Enquiring Minds Want to Know (16)

Each week Dollycas's Thoughts hosts the meme "Enquiring Minds Want to Know." She posts questions for us to answer each week in order for us bloggers and readers to get to know each other beyond our books.  Check out her's and others answers here.

1. What is your family background regarding nationality?

Though I know a little bit about my family's nationality, it's never been really important in my life.  My dad's heritage is English, and my mom's side of the family came from Norway.  Though, the neat thing about my mom's family is that my grandfather lived in North Dakota, the youngest of 8 (I believe).  He tells stories of digging tunnels to the bar in 7 feet of snow.

2. Have you ever eaten corned beef and cabbage, the traditionally meal of St. Patrick's Day or drank green colored beer?

That would be a negative on both accounts.  I've never actually celebrated St. Patty's Day.  And I'm only celebrating tonight with popcorn and basketball, as I have to work early tomorrow (really early as I don't normally work during the day).

3. St. Patrick's Day is celebrated in many cities in the U.S. and around the world, are there any celebrations happening near you?

You know, honestly I have no idea.  Sorry, I'm a bit too practical tonight with no celebrating.  I'm not even wearing green.  (Totally rocking red and blue in spirit of my Bruins - Belmont Bruins!)

 

Anybody enjoying St. Patty's Day more than me?  Hope you guys have (safe) fun!  Have one for me.  :)

Enquiring Minds Want to Know (15)

Each week Dollycas's Thoughts hosts the meme "Enquiring Minds Want to Know." She posts questions for us to answer each week in order for us bloggers and readers to get to know each other beyond our books.  Check out her's and others answers here.

1. Author Jessica Park commented this week on Facebook that "Naming characters takes me almost as long as it does to write the book." which led me to start thinking about names. Is there a story behind your first name?

As most of you probably know, my name is Hannah Marie.  Um, I'm not sure how my parents decided on my name.  But I do know that my name (well both of my pre-birth names) were picked from the Bible.  My parents did not find out whether they were having a boy or girl (with both of their "born" children - two adopted siblings... they already knew their genders).  So my names were Hannah or Samuel.  Interestingly, (or an old family story) my Christmas stocking was made by my grandmother before I was born, so it has two sides - Hannah and Sam.  I don't honestly know where Marie came from...

2. Do you think parents today give more thought to the names they give their children than our parents did?

oh, time out...  Isn't that an adorable picture I found?  I found it on a mother's blog.  I love it!  

Anyway....  I'm not sure it's so much that parents give more thought to the names as that they attempt/want a more original name.  My sister works in the NICU and my mom's a teacher, so I hear all kinds of stories of crazy names.  Maybe it's because I'm not a parent, but seriously, there are what, like 7 billion people in the world.  The chances that your kid will have an original, unique name are like slim-to-none.  So, when I pick out my kids names, I hope to find something pretty and something that will not make my kids hate me.  I love the idea of family names, but I'm attempting to be a good "future wife" and not pick out my names while I'm single and have no prospects for marriage/kids anytime soon (as opposed to my sister, who has at least four names picked out... uh, don't tell my brother-in-law).  :)  Mostly I just don't want my kids to hate their name.  I mean, I have a generally common name - Hannah.  There were three Hannahs and one Anna in my kindergarten class - so I became Hannah Marie.  No harm, no foul...  The only thing I hate about the name - having an association with Hannah Montana (just because I am 22 guys... don't really want to be compared to a child celebrity).

3. What is the most unusual child's name you have noticed recently?

So, probably not the most unusual name but the one that stuck out for me was: Nevaeh (heaven spelled backwards).  I think it's pretty, but I have a hard time associating it with anything other than an attempt to be unique, which bugs me.  Maybe if it becomes more popular, I'll jump on the bandwagen.  However, moving to a new area of the country has introduced me to many names that I'd never heard of (but I was kindly informed that they were VERY common here):  Luella, Imogen, Jada, oh I had a long list and now I can't think of any others......  Anyway, you get the picture.

Enquiring Minds Want to Know (14)

Each week Dollycas's Thoughts hosts the meme "Enquiring Minds Want to Know." She posts questions for us to answer each week in order for us bloggers and readers to get to know each other beyond our books.  Check out her's and others answers here.

1. How many cookbooks do you own?

I have quite a few cookbooks.  Most have been gifts from my sister or mom.  But mostly I love to cook.  My favorites, baking and fondue, I have many cookbooks covering.

2. What is the most used electrical appliance in your kitchen?

I'm going to go with my dishwasher.  It's a task to do the dishes for me anyway, but I'm pretty sure if I didn't have a dishwasher, I would never have clean dishes.

3. How many nights per week do you have take-out, delivery or fast food?

Mostly it varies week to week, depending on when work and how close/far from my next paycheck.  I try to not eat out more than two nights a week, more from a money aspect than a healthy one.  But that usually means I eat a whole lot of cereal.  :)

Enquiring Minds Want to Know (13)

Each week Dollycas's Thoughts hosts the meme "Enquiring Minds Want to Know." She posts questions for us to answer each week in order for us bloggers and readers to get to know each other beyond our books.  Check out her's and others answers here.

1. Did you watch the Super Bowl? If yes, which part did you like the best, the game, the halftime show, the commercials and did you notice the mistake made with the National Anthem?

I actually didn't get to watch the Super Bowl this year.  I was working.  I caught glimpses of it while in patients' rooms, but didn't see any of the halftime show.  Though we did watch the commercials online later.  My favorite:  The little Darth Vadar.  So adorable.

2. I joined a new meme this week called "Monday's Music Moves Me", this month's theme is love songs, Do you have a favorite love song?
Hm.  I don't know that I do.  Or perhaps, I should say that it changes regularly.  I would have to say my current favorite would be Teenage Dream by Katy Perry.  I just think it's a great concept to be in love with someone who loves you for who you are.  And makes you feel like you are a teenager all over again.

 

3. How many blog challenges have you entered this year?

5.  And I'm seriously behind.  I took a bit of a hiatus during a busy couple of work weeks where all I did was sleep.  But hopefully, I will catch up in February. 

Enquiring Minds Want to Know (12)

Each week Dollycas's Thoughts hosts the meme "Enquiring Minds Want to Know." She posts questions for us to answer each week in order for us bloggers and readers to get to know each other beyond our books.  Check out her's and others answers here.

1. What is the outside temperature where you are today?

My phone puts the temperature at 24 degrees right now, with about an inch of snow on the ground.  But the temperature is supposed to drop with it snowing all week.  (sweet!)

2. Do participate in any special winter sports or hobbies like skiing or snowmobiling, etc?
I don't participate in winter sports (or sports at all for that matter).  I would love to try snow skiing, as I love water skiing, but I haven't gotten around to it yet.

3. If you had to choose between a week long stay in a mountain lodge with lots of snow, activities, friends, food and beverages or a week alone on a deserted white sand island with just a bag of books and food and water which would you choose?

 

Mountain Lodge!  Though the beach is nice, I love cold weather.  And the idea of a wonderful vacation (not counting cool places to go or anything) for me would be a snuggly lodge with snow outside, warm tea or hot chocolate inside, a great book, and fun friends/family.  My family actually did this a couple of years ago, rented a cabin and just hung out for several days.  It was wonderful.  I love curling up by the fire (gas or real, I don't care) with a cup of tea and a great book.  Or playing cards with family around the living room with the fire crackling in the background.  Sounds perfect.  Whose ready for vacation?  ME, ME!  

Enquiring Minds Want to Know (11)

Each week Dollycas's Thoughts hosts the meme "Enquiring Minds Want to Know." She posts questions for us to answer each week in order for us bloggers and readers to get to know each other beyond our books.  Check out her's and others answers here.  This week is on a bit of a heavy subject.  But as part of getting to know each other is seeing a reaction in a tragedy, I thought I would continue with meme this week as well.

1. Where were you/how did you hear about the tragedy in Tucson?

I believe I was at my parents' house and caught a glimpse at a newspaper.  You may dislike me for this thought process, but in the event of honesty, I am going to share my view.  I tend to not follow national news; in fact, I don't generally follow news much at all.  I grew up in Memphis, and so much of news from there (or almost anywhere these days) is so depressing and violent.  Because I work with death every day, I find that the last thing I want to do at the end of a work day is turn on the tv to watch more horrors.  Perhaps that is naive and shallow, but it's apart of a coping mechanism for me to be able to give myself completely to my job.  But back to the topic at hand, I drove back to Memphis a couple of days ago and glimpsed a newspaper (I don't receive one myself) that mentioned the tragedy.  I have only recently received most of the facts of the event.

2. Do you think it is the politicians and the news media that stir the pot to make these events more likely to happen?

I don't know that they make them more likely to happen, but I do believe that they make it worse when it does.  The most relevant thing I can speak of is 9-11, when I saw the event happen so many times on TV that I stopped crying at it.  That image is forever burned into my head (firstly, because of the horror) but mostly because it was reviewed and discussed relentlessly throughout the next few days.  It was a severe tragedy, but it's hard for me to believe that those who died are honored by the continued reliving and rehashing of the event.  I guess I wish things were handled a little more tastefully.

3. Do you think we will see any changes in the way our representatives in our home states or in Washington interact with their constituents/us?

I'm sure we will.  It may not be tomorrow, but just as airport security is still being affected, I think security in all places will be affected throughout the country.

I apologize for the seriousness of this post, simply because this is a hobby and generally a getaway for many people.  But I pray for those who are affected both directly and indirectly by such a tragedy.  Until next time.

Enquiring Minds Want to Know (10)

I've been totally lax on this meme, and I have missed it terribly.  But I'm back!  Each week Dollycas's Thoughts hosts the meme "Enquiring Minds Want to Know." She posts questions for us to answer each week in order for us bloggers and readers to get to know each other beyond our books.  Check out her's and others answers here.

1. How would you build the perfect sandwich?

Well, since I'm a hunger-eater-by-suggestion, I definitely  jumped off and got some food when I saw what this weeks questions were about  (toast and jam).  But back to the important topic of sandwiches, I would have to say that my perfect sandwich consists of my own personal homemade sourdough bread, ham, provolone cheese, mayo, and lettuce toasted to perfection.  A bit boring I know, but it's the bread that makes the sandwich - so it's perfect to me.

2. What is your favorite flavor of potato chips?

Though potato chips aren't a favorite of mine, I have to say that that spot would be taken by Harvest Cheddar Sunchips.

3. Now add the perfect beverage to complete this lunch.

Coco-Cola Classic!!!  I'm a HUGE Coke fan.  When I moved to this foreign land, I actually found out that some weird people actually drink Pepsi.  What's wrong with people around here?  Don't worry, I'm working on converting them.  :) 

Since this post is all about getting to know each other, I thought I would share some fun pics.   Any chance to show off my baby.  I can't find my camera charger, so these are from my phone.  Isn't he adorable in the snow?!

His first taste of snow (he's been too afraid to lick it until now)

Puppy prints

Enquiring Minds Want to Know (9)

Each week Dollycas's Thoughts hosts the meme "Enquiring Minds Want to Know." She posts questions for us to answer each week in order for us bloggers and readers to get to know each other beyond our books.  Check out her's and others answers here.

1. What is your biggest pet peeve?

Biggest pet peeve.... you mean I have to choose?  I'll narrow it down to two.  First, and probably my biggest, pet peeve is general laziness.

The caption under this picture was, "not my job."

But, because I work in the health care profession, simply saying "not my job" generally means that someone else will have to do it.  Perhaps it is only a glass of water or answering the phone, but sometimes that phone call is to say that someone is having a fatal rhythm.  It just bugs me when I work in the serving profession and no one is serving anyone but themselves. 

The other pet peeve I have is unreadable handwriting.  I know that doctor's handwriting is a common joke among lay people, but try being that nurse that tries to read that handwriting.  Can't wait until we go to computer documentation.  :)

2. Do you shop online?

I do tend to shop online for some different things.  It mostly just depends on my mood.  The only exception to that is Christmas.  I love wrapping presents, so if I buy it online, I have it shipped to me so I can wrap it.  :)

3. Have you ever traveled by train?

Unfortunately, no.  It is a big dream of mine though.  I've looked into a train that goes across Canada, and I think that would be a lovely vacation.

Enquiring Minds Want to Know (8)

Each week Dollycas's Thoughts hosts the meme "Enquiring Minds Want to Know." She posts questions for us to answer each week in order for us bloggers and readers to get to know each other beyond our books.  Check out her's and others answers here.

1. What is your favorite vegetable?

Oh goodness, you mean I have to pick?!  I happen to love veggies and fruit, so picking is hard....  However, I think my favorite veggies are corn and green beans.  When I was growing up we would grow both in the garden, and summer was always wonderful due to having fresh green beans and corn for dinner.  Often times, we would have an all veggie dinner.

2. What is your favorite fruit?

Hm... favorite fruit: probably strawberries and raspberries.   I love apples and grapes too.  Maybe I should say fruit salad.    My favorite vacation spot is Oregon in the summer because there are so many wonderful berries.

3. Do you grow any of your own fruit and vegetables?

Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to grow anything yet.  I'm still in an apartment, so I don't have room just yet.  But I plan to have a nice garden with veggies (and maybe berries, depending on where I live), especially when I have kids, because I know it was a wonderful part of childhood.

What about you?  What kinds of food do you love to eat?

Enquiring Minds Want to Know (7)

Each week Dollycas's Thoughts hosts the meme "Enquiring Minds Want to Know." She posts questions for us to answer each week in order for us bloggers and readers to get to know each other beyond our books.  Check out her's and others answers here.

1.  Do/did your kids or grandkids take part in sports organized by school or recreation departments? 

I don't have any children besides my fur baby, Bennett.  But I think learning the team concept is a good thing for kids, so I will probably have my children take part in at least one team.  If they hate it, then we can say we tried. 

 

2.  Were you involved in any sports while growing up?

I was involved in soccer at my church when I was young.  It was the only sport that I wasn't horribly bad at.  I really enjoyed it for a while, but then I got into band when I was in middle school and high school - so sports fell by the wayside.

 

3.  How are you planning to spend Thanksgiving? 

I'm so incredibly excited to be going to my parents' house for Thanksgiving.  I'm single and new to this city, so I don't have many people to invite for my own Thanksgiving.  But I'm excited to have Thanksgiving off (I'm a nurse, so I wasn't sure that I would have the holiday off.  Means I'll work Christmas, but I knew that was coming...), so I will be driving the 9 hours home to see my family.  I haven't been to my parents' home in four months, so I'm super-duper excited!  My niece is almost 2 and talking!!

Enquiring Minds Want to Know (6)

Each week Dollycas's Thoughts hosts the meme "Enquiring Minds Want to Know." She posts questions for us to answer each week in order for us bloggers and readers to get to know each other beyond our books.  Check out her's and others answers here.

1.  Do you have a Veteran in your family? (living or in the past)

I do.  My grandfather served in the Korean War, and he often tells the story of his crossing the ocean and eating an entire can of olives with his buddy.  And (of course) they were the only two who didn't get sick.  :)

2.  Where were you born?

I was born in Memphis, hometown of Elvis.  I find it quite funny that that's what everyone associates with Memphis, as I've never been to his house (and I lived there for 20 years).  To me, Memphis is home to family, good BBQ, horrible drivers, awful road-rage, and my long-time friends.

3.  Have you seen an good movies lately, in the theater or on DVD? Recommend one for us to watch.

I find it so ironic that this is a question this week, because I am working on a post about the most recent movie I saw.  Secretariat is a movie I saw with my parents, recommended by friends of theirs.  They said that it was in the same class as Seabiscuit.  And I enjoyed it just as much.  Secretariat is about a one of the all-time best racehorses of all time.  It has Diane Lane (a favorite of mine) in it, who does a wonderful job portraying a strong woman in the late 60s, early 70s.  And I recommend it for all people who love family-type movies.  It's a great, clean, fun movie - especially for those who love horses.

 

I look forward to hearing everyone else's answers to this week's meme.  Great questions this week.  Hope you guys have a great reading weekend! 

Enquiring Minds Want to Know (5)

Each week Dollycas's Thoughts hosts the meme "Enquiring Minds Want to Know."  She posts questions for us to answer each week in order for us bloggers and readers to get to know each other beyond our books.  She's decided to make it a weekend long meme so that those of us who get busy with life can also participate.  And this week, I'm especially happy that she made it a weekend long meme.  I'm so behind on my posting!  Check out her's and others answers here.

This week's questions:

 

Did you vote on Tuesday? 

No, sadly I actually didn't vote on Tuesday.  I recently moved, and I haven't moved my address, license tag, or my voter's registration.  It just came too quick!

Where do you get news about what's happening in the world? (Newspapers, Internet, Local Television Stations, Cable News, etc.)

I would have to say probably the internet.  I  don't really follow the news.  But I spend a lot of time on the Internet, and many times I catch things from my browsing (and from word of mouth).  I probably should start actually following what happens in the world.  But I just haven't gotten around to subscribing to the newspaper yet.

Do you read in bed before you go to sleep?

I actually don't read in bed before I go to sleep.  It's something I've never been able to get into.  Probably because if I did, I never would sleep.  I used to study in my bed in college, but now I only sleep or watch TV in bed.  I mostly like to read on the couch instead of in bed.

 

What about you?   

Enquiring Minds Want to Know (4)

Each week Dollycas's Thoughts hosts the meme "Enquiring Minds Want to Know."  She posts questions for us to answer each week in order for us bloggers and readers to get to know each other beyond our books.  She's decided to make it a weekend long meme so that those of us who get busy with life can also participate.  Check out her and others answers here.

This week's questions:

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY?

My favorite holiday would have to be Christmas.  I love wrapping presents, making Christmas cookies, and cold weather - all of which speak "Christmas season" to me.  I happen to love buying presents for people.  I love picking out the right gift, figuring out the perfect wrapping, and waiting until Christmas day to see them open it.  This year will be interesting as it is my first Christmas on my own, and it will be my first Christmas by myself as well.  As a nurse, I will have to work either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.  But I am excited to celebrate Christmas with my friends and family whether it is on the day or in the next month.  :)

 ARE YOU DRESSING UP FOR HALLOWEEN? IF YES, AS WHAT?

I am not dressing up for Halloween this year.  Halloween is actually my least favorite holiday, and I don't have any place to go this year with a costume.  But I am a little excited that I might actually get trick-or-treaters this year.  I still have to pick up some candy, just in case.

IF YOU HAVE KIDS ARE THEY DRESSING UP? AGAIN IF YES, WHAT ARE THEY DRESSING UP AS?

I don't have kids.  But I happen to have an adorable puppy dog.  And, sad as it might be, I have a Halloween costume for Bennett.  I was in Target the other day, and I found the cutest Bumble Bee outfit for him.  He may wear it all of ten minutes, but I couldn't resist.  It's so adorable.  And I figured that if I do get trick-or-treaters, he would be the perfect welcome to my door, especially in his yellow-and-black outfit.

Enquiring Minds Want to Know (3)

Each week Lori over at Dollycas's Thoughts hosts the meme Enquiring Minds Want to Know in order for bloggers and readers to get to know each other.  This week, she's doing more of a inventory of thoughts on the meme.  Here's the questions:

1. Do you ever feel like no one is reading your blog?
Sheepishly, I have to admit that I do.  I'm a new regular (or attempting to be regular) book blogger, and my confidence is not very secure.  I still have a hard time believing that I have something worth saying.  But it is something that I enjoy and a good way for me to keep up with the books I read as well as write my thoughts on different books.  And, I have to admit, I get really excited about each new follower and (sadly) watch my stats like a hawk.  But, what can I say?  I am a perfectionist and want to know I'm doing well (or not doing well).

2. Would this meme work better for you it if was offered on a different day?
Because I'm still relatively new to the blogging world, I still don't have a set schedule of memes and such.  I have picked several that I like, and I am attempting to keep up with those week-to-week.  Time and my work schedule gets in the way sometimes, but I'm working on being consistent.  So this day works great for me, but I would probably follow it just the same if it were on a different day.

3. Do you think there are already too many similar memes out in the blogosphere and I should stop this one?
I have noticed several other similar memes, but I liked this one, so I kept to it.  I only follow some blogs regularly, but I have noticed that not all of them have such a meme.  And maybe it's possible like with Blog Hop Friday (which I have seen many blogs participate in many different blog hops) for some people to participate in several.  I'm sure there is room to grow, new blogs to find this meme - so with interesting questions, I still think it could work.

4. If I were to continue with Enquring Minds, do you have any advice or changes you would like to see?
 I honestly can't think of anything.  Maybe going to two questions would make it easier for busy bloggers to participate, but I've never had any problems answering three questions....  I've enjoyed participating in this meme, even though I haven't been regular.  And if you decide that hosting it is more time and effort than you believe it's worth, I will understand.  But I would probably attempt to find another similar meme - because I like the idea and enjoy hearing other's thoughts on different topics.

Enquiring Minds Want to Know (2)

 

Enquiring Minds Want to Know is a weekly meme hosted by Dollycas's Thoughts on Thursday.  (Sorry I'm late!)  It is an attempt to help us bloggers and readers get to know one another.  Dollycas posts questions each week, and then she links up the different blogs here.

This week's questions:
1. Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?

No, I actually haven't started yet.  But I should!  This is my first year of Christmas as a full-fledged adult living on my own (I graduated college this year), so I know that I need to buy gifts in spurts so my budget will handle it ok.  I actually saw some things that reminded me of my good friend and I thought "Christmas!", so maybe I will start this week.  I just can't believe it's October!


2. Doctors are recommending that everyone get a flu shot this year, will you be getting one?

Absolutely!!  Since I work as a nurse, there is a great chance that I will taking care of patients with the flu.  For me, it's the only logical thing to do - start building my immunity to the flu up early - since I will be exposed to it either way.  And, if you want my advice, I would recommend everyone getting a flu shot - because it is enabling you to build your immunity at a time when you pick.  You can have time to be healthy, take some extra Vitamin C, and maybe get some extra rest instead of getting the flu when you "don't have time to be sick." (Which is what I always hear and end up saying when I am sick.  Illness always comes at the worst times!)  Those are just my two cents.  Moving on....

3. If you could have lunch with a Reality Show celebrity, who would it be?

At first, I was like Matthew Gray Gubler!  But then I re-read the question, and I realized it wasn't just any celebrity.  Bummer.... I could talk about Mr. Gubler there for a while....  Honestly, I don't really watch Reality TV, so I would probably say someone like the winner of The Next Food Network Star, so I could ask fun cooking questions.

Enquiring Minds Want to Know

I found this weekly meme over at Debbie's Book Bag this week, and I thought it was a great idea.  While I'm still new at this, I've been trying some different things.  But I think this one will keep.  Dollycas's Thoughts first started this in an attempt for bloggers and readers to get to know each other.  Though we often read each others thoughts on books, movies, and life in general, sometimes we do not even know simple things like favorite foods and such.  Here's how it works: Dollycas lists four different questions each week, and those who want to participate post their answers.  Plus, there's a linky thingy on Dollycas's Thoughts blog and others that helps spread the word.  Anyway, here's the questions:

1. List four things you carry in your handbag.

-cell phone
-book (or my kindle of late)
-chapstick
-driver's license, CPR card, and RN license (you know know what might happen...)

2. List four things on top of your desk.
Since I'm using my kitchen table as my desk right now until I get everything all settled (my actual desk is holding boxes), I'll list those things.
-books
-dog treats (for when my puppy actually goes outside - we're getting poddy trained)
-pumpkin candy dish (yah it's fall)
-pictures of the family

3. List four of your favorite things in your bedroom.
-my quilts.  They were homemade by my mom
-my pillow

-my journal - the one place where I can be completely uncensored (sometimes not a pretty picture - my sister has direct orders to burn it if anything ever happens to me)  :) 

-my puppy dog: Bennett  (He's always in my bedroom when I am, so I think that counts).  Isn't he cute?!

Woooo... That's a long ways down...