Random Dozen - Dr. Mario Addiction Edition

I had so much fun with my Random Dozen last week that I decided to join again. I just might make this a weekly event. Any one else care to join? Thanks to Lid for hosting!

1. What was the last song you listened to?

Praise You in this Storm - Casting Crowns

2. Have you ever had “buyer’s remorse” over anything?

Many many things. Unfortunately, I can be a somewhat impulsive shopper. Although, I am getting much better in my old age. I can't think of any major purchases I've had buyer's remorse over but I've certainly regretted an ice cream cone or two.

3. What is something in your life that you are thankful for now that you didn’t think you would be at the time of the event? (Something that seemed ill-timed, inconvenient or hurtful which turned out to be a good thing)

My first real break up.

4. Do you watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade every year? If so, do you have a favorite float or balloon?

Considering I'm from Canada and our Thanksgiving was about a month ago - now. The closest I get to watching the Macy's Parade is when I watch Miracle On 34th Street - although I think that's the Santa Clause Parade. So, never mind. The answer is just no.

5. Share a quote, scripture, poem or lyric which has been an inspiration to you lately.

Can I share three four? (I couldn't stop after three!)

"And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14b NIV

"And if I perish, I perish" Esther 4:16b NIV

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10 NIV

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates" Deuteronomy 6: 5-8 NIV

6. This is meant to be a fun question, and this is a G-rated blog, but please share a “guilty pleasure,” something that you enjoy that’s probably not the most edifying, time-worthy or healthy thing you could be indulging in. Did I mention--G rating?

Chocolate, Pepsi, Potato Chips ... unfortunately, I don't stop there ...

7. What Thanksgiving food are you looking forward to?

Seriously, folks ... Thanksgiving was a month ago! But... when Thanksgiving is approaching, I look forward to the stuffing and gravy. Oh boy. I might have to come over to the states in a few weeks just so I can do it all again.

8. What is your favorite book to read to children, or what was your favorite childhood book?

The Twelve Dancing Princesses. I'm not even sure if I have a copy of this book again. It was my favourite when I was a child and my parents hated it because it was SOO long. I also knew the entire story by heart, so they couldn't get away with trying to skip a few pages here and there. My poor parents. I guess it was payback for the many hours of lonliness I endured because of #11 (see below).

9. Do you collect anything? (Feel free to post a photo.)

I used to collect Zebras. Those were the days. All of my zebra paraphenalia is packed away, waiting to make it's second debut someday. I now collect roosters and olive things in my kitchen and dining room. I also collect Christmas decorations. And friends. I collect friends. They are the best collection.

10. Gift bags or wrapping paper?

Wrapping paper! Opening presents with gift bags is NO fun. My mother-in-law used to wrap all of her Christmas presents in gift bags until I came around and starting wrapping all of her presents for her - in wrapping paper. Unfortunately, that meant everyone else got their presents wrapped in paper and mine were always still in bags. Last year, I put my foot down and told her I'd only do her wrapping if she promised to wrap my gifts with paper. She agreed. Just wait - in a few months, I'll show you how much I love wrapping Christmas gifts!

11. Share an after-school memory from when you were younger. What was your routine like on an average day?

One time in grade 2 or 3, I remember coming home crying, because the kids in class had seen my white undies with red hearts on them sticking out of my pants during story time and had teased me all day. I never wore those undies again, yet I still remember exactly what they looked like.

As for my daily routine, I would come home, my mom would give me a good ol' bowl of melted cheese and she and I would sit down to play Dr. Mario on Nintendo for a few hours minutes. And then I'd tell her I was hungry for supper and she would shoo me away and tell me to wait a few minutes while she played "just one" one player game .... six hours later we would eat supper. This is an exaggeration but my mom has a small problem with addiction to video games, like Dr. Mario. Sorry for sharing your problems with the world, Mumma! ha ha ha!

Also, in grade 6 I remember coming home after school with my BFF almost every day and eating banana chocolate chip muffins that my mumma had made. This happened on the good days - when she wasn't playing Dr. Mario.

(Sidenote: My mother was actually a very good mother, despite her Dr. Mario tendencies. She read me The Twelve Dancing Princesses on a very regular basis...after I broke the Nintendo. Just kidding. Maybe.)

12. True story: Once, in a job interview, I was asked this question and told there would be no clarifying; I simply had to answer the question: “When you’re fishing, do you feel for the fish?” So what about you? When you're fishing, do you feel for the fish??

Fish are slimy and gross.