Random Two

The Random Dozen has shrunk this week, and this will likely be the last of its weekly appearances. My bloggy friend Lidna at 2nd Cup of Coffee has faithfully hosted this for months, but it's just too much for her to juggle on a weekly basis with the other things going on in her life. Hopefully it will be around on a monthly basis or, at least, occasionally!

I totally understand, but I'll miss it. Especially since now I'll have to come up with Wednesday posts on my own!

Here are this week's duo:

1. What scares you the most

A) Physically
B) Emotionally

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

It's interesting to me that Lid differentiated between physical and emotional fears. Since fear is an emotion, I wouldn't have thought about physical fears. I guess they would be fears about tangible things.

Physically - My biggest fear is the potential for crime, thanks to the two burglaries my family experienced when I was about seven or eight years old. And then the summer before ninth grade, my best friend who lived around the corner from me was raped when she was home alone. I have come a loooong way in regards to this fear. It isn't something that plagues me on a regular basis. The way I cope is through prayer and through taking appropriate safety measures: keeping my house and car locked, not walking alone, parking in well-lit areas, having my key out and ready when I walk out of a store, etc.

Emotionally - Like many moms, this would probably be the idea of something happening to my children, either death or a serious illness. I have improved in this area as well. I had a harder time with this when I was pregnant and the kids were younger. One of our nieces had a rare genetic disorder and had a liver transplant when she was seven months old. A nephew was born with an incompletely developed arm. We had a bit of a Down's scare when I was pregnant with my girl. And when my boy was six months old he was in the hospital for viral meningitis. Once I finished being pregnant and my kids got past the age that SIDS is a possibility, I relaxed a lot. But like the physical fear, I have found that prayer and "taking every thought captive" (2 Corinthians 10:5) is effective in combatting any fear.

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

I was not familiar with this phrase until Lid included this verse from Robert Frost:

Nature's first green is gold
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.

I thought it was a rather discouraging thought, but I guess it just reinforces what the Bible tells us about temporal things:

For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. (James 1:11)

Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Words will never pass away. (Matthew 24:35)

For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of the Lord stands forever." (1 Peter 1:24-25)

So that's my randomizing for today. Thanks, Lid, for coming up with such a great meme!

View blog reactions

What Happens When You Cross the Random Dozen with the Flashback Prompt?!

I'm comingling co-meme-ing with my co-Lid and alter ego, Lidna at Second Cup of Coffee. The current "seven question" meme that is circulating, and which I posted Tuesday was such fun that she and I decided to expand it for the Random Dozen. And immediately following my answers, you'll find this week's Flashback Friday prompt.

So does that make this a Random Flashback?!

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

Most of the time, I'd rather read the book. (Big surprise, right?!)

2. What is your favorite holiday and why?

Thanksgiving, because there isn't such a pressure of getting things done that there is at Christmas. And there's still the fun anticipation of the holiday activities.

3. Which do you like better - the mountains or the beach?

Mountains. The beach gives me a migraine. (Actually, the sun does!)

4. If money were no consideration, what vehicle would you drive?

I'm not super picky on the make & model. But I would like heated seats. My husband has those in his Tahoe and it is pure bliss in the winter!

5. What is your favorite cold-weather beverage?

Spiced tea. Made from scratch by my grandmother's recipe, not the Tang mix.

SPICED TEA
1 tsp. whole cloves
1 1/2 inch stick cinnamon
3 quarts water
2 large tea bags
Juice of 3 oranges
Juice of 1 1/2 lemons
1 c. sugar

Place spices in a spice ball, add to water, and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, add tea bags, and steep. Heat juices and sugar and add to tea. Mix well and serve hot. Makes 3 quarts.

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

All of the above. Long-distance friends - primarily email & FB. Local - email, text & face-to-face. I don't generally chat on the phone; I mostly use it to take care of appointments, etc..

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

We have a "rural style" mailbox on a post at the end of the driveway. Having grown up in houses where the mailbox was on the front porch wall, it was hard to get used to getting the mail on cold wet days. But now that all the newer neighborhoods have them clustered in one or a few spots, I'm grateful for my driveway box!

8. Of the four basic personality types - sanguine, phlegmatic, melancholic, and choleric - which is your strongest? Which is your least evident? (See definitions here.)

I am almost off-the-charts melancholic. I have a few choleric and phlegmatic characteristics and hardly any sanguine characteristics.

9. What do you miss the most about being 20?

Eating rolls and dessert every meal and not gaining a single pound.

10. How long from the time you get up, does it take you to get ready to walk out the door in the morning?

If it's just me, I'd say 45 minutes to an hour, tops. I get up an hour and a half before leaving, though, just to get lunches made and be sure the kids are moving right along.

11. Who handles the car maintenance and pays the bills in your family?

We keep up with our own oil change/maintenance check dates. If something needs to be fixed, I generally get my man on the phone to talk to the service folks. I've paid the bills ever since we married.

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?

Before last year's vacation when we did a sweep of the South, the answer would have been 5 or 6. But now I'm up to 15. Add three more if you count California, Illinois, and New York. I went to each of those for business trips and stayed 24 hours or less.


And now on to Flashback Friday prompt; each week we take a look back at our younger years and reminisce a bit! I post the prompt today, you answer on your blog tomorrow. Last week's FF on money and question #11 above generated this week's prompt.

How was your family structured when you were growing up? Did you grow up with both original parents in the home? If your parents divorced, did you go back and forth between them? Whether divorced or widowed, did your parent remarry? How old were you? Was yours a multi-generational household with grandparents living with you? Did your mom work outside the home, and if so, was it full-time or part-time? Was there a clearly delineated division of labor between your parents (or parent and step-parent) and how traditional was it? Did your parents believe in child labor?! That is, how structured were chores? What responsibility, if any, did you have for things like doing your own laundry, fixing your own school lunch, etc.? Were your parents do-it-yourself-ers or did they hire people for repairs, painting, etc.? Is your current marriage/family structure similar to the way you were raised? What do you do differently than you did then?

Post your answers on your blog tomorrow and come back here to link up! And for more Random Dozen answers, head on over to the other Lid's blog!

View blog reactions

Random Dozen Eleven Plus One

I love Wednesdays. Not only is it "hump day" for the week, but I get to play the Random Dozen game with my co-Lid at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

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 don't recall being particularly embarrassed - it wasn't in public and I was a kid - but I remember reading out loud to my mom from a Nancy Drew book and discovering I was incorrectly pronouncing the word intrigued. I gave it three syllables: in-tri-gyoud. When she corrected me and said it was pronounced in-treegd, I realized that was also how you pronounce meringue.

Thanks to my sister being a missionary, I now that the Spanish word for embarrassed is NOT embarazadas. It's especially funny when a man makes that error, because embarazadas means pregnant.

2. How do you feel about the use of texting shortcuts and trends? (ex: "I've got ur notes. Get them 2 u 2morow.")

It makes me crazy. I guess I'm an old fogy. So be it.

3. Tell me about your high school senior picture. Please feel free to post.

I hate it. I will not post it. Next question?

(Why couldn't THIS be the question she skipped?!) (See #4 below)

4. When Lid skips and doesn't give a #4 question, what do you do?

Well, since I tend to be the obsessive type, I can't just leave it undone. So I will use this opportunity to let off steam and gripe about MAIL ORDER PHARMACY requirements of insurance. I am grateful for our insurance, but it is a pain in the neck and every other body part when something has to be renewed or you have a question. And heaven forbid that any of that should happen on the weekend!

(Can you tell I was on several phone calls Tuesday trying to get a prescription refilled that someone who will remain nameless but is an adult male who lives at my house let run out and forgot to refill in time? So now the doctor's office has to call in a 2-week supply locally and then the long-term Rx to the mail-order pharmacy. And then the doctor's office called in the wrong pill so we had to start over.)

5. Share a high school or college homecoming memory.

I just vaguely remember one where my best friend and I were dating brothers and we double-dated. I've mentioned in Flashback Friday posts that both relationships were on-off, and we were usually opposite - one couple was off when the other was on. So it was especially fun the times we double-dated.

But I never went to the Homecoming dances - and they were certainly not the big deal they are today. Kids dress up for that like we did for the prom! We wore casual clothes, wore our mums, went to dinner and the game. The dance was usually immediately after the game, but I never went.

6. Linda at Mocha with Linda wants to know: "Do you prefer sunrises or sunsets?"

Sunsets. Sunrises are pretty, but I agree with Mark Lowry - if God had wanted me to see a sunrise, he would have put it later in the day.

7. Lea at Cici's Corner asks, "What is something you have not done that you desire to do?"

Have a million dollars.

8. Carol at Wanderings of an Elusive Mind ponders, "If you could come back [in another life] as an animal, which would it be?"

What IS it with people and their animal questions?! I guess I'll say a butterfly because they're so pretty.

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.

I was probably at the elementary school. Ten years ago I had a second grader and a kindergartener. I volunteered at the school a lot. Those were fun years. But also, ten years ago I was about to move my mom into Assisted Living and that spring was a bit rough.

10. When you are proven to be correct in any contentious discussion, do you gloat?

Not as much as I used to. And not if it were truly contentious. For fun disagreements, I've been known to rub it in.

11. What is your favorite food which includes the ingredient "caramel?"

I'm not big on caramel. It's okay, but nothing particularly comes to mind that I just love.

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 [Lid's daughter] so cute. And clever.)

My first instinct was to say the Ingalls family from the Little House books and TV show, but as much as I like to read about it, I wouldn't have handled living in the 1800's very well, with outhouses and no electricity. So I guess I'll go with The Brady Bunch, because I always thought they had a neat house, fun siblings, and Alice. Actually, if I can have Alice, I'll could manage just about any family!

What are your answers?

View blog reactions

A Birthday Random Dozen

No, not my birthday. Linda over at 2nd Cup of Coffee had us all contribute a question for this week's RD in honor of her birthday yesterday.

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?

Anything by John Williams. Or. . .


(Sorry! Couldn't resist!)

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?

The painful ones are long gone, and there have been several.

My favorites are these. I can't wear them for hours on end because of my plantar fasciitis, but I love to wear them to church in the summer.

3. From Susanne of "Living to Tell the Story": Tell about your favorite birthday celebration that you've personally experienced.

My fortieth birthday, when my husband planned a non-surprise, surprise party. (He knew he couldn't pull it off without my knowing about it, especially since it would be at our house. But I didn't know who was invited, what we were having to eat, or anything else, and I had to stay in the bedroom while some friends helped him decorate. He got bar-b-q from County Line with all the trimmings, and we all had a great time!

4. From Lori of "Just me and My Life": If you were a flavor of ice cream, which would you be?

Well, since I would certainly hope I would like myself, I'll say Blue Bell Mocha Almond Fudge (Coffee ice cream accented with chopped roasted almonds and a rich chocolate sundae sauce.)

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?

Not a movie star, but a celebrity. Tom Netherton, on the Lawrence Welk Show when I was about 10-13, prime crush ages! He was tall, handsome, and a Christian, and he had a great voice! (He's not dead, I'm just describing him as he was in the early 1970s!)

6. Jill from "Jill Boyd's Place" inquires: Glasses or braces--if you had to wear one, which would it be?

I had to wear both and I'm glad, although it wasn't particularly fun. I guess the braces are best, since they are short-lived! I wore glasses from third grade until my Lasik surgery almost seven years ago, and I am starting to occasionally need weak reading glasses, mostly at night or in dim light.

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

Now why would I want to live anywhere but Texas?!

8. Thena from "Patiently Waiting" wants to know: If money were no obstacle, what would be the perfect birthday gift to receive?

A maid. Unlimited spa visits for massages.

9. From "Life Through Bifocals," LynnMarie asks: What is your favorite birthday meal?

Filet mignon, salad, baked potato, roasted asparagus.

10. Debby at "Just Breathe" checks in with: Do you still send hand-written thank you notes?

Yes.

11. Linda from "Mocha with Linda" poses this question: What is something you've done that you never thought you'd do?

Buy a Texas A&M t-shirt for one of my kids.

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?

Since you said any person, I'll step away from politics and choose Billy Graham, because he has had an incredible impact on our country, our presidents, and the world. And he has remained a humble servant of God with no hint of scandal.

Your turn!

View blog reactions

This Week's R.D. is Out of this World!

Before I jump into this week's random, I want to wish a Happy Birthday to my husband!

Lidna tapped the brains of the gals in her Girls' Group, and they have a plethora of questions for us this week.

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

Genetically, I do not think there is a difference. Culturally, I would say yes. In regards to the "fun" part, I think many times blondes are favored. I have teased a friend for years after she was quoted in a college magazine about an event she attended and the quote was prefaced by describing her as "a young, pretty, blonde mom." Now tell many how many sentences you've seen that talk about "a young, pretty, brunette mom." I'm just sayin'.

As for the intelligence factor, I think that people tend to live down to others' expectations. Plus, I think we more readily notice when a blonde does something dumb.

2. Which animal would you most like to observe in its wild habitat?

Does this mean I have to be in its wild habitat as well, or can I watch it on Discovery Channel? That's what TVs and IMAX are for!

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?

Seriously? An "Alien Ambassador"? No.

4. Name your favorite Hitchcock film.

I have never seen a Hitchcock film.

5. Would you rather spend time at the library, the mall, a craft store or home?

Probably home.

6. Which Disney princess is your favorite? (Or Disney character, if you are a guy)

Belle, from Beauty and the Beast, because she was able to look beyond the outward appearance to the heart inside.

And because she's a bookworm!

7. What kind of art is your favorite?

Art that doesn't look like a 2-year-old threw some paint at a canvas. I like realistic stuff, such as a pretty landscape, like this:

(Courtesy Google Images)

8. How do you feel about viral videos, that is, videos made by amateurs that end up on Youtube receiving thousands of hits?

I don't go out of my way to find them, but some of them are pretty funny. Especially ones with laughing babies.

9. Where do you buy your jeans?

Kohl's. Lee Jeans fit me the best.

10. Tell me about your first automobile accident.

Hmmmpff. "First" assumes there has been more than one. I did get hit trying to come out of a parking lot when I was in college. All the lanes stopped except one. I did get barely rear-ended once but there wasn't any damage so I don't really count that. And fortunately, that is all!

On our way to Houston one Christmas we stopped to eat at a Whataburger, and someone hit our parked car and left the scene.

11. Have you ever been honest when you knew you would benefit more if you would be dishonest?

Yes.

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?

Show & Tell? The Alien exit.

Difficult to explain? Why I spend so much time mulling over these questions!

View blog reactions

Random Things are FALL-ing All Around

A few random ravings thoughts of my own before the planned Random Dozen.

(Can it be random and planned at the same time?!)

I've mentioned some of this on FB to my IRL friends, and I'd certainly hate for you not to have the opportunity to sigh with me:

I love this headline I saw the other day: Is it Possible to be Astonished but Not Surprised?

Among the things that make me astonished but not surprised: How can kids get all the way through high school and not be taught the parts of speech? No wonder they don't know that a preposition is not for ending a sentence with! They don't even know what a preposition is. Yeah, I know the schools teach what's going to be on the state's standardized test, but that makes it even worse: Why aren't parts of speech one of the TEKS? (Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills - the bible of the Texas Board of Education) I am so glad my eighth grade English teacher made us diagram sentences all year. That was outdated even then, but she was a stickler and it was one of the best things I ever learned.

The other day I had an appointment with my dermatologist. It was a bit disconcerting to be treated in the same visit for acne and age spots! I guess that's why it's called middle age!

At least this time he didn't give me the brochure about barnacles of old age!

Am I the only person not in love with Natalie Grant's new song Human? I appreciate what she's trying to convey in the gist of the song which is part of her efforts to bring attention to/stop human trafficking. But the song (written by Jordin Sparks) could use some help from the lyrics department on the chorus:

I'm human, you're human, we are
We are human
I'm human, you're human, we are
We are human
And as usually happens with songs that annoy me, it tends to get stuck in my brain.

Okay, enough grousing - on to the magnificent First Day of Fall Random Dozen!


1. Have you, or has someone close to you, ever won an award for anything? (I just came from my dad's ceremony wherein he was given a medal of honor by the French government for service in France in WWII. Pictures to follow.)

I won my kids' elementary school Volunteer of the Year one year. I got the Math Award in ninth grade.

My uncle had a purple heart and a couple of other medals from WWII. He never talked about them much or had them displayed, so I was stunned when I saw them in a display at his funeral.

2. Who is the nearest relative to you who has served in the US Military?

My dad was a Navy Seabee in World War II. And my uncle was in the army.

3. Share something that stirs the patriotic spirit in you.

The flag. Songs, especially ones like this:



4. Where are you in the birth order in your family? Do you think your "placement" made a difference in your personality?

Last. Somewhat, although I'm a strange mixture since my siblings are so much older and I was an only child from the time I was 11. I have some characteristics of a last child and some of a first/only child.

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

Integrity.

6. If female, do you prefer wearing a skirt or pants? If male, shirt and tie or polo?

Pants. I love seeing how much more common skirts/dresses are now, but my folks made us wear dresses so much that it sorta turned me the other way, and for casual days I usually wear pants without even thinking about it.

7. Approximately how many times do you wake during the night? What do you do to go back to sleep?

It's rare that I don't wake up at all, but most of the time it's just once. Of course, sometimes that "once" can be an hour or more. I usually pray, think of a soothing song, or sometimes get my iPod and listen to some soft piano hymns. There are a couple of CD's that I rarely get past the first couple of songs before I'm out.

8. Share a favorite movie quote.

I'm sure Lid is hoping to see some musical excerpts, so I'll indulge her!

"Oh dear Lord, you made many, many poor people. I realize, of course, it's no shame to be poor. But it's no great honor, either! So what would have been so terrible if I had a small fortune?" (Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof)



9. What is your favorite Fall candle scent?

Cinnamon.

10. What is one Fall activity you're looking forward to?

Thanksgiving.

11. Tell us about a pleasant surprise that happened to you recently.

I can't think of one.

12. What was it like when you first met your in-laws-to-be?

I was a bit nervous. The worst part was that I got what I thought was a sinus headache but which I now realize was a migraine. We went to a Mexican restaurant that was possibly the loudest one I've ever been to. I thought my head was going to crack open.

The time I was more nervous than that was when we introduced our parents to each other. The six of us went out to dinner. It turned out to be just fine, but we were both a little nervous how our dads would react: my dad was an orange-blooded Texas Longhorn fan and his dad was an avid Texas Aggie. Fortunately, the fact that they were both Christians helped them get along just fine. We just never combined families during Thanksgiving weekend, when the annual UT-A&M football game is always played.


I'd love to hear your random answers - link up over at Lid's 2nd Cup of Coffee!

View blog reactions

Random Qs & As

1. Do you do garage sales? If so, tell me about one great find. If not, tell me why not.

Nope. I just don't have the "great finds" gene. And around here folks are out cruising the sales at 7:00 am on a Saturday. Yuck.

Just remembered - we do still have the coffee table we bought when our next door neighbors had a garage sale 2o or so years ago. Bought it for $40 for "temporary use" until we could get a nice one. Yep, it's still the one we use.

2. Name the last thing you fixed.

As I'm typing this? Dinner.
When you're reading this? Hair and make-up.

3. Name your A) Favorite item of makeup OR B) Favorite tool

Foundation. My skin is worse now than it ever was as a teen.

4. Which room in your home needs organizing more than any other?

Yes.

5. Which room could use re-decorating?

See #4.

6. Share something unique about your town.

I live here?

Okay, how about. . .

Texas State Capitol Building
or
The University of Texas Tower
7. If you could send a one-sentence message to your great-grandchild, what would it be?

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

8. Do you Facebook?

Yes, with people I know.

9. Describe your favorite shoes.

Any shoe that doesn't exacerbate my plantar fasciitis and doesn't look like an old lady's orthopedic shoe.

I also really like my sandals that have different colored buttons across the toes.

10. Do you listen to more talk radio or more music radio? What kind of station is it?

Music, music, Christian music. KLOVE.

11. How far would you travel for a really good (favorite) meal?

Well, since one of our favorite restaurants is in Houston, I guess I would say about 3 hours. But we've never gone just for dinner, so I will say 45 minutes.

12. If you were totally honest with yourself (and us) what should you probably be doing right now instead of blogging?

Getting ready for bed.

Go visit some other folks to see their answers at Lidna's!

View blog reactions

It's a Random Wednesday!

I just love Wednesdays and getting to answer the Random 12!

1. Describe the best sandwich in the world, according to you.

Croissant with tuna fish like my mom made it (mayo, dash of mustard, pickles, apples); I use the exact same ingredients and it never tastes like hers did!

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

Nothing can move me and touch my heart like a song can.

3. What is your favorite board game?

Scrabble.

4. As you grow older, are you more or less patient with small children?

More. Which may have less to do with my age and more to do with the fact that the small ones I'm occasionally around are not my own!

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

Clean undies. And toilet tissue.

(Not that I'm anal or anything.)

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

Absolutely.

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

Well, since I live here, I guess I can't count Texas as the national treasure, huh?!

The Grand Canyon.

8. Which is more painful, to be disappointed in someone else or to be disappointed in yourself?

Since being disappointed implies that there were high expectations, I guess I would say to be disappointed in someone else. I can be pretty hard on myself, but I would classify it as highly irritated or disgusted rather than being disappointed.

9. What makes your kitchen uniquely yours?

Lots of baking pans/utensils.

10. Are you a crafty person?

If by crafty you mean making stuff, absolutely not. Glitter and tulle are of the devil.

If you mean cleverly subtle, I can be.

11. What is your favorite traditional picnic or bbq (cookout) food?

Hamburgers. Chocolate chip cookies. Homemade ice cream.

What time should I arrive?

12. Name one leisurely activity you enjoyed over Labor Day Weekend.

Reading. (I know. Surprise, surprise.)


Meet some other random participants at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

View blog reactions

Wednesdays are so Random

1. What insect are you most afraid of? Feel free to post a picture.

Just to name a few. . . .



You can eliminate butterflies from that list. They are okay.

2. What is the greenest/most organic thing about you or that you do?

Recycle the milk cartons--6 gallons a week--and the Wall Street Journal.

3. Tell me about a recurring dream that haunts you.

It's been a while since I've had it (which likely guarantees I'll have it tonight!) but I have had a recurring dream of looking up in the sky and seeing an airplane (a big one, like a passenger jet), usually as it's climbing in altitude after take-off. Then all of a sudden it starts doing end to end somersaults and falling from the sky. I have never witnessed a plane crash, nor have I known anyone who has been in one, so I always wonder why I dream that.

4. Have you ever missed a flight? What were the circumstances?

Nope. I don't fly enough for that to be an issue.

5. What do you consider your best feature?

My caring nature and commitment to friendships.

6. What was the last concert you went to?

Probably Newsboys a couple of years ago with my girl.

7. Describe the most embarrassing church moment you ever experienced.

I have successfully blocked it out of my memory. I honestly can't think of one.

8. Are you a whistler, hummer or singer?

Singer. I can't even really whistle, but even if I could, I'd still rather sing.

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?

I AM.



10. On September, 1, 1752, the Liberty Bell arrived in Philadelphia. What memorable event will take place in your life on September 1, 2010?

I'm hoping it is NOT that my man's company will turn the benefits upside down and he will be forced to retire.

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

Yo quiero Liberty.

12. Do you believe men and women can have purely platonic friendships?

Yes, if done with care. But if they're married (to other people) it's still not wise to be together without their spouses. As sinners, we are all one step away from a slippery slope to disaster and heartbreak.


Another great set of questions from our fearless randomizer, Lidna. Link up your own answers and go visit some others!

View blog reactions

First Day of School and the Random Dozen

Yesterday was the first day of school for my kids. For my boy, it's his last "first day" since he's a senior. Sigh. Monday I took them for our traditional IHOP back-to-school breakfast, and I realized that next year it will just be me and my girl. This year is going to be full of too many "lasts." I pulled out the picture of him standing in his kindergarten classroom and juxtaposed it with the picture of him and my girl that I took this morning. How can twelve years pass so quickly? My girl is a sophomore, and I can already see her last days barreling toward me. Hasn't somebody invented a Pause button for life yet?



1. What is your favorite Mexican dish?

Seriously?! Asking a Texan to pick a favorite Mexican dish is like saying which child is your favorite. Let's see, I love chicken flautas, cheese enchilada suizas (cheese enchiladas with a creamy sour cream sauce on top), tacos, queso and chips, fajitas, nachos, flaquitos. . .

I don't especially like tamales or burritos.

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

I generally did it pretty quickly. I procrastinated on projects until 7th grade when I was up past midnight finishing one. (That was extremely late for our house.) That cured me.

3. What is your favorite store for home furnishings?

Don't really have one; I'm not much of a decorator. I'll take whichever one has the best quality for the lowest price.

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

Well, I only got to buy lunch at school once a year for my birthday. I liked the idea of buying lunch, but I was underwhelmed by the reality.

5. Is religion a crutch?

Religion? Yes, especially when folks rely on "religion" to avoid an encounter with God.

Christianity? Yes - because we're all crippled without Christ.

6. In your region, what is the "big" (most popular in the community or state) high school sport?

Lid, you need to come visit Texas. Football is the national sport of Texas.

7. Do you consider yourself rich?

Not particularly. Except for blessings and family. And the fact I live in Texas! Of course, all of us are rich compared to poverty-engulfed third world countries. But comparing to others of my age and education around here, no.

8. Which of these would you have the best chance for success in administering:
A) CPR
B) Heimlich Maneuver
C) Changing a flat tire

This one's a no-brainer. CPR and the Heimlich - I can do both.

9. Which dance would you prefer to learn & why:
A) Salsa
B) Hip Hop
C) Waltz
D) Swing

I think waltzing is beautiful, graceful, and romantic!

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

Calling my missionary sister and telling her our dad had died. (It was very sudden.)

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

I learned that I HATE anything called Shepherd's Pie.

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

Today, since it was the first day of school, while I was fixing dinner, the old School Days, School Days was driving me much. It was like I was in a never-ending loop with the lines, "You were my queen in calico, I was your bashful barefoot beau, You wrote on my slate, 'I love you so' when we were a couple of kids." Usually, though, a song will get in my head if I just hear part of it or only know part of it. So it keeps looping through incessantly trying to get resolved.


Serve yourself a helping of random over at 2nd Cup of Coffee

View blog reactions

Random Dozen

1. What is your favorite fair/carnival food?

Hot, fresh Kettle Corn. Or the corn dogs at the State Fair of Texas (which I haven't been to since college!).

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

Fat.

3. What is your favorite gift to receive?

I have no idea. Jewelry. Gift cards. Books. I'll take anything. Except a pet!

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

Last week at dinner with some friends I had some crawfish etouffee. (Hmm, Blogger isn't from the south - it put a squiggly red line under the word etouffee!)

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 - probably Historical Fiction, although I like a lot of the ones listed. I'm not a fan of Historical Nonfiction or most Political Intrigue novels.

6.Silver or Gold?

White Gold. And I love jewelry that combines white and yellow gold.

7. What makes you sigh?

Sigh with delight? A massage. Summer fruit. A hug.
A not-so-good sigh? Current events/headlines.

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

32.

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

Don't mess with my kids!

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

English, especially grammar.

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?

It depends on how well I know them. I hate conflict, so I'll probably just be quiet and not participate in the conversation, especially if I'm not comfortable with the 3 or if they are in some authority over me. If I have a good rapport with them, however, I think - and hope! - I would say something to turn the conversation around or defend her.

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

Words of Affirmation, followed pretty closely by Physical Touch.

Not sure what yours is? Take the test here!



Join us over at 2nd Cup of Coffee to visit other bloggers or to link up your answers!

View blog reactions

Random is Back!

It's baaaack! The Random Dozen returns to Wednesdays, thanks to Linda (aka Lid or Lidna) at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

1. When was the last time you laughed until you cried?

I don't remember when or what it was about, but I was likely with my girl.

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

Go out to lunch.

3. Do you volunteer anywhere?

I help out with school orchestra events as needed. I did a ton of school volunteering when the kids were in elementary school (got Volunteer of the Year once), but not as much in these later years. And of course, there's church.

4. What is your favorite summertime veggie or fruit, and how do you eat it?

I have lots of favorites. Fredericksburg peaches, peeled and cut up on my cereal. Strawberries on my cereal or just cut up in a bowl with a smidgen of sugar to make them extra juicy. Watermelon - cut up and eaten after a meal. Grapes by the handfuls. Grilled corn on the cob. Grilled asparagus.

5. Is your social sphere (circle of friends) small, medium or large?

It depends on what level of friendship you mean. Casual friends - large. Intimate friends - small.

6. When was the last time you attended a family or school reunion? How did that go?

Several years ago - my dad's side of the family. It was fun. No drama or anything.

7. When you're feeling blue, what is the best way someone can cheer you up?

A hug, kind words, prayer.

8. Have you taken a vacation this summer?

Nope.

9. What is the most unnecessary item you carry with you all the time?

A CPR face shield. It's only unnecessary in the sense that I haven't had to use it. But when the opportunity arises, I will be soooo glad I have it!

10. What is the best summer flick you have seen so far?

Haven't been to the movie in forever.

11. Describe a perfect summer day.

Reading a book while sipping an ice-cold Dr Pepper. Grilled hamburgers and corn on the cob for dinner. And homemade vanilla ice cream.

12. Please a share a favorite photo from the summer so far!

Two little girls that worked their way into my girl's heart during her mission trip to Guatemala, holding the Chick-fil-A cow and Mickey Mouse that she gave them.


Head on over to Lid's to read visit other participating bloggers or to link up your own responses!

View blog reactions

Random Days and Wednesdays

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

Host. I love making the food and being the hostess gives me something to do besides mingle and chat, which I am so not good at!

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

My wedding reception.

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

Heaven is enough - it will be beyond anything I could ever dream of.

4. What do you enjoy most about sunshine?

The light. I tend to get SAD (seasonal affective disorder) if there are too many gray days.

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?

Bring my own.

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

House cleaning. No contest.

7. What song describes your mood today?



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.)

The piano my man gave me for a wedding gift.

9. Your favorite flavor of ice cream is?

"Classic vanilla ice cream with a combination of dark chocolate chunks, creamy caramel chunks, roasted pecan halves, chopped almonds and walnut pieces."

Although Blue Bell's Cookies 'n Cream runs a very close second!


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

If I were my kids, I'd say this morning's final exam! Otherwise yesterday. And since this will post overnight, this seems fitting:

So far today, God, I've done all right.
I haven't gossiped, I haven't lost my temper,
I haven't been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or over-indulgent.
I'm really glad about that.
But in a few minutes, God, I'm going to get out of bed,
and from then on I'm going to need a lot more help. Amen.

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

Popcorn. Pecans. Warm chocolate chip cookies.

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

Grace.


Check out some other folks' answers at Lidna's!

View blog reactions

ONE Random Dozen - Updated to Explain!

I do believe that our dear sweet Lid has a bit of a sadistic streak! Almost every week the R.D. has a question where we are asked to list one [fill-in-the-blank]. And most of the time, some of us "cheat" and put more than one answer. I can just hear her maniacal laughter. . . ."I'll give you a whole dozen of those, my pretties!"


1. What is one really fast, know-by-heart "go-to" meal to fix in a pinch?

Chick-fil-A. Hamburgers on the grill.

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

Cell phone. (I would add a book, but that would be more than one item. Sigh.)

3. Where is one place you never tire of visiting?

My mother-in-law's home.

4. Share one factoid of your family's history.

We have the same wedding anniversary as my husband's brother, just 11 years apart!

5. Complete this sentence: "Once upon a time I ...."

. . .bemoaned how thin I was and how hard it was to gain weight. Sigh. Oh, for the metabolism of a 20-year-old!

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

Sweet tea from Chick-fil-A. Or from Rudy's Bar-B-Q.

7. "One quirky thing you may not know about me is ...."

I like having my fingernails squeezed.

Update to explain what this is: Grasp a finger with the thumb and forefinger of the opposite hand, placing the thumb on top. Gently squeeze the two fingers together, which puts pressure on the finger in the middle. It feels better if someone else does it.

I know. I'm weird. Don't ask me how I discovered it; I was probably holding hands with my man and he inadvertently squeezed the ends of my fingers!

8. You have one dollar in your pocket. What will you buy?

This gum.

9. "One thing that always makes me laugh is ...."

This is one of my favorites from Mark Lowry.



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

Figure out how to exercise without getting a migraine. (I already do Mark Lowry's version of sit-ups!)

11. What is one thing you could do today to bless someone else?

Write a note of appreciation and mail it.

12. What is one thing you're looking forward to soon?

The end of school - only 8 more days!


Well, I think I did it! And not that I would stoop to revenge or anything, this is especially for Lidna, since she loves musicals so much! Ahem.



Go visit 2nd Cup of Coffee and see if some other folks kept their answers to just one thing

View blog reactions

Randomly Dozen-ing

Don't miss my review of a phenomenal new book, just below this post.




1. Please share one memory of your high school graduation. Pics would be great!

Our much-loved but obsessed woman at church (she and her husband chaperoned and/or hosted most of our youth group's activities) who made it her mission to see that we all wore our caps correctly on Senior Recognition Sunday - with the point on the forehead and the mortarboard straight and flat on top, not perched saucily on the back of the head like some girls preferred. Actually, I agreed with her obsession. Even though it smashed my bangs.

I don't remember a whole lot about the graduation itself. Mostly the lining up and walking in. And I was excited to wear honor cords and to be #10 in the class of about 500.

2. What is one "emergency use" item you keep in your vehicle at all times?

Tissues, umbrella, hand sanitizer.

Notice on these first two questions that I have trouble with the definition of "one."

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?

I have no idea about local graduation customs since it's been decades since my own. Guess I better find out about those in the next 12 months! I only know of one wedding, and it's not until July. I will either attend or help host that bridal shower, probably sometime in June.

4. Tell me one truth you believe about motherhood.

It is the hardest, but best, job in the world - it doesn't pay nearly enough, but the rewards are priceless!

5. What was the last thing you broke?

The pitcher from my iced tea maker.

Thanks for reminding me to order a replacement!

6. On average, how many pieces of junk mail do you receive daily?

Probably 5. Average. Some days only 2-3, other days 8 or 9!

7. Do you like to shop by catalog?

For gifts. Not clothes or shoes.

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?

Him. Usually the teenaged him.

9. Which room would you like to redecorate in your home?

Well, since we've already started, I'd say the den!

10. Do you read a newspaper regularly, or do you read most of your news on line?

All online. I only look at a newspaper if I'm at my MIL's and it's sitting there during breakfast.

11. Do you believe everything happens for a reason?

"Everything" is a big word. Do I believe God is sovereign? Absolutely. Do I believe He works all things for good according to His purpose for those who love Him? Yes. Do I think He's concerned about my daily life and details? Yes. Do I take this to the extreme that there's a reason for every sniffly cold, what I fix for dinner, every parking spot, etc.? No.

Although I'm quite sure there's a reason for every one of these questions!

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

Yes.


Go visit some other folks who have linked up at Lidna's 2nd Cup of Coffee!

View blog reactions

Love Me Some Random!

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

Um, writing this post?! And watering the plants. One was starting to droop Sunday and I still haven't gotten it watered.

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

Ten minutes or less, thanks to the relatively new pills I take at bedtime to ward off migraines. They also help me stay asleep most nights, which can be difficult due to my man's apnea machine. It has helped him so much, but sometimes it's like sleeping with a leaf blower!

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

The 90's. The fashions were more subtle. And I loved my cute maternity clothes.

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

Fajitas.

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

Occasionally. Primarily with books. Although I'll sometimes grab something unplanned at the grocery store. But I have no idea what my last impulse purchase was. It was most likely a book. Oh wait, no it wasn't. It was dark chocolate covered coffee beans.

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

Be sure the gospel is presented to that captive audience!

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

Tonight's dinner, which was full of good food, conversation and laughter.

8. What is your favorite type of bread?

For sandwiches, I usually buy Mrs. Baird's Whole Grain White. But just to eat with a meal? County Line's homemade bread. They sell their day-old loaves for $2.00.

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

Self-absorption. Especially regarding the tendency to talk about my bowels all the time!

(If you think I jest, you haven't been around enough old people!)

10. What trait would you like most to develop?

If I say one, the opportunity will arise for me to develop it. And it won't be fun!

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

Probably the living room because the piano's in there, as well as an overflowing bookcase, my laptop and my comfy chair.

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

Lid's making a big assumption by starting the sentence with "How" instead of "Do"! I've actually gotten better at saying "No." And since my kids aren't in elementary school, it's a different kind of busy but I'm not always up at the school volunteering.

You know you've been wanting to do this, so post your answers and link up over at 2nd Cup of Coffee!

View blog reactions

Randomly Speaking

Neither rain nor snow nor migraines shall keep me from playing the Random game! I'm heading into my headache doctor's office first thing this morning to get an IV injection. She said sometimes people get in a continuous cycle of headaches, which are basically rebound headaches. I don't care what they're called, I just want them gone!



1. Have you ever been so lost that you were really afraid?

If I have, I'm afraid I have lost the memory! (har dee har!)

2. Have you ever been to an island?

Many times: Galveston Island, Padre Island, South Padre Island. We also vacationed once on Sanibel Island (Florida).

3. Are you more of a thinker or feeler?

Feeler. I'm a thinker about some things, but on the personality tests I'm a pretty strong feeler. Sensitive to others, hate conflict, loyal, tend to take things more personality.

(I thought about answering, "I think I'm a feeler!")

4. Do you tend to see issues or situations in life as black and white or shades of gray?

Mostly black and white. A few gray, like this question.

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 To Excape a Deserted Island

6. What are you most afraid of?

Persecution. Drowning or other slow/painful deaths. Snakes. Walking alone, especially at night. Is that enough mosts?!

7. Would you rather lose all of your old memories or never be able to make new ones?

I'd probably prefer never to make 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?

A picture with my husband and one with each of my kids. Because those are my favorite people.

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.)

Don't even get me started. The videographer. Almost 22 years later, I still get aggravated. I had looked at some of his previous work and he seemed like he would do a good job. Then the mic fell off the camera, falling from the balcony to the first floor so part of my man's best friend singing is cut off. Then there were some aspects of our reception that he apparently had never encountered (yeah, right!) and he completely missed taping them. Like cutting the cake and our first bites. And tossing the bouquet. Then he typed the wrong date on the label.

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

It's amazing, especially when I'm the recipient. And it's challenging, especially when I'm the granter!

11. You're waiting in a doctor's office. What is your favorite way to pass that time?

Read a book - I always have one with me. Or play a game on my iPhone. I also like to watch people.

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?

The same - love to help/serve others
The different - more self-confident


If you've never done this meme, there's no time like the present! Head on over to 2nd Cup of Coffee to link up and visit other participants.


And be sure to come back here tomorrow to get the prompt for Flashback Friday!

View blog reactions