Answering Some Questions

Q and A

I am feeling too lazy to go get the graphic everyone is using but you get it, right?
Man do you guys ever ask a lot of questions. I am going to follow the trend of answering in at least two posts.  Here is the first attempt at fueling your curiosity.


Julie asked:
Have you always been an avid reader?  Yes!  I have always found time to read......and for pleasure. I can remember when my college roommate used to read Grey's Anatomy  in bed!  Not for me.
Was there a book you read as a child that really hit the spot?  I had one I checked out of the library all the time about going to the moon. I don't know the name of it.  I also liked the series Trixie Belden. I got a lot of out of print copies for Emily when she was young.  I also had a book on visiting Paris I loved.
What advice would you give your 20s self?  Drink less. There is too much good stuff out there to waste time being hungover.
What advice would you give your 30s self?  Your kids will turn out great. Calm down.
What advice would you give your 40s self?  This was a great decade!  I would tell myself to do what I did. Lose weight and start exercising. Life is going to get sweet!

Chris K asked:
What states have you lived in? Vermont and Quebec (I do know it is not a state). Any other places were college related or summer jobs and I'm not counting them.
What is your favorite? You have to ask? Vermont would be my fave even if I had lived in several places.
Do you seriously like snow? 100% yes
What's on your Ipod? Lots.  How can I answer this?  I have tons of podcasts I listen to.  Favorites are Wait Wait Don't Tell Me and The Marathon Training Academy.  I have a mix of songs.  I listen to Coldplay a lot, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Dixie Chicks, James Taylor, R.E.M., Snow Patrol and I must confess Taylor Swift.
Was Lost one of your favorite all time shows?  Yes and no.  The first two seasons were.  It would make the top 5 but not top 3.
Top 3 favorite books? Very hard! Very hard!  Pillars of the Earth, Clan of the Cave Bear (first - not the whole series), Five Smooth Stones, The Stand. Sorry I did four.

Marlene asked:
What is the biggest thing you get from cycling that you don't get from running?  This is a great question to think about. My quick thought is the pure joy I have while doing it. I don't often feel such deep joy while running. I love what running does for me, I love racing, I love how I feel after and yes I do at times like it while I am running. But often when I am cycling I am in bliss!

Kate asked:
If you weren't a teacher what career would you have?  Head of tourism for Vermont
Have you always taught third grade? No. I have taught 4th, K, 2nd, and next year 3/4.  Third is my favorite for many reasons.
What did I look for in a man when I was single and how does that compare to what I value most? A sense of humor, calmness, and fun.  And yeah looks mattered.  I think I value calmness and an even temper as much as anything.  If I say someone is an Eddie Ryan type of guy that is an immense compliment. He was the very calm father of my best friend with a very dry sense of humor. I don't like what I call stupid comedies. I like my humor a little more subtle. Is that what my husband likes?  Well, no but it still works.
Please tell us about one of your proudest moments.  Truthfully if it is an individual moment it would be finishing my first marathon.  I also received a nice award as a teacher but the marathon sticks out more.

Teamarcia asked:
Have you ever been to Chicago?  Only in the airport
Will you be spectating IMLP?  Nah I've got a good book I want to read.  OF COURSE I AM GOING TO SPECTATE LAKE PLACID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Will you retire to a warmer climate or are you a Vermonter for life?  Definitely a Vermonter for life and thankfully hubby agrees.

Char asked:
 I know teacher's aren't supposed to have favourites but which type of child really appeals to you - the quiet, well-behaved ones or the naughty, full-of-beans and pushing-the-limits ones??  Ask my kids (my own not my students) if I have favorites!  I prefer students with some spark for sure.  There is a fine line between a child with spark and one always pushing the limits PITA though.  If you are a PITA make sure you are a likable one!

Anne asked:
Was it important to you that your kids do sports?  I don't think so. They just did but not as seriously as many kids do. I loved swim team because everyone participated and it was all about improving your own time.  Hmm what does that sound like?
Did you do lots of sports growing up?  Sadly not team sports. I am a frustrated wanted to be an athlete in high school couldn't make a team woman.  I did make the softball team (the coach was my math teacher and I was good in math) but never played.  Man, that was good for the old self esteem.  Then there was a ski team and I was a decent skiier.  Finally got that varsity letter I was craving. Skiing was my main sport growing up. It was cheap then and areas were everywhere.  I love the fact that I am at least somewhat athletic now and so many of the big sports people in high school - not so much.
What type of parent were you?  Were?  Does parenting ever stop?
Are you looking forward to being a grandmother? Some day but I am in NO HURRY!

Okay that is it for now.