WWTK

It's Wednesday again, which brings us to another installment of We Want to Know!  Every week, there are five random questions to answer.  I love answering questions about myself!  If you'd like to play along, visit Kenzie or Scriptor and link up.

- - QUESTIONS - -

{no. 1} Where is your favorite place to go on vacation, and if you could choose any place to go where would you go?

I don't have one favorite place to vacation.  My idea of a perfect vacation is to do something different than last time.  I am not a time share kind of person.  I want to visit all 50 states before I die.  My favorite vacations to this point were San Francisco, New York, and Disney World.  I also really enjoy a nice, relaxing vacation at a cabin in the mountains with a hot tub on the deck and no people around.  If I could choose any place to go, it would be Italy.  I would love to visit Venice and Greece before I die.  Time to start the bucket list, I guess!

Taken by me, August 2011

{no. 2} What is your favorite hobby?

Hobbies?  Oh yeah, that's stuff you do for fun when you don't have anything else going on.  I used to have hobbies!  OK, I'm exaggerating.  I enjoy baking, reading, biking, photography, and blogging.  I used to love entertaining, but haven't found time to do that in quite a while.  What I do most often right now in the little spare time I have is play stupid games on my phone that are way too addicting!  I also enjoy crashing in front of the television in the evenings, after the kids are in bed and the house is quiet.

I make a mean sugar cookie!

{no. 3} When you need to get out of the house, what do you do? 

Usually, I go to Target.  I could easily shop there every day and not get bored.  Hubby and I enjoy eating out, namely Chipotle, but anywhere is good.  I enjoy shopping, but not too often.  I have to be in the mood and have money to spend.  When it's nice out, I really enjoy doing things outside.  

Outdoor shopping, a definite favorite!

{no. 4} What is your go to date night idea?

I'm going to have to say Chipotle and Target again.  Actual date nights are rare and we're too cheap to go anywhere more expensive.  On our last planned date night, we rode our bikes from home to an Italian restaurant about 7 miles away.  We loved it!

NYC was a great date for our anniversary!

{no. 5} Do you have any tattoos, if so what of and where?

Um, no.  Never have, never will.

WWTK

It's been another one of those crazy weeks, you know- the kind where I didn't even get dinner last night, picked up Subway on Tuesday, and for the life of me, can't even remember what I ate for dinner Monday night.  All I do remember is that it was late.  No Mother of the Year Awards will be given to me this week.  Anyhoo- that's why I'm a day late with WWTK.  It looked like a fun one so I didn't want to pass on it.

- - QUESTIONS - -

{no. 1} Describe what high school was like for you. Include details like where you went, your dedication to certain subjects, etc.

High school was 19 to 23 years ago for me.  I was a big, fat nerd.  Well, I only weighed 120 lbs., so I wasn't actually fat.  I was in Honors classes, Choir, Yearbook staff, Girls' Ensemble, and Spanish Club.  I kept an A/B average and actually cared.  I didn't smoke, drink, or party.  I never had detention, even though I was suspended once.  Language Art subjects were my favorite and I adored my Composition class.  

I'm in the front, middle

{no. 2} On a typical Friday night in high school, what could you be found doing?

I was at church!  Our youth group had services on Fridays.  We all piled on the church vans  after service and went out to a restaurant.  It was the best part of my week.

I'm in the middle - riding the church vans

{no. 3} Did you own a car in high school?

My cousin gave me her 1984 Dodge 600 for free.  I was pretty pumped to drive it!  I named it Stormy because it was the color of a storm cloud and sounded like thunder.  Ah, good times!

The front of my shirt said Duck Head and the back said Duck Tail.  Classy.

{no. 4} Sum up your fashion sense in high school.

Penny loafers or Keds, jean skirts, cardigans, and turtlenecks, big hair and big glasses.  I had a brown leather jacket from Express that I thought was the bomb-diggity!  It provided no warmth but I wore it every single day.  

The beginning of a long, beautiful relationship

{no. 5} Have you attended any high school reunions?

We had a 5 year and a 10 year.  They were both actually a lot of fun.  I still ended up hanging out with my group of nerds and current friends, but we enjoyed making fun of the people who let themselves go after high school.  Over the summer, I attended Hubby's 20 year reunion, which was a lot of fun too.  I remember a lot of people from his class, even though I didn't speak to any of them in high school.  I was shy and they were stupid...taking Freshmen classes their Junior year.  

WWTK

     

- - QUESTIONS - -

In honor of Valentine's Day

 

 

 

 

 

{no. 1} What is your favorite flower?

I can't say that I have a favorite.  I love a mixture of anything.  I am partial to gardenias because my dad loved their intoxicating scent when I was little.  I had them in my wedding and smelling them makes me think of him.

{no. 2} Tell us about your favorite Valentine's Day:

OK, this is so NOT romantic.  After a church Valentine banquet, a large group of us went to a local rustic shopping complex that occupies a former oat factory.  It was the night of the NBA Slam Dunk contest.  About 15 of us sat there in front of a TV and watched the contest.  We were all dressed up, sipping on Coke, and feeling nervous.  Even though I didn't like the guy I was with, I actually had a really good time! 

 

Hubby and I don't really celebrate Valentine's Day.  Life is just too stinkin' busy!

{no. 3} Was Valentine's Day a big deal when you were a kid?

It was all about the Valentine box!  I remember scourging closets, looking for an empty shoe box.  Mom would help me wrap it in some festive paper and Dad would cut a slit in the top.  Every year, I felt like mine was the best and I was so proud of it.  I think kids today are missing out by not making a great deal over The Box.

{no. 4} If you could have any one thing for Valentine's Day what would it be?

Peace and quiet.  Or is that two things? 

 

{no. 5} Do you have any special plans for Valentine's Day?

Like I said, we don't make a big deal out of it. We never go out and we don't buy gifts. Sometimes, I'll bake something special for Hubby or cook a nice meal. I did buy steaks this week. Hopefully they turn out.  We will have four kids running around us as we eat them.  I may park them in front of the TV with a pizza or something. 

If you want to link up for We Want to Know Wednesdays, visit Kenzie or Scriptor!

WWTK

{no. 1} Did you watch the Superbowl? Do you tend to like sports or do you only watch them if it is a big event or something a friend or spouse is in to?

I watched part of it.  With four kids, it's kind of hard to sit down for that many hours without being disturbed.  I was up and down getting food and drinks and settling disputes.  I used to really be into sports, then the aforementioned kids came into the picture.  This year, I had to actually ask who was playing.  I knew it wasn't Hubby's Broncos.  (Disclaimer:  I do not love the Broncos.  I support for marital happiness only.  I will not mention my team of choice, as it is quite an embarrassment.)

{no. 2} What is one thing you really like but cannot understand how or why other people do not?

Sweets.  People who say they don't really care for sweets MUST be lying!  How could  you not?  I promise, I could live on a diet of only baked goods and chocolate, if it wouldn't kill me.  Hubby is one of those...he rarely eats dessert.  I live for it!

 

{no. 3} Describe/explain one thing that annoys you on daily basis.

The school parking lot.  It is full of people who can't drive, who selfishly stop wherever they want, and who block traffic without consideration.  It annoys me to no end and will never be resolved.

{no. 4} What is one food you've been really into lately or something you have really craved at one point?

Um, Chipotle!  But anyone who reads my blog knows that.  Other than Chipotle, I've been craving other Mexican food.  This week, I'm wanting either Mexican Spaghetti or Tortilla Soup.  I guess the rest of the family just won't be eating that night. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

{no. 5} Name one thing you are saving or want to save money for.

Just one?  Well, now that I got my ring, we've actually been talking about what we want to save for next.  We'd like to purchase a treadmill, but that's really no fun.  As far as fun things go, we'd really like to put a patio out back.  I wish I could just be on one of those design shows where they make you leave the house and it's all done when you get back.  Anyone, feel free to nominate me.  We have the perfect, spacious backyard for it!  It's totally private and is one of my favorite places to be.  If it had an awesome patio, I would be oh-so-happy!

 

 

WWTK

We Want to Know is back, with new hosts!  I've actually missed this because it gave me a topic to write about each week without thinking too hard.  I am one day behind already, but I just found out it's back.  I'll try to keep up from now on...

If you want to join in, visit Kenzie or Scriptor and link up! 

Here are this week's questions and my answers:

 

{no. 1} What is your biggest guilty pleasure?

Oh, I'm a lazy hog at heart!  My favorite thing to do (when no one is watching) is lay on the couch, eat a ridiculous amount of junk food, and watch a good ole chick flick.  I could do that for hours and hours on end.  My phone would have to be next to me to catch up on Instagram and Candy Crush during slow parts of the film.
 

{no. 2} Do you actually keep your resolutions for the New Year?

I did last year!  I think it was the first time ever.  I read through the entire Bible in a year.  It was actually much easier than losing the same 10 lbs. I resolve to lose every year.

 

{no. 3} If you had to do one random act of kindness today, what would it be?

Hmmm...since I plan to be in my pajamas doing housework all day, this question might be tough.  I'll just pretend like I can be out and about.  I love baking things for people and delivering them, for no reason.  I get the joy of baking with none of the calories!  (Well, I always taste just a bit...)

{no. 4} Do you have a bucket list, 101 in 1001 list, or any other list? If you do, what are some of your goals?

Nah, I've never really dedicated the time to writing a bucket list.  My long term goals are just to raise a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted family. 

 

{no. 5} Why do you love blogging?

I do love blogging.  It's a way to release all these trapped in thoughts that roam constantly through my head.  I suppose that's why most of my points are aimless, rambling thoughts that never quite seem to fit together. 

 

WWTK - The Olympics

Crazymama is asking the questions this week!!

It's the Olympics in London!  Let's talk about it.

(1) What was your favorite part of the Opening Ceremonies?

Sadly, I didn't get to see even a minute of the Opening Ceremonies.  I was on a hot school bus, taking my youth group to an event where they performed dramatic sign language.  I was tired, hungry, and possibly a little grouchy that I forgot to DVR it.  But I saw the updates of Facebook friends while we were travelling.  (That didn't help the situation, by the way.)

(2) Which country are you rooting for? (I realize we aren't all Americans.)

 

It's all red, white, and blue here in the Midwest US.

 

(3) Which is your favorite event to watch and why?

I really enjoy gymnastics.  Floor exercise is probably my favorite because it demonstrates the fantastic ability all those tiny, little girls posses.  I even enjoyed the men's gymnastics this year.  Wow, are those guys strong!  I could live without the little leg kick they give at the end of a tumble though.

(4) Have you found a new sport that is surprisingly delightful?

Actually, yes!  I don't recall ever watching water polo before, but it's been on several times this year when I've turned on the TV.  It amazes me that those people can be in the pool that long without ever touching the bottom!  I would drown in the first two minutes. 

(5) Have you always been a fan of the Olympics?  What is your earliest Olympic Memory?

Yes and no.  I've always appreciated it, but haven't always watched it.  I'm going to show my age here when I say that I totally remember the '84 Olympics.  Gymnastics was big that year and I remember doing a bit of tumbling around my living room with couch cushions askew. 

 

 

If you'd like to link up with your answers, visit Mamarazzi or Crazymama!

Celebrity WWTK

The Lovely One wants to know:

{one} What Disney character do you most resemble and why?

I would have to say Belle.  She's a brunette and she loves to read.  I'm not quite that avid of a reader, although I'd like to be if I had no other responsibilities in life.  My father isn't crazy like hers but he builds things.  I don't think I'm known as the odd girl in town, but I did land a good-looking prince!

And it got Mamarazzi, wanting to know...

{two} Who was your teenage celebrity crush?

I always had a thing for Alex P. Keaton.  I think it was the sweater vests.

{three} What celebrity would you love to be BFF with?

Paula Deen and I would cook up a storm together.  Although, if I was BFFs with Martha Stewart, she could decorate my home and help me cultivate a beautiful flower garden.  But she's a little stiff for me.  I really think I would enjoy hanging out with Tina Fey.  She would keep me in stitches all day long!

{four} Who is your celebrity look a like?

I don't think I look like anyone famous.  When I was around 20, people used to say I looked like Jesse from Saved by the Bell.  I never thought so.  Recently, someone said I looked like a character from Smallville.  I've never watched it.  In that movie, Little Black Book, I think I kind of resemble one of the ex-girlfriends.  She has green eyes and freckles.  Anyone have a better suggestion for the next time I'm asked this question?

My Hubby, on the other hand, seems to look like many different celebrities.  He got Tom Cruise once and someone from old cowboy movies a few times.  A kid in our church thinks he looks like Woody from Toy Story, so their whole family calls him Woody now.

Mostly, he gets told that he looks like Joel Osteen.  Once as he was going into surgery, already partially drugged up, and all the nurses were talking about the resemblance.  Once in a restaurant, our waitress swore he was Joel Osteen.  She said she wouldn't bother us because she knows we were incognito.  At one point, she said, "I don't know what his wife looks like...well, I guess she looks like you because you are them!"  It was hilarious; she would not believe us that we weren't the famous televangelists!  (I personally think Hubby is much better looking.)

{five} Which celebrity/celebrity couple would you want to portray you/your honey in a movie about your life?

Is there such a thing as a celebrity couple any more?  I think they all split. 

For myself, I would choose Sandra Bullock.  No, I don't look like her but I wouldn't mind looking like her.  For Hubby, I would choose Patrick Dempsey.  I personally think he looks more like my husband than Joel Osteen.  Plus, I don't think Joel does many movies. 

If you would like to join in the fun with We Want to Know, visit Mamarazzi or Crazymama and link up!

WWTK

It's late on Wednesday and I am just now posting We Want To Know.  Better late than never!

If you would like to link up, visit Mamarazzi or Crazymama.  All are welcome!

Crazymama, just got back from the grocery store, where she was shopping while hungry.  That is never a good idea and caused her to come up with these questions for today.

{1} Walking down the cookie aisle at the store, what do you pick?
Whatever is on sale and I have a coupon for. My days of picking out whatever looks good are over. But if I was going to do that, it would be one of those Pepperidge Farms cookies, like Mint Milanos or those crunchy chocolate chip cookies!

{2} Would you rather eat chips or crackers? which kind?
It depends on my mood. If it's chips, it's cheesy Pringles! If it's crackers I'm in the mood for, it would be anything with cheese on them, like Cheez-It's or, better yet, those Pepperidge Farms crackers with cheese baked on top - mmmm! No, I am not getting paid to endorse Pepperidge Farms....they just make some good products! Maybe I should be getting paid...

{3} What kind of pickles do you like?
I really only like pickles if I'm eating a club sandwich. When I do eat them, they must be crunchy and dill!

{4} What is your favorite candy?
Oh, the list could go on for eternity! I'm not a fan of fruity candy but I love chocolate!! My favorites change, but always include Dove, Symphony with toffee, any chocolate with almonds, plain M&Ms, Take 5, Kit Kat, and Cadburry Eggs, of course!

{5} marycate wants to know about your beverage preference.  Coke Or Pepsi? Diet Drinkers?
It's Diet Coke all the way, baby! I'm one of those people who hates restaurants that serve Pepsi. When a waitress says, "Is Diet Pepsi ok?" I say, "No, I'll have ice water with lemon.'"

WWTK

Since it's been nearly a month since I've blogged, I thought I would jump back in there with a WWTK! Shame on me for being so neglectful!

Today's questions are from two people, Kenzie  who wants to know...

1. What are your 4th of July plans?

Good question, Kenzie!  We typically picnic at my mom's house with the entire extended family.  On Memorial Day this year, we all went to my grandpa's instead.  As a recent widower, we knew he would leave the party too early if it was elsewhere.  If we all invade his home, he has no choice but to stay and party!  4th of July will be very similar.  My brother is smoking a pork butt and brisket.  He got a new Big Green Egg (and posts photos on Instagram several times a week about what he's cooking, saying things like, "Come see how good my butt smells,") and smokes things for an entire 24-hour day!  The results are amazing, so I'm not complaining!  The kids will play with the sprinkler and Slip & Slide and the adults will migrate between the cool house and huge front porch or play Corn Hole.  I love just chillin' with the fam!

2. Are you going to set off fireworks?

Knowing my immature brother, probably.  But not at Grandpa's...he will have none of that foolishness.  Our city set off fireworks Sunday night and we planned on going.  Around 9PM, we were wasted from the hot day and church picnic and decided to skip them.  There are other fireworks tonight but I have a feeling that the same thing will happen.

...And Crazymama was wondering...

3. What is your favorite BBQ side dish?

Oh, there are so many when it comes to side dishes.  I am kind of a side dish queen!  My go-to favorite is Hashbrown Casserole because it goes with everything.  There are a couple great salads I love, including Fancy Cole Slaw and that broccoli, bacon, cheese stuff with the mayo on it.  Mmmm!  For the 4th, I'm making Grandma's Potato Salad in her honor.  But I don't share that recipe.  

4. What is your favorite BBQ main dish?

I guess I'll have to say my brother's butt!  How disgusting does that sound????

5. Do you decorate or dress in red white and blue for the 4th? 

Yeah, I typically get into the spirit with my attire.  But I'm not a decorator.  It's way too much work, I'm not very good about it, and I'm lazy about getting it down in a timely manner.  When I'm a billionaire, I will hire someone to come decorate and un-decorate for each holiday!

If you want to link up for WWTK, hit up Mamarazzi or Crazymama!

I'm Back & WWTK

My busiest time of the year has finally concluded! I can't tell you how anxious I am to get my life back! I'll tell you about my big banquet later.  I'm totally out of the habit of blogging so it might take me a while to get back into the swing of things.

I'll start back with something easy: We Want To Know sponsored by Mamarazzi and Crazymama. All the content has been provided for me and I just have to fill in the blanks. If you want to join in the fun, feel free to link up!

This week's questions are all about friends.

{1}I have found myself jealous/envious of this friend because...
This isn't really a good question for me because, lately, I've tried to make a conscious effort not to be jealous of others or wish my life away. It's so easy to want the things that others have but we must realize that not everyone has everything. I'm jealous of all my friends who are skinnier than I am. I'm jealous of the ones who have a nicer home or a knack for decorating. I'm jealous that those without kids seem to have so much time. I'm jealous of my friends who don't have to worry about money. BUT, my lack of decorating skills, my frugality, and my plethora of children makes me who I am. I bet you didn't want an answer quite that detailed, did ya?

{2}I admire this one for her _________ (insert admirable quality) and tell us about them.
My friend, Sandy, is such a talented artist and can turn anything into a work of beauty in just a few moments. I can barely hang a picture on the wall. In fact, I have her coming over this summer to do just that! I will watch her kids and cook her dinner while she spruces up my home a bit!

{3}I really love this blog friend because...
I admire a lot of bloggers, who are listed in my blog roll. I haven't updated that list (or my wallpaper) in quite some time. (Yes, I know it's no longer snowing!)

{4}I was stuck on a desert island I would want to be with this friend...
If I can get away with this, I'm going to say my hubby. He's truly my best friend and the person who gets on my nerves less often than anyone else!

{5}I think the best qualities in a friend are...
Being themselves. My friends and I all have a lot in common. I don't want them to try to be something they're not to impress me. I won't do that either. I enjoy being with people who are like me. Bad traits in a friend are self-centered people who don't know how to pay a compliment. Be there for me and I'll be there for you.

WWTK

I know I haven't been a good blogger lately.  As I say every year in the Spring, this is my busy time.  Please bear with me and I will be a better poster when all of my crazy commitments are over!  WWTK makes posting so easy because the topic is already decided for me.  So, I'll participate today, even though my house is a total wreck!  (Dear OCD friends, if you have nothing to do, come on over here...there's plenty to be found at my house!)

And yes, I know I really need to change my snowy background.  But who has the time???  Actually, it's snowing here today anyway, so I feel rather justified in my procrastination.

In the middle of LIFE is one big IF...so this weeks questions are all about the IF...

{one} If you had to be trapped in a TV show for a month, which show would you choose?

I would have to say 30 Rock.  I would really enjoy hanging out on the set of a television show.  And being in New York for a month- things could be a lot worse!  My second choice was The Office.  I could totally hang out with Jim and Pam for a month. 

{two} If you could be guaranteed one thing in life besides money, what would you ask for?

That's an easy one for me.  I would ask for all of my kids to turn out to be successful, happy in marriage, and living moral lives.  It's my greatest hope in the world....so much more important than money.

{three} If you had to name the most terrifying event in your life thus far, what would it be?

Terrifying?  I've had some bad moments in life, but I don't know if I would describe any of them as terrifying.  I guess I was pretty terrified when I was 17 and my mom had some major health problems.  I didn't know if she was going to make it.  That was pretty scary.

{four} If you could possess one supernatural ability, what would it be?

I would definitely choose the ability to freeze time.  There are so many days that I just need a lot more of it.  

{five} If you could "uninvent" one thing in the world, so that it would no longer exist, what would you choose?

Pornography.  Is that an invention?  Probably not, since it's been around forever.  But I would wipe it totally out if I could.  I would also like to un-invent computer viruses.  Wow, how annoying are those?

Fun questions today!  If you'd like to link up with Mamarazzi and Crazymama, they'd love to have you as part of We Want to Know Wednesdays.