January Q&A - Part 4 Requested by Facebook Friends

Day 16:  How did you meet your spouse/significant other?

In July 2000, I joined some friends and their children for the BDSRA (Batten's Disease Support and Research Association) Annual Family Conference in Orlando, FL.  Long story short, Kevin drove up from Miami to meet his friends and to spend a couple of days visiting.  As soon as he walked in the door he and his former classmate began picking on me.  It continued over the next several days.  At the end of the visit, we exchanged phone numbers and emails.  I expected to have an email from him when I returned from vacation but nope.  My email box was empty.  Of course, I instigated the friendship but never in a million years would I have predicted that we would date nor get married!  Did I mention I am so glad he made the trip to Orlando?

Day 17: Which of the four seasons do you love the most? Or hate?

If I had to choose a season from where I currently it would be the "dry season."  We really only have two seasons "wet" and "dry."  The dry season (December 1 - May 31) is typically dry.  In December - February the weather is cooler and we sometimes even have some "cold" nights.  If we are lucky temperatures will dip into the low 50s at night!  

Summer is the worst time in Florida.  For one, it falls in the wet season, and thus the heat and humidity are overwhelming.  Walking out your front door can feel like hitting a brick wall.  Come visit in the "winter".  You will enjoy it much more.  I promise.

Now if I were to choose a season from the Midwest it would have to be fall.  I love seeing the changing of the leaves.  The vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges are just beautiful.  I love being able to visit my family during that time.  At least until the leaves turn brown.   

The season I hate from back home is...winter.  I hated shoveling snow, thawing out the car so I could drive 15 minutes (or less) to work, or hitting that patch of black ice (YIKES!)  I do not miss any of that!

Day 18: What is your favorite board/card/table game?

Before I moved to Florida, Grandma taught me how to play a version of Canasta called Hand and Foot.  After much research, I discovered Grandma's "rules" were not the actual rules but they made playing easier for her.  Interested in learning to play yourself?  Check out this link!

Day 19:  When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you "grew up?"

I always wanted to be a teacher.  I love working with children (and adults) but watching children learn and finally understand what they are being taught to me is breathtaking.  I worked in a daycare while in college and right before I getting married.  I originally was the head teacher for the infant department (babies 3 weeks to 18 months).  I LOVED IT!  I gave up my position due to college class requirements and I missed "my babies" so much.   

Once the school year was over, I returned only to be the lead teacher for the two and three year old classroom.  It really wasn't where I wanted to work but something changed my mind.  One little boy who was mute.  With others at the daycare (and at home) he would cry and scream, but with me, he calmed.  His grandmother, who had custody, was in awe.  She was frustrated and you could tell taking care of a small child was not something she planned.  She said she would mention my name and he would run to get his shoes.  My heart swelled.  I went to the library and researched sign language.  Together with the grandmother, we taught him some signs that would help not only at home but also at daycare.  By the end of summer, I was getting married and moving to Florida.  There are certain people that come into your life that you wonder what happened to them...this young boy is one of them.

Rumor is that I have patience and I'm calm.  I'm not sure where they get that idea, because I honestly don't think I am and my family (husband and daughter) don't agree. 

Day 20:  What is your most disliked chore and why?

Dishes.  I hate doing dishes.  The big thing is that by the time we get done cooking no one wants to do them.  I don't want to wash them.  Unfortunately, leaving them to my family means they sit for a couple of days before being washed...