Wednesday Hodgepodge--2/29/12

1. The Hodgepodge falls on the last day of February this year, a leap year. How will you spend that extra day?
Unfortunately, I will be working.

2. What has recently required a leap of faith on your part?
My decision to work things out with Baby Daddy was very scary.  I would definitely say that took a leap of faith.

3. We're one week into the season of Lent...are you marking these 40 days in some way? Giving something up or adding something extra to normal life? How's it going so far?
I grew up in a denomination that didn't really observe the season of Lent.  I don't really know a lot about it.  I would like to observe it next year, so I suppose I should start doing some research.  I'm sure my resident Bible expert, Casey, will leave me some info in the comments!

4. When was the last time you sat beside a fire?
Probably when I was at my parents' house last May before Macy was born.

5. Surf and Turf is on the menu. Do you order as is or do you ask for just the surf (lobster), just the turf (steak), or a menu so you can select another option?
Order as-is!  I love steak and lobster.

6. If you could have any television program back, not in reruns but in new episodes, what program would you choose?
I'm pretty sure all of my shows are still on the air.  The sad thing is, when I first read this, I actually thought "Growing Pains!"  I don't even know why.  Can I say that I would like Burn Notice to keep making new episodes forever?  Or that I wish I could bring Detective Stabler back to Law & Order: SVU?

7. They say an elephant never forgets. These days would you say your memory is more like an elephant or a gnat?
These days, gnat for sure.  I used to remember everything.  My mom would tell me the grocery list and say "Don't let me forget anything."  No problem.  Now?  I get to the top of the steps and forget why the hell I walked upstairs.  I always remember when I get back to the bottom.  Having a kid causes your mind to go.  Maybe it's all the sleep deprivation in the beginning.  Perhaps you never really recover from it.

8. I had a really rotten day today, and I really wanted to bitch about it.  I'm glad I decided to do this instead!

Wednesday Hodgepodge--7/20/11

1. July 20th marks the anniversary of the first time man stood on the moon. Flash forward 42 years to July 8, 2011 which marked the start of the final Space Shuttle mission. Should we continue to explore space? Should nations devote more or fewer of their resources to exploring space? Would you want to go into space if the opportunity arose?
I personally don't feel that we should continue to explore space.  I just think that it is cost prohibitive, and the benefits to be gained don't make up for the cost of continuing the program.  I wouldn't want to go into space.  I get motion sickness far too easily.

2. What are three things in your freezer?
Breast milk, breast milk, and breast milk.  Or did you mean 3 different things?  In that case, breast milk, ice, and chicken wings.

3. If you could see any band/artist perform live tonite who would it be? It has to be someone living...no Beatles, Elvis, etc.
Journey!!  It won't be tonight, but I am going to go see them next month at the amphitheater--can't wait!!

4. Ice-cubed or crushed? Or are you one of those people who don't like ice?
I'm with Katie--I loooove some Sonic ice!  I used to eat ice all the time when I was younger, but I have cut back a little.  It's not particularly good for your teeth.

5. The owner of a small restaurant outside of Pittsburgh recently announced he was banning children under six, saying they regularly disrupted other customer's meals. You can read the story in more detail here but isn't this a perfect topic to discuss in our Wednesday Hodgepodge? Have at it friends...what are your thoughts?
I actually have quite a bit to say about this.  First of all, I have definitely noticed the change in people's attitudes now that I am a new mom, instead of a pregnant woman.  When I was pregnant, people would move out of my way, hold the door--I even had a guy offer to pump my gas one day.

Now that I am a new mom?  Pssshh.  Half the people want to gush over my Little Cupcake and tell me how beautiful she is...the other half look at me like "That kid better not start crying."  Very seldom does anyone hold the door for me, even when I am lugging around my 10-pound baby in her 20-pound car seat.  I even had a guy basically push me out of the way so he could get past me at Kroger this morning.  I have also noticed that people are very impatient when they are behind me in line because it takes me a little longer to get my stuff together than they would like.  

As a parent (and a human being), I realize there are places I shouldn't take my child.  Black tie restaurant?  Not a place for an infant.  By the looks of things, the restaurant in question is not black tie.  It's located on a golf course, so I suppose I would consider it somewhat "upscale."  I would consider it right on the line between kid-friendly and not.  

I think the bigger issue is not the policy that has been set forth by the restaurant, but the fact that people don't seem to have a sense of what is appropriate behavior for their child(ren) in public.  I take issue with that--particularly since I have my own child now.  I can't count the number of times I have looked at her and said "Macy, you will not be acting like that."  Parents are 100% responsible for the behavior of their kids.  I almost approached a woman at Target because of the way her kids were acting.  This lady had 3 children, who looked to be around the ages of maybe 10, 8 and 4--all old enough to understand the word "no."  This woman's youngest child was screeching at the top of his lungs.  He wasn't upset or throwing a fit, he was just periodically screeching, and then giggling about it.  I could hear him from across the store.  What did she do?  She just kept repeating "Now, honey, you need to be quiet."  You can imagine how effective this was.

So, to answer the question, I think the guy did what he had to do.  It sucks that some decent parents have to suffer because of the short-comings of others, but that's how it happens sometimes.

6. What was your first car? How did it come to be yours?
My first car was a 1998 Ford Escort ZX2.  It became mine after I got a job, and paid for it.  My parents helped out a little for the first year I had it, but I paid for most of it.

7. If I had a nickle for every time I cleaned up a bodily fluid, I'd be rich.


8. I'm really not ready to go back to work on Monday...maybe two and a half months was a little too much time off...

Wednesday Hodgepodge--6/1/11

1. Have you ever been to the US capital-Washington DC? If so, what's your favorite site? If not, what would you most like to see on a visit to that city someday in the future? Is it even on your list of places to visit?

I have not been to DC.  It is on my list of things to do while I'm living in Virginia, since it is only a few hours away.  I have heard the traffic there is atrocious, which could be a big reason why I haven't gone yet.  I don't really have one specific thing I would like to see when I finally visit.

2. When did you last attend a wedding? Are there any weddings on your summer calendar? Were you a summer bride? If you're single, is summer the season of your dream wedding?
I had to think a bit on this one.  I'm pretty sure the last wedding I went to was back in 2005, when my parents got married.  I know plenty of people who have gotten married since then, but I haven't been able to make it to any of their weddings.  I do not have any weddings on my summer calendar.  I would actually prefer to get married in the fall, myself.

3. What is your favorite way to eat strawberries?
With Cool Whip on a hot summer day.

4. What is one thing you are especially looking forward to this summer?
Hmmm...well I just finished a *little* project that I have been working on for about nine months now...I am pretty much looking forward to watching all of her Firsts and taking pictures of her in all of her little summer outfits.

5. Do you use/like the self checker at the grocery store?
I am a bit particular about the way my groceries are bagged (never would have imagined, huh?), so I love the self checker.  The baggers at the commissary work for tips.  You would think they would be better at bagging.  However, they frequently bag my groceries in paper without asking me (HATE), and put my raw pork chops right on top of my produce--despite the fact that I organize everything on the belt for them.  The self checker helps me keep my blood pressure down.

6. Share a favorite piece of common sense advice.
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

7. Barefoot, flip flops, tennis shoes, sassy sandals-your first choice for summertime?
Flippy Floppies.  Tidewater Flip Flops, to be exact.  They are foam with cloth straps, so they never leave blisters--EVER.  They are soooo comfortable!

8.  If you noticed that there was no 38 Weeks or Prayer Monday post from me this week, that's because I got a little bit busy with being in labor.  I did make it all the way to 38 Weeks, so I will put up a post with a final belly pic, eventually.  I am actually still in the hospital at the moment.  Macy Jane graced us with her presence on May 30th, at 11:36 am.  She weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces, and was 19.5 inches long.  She is perfect.  I will post about her after I get paroled and get settled at home.  Meanwhile, here is a picture to hold everyone over.

Wednesday Hodgepodge--5/25/11

1. What is something about living in this country that you value?

'This country' is whatever country you call home.
Freedom and Opportunity.  People have to freedom to be as ignorant, closed-minded, liberal, or stupid as they want to...and I have the freedom to publicly tell them they are ignorant, closed-minded, liberal, or stupid.

2. What is a favorite something you own that is red, white, and/or blue?
I'm having a hard time thinking of anything...my dog is white.  He is a favorite something of mine.

3. Do you fly a flag at your house on patriotic holidays?
I live in an apartment, so there really isn't a place to fly a flag.  I do have a pet peeve about people who fly the American flag without observing the rules for displaying it properly.  I love that people want to be patriotic and fly a flag outside their homes.  However, either take the flag down at night, or put a light on it like you're supposed to!

4. What ingredients do you think should be included in a great picnic basket?
Strawberry lemonade, a red and white checked picnic blanket, sandwiches of some sort, ants on a log (celery with peanut butter and raisins), shoe string potatoes, and cookies.

5. What is one interesting piece of trivia you know? Interesting is of course a relative term.
Some sweet Navy trivia:  The USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77) is the only aircraft carrier ever to have its namesake come aboard for a tour.  Every year, former president Bush and his wife, Barbara, visit the ship while it is underway.  He actually has his own state-room on the ship.

6. Wednesday, May 24th is National Escargot day...have you ever tried them? Eww or ooh?
Never tried them, but I doubt I could stomach them.  I have tried oysters, and they pretty much remind me of boogers.  I imagine escargot would have a similar consistency.

7. What is one thing you know for sure?
No one makes it out of this life alive.

8. Yesterday was my first appointment with the doctor who will be delivering Macy.  He said I won't make it to my due date, and he gave me a 50/50 chance that I'll make it to Saturday.  I'm really hoping to make it that long, because my baby shower isn't until Saturday!  I've been trying to avoid labor triggers, and spend as much time on my back as I can.  Let's hope she holds out!

Wednesday Hodgepodge--5/4/11

1. Have you ever been served breakfast in bed? Do you enjoy that? If someone were serving you breakfast in bed this coming weekend what would you hope to see on the tray?
I have never been served breakfast in bed.  I prefer to keep crumbs out of the bed, so I would rather just eat it on the couch, I think.  If someone were to serve me breakfast in bed, I would want some Pillsbury orange sweet rolls, hashbrowns with cheese, turkey sausage, milk, and some 5-Alive juice, I think.

2. What is one piece of advice you would give a new mother?
I got nothin'.  I'm going to be a new mother in a few weeks.  Any advice for me?

3. When was the last time you wanted to scream? Explain.
The last time they bagged my groceries in paper instead of plastic at the commissary.  Seriously, they have done it twice in the last few weeks.  Both times, it absolutely RUINED my entire day.

4. Can you hula hoop?
Right now?  Probably not.  Pre-pregnancy, I could.

5. What is something people do in traffic that really bothers you?
I could write a dissertation about this, but I won't.  We have A LOT of traffic in this area.  All the time.  The biggest thing that bothers me is when people are impatient and feel that they MUST have a more urgent need to get where they are going than all of the other people waiting in traffic.  A couple of months ago, I was waiting to turn left out of my apartment complex.  The intersection behind the complex is pretty busy, and there isn't a light.  In the evenings, it can take a while.  Some guy didn't want to wait behind the other 4 cars to turn left, so he got in the right turn lane, then pulled out to turn left as I was turning left, nearly causing an accident.  I waved a special finger at him.

6. What do you do when people don't admit they're wrong?
If it's a work situation--like someone who works for me did something and they won't just say "yeah, I'm jacked up," and instead they decide to make up an excuse--I'll tell them they're full of shit and I know it. 

If it's a personal disagreement, I'll argue my point, and eventually just drop it if they're really sticking to their guns.  Then I'll bring the issue to my circle of friends and we will mock them behind their back for being so stupid (in some cases).

7. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word 'fun'?
Any activity with someone who makes me laugh.  It doesn't really matter what I'm doing--if I'm laughing, I'm having fun.

8. The rain from the Midwest has finally reached the East Coast...somehow, I don't think it will do quite the same amount of damage out here. I suppose I shouldn't speak too soon, though.

Wednesday Hodgepodge--4/28/11

1. What is something that bothers you if it is not done perfectly?
This is actually kind of a hard question, because there are lots of things I have to do perfectly.  I guess the biggest one I can think of is note-taking in class.  I can't stand it when my notes aren't organized the way I like them.

2. What is one of your best childhood memories?
We used to go on our family vacation to Branson, MO and Springfield, MO every summer.  We went the same places (Silver Dollar City and Fantastic Caverns) and did the same things every year, but it was always fun to get away.  The best part was riding "Fire in the Hole!" over and over with my brother.  "Fire in the Hole!" is an indoor roller coaster.  It is dark, and there are a bunch of fire scenes.  The ride rolls along slowly as you pass the fire scenes, and then you hear someone scream "Fire in the Hole!"  The ride goes down quickly and comes back up.  At the end, you see what looks like an oncoming train, and then you get splashed with water.  It sounds totally cheesy, but it was the only ride that was air conditioned, and there was rarely a line.  We would get off the ride and get right back on.

3. Do you plan to watch the Royal Wedding and when was the last time you wore a hat?
I really have no interest in the Royal Wedding.  I wear a hat to work every time I put on my uniform.  As far as a non-work hat, it has been a long time.

4. Where do you fall in the birth order in your family? Do you think this has influenced your personality?
I'm the oldest child.  I think it has definitely influenced my personality.  I'm very outgoing and independent.  I also made all the mistakes, and I'm the most strong-willed.

5. Where do you think you spend most of your money?
Probably at Target.  I heart Target.  However, I would like to inform them that 15% off does not a clearance make.  Sorry, Target.  Also, their return policy blows.

6. When you need to confront someone would you rather communicate in person, on the phone, by email or by letter? Why?
I think by e-mail.  It gives me a chance to think about what I want to say, and to read over it before I send it.  That way, I don't end up saying anything I don't mean, especially out of anger.  Also, in person, I tend to "chicken out" of saying things that need to be said.

7. Dodge ball, freeze tag, kickball or jump rope? You have to pick one.
I would have to say Dodge Ball.

8.  I am so glad that I decided to participate in the A to Z Blogging Challenge!  It has been really fun, and it has definitely forced me to be more creative than usual.

Wednesday Hodgepodge--4/20/11

1. What are your plans for Easter Day/weekend?
I have to work on Saturday, and I think I'm supposed to have lunch with Chris and Julia on Sunday?  We didn't really finalize any plans yet, so I guess I should find out.

2. Besides Jesus, what one person from The Bible would you most like to meet and why?
I guess I would say Jonah.  I wonder what it was really like inside the belly of that whale.

3. What is one modern day convenience you didn't have as a child that was easy to live without?
We didn't have cable when I was a kid.  I know we griped about it a lot.  Looking back, it was pretty easy to live without.  We played outside instead.

4. Are you more right brained or left brained? If you don't know what that means there is an interesting little quiz here.
Mostly left-brained, which does not surprise me.  I did well in the "sequential" and "linear" areas.  I thrive on organization and lists.  I would guess that most people with OCD are left brained.

5. What is something you intended to do today but didn't? Why?
I was going to clean out and organize the fridge--didn't get to it.  I was also going to do my calc homework, but I was too tired and I took a nap instead.  I am having a really hard time concentrating on school because my grade is high enough that I could probably pass the class without even taking the last test.

6. Cadbury Creme Eggs or Reeses peanut butter?
Cadbury Creme Eggs.  Reese's Peanut butter eggs were someone's favorite, and I don't think I could even bring myself to eat one right now.

7. Who was your favorite cartoon character when you were a child?
I don't really know.  I don't remember watching a lot of cartoons.  My brother and I watched Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.  We fought over who was going to be Michaelangelo because he had nun-chucks.

8.  My dog has been freed from the Cone of Shame.  Thank God for steroids.  He is much happier now.

Wednesday Hodgepodge--4/13/11

1. Would you rather talk to everyone at a crowded party for a short time or have a significant conversation with two people?
I usually tend to stick with a small group.  Most of the time, I end up talking to people I know at parties.  I'm a pretty social person, but I always feel awkward in crowds of people I don't know.

2. What objects do you remember from your parent's living room?
When I was a kid, we had a sectional couch that had recliners at either end.  We also had a sweet console TV.  It had a remote, but only a couple of buttons on the remote worked.  We had a wood-front fireplace, and a big picture window too.  The picture window had regular windows on either side, and I actually pushed my brother through one of those side windows.  Fortunately, we had really thick drapes so he didn't get hurt.  I think we got in quite a bit of trouble for that.  We were actually playing Jerry Springer when I did it, which I suppose I should be embarrassed to admit as an adult.

3. Do you hog the bed? Steal the covers? Snore?
I have a Queen-sized bed, and I sleep in it diagonally.  I sleep that way as a coping mechanism.  I'm not sure how I started sleeping that way, but I got to the point where I couldn't sleep on my side of the bed if I was sleeping alone.  If I wake up on my side, I roll over and expect someone else to be next to me.  It upsets me if I don't find anyone there.  So now I just sleep diagonally, and then I don't expect anyone else to be in the bed when I wake up.  I do sleep with a 20 pound dog who is very good at hogging the bed.  He has actually forced me back onto my side of the bed before.  I don't really know if I snore right now.  I do if I have been drinking.  I'm not sure if I snore since I'm pregnant.  I do not steal the covers.

4. Speaking of Easter dinner....what is your favorite way to cook/eat lamb? Or does just the thought of that make you squeamish? If you're not cooking lamb what will be your entree du jour on Easter Sunday?
I like lamb, but I have never cooked it.  The only way I have ever eaten lamb was in the form of lamb chops from Outback Steakhouse when I used to work there.  I usually associate ham with Easter.  I'm not sure if I will even be cooking this year.

5. Let's throw some politics into this week's mix-oooohhh...Do you know the whereabouts of your birth certificate and when was the last time you had to produce it to prove you're you?
I know exactly where my birth certificate is.  I just sent off for a new copy last year.  I don't remember the last time I needed it to prove I was me...probably when I joined the navy 7 years ago.

6. As a child, how did people describe you?
Talkative is a nice way to put it.  My Mom usually says mouthy.  I was also strong-willed, stubborn, literal, and clever.

7. What do you complain about the most?
Probably my job.  Or maybe Virginia drivers.

8. I really wish I had a nice deck that overlooked a big backyard.  I would sit outside all day.  I am loving this spring weather we are having!!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. National Read a Road Map Day falls on April 5th. Would people say you have a good sense of direction? Do you rely on a GPS when you drive somewhere new? When was the last time you used a map?
I have a terrible sense of direction.  I blame it on the fact that I grew up in a town where streets ran North-South OR East-West.  Streets here do no such thing.  (Fun Tidewater fact: There is a stretch of I-64 that runs backwards.  To go East, you actually get on 64-West.  Check out Mapquest.)  I use my GPS all the time.  I have actually used my GPS to get somewhere I had been before, just because I was coming from a different direction.  I actually do look at maps--on Mapquest.  Sometimes I'm just interested in locations.  I never took Geography.

2. What's your favorite cookbook?
I don't think I have a favorite.  I did recently buy a Nestle dessert cookbook, but I haven't used it yet.

3. What painting would you like to "walk into" and experience? Why?
The Starry Night by Van Gogh.  I know it's totally a trendy painting, but I love it.

4. What annoys you more- misspellings or mispronunciations?
Misspellings.  Seriously, Google Chrome points them out!! You don't even need spell check!  I will admit, I cannot properly use lay and lie.  I have even looked up the usage, and I just don't get it.  I avoid using them, especially in my blog.  I feel like Crys will judge me if I use them incorrectly.  Other than that, the most common usage mistakes grate on my nerves.  Especially apostrophe misuse.

5. What is something your mother or father considered important?
Having life goals--dreams.  One of my Dad's favorite saying is "A man who has no dreams has no future."  Maybe sometimes they take it to the extreme--like wanting to know my plans for 5 years from now (seriously?!).  I do agree that it is important to have goals.

6. Do you like or dislike schedules?
Asking this to a person with OCD it like asking an alcoholic "Do you like or dislike booze?"  I *heart* schedules.  Even if they vary from day-to-day.  I usually plan out my days off--like, I actually write down a list of what I'm going to do with my favorite Sharpie on my pretty notepad..  I also *heart* lists...and Sharpies...and notepads.  It's a sickness, really.

7. Let's have some fun with National Poetry Month (that would be April)...write your own ending to this poem-


"Roses are Red
Violets are blue..."
...yeah I really don't like poetry.  Except The Raven.  I love Poe.

Incidentally if you'd like to read the history behind that little ditty you'll find it here.


8. I just finished Season 1 of Glee...come on Netflix and send me Season 2!!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Sunday was the first day of spring. So they say. Ahem.  What is your favorite outdoor springtime activity?

I like sitting outside on my porch, or walking.  I have been enjoying walking outside lately instead of walking a the mall.

2. Who would you want to come into your kitchen to cook dinner for you?
I would say Chef Anne Burrell if we're talking celebrities, and Casey if we're talking real-life people.

3. When did you last fly a kite?
I have no idea.  I actually think the last time might have been back in like 1998 or 1999.  I remember going to the elementary school up the street and flying a kite sometime around then.

4. What topic puts you to sleep faster than anything?
Politics!  I don't understand politics.  I don't want to understand politics.  I hate politics.

5. Which flowers do you associate with specific people, places, or events?
Peonies remind me of summer time at the house where I grew up, along with purple coneflowers and lilacs.

6. What significant historical events took place during your elementary school days?
The one I specifically remember was Operation Desert Storm.  I remember hearing at school about Sadam Hussein invading Kuwait.  We also had a bumper sticker on the car that said "We Support Desert Storm Troops."  I remember the OJ trial, because I thought it was really silly that his parents named him after orange juice.  The Bill Clinton-Monica Lewinsky scandal happened I think when I was a freshman.  I was a senior in Mr. Murray's Government class during 9/11.

7. Do you swear? Do you pseudo-swear? (You know crap, shoot, friggin'?)
Both.  All the time.  I have no desire to quit, and it makes me a little bit sad that I am going to have to when Macy starts talking.  Maybe that makes me a bad person.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I have the best dog in the world.  He is my little buddy and he keeps me company and comforts me when I am sad.  He is an excellent snuggler, and I am so glad to have him with me right now.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What would you do if you found a pot of gold? Let's pretend this pot of gold is worth exactly $1500 (which would actually be more like a cup of gold at current values). Anyway, let's also pretend you have to spend it as opposed to making a donation someplace.Now tell me what you would do with that cup pot of gold?

I'm going to assume I'm also not allowed to save it or use it to pay bills--YAY!  I can think of plenty of things to do with $1500.

1.  Day at the spa--pedicure, wax, massage, maybe a haircut.  (about $230 with tip)

2.  Trip to Richmond to visit Hobby Lobby for some new scrapbooking toys, and fabric for Macy's nursery.  (Easily $500)
3.  Old Navy for some clothes shopping.  ($200)

4.  Have my 3rd Trimester 3-D Ultrasound.  ($125)

5.  Maternity Pictures ($275)

6.  I could easily spend the remaining $170 on Amazon.com.

2. Do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day in any way, shape, or form?
I LOVE St Patrick's Day.  My birthday is the 16th (today, actually!), so it has always been a good excuse for 2 days of partying.  Also, Baby Daddy is Irish so he likes it a lot.  Usually he cooks corned beef and cabbage for me, and we drink green beer, or Irish Car Bombs, or some other Irish brew.  Last year we bought Harp and had Irish Car Bombs.  Obviously I won't be drinking any of those things this year.  I will actually be going out for my birthday that night with some girlfriends--dinner at Outback.  Yummy!

3. Have you been bitten by the Spring Cleaning bug? What spring cleaning job most needs doing at your house? What spring cleaning job are you most dreading?
I moved a month ago, so I have been unpacking and Spring Cleaning as I go.  Since the apartment is already clean, I don't really have any jobs that need to be done, or any jobs that I am dreading.  Today I cleaned the coffee table, which is one of my least favorite chores.  It is wood with glass panels, and it gets to incredibly dirty.  It looks gorgeous when it's clean, but it is such a pain to clean it!!

4. lime-shamrock-sage-forest...your favorite shade of green?
Bright green--like a Kelly Green or Spring Green.

5. Thomas Jefferson once said, "I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it." So...do you believe in luck or do you believe we make our own luck?
I believe in a little bit of both.  I don't know that it is luck as much as God's hand though.  I think when it comes to big things, we make out own luck.  But for little things like getting an excellent parking spot at Target, I tend to think that is just luck.

6. Monday (3/14) was Pi Day. Get it? Pi =3.14. Those math types are so clever aren't they? Since I'm not one of them tell me what's your favorite piE (the edible kind).
I love cherry pie!  I am also a fan of paper bag apple pie, which my friend Kevin makes.

7. That same date (3/14) happens to be the birthdate of the late physicist Albert Einstein. I bet he knew the value of Pi. So...what do you think is more important and or valuable in life... intelligence or common sense?
I think you have to have some of each.  The problem with most of the really intelligent people I have met is that they completely lack common sense.  But, even if you have all the common sense in the world, you still need some intelligence to do well in life.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I can't believe another year of life is behind me!  My 20s are going by too fast!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. The season of Lent begins on March 9th this year...do you participate and if so, in what way?
I don't participate personally.  Usually, I have to listen to Baby Daddy whine about how he can't eat meat on Fridays.  Also, he usually gives up something ridiculous, (like chocolate?!?) and he whines about that too.  Then we make way too much food on Easter and just gorge ourselves on it.   But not this year.  It's kind of sad, actually.

2. Traditionally pancakes are eaten on the day known as Shrove Tuesday which is the last day before Lent (March 8th this year). So....butter and syrup? Blueberry? Chocolate chip? ewww, no thanks!! What's your pleasure when it comes to eating pancakes?

If I'm eating them at home, chocolate chip.  I have mastered the art of making excellent chocolate chip pancakes.  Also, I don't put syrup on them.  I'm also a fan of Cracker Barrel's Maine Wild Blueberry pancakes (with the blueberries in the batter), and IHOP's Cinn-a-stack pancakes.  I'm hungry now.

3. Spring is coming. (It is coming, right?) What's your favorite springtime flower and do you suffer from seasonal allergies? Two questions I know, but they're lightweights.

I guess I would have to say lilacs, which might actually be a summer flower, now that I think about it.  I love the way they make it smell outside.  I never suffered from seasonal allergies until I moved to Virginia.  I grew up in the mid-west, and then I lived in South Carolina for 4 years.  According to the vet, this area is the second worst area for environmental allergens--oh, my dog has seasonal allergies, too.  That's why I got the info from the vet.  I had just paid him $200 for an allergy test.

4. "Our opinion of people depends less upon what we see in them than upon what they make us see in ourselves." Author unknown. Agree or Disagree? Why?

I guess I would agree.  I'm kind of having a brain fart about what to say in response to this one.  I can't really think of any examples.  

5. Since it's "March" and also the season of Mardi Gras....have you ever been in a parade? What's the best parade you've seen?

I've never really been big on parades.  I remember watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade a few times as a kid.  I can't really think of a specific parade that was "the best."

6. You would jump up and down and shout for joy right now if someone told you___________?

Baby Daddy is coming home and he doesn't have to go back until this deployment is over!!

7. How clean is your car on the outside? Inside? Is there junk in your trunk?

My car is silver, so it stays pretty clean.  I used to have a black car, and I learned my lesson.  Especially when I go home to the land of dirt and gravel roads.  Inside my car is still clean because it is new.  Also, Spencer has never been in it, so there is no dog hair.  I don't actually have a trunk, but there is nothing in the back of the car--again, it's new. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I love this time of year.  Not just because Spring is on the way and it is about to warm up.  Also, because 1) It is Girl Scout Cookie season, and 2) Cadbury Cream Eggs!!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. March 2nd is Dr. Seuss's birthday so I'm wondering...do you like green eggs and ham? Okay-how about this instead...how do you like your eggs? Or don't you?
It depends.  If I'm at a restaurant, I order scrambled with cheese.  I can't handle runny eggs.  I don't know what it is, but runny eggs completely gross me out.  I like my eggs over hard, but I have had a few bad experiences where I have ordered over hard, and when I cut into the egg, it runs all over the plate.  Now I save myself the ick factor and order scrambled.

2. Is March coming in like a lion or something less ferocious where you live?

It's funny that this is a question.  I was actually thinking this morning that the wind has been roaring lately.  We have definitely been having ferocious weather here for about the past week.

3. Do you work better or worse under pressure?

I'm going to go with better.  I don't know if that is actually true, or if I have procrastinated so much in my life that I have no idea what it is like not to work under pressure.

4. March Madness-are you a fan? It's college basketball in case you're wondering. And if you're outside the USA tell us-is there any sort of 'madness' taking place during March in your part of the world?

I can't stand basketball of any variety.  I don't know why.  I hate watching it, I hate hearing about it, and I really hate when it cuts off part of one of the shows in my DVR.

5. Under what circumstances do you do your best thinking?

For organizational-type thinking, I like to be sitting down with some paper and a pen in front of me.  Preferably, a pretty notepad and a fine-point pen.  For problem-solving, I do a lot of thinking while I am exercising.  That is the time when I think through and figure out how I am going to handle my problems.

6. What item of clothing from your wardrobe do you wear most often?

Right now sweat pants or yoga pants with t-shirts.  When I'm not pregnant, jeans and t-shirts with hoodies.  I don't really do much dressing up.  I wear a uniform to work, so when I get home it seems pointless to put on "something nice."

7. Do you use sarcasm?

Like it's a second language.  

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Tomorrow my baby sister will be old enough to buy herself booze.  I'm really getting old.  But I have decided that I am going to stay 26 until I turn 30.  That's what Baby Daddy did, and it seemed to work out pretty well for him--seriously, he had been saying he was 26 since he was 26...until he turned 30 three months ago.  

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Did you know there is a National Day of pretty much everything in the universe? February 23 happens to be National Inconvenience Yourself Day...when was the last time you were inconvenienced?
This morning, when I had to drive 20 miles one-way to the doctor, for them to tell me "Everything is good.  See you in a month."  Literally, about 5 minutes in the exam room.  I love hearing Macy on the doppler, but I can feel her moving.  I know she is fine, and I don't need to make a 40-mile trip for reassurance.

2. When a room in your house needs painting who does the job?

I am currently an apartment dweller.  The last time I lived somewhere that I was able to paint, I did most of the painting.  Baby Daddy helped with a couple of rooms, but I am far too messy for him and I drive him nuts--and I'm the one who has OCD.  I think when we move back into a house, he will probably be doing most of the painting.  I'll offer to help, but he will end up getting irritated that I'm not doing it right and just finish it himself.  Darn!

3. Are you friends with your cousins?

Not really.  My brother and I have 2 cousins who are the same age as we are.  They used to come stay with us for a couple weeks in the summer, but honestly I haven't seen either one of them for close to 10 years, probably.  I have 6 other cousins on that side of the family, but the oldest one is 17, so we don't exactly have a lot in common.  There are some more cousins on the other side, but I've only met them once or twice.

4. Do you use an alarm clock? If yes-is it an actual alarm, music, or something else?

I use several alarm clocks.  I am a Snooze-er, and it requires more than one alarm clock to make sure I get up in the morning.  Usually I have the alarm on my phone--which blares and obnoxious beeping tone--and then a regular alarm clock that beeps.  I still usually Snooze for at least 30 minutes in the morning.

5. What do you put ketchup on?

Tater tots, hamburgers, sometimes fries.

6. What smells make you nostalgic?

The smell right before or after it rains.  Or the smell of "summer."  Also, fake pine scent at Christmas time.

7. Have you heard about the high school English teacher recently suspended as a result of some things she wrote in her personal blog? You can read the story here but in a nutshell she vented a lot of frustration onto her blog. She didn't mention individual students by name but she did make some harsh comments about kids in general and their parents.

What are your thoughts-If you're a parent is your child's teacher online and are you 'friend' or 'follower' there? If you're a teacher are you on facebook and do you accept or friend students on fb? How about their parents? If you're a student are you friends with your current or former teachers online? Do any of them have blogs you read? If you're a teacher or a parent do you ever use your blog as a place to vent your frustrations with our educational system? So much to discuss...

I am neither a parent, student, nor teacher.  I do feel that teachers are a sort of "public figure," and they are held to a higher standard by the community in general.  Of course I feel that teachers are entitled to private lives--private.  Meaning, if she didn't want to deal with backlash from the community, she should have made the blog private.  I understand the need to vent.  I do it here myself.  But use a little discretion.  

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I just want to thank all of my friends who remembered me on Prayer Monday.  I wanted to participate, but I just wasn't able to.  It was a hard day, and I am very thankful for all of the thoughts and prayers.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Your favorite chocolate treat?

I pretty much like it all.  The Chocolate Extreme Blizzard is pretty high up there.  It would be my favorite chocolate ice cream treat.  My favorite candy would have to be Hershey's Kisses if we're talking milk chocolate.  As far as dark chocolate is concerned, I love Ghirardelli Espresso Escape chocolate squares, which are really hard to find, and not advised for use by pregnant women.  Delicious, though.

2. What more than anything else makes you feel loved?

When someone buys something or even sends me a picture of something just because it made them think of me.  It doesn't have to be anything expensive, just something they know I would like--like the picture I got yesterday from Julia of the See's Candy display.

3. Cherries or blueberries?

Cherries--fresh bing cherries in the summer time.

4. What is the one trait you most want the leader of your country to posess?

I hate politics, honestly.  Is conservative-ism a trait?  Because I definitely want them to be conservative.

5. Are you a saver or a spender?

I try and try to be a saver--I really do.  But I'm not.  I'm absolutely a spender.  I will say that I am better at saving money when it comes in a large chunk--like a tax return or bonus.  I will usually have plans for every dollar of it before it hits my bank account, and I tend to save a lot of it.  My paychecks are another story.

6. If you gave a party for all of your friends would they already know each other?

No way.  In the past 10 years, I have lived in five different states (KS, IL, MO, SC, VA), and nine different residences, and I have been attached to six different duty stations.  It's impossible for them all to know each other.  But they would probably all get along, and they would have a great time at the party.

7. Are you interested in antiques?

The concept of antiquing and restoring old pieces is interesting to me, but I wouldn't even know where to start, or where I would find the time.  I would prefer to have antiques passed down to me from my family than to go hunt them down myself.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I'll use this space to promote a good cause.  My good friends Chris and Julia are in the process of adopting a 7-year old girl from Eastern Europe, who has craniofacial dystosis .  If you have the time, please check out their blog.  What they're doing is pretty amazing, and I'm hoping to raise a little awareness for them.  

Because of my love for bleu cheese...

...I have decided to start doing the Wednesday Hodgepodge at From this side of the Pond.


1. What is more important-doing what you love or loving what you do?
I don't know that one is more important than the other, but I do think you have to do one if you can't do the other.  For instance, I hate what I do, but whenever I'm not at my job, I do what I love.  That's how I stay sane.


2. Do you like bleu cheese?
I have been drooling since I read this question!!  I know when some women are pregnant, they miss booze or caffeine or being able to see their toes, or sushi.  I MISS EATING BLEU CHEESE.  I can't even have wings from my favorite wing place because the thought of going in there and not having any of their delicious fresh-made bleu cheese just kills me!


3. What is the most difficult emotion for you to handle?
Sorrow.  I'm the type of person who has "flashbacks" to the event, which just starts the process over again.  There is always a lot of sobbing and blubbering, and eventually I end up having trouble breathing or heaving until I feel like I'm going to throw up.  It's not pretty.  


4. Fresh flowers or a box of chocolate?
I'm not big on boxed chocolates (unless they are from See's Candy, which is really hard to find on the East Coast), so I would have to say fresh flowers.  Especially if they are purple roses.


5. What's a song you love that has the word 'love' in its title? It doesn't have to be a 'love song'.
"I Love Your Love the Most" --Eric Church


6. Are you the person you wanted to be when you grew up?
Absolutely NOT.  I think that is the hardest part about growing up--realizing that life never turns out the way you thought it would, or the way you wanted it to, and that it's OK.  Honestly, it's something I have only come to accept over the last few months, and I am 26 years old.  My life is not a fairy tale.  I never imagined I would be unmarried and pregnant, or that I would have a job that I absolutely loathe, but here I am.  Somehow, despite all that, my life still has meaning; my life is still fulfilling.  It's hard to accept that everything will be fine even though you strayed so far from the path you (and society) intended.


7. Any special Valentine's Day plans?
Well Daddy is going to stand duty, and I am going to be unpacking the new apartment, or cleaning the old one.  Truthfully, I don't really like Valentine's Day.  I know only single girls are supposed to feel that way, but I just don't understand the big deal.  I do like that I will get flowers.


8. Insert your own random thought here.
I'm so excited about getting my tax return so I can go on a baby shopping spree!!