Family Ties: sha-la-la-la!

Hey all, I've been receiving the answers from the lucky bloggers I interviewed, and I just had to share the answer to the best question I came up with in this little game. I had the great pleasure of interviewing my mom, heh. To this day, I find the social dynamic of my family pretty intriguing. And I think outsiders looking in on our family do as well. In particular, the similarities and differences of me and my siblings. Thus, the 5th and final question I asked my mom. Here was the result:

Question 5. Which of your own characteristics do you see in each of your three children? Hmm, that is a little harder question for me to answer. I guess to make myself look good, I will go with the good traits!

I think a good characteristic that S and I both have is the ability to converse easily and energetically with almost anyone. We are usually not at a loss for words, and I have noticed, for some reason, strangers stop and talk to us. We have an easy welcoming attitude, and we usually like to talk to most people. Missy once told me that I shouldn't talk to strangers. I had told her that many times, but failed to follow my own rules. I usually couldn't help myself!

I think that C and I share patience as a characteristic. We probably are not the most patient people when we are doing physical labor, but I think we have the ability to analyze a situation, and wait to see what the outcome may be before we jump to conclusions. I know C does this, and, every ONCE in a while, I do that too. Sometimes to "wait and see" is a very smart move. It also saves a lot of energy. We are not only patient, but smart, too! I think

Missy and I are both stubborn. Now that is not a bad thing. It simply means that we are not easily talked into things we do not want to do, and we are looking at the end result before most other people do. In most situations, I can go from step one to four and never need to think about step two or three because I KNOW I am right, and there is no need. Missy and I sometimes butt heads because two people who know they are right are bound to. We somehow manage to come up with similar results to a problem, although we take our own stubborn route. It all works out! Another trait we have in common is our love for children. We have a genuine respect for children, and for their gifts they have been given, and I think we both appreciate the trivial and flighty nature of the young. I wonder why. Is it because we never grew up? A question to ponder.

So, there it is. I think she's always been honest without filter where I'm concerned, haha. But I love her for it, and I think it's 'cause she knows I take things with a grain of salt. I'm not sure if she wants me to leave a link to her blog so that my happy viewers may feast their eyes on the other 4 questions, so I'm gonna leave that up to her. I also love the paragraph she wrote about my dad, so you all should hassle her for the blog address and check it out.
That's all!

Another opportunity for me to talk about myself...

Fellow blogger cK was a part of a little game where bloggers interviewed one another, and I wanted in! I've been on a creativity drought lately and I figure this'll get the wheels in motion once again. Plus, I knew cK was an excellent interviewer. About a year ago I sat next to him at a Twins game, and straight out of left-field he threw question after question at me like I was in a Barbara Walters Special. And after each question was answered, he just stared out into the field, with a thoughtful look on his face, responding, "ahhh, yes, I see." I often wondered what he thought of my answers, and whether he was internally uncovering the kind of person I was by the seemingly insignificant questions. Hehe, am I correct in thinking this, ck? So here's the five questions he sent me:

Q: What other city (outside of Minnesota, please) would you like to live in for at least six months?
A: Surely in a European city, and one where I could take up a new language. I've always LOVED singing in Italian, and if I had to choose a new language to learn, that would be it. I can't get enough of the fluidity and rhythm of the language. One could be saying, "screw off", and it could still sound like, "I love you". I'd also want to live in a spot rich with culture and history, but would have cute, cozy little nooks and crannies as well. Rome? Venice? I dunno, I'd probably have to research various Italian cities to decide for sure, but it would definitely be in Italy.

Q: What's your favorite type of shoe?
A: I've just looked over my shoe collection, (which is much more extensive than I'd like to admit), and I've decided that my answer must be divided into two categories: winter and summer.
Winter: I love light, stripey, nerdy tennis shoes. Preferably in a bright color. I have 3 pairs of sneakers that fit that description: orange, pink, and powder blue. I just can't be sad while gazing down at these types of shoes.
Summer: I'm a flip-flop freak all-the-way. All kinds, I don't discriminate.

Q: When did you last draw with crayons?
A: Today actually, heh! I was helping one of my 4-year-olds learn to print his last name:) But honestly, I love working with crayons outside of work. It's really relaxing to draw with crayons. I took a few art courses in college, and I was the only student who carried a pack of crayons with all my pencils, charcoal, paint, etc. I'm not sure what my professor thought of this, but I got an A on all my projects, so he must not have looked down on it too much.

Q: If you could inhabit a cartoon world (with the option to return at any point), which cartoon world would it be?
A: I really liked that "Dungeons and Dragons" cartoon growing up. I just loved the idea of getting on a carnival ride, and ending up in another world! Plus, it ties into my undying fantasy of being a superhero/warrior of some type. My weapon of choice would either be wizard-like powers, or a huge samurai sword. I also wouldn't mind hanging out with the Muppet Babies for a few days.

Q: If you won a contest that gave you the right to remove one television personality from the air, who would you select?
A: I believe I've expressed my intense distaste for Jennifer Love Hewitt on this blog before. And my piercing hatred for her remains undimmed.

SO here's where it becomes EXTRA fun! If you would like me to interview you on your blog, simply leave a comment containing the words, "Interview Me!", and I will send you a set of five questions to answer on your own blog. Have a lovely week everyone!

Where's Ned?

Blog regular and family member 'Ned' placed 9th in the "Hopes and Dreams 5k" in Memphis, Tennessee! He's shown here rockin' a red bandanna. We're so proud of our Neo-luddite!

Ned: If you are displeased with my posting your photo, feel free to post incriminating photos of me on your site:b