Journal entry 148--New Year's Eve

Describe a memorable New Year's Eve.


When I was 17 years old I had the opportunity to ride on a float for the Pasadena Rose Parade. My church group that night held a dance but I had to leave early to get some sleep because I needed to wake up extra early to be at the float. My group and I were picked up in a limo and taken to the float site where we stayed in a trailer to keep warm until it was time to line up. Then we put on our costumes and took our positions on the float which was a spaceship and we were the space crew. I enjoyed riding down the parade route, waving to the spectators and throwing them flowers from the float. Although I was quickly reprimanded for doing so and had to stop. That day was long but memorable to have been able to ride a rose parade float.

Journal entry 147--Journals

How do you keep a journal? Is it online as a personal, for your eyes only blog? Or do you hand write your entries in a beautifully bound book?

My friend keeps a private blog that she copies and pastes the topic and then writes her entry. Since she's the only person who views the blog it stays completely private. Later, with any blog you can have it published into a book form to cherish forever. Some companies that offer this are www.blurb.com, www.lulu.com, or www.blog2print.com I really can't tell you which is the best company as I haven't put my blogs into book form. If anyone knows please tell the rest of us!

Journal entry 146--

What little victory has given you the most joy recently?


Last time we went to Disneyland, we rode on Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters and I ended up with a high score of 545,600. In my family there's a little competition of who can score the highest. This competition is really between my husband and I but the kids try to keep up. I was thrilled that I scored so high beating my husband, two 11 year olds and a 6 year old. Okay, so my competition wasn't so much but it was my little victory that led me to strut out of Astro Blasters with my head held high.

Journal entry 145--Cookies

What is your favorite cookie?  Do you make these cookies at home?

I absolutely love chocolate chip cookies!  They are my all time favorite cookie.  I enjoy making them from scratch with my children and eating the dough.  My good friend, Julie makes the best version of chocolate chip cookies.  Whenever she comes to visit, she always makes sure she brings a big bag of cookie dough with her.  She makes us cookies with whatever dough is left and then we spend the rest of the evening eating chocolate chip cookies!  Yummy!

Journal entry 144--Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all my readers! Thank you for supporting me! I appreciate you all! Have a great holiday and eat a lot of junk, candy and food. Do absolutely no work today and enjoy your family and friends!

Journal entry 143--Wishes

If you could have one wish about the world, that could change the world for the better, what would it be?

I would wish for more respect. Respect of others, their beliefs, religion, politics, etc. If we had more respect for others, perhaps there would be less wars, or terrorist acts. More respect for our bodies might make people take care of themselves better take things that are harmful to their body. Respect for husband or wife might lessen the amount of divorce. I could be wrong, but I think more respect for others may be what this world needs.

Journal entry 142--Tonight

What are you doing tonight? Write about your plans for this evening.


Tonight my family and I are going ice skating at the local rink with some other families. I can't wait! I love ice skating and roller skating, but my kids are not too sure. They've never really ice skated before and know they will fall the entire time. One of my children hates to fail at sports so I think he's the most worried. I keep telling them that they have to fall in order to learn. I know I'll fall a bit tonight but that's okay. I'm better at roller skating than ice skating but it will be fun just to be with my family and friends.

Journal entry 141--Movies

List your top 5 Christmas movies of all time. They don't necessarily have to be about Christmas.

1. Elf
2. A Christmas Story
3. A Christmas Carol
4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
5. A Charlie Brown Christmas

These movies are fun to watch and of course give a wonderful message of family and togetherness during Christmas. Whatever holiday you celebrate, I hope it's a happy one!

Journal entry 140--Traditions

Describe a holiday tradition you either did as a child or now do with your family.


Every year at Christmas time, I love going to see the Christmas lights. I've done this since I was a child and now continue to do it with my children. In fact on the way to see the lights, I make the kids count other house lights and see how many we can count. Last night we went to a house where a light show was connected to music you received from your car radio. It was so much fun and the kids loved it. Also every year since I was a child, I've gone to see the lights on a huge mansion. The owners decorate the mansion with millions of lights and displays. It's beautiful and hopefully my children enjoy the lights as much as I do.

Journal entry 139--Envy

What makes you envious?


I could spend quite a while writing about what makes me envious! I envy people who can dance so effortlessly and people who do whatever they think they can. I envy my children's carefree attitude in life and that they don't really have to worry about most of the craziness of the world. Other than that, I'm okay with my life. I have a great life and a great family and I wouldn't change it for anything.

Journal entry 138--Child

Describe one of your children. If you do not have any children, describe a close friend.


My youngest child is Olivia. She is spunky, precocious, logical and sensitive. At times, I feel like I'm talking to an adult who challenges anything I say with a logical retort. Olivia is a girly girl who loves makeup, nail polish and glitter. She loves to play soccer and the piano, but hates to make mistakes. She's a perfectionist, which can be very annoying when I'm trying to teach her something. Livie (her nickname) also loves to talk and can give a lengthy answer to the simple question: "how are you doing?" I love my little girl. She balances out our male dominated household and brings us all joy. Livie has so much faith in God that I'm constantly impressed by her. She's thoughtful and kind to others, smart and challenging and I can't imagine life without her.

Journal entry 137--Rain or Wind?

Which do you prefer and why--Rain or wind?


Many times there's rain with wind but if I had to choose, I would pick rain any day. Where I live the wind gets so bad that I sometimes expect to see some sort of animal fly by my window. The wind is so loud that my husband sleeps down stairs just so the noise is not so horrible. At the end of the windy season, my trees are stuck in a wind blown position and I thank heavens they are still standing. The next day, I usually spend the morning picking out leaves, toys and other strange things at of my pool that were blown in from my neighbor's house. The one good thing about the wind here, is that is blows off all the balls thrown on the roof by my children. Now rain, I love. It's cozy and comforting, especially if you don't have to drive anywhere. Give me the rain anyday with a mug of hot cocoa, a fire in the fireplace and a warm blanket and movie. That's my idea of cozy weather and wind is not invited.

Journal entry 136--Tickets

Have you ever gotten a speeding ticket or some other moving vehicle violation ticket? If so, describe what happened.


I've only gotten one ticket in my entire life when I was 18 years old. I was driving home from school at 75 miles per hour and a police officer pulled me over. At the time, I thought you were suppose to drive as fast as everyone else on the road and I wasn't watching for the cops. At school, I was taking a Zoology class and had a dissected rat on my passenger seat. The police officer looked at it like I was some strange animal killer. I calmly explained to him why there was a dead rat in my car. The hardest part of getting a ticket was telling my mom about it, who was not happy. I ended up going to traffic school all day on the weekend. It was annoying and I haven't gotten another ticket since. Not that I haven't been pulled over by a cop. I've just learned how to talk my way out of a ticket!

Journal entry 135--Sick

Describe what you are like when you are sick. Are you the type that lies on the couch moaning for attention or do you quietly sequester yourself in your bed until you're better?

I'd have to say that I'm a little of both. I want to not be bothered unless someone is making me soup or hot tea. Otherwise, I'm happy to lie on the couch with a blanket and my dog. Unfortunately, that usually doesn't happen since I have three kids and the odds that one of them will get sick with me is high. So I usually need to take care of the child before myself, however, I do have a great husband that takes care of us all whenever we're sick. After that, he gets sick!

Journal entry 134--Music

Describe what music does for you. What kind of music do you enjoy listening to and why?


For me, I choose music according to my mood. Of course right now all I listen to is Christmas music because of the holidays, but usually I like listening to jazz, classical, and some alternative. If the music is yelling at me or has heavy, heavy guitar, I turn it off, but if the songs give off a peaceful feeling, I'm there. It's all about relaxation and calmness in my crazy life and I try to listen to music that helps me with those feelings.

Journal entry 133--Wanted

Is there something you've always wanted to do or have? If you could have it right now, what would it be?


I've always wanted to have chickens in my yard. I'm not sure why I've wanted this, but the thought of fresh eggs is intriguing. Chickens also can help eat all the nasty little bugs that hurt gardens and their manure can be used for fertilizer. I think I like the idea of living independent of others and knowing where your food is coming from. There are so many reasons to raise chickens, but alas, the area where I live won't allow them. Fortunately for me, my friend has 13 chickens and she is happy to share fresh eggs with me.

Journal entry 132--Competition

How competitive are you? Do you pout after losing a game or happily shake hands with the winner? What drives your competitive nature?


I've always been competitive, more with myself. I know my abilities and potential and if I don't live up to it, watch out, me! Growing up with a brother 10 years older, I always lost games to him. He coached me along the way and I was determined to beat him in a game someday. I think it finally did happen but my continual losing to him made me more competitive. I don't pout if I lose a game. I've learn that as an adult that is an undesirable trait, but I do get mad at myself if I lose a game that I know I should win. For example, Scrabble. I hate losing scrabble! I have to keep telling myself that it is just a game! I need help!

Journal entry 131--Names

How do you feel about your name? Have you always liked it or wanted to change it the moment you turn 18? Does your name have special meaning to it or were you named after someone?

I've had a love/hate relationship with my name. I never liked how at school no one shared my name with me and I also didn't like how plain it sounded. I did like, however, the fact that my name lends itself to a thousand nicknames. It seems as though most of my close friends have a nickname for me--their own unique nickname that only they use. My parents almost named me three other names, either Joy, Jacqueline or Jennifer. I always wanted to be Jennifer. In fact many of my best friends growing up were named Jennifer. My name was chosen because it was the only name on which my parents could agree. I'm used to my name now and am not planning on changing it anytime soon. I figure when I die my tombstone will say, "Here lies the girl with a thousand nicknames."

Journal entry 130--Birthday

What month is your birthday? Do you enjoy having your birthday then?


My birthday is this month--December and having a December birthday has its ups and downs. The ups are it's December and everything is Christmasy and cozy. It's also my birthday so any month will do because there are always presents associated with it! The downside of having a December birthday is that most people forget about it so I never get birthday cards. Growing up I usually had school finals on or the day after my birthday and many times my gifts were wrapped in Christmas paper. I really don't mind though. It's something I'm used to and I'm just happy when people remember my birthday.

Journal entry 129--Death

Have you ever lost someone close to you? Who was it and how did it affect your life?

My mother died when I was just barely 20 years old. She had been sickly my entire life but I still thought that she would live forever. What kid doesn't think that about their parents? It took me awhile to really believe that she was gone. After she died, I was alone for awhile. My sister and brother were already married and living on their own. My mother's death definitely taught me to be more independent and take care of myself. It also got me out of the house so I was eventually able to meet and marry my husband. Before, I thought it was my future to stay and care for my mother. I loved my mom very much and know I will be able to see her again.

Journal entry 128--Enterprise

Have you ever started a business? Ever wanted to? If so, describe what this business is or was and if you still have it.


When I was 16 years old, I started a window painting business for the holidays. I had always wanted to paint holiday windows for businesses but was unsure how to do it. My mother would tell me to wait until I was in high school and there would be a class that would show me, however, there wasn't. At the time, I happened to be dating someone whose mother was a window painter and she showed me all the tricks of the trade. She was also retiring so I got all her contacts. So every year after Thanksgiving, I would paint Santas, reindeer, holly leaves, snow, etc on business's windows for the holidays. It was a great little business for a high school student and I was able to earn enough money for my family for Christmas presents.

Journal entry 127--Ability

Name something you think you are good at doing. What makes you good at this particular thing?


I've always been good at observing and watching people closely and then copying the good things they do. I watch how other people parent their children, teach lessons or classes, cook, draw, sing, everything--you name it, I watch it. There's a little place in my brain which holds all this information and uses it when the time arises. I have a great memory and can recall all the moments I've stored in my brain that I think I'll use in the future. So watch out! I may be watching your actions and storing them away for future use!

Journal entry 126--Book

Describe a book that you've read recently that you really enjoyed. Would you recommend it to a friend and why?


I finished a book called "The Book Thief." I loved this book, even though it is a teenager book! It's about a young girl living in war torn Germany who goes to stay with foster parents. Throughout the story the girl steals books and learns to read them. The most interesting part of the book is that it is told by death personified, so much of the story is foreshadowed. I would definitely recommend this book because I already have! It's a quick read and the writing is almost lyrical. Beautiful story.

Journal entry 125--Accidents

Have you ever been in a car accident or had a near miss? Take a moment to describe this event.

The stupidest accident I was in was caused by me. It was completely my fault and was the most ridiculous accident. I was parked in my garage and, naturally in a hurry. Usually I open the garage door while I'm walking to the driver's side to get in, only this time I waited until I was in the car to open the garage. Because of this change in pattern, I didn't notice the car parked directly behind me and to the left. Really, who looks over their left shoulder when backing out of a garage? Remember, I was in a hurry, so I rammed into the parked car, which happened to belong to my pool guy/insurance agent. He handled it quite well and so did my husband.

Journal entry 124--Change

If you could change one thing about your appearance what would it be and why?


When I was eight months pregnant with my twin boys, I developed Bell's Palsy which caused the left side of my face to become paralysed. I've since recovered, however, there has been some nerve damage to that side and as I grow older, only the right side of my face is in sync with my age. Now the right side of my face is getting wrinkles and the left side is looking like a 30 year old. I would just like to be even! I do know that I wouldn't change a thing if it meant not having my boys and Bell's Palsy was just a part of my pregnancy.

Journal entry 123--First computer

What happened the first time you used a computer? Was it when computers were just starting to become mainstream or was it on an ancient relic?

My first computer was an ancient relic. It was big and bulky and sat on a special computer desk that took up most the room. I remember this computer was from Radio Shack and had a booklet that gave different computer commands. If I inputed these commands, I ended up with a stick figure person walking across the screen. Back then that was cool! I also remember when I had to use DOS programming to get anywhere on the computer. I'm so glad computers have come so far and are now much easier and faster to use.

Journal entry 122--Memorable

Describe an event in your life that was memorable.


One of the most memorable event in my life was when my daughter was born. Aside from the fact that you have a child coming into the world, this event was memorable because of the way she started coming. I was already four days over due and woke up with contractions 10 minutes apart. I took it easy that morning, as easy as any mother of twin 4 year old boys can. That day was also the day the electric company was installing a new electrical pole in our back yard. The front of our house was filled with trucks and huge cranes. My boys loved it! Our entire neighborhood was out of power as well as my cell phone so I had no way to contact my husband to tell him I needed to go to the doctor. I packed up my boys and waited until a contraction stopped, then headed over to my husband's work. I timed it perfectly because as soon as I parked, I had another contraction. We dropped the kids off at a friend's house and headed over to the doctor, who after checking me told me to go home, drink water and rest to make sure it wasn't false labor. I was already 4 days overdue!! My doctor, I found out later, had tickets to a Laker's game and didn't want to miss it. We picked up the kids and my husband had a brilliant idea to get some ice cream, only he ordered a handmade smoothie that took the worker 20 minutes to make. By this time, my contractions are 5 minutes apart. I honestly thought I would give birth on the floor of Cold Stone Creamery. Finally we went home and I waited until 5:00 to call the on call doctor, who thankfully told me to go to the hospital. After dropping the kids off again at a friend's house and listening to my hubby chat with that friend, I got to head over to the hospital where I gave birth 6 hours later to my daughter.

Journal entry 121--World Events

What world event changed some part of your outlook on life?


I'd have to say the attacks of the World Trade Towers on 9/11 changed the way I view the world. It seems as though I was blissfully ignorant of the world's problems until those attacks. Now I hesitate just a little before traveling and feeling a bit harden to the world. I remember the morning of the attacks. I was in California and it was quite early. My friend called me to tell me to turn on the news. I wasn't able to turn it off for the next 3 weeks. With tears streaming down my cheeks, I went throughout the days in shock. I can imagine that event had an impact on many people.

Journal entry 120--School

What was your favorite subject in school and why?


I always enjoyed my science classes, in particular zoology. I was a lab assistant three times and loved getting the dissections ready for the students. Animals have always been fascinating to me and I really enjoyed learning about invertebrates and vertebrates. Another subject that thrilled me was art. I think I took an art class every semester since middle school. It's too bad I'm not a better artist!

Journal entry 119--Blessings

With the Thanksgiving holiday here, take a moment to write down all your blessings in life.


My biggest blessing in life is my family--my husband and three children. They bring such joy and excitement to my humdrum life. I know I'll miss the noise and running around when the kids leave for college one day. I can see why people look forward to grandchildren. I have an amazing husband who supports and encourages me in all I do. He is and always will be my blessing. I also have a great extended family. My husband's family treats me like a blood relative and I love the fact that I grew up close to my aunts, uncles and cousins. I know how blessed I am for my family and am thankful for them everyday.

Journal entry 118--Thanksgiving

Describe a memory you have from Thanksgiving past.


Every year for Thanksgiving, my family would go to my grandparent's house for dinner. All my cousins were there and aunts and uncles. The house was filled with children running around in and out of the adult's legs. I loved going to my grandparent's house each year. My grandma was a wonderful cook and made the best lemon meringue pie using her fresh lemons off the tree. Each year, (before there was cable TV) a Christmas movie called, "Santa and the three bears" was shown. To me, it signified the start of the Christmas season. I remember looking forward to that movie each year. Now you can watch it in July!

Journal entry 117--Finds

Describe a time when you found something really exciting, something that made your day or possibly changed your life.


When I was 5 years-old and walking across the street, I saw a desert tortoise in the middle of the road. He was about the size of a softball and had no choice in the fact that I grabbed him and headed home. My mother was use to my sister and I bringing home strange stray animals and didn't really object. My brother fixed up a cage for the tortoise and I named it Pokey because it continually stuck its head through the chicken wire fencing that held him in. I kept Pokey for another 15 years and he tripled in size! He "ran" all over the backyard and actually came when he heard me call for him! I guess my voice was associated with dinner. Pokey was finally donated to a desert tortoise protection group because they are endangered animals. I'm sure he's still alive and even bigger.

Journal entry 116--Autumn

Describe what is it you like or dislike about the season, Autumn.


I love the fall! We use to live back East and Autumn was my favorite season. It was a time of crisp, cool air and colorful falling leaves. Everything about it was and still is--cozy weather. The kind that wraps you up in a blanket in front of the fire with a warm mug of cocoa. Fall signifies the coming of the holidays, whichever you celebrate. I especially like it when it rains and you can stay inside and watch the drops splash as they hit the ground. Each fall, back East was a time for fresh pressed apple cider and homemade doughnuts. Delicious! Now I live in an area that is sunny all year long. For that I can't complain, but I do at times miss the colors and crisp air of Eastern Autumns.

Journal entry 115--Dreams/Nightmares

Write about a reoccurring dream or nightmare you've had for a long time.


Mine could be classified as either a dream or a nightmare depending on your point of view. I like to think of it as a nightmare. Every now and then I dream that I'm back in high school. This dream is so vivid that it takes me awhile before I realize I'm actually dreaming. Usually, I'm either at my locker and have forgotten the combination or I'm sitting in class and there's a test I haven't studied for. I'm overcome with panic and dread knowing that I can't remember a thing about Geometry or Calculus, which is usually what the dream is about. The nightmares are so frustrating because I think I'm going to fail the class and not go onto college. After most of the initial fear is over, I wake up realizing it's been a long time since I was in high school.

Journal entry 114--Embarrassment

Describe a time when you were embarrassed. What happened?


I was just thinking today about a time when I was in second grade and a boy in class liked me. It was always difficult for me to not be embarrassed about boys when I was little because I had an older brother who painfully teased me about everything. In class, I was the classmate of the week and each child had to fill out a form telling why they thought I should be the classmate of the week. A boy named Mike had a crush on me and wrote on the back of his paper, "I love you." I wanted to crawl under a rock! That booklet was supposed to be displayed on my desk for back to school night. Everyone would see it! I had a plan. I scribbled on the back of all the papers so it would not look out of the ordinary. Looking back, you can still see Mike's words of adornment. Apparently my scribble plan didn't work.

Journal entry 113--Food

Describe the worst food you've ever eaten.


During Easter one year, my family and I went to a friend's house to celebrate. My friend had made mashed potatoes, only just by looking at them, I had no idea that's what they were. These mashed potatoes looked like and had the consistency of applesauce. They were brown, runny and chunky. Yuck! They tasted quite terrible as well. Needless to say, we always made sure we ate before going to her house again.

Journal entry 112--World

If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?


I would love to go to a mountain cabin with my family and just relax, play games together and watch movies. The thought of this is so cozy and warm, thinking of a roaring fire in the fireplace and hot cocoa. Another place I would love to be is on a cruise boat. We recently went on a cruise and loved it! I didn't have to lift a finger! My kids loved the all you can eat buffets and we all enjoyed the shows. It was a great experience for our family and we had fun on the excursions together.

Journal entry 111--Fearless

List a few things you would do if you were completely fearless.


The first thing I would do is skydive. Heights are not my favorite thing, therefore jumping out of an airplane thousands of miles above ground is frightening to me. I would also be able to play solo piano pieces for an audience without feeling like getting sick. There are many things I could do if fear didn't get in the way. The worse fear we have is the fear of failure. That's the fear that stops me from writing books, playing piano solos in public, etc... I'm not sure why I and most people feel this way. I always tell my children that it doesn't matter what others think as long as you tried. I need to take my own advice and just do it!

Journal entry 110--Clever

Write about something clever you came up with on your own that helped you solve a problem.

When I was younger, I had small frogs as pets. I was never quite sure what to feed these frogs because it was the first time I had pet frogs and they were so tiny. I figured if I put a bit of honey in the bottom of a plastic bowl and place the bowl outside, I could collect tons of ants. And I did! Once the bowl was fill with ants stuck in the honey, I quickly sealed the lid on the bowl and placed it in the freezer. After a short time, the ants would of course, freeze and I could then knock them into the frog terrarium. Some of the ants would start moving as they defrosted, and the frogs would have their supper.

Journal entry 109--Goals

What goal or goals are you unable to accomplish because of doubts about your ability.

I have always wanted to write an book. Ever since I was in 8th grade, I've wanted to write some sort of book. For a long time, it was children's books, now I'm not sure what to write. The thing that always stops me is my lack of confidence. I often think about the many other people who could probably write better than I. Boy, I need some help! Writing on a blog has helped me get back into the writing mode. It also helps that the kids are all in school! Maybe soon I'll get started on that novel.

Journal entry 108--Thankfulness

List 10 things for which you are thankful.


1. Indoor plumbing. I can't even handle the bathrooms at campsites.
2. Ice. I love cold, icy water to drink.
3. Freedom to worship as I please.
4. Fresh fruits and vegetables. I don't like canned fruits and veggies much.
5. The ability to read and learn.
6. My bed. I'm glad I don't sleep on the floor.
7. Past teachers who have inspired me to live my full potential.
8. My life.
9. Ruthie, my silly puppy and the challenges she brings me.
10. Lastly, my family, of course and all their love and encouragement.

Journal entry 107--Grandparent's house

What are reminded of when you think of your grandparent's house.


I think the color blue because they had light blue carpet everywhere. Even the kitchen had carpet only it was the kind especially made for kitchens. I wanted carpet in my kitchen when I grew up because of grandma's house. Their bathroom had a sunken shower. You had to walk down 3 steps to get to the shower. One of my childhood wishes was to fill it up with water and swim in it. My grandmother also had an oil lamp in her bathroom. The kind of lamp that looks like it's raining but it's oil drops sliding down wires. My grandparent's house was such a fun place to play as a child. She had a rose garden with probably 50 bushes that smelled like heaven along with two lemon trees. Those lemons were in her wonderful lemon meringue pie, which we ate at every family get together. My grandma was an organists so she had two beautiful organs and a baby grand piano. She would teach me some organ techniques and I loved to play on the organs. When I think of my grandparent's house, I think of togetherness, love and security.

Journal entry 106--Rules

How do you feel about rules? Do you willingly follow them or fight against them as you go?


I've always struggled with being told what to do. Of course I follow rules, otherwise I would be in jail. I'm happy to obey the laws of the land and follow the guidelines of my church but it is difficult to obey when I've been ordered to do something. Fortunately this doesn't happen often but it did as a child. I have to continually remind myself of how I felt when I was ordered to do something and not repeat that with my children. I guess I would have been a terrible soldier in the military.

Journal entry 105--Forgiveness

Who has been the hardest person in your life to forgive? Why can't you forgive this person?


My entire life, I've had difficulty forgiving my father for not being in my life. It has always upset me that he was an alcoholic and chose to love drinking more than his children. One of the two people in life that are suppose to love their children unconditionally and my own father couldn't even handle that. I've tried to understand his childhood and where he was coming from but it's still very difficult because I have felt cheated out of a father all my life. Before I wasn't quite sure exactly what I had missed out on but then after I got married and met my father-in-law, I knew. He is the polar opposite of what my father was and I'm grateful he's in my life. I don't know if I've forgiven my father. I still have a lot of anger toward him but I'm working on forgiving.

Journal entry 104--Animals

If you could be any animal in the world, what would it be and why?


I think I would need to be a fantasy animal because the idea of flight has always intrigued me and also going anywhere underwater. If I had to choose something I think it would be an eagle. Although, the thought of a mouse diet is very unappealing. Maybe I could be a shark or some creature in the abyss. That way, I could explore the ocean. Probably the best life of an animal is my puppy, Ruthie's. I suppose I could be her and have a life of ease--sleeping on a cozy bed, constant attention and meals on demand!

Journal entry 103--Unique

Write about someone you know who is unique. What makes this person so unique?

When my husband and I lived in Utah, there was a woman named Talitha who was probably the most unique, eccentric person I have ever known. Her house decor was eclectic as well as her taste. She wore beautiful, vintage clothing and costume jewelry and her television was always turned to QVC to order any trinkets she might be missing. Talitha drove an old, orange Mercedes with matching, furry seat covers. Inside and out the car was orange. On one occasion I went with her to a pawn shop to look for old jewelry. She decided to bring her pet ferret with us into the store. Of course, the ferret escaped and we chased it all over the shop until someone grabbed it. All the while, Talitha was unfazed and laughing about the situation. We got back into her orange Mercedes with the ferret and her Cocker Spaniel which was waiting patiently in the car and drove home. Talitha brought some fun and uniqueness to my life.

Journal entry 102--Death list

What are some things you would like to do after you die? This may sound like a strange topic to write about but I believe in life after death and there are things I want to do that I can't do in this life. If you don't believe in life after death, write about things you would like to do if you had magical powers.


Some of the things I would like to do are to explore the bottom of the ocean floor. It boggles my mind to think that the ocean is miles deep and there are so many unexplored areas to find. I want to be able to see every inch of the ocean. I also want to relive my children's childhoods. To hold them as babies again is something that matters tremendously to me. I'd like to see what my husband was like as a child and to explore the many universes out there. Flying like a bird is another priority on my death list and finding out any of the unsolved mysteries of the past. Finally, like in my previous post, I want to dance and be taught by one of the best dancers ever, Gene Kelly.

Journal entry 101--Talents

If you could have one talent that you do not have now, what would it be and how would it change your life?

I've always said that in my next life, I want to be able to dance. Not just the kind of dancing for weddings or proms but like the contestants on "So You Think You Can Dance?" I love the fact that they can dance any style and usually make it look presentable. That's what I want to do. I want to be able to dance all the ballroom styles, hip-hop, jazz, even tap! Of course, my husband would also need the ability to dance so I'll have a partner. I guess we had better start taking some lessons.

Journal entry 100--Luxury

What is a luxury item you can't possibly live without and why?

I'm thinking a computer should be listed as a necessity item since most people have one. If this is the case, then I would have to choose a piano as my luxury item I can't live without. I love music and playing the piano so I can't imagine my life without one. My entire childhood always involved a piano in it and now that my kids play as well I enjoy listening to them. The piano is a beautiful instrument although it's a heavy instrument! It certainly would be difficult to carry with me.

Journal entry 99-Voting

Please take a moment to describe your first time voting in an election. What year was it and did your candidate win?

The first year I voted in an election was when George Bush Sr. ran against Dukakus. I really had no idea about either candidate but was just voting the same way as my mother, who was a Democrat. I remember going to work and hearing my boss and coworker talking about Bush and why I was wrong to want to vote for Dukakus. Looking back I realized I should not have even voted in that election in the first place because I did not fully understand each candidate's position. I was influenced by my mother which is what so many young people are today--influenced by parents or peers. Should we raise the legal voting age?!?

Journal entry 98--Birds and Bees

How and when did you first learn about the birds and the bees? Were your parents able to teach you before school friends did?

I was taught about the birds and the bees when I was only 8 years old, and unfortunately it wasn't by my mother. I learned about it from my best friend and her brother. Their father was a plastic hand surgeon and had a library full of medical books with many graphic pictures. When my friend and her brother found out how I thought babies were made they just laughed and took me to their father's library. I got an eye full and ear full that day and had a very difficult time looking at my mother for the next few weeks.

Health Benefits of Journal Writing Tools With Heart

Health Benefits of Journal Writing Tools With Heart

Journal entry 97--Collection

Write about something you collected as a child or that you collect now. If it was something collected as a child, do you still collect it?

I use to collect anything that had to do with cows. I had cow Christmas ornaments, garland, shirts, stuffed cows, mugs, stickers, books, and slippers. For Halloween one year, I even dressed up as a cow. For years, friends and family would give me anything connected to cows for my birthday and holidays. After a while, I stopped wanting to collect cows. However, my friends and family did not receive that memo! For another couple of years, I continued to receive cows related items as gifts. I don't collect cow things anymore. I now collect Christopher Radko Christmas ornaments!

Journal entry 96--Childhood

Write about something you did as I child that you would never think of letting your child do now.

There were several things I could do as a child that my children now can't. For example, I use to walk to school and I lived a good distance from my school. Now I don't let my kids walk to school because of safety issues. The biggest thing I did as a child was go to the mall with just my friend. We were only 9 years-old! I can' t even imagine letting my kids do that in today's world. It's sad that our children have lost so much potential for freedom because of predators.

Journal entry 95--Pets

Write about a memory regarding a pet such as a dog, cat, hamster, etc.

When I was 5 years old, I remember watching my father give a shot to our diabetic dog. Of course the dog was not happy about this and would cry. I would sit and peek out the window and cry as well. I didn't understand that the insulin shots were actually helping the dog and I just thought that my father was being mean. That is the only memory I have of this dog, the first dog I ever had in my life.

Journal entry 94--Cheating

Have you ever cheated on a test or project at school? Be honest!

I remember cheating on a geography test with my cousin. She had missed the test and was taking a redo. I sat behind her and she basically took my entire completed test and copied the answers. Eventually our teacher slowly walked towards us and simply took my test and my cousin's test away. Needless to say, we didn't get a good grade on that test and never cheated again.

Journal entry 93--Hair

As I was running my hands through my hair trying to think of a topic, I came up with this. Describe how you wore your hair as a child.

I had long hair that went down to my waist with bangs. My hair was completely straight and would not hold any type of curl. My mother would put my hair in curlers at night. The next day when my hair was curly, my mom would put it into two pony tails and make ringlets. Each pony tail had about 5 long ringlets on it. I looked like Shirley Temple! As I got older the hair got shorter and bigger as the 80's approached.

Journal entry 92--Tricks

Describe a trick someone did to you for Halloween. Did you know the person?

When I was 12 years old, I went trick or treating with my best friend, Nadia. I was dressed as a pirate and we were at the last house of the evening. There were two older boys behind us waiting for candy as well only they were laughing suspiciously. Later, we discovered that they had quietly sprayed us with shaving cream on our bums. Ha ha, boys are so funny.

Journal entry 91--Halloween costume

With Halloween just around the corner describe a Halloween tradition in your present or past family.

Every year after trick or treating, I would come home and divide all my candy into piles. Piles of like candy such as Snickers all go together, Tootsie Rolls together, etc. Then I would tally up each pile to see what candy I got the most of. Finally I would dig in and eat a bunch until I felt sick. My candy usually lasted a few weeks until all that was left was the yucky candy (in my opinion) such as Tootsie Rolls and Hard Candy. My children have since taken over this anal candy counting only because there are three children in the family, they have added trading into the mix. Literally for the next 3 weeks, my kids will trade and barter with each other, wheel and deal until they are all happy. The 6 year old sometimes gets taken advantage of but she's learning from the best...her brothers.

Journal entry 90--Momisms

Describe a momism which is something funny your mother believed and made you believe until you found out differently.

My mother thought that for sure, a child was suppose to have the same blood type as their father. This is only halfway true. The child should have the same blood type as their father AND their mother. I have the same type as my mother but she was not happy when I told her that. She thought I was accusing her of having an affair with another man! I first found out my blood type in High School human physiology and I know I was right because my teacher gave me an A on the project. But, my mother would have none of it and refused to acknowledge that I had a different blood type than my father even though it was the same as hers.

Journal entry 89--First crush

Describe who your first crush was. How old were you and where did you meet this person?

My first crush was when I was 5 years old. It was a boy named Ricky and he and I shared the same birthdays. In fact for one of my birthdays, he gave me a real rabbit which I named Frosty after Frosty the Snowman. Ricky asked my mother to sew me a white dress so that he could marry me. Awwww. Eventually Ricky moved away and I didn't see him again until we were 16 years old. He looked the same but it was not meant to be!

Journal entry 88--Silly times

Describe a time when you did something silly or off the wall.

When I was in college, I was visiting my cousin who was singing with her choir in a concert that night. For whatever reason I decided to join her and sing with the choir as well. However, I had no idea what the songs were nor how they were sung. I just stood in the back with my cousin and mouthed the word, "Kumquat" because that's a word that looks like every other word. It was all my cousin and I could do to not fall off the riser from laughing. After the performance as the singers were walking off stage, the director was there shaking people's hands and thanking them. He even shook my hand not even realizing that I wasn't supposed to be there.

Journal entry 87--Surprise!

Describe a time when you surprised someone either for their birthday or another special occasion.

One time for my husband's birthday, I surprised him with a fishing trip. We left after work and I took him to a cabin in the mountains. The next day, we went on a guided fly fishing trip down the Green River near Vernal, Utah. We had a great time learning how to catch fish using the fly casting method. After we caught the fish, we made sure that we released them back into the river. My husband was quite surprised when he saw where we were headed. It was a wonderful birthday.

Journal entry 86--Pet Peeves

Write about your pet peeve. What is it that bothers you the most?

The thing that bothers me the most is littering. More specifically, people who toss out used cigarette butts as if they are invisible. They don't realize that those little butts add up and end up looking like a giant pile of butts. It bothers me because it is so thoughtless and pointless. Keep a trashcan in your car, quit smoking, and help clean up the mess that's already out there on the side of the roads.

Journal entry 85--Beliefs

Write about a strong belief you hold. Why is it so important to you?

I have a strong belief in family, that is to say a mother and a father in a loving marriage. I know to some now a days that sounds either trite or simply impossible but the fact is children are entitled to a father and a mother. I grew up without a father and hated that that happened. I wanted nothing more than a father in my home. Seeing the way my husband and I are raising our kids gives me hope that others are too. Our marriage is strong, our family is strong and hopefully our children will be strong as well.

Journal entry 84--Favorite color

Write about your favorite color and why. How have you used it throughout your life?

My favorite color has always been purple. My mother and sister loved that color as well. I even had dark purple shag carpet in my bedroom growing up and would pretend that it was my ocean and the bed a boat. We also had a bumper sticker on the family car that read "I (picture of a purple heart) Purple. When I became pregnant with my daughter, I quickly painted her room lavender assuming that clearly she would share my love of purple. As a baby she had no problem with the color, however, as she got older, she flexed her independence by wanting a pink room. Pink was her color of choice. So even though, I detest the color pink, I support her pink fixation. Maybe one day she'll like purple.

Journal entry 83--Fears

Describe an unfounded fear you have that still affects you today.

I have a silly unfounded fear. It's vampires. Ever since I was little I've have to sleep with my neck covered in the night for fear of a vampire getting me. I know it's crazy, that's what unfounded is, but for some reason that small piece of sheet or blanket protects me from the sharp fangs of a vampire.

Journal entry 82--Candy

Write about your favorite candy or candies.

I have several favorite candies. I love dark chocolate covered caramels from See's candies, especially the ones with marshmallows. Mmmmm. Black licorice jelly beans, pink grapefruit jelly bellies, Abba Zabbas, and red vines are also up there in the yumminess catergory. I've never been much of a sour candy lover nor the fruity variety but give me chocolate any day.

Journal entry 81--Twelfth grade

Describe an experience when you were in twelfth grade.

When I was in twelfth grade I was chosen to be on the Short Flags team. I went from Tall Flags to Short Flags! I wanted to be on the team so badly that I would practice all afternoon after school until I was able to throw that flag in the air and catch it. And not have it hit my eye! Finally tryouts came and they were relatively painless. I made the team and so did my friend. It was a great year twirling those flags!

Journal entry 80--Eleventh grade

Describe an experience when you were in eleventh grade.

I was in Tall Flags when I was in eleventh grade and during a field show practice hurt myself badly. Now as a rule, whenever a Tall Flag is tossed up into the air, it needs to be thrown slightly ahead so you can march forward to it. I must have forgotten this rule because after I threw my flag in the air, it wasn't there when I marched forward. I looked up to see where it went and BAM! the end of the pole hit me right above my eye near my eyebrow just barely missing my eye. The flag pole did not have a rubber tip on the end, so it sliced opened my skin.
I literally didn't know what hit me. My advisor ran out and found me on the ground with my face covered in blood. A few stitches later and I was as good as gold.

Journal entry 79--Tenth grade

Describe an experience when you were in tenth grade.

In tenth grade I started Tall Flags and candy striping at the local hospital. It was there that I was able to catch up with my old best friend, Jennie. I had known Jennie since first grade and we both went to different Jr. High Schools. It was then in tenth grade that we became friends again and stayed friends for the rest of our high school years. We had a great time performing in Tall Flags together and I was able to become friends with her friends. I still talk to Jennie on occasion and think about the fun times we had marching in parades together.

Journal entry 78--Ninth grade

Describe an experience when you were in ninth grade.

My Junior High had an extremely large anchor statue in the center of our lunch quad and only the ninth graders could sit on it. If an under classman sat on the anchor, the ninth graders could torment him or her. I remember how happy I was to finally be able to sit on the anchor and not get in trouble. It was very liberating and I felt so grown up. Now when I look back I think it was all just kind of silly.

Journal entry 77--Eighth grade

Describe an experience you had when you were in eighth grade.

Eighth grade was a time when I was able to make several good friends that I kept all through the rest of my schooling. It was also the year that I tried out for the Drill Team. The day of the tryouts, I woke up with a kink in my neck and could not turn my head straight. The entire day my friends massaged my neck so I would be able to tryout for the Drill Team. Nothing worked but I tryout anyway and made the team. The next year right before our marching season began, I fell and hurt my foot and was in a cast for weeks.

Journal entry 76--Halloween

Describe a Halloween experience you had as a child.

All my life I've wanted to be a flapper for Halloween for the mere fact that I love fringe. I'd love to wear those fringey dresses that shake when you move. When I was in sixth grade my mother dressed me up as a flapper with fishnet stockings and makeup only my dress was just a red short dress with no fringe. I was devastated because I didn't look anything like a flapper. The boys at school thought I looked like a hooker and kept teasing me the entire day. I wanted to cry.

Journal entry 75--Seventh grade

Describe an experience when you were in seventh grade.

For some reason I remember what I wore to school the first day of seventh grade. I wore a red LeTigre polo shirt and Levi's 501 jeans with brown topsider shoes. I don't know why I remember it so well only that I was at that age where my clothes mattered and my popularity depended on it. I walked to school with my cousin and we stuck together for the first 2 weeks until we made our own friends. Lockers were a new thing for us at the school and at one point, I discovered my lock missing every morning. There were nothing but big boys around me and I felt very intimidated. Eventually I moved to another locker near my friends.

Journal entry 74--Sixth grade

Describe an experience when you were in sixth grade.

During Christmas time my sixth grade class held a white elephant gift exchange where you are supposed to bring in an unwanted gift from home and exchange it with another. I brought some little animals that my sister had made out of salt dough and painted. She originally wanted to turn them into pins to wear but decided against it for some reason. During the exchange my friend picked my present because she knew I brought it. I kept warning her that it was a lame gift but she insisted on choosing it. When she opened the gift she just looked at me and glared.

Journal entry 73--Fifth grade

Describe an experience when you were in fifth grade.

I don't remember much about fifth grade except learning the Preamble and writing Limericks. I loved writing Limericks. My first one was pretty bad about a man named Bluto who wanted to go to Pluto. So he packed up his coat and sailed on a boat and now he's taking judo. See it doesn't really rhyme but I enjoyed writing it. I also memorized the Preamble by singing the School House Rock song. Another memory I have about fifth grade is every day after lunch, my teacher would read from "The Phantom Tollbooth." It soon became my favorite book. Fifth grade was tough for me because that was when my father tried to take custody of me and I had to go to court to defend my mother and what I wanted. So I think I've blocked some of my fifth grade life out.

Journal entry 72--Fourth Grade

Describe an experience when you were in fourth grade.

I loved my fourth grade teacher. She was young and full of energy and lots of fun ideas. One of the activities we did was earn fake dollars and then later hold a "yard sale." Each child would bring in some stuff from home that they were willing to sell. We would go around and buy whatever looked good with the fake money. I loved doing this and it probably helped fuel a future yard sale passion in me.

Journal entry 71--Disneyland

If you've been to Disneyland, write about a time you have gone there. Or choose another amusement park.

I've been to Disneyland so many times it's hard to choose a time. However I did enjoy last year when we went with my husband's family. There were about 22 of us and we had a blast. Most of the kids are grown so the youngest was only 5 years old and she was my daughter who was used to going on every ride at Disneyland. I love going to Disneyland. It brings back so many childhood memories and makes me feel simply cozy.

Journal entry 70--Injury

Describe an injury you've had either recently or during childhood. Explain how it happened.

When I was 3 years old, I sliced my eyebrow open while playing outside. I was on a double swing with my cousin facing me. As we swung back and forth someone called my name and as I turned to look my eyebrow caught a bolt sticking out of the swing set. My mom told me that I came in the house complaining that I couldn't see as I was wiping blood from out of my eyes. I got a few stitches and have a scar where the hair has never grown.

Journal entry 69--Third grade

Describe an experience from third grade.

When I was in third grade I was chosen to play with the children's' song flute orchestra. Only I didn't find out I was chosen until two days before the performance. My teacher called me up to her desk to ask me why I wasn't at practice. I asked, "What practice?" She then realized that she had forgotten to tell me I was in the orchestra. I had to learn "Whistle while you work" very quickly.

Journal entry 68--Family order

How did you like being the oldest, youngest or middle child? What were the advantages or disadvantages?

I was the youngest in my family and because of that got away with a lot more than my brother and sister. My siblings were a lot older than I so at one point I was the only child left at home. It was almost like I was an only child. However, my mother helped take care of two little girls during the day so they became my pseudo sisters. We took care of them since they both were babies. I was in heaven having little sisters. So for the first part of my life I was the baby and got a lot of attention. Then when I was 11 years old and then 13 years old I got two little sisters and became the older child. It was a different way to grow up but I loved it.

Journal entry 67--Fame

Have you met or worked with famous people? Who - Where- etc.

I've met several famous people at random places--Al Gore, and Sonny Bono to name a couple.
I did however, have an opportunity to work with Wolfgang Puck on his television show. A couple of years ago while I was in cooking school I was offered a chance to intern with Wolfgang Puck Burbank, Ca. I got to prepare some of the food back stage before it appeared on TV. It was long, hard work but I learned a lot from the other more experienced chefs and got to meet Chef Puck.

Journal entry 66--Trouble

What did you do when you were a child that got you in the most trouble and how did your parents handle it?

I really didn't get into too much trouble as a child, or I should say I didn't get caught very often. I did get into trouble with my sister by teasing her unmercifully. I lived to make her scream and knew just what buttons to push. My teasing usually avoided trouble because my mom was too tired to deal with it. So there were no time outs or grounding, just head shaking and laying on the guilt. I think I would have rather had a time out. I know I drove my sister crazy when we were younger but I had so much fun doing it.

Journal entry 65--Frightening

What frightens you the most and why?

The thing that frightens me the most is death. My mother died when I was 20 years old and my father was never in my life so it was as if he were dead so I've always feared that people I love will unexpectedly die. I get anxious whenever my family is separated with traveling. It's something I'm working through but I don't want to go through anymore death in my life right now.

Journal entry 64--Backyard

Describe your childhood backyard. What made it so fun to play in?

I grew up thinking my backyard was huge! When in fact, it was average size but I still had a lot of fun in it. My brother and I would make up many games, such as golf, rubber band fights, and shooting our BB guns. We had an extremely large tree in the back and once I set up a tire swing on it. After swinging back and forth on that swing the rope eventually wore down and broke while I was in mid air. I fell flat on my back. We also had an orange tree and my mother would squeeze oranges all winter for juice. To this day I have a hard time drinking OJ from concentrate. Another time, my brother and I lit our gingerbread house on fire and shot at it with BB guns. We were destructive but had so much fun. Growing up I had a lot of pets. Several of our pets were buried in the backyard when they died. I've always wondered what the new owners might think if they come across an animal skeleton in their backyard. During my childhood, my backyard held several cat litters, a tortoise, pet rabbits, and many, many hours of cartwheels and flips. I loved playing in my backyard.

Journal entry 63--Holidays

Describe your favorite holiday. What makes it so memorable?

For years my favorite holiday has been Christmas and it still holds a special place in my heart. I loved going to my grandparents house for Christmas and comparing gifts with my cousin. However, within the past few years, I've been enjoying Halloween. I love going trick-or-treating with my children and seeing friends and neighbors outside. I like the decorations leading up to this holiday. And I especially like the candy! Halloween represents Fall which represents coziness and fireplaces. Also, I think Halloween is the lead in to three months of holidays--Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. It's just a great time of year.

Journal entry 62--Home Remedies

Describe a home remedy your mother used that either worked or didn't work. Do you still use this remedy today?

Whenever someone was choking or just having a coughing fit, my mother would immediately raise your arm in the air. I still don't understand why or what the meaning was behind this, but I think she was trying to force air down your throat. Of course this doesn't make any sense and hence I don't use this remedy anymore.

Journal entry 61--Small Things

Describe how a small and simple thing or act has impacted your life in a big way?

A simple act of friendship is what has kept me on the right path in life. When I was a teen-ager my cousin was my good friend. It was she who encouraged me to join her in church activities and social events which helped me avoid hanging out with my other party friends. Because of her, I went to our church college and met my husband who happened to be my boy-cousin's roommate. I'm grateful for her example and support during a time when I needed it the most.

Journal entry 60--Hopes

What do you hope your children will learn from you?

The one thing I want my kids to learn from me is serving others. It's impossible to make poor choices when you are serving others. Service equals unselfishness, sin equals selfishness. I hope that my children can learn to work hard for themselves and for others.

Journal entry 59--Illness

Describe the most serious illness or accident that you have had.

When my daughter was just 6 weeks old, I came down with viral meningitis. I literally had the worst headache of my life and could feel my brain throbbing whenever I moved. After the doctor figured out what I had, I stayed overnight in the hospital. When I came home the next day, I pretty much stayed lying down for 2 weeks taking Vicodin every 4 hours. There were several women at my church who helped me with my children and dinners. I'm grateful for their service. It was quite a painful illness which I hope to never have again.

Journal entry 58--Embarrassment

Describe your most embarrassing moment.

Unfortunately I have several embarrassing moments, however, the one that comes to mind is when I was 16-years-old and in a play with 200 audience members. I was playing Marion the Librarian in "The Music Man" and was singing the song "Till there was you." There's a part in the song that goes high and when I went there, my voice cracked. Right there in front of everyone, including my boyfriend at the time. When it happened I just kind of laughed a little and kept singing. All the while I wanted to run off stage.

Journal entry 57--Least Favorites

List ten of your least favorite things.

In no particular order:
1. Littering (especially smokers who think it's okay to throw out cigarette butts)
2. People who annoy me.
3. Going to a nice restaurant, spending money and the food ends up tasting terrible.
4. Traffic
5. People who play their car music loud enough for me to hear a mile away.
6. Not winning a game that I know I can win.
7. Tatoos, body piercing other than ears, any form of self mutilation.
8. People who drive slowly when I'm in a hurry.
9. Cashiers who chat with the person ahead of me causing me to wait.
10. A messy bed in which to sleep.

Journal entry 56--Favorite things

List 10 of your favorite things.

Some of my favorite things in no particular order:
1. Taking a nap on a Sunday afternoon with the window opened and a cool breeze blowing in.
2. Spending time with my family, playing games.
3. Winning something or getting something for free.
4. Eating good food.
5. Clean, tight sheets on my bed.
6. Going to the beach.
7. Taking a cruise with my family.
8. Giving someone the perfect gift and watching them open it.
9. Fall time.
10. Making time for myself.

Journal entry 55--Your town

Describe where you grew up. Was it a big town or small? Do you still live there or would you like to? What made this place special to you?

I grew up in Arcadia, California and I loved it. It was the Goldilocks city--not too big and not too small. Everyday I could walk out my door and see the San Gabriel mountains, which are the color purple. Arcadia had a cozy feeling to it, maybe I felt that because I lived there for 20 years. It's where I did all my schooling and held my life with my mother before she passed away. I don't live in Arcadia anymore and don't really want to move there. My memories of Arcadia are my childhood; it would feel different now as an adult. It's always different going back.

Journal entry 54--Learning

Write about something you would still like to learn. How will you accomplish it?

I would really like to learn multiple languages. Spanish, of course, because I live in California and it is such a commonly use language here and possibly sign language because it seems interesting. I've been wanting to learn these languages from taking classes at the local college but I just need to find a time that fits with my schedule. Soon I hope!

Journal entry 53--Teasing

Describe some ways you teased your siblings or friends if you were an only child. How did they react?

I liked to tease my older sister when I was a child. We shared a room and whenever she was changing her clothes, I would abruptly open the door just to watch her dive under the bed and scream at me. So predictable. There was another time when she was sitting watching TV and I had just finished drinking a glass of milk. For some reason I felt compelled to pour the last drop of milk on the top of her head. The drop sat there suspended on the part in her hair. She of course, blew up and chased me through the house. I ran to my mother for safety from my sister's rage, but I still got in trouble. I must admit, it was fun to tease my sister.

Journal entry 52--Sports

What's your favorite sport? Either to play or watch. Did you play this sport as a child?

My favorite sport to watch is anything my kids are playing. Right now we into soccer and boy is that an exciting game to watch! I never played soccer as a child nor did I really have an interest in the game. I do, however, enjoy my children playing the sport. As a child, I liked to play baseball. I played sometimes with my brother and threw the ball around with my uncle.

Journal entry 51--Childhood

Describe a fun activity you did as a child. Did you play it with others or alone?

I loved playing with Barbies when I was a child. I had an entire corner of a room devoted to my Barbies. It was called the Barbie corner. Whenever friends came over to play, we always went to the Barbie corner and spent hours there. I had a three story Barbie townhouse, a ranch style house, ski lift, van, and cruise boat. My friends and I loved making up stories, almost like mini soap operas, involving Barbie and her friends. Most of the Barbie paraphernalia is gone today but I still have some of my Barbies and their clothes.

Journal entry 50--Going to school

Describe how you got to school every day when you were a child. If you have children now, do they go to school the same way?

When I was in first grade I rode the bus to school. Later from second grade to high school, I mainly walked. When I was in elementary school I liked to alternate between riding my bike and roller skating. I had a cool bike. It was purple with an orange sparkle banana seat. There was a basket on the front with flowers and streamers that hung from the handle bars. Looking back it probably was a hideous bike but I enjoyed it. Now things have changed and it's not as safe for my children to walk to school. So I drive them everyday. When I was little, having mom drive you to school was a luxury.

Journal entry 49--Traveling

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? Who would you take with you?

There are many places I want to travel and visit. One place I would love to see is Egypt. I've always been interested in archaeology and would like to visit the great pyramids and other artifacts of Egypt. It's amazing to me that people could build these structures and what is the true significance behind them. Another place I've always wanted to visit are the Galapagos Islands. I simply want to see the tortoises, marine iguanas and other creatures found on the islands. And of course I would take my family with me.

Journal entry 48--Scary

Describe your scariest experience. How old were you when it happened? Did it change your life?

One of my scariest experiences was when I sang a duet in church in front of about 150 people. I had never sung in public before and my boyfriend at the time kept nagging me to sing with him. I was 16-years-old and terrified! The entire experience went well and my voice didn't crack. It changed me because it helped me realize that I can do something like sing in public and survive. Also it was the first time my mother heard me sing and she really liked it. Through that experience, I now know that you don't need to have an amazing voice to sing in front of people-- just courage.

Journal entry 47--Second grade

Describe your second grade teacher and schooling. What was your teacher like? Was he/she kind? Did you have a memorable second grade experience?

I loved my second grade teacher. I thought that she was the nicest teacher ever! She was gentle and kind and I don't remember any grumpiness coming from her. Our class had a pet guinea pig and I got to take it home over the summer with the intention of bringing it back when school started again. Except, this guinea pig became attached to my pet rabbit so my teacher let me keep it. I also recall on the last day of school, asking my teacher to bend down closer to me so I could whisper something in her ear, only instead I gave her a giant hug. She was such a great teacher that she made my second grade experience unforgettable.

Journal entry 46--Disappointments

Describe your biggest disappointment in life. How has it affected you now?

My biggest disappointment in life was not growing up with a father. My father left my family when I was a child and I grew up desperately wanting a father at home. After I married, it was difficult watching my father-in-law--who is an amazing father--because I then realized just what I missed out on. But he has since replaced my need for a father. I have a great husband who is a wonderful father to my children. It's comforting to know that my kids will not have to go through what I did.

Journal entry 45--Grandfather

Describe one or both of your grandfathers. What were they like? Did you know them well? What influence did they have on you?

I only knew one of my grandfathers. He was my mother's father and was the true patriarch of our entire family. My grandfather was an entrepreneur who was always thinking of some way to make money. He was the example I had for handling money and taking risks with it. I loved my grandfather, who whenever he took us out for brunch would tell terrible jokes to the waitresses. I felt sorry for them, having to pretend to enjoy these jokes for a good tip. He was funny and would often say, "Oh for gosh sakes." My grandfather was generous and kind to me and I will never forget the way he treated me.

Journal entry 44--What will they say?

Take a moment to really think about what will be said about you after you die. I know this seems like a morbid topic, but I've been pondering this thought recently. Please write down how you would like people to remember you. Will it be for your accomplishments? Or for the way you treat others? After you've written this down, be sure to read it often for your own reflection.

Journal entry 43--Impressive

Describe something you did to impress another. Did it work?

I can't think of something I've done to impress another, however I can think of something my husband did when he was 7-years-old to impress a girl. For some reason he thought it would be impressive if he stuck blue clay in his ears. The teacher found out only because he couldn't hear anything she was saying. He was sent home with his grandmother who was watching him while his parents were out of town. She didn't take him to the doctor to get the clay out but to a veterinarian who was his uncle. The clay eventually came out and the girl was never impressed!

Journal entry 42--Meeting someone

If you could meet one person who is dead, whom would if be and why?

I would like to meet Mary, Christ's mother. I'd love to talk with her and find out exactly how she felt knowing she would give birth to the son of God. She seems like such a courageous woman with tremendous faith. It would be interesting to know what it was like for her to live in that time and raise Christ as a child. I think she's a fascinating person.

Journal entry 41--Playing with a friend

Describe a time during childhood when a friend came over to play. What did you do? What games did you play?


My friend, Melinda came over to my house when we were 4-years-old. While she was over we wanted to ice skate, however, because we lived in sunny California there was no ice. So we did what any other 4-year-olds would do--we made our own ice skating rink in my kitchen. We covered the floor with leaves and pour water all over them. Then we happily skated around until my mom walked in and almost had a heart attack. She quickly shooed us outside with peanut butter sandwiches and some chocolate chips for dessert while she cleaned up. Well we must have been bored because soon there was sand in our sandwiches and the chocolate chips melted on a hot, metal slide which we then slid down in white shorts. I don't think my mom ever had Melinda back again, but we sure had fun.

Journal entry 40--Traditions

Describe a tradition your family shared while growing up. Do you still hold this tradition yourself or with your family?

Every big holiday my family would go to my grandparent's house for a huge family dinner. All the family would be there--cousins, aunts, uncles, everyone. I think it was hard on my mother because she wanted to stay home and rest but I loved going. I loved playing with my cousin and comparing Christmas gifts, running around my grandparent's backyard chasing their dogs and playing games with people. Since then my grandparents have both passed away and their house has been sold but I'll always have that memory.

Journal entry 39--Standing up for yourself

Describe a time when you stood up for yourself. What were you defending? Or were you defending someone else?

I've have several times when I've stood up for myself, but the one that comes to mind right now is when I was in kindergarten. I used to wear these little animal pins that were filled with a rub on perfume. My friend wanted the pin badly and told me if I didn't give it to her she would stop being my friend. I thought about it for a moment and decided that I'd rather have the pin than her friendship. So I told her no and she still was my friend. Looking back, I'm glad I didn't let her walk over me and I stood up for something that at the time was important to me.

Journal entry 38-- Movie

If you could be a character in any movie, who would it be?

My cousin gave me this idea, to be Giselle from the movie from Enchanted. This character can sing a few notes and animals come from no where to help clean her house. I also like the fact that while walking in a park, she can break into song and have everyone around her join in a perfectly choreographed routine. Lastly, it doesn't hurt to dance with Patrick Dempsey.

Journal entry 37-- First Car

Describe your first car. What was it like? What kind of car was it? How did you feel when you got it?

My first car was a 1974 brown Mustang. Looking back, it truly was an ugly car, but I thought it was magnificent because it was mine. I got the car before I had my license so I drove it up and down my driveway, dreaming of the day when I could take it on the street. I remember that the car had no air conditioning, but it had a tape deck so I thought it was a cool car. I was excited when I got the car because I needed a car to commute to college. Ugly as it was, it got me to school on time.

Journal entry 36--Superhero

If you could be a superhero what kind would you be? What kind of special powers would you have and would you use them for good or evil?

If I were a superhero I would be Graffiti Girl. I would morph into a building wall and quietly wait for a gang of hoodlums to start spraying. Then I would jump out of the wall and attack the taggers, perhaps spraying them with the paint. Also as part of my job of Graffiti Girl I would make the offenders clean off any graffiti left on buildings and then throw them in jail!

Journal entry 35--Gift giving

Describe a time when you gave someone a gift. What was the occasion? Did the person enjoy receiving this gift from you?

When I was probably 9-years-old at Christmas time I wanted to give my sister a special gift. During that time she was taking a Biology class and was classifying insects for a project. I thought it would be nice to give her something that might help her with the project so I went to a window sill and collected all the dead bugs left in the window track and put them in a box. Not only was I giving my sister a box of dead bugs but I hadn't bothered to clean off any of the dust and cobwebs on them. Needless to say my sister was quite surprised that Christmas morning.

Journal entry 34--Kindness to others

Describe a time when your choice affected someone in a positive way. What was the outcome? How was this person affected?

When I was in third grade I met a girl on the playground. I was swinging on the rings and she wanted a turn so she counted to ten. Of course I didn't want to get off the swings so I asked her to give me a little longer and I would be her best friend. She did and it turned out later that we in fact became best friends. Several years later she told me that other children made fun of her because her skin color was brown. She said I was the only child who wanted to be her friend. This person ended up being a close friend whom I couldn't imagine a childhood without.

Journal entry 33--Qualties

Describe a quality you admire in another person. What is it that makes you admire that quality? How can you achieve it?

My friend April has a tremendous amount of faith. She feels inspired with a thought and never questions it, she simply acts on it. Despite her busy life she continues to listen to her feelings and carry them through. Another quality she has that I admire is that she lives life to its fullest. She leads an incredibly busy life but still takes on several hobbies and makes time for herself.

Journal entry 32--What's in a name?

How do you feel about your name? Have you always liked it or wanted to change it the moment you turn 18? Does your name have special meaning to it or were you named after someone?

I've had a love/hate relationship with my name. I never liked how at school no one shared my name with me and I also didn't like how plain it sounded. I did like, however, the fact that my name lends itself to a thousand nicknames. It seems as though most of my close friends have a nickname for me--their own unique nickname that only they use. My parents almost named me three other names, either Joy, Jacqueline or Jennifer. I always wanted to be Jennifer. In fact many of my best friends growing up were named Jennifer. My name was chosen because it was the only name on which my parents could agree. I'm used to my name now and am not planning on changing it anytime soon. I figure when I die my tombstone will say, "Here lies the girl with a thousand nicknames."

Journal entry 31--First day of school

With the new school year starting, I thought it would be fun to write about your first day of school. Describe what it was like, the friends you made, etc. Did you like your teacher?

I remember my first school day starting first grade. I was walking to my classroom and saw a girl ahead of me. I ran up to her and introduced myself (I wish I still had that kind of bravery). Her name was Annie and she said "hi" to me. We walked to class getting to know each other. Other than that I don't recall many more first school days except starting 7th grade. I remember being terrified at starting Jr. High School and not having any of my friends there. I wore Levi 501 jeans and a red polo shirt. My cousin, who went to the same school, and I clung to each other for the next 2 weeks until we were able to make new friends. It was a scary time!

Journal entry 30--Computers

What happened the first time you used a computer? Was it when computers were just starting to become mainstream or was it on an ancient relic?

My first computer was an ancient relic. It was big and bulky and sat on a special computer desk that took up most the room. I remember this computer was from Radio Shack and had a booklet that gave different computer commands. If I inputed these commands, I ended up with a stick figure person walking across the screen. Back then that was cool! I also remember when I had to use DOS programming to get anywhere on the computer. I'm so glad computers have come so far and are now much easier and faster to use.

Journal entry 29--Smells

What's your favorite smell or smells? What scents remind you of something nostalgic or invokes a memory?

I have three favorite smells--wet asphalt after it rains, a dryer vent while it's going, and a new puppy's breath. The first smell reminds me of rainy days and coming home from school cold and wet. After changing into dry clothes, I'd stand by the heater and warm up. Wet asphalt remind me of coziness. I love walking by dryer vents while the dryer is going and smelling the fresh clean smell. It makes me feel like everything I'm wearing is fresh. Puppy breath is just plain yummy! My husband thinks I'm crazy but I like that milky new breath before they start eating dog kibble and their breath becomes really bad!

Journal entry 28--The Beach

Describe your perfect beach day. Who would spend it with you and what would you do?

My idea of a perfect beach day is one like today only with my husband joining us. I love going to the beach with a large group of friends and their children. The kids play together building sandcastles and tunnels, boogie boarding and jumping waves while the adults talk, take pictures and play with the children. I love squishing my toes in the warm sand until it becomes cold and watching the ocean for a glimpse of a dolphin breaking through the water. Collecting seashells is another fun part of the beach and visiting tide pools to touch the sea anemones and let their small tentacles tickle your finger. I could never get tired of watching the ocean and going to the beach!

Journal entry 27--Dentist

Write about an experience while visiting the dentist. Was it traumatic or pleasant? Describe what happened.

I have dentaphobia and it stems from early childhood dental visits. I think my dentist was becoming demented because while filling a cavity he felt that I didn't need anesthesia. It ended up that I did need to be numbed because while drilling he hit a nerve and sent me through the roof. To make matters worse he still didn't numb me even though I was in tears. Now I'm scarred for life by dentists. I would actually rather give birth than get a cavity filled!

Journal entry 26--Service

Describe a time when you were on the receiving end of service. How did you feel receiving this help?

I've had many times when I've received service from others, but there is one particular time when I needed it the most. After my mother died I was alone both physically and mentally. There were several people from my church who brought me meals, checked in on me and basically helped carry me through that difficult time. At first it was hard for me to accept all the attention and care, however one woman said something to me that changed the way I viewed service. She told me that "there will be times when you serve others and times when you need service; let others have the opportunity to serve by helping you." Now that I've seen service firsthand, I'm more willing to serve others when I need to plus I've learned how to serve better by watching how people have served me.

Journal entry 25--Change

Is there a book you've read that has changed your life or some aspect of it? What was the name of the book? How did it change your life?

I've recently read "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" by Barbara Kingsolver. That book changed the way I view the food I eat. It helped me realize that most of the food we eat travels 1500 miles before it reaches our plate. Talk about using oil! Now I buy all our produce at the local farm here in town and our farmer's market. This way I know exactly who produced my fruits and veggies and what was used to grow them which is always nothing. I only buy grass fed beef so I'm not eating some sick cow loaded with antibiotics and hormones. This book also showed me more about the food industry and how they seem to think that money is much more important than our health.

Journal entry 24--American Idol

Who did you idolize while growing up? Was it a sports star? A singer? A church leader? Whomever it was please take a moment to describe your hero worship.

Olivia Newton-John was my idol growing up. I thought that she was the most beautiful person alive (sorry mom!). Grease and Xanadu were the two movies that I've watch over 50 times and dragged most of my friends to see them as well. My room was covered with Olivia Newton-John posters and I still have all her albums. When my son was 3-years-old, he was watching the roller skating ending to Xanadu and he turned to me and said, "Mommy, you look just like that lady." My heart leapt! I look like Olivia Newton-John! I really don't but it made my day even if it was the opinion of a 3-year-old. Now I have a daughter named Olivia. I actually hesitated naming her that because I knew my family would think I had a serious case of hero worship but I have to say her name was my husband's idea.

Journal entry 23--Lost tooth

Write about a time when you lost a tooth. How did you lose it? Was it your first tooth?

I have allergies and as a child needed to take medicine. This medicine was disgusting and made me want to throw up whenever I smelled it. One day my sister was asked to give me my medicine, however, she had more important things to do and was pretty annoyed that she had to do this task. She carefully pour the medicine onto a spoon and waited for me to open my mouth. The medicine was nasty, remember, so I wouldn't open up! Finally, I did when I had listened enough to my sister getting mad at me and she jammed the spoon in knocking my front tooth out. The tooth was already loose so I didn't mind that she knocked it out, but she felt bad!

Journal entry 22--Kindergarten

Describe a funny experience from kindergarten. What happened?

I went to a private Lutheren school for kindergarten and there were several children there from other countries. One boy, named George was Chinese and spoke very little English. I thought it was my duty to help him learn to speak English better so we started daily lessons of English 101. The problem was the words I was teaching were Spanish words. I had just learned to count in Spanish and for some reason thought George should learn them also. So my little Chinese friend with no English vocabulary went home that day saying "uno, dos, tres..."

Journal entry 21--Authors

List ten authors you enjoy. What is it about their writing that you like?

The ten authors that come to my mind in no particular order are
JK Rowling
Lewis Carroll
CS Lewis
Johnathon Swift
Norton Juster
Dr. Suess
Paulo Coelho
Shel Silverstein (I know he's a poet)
Oscar Wilde
Roald Dahl

Journal entry 20--Pride

Write about something that makes you feel proud. Is it a success you've accomplished? Or is it something with which you were involved? Maybe it's something you've created? Whatever it is, take a moment to write it down.

Besides, of course, being proud of my children and all the good things they do, I'm proud of my piano playing ability. Not that I'm a virtuoso or anything but I can play most pieces with practice and I've have had only some formal training. I didn't have too many lessons as a child because my teacher moved away yet I continued playing on my own. It wasn't until I became an adult that I started taking more serious piano lessons. The piano is a tough instrument to learn. I've noticed that while watching my children take lessons. The problem is that they don't appreciate learning the piano right now. Hopefully they will in the future and can feel the same pride that I do about myself and them.

Journal entry 19--Pets

Describe your first pet. What kind of pet was it? How did you feel about this pet? What happened to the pet?

We got a puppy when I was 5 years old and I thought she was the greatest thing in the world. We brought home our little black fluff ball and sat in a circle on the floor with her in the middle. She ran around from person to person getting to know us all. Jodi was my little playmate. I thought of her as my baby sister and would actually tell people that we adopted another child. We would play tug of war and I'd chase her around our coffee table that was opened on each end. Jodi would run through the opening and slide across the wood. In the morning when she woke up, she would stand on my chest and just stare. After getting used to the uneasy feeling of being watched, my eyes would open and was awakened to hundreds of kisses from Jodi. That's how she told me she wanted to got to the bathroom. Jodi was such a smart dog could recognize words like "cookie" and "bye bye." She was also a stubborn, feisty dog that could hold onto a toy and not let go even if the toy was lifted in the air. Jodi lived a long life and finally died when she was 16 years old of congestive heart failure.

Journal entry 18--Dare you!

Describe a time when someone dared you to do something. Did you give into the dare or walk away? What was the dare?


When I was in Nursery School, a boy dared me to punch him in the nose. He thought that I was some meek little girl who wouldn't dream of hurting another child. Well I guess he was wrong. I balled up my girlie fist and let him have it. His nose even started bleeding. The teacher soon found out what happened and I got in trouble. I remember skirting around the table trying to act innocent while defending myself. "He told me to do it!" I proclaimed. The teacher didn't buy it and I was sent to time-out.

Journal entry 17--Least favorite animal

What's your least favorite animal or animals? Maybe you just don't like animals and can live without them. But is there an animal that scares you or makes you cringe? Why?

Rats! Rats make me cringe. I know they're smart and supposedly make great pets but they are just creepy to me. I remember playing at a friend's house when I was in first grade; she had pet rats. We played with them and held them all day long. While I was holding one of the rats and staring at its red eyes and thick tail I thought, "yuck, why am I playing with a rat?" It was after that that I went home and never went back to the girl's house to play. Thus began my aversion to rats. If I ever found a rat in or near my house, I think I would scream and have a stroke.
Another animal of which I'm not fond is the goose. They're just plain nasty creatures. Whenever I've been near a goose, it inevitably chases me while hissing. Geese terrify me.

Journal entry 16--Driving a car

Describe what happened when you first drove a car? If you do not drive, describe riding a bike or another mode of transportation.

I did what most people did or at least I hope they did this, I mixed up the gas pedal with the brake. I was parking the car at the grocery store and trying to brake to park when I was suddenly thrust forward. I then realized I had hit the gas instead of the brake pedal. Fortunately the car and I were not injured but it hurt my pride a bit because as a teenager, I thought I was a good driver. I also remember while driving on the freeway almost hitting a motorcyclist. As I was changing lanes to exit the freeway, I merged over and didn't see the motorcycle next to me. He wasn't hurt and wasn't too happy.

Journal entry 15--Friends

What's your favorite thing to do with a friend? Where do you like to go?

I don't know if I have one specific thing I like to do with a friend. I suppose it depends on the friend. I do enjoy talking on the phone with a friend especially one I haven't seen for a while. I like going to lunch and catching up on our lives. But if I had to choose one thing it would be going to the beach. I love going to the beach with a group of friends and their children and just talking and watching the kids play in the water. It's also fun to play games with each other like scrabble and cards.

Journal entry 14--Comfort food

What's your favorite comfort food. It can either be a food that reminds you of something or just plain makes you feel good. Why do I think chocolate is going to there for a lot of you!

My favorite comfort food is salsa and chips. Any salsa will do--hot, medium, mild, fruity, you name it, I like it! I love when the chips are either really thin and warm or super thick as if homemade. Chips and salsa don't necessarily remind me of anything or anyone, I just like eating them because they taste delicious. I have another comfort food and that's Frosted Mini Wheats. I don't know why but I've been eating them nearly everyday! They're so good with the frosted side floating in ice-cold milk. My kids think I'm addicted to them. They may be right, however, I don't think there's a Mini Wheats anonymous yet.

Journal entry 13--The Doctor Visit

Take a moment to write down a memory of going to the doctor's office as a child. How old were you? What happened while you were there? Did you like your doctor?

I didn't like my doctor! Not one bit! I remember being taken to Dr. Don for a shot and fighting my mother the entire way. She had to drag me through the door and into the office. Once I was in the examining room Dr. Don would mummy wrap me so I wouldn't flail my arms around and run away. He would also cover my nose and mouth at the same time so I couldn't breathe and to get me to stop screaming. I also recall purposely screaming at the top of my lungs just to "punish" my mother for bringing me there! I did not like Dr. Don at all!

Journal entry 12--Birthdays

Describe a memorable birthday. What made it so memorable?

I remember my 7 year old birthday party. It was at our neighborhood park and my sister dressed up like a clown and performed magic tricks. I don't remember if her tricks were any good, however I know it meant a lot to me that she took time to do that. I also remember during that party a boy on a bike collided with a car in front of the park. The boy was okay but we were all shaken up seeing that car hit the child.
There's not much more I remember about that birthday other than feelings. Feelings of pure joy and carefree happiness running around with my friends. I miss being able to get away with that!

Journal entry 11--Playing in the pool

Describe a memory of playing in the pool either by yourself or with family or friends. How old were you? Was it your pool, a friend's pool or during swimming lessons?

When I was 8 years-old I swam at my best friend, Nadia's house. We swam all summer and made up pool games the entire time. One game we played was "celebrate America's flowers." Basically we would throw our arms in the air, spraying water everywhere and sing a made up song about America's flowers! It made no sense but still to this day I can sing the cheer and have since taught it to my children. My boys think I'm crazy! Another game we would play is "butt bumpers." This game is difficult to explain but while facing each other, we would put our feet together and while moving backwards bump our bums together. Oh the things we do when we're eight!

Unusual Jobs

What was your most unusual job? How old were you when you had the job? Maybe you're still with the job! Please take a moment to describe why your job was so different.

My jobs have always been pretty mainstream--working at a Veterinarian's office, babysitting, dog groomer, journalist--yet the most unusual job for me was watching a stock ticker. Each morning I went to my neighbor's house and sat at a desk and watched the stock ticker at the bottom of the TV. I have to say it was the most BORING job I've ever had. I was young and so I think my neighbor was just trying to help me earn money, however I couldn't take it! I quit after a few days. It was dreadful.

Grandmas

Today I'd like you to write about your grandmother. What was she like? Do you have a special memory of her? If you didn't know either of your grandmothers then write about an older woman who has touched your life.

My grandmother on my mom's side was hilarious. She let us call her "granny good witch!" Every Saturday, she had her hair and nails colored red and had a back so straight that when my husband first met her, he thought she had a rod implanted into her back. She played the organ her entire life, (that's why her back was so straight) and I can still hear her nails clicking across the keyboard as she played. My grandmother and I shared a musical bond; we both played the piano. Although, she mainly concentrated on the organ. After grandma died I couldn't touch the piano for 6 months. Everytime I tried to play a song, I'd start bawling. My granny good witch was a talented, classy woman whom I admire still.

Rainy Days

What do you like to do on a rainy day? Do you stay inside or play outside and get wet?

I like to wrap up in a blanket, sip hot chocolate and play board games with my family. Sometimes we roast marshmallows in the fireplace and make s'mores. It's difficult to do that now because of our 7 month old puppy who tries to eat everything. When I was younger I liked to sit at the front window and watch the rain fall on the street. I liked when it rained so hard that the street gutters would flood and when cars got too close water would spray into the air drenching anything nearby. Now I watch the rain out my back window fall on our pool's water. I love seeing the pattern the drops make on the water. It can be mesmerizing.