Being sick

Blog Prompt:
Which is worse, being sick or having sick kids/loved ones?
Which is worse, throwing up or having sick kids/loved ones throwing up upon you?
Which is worse, being up all night because you're sick, or being up all night because someone else is sick?

First of all, let me remind you that I'm a teacher, and not a nurse. There is a major reason God made me a teacher and not a nurse, and that is because I'm a terrible caregiver. As the youngest child, I was always cared for and was terribly spoiled. Thank goodness that my hubby was a hospital corpsman in the navy and could take care of our kids when they were growing up.

I would much rather be sick than having sick loved ones. Hubby is really sweet to me when I am sick and fusses and hovers over me as if he thinks I'm dying.
I would rather throw up because I can't clean up after someone else. My hubby is worse than I am about this so my poor kids had to take off their yucky bedsheets and toss them in a corner until they were well enough to put them in the washer. I could put clean sheets on their beds but couldn't see, touch, smell the yucky ones!
I would rather be up all night sick because I feel so helpless when it is someone else and I can't make them feel better. I'm afraid I should know how to do something and didn't which could cause them to get worse. I have the fear of not knowing or not being in control. At least if I'm sick, I am in control of me and not have to worry about anyone else.

Boy, do I sound so selfish! I can't help it. Thank goodness my family survived my selfishness!

Out of the Loop

Blog Prompt: Out of the Loop
Out-- Are you getting out and about lately? ...or is school/the weather/work/illness keeping you cooped up inside?
of the-- Blue? Does the Winter season 'get to you'? ...or do you handle it as well as you do Summer?
Loop-- Hey, Spring is coming; do you have a loop you drive or walk to check out the scenery? What do you see when you're out and about?

It is starting to get warm outside now so we are like little birds and leaving the nest little by little. This past weekend was beautiful so we went to the flea market and then hiking both days. We went to 3 waterfalls which are better in the spring because there is a lot more water flowing in the spring than the rest of the year.
I don't handle winter as well as summer because I hate cold weather (of course I whine about the hot weather when I get too hot). My classroom has no windows so I have a wallpaper mural of a landscape with the sun shining on it so it is always sunny in my room even in the winter!
Speaking of spring, yesterday when my hubby got home from work, we drove to the nearby park and walked 2 miles around the park. We did this every night until it started to get cold so I'm glad it is warming up. We have a great time talking about the day and future plans so I feel a lot closer to him when we do our daily walk. I like to see the trees start to bud and the flowers peeking out of the ground. It fills me with lots of hope for good things to come.

Bad Inventions

Blog Prompt: What are three things you wish were never invented?

1. Pool Tables - my hubby just had to have one in our new playroom when we got it built. Now it is used about once a year when we have a party. I use it as a folding table for my laundry now.
2. Boom Boxes in cars - I don't really know what it is called but when the bass is up, you can hear the boom boom boom of the car next to you which is driven by some out of control teenager.
3. Cigarettes - I see too many teenagers wasting their health on these just to look cool. My hubby started to smoke when he was about 13 and smoked for 32 years before was able to stop. He says he hasn't quit; he just hadn't had one in over 10 years (hey, whatever works for him is good enough for me).

Saturday Hiking

Last night we saw on the news that it was going to rain all weekend, so we decided not to go hiking on Saturday. Well, this morning we got up and it was cloudy but pretty comfortable in temperature when we went out for breakfast. After breakfast we went to the flea market (which is my hubby's favorite thing to do next to watching TV) and he found some great treasures for next to nothing. The temperature got warmer and the sun came out so we went home, threw our gear in the car and headed up to the mountains. It turned out to be a beautiful day after all. We hiked to 2 different waterfalls (yes, I got some great pictures!). We saw beautiful scenery and got exercise too! Not to mention that we got 50 miles per gallon in our new car!!! I love days like this!

I wish someone told me...

Blog Prompt: Begin your entry with "I wish someone had told me..."

I wish someone had told me...

• that making a marriage work is hard work even if my parents made it look so easy (people shouldn't take it for granted).
• you can have your cake and eat it too if you find a career that you love.
• that you need to think about retirement at least 20 years before you retire (I learned the hard way!)
• hiking was so much fun (I had to learn this on my own when I was able to make my own decisions).
• how lucky I was to be an American (I learned this especially when I visited China 7 years ago).
• sometimes people will try to put you down but you can't let them do that if you really want to achieve your goals (I was told so many times about the things I wasn't capable of doing so I never tried).
• life isn't always fair (how many times did we think this when we are little?).
• not everyone will like me and that is okay (for so long I wanted to be liked by everyone).
• you can't please everyone all the time (that is why I lost all my hair due to stress).
• that your life turns out to be what you make of it (I have learned more about having a good attitude each morning from my hubby, who is the happiest person I know because he chooses to be!)

Sinking Cruise Ship

Blog Prompt: Your cruise ship is sinking and the one and only small lifeboat only holds 5 people. This life boat will take you to a deserted island with no hope of rescue. On the cruise ship there are people of all different professions. What professions would you want in the boat with you in order of priority? If you and your spouse on in the life boat, you can only bring 3 other people. If you are single, you can bring 4.

Along with my hubby and me would be a doctor (to take care of us), a carpenter (to build shelter and other things), and a botanist (to save seeds and grow us food). Unfortunately hubby and I would probably be totally useless because he is a judge and I'm just a teacher! I guess as hikers, we could hike around the island and try to find the best place to settle!

I want to thank everyone for joining me this week while I filled in for Meg. Even though I messed up on Monday, y'all stuck in there with me! I've enjoyed it!

Name Acrostic

Blog Prompt: Using each letter in your name as the beginning of the sentence or phrase, write sentences or phrases that describe you.
P - passionate about teaching
A - able to multi-task (play on computer, talk on cell phone, watch TV, chat with sister on instant messenger)
T - takes lots of time to travel and hike
R - really loves to camp
I - is in love with hubby
C - counts the days until retirement (July 1)
I - is looking forward to new adventures after retirement
A - anxious about leaving behind students when I retire

Can you tell I have ambivalent feelings about retiring this year?

New Job

Blog Prompt: If you had the opportunity for a day, to have a different job (and was totally qualified, trained and capable for that one day), what job would you like to do and why?

If I could be anything for a day, I would like to be a park ranger. Now keep in mind that my dream job changes daily depending on what kind of mood I'm in. Right now I'm wanting warmer weather so bad I can't stand it! When it gets warmer we will do camping and more hiking (hubby hates to camp and hike when it is too cold or too hot). I would love to be out on the trails helping people who need help, looking at the flowers begin to bloom, and just enjoying the outdoors. As a ranger, I would know my way around and not worry about getting lost (which is a constant danger for me because I have no sense of direction). I would be able to do ranger led activities and share my love of the outdoors with others. I could explain to young children about how to care for their environment and their parks so that it will be here for their children. Oh well, now I have to go get ready to teach school instead.

Important "C" things

Blog Prompt: Name at least 5 things in your life that are important to you that begin with the same letter.

1. Crazy lovable hubby (who is the love of my life!)
2. Computer (to do my scrapbooking on)
3. Car (new Toyota Prius which hopefully will get about 50 miles per gallon)
4. Camera (to take many photos for scrapbooking)
5. Camping and hiking (which gives me lots of opportunities for photos)

Super Power

Blog Prompt: If you could have any super power, flying, transportation, invisibiliity, etc..., what would you want to have?

If I could have any super power, I would like to have the power of strength. Iwould clean out my utility shed, which I've wanted to do for 2 years but it takes 2 people because some of the stuff is too heavy for me to lift. I would be able to organize the attic alone because again, it takes 2 people to move some of the boxes that are there. If I do it alone, I have to unpack each box in order to move it and it will take twice as long. So instead, I don't do it at all and it is never done! All my life I've had puny arms and very little arm strength. If I was hanging off a mountain, I'd be better off hanging on with my legs which have a lot of strength from all my hiking, than my arms. If I depended my life on my arms today, well, the funeral would be tomorrow!

Update about weekend: Yesterday I planned to get up early and do some gardening but instead hubby asked me to go out to breakfast. Then we went to a flea market (which no one was at because it was too dang cold!). Then we ended up at a car lot and 8 hours later, came home with a new car! We bought a Toyota Prius which is supposed to get 51/60 miles to the gallon. This is the first new car that I get to drive to work. All of the other new cars have been my hubby's car but this one is mine! Wooo Hooo! With gas prices going up again, we had to do something. Especially with us planning on retiring and wanting to travel. Nothing like impulse buying to make a weekend a happy one!

What Vehicle Would I Be?

Blog Prompt: If you were magically turned into a vehicle, what vehicle would you be and why?

I think I would be a volkswagon bug, not the new sleek models but more the old one. I'm short but I'm reliable and can move about the day in and out without complaining. I'm not made up very complicated but just the basics. I serve my purpose but I don't have a lot of frills. My interior would not be very colorful but my outside would be a bright red because I like reds. I think I might have a little rust on me too because I'm feeling my age every once in awhile. Of course I could pass vehicle inspection because all the necessities work just fine!

Inspiration

Blog Prompt: At what age did you feel most inspired?

Amazingly, I was most inspired 6 years ago when I took a teaching position at a new school. It had been 11 years since I started new again so this was a big step for me, especially at 41 years old. The older I get, the harder it is to start over. The school was twice the size of my old school and I was teaching a program I never taught before but wanted to for years. I wanted to go for National Board Certification but wasn't sure since I was starting a new job.

My new principal encouraged me to go for National Board and even offered to give me leave time and/or extra supports to succeed. I was always aware of his appreciation for my contributions to the school. He also asked my opinion a lot about what would work best in my program and in my department. By including me in some upper level decision making, he was showing he trusted my knowledge and expertise in my field. I had never been treated this way before in any other school that I had taught at for the past 20 years. Since that year, I've felt more confident and sure of myself than I had ever been before. This trust and encouragement helped me grow as a teacher, which led to my being chosen Teacher of the Year this year.

Even though he is no longer the principal of my school, I will forever be grateful to him for allowing me to be the best teacher that I could. Whatever school he chooses to be at should thank their lucky stars that he is their leader!

My Autobiography

Blog Prompt: If you were to write your autobiography, what would the title be? And the chapter headings? Who would write the forward and to whom would the book be dedicated?

The title would probably be: Life of Loony.
The chapters would be:
Life as a child (how it all began).
Life in high school (after my oldest sister died and how it impacted my life).
Life in college (take an overprotected youngest child and let her loose in college 800 miles away from home).
Life as a teacher (follow my career and see all my failures and successes).
Life as a wife and stepmother (see all the mistakes and joys I've had in my personal life).
Life as an adventurer and traveler (my traveling fun around the US and abroad).
Life as a hiker (hiking stories that involve rescues and snakebites).
Life during retirement (not sure what that will include because it hadn't happened yet).

The forward would be written by my fellow teachers and it would be dedicated to my hubby who has been here for me for most of my life and encouraged me to grow and be what I wanted to be.

Traveling

Blog Prompt: What's your favorite way to travel? Car, plane, train, boat? What do you do while you're traveling? (Assuming you're not the driver!)

I don't have a particular favorite way to travel because I love any kind of travel. I love flying to new places and I love cruises. I've ridden subways in different cities and even the train from London to Paris through the chunnel. Of course on my weekends, we just get in the car and drive to places near us. I usually have a book or my laptop with me so I'm reading or playing on my computer. Hubby thinks I should be admiring the landscape or talking to him when he's driving so I try to do that too (so he doesn't get jealous).

Sleeping Troubles

Blog Prompt: What do you do when you have trouble sleeping? Any special techniques for counting sheep or secret family recipes for warm milk?

I don't usually have trouble sleeping. I have more trouble staying awake after 10pm (I get up at 4:45 with or without an alarm and no matter what time I go to bed). For me it is simple, because if I have trouble sleeping, I just read a book. Usually it some cheesy romantic novel (I love those happy endings). In fact, I can't go to sleep unless I've read for a few minutes first, even if I'm so sleepy I can barely keep my eyes open. If I don't read, it is like I haven't brushed my teeth or gone to bathroom.

Books

1. Are you careful with the spines? Or do you crack your books open to make them lay flat?
I open my books as much as they will open but I don't turn them backwards inside out to crack the spines. I read a lot when I'm eating and I like for the book to lay flat but if it doesn't I find something heavy to lay across the top to hold it open.
2. Do you use bookmarks? Or do you dog-ear the corners? If you do use bookmarks, do you use those fashionable metal ones? Or paper?
If the book is mine, I tend to dog-ear the corners but if it is a library book or one I've borrowed, I always use a bookmark. I have tried the expensive fancy ones but I always lose them! I usually use paper bookmarks or scraps of paper or receipts or business cards or whatever paper I can get my hands on.
3. Do you write in your books? Ever? If you do, do you make small marks, or write in as much blank space as you can find? Pen or pencil? Highlighter? Your name on the front page?
I don't usually write in my books unless it is a textbook that I've bought. If I'm studying it or teaching from it, I usually highlight and write in pencil in the margins. But since I've started doing powerpoints, I don't write in them very much.
4. Do you toss your books on the floor? Into bookbags? Or do you treat them tenderly, with respect?
I tend to toss them in my bookbags, suitcases, or even a grocery bag because I've GOT to have a book with me whereever I go. It is like an addiction. I'm afraid I will have some free time where I can read and won't have a book with me. If I don't have a book, it is like going out without a shoe. I read in the car, on cruises, on airplanes, buses, and trains, in restaurants (I bring my hubby a newspaper), when I'm waiting in line to pay my taxes, during my break at school and definitely before I go to sleep at night.
5. Do you ever lay your book face-down, to save your place?
Yes.
6. Um--water? Do you bathe with your books? Hold them with wet hands? Read out in the rain? Anything of that sort?
I read while I'm in the hot tub but I always make sure my hands are dry. I hate a wet book.
7. Are your books lined up on a bookshelf? Or crammed in any which way? Stacked on the floor?
I have so many books that they are lined on every bookshelf and then stacked on top of those books and stacked on the floor. There are also boxes of books in my attic and in a storage building. I could open a big bookstore and still have boxes of books left over.
8. Do you make a distinction--as regards book care--between hardcovers and paperbacks?
No.
9. And, to recap? Naturally, you love all of your books, but how, exactly? Are your books loved in the battered way of a well-loved teddy bear, or like a cherished photo album or item of clothing that's used, appreciated, but carefully cared for?
I have so many books but they are like the teddy bear, because they surround my life. I have books on all subjects (fact and fiction). I never know what mood I will be in to read so I want them all around me. I hate to get rid of any books so I don't. When I die, it may be because a stack of books have fallen on me.
10. Any additional comments?
Psst. Don't tell anyone, but I think I have a book addiction problem! I've loved books since I first learned to read and can't seem to read enough. Sometimes it drives my husband crazy!

The Colors in the Box

Blog Prompt: Answer the following questions:
1. If you were a crayon, which color would you want to be?
I would like to be blue because I love the color blue and it is a very popular color. A lot of people use it and is well liked. It is also a necessary color for landscapes when you put in a sky or water. I want to be popular crayon and needed I guess.
2. Which color do you think you would be regardless of what you wanted?
I think I'm more of a brown. I am more of a background color used for a base like the ground in landscape. Everything else builds on the ground and it isn't anything spectacular but it help give the foundation for other things. I try to be there for others.
3. Would you rather be used and get blunt, broken and lose your wrapper, or not be used and stay pristine?
Definitely be used and broken. I would rather live life than watch it pass me by. If that means I get a little worn from it all, it is worth it!
4. Would you rather be in a small set of crayons or a large set?
I would rather be in a small set of crayons because I think in smaller groups, you can build relationships. In larger groups you tend to be more superficial. I tend to bond with other crayons better in smaller settings.
5. Would you rather be Crayola, or a different brand?
Definitely a Crayola!! I guess I still want to be part of the "popular" crowd! I think that is part of crayon-nature. But if I wasn't, I would be okay with that too because every crayon is important if even they aren't part of the name brand crowd!

Personal Hygiene

Blog Prompt: Answer the following questions:

1. How often do you typically shower/bath?
I take a shower every other day unless I really stink or I'm really dirty (from gardening). I have eczema that really messes with my skin and in the winter my skin tends to crack. This leads to infections and problems.
2. Do you prefer showering or taking a bath?
I prefer a shower, because a bath really dries out my skin.
3. What's the longest you've ever gone w/o a shower/bath?
7 days on a camping trip in a national park with no showers. Peee U! We stunk!
4. What's your favorite personal hygiene product?
My Herbal Essence shampoo because it is the only fragance that doesn't mess with my allergies.
5. Do you shave your legs? If so how often?
No, because most Asians don't have a lot of body hair so I've never shaved my legs. When my stepdaughters (who I had since they were toddlers) needed to shave, I had to get my cheerleaders tot each them how to shave. I'm so pathetic!

My Wants

Blog Prompt: 10 things you want, but don't need.

Here are 10 things I want but they are not in any order of priority.

1. Ipod speakers (so I don't have to use headphones all the time in the house)
2. New truck (with automatic transmission and electric locks)
3. Load of mulch
4. Bales of pine needles
5. New pocketbook
6. Winning lottery ticket
7. Warm spring weather
8. Full time housekeeper to clean my house and fix all my meals (haha! this will never happen)
9. $1000 gift certificate to a plant nursery
10. Full time gardener to work with me in my gardens (could be married to the housekeeper!)

For Once In My Life

Blog Prompt: List all of the things that have happened to you only once in your entire life.

1. Got married
2. Graduated from college
3. Won Teacher of the Year for my school
4. Got Top 10 finalist for Teacher of the Year from my district
5. Had a hysterectomy (wooo hooo!)
6. Put a boa around my neck in Nassau (and I wasn't even drinking!)
7. Went biking in Belize
8. Walked on the Great Wall of China
9. Took a 7 day cruise down the Yangtze River before they dammed it up.
10. Went to Xian in China to see the terra cotta soldiers
11. Went to Rome, Naples, Sicily, and Venice in Italy on a cruise
12. Went to see the Pompei Ruins in Italy
13. Went to Dubrovnik, Croatia and walked the wall around the old city
14. Went to see the changing of the guard in Monaco where Princess Grace lived
15. Went to Paris, France for 7 days
16. Went to London, England for 3 days
17. Became a National Board Certified Teacher
18. Lost my mother to emphysema
19. Lost my sister to lupus
20. Retired!

My Best Quality

Blog Prompt: List the qualities you prize in yourself. Is there one quality that you consider essential to your sense of your self?

This is really hard because I was brought up not to brag about yourself but to look for the good qualities in others. I would guess that I'm honest, loyal, caring, hard working, and I never give up (which could be bad when I'm arguing with my hubby! lol). I believe never giving up has been essential to who I am today. So many times growing up I felt the odds were against me and I refused to give up. My peers felt I was different, ridiculed me, and refused to do anything with me (I was the only Chinese girl in the school so I learned to be an avid reader). My parents didn't want me to go away to college and refused to give me a dime (I paid for it all myself and made straight As). My professor, in the middle of my student teaching, told me to get out of teaching because I would never be a good teacher (I was named Teacher of the Year for my school and top 10 in the district of 5000 teachers). Friends and family told me I was marrying the wrong guy and it would never last (We are celebrating our 25 anniversary this June).

Live Out Loud

Blog Prompt: “If you ask me what I come to do in this world, I, an artist, will answer you: I am here to live out loud.” ~ Emile Zola ~What does “living out loud” mean for you?

I feel like that means to make your personal mark on this world. I feel I do that by teaching and hopefully influencing my students in a positive way. They may not like me because I'm not here to be their friend but I hope they will remember me because I've made a positive difference in their lives. I see so many teachers that say they just do their job from 8:30-3:30 and leave it all behind. I feel that in order for me to be a good teacher, I can't do that. I make phone calls home in the evenings when parents are home (they tend to be more receptive when I'm not bothering them on their job). I call home often in order to say good things so the behavior in my classes aren't a big issue. I give the students and their parents my home phone number (I have theirs so I wanted to give them mine) and no one has abused this privilege in 26 years. I have had students call me at night when they felt like running away, thinking about suicide, or were being pressured to have sex by a boyfriend. In my heart, I believe that I've been "living out loud" and I'm so thankful that God has given me the gift to teach.

Valentine's Day

Blog Prompt: How do you celebrate Valentine's Day? (Or do you?)

This morning I gave my hubby a valentine at breakfast and tonight I will make my hubby a heart shaped meat loaf. That's about it. We try to treat each other with so much love every day so Valentine's Day isn't a major holiday for us. Wait! Of course he did buy me this new lap top 2 weeks ago as my valentine's present! That was pretty cool.

Changes and Keepers

Blog Prompt: List five things you’d like to change about yourself. Then list five things you wouldn’t change.

Here are the five things I'd like to change about myself:
1. my weight (I'd like to be thinner)
2. my lack of common sense
3. my inability to say no to many people who want me to do things. This causes me to be overwhelmed with "stuff" to do.
4. my lack of experience in digital scrapbooking
5. my lack of a sense of direction (I get lost very easily!)

Here are the five things I wouldn't change:
1. my life (I'm happy with what I have!)
2. my choice of career
3. my love of reading
4. my ability to use and enjoy my computer
5. my love of gardening (I find it very relaxing and rewarding)

Mondays

Blog Prompt: “It’s just another manic Monday…” Write about why you like (or don’t like) Mondays.

Mondays are usually good days for me because I feel rested from the weekend. I have a whole week to get things done that I need to do so I don't feel overwhelmed. I don't worry about lesson plans for next week until Wednesday and I try to plan parent meetings for Thursdays. My students have either had fun this past weekend and can't wait to tell me about it or they are tired from all the excitement and are quiet or they were bored and are glad to be back in school. So no matter what, I can't lose. My students are usually on their best behavior on Mondays. Of course they pick up on my mood I believe so I try to be upbeat and positive on Mondays. Like Martha Stewart would say: Mondays, its a good thing.

Monumental Step

Yesterday I turned in my letter of resignation to my principal. Those of you who know me, know that I love teaching so this was pretty traumatic for me. Even though I officially retired last July, I came back to teach another year. I guess I wasn't really ready to retire last year but we (my hubby and I) have talked about it in depth for this past year. I know in my heart that I wanted to really retire at the end of this year but it is another thing to really take the step. On Wednesday we were told in a faculty meeting that we had to declare our intent about next year by Friday. Of course this meant I had no sleep on Wednesday or Thursday and agonized abgout this decision for 2 days. I don't think my hubby really expected me to do it either. Well yesterday I did and felt weepy all day.

I have so many mixed feelings about doing this. I know that I love my husband and want to spend more time together doing things so that if anything should happen, we won't have any regrets. But part of me worries about my students that I'm leaving behind, and my colleagues who seem to respect my opinion and need me. I have this fear that I will forget how to teach over time (use it or lose it philosophy). Part of me is thrilled about the thought of not having to answer to anyone (other than my hubby and vice versa). I also dread the thought of packing up and moving "stuff" I've collected over the past 26 years of teaching (do you remember that I said I was a pack rat?) I'm excited about the thought of all the adventures we will have. Yet I feel like I'm grieving too. All of these mixed emotions are very confusing too. How can I feel all those emotions all at the same time?

If the weather would just warm up so I could garden and hike and hike and hike and hike some more, I think I would feel better! lol

Words of Today

Blog Prompt: Yesterday we talked about phrases from your past. Now let's jot down some phrases from your present!List some phrases that you hear your spouse (or other family member) saying a lot. Or, for something different, take note of some of the funny things that come out of the mouths of the kids in your life!

We have had a saying in our house for years that we continue to say just about every day. "If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all!" We include each other in that saying. My hubby never says bad things about especially in public. We don't cut each other down the way some couples do and I think that has helped our relationship for the past almost 25 years.

Another saying I use at home and in the classroom is "You get more flies with honey than you do with vinegar." My students tell me that I'm teaching them to kiss up to people and I say, whatever works! What is the harm in being nice to people? Which goes along with the saying "Kill them with kindness!" especially if its people you don't like or can't get along with. This is really hard for teenagers to do. And of course the good old saying " What goes around, comes around" which is the modern way of saying "Do unto others as you would want them to do to you." I try to remember that especially when I'm mad at people!

Words With Power

Blog Prompt: What adages, mottoes, or phrases of advice were common in your family when you were growing up? (e.g., "Cleanliness is next to Godliness." "No use crying over spilled milk." "Do what I say, not what I do.") Write about a specific incident when the phrase was used.Do those words still have any power over you?

My mother had lots of sayings but for the life of me I can't think of all of them right now. I remember how saying "if you piss in the air, it will come back on you" when she told me not to talk bad about people. My hubby prefers the saying "what goes around comes around." Of course the usual: "Because I told you so" was a big one around the house but of course now that I look back, I'm sure I asked "why" way too much!

The biggest one I remember is one that still has power over me. "Your head is in the clouds" was used by everyone talking about me because I obviously had no common sense. For some reason I can't seem to see the forest from the trees which is why I'm so thankful for my hubby. Whenever I think of some great scheme for my classroom, I always run it by him so he can help me think of logistics and important stuff. That is why I'm so successful in my classroom because he balances me out. I always have these big ideas and tend to jump in with both feet without thinking things completely through (or so I'm told) even though I think I've thought things through (phew, that was tough to say!). I plan a big party every year and thankfully my hubby helps me get ready (even though he swears he won't help every year). I want to do these great hikes and trips and hubby does all the detail planning so we always have a wonderful time whereever we go. Oh well, maybe one day I'll grow up and get my head out of the clouds but until then, I'm having a great time here in the sky!

The Worst Meal

Blog Prompt: What was the worst meal you ever had?Describe it in detail! Make us taste it!

The worst meal that I've ever had (and believe me, the way I cook, I've had plenty!) has got to be leg of lamb. My parents used to cook this for dinner when I lived at home. My dad still loves to eat it even now. I hated the thought of a little lamb squealing maaaaaaaa before they killed it. Keep in mind, I have no problems with cows or pigs! I hate the texture of lamb in my mouth. The other problem is that they always served it with this green mint jelly. Now, if they have to serve lamb with something to cover up the flavor, what's wrong with this picture? And to make matters worse, I was not allowed up from the table until I finished all my food on my plate. I used to sit there picturing me old, with gray hair and wrinkles, still sitting there! Yuck!

My First Artwork

The first thing I made that I considered art was . .

I was in junior high and bored to tears one evening. I found this crewel kit that involved a needle and yard. Keep in mind that my whole family never encouraged me to do anything artsy because I was more "book smart and incapable of creating anything." This was proven by my many failures in things like sewing (my mom and sister were perfect at this) and painting or drawing (my other sister was perfect at this). I sat in my room and followed the directions to create this little frog scene on fabric. I never said anything about this to anyone because I was afraid of screwing it up. About 4 hours later I brought it out to show my family and they were stunned. Suddenly they saw me in a whole different light and it built up my self confidence tremendously.

Happy Life

My life is happy because...
I'm loved.
I'm healthy.
I feel secure.
I have a job I enjoy.
I have money to do what I want to do.
I have friends.
I have a new computer (I just HAD to put that in!).
I know that spring will be on its way (soon I hope!)
I am learning new things every day.

Weather

Blog Prompt: Some of you are just now getting winter weather, while others are right in the middle of summer. Are you looking forward to a change in season or are you enjoying it as it is? Let's talk about the weather!

I am SO ready for spring! I'm not a winter lover so I spend the whole winter wishing for warm weather. To make matters worse, it snowed yesterday so they closed schools and now we will have to make up the day. Whenever we make it up the day, it turns out that day is the most beautiful sunny warm day perfect for hiking! Since today is groundhog day, I pray that he doesn't see his shadow!!

Technology

Blog Prompt: What technological discoveries are bridging the gap between generations in your family? Are you teaching your parents or are your kids teaching you?

I was the first one in my family to ever own a computer. Over the years, once my sister got a computer, we've become closer than we ever have. She is ten years older than me and when I left for college, we drifted apart. Now we talk almost once a day on Instant Messenger.

My parents are another story. They have seen me work on my laptop when I visit and watched me "talk" to my sister on IM but they have never used a computer before. My dad is 87 and my step mom is 82 so if they don't want to use one, I won't pressure them to do so. I get a lot of photos from relatives and when I visit my parents, I show them these on my computer.

I first gained most of my computer knowledge years ago from a 16 year old who attended the high school where I taught. He worked on my computer and I really respected him because if he didn't know something he admitted it. Then he would find a fix for my problem and fix it. If I needed new hardware installed, he was always willing to install it for me. His parents used to kid me that he just wanted me to buy the new stuff out on the market so he could play with it! He went on to be head of computer systems for a couple of big companies. Now he is in Arizona working but we keep in touch.

Words In My Head

I'm cold why do we keep the house so cold. I'm glad I walked it warmed me up. i have to go start the car soon. i hate driving to school in the cold. my classroom better be warm. if it isn't i'll make me a cup of tea or hot chocolate. what do i have to do today. i have my lesson plans done for next week. got the big meeting tomorrow. hope we don't have snow where i have to cancel it. i hate rescheduling it. hope they bring my 2 new computers to my classroom today even though they promised to bring them 2 weeks ago. i hope the other teachers don't drive me crazy today. hope the kids are good today. no faculty meeting today. hooray! not gonna cook tacos for dinner tonite since we went to a mexican restaurant last nite. i so don't like mexican food. the things you do for love. hope don remembers to go to the bank today to make the house payment. hope nothing happens major today. i so want to retire. like today. i'm just tired. maybe we will go to the chatauqua meeting on saturday to see PT Barnum. it sounded interesting. have to talk don into going. he might not want to go hiking if it is too cold. i wish it would warm up. i want to do some gardening and play with my worms. oh well. time to go heat up the car.

Words in My Head

Blog Prompt: Write for at least five minutes any words that come into your head. Forget punctuation, spelling, syntax, even meaning. If you get stuck, keep writing the last word you wrote until a new one comes.

cold walking driving starting up car keys coat paperwork lesson plans meetings dishes make up bed snow wintery mix sleet freezing rain frozen pipes rental house tenants heat painting students classwork colleagues email class newsletter heating car heating car heating car heating car worms gardening warm weather sun hiking chatauqua weekend tired sleepy yawning words words words words brain hurts can't think no more all worded out

Love Letters

Blog Prompt: Do you have a box of old love letters stashed away somewhere? Who are they from? If they're not from a current significant other, why have you kept them? Any quotes you can share?

I know I have love letters from my husband back when we were dating but I have no idea where. Of course we have an attic full of papers and a storage building full of boxes of "stuff". We don't throw out anything. But during our almost 4 years of dating, he has written me love letters that would make your heart melt. He also writes me love letters on Valentines Day. And lately he has been sending me love letters by email. Not bad for almost 25 years of marriage!

Monday MeMe

Two Names You Go By:
1. loony
2. Pat
Two Parts of Your Heritage:
1. Chinese (my dad)
2. American (my mom who was half Chinese and half....?)
Two Things You Are Wearing Right Now:
1. Cranberry Blazer
2. Black Pants
Two Things You Would Want in a Relationship:
1. Love
2. Trust
Two of Your Favorite Hobbies:
1. Hiking
2. Scrapbooking
Two Things You Want Really Badly At The Moment:
1. Nice spring weather
2. Another weekend
Two pets you had/have:
1. Chow
2. Cockatoo
Two people you talked to today:
1. No one because hubby is still asleep
2.
Two things you did last night:
1. Watched TV
2. Scrapbooked
Two people that live in your house:
1. Me
2. Hubby
Two things you ate today:
1. Shredded Wheat
2. Diet Pepsi
Two people you miss:
1. My mom
2. My oldest sister
Two Things You’re doing tomorrow:
1. Lesson plans
2. Cooking dinner
Two vacations you’ve been on:
1. Caribbean cruise
2. Las Vegas
Two Favorite Holidays:
1. Christmas
2. Easter
Two favorite Alcoholic beverages:
1. Miller lite
2. Margaritas
Two bands you have seen live:
1.New Kids on the Block (with my teenage daughter)
2. Jimmy Buffet
Two things you will do after you finish this survey:
1. Turn off computer and TV
2. Drive to work

AHA moment

Blog Prompt: What has been your biggest AHA moment while blogging or journaling? What have you learned about yourself???

My biggest AHA moment is when Kim Liddiard taught me to use the control+G for grouping. I love that ability to do things. When I learned how to do that, for some stupid reason, I felt like a REAL scrapbook person. I have no rational reason for this feeling but it sure felt good. I don't use the control + G as much as I would like to because I forget about it sometimes but I like making my own alpha with it.

Packing for a Weekend Trip

Blog Prompt: You're packing for a weekend away from your family. You're going to be seeing a bunch of online friends for the first time at, oh I don't know, maybe a CHA tradeshow in California.What do you pack? What do you wear???

I would dress in my favorite blue jeans and nicest shirt. I want to be comfortable when I meet new people because I stress out about it so much. The main thing I would have to pack is my laptop. Even if my luggage was lost, as long as I had a credit card and my laptop, I would be okay.

My Favorite Childhood Activity

Blog Prompt: Between the ages of 5 and 10, what was your favorite activity?

I was big into Make Believe. My sisters were so much older than me that usually had to amuse myself. I loved to play school and I also loved to pretend that I was in some TV program that I watched. Of course I was the main character! I had a very active imagination and when I learned to read, there were no limits to what I could be or do!

Toilet Paper

Blog Prompt: Which camp are you in: Should the toilet paper be hung so the paper dangles over or under the roll?

Paper has to dangle! If you try to unroll it and can't find the edge, the edge always ends up in the back. So, of course if you dangle it, it will be in the perfect spot to be visible. That's the way God intended it to be!

Tuesday Meme

Blog Prompt: Meme
This Moment: I just got done walking on my treadmill.
Your Shoes: tennis shoes
Craving: Banana Split made with butter pecan, black cherry, and chocolate ice cream.
The State of Your Home: A mess because I'm either walking, reading, or playing on puter.
Annoyed By: guilt feelings about needing to do housework and having to get ready to go to work
Noise In the Background: TV
Really Want To: go hiking
Thinking about: going hiking
Smelling: the great outdoors
Favorite Product In Office Supply Aisle: I like all little gadgets and doodads
Don't Ever Want To: sky dive
Your Eye Color: brown
The Weather: cold (32) and cloudy
Have Never Tried: to rock climb
Think Everyone Should Try: hiking
Last Vacation Destination: cruise to Belize, Honduras, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel
The Last Thing You Had to Drink: water at dinner last night
Your Bad Habit: Putting off doing things I should be doing
What You're Going To Do Now: Go get ready for work.

My Geekiest, Nerdiest Moment

Blog Prompt: share your geekiest, nerdiest moment.

My husband and I attended a Nascar race one year, because he was really into them at the time. In fact, we were going to 5 or 6 races a year which was extremely expensive (about $1000 per weekend which included hotel, food, race tickets). I was not into car races but we do everything together (quality time) so I went with him. Like a little kid, I have to bring things that keep me amused so I had a bag of goodies with me (goodies usually implies lots of books!). At the time I was studying for National Board Certification in teaching, so during the race I pulled out my books and studied. Meanwhile people were getting drunk and/or rowdy about the car race while I tuned them all out and studied some more. I got some weird looks but was finally ignored but hubby said I really embarrass him when I do this kinds of stuff. I told him that we had two choices: either let me do what I want to do there, or we don't go at all. He never complained again and finally his interest in Nascar racing went away.

Dining in Restaurants

Blog Prompt: have we done anything about ordering at restaurants? do you get the usual each time? do you sample food from your friend's plate? are you adventurous? and most importantly, do you save room for dessert?

We eat out so much that the wait staff has our drink ready for us when we walk in. We usually get the same thing to eat but we talk about getting something different. Then both of us usually cave in and get the same old thing. Our rational is that we know we like what we get so why change it.

I don't like to eat after anyone else, even my hubby. I don't like to eat off his plate because he seasons things so differently than I do. Yesterday we went through Sam's Club and got the free samples. He ate a bite off the london broil and wanted me to eat the rest but I wouldn't. He asked me why I wouldn't eat after him if I kiss him and I couldn't tell him why. He will always taste the food on plate. He has to try whatever I'm eating and I don't mind it at all. We usually never get dessert because we eat so much for dinner. Growing up, we never had dessert so I never offer it after dinner either.

I think I've gained weight because we eat out so much so I'm trying to cook at home as much as possible. Last week I actually cooked at home 5 nights out of 7. On nights we have late meetings, we end up going out to eat because hubby can't wait for me to cook. I try to have dinner ready about 30 min. after he comes home from work (around 5:30). But of course, there is no dessert!

Job Description

Blog Prompt: Take the most boring job you've ever had and write a glowing job description for it.

Great opportunity to work in the fashion industry. Ideal chance for hands on experiences. Tropical work environment and experienced colleagues to share growth experiences.

(Actual job: As a college student, I worked in a sweatshop where I inserted knit belts into heavy knit coat sweaters. No air condition in factory even though it was the summer. Elderly ladies encouraged me to continue my studies to finish college so I didn't end up like them.)

What Inspires My Art

Well, I'm still new to all of this. Until last January, I had never scrapped with paper or digitally. I'm also learning that its okay to develop my own style and I learned this from DSP. I guess I would have to say that my friends at DSP have really inspired me. I learned so much from the challenges and the kits. I joined DSP right at the time they started New Kids on the Block, which got me totally hooked. I was able to make mistakes (big ones) and no one ridiculed me or asked me why in the world I was trying to do this when it was obvious I didn't know what I was doing. I was given wonderful suggestions and encouraged to grow. You can't imagine how this ability to express myself has made an impact on my life. Now I look at different things and imagine how I could scrap them. I look at events that happen and can't wait to do a layout on them. I've never done anything artistically before this and I feel so good about myself!

Singing

Blog Prompt: Do you think you can sing? In front of people or just in the car?

I KNOW I can't sing!
It is like a Dr. Seuss poem:
I can't sing in the car, I can't sing here or there,
I can't sing in front of people, I can't sing anywhere!

A Childhood Friend

Blog Prompt: Describe a favorite childhood friend and something you did with her or him.

I had a best friend in high school, Bunny, that accepted me the way I was. She didn't seem to judge me or try to change me. My family was very overprotective and strict but she was understanding the entire time in high school. Many other friends would have encouraged me to rebel but she never did. A lot of people weren't my friends because my parents had too many "rules". Bunny was always there for me and really listened to me. I truly trusted her with my feelings and never felt like she would ever betray my friendship or treat me poorly. I don't know how I would have survived my high school years without her.

I remember one occasion where seniors were allowed to leave school during lunch time if they had parental consent. I left with Bunny because no one was checking that day and we went to her house for lunch. We laughed and had a great time but when it snowed while we were inside eating lunch and we never knew it. When we walked out to the car there was snow all around and in a panic, we got on our hands and knees and dug the snow out from around the tires. Luckily she was able to get on the road and we got back to school in time.

Unfortunately, we have grown apart but still exchange Christmas cards and maybe a letter once a year. We had such a good time together in the "good ol' days!"

Faith

Blog Prompt: What do you have faith in?

I have faith in the basic goodness of people. I know this may be a naive outlook on life but I can't help it. I really believe that God made good people and that they make bad choices sometimes. This drives my husband crazy because he says I'm too trusting of people. I believe what they tell me (until I find out that they lied). Since he became a judge, he hears so many hard luck stories that he hardly believes anyone.

Frozen Time

Blog Prompt: If you could freeze time for less than an hour, and you’d be the only living thing that’s “alive” in that moment: What would you do? Why you wouldn’t be able to do it if everything were normal and the time weren’t frozen?

I would do some scrapbooking on my computer while I was at work because it would relax me tremendously. I couldn't do this normally because I teach school and there is no way I could use class time to do this. I would be more relaxed and happy when time started up again.

Isn't it funny how our lives are constantly evolving. A year ago, I would never have said this and a year from now I don't know if the answer would be the same. But for right now, I wish time would stop for just a little while.

Getting Dressed Up

Blog Prompt: Do you like to get dressed up? Why/why not? When's the last time you had a chance to dress formally?

I liked to get dressed up formally but I don't usually have a lot of chances to do so. We just went on a cruise at Christmas and there were 2 formal nights on the ship. I usually wear the same gown because it is my favorite and it makes me look slender. This past year we also dressed up to double date for the prom with my two mentally disabled students. It was a lot of fun because they never dressed up before and we saw everything through "fresh" eyes.

Dreaming

Blog Prompt: What do you dream about lately (literally or otherwise)?

I don't usually remember what I dream about if I did dream anything. Now I do daydream alot. I dream about myself in different situations such as I'm in a foreign country teaching young children and their mothers how to read. Other times I'm hiking around the US and meeting lots of new and interesting people. I guess I read too much fiction because sometimes I dream about what I'm reading with me as the main character. Most of my dreaming occurs after I've retired and having lots of wonderful adventures.

Arrival Times

Blog Prompt: Do you usually arrive on time or late?Do you get annoyed when other people arrive late or you really don’t care?

I am usually early for everything! I don't have to be at work until 8:15 because my first class begins at 8:30 but I'm usually at work by 7:15. I hate to be rushed and I hate traffic. If there is a meeting I'm usually the first one there and I try to help the presenter pass out materials. (I guess I'm just a "butt kisser"!)

I get annoyed when people are more than 10 min. late without calling me. I think this stems from when I was a teenager and I had to depend on other friends to take me places. My father went to work in the afternoon and didn't come home until 2am and my mom didn't drive. People would promise to pick me up and then never show up because they forgot. I get pretty paranoid about that now so I usually drive myself and meet people there. Of course I'm always early and spend the time worrying about whether or not they will show up.

What really bothers me is when I am on a group tour and people are late. Since I paid my money, they are using up MY time that I have paid for. We were on a tour in China and this couple was usually 30-40 min. late every morning and whenever we had to meet again later in the day. This caused a lot of hard feelings which was bad since it was a 30 day tour. Before we do another one we want to have the group agree that anyone more than 10 min. late will be left behind (including me if I'm the one late). That is the only fair thing to do for everyone.

A Stranger's Kindness

Blog Prompt: Describe a time when you have benefitted from the kindness of a stranger.

There have been so many times that a stranger has been kind to me that it is hard to pick one instance.

My husband and I was on our way to Chattanooga, TN one weekend when our tire went flat on the interstate on a Sunday afternoon. We called AAA to come change our tire (my hubby's back was broke when he was a teen and refractured in a car wreck 6 years ago so he has a lot of trouble bending over to do stuff like this) but you have to wait for hours for them to arrive. This very nice young couple stopped to help us change the tire. When we told them that we had already called AAA, the young man told us that he could have the tire changed before AAA would ever get there so we let him. Then we tried to pay him but he wouldn't take our money and hoped that if their parents needed help, that someone would help them.

To continue with the kindnesses of strangers, we got to a WalMart right before it closed and they were going to fix our tire but it could not be fixed. So, we had to buy another tire but they didn't have one in stock. The tire manager called another WalMart in another town to see if they carried it and they did. (Keep in mind now that it is Sunday evening!). We drove about 30 miles to this other store to find that the man kept the garage open just for us so he could put another tire on our car. We tried to tip this man too and he refused any extra money and said he was just glad to help us. He hoped that if he was ever in this situation that people would do the same.

It really warms my heart to know that there are so many nice people in this world!

This Weekend I...

Blog Prompt: Make a list in which you repeat the same form of words to introduce each item.

This Weekend I...talked my hubby into hiking with our hiking club.
This Weekend I...hiked 7 miles with my hiking club friends.
This Weekend I...enjoyed a beautiful sunny day in the woods.
This Weekend I...glued an old diningroom chair (given to me by my parents) back together so it looks like a chair even though no one better sit in it or they will be sitting on the floor.
This Weekend I...went to the movies to see Night at the Museum.
This Weekend I...went shopping to get things that I've needed but kept putting off.
This Weekend I...bought my hubby a new watch that also takes his heart rate which will help him exercise more effectively (or so HE says!).
This Weekend I...was lazy and didn't fold one bit of clothes even though I should have!

Blog Prompt: Describe your sleeping style. Are you a side sleeper, snoring on your back sleeper, wake at the slightest sound sleeper, sprall across the bed and sleep through an earthquake sleeper? Spill your secrets! (Keep it family friendly, girls!)

I sleep on my back and love the covers pulled up to my neck. Even in the hot summer, I have to have some kind of cover over me. This drives my hubby crazy especially when we are camping in our tent. I have to bring a sheet to cover me or I can't go to sleep. I snore and thankfully my hubby snores so we must drown each other out. Of course people don't dare camp near us because we keep them awake all night. My hubby has to have the TV on to fall asleep so I'm used to sound but I put the timer for on for 90 min. so it will cut off. If it stays on all night, it wakes me up and I can't go back to sleep. When we are camping, I sleep with my Ipod because I'm afraid of the dark and it drowns out the other noises. The noises don't bother hubby because he pretends it is the TV. No matter what time I fall asleep, I'm awake around 5am even on holidays and summers. So when we are camping, I'm usually sitting outside the tent with a flashlight reading and waiting for the sun to come up.

Before My Life is Over...

Blog Prompt: What do you sense you're supposed to do before your life is over?

I think the reason I was put on this earth is to make a difference, maybe not a huge major cataclysmic change all at once, but more like little ripples that can affect life even after I'm gone. I really believe that is why God chose me to be a teacher and the reason I love teaching so much. I feel that in some small way I am showing kids that there are choices in life and what decisions they make affect everyone else in some way or another. All of our lifes are interconnected whether we know it or not. Just by reading the blogs of my dsp friends, they are affecting my opinions, thoughts, and outlook on life, even though they may never realize it. I may not even realize it at the time but I notice that other peoples comments creep into conversations that I have. I hope that my teachings will influence my students even though they may not realize it at the time. That is why I try to be good at what I do because God doesn't choose carelessly. This is a big responsibility and I try to take it very seriously. Now that I'm retiring, I wonder what God has planned for me next.

Collecting

Blog Prompt: Does anyone you know collect unusual things or have an excessive amount of something? Do you?

My husband collects anything that he thinks will be worth money in the future. He calls them investments or antiques or Americana. I call it "junk"! We have glass conductors attached to a huge piece of wood with wires sticking out. We have old signs, and stuff that most people wouldn't look twice at because they are old, or odd.

Depending on what mood I'm in, I collect Tom Clark gnomes (if I can find them at yard sales and flea markets). I also collect Christmas ornaments at after Christmas sales. My biggest downfall are books. I love books and I collect all kinds on all different topics or by different authors. I never know what mood I may be in and will want the perfect book to read. I have wall to wall books in 2 rooms. I also have about 40 boxes of books in the attic to the point that they are dangerously cracking the ceiling. I also have a storage building we rent by the month filled with books (and hubby's junk).

Our problem is that we don't throw anything away. You never know when or how you can use it or if it will be worth something someday (maybe not for money but definitely sentimentally). I never plan to go through this stuff because I will die rather than move and I will let the relatives clean up this "mess"!

Meeting My Goals

Blog Prompt: Most major goals are achieved through small victories. What little things can you do to meet your goals?

I'm going to work on my goals from day to day rather than looking far into the future, which overwhelms me.

Physical Goal: I was on vacation for 2 weeks and practically ate my way through the vacation (being on a 7 day cruise with 24 hour food didn't help). I want to lose 15 lbs. by April (when I go to Kentucky for a conference). I will not weigh myself until April so I don't focus so much on the weight. Instead I want to exercise more and eat less. I will not go back for seconds (but that doesn't mean I need to pile my first plate with enough food to count as 2 platefuls). I will also walk regularly each day on the treadmill and at least 3 times a week, I plan to walk twice a day. If I can burn off more calories than I eat, I have to lose weight. I will also keep a daily log of when I walk, how long I walk, how many calories I burn. In my log, I will also note what I eat each day.

Relationship Goal: I plan to be more positive with my husband. I am to picky and critical. I am a perfectionist and want others to be one too. My hubby is very laid back and it tends to get on my nerves. It was one of the things that attracted me to him 25 years ago and I need to remember that.

Career: Since this is my last year of work, I'm going to enjoy it all. I'm going to remind myself when I get mad or aggravated or annoyed at paperwork due annually, that this will probably be the last time I will need to do that and not let it upset it me. I'm going to appreciate my colleagues and administrators more because this time next year, I will not be working with them.

I Can't Believe It!

Blog Prompt: I enjoy ______ now, but if anyone had told me that years ago, I would never have believed them.

The answer would be hiking. I didn't start to hike until about 15 years ago. When I was growing up I was never allowed to get dirty. My parents believed I needed to be a little lady. My family was never into any kind of exercise or outdoor activities so I never knew anything about hiking. The only people who hiked or backpacked were boy scouts that I had read about. After my hair all fell out, I started really getting into exercise and read about a hike in the local newspaper. Since my hubby always spoils me and gives me what I want, he went along with me on the hike and I've been hooked ever since.

I'm Different

Blog Prompt: What sets you apart from the crowd?

This is easy! I'm Loony! Loon was actually my maiden name so you can imagine what kids in school did with that. Plus I was the only Chinese kid in my classes all through school which made me stick out like a sore thumb. Kids are not kind to those who are different. Since I was called loony, I decided that I needed to get a good sense of humor which has kept me out of many "fights" growing up.

Now that I'm grown up (at least by chronological age), I am different. I seem to have a different perspective on teaching than many of my colleagues. Every year I spend a lot of time working with parents and families to help my kids be successful. My husband and I support the athletic teams even though I don't teach the kids.

I seem to have an eclectic group of friends who are very different from one another. Some times many of them clash but I get along with them all. I don't see to fit in a particular clique but have different friends to do different activities with. I have friends who just graduated from college and I have friends who are 90 years old and friends who are ages in between the two. I guess my life is a lot like the quote: "Strangers are friends I haven't met yet!"

Escape

Blog Prompt: Where do you go when you want to get away from the pressures of life, family, work, etc.?

This one is easy! I have 3 places I go (depending on my mood and what I'm able to do at the time):
1- computer for scrapping
2- books
3- hiking

Hardest Person for Gift Buying

Blog Prompt: Who is the hardest person to buy a gift for and why?

The hardest person to buy a gift for is my husband. First of all, he hardly ever says he wants or needs anything. If he ever does need anything, we usually get it then. If he ever wants anything, he usually changes his mind because he hates to spend money on himself. He is really picky about his clothes so I can't buy him any as a surprise. He collects stamps but I have no clue as to what to get him or how much things are worth. So, I have started to scrapbook some of the memories from our trips we have taken and he seems to enjoy that. I guess it will have to do!

Christmas Meme

Let's have some fun today with a Christmas meme that's making the blogging rounds:

Christmas Questionnaire

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Definitely Hot Chocolate. (Egg nog makes me shudder!)

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? No wrapping! Isn't that why God invented gift bags??

3. Colored lights or white lights on tree/house? I grew up with colored lights but now I only use white lights everywhere because it makes me think of twinkling stars.

4. Do you hang Mistletoe? No, but there are tons in my trees around the house so hubby uses it as an excuse to kiss me whenever we get out of the car to go into the house or leave the house (even though he doesn't need an excuse!).

5. When do you put your decorations up? Up until this year, I start Nov. 1 because I have so many. This year I just got lazy and ran out of time.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? I really don't have one but I love chocolate kisses so during the holiday season I buy the ones that are green and red and silver wrapped.

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? Going to the Christmas eve candlelight service at church

8. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? When my children were little, we opened all of our gifts in South Carolina on Christmas Eve. Then we drove all the way to Florida and opened gifts there on Christmas Day.

9. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? What truth? I am going to write Santa right now and ask him if he forgot to tell me something.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? I change the theme every couple of years when I get tired of it. For a few years it was covered in red bows, red apples, gold bells. Then I covered it in all gold: gold ornaments, gold bows, gold garland. Now I'm into glass antique ornaments and gold garland with a big gold bow on top.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Love it here in South Carolina. You enjoy it for a day or 2 and then it melts before it gets dirty.

12. Can you ice skate? I think so. I haven't done it in years.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? No, favorite because I love them all!

14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Seeing my parents in FL

15. What tops your tree? Sometimes an angel, sometimes a bow.

16. What’s your favorite holiday tradition? Going on vacation

17. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? Definitely giving.

18. What is your favorite holiday dessert? NOT fruitcake! I love chocolate.

19. What is your favorite Christmas song? Chestnuts roasting on an open fire.

20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? YUM!!

21. What is your favorite Christmas special/movie? Miracle on 34th St. (original with Natalie Wood)

Using my 5 senses today

Blog Prompt: Using your 5 senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste), what will/did you experience today?

Sight: teenagers (some happy, some sad, some excited, some mad. Of course these moods can change at a moment's notice)
Sound: lots of voices (students and teachers)
Smell: lunchroom food and pizza (the kids love pizza)
Touch: Paper and pens and computer keyboard (love my computer)
Taste: Diet pepsi, everything bagels for breakfast, ramen noodles for lunch, Italian food at a fancy Italian restaurant (dinner meeting tonight)

Peculiar Gift

Blog Prompt: What's the most peculiar gift you've ever received? Describe what happened when you opened it and your reaction.

I'm not sure this is so peculiar as disappointing. Back then I was disappointed but now I think I was so idealistic that I set myself up for disappointment. I was about 9 or 10 years old and all I wanted was a horse for Christmas. I prayed for one and even asked Santa Claus for one. For some reason I just KNEW that I was going to get a horse for Christmas because I believed in both God and Santa Claus. As a child, you don't think of zoning laws or real life reasoning so I told everyone that I was getting a horse for Christmas. Well, on Christmas morning, I rushed to the window to look outside in the snow. There tied up to the front railing was a Palomino horse (just like I asked for!). Unfortunately it was about 18 inches tall and made of plastic. My parents told me years later, that they wanted to get me a horse and didn't want to disappoint me but they couldn't afford one and our yard wouldn't hold a horse. At the time, I thought it was a cruel joke and was horribly disappointed. But in our family, you didn't act this way when you were given a gift, so I just smiled and thanked everyone. But I will remember that gift forever.

Holiday Songs

Blog Prompt: Do you have a favorite holiday song? Which one(s) drive you crazy?

This was easy because I was actually thinking about this the other day on the way to work. My favorite one is Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. I'm not sure that is the official name but that is what I've always called it. I grew up listening to Bing Crosby, Perry Como, and Andy Williams singing Christmas songs. We used to watch the TV specials that came on hosted by them.

The one that drives me crazy is the Barking dogs barking out Jingle Bells. I actually change the radio station if that comes on.

Blog Writing Time

Blog Prompt: At what time do you normally write your blog entries? Does it make a difference in what you write?

I don't really have a set time. I prefer to write it first thing in the morning when I'm in a positive happy mood. I usually write my best in the mornings and tend to write too much or get boring in the evening. Also, if it is a tough one, I like to see it early so I'll have all day to think of a response. If I get a chance, I will try to answer during my planning periods which is at the end of the school day. But if all else fails, I get on the computer after dinner and write. I really love to read what everyone else writes and it is so relaxing to do this in the evenings. I feel like I'm part of someone's life when I read these blogs. I also worry about some people when they have trouble or feel joy when they have happiness.

Wonderful Weekend

What a wonderful weekend I'm having! I actually dreaded it because yesterday would have been my sister's 60th birthday if you had been alive. She died in 1974 when I was just a teenager but I still miss her and her birthday just makes me sad sometimes. Well, even though I love my husband to distraction, he usually isn't the most sensitive about things like this so I was pleasantly surprised how caring he was yesterday. He spent the whole day watching Christmas chick flicks on TV with me. I scrapped 2 pages and he never once complained about all the time I was on the computer. We went out for lunch and for dinner, he never once whined about what was I cooking for him. He ended up fixing himself some soup. It was a truly relaxing and fun day which was a relief because I had been dreading that day all week. So, this morning I woke up early and baked banana nut bread before he ever got up. I made 4 loaves: one for the fire dept., one for police dept., one for my hubby's office, and one just for him. Every year I make the bread for the fire and police depts. and there is never one for hubby so this year I decided to surprise him. He loved waking up to the wonderful smell!

Lucky?

Blog Prompt: Do you feel lucky?

I don't know if I feel lucky as much as I feel blessed. If blessed could be considered lucky then I most definitely feel lucky. I feel blessed that I wake up every morning (which beats the alternative.)I have a wonderful loving husband who shows his love in many ways. I am the healthiest person on my side of the family because lupus runs in my family. My mother and oldest sister died from it and my other sister suffers with lupus but so far I have had no symptoms of this. I think it has a lot to do with eating healthy and trying to stay physically fit. Maybe all of activities scare the lupus away. I love my job and my life and I'm financially stable at this moment. I have many friends in person and online. So when I look at everything I have, sometimes I have to pinch myself to see if this is real or a dream. I am SO lucky and blessed.

Favorite decorations.

Blog Prompt: Do you have a favorite ornament or decoration that you display at this time of year? Tell us its story!

I had trouble with this because I love all my decorations! I actually have each room done in a theme. Then I buy more at the after Christmas sales. My living room is the Santa room and I have Santas of all sizes all around the room. My dining room is my Angel room with loads of Angels all around (I figured I needed Angels around my cooking!)My office is the Christmas Toy room like drums, trains, blocks etc and my hubby's office is the Nutcracker room which he likes. I think my home looks awesome once it is decorated.

Cooking abilities

Blog Prompt: Describe your cooking skills as a newlywed. If you're not yet married, describe your cooking skills when you first moved out on your own.

First of all, let me start by saying it is not MY fault!! I was spoiled growing up and then my hubby spoiled me when we got married so I'm still spoiled.

On our first date, I invited future hubby for dinner, never thinking he would accept. It was a Sunday and the blue laws were strictly enforced in the south back then. Once he accepted, I realized I was in trouble but I was so smitten I didn't tell him I didn't have any food or drink in the apartment. When we got to my apartment I fixed him a boil-in-bag lasagna (drop bag in boiling water for 5 min.)This meal served one person and I had one beer in the refrigerator. We shared the meal but I was so in love, I didn't taste a bit. I don't know why he didn't run away but he came back for another date. When we got married I didn't know how to cook any better so Don did most of the cooking. He loved to cook and dirtied about every pot in the kitchen. I knew how to make some dishes but he complained that I cooked "yankee" and he ate "southern". So, for the past 24 years we have eaten out more than we've ever cooked at home.

Favorite Winter Memory

Blog Prompt: What is your favorite winter memory?

My favorite one was when I was in college. We had a big snow storm here in the south which is highly unusual. It was around valentine's day and my roommates and I went to the college library where there were lots of snow. We built this snowman and made him romantic by putting a rose on him and we had the best time. Boy, those were the good ol' days!

What Kind of Tree would I Be?

Blog Prompt: What kind of tree would you be?Take it seriously! Think about it and give us your reasonings. And after you've done that, follow this link: Tree Astrology, to see what tree your birth date says you are!

I think I would be a Birch tree. According to Wikipedia, they are small to medium in size which describes me. Birches are versatile trees which also describes me. I have many different talents which helps me in whatever my goal is. In Belarus, Russia, the Baltic States,Finland,and China,birch sap is drunk as a refreshing beverage, and is believed to have tonic qualities. I hope that when I meet people that I have refreshing qualities and if someone needs help, I hope I can be a "tonic" for them. Many of the First Nations of North America, prized the birch for its bark, which due to its light weight, flexibility, and the ease with which it could be stripped from fallen trees, was often used for the construction of strong, waterproof but lightweight canoes, bowls, and tipis. I also exercise and hike a lot which keeps my weight down and makes me more flexible than most people my age. Plus, I don't mind doing hard work but due to my size and strength, I can only do lightweight kinds of stuff.

According to Tree Astrology, I am:
Hazelnut Tree (the Extraordinary)
Charming, undermining, Very understanding, knows how to make an impression, active fighter for social cause, popular, moody and capricious lover, honest and tolerant partner, precise sense of judgment.

Favorite Game

Blog Prompt: Earlier in the week, we talked about favorite cartoons. Now I want to know your favorite board game, video game, or card game. And who do you usually play with?

I really don't have a favorite game but any game I play is usually by myself. My hubby doesn't usually like to play games so I usually play the games off the internet from Yahoo games or MSN games. Once I bought a computer game, called Frogger, from the old arcade game and I played that. My students loved it and I used it as a reward for them. Usually I don't have a lot of time for games because I'm either out hiking, reading a book, or on the computer to check my email or scrapbooking. I guess I'm just a boring person!

Christmas without gifts

Blog Prompt: What if Christmas (or Chanakah, Kwanzaa, etc.) didn't require giving gifts? Would it still feel the same?

Absolutely. I love the feeling and spirit of Christmas all around. I love the excitement in the air and festive spirit that everyone has. I love the decorations, the parades, and the holiday clothes.

My family really doesn't give gifts to each other for Christmas anymore. My sister, who has lupus, lives far away and years ago asked that we not exchange gifts because it causes too much stress on her. My husband's parents have passed away and his sister and I exchange cards each year. We visit my parents each holiday season and usually pay for all of our meals during the visit so we really don't do a big gift thing.

My husband and I haven't exchanged gifts in years because he usually gets me whatever I want at the time I want it. Our philosophy is that life is too short so why wait until Christmas. What if something happened to us before Christmas and we would regret not giving something? So, we don't wait if we have the money to get what we want.

This holiday, we are taking my parents on a cruise since we had some money saved up. My hubby really wanted to go on a cruise and I really wanted to visit with my parents so we decided to combine the two "wants". Of course, we told them it was a Christmas and anniversary present or they wouldn't have come but we would have done it anyway.

Tell Tale Age

Blog Prompt: How old would you say you are, if you didn't actually know your age?

Well, luckily, Chinese people always look younger than they are. My dad is 87 and still looks about 67. On that note, I would say I look about 30 instead of the forty humph uh rumph. Sorry, throat got scratchy on that last number. Of course my gray in my dark hair gives away that I'm "old" so I don't think I'd pass for under 30. Physically I feel about 30 because I lead a pretty active life.

My Favorite Childhood Cartoon

Blog Prompt: What was your favorite childhood cartoon, comic, or TV show?

My favorite childhood cartoon was Underdog. Of course it was a toss up between Underdog, Dudley Do-right, and Quick Draw McGraw. The best thing about Underdog was the line: Never fear, Underdog is here! These cartoons were on early Saturday mornings and I always got up early even then. I would love to be the first one up so I could watch TV. Once my mother got up, it was time for chores and I hated that!

Holiday Traditions

Blog Prompt: Do you have any unusual holiday traditions? And/or what traditions are you looking forward to this holiday season?

When my daughters were little, we had the tradition of spending Christmas with both of our families. On Christmas eve, we spent it with my husband's family in SC. Then we drove home, packed up the car and drove all night to FL to spend Christmas day with my family. We did this for years until the girls grew up and didn't live at home anymore. Now with both of my husband's parents gone, we spend our Christmas vacation with my parents. This year we are taking them on a Christmas cruise to the Caribbean.

Another tradition is to decorate our house for Christmas. Our little town has big Christmas festivities each year. For 3 weekends, the horse and buggies from Charleston come up and give rides around the town to see the Christmas decorations. We have a parade one day and a Christmas tree lighting another day. I really love our little town. If I ever get down in the dumps, I just drive around at night and look at the decorations.

Charity

Blog Prompt: Three things you'd donate to charity right now are...
1- books (I have boxes and boxes of them)
2- clothes (I have waaaaay too many of them too and lots that don't even fit me anymore.)
3- towels and sheets (we have a shelter that needs them right now and our church is asking for this)

Today I'm also very thankful for my health! There is so much that I'm able to do because I'm healthy and see so many people with health problems that can't do all that I do.

My Favorite Movie

I had a hard time deciding which one of 2 movies was my all time favorite. I decided that To Kill A Mockingbird with Gregory Peck was it. I was going to pick Miracle on 34th Street with Natalie Wood but since it is a seasonal movie, I chose the other one.

Unfortunately for my students and fortunately for me, our school library has this movie and I make my students watch it every year. Since my students have reading problems, I'm determined that they watch the classics, even if they can't read them. I have them watch Citizen Kane and movies made from John Steinbeck books. At least they will have exposure to these and will know what people are talking about when they mention them. I also want them to be able to say they know about it when the kids in regular classes talk about having to read it or write about it. But since some of my students have me for 4 years, they know To Kill a Mockingbird very well!

5 Accomplishments

Blog Prompt: Tell us about five accomplishments from this past week. Big or small!

1. Completed my to-do list every day.
2. Walked on the treadmill for 30 min. every morning.
3. Took a day off to go hiking with friends.
4. Cooked dinner at home 3 days this week (which is highly unusual for me!)
5. Cleaned up my office which was cluttered with the clothes I have worn all week (I am always too lazy to hang things up or put things in the wash, so they pile up and up and up!).

The Future

Blog Prompt: If you had an opportunity to see your future, would you want to? Why or why not?

I would definitely like to know the future. I'm one of those people who sometimes skips to the end of the book to see how it ends. For some reason, this doesn't ruin the book for me because I enjoy seeing how they got there. Hearing the end of a movie before I see it doesn't bother me either for the same reasons. I hate surprises and like to know what is going to happen if at all possible. When I had major surgery, I wasn't scared as long as the doctor told me every little thing that I'd be going through. I would love to see what is in store for me and would understand that I couldn't do anything to change it, so I would just go with the flow.

Interesting Book

Blog Prompt: The book I'm reading right now/just read is teaching me...

The book I've just finished reading is called Lucky Man by Michael J. Fox. It talks about how he has had to deal with his Parkinson's Disease and how it affected his attitude. I found the book very motivational and inspirational. I know my hubby was probably glad I finished it because it was the topic of my conversation every evening. It is a book I would recommend to others because it help you appreciate your own life and what you have. It was interesting to see how Michael J. Fox continues to live his life in a positive manner. It helped me see him as a real person instead of some famous actor.

Blog Prompt: The book I'm reading right now/just read is teaching me...

The book I've just finished reading is called Lucky Man by Michael J. Fox. It talks about how he has had to deal with his Parkinson's Disease and how it affected his attitude. I found the book very motivational and inspirational. I know my hubby was probably glad I finished it because it was the topic of my conversation every evening. It is a book I would recommend to others because it help you appreciate your own life and what you have. It was interesting to see how Michael J. Fox continues to live his life in a positive manner. It helped me see him as a real person instead of some famous actor.

Two Memories

Blog Prompt: Tell us about two memories from two years ago.

One of the best memories is that we took a trip to the Mediterranean for almost 3 weeks. We flew into Rome and spent a couple of days getting used to the time change. Then we took a cruise on the Carnival Liberty for 12 days. We actually attended the naming ceremony with Mira Sorvino as the godmother. On our trip we went to Naples, Sicily, Croatia, Venice, Barcelona, Cannes, Livorno, Florence, Pisa, and back to Rome. It was so romantic and probably the best trip I've taken so far. Then we stayed in Rome one more day before we came home.

It was also the year that I started my worm bin. We went to the Hike Inn in Georgia where they use vermiculture for all their food scraps and even use composting toilets there. After dinner, we had a little lesson in vermiculture which I thought was great. As soon as we got home, my parents and us built 2 plywood boxes for my worms. Even though my whole family thought I was crazy, they supported me in this new venture. I started out only filling up one box first and now two years later, I have both boxes full of worms. I give them most of my food scraps and lots of shredded paper. We even started one in my classroom and I'm about to start another one in my husband's courthouse. These are much smaller scale and in plastic storage containers. When done right, you don't see or smell them at all.

My Dream Home

As for the inside of my house, I wouldn't change much of it. It is a very old house (built around the 1920s). My husband's bathroom only has a tub so he uses the shower in the playroom (which is right beside his bathroom). This means he actually has 2 bathrooms (no fair!). So, I would put a shower in his bathroom. The only interior problem I have is that the house has settled (this is what I'm told) which means closet doors don't shut all the way and my tile floor has cracks in the tiles. I have paid someone to boost the house up and put things under it but after a few years, it settles again.

Now I would like some stuff in the backyard. My yard is the length of a football field from street to back line. I would like to get rid of the old metal shed that was here when we bought the house. It sits in the back left corner of the yard. The doors don't even slide closed right. I would like a big gardening shed in its place with shelves all around. Now, my driveway ends at the right side of the house and I would like to put up a 2 story 2 car garage there. The upstairs would be like a guest apartment with kitchenette and bathroom. My hubby would use this for his hobbies (model trains, and postcards) so he wouldn't have to clean it up every time we had company. Later, when we were old, we could hire a college kid to help us and the person could live in the apartment. Behind the garage I would like a very large green house. Then I wouldn't have to cart my plants into the house every winter and listen to hubby complain! I would also put a room over our back deck and screen it in so my hubby would sit outside with me in the summer. The mosquitoes love him and he can't enjoy the deck at all.

Ahhhh, I love dreaming!

Fabulous

Blog Prompt: Tell us about something FABULOUS in your life right now!

There is nothing "special" kind of fabulous going on in my life right now but there is the kind of fabulous that makes me happy today. It was fabulous just to be alive and happy today. I'm healthy. My hubby is healthy too and we have each other. We have a wonderful marriage that gets better and better every day even though we have been married 24 years. I'm able to pay my bills and there isn't anything I need that I'm not able to have right now. I can also afford luxuries if I really want them but I don't need them at this particular time. I have a bright and exciting future waiting for me (since I hope to really retire this coming June...unless I change my mind again.). Now that I think about it, I guess to sum up my "fabulous" would be to say that I'm content with my life today.

Thursday Thirteen - My Blessings

Blog Prompt: You can write about any subject, but you have to think up 13 things.

I had trouble thinking of a topic and kept coming up with negative things. I thought about things that give me a headache, and things that make me mad, or things that people are rude about etc. Then I started thinking that at least I had my health to feel a headache, at least I knew the difference between right and wrong and at least I knew how to behave in public. I decided that I needed an attitude adjustment and picked the topic of My Blessings. So here they are:
a family that loves me.
good health
a job I enjoy
good friends
a new hobby
computer skills
ability to read
shelter
food
ability to hike
love of travel
email
wireless internet

Music

Blog Prompt: MUSIC—What are your early memories of music? What kind did you/do you prefer? Have your tastes changed over the years?

My earliest memory was of getting my first accordion. I remember meeting with the salesman in our home when I was about 4 years old. I remember trying on this tiny instrument (which at the time was huge!). It was an exciting time for my whole family and since I was the baby of the family, I was the center of attention.

I like pretty much all kinds of music except heavy metal and rap. I guess it depends on what mood I'm in and phases I go through. I usually listen to 60s oldies on the radio. On my ipod, I have country, bluegrass, oldies, broadway hits (I love Rodger and Hammerstein stuff), celtic, Christmas, some jazz (not my favorite but some of it I like), and Enya (not sure what she is listed as but I find her calming at night when I'm in a tent and it is thundering and lightning).

Turning Point

Blog Prompt: Tell us about a turning point in your life, however you define that phrase.

I had a major turning point in my life 23 years ago but it doesn't seem that long ago. I lost all of my hair which was devastating to me since I was only 24 years old. I went to many doctors and spent a lot of money to try to find out why all of a sudden I lost my hair. Since lupus runs in my family, I was afraid this was it but the tests were negative. I didn't have cancer or any known illness. One doctor told me I was just allergic to my own hair and to get used to it. One doctor asked me if I was under stress and I told him no that I wasn't. Another doctor told me that it all fell out by the roots and I would never have hair again. After thousands of dollars, one doctor told me with tears in his eyes, that he just didn't know why and I needed to accept it and move on.

Finally after giving up the medical route, my hubby talked me into joining a health spa and going daily to exercise. I started taking multivitamins and doing a lot of reflection and praying. Finally we realized that I WAS under a lot of stress and this was a reaction. I thought by being "under stress" meant like a nervous breakdown or depression which I didn't feel described me. After thinking about it I realized my circumstances put me under an extreme amount of stress and this was my body's way of coping. My husband lost his job because he refused to relocate, I had started a new job teaching at a new school, my daughter was exhibiting extreme emotional problems in school (she was finally diagnosed as bi-polar later), we had moved to a new house which caught on fire 3 months after we moved in. So, we had to move in my in-laws. Chirstmas was approaching and we didn't have our own home or much money. So, as you can see, I had been denying the stress!

Within 6 months of our own "cure", my hair started to grow back. I was doing daily exercising which I continue to do even now. We made some changes in our lifestyle which included moving into a rental house, and letting my hubby have more responsiblity withe the house and kids (which is hard for me because I'm such a control freak!). Every few years, I have stress spots on my scalp which means bald spots. I increase my exercise and do more meditation which helps.

I have tried to talk to many of my friends about stress because I feel that if I hadn't gotten a handle on this, stress would have eventually killed me. My hair loss was just the beginning. I hope my turning point can help others learn from this too.

Manners

Blog Prompt: In your area/family, how do children address adults? (exp. Mr & Mrs Smith, Miss Becky, Becky, etc.)What manners do you stress in your family and which do you let slide? (This applies to adults, too, not just children).

When I was growing up, I was always expected to address adults as Mr. and Mrs. so-and-so. I learned while going to college in SC, that professors expected to be answered with Yes/No Ma'am or Yes/No Sir. When I got married and was raising children in SC, my husband insisted that the children answered with Yes/No Ma'am or Yes/No Sir because that is the way he was brought up. I use the same response with my students because I want them to treat me this way.

I guess most of the manners that were stressed were ones we were brought up with. My major beef is when people talk with food in their mouths. It drives me crazy! I can overlook almost anything except that. It totally grosses me out to see chewed food in someone's mouth. I'm getting yucky just thinking about it!

Communicating Online

Blog Prompt: Do you find it easier to "be yourself" when communicating online with people you've never met? And without being specific, do you belong to or visit many online communities, or just this one?

I am pretty much myself whether I'm online or if I meet someone face to face. One thing I really hate is talking on the phone. I would much rather communicate by email or AIM instead of the phone. I worry alot that I'm bothering the person that I'm talking to or sometimes I can't focus on the conversation because I'm such a visual person. I am the type of person who says the truth whether on line or in person and hope that others are that way too. I guess I'm naive that way and far too trusting (according to my husband!).

I used to be on a regular chat community when my hubby was working nights. It was a group that consisted of people over 40 who were happily married. There was no sexual comments and everyone was very friendly. I probably talked to them for about 2 years until the organizer of the chat room died of diabetes and then if fizzled out.

After that, I did the forums for a hiking group but they were much more experienced that me and I felt out of place. The next thing I entered were the forums for my worm group. I started worm composting for my garden and learned a lot from this group. Then I got kind of bored with the bulletin board but not the worms. I still have the worms.

Now I'm into this digital scrapbooking and I love it! I enjoy the forums and the chats at DSP. I don't join any other website because I can't keep up with all that I like at DSP so I'm just sticking with this one group. I'm starting to know people and recognize their names. This is a hobby where I'm learning new skills and I love learning! I hope to be involved with this for many years (especially since I will really retire soon!).

First Meeting

Blog Prompt: What qualities are you drawn to when meeting someone for the first time?

When I meet someone for the first time, I'm usually drawn by their friendly personality. I like to meet someone who has a smile on their face and looks content with their life. People like this make me feel like they are sincere and I would enjoy talking to them. Most people like this have a great sense of humor and I like to be around positive people. I can usually spot someone who has a phony personality. You can spot it in their smile and in their eyes. Life is too short to be around negative people!

Queen for a Day

Blog Prompt: What would you do if you were Queen for a day?

If I was Queen for a Day, I would be pretty selfish and self serving. My hubby and I would go hiking in the mountains in the spring while the weather was around 65 degrees and sunny outside. I would have servants to carry our backpacks and food. I would also have all the money I could want and I would have servants on computers downloading all the kits that I liked from DSP. It would take me too long to do it myself and the day would end before I got all the ones I liked. These kits would be waiting for me to use in the future. Wow, after rereading this, I am almost embarrassed to let everyone see how bad I am!

A Halloween Memory

Blog Prompt: Halloween memories (from last night or years ago)

This past weekend, my hubby and I went to a Halloween party in Charleston which is 200 miles away. This young teacher at my school invited us to the party that her dad throws every year. She was so excited about it and since we’ve gotten close these past 2 years, I really wanted to go and be supportive. Usually my hubby refuses to go to parties because he is kind of shy at parties. He is also a judge so at most parties, people bug him for legal advice (which he can’t legally give) or ask for help on some kind of legal trouble they are in (which he also can’t legally give) so he hates going to parties. When I asked if he would mind going, he surprised me by saying only if he got to choose the costumes. Since I didn’t really believe we would end up going, I agreed. Within the week, he had found 2 costumes at WalMart and bought them. His costume was a Latin bandit which consisted of a black shirt with ties across the chest, a long cape, a hat, and a mask. My Lady Latin bandita costume or Latin Lady Bandita costume or whatever consisted of a tight red and black very short dress with spaghetti straps with ties down the boobs, a short cape for the shoulders, leg covers over shoes that ended up looking like thigh high boots, a hat and a mask. For lack of a better description…slutty by any other name is still slutty! But I had made a bargain and I stuck to it. I had hoped to not see anyone I knew but 2 other teachers showed up besides me. Maybe they won’t say anything (because I’m known to be very conservative and proper at school!)

When we left the motel to go to the party, I ran to the car because I was afraid someone was going to ask me how much I charged! When we arrived at the private drive, we met the “troll” who allowed us to enter. He was spacing cars along the dark road so we can enjoy the haunted ride. Big old spiders dropped down on our car and we met Deliverance rednecks shooting deer in the woods. Then we were escorted from our cars up the drive to the house. Along the way motorized things came out at us including an alligator from a sewer and spiders. The bushes were covered with blinking eyes. At the party, there was a fantastic band who played songs I recognized. Behind the band was a huge sailboat sail with scary movies projected on it from the house. Tied to the trees were 3 chandeliers hanging across the yard with scary figures hanging from them. Of course, there were tons of food and beverages of every kind.

Everyone seemed to go all out in costumes because the invitation read Come in costume or come naked! One man wore a foam box covered with little Froot Loop boxes, corn flake boxes, raisin bran boxes dripping in blood with plastic forks and knives embedded in them. He was a “cereal killer.” One girl wore a costume that looked like her bare butt was hanging out of her drawer and Smartie candies were glued on her butt because she was a “wise ass.” Another man was a chest of drawers with women’s underwear sticking out of them and he was a “one night stand.” Of course the cast from Gilligan’s Island was there too.

We had a wonderful evening. I was quite surprised because hubby and I worked out a code that we would say to each other when we were ready to go but neither of us had to use it. We got there at 7:30 and didn’t leave until almost 11pm. No one knew my hubby so no one bothered him and he got to really enjoy himself. I hope we get to go next year too!