Super Noob:
Five Question Friday

Since lately it seems I don't have an original thought in my cluttered head, I figured I would jump in with Mama M. and Five Question Friday. It's really fun, and honestly, I don't know why I haven't done it in a while. Just in a lazy blogger mode I think. So, now to answer her questions for the week.

1. Do you collect anything?
I wouldn't consider myself a collecter in the true sense...but I do have a p.j. fetish. Seriously, I can't even go by the p.j. area in Target without feeling a magnetic pull toward them. The absurd thing is that I rarely wear the cute ones I get. Like I'm saving them. For what? What the heck on earth am I saving them for?

2. Name 3 celebrities that you find good looking.
Matthew Mcconaughey, Jake Gyllenhaal (weird one, but whatever), and I don't know on number three.

3. Do you have any scars? If so, what's the story behind it (them)?
I probably have more than I can count. One in particular is like an arrowhead right under my right breast. When I was 5 I was wearing a tank top and went running past our car. The door handle was broken and I got too close. The handle tore a gash into my flesh (maybe I'm being a bit dramatic), and hence the pretty scar that never went away.

4. What is a food that you like to eat, but others might think it's gross or weird?
There are SO many of these for me. One is peanut butter and crackers with mustard. Don't even knock it. If you like all those things separately, you too may like them together. Or not.

Another is escargo. Oh so GOOD!

5. Have you ever seen a tornado in real life?
Everyday. It's name is My Children.

Mama M. is truly wonderful, and it has been quite some time since I have participated in her Five question Friday. So, even at the risk of running some off with my overdoingitness in the blog hop department, I am playng along today.

If you'd like to as well, you simply copy and past the questions into your own post, answer away, and link on up. Here goes...

1. Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?
Sandra Bullock...pretty much hands down. Not based on looks, AT ALL. But just based on her personality. She is super quirky. I dig that about her. I'm pretty quirky myself (some say I'm just plain old weird, but I am not letting my illusion of cute quirkiness be shattered like that).

2. Did you ever go to summer camp?
Once. It was when I was 15. I was staying with my cousins in Chicago, and I went with them to a camp in North Carolina that was part of their church group. I had a great time, and still have find memories from that week.

3. What sends you running and screaming in the other direction?
Cockroaches. Nasty little critters. Now, I will catch and kill them, but it wigs me out...in a MAJOR way. I am always afraid the thing will escape my trap and touch me. Thank goodness we don't have an issue with them here or I would insist we move. To any place. Can't stand them!

4. What is something you do that drives your spouse nuts?
I actually posted about this a while back, and have a discussion here (come share after you're done reading, will ya?) about something similar. Without question it's my obsession with having the covers neat and straight before going to sleep. That's right, I don't make the bed when I get up, but before bed...I want perfection. It makes him batty, because if he's dared to get into bed before I've had a chance to straighten the sheets, I will just straighten around him. He gets mad every single time. You'd think he'd just get over it by now.

5. What is currently your favorite song?
Not that the song itself is current, but probably Need You Now by Lady Antebellum. Love it.

I have been remiss. It has been at least a couple of weeks since I have participated in Five Question Friday with Mama M. Not very cool of me. Afterall, I would hope that if I ever started a meme that people would play along. Hint hint at (maybe) something to come.

1. Do you sing karaoke? If so, what is your go to song?
I used to love karaoke. This was before my mommy hood days. When I could drink a six pack of beer for courage first. Not so much anymore. However...wanna see me shame myself with some vocal un stylings? Then go see this post.

2. What is your favorite coffee drink?
Actually, I do like a good flavored latte. Like caramel. Usually, though, I just drink flavored coffee at home with a little creamer.

3. If you could choose your own name, what would it be?
I actually find it impossible to come up with anything that just doesn't seem odd. Can't imagine anything other than Shannon.

4. Were you ever bullied?
In sixth grade...yes...by a BOY! The little bastard. That is, until one day I punched him and he cried...all the while complaining that I hurt his sunburn. Pft...yeah right weenie. Never bothered me again.

5. How often do you eat fast food?
Could I have a definition of fast food please? I never eat anything like McDonald's, etc. I do eat Chipoltle on occassion, and have been known to have the odd Subway. So if that counts, then maybe once every other week I guess.

How about you? Would love to see your answers. If you have done your own 5QF post, then let me know so I can come check it out. If not, what's wrong with you? Really, if you just don't want to, then how about some answers right here in the comments.

I almost forgot that it was time for Five Question Friday. Then I saw the reminder Mama M. left at The Blog Frog. These may be some of my favorite questions yet. Well, a couple of them anyway. If you'd like to answer too, do a post and link up to My Little Life.

1. What are you most afraid of?
I used to be afraid of dying. I still am, don't let me fool you. But now, my biggest fear, beyond a shadow of doubt, is something happening to one of my children. At times I even feel a little panick stricken thinking about all there is that could happen. It's seriously a sick obsession for which I have considered seeking help. Really, I have thought about talking to our Priest...but honestly don't want to hear about how I need to let go of my earthly bonds, etc. If it were that easy, I would have done it already.

2. Do you use a flat iron or curling iron?
I have used both, but not for a long time. My hair is as short as it is now because when it was long, I seldom managed to do anything other than pull it back into a ponytail. Now it's just a round brush and hair dryer.

3. Hands-free or phone to the ear?
Phone to the ear. I have to say this...I don't have anything against the hands-free set, but when you are in a place where you don't need it, then get over yourself. I don't mean you, the you reading this. I mean the self-important morons who speak loud enough for everyone in a mile radius to hear, while sitting at a table in a restaurant, using hands-free (or vitually anywhere that its use would be just frivilous). What the? Serious?

4. Do you have a matching bedroom set?
Yes. Me gusta mucho!

5. Do you believe in the paranormal?
Hmmm. Let's see. My normal answer would be, I just don't know. However, this is catching me at an apropos time. Andy has been out of town the past two nights, and I have been awake until the wee hours, jumping at every little noise, straining to see shadows in the dark, and avoiding looking towards the location on the walls which house mirrors. Make of it what you will.

Your turn. Don't care to post, leave me a comment or two with some answers. I'm interested in what people have to say to numbers 1 and 5 the most.

Oh, and do you have any quirks that others view as off the wall? I do...you can read about my crazy here if yo haven't yet.

Five Question Friday time. For the rules on how to play along go see Mama M.
1. Would you ever vacation alone?
Is there any other way? Really the answer is absolutely. But I never have.
2. Do you go the speed limit?
Isn't that just a guideline anyway? I guess it depends, I do a lot of the time...within like 5mph. Every now and again, I will look at the ole' speedometer, and say "Holy crap! Good thing there's no cop near me."
3. Why did you start blogging/following blogs?
Started because I always read MckMama's blog, and was inspired to do my own. I figured I had enough to share that it would be fun. As for following others, I usually do it because I feel a connection, like I can somehow relate to that person. There have been a couple of ocassions when someone has followed me, and politely suggested that I follow in return. Not my favorite way, but I have, and mostly with good results.
4. Where do you shop for yourself?
I like New York and Co. for a lot of things. For jeans, you can't beat the Gap. Oh, did you mean where do I shop for myself now that I am a haus frau? Hmmm. Target's nice. Sigh.
5. What was the song that you danced your first dance with your spouse to at your wedding...or...what song would you like your first dance to be to?
At our wedding, which was truly the most splendid experience...and I am not being sarcastic, we danced to "I Love You" by the Climax Blues Band. Never heard it? Click the song title, and listen up...it's awesome and fit us so well.

This week, as always, I am also answering Tamara's Fill in the Blank question. This week's is:

For my birthday, the one dessert I want to
enjoy the most is:________

Impossible to answer. Truly, I love all things dessert. So, really just about anything will do. But if it's going to be cake, it has to have buttercream frosting, or it can just go home!

There you have it my friends. Feel like playing along? I say go for it? Don't feel like it? Well, then how about some answers in the comments right here?

Friday in Blogland just couldn't get any better. Mama M. has some really great questions this week, and I couldn't keep away (not that I would try). Something about question and answer that is just so...well, simply fun!

This week's questions are:

1. What is better, growing old with out money or dying young and wealthy?
This is not a difficult question at all. I would absolutely say growing old without money. Money is great, don't get me wrong, and we are doing our best to earn a penny or two, and I'm glad we have it, but it's not what makes my world go 'round. I think about my kids, and how happy they are...seemingly without a care in the world. They would be just as happy if we were all living together in a one room apartment with no toys. All that they need is food in their tummies, a roof over their heads and mommy and daddy to love them. We could all learn a lot from our little ones.

2. Who takes out the garbage at your house?
Either Drew or Andy. On the very rare ocassion, I do. That happens only when no one has done it, the boys are not around, and I can't even cram in one more gum wrapper.

3. Have you ever had the same dream many times?
Yes, unfortunately I wouldn't classify it as a dream. I have recurring nightmares of either sharks, or someone chasing me. The chasing me nightmares are not that big of a deal because I have taken to flying in my dreams, and when someone chases me, I just take off in flight ;) The sharks are a little trickier...haven't quite managed to master them yet.

4. Can you play a musical instrument?
I played the flute for many, many years and still can. I also have had some piano lessons as an adult, and can play at an amateur level. I stopped just before Colton was born, and would love to take it up again.

5. If you owned your own store, what would you sell?
Child muzzles.

It's Friday! I love Friday because I get a reprieve from having to come up with my own ideas. Usually I participate in The (Un)Experienced Mom's Fill in the Blank Friday, and a couple of times I have done Mama M's Five Question Friday. Since I can't choose one over the other, today I will do both!

The rules for both are pretty much the same. You cut and paste the question into a post of your own, answer them, link back to their respective founders and then link your post up to their blog.

First, The (Un)Experienced Mom's Fill in the Blank Friday. The question this week is:

If I were going to be on a reality television show, I'd be on ________.
I don't think the 10 pounds I have to lose would qualify...but I would totally want to be on The Biggest Loser if I did need to lose that sort of weight. What an amazing experience to be able to absolutely transform your life. I always feel so inspired by what those people accomplish. Plus, I may have mentioned once or twice that I enjoy working out. ;)

Next up is Mama M's Five Question Friday. The questions are:
1. What's your "comfort food"?
2. Do you send Thank You's (handwritten or email)?
3. If you had to be trapped in a TV show for a month, which show would you choose?
4. What is your favorite online recipe site?
5. If you had to choose: "Friends" or "Seinfeld"?

1. What's your "comfort food"?
Dessert! Almost any type...but I prefer baked treats over ice cream (though I do love ice cream too). If it's done right, Creme Brule is the creme de la creme!
2.Do you send Thank You's(handwritten or email)?
Yes, but sporadically. Well, maybe not so much sporadically as only for specific events. For example, when I had my baby shower, I sent them. For Christmas, I don't. Maybe it's because I get gifts for the same people who get them for me, so it's like an even swap...no note required. At least I'm going with that!
3. If you had to be trapped in a TV show for a month, which show would you choose?
Rosanne. That way, when I got back to my own reality, I would appreciate it that much more. Plus I think she's a riot.
4. What is your favorite online recipe site?
Food Network. There is a recipe there for anything, and everything...and so many of them are awesome! In my opinion, it trumps all others.
5. If you had to choose "Friends" or "Sienfeld"?
Hmmmm. I really enjoy "Freinds," but Sienfeld is freakin' funny. "THESE PRETZELS ARE MAKING ME THIRSTY!!"

Now, go do your own post and be sure to link up. Then again, if you don't want to, and you'd rather leave me a comment with an answer or two...no need to twist my arm!

Time for Mama M's Five Question Friday. Granted it's a little late in the game...but still plenty of time to slip it in under the wire! To play along, simply copy the questions, paste them into a post, answer them, link to Mama M., and then go add your post to the link on her blog. Or, you could just answer any of the questions you'd like right here in the comments. That's perfectly acceptable too ;)

Today's questions are:
1. If you could bring one character to life from your favorite book, who would it be?
2. Where did you get your very first kiss?
3. How did you welcome in the New Year?
4. What is your favorite Beatles song?
5. Donuts: Overrated, underrated, or 'bout right?

My answers:
1. If you could bring one character to life from your favorite book, who would it be?
My first answer was Edward Cullen, then I read Keely's post and saw that she answered that...so I thought I should try to come up with someone else. Just can't do it. Edward is the ultimate in fictional fantasy, so Edward it is.

2. Where did you get your very first kiss?
I was 15, and staying in Evanston, IL. for the summer with my aunt, uncle and cousins. We went to the beach every day and there was the cutest lifeguard there. I hoped to catch a glimpse of him every time. Well, one day he walked over to where we were and introduced himself...Ari Stone. He was 17, and my aunt let me go out to a movie with him. When he was dropping me off after ice cream, he walked me to the door. I knew it was coming, and I was as tight as an overly wound guitar string. He kissed me, and all I could think about was how awful it was. Nothing redeeming about it whatsoever. Just plain gross.

3. How did you welcome in the New Year?
Played a few rounds of Sorry Sliders with Drew and my husband, then watched Pirates of the Carribean...Dead Man's Chest. That's it.

4. What is your favorite Beatles song?
I don't listen to the Beatles purposely. That doesn't mean I don't love them, it just means I only listen to them if they happen to be playing somewhere. There are a ton of songs by them that I really like, and someone else has already listed a couple...but I really like "And I Love Her" off of their A Hard Day's Night album.

5. Donuts: Overrated, underrated, or 'bout right?
I suppose it depends. I never eat donuts because I don't think there are really any worth eating anymore. In the past I may have said underrated, but not any more. I think Krispy Kreme are highly overrated. I don't like them at all. But Dunkin Donuts, like ten years ago...now that's a donut. I loved the vanilla cremes. Powdered sugar outside, inside over-filled with sweet sugary vanilla frosting. Yes, that is a donut.

What about you? I understand if you don't want to answer them all, but it is really fun to play along. As always, I still like reading your anwers in the comments too!

Five Question Friday is hosted by Mama M. It's a fun little way to do a post and not have to think all much about it. Sometimes that is just what the doctor blogger ordered. When I read these questions this week I just had to participate. I like them. I like them a lot (in my best Jim Carey voice). Here's the deal, you copy the following questions into a post, answer them and link 'er up to Mama M. Easy.

The questions are:

1. Favorite gift you are GIVING this year?
2. How many parties are you attending between now and Christmas?
3. What is your favorite Christmas song?
4. Who was your favorite elementary school teacher and why?
5. If you had a choice to live in any other period of time (other than now) what era would you choose and why?

1. Favorite gift you are giving this year?
Okay, the problem with this is that I have done about 5% of my shopping. So I can't say yet what my favorite gift given will be. I keep hoping for an epiphany to hit so I can slam out my shopping. Hasn't happened.
2. How many parties are you attending between now and Christmas?
One. Watch out...party animal here. Really, my husband and I are hosting the holiday party for his sales team. So since I am hosting it, that has to count as like two, right?
3. What is your favorite Christmas song?
I have two. Without hesitation they are Feliz Navidad and Bruce Springsteen's version of Santa Claus is Comin' to Town. Feliz Navidad is fun and upbeat, and it reminds me of my brother. When he was in second grade his class did a dance to the song, and it was hilarious. As far as Bruce's version of the other song...I just love it. No story.
4. Who was your favorite elementary school teacher and why?
I can tell you right off who my least favorite was...but that wasn't the question. Favorite? Hmmm. I will have to say it was my 5th grade teacher Mr. Sayers. He was so old fashioned and pretty strict, but he would always say when he saw me "Shannon Marie, a sight to see." Thinking of it now, it seems a little strange, but then I ate it up.
5. If you had to choose to live in any other period of time (other than now) what era would you choose and why?
What era did Anne of Green Gables live in? Whatever that was...that's what I pick. I was in love with those books when I was younger. School so small it was in one room, traveling by horse and carriage, beautiful boys named Gil. Yep...gave me stars in the old peepers. So that is where I'd be.

Your turn. You can answer any or all of them right here in the comments, or get loco and do a post of your own and link up.

A little late today, but better late than never...or so I am told. This is Five Question Friday courtesy of Mama M. Want to play along? Just copy the following questions, paste them into your blog post, and answer away...oh then link 'er up.

1. Are you a Black Friday shopper?
2. What was your favorite childhood toy? (Think Easy Bake Oven, Cabbage Patch Kid, Shrinky Dinks, etc.)
3. Favorite Christmas movie?
4. What is the "must have" item on your Christmas list this year?
5. Do you go all out with decorations or do you keep it simple and classy?

1. Are you a Black Friday shopper?
Ahhhh...NO! No way. No way, no how. Could I be any clearer? Not a fan of shopping as it is, not really. Throw in masses of people all crowded together in one place, fighting over the same items like the mindless seagulls from FInding Nemo...again, NO!

2. What was your favorite childhood toy?
I think I would have to say it was the old Speak N Spell. I could play with that thing forever. Fascinating isn't it? Maybe I was a deprived child. I did have a Cabbage Patch doll when it was all the rave the first go around. That was thanks to my Grandma!

3. Favorite Christmas movie?
Every year as a child I waited for the t.v. showing of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I still love that movie. The original animated one though! I also love all the old claymation stuff...like Rudolp, and The Year Without Santa.

4. What is the "must have" item on your Christmas list this year?
Easy. I have been putting off getting myself the Canon EF 50 mm 1.8 lens with the hope that Santa would think I am worthy of it this year. I promise I have been good...mostly.

5. Do you go all out with decorations, or do you keep in simple and classy?
What is simple and classy? All out for sure. Lights on the house, lighted figures in our yard. Big tree inside, santas and snowmen abound. I actually have this crazy affinity for snowmen. I think they are the best decorations. I prefer them to anything else. Needless to say, we have a lot of snowman stuff ;)

So how about you? If you don't care to do the whole thing in a post you can answer any or all of these questions right here in the comments. Come on, you know you want to.

Every now and again I think it's fun to participate in something new. So, today I am trying out Mama M's Five Question Friday. Want to play along yourself? Link on up at the end of this post.

1. What is your favorite "eat" on Thanksgiving?
This is a tough one. Usually someone ends up making a great vegetable dish. My favorite was my Aunt S's roasted vegetables. They were amazing! Turkey, is okay, but not my favorite.

2. What is the name your best girl friend and the best trait about her or how you met (or heck, both!!)
Her name is Renee. Her best trait? Really that is almost impossible as there are so many. Her loyalty and dedication are huge. As for how we met...we were freshmen in highschool. I was wearing a Guess jeans shirt and shorts (my only ones) and she asked me how much I paid for them. I told her I didn't, that they were a gift. She said "Oh, well that's good because I couldn't see paying so much just for an outfit." Who in the heck did she think she was is what went through my head that day. Funny that our friendship grew and lasted so long!

3. What would you say is one of your "weirdest" quirks?
Probably my complulsive need for the covers to be perfect before I can get into bed. Even after I am in bed, I have to have them "just so." I drive my husband crazy every night with this. You would think he would just build a bridge and get over it by now. Nope. Makes him nuts.

4. What is your favorite genre of music? (Hip hop? Classical? Rock? etc.)
Classic rock. But the real classic rock. Not the stuff from the 80's that classic rock radio stations are starting to play. A close second is country music. Gotta love that.

5. Are you a Night Owl...or an Early Bird?
Despite many attempts to change my behavior, I have always been, and fear am destined to always be, a night owl. However, I still have to rise and shine when the kids do (unless it's a weekend and Andy let's me sleep a little later).