Random Dozen -- the Wednesday meme

I know it's Tuesday night, but I'll be on the road all day tomorrow -- so here is this week's Random Dozen, thanks once again to Lid over at 2nd Cup of Coffee.


1. Candy corn: Your thoughts?

Candy Corn is something I never think about. Nor do I eat it. Nasty stuff.

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.)

My first conversation with Tim was not in person – it was over email. I really don’t remember, but I think it was just a general getting-to-know-you kind of conversation. (I was not interested in Tim until a full year after we had first met, so the initial getting acquainted period isn’t etched in my memory, I’m afraid. He’s okay with that because in the end, he got the girl.)

3. Could you ever become a vegetarian?

Emphatically, NO.

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

See #3.
That said, my niece has dressed up our dog a time or two. Hank is very patient, and he looks kind of cute with nail polish on his claws.

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).

Tangible things? I miss the smaller sized candy bars that you paid 5 cents for (for which you paid 5 cents). Intangible things? I miss the sense of trust that people used to have of one another and the standard of trustworthiness that used to be the norm in our society.

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

I don’t recall ever winning a trophy. I’m not athletic, so I would not have been on any sports teams or in any competitions. I think I won the Silver Badge for Physical Fitness one year, but that’s about it. As for what I deserve? I think I deserve a trophy for putting up with people who are either habitually late or simply don't show up to a function. It seems to be an epidemic in our part of the country – maybe it’s something in the water.

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

In October, as soon as there’s a nip in the air and the trees and bushes are starting to die off.

8. What's your favorite board game?

Cranium, I guess. I’m not very much into board games, I’m afraid. But I do find Cranium to be pretty fun.

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

It depends on the circumstances. If someone throws me a surprise party or some other pleasant activity that is designed to make me (or someone I love) happy, then I enjoy surprises. If someone is just playing a prank for their own amusement and the situation gets in my way, then I’m probably going to let them have it with both barrels. And if it’s the kind of surprise where my husband says, “Oh, didn’t I tell you…?” three minutes before we have to be somewhere or, worse yet, at a family party where everyone else already knows whatever it was he didn’t tell me….. then murder is on the table.

10. Is it easy for you to say, "I'm sorry?"

For the most part, yes, although there are one or two people in this world that I’d probably choke before I’d say I’m sorry. Not very Christian, I know, and I AM working on it.


11. What is your favorite candle scent?

Eucalyptus. I love how it cleans the air and smells so fresh.

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?

Snacks: 1) Black Bean Salsa with Tortilla Chips; 2) a cheese tray with crackers; 3) candy in a dish; 4) a selection of beverages.
Items for show: scrapbook pages and homemade cards, plus I’d definitely sing them a song.