Answer Me This - The Last One

1. What's your favorite grocery store splurge? 

I'm not one to splurge at the grocery store. In fact, I only buy things that are on sale unless it's something we need right then because I somehow failed to stock up when it was on sale.

However, a few weeks ago, I picked up some Trader Joe's Cookie Butter, which was decidedly not on sale. It is so delicious, it was worth having to drive 2 hours for it.

2. How's your penmanship? 

I teach primary grades, so my printing, when I try, is darn near perfect. My everyday writing tends to be a mix of printing and some cursive and I've been told it's nice. My actual cursive is okay. It's legible, but my 3rd grade teacher would be disappointed in some of my letter formations.

My everyday writing

 3. Do you have a "Summer Bucket List?" 

 Our anniversary is in the summer, so we always try to celebrate with a trip, usually just a day trip to an area zoo. This year, we're heading to the Indianapolis Zoo.

I also usually go to our county fair at lease once, but this year I decided that it just wasn't worth driving out there and dealing with crowds just for some ice cream, however delicious it may be. Besides, we've got a busy week planned since the husband is on vacation and my summer day camp job is over.

4. What's the best thing on the radio right now? 

 Oh gosh, my summer commute is less than 5 minutes, so I don't listen to the radio much. I can however, sing all of the "Watch me whip" song thanks to our camp talent show act.

I fully admit that Taylor Swift has sucked me back in with her pop stuff and I do like Bad Blood.



Of course, I also like anything Kelly Clarkson puts out and I've been enjoying Maroon 5's stuff again.

5. Ice cream or frozen yogurt?

Ice cream! Especially the soft serve from the county fair.

We actually have several frozen yogurt places around here where you do your own toppings and then pay by the weight. I haven't been to any of them yet, so I'm not opposed to frozen yogurt.  I actually just prefer to go to the frozen custard place instead.



 

Answer Me This

1. At what temperature do you keep the thermostat set? Summer, winter, day, night? 

We just replaced the air conditioner a couple weeks ago and got a new programmable thermostat. So, during the summer, while we're out and at night, it's set at 78 and when we're home during the day/evening it's set to 75. Our bedroom never seems to cool down at night, so we also have a window unit in there that we use when we get too warm.

In winter, my husband is a heat miser, so I think we usually set it to 68 or so.

2. What is your favorite frozen beverage? 

Alcoholic - lime margaritas with salt on the rim
Nonalcoholic - Frozen Coke

3. Where do you keep your keys?

 This is an ongoing issue in our house. I'm actively trying to find a solution - preferably some sort of storage unit for our back door entry area.

I currently try to keep my keys in my purse, but I have a habit of setting them down and forgetting where they are.

4. Have you ever really been lost? 

I have a fear of getting lost, so I try not to go anywhere I'm not familiar with. Of course, now that I have a smartphone, there's less chance of being lost.

5. What is the last movie you saw in the theaters?

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies for my annual birthday movie. Looks like I'll probably pick the new Star Wars movie for my next birthday.

We don't get to the theater very often. We will definitely be going to see Spectre when it comes out later this year.



 

Answer Me This - 4th of July Edition

1. How did you celebrate the 4th of July? (Or, for you international types . . . Do anything fun this weekend?) 

On the actual 4th of July, we didn't do much. We stayed home and were anti-social. I made ribs in the crock pot and we watched the neighbors' fireworks through the window while trying to convince the cat that the world wasn't ending.

Today, we are having my in-laws over for a cookout.

2. Do you sunburn easily? 

Yes, but only above the waist. It takes forever for my legs to even get a tan. Although, I did once burn my legs while sitting on the Florida beach and then the next day I had to wear pantyhose for job interviews. That was torture!

3. Hot dogs. Yay or nay?

 Yay, but I would prefer a cheeseburger.

4. Have you ever personally set off fireworks?

 I am terrified of amateur fireworks, so I've only done sparklers.

5. Have you ever jumped off the high dive? 

No. I always have to work up the courage to even jump off a regular diving board, so there was no way I was going near the high dive. It was one of the bouncy ones, so it was extra scary.

6. Do you do anything weird in your sleep?

Oh boy, I do all kinds of things in my sleep. I apparently have conversations with my husband before he goes to work, but I never remember even waking up. He swears I was awake, but I'm not! I've gotten up and used the bathroom in my sleep. And several times, I've woken up wearing things that were hanging in my closet when I went to sleep. Apparently, I got cold!


 

Answer Me This - Home Sweet Home Edition

How long have you lived in your current home?

5 years

When we bought it 5 years ago, I was sure that by now we would be looking for a new house, but I think we're here to stay for probably another 5 years.

How do you find out about news and current events?

The Internet and social media. I see a lot of news updates through Facebook and Twitter. I do read the local newspaper on their website daily as well.

Would you be able to make change for a twenty right now? For a dollar?

For a twenty - no. For a dollar - maybe? I rarely carry cash unless I'm going to the flea market or garage sales.

What's the craziest food you've ever eaten?

I'm a picky eater, so I've never eaten anything too adventurous.

Which of the commonly removed parts have you had removed? (tonsils, wisdom teeth, appendix, etc.)

Only my wisdom teeth. I had the bottom ones cut out when I was 15 to prepare for braces. I had the top ones pulled out a couple years ago.

What's your favorite sport to watch on TV?

I like watching the Olympics. I'll watch whatever is airing on TV during the Olympics.

 

Answer Me This is Back!

Yay! Kendra at Catholic All Year is doing Answer Me This again this summer. Looks like I'll actually be blogging once a week this summer. I've been terrible about updating, I know! I owe you all an update about the end of the school year in kindergarten and starting my summer camp job.

Let's look at this week's questions!

1. Any big plans for the summer?

I'm working summer camp for the 3rd year in a row, so I'm busy for the next 6 weeks. We celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary on Friday and we usually do a day trip to celebrate, but since camp started early this year, we're putting it off until the end of July. We're planning on going down to Indy to visit the zoo. They have koalas for the summer!

2. What is the strangest thing you believed as a child?

I really don't remember believing anything strange. I had an active imagination, but I was also very practical as a kid, I guess.

3. What is your favorite amusement park ride? (can be a specific one at a specific park or just a type of ride)

I'm a ride wuss. I can't ride anything that goes upside down, too fast, or too high. But I can ride everything at Disney World's Magic Kingdom. My favorite ride is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

4. What's on your summer reading list?

Anything I can get my hands on! Now that school is out, my schedule is lighter and I will have more time to read. I've got a lot books on request at the library and I'll read whatever pops up. I already read the Fug Girls' The Royal We and really enjoyed it.

5. Have you ever fallen asleep in public?

The only time I've fallen asleep in public is when I slept on the high-speed train in France. I had to sleep because when I was awake, I felt extremely nauseous!

6. What is your favorite smell?

 I like floral scents. Lilac, because my grandparents had a giant bush in their yard and it always smelled so good when it bloomed. And peony because they are my favorite flowers and my wedding bouquet smelled so heavenly. I couldn't stop smelling it all day. Now the smell of peonies makes me think of our wedding day.

Photo by Amanda Fales Photography

I'm not sure yet if I'll do next week's questions - they're about fathers, and that's a bit of a touchy subject around here.
 

Answer Me This

What is your favorite picture book? 

This is a dangerous question to ask me. As an elementary teacher and children's literature addict, I have a very large collection of children's books. My list of favorites could easily be pages long. My absolute favorites are the Pigeon books by Mo Willems. When I was teaching first grade, we read Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus every day before we went home. Kids love those books! And they are books that I don't get tired of reading because they are so fun.

Are you a boycotter? 

I am, but usually for petty reasons. If I get food poisoning, I stop eating at a restaurant for a year. If I don't like a certain actor, I won't see their movies no matter how good it looks. I haven't boycotted anything for a strong moral reason yet.

How do you feel about cheese?

 I LOVE IT! I'm not very adventurous, but give me some cheddar or mozzarella and I'm in heaven.

 How many pairs of sunglasses do you own?

I have 3 pairs of cheap sunglasses floating around somewhere. Of course, I can never find a pair when I want them.

How long has it been since you went to the dentist? 

5 days! I just went for a routine cleaning on Tuesday.

If you could visit any religious site in the world, where would you go?

I really want to go to the Vatican.


 

Answer Me This: Magazines, TV Shows, & the Sign of Peace

What is your favorite room in the house? 

I spend the most time in the living room, so I guess that's my favorite.

We've lived here for 4 years and I really wish the house was more decorated. I don't really like the way most of our room look. I still feel like we look as if we just moved in. We still have stuff in boxes for crying out loud! The only room I'd consider "done" is my bathroom.

Do you subscribe to any magazines or other periodicals?

I refuse to pay for magazines, so I only get subscriptions I can get for free. The only one I have right now is Martha Stewart Living.

How do you feel about the sign of peace in Mass? Enriching? Awkward? Overdone? Just right? Some combination of the above? 

I find it awkward, but that's because I don't like interacting with strangers much. I dread having to shake hands with the people around me. I'd be fine with the sign of peace if I could only do it with my family - kiss my husband (and shake his hand while we're kissing...yes, we're odd), shake my mother-in-law's hand and done.

Sign of peace at our wedding

 What is your least favorite sound? 

Right now, it's yelling and screaming. I don't mind the sounds of children playing, but the neighbor children insist on screaming and yelling as if they're being tortured and it's really annoying. Of course, the adults around here also seem to be doing a lot of yelling and arguing outside, so I guess they're just modeling what they see. (I promise we don't live in a terrible neighborhood!)

What was your favorite TV show (or shows) growing up?

Punky Brewster, various Saturday morning cartoons, The Cosby Show, SeaQuest, Lois & Clark, Saved by the Bell, Boy Meets World, Full House

What are your favorite TV shows now?

 Doctor Who, Sherlock, Person of Interest, NCIS, Once Upon a Time

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Answer Me This: Pie, Sleep, and the Library

 What do you still want to do this summer? 

Nothing, really. School starts this week, so in my mind, summer is done. 

Of course, I'd always love to travel, but unless we win the lottery, that's not happening.

What's your favorite kind of pie?

I like lots of pies. I just had some delicious chocolate cream pie the other day. I also like chocolate peanut butter cream, pumpkin, strawberry, and Toll House pie. 

How much sleep do you need each day? How much do you get? 

I need as much as I can get. Seriously, if left to my own devices I can easily sleep for 10 hours. (Can you tell I don't have kids?)

However, I usually only get about 6 hours.

Do you prefer to swim in a pool, lake, river, or ocean?

Pool, please. I don't like plants and animals touching me when I'm in the water. 

Do you know any poems by heart? 

I don't anymore. My expository writing teacher had us memorize some quotes and things. One of them was part of Shakespeare's Sonnet 116. 

Do you use the public library?

All the time. We go to the library at least once a week. I've currently got a huge stack of books to get through, which I love. We also like to borrow DVDs.
 

Answer Me This

When driving, are you more likely to listen to the radio, to CDs or an iPod, or nothing at all?

Normally, I enjoy listening to CDs because the radio always seems to be either one of five popular songs or commercials. However, I've been extremely lazy and not changed out the CDs in my car since Christmas, so my CD changer is still full of Christmas music. So it's been the radio for awhile now. I'd change out the CDs, but I took all my CDs in the house and always forget until I want to listen to something other than the radio.

Do you prefer window or aisle?

I prefer aisle. I get motion sickness prettily easily especially when reading, but I can avoid it if I can't see out the window easily. It's not usually bad on planes, but I'll do anything to avoid feeling sick.

Do you fall asleep on your side, back, or stomach? What position are you in when you wake up?

I fall asleep on my side. I cannot sleep on my stomach at all. I usually wake up on my back unless the cat is sleeping against me and then I seem to know not to roll over in my sleep.

When is the last time you attended a zoo, circus, carnival, county fair, or parade?

I went to the zoo 2 weekends ago with the family. I wrote a blog post about it.

We also went to our county fair 2 weekends ago. I'm working on a post about that. (i.e. I haven't uploaded the pictures from my phone yet.)

I've never been to a circus.

The last parade I remember watching was on our honeymoon at Disney World. That was 4 years ago.

Do you have a favorite quote or inspirational saying?

These are mine for work...

This one is especially helpful to remember when you see children you are not responsible for acting in a way of which you don't approve.

What's the best thing about summer?

This summer, the best thing was my summer job. I absolutely loved day camp this year. My group was great, my co-workers were awesome, and we had lots of fun. I was really sad when camp ended.

The best part of every summer in the county fair. I have lots of fond memories of spending time at the county fair as a kid, so I love going every year. It's so much fun to see the animals, eat lots of great fair food, and look at the 4-H projects.

 

Answer Me This

What’s your favorite thing on YouTube?

I tend to like a bunch of really random things on YouTube. Mostly, things related to Sherlock or Doctor Who. I'll share my current favorite Benedict Cumberbatch video.



Who taught you to drive?

I never learned anything about driving until I took Driver's Ed when I was 15. I took it through my school in the summer and my instructor was horrible. He didn't actually teach much, just made me get behind the wheel and expected me to know what to do. And he wasn't shy about telling me how bad I was. So, my confidence was shot and I didn't even want to practice. So, I didn't get my license when I was 16 because I wanted nothing to do with driving.

When I was 19, I knew I couldn't put it off any longer, so I took Driver's Ed again through a local driving school. They had just opened and my brother learned to drive from them. It was so much better that time! The instructors were nice and encouraging and I felt confident in my driving. And I got my license!

What’s your favorite thing to cook? 

I don't really like cooking. Cooking leads to having to clean things up. I hate making a mess and having to turn around and clean it up. I'd much rather just have the food made for me. :) However, my favorite thing to make is homemade pizza. It's really easy and so delicious.

Are you a hugger or a non-hugger? Why?

It depends on how I know the other person. I don't like hugging strangers because that's awkward. I have no problem hugging people I know. I often hug people if I haven't seen them in a while as a greeting. I also don't mind when kids see me at school and hug me. It's nice to feel appreciated.

Where do you pray best?

At church. I usually pray every night when I first get into bed, but I admit that sometimes I'm so tired, that I get distracted or fall asleep while praying. So, I probably do my best praying in church when I can concentrate on the task. After receiving communion works really well for me.

When is the last time you saw/spoke to your grandparents?

I only have one grandmother still alive, so it's been awhile for most of them. I saw and spoke to my grandmother in May when we went flower shopping. Her birthday is coming up, so I'll see her again soon.

Me, my mom, and my grandma at my wedding 4 years ago.

 

Answer Me This

What’s something you've won and how did you win it?

I won an overnight trip to Cincinnati last year by entering a sweepstakes. Sadly, we didn't take the trip due to finances and laziness.

I've also won Vera Bradly laptop sleeves 2 different times. Both times I won through Twitter contests.

Do you save old greeting cards and letters, or throw them all away? Why?

I do save them, although I never seem to know what exactly to do with them. I feel guilty about throwing them away. With Christmas cards, I have reached the point where I only save photo cards. I did scrapbook all of the cards we received for our wedding and I stick the cards we get for our anniversaries in there as well.

When you’re at home, do you wear shoes, socks, slippers, or go barefoot?

I try to go barefoot as much as possible because I just don't enjoy wearing socks. However, since my husband is the heat miser, I have to wear socks in the winter. In that case, I prefer to wear those fuzzy slipper socks. 

Who’s the most famous person you have ever met?

I've never "met" anyone famous. I did touch Clay Aiken's hand once after a concert (yeah, I was one of those girls once upon a time.) And a few years ago at the National Book Fair, I saw Julianne Moore. I have a blurry cell phone photo of that somewhere...

Totally Julianne Moore, I swear.

What has been your best work of art?

I am not artistic at all although I did make a pretty cute craft stick flag with my campers a few weeks ago.

What’s your strongest sense?

Definitely not sight. Probably my sense of smell is the strongest because lately I've been smelling things clear across the room (and NO I'm not pregnant.)

 

Answer Me This

How did you get your name?

My name is Jennifer and I was born in the 1980s. I think it's pretty obvious how I got my name. :)

My mom actually admitted that she named me Jennifer because it was popular at the time. Yeah, I don't understand her logic either.

Do you have a set time for prayer in your day?

Before bed every night.

Did your mom work or stay home (or both)?

 My mom stayed home until I was around 12 (I think, I can't remember when exactly.) She mostly worked part time jobs until I went to college and my brothers were in high school.

Do you vote?

Yes, although I don't always vote in the primaries. It depends on the races and the issues. In Indiana, you have to declare a party to vote in the primary and you can only vote for that party, so if there are a lot of incumbents on that ticket, it's really just a formality. I voted in our May primary this year because there were some school issues on the ballot.

What's your favorite drink?

It really depends on what I'm craving. I like Coke, lemonade (especially Chick-fil-A's), frozen margaritas, and the occasional rum and Coke. And I never turn down a chocolate milkshake.

How are your photography skills?

They're fine, I guess. I only have a point and shoot and I think it's not working as well as it used to. I really want a DSLR and I want to learn how to shoot in manual. But unless I get lucky and win one, I don't think that will be happening for long time.


 

Answer Me This

Have you ever walked out of a movie?

I have never walked out of a movie in a theater. We so rarely go to the movies, that we only see movies that we really want to see. I have however, turned off movies that I've rented.

What do you most often use for blogs and blogging: desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone?

I usually use my laptop, but I sometimes use the desktop especially if the pictures I want are on that computer.

Have you ever had anything stolen from you?

I have not. (Knock on wood.)

Do you identify as a member of a particular ethnic group?

Does Canadian count? Thanks to my dad, I'm Canadian as well as American. My siblings and cousins (who are also dual citizens) are very proud of our Canadian heritage. We've also got some Russian, Polish, and German in our bloodlines.

Do you abstain from meat on Fridays?

Only during Lent. Since I've only been Catholic for a few years, it's still a struggle. I did do a good job of remembering this year, but I need to be more creative in coming up with meatless dishes. We ate a lot of grilled cheese and fish.

Seen anything weird lately?

 I went antiquing with my mom on Friday, and I did see some interesting things. Of course, now I can't remember anything.


 

Answer Me This

How often do you take public transportation?

Only when I'm on vacation. We have a bus service here, but it's much easier to just drive myself. I've used the local commuter train to get to Chicago several times, the Metro in DC, and the Metro in Paris.

How many cousins do you have?

I have 2 first cousins, which are the cousins I'm closest to. I've have lots more distant cousins, but I don't really know them.

Have you ever fired a gun?

I have not. Last year, my brother-in-law took his guns up to my sister-in-law's house for the 4th of July and most of the family did some shooting at targets. I stayed in the house. I'm a klutz and am terrified I'll shoot my foot or something.

However, should something happen, I do know where my mother-in-law's gun is located and how to fire it.

Do you ride roller coasters?

 I do if they meet my very specific conditions. They cannot go upside down, be too high, or too fast. Basically, I can ride just about everything at Walt Disney World (with the exception of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster.) At Cedar Point, I can ride Disaster Transport, Iron Dragon, and Cedar Creek Mine Ride.

 Technically, I can ride Expedition Everest, but I don't enjoy it. It's slightly too intense for me. My husband on the other hand, loves it.

What's your favorite flower?

 Peonies! I love them so much, we scheduled our wedding so they'd be in season.

My gorgeous wedding bouquet. Photo by Amanda Fales Photography

Bridesmaids' bouquets and my bouquet. Photo by Amanda Fales Photography

Are you allergic to anything?

I'm not allergic to any foods that I know of, but I am allergic to the drug Azithromycin. Which just means I can't have Z-paks and have to take Amoxicillin.


 

Answer Me This

When's the last time you got a new bathing suit?

Last summer. I had to get one for my summer camp job since we take the kids to the pool and lake.  And no, there won't be a picture of that.

Who made the last incoming call on your phone?

My mom. We ended up talking for over an hour last night.

If you receive communion, do you receive it in the hands or on the tongue?

Hands, always. The tongue thing weirds me out, I don't know why. I was seriously concerned with how to receive communion at our wedding since I was holding my bouquet, but I made it work and received in my hand.

Receiving First Communion

Do you have a tattoo?

 I do, but it's hidden. I got a purple butterfly when I was 19.

How many dinner plates are in your house?

I think there's 9. We have two sets of place settings and an extra plate. There would be a lot more if I had my Christmas china in this house instead of stored at my mom's.

Do you have an accent?

I was born and raised in Indiana, so I've got that flat, Midwestern, no accent thing going for me. Although I'm sure people from other areas might think I have an accent.


 

Answer Me This

What’s something you intended to do today, but didn't?

We're working on landscaping our front yard. I had intended to do both sides of our porch today, but after doing one side, I didn't have the energy or the materials to do the other side. It's just going to have to wait.

What's your favorite grilling recipe?

Confession: We don't own an outside grill and have no plans to get one. We do enjoy using our George Forman grill though. Our favorite thing to make is Chicken Fajitas. We use the copycat Chili's recipe. This blog, has the recipe.

What movie did you see most recently?

On DVD: Saving Mr. Banks - We borrowed it from the library.

In the theater: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. It was my traditional birthday movie.

Would you say your tendency is to over or under react to medical situations?

Unless there's blood or bones sticking out, I probably under react. I don't like going to the doctor unless I think drugs are needed. 

Do you squeeze the toothpaste tube or roll it?

 I squeeze and I don't always squeeze from the bottom. I will roll it up when it gets close to empty though.

What are you doing for Father's Day?

Nothing. I don't talk to my dad, my husband's dad passed away before I met him, and we don't have kids. We might go out to the cemetery after Mass. That's up to my husband.