Ten on Tuesday (3)

1. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A teacher. Forever a teacher until I decided that I liked to write (fiction) as a teen and someone suggested I go into Journalism (non-fiction, hopefully) and I did a stint as the Editor of my high school paper. One year of college reporting classes and I realized that I would not enjoy life as a reporter. (I think I wanted to be Lois Lane. But even if that were possible, it would have taken a lot of years and a lot of gumption that I do not have to get there and, well, I'm not into being miserable in the mean time).

2. Name 3 of your irrational fears.
-Infertility. It's a major problem for some people, but thus far, I haven't had to deal with it. My mom did - that's why I'm an only child - and for some reason I have always assumed that I would, too. But even if I did, I truly believe that God would have a plan.
-Something tragic happening to Fuss. Like an incurable disease, or being kidnapped or hit by a car.
-My biggest fear, though - irrational or not - is that something might happen to Daddy Fuss and I'd be all alone. His father died young and I'm terrified of that happening to me, too.

3. If you had a $200 gift card to any store, what would you want it to be? (Nothing responsible allowed. Can’t be used for groceries or anything)
Target. I love Target and if told I couldn't buy anything responsible, I could still find a TON of stuff to buy there. Forget $200, I could easily irresponsibly spend $2000 at Target.

4. What is your most (blog-friendly) embarrassing moment?
In the very beginning of my sophomore year in high school, we had a rainy day - the kind where it pours and you're guaranteed to be soaked no matter what. At my school there were all sorts of places that attracted deep, huge puddles and many times we'd figured out a way around them. Like this one place by the gym - you could jump up on the concrete benches and walk across those to keep your feet out of the 4 inch puddle. Except that over the summer they had replaced those benches with metal ones covered in this slick plastic. I jumped up there and slipped and landed on my butt in the 4" puddle. Right in front of a crowd of upperclassmen. My clothes were soaked down to my underwear, my backpack drenched, my shoes and socks... you get the idea.

5. If you were only allowed to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would you choose?
I'd say pasta, because I love it, but really, it would probably be something more healthy because after a bunch of junky heavy meals, I always crave something better for me. So Thai food. Specifically shrimp (or chicken) with Hot Pepper. Those nice, crispy vegetables, a light but spicy sauce. Good stuff, my friends, good stuff.

6. What was your favorite toy growing up?
My dolls. Different dolls at different points growing up, but I played with them into my teens.

7. Do you have a “go to” outfit? What is it?
Well, I'd say yes and no - I usually have a favorite top of the moment and right now it's this long-sleeved shirt from Loft, and I can pair said tops with jeans or pants as the situation fits (usually jeans) but I don't really like my jeans right now, so I've got nothing. I've got a few tops that I really like right now, but nothing guaranteed to make me happy when I put it on.

8. Who was the best teacher you ever had?

Since I went to a really good school, it's going to be hard for me to pick one...
Mrs. Swain: My first grade teacher who really taught me to read and to love it, which is a gift I have never forgotten and always appreciated. Years later, I hung out with her after school and helped her grade papers, etc. since my parents were never on time to pick me up and I would have otherwise been forced to go to after-school care. Even more years later, after she retired, she and my grandmother became incredibly good friends and they still keep in touch. Unfortunately, she's not doing well these days and I have to say that the world be a less-good place when she leaves it.
Miss Pryski: Also one of my husband's favorite teachers. She taught 4th grade when I had her and I especially remember her Bible lessons, though she taught science and math and History (also another memorable specialty). She was really into her subjects and made them come alive for us.
Mr. Strickland: Ask any student who came through my school in the many years above me and a couple years below (he retired while I was in college) and they will tell you that he was one of their favorite and most-memorable teachers. He taught Bible and a couple of classes we often jokingly called Life 101 and Life 404. (He called them 8th grade Relationships and Sr. Social Studies, respectively.) He was brilliant and knowledgeable about everything and he made you work for those grades, but you wanted to please him. Sr. year he taught a course in the book of Romans which ultimately ended in an exam with one question on it: "Explain Romans." It was a rite of passage for all of the Seniors and in some ways it was the hardest test we had ever taken to date. (I got a 92, which is impressive for me, since I don't typically test well) He also required a Doctrinal Statement from each Sr - a paper that outlined and explained our religious beliefs, individually and the why and where we got those ideas from. A very educational experience.

9. If you could buy any car right now (something at least SORT OF within the realm of reality…so, you know, a Rolls Royce may not qualify), what would it be?

Well, in fairness, I should pick a vehicle for Daddy Fuss, since my old Jetta that he is now driving is starting to have problems and he is the one stuck dealing with them and my van is fine. He'd want a truck, I think, but it would have to be a bigger one that could seat a kid or 2, so probably a 4-door variety. But if we're talking ME, I'd just want a newer, more fully-loaded minivan. I love my van, but we had to get one with fewer ideal features than I wanted, so I'd like a different one.

10. How do you reckon that Chelsea comes up with 10 of these questions every week? It was hard! What’s your theory on how she’s so creative? Are you going to help her?

As soon as I come up with some good ones, I will be sending her some of my own. I'm simply very glad that she encourages participation in 10 on Tues even if I can't help come up with questions. Because man, these are interesting and I'm not really that interesting lately.

For more Ten on Tuesday, visit Chelsea and the others here.