Describe a memorable Valentine you received.
Oh dear. Well, there are two in particular sticks out, and my wife will have to forgive me because the two I am thinking of did not come from her.
My mother did not get along with my high school girlfriend. Understandably. She was...of ill-repute among the school staff, and I was the golden child. Of course I was a rebellious child, but not a particularly emphatic one. So all my rebellious nature was channeled into trying to make an unhealthy relationship work. Anyways, two of the times of the year that my girlfriend and my mother were sure to collaborate on was Valentine's day, where these two would join forces for the cause of creating the maximum amount of embarrassment and inconvenience on little ol' me.
One year I went outside to find my entire car wrapped bumper to bumper in red, pink, and white crepe paper. Streamers and little plastic hearts everywhere. My car smelled like those chalky little chips of evil covered in phrases like "Luv U" and "B Mine". The next year my bedroom received the same treatment, meaning my mother actually let that girl into the house and allowed her to desecrate my solitary space. I was vacuuming up those little hearts for months.
How far did you have to travel to attend elementary, junior high, and high school, and how did you get there?
In elementary school I rode the bus. There were two young black kids who liked to beat me up, going to and coming from. I didn't like buses. Eventually I transferred to Lubbock Christian, which was within walking distance. My middle school in Littleton was a short walk or bike ride away. My first high school was a mere 15-20 minute bike ride away, and when I transferred to Arapahoe I'd either hitch a ride with Mom or eventually drive myself. I always parked in the staff parking lot, because OF COURSE I DID.
What scent or sound immediately takes you back to childhood? Describe the feeling it evokes.
Harry Connick Jr. (Must have been) Ol' Santa Claus Gets me every time. I sing, I dance. Its embarrassing
What was your favorite meal when you were a child? What made it your favorite?
I loved chicken and rice, with a bacon lined pan. Nothing better than those soft patches of rice doused in cream of mushroom. My other favorite was pork chops. Not because I like pork chops (I'm indifferent.) But because pork chops meant cheese potatoes. Hash browns with cream of mushroom (again) and soaked in cheese. Wonderful.
What chores did you have to do when you were growing up? Did you get an allowance? How much was it?
I usually vacuumed and dusted, and did laundry when possible. I took out the trash and mowed the lawn. I got an allowance for a while, but after a while, it just got to a point where if I really needed cash for something, I could just ask for it. I didn't ask often, so my parents were almost always willing to buy me something if I really wanted it.
Tell me about your first job.
My first real job with AMC Theaters in Highlands Ranch. I was an Usher and Snack Bar Cashier. I moved up to Ticket Vendor and eventually Customer Service rep, which was about as close as a high school could be to being an supervisor. Loved that job.
Before that I 'worked' for my youth minister. I cleaned out the vans, did research, cleaned the closets, cleaned the storage rooms, cleaned the attics, filed papers, and cleaned the youth room after parties. I was paid with the occasional free lunch and promises that this 'would be good for my future career as a youth minister.' I look back on it now as slave labor.
Share a story about a severe winter storm.
Senior year, some time around spring break, 3 feet of snow fell in like 3 days. 3 more feet fell over the course of the next few weeks. School was shut down for something like 3 or 4 weeks. It was a heavy snow, if you scooped out a hollow you could see the ice taking in sunlight and almost glowing a soft blue. It was beautiful. At its height it reached about 4 1/2 feet, maybe a bit more. It was solid enough that if I stayed absolutely still, it would support my weight on top of the snow. My dog loved running on top of the snow, peeking his tiny head over the fence, surely an absurd sight for anyone on the other side of the fence. He'd run in circles around the entire yard until he'd hit a soft spot and disappear. Then his little miniature schnauzer face would pop up, his beard white with snow.
Has a pastor or a visiting missionary ever come over to your house for dinner or tea? Share one vivid experience.
Did the visiting missionary every come over for tea? No. No they didn't. But I never grew up in 19th century India, so maybe thats why.
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