Showing posts with label friday feast. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friday feast. Show all posts

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Friday's Feast

from this website

Appetizer
What is your favorite kind of cereal?

I really enjoy oatmeal with raisins, but it takes time to prepare and since I'm often in a hurry, I usually opt for Honey Nut Cheerios.


Soup
When was the last time you purchased something for your home, what was it, and in which room did it go?

Yesterday.
A light fixture, a rug, a drying rack.
Powder room, living room, laundry room.


Salad
What is the funniest commercial you’ve ever seen?

That's kind of like trying to remember a joke. I can't remember funny commercials, but I can certainly remember (and find) the BEST ones I've seen.


and

After viewing those, is it any wonder, really, that I own two Hondas?

Main Course
Make up a name for a company by using a spice and an animal (example: Cinnamon Monkey).

Chervil Gerbil


Dessert
Fill in the blank: I haven’t ______ since ______.

I haven't experienced unconditional love since my mother died. Yet, this week I have begun to discover that for love to be most effective, my aim must be to give love, rather than to seek it. As St. Francis of Assisi put it, "It is in giving that we receive."

May you witness the power of love in your life this week as you let it flow through you to others.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Friday's Feast

From the weekly meme.

Appetizer
What is your favorite beverage?

Water.
Or grande Americano sugarfree hazelnut no room.
And if calories are no problem: Dr. Pepper.

Soup
Name 3 things that are on your computer desk at home or work.

Remote control for the TV feed I get on my Gateway all-in-one PC.
A souvenir stone from the beach at Monterosso al Mare in the Cinque Terre, Italy.
My business card.

Salad
On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being highest), how honest do you think you are?

This is a very diverse salad. Could merit a dinner sized portion.

I'm very open. Just read this blog. Is open the same as honest? Not entirely.

So, if I have to rate this 1-10, in all things that would not be hurtful to others, 10. There are things better to not reveal - but that makes one considerate rather than dishonest. If asked point blank about something that would be difficult or embarrassing I would likely choose NOT to answer rather than to lie. I despise lying and lose all respect for anyone who does, including myself.

I also have secrets.


Main Course
If you could change the name of one city in the world, what would you rename it and why?

Oh I dislike these hypothetical things. I'm not hungry for this entree.


Dessert
What stresses you out? What calms you down?

Moving is the highest stress I have encountered because it continues on for so long and there are so many loose ends and chores and tasks and details and changes of address and appointments and deposits and renovations and contractors and and and and and....

Hearing "you're booked" or "your confirmed" or "that's paid" or "that's taken care of" or "that's included" or "I'm sorry, it was my fault, how can I make it up to you?"

Friday, January 11, 2008

Friday's Feast

The weekly meal, recipe served here.

Appetizer
What is your middle name? Would you change any of your names if you could? If so, what would you like to be called?

Elaine. It means "shining light." My first name means "joy" and I was born during the winter solstice, the etymology of which is something like "sun stand still in winter." So I am "joyful shining light born on the day the sun stood still."

The only name I've thought about changing would be to go back to using my birth surname instead of my married surname. (I don't like the term "maiden" name. Rather dated.)

Soup
If you were a fashion designer, which fabrics, colors, and styles would you probably use the most?

When I was young I enjoyed combining these two colors: aquamarine and purple. I wouldn't be a fashion designer. I despise the industry and what it represents: shallow, appearance-based, ego-driven, sex-motivated merchandising.

Salad
What is your least favorite chore, and why?

Reconciling the bank and credit card statements. Receipts are hard to read and pile up far too quickly.

Main Course
What is something that really frightens you, and can you trace it back to an event in your life?

I've never been afraid of much. Rather more on the adventurous side... until I had a child. If I let myself, I could lie awake for hours thinking about what could happen to him. So I entrust him to God and let Him look after the boy.

My own personal mini-phobia is an irrational (but not debilitating) fear of being submerged in water. It comes from reading too many Readers' Digest "Drama In Real Life" articles that documented just that sort of thing. Kept me from taking a cruise for the longest time, but my Hawaiian Island Cruise this past Christmas cured me of that phobia for good, methinks. :-)

Dessert
Where are you sitting right now? Name 3 things you can see at this moment.

In my home office. Three things I see are:

  1. The real estate listing sheet for the house I take possession of tomorrow.
  2. A note pad with the inscription "Love never fails."
  3. A mouse pad of a Thomas Kinkade picture and the quote "It is always sunrise somewhere." - John Muir.

Saturday, January 05, 2008

Friday's Feast

There is a meme I occasionally do, a set of new questions each week on Friday, in the theme of a five course meal. There are over 100 people who participate and post a link to their answers at this site. I haven't participated for a while, but this set of questions posed for Dec. 28 caught my attention.

Appetizer
Name 2 things you would like to accomplish in 2008.

Having just turned 50, this was actually a harder question to answer than I would have expected. My mind was blank at first. Hmm, if I think about my heart's desire, it would include at least two things and they have to be things that I can actual control - things for which I don't have to rely on anyone else's cooperation for my success.

1. I would like to habitually conduct myself in a way that provides a safe place for my 15 year old son to open up. If he doesn't choose to, that's okay, but my measure of success will be whether or not I have actually cultivated an atmosphere of love, acceptance and attention that provides him the time and space to speak freely, openly and without fear.

2. I want to make at least 3 meals per week where we as a family can sit down together to eat. In the past, these have been times when we could engage in lighthearted conversation and hear about each other's activities and on the rare occasion, really discover treasures through laughter and tears. I guess it is another chance to create a safe space to connect with each other.

Soup
With which cartoon character do you share personality traits?

It used to be Lucy, from Peanuts. Always wanting to give advice. Not quite audacious enough to set up a booth and charge 5 cents each, but the attitude fit like a glove. If I'm completely transparent, though, I'm more like Eeyore, from Winnie the Pooh. The consumate melancholic.

Salad
What time of day (or night) were you born?

2:56 am. That is also about the time I usually go to bed.

Main Course
Tell us something special about your hometown.

When I grew up, there was no ice rink in my small city in Missouri. Now they have a beautiful twin arena that is home to the university hockey team, youth hockey association and the figure skating club. Above the ice surface, there are two large flags side by side: USA and Canada. Hockey: it is a Canadian game after all.

When my son was quite young and learning to skate, he asked why I didn't skate. I explained that when I grew up there was no skating rink, so I didn't have opportunity to learn. The next day I heard him exclaiming to a friend: "When my mom was little, they didn't even have skates yet!"

Dessert
If you could receive a letter from anyone in the world, who would you want to get one from?

Elisabeth Elliot. A wise, godly woman who has much wisdom gained through much suffering and discipline. Most ideally this letter would be in answer to one I would send her. Granted, she has written over 20 books and has hundreds of radio program transcripts available for me to read. That's almost as good as a letter. I guess now I have something else I can accomplish in 2008: to read one of her books.

Friday, June 29, 2007

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
How many pieces of jewelry do you wear most days?

None. No foo-foo here. (REVISED: I WEAR A Watch And a necklace with a cross)

Soup
What is your favorite instrumental song?

Theme to Hockey Night in Canada - that means I get to watch an NHL game right after. I hear this and start drooling like Pavlov's dogs. I love hockey.

Salad
Who has a last name that you like?

Lombardi (Vince) - Named "Coach of the Century" by ESPN, Vince Lombardi is remembered for his dedication, his infectious enthusiasm and his unforgettable quotes that continue to echo in locker rooms around the world.

Lombardi (Matthew) - This outstanding young NHL player with the Calgary Flames skates like the wind and has an outstanding future ahead of him. He makes the game exciting to watch.

Main Course
Name a popular movie you’ve never seen.

Schindler's List, Jaws, The Exorcist, The Godfather, Dr. Zhivago. I have, however, seen 17 out of the top 20 movies.

Dessert
Fill in the blank: Nothing makes me ___________ like ____________.

Nothing makes me roll my eyes like ignorant arrogance.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
Name a funny habit you have.

Losing things that were just there!!!

Soup
If you could instantly know how to play a musical instrument, which one would you pick?

Piano - I can only play a bit.


Salad
How long is your hair?

3-4 inches, just over my ears.


Main Course
When was the last time you forgave someone, and who was it?

My son, this morning, for being so rude and grumpy last night. He had looked so forward to his grade nine grad, and it ended up being a significant disappointment. He vented on me.

Dessert
What is your favorite kitchen appliance?

Large: refrigerator - where I love to go for cold drinks and fruit.
Small: blender - to make smoothies.

Friday, May 25, 2007

Friday's Feast

found at www.fridaysfeast.com

Appetizer
Name a sound you like to hear.

My son's gentle breathing in his sleep
My dog's sigh
A trickling brook
Gentle breeze rustling the leaves
A giggle


Soup
What is your favorite kind of cheese?

Smoked Gouda

Salad
Do you sleep late on Saturday mornings? Why or why not?

Yes, because I'm usually up late blogging and Saturday is the only day I can truly sleep in with no appointments to rouse me.

Main Course
When was the last time you forgot something? What was it, and how long did it take to remember it?

Let me think... hmmm.... I can't remember....

Dessert
Fill in the blank: I notice ____________ when _____________.

I notice the emotions of others when I truly look them in the eyes.

Friday, May 18, 2007

Friday's Feast 144 (www.fridaysfeast.com)

Appetizer
List 3 emotions you experienced this week.

-Pleasure: because three things have happened that have affirmed that I am making a difference, a contribution and others believe I will continue to do so.

-Fear: because I've been asked to take a more responsible position, the success of which is based in how well I can effectively influence peers over whom I have no direct authority.

-Frustration: because I used to play as well as the guys at softball but now I play like a girl.

Soup
Name a car you’d love to have.

I already have it. It's not a car. Honda Pilot.

Salad
Describe your typical morning routine.
  • Wake to the news/traffic channel.
  • Listen drowsily until I hear the traffic and weather.
  • Get up, "take care of business", weigh, drink a glass of water
  • Throw on my robe, make breakfast for my son, get him out the door.
  • Shower, dry off, put on clothes, put on makeup, fix my hair.
  • Walk the dog, give her a treat, food and water.
  • Leave for work
  • Arrive, change voice mail, get coffee while computer boots up, check email
  • Work, work, work.
Main Course
Have you ever emailed someone famous? If so, who, and what did you say to them? Did they reply?

Most famous person I've emailed was the goaltending coach of the Calgary Flames. He runs a training camp for goaltenders and my son enrolled. We corresponded about the camp, and after it was over, I wrote a sincere and heartfelt review which he posted on his website.

Dessert
Do you listen to podcasts? If so, which ones?

Rick Steve's travel (www.ricksteves.com)
Our pastors' messages (www.faccalgary.com)
Anything else I see on itunes that looks interesting.

Friday, May 11, 2007

Friday's Feast 143

from www.fridaysfeast.com

Appetizer
Tell about a time when you had to be brave.

When we were finishing our mountain bike adventure that took 6.5 hours instead of the guide book's 2-4 hour estimation. It was getting dark, we were out of cell phone range, riding and walking and resting on the last arduous 9 km (mostly uphill) back to our vehicle after getting off the mountain. My son was beyond exhaustion because he'd ridden much harder than I on the 600 metre ascent and hadn't eaten in some time. Two vehicles passed us but would not provide assistance - the occupants in both cases were rather unsavory characters - and I began to realize how vulnerable we were in such a remote location. I wouldn't even think about the fact we were in bear country. I made a lot of noise, stayed calm and kept a brave face for my son but inside I was praying like crazy that God would protect us. "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread."

Soup
Which upcoming movie are you excited about seeing?

That just isn't on my radar. I just watched Stranger Than Fiction with Will Ferrell and Emma Thompson and I really enjoyed it.

Salad
Name an item you try to always have on hand.

Toilet paper.

Main Course
Imagine the most relaxing room you can think of. Now describe it!

The massage therapy room. Dimly, but fashionably lit, accented with candles. Serene, appealing music and nature's sound effects piped in at the right volume. Aromatherapy scent permeating the air, fresh clean linens to lie on, soft cushion on which to lay my head, perfectly heated bags resting on my lower back and shoulders, and the skilled therapist with astounding accuracy applying deep tissue massage on the strained muscles and it all begins to ease away the tension of the day.

That will be $65 please.

Dessert
On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being highest), how spiritual or religious are you?

The one who is truly spiritual will not necessarily be conscious of it, because he or she will be so completely immersed in God himself. Those who think they are religious are often the farthest from it.

Friday, May 04, 2007

Friday's Feast 142

from www.fridaysfeast.com

Appetizer
Name something you would not want to own.

A castle. Maintenance, insurance, cleaning, walking through the huge echoing hallways, trying to find my family members, the expense of furnishing it in a comfortable manner. The romance of it all is hugely overrated. I get tired just thinking about it.

Soup
Describe your hair (texture, color, length, etc.).

Short, thick and healthy but coarse texture and naturally wavy. A flat-iron does wonders!
If left to its own devices, would be salt and pepper but every five weeks my hairdresser convinces it to be reddish brown with blonde highlights using some lovely romantically named colours like "sandswept sugar" and "coppermine bay." I like the woman in the mirror a little better when she looks cared-for.


Salad
Finish this sentence: I’ll never forget ___________.

I'll never forget standing on top of Jumpingpound Ridge after 3 hours of hiking/biking up 600 metres of rocky torture, hugging my son and descending the peak together singing in harmony: "You raise me up so I can stand on mountains...." You can read about it and see our pictures here.

Main Course
Which famous person would you like to be for one day? Why?

Billy Graham. Because of the discipline and integrity of his life. Because he loves God and wants to introduce others to Him. Because he preaches so effectively with clarity and confidence. Because so many people have incredible respect for him.




Dessert
Write one sentence about yourself that includes one thing that is true and another thing that is not.

Jesus loves me, this I know.

Friday, April 27, 2007

Friday's Feast 141

From Friday's Feast

Appetizer
How fast can you type?

At last measure, 83 wpm

Soup
What is your favorite online game?

I don't play games online.

Salad
On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 as highest), how intelligent do you think you are?

9 (but doesn't everyone?)

Main Course
Name three of your best teachers from your school years.

Connie Bilyeu - High School Choral, fed my soul
Abe Penner - Old Testament Survey, ignited the fire of the Spirit
Virginia Snyder - Grade 3, taught me to love books

Dessert
What are your plans for this upcoming weekend?

I'm booked on a retreat - my semi-annual Creative Memories Scrapbooking retreat. I'm there now and it's already filling my emotional tank. Plus, this is where it's located.

Saturday, April 21, 2007

Friday's Feast 140

Okay, I can't resist, in spite of having no appetite. I am really late posting this "Friday" thing, but that is because I spent much of Friday - from 12:10 a.m. until past noon - visiting with Ralph on the great white telephone. I spent the rest of it sleeping - thanks (?) to Gravol, and that meant missing a Friday night ticket to a great comedian. I'm better today, 5 lbs lighter and a little light headed, so here I go...

Appetizer
What is your favorite kind of bread?

What are your favorite kinds of bread? (my version - It's bread, for cryin out loud - don't make me choose!)

soft, white, homemade tray buns - hot out of the pan
for toast, a multigrain or raisin cinnamon

Soup
When was the last time you bought a new pillow?

Ick. Don't remind me. Christmas 2005.

Salad
Approximately how many hours per week do you spend surfing the ‘net?

14 hours on the net, but not always surfing - much of that time is reading or writing blogs - does that count as surfing?

Main Course
What’s the highest you remember your temperature being?

Can't remember - must have been delirious. Could I blame that for brain damage?

Dessert
Fill in the blanks: When I ____________, I _____________.

When I pray, I relax.
When I sing, I smile.
When I frown, I intimidate.
When I care, I cry.
When I love, I forgive.

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Friday's Feast 139

taken from www.fridaysfeast.com

Appetizer
When you were a child, which crayon color was your favorite?

Aqua

Soup
On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being highest), how likely would you be to change jobs if it required you to move?

1 – extremely unlikely. I follow where my husband’s career takes us. I do this by choice. We were just discussing this very question regarding a lovely opportunity for him in another city. We decided against it because we love where we are. Absolutely love it.

Salad
Take all the numbers in your birthday and your phone number and add them up, one by one. What’s the total?

58.

Main Course
Have you ever “re-gifted” anything? If so, what was it and who did you pass it on to?

I’m not positive about the definition of re-gift, but it seems logical that it would be when I give a gift to someone of an item I received as a gift. I’ve regifted most of my office Christmas party gifts because they are entirely useless and really, they weren’t “personal” gifts anyway. I took them to the next office party (ie. My spouse’s). He regifts his gifts at my party, I regift mine at his. Everybody’s happy.

Dessert
Name something you need from the store.

Pantihose. I wear them so rarely, I keep forgetting to buy them.

Saturday, April 07, 2007

Friday's Feast 138

from www.fridaysfeast.com

Appetizer
When you travel, which mode of transportation do you prefer?

Short trips, definitely my vehicle - our Honda Pilot. Comfy, roomy, stylish and dependable. But long trips - let me fly!

Soup
Have you ever met a blogging friend in person?

Yes, my writer friend Violet who dared to accept my invite for coffee when I was in her area. We had already exchanged many visits to each other's blog by then and I felt like she was someone worth getting to know. I was absolutely right.

Salad
When was the last time you were really, really tired?

Today. After caring for my son post-surgery - waking him every four hours to take pain meds, I slept on and off for most of the day and I'm still exhausted.

Main Course
If you could have dinner with any one fictional character from a book or movie, who would it be?

This is a tough steak to chew on. Let me think.... I read very little fiction. I would be far more interested in having dinner with some of my favorite authors like C.S.Lewis, Walter Wangerin Jr. or Elisabeth Elliot. If I have to follow the menu and pick a fictional character, I think Trixie Belden and I would hit it off quite nicely.

Dessert
Fill in the blank: One day, I hope to see _______________.

... my office completely in order with nothing left to file or process.

"To dream the impossible dream..."

Friday, March 30, 2007

Friday's Feast 137

from www.fridaysfeast.com

Appetizer
What are you proud of?

That I can see growth in my life. Maturity evidenced by self-control.

Soup
What is the best thing you’ve ever won as a prize?

Round trip airfare to Orlando.

Salad
Name something you do that is a waste of time.

Trying to make something that is 98% into something that is perfect.

Main Course
In what year of your life did you change the most?

1992. The year I gave birth.

My ability to love expanded exponentially. I finally began to understand my parents better because I was a parent. I related more effectively to others because raising a child is so very much an experience that is almost universal. I learned what patience really means but didn't always succeed at having it.

I compare that change to having lived in a shack for 35 years, and one day, I opened a door and discovered I now lived in a castle.

From poverty to royalty: this is how much my capacity for life exponentially increased the day my son was born.

Dessert
Where is a place you consider to be very tranquil?

Right here. In front of my computer, enjoying the breezes of friends and the clink of our glasses as we toast one more great feast.


OR Here:

Saturday, March 24, 2007

Friday's Feast 136

from http://fridaysfeast.blogspot.com

Appetizer
Who is your favorite news anchor/reporter? Why?

I always liked Peter Jennings. He was level headed, thoughtful, humble and Canadian.
I don't watch the news currently. No time to sit. I listen on the radio to keep up with current events.

Soup
Name 3 foods that are currently in your freezer.

Ground turkey, Shrimp Ring, Boneless Chicken Breast

Salad
If you were to have the opportunity to name a new town or city, what would you call it?

Boundaries

Main Course
What will most likely be the next book you read?

Body Clutter

Dessert
What's the first thing you notice about the opposite gender?

The first thing I notice is not what I dwell on, I'm just answering the question literally: the first thing I see is clothing. I love it when a guy dresses up. A well tailored suit jacket, dress shirt, polished shoes. I'm disappointed in rumpled or unkempt clothing as it usually reflects a careless or lazy owner. I'm frustrated by my son's habit of allowing the top of his boxers to show above his jeans. There's a reason it's called "under"wear.

The first thing I care about, though, is how they treat others. Of that I take notice. Do they listen? Make eye contact? Express interest? Draw others into their circle? Speak with kindness? Think before they speak? Leave others feeling better for having interacted with them? A guy like that can dress however he wants. I might even volunteer to iron his rumpled shirt.

And if you knew how much I dislike ironing....

Sunday, March 18, 2007

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
Name two things that made you smile this week.

1. Watching my son ski

2. The ZITS comic strip




Soup
Fill in the blank: Don't you hate it when ________?

your mind goes _______?

Salad
When you can't go to sleep, what is your personal remedy to help yourself drift into Lullabyland?

I'm doing it right now. (BLOGingzzzzzzz......)

Main Course
What is something about which you've always wondered but have not yet found a good answer?

Why we do what we know will hurt us. (see below)

Dessert
What is your favorite pasta dish?

"Pasta meat, pasta potatoes, pasta gravy, pasta dessert" What evah you wants to pasta me, it won't get past my plate!

Seriously though.... before high fat content began grossing me out, I liked "hot naked spaghetti" - instead of sauce it came "undressed" with only a bit of oil, melted garlic butter and a bit of parmesan cheese.

Thursday, March 01, 2007

Friday Feast

Taken from here.

Appetizer
What does the color pink make you think of?

The dresses my bridesmaids wore. They were tasteful. I'm still friends with my bridesmaids.

Soup
Name something you thought you had lost, but later found.

I lost my cellphone and found it in the garbage. Then I lost it again.

Salad
In 3 words, describe this past week.

Blur, Work, Exhaustion

Main Course
What are you obsessed with?

Not losing my new cell phone.

Dessert
What kind of perfume or cologne do you like to wear?

Angel