Five Question Friday

Since I've been having a rough time getting my creative juices flowing lately (sick kids, mountains of laundry, an exhausted hard-working hubby, and all those changes I talked about can sure take it out of me!) today I thought I'd try something new. I'm joining MamaM on her five question Friday. You can join too- just copy the questions, fill in your answers, and link up with the MckLinky. And check out MamaM's blog by clicking the button below.

1. What is your favorite Holiday and why?

I love holidays and seasons... I think because I love looking forward to things (even though I kind of hate change). With the change of the seasons, it's the best of both worlds: something new to anticipate, yet predictable at the same time- the seasons don't catch you off guard like an unexpected visitor, they return like an old friend. My favorite time of the year is probably the span from late September until Christmas. I love fall- hayrides, pumpkin patches, crisp cool air, sweaters, crockpot meals, football season (I can't believe I just wrote that, but it's true.) And of course, I adore Christmas. I love the way it sparkles, the way it smells, the way everyone has a little excitement bubbling under the surface. I also love the potential for the sacred- midnight mass, advent wreaths, candlelit carols, choral anthems (especially community productions of The Messiah) and other magical moments of anticipating our Savior. Ooh- now I'm ready for the holidays!

2. Who has been the most influential person in your life?

Um... Jesus. I mean, I could think of a lot of other people He has placed in my life, but it would take all day.

3. If you could give up one household chore forever, what would it be?
Easy. Anything pertaining to dishes. Possibly even cooking (as a chore, at least). Definitely washing them or (the worst) emptying the dishwasher.

4. What is the BEST practical joke you have ever been a part of, on the giving OR receiving end?
I'm having a hard time thinking of one. The WORST however was on a youth trip to Gatlinburg when I was in high school. Our leader and another guy pretended to be breaking into our chalet in the middle of nowhere. The girls locked ourselves in our room and grabbed anything we could use to call for help or beat the stuffing out of someone. One girl was banging the ironing board into the ceiling. I positioned someone with a comforter right inside the door so they could cover up anyone who managed to make it in while I beat them senseless with the iron... needless to say, when we found out it was a joke, we were MAD. I mean, it was scary! The ironing board girl peed her pants. Not funny. (That's probably why I can't think of any good ones- I HATE pranks).

5. Where (or how) did you meet your spouse?
After I graduated from college, I made plans to work a Fuge camp for some summer ministry (and income). These camps are held at conference centers and colleges all over the place, and the first team to which I was assigned was at Belmont University. Only trouble was, I was also going to spend May performing in a theater in education production, and I couldn't report on time. I started to take this as a sign- no camp for me; I didn't really want to go anyway. But then I got another call about a team that was traveling to St. Louis and Jacksonville, FL. I agreed to go, reluctantly...

Our videographer and rec director was this cute guy who made hilarious videos, made me laugh with Adam Sandler references, showed a passionate side about ministry and service, got really excited about a surprise staff trip to a Cardinal's game (or anything pertaining to sports), and drove (you guessed it) a truck with flames on it. As the summer went on, he ended up having lots of problems with his video equipment and worked late into the night nearly every night. Another guy & I went on food runs for him, and I helped make sure his laundry was taken care of. Turns out I set a bad precedent- now I have to feed him & do his laundry all the time.