Random Dozen

Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee has provided some more brain-taxing questions. Don't hurt yourself, but come play along!

1. Candy corn: Your thoughts? It wouldn't seem like Halloween without it around, but the taste has either radically altered since I was a child or it just never was very good and I didn't realize it in the excitement of the season.

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.) I thought my spouse was interested in my friend I ran around with so I didn't talk to him. His first memorable question to me was, "do you want to dance?" I was astonished because she was a former model - why on earth would he be asking ME to dance?

3. Could you ever become a vegetarian? Only if medical reasons required it.

4. Have you ever dressed up your pet in a costume? Our pet is a budgie (parakeet). Trust me, it wouldn't be worth the blood drawn in the attempt.

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).

My grandfather.

6. Have you ever won a trophy? If not, what do you deserve a trophy for? Yes, but for totally stupid stuff -- bowling league when I was a kid.

7. When do you think is the appropriate time to begin playing Christmas music each year? The day after Thanksgiving.

8. What's your favorite board game? Mastermind.

9. How do you feel about surprises (receiving, not giving)? Queasy, seriously. I like to say I'm spontaneous and flexible, but I really would rather be in control. Surprises are very disconcerting to people who like to be in control.

10. Is it easy for you to say, "I'm sorry?" To say it is much easier than owning it. Still working on that part.

11. What is your favorite candle scent? Something that evokes Christmas -- bayberry or cinnamon?

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? We have an open house (in effect) every other Friday night when we host/lead a Homebuilders study in our home. After doing this for several years, I have long since stopped obsessing about presentation. I just plump a few pillows, arrange the chairs, and whip up some brownies or fruit and my husband makes coffee...somewhere along the way I realized I was focusing on the external (will they like me?) and not on the eternal (the lesson). I'm much happier now. So I guess the answer is that I hope what would uniquely represent me is me being welcoming.

/kw