Random Dozen for October 13, 2010

1. Is there a word which you initially mispronounced? Were the circumstances in which you made the faux pas embarrassing? By the way, that's not "foax pass." (I know you know that. Just jokin' with ya.)

Lima, Ohio - Russia, Ohio - neither pronounced the way you'd think. Lima is not Leema, like Lima, Peru...it's Lima like lima bean. Russia doesn't have a short u sound, it has an ooh sound...like Roosha. Not my fault, I'm not native Ohian.


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

I use them, but for Twitter only, to save space. I really DON'T like them.

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

My hair was my big worry. I had fairly long hair, and it never wanted to go where I wanted it to go. But I got it done, and sprayed down with a can of hairspray, and stayed in the air conditioning until pic time.

What?? No question 4? what's with that?

5. Share a high school or college homecoming memory.

I was not from the popular jock set, went to homecoming games - but just as a regular spectator. No real outstanding memories from high school. I was part of homecoming in college, had a date (which was not memorable). Homecoming is just not one of my fond memories, I guess.

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

I love both - but since I'm rarely awak for sunrise, I guess my favorite is sunset.


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

Travel internationally. I'd love to go to Germany, Austria and Russia


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

I can't imagine that. I love animals - but not so much I'd want to be one.

9. Joyce from The Other Side of the Pond is curious: "Where were you 10 years ago?" Please feel free to elaborate more than just your physical location.

Ten years ago, my hubby had a go no where job, and we were concerned it would end (contract-type). I was homeschooling our daughter, and teaching a few piano lessons...we were struggling to keep from worrying.

We were very involved in a church that was having horrible problems, and felt trapped, because we'd been church hunting before and there weren't too many choices.

Now ask about where I was nine years ago? Everything changed for the better. Which goes to prove that worry and fear are worthless, the things you were afraid of may never happen, or your circumstances might change in such a fantastic way, you could never have dreamed of it.

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

I try not to...I don't think I do.

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

Caramel Flan


12. From my 17 year-old daughter to you: "If you could be part of any fictional family, which family would you choose and why?" (She's so cute. And clever.)

I really do struggle with questions like this - cause I can't think of being in any other family than the one I am in.

But to really stretch my imagination, maybe the Little House on the Prairie Family, because the loved each other intensely, and stuck together through thick and thin, fun times and sad times - just like families are supposed to!


These random questions were asked at Linda Crow's blog, 2nd Cup of Coffee. If you'd like to join in and link up, go here.

Well, here all along I thought like Jerri from Jerri's Journey, that I was posting on the right day, and I'm not! I'll get it right next time. I'm a little late, but I really enjoy posting Random Dozen, so here goes.

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

Going to the doctor. Specifically, the gynecologist. I JUST HATE IT!! So, I put it off. Not a good thing.


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

It used to take me hours to fall asleep. But not anymore. I found out that my hormones were very messed up, and now that we're working on that - I fall asleep right away. I used to get between 3.5 and 4.5 hours of sleep (NO KIDDING), and now I get 5.5 to 6 hours of sleep. That's like Heaven.


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

I don't have a favorite. I wish I could wear jeans again, and I love comfortable clothes - but that doesn't belong to any one decade. Almost every fashion craze has driven me crazy, so I guess I just won't worry about it, and I'll wear what works for me!

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

Probably baked spaghetti...but I'm cheating there, because it's my husband's dish - not mine.
It is SO good, though, and he makes enough for an army.


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

I am NOT an impulse shopper. In fact, I'm just not a shopper at all! I go if I have to, I get what I need to, and I'm out of there. I will wait a long time before buying something until there's just no choice. I know...that's really odd for most women.

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

That my children will say that I lived what I believed, that I had a growing relationship with the Lord, and they want to do the same.


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

It's a beautiful day out, the birds are chirping, (the dog is barking at the chirping birds), it's sunshiny and warm but not hot. Pure joy. The things to make it more joyful, would be to get some potting soil and finish the potting up of my pretty flowers and tomato plant.


8. What is your favorite type of bread?

15 grain, or Cuban - which is lower in sodium and calories and tastes great fresh out of the breadmaker!

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


Fearfulness. I actually already combat against it. It's just a horrible thing to contend with. It requires constant preventative tactics...like memorizing and then using God's word (ie., Philippians 4:6&7), and both physically and mentally removing yourself from whatever fearful thoughts you're thinking.


10. What trait would you like most to develop?

My friend and I have discussed this regularly. We're both the same, we want to become more disciplined. It's really easy to procrastinate, to ignore, to give in...and it's really a test of what you're made of to resist, stay strong, move forward.


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

You know, I'm not sure there IS a room in the house that reflects just MY personality. Our bedroom is decorated in hand-me-downs that still suffice and probably will for a long time to come. Our living room is a combination of my hubby and I, as well as the kitchen. Perhaps, the living room would be my choice if any - there I display my cross-stitch pictures and net-darning pictures (as well as my mother's cross-stitch), and from there you can watch the birds at the feeders- which I love to do.


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

Well, I used to feel things were fairly balanced, when my children were younger, I taught my daughter homeschool, I kept house, went to church, wasn't blogging then. But life has picked up it's pace - and now I need to re-order the balance in my life. I'm working from home, I run the Prayer Chain for church, we work with a small group, still need to take care of the house, go to church, I'm blogging...it all takes time. What I find being short-changed the most, is personal time and my personal healthcare. That's GOTTA change!

This has been a relatively thought provoking Random Dozen! I'll have to think on some of this awhile!

While I'm thinking, why not visit Lid's blog at 2nd Cup of Coffee and see everyone's random answers and maybe add your 2 cents worth? Have fun!

1. How do you feel about the marshmallow Easter Peeps?

They're sticky...and the sugary stuff goes everywhere. Not to mention that they get stale at the drop of a hat!

2. Chickens are notoriously nervous creatures. When you are nervous, what is the best way to calm down?
Pray, read scripture, sing songs with the Christian radio.

3. People say, "April showers bring May flowers." Do you enjoy Spring rains?
I absolutely love spring rain, spring showers, and even spring thunderstorms. I actually love the sound of thunder - which my poor dog simply does not get.

4. When I was randomly flipping through TV channels this week, I saw a show in which tattoo parlor employees received tattoos of a co-worker's face on their bodies. I can't imagine having a portrait of a colleague tattooed on me. But if someone forced you to receive a portrait tattoo (face only) of anyone, who would it be? Why?
If someone tried to force me to take on a tattoo - they better be prepared to shoot me while they're at it. Yuck, and double yuck. I have no tolerance for stuff like that.

5. Would you rather have a tattoo (any kind) or a nose ring?
Really?? NOT!!

6. Do you have any special plans for Easter?
Dinner out with the family. Easter services at church.

7. Cadbury Eggs or Reese Eggs?
No, no, no....it's Cadbury Eggs AND Reese's Eggs!

8. What was the last thing/person you took a picture of?
The newly blooming daffodils, hyacinth, crocus and tulips.

9. What book are you reading now, or what was the last one?
Currently, reading "The Spark" by Chris Downie
10. What do you think is the most difficult task when it comes to Spring cleaning?
Cleaning the baseboards all around the house. Getting up and down off the floor is getting harder these days.

11. How many pairs of flip-flops do you own?
None.

12. Which color makes you happiest?
Purple

To join in randomness, visit Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

Random Dozen for February 4th

1. Do you use the labels various charities send you as “free gifts?”
Sometimes. It would be a waste not to.


2. What is your favorite time of day (or night) for skywatching?
It would definitely be night time - as long as its not a cloudy night. I love looking at the stars.

3. What is the most adventurous you've ever been with trying a new food? (Keep it G-rated please)
Frankly, the most adventurous was trying Tofu - and once was enough.

4. Have you ever heard a rock sing? (Trust me, there's a reason for this one!)
Uh...no.

5. If you could learn a language you don't presently speak, what would it be?
I'd love to truly know the Spanish language, not just the smattering of words I know. I would also love to speak French and true Irish.

6. Al Capone's tombstone read, “My Jesus, Mercy.” If you could write your own epitaph, what would it say?
"She had a melody in her heart, and a song on her lips."

7. If you were a famous musician who was known by one name, like “Cher,” “Sting,” or “Jewel,” what would it be? It doesn’t have to be your first name, but it can be, if you’d like.
Constance...that is my first name, though I usually go by Connie


8. Have you ever been inordinately “into” a television show?
Back a long time ago, General Hospital, til one day I woke up and realized how stupid it was to watch inane programs day in and day out to keep up with the story line.

9. When you sneeze, do you go big, or do you do that weird “heenh!” sound that makes people think you’re going to blow your brains out? Any other variation we should know about?
My family laughs at my little ah-hew's - and they usually come in threes - which is three times as funny, I guess.

10. Do you still read an actual newspaper that you hold in your hands, or do you get your news elsewhere?
I like the paper, especially for the puzzles.

11. Are you a good speller?
Yes! I won a spelling bee and got a dictionary from the Detroit Newspaper when I was a kid. It really makes it difficult then, to deal with my family members who can't spell.

12. At what time each day do you start thinking about Lost lunch?
Usually around 12:30 p.m.

Would you like to see other random answers? Visit Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

1. How good are you at delaying gratification?

Getting better at it. It's not easy, that's for sure.

2. Maybe a marshmallow wouldn't be too difficult a temptation for you. What food (or anything else) would be most tempting?

Chocolate.

3. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being saintly) how patient are you?

5 and I'm probably being generous

4. Have you ever waited for something in life only to be disappointed upon realization of the goal/object/etc.?

no, not that I can think of. I've been disappointed in things, but not things I've waited for a long time.

5. Are you a person who takes shortcuts?

Sometimes - but not often. In most things, it doesn't pay. Now, if you're talking about going from here to the store...well, then yes, I take shortcuts.

6. Which line is hardest to wait in?

For me, the women's restroom - for obvious reasons. However, I'm really not good about the lines at the grocery store. It bugs me to wait longer in line, then it did to shop!

7. Did you wait to discover the gender of your unborn child until its birth?

Yes. Kind of thought it might be a boy, though...and it was.

8. Are you more patient with children or the elderly?

I think I'm more patient with the elderly, but I should clarify - that's MOST elderly.

9. Did you ever sneak a peek at a present?

Probably, when I was a kid. Anymore, my hubby and I pretty much know what we're getting each other - I'm most surprised about what my daughter gets me.

10. What is the longest you've ever waited for anything?

at least 24 years, waiting for my oldest to turn his life over to the Lord, and at least 14 for my daughter to do the same. (I'm giving them each 5 years to understand what that meant, since the son is 29, and the daughter is 19)

11. Who has more patience, you or your significant other?

Depends on what the patience is needed for. Other drivers - me. Change in our children - hubby. Lines at the grocery store - hubby.

12. Which of the following songs about waiting is your pick for the best? (OK, you may substitute another, if you like.)

A) Anticipation by Carly Simon

B) The Waiting by Tom Petty

C) Right Here Waiting for You by Richard Marx

D) Wait for Me by Rebecca St. James

I like A, but I like D the best.

If you'd like to read other random answers, visit Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

Random Dozen for January 21, 2010

1. So I was thinking about how Jon Bon Jovi never seems to age much. His hair is smaller nowadays, but he still manages to look like a boy somehow. And then that made me think of the story of Dorian Gray. Question: If you physically lock in one age for yourself, which would you choose and why?


If I could physically lock in an age, it would be 16. I was able to walk, run, swim, bike, do just about anything physical I decided to take on. I was a good weight, and felt physically confident.

2. What is the best dish that you cook or bake (your piece de resistance?)


Lasagna. Trust me, it's just the recipe off the side of the Mueller's lasagne box, but everyone loves it.


3. When you feel blue, what is one strategy you use to help yourself back to normal?


I put on some good Christian music, think other thoughts, and start doing something. It's usually an act of the will.


4. When was the last time you danced in public?


I was brought up Baptist...I never learned to dance.


5. Do you consider yourself a realist or dreamer?


I like to dream, then I get real!


6. As a parent, what is one thing that you have done well?


Though terribly frustrated with both my children, I've taught them to care about other people. The oldest takes that to an extreme, in some ways, often overdoing things for others, and they take advantage. The youngest is most caring about the underdog, those who like herself, find it difficult to make friends, and seem like the odd man out.

7. Which is your favorite character on the Andy Griffith show?


I loved Gomer Pyle when he would be on it, but I loved Barney the most.


8. On a scale of 1-10, how much do you know about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?


Maybe a 5 or 6


9. Have you never been mellow? Have you never tried … to find a comfort from in side you? (Sorry, Jorge was singing that song just now, and it just seemed to be perfect timing as I was creating this week’s questions.) REAL question: What is your #1 driving pet peeve?


Tail-gaters, be prepared...if you tail-gate me...I'm slowing down. And if you're stuck behind me with a no-passing yellow line - tough!!

10. Which color best represents your mood today? Care to elaborate?


Grey - because I'm cold, and kinda gloomy...like the weather.


11. If your spouse were an animal, which would he/she be?


Poor guy, he's my turkey - cause his birthday is quite close (and sometimes on) Thanksgiving. But he's also my teddy bear and has been since before we got married. I even made him a teddy bear cookie jar in his honor.


12. What activity takes up the bulk of your time on an average day?


Unfortunately, the computer. But to my credit - part of that is because I work from home!!


If you'd like to participate in the Random Dozen, visit Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee

Random Dozen a few days late!

It's a few days late, but hopefully I can still be included in this meme. I enjoy these questions.

1. If you could master one sport, what would it be?

Synchronized swimming! I love swimming, and love the gracefulness of synchronized swimming teams.

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. My instinct hasn't always been that good. So my dh and I google, yahoo, Ask.com, and ask friends and family, first.

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?

LaRayne Hill

4. Would you rather give up your favorite music or your favorite food?

Uh...neither! I don't like to give up anything....part of my problem, when it comes to food. Now which one SHOULD I give up....duh!!!

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?

Spotty and more ripe.

6. Your favorite tree is?

Oak...I love the wide spread canopy, and it's a hardwood - rather than a soft-wood like the goofy maples in our yard. I want a tree that sends it's roots deep, and it's shade - wide.

7. On a scale of 1-10, how tech savvy are you?

About a 4

8. Has H1N1 touched your family?

Not yet, and I'm praying it doesn't!

9. Are you an analytical person, or do you just accept things the way they are without questioning or scrutinizing?

I'm usually pretty accepting of the way things are.

10. Is your personality more like that of a dog, cat, or Koala?

I would have to go with the dog. I'm friendly, and loyal. I think cats are stuck up and moody. I can't say I have a good understanding of a Koala personality.

11. Do you keep in touch with friends you made years ago?

A couple - not as many as I'd like.

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 choose the shortest lane possible...where I think it might actually get me out the quickest. If the regular lanes have people checking out with 2 weeks of groceries, I'd probably pick the express lane...but I am lane-choosing challenged. I ALWAYS pick the wrong one!

If you'd like to read others' answers to these questions, hop on over to 2nd Cup of Coffee!

Random Dozen #2

1. Tell me something about your favorite teacher.

My favorite teacher was Miss Wolohan. She was my third grade teacher, I believe. I really liked her. she had a way of telling stories that made you really want to listen. She had a smile that wouldn't quit, and an infectious laugh. Sometime into the year, I realized my MISS Wolohan was expecting a baby. That confused me! She left to have her baby, and Miss Slovak came...and I was so disappointed. Miss Slovak certainly wasn't like Miss Wolohan...and it wasn't Miss Wolohan at all...though that's what we all called her. She was quite married and had every right to have a baby.

That was my favorite school teacher, but my favorite piano teacher was my Mom! I say that truthfully, because I had opportunity to have many other piano teachers, and none were as patient with me, nor did they teach me anything more than my mom already had (until I went to college and majored in music), and she didn't smell like cigarettes, or talk to me like I was 6 (at least not after I WAS 6!)....and besides, I've never been able to play great duets with anyone as well as mom.

2. Tell me about one pivotal moment in your life.

I believe one pivotal moment in life (and there have been many), was when my hubby and I took on the responsibility of providing a home and love to a fatally ill infant we'll call Jamie. He was born to a woman and her boyfriend who were both alcoholics. They literally drank their child to death. Giving him care, tending to his needs, watching him strive to live when there was no possibility he could, wanting to prove he could be cured, wanting to believe he might just make it...all of those emotions...changed me. I have so much, he had so little...so many, many people have so little. My hubby and I have changed our focus and changed out priorities. While many things have contributed to that, I believe it started with Jamie...just one pivotal moment in our lives.

3. About favorite colors--a lot of people will ask you what it is, but I want to know why it is. What feeling or memory does it evoke?

Purple is my favorite color. I'm not sure why that came about. When I think of deep, dark purple things - I guess I think of royalty, leadership, awesomeness...and it reminds me of the Lord.

4. What's a sure sign that you're getting older?

My git up and go has gone up and went!!

5. Please don't sermonize, but Halloween--is it a yes or no for you?

I'm not a fan of Halloween. It's not something we've celebrated in years....and I could sermonize...but I'll honor the request! But beyond that...it wasn't safe here for several years, so my children didn't participate especially because of that.

6. What's your favorite musical?

Fiddler on the Roof - hands down!

7. Are you more of a city mouse or country mouse?

Well, we're kinda half-city/half-country mice around here! A little too close to real farm country to be wholly city mice...but not that far from city to be completely country mice.

8. Did you know that it is possible, for a small fee, to name a real star after someone? (It's true! Google it!) If someone were to name a star for you, would you appreciate it for its whimsy and romance, or would you say, "Are you kidding me? For $19.95 we could have gone to the movie and actually bought popcorn." This question comes from Paula at His Ways Are Not Our Ways.

Hee, hee, hee...I'm just in need of the attention enough to be totally happy about that. I could tell my grandchildren (the make-believe ones - cause there aren't any real ones and doesn't seem to be a possibility for a long time to come), there's my star...it was named for me!

9. What's the craziest thing you've ever been doing and texted during it? I only thought of this b/c I was about to try to text during my walking video but I didn't. Paula, you do know that this blog is rated G, right?

Can't answer this one...sorry. I have a tracfone -and no texting. Haven't texted in my life.

10. "It's not a party unless _______."

there's chocolate.

11. When you're stuck in traffic or a waiting room, what do you do to pass the time? PS: There are no magazines available.

Play games on my tracfone, or make lists of things to do, or clean out my purse.

12. If you weren't yourself, would you be friends with you?

I think I'm nice! But since it's hard for me to make new friends at first, I'm not sure we'd ever meet!

If you want to read other random answers, visit Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

1. Candy corn: Your thoughts?

Yum! I don't like to have it around much...because I'd eat it all. I have a little glass pumpkin jar filled with it right now, and I've been pretty good. I don't want it to go empty (though other people in the household do not have the same goal), so I try to leave it alone.

2. Briefly, what was the first conversation you ever had with your spouse? (or best friend, if you're not married.) (Or someone significant, like your librarian.)

Wow! I couldn't begin to remember. We met in college, and I know I saw him at the end of a hall and asked a friend who he was. She implied "he was taken." Not long after that I wrote him and others at our small college if they had any prayer requests - and he sent a note back with a few things. One request was that he was short-handed on his staff for the yearbook. He was editor that year. He needed a typist. Voila!! That was gonna be ME! Thus began our friendship and marriage, and many other conversations since.

3. Could you ever become a vegetarian?

Nope. No way. Uh-uh! ...ain't happening! I like my chicken, I like my fish.

4. Have you ever dressed up your pet in a costume?

He'd bite! My hubby would throw up. The ds would be grossed out. The dd would be happy to give it a try.

5. Name something about childhood that you miss (like Clark Bars, Teaberry Gum, Malibu Barbie, cracking fake eggs on people's heads with your fist and "It's the Great Pumpkin" airing only once a year).

Recess and playing marbles on the playground
Playing with my cousin, Carolyn
Rock & Rye pop
biking everywhere
playing with my friend Julie
watching "The Man From Uncle"
summer Bible Camp
staying and Grandpa & Grandma's house

6. Have you ever won a trophy? If not, what do you deserve a trophy for?

Well, maybe not a trophy...but a dictionary engraved with my name. I was the spelling bee champ that year. But I deserve a trophy for doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done - ie., we've needed me to pick up extra income from time to time - and whatever it took (legally and morally, that is) I did it...insurance secretary, piano teacher, flute teacher, babysitter, wreath maker, craft maker, and now a Virtual Assistant.

7. When do you think is the appropriate time to begin playing Christmas music each year?

Well, if it were up to a certain friend of mine...the first day in September...or was it August? Me, I prefer about the 1st of November.

8. What's your favorite board game?

My absolute all-time favorite is Dominoes - the set that goes up to fifteen. My second absolute favorite is Scramble. Unfortunately, my mother is the only one who'll play with me...and she's in Florida most of the year. I mean, what a place to retire...where I'm not!! Who am I supposed to play with, mom??

9. How do you feel about surprises (receiving, not giving)?

It depends on the purpose of the surprise. If it's a nice gift, something the giver knows I enjoy...hey, go for it. If it's waking up to 6 inches of water on the floor, or opening your bank account and find that someone just cashed a check for $1200.00 or some other unexpected amount...then I pass!

10. Is it easy for you to say, "I'm sorry?"

No, I do not find it easy. I do it, but it's hard. I don't know why. It shouldn't be.

11. What is your favorite candle scent?

Vanilla or cinnamon...apple pie, maybe pumpkin.

12. October is traditionally "open house" time in public schools. If you had a literal open house in your home (like a reception) what light snacks would you serve visitors and what would you show them (as in art projects, graded papers) that would uniquely represent you?

Toll House Chocolate Chip cookies (preferable still warm)
Coffee or Tea
Piano and Vocal duets by my mom and I
My various family scrapbooks I've made
Examples of some of the projects I do for my client
a list of things people could bring for me to add to the Thanksgiving Basket at church
my Bible
Raspberry Mini Cheesecakes made from our homegrown raspberries
lighted candles
a sign up sheet for the Prayer Group that I handle for our church - with perhaps a bulletin board with pictures of people we've prayed for and testimonies of answered prayer.

This was fun! Want to join in? Check out http://2nd-cup-of-coffee.blogspot.com/ and read some more.

1. On an average, how often do you splurge and buy something for yourself?

Not very often!

2. Are you more like Hall or Oates? Just kidding. Real question: What is the last creative project you began/finished? Feel free to post a pic of it.

The last creative project I start AND finished was my daughter's graduation scrapbook.

3. OK, Goldie Locks, do you consider your house too big, too little or juuuust right?

Just right...it's what the Lord has provided!

4. What is your favorite outdoor chore?

Supervising the gardening! :-)

5. If you knew that cigarette smoking was not bad for your health but would be a weight loss tool, would you use it? Why or why not?

Stinky!!! Enough said.

6. On a road trip, would you rather drive or ride?

Ride, definitely!

7. What do you consider a trivial pursuit?

in frustration, I might say - losing weight, but probably trying to do everything. You just can't

8. This weekend, we downloaded the movie "Duplicity" with Julia Roberts and Clive Owen. Within 5 minutes, I was bored and annoyed, but I kept watching 5-10 minutes at a time hoping it would get better between small chores. I finally gave up and Jorge watched it alone, and then regretted wasting that time because he disliked it intensely, too. So ... how long do you watch a movie or read a book before giving up on it?

I'm not going to invest more than 10 minutes. If it hasn't caught my interest before then - it's not going to.

9. Is there a song that you really love but are embarrassed to admit because it's not cool or it's racy or because it's by Hall and Oates?

Can't think of any.


10. On a scale of 1-10 (10 = extremely) how spontaneous are you?

I'd like to be about an 8, but circumstances usually keep me at about 4


11. Are you a food and/or beverage snob?

No way. I love food.


12. Who/What are you trying to control in your life?

I'd love to control my kids, I'd love to control my weight, I'd love to control the way the world is going - but I've learned I'm not in control, and it's best just to leave things in the Lord's hands.

Would you like to see other bloggers answers to the Random Dozen? Visit Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.