November Prompts

If you had an extra hour every day, how would you use it?

I might be in the minority here, but I don't want an extra hour every day! The days are long enough, thankyouverymuch. 

What goodbye changed your life for the better?

That good, ol step-dad. I don't wish him ill, but I'm glad he's gone.

Have you ever spoken up and made a difference?

I’m sure I have, but in the eight days I’ve been writing this post I haven’t thought of any examples.

What's the first positive thing you notice right now?

My house is quiet. In a good way.

Have you ever confided in someone you didn't know well?

Only every doctor and therapist I've ever been to! "Hello, nice to meet you! Let me tell you about my poop schedule and my mental problems!"

Have you ever had a sit down meal that was different from all others?

I had a life-changing food experience that might sound kind of weird. We were in California with extended family, and everyone was coming and going to different activities throughout the day. My sister-in-law, Mindy (whom I didn't know very well at the time), offered to make everyone dinner that night. When we all got back from our various excursions, Mindy had a hot meal waiting for us. I don't remember exactly what it was, but I think it was pork chops (or pork loin) of some sort and possibly some potatoes. Anyway, it was a really nice, hot, well-prepared meal, and I remember two things about this experience:

1. I didn't know you could eat that nice of a meal on a random weekday. I was like, "What is this dinner we are being provided with? It's so fancy and comforting!"

2. I felt so taken care of. 

And that meal contributed greatly to my personal food culture. 

What is a bittersweet choice you have made?

Having our cat put to sleep several years ago. 

This is a picture Nicky drew of our cat when he was little

What is one thing school taught you about life?

I'm going to give an answer for each phase of school:

Elementary - the power of stepping away from something for a while and coming back to it later (taught to me by Mrs. Patterson who referred to it as "letting it get cold")

Jr high - check and cite your resources (courtesy of Mrs. Evans)

High school - this is when I really explored and solidified my testimony (a process that will never end, but a lot happened during my high school years to form my faith)

Jr college - this is where I got most of my financial education (through required finance classes and through earning my accounting certificate)

University - all things family, lifespan development, and therapy

What’s a path you didn’t take that you’re now grateful for?

I was signed up for cosmetology classes my senior year of high school, and I ended up not taking them. I’m so glad. I don’t enjoy doing hair.

What’s a choice you didn’t feel mature enough to make but had to make anyway?

Um… like every choice EVER! Isn’t that what it’s like to be an adult? Having to make all the choices but never feeling like you’re grown up enough to have that responsibility? 

What’s something you used to own that you still think about?

My Littlest Pet Shop toys. The originals. Before they had giant heads.

What’s different about Thanksgiving now from when you were younger?

My grandparents are all dead, and I haven’t seen my cousins in years. 

What’s a part of your personality you want to show more of?

Whatever this is.

What’s a part of your daily routine that makes you happy?

Eating breakfast and sending voice notes to my friends.

What’s something from your past that seemed like a big deal, but in hindsight didn’t matter all that much?

I used to feel so guilty and shamed for not breast feeding my babies, especially with the cost of formula and trying to make our finances work so I could stay home. I felt like I had to explain my choice to everyone. Guess what! It doesn’t even matter! 

If you had to volunteer today, what would you do?

Teach a dance class for individuals with special needs.

What could you do every morning to help you feel more hopeful?

Not touch my phone.

What’s the last thing you read that made you smile?

A reel that said, “Next time you’re sad about a man, just imagine how lame he’d look next to Benson Boone!” which I immediately sent to Daisy (who is often sad about “men”). But I mean… they can’t even do backflips. 

What do you enjoy talking about with people?

Any of these forty topics.

What did you get in trouble for the most when you were growing up?

"Mouthing off” and rolling my eyes.

What do you love most about November?

Cooler weather, the essence of fall combined with the feeling of Christmas approaching, and the food! I’m not a pumpkin spice girlie, but I’m a pumpkin girlie! I love all the pumpkin things (made with actual pumpkin - not pumpkin flavored).