Answers Part THREE!

Seriously, you've all given me so much to write about, and I love it!

Nancy asked what three things (besides food and my boys!) would I take if I was stranded on a deserted island. I love this question because it's something I do with my students when I teach Island of the Blue Dolphins. First, I would take a lighter or something to start fires with, until I got the hang of lighting a fire by rubbing sticks together. Second, I would definitely want my iphone. Third, I'm going to say a case of good wine to keep me entertained until I figure out how to make my own alcohol out of coconut juice.;)

Maricris asked what the biggest challenge has been with having a new baby. It definitely has been a challenge finding our balance. Luke will want me to play trains with him right when Tommy needs to eat it, and it's hard to do both at once. Also, getting out of the house is hard. I swear, it took us two hours to get dressed and ready out the door, and this was with going to McDonald's for breakfast because I just didn't have time for anything else!

Candi reminded me of how when I was in college, we used to make quote posters (a quote that meant something to us with decorations or nice lettering) to decorate the dorm room. She asked if I was to make one today, what would it say. I would definitely use this quote, by Maya Angelou: "You did then what you knew how to do and when you knew better, you did better."
If that doesn't sum up parenting, I don't know what does!

Kelsi asked about my teacher plans. I plan on returning to work second semester, the day after MLK Jr Day. In a perfect world, I'd plan on returning to work after the kids were in school, but unfortunately, we just can't make it work financially. Still, I am thankful to have a job that allows me to take a longer maternity leave.

Keely asked if I was going to murder her with a gun or a knife for not taking a course on John Steinbeck. The answer to that is burning at the stake, after some waterboarding. For those of you who don't know, I LOVE JOHN STEINBECK. I once put in a bio in a literary magazine that he was my dead author boyfriend.

pinkflipflops asked where I attended college and what was my major. I went to Indiana University, and my major was Secondary English Education. I really loved IU and southern Indiana!

Love's question made me laugh because she asked if I loved NKOTB. I laughed because although most of my classmates were so into them in elementary school, I was not! As I said before, I have older siblings, and they made sure that I had some taste in music. So in third grade, I was listening to the Gin Blossoms and various musicals instead of NKOTB.
Love also asked what quality I'd like to instill in Luke and Tommy, if I could pick one. I would definitely instill RESPECT in them. I want them to know that they must respect women and that no means no, period. I want them to treat the girls they are dating exactly how they would want someone to treat their mother.

Mendie asked what advice I'd give to someone who is TTC to make for an easier pregnancy. The first advice I'd give is to go into it healthy. You'll feel better starting off the pregnancy healthy. The second advice is to stay active and DON'T listen when people tell you that you're eating for two. You are, to an extent, but not to the extent that you should eat two dozen donuts every day! I'd also advise seeing a chiropractor. I did not do this during my first pregnancy, and I really think it made the difference the second time around in getting Tommy into the right position for a quick, easy labor. Luke was not in a good position, which made for a long, hard labor and almost a c-section.


Inthefastlane had some great questions. One, am I really a dirty hippie? Yes and no. I was raised by very eco-conscious and earth friendly parents. They recycled before it was widespread. We used to raise our own chickens and turkeys, and we grew up drinking raw milk. I adhere to a lot of the things my parents did. We drink raw milk, and we buy eggs from a local farmer. I cloth diaper as much as I can, and I breastfeed past a year. In a perfect world, we'd live in the country and have a yard full of dandelions, but that's hard to do is a subdivision. So, I always joke that the neighbors must think we're dirty hippies because we just don't fit in in this neighborhood, as everyone is the opposite!
She also asked when she's going to come out of hiding so we can meet, and the answer to that is IT BETTER BE SOON. We now work at the same school district, so don't you all think it's high time she met me for lunch?
And finally, she asked pie or cake. That's a tough one because I love both. I love how pie is seasonal, but I love how cake has icing. So I'll say pie, with a side of cake, thank you!


Kirsten asked some more questions! She wanted to know my favorite color, which is--hands down--pink. In case you can't tell from my header, I really love bright colors. She also asked where I'd move in the country, if I could move anywhere. I'd definitely move to the east coast, mostly for the seafood!
And finally, she asked, "When you were 15, if someone asked you where you wanted to be in 10 years, is this where you thought you'd be?"
No, no, no, and no! I thought there was no way I'd be living in the midwest. I for sure thought I'd move to California or somewhere warm. I didn't want kids at all, and I definitely would not have wanted to be at home with two boys. Funny how life changes you!

Crooked Eyebrow asked what my favorite color polish is for my toes. It depends on the season. In the spring/summer, I like to do bright colors. When I went to get my toes done the day I went into labor with Tommy, Beth insisted I get a CALM color, so I went with a darker pink. What I really wanted was bright green, though. In the fall/winter, I like to go with darker reds.
She also asked about my weird toe thing. Okay, I have a thing about toenails being long. It freaks me out so much that my toenails are always cut REALLY short. When I was in sixth grade, I saw a woman with freakishly long red toenails, and I just can never get that gross image out of my mind.

Finally, Cameron asked what my pet peeves are. Well, first is the aforementioned long toenails. CUT YOUR TOENAILS, PEOPLE. My other pet peeve is people who interrupt you and/or only talk about themselves. It drives me insane.

I believe that's all of the questions! Thanks so much for all the blog material... I feel much better about myself and now I'll head back to your regularly scheduled baby blogging. Unless you have more questions?:)