Retrospection

I've been tagged by my friend Zoanna for a blog post survey of sorts. Kind of like the Senior Superlatives section of a high school year book...but for my blog. Get the gist?

So, after wading through 444 posts from the last 4 years...

First up, CATEGORY 1: MOST BEAUTIFUL
I'm going for the most literal interpretation here.
Favorite Pictures From 2010

CATEGORY 2: MOST POPULAR
Because I have no idea what my non-commenting readers liked the most I picked one that DID have a lot of comments. It was a particularly fun post to write too.
Sorta' Crunchy

CATEGORY 3: MOST CONTROVERSIAL
It was a toss up between the book review post that included THE SHACK and my first post detailing OUR EXPERIMENT in raising pastured poultry. In the end, I chose Why We Do What We Do--Part 2 because it's likely the post that informed people of what they really didn't want to know, and/or they misread my intention for posting it in the first place. I hope they go back and read Part 1 and hear my heart.

CATEGORY 4: MOST HELPFUL
I hope Part 1 of the Why We Do What We Do series I just mentioned was helpful. It was constructive for me to struggle to articulate what I was learning and mulling over. I find the questions section something I go back to again and again.

CATEGORY 5: THE POST WHOSE SUCCESS SURPRISED ME
Homemade Condensed Soup. Recipe posts usually do not generate a lot of comments. The timing of it was just right I guess.

CATEGORY 6: THE POST MOST IGNORED
This one was hard to choose, because how do you judge, really? It's not the only time a post didn't receive any comments. And that doesn't upset me.

The Warmth of Other Suns was a book review that either came at the wrong time (right after Christmas when people were thinking of other things) or ...well, I have no idea. I really enjoyed the book and relish the mental challenge of writing an interesting and encapsulating book review. Maybe now it will garner a second look.

CATEGORY 7: A POST I AM PROUD OF
I would say the post(s) I am most proud of are the end-of-the-year "What I Read" posts, namely this one and that one. And while I like being known as a bookworm, I am aware that at times my voracious reading can take priority where it should not. So I sort of cringe at the word "proud"...because it is revealing.

BUT, being well-read is also a good thing, I'd like to think I've moved beyond just fluff, and while my other hobbies have taken a back, BACK seat to mommying, reading is a feasible form of recreation for this season of life.

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And, because I just waded through 444 of them, I'm adding 3 more categories to this meme:

CATEGORY 8: WHY I LOVE HAVING A BLOG
How else would I get such prompt feedback from wide-flung friends when it comes to things such as this?
Now everybody sing, "I get by with alittle help from my friends."

CATEGORY 9: KEEPING IT REAL
Blogging can easily become a portrayal of all that is "pretty" or "glamorous" in your life and essentially a betrayal of who you truly are. I've tried to blog with balance. To be mindful that anyone can read this stuff, and to show good cautionary restraint about what I reveal. But, at the same time, I want to be real with you all, because if I'm not that, what's the point?

This particular post was hard to share, but I'm so glad I did. It's the real me...flaws and all.

And, CATEGORY 10: WORDS THAT WERE TIMELY THEN...AND NOW
I loved reading back through a number of these old posts. This particular one caught my eye and fit the bill for this category.

In The Kitchen--Meme

I will not hide that I completely stole this meme from my friend Zoanna, who stole it from one of her friends. Wanna' steal it from me? Go right ahead! :-)

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1. My favorite and cheapest kitchen gadget...
I recently posted on my favorite finds from ALDI's, so aside from my 2 Qt. batter/measuring bowl, I'd have to say my 1-3/8" cookie dough scoop. It's great for uniform-sized cookies (especially sticky batter) mini meatballs, and much more.

2. Something I should use, but don't...
Okay, it's real confession time: my Polish china.

It's a source of contention between the hubby and I.

See, when we got married the handy-dandy scanner gun registering thing wasn't as much the norm as it is now. Or maybe we were just ignorant of such things. So aside from our silverware, we didn't really pick out anything. Just gave a list of general things we needed to my mom and she gave suggestions as people RSVPed. And it worked out perfectly...almost.

My husband's aunt and uncle said they would buy us a full set of Polish china (they actually carried the boxes onto the plane) and asked for color/style preferences. Pete told them blue and gold instead of blue and silver. And I am a silver girl...never gold. Jewelry, household fixtures, you name it--I like it silver.

It's a silly thing I know, they went to such lengths to bless us, and for my hubby it was an honest mistake. I've forgiven him and I do use the plates--occasionally. I desperately wish the whole silver/gold clashing thing didn't grate on my nerves so much.

Now, the coffee/tea china set from his aunt in Vienna is another story completely! Though I didn't pick that out either, I TOTALLY would have chosen that set!




3. I LOVE my...
White Corelle. We started out married life with dishes from IKEA, and I loved them. They were simple, white, with plain blue petalled flowers around the rim. But they got chipped and cracked into oblivion.

I like the idea of plain white dishes. You can change your linens and table decor to fit anything that way. And when it comes to durability yet still lightweight, you can't beat Corelle. I've now accumulated a nice set of them thanks to a few birthdays.

4. What gets disorganized the most is...

Hmmmmm. Leftover container cabinet or my computer desk? It's a toss-up.

I'm going to go with the computer desk. (This post was good incentive to clean that space up! I give it a week.)

It's my 2' square command center. It's my work space and I can get a little territorial about it.

It's where I mealplan because my laptop (and allrecipes.com) is there, my cookbooks are in the cupboard above. It's where I blog, schedule appointments, keep our family calendar, listen to music, Skype the hubby, keep track of library items, and catch a missed episode of The Amazing Race or Blue Bloods on Hulu.



The person who hijacks my command center most frequently? Do I really need to mention names?

Let's just say Starfall.com and Natalia are BFF's.




5. Meal planning...
I'm lost without it. Seriously.

I only began meal planning a few years ago. I have a small magnetized white board stuck to the side of the fridge, next to my computer desk. I write out a week's worth of meals, pull my recipes out, clip them to the fridge, and make my grocery list for those meals. It's easy to see what I have to pull from the freezer each morning, has saved me from many headaches, the 4 o'clock WHAT AM I MAKING FOR DINNER?! panic, spending money on things I don't need and extra trips to the store.

6. I want...
to fully utilize my SauceMaster this summer. It's a wonderful contraption for making applesauce and all kinds of yummy things from your garden abundance.

So far I've only used it for applesauce (and my mom used it for black raspberry jam). This year I want to make tomato sauce and vegetable juice to can.

7. My best tip is...
streamline.

Find ways to simplify your kitchen space, declutter your counters, hide things that make your space look "busy", and get rid of gadgets you rarely use.

Clutter and me--we fight like cats and dogs.

8. I would like to know...
What silverware do you use on a regular basis?

We received 5 settings of our "nice" silverware when we got married, (my mom has given me more settings over the last 10 years bc she knew I wanted a total of 12), and 2 smaller sets of "everyday" silverware. The everyday sets have gotten used heavily and are still fine, but I'm wondering why I'm not using my "nice" stuff more than a few times a year. Seems silly, especially when you consider that it's just silverware. What am I saving it for? A fancy schmancy meal for the Queen?

(pictured is our design, which I love!)

9. Another tip is...
have a plan.

When I was first married I was clueless about what a good home manager looked like. Not because I didn't have a good role model of this growing up--I did! My mom is a home manager extraordinaire. But I had never done it myself. It took like 4 years til I got a clue. (My poor husband.)

By the grace of God and much trial and error, I now mealplan, cook, and shop in the way that serves our family budget and goals. Your budget and goals may be different. That's okay. But you've got to have a plan, and it should result in less waste, stress, and fuss. Because who needs those things?!

10. I love to drink out of...
I'm gonna' say 2 things...because it's my blog and I can. :-)

For nostalgic reasons: my mug from HONDURAS. It's got a handpainted mountain village painted on it. Brings back wonderful memories.

For practical reasons: the clear glass mugs we bought at IKEA years ago. They are microwave safe, dishwasher safe, and on the small side, as far as mugs go. Perfect for those of us who like our coffee strong.

I hope to get another set of 6 soon. We've used the set we have every single day of the last 6-7 years since Pete and I are heavy hot drink drinkers. (At first I wrote 'heavy drinkers', but that didn't quite sound right. Tee hee.)

5 Words Meme

My friend Lynn is helping me out of the blogging rut I feel I've fallen into. Between being busier that I expected so far this fall, potty-training (STILL), and all the other things going on in my life, I've just run out of ideas.

It's all part of a meme that you can do too if you'd like. Here's how it works. Someone gives you 5 words and you post about those things. If you want to join in, tell me in the comments section, and I'll send you your own 5! Here are the words Lynn sent me.

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1. ART: as far as hobbies go, it's my first love. You could say it's in my genes. Siblings, cousins, parents, aunts/uncles, grandparents--there is definately an artsy, creative gene that runs strong among both sides of my family.

My favorite medium is pencil. A close second is charcoal. My favorite subject matter? People. It's been a long time though since I've completed a portrait. Having kids kind of does that to hobbies that require hours and hours upon end. Currently I'm hoping to learn more about photography and acquire some technique where all I have now is an artistic eye.


2. FALL: Autumn is my absolute favorite season of the year. I wish I could switch the duration of fall with winter here in Lancaster County. I love making soup and fresh bread, smelling the scents of harvest in the air, sleeping with the windows open under a cozy comforter, apple crisp, pumpkin bread, bright blue skies with cottonball clouds, farm fairs, woodsmoke, walking through crunchy leaves in the woods, wearing jeans, and of course gearing up for the holidays.

You know how in the beginning of the movie "YOU'VE GOT MAIL," Meg Ryan's character is recounting all the things she loves about Autumn in New York? The smell of freshly sharpened pencils, farmer's markets, the brisk morning air...

I find the fall season, here in the countryside, to be the most sensory for me. I just love it!


3. TEACHING: Never did I imagine that I would be a teacher. For one thing I was always on the shy side as a kid growing up. Wait, let me rephrase that. I hardly talked to anyone as a kid. I was REALLY quiet. As a teen things got better but I still hated to be up in front of a group of people and preferred small groups of people I knew well. Then I went overseas on a missions trip after graduating from high school and everything changed. Drastically. Long story short, I ended up teaching full-time in our previous church's school for 4 years and L-O-V-E-D it! All of the varying classes and majors I had throughout college prepared me quite well actually. Little did I know how God was going to tie all those strings together in the end, but He did...and I miss it. (Though I am really satisfied to be at home with my kiddos full-time.) Oh, and I taught high school World History, Geography, World/American/British Literature, Writing, Rhetoric, and Art.

The things I miss most about it? The kids and staff, but also the constant stretching and challenging my brain. Though I must say, parenting stretches and challenges my brain in other ways.


4. EXERCISE: I have a love/hate relationship with exercise. :o)

I used to be very active and athletic. Now? Not so much. Whereas I used to never have to do anything to maintain a healthy weight, now I struggle with it...alot. Whereas I used to starve myself and have a distorted body image, now, by the grace of God, I no longer view food as the enemy. Currently, I feel I eat pretty well but my metabolism is pretty pathetic. My goal is to get back into a regular walking routine since our neighborhood has a lot of great places to do so and I have a nice double stroller. And really no excuses. :oP I miss my walking buddy. Since she moved and I've had kiddo numero dos my motivation for exercise has sadly gone out the window.

I find myself in the midst of that proverbial motherhood dilemma: if I place a higher priority on exercise, some other "important" thing is going to suffer. However, if I don't take better care of myself, my children and husband will ultimately suffer anyway.

What I'd really enjoy would be the means and time to play racquetball at least once a week. I did this during college and I loved the quick-paced, challenging cardio/muscular workout it always delivered.


5. TRAVEL: I got my first real taste of travel in the early part of '96. I mentioned before how I entered a missions program after graduating from high school. After spending 3 months in training, my team and I spent 1 month in one of the many poor neighborhoods of Guatemala City, GUATEMALA, followed by 3 months in the mountains above Tegucigalpa, HONDURAS. Needless to say my horizons were widened, my world view expanded, my comfort zones vaporized. :o) It was the most challenging experience of my life up to that point, and one of the best. It was also a turning point for me spiritually.

Since then my husband and I have been to Venezuela on a 2 week missions trip. We did that 1 month after we were married. And it is our dream and goal to make at least 2 trips to Europe. I want to see where he spent his first 14 years, we have friends living in England for another year or so, Pete has family in Belgium, Austria, Germany, and Poland, and I would love to see Italy and France too. One day... :o)

Alphabet Meme

This is a fun list I saw on Lynn's blog a few weeks ago. I think I'm pretty predictable but read on...I may surprise you. :o)

A is for your age: 32

B is for your burger of choice: Five Guys Little Bacon Cheeseburger w/mayo, ketchup and lettuce

C is for the car that you drive: Subaru Legacy wagon

D is for dog's name: we used to have a German Shorthaired Pointer, Molly, but she's gone now

E is for an essential item you use each day: lotion (I absolutely LOVE the smell of J & J's baby lotion--the one that comes in the pink bottle)

F is for your favorite television show: Friday Night Lights (hopefully they'll make a season 4)

G is for favorite game: Pictionary

H is for hometown: Manheim

I is for instruments played: violin

J is for favorite juice: white grape

K is for what you'd like to kick: my weight issues (and mindset)

L is for last restaurant you dined at: well the word "dined" signifies something alittle more glorified than Five Guys...wow, I can't even think of one! Honey, it's time for a date night!

M is for your favorite muppet: the Swedish chef (Noo nee, noo nee, noo nee, noo...)

N is for number of piercings you have: 2, one in each ear (I highly doubt that'll ever change)

O is for overnight hospital stays: only 1--I had both my children at the hospital but went home 12 hours after giving birth to Natalia because they said I could. I certainly wouldn't have chosen the circumstances (you can read about her heart condition here) but I was glad to get a full night of sleep in my own bed before facing reality the next morning.

P is for people you were with today: my hubby and kids, Mindi (we were on the same missions team to Central America back in '95-'96) and her kids, AND everybody and their mother at Lowes.

Q is for what you do in quiet times: read, journal, pray, sometimes listen to a podcast.

R is for regrets: no major regrets, just a lot of everyday moments when I didn't choose better

S is for status: married

T is for time you woke up today: that would be TIME with an "S"...let's see, it was 12 am, 3 am, and 6. Natalia was up at 6:30 so there were no Z's after that.

U is for what you consider unique: each of my children

V is for favorite vegetable: sweet corn (from my parents' garden--nothing compares)

W is for your worst habit: not being concise. I love details to a fault sometimes.

X is for x-rays you have had: I've had my teeth scanned and sonograms during pregnancy, but that's it. Oh, and I think the chiropractor scanned my neck once when I had a pinched nerve.

Y is for yummy food you ate today: I had a Yum Yum Cupcake at lunch. That's what we call Cream Cheese and Chocolate Chip filled Chocolate Cupcakes.

Z is for zodiac sign: I think I'm Capricorn, but quite frankly I could care less what my sign is.

4's

So much for being observant...my buddy Libby tagged me over at her site back in November! (She probably even told me and my pregnant brain forgot all about it.)

ANYWAY.

Here are my 4's:

A. Four places I go to over and over.
1. the rocking chair in Adam's room
2. the desk in our kitchen (it's where everything happens)
3. the grocery store (it varies each week--most of the time it's ALDI's, & GIANT)
4. ...I'm having a hard time coming up with a 4th! Guess it's no secret what season of life I'm in right now, is it? :o)

B. Four people who email me (regularly).
***I don't text or email those who have Skype since the chat mode is so easy and convenient--and FREE!
1. Pete (we Skype during the day)
2. Lisa (another Skype buddy)
3. Our CareGroup leaders
4. the babycenter website

C. Four of my favorite places to eat.
1. Symposium (it's classified Mediterranean but has alittle of everything and the place Pete and I usually choose for special nights out)
2. Panera
3. Five Guys (Pete and I just tried it for the first time a few weeks ago--it's now on my favorites list!)
4. La Tolteca (though it's in MD and alittle too far away now...boo hoo...so that leaves either El Serranos or El Rodeo for authentic Mexican.)

D. Four places you would rather be.
1. in my bed
2. in a rustic (but clean!) cabin somewhere with snow outside, a good book, a fire, and my hubby
3. wherever there's no nasty germs to be caught or shared
4. getting a back massage

E. Four TV shows I watch.
1. Thomas the Tank Engine
2. Sid, The Science Kid
3. Sesame Street
4. whatever NFL or NHL game Pete's watching
***When I actually sit down to watch something these days I usually only catch parts of it: Cash Cab, Cosby Show reruns...I am looking forward to Season 3 of Friday Night Lights being reaired after it's DirectTV stint. Oh, and my brother-in-law got me the box set of "Sense & Sensibility, Persuasion, and Miss Austen Regrets" for my birthday. Yea! :o)


Join in if you'd like!

Memories

My high school friend Jen tagged me for this one...and it sure took me back memory lane! :o)

You're welcome to join in on the fun if you'd like.


The rules were to:

1. Go to your sixth picture folder.
2. Select your sixth picture and post it.
3. Pray you remember the details, and explain what the picture was all about.


We've been saving our pictures onto our computer for a few years now, so when I did the math I ended up here:

Early May 2006



We were at my parents house for a visit and Natalia (4 mos. old) was getting a bath in Grandma's kitchen sink...look at those cheeks and her chub! Love it!
(BTW, today you barely notice her scar from surgery, it's so faded.)


She's still hanging onto those cheeks, but is getting quite tall and really thinning out. (Though I'm glad she still has those elbow dimples! I think they're adorable...except on me. HA HA)

Our sweet baby girl will be turning 3 in a month! God has been so very good to us! :o)

Christmas Tag

I thought this one looked like fun...join in if you'd like!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Both--I reuse my bags from year to year, or buy plain ones and decorate. I know this sounds crazy, but I almost prefer the wrapping part to the buying!

2. Real tree or Artificial?
I love the smell of a real tree, but with little ones in the house, it's not the most practical. For now we use a nice artificial one.

3. When do you put up the tree?
Usually right after Thanksgiving. I'm typically the one to decorate it, and I always like to have my favorite Christmas albums playing in the background. This year I anticipate a little girl will want to "help".

4. When do you take the tree down?
Usually the tree and decorations disappear sometime after New Year's, but I like to keep the white outdoor lights we string around our deck railing a bit longer.

5. Do you like eggnog?
Not really...the thought of the egg in it grosses me out. Oddly, that's not the case in cookie dough, but I digress. To warm up at this time of year I prefer hot cocoa, coffee/tea, or a glass of wine.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
Well, since my birthday is so close to Christmas there were years that I received a bigger combo gift. One very special gift was the doll house my dad and mom made for me when I was around 5 yrs. old. My dad is an excellent carpenter and the detailed work that both he and my mom put into this gift is still being enjoyed to this day by the grandkids. Individual shingles, wooden siding, etched window panes, homemade curtains, furniture and plant-hangers...

7. Hardest person to buy for?
My husband (he doesn't give many ideas and always says that he doesn't need anything)

8. Easiest person to buy for?
My daughter (at this age she's constantly growing out of things)

9. Do you have a nativity scene?
I finally found one that is more "ethnically" accurate than most--well, I did change the hair color of Mary and baby Jesus. I especially liked that the wise men in this set truly resembled men from the East. And of course I found it for a great price at a yard sale--still in it's original packaging.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
I like to send a photo card and/or yearly letter, but because of the cost and having a blog now I think I'm going to go the email route for most on my list...except for non-computing great-grandparents and a few overseas relatives of course.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
I wouldn't say "worst", because I don't think I've ever received a gift in which to use that term. But I do remember being not so thrilled about receiving gloves or some such "practical" thing when an older child. Now I actually appreciate practical gifts I give suggestions for MORE than surprises since I rarely buy things I don't immediately "need".

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
It's not really a "Christmas" movie, but I love the overall Christmasy feeling when watching "Little Women".

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
As soon as we figure out how much we're spending and get a few suggestions. (Usually it's not earlier than October/November though.) I usually do all of the shopping and wrapping.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Only for a "now you have it now you don't" type of exchange.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
I have to narrow it down to one thing?!?!? Sorry, can't do that.
(My mom's gourmet mashed potatoes, my mother-in-law's duck, Polish Vegetable Salad, all of the delicious cookies...)

16. Lights on the tree?
YES! Lots of white ones.

17. Favorite Christmas song?
Again, how do I pick one? "Mary Did You Know?", "Carol of the Bells", and "O Come O Come Emmanuel" are among my favorites.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Now that we're closer to family we just make short trips--soooooo nice!

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
I think so...Santa was never a part of Christmas in our household so I'd say it's only been in recent years that I could say so.

20. Angel , star, or other tree topper?
We've used both an angel and a star in past years. Now, I mostly use the handmade straw star that goes with the other straw ornaments often found on trees in Polish households. I really like the way these ornaments look with the ribbon, glass balls, and beaded fruit I also use.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Christmas Eve is the traditional Polish time to have a meal, go to mass and open gifts, so we usually spend that night with my inlaw(s). Christmas Day is always spent with my side of the family. This year will be spontaneous no doubt--maybe even in a hospital room!

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
Static electricity and dry air in the house, getting the flu, stressed out people/drivers...

23. Favorite ornament, theme or color?
My favorites are those that are non-gawdy; in other words, natural, organic colors and materials

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?
I already answered that...oops! Instead I'll say that the BEST GIFT I received (technically it was on my birthday, the 31st) was holding my baby girl for the first time. She was 4 days old and in the NICU at University of Maryland Med. Center awaiting heart surgery. Can't believe that was nearly 3 years ago and now I'll have another sweet-smelling Christmas bundle!

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?
To not still be pregnant! Sleep! (Hmmm...probably won't get both, will I?)

Tag...You're It!

Actually I've been tagged by Momma Roar, but if any of you want to play along...

6 Things That Make Me Happy:
(On this particular night--in no particular order)

1. A good night's sleep!
Any recently pregnant mommas out there identify with arms and legs going numb? The pillow-to-people ratio in our bed at night is getting out of hand! :o)

2. Having another baby on the way!
We waited and prayed and tried and trusted a long time for this one...God's timing and provision is always perfect.

3. Cooler weather coming!
I love Fall, and this week's 70 degrees forecast has me really happy. This hormonal woman's "glow" (a.k.a. SWEATINESS), got old 6 months ago...yes, I know that was in April!!!

4. Being so close to family!
Even a year after our big move, I still just love the thought that I can pop on over to my parent's place or see siblings and in-laws within minutes. Being "close" relationally to family is also such a blessing...I know I take it for granted.

5. Being creative!
I rarely get to do artsy things anymore, but it is a joy whenever I get the chance. Over the years I've enjoyed trying new things: decorating cakes, arranging wreaths, sewing, scrapbooking, blogging, etc. I do none of these things on a regular basis, just when the opportunities (and finances) are there.

6. My hubby and daughter!
I just marvel at how God has brought these two people into my life--my husband is exactly the man God knew I needed, to challenge, shape and bless me. Our daughter, our "gift"--I am humbled that she has been entrusted to me.

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Anybody wanna' play along? :o)

Musical Meme

I saw this on two other friends' blogs and decided to join in on the fun.

Rules of the game: Choose a singer/band/group-- Answer using ONLY titles of songs by that singer/band/group

U2

1. Are you male or female?
~Right now I feel like the "Lady With The Spinning Head". These crazy hormones!

2. Describe yourself.
~"Dancing Barefoot [and pregnant]"

3. How do people feel when they’re around you?
~"Do You Feel Loved?" (I hope so!)

4. How would you describe your previous relationships?
~"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"

5. Describe your current relationship.
~It's "The Sweetest Thing"

6. Something you want to say to your significant other?
~"All I Want Is You"

7. How do you feel about love?
~It's like "Wild Honey"

8. What’s your life like?
~Full of "Grace" and "Mercy"

9. What would you ask for if you had only one wish?
~"Peace On Earth" (found in "Yahweh")

10. Say something wise.
~ Life is about "Surrender"--"Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own" (I'd leave out the word "sometimes".)

Another Meme

I never really knew what "meme" meant, just that it was a list of some kind. Well, most of you already know how I feel about lists...oh the sheer joy! :-P

My friend Lynn tagged me again and so here it is.

3 Things...

3 places I go all the time: the local library, grocery store (ALDI’s, Country Store, GIANT), and though it’s not ALL the time—the gym.

3 people who email me: Lisa (our husbands were friends in college and now we're close friends too), Jen (high school friend who is now my neighbor), Hope (friend from our MD church who recently moved to the area)

3 favorite places to eat: Symposium (great Mediterranean cuisine; Pete’s taken me there for special occasions since our dating days), Quiznos (always something to tempt the pallet), and at a backyard cookout (everything just tastes better)

3 places I would rather be right now: In bed (not feeling so peppy), somewhere pleasantly warm with a hammock, a fruity drink, and a good book, or with my family (doesn’t matter what we’re doing—just being together is always a good time).

3 TV shows I could watch over and over: Designed To Sell (I love getting ideas), Family Feud (I know, I’m strange), and Friday Night Lights (Yeah! Season 3 coming this fall!)

3 people who will do this: Rebecca, Karla, and Zoanna (gals, feel released though if you’d rather not) and anyone else who wants to join in.

Belated Take 5 Tuesday

The question I meant to post yesterday was...

What are 5 smells that send you reeling?

(My keen sense of smell leaves me with plenty of ideas. Anyone out there identify with me?)

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1. the fish market (just the thought of it turns me green)

2. dog (especially a wet dog, even if he just received a bath--that's even worse)

3. chicken poo (and any other kind of "fowl" poo--no pun intended. Believe me, cow and pig manure are much better than these!)

4. urine

5. the smell of earthworms after a warm weather rain

***I also really mind the smell of cigarette, cigar and pipe smoke, though it doesn't make me ill--just gives me an instant headache.

I've Been Tagged

Lynn at rohalcall tagged me for this meme.

What was I doing 10 years ago…
In the spring of 1998, I was working as a full-time volunteer “hostess” at the Millersville International House. This meant I mopped floors, helped in the kitchen, cleaned the common areas of the massive 3 story house, and organized events for the residents. (About 30+ international college students with a few “locals” thrown in the mix.) I also was forming a friendship with my future husband who lived next door. :-)

5 things on my to-do list today…
~Finish meal planning and grocery list.
~Walk to the playground with my neighbor and the kiddos.
~Grocery shop.
~Wash whites.
I~ron Pete’s school clothes.
***(I LOVE lists!)

5 snacks I enjoy…
~Any kind of fruit (Especially watermelon, grapes, kiwi, strawberries)
~Cheese Puffs (My favorite of late is SNYDER’s Multigrain White Cheddar Puffs)
~Crackers (I am such a carb-girl! Wheatables Hearty Multigrain, and Triscuit Whole Grain Thin Crisps are oh so yummy!)
~Cheese (Definately Muenster & Farmer’s)
~Carrots & celery with dip or PB.

5 things I would do if I were a billionaire…
I’m not holding my breath, but...
~I’d choose some charities to support with a good bit of it, internationally and stateside.
~Pay off the rest of our school & mortgage debt.
~Save for the future, kids, schooling
~Visit Europe with my hubby
~Invest some: I have no idea in what though

5 bad habits…
~Procrastinating
~Speaking without thinking
~Comparing myself to others
~Letting the gas gauge get too low
~Slouching—I’ve got horrible posture.

5 places I’ve lived…
~Pennsylvania (growing up and during college)
~GUATEMALA (1 month)
~HONDURAS (3 months)
~Maryland (since being married)
~Pennsylvania (since last summer!)

5 jobs I’ve had…
~prepared and served breakfast, changed linens and cleaned rooms at a B&B
~sewing factory: made womens nightwear and robes
~bending and spot-welding metal
~making pastries and decorating cakes
~teaching high schoolers

Take 5 Tuesday

This week's Take 5 question is...

What 5 places would you like to visit someday? (They can be revisits!)

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My 5 are:
1. Italy (Rome, Venice, Florence)
2. France (Paris and wine country)
3. Poland (where Pete grew up)
4. England (London and the countryside)
5. the Caribbean (probably Mexico, just not a real touristy spot)

Take 5 Tuesday

Today's question:

What are 5 of your favorite HEALTHY snacks?

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My 5 in random order:

1. Snyder's of Hanover MULTIGRAIN White Cheddar Cheese Puffs
2. Seedless watermelon (I can hardly wait till it's in season!)
3. Red seedless grapes, great when frozen too!
4. Baby carrots and celery with peanut butter
5. Vanilla yogurt with slivered almonds or fruit mixed in

Take 5 Tuesday

I didn't forget it was Tuesday! :-)
Here's this week's question:

What 5 things do you often put off until the last minute?

My 5 would have to be:

1. Brushing my teeth (If I'm leaving the house right after breakfast anyway, I'd rather my coffee taste normal and my post-breakfast breath be fresh.)
2. Putting on the shirt I plan to wear that day (Notice my emphasis! I know this sounds wierd, but when you get hot as quickly as I do, and there's a lot of activity to get out the door, you postpone these things!)
3. Buying greeting cards for people (I'm definately a "gotta' pick the perfect card" kind of gal. Now, this excludes general notes, or thank you's. I always have a couple kinds of stationary on hand.)
4. Putting on shoes (Don't like to wear shoes--would rather go barefoot, or wear slippers inside)
5. Taking my contact lenses out (Let's face the facts people: I'm as blind as a bat!)

Take 5 Tuesday

The question for this week:

What are 5 of your favorite breakfast foods (even if you don't always eat them in the morning)?

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Here is my list:

1. Toast with butter and either cinnamon sugar or lemon curd.

2. Vanilla yogurt with granola.

3. Hashbrown, sausage, cheese & egg casserole.

4. Scrambled egg sandwich (toast, cheese, egg & ketchup)

5. German Apple Pancakes (see my recipe box)

***a strong cup of coffee or tea and fruit included

Take 5 Tuesday

I thought I'd try something new...
Each Tuesday a new topic will appear. Just list your 5 answers in my comment box.

Today's Take 5 is this:
What are 5 jobs that you've had or would like to have?

1. I helped to make and serve breakfast, change & launder linens, and clean the rooms at a bed and breakfast during high school.
2. I worked for a summer in a sewing factory making ladies nightgowns and robes.
3. I did a short stint in a metalworking shop over Christmas break during college, spot-welding, bending pieces, etc. I came home looking like a grease-monkey every day.
4. I worked in a bakeshop, helping customers, making pastries, and decorating cakes...and quality taste-testing! :-)
5. I also taught in our former church's high school for 4 years: English Lit. & Composition, Speech, World History, Geography, and Art. Loved it and miss the people!

Let's hear from you folks! :-)