Hodgepodge: Screwdrivers, Self-pity, and Squinting Sibs

1. Have you ever been 'asked' to report for jury duty? Were you chosen to serve? If not, were you happy or disappointed?

Yes, I've been asked a few times, but no, I have never served. The first few times I got out of it because I was nursing babies. The next few times I was homeschooling. The last time I was pleasantly excused because I was going to be in Kansas during the trial, so I called as soon as I got the summons. I think I'll add "serve jury" to my bucket list because I really am curious to observe a trial. When I was in college I considered going to law school. Ask anyone who knows me and they'll tell you I can make a case about anything.

2. On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being very), how mechanically inclined are you? Give an example to back up your answer.

Eh, about a 4. I can figure out things that have biggish parts that go together, like the wheels that fall off the dishwasher rack from time to time, and the parts on the floor of the dishwasher that have to be bleached and reconnected when they get moldy. I know I'm painting a pretty picture of my dishwasher. I am very thankful to have it, and proud that I know how to do at least that much on a major appliance. Now, don't ask me about wires. Take the panel off ANYTHING and expose wires, and watch me tremble. That is my hubby's department. He can fix (and has fixed) just about everything around here. I tell him he's really hot when he's got a wrench or screwdriver in his hand. I remind him how he's my hero and how much money he saves us by all the DIY stuff he does. It's the least I can do to make him feel better about living in a fallen (apart) world! He smirks, but I think deep down he likes to know I find him uber attractive when he's in mechanical or building mode.

One Thanksgiving he saved the day at my mom's house. The dishwasher chose THAT evening to burst its pipe. I'm talking it almost blew the door off the undersink cabinet. My brother-in-law, Pat ( a meteorologist who knows all there is to know about precipitation) made himself useful by mopping up the mess, but it was Paul who fixed the leak and took the Handyman of the Year award.

3. Beets-cabbage-cauliflower-butternut squash....of the four, which is your favorite fall vegetable?

Butternut squash. I like to slice it lengthwise down the middle, scoop out the guts, and lay them face down (the squash halves, not the guts) in 1/2 inch of water in a pan. Cover that. Bake 1/2 hour or till soft. Doctor it with butter and brown sugar and you pert-near forget it's squash!

4. What do you recommend to overcome self-pity?

First, I remember that pity parties are not well-attended. Misery loves company, but company doesn't like misery, so I have to choose. Second, I have to look to Jesus and remember that I have all His love, all his kindness, all His forgiveness, all His mercies, all His riches, because of His death in my place and the resurrection that proved there is life after death, and life after this life.

5. Do you enjoy classical music?

In small doses, yes. I enjoy playing it, and can handle it for about 20 minutes at a time. But for an exercise in longsuffering, invite me to a piano recital. We made the mistake of inviting my sister-in-law to one. She said afterward that just as soon as she was about to clap, the kid would turn the page. She just wanted to scream, "When will this be OVER?" I realized then and there ,I only like to hear my children play classical music on the piano and my hubby play it on guitar.

6. October is National Book Month...what's on your reading list this month?

I read Shiloh to my son as a bedtime treat. For myself, I've started Surprised by Joy, by C.S. Lewis, one of my all-time favorite authors.

7. What is your idea of 'cute'?

So many things, but I came across this picture I just had to share with you. It's my three oldest children on Easter morning, 1996. It really captures their personalities, particularly when their mom insists on taking pictures of them when they're all dressed up and the sun is in their eyes.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

There's a fine line between "colorful" and "carnival" when you're decorating for a special occasion.