Hoo Are You? #9

1. What are some of your pet peeves?
I can't think of any of my pet peeves right now.

2. Do you have a favorite or lucky number?
I love even numbers! I am CRAZY about even numbers!

3. What is one of your family traditions?
Opening one package on Christmas Eve, and it is always pajamas.

4. Is there anything you are OC about?
No, not really.

5. What is your favorite kind of food?
I am not really picky, I will eat anything.

MilSpouse Fill-In #13

1. The first thing I think of when I get up in the morning is getting up and playing with Lyric.
2. Lately, I’ve been craving sweets because they sound good.
3. Whenever anyone says the word popa, it reminds me of my childhood because thats what I called my grandpa.
4. The happiest word I know is love, but I think that it is sometimes overused, just as hate is and is un appreciated.
5. My spouse may hate it, but I absolutely love talking about wanting to have another child in the future and planning for things that may or may not ever happen.

Five Question Friday #10

1. Did you make any fun purchases this week?
I don't think so. If so, I can't remember.

2. If you could go to any musical concert, what would it be?
Well, I have tickets to go to Jason Aldean concert. I would kill to go to a Trans Siberian Orchestra concert. 

3. What is your least fav/ most fav house chore?
My least favorite house chore is dishes and folding clothes. My favorite house chore is anything other than dishes and clothes.

4. Would you prefer new appliances or clothes?
I would prefer to have both. It is too hard to choose just one.

5. Miracle Whip or Mayo?
What's the difference?

12 Ways To Make Talking To Strangers Less Awkward - Marc and Angel Hack Life

 Another from Marc and Angel Hack Life. I will be putting these to work.

Let’s face it, fewer moments are more awkward than trying to strike up a casual conversation with someone you don’t know very well.  Here are some quick tips to lighten up the situation:

1. Talk about who you know and what you have in common.  Mutual friends, bosses, hometowns, etc.
2. Ask relevant questions about life, work, hobbies, and pop-culture.  Keeping abreast of current events will provide you with great conversation builders.  Lead with “What do you think of…?”, “Have you heard…?”, “What is your take on…?”, etc.  Stay away from negative or controversial topics, and refrain from long-winded stories.
3. If you notice yourself getting bored with what you’re saying, stop talking, acknowledge the situation, and move on to the next topic.
4. Listen more than you talk.
5. With people you have never met before, limit stories to the last few moments of your life.  Bring up casual points about your current surroundings, like the funny music playing in the background or the tasty martinis the bar is serving.
6. Know a few interesting historical facts, like this one:  As a child, Albert Einstein seldom spoke.  When he did, he spoke very slowly – indeed, he tried out entire sentences in his head until he got them right before he spoke aloud.  Einstein did this until he was nine years old.  His parents were worried about his lack of talking.  But at last, at the supper table one night, he broke his silence to say, “The soup is too hot!”  Greatly relieved, his parents asked why he had never said a word before.  Albert replied, “Because up to now everything was in order.”
7. But realize that no one likes a person who thinks they know everything.
8. Prolonged pauses are the best time for that interesting historical fact.  Most people would rather listen to you talk about anything than listen to an awkward silence.
9. Watch your body language.  People who look ill at ease make others uncomfortable.  Act confident and comfortable, even when you’re not.
10. Let strangers interrupt you.  They’re not being rude, they’re assisting you.  Let them speak, and wait to be prompted before continuing your story.  It’s usually a good sign that they are actually listening to you.
11. If all else fails, just talk about the weather, which always gets people riled up (unless you live in Florida or Southern California).
12. And have a few exit lines ready so, if needs be, you can both gracefully move on.  For example, “I need to check in with a client over there,” “I skipped lunch today, so I need to grab a quick bite,” etc.

As long as you avoid anything personal, political, or controversial – at least during first encounters – and know which questions to ask, you’ll be talking the talk of certified socialite.  Also, read Dale Carnegie’s classic, How To Win Friends and Influence People, for a great read on this topic.

Fill In Blank Friday #11

1.   One of life's most simple pleasures is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a glass of milk.

2.  Being put on hold for what seems like forever waiting to make a doctor appointment makes me want to punch someone.

3.  I like my husband because, he is cute and loving.

4.  Toted is a funny word.

5.  If I had to choose one beauty product to use for the rest of eternity it would be I have no idea what product I would choose to use.

6.  I'm happy that I get to wake up to my beautiful baby girl. She almost always wakes up happy. And that makes me happy.

7.  I would never have chosen to do any public speaking, but since I was Honored Queen of Job's Daughters I have done a bit of public speaking. It really did help me.