"In this life we will encounter hurts and trials that we will not be able to change; we are just going to have to allow them to change us."
Ron Lee Davis
1. Do you get manicures/pedicures?
Yes. See here.2. When did you last get your hair cut?
I think it was 2 years ago. I don’t get it cut very often.3. Do you get regular massages?
I did for a while. The Doctor was a Dean at a school that offered massage technology classes, and every Friday night was their clinicals, where there did massages for free, to give the students the practice they needed. So for several months, I got a massage every Friday night. It was awesome!4. Have you ever waxed a part of your body?
Yes, I got a bikini wax once. It was really nice, and I would love to do it again. It just isn’t very high on the list. I would rather use the money for a pedicure.5. Can you see your veins?
Yep. I inherited that from my mom. And her mom.6. Do you use tanning beds?
Why would I pay to get cancer? I have never understood that one.7. Favorite soap?
Dove. It leaves my skin so soft.8. Favorite shampoo?
I use Pantene. And I die every time I buy it because it’s so expensive to me!9. Favorite kind of music?
80’s. Not the heavy metal, but Tears for Fears and REO Speedwagon and such.10. Favorite time of day?
After the kids are in bed and it’s just The Doctor and me.11. Favorite local tourist attraction?
Temple Square. I love to take the kids there.12. Favorite swear word?
Crap. I say “Crap on a dog” a lot. I know, it’s stupid.13. Favorite fruit?
Raspberries. My Grandma Christensen had raspberry bushes and we would go pick them for bottling, and my mom would tell us we could pick 10 and then eat 1. I think it usually ended up the other way.14. Favorite kind of meat?
I love meat. I am definitely a carnivore at heart. But pig is my favorite. Ribs and pork chops and bacon.15. Favorite fish? Like to eat?
I eat fish. I think Tilapia is my favorite. I have a hard time eating salmon. That’s a story for another time.16. Favorite flavor milkshake?
Oreo. Or Reece’s Peanut Butter Cup.17. Favorite kinds of candy?
Chocolate. I also like licorice. Twizzlers, not Red Vine.18. Have you ever eaten a whole bag of potato chips?
Yes. I can down a bag of Cheetos like there’s no tomorrow. Not anymore. I will not do that anymore.19. Have you ever eaten lobster?
Oh, yes. I love lobster!20. What’s a food you’re embarrassed to admit you love to eat?
I was just introduced to Sweet Potatoes/Yams. But not cooked. I like to eat them raw. They taste really good!21. What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten?
Frog’s legs. They were good!22. Have you ever climbed a mountain?
Nope.23. Have you ever been skydiving or bungee jumping?
No, but my dream is to sky dive someday. I really want to!24. Have you ever been water-skiing?
Yes, and I love it.25. Do you like your nose?
Yes, it’s just right. Not too big, not too small.26. Would you change the color of your eyes if you could?
No, I love having blue eyes. I guess I would like them a little bluer.27. Do you like salt and vinegar potato chips?
Yes, but I can only eat a couple of them before my tongue is raw.28. Do you eat salsa?
No, and I never will.29. What do you buy at the movie theater concession stand?
Popcorn. I love movie theater popcorn…with extra butter. But I won’t eat that anymore. At least not the extra large bucket that is refillable!30. Do you own a boat?
No.31. Do you have a pool?
No.32. Can you swim?
Yes.33. Which do you prefer, bagel or toast?
Toast, on my homemade bread with butter and jam.34. Cats or dogs?
Neither. I am allergic to both.35. Pens or pencils?
I love them both. I hoard them. If I had to chose, I would say mechanical pencils.36. Coffee or tea?
Neither. I don’t drink them. I like hot chocolate!37. Bath or shower?
Bath. I just want a bathtub that would cover me all up!38. Markers or crayons?
Crayons. Much more fun!39. You’re making a trip across the country. Do you drive or fly?
I have never done that, but if I cost wasn’t an issue, I would definitely fly!40. First credit card you had?
I got my first Visa when I went to college. Big mistake.41. First loan you got was for?
College. Student loans.42. First major purchase?
College! After that, it was our first car when we were married!43. What was your first job?
I cleaned doctor’s offices with my parents when I was 9. They did that to earn more money. We went every week night and cleaned. We also cleaned windows. My parents had their own businesses for years, and I worked for them. I bought everything that I needed for myself starting at age 13.44. What was your occupation previous to the one you have now?
Other than a mom, I didn’t work after I had The Teenager 16 1/2 years ago. Before that, I was working as a temp at a credit card agency inputting card payments.45. Have you ever had stitches?
Yes. When I was pregnant with The Artist, I sliced open my hand on a piece of glass that I was using for a light table. I had to get a tetanus shot, after the doctor researched whether they could give it to a pregnant woman. I got to see the tendon too! It was cool. I have a scar on my hand in the shape of a “C.”46. Last time you went to the hospital for something?
For me personally? When I had my hysterectomy 3 1/2 years ago.47. Last place you drove to?
I drove The Teenager to work at Arctic Circle tonight.48. Last place you flew to?
Kansas City with The Doctor for a drafting competition in 2003.49. Last time you were at a sports bar?
Never.50. Last thing you celebrated?
New Years.Wow, that was boring!
I have wanted cute containers for my laundry soap for several years. I have looked and looked and just never found anything that really hit me.
Last week, The Doctor and I were at Wal-Mart and we were just wandering the aisles and he found some cute garbage cans. He is so good about thinking out of the box.
I bought them, and then used vinyl to decorate them, and here is how they turned out:
I absolutely love them! I can just lift the lid, but my kids like to use the pedal. The insides are removable and they are just the perfect size. I just had to share.
Last week, The Doctor and I were at Wal-Mart and we were just wandering the aisles and he found some cute garbage cans. He is so good about thinking out of the box.
I bought them, and then used vinyl to decorate them, and here is how they turned out:
I absolutely love them! I can just lift the lid, but my kids like to use the pedal. The insides are removable and they are just the perfect size. I just had to share.
I am done tonight.
I don’t want to be the mom anymore.
No, I want to be a mom. I just don’t want to be the mom of a teenager.
I remember what I was like as a teenager, and I have one thing to say.
Mom…I am soooooooooooooooooo sorry!
I don’t want to be the mom anymore.
No, I want to be a mom. I just don’t want to be the mom of a teenager.
I remember what I was like as a teenager, and I have one thing to say.
Mom…I am soooooooooooooooooo sorry!
Since when did the scoring in figure skating get so complicated? What happened to 9’s and 10’s? Now it’s 170.63. What does that even mean?
I want to be a figure skater. I think they are so graceful and beautiful out on the ice. I know it’s a lot of hard work and falling, but that would be so cool! And the cute costumes would be awesome too!
I used to think I wanted to be a synchronized swimmer, but then I saw how much makeup they wear. I still love to watch it though. I think they are amazing. They don’t show it enough, however. Same with rhythmic gymnastics.
Speaking of which, I want a 24-hour showing of all the events. I want to see the events that I am interested in, not just the events that NBC is interested in. Don’t they own tons of TV stations anyway? It should just be all Olympics, all the time.
Moguls hurt my knees. No, I have never done them, just watched them. They still make my knees ache!
Let’s talk about how much money they spent on the opening ceremonies. I know that compared to China’s spending $300 million, Canada’s $30 million is paltry, but really. Yes, it was beautiful, but $30 million? How many people would that have fed and housed in Haiti?
Okay, that’s enough for tonight. I’m off to watch figure skating! Lost can wait until tomorrow.
I want to be a figure skater. I think they are so graceful and beautiful out on the ice. I know it’s a lot of hard work and falling, but that would be so cool! And the cute costumes would be awesome too!
I used to think I wanted to be a synchronized swimmer, but then I saw how much makeup they wear. I still love to watch it though. I think they are amazing. They don’t show it enough, however. Same with rhythmic gymnastics.
Speaking of which, I want a 24-hour showing of all the events. I want to see the events that I am interested in, not just the events that NBC is interested in. Don’t they own tons of TV stations anyway? It should just be all Olympics, all the time.
Moguls hurt my knees. No, I have never done them, just watched them. They still make my knees ache!
Let’s talk about how much money they spent on the opening ceremonies. I know that compared to China’s spending $300 million, Canada’s $30 million is paltry, but really. Yes, it was beautiful, but $30 million? How many people would that have fed and housed in Haiti?
Okay, that’s enough for tonight. I’m off to watch figure skating! Lost can wait until tomorrow.
I like things that are exact and precise.
I have always been really good at spelling. There is a right way to spell a word, and every other way is wrong. You just have to know the right way and you are set.
In math, 13 x 7 always equals 91. No matter what (well, unless you are watching Abbott & Costello!).
I didn't really care for English class. When I wrote an essay, the grading was too subjective. You can get a different grade, depending on if the teacher is in a good mood or a bad mood, or just doesn't like you. And it's hard to argue the grade.
In math, it doesn't matter what the teacher's mood is, 13 x 7 = 91. Period.
I realized last night that this is why I hate doing taxes so much. You have deductions and contributions and different tax rates and you are always trying to manipulate the bottom line. It is very frustrating.
Just keep me in bookkeeping. I am very happy there!
I have always been really good at spelling. There is a right way to spell a word, and every other way is wrong. You just have to know the right way and you are set.
In math, 13 x 7 always equals 91. No matter what (well, unless you are watching Abbott & Costello!).
But I digress.
I didn't really care for English class. When I wrote an essay, the grading was too subjective. You can get a different grade, depending on if the teacher is in a good mood or a bad mood, or just doesn't like you. And it's hard to argue the grade.
In math, it doesn't matter what the teacher's mood is, 13 x 7 = 91. Period.
I realized last night that this is why I hate doing taxes so much. You have deductions and contributions and different tax rates and you are always trying to manipulate the bottom line. It is very frustrating.
Just keep me in bookkeeping. I am very happy there!
"You can turn painful situations around through laughter. If you can find humor in anything, you can survive it."
Bill Cosby
Bill Cosby
7 minutes. That is how long it take me shower (just the basics, no shaving).
When I have a lot of work to do, I will go right down and get on the computer and start working as soon as possible, which is usually around 7:00. I then work all morning. Around 10:30, I will stop and put on my makeup and I throw my hair into a ponytail. And then I feel gross the rest of the day, because I still have work to do, and I don't feel there is time to shower.
If I would take those 7 minutes before I sit down to work,I can then let my hair air dry, and then it only takes about 5 minutes to do my hair.
I feel so much better when I have showered. So why do I seem to forget that?
When I have a lot of work to do, I will go right down and get on the computer and start working as soon as possible, which is usually around 7:00. I then work all morning. Around 10:30, I will stop and put on my makeup and I throw my hair into a ponytail. And then I feel gross the rest of the day, because I still have work to do, and I don't feel there is time to shower.
If I would take those 7 minutes before I sit down to work,I can then let my hair air dry, and then it only takes about 5 minutes to do my hair.
I feel so much better when I have showered. So why do I seem to forget that?
Yesterday I was in my kitchen and I dropped something on the floor. I had to get on my knees to get it and I made the mistake good fortune of looking up at my oven.
Gross! Under the handle was nasty! I then looked at the broiler drawer and pulled it out a little. Gross!
When I stood up and looked down, it looked perfectly clean. But getting down and looking at it from a different perspective showed me how much dirt and grime I had been missing.
When my mom had surgery, I was able to go and spend the day with her in the hospital. She was not feeling good (duh...just had surgery!) and needed a lot of help. It felt like such an honor to be there for her. She kept apologizing after asking for help. I told her to quit apologizing because it was a privilege to me to be able to help her.
My grandma is in the hospital right now, and her daughter (my aunt) is there helping take care of her. She put it this way:
I think this is true of our lives. We spend so much time looking at our trials and problems from one direction. We need to stop and take a look at them from a different perspective. From an eternal perspective.
I remember when The Doctor was out of work. It was Christmas Eve and I was really struggling. The Doctor gave me a blessing and Heavenly Father told me to be strong because this trial would be for a short time. I was renewed and excited. Fast forward to a year later and we were still struggling. I didn't understand what had happened.
I forgot to look at my trials with an eternal perspective, remembering that one day for our Heavenly Father is 1000 years. So for Him, 3 years in my time is about 4 1/2 minutes for him. So yes, that is a short time in the eternal perspective.
It's all about perception. Maybe we need to get down on our knees more often to get a better perspective on life.
Gross! Under the handle was nasty! I then looked at the broiler drawer and pulled it out a little. Gross!
When I stood up and looked down, it looked perfectly clean. But getting down and looking at it from a different perspective showed me how much dirt and grime I had been missing.
When my mom had surgery, I was able to go and spend the day with her in the hospital. She was not feeling good (duh...just had surgery!) and needed a lot of help. It felt like such an honor to be there for her. She kept apologizing after asking for help. I told her to quit apologizing because it was a privilege to me to be able to help her.
My grandma is in the hospital right now, and her daughter (my aunt) is there helping take care of her. She put it this way:
"I love my parents so much and it is clear how the circle of life takes us almost back to that helpless stage that we are born into.We lovingly care for our babies and we lovingly care for our aged parents. Mom thinks she is a bother but I feel privileged to have this time with her. She is a beautiful person."I needed my mom to look at it from a different perspective. I was thrilled to be there for her.
I think this is true of our lives. We spend so much time looking at our trials and problems from one direction. We need to stop and take a look at them from a different perspective. From an eternal perspective.
I remember when The Doctor was out of work. It was Christmas Eve and I was really struggling. The Doctor gave me a blessing and Heavenly Father told me to be strong because this trial would be for a short time. I was renewed and excited. Fast forward to a year later and we were still struggling. I didn't understand what had happened.
I forgot to look at my trials with an eternal perspective, remembering that one day for our Heavenly Father is 1000 years. So for Him, 3 years in my time is about 4 1/2 minutes for him. So yes, that is a short time in the eternal perspective.
It's all about perception. Maybe we need to get down on our knees more often to get a better perspective on life.
1. Tell me the absolute best way to watch a movie.
In my chair with a blanket on and bowl of popcorn. And with the remote in my hand. Because then you can pause when you have to go to the bathroom and you don’t miss anything.
2. Do you ever think about your own funeral? If so, do you have specific ideas about how you would like it to be?
Nope. I try to avoid thinking about my own death. I do want Primary songs sung, though.
3. What is one often overlooked item in your home that needs to be cleaned regularly?
My kitchen floor. I spot mop a lot, but actually getting down on my knees and mopping? Not done too often. Unless we are having a gathering at my house. Then I mop.
4. Do you eat a regular old peanut butter jelly sandwich, or do you customize it? And by the way, jelly or no jelly?
I love peanut butter sandwiches. Crunchy peanut butter is the best. I grew up with only creamy, so I love crunchy. My kids love creamy. Weird. I like jelly, but I prefer bananas. Peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Yum.
5. If we were having a conversation in person, how would I know if you were nervous?
If we were at my house and I didn’t have shoes on, I would be picking my toenails.
6. Do you have an elaborate bedtime routine, or just the basics of toothbrushing and jammies?
Okay, being totally honest here. I don’t wear jammies and I don’t brush my teeth at night. Or wash my face. I take my contacts out, go the bathroom, and crawl into bed.
7. Have you ever regretted something you wrote on your blog?
Yes. Nuff said.
8. If you could master one sport, what would it be?
I would love to be a figure skater. I can’t skate well, but I always wanted to.
9. When you make a major purchase, do you go with your gut instinct, or do you do research to make an informed decision?
Research. I have learned the hard way not to go with my gut when it deals with money. Decide what you want, do all your research, and make an informed decision. Otherwise you end up cutting off your long blonde hair just before your senior year of high school and spend the whole year with short hair that you don’t like. Hmmm, I wonder where that came from…
10. 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?
Well, I don’t have a middle name, and I moved a lot growing up. So my name would be _______ Lance Syringa 33rd Ave So Lee Maur. LOL
11. Would you rather give up your favorite music or your favorite food?
Food. Music does so much for me, and I already had to give up crab and lobster!
12. 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?
Mine have to have green on them. Once the green is gone, the flavor changes and I don’t like them.
13. On a scale of 1-10, how tech savvy are you?
I consider myself pretty tech savvy. I may not have all the latest tech stuff, but that’s because we prefer to wait until the price comes down and the kinks have been worked out. I credit my parents for the tech stuff. When I was in 6th grade, we got our first Macintosh. When I was in 8th grade, we got a second one. I grew up with a computer in my house. I have never been without one since. Right now, I have a desktop and laptop, The Doctor has a laptop, and (thanks to my dad who is a tech person for elementary schools) each of my boys has a laptop.
14. Do you keep in touch with friends you made years ago?
Somewhat, through Facebook. I am grateful for Facebook because it has allowed me to find them again.
In my chair with a blanket on and bowl of popcorn. And with the remote in my hand. Because then you can pause when you have to go to the bathroom and you don’t miss anything.
2. Do you ever think about your own funeral? If so, do you have specific ideas about how you would like it to be?
Nope. I try to avoid thinking about my own death. I do want Primary songs sung, though.
3. What is one often overlooked item in your home that needs to be cleaned regularly?
My kitchen floor. I spot mop a lot, but actually getting down on my knees and mopping? Not done too often. Unless we are having a gathering at my house. Then I mop.
4. Do you eat a regular old peanut butter jelly sandwich, or do you customize it? And by the way, jelly or no jelly?
I love peanut butter sandwiches. Crunchy peanut butter is the best. I grew up with only creamy, so I love crunchy. My kids love creamy. Weird. I like jelly, but I prefer bananas. Peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Yum.
5. If we were having a conversation in person, how would I know if you were nervous?
If we were at my house and I didn’t have shoes on, I would be picking my toenails.
6. Do you have an elaborate bedtime routine, or just the basics of toothbrushing and jammies?
Okay, being totally honest here. I don’t wear jammies and I don’t brush my teeth at night. Or wash my face. I take my contacts out, go the bathroom, and crawl into bed.
7. Have you ever regretted something you wrote on your blog?
Yes. Nuff said.
8. If you could master one sport, what would it be?
I would love to be a figure skater. I can’t skate well, but I always wanted to.
9. When you make a major purchase, do you go with your gut instinct, or do you do research to make an informed decision?
Research. I have learned the hard way not to go with my gut when it deals with money. Decide what you want, do all your research, and make an informed decision. Otherwise you end up cutting off your long blonde hair just before your senior year of high school and spend the whole year with short hair that you don’t like. Hmmm, I wonder where that came from…
10. 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?
Well, I don’t have a middle name, and I moved a lot growing up. So my name would be _______ Lance Syringa 33rd Ave So Lee Maur. LOL
11. Would you rather give up your favorite music or your favorite food?
Food. Music does so much for me, and I already had to give up crab and lobster!
12. 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?
Mine have to have green on them. Once the green is gone, the flavor changes and I don’t like them.
13. On a scale of 1-10, how tech savvy are you?
I consider myself pretty tech savvy. I may not have all the latest tech stuff, but that’s because we prefer to wait until the price comes down and the kinks have been worked out. I credit my parents for the tech stuff. When I was in 6th grade, we got our first Macintosh. When I was in 8th grade, we got a second one. I grew up with a computer in my house. I have never been without one since. Right now, I have a desktop and laptop, The Doctor has a laptop, and (thanks to my dad who is a tech person for elementary schools) each of my boys has a laptop.
14. Do you keep in touch with friends you made years ago?
Somewhat, through Facebook. I am grateful for Facebook because it has allowed me to find them again.
Today is a vacation day. After we went and rescued my sister who was broken down on the freeway, I had all afternoon to do whatever I wanted because I worked for 4 1/2 hours on Saturday.
The following was on my list that I could choose from:
Click here.
Best 3 hours I ever spent!
The following was on my list that I could choose from:
- Clean (bwah-hah-hah-hah!)
- Scrapbook
- Print pictures for frames
- Finish painting said frames
- Play games with my kids
- Cook a delicious supper
- Prepare the lesson for Family Home Evening
- Re-organize my files and put labels on all the files
- Work more
- Return the movie we rented Saturday night
- Take a nap
Click here.
Best 3 hours I ever spent!
Don't show God how big your problems are, show your problems how big your God is.
Yesterday was a very productive day.
I got up at 5:25. I made lunches for 3 children while The Doctor made his. We had family prayer, and then The Doctor left for work and The Teenager left for early morning Seminary.
I then made breakfast for 3 children while we read scriptures. I showered, started laundry, and then gave The Artist piano lessons. I got him off to school, and then I made bread.
I got The Chocoholic off to school, and then I did The Princess’ hair (it took me 45 minutes). I then got my hair and makeup done and did another batch of laundry. I then sat down to work.
I pulled the bread out, did another batch of laundry, and then worked some more. I made lunch for The Princess and we both ate. I did the last batch of laundry, took The Princess to school, and then came home and did some payroll.
That was all before noon.
Don’t get me wrong, this is NOT common. But it made me feel good to get so much done. However, today, I am very tired and I am going to go take a nap. Good night!
I got up at 5:25. I made lunches for 3 children while The Doctor made his. We had family prayer, and then The Doctor left for work and The Teenager left for early morning Seminary.
I then made breakfast for 3 children while we read scriptures. I showered, started laundry, and then gave The Artist piano lessons. I got him off to school, and then I made bread.
I got The Chocoholic off to school, and then I did The Princess’ hair (it took me 45 minutes). I then got my hair and makeup done and did another batch of laundry. I then sat down to work.
I pulled the bread out, did another batch of laundry, and then worked some more. I made lunch for The Princess and we both ate. I did the last batch of laundry, took The Princess to school, and then came home and did some payroll.
That was all before noon.
Don’t get me wrong, this is NOT common. But it made me feel good to get so much done. However, today, I am very tired and I am going to go take a nap. Good night!
I got this idea off a blog, and now I can't remember where. Basically you make sugar cookie dough, divide it and color each part a different color. Take a small section from each color, put together to make a ball, roll it out like a snake, then roll it up. I put sucker sticks in them, but you could even just leave them without it.
Make your colors really bold because when they bake, then will soften. I was so excited with how bright these were, and then when they came out of the oven...
They were much lighter. But the kids loved them anyway. Oh, and let them sit for a while before you pick them with the stick, otherwise the stick falls right out! We learned that one the hard way!
When I make bread, I will let the kids make their own mini loaves and sometimes I will let them color their bread. They have so much fun with it, and they make really cool sandwiches!
Make your colors really bold because when they bake, then will soften. I was so excited with how bright these were, and then when they came out of the oven...
They were much lighter. But the kids loved them anyway. Oh, and let them sit for a while before you pick them with the stick, otherwise the stick falls right out! We learned that one the hard way!
When I make bread, I will let the kids make their own mini loaves and sometimes I will let them color their bread. They have so much fun with it, and they make really cool sandwiches!
1. How good are you at delaying gratification?
Not good at all. I am very impatient. Hence why I am overweight. If it’s in the house, I will eat it.
2. What food (or anything else) would be most tempting?
Brownies are very tempting. Also Cheetos and Twix. And Bugles. And red Swedish fish.
3. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being saintly) how patient are you?
-5.
4. Have you ever waited for something in life only to be disappointed upon realization of the goal/object/etc.?
Oh yeah. When we bought our first house, I was so excited to own a house. But my husband hated the house, and that took all the excitement out of it for me. It was an older house and needed some TLC, and he didn’t want to give it.
5. Are you a person who takes shortcuts?
I love shortcuts. I am always trying to figure out a better, faster, easier way to do things. Even in driving. I am constantly trying to figure out the fastest way to get places.
6. Which line is hardest to wait in?
The bathroom line at the movies when you had to duck out while the movie is still going.
7. Did you wait to discover the gender of your unborn child until its birth?
We did with our first child. We wanted it to be a surprise. With the rest, we found out, because I needed to know if I had to buy clothes or not.
8. Are you more patient with children or the elderly?
Probably the elderly. I hope that when I am old (and I don’t want to get old!), that people will be patient with me.
9. Did you ever sneak a peek at a present?
No. My birthday is 6 days before Christmas, so I only got presents in that week. I didn’t want to ruin the surprise. I love the anticipation, but it kills me too!
10. What is the longest you've ever waited for anything?
Hmmm. This is a hard one. It took us 3 1/2 years to get pregnant with The Princess. Oh, I had to wait 12 years to get a girl!
Not good at all. I am very impatient. Hence why I am overweight. If it’s in the house, I will eat it.
2. What food (or anything else) would be most tempting?
Brownies are very tempting. Also Cheetos and Twix. And Bugles. And red Swedish fish.
3. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being saintly) how patient are you?
-5.
4. Have you ever waited for something in life only to be disappointed upon realization of the goal/object/etc.?
Oh yeah. When we bought our first house, I was so excited to own a house. But my husband hated the house, and that took all the excitement out of it for me. It was an older house and needed some TLC, and he didn’t want to give it.
5. Are you a person who takes shortcuts?
I love shortcuts. I am always trying to figure out a better, faster, easier way to do things. Even in driving. I am constantly trying to figure out the fastest way to get places.
6. Which line is hardest to wait in?
The bathroom line at the movies when you had to duck out while the movie is still going.
7. Did you wait to discover the gender of your unborn child until its birth?
We did with our first child. We wanted it to be a surprise. With the rest, we found out, because I needed to know if I had to buy clothes or not.
8. Are you more patient with children or the elderly?
Probably the elderly. I hope that when I am old (and I don’t want to get old!), that people will be patient with me.
9. Did you ever sneak a peek at a present?
No. My birthday is 6 days before Christmas, so I only got presents in that week. I didn’t want to ruin the surprise. I love the anticipation, but it kills me too!
10. What is the longest you've ever waited for anything?
Hmmm. This is a hard one. It took us 3 1/2 years to get pregnant with The Princess. Oh, I had to wait 12 years to get a girl!
So I’d never heard of this until one of my faithful readers, Jean, awarded it to me. You first have to list 10 honest things about yourself, and then award it to 4 other people.
I have been struggling with what to put on. I’m pretty open on this blog. But I will try.
1. I am fat. I know, big surprise. But I am trying to lose weight. We got rid of all the junk food in the house. I had a stash of chocolate in my scrapbook room that I’ve had since Easter. I only eat it once in a while, but I knew that if it was there, I would eat it. We are eating protein and vegetables. I have to train myself to not snack, especially after supper.
2. I love to snack. Especially after supper. Once the kids are in bed, The Doctor and I start eating. And eating and eating and eating. It got really bad. So we are trying retrain ourselves.
3. The Doctor and I started doing the HCG diet, and so far I have lost over 8 pounds. I will try to keep you updated on my success. I hesitate to tell people that we are doing it, because it seems like such a fad. But it is training me to eat better.
4. I hate swearing. Even the mild stuff. I hate it on TV, I hate it in movies (that’s why we have ClearPlay), and I hate it in books. The latest book for our book group had great promise, and I tried to ignore the swearing, but when it had 4 swear words on 2 pages, I gave up. I just think there are better words that can be used. And there are plenty of decent books out there that don’t have swearing in them.
5. I like to pick. Fingernails, toenails, nail polish, scabs, pimples, etc. I have done it my whole life. I have gotten better the last few years, but I still catch myself doing it.
6. I love chocolate. I love strawberries. I hate chocolate-covered strawberries. I will eat the chocolate off and try to ignore the strawberry flavor on it, and then I will eat the strawberry. Hmmm, and we’re back on food again.
7. I love Star Trek. Especially The Next Generation and Voyager. Star Wars is okay too. My favorite was the 3rd episode where Annakin become Darth Vader. So sad. I also love Smallville. The Doctor got me hooked on that.
8. I used to be a pretty picky eater. I have gotten better over the years, thanks to The Doctor. He has really pushed me to try new things. Thanks to him, I now will eat chili (as long as it’s not spicy), raw sweet potatoes/yams (I like the white ones better than the orange), lobster, crab, shrimp, fish, and artichokes. I still like my ribs and mashed potatoes though!
9. Now that I love lobster, crab, and shrimp, I have developed an allergy to them. I am at the point though that I don’t care anymore. I am just going to take an antihistamine first and enjoy them. They are really low in fat…as long as I don’t dip them in butter first! Wow, I came back to food again. I have told you before, I am addicted to food!
10. I value modesty. My mom raised me to dress modest. I never wore tank tops. If my shirt had no sleeves, I wore a shirt under it. I didn’t wear mini skirts. When I got married and went through the temple and started wearing garments (sacred underwear that Mormons wear which cover our shoulders and come down to our knees), I only had to get rid of a few pairs of shorts. Everything else that I owned was perfectly fine. I am so grateful to my mom for that, and I am teaching my children the same.
So now I have to award this to 4 people.
1. Heidi at See Our Family. She always comments on my blogs and makes me feel good about myself.
2. Jessica at My Marbles and Whatnot. She is a new mom and has the cutest little girl! I want to get to know her better.
3. Melissa at The Montoya Family. She is an amazing woman who is so accepting of all people.
4. Holly at Potter Family Treasures. She is such a sweet woman who always reaches out to help those in need of help.
So there you go. I can’t wait to read more about these amazing women!
Forgiveness is giving up my right to hurt you for hurting me.
So I took a bath the other day. I love taking baths. I love sinking into the tub of steaming hot water, closing my eyes, and just relaxing. Someday I would like a bigger bathtub so that my bum and my top half can both be warm at the same time. But I digress.
I took my bath and then stood up and turned on the shower to wash my hair. As I stood there, I felt very weird. I couldn't understand why I felt so heavy.
And then it hit me.
Fat floats.
We all know I am not skinny. I am 60 pounds overweight, but I am working on getting it off. So when I was in the bathtub, it felt so wonderful. I was warm and felt so light. And then I stood up and felt fat again. Extra fat.
Maybe I should avoid taking baths for a while.
Nah.
I took my bath and then stood up and turned on the shower to wash my hair. As I stood there, I felt very weird. I couldn't understand why I felt so heavy.
And then it hit me.
Fat floats.
We all know I am not skinny. I am 60 pounds overweight, but I am working on getting it off. So when I was in the bathtub, it felt so wonderful. I was warm and felt so light. And then I stood up and felt fat again. Extra fat.
Maybe I should avoid taking baths for a while.
Nah.
I love the new show on ABC called "The Middle." Each child has such a unique personality. It is so hilarious.
hilarious
However, Wednesday night's episode really got under my skin. The mom (played by Patricia Heaton) realized that she was nagging and yelling too much, so decided that she needed to stop. She was going to trust her children.
Then things started to unravel. They all at various points forgot to do something, and blamed her for it. So she swooped around fixing things and enabling them.
You can't do that. First off, you have to teach your children to take responsibility. And then you have to step back and let them grow. And sometimes that means they will fail. But that is how they learn.
For instance...
The Teenager likes to turn off his alarm clock and go back to sleep. Well, this year, he is taking early morning seminary which starts at 6:20. The Doctor leaves for work at 6:00 and will give him a ride if he is up and ready.
However, if he is not upstairs ready to go, The Doctor leaves, and The Teenager has to walk to school. In the dark.
Now, I know a lot of you are thinking, what horrible parents, making their child walk to school. In the dark. But if I gave him a ride, what would that teach him? That it's okay to sleep in because Mommy will be there to fix it.
I will not be there when he is in college. I will not be there when he goes on his mission. He has to learn now. And guess what? He is learning. He has only had to walk to school 2-3 times.
Now, don't go thinking I am some kind of wonder mom. Because it is just this year that I realized that I had been enabling him. I had been waking him up and yelling because he slept in. But I have learned. And my other kids are learning too.
hilarious
However, Wednesday night's episode really got under my skin. The mom (played by Patricia Heaton) realized that she was nagging and yelling too much, so decided that she needed to stop. She was going to trust her children.
Then things started to unravel. They all at various points forgot to do something, and blamed her for it. So she swooped around fixing things and enabling them.
You can't do that. First off, you have to teach your children to take responsibility. And then you have to step back and let them grow. And sometimes that means they will fail. But that is how they learn.
For instance...
The Teenager likes to turn off his alarm clock and go back to sleep. Well, this year, he is taking early morning seminary which starts at 6:20. The Doctor leaves for work at 6:00 and will give him a ride if he is up and ready.
However, if he is not upstairs ready to go, The Doctor leaves, and The Teenager has to walk to school. In the dark.
Now, I know a lot of you are thinking, what horrible parents, making their child walk to school. In the dark. But if I gave him a ride, what would that teach him? That it's okay to sleep in because Mommy will be there to fix it.
I will not be there when he is in college. I will not be there when he goes on his mission. He has to learn now. And guess what? He is learning. He has only had to walk to school 2-3 times.
Now, don't go thinking I am some kind of wonder mom. Because it is just this year that I realized that I had been enabling him. I had been waking him up and yelling because he slept in. But I have learned. And my other kids are learning too.
I am so tired of winter.
I'm tired of being cold. I'm tired of snow and frost and shoveling. I'm tired of empty flower beds and brown lawns and naked trees. I'm tired of coats and gloves and boots and socks.
I want sun and warmth. I want flip flops and flowers and green grass. I want warm breezes and swimming pools and capris.
Saturday was so nice. It was warm-ish and it really felt like spring. I was in heaven. Then Sunday morning it snowed, which dropped reality back into my lap. It was still January.
Then the stupid groundhog had to go and see his shadow. 6 more weeks of winter. Such a harsh reality check.
Dear husband, let's look for a job somewhere warmer. Not too hot, but warmer in the winter would be nice. How about if we just get a winter home in Australia, move back and forth, and avoid winter all together!
Anybody with me?
I'm tired of being cold. I'm tired of snow and frost and shoveling. I'm tired of empty flower beds and brown lawns and naked trees. I'm tired of coats and gloves and boots and socks.
I want sun and warmth. I want flip flops and flowers and green grass. I want warm breezes and swimming pools and capris.
Saturday was so nice. It was warm-ish and it really felt like spring. I was in heaven. Then Sunday morning it snowed, which dropped reality back into my lap. It was still January.
Then the stupid groundhog had to go and see his shadow. 6 more weeks of winter. Such a harsh reality check.
Dear husband, let's look for a job somewhere warmer. Not too hot, but warmer in the winter would be nice. How about if we just get a winter home in Australia, move back and forth, and avoid winter all together!
Anybody with me?
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.)
I do a mix of the two. For instance, I don't ever write a cursive r. Unless it's at the end of a word. And then I do. Also, I never do the cursive upper case. Cursive upper case Q...waste of space!
2. Are you a dreamer or a realist?
I am a realist. My hubby is a dreamer. We are trying to mesh together, but it's a good mesh. For instance, we are trying to plan a vacation for this summer. I have never gone on an official vacation. We never had the money growing up. So I don't see the purpose. It costs a lot of money that could be used to buy a shed or a bigger fridge. But I am trying to learn that we need to be builder of memories. A new fridge is not going to build memories. It's still hard, though.
3. Billy Joel or Elton John?
Billy Joel. I can't stand Elton John.
4. What is the scariest movie you've ever seen? Not horror flicks but ones where the tension or suspense is killer.
"What Lies Beneath" was way scary. Also, I saw "Sleeping with the Enemy" on TV and that scared the beejeebee's out of me! "Wait Until Dark" is a classic with Audrey Hepburn. And you can't forget "Something Wicked This Way Comes."
5. Now what is the scariest real-life moment you've had?
When I was in college, my roommate and I were out walking at night and a guy in a gorilla costume jumped out and scared us. I almost wet my pants! And when I was in high school, I slept in the basement. My room was pitch black at night. I woke up one night to a loud crash. I laid there forever trying to hold my breath and not make any noise, waiting for someone to attack me. When I finally got up the nerve to turn my lamp on, I discovered that my clothes rod had broken and all the clothes were on the floor. I was so relieved!
6. What word do you misspell without fail?
For some reason, I struggle with "restaurant." I always want to put the "u" after the second "a." I do consider myself a really good speller.
7. Name something you like to do but are not really talented or good at.
I consider myself pretty average at the things I do. Singing, playing the piano, scrapbooking. I do okay, but nothing that stands out.
8. Do you get your emotional/mental batteries recharged by being around people or by having alone time?
Being alone. I love it when my kids are all at school and the house is quiet. It's lovely!
9. Have you ever been on TV?
Yes...I was on Oprah.
10. Apple or pumpkin pie? (Don't be greedy.)
Pumpkin...with lots of Cool Whip!
11. How many magazine subscriptions do you have?
Let's see, I get The Ensign, The New Era, The Children's Friend, Real Simple, Reader's Digest, Eliza, and LDS Living.
12. What lesson do you have to keep re-learning?
To not eat too much. I am an emotional eater, so I eat when I am happy, when I am sad, when I am stressed, when I am depressed, and I eat just because the food tastes good. I never get hungry.
I do a mix of the two. For instance, I don't ever write a cursive r. Unless it's at the end of a word. And then I do. Also, I never do the cursive upper case. Cursive upper case Q...waste of space!
2. Are you a dreamer or a realist?
I am a realist. My hubby is a dreamer. We are trying to mesh together, but it's a good mesh. For instance, we are trying to plan a vacation for this summer. I have never gone on an official vacation. We never had the money growing up. So I don't see the purpose. It costs a lot of money that could be used to buy a shed or a bigger fridge. But I am trying to learn that we need to be builder of memories. A new fridge is not going to build memories. It's still hard, though.
3. Billy Joel or Elton John?
Billy Joel. I can't stand Elton John.
4. What is the scariest movie you've ever seen? Not horror flicks but ones where the tension or suspense is killer.
"What Lies Beneath" was way scary. Also, I saw "Sleeping with the Enemy" on TV and that scared the beejeebee's out of me! "Wait Until Dark" is a classic with Audrey Hepburn. And you can't forget "Something Wicked This Way Comes."
5. Now what is the scariest real-life moment you've had?
When I was in college, my roommate and I were out walking at night and a guy in a gorilla costume jumped out and scared us. I almost wet my pants! And when I was in high school, I slept in the basement. My room was pitch black at night. I woke up one night to a loud crash. I laid there forever trying to hold my breath and not make any noise, waiting for someone to attack me. When I finally got up the nerve to turn my lamp on, I discovered that my clothes rod had broken and all the clothes were on the floor. I was so relieved!
6. What word do you misspell without fail?
For some reason, I struggle with "restaurant." I always want to put the "u" after the second "a." I do consider myself a really good speller.
7. Name something you like to do but are not really talented or good at.
I consider myself pretty average at the things I do. Singing, playing the piano, scrapbooking. I do okay, but nothing that stands out.
8. Do you get your emotional/mental batteries recharged by being around people or by having alone time?
Being alone. I love it when my kids are all at school and the house is quiet. It's lovely!
9. Have you ever been on TV?
Yes...I was on Oprah.
10. Apple or pumpkin pie? (Don't be greedy.)
Pumpkin...with lots of Cool Whip!
11. How many magazine subscriptions do you have?
Let's see, I get The Ensign, The New Era, The Children's Friend, Real Simple, Reader's Digest, Eliza, and LDS Living.
12. What lesson do you have to keep re-learning?
To not eat too much. I am an emotional eater, so I eat when I am happy, when I am sad, when I am stressed, when I am depressed, and I eat just because the food tastes good. I never get hungry.
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