remember Philippians 4:8 and think on good, positive thoughts or happier times. There are always blessings you can dwell on if you look hard enough.  Another thing I do to cheer myself is to get one of my tried and true, best-loved books and re-read it.  I can always lose myself in a good book!


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


Umm... never... dancing is not in my genes.


5. Do you consider yourself a realist or dreamer?


Totally a dreamer!


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


I have a lot of insecurities as a parent, but I do feel proud of two things:  I always tell my kids I love them, and I taught them to have a love of reading. For many years, we read together before bedtime every night. I think because of that, all three of my girls are good students.  Reading unlocks the key to every area of study.


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


Definitely Barney.  I don't really care to watch the reruns after he left the show.


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


Probably a 5.


9. Have you never been mellow? Have you never tried … to find a comfort from in side you? (Sorry, Jorge was singing that song just now, and it just seemed to be perfect timing as I was creating this week’s questions.) REAL question: What is your #1 driving pet peeve?


People who do not use their signals.  It drives me insane!


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


Blue because I feel calm.


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


A cuddly teddy bear


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


Lid! Are you trying to get me to admit that being on the computer takes up most of my time?


If you'd like to participate in the Random Dozen, visit Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

1. Do you find it gross to share drinks with family? Friends?
I don't mind with family because I figure we share the same germs anyway.  When my girls were little, I never got to finish my own drink. However, I discovered that they hate lemons in tea or water, so I started putting them in my drinks. Now, they don't touch mine!

2. What have you learned this year? (You didn't see a question of that weight coming, did you? At least not for #2.)
I've learned two things:  1) Change is inevitable.  2) Philippians 4:6 is the only way to live!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

3. When do you dismantle the Christmas decorations?
The first opportunity after New Year's Day that I feel up to it. :)

4. Something you wish to accomplish before the end of 2009 is:
Finish cutting out my coupons!  I only have less than 24 hours left - what else is a reasonable goal?

5. How do you feel about winter (after Christmas)?
Well, it's not my favorite season, but I do like snow days!  (As long as my electricity doesn't go out!)

6. Have you participated in after-Christmas sales?
No!  

7. Do you have plans for New Year's Eve?
We are going out to dinner with out-of-town relatives.

8. Is there anything special awaiting you in January?
Remember when I said that change is inevitable?  That's when the change happens for me ...

9. If your life this year was a movie, what category or genre would it be? (Romance, Comedy, Drama, Thriller, Suspense, Farcical, etc.)
Drama ... definitely drama ....

10. How much time per day do you spend blogging? Please do not lie. I will know.
Usually, I spend at least an hour a day blogging (you are counting commenting on other blogs, right?).  Lately, because of the drama in my life, not so much.  But in 2010 I'm planning on blogging more than ever!

11. Who runs your household?
My hubby says that he runs the household:  he runs the sweeper, he runs the washer, he runs the dishwasher!  (Yeah, I know, lame joke.)  I think we run it together.

12. Share one hope/dream for 2010.
I'm still hoping and dreaming of getting something published.


If you'd like to read other random people's thoughts, visit Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

Random Dozen #14

1. Which Wizard of Oz character are you most like?

I'm like Dorothy because I believe "there's no place like home."

2. When you're deciding what you're going to wear each morning, which item do you select first? Why?

I always choose what shirt I'm wearing first because I'm addicted to cute shirts.  I own 3 or 4 times as many shirts as I do pants. (Ok, maybe it's 5 times as many ...)

3. What kind of animal do you think the world could live without?

Mice.  I know it would upset the food chain, but as far as I'm concerned, I'd be happy if I never saw another mouse.

4. How many Christmas trees are in your home?

One. It's all I can do to keep enough working lights for one, I sure don't need anymore!  Also, I only have room for one.

5. Would you prefer to be emotionless if it mean you didn't have to feel a heartbreak?

No, I think life would be meaningless if you couldn't love or feel joy.


6. Do you ever experience holiday let-down or depression?

I don't often feel depression after holidays or special events because I am such a routine person that I'm always ready to get back in the groove of normalcy.

7. Do you like Michael Jackson's music?

No

8. Why is it that we never judge people who have their teeth fixed for cosmetic reasons, but every other cosmetic procedure has a stigma?

I never really thought about it before ... but you're right, we do judge people for having cosmetic surgery but not dental cosmetic procedures. I think it may have something to do with our perception of people trying to hang onto their youth through plastic surgery, but everyone wants nice teeth, regardless of how many face lifts you may have had!


9. Enjoy horseback riding?

No, I'm afraid of heights, and on the back of a horse, I feel like I'm very very tall.  Plus I can barely make my kids mind me, how am I going to control a huge animal?


10. Shoes--practical or stylish?

Definitely stylish, although I'm hoping to find a style that is both at the same time.


11. What was the name of your first pet? Feel free to post a pic.

My first pet was a parakeet named Butchie.  I can remember as a child cleaning his cage every Saturday and cutting newspaper into a circular shape to line the cage. I would then promptly spill his water onto the newspaper when putting the cage back together.  Butchie resided in the dining room. One day, my dad decided to paint the dining room.  Once the room was painted, everything was moved back into the room, including Butchie's cage.  The paint fumes overcame him and Butchie was no more.

My first dog, was a mutt that was mostly cocker spaniel, named Gypsy.  Gypsy later became a mother to one lone puppy, named Squeaky for the sounds he kept making.  (Perhaps he was crying since he was an only puppy.) Not long after Squeaky's birth, my dad decided to relocate the family to Florida.  However, he did not want to travel with Gypsy and Squeaky in tow, so my granny became their new owner. Being curious dogs, they did not live long because they kept running onto the busy road where granny lived.

I have many other stories of pets and their unfortunate demises ...


I am now petless.  It's safer that way, really.

12. What percentage of your Christmas shopping is done?

I have one gift bought, so that's probably less than 10%.


If you'd like to read other's answers to these questions, visit Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.