I was "tagged" for this by a few people on Facebook, and I'm going to write my answers here rather than there. I still haven't gotten into the Facebook habit (I check it maybe once a week or when I get a note from someone). Guess I'm just a blog girl. Or a diehard conservative who thinks Facebook is for young whippersnappers (you know, people like Elephant's Child and Renaissance Biologist), not old fuddy-duddies like me.
The instructions were to brainstorm, in no more than 15 minutes, ten books that "stay with you." These were the first ones that came to mind. Shakespeare and Milton are not on my list because they wrote poetry, not books. And the Bible is not on the list because it doesn't belong here. It's in its own category set apart.
There are more than ten books here, but I'm leaving the list as is (one of the rules of brainstorming). When I think of books that left a lasting mark on me, these are the ones that jump out. There are a lot of books that I know I have read, but I can't remember where or when (is everyone humming now? Did I succeed in giving you an ear worm?). But when I think of these books--even if I am fuzzy on the plot because it's been such a long time since I read them--I can actually picture myself reading the book at a certain time or place. I can remember where I was, the occasion of my reading (for example, whether the book was assigned for a class or recommended to me and who recommended it), and often the look and feel of the book itself. I can remember how the book captured my attention and imagination and the way I felt while lost in it.
Enough exposition. Here's my list. For the most part, they're the same books that are in my Blogger profile. A few have enjoyed repeat visits (mostly because I have read them with students), but the majority have commanded my gaze only once (there are so many books out there--who has time for re-reads?). But once was enough to make them stay with me for a lifetime.
Huckleberry Finn - Twain
The Screwtape Letters - Lewis
Brothers Karamazov - Dostoyevsky
Jane Eyre - C. Bronte
The Fountainhead - Rand
The Spirituality of the Cross - Veith
Catch-22 - Heller
Candide - Voltaire
The Elements of Style - Strunk & White
1984 - Orwell
Godel Escher Bach: An Eternal Gold Braid - Hofstadter
You Can Teach Your Child Successfully - Beechick
A Different Kind of Teacher - Gatto
Cultural Literacy - Hirsch
If you want to play, consider yourself tagged! Or feel free to post your own list in Comments!
Showing posts with label Meme. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Meme. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Deck the Halls Meme
I saw this over at Amused Mama's place and couldn't resist. I bet YOU can't either.
Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Egg nog--with "sauce" or without. Either way it's yummy.
Does Santa wrap presents or set them under the tree? Under the tree. And in the stockings. Even when Santa quits leaving things under the tree, he still fills your stocking. :-)
Colored lights on tree or white? Colored! But only the traditional colors, not those purple and pink Mardi Gras looking things I've been seeing lately.
When do you put your decorations up? Varies. Usually late enough to be able to leave them up until Epiphany, but early this year because we are leaving for a road trip right after Christmas and everything will have to come down before we go.
What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Deviled eggs. For some reason we don't make them any other time.
Favorite holiday memory as a child: coming down the stairs with my big sisters on Christmas morning to see what Santa brought.
When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? Can't remember. I think I figured it out on my own but kept playing along for a few more years.
Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? We did when I was growing up but with services on both Christmas Eve and Christmas morning we usually don't get around to it until almost lunchtime on Christmas Day.
How do you decorate your Christmas tree? With lights and the various ornaments we have inherited, been given or colllected over the years. There is no theme to our tree--it's just a random assortment of store-bought and made with love. I like it that way. As for how it all happens, it seems to be mostly my project. This year it was me and the 5-year-old. I would welcome others joining in, though.
Snow! Love it or dread it? Depends on whether it's December or February.
Can you ice skate? No. Tried once. Never again.
What was your favorite gift? The early Christmas gift I got in December 1985. It was shiny and sparkly and went on my left hand ring finger.
What’s the most important thing about the holidays for you? Church on Christmas Eve. To quote Linus: "That's what Christmas is all about."
What is your favorite holiday dessert? Pumpkin pie with whipped cream. Gotta have the whipped cream.
What is your favorite tradition? Listening to Lessons and Carols on the radio on Christmas Eve morning with the whole family.
Which do you prefer, giving or receiving? Both. But if I had to choose . . . giving.
What is your favorite secular Christmas song? Can't think of one that stands out.
What is your favorite Advent hymn? I'll have to go with two: "O Lord How Shall I Meet You" and "Creator of the Stars of Night."
What is your favorite Christmas hymn? This one is easy: "Of the Father's Love Begotten."
Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? I can take them or leave them. Generally I do the latter.
Ever recycled a Christmas present? I refuse to answer on the grounds it might incriminate me. :-)
Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Egg nog--with "sauce" or without. Either way it's yummy.
Does Santa wrap presents or set them under the tree? Under the tree. And in the stockings. Even when Santa quits leaving things under the tree, he still fills your stocking. :-)
Colored lights on tree or white? Colored! But only the traditional colors, not those purple and pink Mardi Gras looking things I've been seeing lately.
When do you put your decorations up? Varies. Usually late enough to be able to leave them up until Epiphany, but early this year because we are leaving for a road trip right after Christmas and everything will have to come down before we go.
What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Deviled eggs. For some reason we don't make them any other time.
Favorite holiday memory as a child: coming down the stairs with my big sisters on Christmas morning to see what Santa brought.
When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? Can't remember. I think I figured it out on my own but kept playing along for a few more years.
Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? We did when I was growing up but with services on both Christmas Eve and Christmas morning we usually don't get around to it until almost lunchtime on Christmas Day.
How do you decorate your Christmas tree? With lights and the various ornaments we have inherited, been given or colllected over the years. There is no theme to our tree--it's just a random assortment of store-bought and made with love. I like it that way. As for how it all happens, it seems to be mostly my project. This year it was me and the 5-year-old. I would welcome others joining in, though.
Snow! Love it or dread it? Depends on whether it's December or February.
Can you ice skate? No. Tried once. Never again.
What was your favorite gift? The early Christmas gift I got in December 1985. It was shiny and sparkly and went on my left hand ring finger.
What’s the most important thing about the holidays for you? Church on Christmas Eve. To quote Linus: "That's what Christmas is all about."
What is your favorite holiday dessert? Pumpkin pie with whipped cream. Gotta have the whipped cream.
What is your favorite tradition? Listening to Lessons and Carols on the radio on Christmas Eve morning with the whole family.
Which do you prefer, giving or receiving? Both. But if I had to choose . . . giving.
What is your favorite secular Christmas song? Can't think of one that stands out.
What is your favorite Advent hymn? I'll have to go with two: "O Lord How Shall I Meet You" and "Creator of the Stars of Night."
What is your favorite Christmas hymn? This one is easy: "Of the Father's Love Begotten."
Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? I can take them or leave them. Generally I do the latter.
Ever recycled a Christmas present? I refuse to answer on the grounds it might incriminate me. :-)
Thursday, December 4, 2008
This One Fits My Color Scheme!
Amused Mama gave me this:
Thanks, "Mama"! It's like Christmas came early!
Along with the award was a meme, so here goes:
Seven Things
Seven things I did before:
1. Blow dried my hair
2. Curled my hair
3. Listened to Barbra Streisand records
4. Wrote poetry
5. Taught English
6. Drank a Coke or Dr. Pepper every day
7. Slept 8 or more hours per night
Seven things I do now:
1. Ignore my hair except for washing
2. Drink raw milk (sometimes, anyway)
3. Drink lots more water, but still not enough
4. Drink 3 or 4 cups of coffee per day
5. Sleep 6-7 hours per night
6. Blog
7. Wear reading glasses
10. Get allergy shots
11. Take daily calcium supplements
Seven things I would like to do:
1. Go to Europe
2. Take a trip out west with the family
3. Read more
4. Play the piano more
5. Be a better homemaker
6. Write a book (but I don't know about what)
7. Sleep more
8. Redecorate my house
9. Get laser surgery on my acne scars
Seven things that attract me to my husband:
1. His smile
2. His intelligence
3. His conviction
4. His faith
5. His face
6. His hands
7. His voice
8. His sense of humor
9. Actually, the whole package is pretty nice.
Seven favorite foods:
1. Alaskan King Crab
2. Chocolate-covered strawberries
3. Fresh asparagus
4. Pineapple
5. Dark chocolate with coconut filling (yes, it is too a food)
6. Filet mignon
7. Bread
Seven things I say most often:
1. Evan, no.
2. Evan, stop it.
3. Just a minute.
4. I love you.
5. I love you, too.
6. What?
7. Time to eat (or go, or get ready for bed, or clean up, or . . . )
8. Amen
I'm supposed to tag seven people, but I'm only going to tag one. She is far and away the most creative, eclectic, unpredictable blogger I know. If she's already received this award, she can just consider this an exclamation point. Elephant's Child, take it away.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Seven Random Weird Facts About Me
Michelle tagged me for this one. I tried to think of things that most regular readers of this blog would not already know (of course my mom and husband know it all). What that has resulted in is a pretty boring set of facts. I've already told you all the interesting stuff! So here goes nothing. Consider yourself duly warned.
1. I used to have perfect pitch (in music, this is the ability to identify a note by letter name simply by hearing it played or sung). My elementary music teacher discovered it one day, and I remember her being amazed. I didn't understand what the big deal was at the time, since to my ear an "A" was an "A" and a "B" was a "B" and the sound was completely different. But now I do, because I am losing my perfect pitch. More often than not, I am about a half step off. So I hear an A but think it's an A-flat or A-sharp. I guess by the time I'm 80 (thinking positively!) I'll be hearing A's and thinking they're E's.The decay of the flesh is no fun.
2. I like grammar. A lot. I took structural and transformational grammar in college and actually thought it was fun. You can close your mouths now.
3. I have a recurring dream in which I find myself back in school (but I'm not of the age or situation in life that it makes sense for me to be there). Typically in the dream I am unable to find and/or open my locker (I can't remember the combination). Then I am late to class, usually math, and I realize that not only have I not done my homework but I have missed weeks of instruction and have no clue what is going on. (All you amateur psychoanalysts feel free to try your hand at this one.)
4. Until I was about 12 years old my hair was so long I could sit on it.
5. When I was in college I came down with what appeared to be a case of pink eye. When it didn't respond to standard pink eye treatment, the doctor sent me to an ophthalmalogist, who diagnosed me with iritis, an inflammation of the iris that is systemic in nature, not caused by infection. My iritis became chronic and has recurred periodically over the years. It must be treated with steroid drops, which with long use can cause cataracts. I now have tiny cataracts in both of my eyes. My last recurrence of iritis was about 5 years ago.
6. When I was little I had a severe open bite. None of my teeth touched except the back four molars. As you can imagine, biting or chewing anything was a challenge. The orthodontist told my parents that the root of the problem was my malformed jawbone and recommended surgery (meaning they would break and reset my jaw). My parents declined the surgery. After four years of braces I had a pretty decent smile, and because I still wear my 25-year-old retainer (I never lost or broke it!) my teeth are still aligned. But my jaw is moving, and the open bite is slowly returning. I saw an orthodonist a few years ago who said the same thing my first one did--the only permanent fix would be surgery on my jaw. I don't want to do that, so I may be getting braces again when I'm about 50--not for vanity as much as for chewing!
1. I used to have perfect pitch (in music, this is the ability to identify a note by letter name simply by hearing it played or sung). My elementary music teacher discovered it one day, and I remember her being amazed. I didn't understand what the big deal was at the time, since to my ear an "A" was an "A" and a "B" was a "B" and the sound was completely different. But now I do, because I am losing my perfect pitch. More often than not, I am about a half step off. So I hear an A but think it's an A-flat or A-sharp. I guess by the time I'm 80 (thinking positively!) I'll be hearing A's and thinking they're E's.
2. I like grammar. A lot. I took structural and transformational grammar in college and actually thought it was fun. You can close your mouths now.
3. I have a recurring dream in which I find myself back in school (but I'm not of the age or situation in life that it makes sense for me to be there). Typically in the dream I am unable to find and/or open my locker (I can't remember the combination). Then I am late to class, usually math, and I realize that not only have I not done my homework but I have missed weeks of instruction and have no clue what is going on. (All you amateur psychoanalysts feel free to try your hand at this one.)
4. Until I was about 12 years old my hair was so long I could sit on it.
5. When I was in college I came down with what appeared to be a case of pink eye. When it didn't respond to standard pink eye treatment, the doctor sent me to an ophthalmalogist, who diagnosed me with iritis, an inflammation of the iris that is systemic in nature, not caused by infection. My iritis became chronic and has recurred periodically over the years. It must be treated with steroid drops, which with long use can cause cataracts. I now have tiny cataracts in both of my eyes. My last recurrence of iritis was about 5 years ago.
6. When I was little I had a severe open bite. None of my teeth touched except the back four molars. As you can imagine, biting or chewing anything was a challenge. The orthodontist told my parents that the root of the problem was my malformed jawbone and recommended surgery (meaning they would break and reset my jaw). My parents declined the surgery. After four years of braces I had a pretty decent smile, and because I still wear my 25-year-old retainer (I never lost or broke it!) my teeth are still aligned. But my jaw is moving, and the open bite is slowly returning. I saw an orthodonist a few years ago who said the same thing my first one did--the only permanent fix would be surgery on my jaw. I don't want to do that, so I may be getting braces again when I'm about 50--not for vanity as much as for chewing!
7. I am the youngest of eleven in a blended family, but for much of my growing up I felt like an only child. My father was a widower with four children, and my mother was divorced with six. They married and had me. But there is about a 25-year span between me and my oldest sibling, and the one closest in age to me is nevertheless seven years older. I wish I could say we are all close, but we aren't.
I'm going to tag a few people that will no doubt have much more fascinating random facts than I can muster! Elephant's Child, Caitlin, Melody, Dan, Pastor Weedon, Susan, Susan, Jane, Lora and Hannah, go to it! (There are more I'd like to tag, but I think I've already exceeded the prescribed number, and besides, I'm tired of creating links. So if you want to play, don't wait to be tagged . . . just play!)
Monday, July 7, 2008
Tag, I'm "It"
Angie and Kim tagged me for this one (or maybe I'm just flattering myself that I'm the Cheryl they had in mind). Whatever the case may be, here goes.
What was I doing 10 years ago?
Let's see, that would be 1998. At the time I had been married for 11 years and had two children ages 6 and 3. We were living in Peoria, Illinois, where my husband was serving as Cantor at the downtown Lutheran church. I was teaching freshman English Composition at Illinois Central College and accompanying the Peoria Area Youth Chorus, which my husband directed. We lived in a nice 3-bedroom split foyer home in West Peoria with an awesome back yard, and I didn't appreciate the simplicity of our life at the time.
What are 5 things on my to-do list for today?
Catch up on the laundry, email and blog reading after a weekend away from home.
Read through and give feedback on the speech my husband is writing.
Do some planning for Vacation Bible School.
Get allergy shots.
Go grocery shopping.
Snacks I enjoy:
My favorite snack is a cup of coffee and something sweet.
Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
Pay off all debt and invest enough money to live on without having to work.
Establish trusts for the charities of my choice.
Send the kids to college.
Fix/update everything in our house that needs it and then sell it and buy my dream house.
Hire a maid.
Places I have lived:
Texas: Austin & surrounding area; Denton; Houston & surrounding area
Illinois: Peoria & Chicagoland
Jobs I have had:
Grocery store cashier.
Drug store cashier.
Health clinic receptionist.
Nanny/housekeeper.
Substitute teacher.
Marketing research interviewer.
Secretary to an insurance salesman.
Piano teacher.
Piano accompanist.
Junior high, high school, and college English teacher.
Academic advisor.
Proofreader.
6 peeps I would like to know more about
I need to get to work on that task list mentioned above, so I'm going to leave it at three:
Michelle D. (I already know a lot about her, but she hasn't blogged in a while, so I'm hoping this will encourage her.)
Michelle P.
Supermom
What was I doing 10 years ago?
Let's see, that would be 1998. At the time I had been married for 11 years and had two children ages 6 and 3. We were living in Peoria, Illinois, where my husband was serving as Cantor at the downtown Lutheran church. I was teaching freshman English Composition at Illinois Central College and accompanying the Peoria Area Youth Chorus, which my husband directed. We lived in a nice 3-bedroom split foyer home in West Peoria with an awesome back yard, and I didn't appreciate the simplicity of our life at the time.
What are 5 things on my to-do list for today?
Catch up on the laundry, email and blog reading after a weekend away from home.
Read through and give feedback on the speech my husband is writing.
Do some planning for Vacation Bible School.
Get allergy shots.
Go grocery shopping.
Snacks I enjoy:
My favorite snack is a cup of coffee and something sweet.
Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
Pay off all debt and invest enough money to live on without having to work.
Establish trusts for the charities of my choice.
Send the kids to college.
Fix/update everything in our house that needs it and then sell it and buy my dream house.
Hire a maid.
Places I have lived:
Texas: Austin & surrounding area; Denton; Houston & surrounding area
Illinois: Peoria & Chicagoland
Jobs I have had:
Grocery store cashier.
Drug store cashier.
Health clinic receptionist.
Nanny/housekeeper.
Substitute teacher.
Marketing research interviewer.
Secretary to an insurance salesman.
Piano teacher.
Piano accompanist.
Junior high, high school, and college English teacher.
Academic advisor.
Proofreader.
6 peeps I would like to know more about
I need to get to work on that task list mentioned above, so I'm going to leave it at three:
Michelle D. (I already know a lot about her, but she hasn't blogged in a while, so I'm hoping this will encourage her.)
Michelle P.
Supermom
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Book Meme
My friend Rebellious Pastor's Wife tagged me for a fun book meme. Here are the instructions:
1. Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages).
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people.
Right now I'm sitting in bed with my husband's laptop. The nearest book is to my right on his bedside table (I'm sitting on his side of the bed because my 4-year-old is currently occupying my side!) The book was one of my Christmas presents to him (my husband, not my 4-year-old) this year: Steve Martin's Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life. Here's the excerpt dictated by the above instructions (the incident Martin describes happened in 1971 when he was opening for Ann-Margret):
"One night, from my dressing room, I saw a vision in white gliding down the hall--a tall , striking woman, moving like an apparition along the backstage corridor. It turned out to be Priscilla Presley, coming to visit Ann-Margret backstage after having seen the show. When she turned the corner she revealed an even more indelible presence walking behind her. Elvis. Dressed in white. Jet-black hair. A diamond-studded buckle."
Okay, I know that's seven sentences, not three. But the last four are fragments. And I couldn't just leave you hanging!
I tag Michelle, Nikki, Hannah, Susan K, and Caitlin. It will be fun to see what interesting excerpts come out of this group!
1. Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages).
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people.
Right now I'm sitting in bed with my husband's laptop. The nearest book is to my right on his bedside table (I'm sitting on his side of the bed because my 4-year-old is currently occupying my side!) The book was one of my Christmas presents to him (my husband, not my 4-year-old) this year: Steve Martin's Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life. Here's the excerpt dictated by the above instructions (the incident Martin describes happened in 1971 when he was opening for Ann-Margret):
"One night, from my dressing room, I saw a vision in white gliding down the hall--a tall , striking woman, moving like an apparition along the backstage corridor. It turned out to be Priscilla Presley, coming to visit Ann-Margret backstage after having seen the show. When she turned the corner she revealed an even more indelible presence walking behind her. Elvis. Dressed in white. Jet-black hair. A diamond-studded buckle."
Okay, I know that's seven sentences, not three. But the last four are fragments. And I couldn't just leave you hanging!
I tag Michelle, Nikki, Hannah, Susan K, and Caitlin. It will be fun to see what interesting excerpts come out of this group!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Two Things
Just for fun, at the prompting of my friend The Rebellious Pastor's Wife:
Two names you go by: Cheryl and Mommy. (There are others, but I'm not telling!)
Two things you are wearing right now: pajamas and the ruby & diamond ring my husband gave me for Christmas.
Two of your favorite things to do: blog and watch Fox News.
Two things you want very badly: more time and more sleep.
Two favorite pets you have had/have: Giselle (our previous dog) and Stormy (our recently deceased hamster).
Two people you think will fill this out: Michelle and Kristi (tag, you're it!)
Two things you ate today: homemade whole wheat bread and chili.
Two people you last talked to today: my husband and my son.
Two things you're doing tomorrow: going to the doctor and picking up a friend at the airport.
Two longest car rides: Peoria to Fort Lauderdale & Austin, Texas to Gresham, Oregon.
Two favorite holidays: All Saints' & Transfiguration because they are two of my favorite Christian feast days that haven't been co-opted by the secular culture.
Two favorite beverages: Alcoholic--rum punch mixed by my husband. Non-alcoholic: Obsidian coffee from Caribou.
Anyone else who wants to play, please consider yourself tagged!
Two names you go by: Cheryl and Mommy. (There are others, but I'm not telling!)
Two things you are wearing right now: pajamas and the ruby & diamond ring my husband gave me for Christmas.
Two of your favorite things to do: blog and watch Fox News.
Two things you want very badly: more time and more sleep.
Two favorite pets you have had/have: Giselle (our previous dog) and Stormy (our recently deceased hamster).
Two people you think will fill this out: Michelle and Kristi (tag, you're it!)
Two things you ate today: homemade whole wheat bread and chili.
Two people you last talked to today: my husband and my son.
Two things you're doing tomorrow: going to the doctor and picking up a friend at the airport.
Two longest car rides: Peoria to Fort Lauderdale & Austin, Texas to Gresham, Oregon.
Two favorite holidays: All Saints' & Transfiguration because they are two of my favorite Christian feast days that haven't been co-opted by the secular culture.
Two favorite beverages: Alcoholic--rum punch mixed by my husband. Non-alcoholic: Obsidian coffee from Caribou.
Anyone else who wants to play, please consider yourself tagged!
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Blue Tea Tag
This meme is named for its blog of origin, which can be found here. The instructions are to "devise a list of 5-10 courses you would take to fix your life. It's more fun to be in classes with friends, so include one course from the person who tagged you that you'd also like to take. Tag five."
Five to ten courses to fix my life? Obviously this lady has not seen my life. But here goes . . .
1) Sewing. I took home economics when I was in high school, and I had an excellent teacher who successfully guided me through making a skirt and blouse, but I haven't really sewn since then. And I'd like to take this class with ElephantsChild, who tagged me, but since I am a first grade level seamstress and she is a graduate level one, I guess the only way we can be in the same class is if she's the teacher. How about it, ElephantsChild?
2) Church History. As I talk with fellow Lutherans and read some of their blogs, I constantly run up against my ignorance in this area. Since Indiana Jane also tagged me, I'll take this class with her. Just let me know the time and place, Jane!
3) Ballroom Dancing. My husband and I have taken several classes over the years, but it's hard to find opportunities to practice, so we find ourselves forgetting a lot of what we've learned. But not only is dancing a great way to get exercise (which I sorely need), it's a perfect excuse for going on a date with your sweetheart (and no children)! Shall we, honey?
4) Flower Arranging. I love flowers, and I love arranging things. So this one has been on my list for a long time.
5) Shakespeare. In spite of being an English major and taking several courses on his works, I still have not read them all. Maybe a class would finally motivate me to do it. But I need to write the syllabus so that it only includes the things I have not read.
6) Organ. I took one year in college and have forgotten everything I learned. This one is here to make my husband smile.
7) Home Repair and Maintenance. My husband and I are non-fixer-uppers with a fixer-upper house. So this course would include units on carpentry, plumbing, electrical wiring, painting, replacing carpet, laying tile and wood flooring, roofing, driveway pouring, and installing windows and doors.
8) Currency Trading. (So that I can make enough money to afford all the home repairs, which will be costly even if we learn to do them ourselves.)
9) Bible. Having not been taken to church until junior high, and having then been confirmed as a Roman Catholic (where the focus was on doctrine rather than the Bible), I have always felt lacking in my Bible knowledge. I have tried but repeatedly failed to read it cover to cover. I really want to do this before I die (and the words "before I die" are increasing in significance with every passing year).
10) Corporate Tax Law. Just in case Liturgy Solutions makes a profit some day.
11) Oh wait, I was supposed to stop at 10, wasn't I? See what I mean? It would take a lot to fix this life. I guess art history, gardening, cooking, interior decorating, world history, and furniture refinishing and reupholstering will have to wait (among others).
Tag time. Caitlin, Susan K., AmusedMomma, Glenda, and Muddy Boots, you're it!
Five to ten courses to fix my life? Obviously this lady has not seen my life. But here goes . . .
1) Sewing. I took home economics when I was in high school, and I had an excellent teacher who successfully guided me through making a skirt and blouse, but I haven't really sewn since then. And I'd like to take this class with ElephantsChild, who tagged me, but since I am a first grade level seamstress and she is a graduate level one, I guess the only way we can be in the same class is if she's the teacher. How about it, ElephantsChild?
2) Church History. As I talk with fellow Lutherans and read some of their blogs, I constantly run up against my ignorance in this area. Since Indiana Jane also tagged me, I'll take this class with her. Just let me know the time and place, Jane!
3) Ballroom Dancing. My husband and I have taken several classes over the years, but it's hard to find opportunities to practice, so we find ourselves forgetting a lot of what we've learned. But not only is dancing a great way to get exercise (which I sorely need), it's a perfect excuse for going on a date with your sweetheart (and no children)! Shall we, honey?
4) Flower Arranging. I love flowers, and I love arranging things. So this one has been on my list for a long time.
5) Shakespeare. In spite of being an English major and taking several courses on his works, I still have not read them all. Maybe a class would finally motivate me to do it. But I need to write the syllabus so that it only includes the things I have not read.
6) Organ. I took one year in college and have forgotten everything I learned. This one is here to make my husband smile.
7) Home Repair and Maintenance. My husband and I are non-fixer-uppers with a fixer-upper house. So this course would include units on carpentry, plumbing, electrical wiring, painting, replacing carpet, laying tile and wood flooring, roofing, driveway pouring, and installing windows and doors.
8) Currency Trading. (So that I can make enough money to afford all the home repairs, which will be costly even if we learn to do them ourselves.)
9) Bible. Having not been taken to church until junior high, and having then been confirmed as a Roman Catholic (where the focus was on doctrine rather than the Bible), I have always felt lacking in my Bible knowledge. I have tried but repeatedly failed to read it cover to cover. I really want to do this before I die (and the words "before I die" are increasing in significance with every passing year).
10) Corporate Tax Law. Just in case Liturgy Solutions makes a profit some day.
11) Oh wait, I was supposed to stop at 10, wasn't I? See what I mean? It would take a lot to fix this life. I guess art history, gardening, cooking, interior decorating, world history, and furniture refinishing and reupholstering will have to wait (among others).
Tag time. Caitlin, Susan K., AmusedMomma, Glenda, and Muddy Boots, you're it!
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Triple Tagged!
This one is called "Seven True Things About Me" and it seems suspiciously similar to the "Eight Things You Might Not Know About Me" meme of a few months back, but hey, who am I to argue? Especially since ElephantsChild finally got her act together and responded to one of these in a timely fashion and since not only did she tag me but so did Mumme Mom and Uvulapie's Girl. (I have never felt so popular!)
So here goes . . .
1) I have a serious sweet tooth, but I just don't get rhubarb pie.
2) I also have issues with brussel sprouts and prunes. One of my elementary school teachers made me eat a prune at lunch one day (do elementary schools even serve such things at lunch anymore?), and unable to swallow the thing I had to retreat to the restroom and spit it out in the trash can. This was obviously a formative experience of catastrophic proportions for me, seeing as how I remember it like it was yesterday.
3) I did not have the best childhood but now have a husband and children that have far surpassed my dearest hopes for family life. After the faith granted to me in baptism and the salvation given upon the cross, they are my greatest blessings.
4) I am too inclined to let daily life drag me down to the point that I forget to be thankful for #3. Please forgive me, dear Father in Heaven.
5) I just became a Crunchy Crustacean in the TTLB ecosystem. I like the sound of that better than Wiggly Worm (which is what I used to be), but I'd much rather be a Flippery Fish like Barb the Evil Genius or maybe even a Flappy Bird--do I even know any Flappy Birds? I know I'll never approach Large Mammal status like my superstar blogging buddy Lora. But one can dream.
6) I am by nature a neat and organized person (one of those oddballs who always kept a clean bedroom growing up), but I am by necessity learning to relax somewhat about cleanliness. There are more important things in life than a clean house. And life goes by way too fast.
7) I am not very domestic and don't quite get the passion (although I completely respect and admire it) that some people have for cooking and sewing and other such home-enhancing activities. If I had more time in my life, I would probably spend it selfishly reading or writing or playing the piano or exercising rather than making my family's life better. Sorry, family. I guess I'm basically a selfish person. But please see #3 above.
The wrap-up to this thing is that I'm supposed to tag 7 other people. So AmusedMomma, Kathy, Kristi, Lisa, Pamela, BelleArtMom, Chris, Susan K., Caitlin, and Barbara, it's your turn! (I know, that's 10, not 7--I guess I just feel like sharing the joy. And in light of #5 above, links back are appreciated!)
So here goes . . .
1) I have a serious sweet tooth, but I just don't get rhubarb pie.
2) I also have issues with brussel sprouts and prunes. One of my elementary school teachers made me eat a prune at lunch one day (do elementary schools even serve such things at lunch anymore?), and unable to swallow the thing I had to retreat to the restroom and spit it out in the trash can. This was obviously a formative experience of catastrophic proportions for me, seeing as how I remember it like it was yesterday.
3) I did not have the best childhood but now have a husband and children that have far surpassed my dearest hopes for family life. After the faith granted to me in baptism and the salvation given upon the cross, they are my greatest blessings.
4) I am too inclined to let daily life drag me down to the point that I forget to be thankful for #3. Please forgive me, dear Father in Heaven.
5) I just became a Crunchy Crustacean in the TTLB ecosystem. I like the sound of that better than Wiggly Worm (which is what I used to be), but I'd much rather be a Flippery Fish like Barb the Evil Genius or maybe even a Flappy Bird--do I even know any Flappy Birds? I know I'll never approach Large Mammal status like my superstar blogging buddy Lora. But one can dream.
6) I am by nature a neat and organized person (one of those oddballs who always kept a clean bedroom growing up), but I am by necessity learning to relax somewhat about cleanliness. There are more important things in life than a clean house. And life goes by way too fast.
7) I am not very domestic and don't quite get the passion (although I completely respect and admire it) that some people have for cooking and sewing and other such home-enhancing activities. If I had more time in my life, I would probably spend it selfishly reading or writing or playing the piano or exercising rather than making my family's life better. Sorry, family. I guess I'm basically a selfish person. But please see #3 above.
The wrap-up to this thing is that I'm supposed to tag 7 other people. So AmusedMomma, Kathy, Kristi, Lisa, Pamela, BelleArtMom, Chris, Susan K., Caitlin, and Barbara, it's your turn! (I know, that's 10, not 7--I guess I just feel like sharing the joy. And in light of #5 above, links back are appreciated!)
Friday, September 14, 2007
An Exercise in Narcissism
Speaking of memes (see previous post), a few months back my friend ElephantsChild was tagged to write 8 Things You Might Not Know about her. I was pleased to see her get tagged, not only because I was interested to find out those secret eight things, but also because being my friend and all I thought she might tag me. And this sounded like a really fun meme!
So I waited, and waited, and waited . . . but when she finally wrote her 8 Things, she didn't tag anyone! (Something about too much time passing since she was tagged.) ElephantsChild, you let me down!
I am left with no choice but to tag myself. So here goes . . .
Eight Things You Might Not Know About Me
1) I have ten brothers and sisters. (Quick history: my dad was a widower with four children; my mom was divorced with six; they married and had me, the baby. I have 32 nieces and nephews. I've lost count of the grand-nieces and nephews.)
2) I am totally, completely afraid of flying. Just thinking about it starts my heart pounding and my palms sweating.
3) In spite of #2, my husband succeeded in getting me on a plane and flying me all the way to Grenada in 2002 (if you're not sure where that is, check a map--we're talking almost to South America, folks). We are now using an American Airlines "miles" credit card for almost all of our non-mortgage spending and hope to save up enough miles to return with the children in the near future (our 2002 trip was the honeymoon we never took, deferred to our 15-year wedding anniversary). We have already earned the equivalent of three tickets and are working on the fourth.
4) I was a cheerleader in junior high. (I know, I can't quite believe it myself. But it's true.) In the interest of full disclosure, you should know that I was attending a tiny, rural Texas school at the time--so tiny in fact that grades K-12 were all on one campus. So it's not like there was a lot of competition.
5) I once had a pet chicken named Fluffy. (And as it happens, that was also during my junior high years--boy, those were interesting times.)
6) My husband and I enjoy ballroom dancing. (We're not very good at it but have taken two classes and hope to take more.)
7) I was Valedictorian of my high school class (another disclaimer: I went to a small rural high school, too, although not quite as small as the junior high mentioned above) and a National Merit Scholar. (I hope you can forgive my tooting my own horn--but really, if you can't toot on your own blog, where can you?)
8) I have red hair. No, really, I do. I know it may look brown, but it's really red. If you'll just follow me out into the sunshine I'll prove it to you. (It actually used to be about the same color as that watering can girl's hair at the top of my blog--and almost as curly, too--but the older I get the darker and straighter it gets. Aging is no fun.)
So there you go--my little look into the pool. Since I was not tagged, I'm not tagging anyone else, but now that I've so boldly flouted the rules of this meme I encourage anyone else who has been waiting around to get tagged to follow in my footsteps and just tag yourself so your readers can learn 8 interesting things about you, too!
So I waited, and waited, and waited . . . but when she finally wrote her 8 Things, she didn't tag anyone! (Something about too much time passing since she was tagged.) ElephantsChild, you let me down!
I am left with no choice but to tag myself. So here goes . . .
Eight Things You Might Not Know About Me
1) I have ten brothers and sisters. (Quick history: my dad was a widower with four children; my mom was divorced with six; they married and had me, the baby. I have 32 nieces and nephews. I've lost count of the grand-nieces and nephews.)
2) I am totally, completely afraid of flying. Just thinking about it starts my heart pounding and my palms sweating.
3) In spite of #2, my husband succeeded in getting me on a plane and flying me all the way to Grenada in 2002 (if you're not sure where that is, check a map--we're talking almost to South America, folks). We are now using an American Airlines "miles" credit card for almost all of our non-mortgage spending and hope to save up enough miles to return with the children in the near future (our 2002 trip was the honeymoon we never took, deferred to our 15-year wedding anniversary). We have already earned the equivalent of three tickets and are working on the fourth.
4) I was a cheerleader in junior high. (I know, I can't quite believe it myself. But it's true.) In the interest of full disclosure, you should know that I was attending a tiny, rural Texas school at the time--so tiny in fact that grades K-12 were all on one campus. So it's not like there was a lot of competition.
5) I once had a pet chicken named Fluffy. (And as it happens, that was also during my junior high years--boy, those were interesting times.)
6) My husband and I enjoy ballroom dancing. (We're not very good at it but have taken two classes and hope to take more.)
7) I was Valedictorian of my high school class (another disclaimer: I went to a small rural high school, too, although not quite as small as the junior high mentioned above) and a National Merit Scholar. (I hope you can forgive my tooting my own horn--but really, if you can't toot on your own blog, where can you?)
8) I have red hair. No, really, I do. I know it may look brown, but it's really red. If you'll just follow me out into the sunshine I'll prove it to you. (It actually used to be about the same color as that watering can girl's hair at the top of my blog--and almost as curly, too--but the older I get the darker and straighter it gets. Aging is no fun.)
So there you go--my little look into the pool. Since I was not tagged, I'm not tagging anyone else, but now that I've so boldly flouted the rules of this meme I encourage anyone else who has been waiting around to get tagged to follow in my footsteps and just tag yourself so your readers can learn 8 interesting things about you, too!
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Thinking Bloggers, Part 2
A few months back I was honored by my friend and fellow homeschooler Jane when she named me as a Thinking Blogger. In good meme fashion, I am supposed to name some blogs that likewise make me think, but I have been a little slow in doing so, partly because some of the first blogs that came to mind had already been nominated.
In recent weeks, however, several of the blogs I enjoy visiting have clearly set themselves apart as thought-provoking reads. Without further delay, here they are:
1) Mother Hubbard's Cupboard - The author describes his blog as "a look into the mind of one of the most random, crazy people in all the land." I add that my husband and I have known him since he was a mere lad in our last congregation. Now he is seminary-bound (and with his science degree and theological knowledge is one of the best sources I know for creation/evolution questions).
2) Uvulapie's Girl - This lady (another homeschooling Lutheran mom) is just too clever for her own good. Her posts (and their attendant comments) always make me laugh. I wish I could be so funny!
3) Take Up the Gauntlet - Yet another smart, funny Lutheran homeschooler (they seem to be everywhere, don't they?). If you haven't already done so, be sure to read her musings on motherhood, linked in my last post. By the way, she and her inner circle have a plan for world domination. I think we could do worse.
4) The Bi-Coloured-Python-Rock-Snake - He's not a Lutheran homeschooler (or a mom), but his sister is both. And he is so smart that sometimes I don't even understand the titles of his posts.
In naming only four blogs I have bent the rules a bit (the originator of this meme, linked below, called for five). But if I name anymore I fear I will not stop until I get to ten or fifteen. So I leave you with these standouts and invite those named to pass along the honor as follows:
1. If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think.
2. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme.
3. Optional: Proudly display the Thinking Blogger Award with a link to the post that you wrote (here is an alternative silver version if gold doesn't fit your blog).
In recent weeks, however, several of the blogs I enjoy visiting have clearly set themselves apart as thought-provoking reads. Without further delay, here they are:
1) Mother Hubbard's Cupboard - The author describes his blog as "a look into the mind of one of the most random, crazy people in all the land." I add that my husband and I have known him since he was a mere lad in our last congregation. Now he is seminary-bound (and with his science degree and theological knowledge is one of the best sources I know for creation/evolution questions).
2) Uvulapie's Girl - This lady (another homeschooling Lutheran mom) is just too clever for her own good. Her posts (and their attendant comments) always make me laugh. I wish I could be so funny!
3) Take Up the Gauntlet - Yet another smart, funny Lutheran homeschooler (they seem to be everywhere, don't they?). If you haven't already done so, be sure to read her musings on motherhood, linked in my last post. By the way, she and her inner circle have a plan for world domination. I think we could do worse.
4) The Bi-Coloured-Python-Rock-Snake - He's not a Lutheran homeschooler (or a mom), but his sister is both. And he is so smart that sometimes I don't even understand the titles of his posts.
In naming only four blogs I have bent the rules a bit (the originator of this meme, linked below, called for five). But if I name anymore I fear I will not stop until I get to ten or fifteen. So I leave you with these standouts and invite those named to pass along the honor as follows:
1. If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think.
2. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme.
3. Optional: Proudly display the Thinking Blogger Award with a link to the post that you wrote (here is an alternative silver version if gold doesn't fit your blog).
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Style Tag
Looks like there's a new meme making its way through the blogosphere. I was tagged by Glenda, to whom I express my sincere gratitude for giving me something to blog about that doesn't require a lot of thinking. (I'm just not in a thinking mood these days, so if you're looking for an intelligent post you better look elsewhere.)
Personal Style Quiz Rules: You have to choose one of the two. You cannot answer "neither" or "both." You can indicate that you like both or neither, but you must state a preference.
Animal fiber or plant? It depends! Already I don't like this quiz. But since I virtually live in jeans, I'll say plant (cotton).
Natural or synthetic? Natural, without a doubt.
Ornate or simple? Simple.
Color or neutral? This is hard. But thinking about my closet, I would have to say neutral.
Pastel or vibrant? Vibrant! Redheads (a group to which I theoretically belong) don't wear pastels well.
Blue/green or red/orange? Blue/green. Again, it's a redhead thing.
White gold or yellow gold? White gold.
Gems or texture? Not sure why these two are linked, but I choose gems!
Watch or no-watch? Watch. All the time.
Comfort or fashion? Comfort. Who cares about fashion?
Trendy or classic? Classic, also known as old-fashioned.
Cables or lace? I don't really wear either, but I'll choose cables. They sound a lot more comfy.
Heels or flats? Flats. It's that comfort thing again.
Flip-flops or sandals? Sandals. Flip-flops always fall off.
Skirts or pants? Pants. Starting to sound like a broken record, but it's all about comfort!
Geometric or floral? Floral, but it has to be the right kind of floral.
V-neck or turtle-neck? Again, I don't like these rules. I prefer round or scoop necks. But if I have to choose, I'll take v-neck. I could never stand turtlenecks. They make me feel like I'm being choked!
Skulls or butterflies? Hmmm, I guess this one has to do with what kind of tattoo I would get if I were so inclined? (I'm not so inclined.) Butterflies, definitely. We're talking symbols of life and death, right? I choose life.
Loose or snug? Loose. Comfort. (I'm so predictable.)
Long hair or short? I have had both and prefer long, although my definition of long is changing the older I get.
Headbands or barrettes? Headbands (but I only use one at night when I wash my face).
Shoulder bag or handbag? Shoulder bag. Have to keep the hands free to catch that 3-year-old!
That was easy enough. Thanks again for thinking of me, Glenda. Now I tag Lora, Kim, and Caitlin.
Personal Style Quiz Rules: You have to choose one of the two. You cannot answer "neither" or "both." You can indicate that you like both or neither, but you must state a preference.
Animal fiber or plant? It depends! Already I don't like this quiz. But since I virtually live in jeans, I'll say plant (cotton).
Natural or synthetic? Natural, without a doubt.
Ornate or simple? Simple.
Color or neutral? This is hard. But thinking about my closet, I would have to say neutral.
Pastel or vibrant? Vibrant! Redheads (a group to which I theoretically belong) don't wear pastels well.
Blue/green or red/orange? Blue/green. Again, it's a redhead thing.
White gold or yellow gold? White gold.
Gems or texture? Not sure why these two are linked, but I choose gems!
Watch or no-watch? Watch. All the time.
Comfort or fashion? Comfort. Who cares about fashion?
Trendy or classic? Classic, also known as old-fashioned.
Cables or lace? I don't really wear either, but I'll choose cables. They sound a lot more comfy.
Heels or flats? Flats. It's that comfort thing again.
Flip-flops or sandals? Sandals. Flip-flops always fall off.
Skirts or pants? Pants. Starting to sound like a broken record, but it's all about comfort!
Geometric or floral? Floral, but it has to be the right kind of floral.
V-neck or turtle-neck? Again, I don't like these rules. I prefer round or scoop necks. But if I have to choose, I'll take v-neck. I could never stand turtlenecks. They make me feel like I'm being choked!
Skulls or butterflies? Hmmm, I guess this one has to do with what kind of tattoo I would get if I were so inclined? (I'm not so inclined.) Butterflies, definitely. We're talking symbols of life and death, right? I choose life.
Loose or snug? Loose. Comfort. (I'm so predictable.)
Long hair or short? I have had both and prefer long, although my definition of long is changing the older I get.
Headbands or barrettes? Headbands (but I only use one at night when I wash my face).
Shoulder bag or handbag? Shoulder bag. Have to keep the hands free to catch that 3-year-old!
That was easy enough. Thanks again for thinking of me, Glenda. Now I tag Lora, Kim, and Caitlin.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Thinking Bloggers
One of the fun internet memes that is making the rounds these days is the Thinking Blogger Award. In fact, this one is propagating so fiercely that it even showed up at my front door! I am honored to report that one of my fellow homeschooling Lutheran moms has identified my blog as one that makes her think. Thank you, Jane!
Now in good meme fashion I am supposed to share the honor by identifying the blogs that are most likely to make me think. Problem is, the very first ones that come to mind--blogs like Jane's (linked above), Susan's Pendulum, The Rebellious Pastor's Wife, and Elephant's Child--have already been pegged by others. And since I'm limited to five choices, and there are so many great blogs that I like to visit (just see my lists of favorites at right), I'm going to have to think a while before responding.
Oh dear, more thinking. And I owe it all to you, Jane!
Now in good meme fashion I am supposed to share the honor by identifying the blogs that are most likely to make me think. Problem is, the very first ones that come to mind--blogs like Jane's (linked above), Susan's Pendulum, The Rebellious Pastor's Wife, and Elephant's Child--have already been pegged by others. And since I'm limited to five choices, and there are so many great blogs that I like to visit (just see my lists of favorites at right), I'm going to have to think a while before responding.
Oh dear, more thinking. And I owe it all to you, Jane!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Tagged Again
I think Jenn tagged me on this one, but I'm having trouble accessing her blog, so I actually found the question on Lora's blog: what did you want to be when you were 5, 10, 15 & 20?
5 - That little girl with the watering can (see picture at right).
10 - a piano teacher, nurse and schoolteacher (I have done two out of three of those)
15 - more popular (failure)
20 - married to Phil (success!)
Let's see, who can I tag? How about Jenny, Barb K., Kristi, Melynda, & Glenda?
5 - That little girl with the watering can (see picture at right).
10 - a piano teacher, nurse and schoolteacher (I have done two out of three of those)
15 - more popular (failure)
20 - married to Phil (success!)
Let's see, who can I tag? How about Jenny, Barb K., Kristi, Melynda, & Glenda?
Tagged
Oh boy, my first time to get "tagged"--what fun! (Thanks, Elizabeth!)
Let's see . . . seven things I have learned in life . . .
1. When you move to a new place, the first people to become your friends usually aren't the ones who last. It takes time to find those.
2. It's really, really hard to cook a good pot roast.
3. It's almost impossible to tell what a cantaloupe is going to taste like on the inside by looking at it on the outside. (If anyone wants to help me with this one, feel free!)
4. I can't play chess. My son can.
5. Never buy a house with a sunroom.
6. If the owner of the house you are considering buying has moved out but has left behind a mop, ask WHY.
7. When the owner of a house you are considering buying says "we don't use that" what he really means is "it's broken."
So, does the fact that I could continue with this list indefinitely mean that I have made more mistakes than the average person?
Let's see . . . seven things I have learned in life . . .
1. When you move to a new place, the first people to become your friends usually aren't the ones who last. It takes time to find those.
2. It's really, really hard to cook a good pot roast.
3. It's almost impossible to tell what a cantaloupe is going to taste like on the inside by looking at it on the outside. (If anyone wants to help me with this one, feel free!)
4. I can't play chess. My son can.
5. Never buy a house with a sunroom.
6. If the owner of the house you are considering buying has moved out but has left behind a mop, ask WHY.
7. When the owner of a house you are considering buying says "we don't use that" what he really means is "it's broken."
So, does the fact that I could continue with this list indefinitely mean that I have made more mistakes than the average person?
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