Surveys!

[eleneariel]

Hee, I actually found a few that are a little more creative then usual. Thanks to the various friends I snitched them from =D


My...
father thinks I am: Um. This is hard. I mean, I know he loves me, but beyond that...let's say he's not big into "emoting". =D Most of the time I think he thinks I'm a fine daughter. I hope so, anyway.
mother thinks I am: Pretty much the same as the above, although I also believe she thinks I'm half crazy. ; )
grandmother thinks I am: This is much, much harder. She says words that sound like "I love you and you're great" but the actions don't match up. But I've accepted that, long ago. I had to, living beside them, or I'd be a wreck. My other grandma, who died last year, thought I was wonderful. Unfortunantly, I never got to see her that much. My adopted Grandear thinks I'm great. =)
grandfather thinks I am: Same as above--first part. And he thinks I'm a computer whiz, which I don't entirely deserve. My other grandpa (also dead) probably never really understood who I was.
husband thinks I am: absolutly amazing and wonderful. I know this, because I don't plan on marrying a man who doesn't think that about me. =)
best friends think I am: Weeel...beautiful, they say, and that's hard to accept. Funny and sweet and thoughtful and kind, which is also hard to accept sometimes. Lol!


your three best qualities: Um...caring about people, being willing to help others, and absorbing lots of information?
three worst qualities: fearing needlessly AND endlessly, being moody, and getting annoyed when things aren't done the way I think they should be.
three things you are often complimented for: being "classy", being "sweet", and my singing.
a compliment you got that made you blush: I actually think I've stopped blushing at complements. For the most part.
you get embarrassed when: I do something foolish.
makes you happy: knowing someone cares about me.
upsets you: when I think something's wrong.


Yes or No...
You keep a diary: Yes. And this one doesn't count! My real journal is not a daily thing, but it's pretty important.
You like to cook: Yes yes yes! With a passion!
You have a secret you have not shared with anyone: Only a few.
You fold your underwear: They're folded when I put them in the drawer, but usually with my ruffling through it to find certain things they're not by the time I get to wearing them.
You talk in your sleep: I've been told so. It's scares me, since my dreams are often about very personal things that I HOPE I don't talk about! I've also --allegedly-- spoken in French in my sleep once. Bwaha. It's funny because I don't know French1
You set your watch a few minutes ahead: Why in the WORLD would I do that?! I like to be on time, and you can't do that without knowing the right time!
You bite your fingernails: I used to when I was young. When I was 10, I decided to stop, and I grew my fingernails out...waaaay out. It drove my mother crazy. Now they're a normal, decent length.
You believe in love: I love, therefore I believe in love. Or rather, God loves, therefore I believe in love.

Last...
Movie you rented: Rented--huh. That was a while ago, but I *think* it was The Princess Bride.
Movie you bought: The Princess Bride! Because I love it and it was on sale.
Song you listened to: Macchine Da Guerra--incidentally, for such raw and gritty sentiments as are expressed in that song (as well as I can make out from my little knowledge of Italian and the very bad English translation), it sure is pleasant to the ear.
Song that was stuck in your head: A Beach Boys song. Can't remember which one...
Song you've downloaded: Haven't downloaded any.
CD you bought: Romanza, Andrea Bocelli. No, wait--I got the 3-CD Irish Favorites since then. I forgot about that.
CD you listened to: Romanza
Person you've called: Donna at the library
Person who called you: Mona, I think.
TV show you've watched: Something about weddings.
Person you were thinking of: Someone who exists solely in my head. (Take a wild guess, savetheolives!)

Do...
You wish you could live somewhere else: Well, yes. Technically, yes. Very yes. Not that I want to leave my family right now (uh, only some days) but...Italy would sure be nice. ; )
You believe in online dating: Dating *services* or just getting to know someone online? In general I think both are pretty stupid if you don't know the other person from somewhere else, or at least know someone who knows them...yeah. Even then you can get burned.
Others find you attractive: Argh, this will be hard. And uncomfortable. No one's ever come right out and told me, but guessing from the stares and whistles I get in public places at times, I'd say some people think I'm attractive in a purely physical sense. I'd hope that the people who actually know me find my whole combination of character, personality, and appearence attractive, although they aren't the kind who would say it. Nor do I want them to.
You want more piercings: I don't have any now. Someday I'd kind of like to pierce my ears, but right now 1) my parents wouldn't care for it, lol, and 2) I don't like PAIN. I don't care what you say, poking holes in your body sounds painful.
You want tattoos: No, thanks.
You drink: Um, no. Not yet. But I'm not against a good glass of wine with dinner. ; )
You smoke: Why would I want to smell bad, age prematurily, increase my chances of cancer, and ruin my voice?
You do drugs: No, doing drugs is stupid too (not to mention illegal--though I don't think it should be.) <--Amen, sirjake.
You like cleaning: Sometimes. I do almost all of the cleaning at our house now.
You like roller coasters: Never been on one, because I don't think I'd like it.
You write in cursive or print: When in a hurry, cursive. Normally, printing, because it's neater. Well, actually it's more my own personal style combining elements from both (and a few other places.)
You carry a donor card: I checked the box on my drivers license. Not like I'm planning on dying, but hey, if I'm dead I'd be great if I could help someone else.

Have you...
Ever cried over a boy/girl: Yeah. Not because I loved him, though--well, that's a lie. Not because of *romantic* love.
Ever lied to someone: Lots in my lifetime. I try not to, though. ; )
Ever been in a fist fight: I highly doubt it. If so, it was way before I could remember! Girls don't do that sort of stuff normally. We're the backstabing type, unfortunantly.

What...
Shampoo do you use: Pert Plus when I can get it; herbal essences is my second choice.
Perfume do you use: Oh boy. Um, I like varity. My favorites are: Le Jardin, Yardley's Lily of the Valley, Sand and Sable, Jovan White Musk, Lucky You, and Far Away.
You are scared of: Pain, fear, people I love dying,

Number...
Of times I have had my heart broken: None, I guess. Not romantically.
Of people I consider my enemies: On a personal level, I guess none. I dislike plenty of people, but I don't think they're my enemies.
Of people from high school that I stayed in contact with: None. Because I'm the only one.

Favorite...
Colors: Clothes: black, dark red, blue, dark green, lavender. Rooms: cream, dark green, burgandy. In general: the colors from old maps and books.
Smells: Roses, my favorite perfumes, the rare smell of a *guy* who has taste in clogne (that means not using half the bottle at one time), Italian food, bread baking, the smell after a rain, and clean sheets.
Food: Cheeses, bread, chicken, mushrooms, desserts. Pasta!
Genre of music: Heh heh--here we go! Oldies, certain types of pop (mainly older), country, bluegrass, classical, opera, Celtic, solo piano.
Video Games: I don't have time for video games.
Hobby: Make it plural--reading, writing, decorating, cooking, collecting books, needle work,





PAST.
-first grade teacher's name: my mother
-last word you said: think
-last song you sang: Jesus, Lover Of My Soul (Eeee! Minor hymn!)
-last thing you laughed at: seeing Tony in the grocery store
-last time you cried? two days ago

.PRESENT.
-what's in your cd player: Irish Favorites
-what color socks are you wearing: it's called BARE FEET
-what's under your bed: Heh heh--a box of candles, a box of clothes, my Sunday school materiels, a basket of tapes, a box of tissues, a box of Papers To File, my Spanish materials, and...dust.
-what time did you wake up today: 6:15 That's *far* too early.

.FUTURE.
-what is your career going to be: Wife and mom, hopefully; if not then a librarian, book store owner, chef, and/or writer?
-where are you going to live: Italy. =)
-how many kids do you want: 3-5
-what kind of car will you drive: Who knows? I have some favorites, though. ; )

.CURRENT.
-current hair: longish and sort of wavy; slightly tapered at the sides and slightly layered
-current clothes: black pants and a red button-down shirt
-current jewelry: two silver rings and a silver chain necklace
-current annoyance: that I forgot something today
-current smell: mint
-current longing: to see savetheolives
-current desktop picture: collage of An Idea Husband pictures
-current favorite music artist: Andrea Bocelli
-current book: Our Mutual Friend. =P
-current hate: Eh. I'll pass on that one, thanks
-story behind your username: Eattheolives? Because I wanted to be twinish with savetheolives =D
-current favorite article of clothing: the black pants that I wear almost everywhere.
-favorite physical feature on a man: This is crazy, but I notice a guys hands most.
-one person you wish was here right now: Hannah. **sniff**
-line from the last thing you wrote to someone: "Thanks for being so patient"
-i am happiest when: I get hit by a random moment of Joy
-i feel lonely when: I'm feeling sorry for myself, usually.
-favorite authors: Tolkien and far too many others to name
-do you think too much: quite often
-if you could live anywhere in the world, where: Italy or Sicily
-famous person you have met: K. P. Yohannan--the guys of Red Wine--Doyal Lawson--Ricky Skaggs, probably others that I've forgotten.
-do you have any regrets: who doesn't?
-favorite coffee: Folgers French Vanilla and anything Starbucks.
-favorite smell: roses and good food.
-what makes you mad: inconsiderate and rude people.
-favorite way to waste time: I don't mean to waste time; it just happens. Reading books or doing other things I like isn't wasting time!
-what is your best quality: I have no idea
-are in currently in love/lust: no
-what's the craziest thing you have ever done: Lots. =) Just today I followed the postal clerk from our post office around the grocery store. ROTFLOL. He cracks me up. It's an inside joke. =)
-any bad habits: plenty. At least I don't chew my fingernails anymore. ; )
-last thing you bought yourself: cheese!
-bath or shower: shower usually; bath if I have lots of time to relax
-favorite season: spring and early summer (before the heat)
-favorite color: black or dark red
-favorite time of day: mid-afternoon and evening
-gold or silver: silver
-any secret crushes: no. thanks.

.FASHION.
-how many coats and jackets do you own: You mean...to protect from cold? probably about five or six (various stages of dress and casual wear, lengths, and thicknesses). or jackets like to wear with suits? Two.
-do you wear a watch: whenever I go somewhere. I just wish my wrists weren't quite so small. =\ They always fit really loosely.
-favorite pants color: black
-most expensive item of clothing: a dress that cost $300, but I didn't buy it. ; )
-most treasured: item of clothing? Hm. I don't know! My black pants? **grin**

.YOUR FRIENDS.
-do your friends know you: How else could they be my friends?
-what do they tend to be like: kind, thoughtful people who have rather zany senses of humor, appreciate good literature and music, and aren't superficial.
-can you count on them: I know I can.
-can they count on you: Always.

.LAST.
-last book you read: The Screwtape Letters
-last movie you saw: Spellbound
-last movie you saw on the big screen: The Two Towers. No, I don't get out much. =)
-last show you watched on tv: Mm. Jepardy?
-last song you heard: Born To Be Wild, lol.
-last thing you had to drink: mint tea
-last thing you ate: chocolate bridge mix
-last time you showered: last night
-last time you smiled: a few minutes ago
-last time you laughed: at seeing Tony
-last person you hugged: Benjamin
-last person you talked to online: I don't have IM anymore =P, but I emailed savetheolives last.
-last person you talked to on the phone: Donna from the library

DO YOU:
-smoke: no
-do drugs: no
-drink: Not yet, lol.
-sleep with stuffed animals: a black, silky bear sometimes. Other times it's just my multitude of pillows.
-have a dream that keeps coming back: I used to.
-play an instrument: piano and a little guitar. And voice. =)
-believe there is life on other planets: Personally, I hope not. Lol.
-read the newspaper: The Sunday one
-have any gay or lesbian friends: no
-believe in miracles: Yes, since some have happened to me
-consider yourself tolerant: In the right places, yes. In compromising the truth, no.
-consider police a friend or foe: Heh. Heh. HEH HEH HEH. Hanunni, I'm thinking of Mr. S's distrust (and rightfully so) of the cops. Lol. But yes, I personally consider them a friend. Bwaha.
-like the taste of alcohol: Haven't had the chance to see yet, but it looks like I'll find out before *too* long
-have a favorite stooge: As in...the three? Lol.
-believe in astrology: no
-believe in magic: ...I could go into a long discourse here of what "magic" is and how many things the word can cover. I guess I'll just be normal and say no, though.
-go to church: yes
-have any secrets: yes, a few.
-have any pets: two dogs
-go or plan to attend college: No. THANK YOU FOR ASKING. (not)
-talk to strangers: if I'm feeling brave and they don't look Scary.
-have any piercing: no...
-have any tattoos: no
-hate yourself: Um! We *are* getting deep, are't we? No, I don't. That's wonderful.
-wish on stars: occasionally. Not in a serious way, though. ; )
-like your handwriting: mostly, no, though when I try I can do fairly decent calligraphy.
-believe in witches: only the Pratchett kind. =D
-believe in ghosts: ...no? Lol.
-believe in santa: no
-believe in the easter bunny: no
-believe in the tooth fairy: Again, only the Pratchett kind!
-have a second family: I have an adopted grandma. Does that count?
-trust others easily: I'm often very paranoid and suspicious, but in general I do trust people TOO easily.
-sing in the shower: quietly. ; )




THE CHRISTIANITY SURVEY

**General**
When and how did you get saved?
I think the first time I really realized I needed to be saved was when I was about seven, but I publicly accepted Christ at a Bible camp when I was eleven or twelve.

Would you say you've faced some intense things since that time?
Intense to me personally, yes. But really nothing compared to what a lot of people have gone through.

How much have you grown spiritually since then?
As if you can measure that! I have grown quite a lot, especially in the last year due to some extra-difficult trials, but I have a lot more growing to do.

How much better has your life been since then?
Immeasurably better then it would be without Christ. It could be better yet, if only I could learn to trust Him even more fully.

Have you been baptized? If so, when?
Yes, when I was twelve.

How strong is your faith in God to take care of you and get you through your hard struggles?
It should be stronger, but it is what gets me though them at all. I think I'd go insane otherwise.

What type of Church do you go to?
I'm almost hesitant to say, because 1) people usually have horrible misconceptions of this denomination, and 2) I don't agree with everything my church teaches anyway. I go to a Mennonite church--no, we don't drive buggies or dress in plain clothes. ; )

What types of Churches have you visited?
Oh, lots. Presbyterian, Catholic, most of the various types of Baptists ; ), and...Lutheran. I think. And Conservative Mennonite.

What Bible version do you read?
KJV and NIV. And others, when I'm comparing translations.

How do you combat temptation?
Prayer and trying to refocus my mind from the world to God.

Do you have a present earthly role model to help you stay encouraged to keep following Christ, even through the hard times?
My three closest friends (especially savetheolives) are constant encouragements. Also my "adopted" Grandear. =)

Do you study your Bible daily?
I try to. There are still plenty of times I forget, but in general I'm doing much better then a year ago!

Do you have any verses memorized?
Not from consciously trying to memorize them, but there are a lot I know from hearing, reading, and saying many times. Oh, and our whole family memorized Psalm 8.

What's your favorite book of the Bible?
Psalms, Isaiah, and 1 Corinthians are a few.

How do you handle spiritual debates (if you've been in any yet)?
I enjoy them if they're 1) not in person and 2) between good friends so there's no danger of becoming angry. I'm not good in person because I can never think of the right words in the middle of a good argument. I'm much more articulate in emails, when I can take time to really think things out.

How do you face each day?
With a smile and a song, I hope.

Do you have a favorite or life verse?
Right now it's still Deut. 31:8. =D

**Friends**
How many Christian friends do you have?
All of my close friends are Christian, and almost all of my more casual friends are, as well.

Do they share the same views as you?
Basic views, yes, although I think there are different points of doctrine that I disagree with all of them one. ; )
It makes for interesting discussions!

Are they the same denomination (or not one at all) as you are?
Actually, only one is.

Do you feel that they tend to build you up or bring you down (In spiritual ways and others, and intentionally or not)?
I can barely think of any times when a friend was anything but an encouragement to me.

Do you feel that you tend to build them up or bring them down (same as above)?
I try to. I hope I do!

Do you tend to rely on your friends for help and support before going to God first?
Lol, it often happens at about the same time! Usually I guess I go to God first, but I do rely on my friends a lot for support.

Do you have friends that you feel greatly helped you to do the right thing or led you to focus more on Christ, whether they knew it or not?
Oh yes! Definitely.


**Music**
Do you listen to CCM [Christian contemporary music] (if not, you may skip everything after the following question)?
A little, but mostly unintentional.

What are your thoughts/views on it?
Um. well, I dislike it heartily, with only a few exceptions. It's not my style, and I find it shallow, repetitive and grating almost always. I'm not saying that no one should listen to it, or that it can never impart real, meaningful messages, but I don't have much love or respect for the CCM industry in general.

What do you think its purpose is?
To annoy me....Lol.

Who are some of your favorite CCM artists?
I don't have any.

Have you met or conversed with any artists?
No.

What are some of your most favorite CCM songs?
"Most favorite?" Lol. I don't have any.

Are there any songs that have helped you emotionally (when you really needed a good cry to let things out)?
Yes, but that goes along with a question a little further down.

Are there any songs that helped you stay focused (ones that had a major impact, not just a minor one)?
Not in the CCM genre.

Are there any songs that encouraged you and/or helped you to make the right choices (meaning in a BIG way that you won't ever forget)?
Not in CCM.

Are there any songs that you felt God placed in your path for you to hear (for whatever the reason may be)?
Yes to this one--during a rough time in the life of a friend, and thus in mine, I heard "Faithful To You". That was one I listened to a lot for a period of time.

Are there any songs that simply touched and blessed you, whether lyrically or musically, whether for a reason or just no reason at all?
Not that I remember, although there might have been one or two.

What are some of your favorite praise & worship songs?
I have even more of a problem with almost all of these songs then with CCM. Sorry. No, actually, I'm not sorry. I find them insipid and very, very repetitive. And usually more focused on the persons relationship with God rather then God himself.

What are some of your favorite hymns?
Jesus, Lover of My Soul, Like a River Glorious, What Wondrous Love Is This, Be Thou My Vision...and lots more. ; )

Do you feel that God's hand is upon music ministries today, and that He wills for them to exist?
The ones that are truly doing what He wants them to, yes. But not on those who do it for their own glory or gain.

How many CCM concerts or events have you attended?
None.


**Miscellaneous**
If you were to be taken from this world tomorrow, what would you want or hope for people to say about you?
That I did what God wanted me to instead of following the crowd; that I spread God's goodness and light around me through the things that I did.

What are you doing now to make that a reality?
Trying to let God move through me and not obstruct him with my shyness and so on.

What is the first thing you do or think of in the morning?
Tired thoughts. =P

What do you feel your gifts/talents/abilities from God are?
I'm not entirely sure yet. I guess I'm hesitant to think I'm good enough at anything for it to be a God-given talent! Although I wouldn't classify any of them as great, huge talents, I would say my singing voice, my writing ability, and my friendliness.

How can you use them daily for Him?
Again, by letting Him work through me at not obstructing him, especially with the friendliness part. Too often shyness gets in the way.

Do you feel that you are currently doing all that you are able for Him?
No. I often pray for the courage to do more.

Where do you think you would be today if God hadn't saved you?
I'd be a self-centered neurotic brat. With authority problems!




If I were a stone, I would be: rose quartz
If I were a tree, I would be: a maple
If I were a bird, I would be: A little wren
If I were a machine, I would be: a computer, only not as perfect
If I were a flower/plant, I would be: a tiny climbing rose
If I were a kind of weather, I would be: going back and forth between sunny days and dark, rainy nights
If I were a mythical creature, I would be: An elf? I wish!
If I were a musical instrument, I would be: a violin
If I were an animal, I would be: A cat
If I were a color, I would be: dark red
If I were an emotion, I would be: love
If I were a sound, I would be: singing
If I were an element, I would be: silver
If I were a song, I would be: a Strauss waltz
If I were a movie, I would be: The Princess Bride
If I were a place, I would be: Firenze, Italy
If I were a material, I would be: silk
If I were a taste, I would be: vanilla
If I were a religion, I would be: Christian
If I were a word, I would be: Serandipity
If I were a facial expression I would be: wistful
If I were a subject in school I would be: English
If I were a cartoon character I would be: Goodness, I have no idea
If I were a shape I would be a: oval
If I were a number I would be: 7--haha, yeah right. =)
If I were a month I would be: May
If I were a time of day I would be: 2:00 pm
If I were a sin I would be: Selfishness
If I were a historical figure I would be: Princess Margaret
If I were a liquid I would be: white grape juice