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Thirteen Useless Facts

For my 12th edition of Thursday 13, I have decided to make a list of 13 Useless Facts. Why? Because I couldn't think of anything else. How many of them did you know?

Enjoy!!

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Thirteen Imaginary Worlds

I got this week's entry idea from the book "Uncle John's Electrifying Bathroom Reader for Kids Only." This is a book that my daughter is currently reading. For anyone who has kids that like to learn about interesting (sometimes strange facts) this is an excellent book for them.

For my 11th edition of Thursday 13, I have decided to make a list of 13 Imaginary Worlds. Your job is to guess the book or movie it came from. You get extra points if you can guess which one is also the name of a real place.

Enjoy!!

1. Hogwards
2. Never-Never Land
3. Camelot
4. Thousand Acre Wood
5. Pern
6. Wild Island
7. Narnia
8. Lilliput
9. Middle Earth
10. Gotham City
11. Tatooine
12. Emerald City
13. Transylvania

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Thirteen Different things about Georgia

I lived in California for the majority of my life, mostly in the Bay Area. In about a week, I will have been here for three years. It's so hard to believe. The time has just flown by. I remember when I first moved here how lonely I was and how much I missed my friends. I felt so lucky to have my parents live only about 3 hours away. I think that was one of the things that helped me keep sane.

I've often been asked if it was a culture shock to move here and I always respond affirmatively. Truth be told, I really believe the biggest culture shock would be moving from Georgia to California but that's just my perspective.

For my 10th edition of Thursday 13, I decided to list some of the differences I've noticed during my time here. Hopefully, my blog won't crash this time.

Enjoy!!

1. Heat and humidity: That took some getting used to.
2. Bugs: I'm convinced that some of those bugs are big enough to carry off my oldest child.
3. Hurricanes: Call me crazy but I still prefer the idea of a hurricane over an earthquake. At least you can see those coming!
4. Traffic: Keep in mind that I'm 35-40 miles from a big city. I find it amusing to listen to people talk about traffic. I itch to show them what real traffic is all about by taking them for a drive on 101 during rush hour.
5. Yes Mam: It took me a while to get used to this. Everyone uses Mam or Sir. My kids picked up on it really fast. I've come to really like it.
6. Southern Hospitality: The majority of people here are very friendly. I can't tell you how many times a perfect stranger has struck up a conversation with me in the grocery store. This was a major adjustment to me, but definitely a pleasant one.
7. BBQ: It's something you eat, not a way of cooking. I've been initiated into the world of pulled pork and beef brisket.
8. Grits: Like BBQ, I love this southern dish and have learned that "grits aren't just for breakfast anymore. Sadly, only Meelie shares my love of them.
9. Self imposed segregation: There is a definite distinction between the black and white populations, mostly self-imposed, on both sides. I must admit to being completely blown away by this. California is a melting pot, in which all races for the most part, co-exist. I still don't like it but have learned to keep my foot out of my mouth.
10. Housing Costs: Holy smokes! The house we are living in right now (we are on an acre) would go for at least 1 million where we lived in California. The difference is hard to fathom.
11. Country Music: It's seriously popular here. Most of the major radio stations are all about Country Music. The scary thing is? I'm starting to like it.
12. Religion: Baptists are a serious presence here. 80% of the churches here are of that faith. Religion is much more prevalent here.
13. Slower pace of life: This one took me a long time to get used to. Nothing is hurried here. I had to conscientiously force myself to slow down and relax. It used to drive me nuts!

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Thirteen Helpful Hints

1. Clean your glass shower: To clean the glass in your shower easily, apply lemon juice to the glass with a sponge. Then, take newspaper and wipe the lemon juice off the glass. It will be clean and sparkle with no scrubbing!
2. Reheat Pizza: Heat up leftover pizza in a non-stick skillet on top of the stove, set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza. I saw this on the cooking channel and it really works.
3. Easy Deviled Eggs: Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly, cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done easy clean up
4. Expanding Frosting: When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar/calories per serving.
5. Reheating refrigerated bread: To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster.
6. Newspaper weeds away: Start putting in your plants, work the nutrients in your soil. Wet newspapers put layers around the plants overlapping as you go cover with mulch and forget about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening plastic they will not get through wet newspapers.
7. Broken Glass: Use a dry cotton ball to pick up little broken glass pieces of glass-the fibers catch ones you can't see!
8. No More Mosquitoes: Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away. Squirrel Away! To keep squirrels from eating your plants sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the squirrels won't come near it.
9. Easier thank you's: When you throw a bridal/baby shower, buy a pack of thank you cards for the guest of honor. During the party, pass out the envelopes and have everyone put their address on one. When the bride/new mom sends the thank you's, they're all addressed!
10. Ownership: If you purchase a new bike for your child, place their picture inside the handle bar before placing the grips on. if the bike is stolen and later recovered, remove the grip and there is your proof who owns the bike.
11. Flexible vacuum: To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge add an empty paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings.
12. Reducing Static Cling: Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing panty hose. Place pin in seam of slacks and -- voila -- static is gone.
13. Measuring Cups: Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill it with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry the cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out.

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Thirteen Essential Things I Hate About my last Dentist Appointment

I hate going to the dentist. My regular readers can attest to that fact. After all, they've had to read all of the whine, whine, whine, OMG(osh) I'm gonna die posts. Below are some observations from my dental appointment today.

1. When you walk into the office, after you have talked yourself into the "it won't be so bad syndrome", it's imortant to ignore the "Good morning Mrs. Patient, it's a wonderful day today and we are so glad to see you!" Note that you cannot hurt the wonderfully kind receptionist. Just remember, she is probably a blonde in real life. It's not her fault.
   
2. Never, ever, ever break down in front of the staff. Tears are for later. When your husband can hold you and tell you how brave you are, and how proud he is of you. If, by chance, some silly liquid comes out of your eyes, blame it on allergies, or the fact that you drank a bottle of Juan's Kick A** (sorry Mom, but I didn't spell it out) hot sauce on the way to the office.
   
3. Shots in the roof of your mouth are not pleasant. Especially if you have two of them, one on each side. And then need to have an extra one because the two you have already had are not enough.
   
4. When the roof of your mouth and the back of your throat are numb, it feels like your mouth is fat.
   
5. It is really hard to breath through just your nose when the roof of your mouth is numb. And they want you to do this because otherwise, you will choke on all the water they are squirting in your mouth. I have first hand experience of this.
   
6. It is very frustrating when the dentist fusses at you for bringing your toungue up to your teeth, and you don't even realize you are doing it, and can in no way control it because everything is so numb.
   
7. You must always be thankful for Dental Insurance. Because without it you will have to sell your children, or your husband's IPOD. Both of which are not good.
   
8. When your teeth are sensitive, there is a better than even chance you will feel some pain (WHOAH..dude, the nerves), when they drill, blow air, or squirt water on your teeth. No matter how numb you are. Gives new meaning to the words "butt walk."
   
9. Tylenol is a good thing to have on hand after dental work. Because your jaws will ache, big time.
   
10. If they give you shots on the roof of your mouth, there is a pretty good chance that that same roof will feel as though the dentist hit it a couple of times with the hammer.
    
11. I loves me some topical anesthetic.
    
12. It is really hard not to laugh when your doctor's stomach is growling continuously. It's even harder to keep quiet when he starts to laugh himself.
    
13. It is amazing how much better you feel after your appointment is through and you walk out of that office door. And you still feel good even though you have to go back in a week.
    

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Thirteen Essential Things Found at Chez Moogie

I know that all of us, whether we have children or not, have items (food or anything else) that we continually stock in our household. Here is my list. When I started, I had about 50. I had to cut it back quite a bit.

1. Milk. I have often thought about buying a cow. Better yet, a dairy farm. We go through at least 3 gallons of milk in a week. During the summer, much more.
   
2. Macaroni and Cheese. It's a staple in our house. Do you know that my kids would rather have the boxed stuff, vs. the homemade? Barbarians!
   
3. Top Ramen. Another staple. It's something that the kids can make as well. They can decide if they want it "soup-like" or more noodles, in which they add a little butter and parmesan cheese. If I have left-over meat, such as chicken, I'll throw that in as well.
   
4. Spaghettios. Quick dinner for those nights when you get home late and the kiddos are starving. Add some fruit, or applesauce, and Bob's your uncle.
   
5. Yogurt. I always get the stuff that's on sale. I generally buy 20 of them at a time. They are gone in 4 days.
   
6. Raw baby carrots. Nothing says "snack" like some carrots and Ranch Dressing.
   
7. Micro-fiber cloths. These are great for cleaning. I picked some up at the Dollar Store and have been hooked ever since.
   
8. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. I love this product. I wonder if Mr. Clean is married. He is kind of sexy with that bald, shiny head.
   
9. Ibuprofen. Enough said.
   
10. Pepcid AC. See number 9.
    
11. Batteries. We have just about every size known to man-kind. Between the wireless computer peripherals, flashlights, kids’ toys, etc., we make sure we are well stocked.
    
12. Toilet paper. How can 4 people go through so much?
    
13. Pencils. These seem to magically disappear during the school year, which is fine. But they never seem to make it back into the backpack when the day is done. I wonder if there is a pencil thief on the loose. It would be comparable to the sock monster that lives in the dryer.
    

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Thirteen Things I Remember as a Teenager (some are back in style)

What do you remember as being popular when you were a teen? I know that I'll be dating myself, but that's ok, they say that age is a state of mind. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter (ba-dum-bum).

1. Platforms
   
2. Bell bottoms, with cuffs
   
3. Big hoop earrings
   
4. Dittos (type of jeans)
   
5. Farah Faucet hairdo
   
6. Mood rings
   
7. Angel Sleeved Blouses (loose cut oversized blouses with bell bottom sleeves)
   
8. Clogs
   
9. Corduroy
   
10. Cutoff Denim Shorts
    
11. Disco
    
12. Puka shells
    
13. Ponchos
    

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Thirteen Nursery Rhyme Questions

How well do you know your nursery Rhymes? Below are some questions to test your knowledge. How many are you familiar with? I played this type of game at a baby shower I went to, and it was a blast. I thought I would try it out here.

1. Who kissed the girls and made them cry?
2. Where did the old lady with too many children live?
3. Who broke his crown?
4. What time was it when the mouse ran down the clock?
5. Who kept his wife in a pumpkin shell?
6. Who was in the tub with the baker and candlestick maker?
7. Who was afraid of spiders?
8. What animal jumped over the moon?
9. All the kings horses and all the kings men couldn't put him back together again. Who was he?
10. Who called for his pipe and bowl?
11. What couldn't Jack Sprat's wife eat?
12. What is Wee Willie Winkie wearing when he runs through the town?
13. If Monday's child is fair of face, what's Tuesday's child like then?
    

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Thirteen Tongue Twisters

I dare you all to try to say each and everyone of these outloud, and get them right. You get extra points if you do it before your first cup of coffee/tea, shower in the morning. I don't think my tongue will ever be the same.

On a further note, there is still time to participate in Name That Blog. Go on now, what are you waiting for?

1. Six sick slick slim sycamore saplings.
2. A skunk sat on a stump and thunk the stump stunk, but the stump thunk the skunk stunk.
3. Six thick thistle sticks. Six thick thistles stick.
4. The sixth sick sheik's sixth sheep's sick.
5. Three free throws.
6. Tim, the thin twin tinsmith
7. The boot black bought the black boot back.
8. The boot black bought the black boot back.
9. Which witch wished which wicked wish?
10. Sarah saw a shot-silk sash shop full of shot-silk sashes as the sunshine shone on the side of the shot-silk sash shop.
11. Strict strong stringy Stephen Stretch slickly snared six sickly silky snakes.
12. Betty and Bob brought back blue balloons from the big bazaar.
13. Give me the gift of a grip top sock: a drip-drape, ship-shape, tip-top sock.
    

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Thirteen Things About Moogie

1. On May 21st, I will be married for 18 years. If it is possible, I'm happier and more in love than the day I said "I do."
2. I have little to no self confidence.
3. I am, by nature, a workaholic, but my family still comes first.
4. On my 18th birthday, I was in an automobile accident. It was my fault. Since then, I have always worn my seat belt, even for short distances. The paramedics told me I wouldn't have been injured if I was wearing one.
5. I love to cook and am good at it (so says my husband). I rarely use a recipe, and if I do, I tend to modify it as I go. I like to make things up.
6. I hate vegetables for the most part. I need to eat more of them to keep my diet balanced.
7. Speaking of diet, I have lost 18 pounds so far, and have done it slowly. It isn't too bad as I have to completely avoid fatty foods, and make sure my intake of fiber is high. It's good stuff and so fun to feel how loose my clothes are becomming.
8. I am very fortunate to have the parents I have. I love them dearly, and don't get to visit/talk to them on the phone nearly enough. I consider them not only my parents, but my best friends.
9. I am the youngest of three children and the only daughter. To this day, I have no idea why I am close to both of my brothers and they are still talking to me.
10. I love to go to the movies with my girls. I really enjoy kids flicks and I have no problem admitting that. My husband doesn't like it so much, so I'm more than happy to take them.
11. I still have not gone back to Curves, and am a bit nervous about doing so. I am planning, if things keep on going the way they are, to start back up again Monday, but take it slow.
12. I went through infertility treatments to have both of my children. I wasn't supposed to be able to have the 2nd. All of it was well worth it, and I have no regrets.
    

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Thirteen Movies my Children Love

1. Chicken Little
2. Phat Girlz
3. War of the Worlds
4. The Wild
5. High School Musical
6. The Shaggy Dog
7. Shrek I and II
8. Cinderella
9. Princess Diaries, I and II
10. A Cinderella Story
11. Fern Gully
12. Madegascar
13. Racing Stripes
    

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Thirteen Things I Remember

1. I remember the first bicycle I ever had that was not a hand-me-down. It was a pink, one-speed Huffy, complete with a banana seat and a basket. I would often take our dog for a ride in the basket.
2. I remember the day my first daughter was born. Later on in the evening when I was alone with Chickie, I laid her on top of my stomach and marvelled that something that size had been inside of me earlier in the day.
3. I remember having a job as a Documentation Clerk just out of High School. I had gone to the bathroom and walked past a row of draftsmen. One of the other female clerks came up to me and whispered that I had my dress tucked into my pantyhose.
4. I remember when I graduated from college, with honors, at 40 years old. I had finally completed my goal. It was something that I did completely, and totally, for me. I was proud. I would have never been able to do it if my husband wasn't backing me 100% of the way.
5. I remember the first dinner I ever cooked for my (now) husband. I was grandma sitting at my parent's house, and he came over. I made lasagna. It turned out more like lasagna soup, but he still told me it was good. We still laugh about it to this day.
6. I remember the morning that my mother called me to tell me that my father had suffered a massive heart attack. It was Sunday, two days before the election of President Clinton for his first round in the Oval Office. I just threw some clothes in my suitcase and met my oldest brother at the airport. It was the longest flight from California to Florida ever. When we got off the plane, we didn't know if dad was still alive. My other brother came and picked us up and when I got off the airplane I looked into his eyes and he nodded his head slightly, which meant Dad was still with us. None of us could really speak on the way to the hospital. I still get tears in my eyes when I think about it.
7. I remember when I first found out I was pregnant with Meelie. I was absolutely stunned. I had been told that this was impossible. Through all of the testing and attempts to conceive, I had psyched myself up to be completely content with one child (Chickie). I'm embarrassed to admit that it wasn't until I felt her kick for the first time that I felt happy. It was all so unreal and yet wonderful. I wouldn't change it for the world.
8. I remember my first car. It was a 1976 Dodge Aspen. I bought it in 1980 and it didn't have a stereo. My dad helped me find it. We looked at so many cars. Mom and dad got me a stereo for it when I graduated High School. It had 26,000 miles on it and was driven by a little old lady who took it to go grocery shopping (really!).
9. I remember the day I met my husband. It was April 1st. I thought that he was a geek and not for me, but a really nice guy. We discovered our love for old movies. He would buy the supplies, and I would cook dinner (no more lasagna soup!) and we would watch them. We started off as friends, and somewhere along the way it changed. We are coming up on our 18 year anniversary this month.
10. I remember my first Baby Tender Love doll. I wanted one so bad for Christmas. If I remember correctly, there had been a fire in the factory, so the supply was low. Being a mother now, I fully appreciate the lengths my parents must have had to go through to locate one.
11. I remember getting my braces off in the summer before my junior year in High School. I was constantly running my tongue over my teeth, amazed at how smooth they felt. I think I smiled, non-stop, for my entire junior year.
12. I remember my best friend in High School. We lost touch after we graduated and at our 10 year reunion, I found out she had killed herself just a few years before. I felt so lost, confused and angry. I have never understood it but I've finally been able to let go of the anger and realize just how lucky I am in life.
13. I remember the day my husband woke me up to tell me that Shoestrings (our first dog) had died sometime during the night. I went downstairs, and there he was, in his favorite place in front of the couch. He was lying on his side, with both of his legs crossed. I sat beside him and petted him, one last time. I leant down and gave him a kiss while the tears were streaming down my cheeks. I got up and put a blanket in the trunk of my husband's car, and he carried Shoestrings there so that the kids (they were much younger then) wouldn't have to see him that way. Telling them was so very hard.