Theme Songs

Susan from Slice of Life did a meme where she came up with her song. And, well, it was too cool to not give a try:

But I have a few:

Mary Chapin Carpenter: I take My Chances

I took a walk in the rain one day on the wrong side of the tracks
I stood on the rails till I saw that train
Just to see how my heart would react
Now some people say that you shouldn't tempt fate
And for them I would not disagree
But I never learned nothing from playing it safe
I say fate should not tempt me
I take my chances,
I don't mind working without a net
I take my chances,
I take my chances every chance I get
I sat alone in the dark one night, tuning in by remote
I found a preacher who spoke of the light but there was brimstone in his throat
He'd show me the way according to him in return for my personal check
I flipped my channel back to CNN and I lit another cigarette
I take my chances, forgiveness doesn't come with a debt
I take my chances,
I take my chances every chance I get
I've crossed lines of words and wire and both have cut me deep
I've been frozen out and I've been on fire and the tears are mine to weep
Now I can cry until I laugh and laugh until I cry
So cut the deck right in half, I'll play from either side
I take my chances, I pay my dollar and I place my bet
I take my chances,
I take my chances every chance I get
I take my chances,
I don't cling to remorse or regret
I take my chances,
I take my chances every chance I get
I take my chances
I take my chances

Finger Eleven: One Thing

Restless tonight cause I wasted the light
Between both these times I drew a really thin line
It's nothing I planned and not that I can
But you should be mine across that line
If I trade it all
If I gave it all away for one thing
Just for one thing
If I sorted it out
If I knew all about this one thing wouldn't that be something
I promise I might not walk on by
Mabe next time but not this time
Even though I know
I don't want to know
Yeah I guess I know
I just hate how it sounds
If I trade it all
If I gave it all away for one thing
Just for one thing
If I sorted it out
If I knew all about this one thing wouldn't that be something

And last but not least, my man Bruce Springsteen and Dancing in the Dark this one always gets turned up full volume on the radio

I get up in the evening
And I ain't got nothing to say
I come home in the morning
I go to bed feeling the same way
I ain't nothing but tired
Man, I'm just tired and bored with myself
Hey there baby I could use just a little help
You can't start a fire
You can't start a fire without a spark
This gun's for hire
Even if we're just dancing in the dark
Message keeps getting clearer
Radio's on and I'm moving 'round the place
I check my look in the mirror
I wanna change my clothes, my hair, my face
Man, I ain't getting nowhere just living in a dump like this
There's something happening somewhere
Baby I just know that there is
You can't start a fire
You can't start a fire without a spark
This gun's for hire
Even if we're just dancing in the dark
You sit around getting older
There's a joke here somewhere and it's on me
I'll shake this world off my shoulders
Come on baby the laugh's on me
Stay on the streets of this town
And they'll be carving you up all right
They say you gotta stay hungry
Hey baby I'm just about starving tonight
I'm dying for some action
I'm sick of sitting 'round here trying to write this book
I need a love reaction
Come on now baby gimme just one look
You can't start a fire sitting 'round crying over a broken heart
This gun's for hire
Even if we're just dancing in the dark
You can't start a fire worrying about your little world falling apart
This gun's for hire

Tagged and then some

First, a very important mistake to clear up:

Thank you Kell, the label at Target is Archer Farms. And the berry blossoms are their Archer Farms label. I'm not sure why I fixated on Market Pantry. So if you are looking for them it's Archer Farms. I'm a dork.

Next up a Meme:
I got tagged. By Tim. I have to tell you 6 random things about me and then tag six more people. I tag whichever 6 people wanna play. Cop out? Yep.

So, 6 things:

1. Listening to Lily snore has become my most favorite sound in the whole wide world.

2. I have a shoe fetish, but I also have a fetish for unique silver jewelry. Especially big interesting and artistic rings.

3. I am very insecure.

4. Halloween is my favorite holiday. If I had the time, money to burn, and gumption I would decorate the entire house for it. And do a big show out front for the kids.

5. As I have gotten older I have become far more aware of my mortality. Up until a few years ago death never crossed my mind.

6. I still like to look at my Phoenix tattoo. It hasn't gotten "old" yet. I feel like my tattoos are one of the things that will make me a cool old lady.

7. I like to be a little rebellious.

And Lastly an update on Mom and Pop:

My parents got their electricity back on Thursday morning. When I talked to them they were in the process of throwing out the contents of their fridge and freezer. And though they had to throw out everything they were just thankful they had a fridge that needed to be emptied. Dad was also telling me that as the firemen were fighting the fires at houses if they could they were taking out things and putting them on curbs that were undamaged. He said that one family came home to a completely destroyed house but for some reason the firemen had found family photos completely in tact and their grandfather clock. How weird is that? And how awesome of the firefighters to preserve what they found that was salvageable.

The only funny/annoying thing is that the neighbors alarm is going off. It's LOUD. If dad calls me from outside it's hard to hear him because of the alarm. The police haven't been able to get out there to do anything about it, and when they called the alarm company he supposedly has they had no record for that house so it can't be shut off. It's been going off since the power came back on. I don't know how they are going to sleep. But dad assured me that in the house they can barely here it. I'd be insane. The hubster said the solution was simple, go cut the power line to his house.

They also went to their coffee shop and every one of the usual crowd was there anxiously waiting for everyone else to make sure they were all ok. All coffee shop friends were accounted for and everyone still had a home to go to.

I'm a Daisy sort of gal

I stole this from Kell.

I am a Daisy What Flower Are You?

"You are just a sweet person. When a friend needs a shoulder to cry on, you are happy to offer yours with a box of tissues as well. Once in awhile, you wish you could be a little more dramatic but then sensibility sets back in and you know that you are perfect the way you are."

Speaking of Daisies,

My good friend Girl J (Nettie) has some very special ladies in her family. Our Channel 9 news ran a story on them the other night.
Spread the word and see if we can help out their cause.

Rock'd and Tagged

Tink gave me a Rock'n Girl award. Thank You!

And Tory tagged me for this Meme - so here goes
Rules:
1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.

4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

8 Things:

1. I used to have to wrap my toes because my little toe was growing kinda crooked toward the other toes rather than straight out. Apparently I wasn't very cooperative because on my left foot my toe smushes over toward the others. Maybe it just doesn't like being on the end.

2. I once ran off with a complete stranger to San Francisco

3. I once spent a summer with my best friend and two strangers we met across the river. She and I had gone wandering around the Pennsylvania/Jersey border and met these two guys in our wanderings. We ended up spending the rest of the summer with them.

4. My friend Susie and I went to Philadelphia to see A-Ha in concert. We became friends with the guy that was sitting next to us in the theater. We spent that summer talking on the phone with him and writing back and forth.

5. Apparently one thing about me is that I have made some interesting friendships with complete strangers. No set-ups, no mutual friends. Just random meetings.

6. Actually, one of the best weekends of my life was with a friend that I really didn't know all that well. We worked together but on opposite ends of the country. I think we had only met once in person before running off for a weekend. To this day he is one of my best friends. And I love him very much.

7. I have memories that will keep me smiling all the way to old age. Memories that I can cling to and hold on to that make me feel beautiful, and special, and unique, and the center of the universe, even if it was only for a moment.

8. I don't like tomatoes - or fish, or seafood, or anything that comes out of the water.

9. I wish I had wings.

10. I break the rules

I tag: Anyone that wants to play.

Whole lotta nutt'n

So here it is again, cause I like it so much:
It's shiny cause it's covered in Tattoo Goo.

I have to take pic's of the hubsters back still and have him take one of the fairy on my back. I had her darkened a wee bit. He used a soft gray when he originally did it but the hubster thought it looked too faded and she didn't stand out enough so we had her darkened.

Yesterday while we were sitting in the living room reading both Caleb and Lily jumped up on the couch and went over to my dad for pets. All of us held our breath and slowly dad put his hand out and got to pet Caleb. I know it seems silly to get so excited but when he gets brave like that it really makes me feel good. I think the cuddling we are "forcing" on him is helping.

Here are some gratuitous cuteness pictures for you.


And finally a lil' meme:

Use ONE WORD for each answer.

Yourself: Lighthearted

Your Partner: Grumpy

Your Hair: Boring

Your Mother: Generous

Your Father: Hero

Your Favorite Item: I-pod

Your Dream Last Night: Weird

Your Favorite Drink: Coffee

Your Dream Car: Mini

Your Dream Home: Lakeside

The Room You Are In: Silent

Your Fear: Helplessness

Where You Want To Be In Ten Years: Loved

Who You Hung Out With Last Night: Parents

You’re Not: Ambitious

One of Your Wish List Items: Elliptical

The Last Thing You Did: Phone

You Are Wearing: Sandals

Your Favorite Weather: Warm

Your Favorite Book: Fiction

Last Thing You Ate: Powdered

Your Life: Content

Your Mood: Disappointed

Your Best Friend: Hubster

What Are You Thinking About Right Now: Hungry

Your Car: Subaru

What Are You Doing At The Moment: Hello!

Relationship Status: Blissful

What Is On Your TV: Darkness

What Is The Weather Like: Perfect

When Is The Last Time You Laughed: Morning

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO NETTIE
go wish her one!

*Blushing Newt*

My blog world “Mom” Betty nominated me for a thinking blogger award. Awww shucks, blush.

I decided to call her that for a few reasons:

~Her blog makes me laugh
~And she always manages to make me think about something wonderful from my past that I had forgotten about. I am not sure why that is but often during one of her stories I catch my self going “Oh, I totally forgot about the time when…………..”
~She has marvelous children
~And I would have loved to have had them for siblings.

So it just seems natural for her to become “Mom”

AND

My friend Gray Mama nominated me. Awwwwwww.

Gray Mama is a wonderful and incredibly thoughtful and generous person. And she has the darn cutest little guy in the world whose exploits always make me smile!

So to pass on the tradition I want to nominate the following:

J-Funk
She’s a genius and she has a fun blog to read.
Always something different to talk about. I love to stop by just to see what is up.

Trish

She was one of the first blogs I ever read.
I just love everything about her.
And you never know what to expect from her next post.

Mike

He’s cynical, he’s funny, and he knits!
And he’s my other soul mate.

Michelle

She’s wonderful, funny, and totally entertaining. She's found the man of her dreams and they have a most wonderous love affair. And I get a kick out of her work exploits. And one of these days I'm going to get out her way and visit her. Or stalk her perhaps since she doesn't know that is my plan.

Tink
Yep, she was nominated already, but I want to give a nod to her story writing side.
Twisted Tink (currently under re-writes) has been entertaining me for a long time.
A cup of coffee and a new chapter are the highlight of my day.

Here are the rules, in case you wand to give this award to your favorites.

1. If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think,

2. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme,

3. Optional: Proudly display the ‘Thinking Blogger Award’ with a link to the post that you wrote (here is an alternative silver version if gold doesn’t fit your blog).

A Thank You and an Interview

Last night when I got home there was a package in the mail box. A most unexpected surprise! I got the most fabulous and thoughtful gifts from Graymama. She sent me a hat and she sent me a mask to cover my eyes to help me sleep. Look how cute it is! I was SO excited. What a wonderful wonderful surprise. Thanks Graymama!




And now here's a fun thing from Tink. I told her she could interview me. So here are the questions she asked and my answers.

1. What's the meanest thing you've ever done to someone?
Well, I was helping at a golf tournament and one of my “jobs” was to hand out the prizes to the raffle winners. One guy won dinner for two at a really swanky restaurant in Carmel. As I handed him his envelope he asked me if I would go with him. And I just laughed in his face. And he only said, “I’ll take that as a no” and walked away. I didn’t mean to laugh at him, it unfortunately was how I handled the shock of his question. And here’s WHY it happened. This happened during the year of my divorce. I had been casually dating someone who informed me that all we were doing was casual dating and that I was “no” Cindy Crawford. So, as you can imagine that sort of further plunged my self esteem into the toilet. BUT then, all of a sudden that summer I had two amazing men that wanted to see me, spend time with me, found me beautiful and interesting. And then here comes number three. Successful, handsome as hell, basically someone that I would have thought was WAY out of my league. And here this incredible man was asking me on a date. Me, who would never be a Cindy Crawford now had three very handsome men vying for my attention. I guess the poor guy was the “straw that broke my mental balance”. And my shock and overwhelmed self esteem just decided to handle the situation incredibly poorly. And I wasn’t brave enough to apologize to him or to talk to him about my stupid reaction. To make it all worse not long after this I was having an unrelated conversation with a guy and he was telling me how hard it is to get the nerve up to ask a girl out. How it’s the guys “job” to do the asking but just like women, they don’t want to face the idea of rejection. Well, that just made me fell TONS worse. So for me, what I did to him was the meanest thing ever. I still feel bad to this day about doing that.

2. What character (from a book) would you most want to be?
This is a great question. And after thinking long and hard and racking my brain I decided I would want to be Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter books. She’s smart, beautiful, and can do magic. What better is there? (Can I get a re-do if they kill her off in book 7?)

3. Do you dream in color?
Yes, I didn’t even realize there were people out there that didn’t. I dream in all sorts of Technicolor. The hubster thinks I have the weirdest dreams in the world.

4. How much did your most expensive pair of shoes cost?
Since the hubster doesn’t read this I’ll actually admit to it: $55.00 for a pair of fabulous coach sandals that were on clearance. And should anyone even think of blackmailing me with this – I’ll send Tink after you with a spork. I might be obsessed with shoes but I do it on the cheap.

5. Which appeals more, being a princess or warrior?
Warrior all the way. In fact, I wish I was a Warrior Lass on vacation with Kell.

Want to play? Leave a comment saying, "Interview me." I'll respond by asking you five personal questions so I can get to know you better. If I already know you well, expect the questions to be a little more intimate! Then you will update your journal/blog with the answers to the questions. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the post.

And to close this post for today I give you my baby Caleb

Books a MEME

So, My buddy Mike tagged me. He let me know he tagged me and when I finally got a chance to catch up on my blog reading all his posts – or I should say, a chunk of his posts went bye-bye. Server issues. But now they are back and so is this MEME so here goes:

Hardback, trade paperback, or mass-market paperback?
I love the trade paperback. It’s the perfect size.

Amazon or brick-and-mortar?
I could get lost forever in a book store. I love them. And I stop into them every chance I get. It’s the one place in the world that I can absolutely and completely relax. Well, that and a shoe store. But I will use the internet to shop for books, read reviews, and find out other books by the author.

Barnes & Noble or Borders?
For me, it doesn’t matter. Whichever is closest. But Barnes and Noble is bigger and one of ours even has a huge used book section. It’s awesome. Ultimately I like the little mom and pop bookstores. Used and new. But for getting lost and just having a moment to myself – I head for B&N.

Bookmark or dogear?
I found this very cool bookmark at B&N that has little post it’s on it. I tend to want to look stuff up or write down great lines from a book so this thing is perfect. And it is in a little slip cover which also happens to be the perfect size in which to store my Starbucks coffee card. So, when I go across the street for my ½ hour of sanity everything I need is right inside my book.

Alphabetize by author, by title, or random?
Right now, I have three shelves of books I need to read in no particular order. If I have read them and want to keep them they are by author or series. Or in some cases, size.

Keep, throw away or sell?
I keep them all. But when I get my own little store, the ones I don’t feel the need to keep will go there. I’ll try to get a book swap thing going. Or sell them for a few bucks. Not sure yet.

Keep dust jacket or toss it?
Most of my books have their dust jackets. And the only one that doesn’t was because water somehow leaked on it. Which ruined the dust jacket but not the book itself so that in itself is a good reason to keep them. I do however remove them when I am reading a book. I don’t want to tear or destroy the dust jacket. So that almost negates the protection part. Hmmmmmm

Read with the dust jacket or remove it?
Wow, answered that one before I needed to. I read the books naked, then redress them when I am done.

Short story or novel?
Typically novels. I have read a few short story collections though. Most of them in the past year or so and that was due to either it being an author I loved or it got great reviews.

Collection (short stories by same author) or anthology (short stories by different authors)?
Collection. I haven’t read an anthology yet that I enjoyed. But that is just me.

Harry Potter or Lemony Snicket?
I worshipknow what a Harry Potter is. What’s a Lemony Snicket?

Stop reading when tired or at chapter breaks?
I have to stop when tired or the book tends to hit me in the nose.

"It was a dark and stormy night" or "Once upon a time"?
Depends on the mood I’m in but typically “Dark and Stormy”

Buy or borrow?
Unfortunately for my budget but probably good for B&N stock – buy.

New or used?
Either one is fine with me. But used has to be in descent condition, no notes or anything, no underlining, etc. And it can’t smell.

Buying choice: book reviews, recommendations or browse?
I go by all three. And buy equally from all three.

Tidy ending or cliffhanger? Don’t really care. But if it’s a cliffhanger there better be another book coming. Ahem, Koontz – and your Frankenstein series that was supposed to be out in November. Ahem………………

When do you read: morning, afternoon or night?
If I could it would be 24/7. But I pretty much find a moment during all three to read. It’s what keeps me sane.

Standalone or series?
I do both about equally.

Favorite book of which nobody else has heard?
Our Lady of the Lost and Found by Diane Schoemperlen. I ordered this on a whim at B&N. They were practically giving it away. But it sounded so intriguing I had to get it. And I absolutely loved it.

Favorite books read last year?
Monkeewrench series by PJ Tracy
You are not a stranger here by Adam Haslett
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
ShadowsFall by Simon R. Green
The Nightside Series by Simon R. Green
I, Mona Lisa by Jeanne Kalogridis
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
Booked to Die (as well as the rest of the series) by John Dunning
The Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde
Crusader’s Cross by James Lee Burke
The Mercy of Thin Air by Ronlyn Domingue
Of Saints and Shadows by Christopher Golden
Last Days of Summer by Steve Kluger

Favorite books of all time?
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts,
Everything ever written by James Lee Burke,
Cuckoos Egg by Cliff Stole
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne
Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald
Several of the favorites from last year are now on my all time list including:
Last Days of Summer by Steve Kluger
Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
And so far anything and everything by Simon R. Green.
Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
Harry Potter 1-6
George RR Matins Song of Ice and Fire Series.

And I will tag: Kell, Betty, Tink, and Greymama cause I know they are book worms.

Meme thief and a few pics

Here's a few Meme's that I stole borrowed.

Tagged

By Graymama

Rules for this tag game are:
Grab the book books you are reading
Open to Page 123
Scroll down to the 5th sentence
Post the next 3 sentences on your blog
Name the book and author

Good Omens (since it’s sitting on my desk)

Pedro coughed, ominously. “The next person who says anything. Anything at all. Is Dead” He grinned.

Monkeewrench by PJ Tracy

“Oh, yeah, right, sure we will. Get the fuck outta here, bitch, before we start on you.”
Brothers two and three jerked on the black kid’s arms simultaneously, as if they were one organism instead of two, chiming in with their own colorful suggestions.

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And the Ipod Meme from Cynical Bastard

1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc)

2. Put it on shuffle

3. Press play

4. For every question, type the song that's playing

5. When you go to a new question, press the next button

6. Don't lie and try to pretend you're cool...

Opening Credits: “Adia” by Sarah McLachlan

Waking Up: “Beaton’s Delight” by Ashley MacIsaac

First Day at School: “How can I keep from Singing?” by Enya

Falling In Love: “Eye in the Sky” by The Alan Parsons Project

Fight Song: “It shouldn’t Take Too Long” by Cutting Crew
Breaking Up: “Symphony of Light” by Frederic Delarue

Prom: “Utopia” by Alanis Morissette

Life: “Concerto in C Minor 1. Grave by Telemann
Mental Breakdown: “Take me home, Country Roads” by John Denver
Driving: “Largo” by Telemann

Flashback: “Hungry Heart” by Bruce Springsteen

Wedding: “The Sun Always Shines on TV” by a-ha

Birth of Child: “Fantasy for Violin and Orchestra On Porgy and Bess” By Gershwin

Final Battle: “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan

Death Scene: “Armageddon It” by Def Leppard

Funeral Song: “The Emotion of Love” by Frederic Delarue
End Credit: “Further On – Up the Road” By Bruce Springsteen

Alright, well if nothing else this selection tells you what a TOTAL music weirdo I am. Though I find it interesting that of the 1475 songs in my Ipod it shuffles two Sarah McLachlans and two Frederic Delarue’s so close together. Oh, and two pieces by Telemann. Hmmmmm interesting.

She types as she actually just now puts her earbuds on.

Let's try this again:

Opening Credits: "Per Amore" by Andrea Bocelli

Waking Up: "Canzonetta Spirituale sopra la nanna: Hor Ch'e tempo di dormire by Montserral Figueras

First Day of School: "Symphony No. 25 in G Minor - I: Allegro Con Brio" by Mozzart

Falling in Love: "Concerto in ........................

Awww hell, forget about it. I'm still a musical weirdo.

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And finally the WWC:

Mystery: (It's a mystery to me how to make my cheap little digital take good night picks.
This is supposed to be one of the COOLEST moons I have ever seen hanging over the Mississippi River.)

Mystery: (It is also a mystery to me how to not get a shaky picture some times) (Less coffee perhaps????)

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And Missing: as in the only thing missing right now is the "Awwwww"

Day three – how about an ABC meme because I really don’t have all that much to talk about today

Taken from Kell

The Letter A
Are you agnostic?
Interesting question. I believe in the power of the universe and in the wonders of nature. But I don’t think that that power is driven by one supreme being sitting up in the clouds somewhere. So, hmmm, I’m not sure if that makes me agnostic or not.
What is your age?
All I know is that to my parents we are “the kids” so that’s good enough for me.
What annoys you?
Television commercials

The Letter B
Do you like bacon?
Almost as much as I like breathing.
What is your birthday?
August something
Who is your best friend?
Hubster

The Letter C
What is your favorite candy?
Circus peanuts
Who is your crush?
Gerard Butler, Colin Firth, Bruce Springsteen, Kiefer Sutherland
When was the last time you cried?
When I thought Caleb was going to break out of his leash and run

The Letter D
Do you daydream?
Probably too much – there was quite the pause between question 2 and 3 up there for Letter C.
What is your favorite kind of dog?
I like all dogs but I’m partial to mutts and and dog in a shelter
What day of the week is it?
Wednesday I think

The Letter E
How do you like your eggs?
Pretty much any way you cook them. Except well done.
Have you ever been in the emergency room?
Yes but not for me.
What’s the easiest thing to ever do?
Smile (I agree with Kell on that one – good answer.

The Letter F
Have you ever flown in a plane?
Yes, it’s fun.
Do you use fly swatters?
No, the hubster prefers to let all the bugs out of the house.
Have you ever used a foghorn?
No, but I had one scare the crap out of me when I was up on some rocks at some beach in San Francisco.

The Letter G
Do you chew gum?
Yes, currently I am addicted to Orbit Original flavor.
Are you a giver or taker?
Both – come on, let’s be honest here we all love a little bit of both.

The Letter H
How are you?
Fabulous! And yourself?
What’s your height?
5’3” and a ¼. Gotta mention that little extra.
What color is your hair?
It’s called Chocolate Cherry

The Letter I
What is your favorite ice-cream?
Bryers Mint Chocolate Chip
Have you ever ice-skated?
I just bought a pair last weekend. I skated when I was a kid. But it’s been about 25 years. I want to go this weekend.
Do you play an instrument?
I play a little piano. And I tried the violin. But I think I play the hubster best. (you can do with that what you will)

The Letter J
What is your favorite jelly bean?
Black
Do you wear jewelry?
I love unique artsy stuff.
Have you heard a really hilarious joke?
Does yet ANOTHER Viking getting arrested count?

The Letter K
Who do you want to kill?
I plead the 5th.
Do you want kids?
I have to go with Kell’s answer – she said it best: “No. Sure I seem nice and friendly and all that, but I’m really very selfish, neurotic, and set in my ways. I’d be a horrible mother.”
Where did you have kindergarten?
Have or go to? Anyway, it was Hawthorne Elementary in Ontario California.

The Letter L
Are you laid-back?
Well, I’m easy going about most of life and I don’t let things get me too upset. BUT I am also a hard core fidgiter so maybe not.
Do you lie?
No……….as my nose grows longer…………
Do you love anyone?
Yeeeesssss!

The Letter M
What is your favorite movie?
I have favorite movies based on mood. So it really depends. But if I could only take one to a deserted island it would have to be Pirates #1.
Do you still watch Disney movies?
Yes, it goes back to that “How old are you question” – mentally I’m still around 3.
Do you like mangos?
No, it’s a texture thing.

The Letter N
Do you have a nickname?
Newt (oh cool, that starts with an "N"
What is your favorite number?
“3” it just feels good, looks good, seems right.
Do you prefer night or day?
They both have their uses.

The Letter O
What is your one wish?
Health
Are you an only child?
Nope, I have a wonderful younger brother.
Do you wish this year was over?
I’ll let you know in a few more weeks. So far though I’m sorta digging it.

The Letter P
What is one fear that you are most paranoid about?
Drowning or not being able to breathe.
What personality trait would you look for in someone you wanted to date?
Sense of humor.

The Letter Q
Are you quick to judge people?
Yes, I tend to be. But I am known for being a good judge of character. So I might be quick but I’m usually also right.

The Letter R
Do you think you are always right?
Until someone shows/proves me otherwise.
Do you watch reality T.V.?
No, though I do get a good laugh from a few minutes of America’s Top Model.
What is a good reason to cry?
A good cry reduces stress.

The Letter S
Do you prefer sun or rain?
I love them both. I need the sun to stay sane and friendly. But I absolutely LOVE a good thunder boomie.
Do you like snow?
I love snow as long as I don’t have to drive in it.

The Letter T
What time is it?
10:05 am
What time did you wake up?
6:00 am
When was the last time you slept in a tent?
2000 I think.

The Letter U
Are you wearing underwear?
Yep, Victoria’s Secret – it’s the only way to go.

The Letter V
What is the worst veggie?
Brussel sprouts
Where do you want to go on vacation?
Florence Italy
What was your last family vacation together?
Well, since my folks are retired I guess this past December when I visited them.

The Letter W
What is your worst habit?
Biting my lip
Where do you live?
In denial? In a fantasy world? In Minnesota? Pick one.

The Letter X
Have you ever had an X-ray?
Yes. Does that make me special?
Have you ever seen the X-Games?
What the heck are X-games?
Do you own a xylophone?
I don’t think so. But who knows what the hubster has stored away.

The Letter Y
Do you like the color yellow?
Yes, it’s the happiest color – makes me think of sunshine and daisies.
What year were you born in?
I will say only this: The summer of love baby!
What do you yearn for most?
Good health and a long happy life with the hubster.

The Letter Z
What is your Zodiac Sign?
Leo: hear me roar.
Do you believe in the Zodiac?
I always find it interesting to listen to people that know a lot about the Zodiac. I’ve been a little taken back when I over hear things like “Oh that’s because you are a Virgo.” Or “Oh, he’s a cancer, that totally explains it.” I would like to think we are a little more individual than that.
What is your favorite zoo animal?
Giraffes and Koalas.

6 things - 6 weird and quirky things

Jay started this, or at least in this case I am going to blame him. Then he tagged Kell and then she tagged me. So here we go kiddies:

Here’s how the system works: Each player starts with the "6 Weird Things about Me." People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says 'you are tagged' in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

1. I don't like tomatoes. I've tried to eat them for 30 some years and I just can't do it. I only like them if they are in sauce or soup form. And even then it has to be quite pulverized. If there are chunks in my sauce I pick them out.

2. I was born without wisdom teeth. And the conversation about it went something like this:
Dentist: Your daughter doesn't have any wisdom teeth. She's sort of an "evolutionary leap" if you will.
Dad: "No wisdom teeth eh? Well, that explains the low grades in school."
Brother: "I told you she wasn't human"
Newt: "I don't suppose I could get lucky enough for the government to take me away from all this and study me somewhere far far away from my family?"

3. I can't sleep if the closet door is open. Sorry but the closet monster is real. And not all of them are as cute as Sully from Monsters Inc.

4. There is only one thing a person could say to me that would make me slap them: "Motion sickness is all in your head." Trust me, the last thing I want to do while on a whale watching excursion off the oregon coast is to hang my head over the edge of the ship and barf. Feed the whales instead of seeing the whales. Or how about kayaking in the Monterey bay. I could be enjoying the seals and otters that are swimming along my kayak with me. But, no, my brain thinks it is so much more fun to throw up. Yep, you're right, it's all in my head.

5. I can't have anything on my feet when I sleep.

6. The one exception to #5 is when it comes to sleeping bags. If they are nylon - which pretty much all the warm ones are, I can't stand having any part of my body touching the nylon. I have to wrap myself in a sheet, or cover my body from head to toe in clothes before I can get into a sleeping bag. Even if I am the one and only person to ever use it, I'm still grossed out. I think it's the feel of the nylon. But whatever it is. I get the hee-bee-gee-bees.

7. (Hey, I'm on a role, and I hate rules.) I won't eat seafood. Any kind. Between texture and smell I just can't do it.

8. (Ok, last one, I promise) - I don't like chocolate and fruit together.

So there you go. A few weird things about Newt.

Who do I tag?

Let's see,

Miker ZZ
J-Funk
Lone Sophist
Jay (6 more please :-)

See, I break rules again. I won't tag anyone else......Mostly because they already got tagged.

Boozehounds and Meme's

My little boozehounds. Actually I was in the kitchen getting a cup of coffee this morning when I turned around and there was Lily happily licking at the cap of our bottle of Irish Cream. And I'm thinking to myself, "this is why I loved that dog." So I ran and got the camera and then just hoped that she might do it some more. Well, she did, and then the other dogs took interest. So basically I have a house full of booze hounds.


Playing with the camera last night I was trying to get a picture of Max. This one cracked me up. You can see Sophie's paw pushing him out of the way so she can be closer to mom.






Caleb and Lily both like to lay on the chair with their little rumps hanging off the front. Of course before I could grab the camera and take a picture Lily jumped off the chair but Caleb hung around so I could at least show you one of the two being cute.





And then he really turned into a ham and started thrashing around on his back for me.





And now for a little Chirstmas Spirit: A holiday Meme:

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Hot Chocolate – Swiss Miss came out with Chocolate Sensation – it’s a darker, richer chocolate flavor. I love hot chocolate with butterscotch schnapps and whipped cream on top. Yum.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
I am a very poor wrapper. But I try. The hubster usually runs around Christmas morning grabbing random boxes, bags, and towels to wrap up my gifts then presents them to me.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
I switch back and forth. I find houses with white lights cozy and inviting, but some folks use green and or blue and I seem to find that very inviting too. Colored lights tend toward the more fun and playful feel. I currently have white lights but I just added little snowmen and though they use white lights their mittens are colored glass so I now have color in my yard.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?
No and since I am married to the original Grinch there really isn’t a point.

5. When do you put up your decorations?
After Thanksgiving. Or, since we are in Minnesota the closest warm weekend to Thanksgiving. If it’s going to be 70 the weekend before, damn straight I’m putting those lights up. I just won’t turn them on till after the holiday.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
Ham – I love love love ham.

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child:
My first real white Christmas. It was in New Jersey and it was magical.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
What that Santa actually has more than just one night to deliver because the earth is so huge there are multiple time zones? You mean that truth? I think I was in high school when that dawned on me.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Let’s just say the hubster and I give each other a gift under the Christmas tree.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?
Colored lights, and eclectic ornaments dating back to my first Christmas 30+ years ago.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?
Love love love it! Dread driving anywhere in it though.

12. Can you ice skate?
Haven’t done so since I was a wee lass. But since we have free skating here in the city I plan to do so during lunch as often as possible this winter. It’s just now finally cold enough for the ice to stay frozen.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
I have to say it was my Ipod last year.

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
Being with my family.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?
Chocolate Pecan Pie. Though it might be Pumpkin Chocolate Chip cookies but I haven’t tried those yet. I just hear they are great!

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Listening to the Roger Whittaker Christmas Album. It’s just not Christmas without it. My family is so far away that the holidays aren’t as special for me anymore. But when I listen to this album it’s as if they are right there with me and I feel a little less alone.


17. What tops your tree?
An angel I picked up when I worked at Lenox. She holds a single light in her hand. She’s wearing an ivory gown and she has ivory wings. She’s just beautiful.
My parents have a little angel from Israel, his gown is the Israeli flag. When you blend two religions together things tend to get a little “untraditional” so the Christmas tree has always been referred to as the Chanukah bush.

18. Which do you prefer, Giving or Receiving presents?
Giving, I get so excited when I find the really great, perfect gifts for the ones I love.

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song?
Darcy the Dragon. It’s on the Roger Whittaker album. It’s about a dragon that lives near a town. He wants to buy his forest friends presents so he goes shopping. Only when he goes into the store and talks to the shop keepers he tends to start the building on fire. So the town sadly has to ban him from visiting. But then in his anguish he gets so upset that he inhales a lot of winter. And that puts the fire out. So now he can go visit the town again and buy gifts for his friends.

20. Candy Canes Yuck or Yum?
Yum, and they are really good crushed up into chocolate or cookies, or icecream, or, well, the list is long.

The 100 Meme

I stole this from Kell. And as a reward for suffering through all 100 there are pictures at the end of the pups and some random ones. Of course you are more than welcome to skip the 100 ( I wouldn’t be hurt) and go right to the cuteness.

100 things that you may not know about me:

1) Are you in a complicated relationship?
I prefer to think of it as adventurous. A lifetime spent discovering things about the world and each other – together, bravely, boldly, facing whatever life brings you.

2) Do you hate more than 3 people?:
Hate IS a strong world but I guess I do hate more than three people. They would be: child pornographers, child molesters, people who are cruel to animals.

3) How many houses have you lived in?
Let me think, Ontario, Southfield, Flemington, Los Angeles, Gilroy, San Jose, Gilroy again, Gilroy again, Minnesota. I guess it would be 9.

4) Favorite candy bar?
Scotchmellow bar from Sees

5)Do you dream in color?
Yes, I do.

6) Have you ever tripped someone?
Probably my brother.

7) Least favorite school subject?
We had to take an “office” class in high school. So that the “girls” were properly prepared for their gender appropriate job as secretary.

8) How many pairs of shoes do you own?
More than I will admit to.

9) Do you own a Britney Spears CD?:
Good lord no!

10) Have you ever thrown up in public?:
Yes, and the kindly gentleman sitting behind me on the plane sprinkled cologne all over the place and all over me so that I wouldn’t offend him with the smell.

11) Name one thing that is always on your mind:
My husbands very annoying driving and if it’s not that it’s if Lily will pee tonight.

12) Favorite genre of music?:
It’s mood dependant. For house cleaning, working, exercising it’s rock/pop. But for reading and relaxing it’s classical.

13) What is your zodiac sign?:
Leo – hear me roar.

14) What time were you born?:
I think at around 6 a.m.

15) Do you like beer?
Yes, Shiner and Belgian beer.

16) Have you made a prank phone call?:
Probably

17) What is the most embarrassing CD you own?
Meatloaf

18) Are you sarcastic?
Do I breathe?

19) What is your favorite color?
This is also mood related but I always like soft yellows, pinks, - and a blend of all colors in a sunset.

20) How many watches do you own?
“More than I can keep track of, and all of them need a new battery. I have a bit of a watch fetish.” (Kell said it better than I could)

21) Summer or winter?
Actually Spring.

22) Is anyone in love with you?
Yes, and it’s a little embarassing because Gerard Butler and Colin Firth keep fighting over me.

23) Favorite color to wear?
Black – it’s slimming. Pink if I want to feel girly.

24) Pepsi or Sprite?
Squirt.

25) Have you ever walked across a frozen lake?
Yes - and I had a panic attack about half way across.

26) Where is your second home?
Barnes and Noble

27) Have you ever slapped someone?
No – oh wait, no, that would be spanked……………..

28) What kind of animal would you be?
A koala or a cheetah

29) How many lamps are in your bedroom?:
Uh, one, why????

30) How many video games do you own?:
Too many that I don’t really play anymore. It’s all about the dogs and reading.

31) What was your first pet?:
A cockapoo named Muffin

32) Ever had braces?
Yes

33) Do looks matter?:
Yes, to say anything else would be lying.

34) Do you use chapstick?:
No, but I do use Neutrogena night lip repair.

35) Name 3 teachers from high school:
Wow, I can’t. Mr. Batz, that’s the only one I can remember.

36) American Eagle or Abercrombie?:
Both are too freak’n loud. – yes, I know, I’m old.

37) Are you too forgiving?:
Probably.

38) How many children do you want?
I have 8 - all have fur and four legs. I don’t want the two legged kind.

39) Do you own something from Hot Topic?:
What the hell is that?

40) Favorite breakfast meal?
Eggs Benedict

41) Do you own a gun?:
Depends, were you planning on breaking into my house?

42) Ever "thought" you were in love?:
Are you trying to say I am not?

43) When was the last time you cried?
Probably when I watched Love Actually the other day.

44) What did you do three nights ago?:
Chatted with friends on line.

45) Olive Garden?
Why would I do that when we have Mama Maria’s?

46) Have you ever called your teacher 'mommy'?
Yes because my mommy was a substitute teacher and she taught my class occasionally.

47) Have you ever been in a castle?:
Yes, in Germany. And Hurst Castle.

48) Nicknames?
Newt, tater-tot

49) Do you know anyone named Bertha?
Can’t says that I do. But my mom new a Hertha Bertha Kline

50) Ever been to Kentucky?:
I might have driven through it.

51) Do you own something from Banana Republic?:
Yes, a nice wool coat.

52) Are you thinking about somebody right now?
Yes, the hubster. And if you twist my arm to admit it, I am picturing in my head a shirtless fight between Gerard and Colin.

53) Ever called somebody 'boo'?
Maybe after watching Monster’s Inc. I might have called Sophie Boo for a while. And I think I told the hubster that if we ever had a little girl that would be her nickname.

54) Do you smoke?
No, I’ve had a few cigars but no regular habits.

55) Do you drink?
Yes, sidecars are my current drink of choice.

56) Are you happy with your life right now?
Of course.

57) Do you like your hair?:
Eh…………..I’m just thankful that I have hair.

58) Does anyone have a crush on you?
Hopefully my hubster. Oh, and as I mentioned before, Gerard Butler and Colin Firth keep fighting over me so I guess they also have a crush on me.

59) What were you doing in May of 1994?
Working at the outlet center in Gilroy, CA

60) Do you roller blade?
Yes - it's very fun. I like to have Max pull me. He's be a great sled dog, this is the closest I can come up with for him.

61) Do you own a Backstreet Boys CD?:
Hell NO!

62) McDonalds or Wendys?
I’m more of a DQ or Culvers girl.

63) Do you find yourself attractive?:
No, but I try to remember something a friend once said:
“If you could only see yourself through the eyes of your friends you would see how truly beautiful you are.”

64) Are you closer to your mother or father?:
I’m very close to both my parents but I think we have the typical Daddy’s little girl and Mommy’s little boy thing going in our family.

65) Favorite physical feature of the preferred sex?:
I like hands. I’m not sure what it is about them but I notice a man’s hands. Maybe because life boils down to finding someone whose hand you want to hold the rest of your life.

66) Are you afraid of the dark?:
Yes, every time I go out to our not yet electrified garage and have to go through the dark garage to lift up the garage door I get all spooked and start imaging horrible things. I think I am more afraid of what I don’t know and can not see than the dark itself. I’m also afraid of bodies of water I can’t see through.

67) Have you ever eaten paste?
No, yuck.

68) Do you own a webcam?:
No.

69) Have you ever stripped?
Not in public. Oh wait, there was that skinny dipping incident in college, so yes.

70) Ever broken a bone?:
Just my nose, does that count?

71) Are you religious?
I worship the power of nature and the universe. But I’m not sure if that means I am religious.

72) Have you ever had a kiss so good you really did see stars and hear music?
Hell yes!

73) Pringles or Lays?:
Pringles.

74) Have you ever broken someone’s heart?:
Yes, but I didn’t expect it. The person kept telling me that our dating was only casual and they planned to see other people. So when I broke it off I was a little surprised that they completely flipped out on me.

75) Do you like to go fishing?
I used to love to go with my Aunt and Uncle.

76) Full House or The Brady Bunch?:
The Waltons and Little House on the Prairie

77) Did you like your high school guidance counselor?
“I had a high school guidance counselor?” – again Kell said it best.

78) Has anyone ever called you a tease?
Flirt yes, tease no.

79) Do you have a birth mark?
On my left side rib cage.

80) Do you work?:
Yes, I work at a job, I work at potty training Lily, I work at rehabilitating Caleb, I work at having a happy marriage, I work at trying to keep the house just clean enough to not have it condemned……………..

81) Can you cook?:
Sort of.

82) Four things that annoy you:
1. Commercials on television
2. commercials in movie theaters
3. drivers that ride the closed lane till the very very end and then swerve into traffic
4. my dogs when they go on a barking spree for no reason.

83) Do you text message often?:
I don’t even know how to.

84) Money or love?
Both, I’m selfish.

85) Do you have any scars?
Yes, they help prove I have lived my life.

86) What do you want more than anything right now?:
A popover. Or maybe a cup of coffee, no, it’s a popover.

87) Do you enjoy scary movies?
I used to as a kid but not so much anymore.

88) Relationships or one night stands?:
They both have their uses in life.

89) Big Red or Juicy Fruit?
Orbits original flavor

90) Do you enjoy greasy food?
More than I should.

91) Have you seen all the Rocky movies?:
I don’t think I even watched 1 all the way through.

92) Do you own a box of crayons?
Yes.

93)What do you like in your sandwich?
There is this hot hoagie with assorted Italian meat, melted cheese and then shredded lettuce is added. Best sandwich ever!

94) Who was the last person you said 'I love you' to?
The hubster about one hour and 13 minutes ago.

95) Who was the last person that made you mad?
I don’t typically get mad. Annoyed, discouraged, but not usually mad.

96) Who was the last person that made you cry?:
Hugh Grant for his opening soliloquy in Love Actually.

97) Who was the last person that made you laugh?:
George Clooney and John Stewart in their interview last night on Daily Show.

98) Who was the last person to text you?
“Hello! I don’t know how to text. Aren’t you paying attention?” – once more Kell said it best.

99) Who was the last person that called you?
Dad. We talked about taking the puppies to the Weiner Wonderland parade. And some lady named Cindy that wanted product information but she only left me a voice mail. I didn’t hear my phone ring as I have my Ipod going and I’m working on the meme (don’t tell my boss)

100) Who's your cell phone provider?
This is the best question you can come up with for #100? You make people answer 100 questions, not to mention the poor people that are reading through my boring answers and this is the last question? This is the climax? PLEASE

Let’s try this again shall we:

100) Who is your 1 “get out of jail free card” (In other words, who can you have an affair with and it’s forgiven?)
I’m going to have to say Johnny Depp for this one. Though I had to think about it for a while which was kinda fun actually. Running through a long list of beautiful men, imagining them with their head on a pillow next to me. Ahhhhhhhhhh.

Stealing Meme's

Stolen from Kell who stoled it from Betty who might have stoled it from someone else.

Do Re Meme

1. Christmas tree: pine or cedar?
Cedar or any tree that smells absolutely fabulous.

2. Name two dumb things you did as a kid.
One would be decorating the grounds of a prison for an inmate -don't ask
The other would have to be walking across a very very long train bridge over a gully - 100's of feet down and no prayer if the train came.

3. What foods did your mom used to make that you will never, ever cook.
Scrambled eggs with vanilla
Tongue

4. Describe the place you go to in your head when you need to calm down.
I went there one day and I never left.

5. Have you ever seen a ghost, or something you can't explain?
Yes, "Shhhh do you smell something?"

6. If money and image didn't matter, what would you do for a living?
Be a scientist on the Starship Enterprise - or be an artist

7. Did you ever fall off a horse and get right back on?
Real horse: I couldn't, the saddle fell off with me.
Analogy horse: Yes, but I changed horses and I love this one so much more.

8. What name did you call a sibling that was sure to start a fight?
Upchuck

9. Describe the events surrounding your first alcoholic drink.
I always had wine in temple but my first real alcohol drink outside of an adult environment was Whisky Sours. A friend made of pitcher of them. They were all playing in the pool and I was sitting on the side with my feet in the water. I drank the whole pitcher. Then fell in the pool. Then got taken home by a guy my dad had never seen before, pants in a ball in my arms. It was 4:30 in the morning and we were supposed to leave for the airport about an hour after that. Oh, wait, maybe I should have mentioned this for #2.

10. Have you ever had a wild animal as a pet?
No - why would you cage a wild animal?

11. Do you have a deep, dark secret?
Yes. but it's not dark, it's the secret that all women are supposed to be able to look back on with fondness.

12. Would you ever shoot a deer?
No not me not ever!

13. Do you return money if you get too much change?
If I figure it out, yes, but usually I don't count my change.

14. What puzzles you?
Total lack of accountability in parents these days. And the fact that they feel that the whole world is entitled to raise and worship their offspring.

15. How do/did you act toward a person you have/had a crush on?
I stalk them till they get a restaining order, and then after that I follow them at a discreet distance.

16. What makes you cry?
"While you were sleeping", "Love Actually", and "Two Weeks Notice" every time.

17. What's the best bargain you ever bought at a yard sale?
I don't think I have ever bought anything at a yard sale.

18. How much wood can a woodchuck chuck?
As much wood as my husband could collect. Did I mention I have piles and piles of firewood in my back yard and no fireplace? Just a small outdoor fire pit that we use maybe twice a year.

19. If nobody is watching, would you run a stop sign?
No, I'm a goodie two shoes.

20. Do you believe in Hell?
Well, I've been told I'm headed there since I'm not a christian. And according to several of the evangelical loonies in this world a whole lot of other people are heading there as well. And since it's people that I would actually WANT to be with, I say it's probably the better place to be.

21. What material possession do you value most?
iPod. That’s too easy. Ask me another one. (I agree with Kell's answer)

22. Which day is better...Friday or Sunday?
Friday. All the rest and relaxation possibilities are in front of me, not ending.

23. Do you read a book more than once?
Not typically. I have re-read some of my high school required reading to see what all the fuss is about. As well as a series by George RR Martin because he had 7 years between book 3 and 4 and I felt I needed a refresher.

24. What is the greatest problem with today's society?
Technological entertainment has made many forget how to use their imagination.

25. How old were you when you first touched somebody else's hoohah?
Hoohah? Oh hell, I don't remember.

26. Would you ever skydive?
I'd probably get through the class, get the gear on, get in the plane, get to the jump site, and then chicken out.

27. Name 3 songs significant to your romantic life, and tell why.
"The Promise" by When in Rome - because it says it all
"A Matter of Trust" by Billy Joel - just after we met the hubster sent this in a mix, he wanted me to know I could always trust him.
"Iris" by Goo Goo Dolls - because we fell in love so fast and so deeply it was hard for people to understand if they had never experienced it before: as the lyrics say: "And I don't want the world to see me Cause I don't think that they'd understand When everything's made to be broken I just want you to know who I am"

28. Would you ever have plastic surgery?
Yes, I hate my nose. And someday my boobs will probaly drop down to my toes.

29. Does bigfoot/sasquatch/yehti exist?
Yes, didn't you see Monster's Inc.??

30. Are you a follower or a leader?
Depends, I'll follow if the leader has a brain, if not, then get out of my way, I'm taking over.

31. What's the worst thing you did when you were a kid?
Listen to my grandmother.

32. List three jobs you would never want to do.
Medical field, garbage collector, mail carrier

33. Coke or Pepsi?
Coke

34. Where would you live if you could move your family, friends, and job there?
England but I really only need Hubster and the babies to be able to go. Family can visit and jobs can be found.

35. Is three really a crowd?
Not if it includes me, and Johnny Depp, Gerard Butler, and or Colin Firth

36. What kind of interpersonal interaction repulses you?
PDA's if they include grinding, or tongue - get a room!

37. Who would you rather spend an hour with, a writer or an entertainer?
Writer

38. Which calendar appeals to you:
Winnie the Pooh

39. What would you do if life gave you lemons?
Make another sidecar. Duh.................speaking of which........pause in typing whilst I have a sip.................ahhhhhhhhhh.

40. Do you believe in love at first sight?
I live in Minnesota now don't I????????

41. Did you ever wish on a falling star, and have the wish come true?
Yes, see #40

Friday Fluff

An odd and funny moment:
Alright, since we brought home Caleb and Lily I have mentioned almost every day the fact that Lily collects “babies” from all over the house and brings them to her bed. Well last night the hubster had me struck a little dumb:

Hubster:”Honey, why are my Sketchers sitting here?”
Newt: “Uh, cause Lily collected them.
Hubster: “She did?”
Newt: “Uh, yeah, like she collects everything else.”
Hubster: “Oh”
Newt: “Did you just refer to your shoes as Sketchers?”
Hubster: “Yeah, why?”
Newt: “Nothing, just making sure I heard you right.”

Why did I find this conversation odd you might ask? Ok, well obviously for one it “slipped” his mind that Lily collects stuff? And the majority of what she collects is HIS shoes. But that’s not what really struck me. What baffled me is that he referred to his shoes as Sketchers. The man doesn’t have a clue what label is on what item of clothing. He could care less about brand names. He has Reebok’s and Bass, and a number of other brands. So for him to refer to his brown boots as Sketchers really threw me. They are Sketchers so it’s not some funky new name for shoes in general. I was just a little taken back that he even knows who made his shoes.

On that same sort of note:
I spent a part of this morning putting “babies” around for Lily. I had gotten a whole bunch of tiny stuffed animals for Sophie since she likes to play with small toys. But of course now that I bought her a bag full she isn’t interested in them. So, now that we have Lily I thought it would be a good thing to pull them out of the bag and lay them around the house in spots where she always wants to pick something up. Such as the steps by the back door. Every time she comes in from outside she wants to take something back to her bed with her. Usually that is a shoe or glove. But since all the shoes and all the gloves are now on her bed she is looking for other things to bring back. This included some huge tie down straps that are in a bag on the kitchen floor. So I piled up babies by the back door and also by the hall closet where the hubster stock piles his shoes. No sooner did I do this then Caleb decided to run around the house and gather up all the babies I had left around for Lily. So now all the shoes, gloves, and babies are piled up on their bed. If nothing else, they keep me busy.

Catching up on 24
I finished disc 2, season 1 of 24 last night. The peanut gallery was on his computer in another room so I was able to finish the show without the running commentary of how much it sucks.

Craft show preparedness
I was able to leave work early yesterday so I went home and got everything ready for my craft show tomorrow. I have a pretty nice variety of stuff this year. I just hope it moves. I even decided to have some clearance items this year. Stuff that has been hanging around for the past couple of years and hasn’t sold. I eliminated the expensive ($25) hand made bracelets. I spend between 2 and 15 hours weaving bracelets that I think are beautiful and easily worth $25 but you would be amazed at how cheap people are when it comes to homemade items. To pat myself on the back here I think that the woven pieces I make are beautiful. I wouldn’t hesitate to pay $25 if I was on the other side of the craft table.

A Political observation from the Bat Cave:

I work for the classic corporation. Dark suit, white shirt, power tie. I stick out like the pink flamingo on the green lawn of life. And that’s ok. I won’t loose who I am in order to get an office with a door. I’m happy in my bat cave and enjoy the less than zero responsibility that I have. This is not a put down on myself. I have chosen to not be ambitious in my career. Sure there are directions I wouldn’t mind going in my career and I work toward those. But I won’t step on other people to get there. I won’t play the game. So, I guess since I am on the outside looking in I tend to notice things that the rest of the sheep just walk past.

Elections are only 3 weeks away and we host several debates/meet and greets with various candidates. The posters for the second event just went up and I now notice a trend between the two. Both the ass and the elephant are invited to speak. The poster tells us the names, the date of the event, and what food they are bribing us with. The poster also shows pictures of the candidates. I find it interesting that in both posters so far the Republican is wearing a blue suite, white dress shirt, and the proverbial red power tie while standing in front of Ol’ Glory. This of course is in severe contrast to the other side which in one case the Democrat has been pictured in a sweater against a plain tan background as if they had the portrait done at Sears, and in the other case the candidate is looking sideways with a background of blurry trees and some odd indiscernible thing behind her. The two pictures together have that Felix and Oscar sort of look. We have the proper GQ candidate that knows how to dress and we have the backyard photo of the slovenly other candidate. I mean, why be subtle? Why not just have one guy standing with his arms around US soldiers and have the other guy giving flying lessons to terrorists with a soldiers head swinging from the rear view mirror? I mean, at least that way, I know for sure what point you are trying to make.

Now I know that the Democrats prefer to be thought of as “the neighborly sort” and so pictures of them do tend to be more down to earth and approachable. And I am all for that. But put side by side, there is a remarkable contrast.

I am a proud liberal and have every intention of voting the way of the donkey. But I also understand all the complaints about the Democrats not having their crap together and being more unified. I also can see where fence sitting people would hesitate to vote for the democratic candidate because in this time of war (thanks entirely to our oil greedy Commander Coo Coo Bananas) there is a lack of faith in their ability to defend the country. Going strictly on photo impression (and you can’t argue that looks don’t matter) there is more safety and security conjured up by a person in a suit near the flag then there is in a guy that looks like an English Professor.

OK, this is WAY to heavy a topic for a Friday.

Winter Holiday of Your Choice Blog Extravaganza Gift Exchange Questionnaire Answers
Fill in the blanks:

If I could, I'd invent a bra with heater, and damn it, the world needs one because, headlights in winter, need I say more?

I sometimes buy sexy tops, because it is/they are more like theme I want to be than the me that I am.

If you came over to my house to play and touched my animal in a violent way I'd be a little bit mad at you forever. (Actually forever would only be as long as it took me kill you and dispose of your body.)

The color/s burnt orange/olive green makes me want to shave my eyeballs with acheese grater.
The color/s yellow, peach, and pink is/are so beautiful that when I see them, abeam of light comes down and I hear a choir sing.

Talk shows like Oprah and Jerry Springer makes me gag, feel it in my mouth for a minute, andthen swallow it back down rather than spit it out (or else I just don't likeit, but I'm too nice to say it.)

I might get sick or die if I touch or ingest seafood, or look at Paris Hilton..

Clowns and Mimes gives me the willies and I might need to consider afrontal lobotomy if I even think about it further.

I love the feel of flannel so much I want to hump it like a puppy ona sofa pillow.

No one should have to watch me eat sopapillas, because then I mightconsider being polite enough to share, and I don't want to share it.

I'm a grown-up now, so I don't have to eat brussel sprouts anymore, and you can't make me.

If I could invent a way to permanently coat my nostril hairs with this scent, I'd be my own biggest customer: Irish Spring Soap

Three things I like that anyone might like: Apple Pie, Reading, bike riding

Three things I like that nobody else in the world likes:Corned Beef Hash, Circus Peanuts (those orange marshmallow things), Macaroni and Cheese wth Brocoflower mixed in

I have TOO MANY/TOO MUCH OF beads, and not enough books.

Okay, we know the best things in life aren't things, but these are the best things in life if there are going to be best things: Well written books that move me to laughter and to tears.

When people have kind, sweet and nice things about me, they're usually talking about what a sucker I am. When they say I'm too sensitive, they're usually right too.

It's true, I'm a geek. I'm learning to be proud of it.

If I could have any talent in the world, I'd choose musical talent and use it to play the violin OR the piano . One or the other.

You are given a day and a no-limit credit card to spend in one of theseplaces, childfree. Choose one, or write your own: Barnes and Noble

If I could suggest that you read only one post from my archives, this one would be it:

And
If I were to name the Holiday of my choice for this exchange, it would be:Winter Solstice! This is the turning point of winter and the days only get longer after it.

A book Meme

The Great Book Meme – stolen from Tink

1) One book that changed your life: “Shantaram” – I’ve never read a book that moved me like this one did. I walked away a different person. We read book after book and some are ok, some are good and some are great. And some somehow stick with us the rest of our lives. They get under our skin and somehow they change us.

2) One book that you would read more than once: “The Great Gatsby” – I take away something different every time I read it.

3) One book you'd want on a deserted island: “In the Electric Mist with the Confederate Dead” – this is the book that started my love affair with James Lee Burke (in the favorite author sense). It is a beautiful piece of literature.

4) One book that made you laugh: “Last days of Summer” – no book has made me laugh harder than this one. And only a few books have made me cry more than this one.

5) One book that made you cry: “Shantaram” had a paragraph in it that was so achingly beautiful I cry when I re-read it.

6) One book you wish you'd written: “Harry Potter” – to make more money than God AND to piss off so many people, infuriate the religious nut balls, be selected for book burning and yet be the greatest work of children’s fiction in terms of the sheer number of kids that have read it, or who started their love of reading because of it – priceless.

7) One book you wish had never been written: "The Rules" by Ellen Fein and Sherrie Schneider, I TOTALLY have to agree with Tink on this one. What a complete load of crap.

8) One book you're currently reading: “Feast of Crows” by George R. R. Martin. Book four in a spectacular series.

9) One book you've been meaning to read: “Don Quixote”- There is so much “legend” behind this book. So many references to life and how we approach it. So many expressions and ideas that came from this book. I have to read it so that I can understand what it all means. “Chasing windmills” and all that………

MEME's from Jay and other ramblings

10 days till the hubster returns!

Hockey game was loads of fun! There is one big problem with sitting on the club level though. Food is hella expensive. Damn. They have a buffet up there. I kid you not, $32.95 per person. Who has that kind of money????? When you spend $85.00 per ticket. And you go to several games. Seriously, who can blow this kind of cash?
I'm just curious. But on the good side, the Wild won their pre-season match agains Detroit. It was a pretty fun game to watch. And the goalies on both sides did a bang up job. Defending some 20+ shots on goal. It was an impressive night. We even got a fight.

I watched a movie yesterday that surprisingly I kinda liked. It was Phone Booth. I borrowed it from Girl J. It was out a few years ago and stars Colin Farrell as the poor guy who answers a ringing phone in a booth in New York. Keifer Sutherland is exceptional as the "voice" on the other end of the phone. The movie went by rather quickly, in fact it wrapped up and the credits rolled before I thought they would.

I also enjoyed last night's episode of Eureka on the Sci Fi channel. It's a fun series.

Alright, on to the MEME's

1. Who is the last person you held hands with? The hubster

2. If you were drafted into a war, would you survive? No, I get lost too easy. I’d head “North” and wind up in enemy camp.

3. Have you ever drank milk out of the carton? Yep

4.Have you ever won a spelling bee? Hell no.

5. How fast can you type? Pretty darn smok’n fast – just don’t ask me how accurately

6. Are you afraid of the dark? Yes, much of the time I am

7. What is your eye color? Greenish/Hazel

8. When is the last time you chose a bath over a shower? My first date with the hubster

9. Do you knock on wood? Always

10. Are you drinking anything right now? Coffee

11. Can you hoola hoop? Used to, now I just look like one

12. Are you good at keeping secrets? Yep

13. What do you want for Christmas? World Peace - or Season 1 of Farscape

14. Do you talk in your sleep? Apparently

15. Who wrote the book of love? My Aunt and Uncle

16. Have you ever flown a kite? Yes, but more often I’m told to go do so

17. Do you consider yourself successful? A lil’ bit

18. How many people are on your contact list of your cell? A bunch

19. Have you ever asked for a pony? No, apparently I am missing that girly gene

20. Plans for tomorrow? More of what I do today

21. Missing someone now? Yep, the hubster – very badly

22. How are you feeling today? Just peachy

24. Are you black? What kind of question is that?

26. What are you looking forward to? My next tattoo

27. Have you ever crawled through a window? yes

28. Can you handle the truth? sometimes

29. Do you like green eggs and ham? Never had it, but I like eggs, and I like ham so I guess I would like them sam I am

30. What three things do you always bring with you to places? A book, money, phone

31. Any cool scars? One on the back of my hand; a moon shaped one on my thumb; one next to my eye from cracking it open on the fire place in honor of my first birthday (nothing says “Happy 1st Birthday like two black eyes); my left foot, ankle, and calf all have burn/graft scars which I intend to beutify next month with a tattoo of a phoenix rising from the ashes – get it- burn scars- phoenix – how cool is that?;oh, and one on the small of my back from falling onto the roof of a metal dollhouse.

32. Do you like or have a crush on anyone? Johnny Depp

33. How many kids do you plan on having? As many as I can – all of them four legged and furry

34. What do you do when no one is watching? Uh, I’m not sure

35. Have you ever been in love? Yes, very much so

36. Do you talk to yourself? Yep, I find myself quite interesting actually

37. Is there something you want that you do not have? A digital camera

38. Who are you thinking about right now? The hubster, and Scott for some reason

39. Who did you last hug? The hubster – hugged him good-bye – sigh….

40. Where is your phone? Both cell and home are on the coffee table in front of me

41. What is the last movie you watched? Phone Booth

42. What song do you currently hear? True Companion by Marc Cohn - in my head

43. What do you want? For winter to not be coming so soon

44. Would you ever date anyone on your friends list? Yes.

45. What TV Show are you watching? Eureka
Interesting, there is no question 23 or 25 hmmmmmm

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (your first pet and the street that you live on)
Muff 14

2. YOUR MOVIE STAR NAME: (grandfather/grandmother on your mom’s side, your favorite candy)
Ruth Twizzler

3. YOUR “FLY GIRL/GUY” NAME: (first initial of first name, first two or three letters of your middle name
R Jo

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal)
Pink Koala

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)
Jo Fontana

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name, first 2 letters of mom’s maiden name)
Kowreka

7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The”, your favorite color, favorite drink)
The Pink Hurricane

8. NASCAR NAME: (the first name of both your grandfathers)
Tony Jack

9. FUTURISTIC NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne and the name of your favorite shoes)
Woodhue Sketchers

10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: ( mother/father’s middle name and the next name you hear on the tv/radio/talk)
Jane Simpson

11. Stripper name: (favorite dance and favorite snack)
Waltzing Popcorn (I am SO not getting any dollar bills with that name)


Until tomorrow dear friends,
Cheers!