Temporary? Insanity

So here are the answers to your questions. As for the nitty gritty details of my trip, I’ll post about that tomorrow evening. We have company, and I’m neglecting them enough as it is. In the meantime, you can pick up a few of the details from DeDee at The Quiltmaker’s Gift. I had so much fun, and such crazy mixtures of feelings throughout the experience. Leaving was so bittersweet, and far more bitter than I’d anticipated. There wasn’t enough time. I suppose there’s no way there could have been.

Anyway, I’d best go on before I continue on and write the post I plan to write tomorrow instead of answering your questions!

Dapoppins

Why are you scared?

I spent most of my life as a painfully shy, mousy little creature, who’d rather shrivel up and die than actively participate in a conversation. Over the course of the last five years, I’ve changed dramatically. I’m sure I’ll blog about it someday. Anyway, I’ve become a very outgoing, laughing, bouncing, giggling, dancing, skipping sort of person. But I’ve still held on to most of my old neuroses. I fear being shunned and ridiculed. I fear awkwardness. I fear reverting back to my old shy self. The fear can be really overwhelming at times. But I enjoy being lively and happy too much to give in to it. So…I overcompensate, and come off as a wee bit loopy, I think.

What kind of things do you do that make you feel alive…what brings out the creative you? You posted about shutting off your creativity when you became a mom, and I was wondering what the world was missing.

Naturally, I don’t think the world is missing out on much. I’m one of those “Jill of All Trades – Mistress of None” types. I love to immerse myself in books. Educating myself is something that really slipped away when I had the girls. I have to force myself to, and once I do, I love it. I feel the same about showering. I live to write, but I’ve allowed fear and diverted interests to prevent me. I play piano, sing, crochet, and cross-stitch. My mom always called me her Renaissance Woman, and there’s definitely some truth to that.

Melissa

What kind of deodorant do you use?

I can’t remember the name, but it’s got a blue powerstripe down the middle. I often smile at the sight of it, realizing how clever the company is. I mean, if they made the whole stick out of the super special blue stuff, it wouldn’t be half so appealing, would it? Something about stripes…

PJ

Question: If you could go anywhere (on this earth) you wanted, where would you go?

Since I’ve just been to Utah, hmm….I’d say England. I studied English Literature all throughout high school and university, and I’d love to explore the country where and about which, so much of it was penned.

Josi

Personal question–who, when and where was your first kiss?

Good one! Like the next, this one requires a full post to answer. Here’s the basics though. A fellow from my Creative Writing class, in his car, parked in front of my house. First date. Not just my first date with him, but my first real date ever (pity dates don’t count, after all – more on that another day). I can’t remember how old I was. Twenty maybe?

Kate

As for the question . . . how did the nickname “Orchard Boy” really come about . . . who gave it to Neil, and was he supposed to have any super powers, besides sweeping Kim off her feet of course! *grins*

It’s all wrapped up in the story of how Neil and I met. Which I think I’ll save for the anniversary of the day we met (September 16th). Suffice it to say that we met in an orchard, and he wooed me quite persistently. He taught me how to pick pears, but I left the one I picked in his car. Two days later, the pear was dropped off at my house by a courier, along with a sweet note. My gal pals thought it was hilarious, and dubbed him Orchard Boy. My boss (and landlord), was there when it was dropped off, and got a laugh out of telling me “Mr. Bartlett” was on the phone whenever Neil called.

Nic

Biggest childhood crush?

Colin Johnston. He played clarinet in our high school band (I played flute). I had a crush on him from Grade 8 to halfway through university. Definitely my longest crush.

elasticwaistbandlady

I want to know if you can make saltwater taffy from the Great Salt Lake.

I asked around while I was there, but all I got was dirty looks. They were throwing it around at a local Pioneer Day parade though, so the odds are good, I think.

Also, if you inherited a family estate under the condition that you can’t remodel and it had orange shag carpeting and bamboo leaf wallpaper, what would you do?

Can I sell it? I grew up with orange shag carpeting and bamboo leaf wallpaper. Never again. Never again. (I’m not trying to be funny, either, I’m actually serious)

SweeTNT

Hmmm, an insanely personal question….Washcloth or body puff in the shower?

Both! I use the puff most of the time, but scrub down with a washcloth and/or pumice stone when I feel the need for extra exfoliation.

Chris

Which was the more challenging life transition, marriage or motherhood?

Fabulous question! And a tricky one to answer. Marriage was definitely trickier, because wrapped up with the normal aspects of that life transition, was the change from full time work, to no work. We moved to Oregon a year after we got married, and I couldn’t work. And we didn’t have kids yet. It was very, very, very rough.

What inspired the names you chose for your children?

I adored a girl named Emily when I was growing up. She was a year older than me, but always kind and friendly. One of the nicest people I’ve ever known. We had Emily Ann picked out as a name from the beginning of the pregnancy, but a month or two before her due date, we decided we liked Emma better. No particular reason for the change. Rebecca (always called Becca), was going to be named Sarah. Rebecca was a second choice. We chose the names because they were old fashioned, classic, and we liked the sound of them. When I looked at Becca for the first time, I said “Sarah” out loud. It felt wrong. I said “Rebecca”. It felt wrong. I said “Becca” and it felt right. So right. We gave her the full name Rebecca though to give her more nickname options.

glittersmama

What do you do when you get bored?

I can’t remember the last time I was bored, to be honest. Even with two three hour layovers on Monday, I still didn’t even skirt the edges of boredom. I’m a people watcher, and that provides endless fodder for the imagination.

Andrea

What’s your favorite animal?

Turtle. I have no idea why. I just love the look of them.

Do you have a kids toy you couldn’t live without?

Play-Dough! Keeps Emma busy for hours on end! It’s so worth the mess.

What shampoo do you use?

I change it up pretty often. Current fav – Aussie Moist.

Dapoppins

Personal question: Are you one of the 90% of women wearing the wrong bra-size?

No doubt. My bra-size fluctuates so much, that I’m rarely adequately…umm…restrained. I’ve gone from a 42D to a 38C. But I’m really a 38C & a half.

elasticwaistbandlady

If you could choose only one th
ing for an emergency, last minute freshen up before you’re scheduled to meet someone, what would it be? Underwear change or face washing?

Wow…umm…depends on the someone, doesn’t it? I’m shallow, so I’d go for the face washing.