Personal History Question 35 is, “What is your favorite family story?” I have many. But this one always makes me smile. One year, while my mom worked at a florist shop, they were doing inventory. Bosslady came out with this old, forgotten, baby blue vase with a single, dusty, yellowed, fake Calla Lily in it. My mom brought it home. She planned to give it to my Aunty Nancy as a “Christmas gift” …. And oh my gosh. She wrapped it all nice. When my aunt unwrapped it, the look on her face was absolutely priceless. She had no words. I can still hear her in my head… “Ooohhh. That’s…

Personal History Question 34 is, “What was your first job?” Well, my first actual paying job with a set schedule (I used to baby sit here and there) was at age 14. I had a paper route. I took it over from my friends brother. It was in my neighborhood and I had to do it every day, regardless of the weather, or how I was feeling. Mom helped me out on Sunday mornings, thankfully, throwing the papers and inserts into the back of the car. I’d stuff all the papers with the inserts and she would drive a long behind me at a snails pace at 5 a.m. while…

Personal History Question 33 is, “What did your parents do for work?” Both of my parents had various jobs over the years. My dad worked for New England Telephone for several years in the 70s. Mom stayed home with me until I was in school full-time. She worked here and there, like in the school cafeteria, and at a local bakery/convenience store. Other jobs she had were at a pizza place, and a florist shop for many years. Upon moving to Florida, she ended up long-term at an air conditioning company. She pretty much kept the place running smoothly and did everything from answer phones, dispatch workers to jobs, and…

Personal History Question 32 is, “When did you first leave home?” I moved out when I was 18. My friend Amy had an apartment with her boyfriend. He had some issues and they were not getting along. She gave him the boot. She was pregnant with their daughter. I moved in to help with rent and bills and such. It was a good time. We had always spent a lot of time together anyway and we got on well, so living together was easy. Shortly after having her daughter, she reconciled with the bf, and he moved back in. He and I did not get on much, so I ended…

Personal History Question 31 is, “What was the best part about growing up?” Ah. That is easy! Limited responsibility! From a young age I knew to conduct myself properly, or face the disappointment of my mom and dad. I did have chores to do as well, from a relatively youngish age, even if it was just making my bed, putting my clean clothes away, and keeping my room clean. Only thing I really had to worry about for a long time, was being home by 5 to set the table and help serve dinner, and then help clean up. Then, it was back outside with my friends. I miss those…

Personal History Question 30 is, “What was the hardest part of growing up?” I did not even really have to think about this. The hardest part for me was losing older family members… and it has only gotten worse as time has gone on. Ugh.

Personal History Question 29 is, “Write about your favorite holiday memory.” Oh, I have SO many, especially since having my kidlet. However, I will share one from my childhood. My dad loved a good prank. So, one year mom and I got him the Sega Genesis and a couple games for his big gift. He loved video games 🙂 Well, I wrapped it on 2 or 3 entire Sunday newspapers, inserts and all. It took him forever to peel away the layers. I taped it to Hell and back. It was so funny. He knew what it was by the shape of the box, but it drove him nuts regardless.…

Personal History Question 28 is, “How did you typically celebrate your birthday?” My parents always threw me a party! My family and friends would come celebrate with me. I had a few where it was just us at home. Mom always baked me a cake or got me an ice cream cake from Carvel. As I got older and was working, she would send me flowers, a plant, or balloons to my work. I loved it. I always felt so loved. Then, on my 24th birthday, my Pop died. I had only been home 4 days from a trip to spend 2 weeks with him. He had cancer. His death…

Personal History Question 27 is, “Write about your most memorable birthday.” Hm. I guess my 13th, and my 40th are the ones that really stick out. My 18th was cool too, as it was a combo birthday/graduation party. For my 13th, my mom told me that my gift was big, but small. It drove me mad for days. It was a hundred dollar bill. With that, I bought like 6 new outfits for the following school year. My 18th was just a huge party out on the deck with all of my best people from that time. And my 40th… my friend Holly arranged to fly my mom up from…

Personal History Question 26 is, “What was your favorite food as a child?” Hm. Tough one. My favorite foods depend on my mood. Pizza or lasagna was up there when I was real little. And French fries and tater tots. As a teen, my dad’s chili, and my mom’s spaghetti. My dad used to make this one meal every now and then.. it was kielbasa, potatoes, onions, peppers, baby corn, carrots and some times broccoli. He would toss it in EVOO, season it with salt and pepper and some garlic and onion powder and roast it in the oven. I can remember walking up onto the deck on a cold…