Friday's Feast

Here's the code to play along

Appetizer
Which snack do you like to get when you go to the movies?

Most definitely it's POPCORN with butter. I know it's horrible for you when you eat it there and like that...but it's YUMMY!

Soup
What year did you start using the internet?

We were living in South Tampa, so that would have been 1990/91.

Salad
What is your first name in Pig Latin? (Here’s how to speak it if you don’t already know!)

USAN-SAY

Main Course
Name something you are picky about.

Food. I don't like many cooked veggies.

Dessert
Fill in the blanks: I ____ ____ yesterday and I ____ ____ today.

I lifted weights yesterday and I HURT LIKE HECK today!

Friday's Feast

Appetizer When was the last time you were surprised?

Hmmm...I don't remember. Probably when we were on our cruise and DH won another one. That was a surprise.

Soup Fill in the blanks:

My eyes are ____Hazel____, but I wish they were __Hazel__. I like my eyes very much...and green's my favorite color.

SaladIf you were a Beanie Baby, what would you look like and what would your name be?

WOW, that's a hard one! If I were a Beanie Baby, I'd definitely be a Dark Green Bear. I had hundreds of the things during the whole Beanie Baby craze. How about "Greenie Beanie"? That's about the best I can do this early in the morning.

Main Course Name two things you consistently do that you consider to be healthy habits.

Lately it's working out five times a week. And I'm trying to eat more "little meals" during the day. This is not easy since I really don't have a normal schedule. But, it's happening slowly but surely.

Dessert What brand of toothpaste are you using these days? Do you like it? Why or why not?

I flip back and forth with toothpaste between Aquafresh and Crest. I do like the gel kind vs. the paste. (I hope you feel more complete after having read THAT!)

Famished Friday "Feaster" Returns to FRIDAY'S FEAST!

Appetizer

How are you today?

Tired and perplexed by some recent events in my sons' worlds.

Soup
Name 3 television shows you watch on a regular basis.

It depends on the season, but right now it's House, Survivor, and Kid Nation.

Salad
What’s the scariest weather situation you’ve experienced?

Hurricane Charlie (even though it was not a direct hit on our town, it DID directly hit our church and caused millions of dollars in damage). It also devastated many of our friends' homes and communities.

Main Course
If you could wake up tomorrow morning in another country, where would you want to be?

Thatsa' EASY....ITALY!!

Dessert
What do you usually wear to sleep?

COMFY t-shirt and pajama pants or shorts.

Friday Feast

Since it's been a while since I've "feasted", I thought I'd try and get back in the swing of things!!

Appetizer: On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how polite are you?

I think I am pretty polite, most of the time. So I'd have to say an 8. There ARE those moments when I get in a snit over something and then, all politeness goes right out the window. I'm not too proud of those moments, but they DO happen to me.

Soup: What was the last thing that made you laugh out loud?

When I was at work yesterday, the air was broken. I worked for about 2 hours in my office; I called it "my hot box". When I came out, I must have looked awful because the secretary looked at me and said, "Now that'll convince you that you don't want to go to hell, right??" {As if I needed any convincing.}

Salad: Who is your favorite cartoon character?

By far it has to be The Cat in the Hat because for me, he represents all that is "right" in the area of education and learning and children's literature. And Dr. Seuss is an author that appeals to children all over (and grown-ups, too).

Main Course: Tell about the funniest teacher you ever had.

I loved my first College Education Professor, Dr. Little. She absolutely used to get into stitches in our class. She loved learning and she loved laughing. She was passionate about education and shared it with everyone. My favorite day was when we set a cassette tape (yes, it was a while ago) with a birthday song for my friend, Beth behind a partial wall in her classroom. About 45 minutes into the class, the song "went off" and shocked us all. She laughed until there were tears coming down her cheeks.

Dessert: Complete this sentence:

I strongly believe that ALL children can learn and have the right to be taught by caring compassionate individuals.

Friday's Feast

Appetizer: Name a funny habit you have.

I don't know if it's "funny" or not, but when I come home alone, I have to walk into every room of my house before I can settle down. {Edited to add: As I visited some other feasts, I remembered that I have to sleep with one leg under the covers and the other leg out of the covers...it keeps my temperature "just right".}

Soup: If you could instantly know how to play a musical instrument, which one would you pick?

Without a doubt the piano.

Salad: How long is your hair?

Just above my shoulder.

Main Course: When was the last time you forgave someone, and who was it?

I can't remember,but I'm sure it was either my DH or my children.

Dessert: What is your favorite kitchen appliance?

The telephone to call for "take out"! Seriously, I really don't like to cook. I don't even know which one I'd pick for real...probably my food chopper.

It's True...

Here's my truth from yesterday's dessert:

DH and I did have five kids under the age of five when we were foster parents. We had our DSs 1 and 2 and a sibling group of three. It was quite interesting.

I'm sorry I haven't been around to "read" all of your blogs...I promise to get around and catch up with you this weekend. Know that I miss reading and appreciate all of your sweet comments here.

Hugs!!

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
Name something you would not want to own.

I would not want to own a Ferrari or any other outrageously expensive car. I'd be a nervous wreck about it getting marred.

Soup
Describe your hair (texture, color, length, etc.).

My hair is THICK, blonde and shoulder length. It drives ME crazy. Everytime I go to a new hair salon they tell me that I have "great hair". I want to say, "Well then do something GREAT with it!" But that's another question for another day!

Salad
Finish this sentence: I’ll never forget ___________.

Of course the first thing that popped into my mind was 9-11-01....but I decided that might be a very popular answer. The second thing I thought was "the birth of my children". And certainly that's true, but I decided to go with:

I'll never forget Prince Charles and Diana's wedding. I was sick with Mono and resting at my Grandparents in Georgia. My Grandmother taught me to cross stitch. I cross stitched an entire piece the day they got married. It was an all day Media Event.

Main Course
Which famous person would you like to be for one day? Why?

I'd like to be Bill or Melinda Gates. I chose these two because I DREAM of being a philanthropist and being able to give away much to those in need.

Dessert
Write one sentence about yourself that includes one thing that is true and another thing that is not.

I found $500 one time. I once had five children under five. (I'll post which one is true later today.)

Friday Feast

Appetizer: How fast can you type?

I am pretty fast. I have no idea what the words per minute is, though. I do know that whenever my boss wants to type something in a meeting (and his secretary isn't present) he'll ask me to do it.

Soup: What is your favorite online game?

Right now, I've been playing Bedazzled 2 on pogo. I go through phases. I just reached the top level on one of the Diner Dashes...so this one is my latest.

Salad: On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 as highest), how intelligent do you think you are?
Hmmmm...depends on who else is in the room and WHAT the topic of conversation is. There are days I feel like an 8 or 9 and days I feel like a 1 or 2.

Main Course: Name three of your best teachers from your school years.

I did this a few weeks ago for my Thursday Thirteen. Here is a snippet from that:

1. Mrs. Hudson: She was my first grade teacher and the person who taught me to love reading. 2. Mr. Acosta: He was not my "teacher by day", but was the band director at my school. He taught us self-discipline...to seek excellence...to believe in ourselves among MANY other lessons. 3. Dr. Little: She was my first Education professor in college. I took Intro. to Ed with her as I sought a major and found my life's passion as a result.

Dessert: What are your plans for this upcoming weekend?

I'm going home to see my family today and tomorrow. On Sunday, church. Love on my husband and kids. Then prepare for the next weeks of work before I head off to Toronto on the 13th.

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
What is your favorite kind of bread?

I love honey wheat bread when I am at home. If I'm at the deli, I love croissant roll.

Soup
When was the last time you bought a new pillow?

About three or four months ago. I don't buy them often enough, and I'd like to "splurge" and get one of those very expensive ones...but I'm afraid I won't like it and be sorry I spent my money on it.

Salad
Approximately how many hours per week do you spend surfing the ‘net?

TOOOO many! I probably surf (if you count blogging and work) about 2 - 4 hours/day. Most days it's at the lower end of this scale that's still too high!

Main Course
What’s the highest you remember your temperature being?

Well, I remember one summer in Kentucky when it hit 107. But I also know I was in Arizona during one of their hottest summers. I think it topped out over 112 one day while I was there....I kept thinking, "Dry heat my foot! I'd rather stick my head in a convection oven!!!" I really don't like it even when it's "DRY"!

Dessert
Fill in the blanks: When I ____________, I _____________.

When I am mad, I sometimes laugh.
{I know that sounds really strange...but sometimes I am just so angry that I start laughing. The problem is I AM "really mad" and my kids think I'm laughing like a funny laugh....and they start laughing and I laugh harder as I get madder inside. I think my "wires" are off!!}

Friday's Feast

Appetizer: What are you proud of?
Without a doubt, my family. My DH and my children bless me every single day as they persue the lives to which God has called them.

Soup: What is the best thing you’ve ever won as a prize?
In 2005 I was named our District's Teacher of the Year. I am passionate about my profession, and always dreamed that I would represent it well. It was a HUGE honor. I received many gifts, but the honor was (and always will be) so precious to me.

Salad: Name something you do that is a waste of time.
Hmmm....I guess when I get "hooked" on a computer game. My latest "hook" was Diner Dash. Now I've beat all the levels, so I'm over that.

Main Course: In what year of your life did you change the most?
So far, I'd have to say it was the year I turned 40. I think this was the year that I realized that I really was satisfied and that I needed to do my best to stop sweating the small stuff. And although that trait still plagues me occasionally, I really DO try to enjoy each and every day and let things roll off my back when they should. I'm getting better at that all the time.

Dessert: Where is a place you consider to be very tranquil?
Without a doubt the mountains. I LOVE the mountains of Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee the most. I've never been to Colorado...but suspect that the Smokies will always be my favorite. I always dreamed of having my own mountain (a la the Walton's). I'm thinking it may not happen until heaven, but I know when I go visit these states, I am at peace.

Friday Feast

Appetizer
Who is your favorite news anchor/reporter? Why?
I don't know. I DO like Katie Couric. I never watch the news anymore. I click on it on my laptop!

Soup
Name 3 foods that are currently in your freezer.
Fish....Steak...Chicken

Salad
If you were to have the opportunity to name a new town or city, what would you call it?
Hmmm...this one is hard. The first thing that came to my mind is "Happening"...don't know why...maybe because I think it'd be a fun place to visit.

Main Course
What will most likely be the next book you read?
Wicked by Gregory Maguire or Dear John by Nicholas Sparks. I have these on my bedstand along with many many others!!

Dessert
What's the first thing you notice about the opposite gender?
Eyes and hands.

Friday Feast 5

Friday Feast---Thatsa' Lotta' Thoughta'!

Appetizer

Name two things that made you smile this week.
**Having lunch with a friend that I rarely get to see.
** Listening to DS 4 tell me why " the color red should be outlawed" (an upcoming blog for sure)

Soup

Fill in the blank: Don't you hate it when ________?
You can't think of a thing to BLOG about????

Salad

When you can't go to sleep, what is your personal remedy to help yourself drift into Lullabyland?
I usually "sing to myself" in my head....or sometimes I start to pray...

Main Course

What is something about which you've always wondered but have not yet found a good answer?
WHY do bad things happen to good people????

Dessert

What is your favorite pasta dish?
I'm like Garfield: LASAGNA!!

Friday Feast

Appetizer
Where on your body do you have a scar, and what caused it?
I have a scar on my left index finger. This accident happened on DH's and my first New Year's Eve together. He was working late. I was making appetizers for us to celebrate the new year (1988) when he got home. I was trying to open a package of Gouda Cheese and I couldn't get it. I stuck the knife in and it ripped the cheese and into my finger. I had to get stitches (7 of them). DH was surprised when he walked through the door to relax and celebrate that we had to go to the hospital...but he was gracious as always.

Soup
What is something that has happened to you that you would consider a miracle?
When DS 4 was being delivered, the doctor kept telling us that we needed a C-Section. I had three babies naturally and couldn't believe this was happening. This was not my regular doctor as it was a Sunday. This particular doctor has a reputation for doing unnecessary C's, so I was VERY hesitant. The nurse helped us decide to go ahead. Now, when you watch the video, DS had completely tied the ubilical cord into a knot and it was wrapped around his neck! The doctor told us later that had he tried to come through the birth canal, we'd have lost him. He's our miracle.

Salad
Name a television personality who really gets on your nerves.
I mean no disrespect by this...but right now, it's between Anna Nicole and Brittney Spears. Anna is gone. Yet she is on my TV more now than ever. And Brittney...well...need I really go into it???

Main Course
What was a funny word you said as a child (such as "pasketti" for "spaghetti")?
My Dad used to sing the hymn "In the Garden" to me. The first line is "I come to the garden alone." I guess I once sang with him, "I come to the garbage alone..."

Dessert
Fill in the blank: I have always thought ______ was ______.
(This one was hard! I couldn't think of anything.I may come back and re-edit later if a better statement comes to mind.)
I have always thought beets are disgusting, smelly and gross!

Friday Feast

Appetizer: What sound, other than the normal ringing, would you like your telephone to make?
I think a nice piano would be good...Jim Brickman style.

Soup: Describe your usual disposition in meteorological terms (partly cloudy, sunny, stormy, etc.).
OK, I wanted to say "Sunny" (of course)...instead I have to say "Hurricane Warning" with scattered Sunshine. The only reason I say "Hurricane"...is because I lead a pretty frenzied life...there's a lot going on and yet, there's always that "eye" where things are pretty calm and peaceful too. (Gosh, the truth hurts sometimes!)

Salad: What specific subject do you feel you know better than any other subjects?

Since I sleep, eat and breathe Literacy...I'd have to say "Reading Instruction". My job is to coach teachers in the implementation of best-practices for Reading instruction. It's my passion and I'm glad to know that I get to do it every single day.

Main Course: Imagine you were given the ability to remember everything you read for one entire day. Which books/magazines/newspapers would you choose to read?

The Bible for sure. I don't "retain it" like I should. It's my dream to be like those people who have a scripture for every occasion. I simply don't. Secondly, I think I'd choose a language book for a total second language.

Dessert: If a popular candy maker contacted you to create their next confection, what would it be like and what would you name it?

Decadent Dark CHOCOLATE! Don't know what I'd name it...I'll have to think about that one....

Friday Feast 4/130

Appetizer - Have you been sick yet this winter? If so, what did you come down with?

I haven't been down-for-days sick, but I did catch a cold in New York City in December. Right now, I can feel a sore throat and nasal congestion coming on. I'm praying it goes away...and I'm pumping the vitamins!!

Soup - What colors dominate your closet?

I'd have to say it's blues, khakis, reds and browns. In the summer, it changes though to more pinks, greens, and tans.

Salad - How would you describe your personal "comfort zone"?

I definitely have personal space. I can't stand it when someone stands too close to me. As far as going out and trying things....I'll try almost anything once....notice I said "almost". You've got to have an "out" when you need it.

Main Course - On which reality show would you really like to be a contestant?

Oh my goodness...I LOVE the family version of Amazing Race. I think that would be so fun.

Dessert - Which holiday would you consider to be your favorite?

Christmas...hands down!!

Friday Feast

Appetizer
If you could take lessons to learn any musical instrument, which would you want to learn?
I think I'd like to learn the guitar. I tried the piano as a child and regret not sticking with it. I really only have to learn the "left hand"...as I can do the "right hand" pretty well. Maybe I should take "left-hand" piano lessons!

Soup
Have you ever mistaken a person for someone else?
Yes, but I didn't let them know it.

Salad
On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how well do you keep secrets?
I am pretty good at this. I'd have to give myself a 9 out of 10. I know there are a couple of times that I've let stuff "slip"...but most of the time I can do it.

Main Course
What's the closest you've ever been to a dangerous animal?
I've only been "close" to them at the zoo. This means there's always been a wall or a moat between me and the animal.

Dessert
When was the last time you lost your patience?
Oh boy. I'm sure it was in the car...but don't really remember when. Probably last week sometime.

Friday Feast 2/126

Appetizer

What comes to mind when you see the color orange?
Fall, pumpkins, and juicy oranges from the tree!

Soup

Did you ever get in trouble while you were in school? If so, what was it for?
Yep, I got paddled in the seventh grade! I was late to a teacher's class. It happened to be the same day a bunch of trouble-makers were late purposely and trying to make her mad. Back then, there were no questions asked. You just got marched down to the principal's office and before you knew it, your backside was STINGING! I remember wanting to cry the rest of the day and not really being able to sit without excrutiating pain!

Salad

Which topping(s) make up your perfect pizza?
I love grilled chicken, black olives, onions, and mushrooms on my pizza.

Main Course

Do you believe in UFOs/aliens/etc.? Why or why not?
No, I just can't let my mind travel there.

Dessert

What color is your bedspread/comforter/quilt?
I just got a new one. It is a dark red--almost wine color with chocolate brown and gold in it. I love it.

Happy Friday everyone!!

Friday Feast 1 (125)

Feast One Hundred & Twenty-Five

I finally decided to jump into the Friday Feast. It's my first one. Happy Friday, Everyone!

Appetizer
Which celebrity (or celebrities) do you think will make headlines this year? Oh, probably several. I think Brittney will continue to make headlines as will people like Donald Trump and Rosie. I just don't see that changing anytime soon.

Soup
They say that good things come in small packages? What is something little that you think is great? I love small things! I suppose my latest "small thing" that I think is great, is my new flash drive. It can carry almost every file I've ever made on the computer and I don't have to lug laptops everywhere. I can just pop that that little thing in and have everything I need. Love it!!

Salad
Name a song that makes you want to dance. Oh my goodness, there are SO MANY! I love to dance. There's a song that we sing at church called "Fields of Grace" that makes me really want to "let go" when we sing it. As for secular songs, I love "Black Horse in a Cherry Tree" and oldies like "Shout" and "Conga".

Main Course
What is your favorite font? I love Comic Sans and Chalkboard.

Dessert
If you were to write a do-it-yourself article, what would it be about? Ugh, this one has me stumped! "How to drive, eat, and talk on the phone--the art of Multi-tasking" might be an article I could write!!