Random Dozen--In-laws, Out-laws and Patriots

Random Dozen Time and, OK, not so many outlaws but some great random questions. 




1. Have you, or has someone close to you, ever won an award for anything?  I won an award for my GPA twice when I went back to school--the presidents honor roll for like three semesters.  There was an awards ceremony and everything.

2. Who is the nearest relative to you who has served in the US Military?  Nick almost went into the army, my brother almost went into the air force, but the closest relative that went into the military would have to have been my father.  He was in the navy.

3. Share something that stirs the patriotic spirit in you.  Fourth of July flags and parades and hearing the national anthem at the Olympics.

4. Where are you in the birth order in your family? Do you think your "placement" made a difference in your personality?  I am the oldest of two.  I am a people pleaser, and a bit competitive.  I try to be the best and an achiever. About the only trait first children have that I don't is the outgoingness.  I'm really rather shy IRL.

5. Name one trait you hope you carry that was evidenced in your parents or grandparents.  Perseverance, a sense of humor and sticking to my word.

6. If female, do you prefer wearing a skirt or pants? If male, shirt and tie or polo?  Mostly pants, although when I have a reason, I like to wear skirts.  My job is really casual so skirts are not necessary and I have not had a job that required them for years.  I did wear a lot of skirts when I had my kidney trouble but that was out of necessity.  Comfort dictated my wardrobe choices then.

7. Approximately how many times do you wake during the night? What do you do to go back to sleep?  I usually wake up once or twice--aided by Bruiser, who still is not the world's champion sleeper.  To go back to sleep, my methods vary--sometimes I can just go back to sleep easily, other times I tell my self stories--or think about disaster preparedness, what we'd need to survive in a disaster--weird but the details put me to sleep every time.  If I really can't sleep I'll get up and go to the couch and read for a bit from a book I've read lots but really enjoy, the story redirects my mind and I'm usually able to go back to sleep after a half an hour or so.

8. Share a favorite movie quote.  This request always stumps me.  We quote movies when the occasion calls for it but I don't really have a favorite quote.

9. What is your favorite Fall candle scent?  Cinnamon Stick or Macintosh Apple from Yankee Candles.

10. What is one Fall activity you're looking forward to?  Halloween with the boys. 

11. Tell us about a pleasant surprise that happened to you recently.  Hmmm...last week on Tuesday a friend called and we went for margaritas.  It was fun.

12. What was it like when you first met your in-laws-to-be?  They were the nicest people.  Nick's mom was sweet and his dad wasn't that intimidating. I met them in April I think after Nick and I had been dating for about 6 or 7 weeks.  They were really nice.  That Christmas I sort of got dumped on them (a long story, another time) and they made sure I was included in the Christmas activities and had presents under the tree.  They are still the best people.

Now go link at Linda's and check out the other random answers.