From childhood 'til now... What's the best Christmas present you've ever received?
Our elder child was born a little more than a week before Christmas. Though we spent the holidays in the Neonatal ICU, we were delighted with him (still are).
What happened the first time you were left home alone as a child?
Submitted by Warhead.
It may or may not have been the very first time, but I distinctly remember our wonderful dog, Brandy (part chesapeake bay retriever part lab) sitting on my brother because she didn't approve of his behavior...
If you could travel back in time, which era would you visit and why?
If I could visit only one moment, I would see the very beginning, the point at which differentiation of the unity began.
If I had an entire era... it's hard to pick. Probably the 1840s and 1850s in the United States. There were many inventions and such a sense of possibility (along with many growing pains and problems).
If you could go back and change one thing you've done in your life, what would it be?
Submitted by Devinoid.
I would have not joined the Navy. OR, I would have fought to stay in when I was injured, at least long enough for them to fix the injury that occured during basic training.
HOWEVER -- and this is a big however... I like the life I am living. Had I not enlisted, or had I stayed in the Navy even one more month, I don't know that I would have married the man I did, borne these children or found the rather simple, plain life I lead (and enjoy). Would my life have still been good? probably. But I actually like this one.
Except for the residual problems from the injuries in basic training.
Do you have a particular "catch phrase" for which you are known?
Submitted by Emu with a Clue.
I have a few - "stern mama look" is one of my personal favorites; and I sign my letters, "Peace."
What products can't you live without?
Submitted by galindafied.
Tofu, soy milk, yummy vegan cake mixes... I could survive if these products didn't exist, but I don't think I would want to. On the tech side, my laptop! Electricity, of course. And the washing machine and dryer. I have washed garments by hand, but it's not nearly as much fun as the movies make it seem!
Love it or hate it, many of you lost an hour of sleep last night due to Daylight Saving Time? Worth It? Do you like it more/less now that Daylight Saving Time occurs earlier (and later) in the year?
I don't like the time changes. They are confusing to children and animals, they mess up sleep cycles for weeks afterward for adults. They don't save gasoline or electricity, they mess up international communications (I spend a month re-learning what time it is for some of my friends each time!), and they cause traffic deaths as drivers drive in the dark more. The time changes are stupid and ought to be ended. Pick one and keep it. Or split the difference and move on.
If you had one month to live, what five things would you do?
Suggested by Acerebel.
Spend all of it with my Tom and the boys -- would like to get the house in order, to see that they will have a comfortable, clean space when I am gone (I would have them get rid of all the things that are really "just mine" so they didn't have to do it afterward... would take about a week to do this); and then just hang out. Go places with them if I am able, sit and talk and watch movies and play games if I can't do anything else. Listen to them. Love them.
What's the biggest leap of faith you've ever had to take?
Getting married, having kids. Those are the two biggest unknowns, the least predictable things I have done. And those who know me know that I rather enjoy routines and order.
What's the worst thing that could happen to you today? Bonus question: How would that thing potentially benefit you?
The worst that could ever happen is for one of my children (or my husband) to be hurt. Those things have no benefit...
