I noticed that my bloggy friend Storyteller is taking part in a fun group called Weekend Whimsies. Today I’m joining in; how about you? Will you play, too? If you do participate, please leave the link to your post over at Kat’s Sunshine and Lemonade blog. She is the hostess for this weekly activity. 🙂
Here are the questions, with my answers:
Spender or saver?    I have learned to be more careful with money, from my husband. Largely due to his influence (and hard work), we have been able to provide well for our large family, including college educations for the children, without going into debt. That being said, however, I enjoy treating my girls to a good coffee. Also, I must exercise the greatest self-control when driving by Barnes and Noble, lest I buy a new book that I could just as well check out from the library!
What is your favorite type of ethnic food? Which dish? My favorite ethnic food is Mexican, because I grew up in Arizona enjoying a variety of delicious, authentic Mexican dishes. Chile relleno is my favorite dish.
Guest or host? I am more comfortable being a hostess than a guest. I have the fun of mixing various friends together and seeing them interact. Also, since I enjoy cooking and baking, this sort of “giving” isn’t stressful for me. I love being a guest, too, though, so please invite me over again!
Are you still friends with anyone from high school? Elementary school? When I was 14 years old, my family moved from Arizona to California. I continued writing to some of my elementary school friends for part of my young adulthood, then stopped, probably due to the lack of continued shared interests. Within the past couple years, though, I’ve gotten back in touch with some great gals from my elementary school years! The same holds true for high school. I lost touch with most of these friends, but have reestablished contact with a few. I was quite shy back then, and only had a couple really good friends. I have found one, but don’t know the married name of my best friend, Marilyn Wen, who moved to California with her family from Taiwan when she was in elementary school.
Have you ever been in the audience for the taping of a TV show? What show would you like to see live? No; I haven’t. I developed a great dislike for the time-wasting aspect of TV as I was growing up. My parents had the thing on constantly. The only place to do homework was in my bedroom or at the library. We were not allowed to talk, especially to my dad, when the TV was on (which was always). We do have a TV on which to watch DVDs, but have never had TV reception.
Do you save cards and letters from your spouse? What about from friends or old boyfriends?
As I mentioned earlier, I was a shy girl. I didn’t have boyfriends in high school, ‘though I admired the good musicians from a discreet distance. Yes; I have saved all correspondence from my dear husband. Our “getting to know one another” was through letters, as we were introduced by mutual friends, and lived in two different states. Would you believe we mainly discussed theology? ‘Tis true!
What is your favorite fall activity? My favorite fall activity is one I enjoy the rest of the year as well. I go for walks and enjoy the changing flora, and the wonderful fragrances of Autumn. Next in order of “favorite-ness” would be baking favorite fall dishes such as Pumpkin Yum, gingerbread cookies, and apple crisp.
When you were growing up, did your family eat dinner together or whenever you had time? What do you do with your family now? My family was uber weird; I don’t talk about it much. My mom cooked sporadically. Our special dinners were prepared by my dad, or we would go over to my Grandma Schmitz’ home (she was widowed) for delicious meals at family get-togethers. I started preparing many meals for the family by the time I was 12.
When our children were younger, I served them a nutritious hot breakfast, lunch and dinner (stay-at-home, home schooling mom). There was usually a nice, homey dessert every day, too, though I would try to keep it healthy by omitting frosting from cakes, using some whole wheat flour in cookies and cakes, and decreasing the sugar a bit.
Now, with me working part-time, and the demanding sport schedules of the children, I pick up a Little Caesar’s pizza for a quick dinner more often than I like to admit. Or we will do “catch-as-catch-can”, eating sandwiches or breakfast for dinner (such as pancakes or waffles). I am trying to do better this year at thinking of a good dinner ahead of time, and serving it by 7pm.
You have just inherited a vacation home. Where do you want it to be?
My favorite vacation home already exists in Inverness, California. It is where my husband spent the summers when he was growing up, and it is where his parents moved after retirement. We go there just about every year. Have I ever mentioned that I love the coziness of the fog rolling in each evening, and then out again in the morning? The beaches there are secluded and pristine (Pt. Reyes National Seashore).
Now it’s YOUR turn (if you choose to play along). Here are the questions without my answers:
Spender or saver?
What is your favorite type of ethnic food? Which dish?
Guest or host?
Are you still friends with anyone from high school? Elementary school?
Have you ever been in the audience for the taping of a TV show? What show would you like to see live?
Do you save cards and letters from your spouse? What about from friends or old boyfriends?
What is your favorite fall activity?
When you were growing up, did your family eat dinner together or whenever you had time? What do you do with your family now?
You have just inherited a vacation home. Where do you want it to be?
