Literary meme, part the second

Here's the second part of the literary meme. Part the first is here.

12. Describe your weirdest dream involving a writer, book, or literary character.
I can't remember a dream involving any of these things. Isn't that strange? I read so much, and I can definitely be put in A Dark Mood by a book that results in disturbing dreams, but none that I can remember involve the actual writers or characters of a book. 

13. What is the most lowbrow book you’ve read as an adult?
Wow. I just...I don't want to sound snobby, but I can't read truly lowbrow books. I mean that literally. My brain will not keep processing the words. I like genre fiction, but it has to be competently written. Okay, I thought of something! I read the Twilight books. I could tell they weren't well written and I kept on reading through all the cliched gushing about Edward's perfect ice-cold...chest (that did not sound appealing at all to me, by the way). Stephenie Meyer may not be a great writer, but she's a genius as far as I'm concerned. How did she turn off my inner literary snob switch?

14. What is the most difficult book you’ve ever read?
Ulysses by James Joyce. I wasn't even forced to read it but I had a summer off before I went to graduate school and so I checked out a book to help explain the zillion allusions and I read it so I could feel like I belonged in grad school. (I am SUCH a nerd). It was hard going, but parts of it were actually pretty great when you understood what Joyce was doing.

15. What is the most obscure Shakespeare play you’ve seen?
I haven't seen any Shakespeare plays I'd consider obscure. Of the ones I've seen, Richard III was the one least performed, I think. Sir Ian McKellan played Richard and he was amazing.

16. Do you prefer the French or the Russians?
The Russians, based on how many books I've read by Russian authors versus French ones. I suppose the Russians fit my naturally gloomy worldview better than the French.

17. Roth or Updike?
I've read more Updike, although neither is my cup of tea, really.

18. David Sedaris or Dave Eggers?
Sedaris. Funnier and more disciplined in his craft.

19. Shakespeare, Milton or Chaucer?
Shakespeare, hands down. Paradise Lost is one of the major texts I can't believe I wasn't forced to read and that I refuse to read on my own (Moby Dick is the other). Hey, I was raised on the King James Version--I don't need to read Milton's version. As for Chaucer--I've never read all of The Canterbury Tales and of course only in translation. I just found out we are going to read part of Canterbury with the seniors after all and I am wondering how to keep them interested in it. Probably by pointing out that the Wife of Bath is bawdy and letting them figure out the risque parts for themselves.


20. Austen or Eliot?
Austen.

21. What is the biggest or most embarrassing gap in your reading?
See #19 above.

22. What is your favorite novel?
Mad wrote, "It’s really hard to choose just one, don’t you think?" Yes! It really is like being asked to choose a favorite child. I do love Pride and Prejudice. At one time it was tied with The Great Gatsby but I'm worried that teaching Gatsby is making me love it a little less.

23. Play?
Hmmm. I really like The Crucible. Even after teaching it (coming up after the break, too.) "Because it is my NAME!"

24. Poem?
"The Second Coming," by Yeats. It seems like it speaks of our times:
      "The best lack all conviction, while the worst
      Are filled with passionate intensity."
It was published in 1921.

25. Essay?
 Nothing's coming to mind. I could probably list something by C.S. Lewis here and it wouldn't be too far off.

26. Short story?
SOOOOO hard! I'll go with "A Good Man Is Hard to Find" by Flannery O'Connor. It's hard to beat a Flannery O'Connor short story. When I was trying to write fiction, she was my idol.

27. Work of nonfiction?
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis.

28. Who is your favorite writer?
Well, let's say Jane Austen. And Flannery O'Connor, although I don't read her very often because she's so fierce.

29. Who is the most overrated writer alive today?
I'm going to agree with Jennifer Weiner and say Jonathan Franzen. I've read several of his books and short stories when I subscribed to The New Yorker (although I haven't read his most recent novel,  Freedom) and I basically thought, "Meh" after each one.

30. What is your desert island book?
I'm going to cheat and assume we can take an author's collected works. It may sound cliched, but I really would take the complete works of Shakespeare. Comedy, tragedy, romance--how many writers can do all of them? Plus I only understand Shakespeare when I'm reading it out loud, and if I were on a deserted island, I'm sure I'd act all the parts out as well, to entertain myself.

31. And…what are you reading right now?
I'm actually between books. I just finished The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides, which I didn't love, and I think I'll probably read a book I got from work next (we do a book exchange for Christmas since we are English teachers). It's called Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. I'm ordering a Kindle tomorrow with my Christmas money and can't wait!

Literature Meme part the first

School's out--it's time for me to blog again! And because I don't yet have the mental energy to write about what's actually going on around here (at the moment my children are wrestling on the living room floor while I do my best to ignore them), I'm going to do this literature meme which I got from Madhousewife. Like her, I bet I will do it in two parts because: see above for lack of mental energy. But I do feel like writing something, so here goes.


1. What author do you own the most books by?
I do not feel like getting up to count, but it's either Alice Munro or C.S. Lewis. Quite different from each other, but I obviously loved both of them enough to buy a lot of their books.

2. What book do you own the most copies of?
Other than the Bible? I don't think I own multiple copies of any book. At one time I had two copies of Mere Christianity (Lewis again). Oh, never mind, I do have two copies of Pride and Prejudice.


3. Did it bother you that both those questions ended with prepositions?
Not at all. I think that's a false rule. I love the person who wrote, "That is something up with which I will not put" to show how awkward it is to always avoid ending a sentence with a preposition.

4. What fictional character are you secretly in love with?
Hmmm. Like a lot of women who read, Mr. Darcy comes to mind, although I have to admit that is influenced by Colin Firth's portrayal of him. I had to fan myself quite often when reading Outlander; that Jamie Fraser is something else. But I don't think that was love.


5. What book have you read the most times in your life (excluding picture books read to children, i.e. Goodnight Moon does not count)?
Probably The Great Gatsby, since I'd read it a bunch of times already and I read it six times last year (once with each class of juniors).


6. What was your favorite book when you were ten years old?
  The Chronicles of Narnia. Yes, that's a series. No, I can't figure out how to turn italics off for this entry.


7. What is the worst book you’ve read in the past year?
Let me check Goodreads. Okay, I'm back. The worst one I finished (and some of the books I didn't finish weren't the worst, I just couldn't get into them at the time) is called The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly. I quoted another reviewer in my review, which I will quote again here (how meta!)

"Stereotypical characters. Predictable, illogical plotlines. Full of cliches." Ugh. I skimmed it to finish but shouldn't have wasted my time--it ended exactly as I was predicting.


8. If you could force everyone to read one book, what would it be?
I think I would force them to REread To Kill a Mockingbird. I think most ninth graders are not thoughtful enough to get more than the most basic message ("Racism is bad!") from that book, and they would get more out of it when they are more mature.


9. Who deserves to win the next Nobel Prize for Literature?
I don’t know. I don’t pay attention to that stuff.

10. What book would you most like to see made into a movie?
As Mad said, "Most of the books I would like to see made into movies have already been made into movies. Bad ones." I used to want another version of Gatsby and now they're making it (is it done yet?) I desperately wanted the Narnia books to be movies and now they're kind of disappointing. I have a T shirt that says, "Movies: Ruining the book since 1920." Although I am interested to see what they've done with The Hunger Games.

11. What book would you least like to see made into a movie?
I don’t know. Ulysses, I guess. I don't think anyone's likely to try to film that, thank goodness.



More tomorrow!

64 Questions I Got From Facebook

Hey, everybody! It's been a busy week again--how would it not be with 170 students to teach, many papers to grade, and a standardized test to administer?--but I enjoyed it and am ready to go back next week. I really think I am going to miss being in the same school, knowing what I'm going to teach (because I planned it!) and being around "my" students--they are great kids.

Well, that's about all of an update I can manage right now. Here's a meme I got from Facebook and filled out the other day but never got around to posting. (The answers about "right now" were true then!)

1. First thing you wash in the shower?
My hair.

2. What does your favorite hoodie look like?
It's plain black--I need to get a more distinctive one, I guess.

3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
 Was it my husband or one of the kids? lol. Either way, yes!

4. Do you plan outfits?
Yes. Sometimes when I'm supposed to be paying attention to something else.

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now?
Mellow.

6. Whats the closest thing to you that's red?
Uno cards and a 9 volt battery (they're next to each other on the desk.)

7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having?
I honestly can't remember.

8. Did you meet anybody new today?
No. By now I've met all my students.

9. What are you craving right now?
The dinner on the stove: bean soup and hot rolls.

10. Do you floss?
Yes, but I skip every other night or so. Bad Ali!

11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage?
...Patch Kids.

12. Are you emotional?
HAHAHA. Have you MET me?

13. Have you ever counted to 1,000?
Yes. And also backwards, when I had frequent insomnia.

14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?
Both. Mmmmmm.

15. Do you like your hair?
 Yes. Some days more than others. Right now I will like it better when I get a haircut.

16. Do you like yourself?
Yeah, I'd say so. (It wasn't always the case.)

17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush?
Sure, if he was buying.

18. What are you listening to right now?
The music to Yo Gabba Gabba.

19. Are/were your parents strict?
Define strict...

20. Would you go sky diving?
It would be a cold day in Hades.

21. Do you like cottage cheese?
No! I hate the texture.

22. Have you ever met a celebrity?
Yes.

23. Do you rent movies often?
No, because Justin and I are too tired to stay up two more hours after the kids go to bed. We sometimes rent family movies or TiVo movies and watch them when we get time.

24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in?
I live with a seven-year-old girl. There is blue glitter nail polish and a rhinestone pin shaped like a treble clef an arms' length away, and many other examples nearby.

25. How many countries have you visited?
One: England.

26. Have you made a prank phone call?
Yeah, when I was a teenager. We used to call people late at night and tell them they were on the air to win a radio contest.

27. Ever been on a train?
Yes.

28. Brown or white eggs?
White.

29.Do you have a cell-phone?
And a cell phone bill.

30. Do you use chap stick?
My lips don't get chapped very often. I use my husband's Carmex when they do.

31. Do you own a gun?
Not personally, but my husband does.

32. Can you use chop sticks?
Sadly, no. I always intend to try but get too hungry when the food comes.

33. Who are you going to be with tonight?
My husband and kids. Later I am going to my book club with several friends.

34. Are you too forgiving?
I don't know what this means. As a Christian, I believe I am required to forgive "seventy times seven."

35. Ever been in love?
I am.

36. What is your best friend(s) doing tomorrow?
He is working and then we are going to King Tut, our favorite Egyptian restaurant.

37. Ever have cream puffs?
This past Sunday, they were served at a reception and I had my kids try them (they weren't too sure because of how the cream puffs looked) and then they loved them.

38. Last time you cried?
When someone told me they were praying for us after the shop burned down.

39. What was the last question you asked?
"Miss Pink, where are you?"

40. Favorite time of the year?
Fall.

41. Do you have any tattoos?
No.

42. Are you sarcastic?
No, of course not *said in a sarcastic voice.*

43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?
No. In fact, I have no idea what it is.

44. Ever walked into a wall?
Yes--I'm very clumsy.

45. Favorite color?
Green.

46. Where do you want to retire?
Wherever my family is.

47. Is your hair curly?
Not at all.

48. What was the last CD you bought?
I don't recall.

49. Do looks matter?
You have to be attracted to someone if you want to have a lasting relationship.

50. Could you ever forgive a cheater?
Maybe. If I really believed he was repentant and he proved he would do anything I asked to rebuild my trust. But it would take a long time.

51. Is your phone bill sky high?
I don't know; my husband pays it.

52. Do you like your life right now?
Yes, I love my family and I am having fun teaching.

53. Do you sleep with the TV on?
No; it's in the living room, so we turn it off before we go to bed.

54. Can you handle the truth?
I want to be told the truth, but break it to me gently.

55. Do you have good vision?
Yes.

56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people
I don't like the word hate, but I do dislike more than three people.

57. How often do you talk on the phone?
A couple of times a day. I don't like long phone conversations.

58. The last person you held hands with?
Miss Pink, when we were crossing the street across from her school.

59. What are you wearing?
A magenta knit dress and black footless tights.

60.What is your favorite animal?
As a pet, dogs; otherwise, horses.

61. Where was your profile picture taken at?
My living room. I need a new one; the walls aren't even that color anymore.

62: Can you hula hoop?
Not well at all.

63. Do you have a job?
I am a substitute teacher.

64. What was the most recent thing you bought?
Thank-you cards for people who blessed us with some money... and I hate that this is the last answer of this set of questions.

I usually don't do this, but CynthiaK at Crumbs in the Minivan gave me one of the Honest Scrap awards and I thought the accompanying meme was fun enough to participate in and pass along. Thanks, Cynthia! So without further ado, here are the rules:

Rules:
*Say thank you and give a link to the presenter of the award
*Share “10 Honest Things” about myself
*Present the award to 10 other bloggers whose blogs I find brilliant in content and/or design or to those who have encouraged me
*Be sure to tell the 10 bloggers chosen that you are giving them the Honest Scrap award and provide the guidelines for them

Here are 10 honest things about me. I said "honest," not necessarily "interesting!"

1. I taught myself to read when I was 3 1/2. So I skipped kindergarten, which I now regret because kindergarten is the best year of school!

2. My undergraduate major was psychology. I like to analyze everything.

3. I don't really like massages. They just don't make me feel relaxed.

4. My first real haircut was when I was thirty. It's a long story, but basically I had never cut my hair before because of religious reasons, and then my beliefs changed.

5. I never met a carb I didn't like. Well, maybe Cool Ranch Doritos (no offense if you like those. I like nacho Doritos.)

6. I have read every book C.S. Lewis wrote.

7. I would love to one day have a two-story library, like the one in Beauty and the Beast.

8. I read cookbooks for fun. Sometimes I actually cook a recipe out of one of them.

9. I never skipped a college class for no reason. Not once. (I am such a nerd.)

10. I don't really enjoy hot baths or hot tubs, because I get overheated easily and then my head itches. No massages, no bubble baths--I really need to find something that helps me relax (and that doesn't involve eating a bag of Hershey's Kisses!)

And now for the 10 bloggers to whom I am giving this award:

Killing a Fly With a Ukelele Is Probably the Wrong Thing To Do

All About Your Child

The Fritz Facts

Bad Mom

Graze If You Want To But Don't Eat Dirt

Joyful Juggling

Welcome to My World

Mindless Junque

The Journey to the Hot Tub

Frog and Toad Are Still Friends

I don't mind if you don't want to post your own list. Just know that I enjoy knowing you through your blog!

I Haven't Done a Meme In a While

I saw this at Beck's blog.

1. The phone rings. Who will it to be? My husband.

2. When shopping at the grocery store, do you return your cart? Um. It depends on how far away from the return area I am (in my defense, the return areas are few and far between at the Mall-Wart. I do make sure my cart is not in the way of other cars.

3. In a social setting, are you more of a talker or a listener? Talk talk talk. I always RESOLVE to be a better listener, and then I forget because I have so much to SAY.

4. Do you take compliments well? No, I blush and stammer. I am trying to get better at this. A simple "thank you" seems to work in most situations.

5. Do you play Sudoku? No. It involves numbers.

6. If abandoned alone in the wilderness, would you survive? I'd die in a couple of days, if not sooner. I am completely hopeless in the Great Outdoors.

7. Did you ever go to camp as a kid? Yes, church camp, and I hated it. It was hot and rainy and there was nothing to do except go to church and (for the girls) watch the boys play softball. There were no athletic activities for the girls since we had to wear skirts anyway.

8. What was your favorite game as a kid? I'm going to say Clue. However, neither of my parents liked board or card games so we didn't own very many games at all.

9. If a sexy person was pursuing you, but you knew he was married, would you? No way in Hades. Even if I wasn't married.

10. Could you date someone with different religious beliefs than you? I think it would be a problem if we had VERY different beliefs. Fortunately, on all points where Justin and I differ, I have won him over to my way of thinking (they were minor things, anyway; we're both from the same denomination).

11. Do you like to pursue or be pursued? Be pursued.

12. Use three words to describe yourself? Conscientious, analytical, tender-hearted.

13. Do any songs make you cry? Not very many. A few from musicals, like "On My Own" from Les Miserables. However, I resent tearjerker songs that shamelessly try to manipulate me into crying, like that horrible song about the boy buying his dying mother shoes for Christmas. Songs like that ENRAGE me.

14. Are you continuing your education? Not now. I don't miss grad school, although in the future I might finally finish my master's. I don't need it to teach, though.

15. Do you know how to shoot a gun? No, but I plan to learn.

16. Have you ever taken pictures in a photo booth? Yes--the last time was at my brother's wedding.

17. How often do you read books? If I go a day without opening a book, it means I am REALLY sick.

18. Do you think more about the past, present or future? Hmmm. I try to live in the present, but all too often I find myself worrying about the future.

19. What is your favorite children’s book? There are too many to list. Lately I have been loving The Secret Garden. The Narnia books and the Anne of Green Gables series are all-time favorites, too.

20.What color are your eyes? Green--well, hazel, but when I wear green they look really green.

21. How tall are you? 5'2".

22. Where is your dream house located? Here, I guess. Where my extended family lives (and Justin's isn't too far away.)

23. If your house was on fire, what are the first things you grab? My kids, (Justin is responsible for himself), my purse (it'd be a pain to replace all the things in it), and my scrapbooks if I could get to them.

24. When was the last time you were at Olive Garden? Oh, it's been years. There is one in our suburb but it's always crowded and I like local places better than chains.

25. Where was the furthest place you traveled today? To west Ft. Worth.

26. Do you like mustard? Yes, in moderation.

In Their Eyes

I decided to interview Miss Pink, age 6, about her mother, after seeing these questions on a couple of great blogs. It's so fun to get her perspective on things, even when the "thing" in question is me.

What is something I always say to you? "I love you."

What makes me happy? Chocolate. [Smart girl.]

What makes me sad? When you're alone.

How do I make you laugh? When you tickle me.

What was I like as a child? You had the same hair as me, and you had green eyes.

How old am I? 33. [Correct.]

How tall am I? (Thinks) 53 inches. [Not correct, but not that far off.]

What is my favorite thing to do? Read and be on the computer and spend time with me.

What do I do when you're not around? Be on the computer--but I don't know 'cause I'm not here.

If I become famous, what will it be for? Fashion. [Very sweet but I doubt it!]

What am I really good at? Wait--let me think. At the computer. What do you do on the computer?--Play games. [Uh, no, except Scrabble occasionally.]

What am I not very good at? You're not very good at playing outside with us. [Sad but true.]

What is my favorite food? Chocolate.

What makes you proud of me? When you blow bubbles for me and read me a story.

If I were a cartoon character, who would I be? The mom on The Jetsons. [??? Although I would like a robot maid.]

What do you and I do together? Read.

How are you and I the same? We both have green eyes--mine are turning green, anyway.

How are you and I different? I have blonde hair and you have brown hair.

How do you know I love you? Because I was born in your tummy.

I tried to ask Mr. Blue, age 3, the same questions. We got to number 7 before he started saying "I don't know" to every question while spinning around in circles.

What is something I always say to you? "I like chocolate." [Seriously, is chocolate all I talk about?]

What makes me happy? When I stop crying.

What makes me sad? Cry.

How do I make you laugh? I don't know.

What was I like as a child? When you be a girl.

How old am I? 23. [I love this child!]

How tall am I? That big.

Here is Miss Pink celebrating her kindergarten graduation. I love the look on her face! This is how we experience the joy that is Miss P about 95% of the time. (You don't want to see a picture of the other 5%, but I'll take that proportion.)

Mr. Blue was harder to capture at his end-of-the-year school program, because every single picture I took of him on stage was blurry (from him swaying and looking around rather than singing). But here is a picture of him at the church Mother's Day program looking cute enough to melt my heart.

P.S. Thanks so much to Martha, who gave me a bloggy award that I kept forgetting to acknowledge. I promise I did appreciate it, Martha!

Meme Time!

This is a meme I just did on Facebook. The questions are more interesting than the ones made up by high school kids.

1) What bill do you hate paying the most?
Medical bills. Thank goodness we're not sick very often, but the routine checkups still get expensive (especially dental, since we don't have dental insurance, just a discount plan).

2) Where was the last place you had a romantic dinner?
Now that we have children, going out together anywhere alone is romantic! On our last date night, we went to a Mexican restaurant that was not a romantic spot, but we just enjoyed being together.

3) What do you really want to be doing right now?
Sleeping. It's sad, really.

4) How many colleges did you attend?
Three.

5) Why did you choose the shirt that you have on right now?
I wanted something cheerful: it's watermelon-colored.

6) What are your thoughts on gas prices?
I don't like it when it goes up at all, but I'm glad it's not $4 per gallon.

7) First thought when the alarm went off this morning?
Time to go wake Miss Pink up.

8) Last thought before going to sleep last night?
I hope Mr. Blue doesn't get any worse.

9) Do you miss being a child?
Yes. The freedom, having very little responsibility...it was great.

10) What errand/chore do you despise?
Judging from how I procrastinate doing it, sweeping and mopping the kitchen floor.

11) Get up early or sleep in?
Take a wild guess.

12) Have you found real love yet?
Without a doubt.

13) Favorite lunch meat?
Turkey.

14) What do you get every time you go into Wal-Mart?
Milk. We go through a lot of milk.

15) Beach or lake?
Beach.

16) Do you think marriage is an outdated ritual?
Not at all.

17) Sopranos or Desperate Housewives?
I stopped watching the Sopranos (on DVD) a few years ago, but I've never watched Desperate Housewives. I still think The Sopranos was very well-written and acted. Does that answer your question?

18) What famous person would you like to have dinner with?
Since it didn't say the person had to be alive--C.S. Lewis.

19) Have you ever crashed your vehicle?
Yes.

20) Ever had to use a fire extinguisher for its intended purpose?
No.

21) Ring tone?
One of the ring tones that came with the phone. It sounds jazzy.

22) Strangest place you have ever brushed your teeth?
I don't think I have ever brushed my teeth anywhere strange.

23) Somewhere in California you've never been and would like to go?
San Diego.

24) Do you go to church?
Yes.

25) At this point in your life would you rather start a new career or a new relationship?
Since I have a great relationship, it would have to be a new career. When the kids are both in school I will have to decide what I want to do.

26) How old are you?
33.

27) Do you have a go to person?
That would be my husband. I can depend on him for anything.

28) Are you where you want to be in life?
As far as my marriage, children, friendships, and church are concerned, yes. I still feel restless wondering what God has in store for me.

29) Growing up, what were your favorite cartoons?
The Smurfs and the Looney Tunes cartoons.

30) What about you do you think has changed the most?
I've learned to control my emotions better than I used to (I have a way to go still).

31) Looking back at high school were they the best years of your life?
No!

32) Are there times you still feel like a kid?
Sometimes, when I'm playing with my kids. I wish I felt that way more often.

33) Do you have a pager?
Do those even exist anymore?

34) Where was the hang out spot when you were a teenager?
There were several restaurants we went to after church on Sunday nights. Harrigan's and Cheddar's were two of my favorites.

35) Were you the type of kid you would want your children to hang out with?
Yes, I hope my children will be friends with goody-goodys like me who never get into trouble.

36) Who do you think impacted your life the most?
As a child, my parents.

37) Was there a teacher or authority figure that stood out for you?
Other than my dad, who is my pastor, not really.

38) Do you tell stories that start with “when I was your age”?
Only because Miss Pink wants to hear stories about my childhood.

39) What was the first new car you purchased?
That I purchased: the Acura MDX I just turned in for another Acura.

40) What is the scariest thing that has happened to you as an adult?
When Miss Pink had a febrile seizure at 1 year old and I honestly thought she might go into a coma because I didn't know about that type of seizure.

41) What advice would you give to someone about to get married?
Be willing to communicate until you work things out. Divorce is not an option (murder, maybe, but not divorce). And learn how to compromise and appreciate your spouse's differences (which means not to try to change him).

42) What's your favorite room in your home and why?
The bedroom (because I SLEEP there!) but I am enjoying the new playroom since the computer is there and the kids can hang out in there with me.

43) What advice would you give someone starting their first job?
Don't get involved in any more drama than you can help. Work hard and be reliable.

44) If you could go back and change one thing you did, what would it be?
Save money when I had a full-time job.

45) If you could go back and change one thing someone else did, what would it be?
Make Justin save money starting before he met me.

My Second Baby

Since it's Mr. Blue's third birthday today, I thought I'd post the same meme for him.

1. WAS YOUR SECOND PREGNANCY PLANNED?
Yes.

2. WERE YOU MARRIED AT THE TIME?
Yes.

3. WHAT WERE YOUR REACTIONS?
Happiness!

4. WAS ABORTION AN OPTION FOR YOU?
No.

5. HOW OLD WERE YOU?
30.

6. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT?
A home pregnancy test.

7. WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST?
My husband.

8. DID YOU WANT TO FIND OUT THE SEX?
Yes—unlike with our first. I would have waited, but Miss Pink was already saying she wanted a sister and I wanted her to have several months to get used to it if she was having a brother instead. It was almost as exciting to see the ultrasound as it was to wait until the baby was born—but not quite!

9. DUE DATE?
You know, I don’t remember.

10. DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS?
No.

11. WHAT DID YOU CRAVE?
Nothing in particular.

12. WHO/WHAT IRRITATED YOU THE MOST?
Nothing that I can remember.

13. WHAT WAS YOUR CHILD’S SEX?
Male.

14. DID YOU WISH YOU HAD THE OPPOSITE SEX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING?
No. I was happy with a boy (but for the record, I would have been happy with a second girl.)

15. HOW MANY POUNDS DID YOU GAIN?
About 28.

16. DID YOU HAVE A BABY SHOWER?
Yes, given by my friends.

17. WAS IT A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW?
I knew.

18.DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY?
No, thank goodness.

19. WHERE DID YOU GIVE BIRTH?
Harris Southwest Methodist Hospital in Ft. Worth, TX. (It’s a different location than the hospital I had Miss Pink in. The rooms are much bigger, which was nice when we had visitors.)

20. HOW MANY HOURS WERE YOU IN LABOR?
Well, I started having mild labor pains three days earlier. But the real labor lasted eleven hours. It started during American Idol, and I waited until the show was over to go to the hospital. Not because I cared about the show so much, but because I wanted to make sure I was really in labor so that I wouldn't be sent home as I had been several days earlier. I have the sheet of paper we were writing the contraction times on.

21. WHO DROVE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL?
Justin. His mom was staying with us, so she stayed home with Miss Pink.

23. WAS IT VAGINAL OR C-SECTION?
Vaginal.

24. DID YOU TAKE MEDICINE TO EASE THE PAIN?
Uh-huh.

25. HOW MUCH DID YOUR CHILD WEIGH?
Eight pounds, fourteen ounces. (Did I mention I’m 5’2” and small-boned? Thank GOD for epidurals!)

26. WHEN WAS YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY BORN?
February 23, 2006.

27. WHAT DID YOU NAME YOUR CHILD?
I’m not going to tell you since this is the Internet—you know him as Mr. Blue.

28. HOW OLD IS YOUR FIRST-BORN TODAY?
3.

Happy birthday, Mr. Blue! You'll always be my baby boy.

That's chocolate on his mouth!

My First Baby

Here is a baby meme I've seen around and decided to share with you.

1. WAS YOUR FIRST PREGNANCY PLANNED?
Very much so.

2. WERE YOU MARRIED AT THE TIME?
Yes.

3. WHAT WERE YOUR REACTIONS?
Excitement, joy, and a little bit of fear.

4. WAS ABORTION AN OPTION FOR YOU?
No.

5. HOW OLD WERE YOU?
27.

6. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT?
A home pregnancy test.

7. WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST?
My husband. He was waiting for the results of the test with me.

8. DID YOU WANT TO FIND OUT THE SEX?
No, and we held out despite my mom's desire to know so she could shop for the baby.

9. DUE DATE?
December 14, 2002. (I had to look this up.)

10. DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS?
No. I have always wondered what I did to get so lucky.

11. WHAT DID YOU CRAVE?
My second trimester was during the summer, so I ate a lot of snow cones. Other than that, I just ate anything that sounded good.

12. WHO/WHAT IRRITATED YOU THE MOST?
I wasn’t irritable when I was pregnant. (Really! You can ask my husband!)

13. WHAT WAS YOUR CHILD’S SEX?
Female.

14. DID YOU WISH YOU HAD THE OPPOSITE SEX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING?
No—I secretly wanted a girl. Because of the clothes (see #8).

15. HOW MANY POUNDS DID YOU GAIN?
I think it was 27.

16. DID YOU HAVE A BABY SHOWER?
Yes, given by the church. (They do that for all first babies.)

17. WAS IT A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW?
I knew. It was actually after the birth because people wanted to know the sex before buying gifts.

18.DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY?
No, thank goodness.

19. WHERE DID YOU GIVE BIRTH?
Harris Methodist Hospital in Ft. Worth, TX

20. HOW MANY HOURS WERE YOU IN LABOR?
Around 12—from 2 a.m. to 2:01 p.m.

21. WHO DROVE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL?
Justin. We stopped at the bank to get some money out of the ATM on the way. Because it was SO IMPORTANT that he have money so he could feed himself while I was in labor. (What was up with that?)

23. WAS IT VAGINAL OR C-SECTION?
Vaginal.

24. DID YOU TAKE MEDICINE TO EASE THE PAIN?
You bet! My doctor said, “You can have the epidural now,” as I was starting to get pretty tired from the pain and wondering how much longer I could do this without freaking out. A few minutes after I had the epidural, I was a happy woman.

25. HOW MUCH DID YOUR CHILD WEIGH?
Seven pounds, eleven ounces.

26. WHEN WAS YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY BORN?
December 11, 2002.

27. WHAT DID YOU NAME YOUR CHILD?
I’m not going to tell you since this is the Internet—you know her as Miss Pink.

28. HOW OLD IS YOUR FIRST-BORN TODAY?
6.

Christmas Meme

I've seen this on several blogs, but finally got it from MaryP.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Gift bags whenever possible. If I wrap a present, it looks like an armless person did it with her mouth. (No offense to armless people, who might even do a better job than I do.)

2. Real tree or Artificial?
Artificial. We always had real trees growing up and I do miss the smell, but I don't want to clean up all the needles. Plus Miss Pink would want to save them and Mr. Blue would hide them.

3. When do you put up the tree?
It varies. If Miss Pink has her party at home I wait until after her birthday to make room and make the house more "birthday-ish." The past two years we've put it up the first week of December. This year it's STILL not up due to the remodel. It WILL be up by Thursday if it kills me--or I kill Justin! ;-)

4. When do you take the tree down?
January 1 or 2.

5. Do you like eggnog?
No. Although I haven't tasted it in a long time--maybe I would change my mind if I tried it. But I doubt it.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
The year that Cabbage Patch dolls were sold out everywhere, my mom found some for us. I was totally shocked.

7. Hardest person to buy for?
My dad. He has everything he wants, and doesn't want gadgets, books, or DVDs. At least he's stopped buying things for himself right before Christmas--that used to drive us all crazy.

8. Easiest person to buy for?
Miss Pink and Mr. Blue. They love every present they get (at least I hope this is still true.)

9. Do you have a nativity scene?
Yes. It's china, in one piece, and sits on my mantel away from little hands. Someday I'd like to have a larger one.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Mail. That's this week's task, or one of them, anyway.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

You know, I've been very lucky. I can't remember anything bad. I WAS a little disappointed the year I was thirteen, when I asked for clothes and a purse and my brother still got things to play with. But that was just growing pains.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?

It's a Wonderful Life. I plan to watch it on Christmas Eve after wrapping the presents, in front of a fire, with a cup of hot cocoa in my hand. Aaaahhhh...bliss.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
This year I started in October, with some brand-new books and Beanie babies I found at a garage sale. My goal is to start earlier every year.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
No, although I don't see anything wrong with it as long as the recipient and the original giver won't ever know.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Dressing. My evening meal is pretty much just dressing and gravy. :-)

16. Lights on the tree?
Yes. White.

17. Favorite Christmas song?
“O Holy Night.”

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Home, definitely.

19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer?
Oh, yes.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
Neither--a gigantic bow that my mom makes for me, which changes according to that year's color theme. Someday I will get an angel, but I keep forgetting.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Morning. If you do it on Christmas Eve, there's nothing to look forward to the next morning!

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
Crowded malls and traffic. Which is why I do almost all of my shopping on Amazon.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color?
I don't have a theme. I love all the ornaments my mom gave me every year since I was little. I can still tell you what they all represent. Now, of course, we carry on that tradition with my kids.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?
The traditional one: turkey with dressing and gravy; three or four vegetables; cranberry jello salad; rolls; various desserts.

25. What is your favorite thing about the holidays?
Time with family and remembering what Christ's birth means to us.

Let me know if you use this so I can come read it!

Birthday strike-out meme

Here's how to play: Go here. Copy the text that goes with your birth month and strike out the parts that don't apply to you. It explains how to do the strikeout at the top of the page on the meme site, in case anyone is like I was (until fairly recently) and doesn't know how to use those html tags. It's okay, there are other people like us out here in blogland. You're safe with me. ;-)

Let me know if you do this so I can come see your results. I think this was written by someone who doesn't know English that well, but I had fun analyzing my personality.

My month is: July.

Fun to be with. Well, I like to think so.

Secretive. Not at ALL. I can keep a secret when it's absolutely necessary, but not my own secrets. I'm an open book.

Difficult to fathom and to be understood. Nope. See last sentence above. And if you don't understand me, I will go to great lengths to make myself understood.

Quiet unless excited or tensed. Probably true; however, I'm excited or tense a lot of the time. ;-)

Takes pride in oneself. No--not that I'm especially humble, just that I don't go around thinking about how great I am.

Has reputation. Uh...doesn't everyone have some sort of reputation?

Easily consoled. Yes. Hug me, tell me everything's going to be all right, and give me some chocolate, and I'm good.

Honest. In the sense of "I don't lie," yes. However, I find it hard to be honest if it will hurt someone's feelings or potentially make them angry. I'm working on growing a spine.

Concerned about people's feelings. Yes. Almost to a fault; it's the way I was raised.

Tactful. Yes, I'm pretty good at not lying but sparing someone's feelings.

Friendly. Yes, but I sometimes find it hard to strike up conversations if I'm out of my comfort zone.

Approachable. While I don't think I put off a "leave me alone" vibe, I'm not a people magnet, either.

Emotional, temperamental and unpredictable. Emotional, yes. Temperamental? Depends on the time of the month. Unpredictable? No way. No matter what I'm feeling, there will probably be tears involved. ;-)

Moody and easily hurt. I was pretty moody when I was younger. I still get my feelings hurt more easily than I should. It goes with caring too much about others' feelings.

Witty and sparkly. I don't know what "sparkly" means, exactly. I've been told I'm witty. It feels weird to agree, though.

Not revengeful. I don't seek revenge at all.

Forgiving but never forgets. This is true; I don't forget, but I try really hard not to hold it over your head.

Dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. Yep. Although everyone's definition of "nonsensical and unnecessary things" is different.

Guides others physically and mentally. I don't know what this means, especially the "physically" part. I certainly do a lot of guiding my children. I try with my husband, but sometimes it doesn't work.

Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. Yes.

Caring and loving. I hope so. I feel like I do.

Treats others equally. As much as possible. I know it's not always possible with my children--they need different things at different times.

Strong sense of sympathy. If I have gotten to know you at all, yes.

Wary and sharp.

Judges people through observations. I do form impressions of people from watching their behavior and listening to them. I do try not to be judgmental.

Hardworking. I used to be, but I can be appallingly lazy these days.

No difficulties in studying. Did the person who designed this quiz know me in college?

Loves to be alone. I wouldn't say I love to be alone a LOT, but I do need a certain amount of alone time and I am much nicer to be around when I get it.

Always broods about the past and old friends. Not that often, but I do get to thinking about my past. This is helpful when you write fiction; you can rewrite things that happened.

Likes to be quiet. Yes. Unless there's a really interesting conversation to join.

Homely person. I take it this means "homebody" and not "ugly."

Waits for friends. If they're running late? I wait about 30 minutes, but I can't stand waiting longer than that.

Never looks for friends. I can always use more friends.

Not aggressive unless provoked. Very true.

Prone to having stomach and dieting problems.

Loves to be loved. Doesn't everyone?

Easily hurt but takes long to recover. If you apologize and treat me nicely, I'm fine.

Random Meme

I don't remember which site I got this meme from, but here 'tis

Favorite Day of The Week: Saturday because it’s family day! I don’t get to sleep in, but we usually make a big breakfast, and then I often catch a nap while the kids watch cartoons. We might go out if there’s a birthday party or something, but lately Justin works on the playroom, and the kids play outside near him while I read, watch something I’ve TiVoed, or check blogs. After lunch Mr. Blue takes a nap and Miss Pink and I often scrapbook together. Most of the time we have dinner at home. It’s nice to just slow down and have a relaxed day.

Favorite Candy Bar: Toblerone—the milk chocolate is so creamy and I love the little bit of crunch in the nougat.

Favorite Restaurant: I love a lot of restaurants. The last one I ate at that I love: Carshon’s, a kosher deli that’s been in Ft. Worth for over 50 years. I had a sandwich called the Rachel: corned beef and turkey on buttered, grilled rye bread, topped with coleslaw, melted Swiss and homemade Russian dressing. Delicious!

Favorite Fast Food: Chick Fil A. If you’ve been reading my blog a while, you know this.

What City in UT would you most like to live? Since I’ve only ever been to Salt Lake City, that’s the one I’d pick. It’s a very clean city. (I'm guessing whoever started this meme lives in Utah.)

Would you prefer Hubby to bring home a bouquet of flowers or a pint of ice cream? Ice cream. I'll even share.

Anchorwoman or small shop owner? Small shop owner. I am not comfortable in the spotlight.

Magazine Editor or Big City Prosecution Attorney? No question: magazine editor. I probably should have become an editor. I’m good at editing other people’s writing.

Favorite Household Chore? Do I have a favorite? I guess starting the laundry. I like sorting it and getting it in the machine. I’m not so fond of folding it.

Least Favorite? Sweeping and mopping. I asked my husband what he thought it would be and he agreed, then added, “Also dusting.” I wasn’t aware that I disliked dusting, but apparently had been putting it off too long between sessions.

Favorite Cereal? It changes. Right now, Honey Nut Shredded Wheat.

Favorite Season? Fall.

Favorite ACTIVE activity? I’m boring. I don’t play sports, and I mostly walk when I work out, or ride a stationary bike. I do enjoy how I feel when I work out.

Favorite LEISURE activity? Reading.

Do you take vitamins? Yes, but lately I’ve been forgetting more than I should.

How many speeding tickets? Two.

What does retirement bring? I want to stay active in the community, continue to write, travel more, and enjoy my grandchildren.

Me! Me! Memememe!

Here's a meme I did yesterday. It actually made me think about myself! (Of course I always overthink these silly things and answer like I'm being interviewed for a job.)

1. My uncle once spanked me and my cousin for going out by the lake alone. I was shocked; I had no idea he was allowed to do that.

2. Never in my life have I done something physically dangerous on purpose.

3. When I was five I was in first grade.

4. High school was emotionally exhausting.

5. I will never forget the day my children were born. (Okay, that’s two days, but I can’t play favorites.)

6. Once I met my husband, I knew I could trust him.

7. There's this boy I know who has the longest eyelashes I’ve ever seen.

8. Once, at a bar, I read aloud a short story about a preacher’s daughter who has an affair with an evangelist. I am a preacher’s daughter. I wondered if the audience thought it was autobiographical (it wasn’t).

9. By noon, I've started looking forward to Mr. Blue’s naptime.

10. Last night I watched What Not to Wear while my husband was out playing softball. Gender stereotypes much?

11. If only I had more energy and motivation to get things done.

12. Next time I go to church, I need to remember to bring snacks for the kids.

13. What worries me most is failing.

14. When I turn my head left I see a curtain and the view out my bedroom window.

15. When I turn my head right I see the dresser on the other side of the room.

16. You know I'm lying if I say I’m not worried about anything.

17. What I miss most about the Eighties is the feeling of having so many possibilities in the future.

18. If I were a character in Shakespeare I'd be one of the girls dressed up as a boy to accomplish some far-fetched goal.

19. By this time next year I'd like to have written ten short stories and/or begun a novel.

20. A better name for me would be—I can’t think of a name that suits me better than mine.

21. I have a hard time understanding people who abuse their children. I just don’t understand hurting helpless innocents who love you.

22. If I ever go back to school, I probably wouldn’t stop until I had a Ph.D.

23. You know I like you if I keep talking to you. I’m not hard to figure out.

24. If I ever won an award, the first person I would thank would be my husband.

25. Take my advice, don’t stress over being perfect. Be good enough, and things will work out.

26. My ideal breakfast is one I don’t have to cook and that clogs my arteries.

27. A song I love but do not have is “The Arms of an Angel” by Sarah McLachlan.

28. If you visit my hometown, I suggest you eat some barbecue.

29. Why won't people stop ascribing the worst possible motives to each other?

30. If you spend a night at my house, we will feed you well and the kids will wake you up early (sorry).

31. I'd stop my wedding for nothing.

32. The world could do without PMS.

33. I'd rather lick the belly of a cockroach than run a marathon.

34. My favorite blondie is my little boy.

35. Paper clips are easy to lose.

36. If I do anything well it's cook.

37. I can't help but be grateful for the blessings I’ve been given.

38. I usually cry at Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. It gets me every freakin’ time.

39. My advice to my nephew/niece is: Be willing to take some risks. Accept responsibility for the choices you make. Live and love like there’s no tomorrow. And laugh every day, especially at yourself.

40. And by the way, I have to leave to go to my friend's house.

Mosaic Meme

1. Alison in Underworld, 2. La Merenda, 3. Lighthouse Christian Academy, 4. Meeting the pregnant princess of the forest, 5. Patrick Dempsey, 6. CokeCan3, 7. "La mia casa è il mare e con un fiume no, non la posso cambiare", 8. Happy Birthday, nal from miami!!!, 9. Author, 10. The Calvo Family - Holidays, 11. Pelicans at Sunset, Mendocino, 12. hairline fracture
Here's a fun meme I got from madhousewife.

Here’s how it works:
a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
b. Using only the first page, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd’s mosaic maker. Choose 3 columns with 4 rows.

The Questions:
1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. Favorite drink?
7. Dream vacation?
8. Favorite dessert?
9. What you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. One Word to describe you.
12. Your flickr name. (kid version: favorite animal?)

A Quiz No One Tagged Me For

I got this quiz from an excerpt of a book called Scrapbook Play published by Simple Scrapbooks magazine. I want that book and another one called Scrapbook Shortcuts, Quizzes, and Questions. One of these days I will probably turn these "all about me" blog posts into scrapbook pages--just little slices of life, about things that I like, to capture who I am right now. Not because I'm that narcissistic, but for my kids and their kids. Wouldn't you want to know what your grandma was like when she was young? (I am too still young. Thirty-two is young. Ahem.)

Of course, if I do scrapbook these, that will mean I'll need someone to take some pictures of me because there aren't any of me by myself. This year. That I like. So getting a picture with those three criteria will be important (hint: the last one will be harder to achieve than the first two.)

I love reading others' answers, too. So if you want to do this one, consider yourself tagged! Just let me know you've posted it and I'll come over and comment.

All about Things Quiz

· One thing I’d grab if my house were on fire: my scrapbooks (not really one thing, but I couldn’t choose one).

· One thing I wish I could throw away: The box of junk on the back porch I am waiting for my husband to take to the dumpster at his shop.

· One thing I’ll never, ever throw away: My babies’ first outfits (sniff). Did I say I wasn't sentimental about my children growing up? Well, I AM--unpredictably so.

· Something I lost and still miss: A black leather jacket I left at a Logan’s Steakhouse which was stolen that night, since the girl at the restaurant insisted it was gone, the next day (probably while wearing it, grrr.) I now have another leather jacket, but it’s the principle of the thing!

· Something I’ve kept since childhood: my Little House on the Prairie and Chronicles of Narnia paperbacks. If my daughter scorns them, it will break my heart.

· A food item I never run out of: Flour tortillas. They are a great substitute for bread, which we do sometimes run out of.

· A household brand I’m very loyal to: Goldfish crackers.

· Something I sleep with every night: My husband! Also, an extra pillow.

· One thing that’s on my wish list: Crest WhiteStrips—I should just buy them already. But I am cheap. Cheap, with yellow teeth.

· Something I take with me wherever I go: My purse

· Something that makes me smile when I see it: The drawing currently featured on my refrigerator by Miss Pink. It’s a girl worm wearing a sombrero and a necklace. Ole!

· Something my children fight over: Anything that one has and the other wants.

· Something I hate to clean: The kitchen floor, because it will get dirty again right away.

· Something I show off when people visit: The furniture my husband built.

· Something I hide when people visit: Toys. And piles of books.

· Something I’m embarrassed to admit I like: Sappy ‘80s love songs.

· Something I collect: Nothing. I don’t have room to display a collection. But when I was a kid I collected apples. I got tired of people buying apple stuff for me, so I decided I wasn’t a collector.

· Something I avoid at all costs: Well, I think it’s impossible and unhealthy to avoid anything at ALL costs. I hate conflict, but sometimes you can’t avoid it--and sometimes you have to face it head-on.

6 Things About Me

Mrs. Romero tagged me!

1. I like everything coffee flavored except hot coffee. Well, when it’s really cold I might drink a mocha. But in general I prefer frappucinos and coffee ice cream and tiramisu and any mocha-flavored sweet thing. I’m beginning to see the problem: I like my coffee to be a dessert.

2. I don’t really like massages. My husband thinks I’m crazy, but it’s true—I can take them or leave them. Thirty minutes after a professional massage, I feel exactly the same as I did before, so what’s the point of spending $50?

3. Until this year I thought I was not a jewelry person. Boy, was I wrong. I am totally a jewelry person. After I got my Mother’s Day present, I must have been acting kind of giddy because Miss Pink said, “Mama, I’ve never seen you act so excited.”

4. I play Scrabble against the computer, and I usually win—but if I start getting behind, I cheat. I use the “Best Plays” feature to score a play that nets me 47 points so I can stay ahead. (I only choose the play if I actually know the word, though. I can’t cheat that much. Yes, I know this is illogical.)

5. It is virtually impossible for me to keep myself from bobbing my head and/or mouthing the lyrics to certain songs while I am on the treadmill, even though the mirror in front of me shows me how dorky I look doing it. Go ahead—I dare you not to move your head to “Love Shack.” It can’t be done!

6. I sort of have a crush on this guy who is on my kids’ favorite TV show, Hi-5. They watch it every day and I watch him. Now that I’ve confessed, I feel better.

I tag Le Guz (I'm not linking so she can decide where she wants to do this meme), womaninawindow, and gyl_again!

By the Numbers Quiz

· Number of days old I am right now:11, 960

· The age I was when I first walked: 11 months

· The age I was in my earliest memory: definitely before I was two because I was in my crib

· The age I was when I was first kissed: 13

· The age I was when I moved out of my parents’ house: 20

· The age I was when I finally felt like an adult: 28

· The age I dreamed of getting married at: 25

· The age I actually got married at: one month shy of 22

· The age I’d go back to if I could: If I could take what I’ve learned since, 25

· The price of my first car: I have no idea

· The price of my first home: around 72,000

· Number of vehicles I’ve owned in my lifetime: 4

· How much I made hourly at my first job: I don’t know, but it was definitely minimum wage

· Number of stitches I’ve had in my life: zero!

· Number of bones I’ve broken: 1—a hairline fracture (get it?) in my right arm

· Number of countries I’ve visited: 1

· Number of places I’ve lived: If “places” means “cities,” then 4

· Number of pets I’ve owned: 1

· Number of ex-boyfriends in my past: I’m only coming up with 5, but it feels like I’m forgetting someone.

· Number of people I’ve called my “best friend”: 3

Choose Ye

Meme I saw on Mary P. It has one rule: You have to pick one of the two alternatives given for each question. No ifs, ands, buts, or maybes. My choices are shown in bold. Consider yourself tagged if you want to do it!

Resolutions or keep on keepin’ on?
- Since I have to choose, I’ll pick keep on keepin’ on, since my resolutions are nearly the same every year

Ketchup or mustard?
-Mustard has many more uses in cooking.

Firm mattress or soft?
- Bad back.

Tan or pale (however one gets tan)?
-Pale. I can’t tan; I only burn.

Oreo or chocolate chip?
- Definitely.

Goldfish or tiny turtle?
- I think I’d do better with a goldfish, but I’ve never had either one.

Road rage or easy rider?
- I get mad when I drive; I’m glad I don’t commute anywhere.

East coast or west?
- Much better weather on the west coast.

Romantic comedy or action flick?
- I’m a sucker for a romantic comedy

Windy or rainy?
- I like the rain—if I’m indoors reading a good book. If it’s raining I at least want it not to be windy.

Gossip or sealed lips?
-Some years ago I made a resolution to stop gossiping, and I’m glad I did.

Sing or dance?
- I can’t dance. At all.

“Nest” or go out at any opportunity?
- I’m a homebody.

Shatner or Norris?
Chuck Norris is cool even though he does stupid commercials.

Gold or silver?
- Silver looks much better on me.

Swing or push (on a swing, people… on a swing)?
-Confession: I get bored with pushing the kids.

Breath mints or gum?
- I got out of the habit of chewing gum when I had braces.

Pine tree or palm tree?
- I’d rather be in the climate for palms, because then I would be on vacation.

Self-deprecation or quiet confidence?
- I can finally say quiet confidence. I spent years with the other, but no more.