annamaureen

I hate margarine, yuck.

It's horribly sappy and cheesy.

SPOILER ALERT! Don't scroll down if you haven't seen the finale! I was disappointed that Natalie won. I really don't feel like she deserved it - she did poorly in most of the challenges, took little initiative, and rode Russell's coattails all the way to the top. She was happy to let Russell do the dirty work and let him take the blame. She said that was actually her "strategy," but I have a hard time believing it since she never mentioned it until she had to convince the jury. Sounds like she just trying to make herself seem deserving of the win. I think the jury only voted for her because she was "nice," and they were still bitter about being ousted by Russ. I'm glad Russell won the Player of the Season, though. And I'm really looking forward to Heroes vs Villains; what an awesome idea for the next season!

It depends. If it's sort of a sticky or "wet" food that will pick up dirt or hair, no. If it's a hard dry food, then sure. And only on my floor.

Congrats!

I'm married and I always make the bed. I never used to growing up!

No, I already knew that, anatess - I was talking about the finished product, be it a painting, drawing, or sculpture.

My husband was a Fine Art major. He jokes that there's no way you could get turned on by the nude models, because they were always some funky unshaved hippie chicks! But on a more serious note, I think perhaps the intent of the nude art is important. Is it designed to arouse, or simply to tastefully display the human form? I spent some time in Europe and think back on all several-hundred year old paintings with both men and women nude, and can't find anything pornographic about it.

My most embarassing moment, funnily enough, wasn't even my fault. It was at our engagement party. There were both guys and girls present, but quite a lot of guys that I didn't know. (Not sure why our hosts decided to invite strangers.) I'll also note that the guests were mostly LDS. Some friends (not close ones) decided to get us a bag full of "sexy gifts." I'm not talking about some tasteful candles or massage oil; it was some pretty crude stuff. I literally wanted to die as they made me pull out each item and show it off and read the labels. I kept trying to move on to someone else's gift but they were like, "Wait! There's more in the bag!" I tried to be lighthearted and not show how incredibly uncomfortable and flustered I was, but I was absolutely mortified. Afterwards I had to run to the bathroom to compose myself. I've always been a bit self-conscious and easily embarrassed, but that just took the cake.

I believe it's true that any faithful LDS man and woman can have a good marriage; but maybe not the best possible marriage, if that makes sense. There's nothing wrong with waiting for someone you truly want, rather than, "well, let's make it work." But I do think some people can be too picky. I knew a guy who flat-out refused to even consider dating any girl who wasn't Asian!

My parents converted when I was three and have pictures of us outside the LA temple dressed in white... maybe it varies from temple to temple?

The coolest thing I've ever done in a singles ward was a "service auction." A month or two in advance, people signed up with various items, activies or acts of service - everything from guitars to a homecooked meal to math help - and at the auction, people bid on them. The money went to charity. I paid seven bucks for a motorcycle lesson! Whatever you do, remember the guys! I've had so many experiences with activites that are supposed to be for everyone, but intead cater to just the girls (chick-flick movies, that sort of thing) and it's pretty annoying.

Some people will be offended if you say Merry Christmas. Others will be offended if you say Happy Holidays. Some will probably be offended if you make no mention of the season at all. It's kind of a no-win situation.

I thought it was interesting how Monica was going on about how "over confident" Russell was and how he needs to be "humble," then sits there all smug and cocky, pouting and preening and bragging. To be honest, I thought Russell was done; I seriously thought he was going home. I thought it was bizarre how he played the idol but it obviously worked in his favor! I want Russell to win. I didn't like him at the beginning of the game but he's really grown on me. As Dave said, he was born to play this game! He's been brilliant and really deserves it. Maybe not financially, but as far as being the best player, there's no question.

I don't think it's that bad to tell your child Santa's not real. For some people, it seems to be a cardinal sin! You don't need to be harsh about it but I don't think it's going to "ruin their childhood" or whatever. I don't know, maybe it's just because Santa wasn't a big deal in my house growing up.

I met a guy who literally thought that we sacrified babies in the temple. No idea how he could logically believe that, but there you go.

I've tried them just recently (husband is from South Carolina) and they're fairly tasty.

I went through the temple six months ago, right before I was married. Like you, I was unsure and frightened about what to expect. But despite my worries it turned out to be a good, peaceful experience. Luckily, I was well-prepared by a great bishop and my wonderful mother. There's a little booklet I got from the distribution center called "Preparing to Enter the Holy Temple." It was an awesome resource. Since there are certain things we can't discuss outside the temple, sometimes members mistakenly think we can't discuss anything, which isn't very helpful! As others have said, find a trusted friend or family member and ask for appropriate explanations and information. Temple prep classes are also good. Pray for comfort and understanding. God recognizes your righteous desires to enter the temple and will bless you accordingly. You won't understand everything, but it's not scary or bad. It is the Lord's house and he will help you, along with your escort and the temple workers.

Haha, I never thought of that!

I've grown up in various parts of the country (and world) and I don't like being called "hon" or "honey" by strangers. I was at a restaurant recently and the cashier (a young woman about the same age as me) called me "sweetie." I wanted to be like, "excuse me?"

Laziness. I also tend to find church meetings boring.

Okay, thanks!

When you use oil for blessings, is there a special kind you have to get, like from the church? Or can you just use pure olive oil from the grocery store and consecrate it at home?

Growing up, I always had real ones... but my husband and I decided to get artificial. We have two very curious cats who would climb in it and chew it and make an awful mess!

My thoughts exactly.