You Better Start Running

Richelle tagged me and so now I'm it so you better start running cause I'm giving you a head start.

Here are the rules:
1. Link your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

7 Things To Know About Me

1. I love long road trips all by myself that's why I never dread the drive back and forth to Canada from Atlanta. Lots of time to think and listen to music.

2. I am spontaneous...in fact some times I probably don't plan enough. I like to leave all my options open until the last minute. Case in point - at the last minute I have hatched a plan to fly from Pittsburgh to Manchester, NH to go and see my friend Chelly and the Stars on Ice show with the Rideouts. I'll fly back the next day and drive back to Atlanta. CRAZY or what?

3. I'm a huge figure skating fan. I have old tapes of all my favorite old performances that I just can't get rid of...Kurt Browning happens to be one of my favorites.

4. Friends are incredibly important to me.

5. I've watched Pride and Prejudice and Bride and Prejudice a gazillion times in the last year or so.

6. I don't dust my house very often.

7. I used to never go anywhere without my nail clippers. I am now actually broken of the habit but there are many times when I wish I had them with me.

Now, you're it!

1. Cindy at Chats with Cindy
2. Faye at A Quiet Place
3. Marion at Around the World with K & M
4. Krista at Life in the Frying Pan
5. Amy at The Wagner Family
6. Elizabeth at Bella Blog
7. Jen at Two and Two

The T.P. Letter - Otherwise known as the Toilet Paper Letter

Have you ever received a letter written on toilet paper? Desperate times call for desperate measures. Back in my boarding school days, there was apparently a toilet paper shortage. My mom decided to make sure that I was well provided for so she wrote me a letter on toilet paper just in case...


Hi Beth!

We heard T.P. is very expensive in Nigeria now and that you are only allowed a limited amount os we're sending you this little "Care packet"! I even found pink for you being as you are a "dainty lady." Tried to find blue for Kent but had to be satisfied with white. Oh well, I think he'll forgive us! We certainly hope so. It may depend on where he happens to open this letter!! :)

I'm writing this in the pharmacy so everytime I hear footsteps I quickly hide it because I'm not sure what some people might think about your dear ole mom if they see her stationary!

Two days later and the plane will soon be coming so I must get this very important letter in the mail. Please, please use it very, very carefully.

Love you!
Mom & Dad


I guess there must not have ever been a need for "Mom's Emergency Supply"!

The Botheras Family "Sayings"

My Dad has all these little "sayings" that he learned from his dad who probably learned them from his dad. Sayings like "Bring it up again and we'll vote on it!" (used most effectively after someone has burped) or one of my favorites which I frequently use as parting advice, "Don't take any wooden nickels." Sometimes I like to try using these out on my students to see how they react - usually lots of blank faces.

Anyway, I was reading a bunch of letters that my mom saved from my time in boarding school and it made me laugh to see myself as a fourth or fifth grader using these phrases. In one letter that I wrote to my dad, I inquired after the growth of our new puppy. I told my dad that if he was growing to big he should "put a rock on his head." This was a favorite Botheras suggestion whenever it was mentioned that either my brother or I were growing too tall.

I make fun of my friend Amy for her weird family words but I guess the Botheras' have some pretty weird family sayings too!