A Dozen Random Things...

Wow, second post in a day. Must be all the extra time I have on my hands, being home with a sick kid and all... Anyway, my friend Dana introduced me to Linda's blog, and on Wednesdays she has a fun little list of random questions... so here goes...

1. Candy corn: Your thoughts?
Disgusting. Seriously. In the words of Moose A. Moose (a Nickelodeon character, for those of you not in the know, “I don’t like candy corn. No I don’t like candy corn. I like lots of other things, but I DON’T LIKE CANDY CORN!!”
2. Briefly, what was the first conversation you ever had with your spouse? (or best friend, if you're not married.) (Or someone significant, like your librarian.)
Probably something about the Grateful Dead or other music topic. We met on a camping trip with mutual friends, and as he walked across the street when we picked him up, I thought to myself, “What a weird little dude”. Long curly hair, guitar case, hippy clothes. Love at first sight.
3. Could you ever become a vegetarian?
Nope. Grew up on a beef farm. It’s in my genes.
4. Have you ever dressed up your pet in a costume?
No. Somehow I don’t think Luna (cat) would tolerate such nonsense.
5. Name something about childhood that you miss (like Clark Bars, Teaberry Gum, Malibu Barbie, cracking fake eggs on people's heads with your fist and "It's the Great Pumpkin" airing only once a year).
The feeling that 9pm was REALLY LATE. I knew I was a “big kid” when mom let me stay up on Friday nights to watch “Dallas” with her and eat popcorn.
6. Have you ever won a trophy? If not, what do you deserve a trophy for?
I’m not sure about a trophy, but I won several plaques for geeky stuff, such as reading the most books during the M.S. Read-A-Thon.
7. When do you think is the appropriate time to begin playing Christmas music each year?
Not until after Thanksgiving.
8. What's your favorite board game?
Hands down, Aggravation. It’s a marble game that my family has played fiercely for years. My grandparents were the only owners of a proper playing board for years, until I got one of my own, handmade by Papo! Watch out if you play with Mamo, she cheats!
9. How do you feel about surprises (receiving, not giving)?
Love it! I usually don’t get surprises. I even give my husband a list for Christmas. But every once in a great while (like every couple of years or so), he brings home “no reason” flowers or the like.
10. Is it easy for you to say, "I'm sorry?"
I don’t mind saying it, but sometimes I forget in the midst of explaining myself!
11. What is your favorite candle scent?
Depends on the season and/or location. Right now I love Pumpkin Spice in the kitchen. I was gifted a “Fruit Smoothie” candle last year, which was yummy and not something I’d normally choose. Fresh Rain or Baby Powder are always good in the bathroom.
12. October is traditionally "open house" time in public schools. If you had a literal open house in your home (like a reception) what light snacks would you serve visitors and what would you show them (as in art projects, graded papers) that would uniquely represent you?
My daughter’s school Open House is actually during the first month of school. Let’s assume mine is closer to Christmas…Food: mulled cider and coffee, sugar cookies, the new recipe I just tried for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip bread, and a cheese and cracker tray. Music: Holiday music, my favorites are Christmas albums by Peter, Paul & Mary and Harry Connick, Jr. Activities: make and take craft station for the kids, and maybe one for the adults, as well; scrapbook albums out everywhere; some sort of photo op (backdrop, props, etc); of course the Christmas tree would be decorated, and I love to tell stories about where each one came from; maybe traditional Christmas cartoon shows playing in the girls’ playroom