Random Dozen -- the Wednesday meme

1. How good are you at delaying gratification? It depends on what it is. If it’s some kind of personal communication (such as email), I’m lousy at waiting and I want to get to it RIGHT NOW. If it’s a gift or something fun, I’m very good at delayed gratification.

2. Maybe a marshmallow wouldn't be too difficult a temptation for you. What food (or anything else) would be most tempting? Oooooh, there are too many to choose. Probably anything with warm, gooey melted cheese that would be cooling off if I let it sit there any longer.

3. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being saintly) how patient are you? Once again, it depends. On a good day, I’m as patient as the day is long. On a bad, menopausal hormonal day, I have the patience of a starving nit.

4. Have you ever waited for something in life only to be disappointed upon realization of the goal/object/etc.? I don't think that has happened since I was a kid. When I was about 9 or so I wanted a particular toy for Christmas -- and I'd looked forward to it for months -- only to be disappointed when I got it because it really wasn't that much fun to play with.

5. Are you a person who takes shortcuts? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Depends on the circumstances. If the shortcut is as effective, I'd probably take it. If not, then I do the whole thing.

6. Which line is hardest to wait in? The regular checkout line is harder than the express.

7. Did you wait to discover the gender of your unborn child until its birth? I already knew she was a girl by the time she’d been assigned to us (my daughter is adopted).

8. Are you more patient with children or the elderly? Elderly.

9. Did you ever sneak a peek at a present? When I was a teenager, I sneaked a look at the Christmas presents that my mother had wrapped only in tissue paper, which meant you could see the present through the paper if you pushed down on it. I ended up feeling let down on Christmas morning since I already knew what was under the tree and there were no surprises. I never did it again.

10. What is the longest you've ever waited for anything? I waited 7 years to move in with my husband after we got married (long story of a blended family, dual careers, and living 2000 miles apart when we married).

11. Who has more patience, you or your significant other? He does, hands down.

12. Which of the following songs about waiting is your pick for the best? (OK, you may substitute another, if you like.)
A) Anticipation by Carly Simon
B) The Waiting by Tom Petty
C) Right Here Waiting for You by Richard Marx
D) Wait for Me by Rebecca St. James

The Waiting by Tom Petty, because there’s a slightly monotonous effect to the song – and waiting can be, at times, monotonous.

And that's it for this week!

- Catherine

Thanks to Lid at 2nd Cup of Coffee for hosting this weekly meme. If you'd like to play along, you can link up at her blog, too.