Have I Entered an Alternate Reality??

While, yes, it may seem like an alternate reality, it's really just me having time to post two days in a row.

Actually, it's Random Dozen Day, back again like a breath of fresh, creative air. Back again like those 10 pounds of baby weight around my middle. (Maybe not quite like that last one. I actually enjoy the R12.)



1. When was the last time you laughed until you cried?
Don't remember. Lately, dealing with postpartum depression has been more "cry till you laugh." But it is much better now than at first.

2. If you found $10 today, what would you do with it?
Buy lots of Pepsi.

3. Do you volunteer anywhere?
No, but I'm hoping to be able to help out @ my school this year. We'll see if that works out.

4. What is your favorite summertime veggie or fruit, and how do you eat it?
STRAWBERRIES. I love them just about any way I can get them -- fresh out of our garden, sliced, over ice cream, slightly sugared for juiciness is my favorite, I think.

5. Is your social sphere (circle of friends) small, medium or large?
Fairly small. What I lack in friends I make up for with family, of which I have an abundance in the immediate area. I'm not sure if this is good or bad, since I hear a lot about women and how crucial their girlfriend relationships to them. I really feel like I'm on the outside looking in on that matter.

6. When was the last time you attended a family or school reunion? How did that go?
Stephen's family had an unofficial reunion last week, and it was great. The things we did aren't always how I would have planned my free and/or vacation time, but it was with people I love.

7. When you're feeling blue, what is the best way someone can cheer you up?
Hmmm...

Pepsi. See #2.

8. Have you taken a vacation this summer?
Yup. Grand Haven, MI. See also #6.

9. What is the most unnecessary item you carry with you all the time?
My nail clippers. But when I DO need them, it's usually fabric-snagging kind of urgent.

10. What is the best summer flick you have seen so far?
Well, of the whoppin' two I have as choices, Toy Story 3 wins. It's got sentimental value as TS2 was the first date movie, and TS3 was the last official date night before Joshua was born.

11. Describe a perfect summer day.
It would be not hot. Probably in Ireland or something, because their idea of a heat wave is 80 degrees. Maybe Alaska.

12. Please a share a favorite photo from the summer so far!
Will post asap.

So Proud

Today Katy and I had a dentist appointment, so she stayed home with me while Caleb went to school. We spent some time doing some cleaning and laundry, and Katy was excited to be my helper. (I know, I know. Enjoy while it lasts!) The best moment of the day was after I told her how glad I was to have such a good helper. She walked up to me and said, "What can I do next?" I was so impressed I stopped what I was doing and gave her a big hug. Such a wonderful moment, and I want to record it here.

Also, while I'm actually blogging for once, I'd best take a crack at the Random Dozen.



1. Are you pleasant when you're ill, or are you a grumpy, fussy patient?
While I would not say pleasant, fussy doesn't fit either. If I'm really sick, I just want to be withdrawn and free of responsibility.

2. When you find out that school is canceled (due to inclement weather) what is your gut reaction?
"Sweet mother of pearl! Another day off!"

3. What is one domestic skill you wish you could improve?
Desire and ability to cook.

4. Do you decorate your home for Valentine's Day?
No, because it would clash with the Christmas decorations. Yeah, that's right. I said Christmas decorations. Don't judge. :)

5. What song is on your mind today?
The Wonderpets theme song. Very sad.

6. Do you prefer contemporary movies or classic?
I like movies. Pretty much all of them if the content is clean.

7. How well do you "compartmentalize" your feelings? For example, how well can you put aside a really trying moment to deal with the immediate situation which is not related to the trying moment, e.g., putting aside a tiff with your spouse in order to finish wallpapering a room.
Well, I don't know exactly. I'd rather deal with the feelings right away, I suppose. Mine tend to get more intense if they're ignored.

8. What is the first thing that attracted you to your spouse? (Or if you're single, to your best friend.)
Frequent smiling, which happened to show off his dimples. Sigh.

9. When was the last time your heart raced?
It always starts pounding away as my doctor searches for the baby's heartbeat at each appointment. This will, I'm sure, lessen as I'm feeling him move more and more, but it always makes me catch my breath.

Oh yeah. We're having a baby boy. :)



10. What are your memories of Valentine's Day at school?
I liked addressing all the cards and envelopes, delivering them... Candy was also appreciated.

11. If you were going to receive candy for Valentine's Day, which would you prefer?
Heart-shaped Peppermint Patties

12. Red or pink?
Red all the way.

Random Dozen!

1. Which Wizard of Oz character are you most like?
While pregnant, I would say the Tinman. "If I only had a heart..." Zero nice and/or sympathy left for other mortals. I really do try and keep it under control, though, because I don't believe raging hormones are an excuse for being rude. Sometimes that even works!

2. When you're deciding what you're going to wear each morning, which item do you select first? Why?
Well this complicated process begins with the good ol' "What's clean?" question. And that about settles it.

3. What kind of animal do you think the world could live without?
SPIDERS. Ugh and shiver.

4. How many Christmas trees are in your home?
One large and one small. Both are naked right now.

5. Would you prefer to be emotionless if it mean you didn't have to feel a heartbreak?
Nope. I like overwhelming emotions. Thank goodness.

6. Do you ever experience holiday let-down or depression?
Not really.

7. Do you like Michael Jackson's music?
The man was a musical genius, but I don't own any of his stuff. And I can't fix that now because there's probably a premium on all of his albums for the time being.

8. Why is it that we never judge people who have their teeth fixed for cosmetic reasons, but every other cosmetic procedure has a stigma?
I don't know, but I think you're right. Maybe it's jealousy. :)

9. Enjoy horseback riding?
Very much. I've been several times, including right after Stephen proposed. Good times...

10. Shoes--practical or stylish?
It breaks my heart to say this, but one glance at my shoe collection SCREAMS practical. Sigh.

11. What was the name of your first pet? Feel free to post a pic.
Her name was PJ. Actually, I believe on her AKC certificate it was P. Jeanie Johnson, but she was called PJ. I loved that dog and cried when she had to be put down. Mom and Dad have the pics.

12. What percentage of your Christmas shopping is done?
Counting the Real Simple subscription I got for us? Ok, that would be none. My teacher-ly habit is not to shop until I'm on break. That was a bit nerve-wracking the year that we were still in school on Dec. 23rd, but I made it. I like the pressure of a deadline, and I make faster decisions.