Five Question Friday - May 31, 2013

Compared to some of Mama M's trials, my week has been pretty easy - saw some clients, slept late with summer here, lunch with some friends...  Things will get hectic soon enough.  I'm going to enjoy it! :)


1. What is an acceptable age for girls to start dating?

I think 16 is a good age to start going out on dates. Then with a group or another couple only. In school the boyfriend/girlfriend thing seems to start about 5th grade. 
 
2. Do you think your kids should have summer homework?

Not necessarily. Our city runs a Summer Reading program with great incentives. I get the kids reading as much as I can, but still find stories they like, or non-fiction topics to which they hold interest.  Some years I've recommended the book called Summer Bridge Activities for students who seem to have problems remembering things during the school year. This way the shouldn't lose so much over break.
 
3. Would you prefer to live without AC or heat?

I could handle being without heat where we live. It would be hard when the blizzards and snowstorms come, but I MUST have my A/C. I'd be dead from melting away without it! 
 
4. What the worst thing about staying in a hotel? (Besides not being with your family)

I don't like being unfamiliar with an area - restaurants, attractions, and the WORST thing is if there isn't a pool, or it's out of service. 
 
5. So, do your kids really get "104 days of summer vacation"? 

I believe this year we will. I also get those summer vacations, and treasure them - so let's see... how many days do we have? If you count only M - F... we actually have 68 days off. We don't go to school on the weekends during the year, so I didn't count 'em. :)
I've already used 10.... so I've got 58 left.


 

Five Question Friday - Saturday!

1. Do you wake before the alarm or stay in bed until the last possible second?

Definitely the last possible second on work days... In the summer, I sleep as late as I can with appointments in the afternoons only. ;) Weekends? It depends how busy we are and what's planned.

2. Who should get a baby shower? Is it just the first baby or all babies?

I think a shower for EACH kid... there's always something new out there, and who doesn't want an excuse for a party!? Especially for such a wonderful event.
 

3. How will you spend Memorial Day?




 Just chillin' here at the house - No menu planned yet, but if DH wants me to grill, I might put a couple of steaks on.  Yes, I grill.... don't want him anywhere near any cooking!! ;)


4. Do you have a Storm/Hurricane/Tornado/Fire plan for your kids, house..?



ABSOLUTELY! We live right in the middle of tornado alley with many warnings, and tornadoes near us all the time. 
DH and I have discussed all of these.
I went through a Hurricane - Rita that hit Houston when we lived there.... that scared me more than any other storm I've ever been in, even tornadoes.... it just went on and on - so loud - screaming winds... Don't ever want to do that again!!!!!

5. What is your favorite morning drink?


LOVE my Nutribullet drinks! Spinach, blueberries, flax seed, banana, water, and fresh ginger. 

Makes me feel fantastic all day long. :)

Five Question Friday - May 3, 2013

It's been a LONG time since I've answered a 5 Question Friday!!!  Sometimes the questions don't quite fit, or I forget because I'm so CRAZY busy.....  so here goes for today!!!!!

1. What is your next home improvement goal?

My husband wants to put patio furniture out in the back - but I keep vetoing that choice simply because it's WAY too hot here to sit outside in the summer.

I want granite/soap stone counters in my kitchen. That's my goal. Have them all picked out. 

2. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be? No religious texts (ie Bible, Quran, Torah, etc, etc)...

I like to read Jane Austen spin-offs on Pride and Prejudice. I've read probably 7 or 8. My favorite: To Conquer Mr. Darcy. That is my choice.

3. What is on top of your refrigerator?

We keep our lunch bags for work and cereal on top of the fridge.

4. What are your favorite or most used phone apps?

I don't have an iphone. :( My phone is mostly used for texting. Works like a charm.

5. What's the one thing you hate most about your spouses job?

Sometimes he has a duty shift he can't change and it messes up our travel or other plans. I mostly dislike that his co-workers talk crap about teachers, and don't value the job we do as teachers. It makes me very angry.

 

Five Question Friday - Sept. 28, 2012

1. Do you prefer to drive to your vacation spot or fly?

We usually drive, simply because we like to explore and make stops along the highway.  I mentioned our "20 mile rule" earlier, but did not explain it... if there's an attraction less than 20 miles off our route that catches our attention, we'll stop and see it.  We've found lots of really cool places like that!!  Plus, if we fly, I turn green.  :)

 
2. If you could live any where in the world, where would you go and why?

TEXAS!  I lived there 18 years and loved it.  I'd also love to live in England for awhile to be able to tour the country extensively.

3. Should grown women wear leggings?

NO!  With the disclaimer that I shouldn't be one to comment on fashion! :) 

4. If you could change your name to any other name, would you? And what would it be?

That's a tough question - there are so many great possibilities, but I think I would like to be called Marianna, just 'cause I like the sound of it. 

5. What magazines to you have subscriptions to?

I LOVE my magazines!  Card Maker, Paper Crafts, and Tea Time (one of my favorites), I need to resubscribe to Teacher's Friend, and The Mailbox. I have a gift subscription from my favorite Uncle for Southern Living, and I held a long-time subscription to Taste of Home.  I still get the special magazines they put out for holidays, and the cooking school.

Your comments are treasured!

Five Question Friday - September 21, 2012

 

 

1. What is one grammar issue you cannot let go without correction?

 

Oh no... Only one?  I am what some people call a "grammar nazi"...  and I hate to use THAT n word. ;)  

 

My husband is not a native English speaker, so I'm after him constantly for verb tenses, double negatives (though he doesn't make that mistake as much), and word pronunciation.

 

Everyone else??  DOUBLE NEGATIVES!  Oh Lord!!  They make me crazy.  I know it's an unconscious thing, especially if people grow up with it in their homes, and that's not their fault. I understand..... but my opinion of someone falls just a little when I hear them.  So Sorry!!!!!   

2. What's your favorite thing about fall?

 

My absolute favorite thing about fall is the cool temperatures!!!  I love it when it gets cooler, and I can have the windows open, and the cool breezes blowing.  Love it!!

3. What's your favorite dish to take to a potluck?  

 

Taco Dip!!  So easy, takes a little preparation, and addicting!  So so good. :) 

4. When do you start Christmas (Holiday) shopping? 

I very much wish I was like my Mom who shops year-round.  I usually shop October - mid-December, and make lots of gifts myself. (Look around this blog...)

5. Did you move homes a lot growing up?

 

No!  My parents bought the house they still live in when I was 2, and I lived in it until I went away to college....  as an adult, I've moved A LOT!!!!!  So much more than I've ever wanted to... but always for very good reasons.

I still don't feel like I'm in the last place I'll live, so more moving coming sometime.

 

I grew up in Wisconsin, and then as an adult:

1.  South Texas - 16 years

2.  Houston - 2 years (I really LOVED it there!!!!!)

3.  One OK city 3 years

4.  another OK city 3 years.

5.  ready to move to the "last" place soon!!! Back to Texas if I get my choice.

I always wanted one of those bumper stickers:

I didn't grow up in Texas, but I got here as quick as I could!

**That is totally me!!

 

 

 

Your comments are treasured!

Five Question Friday - September 7, 2012

1. What is your favorite fall family tradition?

I enjoy Halloween, carving pumpkins with the Pumpkin Masters patterns, giving candy to the kids and seeing their costumes, but my favorite is Thanksgiving!!!!
Even though there's just the two of us, I still make the whole Thanksgiving Dinner (at lunch time).  Turkey breast, roasted, homemade gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, pumpkin pie, and a bottle of wine.
I LOVE it!!  I have friends coming to visit this year, so it will be 4 at the table instead of 2.

2. If money weren't an issue, how many kids would you have?

I'd like to have 3, but would be careful of the middle-child thing... :) 

3. If you were to get a tattoo, what would it be and where would you put it?

My husband wants me to get a butterfly, and I can't tell you where he wants it! LOL Sorry!
At the Renaissance Festival in Houston when we lived there, I got a gorgeous Henna Butterfly on my arm from elbow to wrist.  It was AWESOME!  Pretty, and scrolly...  I really loved it.  

4. What condiment is a must in your house?

Hmmmm  Black Pepper!!  :)  Ketchup, I suppose, but it doesn't go on everything, like my husband had to growing up!   


5. How did your spouse/fiance propose?

We were at an Outback restaurant, and he had the ring in a wooden apple puzzle.  I had to get the puzzle open in order to get to the ring.  I was with him when he'd bought it the week before, but he wouldn't give it to me yet!! :) 

We went to see a movie, and then after dinner, he gave me the puzzle box.  It was very sweet. I could tell he was having a difficult time waiting for the meal to be over, and dessert to be served. :)  


Your comments are treasured!

Five Question Friday - August 24, 2012

 

 

1. What do you enjoy doing the most with your spouse?

 

We usually have a great time together, but traveling has to be the thing I like doing most with my husband.  Our goal is to go to all 50 states, England, and Australia, with some others thrown in for good measure.  We've already tackled quite a few on our list, and are always talking about the next trip, the next adventure. 

2. How do you eat your taco? From the top or from the side?

 

I had a taco tonight for dinner!!  I'm a side-eater!  Load it up, take a bite, and let it overflow. :)

3. Have you ever shut off the basement light and ran like a fool because you knew someone was down there and would get you?

 

Since I moved out of my parents house (a LONG time ago) I won't even go back in the basement!  I now send my husband down there if I need something. :)  I always hated that basement, it was scary, and made funny noises.

4. If you could change one thing about you what would it be and why?

 

MMMM  Only one?  I have a hard time finishing some things.  I have some projects I started years ago, and haven't touched them since.  I'd like to actually start and FINISH a weight loss program successfully, but probably need serious help.  

5. What age do you think is appropriate to have the "bird and the bees" talk with your children?

 

In this day and age, probably 11 or 12 depending on their maturity level... if they are more aware, probably late in the 10th year.  Some that are very protected, probably 14 or 15.  I think it really depends on the kid.  

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

5 Question Friday August 17, 2008

1. What's the one thing you buy every time you walk into the store?

Chocolate!!!  (Well, not every time, but most of the time!)  Sometimes as a surprise my husband will have chocolate for me when he makes a small grocery run.

2. If you had a day all to yourself how would you spend it?

I am lucky to get these relatively often...   I like to put Pride and Prejudice (Colin Firth, Jennifer Ehle version) in the DVD player, and work in my craft room.  Sometimes I'll play one disc, sometimes both. :)  

3. Are you a speed limit driver? If not, over or under?

It depends.  I am usually an over the limit driver, but some days I feel quite Zen, and will take my time and hang out a little under the limit (in the right lane, of course!).  If I have clients with me, limit or under always.

4. What's your favorite dessert to make, homemade or from a mix?

 Mom's chocolate cake!  It's the most amazing scratch cake recipe - and so simple!  I also like to bake my Kitchen Sink cookies - a scratch recipe as well.  We actually don't have dessert - hardly ever.  If I want something quick, fresh strawberries, Reddi Whip, and some angel food cake slices.  YUMMMM


5. Would you rather have a spider or a mouse scurry across your face (no copping out and saying "neither!!")?

DEFINITELY a spider.  Mice make me SCREAM!!!!!

Two stories:  

As a college student, I was home one summer and a mouse ran from our basement door UNDER the recliner I was sitting in watching TV.  It was around 1:30 a.m. since I was home from the late shift I worked as a summer job.  I RAN upstairs, and woke up my dad, but he didn't do anything!!!.  I didn't sit in that chair for a LONG time.

As a teacher, my students were telling me they would hear scratching from the back of the room for a couple of days.  One morning, one of the girls (kind of yelled) that she saw eyes and whiskers.  I got all the kids to the front of the room on the carpet, sent one for the custodian, and I RAN outside of the portable!  **The kids were OK, nobody was in danger, and they were 10 years old.  :)  I was totally freaked out!!   We talked about that the entire school year - was a good joke with the class. :)

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Five Question Friday 8-19-2012

1. Thunder storms- love them or hate them?

I actually LOVE thunderstorms.... especially the big, cracking thunder that makes me jump about 3 feet in the air. :)  I'll scream, then laugh.  **Unless it happens in the middle of the night.  My husband gets a laugh too, cause he likes to see me jump and get scared.

**Funny story - when I was in my first apartment, I woke in the middle of the night thinking "Who's taking pictures?"  After a few minutes, standing in the doorway, I realized it was lightning outside.  Silly, isn't it?  :)

2. Do your kids get back to school clothes?

No kids in our house....  I will confess I still buy school supplies.  I am a teacher, and I NEED crayons, pencils, paper, etc.  Don't I?  :)

3. Do you golf? Do you watch it?

I did golf in high school - and had a few hole-in-ones.  I haven't golfed in years.  Watch it on TV?  No!  I'd sleep in 2 minutes! :) 
My husband and I will go mini-golfing when we're on vacation, and I always win!  It's a fun activity in the evenings after dinner when we're in a new place visiting.
My nephew on the other hand worked as a caddy for many summers, and went on to get his own very good set of clubs.... now that he's working, I'm sure he'll join in the company games. 

4. Showers or baths? 

Showers!!!!!  The only time I'm immersed in water is in a swimming pool.

5. What's the strangest meal you ever ate?

Sushi!!! I can't handle the raw sushi, but I do LOVE tempura fried rolls, with eel sauce!  I'm usually very happy with my chicken, beef, and fish.  I will occasionally have venison or elk, but only in sausage.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Five Question Fridays! 7-27-2012

1. What is the funniest thing you saw on Facebook/twitter this week?

    I always like to look at the funny kitty pictures with the captions.  They make me laugh.  OH  and the corn cobs... one popped and one not.  "Hot outside?"

2. What is your favorite Olympic event?

     You mean I have to pick ONE???   Swimming, Diving, Synchronized Swimming, Soccer,  etc. etc. etc.  LOVE the Olympics! All of them!

3. Do your kids to chores around the house? If so, what are they and how old are the children? Do they get paid for them?

Chores?  Since we don't have any children, and my husband likes the house VERY neat, he does the lion share... I am in charge of the cooking, since we both don't want to be poisoned. :)  

4. If you get bad service/food do you complain or keep quiet?
      It depends.  If it's VERY bad, I'll call the manager over - NOT to get free stuff, but to let them know.  Most of the time I complain through tips - we generally tip well.  Restaurants that know us - we get GREAT service.  
We also run by a 3 strikes rule - we'll give them 3 chances....  then they're out.  We've even had a few 1 strike places, but not too many.

5. If you could pick ONE frivolous item for your home, what would it be? (massive room sized closet? swimming pool? greenhouse? etc...)

SWIMMING POOL!!!!!  I'd love to have a swimming pool in the back yard.  We have enough room for a pool, with a nice cement deck, a big chimney fireplace, and a small kitchen set-up.  The only problem is we wouldn't use the extras other than the pool 'cause it's so hot here.  I'd LOVE LOVE LOVE to have a swimming pool!!!

Your comments are always appreciated!

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 A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Five Question Friday! May 25, 2012

1. Are you a napper?

   OH YES, I am!!  I was never a napper as a child, driving my mother crazy... but I discovered wonderful naps in college!!!!!  Up all night, classes early... what's better than a nap in the afternoon before dinner?  During college, I learned to get those naps in anytime, anyplace, anywhere.  I, even now, will catch a nap while waiting for kids after school....  laugh all you want at me sleeping in my truck....  I'm off in a very happy dreamland!  :) 

2. What was your favorite subject in school? Most hated?  

I would have to say my very favorite subject in high school was.... accounting!  I could work on those projects FOREVER!!!  I also loved Chemistry class... it was pretty easy, and I considered a job in that field for a time.  I also liked my history classes a lot too.
Hated??  As always... MATH! (Doesn't make sense with the accounting and chem, but that's the way the ball bounces!)


3. Did you have the something old new borrowed and blue at your wedding?

What were they?  Yes!!!  I did.  Something old:  I used my mother's white bible she had at her wedding.  Something new:  I had a new garter, and it was blue.  Something borrowed:  I borrowed mom's diamond earrings for the day... and the bible!  :)


4. What one thing are you determined to do this summer? 

Get to Texas someway, somehow.


5. Ice cream or Popsicles?  

Mom's Chocolate fudge pudding pops!  Pop-sickles for me!! I still make them in some super cute molds I bought years ago at Williams-Sonoma. 



Your comments are always appreciated!
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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Five Question Fridays! November 11, 2011

1. What's the last thing you spent too much money on?
Oh... I have a weakness for Williams Sonoma! I bought some AWESOME measuring cups and spoons. :) I'll probably go back and get some for Christmas gifts! I always spend way too much on crafting supplies, but I always use them!

2. What celeb chef would you want to make you dinner?
I get to pick only one?? I'd love to have Bobby Flay cook dinner for me - but then I'd love to cook WITH him! I'd really love to sit and talk with Alton Brown. He's really amazing! I'd also love to meet Ina Garten. I find her pretty amazing - I'd love to have a kitchen and butler's pantry just like hers! It's one of my dreams!

3. Where do you hide things when visitors pop over or do you let them see the real deal?
Thank goodness my husband is very neat... so people can pretty much pop over and the house is presentable. :)

4. Who is your oldest living family member?
My father is our oldest living family member right now. He just turned 74 and is doing very well - retired, working hard when he wants to, enjoying himself, traveling.... all the fun stuff you get to do when you're retired and have planned well.

5. What is your favorite DQ treat and/or Sonic drink combo (ie: cherry vanilla dr. pepper)?
OH! I so miss my medium twist DQ cone. Sonic? HAS to be a Strawberry Limeade! YUMMMMMM

Your comments are always appreciated!
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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Five Question Fridays! October 28, 2011

1. Do you prefer cotton, silk, or flannel sheets?
I prefer cotton sheets - high thread count. We were gifted with some very good quality sheets and have learned that 1. they are worth the cost (wear and tear) 2. they feel so SO good 3. they seem warmer in winter, and cooler in summer though I don't understand quite how that works. I tried silk sheets, and they were too slippery.... and flannel sheets... can we say STICK!? :)

2. What time zone are you in?
We are in the central time zone.

3. What is your favorite part of the holiday season?
Baking! Decorating! Cooler Weather!!! There are so many things I love about the fall holidays... Halloween - love all the costumes and candy! Thanksgiving - so thankful for what we have, and I love to cook a full Thanksgiving luncheon even though it is just for the two of us. Christmas... Christmas Cookie baking, Christmas trees (I have a collection.) SNOW!!!

4. What is your favorite "wintry" drink? (It doesn't have to be an "alcoholic" drink!)
Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate with a small peppermint stick melted into it. YUMMM!

5. In your opinion, what is the worst job in the world?
Hmmm tough question! Garbage collector, mortician, medical examiner... those are a few in my opinion. They are definitely a calling.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.

Five Question Fridays! October 21, 2011

1. Where do you escape to when you've had enough?
My escape is my craft room. I have my recliner there, my TV where I can watch Pride and Prejudice, and my Cricut and stamps. It's a good escape.

2. What shows are you watching this fall?
Dancing with the Stars! I also like Whitney - she's fun and has no filter.

3. What was the longest roadtrip you've ever taken and where did you go?
The longest road trip (as an adult) I was ever on was my honeymoon! We were actually gone a total of a month - 1 week in Vegas to get married and have the families meet; 1 week to drive 'cross country to Orlando stopping along the way to see attractions; 1 week in Orlando to see the parks - Universal and Disney; 1 week to take a cruise to the Bahamas and drive back home. We had a FABULOUS time, but came back exhausted!

As a child, (I was 13, my sister was 9) my family along with my grandparents did a 2 week trip around the states - Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri.

I remember this trip quite well and took my husband to visit Fenton Glass in West Virginia this past summer on one of our "shorter" road trips.

I guess I'm the road-trippin' queen!!! One to two big trips a year, and then smaller ones every couple of months. Rather drive than fly!!!

4. Do you plan on taking your kids to Disney World?
We don't have children, but we will definitely go back to see it again. LOVE Epcot and Animal Kingdom.

5. What is something people would surprised to know about you?
I started score-keeping baseball when the Brewers were in the World Series in the early 80's, worked with my college baseball team, score kept men's night league for about 15 years, and worked as the scorekeeper for a Yankee farm team in 1995.

Your comments are always appreciated!

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A Proud member of The Lime Light. Click on over to see what we are doing.