Question #42 - Family

Tell about family reunions.

We've had only one very large family reunion on my mom's side of the family, and that was in 2000 (I think).  It was the largest amount of people I had seen in years, and I couldn't believe I was related to all of them. lol  Some I had never even met before, and if I saw them again today, I'd still have no clue as to who they are.  It was a great day though, the weather was perfect and everyone seemed to be having a good time.  Lots of pictures were taken!  I saw cousins I hadn't seen in years, so it was really nice.  Now, on my dad's side of the family, there are only about 10 people, so it's like a gathering when we do get together. lol We last saw them at my sister's wedding this past June, but that certainly wasn't a time to sit and catch up. We need to make plans to do that soon!!! 

Question #41

What is your favorite scripture, and why?  OR What is your favorite inspirational saying, and why?

Very interesting question today.  And I'm not really sure how to answer it.  I don't really have a favorite.  I don't study the Bible, so I don't know the scriptures by heart.  I'm sure if I gave this question more thought, I could come up with something.  But right now, I can't really answer it!  :-/

Question #40 - Let's Eat!

Where do you eat out, and what do you order?

I have a bunch of different places I like to eat.  I don't eat out as often as I used to, since I don't have the money.  But on the occasion that I do, I love Olive Garden.  Anything pasta is good with me, but I usually end up getting shrimp alfredo.  They have their pasta bowl special on right now, I wish I could go!! lol  I also love Red Lobster.  Their food is great, but my fav is their vanilla bean cheesecake.  It's the best darn cheesecake I've ever had!!  I also like going for a cheap, but very good meal, and there are a couple places around here to choose from to do just that.  Yianni's happens to be one of my favs.  I usually go for their ham & cheese, and one of their soups.  So all in all, I love to go out to eat, and I do like trying new things! 

Question #39 - Going to the Movies

What do you think about movies, and why?

I just love going to movies!  My favorites are comedies, romance, romantic comedies, animated, thriller/horror, some foreign films, and sometimes action films.  I'm not that big on them, nor am I really big on sci-fi stuff.  I do like the movies that involve some sort of killer animal or bug, even if they are stupid!  lol  I tend to watch movies more in the theater or on tv, than on video or DVD.  I have a ton of movies, but I never seem to watch any of them.  I do love going to the theater with my friends, it's something we try to do at least once a month.  My biggest beef with movies, though, are the dumb ticket prices!!  I can't stand paying almost $9 for a movie (although that price may be cheap compared to other areas), and I usually end up getting cheaper tickets through my credit union.  If anyone lives near a Wegmans, they sell them cheaper, too.  lol  And I agree with Promise, the movie popcorn is the best reason to go!!  lol 

Question #38 - Happy Birthday!

Tell about any of your family traditions for birthdays.

We didn't really have any special things for our birthdays growing up. We celebrated the person's birthday on that day.  Sometimes we had parties, but the older we got, the less they happened.  I think my last birthday party was when I turned 13, and I had a sleepover.  My mom never had a sleepover again.  We didn't do anything horrible, of course, that's my opinion and not hers. lol  Nowadays, it seems the big things we usually do is go out to dinner somewhere with friends and family.  I love doing that!  Last year for my birthday, 15 of us went to dinner at Red Lobster.  It's just a good time! 

Question #37 - Sniff, Sniff

What are your favorite smells?

I love any fruity candle or lotion smells.  I love the smell of laundry fresh out of the dryer. I love the smell of baked goods!  I love the smell of coffee, except that I can't stand the taste. lol  I love the smell of wood burning from a fireplace. And I love the smell of the Falls when I go down there during the summer to watch the fireworks. 

Question #36 - School Days

Did you have a favorite subject in school?  One you dreaded?

I always loved English and Reading growing up.  Math wasn't too bad, I understood most concepts. The two subjects I didn't always enjoy were religion and history.  Religion is just funny, since I went to Catholic schools all my life, and didn't really have a choice about taking the class.  lol  I wanted to teach English when I got older, and that's what I focused on with elementary education in college.

Question #35 - Babysitters

Did your parents ever have a babysitter for you?  Were you ever left in someone else's care?

I don't always remember my parents going out too much.  But when they did, they got a babysitter for us.  I remember one girl coming over, and my littlest sister crying.  We tried to read to her to calm her down, but it didn't work too well.  I also remember another time when we were supposed to be sleeping, but we kept running around upstairs.  The babysitter either didn't know, or did know and blew it off.  Whatever it was, by the time my parents got home, they caught us and we were in trouble.  But other than that, when I got old enough, I was left in charge of my sisters.  And boy, did we get into some fun stuff when my parents were gone.  lol

Question #34 - Shhhh, Secrets!

What are your beauty secrets?

Hmmm, this is an interesting question for me.  I have for years and years had acne, and I still do even as I'm approaching 30.  It's not as horrible as it used to be when I was a teen, but it can still get pretty unruly at times.  I wash and cleanse my face twice a day, and use moisturizer all the time.  I don't wear a lot of makeup, just some foundation and blush.  I use lotion most of the time when I get out of the shower.  I guess that's pretty much it, I keep things simple in my daily routine.  lol

Question #33 - Politics Anyone?

What political party comes closest to representing your own views?  How do you feel about politics?

I am a registered Democrat.  However, that does NOT mean I vote strictly Democratic.  I vote for who I think can get the job done.  How do I feel about politics?  I hate it.  So, that's enough for this journal jar entry.  lol

Question #32 - Animals

What is your favorite animal, and why?

I grew up with a huge fascination with cats.  I just loved them!  I collected cat stuff, like statues, bookmarks, notepads, you  name it.  I could never have one because half my family was allergic to them.  When I moved out on my own, I ended up getting a kitten as a Christmas gift from one of my best friends in the year 2000.  Since I got the real thing, I stopped collecting everything else.  lol  He is my little man, I just love him!  I'd also have to say, running in very close second to my favorite animal, are dolphins and whales.  Well, anything involving the ocean really.  I am so fascinated with marine life!!

Question #31 - Military

Did you serve in the military?  Where and when?  Share some experiences.

I have never been in the military, because I was never allowed to be in it.  However, that didn't stop the Army recruiters from calling my parents' house every month while I was a senior in high school, and starting out in college.  None of them seemed to get the fact that I had a disability!  Finally, when someone called while I wasn't home, my mom answered.  She told the recruiter that I was blind.  That put an end to the calls.  LOL

I do have to say that I have great respect for the military personnel of this country.  I had huge objections to the war in Iraq, but never once did I begrudge the soldiers fighting for us.  I honor them and thank them for doing this country proud!

Question #30 - Rain, Rain, Go Away

Do you like rainstorms?  Do you have any memories connected with rain or storms?

I LOVE thunderstorms!  Especially ones at night.  I just love to sit in my living room with no lights and just listen to the rain and watch the sky.  There's something peaceful about it to me.  When I see that thunderstorms are a possibility, I usually hope we do have one.  lol 

My biggest memory of a bad thunderstorm, however, was in 1998.  I was still living at home, and I was on the front porch watching the rain fall.  Slowly it got harder and harder, and then it started hailing.  So I went inside.  The hail was coming down so hard, I thought glass was going to break!  And then suddenly, we heard a couple windows get smashed.  As this was going on, it suddenly dawned on me that my brand new car was out on the street, and probably not safe!  My mom said it would be fine.  When things finally calmed down, and people started venturing outside, I went to look at my car, and it so far from not being fine I wanted to cry!!  The hood and the top of my car were totally dented in.  The windshield was cracked.  I was so upset!!  Needless to say, that was one of the worst storms we had here.  But as bad as it was, I still love thunderstorms!

Question #29 - Housework

What household jobs do you like and dislike the most?

I hate housework, especially because I can get so tired from doing it!  We grew up with chores every weekend, and mine was usually the bathroom.  So I really hate cleaning the bathroom the most.  Sometimes it shows.  lol  I also hate the dishes, so that's why I only do them once a week.  Except for things I use more often, like the pots and stuff.  Dusting?  Oh yeah, you can write messages to me quite often.  lol  I know, I know, not making myself look good.  I do these chores, but probably not as often as I should!  I love vacuuming, but seeing as I'm not really supposed to be doing it, I don't that often.  My mom comes and does it for me. 

Question #28 - Living Differently

If you could live your life over, what would you do differently?

Some people would be surprised by my answer, but I wouldn't change a thing if I had to do it all over again.  I grew up, and am still living with, a heart and lung condition that I was born with.  It has been very difficult.  I went through childhood trying to be like any normal kid, even though I had alot of physical limitations that I pushed many times.  Later on, even though I went to school for teaching, when I eventually got the chance to do it, I had to quit a few years later because it was too taxing on my body.  That was devastating.  I've gone to doctors galore, and may one day even need a double lung transplant.  And I still wouldn't change anything??  No.  That is because it has made me who I am.  I am not some person looking for sympathy from everyone around me.  I am actually very hard-headed, which doesn't always help me.  lol  But I believe I've learned to appreciate everything around me, and the people I know.  I truly love my family and friends, and they are there for me when I need them. What I've gone through has made me a stronger person, and I wouldn't change it for the world.

Question #27 - World Event

What do you feel has been the most significant world event that has taken place during your lifetime, and why?

I'm sure this answer is the same for many of us, but for me, the most significant event has been 9/11.  I woke up that day by a phone call from my mom, telling me that the Twin Towers were hit by planes.  By the time I got to the tv and started watching, the Pentagon had also been hit.  I was glued to the tv almost all day, and it was only when all the politicians were singing together that I totally broke down and cried.  The world became a changed place after that.  Living right at the border of Canada, there were many things we needed to suddenly watch out for.  It was a terrible time, with such a sense of loss and sadness.  I do think it made us stronger, though.  Communities came together to comfort each other, and it was a wonderful feeling.  I hope no one in any country lives through that again.

Question #26 - Downtown

Describe a trip downtown as a youngster. 

I often remember going downtown a lot during the winter when we had the Festival of Lights. Unfortunately, that was discontinued several years ago. But the one time we went down there, we were walking outside, and I was a little ahead of my parents.  I found myself walking right next some guy, and when I turned to look at him, I dropped my jaw in realization of who it was.  It was Victor Borge. Now, some of you are thinking, who???  Victor Borge was a piano player and comedian whom I only knew from my dad.  He was just hysterical on stage, but also a wonderful pianist to listen to.  When I stopped walking because I was frozen in fear (I had never met a celebrity!), I turned to ask my dad if he saw who I was walking next to.  My dad hurriedly started walking toward Mr. Borge.  My eyes widened as I realized that, not only was my father having a conversation with the man, but he was also talking to him in German!  I always love that memory, mainly because my dad looked so happy after he talked with Mr. Borge! 

Question #25 - Grandparents

Did you have a close relationship with your grandparents?  Tell about them.

I grew up seeing my grandpa on my dad's side more often than seeing my grandma on my mom's side. That was mainly because my grandpa lived about 10 minutes away from us, wheras grandma lived 3 hours away. I never knew my grandma on my dad's side, because she passed away before my parents met.  And my grandpa on my mom's side died when I was very little.  So, Grandpa S. and Grandma K. were the grandparents I knew.  I feel that I was close with them, although I often wish I  had asked for more stories to tell us about their lives. My Grandma is still alive, and I do ask her things now, but my Grandpa passed away 11 years ago.  I have fond memories of him, and the stories my dad tells us of things and times he remembers.  I do know that it took a long time for me to get over his death, although now I go to the cemetary often just to say hello. My Grandma likes to visit often, and we go down to see her. She will probably go on for quite a while since she is so darn healthy, and looks nothing like her age!

Question #24 - Car Trouble?

Tell about a frustrating experience you have had with a car.

I have had 2 cars in my life so far.  My first was a yellow 1987 Buick Skylark.  Or Skyhawk, I always got mixed up on what it was.  lol  Anyhow, my second car, the one I have now, is a 1998 Saturn SC.  The major problem I have had with these two cars has been physical damage to both of them.  The cars have run great, but unfortunately, have had some sort of accident along the way!  And not on my doing!! My Saturn  has had the worst of it.  Five months after I bought her (yes, I call my car a "her," even though she doesn't have an official name), we had a horrible hail storm here, and I almost had to have a whole new car with the amount of damage there was!   She has also been backed into by a drunk in a parking lot when we were out one night.  Her back window was shattered one night outside my garage. Let's see, I think her last major incident was actually a while ago, when my sis turned 19 and we took her to Canada. When we got back to my car, I realized my passenger mirror was missing, then saw that my mirror was hanging.  We went back to find the mirror, and it wasn't there.  It wasn't until several days later that I also realized my front license plate was gone, too!!  So, I think that's it.  My poor car.  :(  However, she will be 7 years old on the 28th!!  Yay!! 

Question #23 - Marriage Again??

How do you feel about marriage?

This is a question that I don't think about too much right now, considering I haven't had a boyfriend or a date in so long, that I don't think I'll ever get to the marrying point. lol  However, I would like to one day be married. I think marriage can be wonderful, with a lot of hard work, commitment and compromises to each other. I think marriage should be about two people joining their lives together, working toward a common goal, and yet, also maintaining individuality. Marriage should be about love: being in love, showing love, at all times.  It should be about trusting each other, respecting each other's dreams and hopes, and helping each other to achieve them.  I do hope that one day I will be married, for I truly do believe that I have the capacity to love someone with my whole being, and want to be their life and death forever. 

Question #22 - Sweet Children?!

What did you do as a child to get in trouble with your parents, and how did they handle it?

The most trouble I got in was fighting and bickering with my sisters growing up.  My mom used to spank with a wooden spoon, but I don't ever remember getting spanked.  The worst punishment I got was soap in my mouth for spitting on one of my sisters.  Never did that again!  If I or one of  my sisters ever got into big trouble, we'd be sent to our rooms,  or grounded without tv, something like that.  When I was older, and when I approached the years when I could go out to Canada, or around here when I was 21 and still living at home, I would stay out very late, and used to dread coming home.  The most my mom ever did was give me lectures about staying out late, and threatening to lock to the deadbolt so I couldn't get back in the house.  Never happened.  But for the most part, I was a pretty good kid.

Question #21 - Trick Or Treat!

Did you celebrate Halloween as a child?  What costumes did you wear?

I most definitely celebrated Halloween!  I loved dressing up!  I remember being a witch a couple times, a clown, a mechanic (dressed up in a pair of my dad's overalls, and had a dirty looking face), an angel, and a bunch of other costumes.  My sisters were in dance classes growing up, so a lot of their dance recital costumes became very useful for Halloween.  I did get bummed sometimes because Halloween usually was always so cool out, so I'd have to wear a turtleneck or long underwear underneath so I wouldn't freeze as I went around the neighborhood for candy.  But it was always a fun time!  I still love watching the kids come around to get candy, some of the costumes are just too cute!!

Question #20 - The Boob Tube

What do you think of TV, and what is your favorite show?

I seem to have a show that I watch every night, but I'm not the type of person to just sit for hours in front of the tv and watch whatever I can find.  I'm like that once in a while.  Honestly, I'd much rather be reading or on the computer!  That being said, the shows I watch most are: Medium, American Idol, all the Law & Orders, Joey, Will & Grace, The Apprentice, and one soap opera, Passions.  That seems like so many shows.  Maybe it is, but I certainly don't feel like I'm at my tv constantly!  lol 

Question #19 - Weddings

Describe your mother's wedding dress.  What do you know about her wedding?

I have only seen my mom's wedding dress in pictures. I'm not even sure if she has it still.  I'll have to remember to ask.  But it was a crocheted or knitted dress, with a long shawl.  I thought it was very pretty, and had even thought about wearing it one day, IF I should ever get married.  But, we'll see.  I don't know much about her wedding, really.  I have heard bits and pieces hear and there. I know my dad told us he or his best man was almost late to the ceremony.  I think it was his best man. See, I really don't know that much. I've only seen pictures, and from what it looked like, everyone was very happy.  My parents are still married today, after almost 32 years together.  Their anniversary is next month.

Question #18 - Just a Word

Name ONE WORD on how to live successfully.....

Truthfully!  (that was a hard one!)

Question #17 - Picnics!

Do you like picnics?  Have you been on any picnics that stick out in your mind?

I do like picnics, for the most part.  The only time I don't is when I know it's going to be a much cooler day than I'd like, then I have to dress like it's winter in order for me not to freeze.  Other than that, I do love picnics!  Especially if we go somewhere that has a beach.  I go for one at least a few times in the summer, it's great!

I remember one picnic we had when I was younger, when my cousins from Michigan came to visit with their parents.  We went to this state park, and after eating, we went to explore for a while.  There were these trees, I don't even know what they were called, that had these pod-like things hanging from every branch.  They were even all over the ground.  They looked like very long string beans.  We all decided to collect them, and see who could get the most. Our parents were a little shocked when we started coming back to the picnic table with these things gathered in our arms.  I know there are pictures, I have seen them.  lol  I think we were all rather disappointed, however, when we weren't allowed to bring any back home with us.  Oh, and I don't remember who won the contest, but we sure did gather up a lot of those things!! 

Question #16 - Hanging Out

Did you have a childhood "hangout" or "hideout?"  Describe it.

We never really had a hangout in our neighborhood, unless you counted our front porches or backyards.  We'd spend time at someone's house most of the day playing.  There were times when we'd build tents on my parents' front porch, and we'd hang out there until someone had to go home.  My sister and I used to have a hideout up in the attic for a while.  I'd bet if I went in there, I'd see all the dates we wrote on the ceiling of the times we hung out.  There were never really any other places to hang out in my neighborhood, so there's not much to tell!

Question #15

What church jobs have your parents had?  What do you remember about your parents and church?

Church was a big part of our growing up, and you would think it'd still have an influence on us today, but not really.  My parents didn't have any jobs in the church, unless you count my dad plowing in the winter for his dad's church.  My dad was not Catholic, although he went to church for years with us before he converted.  Now he doesn't really go. My mom was always the one to get us ready to go to church every Sunday.  We attended the Catholic school at the church we belonged to, so it was kind of hard not to be involved.  I've been back and forth with church for the past few years, and it has nothing to do with how I was brought up.  But I've been going again the past couple months, and I'm glad that I am.

Question #14 - Precious Belongings

Are there any family heirlooms in your possession?  Tell about them and how you aquired them.

I have a few items when my grandfather passed away, but I'm not exactly sure they are heirlooms.  They are definitely items that remind me of my grandpa, though.  I have a table that used to be at the top of the stairs in the apartment he lived in.  I also have a candy dish he'd keep out.  I remember trying to take the lid off ever so carefully to see what, if anything, was inside the dish.  I'd do it before dinner, and if my mom caught me (or one of my sisters trying), we'd get yelled at.  Other than that, I don't really have anything else.

 

Question #13 - 911

Do you remember any special events that took place in your neighborhood while you were growing up? (deaths, fires, accidents, etc)

I know we never had a fire in our neighborhood, although I do remember a time when I was left home to watch my baby sister (I was around 7 or 8 at the time) for about 15 minutes while my mom went to the store, the pot on the stove started smoking horribly, and I thought we were going to have a fire.  I got the pot off the stove, and put it on top of the wood cutting board my mom has (the burn mark is still there!).  I also opened the back door to let the smoke out of the kitchen.  Other than that, no fires that I recall, no accidents.  I still live on the same street I grew up on, only in a different house on the corner.  In the past few years, we have had a lot more police cars driving around, especially patrolling when schools let out.  Kids have certainly changed since I grew up. 

Question #12 - Rah, Rah, Rah!

What kinds of sports did you play when you were young?  What was your favorite sport?  What IS your favorite sport now? (watching or playing)

I was never allowed to play sports or in gym when I was growing up, due to my health. However, I did like watching baseballs games, or softball games at the high school. I did participate as a scorekeeper one year in high school for the girls' softball team.  I even got my own patch!  I'm not a huge fan of sports, although I love watching the Olympics when they are on. Gymnastics is my favorite to watch.  I also love hockey, and am very sad that it is not on this year.  I hope it comes back next year, but I guess we still have to wait and see about that!  IF I could ever play a sport, it would probably have to be softball.  Although I don't watch it much, I would like to be a participant! 

Question #11 - Drivin' Around In My Automobile

Who taught you to drive a car?

I never wanted to learn to drive right away when I turned 16. The thought of driving my parents' large station wagon terrified me, and the feeling still goes on today.  I just hate big cars!  Or vans or trucks.  Anyhow, I slowly learned to drive whenever my father would take me down to his shop.  Yes, I did drive the station wagon, but I wasn't in real traffic, so I wasn't too scared.  I didn't get my license until I was 19.  In fact, yesterday (April 17) it's been 10 years since I've had my license.  Gosh, that doesn't seem like a very long time!!  I never did take the car out with my mom to practice driving.  She would always be too nervous, and she'd make me feel the same way!  However, she was the one to come with me when I took my driving test.  Hmmmm.

Question #10 - Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

Did it snow where you grew up?  What did you do in the snow?

I grew up near Buffalo, NY, so I would have to say we DEFINITELY had snow to play with when we were little!  I still live in the same area, but it seems our snowfalls aren't like they were when I was a kid.  My dad used to make a huge mountain of snow in our backyard to play with, using his snow plow.  We'd sled down the hill, make walls of snow, and collect icicles. We loved looking for icicles, we called them crystal shards after seeing the movie, The Dark Crystal.  We also made snow angels, one of my favorite things to do.  I also remember the one winter where one of my sisters fell from the railing on the front porch right into the middle of the bush that was there.  Ruined the poor thing, and it wasn't the same as the others for years.  It's  gone now, but the memory certainly was funny. lol

Question #9 - Talk, Talk!

Do you speak any other languages?  What are they?  Have you ever taken classes to try to learn another language?

This question makes me laugh, as I look back on the 8 years I took French in school, and I can't remember much from it!  I can probably read French more than speak it, but I really can't believe that I don't know a lot of it anymore, since I took it for so long.  I did take a semester of sign language in college, also.  I thought I'd pick it up more later on, but just haven't done it.  It's a fascinating way to communicate. But like any language, if you don't have any way to practice what you learn, you end up losing it. 

Question #8 - Hopes and Dreams

What are your dreams, hopes and expectations for your children?

I don't currently have children, and I'm not sure that I ever can.  However, if I am lucky enough one day to be blessed with a child, I would hope that he or she grows up feeling as loved and cared for as I did.  I was greatful to have a very caring family, who knew my limitations and who helped me whenever I needed it.  I would hope my child feels safe in a world where terrorism scares, wars, and other horrendous things happen almost on a daily basis.  I would hope my child grows up happy and playful like we were when we were little.  I hope my child would feel like he or she can follow their dreams, wherever they might lead them. 

Question #7 - All By Myself

What is your favorite thing to do when you are alone in your home?

Well, you would think I'd be all alone all the time, but my sis and her hubby live upstairs in their own apartment. So, when I know they are NOT home, my favorite thing to do is to turn up my music loud while I'm doing housework.  I just love my music loud!  I hate it when they are home, and I think I'm not playing it that loud, and my sis calls to tell me to turn it down.  Ugh, party poopers!!  lol

Question #6 - Roomies

Did you have a roommate? What was that person like?  What did you learn about living with other people besides your own family?

I haven't had a roommate, other than sharing a bedroom with my sister for over 20 years.  The only roommate I have had is my cat, and some fish.  I don't think they count.  lol

Question #5 - Scouts

Did you belong to boy/girl scouts?  Tell something about that?

I was a Girl Scout for many years.  How many, I can't quite remember. But I did it for a while.  Somewhere around this place, I still have my badges on my green sash. The Girl Scouts were interesting, and most of the time, I liked being involved. The one event I remember is the first time I ever went camping in a tent. We went to a place called Darien Lake, and it was the first time many of the girls had camped out. We had to share a tent with one other girl. What I remember most was that it rained...I mean poured....that night, and I couldn't sleep for most of the night.  I was also so surprised at how the tent didn't leak any water!  However, we found out several days later, that just down the road at another campsite, 2 campers were killed when lightning hit their tent.  I remember thinking, why didn't any of my leaders make us sleep in the cars or something if it was that bad??  It just seemed awful!  That was my first camping experience, and I only went one other time since!

Question #4

Between the ages of 5 and 10, what was your favorite activity?

I really really really loved to ride my big wheel.  Now mind you, I had a lot of health problems ever since I was born, and looking back on when I was a kid, I often wonder how the heck I made it through childhood with the things I used to do. But I just absolutely loved riding down the street as fast as my little legs could pump the wheels on my big wheel.  I never felt so free in my life.  What a feeling!  I would reach the corner of the block, sit there for a minute, and then go flying back down to my house.  I honestly think those big wheels were the best thing I ever had.  And just thinking about it makes me remember that wonderful feeling of speed I used to be able to handle despite all I was hindered with.  Gosh, now I miss it!! 

Question #3 - Flowers

If you could be a flower, what type would you be, and why?

Hmm, this is an interesting question.  My favorite type of flower is a tulip, so I would have to go with tulips. They seem to come up at the time of year when you just think you can't stand any more of winter's wrath, and then suddenly, they are popping up everywhere. They may not last long, but they are a sure sign that spring is on it's way, and the warmer weather is coming to stay for a while!  Or, at least, that is what I usually hope for!  In my neck of the woods, you never know! (We had a snowstorm the first week of April here!  lol)  But I would be a tulip, because they bring you happiness and thoughts of better times yet to come.  :)

Question #2 - Games

What games did you play in your house or neighborhood?

There were a lot of neighborhood kids when I was growing up, so we quite often played games together.  We played the usual: hide n seek, Red Rover, Green light/Red light, freeze tag, and more.  But we also did things like making up skits and performing them for each other.  Those were always interesting.  We seemed to do skits that had some sort of moral to them.  They were fun!  As we grew older, we'd play card games, like Spoons, or huge group Solitaire. This is making me miss growing up and the simpler days back then!!

My sisters and I had numerous games that we played when stuck indoors. We made up quite a few games, and I would get really odd inquiries if I were to list them here.  We were quite imaginative!  But we also played school or house in the basement. We had Barbies, My Little Ponies, and those type of things we played with, too. As we got older, and video games were introduced to us, we would play those together. My one sister and I used to team up and kick butt on Atari's many games.  It was definitely fun growing up together, and I miss those times, too!!

Question #1

Describe your first job.  What did it pay? What was your duties? What was your boss like?

My first real job with a real paycheck was surprisingly not until I was going to college. I had babysitting jobs all during high school, but never anything more than that. I started working at the Financial Aid office as work study at the college I attended, the summer before I started classes.  I don't remember what it paid, maybe minimum wage? I know it increased slightly every year I was there.  I had to answer phones, help students out in the front, bring students in the back to see a financial aid counselor, file, and a whole bunch of other things. My boss was a wonderful lady, who entrusted me with a lot of duties the longer I was there.  In my 4 1/2 years there, I became very close to the people I worked with, and I still consider them my "family" away from home. I go back and visit quite often, too!