Random Dozen

1. What is your favorite Mexican dish?

Dees one iz pretty nice, yes?

2. When you were a kid, did you get started on your homework right away after school, or did you procrastinate?

Oh, right away...yes, I got right on that ten page paper and um, oh those 42 Geometry proofs- on it! Right away. Yep. Pronto. Done. I got 'er done. (can I uncross my fingers now?)

3. What is your favorite store for home furnishings?

Actually, my favorite place to shop for home furnishings is in other peoples' garages. I live in the garage sale capital of the world.

4. When you were young, did you like school lunches?

Yes. I ate all of mine and my friends' leftovers. (so far that is peoples-ez and friends-ez)

5. Is religion a crutch?

Well crutches are needed for the broken. Crutches allow you to stand, when you'd otherwise fall. I guess this describes the Jesus I know. But like my new favorite music artist, Jason Gray, says in my new favorite song, More Like Falling in Love: "...all religion ever made of me was a sinner with a stone tied to my feet...it never set me free." And now I'll repeat what I wrote last Wednesday- "It's gotta be more like fallin' in love...than something to believe in...More like losing my heart...than giving my allegiance."

This is what I have discovered anyway.

6. In your region, what is the "big" (most popular in the community or state) high school sport?

Blogging. I need to expand my region.

7. Do you consider yourself rich?

Yes I do. Not because of money, but because of salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone and everything that comes with it.

8. Which of these would you have the best chance for success in administering:

A) CPR

B) Heimlich Maneuver

C) Changing a flat tire

Success is the stumper here. Success would mean that the fella would start breathing again or the chicken bone would fly out of the throat or that I'd actually be able to find a jack. I'd have the most success flagging down a Jack and talking him into changing my tire. Is that good enough?

9. Which dance would you prefer to learn & why:

A) Salsa

B) Hip Hop

C) Waltz

D) Swing

I could learn any of these if I had the right partner, ya know what I mean?

No ten for me today.

11. Name something you learned in college that had nothing to do with classes or academics.

Professors are people too. Pretty nice folks, at that.

12. New variation on an old question: If there's a song in your head that just won't get out, what is your favorite (or most repeated) line in that song?

"It was love that made me a believer- in more than a name, a faith, a creed. Falling in love with Jesus brought the change in me....It ought to be more like falling in love.....love....love..."

How to Keep My Mind off How much I'm Gonna Miss Fash- idea #1

Julie Powell blogged her way through Julia Childs' recipes in an effort to set a reachable goal and to give herself an outlet from her depressing day job, which landed her a movie deal. Marisa, over at New Dress A Day, inspired by Julie and in a rut herself, is blogging about her project of turning 365 ugly flea market dresses into 365 new outfits on $365. With 97 days and $98 left to go, this chica is churning out a re-worked wardrobe that is inspiring hundreds of readers and attracting media attention nationwide. She's considering auctioning the dresses off and donating the money to charity.

So, I've been thinking...

Here I am at this end of an era, embarking on a brand new journey into the unknown- life without kids in the house. Boy, oh boy, am I gonna miss my Fashionista.

Lord knows my 1977 goals remain largely unmet.

From my diary, June 15, 1977:

Perhaps it's time to follow the leads of Julie and Marisa and battle the blues with a new set of goals- blog style.

But what goals?

My super together sisters-in-law and some pretty, cool bloggers and my neighbors and friends and almost all people in the world- run.

5k's, 10k's, marathons....I've often wondered what all the running is about. My knobby kneed legs do a chopsticks trying to pick up the chicken dance when I try to run. At last attempt, I could barely make it to the mailbox before doubling over and sucking in and out searching for oxygen somewhere in the universe. Maybe I didn't have the right shoes. Running does seem to require lots of special gear. But that just seems ridiculous to me. Why can't a person run in regular tennis shoes with, you know, just everyday socks- like this:

(I love socks!)

Which leads me to my latest goal and blues battling idea:

Run past 365 mailboxes in 365 different pairs of socks, glean and share 365 words of wisdom- one each day for 365 days.

Yeah. Each day I will run past one more mailbox, beginning with my own, until I have run past 365 different, consecutive mailboxes in my neighborhood, while wearing a different pair of everyday socks each day. And maybe on my runs I'll discover a new bug or how to install a windmill to power up your home and then I'll come back here and share those bits of knowledge on the blog.

Maybe if I can run, you can run too. Maybe we'll all run a 5 or even 10k after this! Maybe we'll figure out why our future is blowing in the wind. Maybe I'll meet the mailman; I mean that in the most appropriate, hi neighbor, sort of way. And maybe, just maybe, this will inspire a socks for the world crusade- kind of like Toms- you buy a $55 pair of socks and one pair of socks is donated to someone who doesn't have socks.

Yes, that should help me get my mind off the goodby girl and her new four hours away college dorm home.



But after I run past the mailboxes, how will I get back home? Uh... "Taxi!"

Another Sleepless Night and Thankful

When Fashionista's work shift began at 7 p.m., I knew not to expect her home too early. After all, the Mostly Strapless and See-Through Teensy Clothing Shop where she works closes at 9 p.m. on Wednesdays. She'd been employed for a special cleaning assignment; inspectors were arriving on Thursday. But when it got to be 2:15 a.m., the butterflies in my stomach were in full flight.

I texted her "Where r u?" No reply. I sat on the porch swing. No headlights came swinging around the corner. None.

At 3:30 a.m. I woke I.T.. "Fash isn't home," I said. "Okay," he snored.

Okay nothing. At 4:00 a.m. I texted her "It's 4am. What on earth! I'm frantic! CALL ME!" But I know she isn't allowed to have her phone on while working. There was no reply.

Now words like kidnapped were playing in my mind...

I phoned mall security, "My daughter has never been this late before, can you check the parking lot!? She works at the Mostly Strapless and See-Through Teensy Clothing Shop?! IS ANYONE THERE?!?!?!"

I hoped the guy on the other end of the line had a gun and was ready and eager to dispatch "calling all cars","Where does she usually park, ma'am. Oh. The Mostly Strapless and See-Through Teensy Clothing Shop? Yes ma'am, they are still working in there?"

At 6 AM, for crying out loud, my cell phone rang, "Sorry mom, we're rearranging the entire store. Mom...mom...sorry... I'm sorry, mom. It takes a long time. Done? I dunno. The store opens at 10 a.m., I guess we'll be done by then...."

Good grief. I'm thankful she is safe. I hope she gets home soon, I haven't slept yet.

At the end of the day, or in the middle of the night, absolutely, beyond a shadow of a doubt, I know that I know that I know that I know- that God is in control. He brought the entire world into being and he does what he does without consulting me (thank goodness). I trust him. I do. And I hope and believe that come what may, I will keep on trusting him for better or worse; that is what faith requires. I am persuaded that his love for me is far greater than my comprehension. I know he is for me and not against me, because the Bible tells me so. And I know that one day we will meet face to face (and maybe I will ask him a million questions or maybe I won't feel the need to anymore).

In the meantime...

I will call mall security, phone the National Guard and get the information security specialists from as far away as San Diego up here, if I must- to bring that Fashionista safely home!

Sometimes being a mother means a long third shift.

More Thankful Thursday posts at Greg's General Store.

Random Dozen- it's Baaack!

2nd Cup Lidna is back with her Random Dozen getting to know you donut party. Click her name above to link for more.

1. What is your favorite fair/carnival food?

I posted my Ruby Tuesday late, it was almost Wednesday. But if you scroll down to it, you'll see the answer to this one there...Pronto Pups- darn good wieners for 63 years!

2. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?

Did Hurley find the DHARMA van, Lid? Come on...

YES! YES! I NEED to let GO of my FEAR of being without kids in the house! Be still my racing heart....be still....Okay, is there anyone out there who does not know: My youngest child and only daughter is leaving- yes LEAVING in 8 (eight) 1,2,3,4,5,6,7...."8 8 8- How Many is 8?!?!" think Sesame Street tune there... DAYS and I am trying as hard as I possibly can to dance through my life like the Flashdance queen and pretend this is not the sad end of an era I loved, loved, loved!! Thanks though, to every encouraging word y'all have given me (I picked up the y'all from my friends Skoots1Mom and Robin- they live in the south- we don't actually say y'all up here).

3. What is your favorite gift to receive?

Time. Just give me more time and I can get er done.

4. When was the last time you tried something new?

I tried to spin on my head to the Flashdance soundtrack last night, as I was dancing through my life. Ow! (can't turn my neck now...)

5. What is your favorite and least favorite book genre? Memoir, Mystery, Political Intrigue, Romance, Humor, Historical Fiction, Historical nonfiction, Chick Lit, Self-Help, Other

I have to push myself to read Christian fiction. Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes was okay, but I think that's because Lid and Robin and Scoots1Mom and many other bloggers had actually held it in their hands and written in it. Reading that particular copy was like being part of something really big in the world- like showing the prize chicken at the World's Fair.

Andy Andrews is a favorite Christian fiction author and Francine Rivers- though these two are very, very different.

I devour Christian non-fiction.

I can not read blood and guts or scary or worst nightmare type stuff- ever. Couldn't read The Shack or Lovely Bones.

Love historical fiction. Couldn't get enough of this genre when home educating the kids-read many excellent titles out loud for our study of history.

6.Silver or Gold?

"Make new friends, but keep the oh-old- one is silver and the other gold." I need some new real time silver to keep me dancing through my life during this extreme shuffle ball change (an analogy from tap dance classes of yore to describe this final college send-off followed by emotional breakdown calamity), which is why I am probably going to join a tap dance class for over 40s and a book club and a small group and a large group and an aquatic dance team and the save the whales foundation and.....

But I do love my golden oldies! Let's get together soon!!

7. What makes you sigh?

Seriously, Lid? We all know the answer to this one....if I mention it again someone is going to smack me...*sigh*

8. If you didn't know how old you are, how old would you claim you are?

My friend from high school, Matt, tells me I can be any age I want to be. I think that's really great. Last week I chose 29.

9. Would you break a law to save a loved one? To protect a loved one?

You know this song by Jason Gray?

"Give me rules, I will break them...give me lines, I will cross them. I need more than a truth to believe. I need a truth that lives, moves and breathes...to sweep me off my feet.

It oughta be more like falling in love...than something to believe in...more like losing my heart than giving my allegiance. Called up, called out..Come take a look at me now..it's like I'm falling..

oh, it's like I'm falling in love....cause all religion ever made of me was a sinner with a stone tied to my feet...It never set me free.

It was love that made me a believer...in more than a name, a faith, a creed...Fallin' in love with Jesus brought the change in me."

Well, it seems like a good time to tell you that this has been my theme song for a couple of weeks now. If I've heard it once on the radio, I've heard it a hundred times, but one day last week I really listened (a feat for me) to the words and I thought, you know what- that's it- that is the key and it is my story.

And it is what I am doing more and more. I am falling in love with Jesus Christ- the person, his character, his behavior, his unconditional love for me...falling in love with the Truth....and it is what is setting me free. Free. FREE!

There is nothing better and nothing I would rather have in this world than the freedom that comes only by falling in love with Jesus Christ.

It is what is going to get me through the pain of the loss of the era of motherhood, as I've known it.

And it is what is going to usher me on to the next stage of life and keep me dancing- forever.

10. If you had to teach something, what would it be?

Answer to #9.

11. You're having lunch with 3 people whom you respect and admire. They begin to criticize a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. What do you do?

Prepare for major surgery- the removal of a log from an eye.

12. Which of the 5 Love Languages is your prominent means of experiencing love?

Quality Time

Physical Touch

Acts of Service

Gifts

Words of Affirmation

Just gimme the words, baby, and tell me how great I art.....I'm trying to get over it, it's a long and winding road.

Ruby Tuesday

Ten days until Fash leaves for the four hours away college. I'm trying to savor every moment with her. Today we went with our friend and neighbor, Amy, to the beach. I found a few rubies for Ruby Tuesday, hosted by Mary the Teach at Work of the Poet. I found out about Ruby Tuesday from Jientje at Heaven is in Belgium, but it is actually Mary's meme- more rubies at her blog.

Walked out on the pier...

Fash and Amy with Big Ben...

Red flag means swim at your own risk. To me this means too windy, big waves, strong rip current beneath, don't swim...

But wind is good for kite flying...

What is hiding under the sand...

Hi!

As you near the eateries and shops, you find bowls of water on the boardwalk that shop owners have placed there to quench the thirst of visiting dogs...

These next dogs are stuck on a stick, dipped in batter and fried before your very eyes, then painted one side with ketchup and one side with mustard, all for $1.75. And gosh they taste so good...

One for Fash, ketchup side out, two for Amy, mustard side out...

Don't look at the next picture if you are easily offended. Really. Just skip ahead...

We didn't buy the t-shirt, but really- people have been eating these pups for 63 years?!

A redhead on a red bench- and Fash...

Sorry. Couldn't resist...


Maybe that's the one you shoulda skipped.

Write Now! and Etsy!

Sure would like to write on my blog! Sheesh...

If it isn't time to work, it's time to cook dinner. If it isn't time to cook, it's time to shop for the dorm room. If it isn't time to shop for the dorm room, it's time to spend with I.T. , if it isn't time to spend with I.T., it's time to clean the bathroom. If it isn't time to clean the bathroom, it's time to check the e-mail....

But when oh when will it be time to write on my blog?

Anyway. I've been reading your blogs and looking at your pictures and been very encouraged and entertained.

I have only a minute at the moment, so I will tell you this:

My son, Outside-the-Box, has a fabulous girlfriend, whom I love and she has a fabulous Etsy store- it's new! See the button to the right, in my sidebar, at the top- that's it! Check it out and order a homemade gift from Analisa today! You'll for sure be feelin' the love she sewed in with every stitch, if you do.

Now, it's time to clean the bathroom- company coming for burgers and a swim.

Here they are- the happy duo. I love and adore these kids.

Over 40- Where's that Fountain?

I was just reading posts over at Never Growing Old and am hoping to find the fountain of youth Java's been drinking from. That body would be nice, but my mind is in particular need of a swig.

Thursday night I got home from the bookstore at 10 p.m. It was dark except for a light shining in the back yard. I pulled some laundry from the dryer and headed for our bedroom closet. I felt around- couldn't find the lamp switch, but in the blackness my eyes saw a head sticking out from beneath the covers of our bed. This made me flinch and gasp, as my mind reasoned, "If I.T. is in the back yard, who is in our bed!?" And thanks to watching Friday the 13th every other weekend back in junior high, it occurred to me that this person could be dead!

For a split second I thought maybe I.T. was trying to trick me, so I called out at the head with a tinge of anger, "Are YOU in bed?!!?" Immediately I felt bad because of course it had to be I.T. in our bed. And now I'd gone and shouted at him and woken him up...

My fingers found the switch and the light snapped on revealing one corner of a pillow covered with a burgundy case peeking out from between three others in ivory pillowcases. In the dark this looks exactly like a dead head!

The incident reminded me of this bumper sticker I saw recently: I feel myself getting dumber just listening to you. In my case, it's me listening to myself that is making me dumber. Or crazy at the very least.

Earlier today I was driving behind a car displaying this sticker:

Honk if parts fall off.

I hope I find the fountain before I need to stick that one on the back of my shirt.

And where was I.T. in all of this?

In the back yard.