Excerpts from a Life

In the old days, my sister Rlynne, Mango and I would listen to the radio and write down the top 100 songs of the year, drink koolaid in wine glasses and eat a lot of junk food. This was the way it was before 1975 anyways, before "I grew up."

Happy New Years to you, my friends. May 2006 be a good one for you.

Let's see, where is the list?

Friendly Friday

Hi FFMB. I hope you are feeling energetic. We are going on a marathon march to all the featured friendless sites of 2005. Let's see how they are and then we will vote for our favorite site.

Don't worry, you don't have to stop at all these blogs today. March on by during the week and then choose your favorite from among them.

• Vote up to 3 times.
• Vote anonymously.
• Cast your vote before Friday.
• If you state why you chose that site then that vote will count twice as much!
• EDIT-To make this a real FFMB award, to vote you should be a member of the band. It is easy to join though. If you want to be a part of this amazing Friends of the Friendless Marching Band, sign up by leaving a comment stating that you want to be join and choose an instrument! Then come visiting the friendless with us on Friendly Fridays.
  

I want to take this time to thank you band members for bringing your friendliness to the march and throughout the week. The Friends of the Friendless Marching Band deserves an award too so. (See photo) We are the best!

Here are the featured friendless sites of 2005:

Mompoet Word from the 'Burbs
From the Edge to the Center
Over Another Hump
Estranged Love
Youssof's Sheeplog
Haunt Me
Whiskey Talking
Come Untogether
A Dose of Xtessa
Uncensored Soul
Are You Out There?
Tabitha Dial's Blog: Where the Muse Mutters
Quick and to the Point
Kat's Eye
Edge Gallery
All Cupcakes, All the Time

There is a trophy for the winner.

Banners are still available here and keep on submitting more friendless sites for 2006!

Can I Resist? (There are only two left)

Responding to this post on David's blog.

Hello, my name is Carol and I'm pretty sure I'm not a Blogaholic after all...

but for more info on the dangers of blogaholism, check out these sites.

Trekkies will remember this look at a 24th century addiction. Watch the video here.
Are you scared? Well, you should be!

For a more focussed look at internet addiction, look here for lots of good information. I did the quiz and passed. More proof that I am not a Blogaholic, at least not yet. How did you do?

The Thoughts Leave upon Examination

Sometimes I am anguished by thoughts that I am not good enough. Today as I listened to this familar refrain, I asked, exactly in what ways do I feel this way?

We were visiting with my in-laws yesterday. My Sister-in-Law is an excellent hostess while my Husband and I prefer to spend our free time with our children. Do I want to do entertain? Is there time as I work on Saturdays, the major entertaining day of the week?
I think about the time I spend with my own friends. We gather once a week and take turns hosting. At these times, I excel. Perhaps, I already have what I think I lack.

Again, this same Sister-in-Law is a great conversationalist. I envy people who converse well. I am a quiet person usually, except to a select few, of which you are a part. What can I do to get better at this? Confidence, I have been told. It is true that if I am anxious, I clam up and words come awkwardly. Relaxed, I am intelligent and self-assured, holding my own in a debate or friendly banter. Perhaps, I have most of what I need.

Again, dear Sister-In-Law is a world traveller while I am afraid to go on a plane or even cross the mountains. We do not have the funds to be jet-setters but we appreciate the area of the world where we live. I also enjoy movies and books of different cultures and meeting people with different points of view and backgrounds. Perhaps, being content is enough.

I am not my Sister-in-Law; I have my own interests and priorities. I can improve in areas if that is what I desire. Admiration doesn't have to lead to jealousy or beliefs of inferiority.

I am getting there.

Hebrews 2:9

"But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone."

This passage emphasizes the purpose in Jesus coming to earth. He came to suffer and die as a sacrifice for humanity. To respond to Jesus and His purpose requires both faith and action.

Excerpts from a Life

Past excerpts tell of 15 year old Carol's crush on Chevy. Will they ever talk??

August 14, 1975
BORING again!!

Later...
CHEVY LIKES ME!! Oh man, I can't believe it. I'm so happy!! (Can't even remember how to hold a pen)
I was over at Mango's and Sherry, Rlynne (my sister), Mango and I were standing outside Mango's yard, waiting. Finally he drove by. Well, he sped up and jerked his car along. What a cute, lovable show off. He passed by again and Mango said, "There he goes again." His window was open and he heard. We both screamed of embarrassment! Then he rode by really slowly. Rlynne said "hi" after he passed. He passed by a couple or so more times. Everytime, he looked at me!!

Of course I still have me doubts but Mango said, "No way, he likes you." Same goes for Rlynne.
I'm very, very happy! Man and to think I was bored. Whew!

Hot Chocolate and Fries-A Canadian Tradition (or soon to be)

"God bless us everyone!"

Merry Christmas

Don't miss out on the Friendly Friday parade route below

Friendly Friday

Hi FFMB,
I am thinking whoever makes it to band tonight has to make alot of noise. Our numbers might be low with all the festivities going on. I thought we could meet back here for hot chocolate and fries.

Come on, smile Mango! Wait until its -30 C.

The featured friendless site this Friendly Friday is Rachel, Nichelle and Alizinha's All Cupcakes, All the Time. I like the cupcakes because:

• they look so yummy!
• I like the cupcake video.
• of all the cupcake links.
  
• I just felt like looking at pictures tonight.
• but how about more recipes for those that like to do more than just look?
• or could you just bring some for tonight's gathering?
  

Ella's owner writes No Friends, Just My Dog. She says she won't be writing much because she has a new job. Pity!

Meet Dave of A Bit of This, A Bit of That. He is a scientific intellectual. I did the same quiz and got the same results. In a couple of posts, he gives his view on creationism which is different than this scientific intellectual's. Check him out!

Get your banners here and remember to submit those friendless blogs.
Get marching folks and we'll meet back here, 'kay?

Thoughts

An orange cloudless melody
separates the stillness
casting notes to cover the night

Then the moment slips into day
lips joyfully proclaim
the rising of the sun

Hello, my name is Carol and I might not be a Blogaholic after all...

Earlier today as I was looking at some regular blogs, trying to feel inspired for a post, Mango phoned. I immediately turned from the computer to visit. I realized that I had just made a healthy choice.

Hey, I didn't even kick the kids off the computer.

Then I did this quiz and the results said
"You exhibit commendable self-control — you appear to lack most of the personality traits that can put you at risk for addiction. Continue to make smart choices by staying self-aware during difficult periods in your life, surrounding yourself with loving friends and maintaining a healthy lifestyle."

Well, these observations make me feel pretty good and you know what?

I am having fun.

My Name is Carol and I'm a Blogaholic...

I am not alone. I found this post which had a huge response from people stating their blogaholic symptoms. The whole idea was for fun but is any addiction harmless?

So, how do you keep your blogging under control? Or are you?

So How Did You Do?

Your Personality Is

Guardian (SJ) You are sensible, down to earth, and goal oriented. Bottom line, you are good at playing by the rules. You tend to be dominant - and you are a natural leader. You are interested in rules and order. Morals are important to you. A hard worker, you give your all at whatever you do. You're very serious, and people often tell you to lighten up. In love, you tend to take things carefully and slowly. At work, you are suited to almost any career - but you excel in leadership positions. With others, you tend to be polite and formal. As far as looks go, you are traditionally attractive. You take good care of yourself. On weekends, you tend to like to do organized activities. In fact, you often organize them!

The Three Question Personality Test

Your Brain's Pattern

Your mind is a multi dimensional wonderland, with many layers. You're the type that always has multiple streams of though going. And you can keep these thoughts going at any time. You're very likely to be engaged in deep thought - and deep conversation.

What Pattern Is Your Brain?

Your Hidden Talent

You are both very knowledgeable and creative. You tend to be full of new ideas and potential - big potential. Ideas like yours could change the world, if you build them. As long as you don't stop working on your dreams, you'll get there.

What's Your Hidden Talent?

The Practise

Fatigued
Negative

Time to meditate

She was in a care facility recently, after hip surgery. She raves about the care she received and how they taught her to walk again. She is only sorry that she lost it once when they were teaching her to go up and down the stairs. "That's understandable," I tell her.
She is 89 years old and partially blind. When I saw her in the hospital, she said she would walk into the church assembly again and she did. Everyone was amazed and happy to see her, looking frail but pleased as she held onto her husband up the aisle.
She told me that she is going to walk into the service on her own, "In maybe 6 months. Its all in your mind and in the prayers." (And in the physio exercises that she continues to do regularly)

I need some of her positive determination and asked for her prayers.

My legs were beginning to get uncomfortable but the 20 minutes were over. I remember her.

Matthew 8:21-22

"Another of the disciples said to Him, "Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father."
But Jesus said to him, "Follow me, and allow the dead to bury their own dead."

Following Jesus must take priority over everything else, even earthly responsibilities and cares can't take precedence over God's call to the spirit.

How do we answer the call to follow Jesus today?

Feelings and affections are not trustworthy guides but the Bible is. These Words teach us God's path. If you want to follow Him, give Him all your attention, now.

Excerpts from a Life

These are excerpts from my journal as a teenager. I had a crush on a boy called Chevy and I lost weight to in order to gain his attention.

July 19, 1975
Mom's always bugging me about my eating. I'm so mad!! Too skinny. (edited version)
Please God-I don't know.

July 23, 1975
I'm doing new exercises and keeping track of calories. I don't know if I should or not, its quite frustrating!!
Its one of those times when I'm conscious of swallowing my saliva!

August 9, 1975
I read a couple of stories about fat girls becoming thin and getting the guy of their dreams. In both of them, the guy was conceited. I wish I would get my guy already and I bet he won't be conceited.
I stopped exercising because of my sickness.
Rlynne (my sister) told Mango that Chevy must like me. Oh please, make him do something. I want him so much.

August 10, 1975
Throat is sorta sore or somethin'. Did exercises again. I wish I was well so I could go outside and walk around.

August 11, 1975
Mango came over in afternoon. We just talked and listened to the radio. Mango seems as if she's really sure of Chevy liking me.
Eating about 1500 calories a day. I should reach my goal of 115 lbs pretty soon. I hope my figure is all in shape for school. I want a 24" waist!

Friendly Friday

Welcome Friends of the Friendless Marching Band.
This was quite the week. I just about didn't make the march. I spent all day cleaning my tuba. I didn't know I could buy them.
Looks great though, doesn't it?




I can't wait for you to see these friendless sites.

The featured blogger this week is Emily at Edge Gallery.I like this blog because:

• of her words, "So, how tender can we bear to be? That is a hard one...but I'm trying to learn to do this, not just with words but by actions. And you do have to be a little brave, too. You have to sweep your shyness or hang-ups to the side and notice the details of a persons face and that they are there."
• she is an artist
• who teaches art to children
• I like her mischievious dog, Mr. Nelson

Take a look at Texas Gal of Texas Talk and Theory as well. She is a young woman who has written a wide variety of posts since 2002.

Now, there is time to do a survey for the FFMB. After you are finished, you might like to get a banner.

Do you visit the friendless blogs on Friendly Fridays?
	Yes, I am a member of the FFMB and I visit them every Friendly Friday.
	Yes, I am a member of the FFMB and I visit them whenever I think of it.
	Yes, I am a member of the FFMB and I never visit them. Why did I join?
	No, I am not a member of the FFMB but I visit the friendless blogs every Friendly Friday.
	No, I am not a member of the FFMB but I visit them whenever I think of it, anyways.
	No, I am not a member of the FFMB. What is the FFMB?
	No, I am not a member of the FFMB but I would like to be.
	I would become a member of the FFMB if I didn't have to be friendly.
	I will never be a member of the FFMB! It is degrading to the friendless.
Free polls from Pollhost.com

Housework on the Left or Right Side of the Brain?

Normally, I am a scheduler. My To Do list is arranged into daily, weekly, monthly and annual chores. I write down the incoming chores as they arise and try to fit them into the day. This does not necessarily mean that all gets done but it is listed regardless and I do my best. Except sometimes it gets too boring and rigid so I rebel against myself.

Then I toss the organizing notebook aside and wing it haphazardly but I have missed appointments doing it this way and forgotten to sign forms for school etc.

This has been an ongoing search for me-to find the ultimate To Do/Planning/Schedule System.
I really think there is a balance between these two extremes that would solve my dilemma.

Does anybody have any ideas to help me on this quest?

Not Another One

They are churning out these quizzes so quickly that they don't have time to think of questions or answers. This one has only 2 choices for each of the 4 questions.

Your Blogging Type is Confident and Insightful

You've got a ton of brain power, and you leverage it into brilliant blog. Both creative and logical, you come up with amazing ideas and insights. A total perfectionist, you find yourself revising and rewriting posts a lot of the time. You blog for yourself - and you don't care how popular (or unpopular) your blog is!

What's Your Blogging Personality?

Amazing how accurate it is, though.

Or Two

You Belong in London

A little old fashioned, and a little modern. A little traditional, and a little bit punk rock. A unique woman like you needs a city that offers everything. No wonder you and London will get along so well.

What City Do You Belong In?

She Went Snorkeling

Cassandra, a co-worker, was back from her Mexican holiday today. She recounted the adventures but this one lingers in my mind.

She was on a snorkeling tour, enjoying the fish beneath her feet, while resting safely on the rocks. Then their guide led them to deeper water where sand replaced the rocks. "This is alright," she thought while she was led deeper into the ocean.

She admitted to her curious listeners of having a fear of drowning.

She lagged behind for her swimming was weak. Then she saw only the vastness of the water before her.
"Then, I lost it, a panic attack," she confessed. She was taken back to the shore.

Everyone was quiet but as I took tiny little bites of my sandwich, I saw her ocean before me.

A Sevens Meme

Okay Kathy, here it is...


Seven things to do before I die:
1. I want to be a Kokum. (Native word for Grandma)
2. Hold my Great-Grandchildren.
3. Finish my book of Native short stories. (I only have one written so far)
4. Have those home renovations done.
5. Finish interior decorating my home.
6. Overcome anxiety!
7. Grow in understanding the Bible.

Seven Things I can not do.
1. Take a computer apart and reassemble.
2. Change the engine oil.
3. Drive in a motor race and win.
4. Fly a rocket to the moon.
5. Upholster the couch and chair.
6. Re-shingle the roof.
7. Get the To Do list caught up.

Seven Things that attracted me to my spouse: (if you are married, that is)
1. Smile
2. Eyes
3. Gentleness
4. Compatibility
5. Patience
6. Loyalty
7. Easy going

Seven things that I say most often:
1. Get off the computer; I want to check my blog. (son)
2. Don't you have any homework? (eldest daughter)
3. There's my pretty girl. (to our cat)
4. Aw, come on. (friends)
5. I've got an idea. (friends)
6. Could you .....? (husband)
7. I am so glad... (blogfriends)

Seven Books I love:
1. The Bible
2. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
3 Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
4. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
5. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin
6. Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier
7. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Seven Movies I watch over and over:
1. Pride and Prejudice (mini-series)
2. Sound of Music
3. To Kill a Mockingbird
4. To Sir With Love
5. Babycakes (Ricky Lake starred in this tv movie before she lost weight. It is about a overweight woman who has a crush on a guy and plots to win him)
6. That's Entertainment series
7. Jesus Christ Superstar (I haven't watched it lately, but I watched it innumerable times when I was a teenager)

Seven People I Tag to join me:
I know that you both don't have a blog but I hope that this won't stop you. Put your answers in the comment section. Come on, please...
1. Mango
2. Zeb
I will leave the rest blank in the hope that 5 enthusiastic bloggers will take up the Sevens challenge. If so, I will put your names and a link here.
3. Stephen
4. Barbara
5. Jennifer
6.
7.

Overcoming Anxiety

"Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down,
But a good word makes it glad." Proverbs 12:25

I realize that I have to be able to give these "good words" to myself. What I tell myself either encourages or discourages. The effect is is clearly felt in my heart, either way.

The book I have been reading, "Don't Panic" by R. Reid Wilson, Ph.D. talks about developing within onself, a supportive observer.
This new inner voice :

• "reminds me of my freedoms and choices"
• "gives me permission to feel safe"
• "supports all my efforts"
• "invites me to feel confident"
• "trusts me and lets me trust myself"
• "expects a postive future"
• "points out my successes"
• "looks around me for support"
• "believes that I can change"
  

Over the years, people have told me, "Don't be so hard on yourself." I understand, now, that they didn't mean that I shouldn't be honest with myself about my weaknesses but that I was too harsh with myself about them. Wilson refers to these voices as negative observers-worried, critical or hopeless. My negative obervers are the worried and critical type.

My soul desires honesty, gentleness and kindness from someone very important to me. Myself.

Excerpts from a Life

Every Saturday, I invite you to meet 15 year old Carol who is dieting in the hopes that thinness will win the boy of her dreams, Chevy.

June 2, 1975
Today I weigh 130 lbs.

June 13, 1975
Today I thought I was over Chevy. I told Laurie and JoAnne that I was. Then I got to thinking of him and all of sudden I felt sad that I thought that. So I went and told Laurie that it wasn't over, not for awhile anyways.

June 19, 1975
I got 100% in Geometry. I am so glad. The other kids clapped when they found out and Bonnie K. shook my hand. I'm really proud.

June 20, 1975
Went to Mango's in the evening. We went to the park and swung. Summer, you're beautiful.
I'm trying not to think about Chevy. I'm getting an honor pin, hurray!

June 22, 1975
Went to church. I haven't been for such a long time.
Rlynne, Mango and I went for a walk in the afternoon. We met Cindy and Aline. Cindy said, "Do you look good." So we all went walking around.
I saw Chevy's car coming and there were two people in it. I got kinda scared. When he passed, he looked at me. I just glanced at him cause I wanted to see who the other person was. Luckily it was only his Dad.
Rlynne whispered, "He's looking at you."
After he passed the corner, he really sped up.
Mango said, "Did you see the way he was looking?" I thought she meant it was a dirty look so I didn't answer. Then she said, "It doesn't look as if he hates you."
That made me very happy.

Friendly Friday

Hi FFMB.
Every week the sound of our marching band grows more distinctive. The addition of the harmonica and kazoo to the march was ingenious and you gotta love that piano on wheels. I can't help but feel proud of our unique marching band.

Sigh...yes, well, time for today's parade route. Follow me ...
Enjoy the visits and leave friendly comments along the way.



The featured site of the week is from Kim at Kat's Eye. I like her blog because:

• she is a great writer
  
• she continues to hone her craft
  
• her strength and patience in dealing with a very hard life right now
• she hopes that " writers, artists, and others juggling work, family, and life's challenges will pull up a keyboard and chime in, creating a dialogue, and finding and sharing inspiration"

You'll enjoy SoccerChic from Fighting against the Box. She is an Eastern Canadian who is trying to adjust to her move out west.
Dwayne from My Life in Bonanza would like your company, too. He is a friendly fellow who likes to fish and hunt. He likes the Bible, too!

We sure would like new band members. Simply leave a comment, stating which instrument you would like to play and join us each Friendly Friday as we go visiting the friendless.

Banners are available here to promote the Friends of the Friendless Marching Band.
Remember to nominate the great friendless sites you find this week.
Have fun!

My Hairdresser

I have been going to Monika for the past 14 years. I had previously experienced the worst haircut of my life from one of those McHaircut places. The woman who had given the cut explained that the reason my hair was sticking up was because it naturally grew that way. Okay...

I phoned a new hair salon that I had seen and after explaining the bad experience I had, I told her that I wanted the best person there. The girl wisely gave me an appointment with the salon's owner, Monika. Monika was single then, outgoing and a fantastic hairdresser.

It was a habit, back then, to have a night out with my Husband after getting my hair all nicely styled. Monika would give good suggestions on where to eat, what movie to see etc. After all, she was single and with it.

After my husband gave our eldest daughter a haircut, I started taking her to Monika. Then, when the middle girl had hair, I took her too. I thought, might as well make it a family affair, and my little guy would sit on a booster pad to get his hair cut. He didn't like getting his hair blown dry though. My Husband wasn't about to go to a hair salon but he did take the kids sometimes. Monika would comment how they were quieter when he brought them.

She since has gotten married, bought a house and moved her shop to her home. She has two children. She is no longer an expert on where to go for a night out but knows where the bargains are and where to go for family holidays.

Her sister dated Brad Pitt when he was here in the city several years ago before he was as famous as he is now. Monika told me that he came to her house for perogies. He had never eaten them before.

She inherited land and a hotel in Costa Rica a couple of years ago. She goes there every few months and makes it known that they might move there some day. She is in the process of having the hotel demolished to build condos.

The sound of her voice and the concern in her voice remind me of Oprah Winfrey. I told this once and she said she had been told that before.

I asked her about Costa Rica again today. I am still trying to get used to the idea.

Being Kind to Me

1. I let myself go back to sleep after the kids were gone for school. I have not been sleeping well, lately. I had planned to get groceries but I told myself it was okay to leave it until the afternoon. I woke up 2 hours later with guilt pangs which I chose to dismiss. Now is the time to practice compassion. Being stressed is not a sign of success.
2. I went to a grocery chain where they pack the groceries and push the cart to your vehicle. It cost more but the savings were luxurious.
3. My daughter volunteered to make a casserole for ourselves, also doubling the recipe for a family from church. It is an easy recipe and will let her experience the feeling of a generous spirit. By allowing her to do this, I am being blessed, too.
4. Planned procrastination days are allowed, but unplanned ones are even better.
   
5. Introspection hurts as hidden thoughts surface. It is healing to face them but, in kindness to myself, I mustn't dwell there too long. It is comforting to visit someone else's thoughts and circumstances for a change.
6. When I look around and think that everyone is dealing with life so much better than I, then it is in kindness for myself that I say, appearances can be attractively deceptive. If I could see the struggling inward souls, then I would not think myself any worse.
   

My Name is Carol and I'm a Blogaholic...

If you gotta tell people that this is supposed to be funny, then I'm in trouble, right?

I am on Blogexplosion which is a web site that is supposed to help bloggers increase traffic. A few nights ago, I woke up in the middle of night and, this was not a good idea but I succumbed, I turned on the computer. I was attracted to the Shoutbox which is a message board on BE for (lonely and insomniac?) bloggers.
Unfortunately, it was fun. So last night, when I once again found myself awake at 2:30 am, you have a clue to what I did. This feels like the hard stuff, you know?

Band Update

Great news for the FFMB!
All 3 of the bloggers from the last Friendly Friday have joined the band. Is that not the greatest?

Sister Celtic will be playing the cymbals.
Ry wants to play the harmonica.
Sabrina will be on the snare drum.

Winter (Haiku)

shivering winds
swirl unscarfed snowflakes
to cool the breath

Inspired to write a haiku by J. Andrew

I Love Quizzes

Your results:
You are Superman

Superman 65% Wonder Woman 55% Hulk 55% Spider-Man 55% Robin 52% Supergirl 45% Batman 45% The Flash 40% Green Lantern 30% Catwoman 25% Iron Man 15%

You are mild-mannered, good, strong and you love to help others.

Click here to take the "Which Superhero are you?" quiz...

The Noble Princess

You are just and fair, a perfectionist with a
strong sense of proper decorum. You are very
attracted to chivalry, ceremony and dignity.
For the most part you are rather sensible, but
you are also very idealistic.

Role Models: Guinevere, Princess Fiona (of Shrek)

You are most likely to: Get kidnapped by a stray
dragon.


What Kind of Princess are You? - Beautiful Artwork (Original Music is BACK!!!)
brought to you by Quizilla

2Timothy 2:15

"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

I am a student of God.
For many years, I believed what I was taught as a child about God. Then I encountered the Bible and learned that what I was taught was not what the Bible said. I had to let go of what I had always thought. This was not easy.

The Bible can be understood.

Hey, I've Been Smacked!!

There is a blog called "Talk Too Much (if you don't like oh well)" that reviews other blogs mercilessly. I didn't ask for a review because I am so sensitive (sob) but somehow they found me and gave me 2 smacks. That is what they do when they don't like your blog. At least I didn't get 5 smacks!

For those courageous, you can submit your blog for review.

N.B.
I stand corrected. A smack is a good thing. 5 smacks are the best! I noticed there were even some reviews with negative smacks.

IMPORTANT UPDATE
I have been upgraded to 3 smacks because I am nice!

Excerpts from a Life

On Saturdays, I post excerpts from my journal. I am still at 1975 when I was 15 years old and had a huge crush on a boy I called Chevy. I thought I could win his heart by losing weight. Mango was my best friend. I mentioned on this past Thursday's post that Mango and I used to ask questions of one another and write them down. This was similar to the question memes that are quite prevalent on many of the blogs today. Mango and I called them "ballots" and we did them every month.

The following is a composite ballot of questions that Mango asked me way back then:

1. Why do you like doing these ballots?
"I don't know. I like asking questions, I like answering questions. Sometimes you can ask questions that you wouldn't ask off-hand."

2.If Chevy talked to you and you found that he likes you; how would you tell me?
"I would run up the road, twirling around, you'd know!"

3. Do you honestly and truly mean to be Chevy's steady?
"Maybe not go steady but dating him. I gotta play the field."

4. Do you think you're a serious person?
"At school, during classes."

5. What song would you like our "talented" group, Trilogy, to try?
"Lady Marmalade" (Yikes)

6. Do you believe in women's lib?
"Yes, I do."

7. Do you think you're a funny person, even just a little funny?
"Yeah, I guess so, a little bit."

8. Would you like to sing for an audience?
"Yes"

9. Would you like to direct a performance of Jesus Christ, Superstar if you had a chance?
"I wouldn't want to direct. I'd want to sing!"

10. (We had given a tape of our singing to the music teacher at Mango's school, Mr. Klassen. My older sister had also sent a copy of this tape to Lorne, a fellow she knew who was in a band and needed backup singers.)If Mr. Klassen or that Lorne guy says we're good, well, good enough to make it, would you be really and honestly determined to do it?
"Yes, I think so, if we could get a band."

11.Do you think we could make it, let's say we have a band, could we?
"If I'm not the lead singer, I think so."

12.What would you do if I started liking Chevy? (Just wondering)
"I'd wonder why, first of all, then I would get very upset and try to discourage you or something. I wouldn't talk to you for awhile."

13. Do you really like that story I wrote, not just because it of was of you and Chevy, but the way I wrote it?
"Yeah, but get a plot." (always the critic)

14. If Lorne says we're good, what will Trilogy do?
"Nothing, what can we do? We don't have a band!"

15. What do you think of my fake smile? (Mango was practising for the school photos. Don't be mad at me, Mango)
"It looks better than going like your last year's picture!" (Would you still be friends with this person?? I should interject that the purpose of the ballot was honesty)

16. What is your career ambition and your secret ambition?
"To be an artist and have a lot of boyfriends!"

17. How do you say good-bye very formally?
"I would like to thank Mango for this ballot and say farewell to all the people who have sneaked in my diary!"

Friendly Friday

Hello Friends of the Friendless Marching Band!! I took my tuba with me on my trip so I could be all practised up for today. I see you have been practising as well. That's good, because a band is only as good as its members.

Join up now to be a member of the band. Just leave a comment stating which instrument you would like to play. Then return Friendly Fridays to go visiting the friendless.

The featured friendless site is Sabrina at Quick and to the Point. I chose her blog because I like:

• her honesty
• that she desires a communal village (she wrote about this in her first blog entry)
• that her blog is a way for her to deal with her struggles and feelings
  
• she is coping with a bipolar disorder
  

Also check out Ry and her cuddly kitty, KC, at Justme and my Midnight Thots.
Then visit Sister Celtic at Lopez Island Life.

There have been excellent nominations lately but I still want more...
Get your banner here.
Have fun!

I Love Questions

In 1975, Mango and I used to ask questions to one another and write our answers down. These questions, which I have found from fellow bloggers, remind me of those times.
I found these questions through Moira at Blue Abstractions.

1. Were you named after anyone?
I was named for my Father's Mother's sister. However, obviously this was my Father's choice as my Mother never called me by that name. I became known as Carol, which is really my middle name.
However,I named my eldest daughter by that original name. I also like a Canadian artist who was named this as well.

2. When did you last cry?
Yesterday, on the way back from my Grandmother's funeral.

3. What is your most embarrassing CD?
I don't have a lot of CD's; I have more LP's. Am I embarrassed by my Partridge Family albums? Hmm... Nah, I still like hearing, "I Think I Love You"!

4. Have you ever told a secret you swore not to tell?
I don't believe so. I have a hard time keeping anything from Mango though.

5. How do you release anger?
I take my irritability out on people that are more forgiving and understanding than those that don't really know me. (ie family and friends)
I vent to the same.

6. Do you trust others too easily?
Yes but I am trying to be more observant.

7. What class in high school do you think was totally useless?
Cosmetology. I didn't appreciate the difficulty of the quizzes where we had to label all the muscles of the face. The scalp massages were nice though, so I guess it wasn't totally useless.

8. Do you use sarcasm a lot?
No, I am too obvious with it and don't like to be caught.

9. Favorite movie(s):
I have enjoyed many movies but never know what to answer for this. As a child I really liked "Thomasina" and "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory". As a teenager, my favorite movie was "Jesus Christ, Superstar." My Husband and I enjoy old movies such as "Dark Victory" which starred Bette Davis. This was about a woman who had a brain tumor and how she dealt with her approaching death.

10. Which celebrity do you most resemble?
I have been asked if I was Sally Field once or twice.

11. What are your favorite colors?
I enjoy many colors. I tend to get tired of the color, if I choose just one.

12. What are you listening to right now?
The kids are home from school and have the television on.

13. What is the weather like right now?
It is getting winter cold now. -20C. There is packed snow on the roads sprinkled with gravel. I am glad to be inside.

14. Favorite Drink?
I drink a lot of water and carry a water bottle with me everywhere.

15. Favorite Food?
I like turkey and pumpkin pie. I like food that someone else has cooked usually but sometimes there is a recipe that surprises me with its tasty combination of herbs and spices.

16. Spring or Summer?
What is one without the other?

17. Hugs or kisses?
I like hugs that aren't obligatory.

18. Where would you want to go on your next vacation?
If I didn't have to go on an airplane, boat or over mountains, I would like to anywhere.

19. What books are you reading?
"On the Rez" by Ian Frazier. It takes me forever to read; it takes up my blogging time! I still want to finish "30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary." My Sister, who I just saw, likes to play games on the computer. One she found was on vocabulary so we played against the computer. I was pleased to see that my vocabulary is actually getting better even though I don't use a lot of the words in my regular speech.
Also, "Don't Panic" by R. Reid Wilson is on the pile of books, I'm still reading.

20. What did you Watch Last Night on TV?
I don't watch a lot of tv. My Daughter said last week, as I was flipping through the channels, "I know Mom is really sick when she is watching tv."

21. What's the furthest you've been away from home?
I have been to Europe but the farthest I have felt is when I moved away from home on my 18th birthday.