OK. There are some pretty interesting memes out there. But still. I figured, why not ask the questions I’d ask? We know how this works. Let’s say, for arguments sake, we tag 6 (because everybody tags 5.) Link to them at the bottom of your post and let them know in their comments.

1. What were you afraid of as a child?

I was really afraid of big dogs. Mostly because I was a little peanut of a thing and one time walking home from kindergarten a large German Shepard had jumped it’s fence and ran over to say hi to lil’ me. Jumped up and put it’s big muddy paws on my shoulders and knocked me down. Turns out he was a nice dog, but at that point if he’d been a poorly raised one, I’d probably have been mauled. Took a long time to get over my fear of all dogs and even now with Libby the Wonder Poodle I try to teach the boys a healthy respect for the fact that she’s still a dog with certain built in reflexes that sometimes include biting your face off if you piss her off too much. Just saying.

2. When have you been most courageous?

When I told X he had to leave the house and get help. It ended up he didn’t and now we’re divorced and I knew that’s how it would go. But I still needed to get him out of the house.

Second most courageous was when I told my parents (individually and separately) that I wasn’t going to play by the “family rules” anymore. Breaking free of the dysfunctional role is never a favorite of the ones who need you to stay in it. Also, knew that that would cause a breakdown of the relationships. Those took a long time to grow back and still get a little dicey when I have to refuse to play along with something.

3. What sound most disturbs you?

The sound of a child (or anyone really) vomiting. blech. enough said.

4. What is the greatest amount of physical pain you’ve been in?

Gall stones. Far and away worse than vaginal birth of two babies. Way way way worse. Give me a spoon and I’ll take it out myself worse. Constant. No ebb and flow. No waxing and waning. Just rip your body apart from the inside, no position feels better. (thank God for demerol)

And no “prize” at the end of it.

5. What’s your biggest fear for your children? (or children in general if you don’t have some of your own.)

Between global warming, collapse of the economy, eternal ignominy of the American government and it’s policies in the world, unending war, and more, I’d have to say my biggest fear for them is that they’d feel hopeless.

6. What is the hardest physical challenge you’ve achieved?

Climbing the Copper Basin trail at Holden Village. It’s not “real” mountain climbing but it’s the most challenging thing I’ve ever done.

7. Which do you prefer: Mountains or oceans/big water?

I like them both and feel like I need to spend time near both to really feel whole. Right now, I feel like I could use some more ocean/big water time. If it was warm, all the better.

8. What is the one thing you do for yourself that helps you keep everything together?

Pray. Constantly. Seriously. I have a running conversation going mostly all day. Second, talking with my friends. Which is one of the ways God talks back to me. through them and their love and support.

9. Ever had a close relative or friend with cancer?

Both. I think the hardest part is the feeling of helplessness. But that’s because it’s taken me a long time to realize that walking with someone through a crisis is important. That I don’t have to “fix” it to make it better.

10. What are the things your friends count on you for?

Listening. A good laugh and good cooking. Oh, and if they ever need an accordion player.

11. What is the best part of being in a committed relationship?

Having someone to share the little ups and downs of life with. Someone who can give me perspective like “You can’t please everyone. You know you’re doing good work. It will be OK. Come here and let me give you a hug.”

12. What is the hardest part of being in a committed relationship?

When it’s not really committed

13. Summer or Winter? Why?

Summer. because winter is too dark. and cold. and dark. And summer has all that light.

14. Have you ever been in a school-yard fight? Why and what happened?

Yes. In third grade a girl in my class got mad at me for something and said I had to fight her during recess. Cary Johnson said he’d help me and be my “lieutenant.” I had no idea what that meant and was horrified when people were actually hitting each other. I don’t think I got hit at all.

15. Why blog?

It’s like a journal for me. A place to process what’s rumbling around in my head. At first I didn’t care and was a little afraid that anyone would read it. Now, I like that I’ve met some people I consider friends.

16. Did you learn about sex, and/or sex safety from your parents?

Nope. I found a book called “Where Babies Come From” (published in the 1940’s I think) on the bookshelf. My mom then found it on my bedside table and said (with rather a lot of stress and anxiety in her voice) “I see you found this book. If you have any questions let me know.”

Of course I had questions! (One I remember is if the penis gets all hard how do you bend it to get it inside you? Wouldn’t that hurt? Having a brother, I’d seen one but it was always hanging down. So if it got hard I thought it got hard pointed down. Just didn’t seem like it would work. heh.)

Never asked her one.

17. How do you plan to talk to your kids about sex and/or sex safety?

I’ve been talking to them about it since they were two. But I think I need to have a more detailed discussion with DS1 this fall yet. I’m getting tired of him using up all my hand lotion.

18. What are you most thankful for this year?

That I’ve come out of the chasm of the divorce. Bruised and battered a bit. With some healing still to accomplish. Having learned a lot and with a lot left to learn (like how to trust…) but generally better than I was before. That is a HUGE thing to be thankful for.

I’m going to tag these folks: Rich, Abbagirl74, Churlita (who probably won’t do it, but I’m tagging her anyway), Stepping, The Diva, and Neil.

If I didn’t list you and you want to play along, be my guest. Let me know in the comments and I’ll add you to my list.
— — —
A year ago (or longer) on This Journey…

Music Monday – 70’s cheese alert! 2008
Sometimes they don’t know what they’re talking about 2006
Friday and no relief in sight 2006

November 10th, 2007 | Category: blogging, friends | Subscribe to comments | Leave a comment | Trackback URL