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[Introduction] Welcome to my Campfire Creative starring the question "have you ever?" I'm your host Emily. Contestants, step right up!

"Have you ever" played a battle of the wits game using the phrase "I've never?" For example, one person says, "I've never flown" and the next person says, "I've never seen the ocean." And on and on the game goes.

This game is similar to that. However, instead of saying "I've never," you're asking a person if they've ever had a certain experience. This person, in turn, says yes or no. If yes, they tell what that experience was like for them. Either way, yes or no, you finish by asking another question.

Example:

Ashley: "Have you ever ridden a horse bareback?"

Devon: "No. Have you ever gone sky diving?"

Brent: "Wew! And what an adventure that was! Let me tell you something there's nothing like putting your life on the line and letting it all hang loose.... Have you ever gone bunjy jumping?"

You may ask what ever floats your boat, whether or not you yourself have ever done it.

The rating should be kept ASR, please. Keep your experiences clean and exciting! The Campfire will be "paused" (extinguished) Friday, February 22, and will continue after the winners of this round's TAR are announced if there is enough participant interest.

With that said, let the games begin!

Have you ever visited/lived in a country apart from your home?

SueBear

Short answer, Yes.

Longer answer, lived in Armenia for 5 1/2 years and at last count had visited 14 countries, though I think I've added a few more since then. Off the top of my head a few that I've visited are Denmark, England, France, Wales, Hungary, Germany, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Mexico.... Some of these were short visits, a la Cruise Ship, some longer.

I've learned that the world is a really small place.

Have you ever been on an adventure?

Short Answer: Yes

Long Answer: I was driving home with two of my friends (Micah and Brandon) one day, back when we were all still in high school. We had gone to Cheyenne, skipping school, but the trip hadn't been as fun as we expected. I decided to take a different route, and drive by my great-grandparent's old ranch.
Micah asked if we could try and find Cindy's house. So, I turned on a road that became nothing more than ruts. Once we turned on an actual road.
After driving again for a long time we ended up on roads called "road 7" and road "92". We had no idea where we were. At one point Micah called Cindy and left a message on her phone saying we were lost, cold, hungry and going to eat Brandon.
Eventually we found civilization again. It turned out that we had bypassed our town but it was a fun adventure.

Have you ever loved someone so much it made you cry?

Yes, and I'm married to him!

I went through a lot when I was growing up. I was emotionally abused, consistently teased, at home and at school. I hid in my books, and I had a low sense of self-esteem. I have cheated the poor man twice, though I've loved him ever since I met him, because I didn't believe in me. I didn't think I was worthy of him. We broke up both times.

Well, the last time I got pregnant. My husband is the only father my son has ever or will ever know. After I left the poor choice, I went to my mother's, too depressed to live independantly. I had lost the good guy for the bad guy, was pregnant, and facing life alone. I was scared. I cried for months over my loss.

It hurt me to see him bury his face in his hands at the news of my last mistake. I'll never forget it. And he will never be so distraught because of a bad decision I've made ever, ever again.

Have you ever taken writing courses?

The End!

Unfortunately, I have never taken a writing course. BUT I would like to. I'm considering Penn Foster~ does any one know any thing about them?

Have you ever flown a kite?

I have actually flown a kite. It was a long time ago, when I was a child living in apartments in Wyoming. My memory isn't that great but I do know it was a lot of fun.

Have you ever attempted National Novel Writing Month?

YES! And NaNoWriMo here I come.

I started in 2006. Without much leadership in our area, in 2007 I signed up to be an ML. I'm going again this year. Unfortunately I have never had more than 15000 words by the end of the month. I tried a trial basis in July~ and bombed it again! I have a plan for this coming month that I hope will work. Sit down in the morning (no procrastinating for me!) and write, write, write until I hit my day's quota minimum. Than I get to do fun things like word wars, WDC, etc.

Have you ever ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?

Yes.. The best is a smooth peanut butter and seeded raspberry jelly on white bread warmed up in the microwave for less than 30 seconds. I am weird like that.

Have you ever had sushi?

Uhhh.... no. I'm a vegetarian, and before you ask further questions... I was just raised that way. Though I have had some meat in the past, my husband and I choose to be vegetarian and raise our family that way.

Have you ever found a spot that's thee spot for sitting and thinking and/or reading, writing, and doing other quite activities? You know, the spot that's just yours, that you can just get away and escape~ even if it's just temporary? Where?

Umm.. If I have I don't remember anymore.

Have you ever talked with a ghost? (in the spirit of halloween?

No. And I don't believe in Halloween.

Have you ever flown in a hot air baloon?

No, we don't have many hot air baloons in small town wyoming.

Have you ever read a book you regretted?

Yes. I read a book for a reading group, some thing that I never would have read on my own, and missed the meeting. They were meeting in a place I wasn't aware of and couldn't get to without a ride.

Any ways, I regretted reading it. Blah! :-[P

Have you ever gone bunjy jumping?

No. Not really interested in it either. I don't have a fear of heights or anything it just isn't my type of thrill.

Have you ever swam with dolphins?

No, but I sure wish I could!

Have you ever been published?

Technically. Yes. Not a novel or anything like that. I used to write for Weber State University newspaper. I wrote a couple editorials, some general news stories, was the reporter for the science/business section and had a column for a month. One of the editorials I wrote won 3rd in a Utah Newspaper contest.
However, I haven't gotten any of my fiction published, yet. But have only submitted two stories so need to work on that.

Have you ever attempted writing in a genre you don't understand just for the challenge?

I'm learning not to belittle any type of exprince; and, hey! I haven't even gotten that far.

Yes~ I attempt poetry evry now and then.

Oh, but that's a form of writing, not a gnre. Wll then I would have to say... nnnnnnnooo!

Have you ever been through a serious storm? (ie: tornado, flood, hurricane, etc)

I have. Back when I was younger during the summer we would have tornado season in Wyoming. There seem to be far less now that there used to be. But we would get tornadoes and have to hide in the lower portion of the house, not near a window. Once when I was with a babysitter, hail broke the window in the room we were near. It was a little scary. They weren't big tornadoes but lots of wind which was even worse than the normal 50+ miles per hour.

Have you ever fallen asleep in a class?

Hrmmm... that's a tough one. I've always been a "goody two shoes." I prefer to do the right thing.

So if I ever did, and I really don't remember, it definitely wouldn't have been on purpose!

I do remember a day in Jr. Primary~ a class some where in between Kindergarten and first grade, mostly for those who failed Kindergarten. Although, how they did that I will never know! I was put into school late.

Any ways it was quiet time and every one was supposed to have their heads down and be resting. Only, I actually fell asleep. I was embarrassed

! Apparently, they had spent some time trying to wake me up. LOL.

But that is the only time I can remember~ and that's what we were supposed to be doing! I can not remember falling asleep while a teacher was talking.

Have you ever told any one your most embarrassing experience before?

*ponders*

I don't really know what my most embarrassing experience is to be honest. If I have anything it must have been so bad that I have blocked it from myself. That being the case the answer would be no because I can't even remember in order to tell someone else.

I am so overly cautious and anti-social that I don't do alot. That is changing so who knows what I"ll do in the future.

Have you ever been to an art museum or gallery?

Yes. A small one in our community college. And my step-sister's art work was there!

Have you ever done work for a certain position, under the belief you hold that position, only to find out that you, in fact, did not?

No, I don't think that I have. But then again I haven't held very high up positions. I've been a cashier in several different places. All my jobs so far have been the close to minimum wage types since I haven't graduated from high school yet and haven't worked a job for much more than a year.

Have you ever fallen asleep during a movie that is high action or scary?

I'm sure I have. I'm famous for falling asleep while my husband watches bad horror movies. I can't remember a specific one, but that's probably because I fell asleep. Ha!

Have you ever kept an interesting collection of something?

Dawn- It doesn't have to be a high up position. For example, I'm having problems with the ML position at NaNoWriMo.

Ummm... the only real collection I keep is books. I'm a book worm. Family gave me books for Christmas for years.

Have you ever tried a totally new food from another country?

Absolutely. I have had Korean food made by a woman from South Korea. She lived in South Dakota with her husband, he is from the US. I went to school there and she was in my English class. I was friends with the foreign exchange students so for Easter me and another student from South Korea when to her house for dinner. It was interesting. Most the Korean dishes were vegetarian cause she didn't eat meat.

Have you ever been mistaken for someone whom you are not?

Short Answer: Probably Not.

Longer Answer: I've been called by names that were not my own, and when I was younger everyone told me I looked like the girl from the movie "The Piano". I don't think anyone has ever actually thought I was someone else, though.

Have you ever eaten something you later regretted eating?

Oh, yes! Yuck! And I was unable to eat it for like, 5 years.

I was at a faculty member's house in high school (private boarding academy) when I tried a plain avacado. I never did that again. To this day, I do not dare eat plain avocado for fear it will be just as bad, but I will now eat guacomole.

Have you ever acted in a play?

I actually have acted in a few, back in high school The first one was about juvenile detention, and the only speaking I did was to the audience because I was a very young runaway from a bad home. The musical was fun, Guys and Dolls. However, I was just a bobby soxer, so a little girl that ran around and couldn't sit still in the church scene. My favorite and best role was in Treasure Island. I was the narrator, so had the more lines and long paragraphs to memorize and against spoke to the audience. But I was on stage for the entire show.

Haven't done any since high school. Tried my freshman year of college and then once again a year ago but didn't even get chorus in either of those musicals. I would love to be in Seussical one day.

Have you ever seen a professional ballet?

I don't think so. I saw a ballet when I was pretty young, but I fell asleep. I don't remember whether it was professional or not, because I don't really remember it at all. I almost got in trouble for falling asleep during a field trip. I'm still not sure what happened.

Have you ever danced in the rain?

Yes! I used to play in the rain all the time when I was a little girl. Haven't done much of it recently though,

Have you ever gone horseback riding bareback? (Sound familiar?

)

I haven't. But my stepsister tried when we were younger. We lived just outside of town and our neighbor's (all side and back) had horses or miniatures. There was one in back closer to the irrigation ditch. She tried to get it to come close enough to the fence so that she could try to ride it.

Have you ever wanted to through out all technology and live a simpler life?

Yes, in a way. I've thought about throwing out all technology, but I think if I were to live a simpler life, I'd want to use technology wisely to do that. (I'm assuming you are talking about modern, electronic technology, and not, like, plumbing technology.) I think I'd be happy living rather self-sufficiently with a huge garden, perhaps even butchering my own meat, with no radio, television or print media interference. I would want to have CDs, perhaps a few movies now and then, and access to important news.

Along the same lines:

Have you ever grown your own food?

No. And until recently, I hadn't even considered it. You see, I have a brown thumb. Whatever I touch seems to die off in a short amount of time. I'm actually afraid of trying to grow plants.

Have you ever created your own recipe?

Yes, I've created several. I almost never follow a recipe exactly, but the first recipe I actually created was when I was about eighteen or nineteen. It was for cream cheese-amaretto brownies. They had brownie and cream cheese layers, and a swirled top, and the amaretto in them gave them an almost cherry-like taste. So yummy.

Have you ever been at a complete loss for words?

Sherri

Often! I'm a naturally quiet person, so being at a loss for words is not foreign to me whatsoever. What would be weird is if I always had something to say.

Have you ever played a practical joke?

I'm sure I have~ although I can't think of when or what I did. Sorry!

I prefer being friendly. I love people and would hate to chase any away!

Have you ever won NaNoWriMo? (Cause, after 2 years lost, I'm about to win the third year!)

For the first time I can say Yes. The third time was the charm for me. I even technically made word count a day early. My total for the month ended up being 50,844 and I am not even done writing the story.

Have you ever gone sledding?

Yes, when I was younger. I preferred inner-tubing, which was so much fun. I haven't done either one since I was in my teens, though.

Have you ever driven in a blizzard (or really bad weather)?

Sherri

Well, I'm originally from Texas and we do not have blizzards and barely snow for that matter. We do have ice for about three days out of the year, usually in Janurary. I have driven in iced over conditions. The trick is driving very slow and not using the brakes (much). I have also driven in terrible thunderstorms where the rain was pouring down so hard there was about 1' of visibility in front! I was terrified and nearly hit a sign post. I couldn't see the road...it was night...and by some miracle I made it into a hotel parking lot where I went inside, chatted up the night host, and drank hot cocoa until the storm passed! But I have to say that most of the time, the weather is nice, albeit hot, in Texas. Now I am in England and I do not drive!

Have you ever been a secret admirer to someone or have you ever had a secret admirer?

You ought to write about that in your port, Sherri. Sounds like quite the adventure!

I have had both actually... I think. I was the scape goat in school and the "secret admirer" could have easily been some one pulling a prank. As far as the crush, yes definitely! He was so cute and, although it was only eigth grade, he took my breath away. Unfortunately, I was too afraid to speak to much of any one, let alone him. (The only notice I did give him was that stupid classic note: Do you like me? Check yes or no here.

) That's ok. I have some one even better now.

Have you ever watched a movie, hoping that it would prove itself at some point (it can't be that bad right?), and later regretted it?

Yes, many times. My husband and I are big fans of B-Movies. The worse, the better for my husband in particular. So I've had to watch many movies that I wanted to walk out on. The only movie I've ever walked out on in a theater was Gosford Park, because it was so boring and so very long. People applauded us for leaving, when our group decided we couldn't handle any more.

Have you ever gone caroling?

Sherri

I love caroling! Growing up in Texas, I would go with my church and we'd go to the retirement centers/elderly care centers as well as to anyone in our church who couldn't get out much. They were always appreciative, and it was always fun. Then again, I love to sing!
In England caroling is a little different. If you go caroling, it is expected you will receive donations. I think that kind of ruins it, personally, so I can't say I'm that interested here unless it would be to go to a retirement home.

Have you ever communicated using sign language?

No, but I've used sign language and would love to learn communicative sign language. "Butterfly Kisses"

[E]

Have you ever been published? (not counting on-line realm ONLY)

Only in school papers!

I've sent out a few submissions, and a contest entry or two. In fact, I'm getting ready to send a poem out to another contest, but I won't know the results of that until October 2009!

Have you ever played hooky? Work, school, housework, anything?

Sherri

Avoiding work is an area of expertise now! I skipped school 2-3 times while in high school. I've been know to call in sick to work when I'm not really sick, on occassion. Sometimes I just need some "me" time! Even now that I'm primarily a stay-at-home mom, I play hookey by escaping into The Sims game or getting online here or Facebook or checking my email over and over, just to avoid doing the dishes or whatever else I should be doing. Today I used my birthday as an excuse not to lift a finger around the house!

Have you ever had ants in your pants, literally?

Yeah. When I was a little kid, I was sitting underneath one of the tables Mom and Dad were using for a yard sale. I got red fire ants and ooooooohhhhh! It hurt. They don't call them little red fire ants for nothing!

Have you ever made a friend through an accidental phone call?

No, but I'll tell the story of a very accidental phone call. I had just lost my first pet rat, and I wanted to buy a pair of rats to replace her. I dialed the number given to me for the humane society. Of course, not thinking, my first words on the phone were "Do you have rats?" The woman on the other end was very confused, probably thinking she was being hoaxed. She said, "Excuse me?" I countered with "Um, is this the humane society?" in my most confused voice. I was only a teenager, and I sounded very young at the time.

By this time, my family is cracking up in the background, having figured out what happened by my part of the conversation. I was so embarrassed, but the woman was very forgiving. I think she got a kick out of it, once she realized what happened.

Sherri, I love the Sims, too! And Happy Birthday!!!

Have you ever had a the waiters at a restaurant sing to you?

Sherri

Oh yes I have and it's the best kind of embarrassing! The most memorable time was my 16th birthday in Austin, Texas. I had my party at a restaraunt called The Time Machine (or the Magic Time Machine) where all the waiters/waitresses were in costume! Our waiter for the evening was Woody Woodpecker and I thought he was really gorgeous! So naturally everyone I was with had to capitalize on this and embarrass me more by telling him. He was a good sport and really flirted it up. I got my photo with him and he signed my take home box!

And yes, I had a bunch of characters singing to me...Woody, Snow White...can't remember everyone...the biggest characters being my family and friends!

Have you ever had to give a speech?

Of course. The time I remember best was in English class my Freshman year. The speeches being given were on rights or some thing- I don't quite remember. The only other speech I can remember being given was about prisoners being allowed special treatment such as watching tv. Mine was on the difficulties a deaf faces. They can't hear you, you have to get their attention in other ways. I had my boy friend (now hubby) illustrate. I got the whole class room laughing by it.

Have you ever run your own camp fire?

No, I haven't ever had my own campfire. This one is so much fun, though.

Have you ever gone without electricity for more than a day or two?

Sherri

Oh no I haven't! I think the longest was about 8 hours when a transformer across the street blew. I remember being worried about my fish surviving without the bubbles blowing through, but they were fine. Honestly, I don't know how the Amish do it.

I'm struggling for questions here!

Have you ever seen/been in the prescence of a ghost?

Quite possibly. The house I grew up in had a couple of sealed off rooms on the second and third floor (this was later converted into an attic we never used). From what I can remember, a little girl from several tenants before my family, lived on the large room on the third floor, which was right over my bedroom. There were times I could have sworn I would see her running down the hall, giggling. She also seemed to like my tea parties. Then again, I was four years old and had an active imagination.

I never did find out what happened to her although I was told she had gone missing years before my parents bought the house. If the ghost was real she was benevolent and joyful.

Have you ever thought about legally changing your name?

Have considered it. I really like my pen name, Emily Logan. I think I'll just stick to my current name, though; which, by the way, has been changed since I was married August 26, 2007! LOL. But I don't think that's what you meant.

Sherri, I'm getting some new blood in here, so hopefully we'll be inspired by them. Just hang in there. Welcome to the group, LdyPhoenix.

Have you ever had a chauffer's license?

No, and I'm not sure I'd even know how to go about getting one. Oh, and I don't know why I'd want one. What a fun question though.

Have you ever forgotten a loved one's birthday or anniversary?

Sherri

I don't remember anyone's anniversary except my parents and my brother's and that is because they are only two days apart. I've never forgotten my parents, brother's, child or husband's birthday, but I've forgotten pretty much everyone else's! I can sometimes remember what month, but rarely the day.

Have you ever been a candy striper or done volunteer work?

Yep. I do volunteer work at my parish St. Timothy's when they hold events like retreats, charity boutiques, and things of that nature. A couple of years back when I was in high school I was apart of an organization called The Key Club. The main objective was to go around to the local communities and volunteer at different charitable organizations and elder care centers. It was a lot of fun and I enjoy helping.

Thanks for the greeting.

Have you ever had the urge to ride in or drive a Zamboni?

Not to sound like a moron, but I don't even know what a Zamboni is. I'm guessing it's a car, but I don't know what that car would look like. I'm not highly into cars, although I wouldn't mind driving, or at least riding in, a convertible. A nice, smooth ride and good looks is all I'm looking for in a car. I don't know much about them.

Have you ever flown an air plane? Not flown in, flown. In other words, you were the pilot or co-pilot.

No, I've never flown an airplane. Do be honest, I don't want to. Airports make me nervous enough, but small planes make me very nervous. I'd be afraid of crashing.

Have you ever done anything like my "Invalid Item"

Sherri

(I think a zamboni is the thing that smooths ice over at the ice skating rink)

101 goals in 1001 days...I like that idea! I've never done anything like that specifically. I've set goals before, but they are usually short term, day by day things as in a "to do" list! I don't seem to do well with long term goals because they get a little too abstract and big to me. So I have to break everything down into smaller steps, therefore it looks like a to do list! I can cope with a little to do list. But I do like that idea and may incorporate it somehow. I do have some goals I NEED to accomplish and I should be writing them down to remind myself to work on them a little each day.

Have you ever felt the need to stand up for somebody or something, didn't, and then regretted it later?

(Sorry about the Zamboni! Sherri is right, a Zamboni is a tracker-size machine, driven by a person, to smooth out the ice on an ice rink between hockey games and during ice skating events.)

Unfortunately, yes. There have been a couple of times where I've felt the need to say something, to stick up for someone who couldn't defend themselves, but didn't have to courage to do it. The biggest one that comes to mind is a girl I went to elementary school with. She wasn't necessarily the nicest person in the world, but our classmates picked on her all the time. More times than not I didn't say anything to defend her especially since she couldn't seem to do that for herself. Its always haunted me that I didn't do more for her. No one deserves to be teased and bullied.

Have you ever cooked or baked something that looks delicious but tastes disgusting?

Yes, I made a big booboo. It was a cake for Science in the 7th grade. I was making the Earth, but the only pan we had was rectangular. I tried making the cake out of scratch, it came out looking good, but when I tried to get it out of the pan- uh oh! It was hard as a rock.

So, after my mom had come home, she helped me make a round cake out of a cake mix.

Oh yeah! No, I've never driven a Zamboni... although I've heard of it on the tv. I just forgot. I haven't even been on the ice before. I've only ever been to a skating rink once to see a skating show.

Have you ever had your own pet(s)?

I had my own pets from the time I was about fifteen up until my husband and I moved in together, about four years ago. (So, for about six or seven years.) I've kept pet rats since I was fifteen, and they were always mine, until J and I moved in, then they became ours. We have four currently, two boys and two girls, but I've had a grand total of seventeen over the years (not all at once.)

Have you ever had to (or chosen to) go more than twelve hours without food?

Sherri

Yes...once when I had to go in for day surgery. They wouldn't let me eat anything because of the anthestetic. The other time was when I went into labor with my daughter. I didn't eat anything during the labor and the labor pains woke me up, so that was well over 12 hours there.

Have you ever gone skydiving?

No.... I want too!

Have you ever colored your hair?

No, but I do want to. The problem is that I have to have it professionally died.

5 years ago, I felt impressed to test it on my arm, although I didn't really want to. Boy am I glad I did! I found something that I'm actually alergic too! (I'm otherwise not allergic to any thing.) Within 5 minutes, my arm was burning up. I wanted to believe it was my imagination but, after a few more minutes, it began to get worse. I had to wash it off and take it back to Walgreens.

It sucks. I really want to try a different color, but can't with my allergy.

Have you ever played an extra on a tv show or movie?

No, but I came close once.

A friend of mine was acting in a small part on a television series, which, consequently, never made it past the fifth episode. They needed more little kids for one scene and I happened to being visiting her during that time. I almost made it on, but by law you need parental signature and neither of my parents were there to sign the waiver. It was okay though. The thought of being on screen stills weirds me out.

Have you ever lied to get out of work, either for school or for your job?

Well, not really. My mom might have lied once to get me out of school to go to Disneyland (we lived in Southern California, had annual passes, and it was our girls thing). It was right after I became really badly sick (which led to my disability a few years down the line) and we wanted a girl's day to bond. I think she told the school I was sick again, though. That's the closest I've gotten to lying to get out of work or school.

Have you ever been close enough to touch a big cat, like a lion or tiger?

Sherri

Sure haven't! Don't want to either. I don't even like the little ones much.

Have you ever been totally embarrassed by a child?

No... Hmmm I most likely will if I have children though!!!

Have you ever Had a crush on a collage football player?

Uhh.. no! I hate sports.

Have you ever dated a star?

Nope. Just started my first relationship this past year and he's not famous. But he sure is a star in my book.

Have you ever refused to finish a book?

Not refused to, no. I've left several books unfinished for different reasons, but I'm always open to going back to them. Most notably, I've tried to read Crime and Punishment many times. I never make it through.

Have you ever burned something in protest?

Sherri

Not that I recall, and I'm sure I'd recall if I had.

My protest are usually in a different manner, like letter writing!

Have you ever looked through a telescope and seen Saturn?

Um no! I have only seen telescopes in movies! I really want to though it would be cool!

Have you ever Named a Star? (The ones in the sky, not the ones on the big screen)

No, but I've thought of it. Of course, even if I had the money to, I wouldn't be able to recognize it. I don't understand the constellations in the sky very well. When I see them, I just let the grace of the whole sky awe me. I kind find the big dipper and that's about it.

Have you ever flown a hang glider?

No, but I'm open to it. It would be awesome to be floating in the sky like that. There was one time on the beach with my family that I was almost crashed into when someone was trying to land in a hang glider. I was having one of those "out-of-body, savoring-the-moment" experiences gazing out at the water and didn't see his landing path. It was a real interesting way to start a conversation.

Have you ever considered plastic surgery?

Nope. Not once. I'm very much against voluntary plastic surgery. I have no problem with it for disfigurement, etc., but don't like the idea of tummy tucks and fake "parts".

Have you ever been robbed or had something stolen from you?

Sherri

In 5th grade, a brooch that had been my great grandmothers was taken from my desk. I know who took it, because she wore it one day! It was heartbreaking, and I should have told my mom about it!

When I was a teenager our house got broken into. About a month later, I saw our stuff on the evening news. Nobody else saw it, but the next day, the police called to pick up what things of ours they had. We did get a few things back, but most of it had to be replaced.
The robbers had come in through my window which was unlocked. The police thought they ransacked my room, but really, that was the normal state!

But they did puncture a hole in a milk carton and put it on our cloth chair, totally ruining it. I'll never forget the months after of feeling insecure and unsafe in my own home. Robbers steal more than just your things.

Have you ever been out of your own country?

Well when was to young to remember, but my dream is to move to england when I am older!

Have you ever Lied to your boss on something really important?

Nope, I'm glad to say I can not think of one time that I did some thing as terrible as that.

Have you ever made your own power? (electricity, etc)

Yes, lol. I was part of a science experiment for my eldest brother. He rubbed inflated balloon back and forth across the top of my head to make static electricity and had me shuffle across the carpet in socks. After all of this I had to light a light bulb and power on a radio with my finger. It worked too!

Have you ever borrowed a stranger's cell phone to place a call?

Not a stranger's cell phone, no. I've borrowed a cell phone only once or twice, and that was from a friend.

Have you ever forgotten a friend's (or acquaintance's) name?

Sherri

Yes, yes and yes again! I forget names very easily, especially if I'm not really good friends with them. I was talking to a guy today I often see around and for the life of me I can't remember his name! Worse is when I get people mixed up and call them by the wrong name, which happens more than I want to admit.

Have you ever been inside a castle?

No, I haven't, but I'd love to.

Have you ever skipped sand on water like you would skip rocks (yes, I mean sand like from a beach. I works when It's frozen)?

I can't say that I've even heard of doing that! But it does sound like a lot of fun.

Have you ever given someone something (either gift wrap-able or otherwise) so special that it strengthened your relationship?

Yes.....
My friend (who is a lot older than me) had her first baby, and could not really afford to get her daughter clothing, with all the other necessaries, so I saved as much money as I could and got her a whole bunch of baby clothes, and clothing her daughter can grow into.... It was really cute to see her face when i gave it to her.

Have you ever Needed to use the restroom so bad out in public that you went into the opposite sexes bathroom? (because you couldn't find your own, or it had a line hehe)

Welcome to exasperanza and my sister Valeera

!

Yes, but small gathering public places only. However, I have had to clean men's bathrooms. Did you know that women are cleaner then men? It's not just a saying girls, I know from experience... it's the truth! I've also been into men's bathrooms by accident. Some times the places that seem most courteous to put a woman's bathroom is not where it's placed.

Have you ever taught your dog to catch out of the air?

I'm allergic to dogs so I've never had one. But if I did I probably would.

Have you ever gone out in public with mix-matched shoes?

No, but I have gone out with mix-matched socks. It was for Valentine's Day at school once- pink and red!

Have you ever had a really refreshing conversation with someone unexpected?

Sherri

I've had refreshing conversations with people I've only just met, which is always unexpected, so yes. Sometimes people surprise me, and I can find kindness in the gruffest of people...or people I don't particularly like will do something nice for me. It changes my attitude and helps me to remember to be careful how I judge! In the end, people are people and it is a matter of breaking down the protective walls and connecting with another human being. That is the most special and refreshing thing!

Have you ever decked any halls with boughs of holly?

Falla lala la la la la la! haha No I haven't but it would be fun to do!

Have you ever eaten dot/cat food?

Ironically, I have. I was about two or so the first time(or so I was told) and my mom put on the table so I couldn't reach it. I was about three or four the first time and that time my cousin took it so she could have some.

Have you ever given a pet six or more names?

No, and I'm honestly not sure why I would! I'm sure some people just like names? My pets usually have a nickname or two. Poppy is Pop or Popcorn. Potter was renamed Hedwig for a few reasons, one of them because she never responded to Potter. Six names, though? Nope.

Have you ever been completely snowed in?

Sadly, no. Where I lived snow was not something that occurred except for one lonely, winter day back in 2000. I've always wanted to be snowed in at least once. Chalk it up to too many years in sunny Southern California.

Have you ever mocked a book you've never read only to find out you like it after reading it?

Something tells me I might have, but I really don't remember it!

Have you ever filled up a room with so many Christmas presents for other people that you couldn't walk in?

Uhhhh... no! I've never had that much dough.

Have you ever posted an item to one of the Plug In pages that was not your own because you just liked it that much?

Sherri

Yes I have! Sometimes I manage to run across a new member who has something amazing in their portfolio, or something that has a lot of potential. I'll nominate them for Rising Stars and start plugging their port and items, on the Plug Page, on the Billboard and in my own Port under featured items. But I've also plugged things that are not by new members that I just really think more people should see. I found this campfire via a plug on the Activities Page, and glad I did! It's by far the most fun campfire I've been a part of.

Have you ever ridden on an elephant, camal, cow or sheep?

Hahaha

Ya I have ridden on a cows back, To the grocery store, Me a little city girl haha, I was at my grandmas farm,

Have you ever been cliff Diving?

No, no I haven't. I kinda wish i could though, with someone experienced.

Have you ever made home made costumes for any season that people just absolutely loved?

Well, I made a hand sewn costume for an SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism - a medieval reenactment group) event. It wasn't exactly gushed over, but they were impressed I hand sewed it, instead of using a machine. I think that was just because it was my first costume. I ended up falling out of the SCA, because I only liked the costume making. I'd still like to make a bliaut from the fiber or animal up (either shear the animal and create the roving to spin and then weave, sew, etc., or just buy the roving.)

Have you ever been asked to go onstage during an interactive show?

Nope. I think I would be too nervous to do that even if asked. I'm one of those lucky people who gets skipped over in crowds.

Have you ever had a dream you were sure was real?

Yes, I've actually had dreams so realistic that I didn't even know that I had woken up! I continued talking for a few seconds after...

Have you ever been snowed in, or if you don't live in a snowy area, at least vacationed in a snowy one?

Yeah. Today, after he got out of work, my hubby had to shovel to get to the door!

Have you ever been hit by Cupid's bow?

Sherri

That's an interesting question. I suppose...I'm married!

I moved country to be with the one I loved, so either that's cupid or crazy!

Have you ever met a celebrity?

A couple rock stars, but nothing to remarkable! I would love to meet all my favorite Authors, or THE BEATLES!!! (haha I was born in the wrong decade)

Have you ever found something out about you mom/dad that was really really weird?

I don't know... I suppose I have because most of the stories I tell about my father shocked people, but I never thought anything about it. Hmmm.... How about this one; my dad likes to eat peanut butter, miracle whip, and pickle sandwiches.

Have you ever been to the center of the United States and/or been in four states at once?

Yes, I've stood in Four Corners, but I don't really remember anything about it. I'm not even sure where the center of the U.S. is.

Have you ever celebrated a five year anniversary (since today is the anniversary marking five years since my first date with my husband... I had to get that in there somewhere!

Happy anniversary!

No, I haven't. But my first anniversary is coming up soon.

Have you left your Christmas tree up past New Year's Day?

Always! My family celebrates Three Kings Day (January 6), because it's part of our Hispanic culture. Three kings day celebrates the arrival of the wise men, and it's a bigger deal (in terms of presents) in a lot of spanish speaking countries. It's a great tradition!

Have you ever made it a point to put up crazy Christmas ornaments on your tree?

Crazy Christmas ornaments? You mean like a string of popcorn or homemade ornaments like stars and snowflakes? I've strung popcorn on a tree and would like to make home made ornaments. We have some; my sister (Valeera) made me an ornament last year, but hubby's dog got to it before we could use it. *tear*

Have you ever watched a sheep get shorn in the spring?

Sherri

Yes. In the town I grew up in, we had livestock shows every year and I got to see it plenty as people readied their sheep for show (including my brother one year, but his sheep came in LAST place because it was too tame and wouldn't flex it's muscles!). Sheep are some of my favorite animals.

Have you ever rescued and/or rehabilitated a wild animal (or even a non-wild animal)?

Nope, I can't say as I have. I did bury a dead bird in the driveway after I found it in the yard(we had a dirt drive), though.

Have you ever learned "I'm sorry" in other languages other than English or Sign-language (Exp: French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Mayan)?

Only in Spanish, and even then because my family speaks it. But I would really love to learn another language in general.

Have you ever seen a movie that really amazed you because of the way it was filmed?

Yes I have seen a movie that really amazed me when I thought about it. It was called Wallace and Gromit Curse of the Ware-rabbit it amazed me because they are just models and how much time and effort it would take.

Have you ever read a book that made you feel like you were actually there with the main character?

Yes, quite a few, actually. Most books... and movies for that matter... do it to a varying degree for me. That's why I can't read/watch thrillers, and I have to watch out for action adventure as well.

Have you ever gone on a mission trip?

Yes, on a few actually. They were all wonderful experiences that I hold dear to my heart. Its the sense of community with people coming together for a common cause in the glory of God, and the courage of those who come out and get involved when they're not sure of their own beliefs that made the trips memorable journeys.

Have you ever had toilet paper stuck to the bottom of your shoe?

Ah! yes... thankfully it was in my own house! buti was walking around and I could not see to get it off...

have you ever changed your mind on something so many times ina day you thought you were losing your mind?

Um, yeah. In fact, I did that yesterday. But I can't go into details yet. Sorry.

Have you ever had insomnia?

Sherri

Yes, I have, although it isn't all that common for me. How it happens for me is that I get to sleep okay, but then wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep. So by the morning, I've only gotten in a few hours of sleep. Thankfully this is not a common occurance, but my sleep isn't near as productive now that I've had a child as it was before.

Have you ever gone on a trip to celebrate New Years elsewhere?

No, I've only ever celebrated (if you can say that for some of the years) at my dad or my mother's house. I'm eighteen now and I'm still celebrating it at my dad's house.

Have you ever put ketchup on a piece of brownie?

Ketchup on a brownie? Nope, I'm almost happy to say that I haven't. It's an interesting combination, though...

Have you ever celebrated a holiday in a country other than your own?

No I havent yet though I do want to I have never actually been to a country other than the one I live in.

Have you ever said something that is not true so many times that you have believed it?

No. My parents tried to teach us never to lie. Though I can't say I haven't lied in the past, I can say that I have tried not to. So repeating a lie is something I haven't done.

Valeera- Ketchup on a brownie? Yuck!

Happy New Years every one!

Have you ever played an instrument?

Yes! I took up the violin in the third grade and played it for four years. During the years I realized that I wasn't a very good violinist. I loved the music too much to keep butchering it, so I retired from the violin lol. Recently I've been practicing with the drums thanks to my little brother's new Rock Band game. Those are lots of fun, and I'm not too bad.

Happy 2009!

Have you ever accidentally set yourself on fire?

No, I can't say that I have. I'm sure that would have made a great story, though.

Have you ever had a sunburn so bad you blistered?

Sherri

Very, very close to it. My brother did...he put baby oil or something on and fell asleep by the pool and literally blistered. It was pretty bad!!

Have you ever went door to door selling your own creations/stuff (as an adult or child)?

No, I haven't, but I have given away a lot of my work to random people sometimes.

Have you ever stood in two of the Great Lakes at once (example: under the Mackinac bridge)?

I've never even been to the Great Lakes! But that sounds like a really amazing experience. I'd enjoy it!

Have you ever failed to realize a dream and then found out that not being able to reach it wasn't as bad as you thought?

No that has never happened to me but it probably will.

have you ever said to your mum when you were little "youre not supposed to talk to strangers mum" when they kenw who it was but you didn't?

No, I can't say I ever did.

Have you ever had writer's block for a year or more?

Not quite a year but very close to it. It was a horrible time for me.

Have you ever "regifted" a present?

Yes. I see nothing wrong with it, if the other person will get more joy than you ever would. Our financial situation is so desperate this year that I gifted quite a few "used" gifts, without some of the giftees knowing what they were getting. It was fun, allowed me to give gifts, and made them feel happy.

Have you ever gone camping?

Sherri

Yes, I have. I went on occassion with my family when I was a kid. Mom wasn't a big fan of camping, so it wasn't very often! We camped out at my uncle's place the most - he had a big pond full of catfish, so it was a fun outing for us (and it gave Mom the night off). As an adult I've only been camping twice maybe. I like it, but I find it very uncomforable now, waking up with an aching back or freezing cold. I would camp again if the conditions were right and if I was well prepared.

Have you ever tried out for a sport (track, cheerleading, basketball, etc)?

Ironically, that question goes to someone who has never even been to SEE a game of anything. I have never tried out for a spor nor have I seen one. I have never joined in a school related aftershcool anything accept enerting one play in nineth grade.

Have you ever been in or to a parade in winter?

Yes, my little sister's dance class was in a Christmas parade once and I went to see it. It was a lot of fun because we brought some of her friends, and they all cheered for her! Very cute.

Have you ever been chosen for some kind of honor that you thought someone else was better qualified for?

yes I have actually in primary school I won a reader award when I hardly read that whole week.

Have you ever had so much sugar that you ran for an hour?

I could never run for an hour- I'm just not that fit! But, I have gone off the walls because I had too many sweets. Excited, fast talking, constantly moving, etc.

Have you ever gone skiing?

Yes, I have. I went cross country skiing with my private school when I was in fourth and fifth grade. It was cool.

Have you ever been able to put your feet behind your head?

Sherri

Hmmmm. I think I could when I was a kid. By the time I was a teen all that flexibility had gone and I couldn't even do splits anymore! Now I struggle just to touch my toes!

Have you ever felt like, or really believed, that you couldn't accomplish something important without someone else's help?

Yes, unfortunately. Due to my disability, I often feel that I am not capable of accomplishing things that "normal" people can without help.

Have you ever skated on a frozen pond?

No, but I've always wanted to. Living in California doesn't really allow of the opportunity.

Have you ever thought of leaving school or work to join the circus?

no i havent ever thought of joining the circus

have you ever laughed at something no-one else found funny?

Yes! I do that all the time! It's pretty embarrassing sometimes...

Have you ever been so proud of something you or someone you know had done that it made a whole week better?

I don't know about a week, but I've had a couple of pretty rotten days before, then someone did or said something that made the rest of the day a complete joy for me instead. I was having one of those one day- I wasn't happy, but wasn't sad either. Actually, my emotional mind couldn't make up it's mind- it was really an icky feeling. That was my answer when my friend asked one day back in high school, she told me to look at the sky. It was a really odd, couldn't make up its mind, kind of color. I was fine for the rest of the day!

Have you ever lived in a house with 14 or more people?

Yes, I have. If you don't remember I lived with you, Emily. With nine of our cousins, their mom, and our parents and siblings.

Have you ever been given a task everyone else though was hard but you found it incredibly simple?

Sherri

The most memorable time this happened was when I was a Jr. High twirler. I normally had private lessons from the teacher, but this time I was in a group lesson so she could teach me a try out routine on the side. I ended up having to help the beginner students learn tricks and one girl in particular was having trouble with one of the simplest tricks. I was showing her how to do it and mistakenly added that "it was easy." She gave me a look that could kill and said, "maybe it's easy for YOU, but not easy for everyone else!" I felt about an inch high at that point, and I've done my best never to say that again, realizing that we are all at different levels.

Have you ever made a big mess in the kitchen?

I think a better question for me would be, while cooking have you ever NOT made a big mess in the kitchen? I'm a horrible mess-making cook! (Well, a good cook, but...)

I remember there was a time I was making a chocolate shake, the blender broke, and the shake went everywhere! We found it on the ceiling and in various nooks and crannies for weeks afterwards. I was living with my parents, and my mom was NOT happy.

Have you ever kept a food diary?

I did for a while to track allergies. My doctor had striped my diet down to chicken and brown rice for a month. Then I slowly added certain foods back to see how I reacted afterward. The diary kept all the items I ate, at what times I was eating it, and any weird side effects. It was a really odd experience, lol.

Have you ever been surprised about a grade you received on a report or essay?

Yes i have actually a few times i have not been expecting a good grade but have recieved one.

Have you ever had writers block for more than a week?

Definitely! It usually happens to me when I start a story that I hadn't planned out too well and get stuck on the middle parts...

Have you ever painted your nails (or dyed your hair) an outrageous color?

Yes. I'm big into St Patrick's Day, but haven't done a lot about it until two years ago. I was stuck at home last year and didn't do much, but the year before I was attending college. I wore every thing green- green shirt (long sleeved), green pants, green loafers, green face and, yes, hair! Of course, the face and hair were a bit sloppy since I was late for work, but I still dressed the part! Sure wish I still had those pictures I took.

Darn it, I meant that question for someone other than my own sister? So I'm going to ask again (after being sure that I randomized the members again)...

Have you ever lived in a house with 14 or more people?

Sherri

I have never lived in a house with 14 or more people, and if I did I do not think I would fair well. I value peace and quiet and my personal space, so really, more than about 4 or 5 people and I start getting edgy!

Have you ever chased a chicken?