"Unfortunately,"

Jenny over at Allsorts posted a fun meme today.

Here's how to play. Just do a Google search of the phrase, "Unfortunately, ________ ", putting your first name in place of the blank. Be sure to enclose it all in quotation marks. The resulting phrases can be quite hilarious if, as Jenny says, you have a slightly twisted sense of humor and an appreciation for random absurdity.

Using "Dorothy" brought results like:

"Unfortunately Dorothy hasn't written very many novels, so I am left to reread the ones she has."

Not too funny. Some were even a little sad, like this one:

"Unfortunately, Dorothy’s early onset of Alzheimer’s disease took away the chance for her grandchildren to know what a special grandmother they had."

But, I did like the *one* result of "Lady Dorothy".

"Quite unfortunately Lady Dorothy was talking to the Blacksmith and overheard the whole conversation and sentenced them both to Table Clearing duty for three years."


Go ahead, try it! If you decide to play along, leave your favorite result in a comment and a link back to your blog, if you like.

Inaugural Ball Gowns

Apparently, the world has been waiting for a peek at Michelle Obama's Inaugural Ballgown. I'm not sure about what anyone else thought, but I think there might have been just a tad of disappointment after its debut. No one was ooh-ing and ah-ing. Oh, well.

It did, however, spark my interest to check out a few other other gowns from the past. Here are Eleanor Roosevelt and LadyBird Johnson posing in their finery. I wonder if Michelle did the same.



To test your First Lady Ballgown knowledge, take this little fun quiz. I only got 4 out of 8, though if I would have gone with my first instincts, I would have done much better! Let me know how well you do!

I am an Ingrid!

My results for the "Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz." Which are amazingly accurate for a two-question quiz!

You Are an Ingrid!

You are an Ingrid -- "I am unique"

Ingrids have sensitive feelings and are warm and perceptive.

How to Get Along with Me

• * Give me plenty of compliments. They mean a lot to me.



• * Be a supportive friend or partner. Help me to learn to love and value myself.



• * Respect me for my special gifts of intuition and vision.



• * Though I don't always want to be cheered up when I'm feeling melancholy, I sometimes like to have someone lighten me up a little.



• * Don't tell me I'm too sensitive or that I'm overreacting!

What I Like About Being an Ingrid

• * my ability to find meaning in life and to experience feeling at a deep level



• * my ability to establish warm connections with people



• * admiring what is noble, truthful, and beautiful in life



• * my creativity, intuition, and sense of humor



• * being unique and being seen as unique by others



• * having aesthetic sensibilities



• * being able to easily pick up the feelings of people around me

What's Hard About Being an Ingrid

• * experiencing dark moods of emptiness and despair



• * feelings of self-hatred and shame; believing I don't deserve to be loved



• * feeling guilty when I disappoint people



• * feeling hurt or attacked when someone misundertands me



• * expecting too much from myself and life



• * fearing being abandoned



• * obsessing over resentments



• * longing for what I don't have

Ingrids as Children Often

• * have active imaginations: play creatively alone or organize playmates in original games



• * are very sensitive



• * feel that they don't fit in



• * believe they are missing something that other people have



• * attach themselves to idealized teachers, heroes, artists, etc.



• * become antiauthoritarian or rebellious when criticized or not understood



• * feel lonely or abandoned (perhaps as a result of a death or their parents' divorce)

Ingrids as Parents

• * help their children become who they really are



• * support their children's creativity and originality



• * are good at helping their children get in touch with their feelings



• * are sometimes overly critical or overly protective



• * are usually very good with children if not too self-absorbed

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz

What Could Be Better Than Chocolate Cake?

You Are a Chocolate Cake

Fun, comforting, and friendly. You are a true classic, and while you're not super cutting edge, you're high quality. People love your company - and have even been known to get addicted to you.

What Kind of Cake Are You?

How Interesting Am I?

I found this meme on Daja's blog. As life is quite intense right now, I thought I'd just veg out and join the bloggers doing this meme. It's easy and I don't have to think too much.


Daja said that she discovered that she wasn't half as interesting as she wishes she were. I did it and discovered I'm at least as interesting as my daughters are!


(Bold the things you've actually done.)


1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland/world

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Gotten flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

Friendship Award

I am so blessed! Serena over at And By the Way . . . . . . presented me with this Friendsip Award. Why is this such a blessing? Because, in case you didn't know, Serena is married to my son. And this is what she said when awarding me, "BUT, I DO HAVE ONE PERSON, who should have gotten the award a long time ago......Mom at Daffodil Dreams : she has been a true friend, even listening to me whine and cry about her own son!"

Serena is truly one of my very best friends and my daughter. Thank you, Serena, for the award.

So, I am supposed to answer the following questions and then pass on the love to five other bloggy buddies.

1. Do you have the same friends since childhood?

No. I think that's sad, but I don't.

2. What do you value most about your friends?

Trust. I want to trust my friends. I want to know that they will always have my back. And I want them to know I will always have theirs.

3. Are your friends your sounding boards?

I'd like them to be. (I think that is because I like to talk out my problems and my decisions.)

The best answer, I think, is Daja's (another daughter) whom Serena quoted. "Some are. You know different friends fill different needs. Some are coffee buddies, some are casual acquaintances, some share history, some are safe places to fall."

4. What is your favorite activity to share with your friends?

Visiting, that is talking. Of course.

Now, don't hate me, but I can't pick anyone today to pass this on to. I'm running out of blogging time right now. I need to be running out the door! So, hopefully I will be back here soon!

I've Been Tagged!

I have been tagged for a meme by Daja at in other words... .

Okay, here goes. It may take me all day to finish this!

1. I hate getting ready for the day. I would rather just start my day. I'm jealous of my husband who can get up 20 minutes before he has to be out the door. (This point explains why I am still sitting here in my pajamas!)

2. I love autumn decorations! However, I put them out slowly over the course of three months. I start in September with all the generic fall stuff -- leaves, candles, tablecloths and runners, that sort of thing. In October, I add all the pumpkins -- both real and fake. Then, of course, in November out comes all the Thanksgiving-themed decor. So, I get to tweak the arrangement of the decorations all autumn long. I love it!

By the way, I'm dressed now.

3. I don't really like talking on the phone. I hate calling anyone. I'm afraid I'm interrupting and disturbing.

4. I hate peas and beans. All legumes in general, unless they are raw.

5. I (I should say "we", but this is supposed to be about me.) recently fell in love with spray paint. Oh, what doors to creativity it opens!

6. I pile papers. Yep. Paper is the bane of my life. I am always trying to rise above, but paper just keeps flowing into my life. I do have it relegated to one room -- my office. And I do know (pretty much, anyway) what is actually in the piles. But, my (forever) goal is to have a clear desk. I would love to sit in my office and be able to look around and SMILE!

7. I love Southern Gospel music. Yes, the old-fashioned campmeeting kind.

I actually finished this in one day!

So, I tag:

1. Laura at Decor to Adore. A place to be inspired AND learn.

2. Dancing Among Infinite Love, Yahweh's. She follows my blog! The only one so far that isn't somehow related to me!

3. Bonnie at Calamity Jane's Cottage. She makes and sells some wonderful things -- including my Thanksgiving apron!

4. Leona at OUT of my brain. A real life friend. Her boys are gems!

5. Donna at Rambling in LaGrange. I've known Donna for about eleven years. But only online. She is a woman after God's own heart.

6. Suzanne at Pink Roses. Loveliness personified.

7. Karin at Yesterday, Today, Forever -. My new favorite poet. She's all about Jesus.

My 100th Post!

In honor of this being my 100th post, I am following the tradition of listing 100 things about me. This is in no way in any particular order, especially not in order of importance!

1. When filling out questionnaires or memes, my girls usually have to tell me what my favorites are. I draw a blank.
2. This list is going to be very hard for me to do.
3. I am a Christian. The evangelical, full-gospel, Pentecostal, Charismatic kind.
4. I am a pastor’s wife.
5. My favorite color to wear in winter is black.
6. My favorite color to wear in spring and summer is pink.
7. My favorite scent is lavender.
8. I like the color, too.
9. My favorite flower is the daffodil.
10. I am God’s daffodil. He told me so.
11. I love shoes!
12. I have quite a few.
13. I notice everyone else’s shoes, too.
14. I have worn only Halston cologne for over twenty years.
15. I love red coats.
16. Chocolate is a must.
17. I have been married for almost 35 years.
18. I met my husband 3 days before my freshman year in college officially started.
19. We married 11 months later.
20. I can’t imagine my life without him.
21. I gave birth to three children in 2 years, 6 months, and 5 days.
22. I had 2 homebirths.
23. One of my biggest regrets is not having more children.
24. I homeschooled my children.
25. I believe that was one of the most significant things I have ever done.
26. I have 11 grandchildren – so far.
27. The last 9 of those grandchildren have been grandsons!
28. I absolutely love being a grandma.
29. My grandchildren all call me “Nana”.
30. I have strict “inbred” fashion rules. I probably should have been born in the South!
31. I go nowhere without my makeup on.
32. My favorite movie is “Overboard”. Sort of a modern “Taming of the Shrew”.
33. I love celebrating. Anything.
34. My parents and sister live with us.
35. I love having the house all to myself. Doesn’t happen too often.
36. I am an introvert. I replenish by being alone.
37. I fight shyness almost every day of my life.
38. I like having regular pedicures. Not that I always get to, but I like to.
39. I wish I had a housekeeper.
40. I love a clean and neat house.
41. I really don’t care to actually clean.
42. I do it anyway.
43. I think my life is too busy.
44. I am a list maker. It is easier to write it down than to remember it.
45. I keep a “To Do / TaDa” list every day. That means I add things to my To Do list after I’ve done them and then check them off.
46. I keep my To Do / TaDa lists in a file. It’s sort of like a journal.
47. I feel guilty when relaxing because of #43 and because I never finish #45.
48. I procrastinate.
49. I went on my first cruise last August.
50. My husband and I fell in love with cruising.
51. I struggle with paper clutter. My children used to always tease about “Mom’s piles”.
52. I am a detail person. I see details.
53. Sometimes that drives me crazy.
54. I want to be a channel of God’s blessings.
55. I hate illogical thinking.
56. I am quite opinionated.
57. I have a little dog named Odie. He is half Chihuahua and half Whippet. Long back legs.
58. I “own” a Yahoo! group called Biblical Womanhood.
59. I love having “girl time”.
60. I love having girlfriends.
61. My very best friends are my daughters. All three of them.
62. I love presents!
63. In fact, my top two love languages are acts of service and receiving of gifts.
64. I can get lost in blogland.
65. My current favorites are decorating blogs. The do-it/make-it yourself kind.
66. I also like some simple living blogs.
67. I have two collages of Mohammed Ali in my family room – one with an autographed boxing glove and one with autographed boxing shorts. Both with 1960 Olympic Game tickets. Very valuable. Great pieces of art.
68. These would not be what I would have chosen for my family room.
69. I have been to 8 foreign countries: Mongolia, China, Korea, Canada, Mexico, Botswana, South Africa, England.
70. I didn’t leave the airport in Korea, South Africa, and England.
71. I have been gifted with keen discernment.
72. I dyed my hair for many years. At first, just for fun. Then, to cover gray. I am now natural salt and pepper. More salt in the front.
73. I like it.
74. I need at least 8 hours of sleep a night.
75. I would prefer that those hours did not end too early in the morning.
76. It takes me awhile to wake up in the mornings. No matter how much sleep I have.
77. I don’t like “going” to sleep.
78. But I like staying asleep!
79. I gag brushing my teeth.
80. I do not like “getting ready” in the morning.
81. I wish I was like my husband and could do it in 15 minutes or less.
82. It takes me over an hour.
83. Because I often add other chores and such in between getting ready, I usually need a couple of hours.
84. I am very patriotic.
85. I am a Republican wondering if I should change parties.
86. I just don’t know which one. No, definitely not to a Democrat!
87. At age 18, I registered Democrat.
88. I soon realized that I did not agree with their platform at all.
89. I was under the influence of my Social Science teacher from high school.
90. I was such a feminist in my younger years.
91. I had no idea what that meant in the larger world view of it all. I only knew that I wanted all my “rights” and I wanted to be “equal”.
92. I live in a rural setting.
93. I love it.
94. I just finished culling and reorganizing all my china, crystal, and serving pieces.
95. My cupboards look so good!
96. I have a few more hidden places that need the same attention.
97. I’ve always wanted to get my pilot’s license.
98. I have a hard time parting with books. They are treasures.
99. I am a consultant for Taste of Home Entertaining.
100. Yea! I’m done! I’m actually quite pleased with myself that I actually did this!

Seven Weird Things About Me

Daja, at In Other Words, has tagged me for a meme. Here are the ground rules: Simply link to the person who tagged you. SHARE SEVEN WEIRD things about yourself. Tag SEVEN bloggers to do the same AND include a link to their blog.

Okay, here goes.

1. Brushing my teeth makes me gag.

2. I can't remember my favorites. I do have them. It is just that when filling out a questionnaire or meme, I just draw a blank. I have to ask my girls. When they tell me the answer to, "What's my favorite movie?" I say, "Oh, yeah, that's right!" (Honestly, I'm asking my husband to help me answer this meme!)

3. Okay, I will be copying Daja here. But, it is allowed, since she probably inherited this trait from me. “I don't like talking on the phone. I don't like calling people on the phone. I'm always sure I'm interrupting their lives. They are probably in the middle of dinner, an engrossing conversation, reading a great book, kissing their spouse, prayer, or an art project. Maybe I just assume people lead more interesting lives than they actually do. Maybe people are just sittin' on the couch eatin' corn chips. But, still.....you never know. Which is why you are much more likely to receive an email from me than a phone call.” However, just so you know, I can talk to Daja (or her sisters) for huge chunks of time.

4. I am a compulsive list-maker. Seriously. I have to write everything down. That way I don't waste brain-power trying to remember things that I know I've completely forgotten.

5. My children tease me that I can smell wood. So what. I can.

6. I am the princess from "The Princess and the Pea." I can feel ANY little piece of lint that might be in my bed.

7. When I wear hosiery, I always carry an extra pair with me. I seriously don't want to be seen with a run.

I tag: Leona at OUT of My Brain, Heather at Journal of a Couple of Newbees, Amy at Family O’Foxes, Tamera at TJ's Garden, Amy at Ke Aloha (since she hasn't answered Daja's tag, she's fair game?), Donna at Rambling in Atlanta, and Meg at knittingpugs. (Seriously, no one really has to do this. If it fits into your blog, go ahead. If not, no problem.)

Christmas Meme

I've been tagged by Amy for a Christmas meme.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

I think wrapping paper makes a prettier gift, but sometimes only a gift bag will do.

2. Real or fake tree?

Well, it depends on the theme for the year and who will be here. If Daja is going to be here, I try for a real tree. This year I am doing a retro Christmas, so we're going all out with the aluminum tree and color wheel!

3. When do you put up the tree?

Usually about the second week of December -- especially if it is a real tree. Don't want it drying out!

4. When do you take the tree down?

Most often, the day after Epiphany.

5. Do you like eggnog?

YES! Especially mine. :-)

6. Favorite gift received as a child?

Probably a pink mohair sweater the Christmas I was in eighth grade. Gorgeous! (I was so amazed that my parents could afford it. I'm sure they sacrificed to do so, which made it all the more special!)

7. Do you have a Nativity scene?

Certainly, but I'm still on the lookout for the "perfect" one for me. I haven't found it, yet. I've seen some I've liked, but the price wasn't perfect!

8. Hardest person to buy for?

My husband. We've made it pretty easy for everyone else. We now draw names and have a theme. Last year it was games. This year it is anything book-related.

9. Easiest person to buy for?

Daja.

10. Worst Christmas gift ever received?

I'm not telling.

11. Mail or email Christmas cards?

Maybe a few of each. I haven't sent out mass Christmas cards for years. It is on my 101 list to send out a Christmas newsletter. This wasn't the year to do so, though. Not much I want to share.

12. Favorite Christmas movie?

This year it would be "The Nativity Story". Probably because I haven't seen it a "dozen" times like so many others!

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

Whenever. Sometimes I have gifts way in advance. Sometimes the *mood* doesn't hit me until the middle of December. I really don't have many to buy anymore, so it doesn't really matter.

14. Have you recycled a Christmas present?

Of course. Why not? If it fits the recipient better than it does me.........

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

Peanut Butter Bon-bons, Snowflake Pudding, Chocolate Yule Log -- of course, all my favorites would be desserts!

16. Clear of color lights on the tree?

Depends on the year. This year, none. We've got that color wheel, remember?

17. Favorite Christmas song?

"Away in a Manger". Third verse always makes me cry. (My kids watch me on that verse to see if I'm crying.)

18. Travel or stay home at Christmas?

Usually, stay at home. I would love to rent a cabin in the snow next year.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?

Maybe on a good day.

20. Angel or Star tree topper?

Usually an angel. I don't know this year. I think our angel is too heavy for an aluminum tree. Besides, it really doesn't fit the retro theme.

21. Open gifts Christmas eve or day?

Christmas morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?

All the politics about religion.

23. What I love most about Christmas?

Being with my family and celebrating traditions.

I don't know who to tag. If you are reading this, consider yourself tagged! Merry Christmas!

Eight Random Things About My Kitchen

Over a month ago, Daja over at In Other Words tagged me for this meme. Better late than never, I'm supposing, Daja?

So, here's eight random things about my kitchen:

1. My husband and I painted all the cupboards white last year. The plan was to buy green glass knobs. I still have not done so.

2. I have two drawers for tableware (forks, knives, spoons). I have two different sets. I’d like to find an organizer big enough for all of them. That way I could free up a drawer.

3. I have oodles of cupboard space. Four walls worth. It is all used up. It is also often very crowded. But, it is organized!

4. Because I have oodles of cupboard space, I don’t have any wall space. So, I don’t have wall space to decorate. :-(

5. Though I have oodles of cupboard space, I have no room for a table. I love having a kitchen table. :-(

6. I have my spices separated into my “sweet” spices (which are located in the “baking area”) and savory spices (which are located to the left of my stove).

7. I have alphabet magnets all over my refrigerator. The grandchildren do play with them, but so does my mother!

8. My kitchen spills over into the laundry room where there is an extra refrigerator and BIG chest freezer and into an adjacent room where there is a huge pantry cupboard filled with appliances and such.

All in all, I do like my kitchen. Which is good, because I do spend a bit of time in there!

I tag Amy and TJ! Alright, girls! You're both it!

What Color Am I?

It's my birthday, today, so I'm taking some time to just blog surf in the middle of the day without any guilt. I came across this quiz. Doesn't really surprise me. Lavender is close to violet, right? The first sentence doesn't seem descriptive of me, but the rest certainly does.

VIOLET

You surround yourself with art and music and are constantly driven to express yourself. You often daydream. You prefer honesty in your relationships and believe strongly in your personal morals.

Find out your color at QuizMeme.com!

Interview

I’ve been interviewed by Daja.

1. What's one dream you had when you were younger that you are now glad never came true?

To be a jet-setting corporate business woman. I can’t even imagine how stressed I would be! I’m so glad God changed my priorities before I got too far along in that endeavor!

2. What's the best part of growing up?

Gaining wisdom. Hopefully, I grow up a bit each day.

3. What is your favorite pair of shoes and why? (Show a picture!)

Okay, this is a really hard question! I love shoes.

I think it would be this pair. They are the ones I wore to Sarah-Kate’s wedding. They are getting a little worn. I saw one rhinestone was out of one corner of the buckle. :-(



4. What is the scariest thing you've ever done?

Testified in court. Enough said about that!

5. Name your top three pet-peeves.

I’m not sure these are my top three. They are, though, the first three I thought of.

a. Child-run adults. They are unhappy and they make everyone around them unhappy, too. (I was going to change this sentence to emphasize that I was referring to the children being unhappy, but then realized that most child-run adults are unhappy too. At least frazzled, if not unhappy!)

b. Immodest clothing – whether that means too much skin or too tight. A good guideline is “tight enough to show that you are a woman, loose enough to show that you are a lady.”

c. A woman saying that she gets along better with men than with women. Might be true, but why? That’s the question that bears some personal study and reflection.

********************

Now that you’ve read my interview, you can all play along! All you need is a blog!

Here’s what you do:

1. Leave me a comment saying, “Interview me.” (If I don’t have your email address already, either leave it in the comment or email me at abdelaziz@tcsn.net.

2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.

3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.

4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.

5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

My Visual DNA

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™