Cheryl took the challenge to ask me anything. Her question was actually somewhat hard for me, which I suppose is odd. She asked what my favorite childhood memories were.

I have honestly been thinking about this for a few days. I am the type of person who remembers completely useless and random things but then drives my friends and family nuts when they say, "Remember so & so?" and I have to say, "Um, no." "But he was in your class every year from kindergarten on up!" Still a no. Or like when I told my mom I was thinking of visiting Sea World while in Orlando because I couldn't remember anything about it except that I was in a VERY bad mood that day, she couldn't believe that I didn't remember the behind the scenes tour we took where apparently Shamu landed himself RIGHT NEXT TO US on a platform. Nope, don't recall that at all. (She was highly irritated about THAT one!)

So, back to the childhood memories. Some things I think I remember but they may be memories based on stories being told to me by others, because I was very little. I have great memories of our very first dog, a beautiful Belgian Sheepdog named Prince. Prince was my buddy. He went everywhere with me and put up with everything from me. I would swing him on the swingset. I buried him in the sandbox (forever dooming the poor fellow to ear infections from there on out). I remember when I was older and we moved to a more rural area that he would chase the geese (until one chased back!) and he liked to try to hide behind stick trees. He was probably my first friend in life and was forever loving and loyal to me.

It bothered me though that this was the only thing that came to mind so I thought some more. I had friends who lived in the same trailer park (yep, I grew up in a trailer park!) as me but very little stands out as a really favorite memory. I remember spending ALL DAY long at the pool with my friends, even though I could barely swim. I remember spending evenings taking walks with a whole group of them and hanging out. I remember trying to "camp" out in my friend Jessica's backyard and getting scared within about an hour and coming in the house instead for the night! I also remember walking home from the bus with my friends after school. It wasn't too far - just far enough to talk and laugh and have some fun. I was really blessed to live somewhere where it was safe for kids and where there were a lot of kids my age or just about. We lived there for most of my childhood; we bought land and built a house about two or three miles away when I was 15, which was also the year I had back surgery and had a rod implanted in my spine. It was a rough year. And I think because it was not a "neighborhood" per se like the other one, I didn't really make any real friends nearby (and luckily, I was soon driving and that wasn't an issue!) But a lot of things did change because of that move....

Sitting in the bed (!)

Drinking water.

Enjoying being home.

Walking a fine line between my desire to relax and my need to get things done around here.

Reading the Bible in one year. I still need to read today's (I do it before bed) but so far, I am on track.

Bored by the Miss America pagent that is on tv in the background.

Looking forward to my birthday (month!).

Planning a birthday outing.

Praying for a friend who is struggling, about some changes coming up soon, about a friend...

Grateful that things went well at my programs this week and I made it home safely.

Perplexed as to who I might vote for.

Tired & should be asleep but I slept too much today!

Cleaned up the kitchen counter, even though I was going to leave the mess until tomorrow.

Learning how to better handle situations at work without getting emotional (learning, I said - I am NOT there yet for sure!)

Needing to get some sleep one way or another so I can get up for church & teach the preteen class tomorrow.

Betcha didn't even know I was gone! I have been gone for work for 7 days and while I always want to post MOST when I am on the road, I err on the side of caution and choose not to tell the entire internet that I am not home! Anyway, I was in Orlando for several days and then went on to Atlanta where I worked my proverbial tail off. I finally made it home last night around 11 and slept most of the day, ran a few errands (including retrieving poor Kittyzilla from the vet), did lots of laundry and now am ready to sleep again! It'll take me a few days to get myself back on track.

I have many things to post - about my trip, my answer to Cheryl's question...and y'all feel free now to post other questions (I KNOW that there are at least 4 of you out there who are still loyal readers!!) Until then, adios.

Some of my favorite bloggers have been taking random questions from their readers so I thought I would jump on the proverbial bandwagon. So, dear readers, ask me whatever you would like to know & I'll respond here!

Shockingly, it is actually snowing! It is so beautiful.

I have a lot on my mind tonight. My brain is swirling in a thousand directions. I can't even formulate a coherent sentence...I'll be back.

My mom had to put her beloved dog, rocky, to sleep today. He had a blood clot in his lung and was rapidly going downhill; there was no other option. He was such a good, sweet dog and her favorite of all. It is such a shame - I don't understand why God blesses is with pets but only gives us a short time with them. : (

Oh, yeah-big time!

I am still exhausted. Right now, I am watching 20/20 about happiness...a very interesting show. They just said you control 40% of your own happiness. I am not sure what I think about that. There is a difference between happiness & joy, I do know that. Hmmmm.

So Monday got off to a great start with a stabbing pain in my side, right under my ribs. I could not stand up straight for the pain so I called the doctor & got in an emergency slot...only to be told my stomach is "twitchy" anyway and if the pain doesn't subside in two weeks to come back & get an ultrasound. Twitchy??? For pity's sake. (and yes, it still hurts but not as intensely.

Last night was our first bible study of the new year and I thought it went well. I came home and started doing some things around the house and encountered a huge spider in the basement. If you know me, you know arachnids are not my friends so I was all twitchy about that all night (and am afraid to go back down even now.). Then about half an hour after going to bed, I woke up in a completely agitated state. I think this was a combination of my lovely neighbor doing wash at midnight (again...though sometimes it is at 4, so I guess I was lucky) and drying on the cycle that buzzes every five minutes until apparently the end of time plus Norman desperately trying to kill Ramona and Nellie. Plus probably my thoughts on the arachnid...so it was not a good night.

Here's hoping tonight is better-i am exhausted.

There seems to be something motivating in having a treadmill in the bedroom, right in my line of sight when I am trying to veg out. What I would like would be the ability to get up & is it first thing in the morning. Right now, though, my goal is to get to work on time...and I'll take it from there.

On another note, I am strangely fascinated by the Iowa caucaus. I haven't a clue who I will vote for but I am interested most in the character of those running. Some did not have my respect for the word go; some have lost it in recent days. I understand attack ads are part of it but it is a part I can't abide.

...and trying to blog mobiley (is that even a word?!?). We'll see if it works!

I don't really like to make resolutions so much as goals for the new year. I've been pondering them, trying to make them most realistic and workable...so here they are:

*Read through the Bible this year
*Exercise at least three times a week
*Maintain a more healthy eating plan (based on what the nutritionist is working on with me)
*Manage my finances better

There are other, less lofty things...but for now, these are in the forefront. Wish me luck!

2008 is finally upon us. I had a great time last night at the church's new year's eve/10th anniversary party. It was actually much more fun than I thought it would be. I was home by 1:15 or so and got to bed by 2...then got up this morning to prepare for my annual Open House. I had about 40 people in and out and had a really nice time. It was great to see everyone and hang out.

I was a little depressed after everyone left though - partly because the holidays are over (and I have to clean up!) but mainly because my dear friends Trish & Jack will be moving this year. We talked about it some today because they'll be looking at houses this coming weekend and hope to move by June. I knew this was coming but for some reason it hit me hard tonight after they headed home.