The responses

Yesterday I asked a handful of questions that have been on my mind.  I am always curious if people do things the same as I do or if I am the odd ball.  But I must say with the answers and comments I received that I am half normal and half abnormal per your standards.  And really that only includes 4 people so there may be a slight bit of bias, so be it.  

Here are your results (and I totally just mistyped (but corrected) the word 'result' and it came out kinda nasty - figure it out):

• 75% of you dry off while in the shower before you step out.
  

I am in the majority here - thank goodness.  I understand the concept of the bath mat outside of the shower, but I don't believe it's for completely dripping wet bodies.  That is what a towel is for.  The mat, in my opinion, is a safety precaution so one doesn't slip and fall; not to absorb a ton of water that will take over 24 hours to dry.  Now only if my husband could follow these guidelines.  Sigh.

• 75% of you place your cups upside down in your cupboard/cabinet.

Well, I guess 50% of the time I do the upside down thing, but the other half of the time I put them right side up.  The plastic cups go upside down, but the mugs and glassware are all right side up.  I like how Steph phrased it, "I just don't like the mouth part to touch anything." And that is why I only use a mug or a glass.  Enough said.

• The next question was split 50-50.  Half of you use the word cupboard and the other half use cabinet.

I use both as well, but find myself calling it a cabinet more often.  Cupboard sounds more old fashioned to me, so I choose to be young and hip by calling it a cabinet.  Whatever.

• 100% of you call supper dinner.  Did that even make a bit of sense? 

I call my evening meal 'dinner' as well.  When I was younger we used the word supper a lot, but I feel like it's more of a slang term and the word dinner is a bit more formal.  I don't know if I am right or not, but that is what I am used to.

• 75% of you call your fizzy beverage "pop" and the other 25% call it soda.

I have always called it pop, but I have heard that if you go to a certain area in the States and ask for a 'pop' that you might get punched in the face.  I say we break even and call it a soft drink.  Any one with me?  Check out this map.  Some people must have a lot of time on their hands to actually research this.  Impressive.

• When it comes to spray butter and squeezable jelly 100% of you seem to think it's convenient and not lazy.  And 75% of you purchase these products.

I love me some spray butter, especially when I am feeling lazy and don't want to dirty a knife to spread the regular butter.  But then again, I purchase sticks of butter, a tub of butter, and spray butter, each for different uses.  And I just bought my first jar of squeezable jelly, but I still can't get over the idea of not spreading it with a knife, so it's pretty useless, except I don't have to worry about this ever happening. 

• And finally 75% of you put your right sock on first.  The other 25% don't really notice or think I am insane for posing this question.  I may have to agree with you.  Who really cares?

This was interesting and I thank the 4 of you for your input and playing along (you made the statistics part a no brainer for me and for that I am forever grateful!)  I have another set of questions in the works so be ready to post your input.  I look forward to these really important topics!

You tell me

I have some important questions that I have been pondering in my head.  I want to know how the majority of people do the following things.  Please leave your comments and in the next few days I'll compare my answers to yours.

1) Do you dry your feet and/or body before stepping out of the shower or after?

2) Do you place your clean drinking cups upside down or right side up when putting them away?

3) Do you use the word cabinet or cupboard?

4) Do you use the word dinner or supper?

5) Do you use the word soda or pop?

6) Do you think spray butter and squeezable jelly is considered being lazy or convenience and do you buy either?

7) What foot do you put your sock on first, left or right?

Inquiring minds want to know so humor me, would ya?

What brought you here?

I get asked that question a lot.  

"What brought you here?"

I guess it's quite common to ask that to someone who is new to the area.  

And I always answer in the same boring response.  The husbands fault.  I kid, I kid (even though it's true), but I do give the same story about the job transfer... yada, yada, yada.

Sometimes I just want to make up a crazy story just to see the looks on people's faces. 

But then I got to thinking about the deeper meaning of, "what brought you here?"  As in where you're at in your life at the moment.  

I am a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a blogger, a chauffeur, a maid, a chef (and not a very good one), a bill payer, a butt and nose wiper (important jobs I tell you!), an aerobic diva (hey, I like that title!), and the list goes on and on.  

So many circumstances in our life lead us to where we are right now, they are the things that got us here.  The good and the bad.  And I say embrace them because really, they are what has shaped and formed who we are.  

So my question to you is what brought YOU here?  Discuss. 

Is this getting boring yet?

I got a little side tracked with dumbness for awhile, but I am back to answering your burning questions.  I hope this isn't boring you too much.    

Amy (without a blog I presume) asked the following:

What kind of coffee is your favorite, and how do you 'take it'? 

Well, Amy, my first choice in coffee (and what we brew here at home in the good 'ol Bunn) is Dunkin Donuts.  For me nothing has ever come close to beating its taste.  Now, I do like Burger King's coffee (who knew they had decent coffee, you should try it some time) and I also like McDonalds.  I must have both cream (half and half) and sugar in my coffee.  Flavored creamer is ok which I like on occasion, such as holidays. I try to stay away from the strong coffee brewers out there such as Starbucks and whatever coffee Borders bookstore serves.  It's just way too strong for my liking.  But I do like Starbucks 'foo-foo' drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos,  except I normally don't splurge on those unless I have a gift card.  

Another question from another Amy (F.) asks: 

How are you liking Ohio?? I forget which city you are in, but I'm curious how you've adjusted. What do they have there that is awesome and did not have in NW Indiana? And what are you missing that your new town does not have??

Do you like to read? If so, what are some of your favorites??

Yes I do like Ohio and the city we live in because it is a great size community (not too big and not too small) with a new feel to it.  I've got my favorite stores here in town (Marshalls, World Market, Target) and the mall is just a hop skip and a jump over to the next town.

The one thing I love here is my gym - OMG - it is top of the line, awesome!  The group exercise classes are amazing, the instructors are fun and motivating, the equipment is clean and new, and it is big.  Plus my kids love to go there and play.  

As far as food goes I am loving Five Guys.  They have the best burgers and fries.  It's all made fresh to order and they cook their fries in peanut oil which gives them such a wonderful taste.  I am drooling just thinking about them.  

One thing that Ohio doesn't have that I miss a whole heck of a lot is my family and friends.  Sure I am slowing starting to make friends out here, but it's not the same and I still miss my old ones back home.  I have my good days and bad days and I try not to think too much about it, but it is hard.  I still feel like an outsider a lot of the time.  

Moving right along.

No, I do not like to read.  I feel like it's a chore plus I have no time to sit down and do it.  Currently I am in a bible study (Beth Moore - Esther: It's tough being a woman) which is forcing me to sit down and read.  Maybe some day, when the kids stop bothering me for clean clothes and food to eat, then I may be able to enjoy reading.       

That's all for today.  I've got a few more left to answer and I thank those of you who have submitted questions to me.     

Recipe question

Today I am continuing my response to the questions I have been asked the past few days.  Do you still have some burning questions for me?  Send them my way!  

Today's question comes from Jewel (most likely not the actual singer) at Sleepless in Wisc and she asks:

HI! I know that part of your world is known for certain cooking methods or regional favorites. What are those favorites? and please share those recipes with all. 

This is a funny question because cooking and I don't have the best relationship.  I fight it all the time.  To me it's a chore that I don't like to do even though it's necessary if I want our family to survive.  I would rather clean the house from top to bottom than cook dinner.  Sad I know.

  

This is also kind of a tough question because, first off, I live in Ohio and have only been here a short while, so I do not know of many regional favorites.  Although, I hear clambakes are pretty popular.  I am still not sure what a clam bake consists of, but I am guessing clams may be the main ingredient.  (You didn't know I was so smart, did you?)  And I prefer not to eat clams, sorry.  

Ohio is also known for the cookie/candy called a Buckeye.  I made these for Christmas this year and learned the hard way that you should never skimp on calories by using reduced fat peanut butter.  They do not turn out nearly as good.  Always use the regular (fat loaded) creamy peanut butter.  Here is a link to a similar recipe I use.  

I am originally from NW Indiana, but I can't really think of what that region is known for as far as food or cooking styles go. (Sorry Jewel, I'm not doing too well on your question!)  When most people think of Indiana they may think of corn.  And the area I am from is known for popcorn where we even have a festival to celebrate it.  My family loves to make popcorn on the stove and recently I have enjoyed making kettle corn which has a sweet and salty mix to it.     

There you have it.  Buckeyes and popcorn.  Now all you need to add to that mix is a movie and drink.  Enjoy!

A mighty 300

Today's entry marks my 300th post.  

Wow.

That is a lot in my opinion.  

There is no giveaway or exciting contest, which is nothing new.  

And I hope you're not expecting anything riveting.  That is not my style, which I am sure you know that by now.  I lean on the side of humor and light heartedness.  That is what fits me best.  The true me.

So I have had a few questions start to come in since my original request, which btw, makes me very happy.  If you haven't done so yet, what are you waiting for?  Ask me a question, any question.  What do you want to know about me?  I can't guarantee an exciting response, but I can guarantee an honest one.  

So let's jump right in.  The first question comes from Nicole at Here's the Diehl.  She's got a great blog and 3 cute boys (like me!) so go check her out and let her know you visited.  Every time I say the phrase "here's the deal" I think of her.  It gives the phrase a whole new meaning.  She asked:

1. Assuming you use your kids' real names on the blog: how did you choose their names? I played this game on my blog a while ago and it was fun.

Great question Nicole!  And yes, I use their real names just like you do.

First in line is Taylor Austin.  Is that not a rock star name or what?!  Honestly, I feel bad, but there is no story behind his name.  I have always liked the name Taylor and regardless of if we were having a boy or girl, that was the name we were set on.  And Austin was again, another name that we liked, plus at one time both my parents lived in Austin, Texas.  So there is some meaning behind the name.  One of his nicknames is Taylor-bug 

Next up is Carson Lee.  The name Carson, again, has no particular significance.  It was a name that had a good sound to it.  His middle name, Lee, is my dad's first name, shortened (it's actually Leland).  I think his name sounds like a professional football player.  Bears, Browns, Patriots, or Colts - there may be some potential there.  Some of his nicknames are Cars, which is perfect since that is his favorite movie to watch and he always plays with matchbox cars too.  My dad came up with a cute nickname when Carson was younger which is Carsonova.  This was during his crush-on-girls phase which has since been long gone and I don't see it coming back for quite awhile.  Fine with me!  I can wait for the teen-love stage.  

And last, but certainly not least, is Luke Charles.  I was not sold on the name Luke, which was my husbands' choice.  I wanted to name him Parker, but I let hubby have his way, which I am very happy with now.  I love how it has a biblical tie to it.  And the middle name was a no-brainer.  Both my dad and Jason's dad's middle name is Charles, so of course we had to carry on that tradition.  Some of Luke's nicknames are Lukey, Lukester, and Lukeman.  And it's always fun to say the Star Wars phrase, "Luke, I am your father!"

When you put all the boys first initials together (in the wrong order, but that's okay) you come up with TLC.  I love how that worked out.  Otherwise it would have been TCP. 

Nicole went on to also ask:

2. I hate to work out, and you love it. Can we still be blog friends?

Absolutely!  I will be friends with anyone regardless of their working out habits or lack thereof.  I think it's great if you can find a hobby that you love and are passionate about it and give it your all.  The gym and I are good buddies and we have a healthy relationship - excuse the ridiculous pun (I get that from my dad).  I hope my passion for exercise can rub off on others that are looking to make it a part of their lifestyle.

Stay tuned for more answers to your great questions.  This is really fun!  Thanks so much for playing along.  And keep 'em coming!  

Ask away (please!)

I don't know if anyone has noticed, but I have been posting daily since the beginning of December.  I am not sure what has gotten into me, yet I've been on a roll.  I am also coming up on my 300th post.  

 

And as all good things come to an end, I am feeling the momentum start to slow.  This is where you all come into play.  I need your help.  

I am asking all my readers to submit a question or two (or more, depending on how nosey you are).  It can be anything ranging from a basic question, such as what's your favorite color? To a more intense question like, how would you solve world peace?  They can be funny or serious questions.  I don't mind either way and I will do my best to answer all of them (except that world peace one, that's a doozy!).  If you've been lurking, here is a great opportunity to make yourself known - aka - come on out of that closet!  Don't be shy! 

So please help a girl out and ask away.  This writers block is making me stumble.

Things you all wanted to know about me.

Have you ever really thought about the way you do certain things and wonder if other people do them the same way as you, or am I just a freak?

Don't answer that.

I came up with a list of things that I am curious about and listed my answers, but I would love for you to chime in and let me know what your replies would be. Either list it in the comment section or make a post of your own and link back to me.

1) How do you eat cottage cheese? Plain? Fruit? Ketchup? Sugar?
I personally love to add sugar on top of mine. Learned it from my mom when I was a kid and it's stuck with me. It grosses out my husband.

2) When you eat a banana do you completely peel it first or peel as you go? And do you eat it plain or with "toppings"?
I like to cut my banana in a bowl and add peanut butter and honey to it. So yummy and healthy.

3) If you recycle (which you should!) do you rinse and flatten the containers?
I do my best

4) When putting on socks, which foot do you start with?
I think I would have to say my right foot, actually now that I think about it maybe it's my left. Who knows?

5) How do you take your coffee?
I love it with lots of cream and sugar and by that time I am not sure you can really call it coffee. Dunkin Donuts coffee is my all-time favorite.

6) Do you generally sleep on your side, back or stomach?
I start off on my back and end up on my side.

7) Are you offended when someone flashes their high beam headlights ("brights") at you or do you take it as a warning that there's a police officer ahead or that your "brights" are on?
I like to think people have good intentions are are forewarning me of a speed trap, but then I remember hearing about an urban legend involving gang initiation, so I try not to flash anyone just to be on the safe side.

8) If you see any type of change, whether it be a penny or a nickel, do you pick it up?
If my kids are with me I will have them pick it up, but if I am alone and it's only a penny I will usually leave it.

9) When at a track, which way do you go, clockwise or counterclockwise? Why do some people go the opposite direction?
I say clockwise is correct and get irritated when I see people going the opposite direction when everyone else is going in the right direction. I think they just want attention.

10) Before loading a dishwasher, do you first rinse and remove stuck on food?
Absolutely. I see my dishwasher as more of a sanitizer. I would never be able to put a dish or utensil in it if it's covered with food. Eew!

11) When taking a shower do you wash your body, hair or face first or do you first shave?
I always wash my hair first, then my body and last my face. Once that's all taken care of I shave.

12) What type of gum do you prefer? Spearmint, peppermint, cinnamon, of fruit flavored?
I love spearmint and gag with peppermint. Cinnamon comes in a close second, but they all have to be sugar free or it leaves a gross after-taste in my mouth.

That's all I have for you at the moment. I am sure I will come up with more - lucky you!

Now you know more about me and it's your turn to tell me more about you.