Random (And Sometimes Dirty) Dozen

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It's time for one of those "I don't feel like exposing my flaws and insecurities - or thinking too hard - so I'm going to do a meme" posts.

Ehhh ... what can I say??


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

I do NOT do garage sales. Here's the deal ...

I am not a "shopper," I am a "buyer." I don't browse stores for hours. I find no pleasure in going to a mall. I don't walk into a store unless I have a specific purchase in mind and I know that store has it.

Garage sales make me crazy. They are seldom organized (all of one type of item in one place, clear pricing, etc.), garage sale customers seem to lose their "nice" and I'm not patient enough to sort through the junk to find a treasure.

Like I said, I'm not a "shopper."

2. Name the last thing you fixed.

The last thing I fixed was the charging cord for Cam's phone. We have chewing cats and they seem to love phone charging cords. Cam left his phone in a spot where the cord was laying on the floor and one of the cats went to town on it.

I got out the wire strippers and the electrical tape and saved the cord!

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

*BEGIN RANT*
I'm guessing that because I'm a woman I should be answering the make-up question however I hate make-up and wish the social norm would be sans makeup. Makeup is nothing more than false advertising.
*END RANT*

So that leaves me with naming my favorite tool, the G-rated answer to that would be this:


I keep it in my car and it has proven quite useful on several occasions ... especially the bottle opener!

The R-rated answer? Two words - Turtle Frenzy.

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

The rooms that I have "control" over are quite organized (there's a surprise) so that leaves the one room that I have absolutely no control over - Cam's bedroom. 14-year old boy. Need I say more?

5. Which room could use re-decorating?

Redecorating?? Ehhh ... probably the kitchen/dining room area. I don't have any pictures on the walls or anything - it's just very sterile apartment looking.

6. Share something unique about your town.

Prior to its now incorporated name, my village was known as "Henpeck."

7. If you could send a one-sentence message to your great-grandchild, what would it be?

Don't take life too seriously because it is far too short to fret over!

8. Do you Facebook?

I do Facebook ... kind of. I probably update my status once every week or two, but I play Bejeweled daily. I had good intentions with Facebook (to keep family in the loop) but I've just never gotten too into it. Far too much drama.

9. Describe your favorite shoes.

Really? People have favorite shoes? I buy what's on sale and what fits my size 11 feet. Sensible, practical and comfortable are my favorite adjectives for shoes.

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

I seldom listen to radio, even in the car. I prefer quiet reflection.

There is a station on at work all day. I hear it, but don't listen to it, and couldn't even tell you what genre of music they play.

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

Hmmmm ...

A favorite meal prepared by a restaurant? I'd say 2 hours would be my max driving time.

A favorite meal prepared by a friend? I'll make it a 3-day weekend and drive 14+ hours!

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

Working. Now I feel guilty - thanks a lot Random Dozen!

*hangs head in shame*

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Random Dozen

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

Buying a vacuum. I know ... I know ... this seems a little odd, but one area I procrastinate heavily in is spending money. I'm a saver, not a spender. Any time I am spending $50 or more on any single item I want to make sure I am getting the most for my money. Thanks to a random act of kindness from a fellow blogger, I've had the "opportunity" to make this purchase for a few months now. I felt an obligation to spend wisely to insure my purchase was worthy of the gift. Yesterday I hit the purchase button.

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

I am one of those people who can fall asleep in seconds - if I'm tired - and I can fall asleep anywhere.

Staying asleep is another issue. I cannot remember the last time I slept through the night. Waking 3-4 times during the night is my normal.

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

Well, since it doesn't have to be a decade I actually lived in, I'd go for the 50's. That decade just seems to be classic in fashion ... with the exception of poodle skirts!

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

Hmmmm ... thinking ...

I make a mean beef enchilada and although the prep is fairly extensive, I can assemble a tray of them fairly quickly. They are always a hit!

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

Odd ... I didn't read this question until after answering the first one.

I am NOT an impulse shopper and can't even remember the last time I purchased something that wasn't planned. I don't even impulse buy when grocery shopping.

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

That everyone drinks, eats and laughs too much! Oh ... and that people actually show up!

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

My joy was the smell of the blooming lilacs outside my apartment.

8. What is your favorite type of bread?

Any! Seriously, I don't think they make a bread I don't like. If they do, I haven't found it.

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

Apathy. Without a doubt.

10. What trait would you like most to develop?

Reckless abandon, but I'd settle for a bit of spontaneity.

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

Right now, none. The apartment is furnished minimally and contains only the essentials for daily living. In the old house? The kitchen. It was designed as a family gathering spot - where food and love were served in abundance.

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

Balance? What's balance? Is that anything like normal?

I am much better about it than I was say ... a year ago? Blogging (and generally time on the internet) was an escape from an unhappy home life. Now I do it when I feel like it and most of the pressure to perform every day has gone away.

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Random Dozen

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... because I'm functioning on very little sleep and would prefer to not have to think too much ...

1. Define a great relationship.

I cannot begin to tell you how ironic this question is at this particular moment in my life.

In my perfect world a great relationship is built on communication, trust, mutual respect, understanding, empathy, loyalty and unconditional love - communication being the foundation of all of those other qualities and likely the most difficult component to master.

2. Why is it called a "drive-through" if you have to stop? (Real question: What was the last food/drink you purchased at a drive-through?)

Let's see, last Sunday morning (laundry day), McDonald's #1 (Egg McMuffin) with a large coffee - 1 Splenda, 2 creams. They like me at McDonald's because I know what I want when I get to the speaker and I answer all of their questions (i.e. "What would you like in your coffee?") before they even have to ask them. I take great pride in my drive-through efficiency. Matt-Man would be so proud!

3. As I type this, the Butler Bulldogs are getting ready to play in the NCAA championship game. Every Hoosier is hysterical about this except me. So in honor of the Bulldogs ... what is your favorite breed of dog? (I tried.)

I am partial to Golden Retrievers - loyal and loving - two of the qualities I look for in all relationships!

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

Probably Washington. The older I get the more I realize the value of family ... and I miss mine!

5. If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?

I was tempted to go for the "I wouldn't change anything because then I wouldn't be me" spiel, but the truth is there is one thing I really don't like about me and I believe it would have been a non-issue had my upbringing been different. I wish I had grown up receiving unconditional love.

I have grown so weary of feeling like I always have to "earn" love and friendship - wondering what it is I'll screw up "this time" that will push people away - always questioning if I really am deserving of love and friendship. I can't imagine (really - I can't) what it would be like to know and believe - without a doubt - that I was good enough.

6. Who's the funniest person you know?

In "real" life? Wow ... I don't know any people that I would describe as funny. If that's not telling, I'm not sure what is.

If we include know like in the blog sense know, I could easily say Jay. He regularly cracks me up not only in his blog posts, but on Twitter as well.

7. Did you get enough sleep last night?

No. Since moving into the apartment four months ago, insomnia has been my constant companion. I fall asleep fairly easy, but wake up three, four ... sometimes even more times each night. I cannot remember the last time I slept through even a 3-hour stretch of time.

8. What's the first thing you thought about this morning?

When I officially got out of bed, or the first time I woke up "in the morning" (2:13 AM)? When I got out of bed my first thought was COFFEE. At 2:13 AM I was considering ways I might be able to repair a situation that took an unexpected - and completely undesired - turn yesterday.

9. Grilled or Fried? --HONESTLY

Grilled ... with only a rare exception. I like my meat to taste like the meat it is, not the coating it's covered in.

10. Are you afraid of the dark?

Ummm ... I do have night-lights in all of my rooms.

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

Most of you already know this - my first career choice was an attorney. Then I had the silly notion that I could make a living in music performance. When reality smacked me up along side the head I changed my college major to engineering.

That worked until I dropped out of college, gave up on dreams and opted for practicality, focusing on a career in something I was actually good at - accounting.

Then I dared to dream again and considered a medical career but was too afraid I'd fail and let go of that dream. When I finally went back to college (at 40), I did pursue the initial dream (kind of) and completed my degree in paralegal studies. And where am I now? Back in my comfort zone doing something I'm good at (accounting) but have absolutely no passion for.

12. If you had one word to describe yourself , what would you choose?

Simple, as in childlike: exhibiting childlike simplicity and credulity; "childlike trust"; "dewy-eyed innocence"; "listened in round-eyed wonder" ... not simple as in dim-witted: lacking mental capacity and subtlety ... although some might disagree with that.

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Random Dozen

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1. What is your favorite sign of Spring?

Leaves ... big, green leaves! Most of the trees in northern Illinois are deciduous. We look at bare, brown branches for about 6 months out of the year. I get so excited when I start to see green again!

In case you are wondering ... no ... there is no green yet.

2. Did you remember to spring forward on March 14? If not, how did it impact your day?

I did, and I hated having to do it! I really wish we'd do away with Daylight savings time, especially now that we are only on "standard" time 4 months out of the year. The time change does little more than wreck havoc on my sleep schedule for the first few weeks.

3. If soil, time, talent and climate were no problem, what vegetable would you plant in a garden this year?

Am I supposed to pick just one? I'd like to grow an entire garden salad! I'd start with the greens: arugula, mizuna, tat soi, frisee, oakleaf, red chard, radicchio, mustard greens, and radicchio. Then I'd throw in some radishes, Vidalia onions, carrots, broccoli and cauliflower. Oh! And some sugar snap peas!

4. If soil, time, talent and climate were no problem, what fruit would you plant?

Apples, lots and lots of apples. Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Figi, Gala, Granny Smith and Honey Crisp

5. What is your least favorite insect?

I'm not a fan of anything with more than six legs which, by definition, indicates I don't mind insects but have an issue with arthropods - especially spiders, centipedes and silverfish!

Did I get a little too geeky with that answer?

6. March 22 was World Water Day. To celebrate, here are some water questions. Do you drink bottled water? If so, what brand?

I do not drink bottle water, however I will buy it on occasion if I know I have a water drinker coming to visit, and then I usually buy the store/least expensive brand.

7. Have you ever been somewhere that it was not safe to drink the local water? If so, how did you handle that?

There have been several times when I've lived somewhere in the US that had a "Boil Order" in place in which case I boiled the water! There were also a few times while in the Army that I Was somewhere that potable water was not available so we used our handy-dandy water purification kits on whatever water we could find. And no, I can't tell you where those places were or I'd have to kill you!

8. How many glasses of water do you drink per day?

About 2-gallons ... flavored with dark roasted coffee beans *grin*

9. March 24 is the birthday of Harry Houdini. Have you ever watched a professional magic show?

*thinking* *thinking* You know? I don't think I ever have.

10. Have you ever been a participant in a professional magic show (up on stage!)?

That would be a no!

11. March 24 is also the birthday of Steve McQueen and Clyde Barrow. Do you like Westerns or gangster movies? If so, what is your favorite?

I am definitely not a fan of Westerns, which I blame on my father who insisted they were the only "good" movies. I do like a good Gangster movie though; Pulp Fiction, Once upon a time in America, and Scarface are all favorites.

12. (Really random) What U.S. state that you've never visited would you like to visit someday?

There are several, but I think I'd chose Maine first!

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Random Dozen - PLINKO Edition

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I've been quite impressed with the Random Dozen questions week in and week out. This might just end up being a regular Wednesday event here. If nothing else, it's a nice way to break up the week ... well ... at least it is for me!

1. How old is the oldest pair of shoes in your closet?

The oldest pair of shoes in my closet are slippers. UGG slippers that I got free when I had the opportunity - through a former employer - to attend the grand opening of their new boutique store in Chicago. I don't think I'll ever be able to throw them away - they'll likely be the only pair of $100 slippers I'll ever own!

2. Did you buy Girl Scout cookies this year? If so, what variety?

I did buy Girl Scout cookies, and I bought the only two varieties worth having - Thin Mints and Trefoils (Shortbread). I'm a purist that way!

3. Do you know how to ballroom dance? If not, would you like to?

Ummm ... no and hell no! Any questions?

4. Were you a responsible child/teenager?

Define responsible. OK, maybe that answers the question. Growing up in an alcoholic family, you kind of have to be responsible as you are often "forced" to take on adult tasks. I was ultra responsible from the time I was 9 until I was 15. That's when my parents finally divorced and I went a bit off the grid ... so to speak.

5. How many of this year's Oscar-nominated movies did you see?

None. Not a single one. I have not been to the movies in over a year. I'll probably watch Blindside when it becomes a Lifetime movie though!

6. If you're going to have a medical procedure done, such as having blood drawn, is it easier for you to watch someone else having the procedure done or have it done yourself?

Let me have it done and let me watch! Actually, I just want to watch, it doesn't matter who's having the procedure done. Does that make me a voyeur.

7. What is your favorite day of the week and why?

Here we go with the favorites again ... I'm starting to think my lack of favorites might be a commitment issue.

That said, Wednesdays. Why Wednesdays? It's the night I volunteer for the middle school ministry. It's the night I spend with about 300 middle schoolers. It's the one night when I feel like Cam and I really matter and are loved. That is a good feeling.

8. Do you miss anyone right now?

I do. I miss several people very, very much and am trying to come up with a plan and a timeline to get closer to at least a few of them.

9. Do hospitals make you queasy?

Not at all. I find hospitals fascinating!

10. At which store would you like to max-out your credit card. Not that you ever would, you responsible person, you.

Hmmmm ... Home Depot or Lowes. I'm not materialistic at all, but if I could make my home more comfortable and welcoming for my family, it would be worth maxing out a credit card.

11. Are you true to the brand names of products/items?

I'm brand loyal on very few things. In fact, I can think of only one item I won't deviate on - Kraft Macaroni & Cheese. The blue box is sacred.

12. Which is more difficult: looking into someone’s eyes when you are telling someone how you feel, or looking into someone’s eyes when he/she is telling you how he/she feels?

Looking into someone eyes ... period! I have to struggle to maintain eye contact. It's as if I've got metallic flakes in my eyeballs and a giant magnet attached to the top of my feet. OK, that was a little weird, but you know what I mean.

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Random Dozen

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I had a rough night last night (more on that later) so today I'm going with the no-brainer post!


1. Do you prefer even or odd numbers? Any particular reason?

Really? I cannot believe this is a Random Dozen question! Didn't I just talk about this Friday?

Speaking of Friday, who is the unloyal reader smartass who unfollowed me on Friday - leaving 99 followers - after reading my rantings about having an even number of followers?? Huh?? Huh?? Don't make me search through the ISP list and find you! Fess up!

Yeah ... so ... even numbers RULE!

2. On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being "not at all" and 10 being Carly Simon-worthy, how vain are you?

I would be a -5. I am many things, vain is not one of them ... most likely because I grew up with a mother who thought leaving the house without makeup was akin to clubbing baby seals.

3. Among these Irish stereotypes, with which do you identify most closely? Talkative, Proud, Inquisitive, Love to party, Hot-tempered

Hmmm ... I'd probably have to go with inquisitive, but none of those jump out and bite me in the ass. Rumor has it there is a splash of Irish in my German blood, but I'm thinking it must be more like a drop. That or the damn Nazi blood has committed a blitzkrieg on the potato farmers.

4. How lucky do you consider yourself?

Lucky? Is anyone really lucky? I tend to think more along the lines of you get what you deserve, and I obviously pissed off the karma fairies.

5. What is the subject of your favorite post that you've written?

I don't have a favorite post that I've written ... is that weird?

6. Describe March weather where you live in three words.

Winter isn't over.

7. How apt are you at detecting blarney when you hear it? (Smooth talk, flattery)

Those of us with a cynical bend tend to be over-achievers in detecting blarney when we hear it. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that my cynical bend is a least 90 degrees thus causing me to err on the side of "that's blarney" when anyone says anything nice.

8. How "green" are you, environmentally speaking?

Mint green. I recycle (usually) cans, glass and paper. I take packaging into consideration when making purchases. I occasionally remember to bring my reusable bags to the market. I could do better, but I'm waiting for the kelly green folks to make it easier.

9. What is your favorite song this week?

Favorite? Again? I don't usually have favorites in anything. Great ... now I'm starting to get a complex because I don't have favorites!

10. You are walking along and see a coin on the ground. What denomination does it have to be before you will stop to pick it up?

It depends on which day of the week it is. Payday is Thursday, so if it's Tuesday I'll pick up a dime. Saturday? It's got to be a quarter - I do laundry on Sunday!

11. Complete the sentence: "Every time I look outside my window ...."

... I examine the ground to see if Jay has left any footprints.

12. What was the #1 song on the day you were born? See this site to find out.

Rag Doll - The Four Seasons. Egads I'm old ...

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When All Else Fails

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*takes a big swig from the coffee cup*

It's one of those days, where motivation and original thought evade me, so instead I'll just answer a few questions from one of those weekly meme blogs that I keep in my reader ... just in case ... or is that Justin Case?? I hate that commercial.

Rambling ...

1. Have you ever fired a gun or shot a bow and arrow?

Ummm ... hello? I am a trained killer, remember? Not only have a fired a gun, I've launched a grenade! Bow & arrow? Does the booth at the Renaissance Fair count? It was actually much more difficult than I anticipated.

2. Do you know where your childhood best friends are?

I have always been a loner and never really "connected deeply" with my peers. Sad as it might sound, I don't even remember many of their names. I have, however, recently connected (via Facebook) with one of those childhood friends and if I can manage to follow the social rules of maintaining friendships, I hope to make the friendship a "keeper" this time!

3. Do you usually arrive early, late, or on time?

My motto? If you're not early, you're late. I despise being late and dealing with people who are chronically late. I consider it an extremely selfish act.

4. Are you more of a New York or California type?

California, without a doubt ... but NORTHERN California. And yes, there is a difference!

5. Do you have a special ring tone?

I do! Amazing Grace by Chris Tomlin

6. What is your favorite type of chip?

Jay's Sour & Dill. Nom ... nom ... nom ...

7. Best comedy you've ever seen is ....

Everyone knows I'm a little "odd" right?? I don't get most comedy. Sure, I'll laugh on occasion, but traditional comedy just seems senseless. That is not the case with The Big Bang Theory. I LOVE that show, probably because I get the characters.

8. Have you ever cut your own hair? To quote Dr. Phil, "How'd that work for ya?"

I often cut my own hair and it works out pretty darn good, thank-you-very-much! In fact, I'm considering investing in a flowbee, so there!

9. If you were going to have an extreme makeover, would you rather it be about your house or your personal self?

My personal self. I've always wondered what it would be like to be dressed appropriately. Fashion is another thing I just don't get.

10. Are you allergic to anything?

Penicillin and all derivatives of penicillin ... which is why I tend to be antibiotic-phobic. I figure I had better not overuse antibiotics considering I don't have access to one of the largest and most effective antibiotic families.

11. Why is it so hard to change?

Because good or bad, we all find a certain amount of comfort in routine and predictability (some of us more than others) and launching ourselves into the realm of the unknown is akin to visiting the dentist for a root canal.

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.

UGH! The "V" word ...

The problem with vulnerability is that there are folks out there who see it as a weakness and will use it against you (I have a few readers like that). The flip side is that without vulnerability it's impossible to experience a full range of emotions, including love.

I am convinced that somewhere there is a balance and some day (like on my deathbed) I will find it!

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