Friday's Feast & Friday Fill In☺

The Friday Feast Chef is still out of the kitchen, so I posted my own questions again this week. Feel free to join in!!!

AppetizerIf you learned today you were going to die tomorrow, name three things you would do.
First, I would gather my family and friends around me and tell them how much I love them. Second, I would write a personal letter to each of my sons and tell them all the things that I wanted to make sure I taught them in case I didn't. Third, I would make sure I made everything right with the Lord (or would that be considered death bed repentance?!! Hmm....:O)
Soup
What is your very first memory?It was the first day of kindergarten. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to ride the bus home and I remember being so scared while I was waiting outside the school because I didn't know what I should do. I started to cry. After a bit of a panic I saw my mom! I remember the huge feeling of relief that came over me!

Salad Name one service you are willing to pay for and one you are not.
I am willing to pay for most things, but my hubby is not. He is a do it yourself kind of guy. I am MORE than willing to pay to have my windows professionally cleaned regularly but he just isn't. I used to be willing to pay for a pedicure until my last one. Go here for that story. I decided I can do my own better and cheaper! I have thought about hiring someone to come in and help with the house or to just do the deep cleaning (baseboards, shutters, etc., all those things that are hard to get to) but knowing me, I am afraid I would end up thoroughly cleaning my whole house before they came! I do pay a hair stylist for me and I am very willing to do that, but I cut my boy's hair. I definitely would not be willing to pay for someone to cut my lawn. That would be insane! I have a house full of men for crying out loud!
Main Course
Do you make your bed every day?Never! Well, almost never. My hubby took it upon himself about four years ago to do that for me every single day! Yes, I know I am one lucky ducky!

Dessert
Name the most significant thing you learned this week.Don't give advice unless you know it is going to work!


1. If I could travel back in time, I'd go to the Holy Land so I could watch the Savior in action.

2. Give me chocolate or give me MORE chocolate!

3. I am listening to the hum of the computer.

4. Somewhere, someone is thinking I really should go to bed...(that someone is me!)

5. I'll always be young at heart!♥

6. My idea of a good time includes good friends, good food, and good laughs!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to no real plans yet, other than going to a bridal shower, but hopefully after that I will hang out with my fam and watching a movie or something, tomorrow my plans include getting in my long run, going to Brooke's baby shower (she was Tyson's friend) with my Mom, going to see Mama Mia with my friend Bonnie, and going to Olive Garden with my whole fam to celebrate my birthday!!! Mmm....and Sunday, I want to what else....relax!!! Well, I just remembered I have to get a ton of stuff to get prepared for girl's camp, so not sure the relaxing is gonna happen... again!

Friday Feast and Friday Fill-In!

Appetizer
When was the last time you had your hair cut/trimmed?

Two weeks ago. I usually go every six or seven weeks.

Soup
Name one thing you miss about being a child.

Having my grandparents around. They loved and spoiled me. I also miss the carefree days of having no big responsibilities. Oh yes, and being able to take a nap whenever I felt like it.

Salad
Pick one: butter, margarine, olive oil.

Most definitely butter! I love the real stuff!

Main Course
If you could learn another language, which one would you pick, and why?

I guess the most practical one to learn would be Spanish since it has unfortunately become America's second language. I took a Japanese class in college (I was motivated to learn since I had a boyfriend serving a mission there!) and it was tough! The most beautiful language to me is French though so I think I would choose that one. On a college trip to France a few of us got lost in Paris, so we stopped at a pub and tried to get help but no one spoke English. It would have been nice to communicate that to the locals.

Dessert
Finish this sentence: In 5 years I expect to be…

A mother-in-law (a good one!) and a grandma! Wow! That is kinda crazy to think that! I also want to be healthy, happy, and content.

Still hungry? Go here?

1. Oh, I can't wait until I have a stress free week!

2. Leftovers is the first thing I see when I open my refrigerator.

3. I never leave home without my brain...oh wait I just did that today, so I will say my cell phone.

4. If I were a condiment, I would be ketchup because I like to be squeezed!

5. People not putting things back where they belong is really high up on my list of pet peeves.

6. The last thing I thought of before I went to bed was should I go to the gym in the morning or not?

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to finishing up making and decorating the anniversary cake for my parent's 50th wedding anniversary, tomorrow my plans include pulling off the open house for their 50th celebration with most of my brain cells still intact and Sunday, I want to just chill!

Wanna play? Go here.

FRIDAY FEAST!

Appetizer
What is the weather like today where you live?

Well, it is currently 81 degrees, but it is 12:30 a.m. right now! So when the sun comes up it is going to be a scorcher! But I am NOT complaining! I was so tired of that long winter that the heat is MORE than welcome!

Soup
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how career-minded are you?

I consider motherhood a career so I would have to say 10+!!! Not only is it a career but it is the hardest and most challenging one out there. If anyone begs to differ then you aren't a mom!

Salad
What type of window coverings do you have in your home? Blinds, curtains, shutters, etc.?

We live against a mountain side and so we don't have any window coverings in most of the back of our house, but in the front we have plantation shutters. I wanted them for so long and I love them!

Main Course
Name something that instantly cheers you up.

Chocolate! But since that is a no brainer, I will also say children, animals, and friends. I also am instantly cheered up when someone lets me know they appreciate me. Oh, and of course comments on my blog! I love getting to know people that way! That was just a tiny, little hint!

Dessert
How many times do you hit the snooze button on a typical morning?

I set my alarm to go off 10 minutes before I have to get up and so I usually smack it only once.

Friday Feast

▼To enter my bloggy 100th Post! GIVEAWAY scroll down two posts!!!
There's still time!
Friday Feast!!!
This is actually last week's feast that I missed, but I liked it much better than this weeks and so I did it instead! Dig in...

Appetizer
Do you consider yourself to be an optimist or a pessimist?

My glass is half full! I really try to be an optimist, but it doesn't always come naturally. I do have to work at it. Though the older I get, the easier it seems to be.

Soup
What is your favorite color of ink to write with?

Umm.... let's see... hmm..... well.... how about....

I will just let YOU figure this one out!

Salad
How often do you get a manicure or pedicure? Do you do them yourself or go to a salon and pay for them?

I have only had two professional pedicures. Zero manicures. I do my toesies myself. I am getting pretty good at it too. I do love pedicures though. I absolutely LOVE to have my feetsies rubbed! I am really thinking about getting acrylic fingernails. But so many people tell me to never start or I will never be able to stop.

Main Course
Have you ever won anything online? If so, what was it?

I have won a lot of stuff on Ebay. Sometimes I have bid on things and won, and after I wish I wouldn't have bid on them. Other than Ebay...nope.

Dessert
In which room in your house do you keep your home computer?

It is kept in the computer room where else? We have a little den that we call the computer room. We have two in there. The laptop is usually in my bedroom right in front of my fireplace...at least when it's cold out.

A typical winter morning. Me in my running gear, sitting in front of the warm fire before going out on a really chilly run, reading and on-line! I'm just missing the hot chocolate! Oh yeah, and the flames! I have the fireplace remote right by me so I can turn it on and off according to my freezin' level at the time. This time of the year when I sit there, I have Box Elder bugs (click here) keeping me company and crawling on me! Oh, they bug!

Friday Feast

Appetizer
When you drink soda/pop/coke, do you prefer to drink it from the bottle, a can, or after pouring it into a cup?
I prefer fountain drinks because they taste better. And most definitely in a cup with lots of mini crushed ice.

Soup
What television show are you willing to stay up late to watch?
Not much, unless I can't sleep and then it would be either a great old movie or a funny sitcom.

Salad
Name one person, place, or thing you think of as brilliant.
My husband of course...he married me didn't he? ;0) I think Condolezza Rice is one of the brightest women that has ever lived. If she ever ran for President she would have my vote.

Main Course
Would you be willing to work 4 10-hour days instead of 5 8-hour days in order to save gas?
I am a SAHM and so it doesn't apply, but if I did work outside the home I would say most definitely yes. And not just for gas savings, but for the sanity saving of having three days off!

Dessert
If you were a superhero, what would you call yourself?

Hmm...maybe Purple Powergirl!

And how about this for my

Purple Powermobile!--------->

Friday Feast # 13

The Friday Feast chef is on vacation this week and so I did the one I missed while I was on vacation.

Appetizer
What was your favorite cartoon when you were a child?
When I was really young it was Underdog & Mighty Mouse, - oooh that ages me! But the older I got, I really loved the Jetsons and the Flintstones. Oh yeah, and the Smurfs were great too! The other ones I liked to watch were Popeye, Yogi Bear, Pepe le Pew, Felix the Cat, Tom & Jerry, Pink Panther, Johnny Quest, Fat Albert, & Archie. What a trip down memory lane!

Soup

Pretend you are about to get a new pet. Which animal would you pick, and what would you name it?
I have been begging for a pet for so long. If the hub would budge, it would definitely be a cat. He hates them and so I don't think that will ever happen. I would settle for a dog. But he is not being easily swayed on that one either. I do love bunnies too. But we have had two so far (inside ones -may they RIP) and they are a lot of work to keep the cage clean and they aren't all that affectionate. That's why I love cats and dogs because they are so affectionate. But, I love ALL animals and so I would be happy with anything. As far as the name goes...I would let my boys choose since they would change what I chose anyway.

Salad

On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you enjoy getting all dressed up for a special occasion?
It depends on what the occasion is. Sometimes it is a hassle, but other times it is fun! If it is something really special, then I love it. Especially if it means I get to shop for something new to wear! I guess I would say an 8.

Main Course

What kind of music do you listen to while you drive?

Normally I listen to soft rock. But I prefer to use my car time (if I am alone) either listening to talks on tape or in total silence. I find it is a great time to just think. I rarely have the radio on unless I have others in the car or if it's late and I'm trying to stay awake.

Dessert

When was the last time you bought a clock? And in which room did you put it?

I bought a really big (like 4 feet in diameter) light weight metal one to put in my entry way that has a 20 foot ceiling to try and cozy it up a little. But, we need to paint first and so I still haven't put it up and it's been over a year! It's such a pain to paint that high of ceilings, not to mention dangerous. I want to hire it out, but my hub is a do-it-yourself kind of guy. Which is great, except then things don't happen real fast because the do-it ourselves list is always SO long!

For past Friday Feasts click on the label.

Friday Feast #12 & Ogden Marathon!!!

Wow it is here already! Tomorrow to be exact! For those of you that have been following my running blog, you know I have been a little more than stressed about this race. My trip to Hawaii really threw off my training schedule and so I am not feeling as prepared as I was hoping. Then as if that wasn't enough, I got in a car accident on Friday and I am still feeling the soreness from that. I am running the half marathon which translates into 13.1 miles. The farthest I have ever run so far is 10 miles. I am stressing big time about my ability to endure that distance. For more about that you can check out my running blog here. (I just posted some photos there taken this afternoon at the registration). I have had to really play a lot of mental games with myself this past week because I am not feeling as confident as I had hoped at this point. I think if my training had been able to stay on track, then I would be feeling much more relaxed. I am doing everything else I can though (I think!) to make it a good run.

I have been training with my friend Jen who is running the full marathon. The plan is, I will meet her at the half way point and we will finish it together. Most of the half runners will start at the half at the same time the full runners start and so they will finish before the full. I wanted to cross the finish line with her and so I decided to do it this way. The only drawback is I will have to wait for a couple of hours for her to arrive. Not bad, except that means I have to leave my house by 4:15 a.m. to catch the runner bus by 5 a.m. that transports everyone to their beginning destinations. I am trying to figure out a way to work out all the logistics so I can get a ride to the halfway point before they close the canyon. That way I wouldn't have to leave so early or have two and half hours to kill. Not looking too hopeful right now though.

I am trying to really focus on the positive and keep telling myself that I can do it. I do okay until I start to think about the time I ran 10 miles and felt wiped out for two days. That was mostly due to the fact that I hadn't eaten real well and I didn't keep hydrated. I plan on doing some heavy duty carb loading today as well as drinking tons of water all day. I just need to think about the great feeling of accomplishment I will feel when I do cross that finish line. Even just a year ago, running only mile was a major feat for me (as well as giving me major "feet" pain! ---sorry!) So today I am only going to allow myself to focus on how far I have come and the fact that I am usually stronger than I give myself credit for. Hopefully that will get me through the nerves I have been experiencing this entire week! I think I can...I think I can....NO!!!!!!! I KNOW I CAN!!!! But just to be safe, will you ALL PLEASE SAY A LITTLE PRAYER FOR ME? Thanks so much!

When I was looking for motivational and inspiring thoughts, I found some of a slightly different kind of motivation. Like this one:

Oh, that's a comforting thought! Like I didn't already KNOW that!

Or how about this one......

So glad to be reminded of that!!!

But I did find some other ones that REALLY are motivational like these:

This is one of all time favs:

I have had such awesome friends supporting me the whole way! Thanks guys!

And the best one of all:
If I do my best I will be happy. I am NOT focusing on my time for this race at all. It's all about the journey this time. Besides I am sure since we are running together, Jen and I will slow each other down some. We will each have to wait if the other needs a potty break and evidently the porta potty lines can be bad and I am sure we will not be able to coordinate to do that at the same time! Undoubtedly one of us will have a surge of energy when the other one needs to slow it down some. But there are a lot of benefits too. I do so much better with my endurance when I have a running partner. I know my adrenaline is going to be so keyed up at the start when Jen has just run the first 13 and so hopefully she will help me pace myself better rather than watching me take off like a crazy like I did in my last race. It is just so much more fun to run with a partner. We will be able to encourage each other along until we cross that finish line. I'm thinking about taking a rope along so I can tie it around my waist and Jen can just drag me across. If I can finish without having to be taken off on a stretcher, I will consider it a successful run! Tomorrow is all about the journey, NOT the destination. And it has been quite the journey so far! Now lets hope I can remember THAT when my nerves start wiggin' out on me! WISH ME LUCK! I will for sure need it!

*******************************************************************************
FRIDAY FEAST #12

Appetizer
What is the nearest big city to your home?

Salt Lake City

Soup
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how well do you keep secrets?

I try really hard to keep confidences even though it's not always easy for me. I'm not as good as my hubby (he would be about a 15!), but I would say I'm about a 9.

Salad
Describe your hair (color, texture, length).

Blonde, dry, and just past my shoulders. The only time I have had short hair was when I was in about 2nd grade. My mom took me to the beautician and she asked me how short I wanted it but I had on the cape and so she couldn't see I pointed to my shoulders. I walked out of there with a total butch! I looked just like a boy! When I got home, I took one look in the mirror and locked myself in the bathroom and cried for hours. I guess I never got over that because I have had long or medium length hair ever since.

Main Course
What kind of driver are you? Courteous? Aggressive? Slow?

This would have to be a question THIS week!

I got in an accident on Friday and totaled my car. It was NOT however my fault! For that post go here. I am pretty courteous, but get really ticked if the other driver is not! I can also be aggressive at times (aggressive as in I get frustrated - NOT aggressive as in drive them off the road!) if I am behind a stupid driver, but not usually ever slow. My church girls think I am a crazy driver. Who wouldn't be when you are driving with 8+ yakking loud girls! The accident shook me up some and now I am a little afraid to drive at all. But I still do and still will. I am just a bit overly cautious now. It was just kind of a wake-up call how fast things can happen that you have NO control over.

Dessert
When was the last time you had a really bad week?

Well considering the above story about my wreck, I would have to say THIS one! And depending on what happens at the marathon tomorrow, it could be this week for sure! But since I am thinking POSITIVE only...tomorrow will be so great that it will erase anything else bad that has happened! Right?☺

For more of my Friday Feasts click on the label at the bottom. To check out other's feasting go HERE.

Friday Feast #11

Appetizer
When someone smiles at you, do you smile back?
Always!

Soup
Describe the flooring in your home. Do you have carpet, hardwood, vinyl, a mix?
We have hardwood in the entry way and kitchen and dining room. Tile in the mudroom and bathroom. Vinyl in the other bathrooms and laundry room. Carpet everywhere else.

Salad
Write a sentence with only 5 words, but all of the words have to start with the first letter of your first name.
Just jumping jiggles Jodi's jaws. Or maybe I should say: Just jogging jiggles Jodi's joints!

Main Course
Do you know anyone whose life has been touched by adoption?
Many, mine included. Two Julies right off. Dave's sister Julie has adopted three children and so I am their Aunt and my friend Julie has also adopted three.

Dessert
Name 2 blue things.
Hawaii (Blue Hawaii starring Elvis) ☺
My eyes


Side Order: For a fun little stress test to see how stressed you are...go to my other blog here. It's on May 8th's post.

Friday Feast #10

Munch away! Answer and post on your blog.

Appetizer
Name something you would categorize as weird.
Extreme body piercing. I can NOT believe people actually do that to their bodies! I was going to post a picture, but I couldn't stand to even have one on my blog!

Soup
What color was the last piece of food you ate?
Brown and white. It was a mini cupcake from the Renaissance Feast we attended last night.

Salad
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you enjoy being alone?
I am a people person, but I also love to be alone. I love the peace and quiet and freedom. I would say a 10.

Main Course
Fill in the blank: I will _________ vote for ___________ in _______.
I will never vote for Hillary in my lifetime.

Dessert
Describe your sleeping habits.
I usually stay up until 11 or 11:30 pm. I am usually on the computer right before I hit the sack. If I ran that day, I pretty much crash as soon as my head hits my pillow. I used to need the TV on to fall asleep. Not anymore. If I didn't run, I will usually lay there for about 20 minutes until I finally fall asleep. I have two pillows and have to have one to hug or cover my head or I can't go to sleep. I mostly sleep on my left side or back. Dave says he can always tell when I have just fallen asleep because my body does these little jerking movements. If I am not sleeping in my own bed, I have to wear socks. My body alarm never lets me sleep past 6:30 a.m. I hate waking up to an alarm even though I do most days. I used to be a light sleeper until I started running but now I think I could sleep through almost anything!

For more Friday Feasts go here.

Friday Feast #9

Bring your appetite!





Appetizer
Name a color you find soothing.

Is this question really necessary?

Soup
Using 20 or less words, describe your first driving experience.

Brother's Mustang. Trying to learn stick shift. Car jerking. Grinding gears in church parking lot. Brother NOT happy.

Salad
What material is your favorite item of clothing made out of?

I love my micro-fleece jammie bottoms. Sooooooo soft and warm!

Main Course
Who is a great singer or musician who, if they were to come to your town for a concert, you would spend the night outside waiting for tickets to see?

Seriously...NO ONE! Not even Josh Groban. Sorry... just not gonna wait outside all night for tickets, not matter who it is. Unless of course, I was guaranteed front row seats or something.☻

Dessert
What is the most frequent letter of the alphabet in your whole name (first, middle, maiden, last, etc.)?

It's a five way tie on the letters D-I-A-N-E at 3 each! How weird...that spells DIANE!

Whew, finished just in time!

More Friday Feasts here.

Or click the Friday Feast label below for my other feasts.

Friday Feast #8 (Leftovers)

The Friday Feast Chef took a break this week, so I am doing one I haven't done yet. Actually two because I couldn't decide which one I liked best. Guess this means I am over-eating this time... and leftovers no less!

Appetizers
Name one thing that is unique about you.
I made and decorated my own wedding cake. Not sure if that is unique or just insane.
What would be your most treasured memory of your childhood?
The packages my Grandma would send to us when we lived far away. I was probably six or seven. She always sent me a little brown bag full of penny candy and chocolate licorice and little ruffled underpants. I also loved our camping trips and visits to my cousins in California.

Soups
When was the last time you just 'bit your tongue'?
I plead the fifth...
Fill in the blank: My favorite _________ is __________ but I like _________ too.
My favorite weather is rain but I like snow too. (but not now...I want spring!)

Salads
What type of wood do you have for your home’s furnishings?
Mostly oak because that is Dave's fav, but I am getting really sick of it. I love cherry or alder.
Name that silly fact about you that was unknown...until now.
When I was a Junior in high school, me and some of my friends went to the school where the Senior dance was being held and boosted each other up on this ledge so we could see into the dance. We all had on masks (kitties, spiderman, clowns, etc.) and just perched on the ledge peering inside. We just wanted to see everyone's reaction when they saw us and create some fun. I had on a cat mask and didn't notice all my friends had jumped off. I was just sitting there all alone peering inside, until someone from the dance came over and opened the window really fast and started trying to pull me inside! Aaaa! Luckily I escaped!

Main Courses
Who do you talk to most often on the phone?
That's a toss up between my Mom and Dave. Lately, it's been more texting with Dave though.
You're a superhero, but with 'non typical' superpowers. What would your super powers be, and what would you like to be called?
Oh, I have always wanted to have superpowers! I have often thought it would be so cool to become invisible! But as of late, I am thinking it would be SO amazing to close my eyes and visualize things how you want them and have it instantly happen. Like having the house instantly clean! My name? Hmm... maybe Purplestreak.

Desserts
What level of responsibility do you have in your job?
Since my job is to raise righteous and responsible boys, I would say there isn't a higher level than the one I have. Gulp...
World Cup final, Olympic Games, Superbowl, World Series, NBA finals, Stanley Cup... which one would you like to play in?
Olympic Games in figure skating.


For more Friday Feasts go here.