A DOZEN QUESTIONS

Betty, over at a Glimpse Into Midlife, had an interesting set of questions I thought I would answer.  It helps to have a writing prompt because I often have no idea of what to share. 

1. How good are you at delaying gratification?

Perhaps because I learned in very early childhood that I can’t have everything I want,  I can delay gratification until I truly don’t want ‘it’ any more – whatever I was waiting for that is! Often I’ve realized that what I thought I wanted, I really didn’t NEED!!


2. Maybe a marshmallow wouldn't be too difficult a temptation for you. What food (or anything else) would be most tempting?

Hubby does the grocery shopping most of the time.  When he comes home on Saturday morning with fresh buns from the bakery and fresh European cold cuts, well, it’s time for breaky, brunch, snack, whatever you want to call it! That’s my biggest temptation and I usually give in.  A person has to eat!  There’s ice cream, my fav in the freezer, but I haven’t opened it and it’s been in there over a week!!  Patting myself on the back here! I can also go shopping, want something badly, but can walk away because it is too expensive! I don't know if this is good or bad or just is!


3. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being saintly) how patient are you?

I would say 7.5, but others perceive it as higher and have told me so. Absolutely depends on what it is. Where other’s safety is concerned, I can be very impatient and want things done NOW, preferably YESTERDAY! I can be very patient with others, i.e. our residents at work, my grandangels, my friends. I occasionally lose it with my own family, especially when I think someone is trying to dodge their responsibility and pass the buck. At work I observe too much of what I call malingering and have NO patience with that.  “Malinger on your own time,” I always think, but I don’t lose my cool when addressing the issue. The person I am most impatient with is ME!  Thank God for His patience with me!

4. Have you ever waited for something in life only to be disappointed upon realization of the goal/object/etc.?

Retirement! I miss working full-time and being with all the friends and colleagues, yet with the state of my health I can’t be fully involved any more!  C’est la vie! Still trying to adjust!


5. Are you a person who takes shortcuts?

When going for walks, yes!  If a shortcut will improve something, then YES, otherwise NO! I’m all for working smarter, more efficiently, more productively, saving time!  It’s not worth the short cut if it turns out sloppy! I’m not a perfectionist, but I do believe in excellence, at least doing the best that I am capable to do.  If it’s worth doing at all, it’s worth doing well!


6. Which line is hardest to wait in?
The phone line!  I absolutely HATE being put on hold and having to listen to music I don’t like and then getting this annoying computer voice…..arghhhhhh......you know her. 

7. Did you wait to discover the gender of your unborn child until its birth?
There was no need for ultra-sound and yes, we waited for God’s surprise, three times! But then, folks, that was in the 60s and 70s!

8. Are you more patient with children or the elderly?
Now that I’m a grandmother I have MORE patience with children than I did when I had my own!! I have regrets about my impatience with my own, but my children have forgiven me; I asked them to. I work with elderly and have a lot of patience with them. Of course, I can leave them at the end of my shift, lol.  I’m not very patient with my own mother though, who lives in the nursing home where I work, and she would agree!  Her mind is still very clear and she is finally learning that being critical and demanding of me (usually not of others!) is not in her best interests!


9. Did you ever sneak a peek at a present?
Yes, I confess, when I was young.  For years we have not given each other secret presents!

10. What is the longest you've ever waited for anything?

Over 40 years for complete healing of a deep emotional trauma! Paralyzed by fear to address it, is why it took so long. I just boxed it up, put it in the attic of my memories, thought I threw away the key, only to be compelled to haul it out, dusty, musty, 40+ years later to deal with it. God is so loving and patient and works in mysterious ways! He unexpectedly sent a new, caring friend, a wounded healer, a great listener, a wise and godly person, to bring it to the surface. I shocked myself with the trust to reveal it, but then allowed the Lord to heal it once and for all! –--- Still praying the past 15 years for that friend’s father to come to know the Lord.


11. Who has more patience, you or your significant other?
Only God really knows! We each have our areas of patience and impatience. Hubby outwardly seems as though he has more patience, nothing seems to rattle him, but just let him get behind the wheel, or drive the grocery cart down the aisle where some, usually lady, has parked her cart in the middle of the aisle, noisy neighbors, or try to deal with rambunctious children…….. his impatience is revealed!


12. Which of the following songs about waiting is your pick for the best? (OK, you may substitute another, if you like.)

A) Anticipation by Carly Simon
B) The Waiting by Tom Petty
C) Right Here Waiting for You by Richard Marx
D) Wait for Me by Rebecca St. James

Not a one of these songs applies to me. I’m waiting to see our children and grands, hopefully this summer!!! Two of them live in different parts of the country and I miss them terribly.  I’m just waiting for the Lord’s return but am thankful for every day of grace, mercy and love He still gives us all!  So, my waiting song would be, “He’s coming soon!”

Hugs,
Karin