Leslie (my niece) tagged me on Facebook for this fun(?) little survey! Here goes, Leslie!
65 Questions You've Probably Never Been Asked
...you know the rules. Tag people in this note (including the person who tagged you!) to learn more about your friends.
1. First thing you wash in the shower? My face
2. What color is your favorite hoodie? Dark Pink
3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? Of course – it was one of the daycare babies!
4. Do you plan outfits? Only if I’m going out, otherwise I want clean and comfortable!
5. How are you feeling RIGHT now? content
6. What’s the closest thing to you that's red? Red letters on Bowflex
7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having: It was a nightmare and I don’t want to think about it again!
8. Did you meet anybody new today? No
9. What are you craving right now? Nothing
10. Do you floss daily? Yes
11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage? Mmmmm – love cooked cabbage
12. Are you emotional? I am – even commercials on tv sometimes make me cry: Hallmark, Maxwell House coffee, etc.
13. Have you ever counted to 1,000? Only if I was counting money, so not often!
14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it? Don’t eat ice cream
15. Do you like your hair? Sometimes
16. Do you like yourself? I’m working on it!
17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush? I would – I would love to sit and talk with him!
18. What are you listening to right now? TV
19. Are your parents strict? They were – now that I’m over 50 I pretty much make up my own mind!
20. Would you go sky diving? Maybe out of the back of a pick-up truck!
21. Do you like cottage cheese? Love it!
22. Have you ever met a celebrity? Yes – a long time ago at a Comedy Club – Pat Paulson – even got his autograph Also met Daven Joseph, Tampa Buccaneers – up close and personal
23. Do you rent movies often? Not often
24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in? Yes, but I have all my "sparkly stuff" hidden way!
25. How many countries have you visited? I have never set foot outside of the USA
26. Have you made a prank phone call? I’m afraid so – as a kid!
27. Ever been on a train? Once – in Hugo, OK
28. Brown or white eggs? Both
29.Do you have a cell-phone? Yes
30. Do you use Chap Stick? Definitely – well, usually another brand
31. Do you own a gun? Does a staple gun count?
32. Can you use chop sticks? Very well – I just stab the food with it and pick it up
33. Who are you going to be with tonight? Myself – Michael, Elizabeth and Addy are home, but I am in my room
34. Are you too forgiving? I forgive, but find it hard to forget some things. I work on this daily
35. Ever been in love? I thought so
36. What is your best friend(s) doing tomorrow? Working
37. Ever have cream puffs? I have not eaten sugar in over 6 years – I probably had some before then
38. Last time you cried? Yesterday
39. What was the last question you asked? Do you have a needle? Addy likes to get scraps of material from me to “sew” and she was getting some thread and scissors to sew tonight
40. Favorite time of the year? I love Fall for the colors, but I also love Spring because of the beautiful greens, Winter is actually pretty too – if there’s snow and summer’s nice until the grass turns brown! Hmm, I guess I like them all!
41. Do you have any tattoos? No
42. Are you sarcastic? I am and have to be selective when I use it because it takes certain people with a certain type of personality to appreciate real sarcasm
43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect? No
44. Ever walked into a wall? Only once????
45. Favorite color? I love color and don’t have a real favorite
46. Have you ever slapped someone? Yes
47. Is your hair curly? No – maybe a little wavy since I’ve gotten older
48. What was the last CD you bought? I don’t even know – it’s been a long time
49. Do looks matter? Not nearly as much as what’s inside!
50. Could you ever forgive a cheater? I did – but thinks didn’t work out for other reasons
51. Is your phone bill sky high? I don’t have a phone bill of my own, but rarely use my cell phone and don’t have a home phone
52. Do you like your life right now? I can say I’m content. My life has changed a lot in the past year and a half and I’m still adjusting!
53. Do you sleep with the TV on? No
54. Can you handle the truth? I would like to say yes, but honestly, there are times that I struggle with the truth
55. Do you have good vision? Yes, I do have good distance vision (after laser eye surgery about 8 years ago), but I do sometimes have to wear reading glasses.
56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people? I don’t hate anyone. There are people whose actions I hate or dislike, but not the person
57. How often do you talk on the phone? Not often...I don’t enjoy talking on the phone – face to face or email for me
58. The last person you held hands with? Addy
59. What are you wearing? Black knit pants and dark green t-shirt
60.What is your favorite animal? I like animals – as long as they live somewhere other than my house
61. Where was your default picture taken at? J C Penney Portrait Studios – Dec 2008
62. Can you hula hoop? With the Wii – I can’t in real life (tried it with Addy’s)
63. Do you have a job? I have been unemployed since July last year – I do help Elizabeth with her in-home daycare
64. What was the most recent thing you bought? Sonic - Diet Dr Pepper
65. Have you ever crawled through a window? Yes, but don’t tell anyone! Ssshhhh
If you’re reading this, consider yourself tagged. If you want to play, please let me know once you post your answers – I’d love to read them and learn more about you!
When I was younger – much, much younger – girls at our house did not mow the yard! My Dad said that was work for the boys only! Of course, before the boys could actually mow, the girls’ job was to go out first , check the yard for anything that could be thrown by the mower – rocks, sticks, etc. – and clean all of it up! This was to ensure that the boys were not injured while mowing. I never really understood why if the boys were going to mow why they couldn’t first check the yard for hazards! Oh, well!
One of Daddy’s firm rules when mowing was to always wear jeans and tennis shoes – no shorts or flip-flops allowed! We didn’t actually call them flip-flops then, but those of you who were around at that time know by what name they were called!
I grew up actually loving to be outside and working in the yard! I have been doing yard work on my own for a very long time and have gotten away from Daddy’s rules. I do try to pick up any hazards before I mow . . . or at least those that I can reach as I mow! I like to wear my shorts, tank top and . . . you guessed it – flip-flops!! How else could I also get some sun while I’m in the yard?
I’ve been reminded many times why the rules still apply and yet, each time I mow – I set those rules aside . . . for the “sun exposure” you know! Because Michael and Elizabeth live in a housing addition in town, I decided about a month ago that I would not only trim the hedges, trim the trees and clean the leaves out of the “rock” beds, I would edge the yard next to the sidewalk, driveway and curb in order to show that we, too, care about our lawn as much as the neighbors do (who of course, always edge their yards).
I have always lived in the country or in an apartment (mostly country) and we never edged! Actually there were no curbs, paved driveways or sidewalks – therefore, no need to edge! Anyway, I got the weed-eater out to edge and I broke it – even before I started! Deciding that certainly would not stop me, I edged the entire yard with a kitchen knife! Yes, a kitchen knife! One of our neighbors felt so bad for me, he gave me a full bag of fertilizer! Thanks, Mr. K!
Anyway, weed-eater fixed now! Yesterday when I went out to do my weekly yard work, I wore – yup, again the shorts, tank top and flip-flops! As I went about my work, I had stuff thrown at my legs and my feet the entire time I was edging and weed-eating! This morning, they looked and felt pretty banged up.
Moral of this story – Daddy made rules for a reason! I’m seriously considering jeans and tennis shoes next time!
1947
Today is the 62nd anniversary of my Mom and Dad’s marriage. Of course, they have both passed away, but I’ve thought about them a lot today. I miss them both so much and especially my mom right now as I go through the changes taking place in my life. I remember how much my mom missed her own mother after she passed away. I never really understood the depth of her feelings until that evening that my mom went home to be with the Lord.
I’ve been in a little bit of a “funk” today – I guess missing them, knowing it is their anniversary and also because of my own marital situation. Even though (and I’ve said it before) I know it is the best possible solution for both Jody, me and other loved ones – it still leaves an emptiness inside of me.
5) And you have forgotten that word of encouragement
that addresses you as sons:
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6) because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."
7) Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons.
For what son is not disciplined by his father?
Hebrews 12:5-7
9) Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined
us and we respected them for it.
How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live!
10) Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best;
but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.
11) No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.
Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace
for those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:9-11
If someone had told me 20 years ago that this is where our marriage would end up, I would not have believed it! If someone had told me that certain things would transpire between us, I would have laughed and told them they had no idea what they were talking about! If anyone had said I would lose loved ones as I have, I would say no way - If you just love them with everything you have in you, you’ll never lose those you love!
When Jody and I married, I had such high expectations for us. We were both Christians; we both loved our children that we brought with us into the marriage, we loved each other’s children – because they were a part of each of us. I always thought that we would be a happy family – enjoying being together as much as possible.
My command is this:
Love each other as I have loved you.
John 15:12
My mom always told me that your children will do what you expect from them. Your expectations should be based on Godly principles, love and safety! As my children grew, I also learned that once they reached a certain age, it was more about asking questions before making a decision – is what they want something that goes against God’s teachings? Is what they want something that is illegal? Is what they want something that will harm them? If you can answer “no” to these three questions, then even though you may not especially like it, it’s probably okay!
One of the things I learned during my counseling last year is that sometimes “expectations” cause hurt, anger and depression – at least for me! When I expect a certain behavior from someone and they don’t meet that expectation, it’s very personal and causes me to feel bad. I am trying to learn to live without “expectations”! It’s not easy!
I am learning to live where I am now! My life is what it is and every choice I make on a daily basis helps to shape my “as is” life. It’s not what I expected – but I choose to make it positive!
9) Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil;
cling to what is good.
10) Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.
Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:9-10
It’s been a while since I posted because I think I’m beginning to “feel” my life as it is now! Jody and I are separated and will either stay married, but separated or we will divorce. It’s hard to see our marriage of over 20 years ending, but I know it’s the only thing left to do after so many years of trying to make it work.
I’m beginning to feel a confidence in myself that I’ve not felt in a long time and it really feels good! I’m preparing myself, mentally, for job hunting beginning in February. I am praying that I will gain employment quickly and in a place where I can let “my light shine”!
I’ve been participating in life a little more and actually enjoying it! A few weeks ago, I went with Elizabeth, Michael and Addy and spent the weekend at my brother’s. We had a great time and I was so glad that I went with them. The past year, I’ve stuck very close to home – not wanting to be around people. I think the fear of being hurt really caused me to limit my activities and my relationships!
Last weekend was the annual family reunion with my Dad’s family. We’ve met every year in July for many, many years and I enjoy it even more now than when I was a child. I love being able to see everyone and find out how they’ve been doing, seeing how the children have grown, who’s gotten married and who’s having children! I have an amazing family which includes not only my siblings, but extended family on both my dad’s side and my mom’s side. I am so thankful!
My mom and dad have both passed away, as well as two of my dad’s brother’s and one aunt. I miss them. This, in my opinion, is the most difficult part of getting older – losing loved ones. I miss my mom and dad every day and know that there will be more as I age!
Today, Jody called me to let me know that one of the guys he worked with passed away this morning. He was 31 years old and had a massive heart attack! It’s very sad because I knew him and have known his family because many of the family members worked together with Jody. It really hits home that none of us knows what tomorrow brings!
I’ve been sewing! I used to sew a lot when my children were young and would stay up all night to finish a project. Elizabeth brought some fabric and I’ve completed two of the projects for Addy and am very pleased with the job! I have enough fabric for three more projects and need to get started on those, too.
I will post some family pics from the reunion soon and also some pics of the outfits I’ve completed for Addy! I’m looking forward to a new week!
I went with Michael, Elizabeth and Addy this weekend to my brother's house. My brother and his wife have three young children and they live in a small town in northern Oklahoma. I love visiting there, not only because I get to spend time with the family, but also for the small town life!
When we go for the weekend, we always get up on Saturday morning (early) to go downtown to Margie's restaurant for breakfast. It's so fun because the town is so small everybody knows everybody else and greet each other like family! My brother, besides his regular 40-hour a week job, is a member of the volunteer fire dept, ambulance crew and is friends with the police department! My sister-in-law works at the bank in town, so is also known by everyone - besides the fact that she grew up in this same town!
It's always great to spend time with my family - even more so when things are "different" in my life. My family is truly a blessing from God and I'm so thankful to be a part of this family. Even though Jody and I are going through the changes that we are, my family is always open, loving and non-judgmental! They love me unconditionally and support me . . . always! They also care about Jody - not because he was my husband, but because of the person that he is! They have always cared about him and I know that hasn't changed and will not change. He will always be welcomed by all of them!
My brother had to work most of the time we were there, but we had a great time with his wife and the kids over the weekend. We got there on Friday evening and just spent time at home talking and catching up with each other. They have the sweetest kiddos and I love them so much!
Saturday was free swim day at the city pool and also free Putt-Putt miniature golf! We spent a couple of hours at the pool, left there and went to my sister-in-law's parents where they were celebrating a birthday! Her parents are great and always make us feel welcome. We then picked up some fireworks for the kids - sparklers, worms, smoke bombs, champagne poppers and a fountain. Fireworks - except for those we bought - are not legal in town, but the kids had a great time with the things that were bought for them.
We got so busy with everything on Saturday that we forgot to go play Putt-Putt! Thankfully, the kiddos didn't notice because we were so busy! They were exhausted and went to bed early enough that the grown-ups were able to play a couple of games before bed.
We left for home after lunch on Sunday. It's about a three hour trip, but always well worth the drive! We had a great time - as we always do! Thanks, you guys - it was great to see you!
In His Love and Blessings
annb
If you have visited my blog recently, you noticed that I had changed it from Public to Private. I will not go into the reasons why, but have decided that my blog will again be public. I have nothing to hide and enjoy blogging and don’t feel the need to hide my thoughts!
I will, however, no longer be mentioning Jody’s daughters or their families on my blog – by request! I won’t go into detail about that, but I am respecting the wishes of the one who made that request.
With that said, I also want to state that: I am not a liar! I am not a thief! Jody and I – together – raised the three children we brought into our marriage and the child that we had together! We made all decisions together, we loved them together, we cared for them the best we knew how and thought we did a good job! Every childhood toy that belonged to any one of our children is stored in a storage room in Jody’s shop - because I could never get rid of them! I thought they might want them someday and the toys are there whenever, if ever they choose to take them.
I was never a perfect mother – still working on it – but I loved our children. I worked very hard to maintain a balance of equality, individuality and separate personality for each one of our children. I made mistakes and for those I have apologized and don’t know what else to do to make things better. Jody and I are both sorry for the decisions that have been made, but we are trying to deal with things in an adult and loving way. We still have two of our children who want us both in their lives and we will be there – both of us – for them!
With that being said, I will continue to blog about my life, about my two biological children – their accomplishments and all the reasons I love them and am so proud of the adults they have become!
