Random Dozen #8

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Hosted by Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee. Visit Linda’s to link up or find other participants.

1. Candy corn: Your thoughts?

Bleah. Not a fan. Don’t like the taste. If I am going to ingest calories of sugar, it needs to have chocolate.

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.)

“Hello, my name is Barbara…” We both worked in the library and introduced ourselves. Pretty basic, but at that time in my life I didn’t initiate conversations often, and I was surprised at myself that I did this time.

3. Could you ever become a vegetarian?

Nope. I love meat. And with low blood sugar, I need the protein. I suppose if it were medically necessary I’d have to see what I could do, but I can’t see myself ever becoming one by choice.

4. Have you ever dressed up your pet in a costume?

No!!!!!

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).

This question is the one that I have let sit here for hours without coming up with a definite answer. Probably half a dozen things will come to mind in the next day or so. Though there are many things that make me feel nostalgic about my childhood, I can’t think of a particular item that I miss. I do miss the carefreeness of childhood — even though there were some rough patches, overall I have more fond memories than bad ones. And I miss the family togetherness. Since we’ve all left home we don’t keep in touch as much, especially since my mom passed away. And of course, my mom would be the person I miss the most, with my grandfather and grandmother as well.

6. Have you ever won a trophy? If not, what do you deserve a trophy for?

No, I haven’t, and I can’t think any trophy-worthy accomplishments.

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

Dec. 1.

8. What’s your favorite board game?

Scrabble, though I like Ticket to Ride and Settlers of Catan a lot, too.

9. How do you feel about surprises (receiving, not giving)?

I don’t mind them but they make me a little antsy because I’m so particular about what I like that often a surprise gift is not something I would have chosen. While I appreciate the thought and the effort and the care, it’s a little frustrating to know I’ll just tuck it away til the next yard sale. But when a surprise really hits the mark — well, I love that. And when surprise things are done — when someone unexpectedly fills up the gas tank or cleans something they’ve not been specifically asked to or offers to make dinner — well, I love that.

10. Is it easy for you to say, “I’m sorry?”

I think so.

11. What is your favorite candle scent?

Most candle scents give me a headache, so I don’t have them except for decoration. I even have to give candle stores in the mall a wide berth when walking by them. I thought I’d make a quick dash into one once to get a gift for my sister, but after a few seconds felt like I couldn’t breathe and had to leave.

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?

Light snacks would probably include veggie pizza squares and pudding chip cookies. I don’t think I would have an open house to show people things that represent me — though in a sense our homes do that in themselves — but hypothetically speaking, like a school-type open house, I suppose I’d show the few articles I’ve had published, maybe print-outs of a few favorite blog posts, a few craft things I’ve made, family photos. My heart collection would be pretty obvious.

You can find more entries or join in the fun at Linda‘s.

17 thoughts on “Random Dozen #8”

  3. I am so not a vegetarian, either. I didn’t say NO, because I can’t see into the future, but I find it highly doubtful that I’d ever try to be meat free. Or chocolate free, either, for that matter!

    Like you, I couldn’t think of THINGS I miss from childhood, but I did come up with a few items I’d like back ….

  4. Thank goodness about your pet LOL. And I love scrabble also. and Meat…I can’d do without 🙂 Well done 🙂

  5. Barbara, I’m still learning about you! Great answers. Candles are beginning to affect me that way, too. Is that a form of allergy?

    I’ve got a feeling I’m going to take a LOT of ribbing about #4!

  6. Nice answers! The strong scents really bother me as well. On Monday I was someplace where a woman’s perfume was so strong I had to get up and move because it was giving me a headache! I wonder if that’s because I’m over 40…

  7. I think you get a trophy (even though you don’t want it) for that FABULOUS monthly newsletter you put out at church!!! I think it’s trophy worthy! 🙂

    I would much rather have those “done” surprises too! I’m not much on gift receiving.

  8. Candle scents give me a headache too! I though that I was the only one since America’s gone nuts over candles. I even have some in my home that I’ve received as gifts; however, they are NEVER lit.

  11. What a fun post! Oh… my husband used to spend hours playing Catan with his friends!!!!

    Thank you for your kind words on my machine embroidery. The machine did ALL the work. So, I hope that would encourage you to give it a try… and not let the apparent level of difficulty scare you. I promise, it’s the machine that does the labor! 😉

  12. I forgot about the veggie pizza for #12! I could do that instead of a veggie tray AND a fruit pizza! Yum! Enjoyed reading your answers, Barbara, as always!

  15. LOVE the button heart! I collect penguins – do you think I could make a button penguin? Maybe not 🙂

    My husband & I met in a library too – but he was the one working there.

  16. Our family loves Settlers of Catan! Candle stores are a problem for me too. Too much in a small space. But I do enjoy the Fresh Linen smell, because it’s not overly sweet or cloying. I’m guessing you have to be careful with perfume too? If I wear any at all, it has to be just a dab and some perfumes I can’t use at all.

    This was fun!

  17. I enjoyed reading your answers. I agree with you that if you’re going to ingest sugar calories, it may as well be chocolate. I hadn’t thought of that before …

    I’m sorry that you can’t enjoy scented candles! That is something I truly love …

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