Random Dozen - Mustang Sally Style

Oh, those were the golden days...not a care in the world. Those (big chested, and surgically enhanced)bouncy, adorable and (not natural) blond cheerleader types...they had it all, didn't they? I'm not going to say that I wasn't envious. I was a brunette; I was in student government because I didn't make the cheer squad; I was the girl next door, and nobody dates the girl next door in high school - except the boy next door. Why can't we be happy with the treasures that are smack dab in front of our faces, instead of our desire to run with the beautiful and popular?

My blogger buddy, Lid, at 2nd Cup of Coffee posts Random Dozen on Tuesdays and invites us to join in by answering 12 random questions and then posting them on our blogs and sites the next day. Just click on the logo and you will be magically transported to a very happy place (one of those happy places that we all try to get to now and then!)




Here are a few Q & A's that may tell you a little more about my schizo personality!


1. Please share one memory of your high school graduation. Pics would be great!

I’m sorry. Did you say high school graduation? I don’t recall graduation. Everything after the night of Prom (when I was not voted Queen) is a blur to me. I vaguely remember hearing something about a ’66 Mustang being found at the bottom of a quarry with traces of silicone, blond hair and a tiara.

2. What is one "emergency use" item you keep in your vehicle at all times?

Since I no longer have use for any "feminine" products, I always keep a bag of Hershey Kisses in a cooler in my vehicle. You never know when that special moment will strike!

3. In your region, do you celebrate graduation open houses? Addendum: (If so,) how many open houses/bridal showers/weddings are on your upcoming events calendar?

On our calendar, we have three weddings, two showers, and two graduation open houses (one open house that we are hosting, and one that I will attend during the one that we are hosting).

4. Tell me one truth you believe about motherhood.

It hurts.

5. What was the last thing you broke?

I dropped a vase of flowers while carrying it from the office to my car. It was a gift for secretary’s day. I think I may have said a few inappropriate words that afternoon.

6. On average, how many pieces of junk mail do you receive daily?

We receive three to 10 pieces of junk mail daily. We cut out the words and use the letters for making ransom notes to send as birthday cards.

7. Do you like to shop by catalog?

I used to LOVE shopping by catalog and then the Internet was born. Instead of turning pages, now I just “click”. Some days I miss slapping those catalog pages!

8. Is lawn maintenance at your house a "his job," a "her job" or "his/her job" or "that's why we have teenagers" job?

My little cherubs wouldn’t know a lawnmower if it rolled over them! They’ve heard about them from their friends, but that’s about it. As of now, it is a “his job,” but if I don’t find summer employment, it will become “my job.”

9. Which room would you like to redecorate in your home?

I would like to redecorate my kitchen, then the bathrooms, then the living room, and finally the basement. Does anyone have an “in” with Ty?

10. Do you read a newspaper regularly, or do you read most of your news on line?

I read the news online, watch the news on TV, and listen to news on the radio. Then I email Oprah.

11. Do you believe everything happens for a reason?

I do believe that most things happen for a reason, but for the life of me, I can’t figure out why I’m not rich and famous. It should have happened by now.

12. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?

I do not to worry about doing things right. I know I’m going to make mistakes, so I just do my best, and if it works out, then I am happy. I do try to do the right thing as often as possible. Sometimes, it doesn’t always work out…like the ’66 Mustang thing.

Please stop by Random Dozen at 2nd Cup of Coffee and get to know Lid and her plethora of bloggy buddies.

RaNdOm FuN WeDnEsDaY

Please stop by 2nd Cup of Coffee and say hi to Lid! Just click on the logo and you will be magically transported to a very happy place (one of those happy places that we all try to get to now and then!)



Here are a few Q & A's that may tell you a little more about my schizo personality!

1. Ever had any run-ins with the "library police?"

I’ve had lots of overdue books, but I’ve never been cuffed and hauled away!

2. Do you have a special organizational plan and place for wrapping paper, gift bags, etc., or do you just purchase whatever you need as you give gifts?

Yes, I have a plan; it’s not really organized however. It’s the basement, and it’s the place where everything goes that can’t fit in a drawer or closet upstairs.

3. Have you ever been in (first-hand witness) a natural disaster?

Yes. I grew up in Southern California and was privy to the 1971 Simi Valley Earthquake, as well as, the 1993 San Fernando Valley Earthquake. There was no structural damage where I lived, but I got to experience the “rolling and shaking” with a little gusto. Then, there is the natural disaster of my oldest daughter’s bedroom….. I’m up on my tetanus shots, so don’t worry!

4. What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?

“I Write the Songs,” “Somewhere in the Night.”

5. What's the best costume you've ever worn?

My Birthday Suit, but I didn’t win any prizes…just blood-curdling screams!

6. Which do you use more often, the dictionary or the thesaurus?

I use the dictionary more often…very often…all of the time!

7. What's your favorite breakfast food?

My favorite breakfast consists of eggs, potatoes & gigantic blueberry muffins… then a nap.

8. Have you ever purchased anything from an infomercial?

I have purchased enough junk from infomercials to fill up an entire room! I’ve bought exercise equipment, hair removal, acne removal, diet/exercise programs, subliminal message tapes, books…it’s very embarrassing!

9. Have you ever crawled through a window?

No, I can’t fit through a normal sized window, unless it is a sliding glass door, then I would just walk through it.

10. Do you believe in love at first sight?

Absolutely! Many years ago, I made a connection with someone as I was coming out of an elevator. It was something I had never felt before, or since.

11. How man pairs of jeans do you own?

I own two pair of jeans; they are both made from stretch denim and have stretch waistbands for my womanly figure.

12. If someone were going to bake a cake to honor/represent you, what would it be? (Think creatively, like Duff and Crew on "Ace of Cakes.")

It would be a three-tiered, square white cake with white frosting, and a border of red roses and green vines. The top cake would be covered with a pyramid of many, many, many chocolate, strawberry, and white iced petite fours (sp? – oh, I have to use the dictionary) – petit fours. This way, I wouldn’t feel like I’m pigging out if I just have a handful of the little cakes, instead of my usual practice of burying my face in the cake until it was totally consumed!

Please stop by and say hello to Lid at 2nd Cup of Coffee

Have a Wonderful Wednesday!

Random Dozen - Valentines Style

It's been a while since I've joined in the fun of Linda's Random Dozen. She gives everyone 12 questions to answer and by doing so, something new is learned by all. It's always interesting to read the answers of other bloggers, as well as, the challenge to provide my own answers. Please click on the 2nd Cup of Coffee Logo and come party with the rest of us!

Here we go!

1. Are you pleasant when you're ill, or are you a grumpy, fussy patient?

I am not very pleasant; in fact I'm downright witchy!

2. When you find out that school is canceled (due to inclement weather) what is your gut reaction?

I jump for joy until I remember that I don't get paid when school is cancelled!

3. What is one domestic skill you wish you could improve?

Coming up with fresh ideas for quick dinners!

4. Do you decorate your home for Valentine's Day?

No. I only decorate for holidays where I can leave the decs up for a few weeks!

5. What song is on your mind today?

Girls Just Want to Have Fun, by Cindy Lauper.

6. Do you prefer contemporary movies or classic?

Mostly contemporary, but will watch the classics because the "old ball and chain" likes the classics!

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.

Not very well. The Irish in me comes out and explodes. Once that has happened, it's over and I can continue. I usually have to see it through, or it will eat away at me.

8. What is the first thing that attracted you to your spouse? (Or if you're single, to your best friend.)

He looked inexperienced. I thought I would be able to teach him in "my ways"!

9. When was the last time your heart raced?

A week or so ago when I thought Brad and Angelina might break up.

10. What are your memories of Valentine's Day at school?

Candy Hearts, making Valentine boxes and then passing my valentines out to everyone.

11. If you were going to receive candy for Valentine's Day, which would you prefer?

Anything, as long as it was sugarless.

12. Red or pink?

Definitely red!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Random Dozen

This is a fun meme that I found at Linda's blog, 2nd Cup of Coffee. Stop by and share a cup with her. She'll be the bright spot of your day!

1. I've always wondered why we were taught both printing and cursive. Do you prefer to print or write cursive? (Keyboard is not a choice.)

Cursive. It just flows better for me. I can read my printing better, but like writing in cursive.

2. Are you a dreamer or a realist?

Mostly I'm a dreamer. Maybe that's why it takes me so long to get things done!

3. Billy Joel or Elton John?

Elton John. I fell in love with my husband listening to his early songs.

4. What is the scariest movie you've ever seen? Not just horror flicks but also ones where the tension or suspense is killer, for example, Flightplan (2005): A bereaved woman and her daughter are flying home from Berlin to America. At 30,000 feet the child vanishes and nobody admits she was ever on that plan.

The Exorcist, Panic Room, The Entity.

5. Now what is the scariest real-life moment you've had?

I let my three year old climb too high on the ladder of a playground structure. I climbed up the ladder to get him and he fell before I could reach him. I caught him by his arm. The guilt is pouring out of me right now. Another moment was when I was driving on a local street and reached down to get something I dropped. When I looked up, I was about 20 feet behind a bus and I was traveling about 40 miles an hour. My first thought was to slam on the brakes, even though I knew we would crash. As I did, there was a force that turned the steering wheel to the right. I missed the bus by inches. I knew I had an angel in the car with me that day.

6. What word do you misspell without fail?

I can't just give one word. Thank goodness for spellcheck!

7. Name something you like to do but are not really talented or good at?

Dance, sew, craft, write....

8. Do you get your emotional/mental batteries recharged by being around people or by having alone time?

Being around people gives me a chance to see how others live their lives. I'm always learning new ways of doing things from others.

9. Have you ever been on TV?

Yes, the first day of school in Fourth Grade, I was on a TV show called The Princess. In my twenties I studied acting and was in a few non-union commercials and movies.

10. Apple or pumpkin pie? (Don't be greedy.)

Apple pie - it's a base for a giant scoop of ice cream!

11. How many magazine subscriptions do you have?

Right now, none. We cut back about a year ago to save money.

12. What lesson do you have to keep re-learning?

When to speak and when to shut up! When to let my teens spread their wings and fly on their own.

Have a great day! Enjoy your coffee!