Random Dozen: Labor Day Weekend

Visit Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee for linking up and seeing others' answers!

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

Right now I'm really craving chicken salad on toasted wheat bread, but a close second is the faithful peanut butter and jelly. A third might be grilled cheese, or a deli turkey sandwich.

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

Wow, all of these can be very inspiring! So if I absolutely have to choose one, I would say a good conversation because it is the most real, as in "living in front of me" opportunity.

3. What is your favorite board game?

Cities and Knights of Catan

I have spent many many hours playing this game with friends from church. One couple taught a group of us at Family Camp, and we were up until 2, 3 or 5am every morning all week, playing Catan!
The players (2-6) in the game represent settlers establishing colonies on the island of Catan. Players build settlements, cities, and roads to connect them as they settle the island. The game board representing the island is composed of hexagonal tiles of different land types, which are then collected as resources with which to further build, and are laid out randomly at the beginning of each game, so every game is different!

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

I haven't lost my patience yet. :)

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

Either love for my family and friends, or battery power in my cell phone.HA.

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

I suppose, however losing love is very painful.

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

I have been to Washington D.C., therefore I have seen a number of our nation's great monuments and memorials, including the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, however I'm not really "big" into these things. I prefer museums or natural beauty (Yellowstone Park, Niagra Falls, the Grand Canyon, etc.)

8. Which is more painful, to be disappointed in someone else or to be disappointed in yourself?
I forgives others quicker than I forgive myself, so being disappointed in myself may be more painful.

9. What makes your kitchen uniquely yours?
This is difficult because I don't actually have my own kitchen, however... maybe that the cupboards are stocked with peanut butter, peanut butter cereal, peanut butter granola bars, and peanut butter cookies??

If peanut butter and peanut butter-related items (including, but not limited to peanut butter fudge or pie) were sold in store-front windows, I might look like this from the other side of the glass.

10. Are you a crafty person?
I claim to not be, but there is evidence that might say otherwise. Last Spring I made and sold more than 100 personalized journals to raise money for my trip to Mozambique.

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

Aunt Regina's sweet corn! [Or macaroni salad]

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

Labor Day Weekend for most IWU students is not traditional for the reason that it is also move in weekend. However I have already been settled for a week, and my weekend was consumed with new student and campus-related activities such as: a movie on the lawn, going to Ivanhoe's for a peanut butter/banana/frosted flakes sundae, and shopping!

Me and 7 of my freshmen on the front row lawn!

Wednesday's Random Dozen!

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

SPIDERS and I'm not posting a picture!

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

I recycle! I would love to have my own garden in the future.

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

I have had a rough pregnancy dream twice before that I remember vividly.

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

I missed a connecting flight this summer from Atlanta to home because my flight in South Africa was repeatedly delayed due to plane problems!

5. What do you consider your best feature?

My compassionate heart.

6. What was the last concert you went to?

I'm not a huge live concert fan; I actually prefer to sit on my own couch and listen to my ipod or the radio in the comfort of my home. However, I have been to a few Christian music festivals.

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

Aside from looking through old pictures and thinking, "I can't believe I chose to wear that?!" nothing comes to mind. Oh there was the time I slipped a few keys when I was doing a piano special, or the time when I forgot that I was supposed to pray after the announcements and I sat waiting while others sat waiting also.

8. Are you a whistler, hummer or singer?

A singer! When I'm alone in the car, I belt out whatever is on the radio or (even worse!) whatever is on repeat in my head.

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?

His faithfulness! If I were in charge, the sun might not have risen this morning. But God is faithful and His mercies are new every morning.

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 woke up for the first time in my townhouse!

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

If I were being superficial I would say Taco Bell because I love their chicken quesadillas and supreme chicken chalupas (no tomatoes,) however, I am eternally grateful for my freedom and my rights, so I will be reasoned and choose the Liberty Bell (I suppose.)

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

I absolutely do.

Summer 2010's FIRST Random Dozen!

Welcome to Wednesday's Random Dozen, hosted by Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

1. When was the last time you laughed until you cried?
June; singing and playing with my little cuddle-bug Gabriele in Mozambique.

2. If you found $10 today, what would you do with it?
Save it until I found $15 more then buy a $25/month punchcard for Zumba class! I'm addicted but I cannot convince myself to pay a fee when I have free membership to the rec. center on campus.

3. Do you volunteer anywhere?
Not presently; the events of my life and the lack of routine have not allowed it! However I have always found it rewarding, and I would like to make the time to be involved in something once school starts.

4. What is your favorite summertime veggie or fruit, and how do you eat it?
Strawberries - I cut the top off then pop it in my mouth! HA.

5. Is your social sphere (circle of friends) small, medium or large?
How does one even gauge this? Medium.

6. When was the last time you attended a family or school reunion? How did that go?
Two or three weeks ago. It went well because but many were unable to attend. It was a beautiful day and we spent the afternoon in the pool with Baby Face!

7. When you're feeling blue, what is the best way someone can cheer you up?
If it's the right person, all it would take is a phone call or message. Otherwise, treat me! Treat me like I'm someone special, take me to lunch or for a pedicure...

8. Have you taken a vacation this summer?
Family vacation was canceled this summer due to Grandmom's hospitalization, Mom's surgery, and twin sister having Mono. HOWEVER, I have been to pristine vacation hotspots, though not necessarily on vacation.

Praia de Xai Xai, Mozambique


and Isla de Caja de Muerto in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico
9. What is the most unnecessary item you carry with you all the time?
As I shuffle through my purse, I find everything to be mostly necessary -- wallet, chapstick, pen, palm-sized notebook, gum, mirror, keys, anti-bacterial gel, Advil, and hand lotion -- however I suppose my camera and jumpdrive are conveniences and not necessities

10. What is the best summer flick you have seen so far?
Grown Ups was good but Old Dogs was better! SO FUNNY!

11. Describe a perfect summer day.
Sleeping in late, then having a nice lunch with a friend, walking around Target with a Starbucks frappe in my hand, going for a nice swim in my backyard, then falling asleep to a "feel good" movie on the couch.

12. Please a share a favorite photo from the summer so far!
A double rainbow over the Emmanuel Wesleyan Bible College in Xai-Xai - a reminder that God promises and is FAITHFUL to be with us in the storms of life.
[Return tomorrow to see more favorite photos from this summer's adventures! It was too difficult to choose, so tomorrow I'll have more!]

Really Really Random!

Welcome to Wednesday's Random Dozen, hosted by Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

1. How do you feel about "Gladiator" sandals, also called "Roman" or "Jesus" sandals? A fashion yea or nay?
My sister has a pair that I am rather envious of. I saw them initially at Payless and made fun of them, then she tried them on and I said, "Give those back I saw them first." I've still never tried them on. :(

2. What is your favorite pizza?
Barbecue chicken and pineapple. Yummo! In Cambodia, we eat corn on our pizza -- it isn't as good.
3. There are plans in the works to sell roughly 1,000 items from Star Trek: The Experience in Las Vegas. This means you could buy Picard's chair for your family room. If not a Star Trek item, what prop, background, set, etc. from what TV or movie would you buy if you could?
[Ex: Hurley's "I Love my Shih tzu" shirt from LOST, the plantation home "Tara" from Gone With the Wind, or Tracy's tambourine from the Partridge Family.]

Hmm...

4. Name a local food or restaurant that your area is famous for.
Ivanhoe's on South Main Street in Upland, Indiana. They have 100 sundaes and 100 shakes, and can make it all in hundreds of ways. Click HERE to see the menu.

5. What is your current favorite snack?
Graham crackers in milk.

6. Hypothetical: You are required to be a reality show contestant. Which show would you choose based on your probability of success?

A. Dancing with the Stars

B. Biggest Loser

C. Survivor

I wouldn't anticipate being successful in any of the three HA, but I would choose Survivor. I wouldn't even know how to weasel my way to the top, but I tend to not have a lot of enemies, and I'm pretty sure I could make it physically. So.. I'll choose that. :)

7. On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being uninhabitable and 10 being cleanliness that meets the standards of OCD, how clean is your vehicle's interior?
7. It's not full of trash, but I do have a few church bulletins lying on the floor and some other randoms in the back seat. Also, I have quite the embarrassing red gatorade stain that consumed the carpet behind the drivers seat.

8. It doesn't feel like Spring until _________.
...lawns all over campus are busy with students lying out on blankets or playing frisbee and campus golf.

9. Something that made you laugh really hard recently is ____.
Remembering two years ago on St. Patrick's Day when my sister accidentally set the door alarm off in the dorm, and because she knew people saw her, she ran upstairs and changed into a green shirt so she would blend in, then hid in her bed. haha. I will never forget her face when she realized the door was alarmed.

10. Tell me about a goal you're working toward.
Finishing my development proposal before the night before it's due, and losing 20 pounds.

11. Share a thought-provoking or inspiring quote this week.
“Eve was not taken out of Adam's head to top him, neither out of his feet to be trampled on by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected by him, and near his heart to be loved by him.”

- Matthew Henry

12. Name one thing that you do as a parent that you absolutely know will make your kids happy. If you're not a parent, feel free to substitute "friend" or nomenclature that works for you.
My FRIENDS appreciate when I swipe my card for their meals, and my professors appreciate when I bring them coffee. Yes, I'm a favorite. :)

The REAL Wednesday's Random Dozen

Welcome to the REAL Wednesday's Random Dozen, hosted by Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

1. Have you ever fired a gun or shot a bow and arrow?
A water gun. That's it!

2. Do you know where your childhood best friends are?
Yes, I think I've managed to track their where-abouts considering it's only been about 10 years. :) We're all still in college, finishing in one year, and most are still local. But do we ever see each other? Nope. Sad.

3. Do you usually arrive early, late, or on time?
A few minutes early unless everyone is accustomed to being late [Sunday school for example.]

4. Are you more of a New York or California type?
Absolutely neither. HOWEVER, I would choose the mountains and the coast before the hustle and bustle of a city skyline (which I know is part of both.)

5. Do you have a special ring tone?
Currently it's the Golden Girls theme song. Yes, true story. Ashamed? Not in the least.



6. What is your favorite type of chip?
Sun chips! Original or Harvest Cheddar. YUMM.

7. Best comedy you've ever seen is ....
Wild Hogs. Maybe?

8. Have you ever cut your own hair? To quote Dr. Phil, "How'd that work for ya?"
Once when I was much much younger... it wasn't pretty.
See that missing CHUNK of bangs?
9. If you were going to have an extreme makeover, would you rather it be about your house or your personal self?
I'm content with both but I would choose house because it would be:
1) More memorable
2) Longer lasting
3) An easier adjustment

10. Are you allergic to anything?
Cats.

11. Why is it so hard to change?
We are PEOPLE OF HABIT.
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
12. One last question dedicated to February love: CS Lewis said, "To love is to be vulnerable." Please share one example of that assertion or share any thought you'd like to about this topic.
It opens your chest and it opens up your heart and it means that someone can get inside you and mess you up. When we love our hearts get wrung and broken. To love is to expose oneself to their beloved...

That's all I got!

Happy Random Dozen Wednesday!

Happy Random Wednesday, hosted by Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

1. When was the last time you craved a food--what was it, and did you cave?

I'm craving a hot hot hot baked sweet potato right now, and if it were an option, I would definitely cave! Tonight I'll be craving ice cream, and I will definitely be caving.
2. M & M's or Skittles?

Skittles. I actually don't like chocolate.

3. Have you ever read the Bible completely through?

Never, but it is one of my aspirations.

4. How long does it take you to really wake up in the morning?

Pretty quickly if I have coffee or a shower. Music helps too.

5. Have you ever been on a cruise? If not, would you like to?

I never have. I'm sure it would be nice, but I would choose a few other options before choosing a cruise. In no particular order:

-India

-The Louvre Museum, in Paris

-Fiji

-New York City

6. Who is your favorite actress?

Reese Witherspoon or Jennifer Anderson probably. [I'm not too into the Hollywood scene.]

7. ______ is something that I will just never understand.

Men's obsession with golf.

8. How much of a technology junkie are you?

Not at all.

9. Do you enjoy selecting greeting cards for people, or is it more of a cultural "have to" for you?

I enjoy sending cards, but maybe not necessarily standing in the aisle at Wal-Mart. [Half the fun is writing the card, and half the fun is receiving a response.]

10. When was the last time you got a new style/haircut?

Hmm... forever maybe? I do enjoy a trim every few months though, and I am currently thinking about bangs... only thinking about it.

11. What do you enjoy shopping for most?

Souvenir shopping; second would be Christmas presents, but it isn't half the thrill of buying souvenirs; third, would be cereal.

The Russian Market - Phnom Penh, Cambodia

12. What's the last thing you think of before you leave the house?

Consistently these four things:

Do I have my id card to let me back in the building?

Do I have my cell phone?

Is the door locked?

How cold is it outside?

And what do you think about THAT??

Love love love, Jewel

2010's FIRST Wednesday's Random Dozen

Thanks to Linda at "2nd Cup of Coffee" for hosting a Random Dozen.

1. On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being a cranky-baby-hissy-fitter, how much of a complainer are you?

Probably a three or four, and I feel like that's honest too! I'm pretty sure half my complaining is mere sarcasm to lighten the moment.

2. When someone else is talking, do you listen, or are you thinking about what you're going to say in response?

I'm always listening, but meanwhile contemplating my response. [Yes I do realize that means I'm choose both options in an A or B set-up...]

3. I just deleted 1062 messages from my email account. Do you have any plans for a clean sweep this month--of anything?

I stopped following a few blogs that never update.. I also deleted some emails.. and when I return to the dorm I'm going to throw out last semester's notes and tests and things..

4. Tell us about your perfume. Was it a gift? What does it remind you of? Do you have a signature scent?

Lucky You and Bath and Body Work's Warm Vanilla Sugar, both were gifts and both are signature scents. Lucky You reminds me of camp and old crushes, and I love it!

5. What is your best organizing tip for the new year?

Color coordinate?

6. What is your favorite comic strip?

Family Circus; and I would like one good reason why it isn't your favorite too!
7. Do you sleep with a fluffy or flat pillow?

Actually, four fluffy pillows and one stiff pillow! [Why wasn't that an option?]

8. What color is your kitchen? Why did you choose that color?

This question assumes that everyone has a kitchen, and I don't have a kitchen! HA. But if I did have a kitchen... I would make it turquoise! Because HELLO, it's the color of the year! [Thanks to dear sweet Tonja at The Gatherings for introducing me to this idea!]

9. What’s the most interesting bumper sticker you’ve seen?

Moe's Southwest Grill has some interesting menu items, i.e. "the home-wrecker" and I just love a Moe's bumper sticker that says "Caution: I stop for home-wreckers."

10. Do you prefer an expensive writing tool or whatever is lying around? (Are you a Montblanc or a Papermate?)

Whatever is lying around [which would actually make it a not expensive writing tool.]

11. What chore doesn’t feel like a chore – you just enjoy it (at least most of the time)?

Alphabetizing the DVDs.

12. If your parents often repeated themselves, what is something one of them said more than once?

"It's my chair!"

"You're cold? So put more clothes on!" [Dad, seriously? I'm already wearing sweats under my sweats and sleeves under my sleeves!]

"Is the garage door closed?"

Snow and Wednesday's Random Dozen

I'm happy to participate in another random Wednesday meme, hosted by Lid at 2nd cup of coffee. Trace the link above to visit Mr. Linky and read the randoms of other bloggers.

1. Which physical trait do you now accept--maybe not love, but accept--and no longer feel extremely self-conscious about?
I don’t know. [How’s that for an answer? HA!]

2. This week Meredith Baxter Birney, best known as the mom on the favorite 80s sitcom "Family Ties" came out of the closet, which led me to formulate this question: Who do you think is/was the best TV mom?
Let’s see, nowadays I watch House, Golden Girls, Friends, Lost, and the Biggest Loser, so I will have to digress to my youth and choose Mrs. Camden from 7th Heaven.

3. Do you speak any foreign languages? Are there any you'd like to learn?
I’m fluent in Spanish and working my way to being fluent in Khmer (the language of Cambodia.)

4. Who is your personal hero?
Harvey Ellsworth Ache (Granddad). Though he died when I was in kindergarten, he lives on everyday in my memory and my passion for missions.

5. What is one holiday food that you find extremely difficult to resist over- indulging in?
Buckeyes! (peanut butter balls)

6. Tell me about a Christmas decoration that has special meaning or sentimental value.
Every Christmas both Mom and Grandmom give me an ornament and those will be very cherished in the years to come, especially as I move to Cambodia in the next 2-3 years and start new traditions with my new family. [I'll be taking those ornaments with me!]

7. How do you feel about snow?
I think it is beautiful. While I prefer warmer weather, my thought is this: If it’s going to be below 32 degrees, then it might as well snow! BUT BUT BUT – I like clean streets and sidewalks. ☺

Here in Marion, our 1st snow fell early on Monday morning. Didn't quite cover everything, but was beautiful. During my lunch hour I skype'd with my friend Titus in Cambodia and he was so excited to see his first snow via webcam!

8. On average, how many hours of sleep do you get each night? Not that I'm jealous of any number over three or anything.
Last week it was between four and five, but usually it’s closer to seven.

9. Tell me about your first crush.
He was a high school volunteer at VBS when I was in pre-school. I always always always sat on his lap and I LOVED it! Now he is married and has a baby and I lost all my jealousy after 3rd grade. His name is James Matchette. (Shh… it’s a secret.)

10. You're stuck in a room for 2 hours with only a chalkboard and chalk. What will you write/draw?
My first thought would be a nap, but if that weren’t an option… I suppose song lyrics. Or maybe I would see how many of my friends’ names I could fit on the board.

11. Do you dress for the current temp or for the day's forecast?
I dress for the current temperature, always keeping the afternoon in mind. Fortunately three days a week I have a wonderful two hour lunch break and I am able to change between morning classes, and work in the afternoon.

12. Favorite Christmas movie is?
Elf. I could quote Elf all day long and I watch it about 15 times a year. Love love love it!
Also love: The Santa Claus (Tim Allen), the Home Alone series, and Miracle on 34th Street.

A few of those Elf quotes are::

- I'm singing/I'm in a store/and I'm siiiiiingiiiiing!/I'm in a store/and I'm siiiiiingiiiiing!
- We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup.
-You smell like beef and cheese, you don't smell like Santa.
-Actually, I'm a human, but I was raised by elves.
-I just like to smile! Smiling's my favorite.
-I'm a cotton-headed ninny-muggins.
-Have you seen these toilets? They're ginormous!
-I thought maybe we could make ginger bread houses, and eat cookie dough, and go ice skating, and maybe even hold hands.
[I could go on, but I'll stop.]

December's 1st Random Dozen

I'm happy to participate in another random Wednesday meme, hosted by Lid at 2nd cup of coffee. Trace the link above to visit Mr. Linky and read the randoms of other bloggers.

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

Probably the cowardly lion.

2. When you're deciding what you're going to wear each morning, which item do you select first? Why?
Usually my shirt, and then choose dark or light-washed jeans; however, this process isn't doctrine.

3. What kind of animal do you think the world could live without?
Most actually, but spiders especially. (No, I’m not an animal lover.)

4. How many Christmas trees are in your home?
Three big ones.

1st is my fav. - tall and skinny, with antique red, white, and blue ornaments

2nd - Jessie and I's childhood tree in the dining room

3rd - a spinning tree where we put all the presents

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

Absolutely not! I certainly would NOT sacrifice joy, excitement, gladness, passion, etc. for the escape of fear, sadness, or anger. Heartbreak is the emotion of losing intimacy, exhilaration, ecstasy.. and as terrible as heartbreak is, I would rather know sadness if it means that I had known joy and passion. HA, what a terrible thought!

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

Taking down decorations is always a little sad, but only a little sad.

7. Do you like Michael Jackson's music?

Yes, some, but I can certainly tolerate him IN MODERATION. The week Jackson died I was a counselor at a youth camp, and the following day we went to the Splash House (a local waterpark) where they played Michael Jackson for three straight hours. Two weeks later, I went back to the Splash House and he was still on repeat!

8. Why is it that we never judge people who have their teeth fixed for cosmetic reasons, but every other cosmetic procedure has a stigma?
I feel like this question can't be answered, but is only a thought-provoker...

Kinda like this:

9. Enjoy horseback riding?

Really, I have only been once and it wasn't incredibly fun, (it was a class trip and there were about 18 of us, moving only very slowly, but through a gorgeous wood,) BUT I'm pretty sure I would love it in a different setting.

10. Shoes--practical or stylish?

Practical.

11. What was the name of your first pet?

Pepper -- a cherished black cat. We thought she was a he until she delivered a litter of kittens in our van. (No, we didn't live in a van down by the river -- Dad accidently left the door open.) I was young... maybe five-years-old. The morning after, Mom, Jessie, and I got in the van to go to the beauty shop and we found kittens! Quite the surprise you can imagine if you thought your car was male!

12. What percentage of your Christmas shopping is done?

I have bought one gift for my niece, and I'm not finished with her yet. So... pretty close to about 5%!

Happy Random Dozen and The Day Before thanksgiving

I'm happy to participate in another random Wednesday meme, hosted by Lid at 2nd cup of coffee. Trace the link above to visit Mr. Linky and read the randoms of other bloggers.

1. Are you sticking to traditional Thanksgiving foods this year, or are you being culinarily adventurous?


Traditional – turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole (favorite!), cranberry sauce, green beans with almonds, fruit salad… (I'm salivating.)

2. Tell me something concrete that you're thankful for. (Something you can literally touch, see, etc., not a concept like "hope.")


Free tuition! Seriously it’s like a $30,000 annual bonus for Mom while Jessie and I are at the university. What a blessing!

3. You knew the flip side was coming: Share about something intangible that you're thankful for.


Grandmom’s improving health. Back in May we didn’t think she would still be with us for Thanksgiving. And she is!!!! My grandmom means the world to me. What a blessing!

Grandmom, Jessie (purple) and I (brown)

celebrating our 21st birthday in September.

4. Share one vivid Thanksgiving memory. It doesn't have to be deep or meaningful, just something that remains etched in your memory.
Back in 1998, in 4th grade, I was in the hospital for Thanksgiving. It fell during the middle of a 2.5 week hospital stay. I had acute cerebellum ataxia and was very sick. Mom is part-time hospital director, so was able to live in the bed next to me every day. She ate hospital food on Thanksgiving, and I remember Aunt Nancy (Mom's SIL) reading me Bible stories that night.

5. What is one thing that you know beyond a shadow of a doubt is going to happen this Thanksgiving because it always does, year after year?


My Aunt places 3 kernels of corn at each place setting, and as we go around the table and say 3 things that we are thankful for, Aunt Nancy records it in a journal.

6. Do your pets get any left-overs?


No.

7. Does your family pray before the big meal? If so, do you join hands while seated, stand, repeat a formal prayer or offer a spontaneous prayer? Who does the praying?


Yes – it’s all about being thankful for our many blessings! Usually we are already seated and holding hands, and usually Uncle Andy or Grandmom prays.

8. Will you be watching football in the afternoon? If not, what will you be doing?


Often. This year I may be forced to sneak away and do homework while the others are napping. Terrible, I know! :( :( :(

9. There are two distinct camps of people on this issue: How do you feel about oysters in the dressing/stuffing?
I’m pretty sure NO oysters in the dressing.

10. Do you consider yourself informed about the first Thanksgiving?


I definitely know the story, but I couldn't tell you it in full detail. I know there were only 35 pilgrims (I bet you thought there were more!)

11. Which variety of pie will you be enjoying?
I celebrated on Monday with a piece of sugar cream, but Thanksgiving Day is reserved for PUMPKIN pie!

12. Do you feel for the turkey??
No.. I never feel for anything I’m eating.

Random 12

I'm happy to participate in another random Wednesday meme, hosted by Lid at 2nd cup of coffee. Trace the link above to visit Mr. Linky and read the randoms of other bloggers.


1. What was the last song you listened to?
Christmas in the Caribbean by Jimmy Buffett This music video is pretty lame, only a still frame advertisement; but it's a good song!

2. Have you ever had “buyer’s remorse” over anything?
I have, but it's rare because I'm pretty tight with my money.

3. What is something in your life that you are thankful for now that you didn’t think you would be at the time of the event? (Something that seemed ill-timed, inconvenient or hurtful which turned out to be a good thing)

Not having the opportunity to return to Mexico freshman year, and going to Honduras instead. It was definitely a life-changing direction!

4. Do you watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade every year? If so, do you have a favorite float or balloon?
It is definitely one of my favorite things to do on Thanksgiving, but I don't always get to each year. My favorite? I don't know, I love the huge balloons.. and all of it really. :]

5. Share a quote, scripture, poem or lyric which has been an inspiration to you lately.

You're calling me to lay aside the worries of my day.

To quiet down my busy mind and find a hiding place.

Worthy, You are worthy!

(Unashamed Love by Ten Shekel Shirt)

6. This is meant to be a fun question, and this is a G-rated blog, but please share a “guilty pleasure,” something that you enjoy that’s probably not the most edifying, time-worthy or healthy thing you could be indulging in. Did I mention--G rating?

Facebook.

7. What Thanksgiving food are you looking forward to?

Absolutely all of it! Sweet potato casserole, turkey, sweet corn, ham, green beans with shaved almonds, moist rolls, fruit salad, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie...

8. What is your favorite book to read to children, or what was your favorite childhood book?

The Cul-de-sak Kids by Beverly Lewis. Loved them! It was a series of 24 books, and I had at least 20 of them -- bought them 2 or 3 at a time from a Christian children's book magazine from school. I wish I had kept them, but I'm afraid we probably sold them at a rummage years ago. :(

9. Do you collect anything? (Feel free to post a photo.)

Elephants! Inspired by my granddad who was a missionary and a world-traveler.

He's been gone 15 years this month and I miss him everyday. :(

Come back tomorrow to read the story of each elephant!

(No disclaimer. I promise it will be posted tomorrow. It is already drafted!)


10. Gift bags or wrapping paper?

Wrapping paper absolutely, except for the occasional atrociously odd-shaped gifts.

11. Share an after-school memory from when you were younger. What was your routine like on an average day?

In junior high I had volleyball or basketball practice after school, and in high school I had soccer or track practice. In elementary, Mom always picked up Jessie (twin sis.) and I, and we went home. We played Super Nintendo and N64; watched Full House, Family Matters, The Cosby Show, Home Improvement; and read lots of books. We ate dinner as a family. Played in the yard with 2 neighbor boys Josh & Luke, road our bikes, and went to church on Wednesday nights.

12. True story: Once, in a job interview, I was asked this question and told there would be no clarifying; I simply had to answer the question: “When you’re fishing, do you feel for the fish?” So what about you? When you're fishing, do you feel for the fish??

Yes, I'm pretty sure that I do; but without clarification, I couldn't tell you for sure! HA.