Snowy Silver Linings

"Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."

Isaiah 1:18 (ESV)

Snow seems to be one of those things that you either love it or hate it. I know it can be a nuisance. Not everyone loves having to shovel it, it isn't safe to drive in it, and many times plans must be changed or canceled all together. Sure snow is not convenient most of the time, but I must admit that I love it! I was recently asked to find the silver lining for a snow storm just as spring is about to approach, so I am going to try to present 10 reasons to argue my case.

1.  Biblical reminder
• Above I quoted a Bible verse from Isaiah. Whenever it snows, I find myself thinking of the sacrifice Christ made for us my shedding His blood on the cross for my sins. My heart full of sin has been covered in white because He paid the price. It is a beautiful reminder.
• About a year ago we were hit with a snow storm and the light for our flag pole was covered with snow, but the light shined through. It reminded me that the light we find in God's love can never be hidden.
  
2. Family Bonding Time
• Growing up I have fond memories of snow days. I especially liked the snows that were so big my dad could stay home. We would work together shoveling, go sledding, make hot chocolate, eat grilled cheese and soup for lunch, watch movies together. It was an unexpected day to enjoy precious time with my families. To this day I enjoy it. A few years ago my youngest brother and I faced the elements and built a snowman together. Fun times!
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
3.  Friendship and Good Times
• Not everyone can be with their family on a snow day. Maybe you don't live with your family, or perhaps you have a job which requires you to brave the elements. I still believe snow can be fun. Maybe you can go sledding with your neighbors, or build a pillow fort with your roommate, maybe your business slows downs and allows you to enjoy time with your co-workers. I loved playing with my neighborhood friends when I was younger, and I always enjoyed snow days at college with my friends and roommates there.
  
  
  
  
4. The joy of childhood
• As a teacher I get to experience the joy that is found in children when it snows. They light up when they talk about it. They love to sled, build snowmen, have a snowball fight and so much more. I love watching them experience it, and I know I loved experiencing it as a child.
  
5. Changing of the Seasons


• I love living along the northeastern coast. Experiencing the changing of the season thrills me. I get to see the leaves change colors in the fall, see the flowers grow in the spring, experience the adventures to be had in the summer heat, and my year would not be complete without snow fall in the winter.
  
  
  
6. Snow helps the environment
• Snow does help moisturize the earth's surface. Farmers can appreciate this as it will help their crop grow. My mom's theory is it helps kill germs. I can't tell you for sure if this is true, but it does keep children home from school for a day or two which may help stop the spreading of germs for a little while anyway.
  
7. Slow Down
• Life is busy. Sometimes I think snow is God's way of telling us to slow down. I know not everyone can take a snow day, but many of us do. We may not like it all the time, and sometimes I must admit we have too many snow days. However, I think every now and again, we need some time to stay home and spend time with our families. No running here and there, but just staying in and enjoying what we already have.
  
8. God's power displayed
• Psalm 19:1 says, "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork." Whether it be a thunder storm or a snow storm or anything in between, we can know we serve an all powerful God. To think, with all this power, He loves us all and sent His Son to die for us, so we can live with Him forever if we believe. What a humbling thought!
  
9. Winter Sports
• Just remember, if there was no snow, there would be no sledding, ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, etc, etc. I love the Olympics and how sad would it be if there was no winter Olympics.
  
10. God knows what we need
• Last year I had a really bad cold, but I was going to push through my second job. I wasn't sure how, but I thought I needed too. Right as I was getting ready, I get a call that don't need me because business was slow due to work. It was a God given miracle. Last month I had a horrible stomach bug. I never had to make up plans for the substitute because we had a snow day. Also I'm pretty sure that most teachers can attest to the fact that every once and while, the kids and the teachers need a break from the long winter. Snow can be a blessing in disguise if you are looking.
  

There you have it. Ten reasons why I love the snow! I know it isn't for everyone, and I am so grateful to the first responders, medical personnel, utility workers, snow plowers and so many others who must face the elements to help others. I also know that too much of anything can be a bad thing. We do need to work, and we all have needs which need met through our employment. I am not saying I constantly wish for a week long blizzard. I just find joy in a good solid snow or two each winter. I see it as another part of God's Creation, and I believe there can be much to be learned and enjoyed from it.

"Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow."

~ Psalm 51:7 (ESV)

Defiance

Becoming a teacher is truly one of the biggest blessings the Lord has given me. Since I began student teaching nearly four years ago, many memories ranging from sweet to sad, from exciting to scary, or hilarious to maddening flood my mind. Teaching reveals how much I am still learning on a constant basis. Researching new units to teach excites me as I recall and study facts about the amazing world God has created. The Lord granted me a desire of my heart when He graciously allowed me the opportunity to work with children. While I do feel privileged to hold such a position, I have also discovered it is a responsibility that comes with many challenges. One of the most difficult challenges I feel I face more and more these days is defiance.

            One definition of defiance is open disregard, contempt. As I prepare my classroom in the summer or work ahead on my lesson plans, I have a picture of sweet smiling faces enjoying the activity prepared for them. Then comes the day when the students arrive and the plan is executed. Suddenly, Billy wants to play with the trucks and Susie wants to read in the corner while Bobby is trying to tap Mary’s shoulder. Now comes the time for discipline and classroom management. In college, one is told to come up with routines and procedures for such events. Generally speaking, I have experienced success in my routines and procedures for classroom times until this year. With a young class equipped with shorter attention spans and several students still learning English, I’m learning to adjust my ways. I know this part of the growing experience for me as a teacher, but the behavior issues are still there.

            When a student looks you in the eye and tells you no or turns around and does the exact opposite of your instruction with that attitude of open disregard or contempt, it hurts. I know God loves this child and has placed him or her in my care. They are my student, and I love them deeply. It is this love which drives my desire for them to learn and what is more, enjoy it. Yet, in these defiant moments, it would seem the child could care less. Perhaps care less is too dramatic of a phrase, but some of the children’s responses really make me wonder.  If nothing else, this year continues to stretch me in ways I never thought possible, and I am learning a lot more about classroom management and discipline. In the long run, this will be best for my professional growth and more importantly my spiritual growth.

            Defiance – it’s not fun to feel defied, and even less fun when I remember that I am a sinner. As children defy the classroom rules and directions, I see myself in the eyes of God. How many times do I know I shouldn’t watch that television show, say that hurtful thing, ignore that responsibility, and yet I go ahead and do it? James 4:17 says, “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” What a humbling thought! Much to my shame, I realize that I struggle with this very thing. Proverbs 10:17 says, “Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.” This realization of my defiance to the Lord is a real eye opener. I must use these reminders from my students as reproof from the Lord. Whether it mean get an accountability partner, spend more time in the Word or follow through on a God given responsibility, I must obey. The Bible teaches to ignore such warnings can lead others astray. I also miss out on God’s blessings when I decide I know better than He does. Defying God cannot bring about success. Something must change.

Thankfully, God offers forgiveness as shown in 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Once the defiance is recognized, the sin must be confessed, and the Lord will forgive. I can only begin to imagine how the Lord must feel when defy Him think knowing how it hurts me when I my directions are defied. Even with repeat offenses, the Lord continues to forgive me. With Christ’s example of mercy and grace in my life, I must reflect the same to my students on these difficult days. When the defiant looks begin and the situation begins to unravel, I must remember to rest in the Lord for help and follow His example. As God promised so long ago in Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” I am never forsaken, and my God is ready to help me if I only give the situation on my own. Forgetting His help and attempting to handle the situation on my own is simply defiance.

New Every Morning

"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is your faithfulness." - Lamentations 3:22-23

Whew! What a week. At the moment I can't remember when I experienced one so trying. I feel like I'm going all Anne of Green Gables dramatic right now, but this week is one I would care not to repeat. The week has been an emotional roller coaster, and several situations exploded at the same time. For me personally, none of it was super bad, just overwhelming all at once. Despite the emotional and mental toll, it has been a grand learning experience.

I am now in my fourth year of teaching preschool. The first year was a challenge because it was my first time to teach. I had spent 4 years preparing for elementary education only to be thrown into preschool. It took that year to have an idea of what is expected in such an environment. Year 2 allowed me to put it into practice. Year 3 I switched schools and went an age level down. I now teach 3 year olds as opposed to 4&5's. You wouldn't think a year difference would be a big deal, but trust me, as I was warned, it does. Though challenging, I came to love it. I was excited entering into this year, and truthfully I still am. However, this class has another set of new challenges. I really don't wanted to broadcast specifics on the internet, so bear with me. The first month is always hard because many of my students have never been in school before. It takes a while for them to go with the flow and fall into routine. Mix this with unforeseen challenges, it takes a toll.

Here over the weekend, I struggled to keep up with my weekend job. Each time I thought I was catching up, I seemed to slip further behind. Then the inner struggle began. The kind where I battle covetousness and entitlement all the while knowing how wrong it is.

Basically all week I have felt like a failure. 

A failure as a teacher, an employee, a friend, a daughter, a sister, a Christian. Yet all week the Lord kept bringing this verse in Lamentations to mind. It kept me going each day. It even allowed me to have  a couple good days amidst the chaos. His mercies are new every morning. No matter how bad a day or perhaps just a moment may be, His mercies will be new. Each rising sun is a blank slate on a new day. A new day to learn from my mistakes. A new day to practice patience, try a new method, say a kind word, ask for forgiveness, try again, read and cherish His Word. It's a chance to invest in someone else instead a wallowing in self-pity. It is a chance to see the good that's been progressing while I've been absorbed with the bad.

As I pondered writing this post, I thought about how I have been reading through Job in my morning devotions. Without realizing it, my week seems to have been a test. Granted, my family didn't die nor did I lose everything I owned. Nothing was as bad as Job experienced, but my faith was tested. I can't say I had a good attitude in all of these situations, but I kept coming back to this truth found in Job 19:25-27:

"For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin is destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God. Whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another, though my heart be consumed within me."

What reassurance! The trials of this week won't be the last I ever experience. Some days may be worse and probably will be. Yet, the God of all Creation is on my side. His power is made perfect in my weakness. (2 Cor. 2:19) I never have to suffer through any of this hurt, trial and tribulation alone. The problem is I have to be willing to give it over to Him first. I seem to want to handle it all on my own, but I can't. Instead of relinquishing control, I fret over the fact that I can't by myself. This is when the feeling of failure take hold and consume me. When I give it to Him, His compassions consume me, and His new mercies are present for me to see.

I know I am a sinner and come short of His glory (Rom 3:23). He knows I am not perfect, yet He still loves me and gives more grace. When I reflect on these many verses, it is hard to stay bitter, angry or hurt. The more I think about it, I become grateful for the teachings of my parents, grandparents, teachers and church leaders who have been a part of my Bible memory and teaching experiences. To go through this life without God and His Word would prove more than I could bear. Counting my blessings really does feel my heart with joy, and all the struggles from the past week begin to fade away.

The passage in Lamentations goes onto say:

"The Lord is my portion, says my soul; therefore will I hope in Him. The Lord is good to them that seek Him, to the soul that waits on Him."

I don't have to have it all together all the time and do it all, all by myself. I need to look to Him. Gain strength from Him to face the day. To seek wisdom from Him, strength for the day, guidance for the path, and the rest will fall into place in His own perfect timing.

 Here's to better days and new mercies every morning at the start of a brand new week!

The Heart of the Matter

          

 A couple years ago, I wrote a post about the bad guy. I used several fictional characters to illustrate my point. Summed up, I mentioned that there are villainous characters I feel for because of their stories. All of us go through struggles in life, and they can make or break us. Through God’s grace, we are saved and can do good for others, but not all take this chance. Villains show me my own fleshly vulnerability, and in turn reminds me to examine my life as a follower of Jesus Christ.

                I think it is time to revisit this issue, and share some new views I have on this matter. Perhaps I have been living under a rock my whole life or maybe I am correct in saying that there seems to be a trend of idolizing the bad guys. Many reasons exist for this – there may be more character development, the actor or actress may be more appealing in looks and nature than the rest of the cast or perhaps people just enjoy living life vicariously through the baddie’s side. I’m sure many more reasons exist for this, but I digress.

                                                                 

                I used to enjoy watching the show, Once Upon a Time. This season I decided to give it up. I can save some time and sum up my reasons as being I was too emotionally involved with a tv show. That’s all it is, and there are more important things I should spend my time doing. However, the issues at hand did get me thinking. A line I heard repeatedly through the show was, “Evil is not born; it is made.”

                                                                 

                I agree to the extent that our surroundings shape who we are. The Lord has blessed me with a godly Christian heritage, loving family, food and shelter, supportive friends, Christian education, freedoms and the list goes on and on. I have a lot to be grateful for, and I owe a lot of who I am to the Lord and His blessings as well as the people He has placed in my life. Not all are so blessed as I am. Desperation and deprivation can lead people down some dark paths, and I understand that. The thing is – it doesn't have to be that way. The opposite can be said of both scenarios. People who are blessed as I are still capable of making poor choices that lead to death and destruction, just as people from less fortunate scenarios are fully capable of rising to the challenge and making a difference for good in this world.

                                                                    

                Every human no matter who you are is born the same – a sinner. Romans 3:23 tells that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Jeremiah 17 tells us that the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked. It is the Lord who knows the heart and can heal it. So you see, we are all born evil. We are born selfish, wanting our way and doing what it takes to get it. This is where God’s grace comes in to play. He has made a way to save us from our sins. He gave us His Word to teach us how to be saved and how to live for Him.

                                                

                Now it takes work, and it also takes roots. This is why Jesus commands in Matthew 16 to go into the world and preach unto the nations. We are to share our knowledge of salvation with others, so they may believe in Christ and be saved. The Lord has also given instruction to parents, pastors and various church leaders to shepherd minds with the knowledge of Christ. So yes, many people turn down dark paths because they have not yet heard there was another way or they chose to neglect salvation.

                                                                     

                My point is this – evil is born, and then we have a choice. We can accept the gift of salvation or we can neglect it. We can choose God’s goodness and light or we can remain in the darkness. Ultimately it comes down to a matter of heart and not circumstance. It is the most important choice we can make. Seeing this issue taken so lightly in our culture and media is troublesome. So now, I must make a choice to deter from idolizing wickedness and look to encourage and reflect goodliness.  

                                                                        

Another Bend in the Road

Life happens. Some days you wake up thinking it will be a normal day, and at times that is exactly what the day is. Then there are the days when it feels as if your life will never be the same again. These feelings keep life exciting and perhaps a bit scary. You truly never know what will happen next.

   I am a self proclaimed dreamer. I am easily distracted and will easily settle into my day dreams if left to sit and think for too long. I have always had plans for my life, but alas - "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:9)." How true this is because I could not begin to dream up some of the turns my life has taken.

      As I contemplated writing this post, I began to think of how I could explain the latest decision in my life. Looking back on the journey it took to get where I now am, I am in awe of the Savior's design for my life. He is so much better at this whole planning thing than I am!

     About 12 years ago my world turned upside down when I was forced to change schools. For an introvert such as myself and highly adapted into my comfort zone, it felt like the world had ended. To make a long story short, I ended up at Veritas Academy where I made several dear and life long friends, expanded my world view and discovered that the Baptists aren't the only ones going to heaven,  traveled to many amazing places, and received a terrific education where I even became semi-okay with the whole public speaking thing. It was a transformation in my life for sure.

      Of course, that time came to an end and I headed off to college. I suppose I began that part of the journey thinking I would get an education degree to fall back on in hopes that I would become a wife and mother quickly. This did not happen, and for now I am thankful about that. You see, I LOVED studying to become a teacher. The more I observed and came up with lesson plans, the more I desired to have experience in a classroom of my very own. This desire was confirmed during an amazing student teaching experience. My host mother during this time constantly said something that has stuck with me to this day, "God never wastes an experience." Some days I may be confused and unable to understand why things happen or don't happen, but God does. He can use it for His honor and glory if I give these struggles to Him, and let Him work.

      So onto adult life I went with an elementary education degree in hand. My fondest dream was to return to Veritas - the school that had changed my life - and give back in ministry as a teacher. It almost happened that first year too, but God shut that door. The news came at first as a crushing blow. I was upset and maybe even felt a little betrayed, but I had to remember that Veritas was not the only school in the world. In hindsight, I probably would not have enjoyed the position as much as what I ended up doing. I am sure I would have enjoyed it well enough, but it goes to show that God knows better than I do.

       That summer I began frantically searching for another job to stay afloat. My mom happened to see that a little nursery school in southern PA was looking for teachers with elementary education degrees. I went for it. Lo and behold they hired me, and I have spent the last two years as a pre-kindergarten teacher. Turns out that I love this age group. Based on my experience spent with other ages, I know I enjoy them all, but my heart beats for the early education crew.

      My two years at JLNS have been amazing! I enjoyed each and every minute there. However, I faced a new challenge. I also have been working at an after school program to maintain full time hours, but the program that employs me is being closed down. I knew I would have to find something else. God, of course, was miles ahead of me. You see, Veritas was in the planning stages of opening a preschool. After some discussions, interviews and a lot of other details, the Lord opened the door for me to be a preschool teacher at Veritas.

       It was a difficult decision for me because I love where I work now, and I am going to miss my fellow staff and the children. However, I am super excited to return to my alma mater and teach. Not only do I get to teach there, I get to teach the age group I have fallen in love with. I am also excited to be on staff with my mother who has been a part of my inspiration in pursuing this dream. I should mention though, that the preschool is being hosted in a local church for rooming purposes. I will still be a part of the community, and that is thrilling.

    It is a bittersweet time now as I am beginning the transition. My old classroom has been packed away, and the boxes sit in the basement waiting to be moved to my new classroom. Lots of good memories, and an exciting adventure ahead. No matter what the adventure holds, I can truly see that God does not waste an experience. When I asked to teach at Veritas, He said, "Wait." He sent me to a preschool and fulfilled a desire of my heart. Now He is saying, "Yes." The future looks bright indeed.

Questions Not Usually Asked

I came across these questions on tumblr, and I thought it would be fun to answer them on this blog.

Questions not usually asked

• 1:Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed?

Closed - open doors freak me out when I sleep

• 2:Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotel?
• No, they usually only last one or two hair washes anyway
• 3:Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out?
• In at the bottom of the bed, out everywhere else
• 4:Have you ever stolen a street sign before?
• No, I am one of those boring goody two shoe types
• 5:Do you like to use post-it notes?
• I am a teacher, so of course! I use them for a variety of things
• 6:Do you cut out coupons but then never use them?
• No, I don't even bother for that reason
• 7:Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees?
• Um....neither, but I guess a bear because I know to roll up in a ball. I have no idea what to do with a swarm of bees.
• 8:Do you have freckles?
• I do indeed, lots of them
• 9:Do you always smile for pictures?
• I try unless it's a silly face picture or something. I don't like pics of me not smiling
• 10:What is your biggest pet peeve?
• Loud eating noises like smacking lips and crunching with your mouth open
• 11:Do you ever count your steps when you walk?
• Not usually
• 14:Do you ever dance even if there's no music playing?
• I do.
• 15:Do you chew your pens and pencils?
• A little bit, but I with all the time spent around young children, I am very picky about putting things in my mouth
• 16:How many people have you slept with this week?
• I am unmarried, so none and it saddens me that this is a question that many people would actually find appropriate. Perhaps this is one of my biggest pet peeves
• 17:What size is your bed?
• double
• 18:What is your Song of the week?
• "I Choose You" -Sara Bairelles 
• 19:Is it okay for guys to wear pink?
• Depends on the guy and the shade and how much pink
• 20:Do you still watch cartoons?
• not really, but I'm not opposed
• 21:Whats your least favorite movie?
• Hmmm - I honestly don't know. I remember being really bored by Vantage Point though
• 22:Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some?
• Maybe, but I would probably meet financial needs and give to places I've always wanted to give more too, so who knows what would be left to bury
• 23:What do you drink with dinner?
• Mostly water
• 24:What do you dip a chicken nugget in?
• Ranch, but I do like BBQ and honey mustard too, and I always choose Chic-fil-a sauce if I have it
• 25:What is your favorite food?
• lasagna
• 26:What movies could you watch over and over and still love?
• The Lord of the Rings - they never disappoint
• 28:Were you ever a boy/girl scout?
• No, but 2 of my cousins are Eagle Scouts
• 29:Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine?
• Never - far be it for our world to appreciate purity
• 30:When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper?
• It was a few months ago to my friend, Sarah, but I forgot to send it. I sent her letters last summer though. I love snail mail!
• 31:Can you change the oil on a car?
• No, I have 2 brothers and they do an excellent job
• 32:Ever gotten a speeding ticket?
• Sadly the answer is yes
• 33:Ever ran out of gas?
• No, I am pretty paranoid about that and stay on top of it
• 34:Favorite kind of sandwich?
• any kind of tuna melt
• 35:Best thing to eat for breakfast?
• usually depends on my mood, but I do love cinnamon buns!
• 36:What is your usual bedtime?
• 11:00ish
• 37:Are you lazy?
• I can be
• 38:When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween?
• clown, cat, Pilgrim, Peter Rabbit's mother, princess, Minnie Mouse
• 39:What is your Chinese astrological sign?
• no idea
• 40:How many languages can you speak?
• uno
• 41:Do you have any magazine subscriptions?
• Nope
• 42:Which are better legos or lincoln logs?
• Lincoln Logs
• 43:Are you stubborn?
• depends - I am usually pretty easy going and go with the flow 
• 44:Who is better...Leno or Letterman?
• Leno
• 45:Ever watch soap operas?
• Isn't everything on tv a soap opera
• 46:Are you afraid of heights?
• heck yes
• 47:Do you sing in the car?
• it is the best place to do
• 48:Do you sing in the shower?
• of course, the acoustics are amazing
• 49:Do you dance in the car?
• I have been known to bust a few moves there, yes
• 50:Ever used a gun?
• BB gun - yes
• 51:Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer?
• back in October or November or whenever it was picture day at school
• 52:Do you think musicals are cheesy?
• No, I like many of them
• 53:Is Christmas stressful?
• It can be when I worry about schedules and forget what Christmas is about
• 54:Ever eat a pierogi?
• College did allow me such an experiment
• 55:Favorite type of fruit pie?
• Pretty much
• 56:Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid?
• artist, dolphin trainer, vet, horse instructor/ camp owner, teacher 
• 57:Do you believe in ghosts?
• Nope
• 58:Ever have a Deja-vu feeling?
• Quite often actually
• 59:Take a vitamin daily?
• Nope
• 60:Wear slippers?
• sometimes
• 61:Wear a bath robe?
• every once and a while
• 62:What do you wear to bed?
• pj pants and old t-shirt
• 63:First concert?
• High Valley and Jeff & Sheri Easter
• 64:Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart?
• Target is my favorite, but I go to Wal Mart for the price
• 65:Nike or Adidas?
• Adidas, but my brother works for Nike so I'm slowly switching loyalties 
• 66:Cheetos Or Fritos?
• Cheetos
• 67:Peanuts or Sunflower seeds?
• Peanuts
• 68:Ever hear of the group Tres Bien?
• No, I haven't
• 69:Ever take dance lessons?
• Yes- colonial and swing
• 70:Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing?
• not anything specific though I have thought of different things over the year
• 71:Can you curl your tongue?
• yes
• 72:Ever won a spelling bee?
• I don't think I ever participated in one
• 73:Have you ever cried because you were so happy?
• I sure have
• 74:Own any record albums?
• Nope
• 75:Own a record player?
• No, but I always enjoyed listening to my grandmother's record player
• 76:Regularly burn incense?
• No
• 77:Ever been in love?
• No
• 78:Who would you like to see in concert?
• Mumford & Sons
• 79:What was the last concert you saw?
• Fall Fest 2012 - Josh Turner and Gloriana
• 80:Hot tea or cold tea?
• I like both - so it really depends on the mood
• 81:Tea or coffee?
• Tea all the way
• 82:Sugar or snickerdoodles?
• sugar
• 83:Can you swim well?
• well enough - I do consider myself to be a fish
• 84:Can you hold your breath without holding your nose?
• above water, yes - below water, no
• 85:Are you patient?
• I'm getting better - my traffic ticket did help with that
• 86:DJ or band, at a wedding?
• DJ
• 87:Ever won a contest?
• Yes, I have
• 88:Ever have plastic surgery?
• nope
• 89:Which are better black or green olives?
• Neither - olives are disgusting
• 90:Can you knit or crochet?
• I used to crochet, but I have recently started to loom knit
• 91:Best room for a fireplace?
• living room/family room
• 92:Do you want to get married?
• yes
• 93:If married, how long have you been married?
• still single
• 95:Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way?
• I can't say that I do, though I may try it on my brothers if I'm upset enough
• 96:Do you have kids?
• I don't, but I do have lots of students
• 97:Do you want kids?
• I do!
• 98:Whats your favorite color?
• purple
• 99:Do you miss anyone right now?
• Yes, several friends scattered around the country