It’s Monday…I’ve Got Nothing To Say…

 

I got this idea from my friend Mandi, who I believe got it from here. And I’m stealing shamelessly from her because I need a kick start for my brain this Monday.

 

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Warm-ish but overcast and kinda humid.

Things that make me happy:
Wearing flip flops. Garage sales. Date nights with my hubby. Giggling with Lily. Reading a good book. Vanilla Coke. Grilling. Target :)

Book I'm reading:
The Bridegrooms by Allison K. Pittman and Common Sense by Glenn Beck

What I'm enjoying on TV:
The Mentalist

On the menu for dinner:
Chicken and Rice Casserole, Green Beans, Applesauce

On my To Do List:
I think a better question might be what’s not on my To Do List…last week’s procrastination has become this week’s work. At the top of the list?
*clean out fridge
*organize pantry
*laundry (wash, dry, fold, put away)

 

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
Last week we had Tortilla Crusted Tilapia. Um…yum! I’m sooo not a fish person, but this was good. And the best thing? Picky little Lily gobbled it right up!

 

In the craft basket:
I’m a little proud to say that there are actually some projects in my {hypothetical} craft basket:
*A mini curtain {for our sidelight window}
*This Jute Vase {for…somewhere, not sure where yet}
*Hemp Ball Accents {for our bedroom}

Looking forward to this week:
Playdates! Emily and her girls tomorrow, and my little niece and nephew on Wednesday!

 

My favorite blog post this week:
Well, it’s only Monday…so I haven’t read very many yet. But I recently read this old post over at Small Notebook {love!} about organizing {imagine that!} and thought it was sooo good. My favorite quote:

”If you organize to perfection, then you’re not organizing to make your life better, you’re living your life to organize, and nobody needs that.”

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):

Small Notebook
and
Make It and Love It

 

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

Sorry…can’t be completely wordless – this is my favorite family picture taken by my good friend Katie, who happens to be one of the most talented photographer’s I know. We just got a huge print of this that she had displayed in her studio for awhile and now I get to decide where to hang it. I can’t wait to get it on the wall!

Lesson learned the past few days:
Not really something new, but I was reminded how important it is to keep the right priorities in place and at the top of the list must be my relationship with the Lord.

 

On my mind:
Honestly? All the cleaning I have to do this week. I’m not looking forward to doing it, but I am looking forward to it being done.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

Reading in Acts 14 about how Paul gets stoned almost to death and then turns right back around and goes back into the very same city he was stoned in! From my devotional book:

“Sometimes we want to get back to where life is comfortable or where we have a lot of support from the people around us. And God is gracious to provide such seasons when we need them. But there are times when the calling He has placed on us dictates the hard path, the painful endurance, the pouring out instead of the drinking in.”

Hmmm…that’s kind of one of those “truths that I wish wasn’t true.” Makes me even more anxious to spend eternity in heaven though, away from the troubles of this world!

Hope you have a great Monday!

Random Dozen, Valentine’s Day Style

It’s been awhile since I linked up for one of these so I thought I’d give it a go this week:

1. Are you pleasant when you're ill, or are you a grumpy, fussy patient?
Unfortunately for my husband, I am a grumpy, fussy patient. I like to be babied and doted on taken care of.

2. When you find out that school is canceled (due to inclement weather) what is your gut reaction?
Well it doesn’t really affect me now, but when I was working at the middle school, my gut reaction was YES! SLEEP!

3. What is one domestic skill you wish you could improve?
Oh, too many to count, but I’ll go with sewing, due to my recent disaster project.

4. Do you decorate your home for Valentine's Day?
No. I just don’t have any decorations and can’t justify spending the money on them. Wait. I take that back. I have a dish towel:

5. What song is on your mind today?
This song – because it should be the prayer of my heart, but I know it’s not where I am right now. Particularly in light of the recent home going of a friend’s husband – would I be able to sing this song as a widowed mother at age 26? I don’t know. But I know the words of this song are true: “You are good when I’m poor and needy. You are true when I’m parched and dry…You’re still God in the darkest night.” Such good, good lyrics.


Speaking of good lyrics – I just have to put in a plug here for Sovereign Grace Music. Their songs are chock full of good, solid truth. I can’t get enough of them! This is another of my most recent favorites that we sang in church last Sunday:

6. Do you prefer contemporary movies or classic?
No preference, really.

7. How well do you "compartmentalize" your feelings? For example, how well can you put aside a really trying moment to deal with the immediate situation which is not related to the trying moment, e.g., putting aside a tiff with your spouse in order to finish wallpapering a room.
Well, I know the ability to compartmentalize is  typically a male quality, but I’d say I’m pretty good at it – for a woman, anyway. I don’t think I’m super emotional.

{Please don’t talk to my husband about this. He might give you a different answer :) }

8. What is the first thing that attracted you to your spouse? (Or if you're single, to your best friend.)
His kindness. Even before I started thinking about dating him, I thought he was hands down the nicest guy I’d ever met.

Oh, and if we’re talking physical traits – his dimples :) I’m probably going to get in trouble for saying that on the Internet :)

9. When was the last time your heart raced? Just this morning when my 16 month old got halfway up our {very steep} flight of stairs before I noticed. Yeah. I’m am awesome mom :-\

10. What are your memories of Valentine's Day at school? I remember making mailboxes in elementary school to hold all our Valentine’s. It was always kind of a competition to see who could make the most creative one. And I remember painstakingly trying to pick platonic Valentine’s to give to the boys in my class.

11. If you were going to receive candy for Valentine's Day, which would you prefer?
I was just talking to Dave about this – we saw one of these commercials for Russell Stover’s:

 And I told him he could just skip the heart shaped box and give me a big old bag of these:

Or these – milk chocolate, not dark – mmmmm…. 
12. Red or pink?
 PINK! What can I say? I’m a girly girl :)

Click on the button above to visit Linda and see more Random Dozen answers!

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!!

All {Mama} Wants For Christmas…

So…I normally don’t blog twice in one day…

…and I swear to you I don’t spend all day on my computer…

…but I saw this fun giveaway from Today’s Mama on Rachel’s blog and couldn’t resist entering.

Mama’s Holiday Wish List Meme

TodaysMama and Provo Craft are giving away a sleighful of gifts this holiday season and to enter I’m sharing this meme with you.

1. What 5 items are on your holiday wish list this year?
Well, since we’re following our new little formula, I’ve got four:

SOMETHING I WANT:

Hobby Lobby Gift Card – I’ll take one of everything they have in the store please :)

SOMETHING I NEED:

• Oxo Pop Top Storage Containers – we’re defining “need” pretty loosely, but if you’ve seen the state our pantry is in, I think you’d agree that this qualifies.
  
  
  SOMETHING TO WEAR:
• Gap Long and Lean Jeans, Dark Wash-- {size 6 Long in case anyone is interested in purchasing them for me ;) }
  
  
  SOMETHING TO READ:
• Subscription to All You magazine – one of my favorite magazines, it’s entertaining without dragging your mind through the gutter, {read nothing like Cosmo} and full of useful information. Plus it has loads and loads of coupons! Score!
  
• The Pioneer Woman Cooks – I’m particularly interested in her selection of what she calls “man-pleasin’” recipes. So is Dave :)
  

2. What is your favorite handmade gift you have received?
This might be horrible – but I can’t think of any!

3. What handmade gift have you always wanted to tackle?
I don’t know if I’d say I’ve always wanted to tackle this but I’ve been eyeing this Envelope Photo Book for awhile. I’m not very crafty though so I doubt it’d turn out like that.

4. What was the best Christmas gift you received as a child?
I’ll never forget when I got my first cell phone. I was a senior in high school, and when I tore off the wrapping paper and saw the cell phone box I just thought it was an empty box my parent’s were using to put a different gift in. I was so excited when I realized they were actually giving me a phone!

Funny how now it’s pretty standard for every middle school student to have a cell phone.
 
5. What items are on your kid’s wish list this year?
She’s 1– she’ll be happy if we let her play with the wrapping paper and bows. Here’s what I want to get her :)

6. What is your favorite holiday food?
I like it all :)

Honestly though? I think I like all the fun appetizers and dips more than the sweet stuff.

7. What will you be hand-crafting for the holidays?
This sort of assumes that I’m hand-crafting something which I am not. But I’d like to try to make this Advent calendar next year.

Come to think of it…I should probably just start it now, it’ll probably take me all year to finish…

8. What is your favorite holiday movie?
I have so many, it’s hard to choose! I love the {clean, edited TV version} of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Rudolph. Frosty. White Christmas. And last year I watched It’s a Wonderful Life for the first time. Good flick! ;)

9. Favorite holiday song?
Again, I have so many, it’s hard to pick just one!

Hymn: Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne and O Holy Night {Point of Grace’s arrangement of this is amazing}

Modern Song: Joseph’s Lullaby {Mercy Me} and Welcome to Our World {Chris Rice}

Secular: It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas and White Christmas

10. Favorite holiday pastime?
Well apart from the time we have to relax and spend time with our families, I love putting up the Christmas tree. When I was a kid we always decorated the tree the day after Thanksgiving. We would play Christmas music and drink egg nog and then when it was all done, we’d always sit around the tree and listen to my dad read us the Christmas story from the Bible. I want to carry that tradition on for our kids in our family!

I also love looking at Christmas lights!

And the children’s Christmas program at church!

And the Christmas Eve service!

Have I mentioned that Christmas is my favorite holiday? :)

Check out Today’s Mama to see how you can join the giveaway fun too!

Random Dozen: {Insert Creative Title Here}

1. Which Wizard of Oz character are you most like?
   If I’m being really brutally honest here, the Tin Man – because sometimes it’s like I have no heart. God has really been hammering away at me about my compassion {or lack thereof} for other people this past year. That analytical, logical, practical, judgmental side gets the best of me time after time.
   
   And while we’re being brutally honest here…you could probably also say the Scarecrow, because my brain? She’s not what she used to be…
   
   
2. When you're deciding what you're going to wear each morning, which item do you select first? Why?
   This is assuming I’m actually taking the time to assemble some sort of outfit instead of just throwing on the warmest most comfortable thing I can find, right? I pick the shirt first.
   
   
3. What kind of animal do you think the world could live without?
   Snakes. Spiders. Mosquitoes. Really just bugs in general
   
   
4. How many Christmas trees are in your home?
   Two! One “pretty” tree in the living room and then our little artificial tree in the basement, for sentimental value – we got it the first year we were married and it holds all our family ornaments.
   
   
5. Would you prefer to be emotionless if it mean you didn't have to feel a heartbreak?
   And miss out on all the good emotions? Not a chance. What’s that quote? “Better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all.”
   
   
6. Do you ever experience holiday let-down or depression?
   Not depression, per se, but definitely let-down, every year after Christmas. Cold weather and snow just aren’t as fun without all the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
   
   
7. Do you like Michael Jackson's music?
   With the exception of Thriller, nope, I don’t. I don’t even really know many of his songs.
   
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?
   Good question – like it’s so vain to get a nose job but braces and teeth whitening are perfectly acceptable? I don’t have a good answer for that one.
   
   
9. Enjoy horseback riding?
   I could take it or leave it. The last time I rode a horse was at a summer camp I was working at one week during college. We rode on this trail where there was only enough room for one horse at a time and the horse in front of me kept farting. It was not a pleasant experience.
   
   
10. Shoes--practical or stylish?
    Kinda depends on the activity. I’m not gonna go for a jog in my high heels but I’m also not going to wear my tennies to church. Although I have been known to go get the mail in my slippers.
    
    
11. What was the name of your first pet? Feel free to post a pic.
    Cookie, a black and white dog we had when we lived in Pennsylvania. Her mom’s name was Oreo :)
    
    
12. What percentage of your Christmas shopping is done?
    I have no idea. I’m not close to being done, I can tell you that!

Hop over to Linda’s for more Random Dozen fun!

Random Dozen: Hi, My Name Is Marie Rockville

1. If you could master one sport, what would it be?
   Definitely volleyball. I played from 6th grade all the way through my freshman year of college. I was decent, but never a standout player, but oh my did I LOVE to play {still do}. If I could play the way I've always wanted to, it would just be that much more enjoyable.
   
   
2. When you make a major purchase, do you go with your gut instinct, or do you do research to make an informed decision? Research, research, research. Almost to the point where it's annoying :)
   
   
3. There is an old kids' game that says you can find out what your movie star name would be by using your middle name as your first name and the name of the street you grew up on as your last. What is your movie star name?
   I've actually been asked this question before and it's a bit of an inside joke {which I do not care to share on here} but I know this is going to make some of my college girlfriends giggle (right Beck? :) Anyway. I have a good one -- Marie Rockville. I consider Rockville to be the street I grew up on, although my parents actually moved when I was in college -- but Marie North Ninth just doesn't have the same ring to it ;)
   
   
4. Would you rather give up your favorite music or your favorite food?
   Umm..music? No, food. I don't know. Neither.
   
   
5. There are two types of banana preferences. One is pristine yellow, almost to the point of being green; the other is spotty and more ripe. Which is your preference?
   Pristine yellow please :) I don't like the mushy-ness of ripe bananas. When they get that way, they go straight into the trash some banana bread.
   
   
6. Your favorite tree is?
   Hmm...never thought about that. There are some trees in front of the middle school where I used to work that are GORGEOUS though. I don't know what they're called, but they have these beautiful flowers in the spring and then turn vibrant red and orange in the fall. I'd like to plant one in our front yard to replace this tree.
   
   
7. On a scale of 1-10, how tech savvy are you?
   I'd say 5. Truthfully, I think I do a good job of looking like I know more than I do. I don't have a lot of technical knowledge, but if I want to do something, I can usually just mess around with it until I figure it out. But I don't think that anyone who takes 10 minutes to write a 5 word text message can really consider themselves a "techie" can they?
   
   
8. Has H1N1 touched your family? Nope, not even my extended family has had it {knock on wood}
   
   
9. Are you an analytical person, or do you just accept things the way they are without questioning or scrutinizing? Analytical. Again, sometimes almost to the point that it's annoying.
   
   
10. Is your personality more like that of a dog, cat, or Koala?
    Um...never thought about that. I don't think I'm uppity the way a cat is...but I'm not quite happy go lucky like a dog. So I guess by default that would make me a koala...but what kind of personality does a koala have?
    
    
11. Do you keep in touch with friends you made years ago?
    Does keeping touch include Facebook? Because if so, then yes. I have over 400 friends I am keeping in touch with :)
    
    I do have several very close friends from college who I keep in touch with regularly. We try to get together at least once a year and we email a lot.
    
    
12. You are checking out at a grocery store. In the express lane, there are more people than the regular lanes, but of course, their load is less than those in the regular lanes. Which lane do you choose (assuming you qualify for the express lane) and why?
    I'm kind of quirky about the grocery store. I blame it on the fact that I worked at one for 5 years in high school/college. When I pick a line, I like there to be at least one person ahead of me so I have time to organize my items on the conveyor belt {I know, am I a nerd or what?}
    
    I just remember always appreciating it when I was sacking groceries and people would have their stuff grouped with like items together. Frozen, cold, eggs with bread, meat, canned goods. It makes it easier to sack.
    
    It's ok. You can make fun of me. Dave does :)

Happy Wednesday!

Random Dozen: Party In the USA

Random Dozen time! Click on the button to hop over to Linda's and link up to the party if you'd like!

1. 
   
   What was the last song you listened to?
   Oh...you would ask this. It was Miley Cyrus "Party in the USA". And I don't even have a tweenager to blame it on. Yeah. 
   
   
   

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

1. 
   
   Have you ever had “buyer’s remorse” over anything?
   I'm truthfully not much of an "impulse" buyer, but yes, quite recently I have had buyer's remorse. We bought a set of end tables and coffee tables for our living room and now I don't like them. Boo.
   
   
   
2. 
   
   
   
   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)
   Well at the risk of being completely and totally misunderstood here -- the day I found out I was pregnant. **HEAR ME OUT** We wanted a baby and I was happy. But we weren't trying at the time and the timing of it really made me question what the Lord was doing.
   
   That morning we had had an offer for a teaching job for Dave -- different state, we wouldn't know anyone but we thought, we don't have kids or a house, we're mobile we could move. And it appeared to be a job he'd really enjoy.
   
   That evening we found out I was pregnant -- due in mid-September. Moving to a new town, switching insurance and doctors, and knowing basically nobody while 8 months pregnant suddenly didn't seem like a wise choice. We prayed and Dave declined.
   
   Again, please don't misunderstand -- I was thrilled to have a baby -- just wondering why God would choose that particular time in our lives. Looking back of course, I can see a whole host of reasons, not the least of which is this adorable little bundle of joy:
   
   
   
   I think it's safe to say neither of us would trade her for all the job opportunities in the world! God blessed us above and beyond our expectations when he gave us Lily!
   
   
   
My, that was a very long and revealing answer. I'll try not to be so windy from now on :)
3. Do you watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade every year? If so, do you have a favorite float or balloon?
   Not every year, but I do watch from time to time. No favorites.
   
   
4. Share a quote, scripture, poem or lyric which has been an inspiration to you lately.
   One of my favorite quotes of all time, from one of the greatest preachers of all time:
   "If sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them perish with our arms around their knees, imploring them to stay...let not one go there unwarned and unprayed for. - C.H. Spurgeon
   
   
5. 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?
   Unfortunately, pretty much all my guilty pleasures involve food. Chocolate. Vanilla Coke. Peanut Butter Oreos. The #5 from Jimmy John's. Burritos from Chipotle. I could go on...
   
   Oh yes, and I suppose you could also include listening to Miley Cyrus *sigh*
   
   
6. What Thanksgiving food are you looking forward to? Homemade turkey and stuffing. Last year Dave made it for my whole family and it rocked. Sorry ladies, he's taken :)
   
   
7. What is your favorite book to read to children, or what was your favorite childhood book?
   I had a lot of favorite books {still do} but I remember one in particular -- a Little Golden Book called "When You Were a Baby". The girl in the book's name is Amy, I thought that was pretty cool. My mom just gave me my old {tattered} copy and I've been reading it to Lily.
   
   
8. Do you collect anything? (Feel free to post a photo.)
   Not really...I guess I do sort of collect the Willow Tree figurines. But I don't get too crazy with them. Just a few here and there. I want to get the Nativity Set someday, but the price is a leetle steep for a one income family :)

9. Gift bags or wrapping paper?
   Both. Gift bags for showers and birthday presents, but wrapping paper for Christmas. I love pretty packages under the tree :)
   
   
10. Share an after-school memory from when you were younger. What was your routine like on an average day?
    Well, one of my parents always picked me up from school {usually my dad} and once I got home my mom would give me a snack, we'd talk about the day. I loved that she was always there. It's one of the reasons I wanted to stay at home someday.
    
    
11. 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??
    I think the real question is -- what in the world kind of job were you applying for Linda? :)

Happy Wednesday!

Back On The Bandwagon, Random Dozen #?

After a couple of weeks just reading other people's answers, I'm happy to be able to jump back on the Random Dozen Express. Thanks again for another round of thought provoking questions Linda!

1. It's early morning, about 2:00AM, and you're driving home. You come to a red light and sit there. There is no one in sight for miles around. Do you wait it out or run the light?
    Let's get something straight here -- I.AM.A.RULE.FOLLOWER. Period. I would wait. {Hmmm...do you think I struggle more with legalism or libertarianism?} My husband on the other hand, would probably go. Just one of many ways we are different -- we balance each other out.
   
   
2. If you had the chance to re-do the last 24 hours, would you change anything?
   There are plenty of days where I could answer this question with a "Yes" but today? I'd have to say "No". No regrets from the past 24 hours.
   
   
3. When you reply to someone's comment on your blog, do you reply in your comments or go to her blog and comment? (Or email her)
   I usually reply in the comments on my blog.
   
   
4. Your favorite Disney movie is:
   I think it's a toss up between The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. Sidenote: I don't think Disney movies are as good as they used to be. Does anyone else agree with me or is this just a sign that I'm getting old?
   
    
5. Do you recycle?
   I don't, which is really sad because in our state, they charge you a "bottle deposit" everytime you buy pop or bottled water and if I were to recycle it, I would get the money back. But I don't. It's not intentional, it's just not something I'm in the habit of doing.
   
   
6. Games of strategy or games of chance?
   For me with a game, the less thinking involved, the more fun it is. So probably games of chance. Strategizing just feels like work.
   
   
7. Do you have any recurring dreams?
   Not now but I did have this really weird dream when I was younger that the main level of our house was filled with water and we were trapped upstairs by scary mermaids. Seriously, I had that dream almost monthly for like, an entire year. Possibly I was watching too much of my favorite Disney movie. I don't know.
   
   
8. What did you learn from your first real job?
   Oh man. My first "real" job was the only job I've ever had that I think I can truthfully say I hated -- but on the flip side, I probably learned more there than I have at any other job.
   
   I learned that it's really difficult, if not impossible, for a manager to be everyone's friend and their boss at the same time.
   
   I learned that you can do your job well and some people will still hate you -- in fact, sometimes people will hate you because you do your job well.
   
   I learned that when you deal with upwards of 20 million dollars in mortgage payoff checks every day it is very, very important not to make mistakes.
   
   I learned that my husband makes a really good shoulder to cry on.
   
   I learned that I have a responsibility as a Christian to obey, submit and show respect to my employer regardless of whether or not I agree with or respect them.
   
   And I learned that at the end of the day what's really important is that God is pleased with the job you did. If it's not pleasing to Him, it's not a job well done.
   
   Oh yes, and I also learned that  sometimes a 15 minute break, a steaming hot Turtle Mocha, and a good friend to vent to can help you make it through the rest of your day without going completely insane.
   
   Can you tell my first job was just a wee bit stressful?
   
   
9.  Do you buy or borrow most books?
   Usually borrow then buy. I think buying a book without reading it is sort of like going on a blind date -- you're relying completely on someone else's recommendation and if you don't enjoy it, it ends up being a waste of money. If I'm interested in a book I get it from the library and read it, then if I like it enough, I buy it.
   
   And typically I buy more non-fiction than I do fiction -- theoretically so I can reference them, but realistically, I forget that I even have them and they collect dust in a box in our basement.
   
   
10. What fashion trend of the past did you say you'd never wear again but did?
    I remember my freshman year of high school when capri pants were really starting to come into style I thought they were so strange looking and I swore I'd never wear them. Ten years, twenty pounds, and one pregnancy later I am a proud owner of 13 pairs of capris. I'd pick them over shorts any day.
    
    Also, I might be changing my mind about skinny jeans. I can't believe I just said that.
    
    
11. When do you start Christmas shopping?
    Never early enough. I'm a procrastinator.
    
    
12. Have you ever been so happy that you literally jumped up and down for a few seconds? If so, what was the occasion?
    I can think of a couple of times -- one when I got my first car {It was red! And it had a sunroof! And a spoiler! Also an engine and four tires and a steering wheel but those were just minor details}
    
     The other was when I got engaged. Lots of jumping up and down and waving my hands and crying and smiling and laughing. Good times :)

Happy Wednesday!!

Random Dozen #3

It's Random Dozen Time again! {Does this picture make anyone else crave donuts or is it just me?}

1. Tell me the absolute best way to watch a movie. I like to be cozy under a blanket snuggling with my hubby on our couch.
   
   
2. Do you ever think about your own funeral? If so, do you have specific ideas about how you would like it to be? Not all the time, but yes I have given it some thought. I've actually thought a lot about what songs I would want to have sung -- is that weird? I'd want it to include a crystal clear presentation of the gospel and be a celebration of the fact that I'm home with Jesus. And I'd want them to sing "Blessed Be the Name of the Lord". It's one of my favorite songs, and a great worship song to sing in a time of suffering!
    
3. Are you more of a giver or a taker? I like giving gifts but I'd be lying if I didn't say I like receiving them equally...or more. My selfishness is a part of the flesh that I am CONSTANTLY struggling with.
    
4. Vacations: planned activities and schedules, or play it by ear?A little of both! For me, vacation is all about relaxing so I like to have options of things to do -- but not necessarily a scheduled itinerary.
   
    
5. What is one often overlooked item in your home that needs to be cleaned regularly?I'm with Rachel on this one -- the ceiling fans. I got one of those nifty Swiffer extendo-dusters in the hopes that it would help me remember to dust up there every week.
    
6. Name a cause that means a lot to you.Our church has an incredible ministry called Wee Ones that reaches out to needy families in our area. All year we collect baby and maternity items and then one day in September we have a giant giveaway. Needy people line up from all over line up and wait for hours to come and receive things for their babies that they desperately need. The BEST part is that each and every person who walks through the doors of the church is given a Bible and sits down to talk with someone who gives them a clear presentation of the gospel. Meeting their physical needs in this way has opened up incredible doors for opportunities to reach these people spiritually!
    
7. Do you eat a regular old peanut butter jelly sandwich, or do you customize it? And by the way, jelly or no jelly? Are there really people who eat peanut butter and jelly without the jelly? I must have jelly. Although I do like peanut butter and honey as well.
   
   
8. If we were having a conversation in person, how would I know if you were nervous? When I'm nervous I make it my goal to not have ANY AWKWARD SILENCES which means I talk a lot and fast and I often find myself saying things all the while thinking ("Shut up, Shut up, SHUT UP!").
   
   
9. Do you have an elaborate bedtime routine, or just the basics of toothbrushing and jammies? Pretty much just the basics.
   
   
10. Have you ever regretted something you wrote on your blog? Not that I can think, no.
    
    
11. Has anyone ever told you that you look like a famous person or celebrity? Did you agree? It's funny you should ask...the answer is yes, I have been told I look like a particular celebrity several times, especially recently:

Very large male stranger in the grocery store approaches me pointing his finger: Julia Stiles! Julia Stiles!

Me (uneasily): Huh?

Stranger: You look just like Julia Stiles!

*********

Random waiter at a nice Italian restaurant: You look like that girl! That girl in the movie, with the dancing. And that other movie with the teenagers!

Me: Uh...Julia Stiles?

Waiter: Yeah Julia Stiles! That's who you look like!

********

Cashier at Target: "Has anyone ever told you that you look like..."

Me: Julia Stiles? Yes, I've been told.

Cashier: Yeah, Julia Stiles! It's uncanny!

Uncanny? Really? I don't know if I'd go that far. In fact, I don't really think I look like her at all -- you be the judge:

Me

Julia Stiles

I mean, I guess we do both have blonde hair. And you know us blondes, we all pretty much look the same :)

I did have a friend in high school who looked uncannily like Julia Stiles, and I would show you her picture except that I haven't talked to her in several years and I don't know that she'd appreciate me plastering her face all over the Internet. Just trust me on this one though, if anyone looked like Julia Stiles, it was Jodi...not me.

12. If you were going to dedicate a song to a loved one or friend, what would the song be and to whom would it be dedicated? This isn't something I've given a ton of thought to, but I absolutely love the song "Then" by Brad Paisley, and I would dedicate it to my husband because it makes me think of him every single time I hear it.

Visit Linda for more Random Dozens!

Random Dozen Numero Dos

 

It's time again for the Wednesday Random Dozen with Linda! Last week was so much fun I decided to link up again. If you have a blog, you should too -- I'd love to hear all your answers! Here we go:

1. Please share one middle school memory. It can be good, bad, ugly, funny. Pictures or words, I don't care, just share. Oh, you don’t want to see pictures. Just imagine a short, scrawny skinny knobby kneed thin girl with some…unfortunate hair. Memories...let's see... well in my 7th grade choir class someone set one of the girls hair on fire with a lighter. That was pretty interesting.
   
   
2. What's your favorite Beatles song? Um…I hate to say this…to some this probably seems sacrilegious…but I don’t…have one. To be honest, I don’t know if I can even name one for sure. “Hey Jude” comes to mind -- is that the Beatles? You see? I don’t even know. **Please don’t hate me**
    
3. If I asked you to describe your most comfortable outfit, what would it be? If we’re just judging on comfort here and fashion isn’t figured into the equation AT.ALL…anything with an elastic waist band and some sort of loose fitting top. So basically...anything from my maternity wardrobe. Sounds pretty sexy, huh?
    
4. Would you rather host a party or be a guest? I like hosting -- but I think I like being a guest more. Less responsibility and less worry -- more time to enjoy the company you’re with.
    
5. Do you think we will move completely from traditional books to digital ones, and if we do, are you OK with that? I don’t know -- I think it’s definitely headed in that direction -- I’ve never read a digital book so I can’t say for sure if I’d like it or not.
    
6. Do you learn best by reading, listening or experiencing? Well…I guess I’m sort of a combo of all three -- but I’m probably mostly an experiential. I’m very visual.
    
7. If you are (or when you were) single, what is the kiss of death for you concerning the opposite sex? (That is, what is one trait or behavior or habit or anything at all that immediately turns you off from considering that person a potential match for you?) Well, on the spiritual side of things -- if  he wasn't a fellow believer that is an immediate no. On the more superficial side...any guy shorter than me. Nothing against short guys, I'm just on the tall side for a girl and I've always been self conscious about it. Dave is the perfect height :)
    
8. Snacks. Salty or sweet? Both. Sometimes together. Candy corn with peanuts is one of my favorite fall treats.
    
9. Look around you in a four foot radius. What object is around you that you didn't realize was there or forgot was there? How long has it been there? Well…this is sad…but my 5 lb. weights. They’ve been collecting dust sitting next to my 30 Day Shred DVD. Do I have to tell you how long they’ve been there?
    
10. What is your favorite Tom Cruise movie? Ack. Again, at the risk of being ostracized from the culture at large…I don’t have one. The only Tom Cruise movie I’ve ever seen was War of the Worlds. So there, I guess it’s War of the Worlds.
     
11. You buy a bottle of shampoo and discover that you don't like what it does to your hair at all. What do you do with that full bottle? Use it to shave my legs. My mom taught me that trick when I was in middle school -- conditioner is really better but shampoo will work too and it’s much cheaper than shaving cream.
    
12. Your favorite Fall comfort food? (Last week it was beverage.) A big pot of steaming hot chili…mmm…. 

Once again, thanks Linda! I don’t know how you come up with such fun questions every week!

Random Dozen

 
Linda over at 2nd Cup of Coffee has been doing this "Random Dozen" meme the past couple of weeks and I've been having so much fun reading other people's answers, I've decided to give it a stab myself this week.

1. Which is worse: a long, boring meeting or standing in a return/exchange line after Christmas? Mmm...I would say a long, boring meeting. At least when you're standing in line you don't have to act like you are interested. You can daydream without fear.
   
   
2. Except for maybe Rosie O'Donnell or Ann Coulter, nobody likes confrontation, yet we all have to deal with it. When you feel cornered and defensive, do you "bite back" or become passive aggressive? I guess it depends on who is confronting me. If it's someone I am comfortable with (like my husband) I tend to "bite back" (sorry babe). With others, I think I tend to be more passive aggressive.
   
   
3. Do you know anything about your genealogical background? (What country, culture, ties to prominent historical figures, or other stuff.) Like many Americans, I'm a "mutt" -- but I have a lot of German and Norwegian in me which explains my blonde hair and fair skin. My dad's side of the family came from England -- apparently my ancestors "owned" a town that bears their name and it is still there today. On my mom's side, my ancestors owned a castle that is supposedly still there today as well. I would LOVE to someday go and visit those places. Oh yes, and I am distantly related to Mark Twain. That must be where I get my, ahem, writing ability *cough*.
   
   
4. What is the quickest way a person can endear him/herself to you? I love people who share my sense of humor and make me laugh. And getting sincere compliments (whether about me or my family) never hurts :)
   
   
5. Cake, pie, cookies, or ice cream? (Note there is no "all of the above" option. You must choose one. Feel free to elaborate on flavor or memories tied to this dessert.) If you'd like, you can share a recipe, but you certainly don't have to. What? No all of the above?!? :) I guess I'd have to say pie then. I'm not a huge ice cream fan, I like cake at weddings and birthday parties and the right kind of cookie is ok, but I have lots of favorite pies. French silk, lemon meringue, pumpkin -- just nothing fruity.
   
   
6. Females: Do you regularly change your handbag to coordinate with your outfit? NO. I wish I was the kind of person who could do that but I am so blah when it comes to accesorizing. Plus it's so much work. Maybe if I get one of these though...
   
   
7. Are you task-oriented or relationship-oriented? I am very, very, task oriented. Having a child has made this abundantly clear. Have you ever tried to stay on task with a toddler in the house? God is definitely working on me in this area...I could stand to work on the relational aspect a lot more.
   
   
8. IHOP, Bob Evans or Cracker Barrel? IHOP. Two words: Stuffed French Toast. Oops, that's three words. Well, anyway, you get the point.
   
   
9. Have you ever left a movie in progress in a theater? Why? Only once and it wasn't because it was a bad movie or anything -- Dave and I had attempted to go to a movie while Lily was a newborn. We thought, "She'll sleep through it, she sleeps through everything!" Mmm...not so much.
   
   
10. What is one area of life in which you would like to develop more discipline or organization? Discipline: my quiet time and exercise. Organization: our pantry -- it's gotten a little out of control. Lately I've been afraid to go in there because I'm scared I'll get lost and never find my way out...
    
    
11. Was middle school fun or painful? A little of both. It was painful enough that I wouldn't want to go back and relive it. They don't call them the awkward years for nothing.
    
    
12. What is your favorite Fall beverage? Do you really even need to ask? Pumpkin Spice Latte all the way.

Thanks Linda, this was fun! {Go visit her blog for more}