Random Dozen Wednesday!

1. What was the last song you listened to?
“Five Little Monkeys”…jumping on the bed… I work with children with disabilities. My days are filled with annoying, stuck-in-your-head kinda songs. By the time I leave work, I usually want silence in the car for the drive home!

2. Have you ever had “buyer’s remorse” over anything?
I hate to say this, but my house. It was perfect when my husband and I first bought it in 2002, when I was pregnant with our first child. Now with a 6 and 4 year old, one bathroom in an overall too-small house just does not cut it. We didn’t look far enough into the future, and with the economy, I don’t know how long we’ll be stuck here.

3. What is something in your life that you are thankful for now that you didn’t think you would be at the time of the event? (Something that seemed ill-timed, inconvenient or hurtful which turned out to be a good thing)
I think I need a lot more time to think about this one!
4. Do you watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade every year? If so, do you have a favorite float or balloon?
I have long held a trite fantasy of cuddling on the couch each Thanksgiving with my children to watch the parade. However, my daughters aren’t really into it yet. I try to draw their attention to the cartoon characters with which they’re familiar. Being a former band geek, I like the marching bands!

5. Share a quote, scripture, poem or lyric which has been an inspiration to you lately.
That which does not kill me makes me stronger. I call this one up frequently, and I really believe it. I have been dealt some major challenges in my life, and I know I am wiser, more patient and tenacious because of them.

6. This is meant to be a fun question, and this is a G-rated blog, but please share a “guilty pleasure,” something that you enjoy that’s probably not the most edifying, time-worthy or healthy thing you could be indulging in. Did I mention--G rating?
I love cheesy chick flicks. My husband is a terrible movie snob and makes fun of my tendency to stop on “Dirty Dancing” (or a similar movie) every time it’s on cable.

7. What Thanksgiving food are you looking forward to?
My great aunt’s homemade noodles!

8. What is your favorite book to read to children, or what was your favorite childhood book?
I love anything by Eric Carle. Right now my girls are really into The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Polar Bear, Polar Bear. Even my youngest can “read” the stories to us. Carle’s repetitive language and colorful collage art are perfect for young pre-readers, and they lend themselves well to extended lessons on animals, colors, art, etc.

9. Do you collect anything? (Feel free to post a photo.)
Spoons. I have assorted spoons including antiques, State spoons, and those from tourist attractions. My dad made this display rack that hangs in my dining room.

10. Gift bags or wrapping paper?
Gift bags. They are reusable and store easily.

11. Share an after-school memory from when you were younger. What was your routine like on an average day?
High school football season was the best- I was on the drill team and we had practice every day that began about 45 minutes after school let out. Friends and I would drive to the nearest convenience store to grab snacks, or listen to music and flirt with boys. The picture below was taken my Junior year. That's me, front row, left.

12. True story: Once, in a job interview, I was asked this question and told there would be no clarifying; I simply had to answer the question: “When you’re fishing, do you feel for the fish?” So what about you? When you're fishing, do you feel for the fish??
I don’t like to fish, but on the rare occasions I have participated, I tended to LOOK for the fish!


Check out other Random anwers at Linda's blog, 2nd Cup of Coffee.