Answer Me This #2

I'm going to do another round of Answer Me This. I like today's questions, so why not?

1. Beaches or Mountains?

MOUNTAINS!!! I love the ocean, and living in the great lakes region has been fabulous ... but God doesn't refer to beaches as temples for a reason. I climbed my first mountain peak (trail-less and adult-less) as a middle school aged teen and very few things in life have been as exhilarating as that high. Very few.

Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park

Wheeler Peak, Great Basin National Park

Jenny Lake, Grand Teton National Park

Atop Yellowstone Canyon

And those pictures don't even include my two favorite peaks: Notch and Fool Creek -- the two glorious peaks that sat on the edge of my childhood. Okay, onto #2.

2. Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning?

Christmas Eve. It was always a big deal at our house as kids. We had relatives over, ate a big feast, put on a program, opened presents from family members (including siblings and parents), and then we slept with the anticipation of morning. Even the actual fulfillment of morning couldn't beat all that. Christmas morning excitement seems to run out at 10am. Christmas Eve lasts all day. I love it!

3. What's the most embarrassing childhood outfit you remember wearing?

I didn't embarrass easily as a child. I had way too much self-esteem for that. I do remember loving a Charlotte Hornets sweatsuit I got for Christmas in 5th grade. Looking back, that was probably a silly thing to wear with so much pride. At the time though, I loved it!

4. Your house is quiet, you don't have work to do (housework included). What do you do?

Lay in bed and waste my time. Either with the news, social network sites, blogging, or hulu. It is all a total waste of time, but that is what I do. Also, around here there is no such thing as all work, especially housework, being done.

5. What movie do you want to watch when you are feeling under the weather?

I don't really have a go to movie. When I was a kid I always watched Beauty and the Beast when I was sick. Now when I'm sick, I just want to hide in my room so my kids won't find me. No movie needed (well, except for the one they'll be watching -- since I'm hiding in my room).

6. Did you have an American Girl doll when you were little? If so, which one?



Man, I get a little sentimental just looking at her. I still have her and 4 of her 6 collections (plus a special matching Christmas dress that both she and I wore -- I still have both versions of that dress). I can't wait to give them to Nell. It's probably silly, how much I loved this doll. But I really did love her. I was not a doll girl, except for Kirsten, she was more than a doll to me. She was history and education and creativity and heritage and the joyful thing I anticipated every Christmas Eve. I still remember the first Christmas I didn't get a Kristen set. I wasn't too heartbroken, as I knew I'd outgrown her ... but it was a sad realization. Also, the birthday collection cost $200+, so I didn't really think I was ever going to get it. Didn't stop a little girl from dreaming though (that and the winter collection are the two I am missing).

PS Yes, after writing this all up I did got into the garage and pull the collection out. She is in such great condition. I seriously can't wait to give her to Nell. I hope she's as cherished by my daughter as she was by the 90's version of myself (or I might have to take her back). I know American Girl gets a lot of flack, and most of it is warranted, but it was a magical part of my childhood, and I'm grateful for that (thanks mom and dad!)