Yesterday I put up a post inviting you to ask me anything and today I would respond to those questions. Your questions were fun… and funny and the rest of this post is dedicated to the answers:
SO … what are you wearing on your feet?
Well…. I am wearing my FAVORITE flip flops around the house. I picked these little jewels up at a clearance sale hmmm… about three years ago. They have paint on them, they are cracked on the bottom and I LOVE them! 
How did I meet Al?
This is a great story! I worked as a manager at Domino’s Pizza fresh out of High School. Al came in one day for an interview, he was a drummer in a band and had long hair (funny… as now he hardly has any hair!). The interview went well but as we finished up I told him that in order to work there he would have to be clean-cut… hair above the collar line. He got up and walked out of the interview. 
Three days later, he came back clean-shaven and was hired. A year after that we were engaged.
What is the craziest thing I have ever done?
Oh wow… where to begin. I have done a lot of CRAZY, but I guess most recent in memory would be actually three things, all from this year… one would be jumping into the frozen lake in a prom dress for Special Olympics, and two would have to be colliding with the dude in front of me in June, going 18.6 miles per hour on my road bike on the two-day tour for MS. The crazy part is that instead of going home after being ambulanced off the trail to the emergency room, I stayed day two and cheered for my team. My bike, was in no shape to ride day two… neither was I. And finally it was the Warrior Dash first time in Minnesota that I refused to cancel just because I had a cast on.
Crazy #1: Dressed for ice plunging success... click on pic to go to post
Crazy #1: After The PLUNGE!!! March 2011 in Minnesota. BRRRRR
Crazy #2: Click to see this post
Crazy #3: The Warrior Dash in a cast! Click on pic to go to post
Laurel from LaurelRainSnow (and many blogs 
)asked:
I wish I had pushed myself more in High School, but sadly I did not. I went more in the direction of Drama class and working on the year book. If I were to do it over again… you bet I would try out! 
What were my favorite memories from High School?
I had a hunky hunky boyfriend (yes I said hunky… yes I said it twice). My car was a black firebird and I loved that car! My BFF and I used to go everywhere in it!
When I wake up in the morning, do you immediately grab some coffee, and then go to the computer? Or do something else…
My morning routine is pretty consistent. I get up in the morning and head into the bathroom and flip on my IPOD to the audio book I am currently listening to. I listen to that all through getting ready. Then I enter the kitchen, turn on the audio book in my CD player on the counter (different audio) while I make coffee and arrange everything I need for work.
Finally, I sit down at the table, and yes, pop open my emails while I have my COFFEE and then I write the morning meandering. If I am lucky, I have a book review ready to schedule to go live in the late morning.
When did you start reading?
As far back as I can remember I have been a book-worm. In 2nd grade I won the book-worm award… I loved to read, slowed down a bit out of high school and in the early years f my marriage and then came back full force to books.
What gave you the idea to create a book blog?
Oddly, it was my Pastor who led me to blogging. He knew I always wanted to write and helped me set up my wordpress blog. This forever, was not my first blog… my first blog was Straight On Through and was just random posts about life and happenings and the occasional book. After about a year of that I started this one to keep track of my book reviews as more of a private book log of what I have read as opposed to the journals I kept of my reading… the rest is history
Have I always lived in Minnesota?
For the most part – yes. I was born here in Brainerd. In 8th grade after a house fire my mom and I went to live with my aunt and uncle in Soldotna Alaska for a year and I actually started and finished 8th grade there. Afterwards we came back to Brainerd and rebuilt on the same property, which is the property I live on now.
What are you hoping to find under the Christmas tree?
OOH – good question! My gift from Al is already on my kitchen table, the Cricut and cartridges! From my sons I have asked them to pick a book off my wish list which I have up in the tab area of this blog for easy access!
Vasilly from 1330V asked:
What’s my blogging routine like?
Lately…. sporadic. Seems like life has been very busy lately between work and other commitments… at times I mean to write a post at night but find I can not concentrate because I am too tired. Then, like this weekend, I get in some great reading and blogging time and all is well with the world again.
In good times – I write a morning post of whatever is happening in my life and in the evenings after Al has gone to bed I read and write book reviews.
What is a hard decision you had to make but you don’t regret?
That one is easy, putting our dog down in October. It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. It sucked. It hurt like hell. BUT – I also know it was the right thing.
Do you schedule posts in advance?
Yes, as much as possible I do and love it when I am current in my reviews.
What’s a typical day like for you?
Crazy. But really, whose life isn’t? On a typical week day I:
Get up around 6:30 am
Get ready for work, get the coffee on, and write my morning post
Work 8:00 am – 3:00 pm where I create, run reports, go to meetings, plan upcoming events, return calls to people, set up class schedules, keep current on invoices, reserve space…
3:00 pm – if out of the office on time I try to hit the gym for an hour of cardio, or a group power class
4:30 pm – home, planning supper and reading emails, checking Facebook
6:00 pm – eat dinner with Al
6:30 pm – Al reads his construction magazines or watches tv, I do some laundry, craft, or read
(On Mondays I have a study from 5:30 – 8, Tuesdays book club 6:30 pm or a meeting, Wednesdays I help with Students from 5:30 – 8)
8:30 – Al goes to bed and I continue reading or writing a review on what I have finished reading, maybe a little TV
11:30 pm – bed
What is your favorite bird?
I guess I have never really thought about this! Thinking about it now though I am going to say hummingbird. They are fascinating!
If you could have a secret hideaway anywhere in the world, where would it be?
If I told you it wouldn’t be much of a secret now would it! LOL Actually if I could go anywhere to be alone I would love it to be warm secluded beach house right on the beach somewhere. I could read and write at my leisure!
How many hours do you read in a day?
On average I would say one to two hours a day. I read a lot in the evenings, and if I have time on weekends. If you counted audio, I probably get in 2 hours of audio in on average per day between getting ready in the morning, drive time, and cooking in the evening where I listen to audio while I am in the kitchen.
How many hours do you spend blogging vs actually spending time online?
Ugh… do I even want to know the answer to this question? Lets see, my actual blogging per day is probably about an hour average. My on-line time per day between emails, words with friends on Facebook, and reading other blogs, probably add a couple more hours to that. Of course some days are less… but yeah – some days are more.
What is the one book you’ve recommended the most to people this year?
I think that has been The Knife Of Never Letting Go. This series blew me away and I think everyone needs to read it.
What book would you want to receive for Christmas this year?
There are a few I really am anxious about but I think I would really like The Future Of Us by Jay Asher. He impressed me so much with Thirteen Reasons Why.
I love your blog and notice that though you have such a busy life you still find time to write blog posts and reviews. What is your secret?
COFFEE. Actually I think it is because I have a husband who is out of the house from 5:30 am – 6:00 pm (sometimes later depending on the time of year). We had our kids early so we are young for them to be all grown up and gone but they are. I work 25 hours a week and that leaves me with quite a bit of reading and blogging time.
Do you have a favorite Christmas tradition?
Our holiday gatherings are usually just us and the boys and we like to spend the afternoons and evenings munching on left overs from the big dinner, snacking, and watching movies and playing board games.
When a new book is published and you know you want to own it, do you tend to buy it in print or for your Nook?
I buy the book. Honestly, I have not done much with my NOOK an I know I need to change that. I am still a real book girl. I like that I can loan out a book-book to anyone.
Vicki at I’d Rather Be At The Beach asked:
Were you popular in school?
Define… popular. LOL Actually I was more in the middle group. I wasnt a jock or a brain.
Did you get good grades?
This is another of those times when I want a do-over. I did ok in school but I really did not push myself and my mom did not really push me either. I know, in hindsight I could have done better. As it was I did ok, I was mainly C’s and B’s. I loved all my reading and writing classes… hated math. Still do.
Name the one thing you MUST do on your “Bucket List”
In a soon to be released post you will see some of my crazy plans for 2012… one thing on my bucket list that I still hope to do is ride a mechanical bull.
Will you move to Florida so I can go biking etc. with you?
I don’t think I will move to Florida however I do love it there! My son is currently in the Navy in Jacksonville and you never know when I may decide to pop that way. I also want to VERY BADLY go to Harry Potter World, so depending on where you are, maybe we can get that bike ride in, or at least a trip to a coffee shop to chat and a book store.
Who are your favorite female and male actors?
BRADLEY COOPER! Oh… did I answer that too quickly? 
Denzel Washington DENZEL!!!
Natalie Portman
Jennifer Aniston (although some of her movies – not so much)
Angelina Jolie (I know I know.. but I love the Tomb Raider movies!)
What wonderful book would you recommend I read in the coming year?
The books I have been recommending as of late are the Chaos Walking Series which starts with The Knife Of Never Letting Go. Fantastic! Also, if you love the 80′s and have fond memories of video games, movies, and popular 80′s stars… I highly recommend Ready Player One – oh and please listen to it on audio.
Millie asked:
How did you get started in your book club? How does your book club select a book? How can I start my own book club?
I started Bookies back in August of 2001. It started as a way to bring people together who I worked with. At that time I had been at Wal-Mart for 10 years and thought it was sad we didn’t have connections beyond the time clock. We started with 3 people… it grew from there. We have met every month since August 2001. Over 112 meetings now!
We select books by vote. We ask that each person bring a book suggestion to the meeting. It must be a fairly new release (so we can find copies) and it must be in paperback (to keep our cost down).
To start your own book club I say just do it! Pick the first book, share what you are planning to do with those you would like to be involved. If you are open to anyone joining, post about it on Facebook. Pick a place and a time to meet and go from there. The library has meeting rooms if you are looking for a public place to meet – or a coffee shop or restaurant is fun too.:D
The Bookies Book Club 2011 Queen Event (click on pic for post)
What do you call soft drinks where you live? Soda? Pop? Soda pop?
Pop. It’s funny you ask. I have relatives in California who call it Coke. All of it. “Can I grab you a Coke?” they would say and I would respond no, I like Pepsi.
What goodie are you going to make for the holidays? (I need ideas too!)
Time is of the essence so I am thinking I am going to make some cookies (recipe is going up later today in a Weekend Cooking post), Chocolate and Caramel covered pretzel rods, and Chocolate Biscotti – which is always a hit. I will post the other two recipes this week.
Do you own a Time Turner like Hermione? Otherwise, how on earth do you keep up with your busy schedule???
I wish I owned a time turner! Now I want to go back to my above answer to Kathy about what I would like to see under the tree! Totally time turner. As far as my schedule I just go and go and go… and then I crash for a day or two (like this weekend). I can keep the pace up for only so long and then I don’t want to leave the house, talk on the phone, or socialize in any way (beyond this blog). Yet, once I recharge, I am itching to go go go again!
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
There was a time I would have said Florida… I love WARM. I hate COLD. But, now there is so much I do love about Minnesota, our seasons are intense, but beautiful (except winter). I love my friends, I love the bike trails, the long distance rides, adventures, hiking… Winter I could go to Florida…
Which side of the bed to you sleep on standing at the foot and looking toward the headboard?
I sleep on the right side of the bed at home. Oddly though, if I go to our cabin and Al is not with, I choose the left side there.
Are you a back, stomach or side sleeper?
Stomach and side, but never on my back… I have no idea why….
Is there a question that you are hoping no one asks, if so, what’s the question?
What are you wearing? LOL…. that’s just an awkward/creepy question always!
Marce from Tea Time With Marce asked:
Where has your favourite vacation spot been?
I am going with Costa Rica. It was a gorgeous trip and we were able to explore a rain forest and swing through it too! Fantastic place we stayed at – all-inclusive and the tan I got and the books I read!
Have you ever did extreme sports and if not would you?
Define extreme… LOL… actually I am going to do the Tough Mudder event coming here in May. It is supposed to be really extreme and I am scared and excited all at once! I will talk more about this in the next few weeks.
What has been your favourite Spoiler book button conversation so far?
Excellent question and man, I miss that spoiler button…I need some big exciting/controversial books to hash out! The Hunger Games spoiler page still gets hits, people yelling PEETA at me….LOL, The Lightning Thief made me the most angry, but ROOM by Emma Donoghue was probably the best with even a little conversation with the author!
SO wow, that was a lot of fun! Thanks for the questions
