Jots and Tittles and other Random Things

Welcome to My Reality for September 2024- 30 entries

September Prompts:

1. Who is your character’s best friend? How did they meet? What do they do together?

2. What is a typical outfit for your character? Are clothes important to him or her? Why or why not?

3. Is your character an only child or does he or she have siblings? How does your character feel about this?

4. Does your character have a pet? Why or why not? If so, what type of pet?

5. What would your character do if he or she had an extra $100 per week?

6. What is your character’s favorite color? Does he or she own many things in this color?

7. What is your character’s greatest fear? How does this impact his or her life?

8. Does your character play any sports? Why or why not? Is he or she talented or clumsy? What types of sports does he or she enjoy?

9. What are some common phrases that your character says often? What do they mean?

10. What is your character’s favorite food? Why? Does he or she enjoy it often?


I think my character would enjoy tacos and Chinese food - just like me.

11. What are your character's parents like?

12. Does your character want to have kids someday or does he or she have kids already? Why or why not?
I think that perhaps one day, she might want kids, but she is not in any hurry to date; let alone marry and have a family.

13. If your character has kids, what are they like?

14. Does your character prefer to spend time indoors or outdoors? Why or why not?

15. Write about three different things that your character is thankful for.

16. Write about three different things that can always make your character laugh.

17. What does your character’s bedroom look like?

18. What is your character’s greatest dream?

19. What is your character’s favorite game? Is it a board game, a video game, or a sport? Is he or she good at it? How long has your character played the game?

20. Where did your character grow up? What is the city like?

21. Where does your character want to live someday? Does he or she want to stay in the same city or move far away?

22. Write about three things that your character believes.

1. Truth is important. Being honest is paramount.
2. Hard work; putting in the effort is necessary to be successful.
3. Deception will always catch up with you.

23. What is your character’s favorite movie?

24. What does your character like to do for fun?

25. Does he or she have much free time?

26. If your character’s best friend described him or her, what would the friend say?

27. Write about at least three separate qualities and explain the reasoning behind each.

28. When your character is sad, what does he or she do? Why?

29. Is your character an early bird or night owl? Does this affect his or her life at all?

30. What is your character’s favorite store? Does he or she like to shop? Why or Why not

31. What are your plans for this weekend?
Getting the apartment ready for our move into another apartment. Packing things, organizing things, getting rid of things, etc.

32. Write 5 affirmations for when you are feeling low.
Jeremiah 29:11 -"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

John 3:16 (NIV)
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Philippians 4:13
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Psalm 139:14
"I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

33. What is the best book you have read recently?

To be honest, I haven't read any books this year. There are several on my list, including the last few books by JD Robb (In Death series) But I think my daughter is getting me a tablet/nook for Christmas. Room is definitely an issue with having so many books

34. How have you grown this year?

I'm not sure how much I've grown this year, other than some weight gain . I am pretty sure that isn't the growth you are talking about . I am still very much a work in progress, if not procrastination .

35. What are the most important life lessons you have learned?

That we are not guaranteed tomorrow. We should focus on the eternal, rather than just the temporary.

36. Have trouble sleeping? What’s keeping you up?

My sleeping habits are trash. I think that I really need to come up with a schedule and stick to it. Wish me luck...

37. What is the last dream you remember?

I remember that I do dream; usually right before I wake up. But when the cobwebs clear, I don't really remember the substance of the dreams

38. Name the three biggest priorities in your life right now.

39. What are your biggest fears?


That my children will not have their best lives. That they will allow fear or past resentments cloud their future actions, and they will miss out on what life might offer them.


40. Do you have a fear that is stopping you from achieving your goals?


Truthfully, I think I might be afraid of success, rather than failure.

41. Name three challenges…. and three ways to overcome them.

Exercising - I just have to "do it". I need to motivate myself, and come up with a way to reward myself that doesn't include eating something.

Biting my nails - It has to be a conscious effort, which means I have to be deliberate. Maybe putting some clear coat on my nails, like Hard as Nails, to help strengthen them

Coming up with a schedule and sticking to it. Again, it has to be a conscious effort on my part. Again, wish me luck

42. Write down your ultimate way to relax.

43. What would you do if you were granted three wishes?

1. That I could have my health back.
2. That my children would find contentment in their lives.
3. That I could be more of a help to my children.

44. How about if you were given five wishes?

4. That I could see my parents and sisters more often.
5. That I could see my grandchildren more often.

45. Name three bad habits you would like to change.


1. Biting my nails. This takes a conscience effort to do this.
2. Snacking while bored. I've gained too much weight because of this.
3. Procrastinating. I seem to wait until the last minute to do things


56. What was the last show (movie) you went to?


Since I've gone to streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, I don't go to movies any more. There is one coming out at Christmas based on LOTR, and I'd like to see it, but time will tell.


47. Do you have a secret talent you are hiding? Share with me what it is.

48. Add some more items to your bucket list… if you don’t have a bucket list, start one.

1. An Alaskan cruise
2. A Canadian Fall train tour
3. To be able to go see my parents in Michigan at least once a year; Twice would be better.

49. What is your biggest regret?


It would stem back to not finishing high school and getting married. But then, I wouldn't have the children/grandchildren that I have. The other is losing my health because of neglect.


50. Think about someone you love. Write about the person that came to mind.

My dad has always been my hero. When I was younger, the sun rose and set upon this man. As I got older, I realized he wasn't perfect, but had feet of clay. But I love him regardless of this. My dad, who isn't my biological dad, but stepped up to the plate when I was two years old. I love him with all of my heart.

51. List the best 10 moments of your life so far.


1-3 would be my three children.
4-7 would be my four grandchildren
8. my faith in God
9. getting my GED
10. getting my associates degree


52. What 5 things are you grateful for this week?


That I can see, write, have a good relationship with my children, that fall is finally coming to West Texas , That I can drive and be of help to my children, and that I can pray.


53. Name the one thing you are most grateful for in your life at this moment.

That God in His mercy allowed me to live through an illness that a lot of people do not (Sepsis).

54. Write about 5 amazing childhood memories you are grateful for.

55. Which people in your life are you most grateful for? And Why?

56. Write about something that made you smile today.


I was happy when the Detroit Lions beat the Arizona Cardinals.

57. When were you last surprised?

58. What is the most exhilarating thing that has happened to you last year?

59. Name a challenge you have overcome and how it helped you to grow.

60. How can you show gratitude more?

By talking to God more every day, and letting Him lead my life. Also by my actions and words.

61. What was your visit with Santa Claus like as a kid?

62. What was your visit with Santa Claus like for your kids or grandkids?

63. Do you decorate the outside of your house for Christmas?

64. What were your best Christmas presents?

65. What are the best Christmas presents you have ever given to someone?

66. Do you send out Christmas Cards?


It has been a long time since I've sent out Christmas cards, I may see if I can do that this year. Not only to family, but to my WdC Snail Mail family as well.


67. What are your favorite Christmas decorations?


I like handmade ornaments. I also like the silver glass bulbs as they reflect the Christmas lights and make it look like there is more lights.


68. Do you decorate with Nativity scenes?

69. Do you enjoy Christmas music? When do you stop playing Christmas Music?


I do enjoy Christmas music. I like Bing Crosby, Andy Williams, Dean Martin, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. I usually listen to Christmas music all through the month of December.

70. Do you like listening to Christmas music before Christmas?

71. Does Thanksgiving get you in the mood for Christmas?

72. Do you always remember Jesus Is The Reason For The Season?

While I enjoy the "magic" of Christmas, the lights, the music, etc. I try to remember that the greatest gift of all was that Jesus came and lived, and then died for our sins, so that we might be reconciled to God. He truly is the Reason.

73. Write about what you think is hypocritical. Write about it with talking points.

74. Write anything that you think about on the inside before you talk to anyone about it.

75. Write all your cookie recipes. Yes, please!

I have a basic cookie base, and then add a few ingredients to make different cookies.

My favorite cookies are peanut butter, oatmeal raisin, chocolate chip, and m&m cookies. I also like molasses cookies and ginger snaps.

Basic Cookie Recipe:

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon baking powder

1 cup butter, softened

1 ½ cups white sugar


1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Stir flour, baking soda, and baking powder together in a small bowl.

Beat sugar and butter together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth.

Beat in egg and vanilla.

Gradually blend in flour mixture.

Roll dough into walnut-sized balls and place 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets.

Bake in the preheated oven until edges are golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on the baking sheets briefly before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

You can roll these in cinnamon/sugar before baking. You can add peanut butter, chocolate chips, or m&ms as well to make different cookies. Just watch that the mixture doesn't dry out too much.

Molasses Cookies


Ingredients
¾ cup shortening

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 egg

½ cup light molasses

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking soda

½ teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

Directions
Cream together shortening and brown sugar. Stir in egg and molasses and mix well. Fold in dry ingredients and stir. Cover and chill until firm (1 - 2 hours).

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Roll dough into small balls (I use a small melon baller to help with this) and roll in white sugar. Place on lightly greased cookie sheets.

Bake 9 - 10 minutes. Leave on cookie sheet one minute until set.