Old School Blogging: Things You're Dying to Know

The theme of my life this week is "old school".

From my best friend since high school visiting, to the kick-ass new cabinet she built me*, to finally getting the retro diner style table I've always wanted....

Yeah, old school.

So, Elaine says that Old School Blogging this month is "full-on random".

Random works for me because, along with old school, everything feels pretty random to me right now as well! (I cannot seem to have a day go according to plan to save my life.)

Old School Blogging: Reflective

Old School Blogging is back for 2015 and this month Elaine came up with all her own questions that get ya thinkin' about your past.

1. Who do you idolize? Idolize? Like, someone I consider an idol? Not like, American Idol, though, right? Hmm... You know what? I find myself developing a growing fondness for my elders. For their stories, experiences, insights, wisdom. I'm not saying I think they're always right (ahem, Mom and Dad), but I think it's definitely worth taking all that they've learned into consideration.

2. What is something you are really proud of that you have accomplished? Besides the typical and obligatory mom answer of "I grew tiny humans!", which I did do and I am proud of (especially giving birth all natural the first time)....besides my marriage....maintaining a good long-distance friendship since high school, and this blog.

5 Randomly Quirky Things

Who's up for some "5 random things" Old School Blogging?

Just telling you five random things about myself might sound easy, but I somehow have to choose which five things it will be (that you hopefully don't already know)....

Answering questions is easier, man!

1. Here's one my father just learned about me: Even though my toes are cold, I don't want to put something on my feet. I don't. I am not a fan of wearing anything on my feet in the house. It just bugs me. I think I want to feel the floor....or something.

Problem is, I'm getting older and my toes are getting colder. I am now understanding why old people move to warmer climates. Sigh. So yeah, I own a pair of slippers and several pairs of funky socks and I am begrudgingly wearing them around the house.

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

As soon as I saw the topic for this month's Old School Blogging, this song started playing in my head:

And it has been stuck in there for DAYS. Hopefully getting this written and done will purge it from my brain!

Is it in your head now? Mwahaha.

Summer: Um....What?

So I guess there's this thing called summer. Maybe you've heard of it? It's when the kids aren't in school, the weather is really nice, people do a lot of traveling and reading. There's lots of grilled food and refreshing cocktails. Many of which are sipped on beaches....

I mean, this is what I hear. I wouldn't really know.

We have had nice weather (for the most part), the kids haven't been in school, I've had a few delicious cocktails and my husband has grilled meat like four times.

Summer is normally pretty low key for us, and this year has been even moreso, mainly due to Mark's healing foot.

Also? It's like I blinked and it's nearly September! I genuinely do not know how this happened.

I don't know how much I can go on about my family's boring summer, but it's Elaine's Old School Blogging topic (yay, it's back!) for this month, so I'm gonna give it a shot.

Without Method or Conscious Decision

The March edition of Old School Blogging is completely random!

nataliedee.com

Questions have been asked, which I have answers for:

What is the last thing you watched on TV? Grey's Anatomy and Scandal. Scandal was super intense. And sad. It made me FEEL, and I like that.

When did you last step outside? What were you doing? Yesterday afternoon to go with my husband to his first physical therapy appointment.

What is on the walls of the room you are in? We moved our computer upstairs to the "loft" a couple of months ago. There are two airbrush paintings JHo did so long ago she wasn't even "JHo" then, some kid art, a clock, a Sky Landers chart and the Bon Jovi logo my friend Jess painted for me.

If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy? A super fun, awesome vacation for my family.

Tell me something about you that most people don’t know. So I have bad eyes, right? Well, sometimes I pretend I see something someone is trying to show me instead of explain that I can't see it, or just to make them happy.

Who made the last incoming call on your phone? My Aunt Renee.

If you could change something about your home, without worry about expense or mess, what would you do? Oh let me count the ways! I like my house, I really do, but.....when they built it, they could have done a few things differently. Like, extend the master bedroom all the way over the garage, they should have done the half bath door differently (it battles with the door to the garage), I don't understand the rocks on one side of our house and I kind of wish there wasn't a tall juniper blocking my view of the street.

What was the last thing you bought? A copy of Star Trek: Into Darkness on Blu-ray with a Target gift card. I may have said, "Hello, Chris Pine", when I picked it up. Maybe.

Would you go bungee jumping or sky diving? No. Seriously, I don't understand. Life is dangerous enough, I don't get why one would need to tempt fate.

If you could eat lunch with one famous person, who would it be? Jon Bon Jovi. Or Nathan Fillion. Or Oprah.

Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Probably Costco. If they accepted anything besides American Express.

Is the glass half empty or half full? You know the answer to that!

What’s under your bed? The cable for the TV and some other random (there's that word again) electronic wires, a blanket, pillow, dust bunnies.

What is your favorite time of the day? I think the moment I feel like I'm done for the day, when I feel like I don't have to do any more things.

What inspires you? Truth, courage and a sunny day!

Now, tell me some random thing about you!

Lovey Dovey

I am  a day late and a dollar short, but I had this post almost nearly finished before my Valentine's Day got completely screwed up and I can't stand the thought of the time I took going to waste, so Imma publishing it anyway.

__________

The Old School Blogging theme this month is Love/Valentine's!

Syrupy sweet.

Froo-froo.

This is how my husband describes romantic gestures. He's not one for PDA and hates the idea of forced romance. He's not much of a snuggler (we have a king size bed). Also, he thinks that women should be romantic too.

 Granted, it took some getting used to, but I have no doubt that my husband loves me. He shows me in so many other ways. And he has been known to buy me flowers, chocolates and a sappy card on occasion.

The Questions

How do you typically celebrate Valentine's Day? Usually we try to do something nicer than usual for dinner, whether it's going out (just us or as a family) or choosing something special to have at home. Maybe something for dessert too. This year we are having steak and baked potatoes which we are NOT sharing with the kids! (A day late.)

Do you like to get A) chocolates B) flowers  C) a sweet card or D) ALL OF THE ABOVE? I love flowers, but since we've never had a large home, I often feel like they're just in the way. And then they die. I like chocolate and I like sweet cards. I like wine, good food and a good movie more.

Would you consider yourself a “cuddler”?  If not, would you at least cuddle on Valentine’s Day? I am a cuddler, but like I already said, Mark is not. He likes to a little bit, but mostly he just likes being near me. I get my cuddles from my kids and my kitty, though.

What is your favorite movie about love or with a love story? Well, I mean, The Princess Bride for sure. I love When Harry Met Sally and Love, Actually too. The biggest romantic tear-jerker? P.S. I Love You, hands down.

Do you believe in “love at first sight”? Did it happen to you? I don't know if it was love at first sight, but I was immediately drawn to, and intrigued by, Mark when I met him. I absolutely believe in love at first sight when it comes to our children.

Do you believe love can conquer all things? I think I do, but not necessarily romantic love. Just LOVE in general.

What is one of the main things you love about your S.O.(significant other)? I wrote a whole list of things once. One of the biggest things, though, is his fortitude.

Tell me about your first crush! My VERY first crush -- we're talking elementary school here -- was this cute blond-haired, blue-eyed, freckle-faced kid named Kevin. I just thought he was so adorable. We once sat in the "love tunnel" on the school playground and our little friends dared us to kiss. We were too chicken.

Do you have any embarrassing or horror dating stories? I didn't really "date" much. I met guys through school or a mutual friend and we just hung out and become a couple, I guess. I can't think of anything horrible that ever happened.

Favorite flower? Rose.

What’s the first type of chocolate you hope for when you reach into a box of chocolates? Caramel or coconut.

Favorite love song? Our song is "Thank You" by Led Zeppelin, and it really is a very nice love song. I chose Celine Dion's "Because You Loved Me" as our wedding dance song. I say "I chose" because Mark hates Celine Dion and only went along with it because of the lyrics.

What is the best breakup song? Pretty much the entire "Jagged Little Pill" album by Alanis Morissette, and "Since U Been Gone" by Kelly Clarkson. Not really a breakup song, but "U + Ur Hand" by Pink is a great "leave me alone, guys" song.

Favorite celebrity couple? Wills & Kate!

Overall, are you pro- or anti- Valentine’s Day? Oh, it just IS. I could do without it, especially now that I also have a wedding anniversary. And when you're single, it makes you feel lonely. So....it's kinda nice, but also kind of a pain.

If someone did that “Say Anything” boom box thing outside your window, would you be into it, or call the police? I'd totally be into it!

First thing you notice about the objects of your affection? I don't entirely understand this question, but I'm taking it to mean, what stands out to me about the people I love. And that's just that they're in my life and how much they fill me up, and how I get something different from each person.

What’s the best thing you’ve ever gotten for Valentine’s Day? Jewelry!

How do you DO the Holidays?

It's Old School Blogging all about the Holidays!

What do I do and how do I do it?

Er, WE. Because, family, right?

First things first: One Holy Night or Eight Crazy Ones? (Do you Celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, both?)

We celebrate Christmas. I did say to Mark, though, that I think it would be cool to celebrate Hanukkah too. I think Menorahs are beautiful. Is that a silly thing to say? I don't mean for it to be.

Peppermint or Chocolate?

Not "or", but rather AND!

Sing us into the Holiday Season, what is your favorite carol this time of year?

Rocking Around the Christmas Tree, Baby It's Cold Outside, Blue Christmas (by Elvis), Silent Night

Tell us about a Favorite Family or Personal Holiday Tradition

I'm awful. I can't really remember any family traditions from my childhood. There must have been some....

What I like to do with my kids now is let them put all the ornaments on the tree. We bake cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve and also that night, I try to give them each a new ornament and new pajamas all washed and ready to wear to bed.

C’mon you remember your favorite gift, tell us all about it

From childhood, I remember birthday gifts more. Except for the year I finally got a Cabbage Patch Doll. She even had glasses just like me. My mom knew I was getting one, and sewed me clothes for her.

As an adult, a year that stands out was me and Mark's first Christmas. We had moved in together in October, so for Christmas we received a lot of household items. I thought that was really cool.

That magical moment? (Your favorite scene from a Holiday movie…it’s okay if you have 2)

I love the scene in The Santa Clause when Scott and Charlie arrive at the North Pole after finishing gift deliveries and all of Santa's Village is revealed. And the ending of Elf when all of New York City is "singing loud for all to hear". Both give me tingles.

Kissing under the mistletoe?  Who do you hope is standing underneath (We know it’s normally your spouse, if it did not have to be, who would you choose?)

Who would I like to kiss other than my husband......? Too many cute boys, er men! If I'm being a cougar, Zac Efron. No judging!

Swans a swimming, lords a leaping, golden rings; which gift of the 12 days of Christmas would you like most?

The 5 gold rings, of course!

Play Secret Santa, what inappropriate gift would you love to give this year?

Maybe something having to do with bacon. Do you know there's bacon flavored toothpaste? How can your mouth feel clean using that?

Martha Stewart or the Grinch? What is your decorating style? (Pictures would be awesome!)

I don't like Martha Stewart so I don't try to emulate her at all. I just like my house to look warm and festive. I put gift wrap over all the living and dining room pictures, we have a tree, some cute little rugs/mats, stockings, Christmas mugs and blankets.

If Santa could assure its delivery, what’s the first thing on your holiday wish LIST?

Well, as of a few days ago....a new treadmill. Or maybe an elliptical instead. Ooh, or maybe that treadclimber one! Something smaller would be new walking shoes or an Old Navy gift card.

What is ONE WORD that defines the holiday season for you? (Examples: Believe/Wonder/Bah Humbug?)

Stillness. Contentment. Magic. That's three, sorry. I have always felt like Christmas Day FEELS different than any other day of the year.

Part of the fun of Old School Blogging is tagging friends. But I hate putting people on the spot. So I tag YOU...if you want to! The link-up is open for five more days. Just let me know if you join in, OK?

33 Questions and Answers Laced with Gratitude

It's Old School Blogging time!

Like last month, I am going to combine it with my weekly gratitude list. I wasn't going to, but then a really stressful thing happened and I didn't have it in me to write two more posts this week.

Cool? Cool.

Thankful #1: Where is your cell phone? Sitting next to me here at the desk.

Thankful #2: Your significant other? A man named Mark who is 5 1/2 years older than me, has chronic illnesses, works for Home Depot, likes guns, hard rock, strong coffee and soft sheets, and is the love of my life.

Your hair? Cut into an inverted bob and colored medium ash blond. And needs trim!

Thankful #3: Your mother? Has two horses, is happily married to a retired firefighter, is a pescatarian and just recently began living in two places, one for the winter and one for the summer.

Thankful #4: Your father? Lives 3.5 miles from me, will turn 60 the day after my son turns 8 in January, is the fourth of five children and is known as "Scan Man" to his colleagues.

Your favorite thing? Hugs.

Your dream last night? Probably something like not being able to use a phone, not remembering my locker combination or someone having a baby.

Your favorite drink? I mostly drink three things: coffee, water and wine.

Your dream/goal? I hate this question. I think I have more than one.....how 'bout, lower my cholesterol?

Thankful #5 (my  house): The room you are in? The living room.

Your fear? Losing my husband, and my kids losing their dad.

Where do you want to be in six years? Six years older.

Where were you last night? In my bedroom watching Grey's Anatomy and Scandal.

What are you NOT? Tall, college educated (a little), a Republican, insincere.

Muffins? Occasionally.

One of your wish list items?

Where you grew up? Everett, WA from birth to 12, then South Lake Tahoe, CA until age 19.

The last thing you did? Took a shower.

What are you wearing? Yoga pants, a long-sleeved t-shirt and....well, I'm having shoe issues since I shrank (is that correct?) my walking sneakers and broke a lace on another pair of shoes. Sigh.

Your TV? Hangs from the ceiling.

Thankful #6: Your pets? One fat orange tabby named Julius.

Thankful #7: Your computer? An HP PC.

Thankful #8: Your life? It is what it is.

Missing someone? This is the second time I've been prompted in this way this month, and I'll say the same thing I said the first time, this beautiful lady:

Thankful Emily (that is actually her name) holding my baby AJ in 2006,
about a year and a half before she passed

Your car? They won't let me drive! But my husband's car is, as of this year, a Dodge Durango.

Something you are NOT wearing? Make-up.

Favorite store? Probably Target.

Thankful #9: Your summer? Was beautiful.

Like someone? YOU.

Your favorite color? Blue.

When was the last time you laughed? I laugh at my kids for some reason every day!

Last time you cried? The other night.

Thankful #10: What is one thing on your to-do list? Christmas crochet projects.

Spreading Some Bloggy Love and Gratitude

I just love Elaine's Old School Blogging meme/link-up. It's all about the community of bloggers, supporting each other, getting to know each other better, pimpin' each other out.....you know, spreading some bloggy love.

This month Elaine and co-host Tracy want us to try to narrow our most likely super long list of fave bloggers down to five. Just FIVE.

I have come across hundreds of blogs in my 3 1/2 years in the blogosphere. And I follow or like hundreds on Twitter and Facebook.

How am I supposed to choose? I think I'll follow our hostess' lead and pick five of my more recent finds and/or that I seem to be going back to a lot lately.

Oh and I will double dip a bit, and count them as things I am thankful for this week. I can do that, right?

1. Considerings - written by Lizzi who is a Brit and I read everything she writes with the accent!

2. Here's the Thing... - written by Kenya who I think is super cool for quoting herself and including a pinnable image of the quote in nearly every post.

3. The Family Pants - written by Colleen, aka Mama Pants, who has a fantastic About page.

4. Unintentionally Brilliant - written by "Roxanne: the sweetest and most confusing girl ever."

5. What Now and Why - written by Arnebya (which I don't know how to pronounce) who wrote this really provocative post.

Other things I'm thankful for:
6. I got to see Gravity. It's really good. Sandra Bullock made me cry. I highly recommend. My dad says you can skip 3D, that it wasn't that great.
7. I love that I married someone who loves listening to music and is hopefully passing that down to our kids, just like my dad did with me. It also makes our home feel fun and lively. Unless it's AC/DC, in which case I whine and complain until Mark changes it.
8. I now have three shows to watch with my kids: Once Upon a Time, Once Upon a Time in Wonderland and Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D. Mark joins us for Agents. So fun!
9. I have found free clip art, chosen the fonts I like and have been happily making new images to go with my new blog name. Coming soon!
10. A Costco coupon for $6.50 off Tide just when we needed more. Love it when that happens!

The ABCs of Me

It's once again time to kick it Old School!

Old School Blogging, that is.

The ABCs of Me

A. Attached or single? Very attached. Married 15 years next month!

B. Best friend? My very best friend is my husband. He's my PERSON (Grey's Anatomy reference). But I also have my BFF from high school, J.Ho. My relationship with her is long distance, so I also have a couple local besties.

C. Cake or pie? PIE all the way! Especially caramel apple pie a la mode.

D. Day of choice? Of the week? I know this is contrary to how most people feel, but I like Mondays because I feel like they're a reboot day. Start of a fresh, new week.

E. Essential item? My glasses. Because I'm a blind girl. Getting new ones soon!

F. Favorite color? Blue.

G. Gummy bears or worms? Ew, neither. Red Vines!

H. Hometown? Everett, WA

I. Favorite indulgence? Starbucks

J. January or July? That's funny, those are the months my children were born in, so I shall say BOTH!

K. Kids? A girl and a boy.

L. Life isn't complete without? Laughter.

M. Marriage date? July 18, 1998

N. Number of brothers/sisters? None. Husband has one sister (and a step-sister).

O. Oranges or apples? I'll say apples because there is so much you can do with them. But I hate apple juice.

P. Phobias? Creepy crawly things.

Q. Quotes? Seriously? I LOVE quotes!

R. Reasons to smile? My kids and husband, my cat, flowers, clouds, getting a text from a friend, when my dad stops by with muffins, blogging and reading blogs, Twitter, good wine, making things with yarn....

S. Season of choice? Officially I have to say spring. I realized this year just how energizing and full of hope it is. But I also love autumn.

T. Tag 5 people. Sarcasm Goddess, Leslie, Audrey, Danielle and Amy.

U. Unknown fact about me? When I was a kid I thought bands went to the radio station to play their songs. I didn't know the songs were on records. I don't know why I didn't get this, since my father had a zillion records.

V. Vegetable? Carrots, snow peas, red peppers.

W. Worst habit? Night time snacking

X. X-ray or Ultrasound? Depends on the situation...?

Y. Your favorite food? Burritos! Or anything with caramel.

Z. Zodiac sign? My sun sign is Aries, according to my birth date. However, I believe that is actually the least of my astrological influences. My moon sign is Aquarius and my rising sign is Pisces. I think they have more sway over who I really am. But I'm no expert!