Random Dozen - 10/19/10

1. Do you prefer to read the book or see the movie?
either

2. What is your favorite holiday and why?
I like to celebrate Grom's birthday. It's fun to make him happy.

3. Which do you like better - the mountains or the beach?
the beach - no doubt about it

4. If money were no consideration, what vehicle would you drive?
2011 Honda Odyssey Touring - custom painted orange

5. What is your favorite cold-weather beverage?
My favorite all-weather beverage is coffee (decaf). If it's hot outside, I drink it cold. If it's cold outside I drink it hot.

6. How do you communicate most often with your friends: phone, email, text, face-to-face, or Facebook?
probably email, phone, text, face-to-face... in that order

7. How do you receive your mail? Mailbox on the porch, at the end of the driveway, down the street, or post office box?
mailbox on the street in front of our house

8. Of the four basic personality types - sanguine, phlegmatic, melancholic, and choleric - which is your strongest? Which is your least evident? (See definitions below.)
Phlegmatic/Choleric with a touch of Sanguine. Not very melancholic.

9. What do you miss the most about being 20?
all the clubbing, drinking and drugs - KIDDING! I didn't do any of those things. I don't think I miss 20 except maybe the lack of 20 years on my body.

10. How long from the time you get up, does it take you to get ready to walk out the door in the morning?
one hour - I can do it faster, but a nice manageable morning takes an hour

11. Who handles the car maintenance and pays the bills in your family?
Surferman takes care of the cars. I take care of the bills.

12. For those in the US, how many states have you visited? For those outside the US, how many provinces/other countries have you visited?
27, I think. I'm counting the ones I for sure remember.

Personality type definitions courtesy Wikipedia:

Sanguine
The Sanguine temperament personality is fairly extroverted. People of a sanguine temperament tend to enjoy social gatherings, making new friends and tend to be quite loud. They are usually quite creative and often daydream. However, some alone time is crucial for those of this temperament. Sanguine can also mean very sensitive, compassionate and thoughtful. Sanguine personalities generally struggle with following tasks all the way through, are chronically late, and tend to be forgetful and sometimes a little sarcastic. Often, when pursuing a new hobby, interest is lost quickly when it ceases to be engaging or fun. They are very much people persons. They are talkative and not shy. For some people, these are the ones you want to be friends with and usually they become life long friends.

Choleric
A person who is choleric is a doer. They have a lot of ambition, energy, and passion, and try to instill it in others. They can dominate people of other temperaments, especially phlegmatic types. Many great charismatic military and political figures were cholerics. They like to be leaders and in charge of everything.

Melancholic
A person who is a thoughtful ponderer has a melancholic disposition. Often very considerate and get rather worried when they could not be on time for events, melancholics can be highly creative in activities such as poetry and art - and can become occupied with the tragedy and cruelty in the world. A melancholic is also often a perfectionist. They are often self-reliant and independent; one negative part of being a melancholic is sometimes they can get so involved in what they are doing they forget to think of others.

Phlegmatic
Phlegmatics tend to be self-content and kind. They can be very accepting and affectionate. They may be very receptive and shy and often prefer stability to uncertainty and change. They are very consistent, relaxed, rational, curious, and observant, making them good administrators and diplomats.

See what random things everyone come up with at Linda's Random Dozen

Random Dozen - 10/13/10

I'm just getting to the random dozen for the week. Saturday is better than never... I guess.

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.) I'm sure there is something. I'm having trouble thinking of an example right now. I sometimes have trouble with mispronouncing names. There are a couple of very nice ladies at church whose names I butchered for quite some time before I figured it out.

2. How do you feel about the use of texting shortcuts and trends? (ex: "I've got ur notes. Get them 2 u 2morow.") Texting shortcuts are fine for texting and IMing. Not for homework or essays.

3. Tell me about your high school senior picture. Please feel free to post. I don't have a digital copy of my senior portrait. I wore a blue (dark purply blue) sweater and my hair was a little over styled. It was the mid 80s so of course I had bangs.

5. Share a high school or college homecoming memory. One day during Algebra II, Mr. Johnson was having the girl in front of me work through a problem. She wasn't doing very well. Mr. Johnson kinda shook his head and said that she had better plan on marrying rich. My classmate said, "Rich who?" We all lost it. She couldn't figure out why everyone was laughing.

6. Do you prefer sunrises or sunsets? Living on the Pacific, I like sunsets. There is nothing like the pictures God paints for us at night. Sunrises are beautiful too, but you have to wake up to catch them. If I could see them from bed...

7. What is something you have not done that you desire to do? Have you seen my list? There are a lot of things on there that I've never done that I want to do.

8. If you could come back [in another life] as an animal, which would it be? You couldn't make me come back. I look forward to being with Jesus. If I were an animal... I'd be... a robin.... ha!

9. Where were you 10 years ago? Please feel free to elaborate more than just your physical location. Ten years ago my parents and I were closing our business - they retired and it was too hard to keep it going myself. I kept busy by volunteering at church and spending time and taking care of my elderly friend Nickey.

10. When you are proven to be correct in any contentious discussion, do you gloat? For a little while. I like being right.

11. What is your favorite food which includes the ingredient "caramel?" I often enjoy a Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks. decaf - extra hot - 1 pump of vanilla in case you want to bring me one.

12. If you could be part of any fictional family, which family would you choose and why? So many choices... maybe the Bennett family from Pride and Prejudice (I could be one of the sisters) or the Ingalls family from Little Hose or ?

Maybe I'll be random on Wednesday next week.

Random Dozen - 10/5/10

This week Linda asked for help with the questions...

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? Rockin' Robin of course.

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? Most of my shoes are comfortable. All of my uncomfortable shoes are "dress up" shoes. My latest favorite shoes are Simples.

3. From Susanne of "Living to Tell the Story": Tell about your favorite birthday celebration that you've personally experienced. My birthday falls near Thanksgiving. One year, Surferman arranged for us to have the weekend in San Francisco. It was a fantastic surprise. We had a great time and had so much fun.

4. From Lori of "Just me and My Life": If you were a flavor of ice cream, which would you be? orange sherbet I guess... with hot fudge on top for sure.

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? No major crushes. I liked Aidan Quinn's blue eyes.

6. Jill from "Jill Boyd's Place" inquires: Glasses or braces--if you had to wear one, which would it be? glasses for sure... there are tons of cute frames and you can take them off without pain or an Orthodontist.

7. Nel from "Fasteneau Facts" asks: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
right here... right now... or Maui.

8. Thena from "Patiently Waiting" wants to know: If money were no obstacle, what would be the perfect birthday gift to receive? I'd like a day where I only have to do things that I want to do. I'd spend the morning being pampered and the afternoon with my guys.

9. From "Life Through Bifocals," LynnMarie asks: What is your favorite birthday meal? My favorite birthday meal changes every year. One year it was grilled gigantic shrimp. Another year it was lasagna. And even Beef Dip sandwiches once. I'm going to have to start thinking about what I'm going to ask for this year. It's coming.

10. Debby at "Just Breathe" checks in with: Do you still send hand-written thank you notes?
I want to. I usually write at least a couple.

11. Linda from "Mocha with Linda" poses this question: What is something you've done that you never thought you'd do? Last summer I ate a raw tomato.

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? Benjamin Franklin maybe. History isn't one of my strengths. But it seems like he had a lot to do with the founding of our county and doesn't get as much credit because he wasn't a president.

Random Dozen - 9/22/10

1. Have you, or has someone close to you, ever won an award for anything?
Grom was awarded PAX Leader for his Kindergarten class. I am pretty proud of that.

2. Who is the nearest relative to you who has served in the US Military?
My cousin Sarah's husband Alex is a Marine.

3. Share something that stirs the patriotic spirit in you.
red, white and blue clothes at parades

4. Where are you in the birth order in your family? Do you think your "placement" made a difference in your personality?
I'm a number one. I'm an obvious oldest child.

5. Name one trait you hope you carry that was evidenced in your parents or grandparents.
frugality

6. If female, do you prefer wearing a skirt or pants? If male, shirt and tie or polo?
pants. I rarely wear a skirt, but that might be because of my size. Maybe when I lose this weight I'll try some skirts.

7. Approximately how many times do you wake during the night? What do you do to go back to sleep?
I probably wake up 2 or 3 times a night. I check the clock, change my position and usually fall back to sleep rather quickly.

8. Share a favorite movie quote.
Miracle Max from the Princess Bride: Have fun stormin' da castle.
I used to say it every morning when Surferman left for work. If he ever gets a job again, maybe I'll start it up.

9. What is your favorite Fall candle scent?
vanilla

10. What is one Fall activity you're looking forward to?
going to the apple farm and pumpkin patch

11. Tell us about a pleasant surprise that happened to you recently.
Surferman and I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary. It happened during a retreat that we were attending for church. Our pastor surprised us with a Tiramisu Cake.

12. What was it like when you first met your in-laws-to-be?
really awkward. They were in bed with the flu. Surferman hauled me home for a mostly cancelled (due to the flu) Christmas Eve celebration. They were in bed most of the night and when they weren't we all wished they'd go back into quarantine.

How is that for random? Thanks to Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee for creating these fun lists of questions each week.

Random Dozen - 9/8/10

1. Describe the best sandwich in the world, according to you.
sliced sourdough bread, low salt turkey, smoked cheddar, mayo, spicy mustard, dill pickles, and shredded lettuce... mmmm

2. Which inspires you more: a good conversation, a song, a book or movie?
conversation I think

3. What is your favorite board game?
Cranium. Lately though we've been playing a lot of card games. Grom has discovered Uno. We throw in a few others for variety. And then Swiss Kid showed up and he's a card player too.

4. As you grow older, are you more or less patient with small children?
more patient, but I've always excelled in patience.

5. Name one item you never let yourself run out of.
toilet paper

6. Do you agree with Tennyson's assertion, "'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all?"
Yes

7. Name one national treasure or monument that you have visited.
Mount Rushmore

8. Which is more painful, to be disappointed in someone else or to be disappointed in yourself?
I don't like to be disappointed. I can be hard on myself.

9. What makes your kitchen uniquely yours?
orange potholders

10. Are you a crafty person?
you betcha... I love to create.

11. What is your favorite traditional picnic or bbq (cookout) food?
beef ribs and bbq'd corn on the cob

12. Name one leisurely activity you enjoyed over Labor Day Weekend.
We went to a picnic.

Random Dozen - 9/1/10

1. What insect are you most afraid of? Feel free to post a picture.
Potato Bugs or Jerusalem Cricket. They give me the creeps. They look like some kind of alien baby.
2. What is the greenest/most organic thing about you or that you do?
I almost always use reusable shopping bags. I have some left from the last time we worried about the planet that I still use. Grom has a totally reusable lunchbox.... not a single plastic baggie needed. It makes me happy. Isn't that silly?

3. Tell me about a recurring dream that haunts you.
I dream that I have forgotten that I'm taking a college class. Never have gone to the class, I have to take the final. It usually a class like Sociology. It's probably Sociology because I have no idea what you study when you take Sociology (and I took it when I was in college).

4. Have you ever missed a flight? What were the circumstances?
Only because of weather.

5. What do you consider your best feature?
Physical Feature - maybe my eyes?
Overall Feature - my ability to solve problems or make things work

6. What was the last concert you went to?
I'm having a hard time remembering. It might have been Grom's Christmas Concert at school. We've got to get us some more culture.

7. Describe the most embarrassing church moment you ever experienced.
It's usually when I open my mouth. Earlier this summer our interns were sent out to share Jesus and invite people to church. Someone joked that they were told not to come back until someone was saved. Quickly I said, "We may never see them again". I was embarrassed that I had slammed the interns and the power of the Gospel with those few words.

8. Are you a whistler, hummer or singer?
A whistler. I knew an old guy and he'd always tell me... "A whistling girl and a cackling hen will never come to a good end." I'm a very good whistler.

9. George Washington Carver said, "I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in." What is God saying to you through nature today, or this very minute?
Grom had soccer today. It was a beautiful day and the clover flowers in the grass were very attractive to bees. A little thing that caused worry and distress. But when left alone... pollinates and makes honey.

10. On September, 1, 1752, the Liberty Bell arrived in Philadelphia. What memorable event will take place in your life on September 1, 2010?
Today won't be memorable for any positive reasons and I choose not to share the negative ones.

11. Taco Bell or the Liberty Bell? (You must choose.)
Taco Bell... they serve Pepsi.

12. Do you believe men and women can have purely platonic friendships?
Yes, but only in carefully guarded situations. It's about being above reproach and not be in situations that could be misinterpreted.

I enjoy the Random Dozen questions posted by Linda each week. Try it?

Random Dozen - 8/18/10

1. What is your favorite fair/carnival food? I don't think I have a favorite. I like to go with my family and get a variety of things and share. Surferman always gets a Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich, Grom wants an Icee and I pick whatever new and different thing I can find. Last year I got a stuffed pretzel.

2. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of? Yep... about 200 pounds. If only it were as easy as boxing it up and taking it to the Thrift Store.

3. What is your favorite gift to receive? gift cards to places I like to shop or eat, especially places that I wouldn't usually spend money

4. When was the last time you tried something new? I tried Sesame Seaweed Snacks last week. They are delish. And a reasonable snack.

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
I don't like Romance books. I like most other kinds of books. I'd rather listen to a mystery than read one though.

6.Silver or Gold? silver

7. What makes you sigh? I sigh a lot. I've heard I roll my eyes quite a bit too. I can't see my eyes so I don't know for sure. Family makes me sigh.

8. If you didn't know how old you are, how old would you claim you are? I feel like I'm in my early 30s.

9. Would you break a law to save a loved one? To protect a loved one? I plead the fifth.

10. If you had to teach something, what would it be? I'm a fount of information. What would you like to learn?

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? I can't imagine being in that situation. It feels like all my friends know all my friends. I hope I'd let them know of our friendship and not be silent.

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

Not sure which is your most prominent love language? Take the quiz!


Thank Linda for these random questions.

Random Dozen - 5/26/10

1. Would you rather host party or simply attend a party?
host a party... for sure. I'm surprisingly shy in party situations.

2. Tell us about the most memorable party you've been to.
our wedding reception was exceptional... past that it's hard to say... I've been to some great parties.

3. What is one thing you hope for in the after-life?
besides being in the eternal presence of Jesus... see #9 - calorie free of course.

4. What do you enjoy most about sunshine?
the warmth - that feeling when your bones are warm

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?
either. Anyone want to go in on something for Meagan?

6. Would you rather have a FREE week of having your house cleaned or all of your meals cooked for you and your family?
without a doubt... house cleaning

7. What song describes your mood today?
Dead Man's Party - Surferman and I are out for the count. Nothing is staying down.


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.)
We have lots of things... I still LOVE the silverware we received.

9. Your favorite flavor of ice cream is?
Ben and Jerry's "Everything but the" - yummy!

10. When was the last time you felt "tested?"
see #9. I've also had some busy times in the last couple of weeks that were testing.

11. "[Fill in the blank] is a food that once I start eating I find really hard to stop."
see #9

12. "-----" is the best motivation.
I don't think I know what motivates me... maybe family, maybe an event... not sure.

Random Dozen - 5/19/10

1. What is one really fast, know-by-heart "go-to" meal to fix in a pinch?
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce. I precook ground beef or turkey and have portions in the freezer. Canned sauce (with an extra can of cut tomatoes) and spaghetti noodles. Add a salad and a day old garlic bread from the freezer and dinner can be on the table in less than 20 minutes.

2. What is one item you won't leave home without. (Purse and license do not count.)
my iPhone

3. Where is one place you never tire of visiting?
I'd never turn down a trip to Maui.

4. Share one factoid of your family's history.
We found family that escaped France to England. They floated across the Channel in sealed wine barrels to be rug makers. Wilton Carpets to be exact.

5. Complete this sentence: "Once upon a time I ...."
I drove a green Volkswagen Bug with a bumper sticker that said "0-60 in 15 minutes"

6. If you could win a one year's supply of anything, what would it be?
coffee. Free Starbucks for a year would be excellent.

7. "One quirky thing you may not know about me is ...."
I detest raw tomatoes, but love tomato soup, ketchup, spaghetti sauce... anything with cooked tomatoes. (I'm not sure this is much of a secret).

8. You have one dollar in your pocket. What will you buy?
Well, since it won't buy a cup of coffee... I guess I'd buy Surferman a double cheeseburger from Burger King. He loves them. (I guess I would have to find tax in my coin jar).

9. "One thing that always makes me laugh is ...."
when Grom licks my face when he's pretending to be Mai dog.

10. What is one thing you could do today to help yourself reach a personal goal?
eat my Medifast food

11. What is one thing you could do today to bless someone else?
Not yell.

12. What is one thing you're looking forward to soon?
We are going to San Francisco with good friends for Memorial Day. We're going to have so much fun.

There is a whole-lotta randomness going on at Linda's. Go check out the quirks

Random Dozen - 5/12/10

1. Please share one memory of your high school graduation.
We had Grad Night at school. The parents brought in carnival rides and games. There was an In N Out Burger wagon that made all the burgers we could eat, and a local hair salon even did makeovers. It went all night. It was a Roman toga party. There is a picture somewhere and boy was I cute. I rocked my toga.

2. What is one "emergency use" item you keep in your vehicle at all times?
baby wipes or as Grom now calls them... big kid wipes

3. In your region, do you celebrate graduation open houses? Addendum: (If so,) how many open houses/bridal showers/weddings are on your upcoming events calendar?
We call them graduation parties. We haven't been invited to any this season. So far I know of one wedding this summer.

4. Tell me one truth you believe about motherhood.

Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6 ESV

5. What was the last thing you broke?
I don't remember. But I try to be thankful for the time I got to use / enjoy the broken item instead of grieving over it's loss.

6. On average, how many pieces of junk mail do you receive daily?
5 or 6. Unless it's Tuesday, then it's all junk.

7. Do you like to shop by catalog?
Catalogs are junk mail these days. They go straight into the trash. I shop online.

8. Is lawn maintenance at your house a "his job," a "her job" or "his/her job" or "that's why we have teenagers" job?
We don't have a lawn, but yard maintenance is Alfredo's job. He came with our rental and does a great job.

9. Which room would you like to redecorate in your home?
When we're done with our remodeling project, our master bedroom and bathroom should be gorgeous. Everything else has been recently done. I think the next big project will be re-doing our back deck.

10. Do you read a newspaper regularly, or do you read most of your news on line?
I read news online, but actually get most of my news from AM radio on my way to work in the morning.

11. Do you believe everything happens for a reason?
I trust in God's perfect will.

12. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?
How about... doing the right things right?

Tollipop's Hypothetical Friday

1. Would you rather be the belle of the ball with a dance card from here to Katmandu, with brilliant dance skills and partners to match, or would you rather be that girl who wanders onto the terrace for some night air, comes across a dashing stranger doing the very same thing, and spends the rest of the evening lost in the most mesmerizing conversation you've ever had in your whole, entire life?
dashing stranger and mesmerizing conversation... although mastering ballroom dancing... hmmm

2. Would you rather have a magical tree house whose entrance is imperceptible to others and which offers the most wonderful, relaxing retreat? This tree follows you everywhere you go, so if you're in the middle of a stressful situation, you can simply turn around or step outside and voilà--your sanctuary awaits! Or, would you rather have a magical tree house that, once entered, can transport you anywhere in the world, only it always deposits you to the same spot when you're ready to return (in other words, access is less convenient than the first option)?
relaxing retreat wherever I am - what a great possibility - of course I'm assuming said tree house would be well stocked with decaf coffee and come equipped with a masseuse.

3. Would you rather pilot anything (air) or would you rather drive anything (ground)...with crazy amazing skills either way?
pilot - wouldn't it be great to be able to do loop-de-loops and barrel rolls like a stunt pilot?

4. Would you rather be a great composer of music, or would you rather play an invincible game of chess?
great composer - think of all the songs I could come up with

5. Would you like to live in your dream house on a rather impersonal street, or would you rather live in a relatively average house on your dream street with the ability to choose as your neighbors anyone currently residing on this planet? What would your dream house look like or what would you call your street and whom would you choose as neighbors?
I'd choose an average house on an amazing street. Our home would have lots of room for entertaining. We could have all our wonderful neighbors anytime. Pack your stuff and plan to move - friends, family and fun people. And you too Shelly... you can encourage me to exercise.

6. Would you like a tiny, sweet hedgehog named Pip, or would you like a darling bulldog puppy named Collins who never drools and is perfectly trained? (okay, you can name them whatever you want...as long as you tell me).
As tempting as a non-drooling bulldog is... how could I not pick a sweet hedgehog named Pip? I'd carry him in my pocket and feed him the fattening stuff off my plate.

7. Would you like a scrumptious picnic in a meadow on a beautiful spring day, or would you care to enjoy a divine lunch in a Parisian bistro? p.s. either choice allows you to bring along the one you love...or Mr. Darcy, if you are presently undecided.
A scrumptious picnic - cheese, baguette, strawberries, chocolate and lime sparkling water with a Surferman who knows who Mr. Darcy is and has some of his manners and decorum. The meadow would be filled with wild flowers and the pollen wouldn't bother me.

Wishing you a lovely Mother's Day weekend...

Random Dozen - 5/5/10

1. What was the last thing about which you procrastinated?
well... right now... I'm procrastinating going to bed.
and I still don't have my office papers cleaned up...
and you should see all the undone things on my to do list

2. How long does it take you to fall asleep, and do you sleep through the night?
after I turn off the light, I'm asleep in no time flat. I never get to say "amen"
I usually sleep through the night, but lately I've been waking up between 3:45 and 4 a.m. for no particular reason. It's weird.

3. Which decade would you choose to exemplify your favorite fashion styles?
It's hard to be stylish when you're huge. I go for comfortable and not embroidered and dowdy. Not sure what decade that would be. I liked the preppy clothes of the early 80s.

4. What is your personal best dish to feed a crowd?
Caesar Salad with homemade dressing
Aunt Theo's Potatoes and BBQd chicken thighs

5. Are you an impulse shopper? What was the last thing you bought on impulse?
When I stay up too late, I seem to buy things online that I don't need. Last thing I bought... some handmade journals (aren't they cool?)

6. What is one wish you have for your own funeral?
That it would involve the beach somehow.

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

8. What is your favorite type of bread?
sourdough - toasted with real butter

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

10. What trait would you like most to develop?
self-control

11. Which room in your house best reflects your personality? Why?
My studio - it's a creative space where I get things done - decorated with retro prints and orange. I just wish it were neater and less cluttered - but I guess that wouldn't fit my personality.

12. How do you maintain balance in your life regarding, work, family, church, other organizations and activities, and blogging?
calendar, to do list, prayer, consulting with Surferman and screaming into my towel after I shower

Linda does a great job of coming up with random fun for us each week. Give it a try.

Tollipop's Hypothetical Friday

I've shared my admiration of Kristen and her Tollipop blog. Lately she has blogged about hypothetical questions that she shares with her daughters. She shared some with us today and they were so much fun that I had to answer. Her words are in italics.



1. Would you rather have a fantasy art studio stocked with every supply (in colors and mediums never before conceived!), lots of space, natural light, big tables, cozy chairs, and windows that look out on a beautiful scene, or would you rather have a fantasy atelier, with a magical sewing machine that could help you create every fashion you've ever wanted, in a fit that is perfect for you (or others, if you are sewing for someone else). The atelier comes stocked with wondrous fabrics, is also bright and spacious, with windows looking out on something that captures your imagination.
both - I maintain that a fantasy art studio with every supply would have to include fabrics and skill. And if it came with a clock that made time stand still... ahhh

2. Would you rather have a teacup rabbit or a tiny white owl?
a tiny white owl

3. Would you rather have the ability to summon an amazing bedtime story whenever you wanted to hear one, or would you rather summon a walk on a beautiful, secret path (with the weather and season of your choice) that always leaves you feeling better when you reach your destination?
I'd choose the walk. My first would be on a tropical beach. I'd have a flower in my hair.

4. If you could wish for something lovely to happen to someone this weekend, who would the lucky recipient be?
very hard to choose...
Tobi, because she's leaving the country soon,
Any of the moms of the 2009 crop of babies, because that first year is hard,
Surferman, because he rocks,
Erika, because she's Erika.
I pray lovely things for each and every one of them.

5. Would you rather be a crazy fast runner or a crazy fast swimmer?
crazy fast runner - I don't run.

6. Would you like the ability to have a wonderful, restful sleep each night, or would you like to have an Olympic hopeful metabolism that does a spectacular job of keeping up with all the yummy things there are to eat?
you have to ask? the metabolism of course. I'd eat chocolate and cheese puffs and steak and... everyday.

Wishing you a lovely weekend filled with good things to eat, people who love you, and that you see the moon hanging like a pearl from the sky...

I told you they were a fun bunch of questions.

Random Dozen - 4/28/10

1. Have you ever been so lost that you were really afraid?
When I was in college I went to New Orleans with some friends for a conference. We walked from the French Quarter back to our hotel and got lost. I was unproportionately (think I just made up that word) scared. It was because of too much alcohol and one of the first reasons I stopped drinking.

2. Have you ever been to an island?
Yep... Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Catalina, Mykonos, Patmos, a few in Washington state and I know I'm forgetting some.

3. Are you more of a thinker or feeler?
Thinker. Compassion is something I pray the Lord would develop more in me.

4. Do you tend to see issues or situations in life as black and white or shades of gray?
I think I'm a pretty black and white kinda gal, but somethings are shades of gray. HA!

5. If you were stuck on an island, what book would you hope to have with you (Let's pretend the Bible is already there, so you can't say that.)
How about "1001 ways to use a coconut" or "Boat building made easy"? Or a good novel like "Pride and Prejudice".

6. What are you most afraid of?
That I'd "mess up" my son. Debilitating illness.

7. Would you rather lose all of your old memories or never be able to make new ones?
My memory isn't very good. I enjoy the moment more than the past. I'd pick making new ones.

8. Pretend I'm looking at a scrapbook page about you. There are three spaces for you to drop in individual pictures. What are those pictures of, and why did you select them?
How about some optimism? How about a "before" and "after" photo with my weight loss? The third picture could be a great shot of my family.

9. If you were re-doing your wedding, what would you do differently? (If you're single, tell me one thing you would do if you were planning a wedding OR huge party.)
Nothing. I really enjoyed our wedding. Now our marriage... I wish we hadn't lived together before we got married.

10. Tell me one thing you know/believe about forgiveness.

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:32

11. You're waiting in a doctor's office. What is your favorite way to pass that time?
Playing with my iPhone or going over my to do list.

12. If there were a clone of you in a parallel universe what is one way you hope she/he would be the same as you and one way you hope she/he would be better?
My clone would be healthy, trim and fit and more outgoing.

How's that for a whole lot of random? Did you catch a bit of LOST inspiration running through the questions? Go see how others answered or jump in with your own answers.

Random Dozen - 4/21/10

1. Ever had any run-ins with the "library police?"
Once I left a bag full of library books outside overnight. Of course, it rained. Fortunately, I had great favor with the librarians. They "discarded" most of them and they others I had to buy, they let me pick up used online. I saved a bunch of money and I hope I learned a lesson. I haven't done it since, so maybe I did.

2. Do you have a special organizational plan and place for wrapping paper, gift bags, etc., or do you just purchase whatever you need as you give gifts?
It's probably one of the dumbest purchases I've ever made... I bought an Elfa wrapping paper cart. It was stinking expensive and it has just allowed us to keep a bunch of junky wrapping stuff. Now I'd get a roll of craft paper, a roll of white paper and a box of cool ribbons. I might buy a roll of kid paper when Grom is selling it for school.

3. Have you ever been in (first-hand witness) a natural disaster?
I was in a 6.5 quake in 2003. I was at church and we had a lot of shaking. Lots of mess, but no huge damage.

4. What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
Copacabana, for sure.

5. What's the best costume you've ever worn?
I was Kermit the Frog in 7th grade. I wore a kelly green sweatsuit with a lime green collar made of triangles, green face paint and ping pong ball eyeballs. I won the costume contest at school.

6. Which do you use more often, the dictionary or the thesaurus?
Probably dictionary - online. Can't tell you the last time I looked up a word in a book.

7. What's your favorite breakfast food?
I love breakfast so this is a really hard question. Simply I'd say, sourdough toast.

8. Have you ever purchased anything from an infomercial?
I hate to admit that I have. I bought Turbie Twists. I can also be a sucker for QVC. Everytime I find something I "have to have" I feel like an old loser lady.

9. Have you ever crawled through a window?
I'm sure I have, but I can't think of any funny stories that would be attached to such activity.

10. Do you believe in love at first sight?
I believe that God sets aside a man and a woman for marriage. Sometimes it happens quickly, sometimes it takes awhile.

11. How many pairs of jeans do you own?
I'm not sure. I think I have 5 pairs that fit right now.

12. If someone were going to bake a cake to honor/represent you, what would it be? (Think creatively, like Duff and Crew on "Ace of Cakes.")
It would have a tropical Hawaiian theme with flowers and surfers and lots of orange.

How is that for random? Thanks to Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee for creating these fun lists of questions each week.

Random Dozen - 4/14/10

1. How do you feel about "Gladiator" sandals, also called "Roman" or "Jesus" sandals? A fashion yea or nay?
I think I have to say NAY. #8 are a little cute.

2. What is your favorite pizza?
If it's regular old pizza, honestly my favorite is plain cheese. I do like the froo froo pizza like CPK. Apple and blue cheese and walnut - stuff like that.

3. There are plans in the works to sell roughly 1,000 items from Star Trek: The Experience in Las Vegas. This means you could buy Picard's chair for your family room. If not a Star Trek item, what prop, background, set, etc. from what TV or movie would you buy if you could?
[Ex: Hurley's "I Love my Shih tzu" shirt from LOST, the plantation home "Tara" from Gone With the Wind, or Tracy's tambourine from the Partridge Family.]
I'd want the moose from Northern Exposure. Not really, but it was the funniest thing I could think of.

4. Name a local food or restaurant that your area is famous for.
Hmmm... maybe The Madonna Inn? Not really sure.

5. What is your current favorite snack?
dill pickles - specifically Clausens

6. Hypothetical: You are required to be a reality show contestant. Which show would you choose based on your probability of success? (You cannot choose "none.")

A. Dancing with the Stars
B. Biggest Loser (duh)
C. Survivor

7. On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being uninhabitable and 10 being cleanliness that meets the standards of OCD, how clean is your vehicle's interior?
Maybe a 6 or 7. It needs a good detail. I'm also trying to train Grom not to be so messy and to take his stuff with him. He's about 5 crumbs from losing the ability to eat in my van.

8. It doesn't feel like Spring until _________.
the wildflowers start blooming and my allergies kick up

9. Something that made you laugh really hard recently is ____.
An exercise ball chair. It's actually pretty comfortable and makes you sit up straight or your back hurts. Don't know yet if it'll do anything for my core.

10. Tell me about a goal you're working toward.
Have you seen my list of 101 Things to Do? That and lose weight and be healthier.

11. Share a thought-provoking or inspiring quote this week.
"The race is not always to the swift, but to those who keep on running." from my blogging friend Shelly.

12. Name one thing that you do as a parent that you absolutely know will make your kids happy. If you're not a parent, feel free to substitute "friend" or nomenclature that works for you.
buy Barbara's Cheese Puff Bakes White Cheddar

There's a lot of randomness going on at 2nd Cup of Coffee. Join the fun.

Random Dozen - 4/7/10

Every week Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee dishes up a heaping serving of randomness. Here are the questions for this week...

1. Define a great relationship.
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken". Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 ESV

Like mindedness, laughter and mutual respect. Love.

2. Why is it called a "drive-through" if you have to stop? (Real question: What was the last food/drink you purchased at a drive-through?)
I was running late getting to church the other morning. I can't believe I'm going to admit this... I stopped by Burger King for a cup of coffee. I didn't have time to stand in line at my usual Starbucks. And here's another confession... I was actually very good.

3. As I type this, the Butler Bulldogs are getting ready to play in the NCAA championship game. Every Hoosier is hysterical about this except me. So in honor of the Bulldogs ... what is your favorite breed of dog? (I tried.)
I don't know. There are so many each with it's own positives and negatives.
I have romantic ideas of Labs and surf trips.
Beagles are cute and seem smart (but that's probably subliminal persuasion from movies).
My family has always had a fondness for Cocker Spaniels.
Surferman wants an English Mastif. (You really need to click over and see a picture. They really are that BIG.)

4. If you had to move to a state besides the one you currently live in, where would you move?
Hawaii. Maui specifically.

5. If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?
There would've been less focus on my weight. I've always wondered if my weight would be different if I hadn't started dieting in 3rd grade.

6. Who's the funniest person you know?
My kid cracks me up. Again and Again.

7. Did you get enough sleep last night?
not really. I'm bad about going to bed when I should.

8. What's the first thing you thought about this morning?
Turning on the coffee pot.

9. Grilled or Fried? --HONESTLY
Grilled. Fried doesn't agree with me.

10. Are you afraid of the dark?
Not usually. I actually like it sometimes. It's peaceful. Showering in the dark is very relaxing for me.

11.When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a Neurosurgeon.

12. If you had one word to describe yourself , what would you choose?
How about "random"?

You could answer these fun random questions. Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee posts them every week. Join us?

Random Dozen - 3/31/10

1. How do you feel about the marshmallow Easter Peeps?
I used to eat one or so every Easter season. Not this year though.

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

3. People say, "April showers bring May flowers." Do you enjoy Spring rains?
It's raining right now... I love rain.

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?
It would have to be a gun point. I guess if forced, I'd get my husband or my son. My first thought was Jesus, but since we don't have any real photos of Him, I'm not sure whose picture would be permanently on my body.

5. Would you rather have a tattoo (any kind) or a nose ring?
See above. So I guess it would have to be a nose ring. I really want to get my tragus pierced, but so far have been too chicken to follow through.

6. Do you have any special plans for Easter?
Boy do I. Our church does a huge outdoor service. I'll be involved in every way that I can. After the service, we have a bbq and a baptism. When we're done, I have a nap planned and then dinner with my family. My mom is making a ham.

7. Cadbury Eggs or Reese Eggs?
I can have a reese anytime during the year. Cadbury eggs are only available at Easter. Not this year though.

8. What was the last thing/person you took a picture of?
I think it was my sister announcing the winner of my last giveaway.

9. What book are you reading now, or what was the last one?
Where do I go? by Neta Jackson.

10. What do you think is the most difficult task when it comes to Spring cleaning?
Spring cleaning? My house is so clean all the time, I don't need to do special cleaning in the spring. snort. Seriously... anything that takes lots of scrubbing - showers, grimy corners, greasy stoves... yuck.

11. How many pairs of flip-flops do you own?
straight, generic flip-flops... 9 (yikes! that's a lot of flip flops)

12. Which color makes you happiest?
duh. orange - wouldn't you be shocked if I said anything else?

You could answer these fun and random questions too. Join Linda, the queen of randomness at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

Random Dozen - 3/17/10

1. On a scale of 1-10, how superstitious are you, honestly? I believe ZERO. I can't think of anything I'm superstitious about.

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 hope to be able to say it about my weight loss. Check back with me in a year or so. Past that possibility I'm drawing a blank.

3. If I peeked in on your day like a mischievous little leprechaun, at what time would I most likely find you blogging? After Grom goes to bed.

4. Re springing forward for Daylight Saving Time, is there anything you've ever been really early or really late for? I missed our tax appointment by 5 hours last year. I'm sure there are lots examples of my irresponsibility.

5. What are you most looking forward to concerning Spring? Daffodils and other flowers.

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? Usually, but I totally forgot today. I did find a sticker from TJ's that says, "This sticker is my green. Go pinch someone else". I did make sure Grom was wearing green today. He wore his t-shirt that says, "Kiss me, I'm Irish" on it. He said the big kids really liked it.

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? It's incomprehensible to me that anyone could experience the beauty of His creation and deny there is a God.

8. Is March behaving more like a lion or a lamb where you live? Totally a lamb. We are enjoying sunshine. Driving Grom home from school, all I could think of was a quick trip to the beach.

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? Practically I'd probably spend it sleeping. It would be nice to spend it with Surferman and Grom.

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? Time would be nice. Or chocolate... or coffee... or...

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. I live across the street from the ocean, but I never seem to make it to the beach to enjoy the fun and beauty it contains.

12. Just for a bit o' fun, click here and then report your Irish name. Isobel Duffy. Grom would be Cormac O'Doherty and Surferman would be Aidan O'Doherty. Hmmm... I wonder why I have a different last name from my guys.

Don't miss the GIVEAWAY I have running this week. Happy St. Patrick's Day! See more Random Dozen answers at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

Random Dozen - 3/10/10

It's the Plinko Edition of Random Dozen. Join us at 2nd Cup of Coffee for some random plink fun.

Here's Linda's definition...

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

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

1. How old is the oldest pair of shoes in your closet?
I have a pair of Birkenstocks that I bought for my wedding. That was almost 14 years ago. I think they are the oldest. And yes, I got married in a pair of Birkenstocks.

2. Did you buy Girl Scout cookies this year? If so, what variety?
Nope. So far I've avoided buying any. I would buy Thin Mints or the chocolate covered peanut butter ones. I think they are really a rip off.

3. Do you know how to ballroom dance? If not, would you like to?
Nope. I think I'd like to, but don't think I could talk Surferman into giving it a go.

4. Were you a responsible child/teenager?
Yes. Except for that time that involved too much alcohol and pepperoni pizza.

5. How many of this year's Oscar-nominated movies did you see?
2 - The Blindside and Up. We have The Hurt Locker from Netflix, but haven't found the motivation to watch it. I should probably send it back.

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?
Either. Medical stuff fascinates me.

7. What is your favorite day of the week and why?
I used to like Thursdays. It's almost the weekend. We'd go to Farmer's Market. Always a great day. Now with Surferman not working, weekends aren't as important. I don't think I have a favorite day of the week right now.

8. Do you miss anyone right now?
Until this question made me think about it, I would've said no. But after thinking about it... I miss Gigi.

9. Do hospitals make you queasy?
No. Old Creek Road makes me queasy. It's really winding.

10. At which store would you like to max-out your credit card. Not that you ever would, you responsible person, you.
Costco if I'm being practical. Apple if I'm being geeky. Actually I'd be most likely to max it out buying a vacation. Maui anyone?

11. Are you true to the brand names of products/items?
Not many. I like my Listerine toothpaste, but Pepsodent is good too. When I drank soda it was Pepsi. I'm sure there are others. However, I mostly shop for price.

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?
Probably the latter.

Create your own list of plinks and link them up at Linda's 2nd Cup of Coffee.