The day has been slowly but steadily deteriorating...not on a major level, just little annoyances here and there. I am at least a smidgen annoyed at just about everyone I know, and it is an UGLY feeling. And a recent conversation just kind of finished it for me...made me want to throw up my hands in disgust and declare Friend Bankruptcy.
(Okay, not really. But sometimes I think life would be easier with no one else to worry about other than family.)
I'm not getting sleep...AGAIN. I got five hours on Saturday night, and about that much ever since. That's definitely adding to the irritability too. I'm not really eating lunch at work, leading to binge-y behavior at night, and even then, nothing sounds good--I just eat it. Ugh ugh ugh.
I *have* been keeping to my semiformal "do at least one productive thing a night" resolution, though--dishes, chipboard-letter organization, cleaning. And, I'm happy to report that I'm finally super-enjoying Ramona and can't wait to get back to it. I had to force myself to put "...and her Father" down last night so I could get those aforementioned five hours of sleep. (And yes, it bugs me that I've been using quotes for book titles. I'd do italics, but it messes up the whole entry's formatting and I want to rip people's heads off then. Someday I'll go back through and edit. I think.) If I weren't so tired at work today, and succumbed to a sub-desk nap at lunchtime, I would have probs finished that book right up.
A few lists for today, April 26-28:
What are your major goals in life?
I'll just address goals that I haven't achieved, since I have done a lot of things I set out to do, i.e. get married, finish grad school, find a career I love.
-Live in a location I absolutely love. I thought at one point that it was Columbia, but it's not.
-I guess I'm supposed to put "Buy a house." But while that would be nice on some levels, I'm not ready for the responsibility yet. I don't want to have to fix a leaky roof or mow a lawn. I like being taken care of by 24/7 maintenance!
-Be happy most of the time.
What are your biggest pet peeves?
I'll think of some new ones that may not be on this blog's sidebar. So, they're not my biggest. I just have a lot of pet peeves. IT'S CHARMING.
Pants that are too short. Ears that need q-tipping. Weird laughs. Stray scotch tape. Those phone calls where you answer and say "Hello?" and a recording says "Hold please." Having to pee when you're really really sleepy.
What are your favorite things to shop for?
Scrapbooking supplies, hands down. Quirky jewelry. Books. Gadgets. Christmas gifts.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
Marathon Fail.
This weekend, I tried to do my Second Annual 48-Hour Reading Marathon (even though maybe the first one was two years ago? I can't remember) with Beverly Cleary as the featured author.
I gathered/borrowed all the books in her oeuvre, excluding two she wrote about Beaver Cleaver (which by the way I would LOVE to read, but no one has anymore). I set aside this past weekend--no plans, no obligations, just reading. I figured I'd like the experience even more than the Judy Blume weekend.
But...I didn't. I slacked. I stalled. I trudged. I found excuse after excuse NOT to read. I got my hair chopped off and my ears double-pierced. I grocery-shopped. I talked to Lily about bridesmaid bracelets. I played my turns promptly on Words With Friends. I read every interesting-looking thread on Two Peas. I returned two items to Wal-Mart that had been in the backseat of my car all summer. I went through Think Geek and Uncommon Goods catalogs online and pinned every single thing that looked interesting. I cleared Google Reader several times.
It actually was a fairly productive weekend.
What was wrong with me, though? I was avoiding Beverly-freaking-CLEARY?? I love these books! Ramona is my GIRRRRRL! I was excited to finally, finally read "Sister of the Bride"!
The only thing I can figure is that I really wasn't in a Book Place this weekend. Sometimes I get in moods where I just don't wanna read. And I won't, for several weeks, or months. I'll do a magazine here and there but not much else. And I haven't read a book for a long time. Many times, I am in a *total* Book Place. I'll be listening to one and in the middle of three more, devouring page after page during lunch hours and breaks and evenings. I love those times. They make me feel erudite.
But...I really want to read these books. I want to do it while I have them and while I'm still fresh in the series. So I'm making it my mission to FINISH this project. Not in 48 hours, of course, but in a week or so. And I'll keep writing in my little pocket spiral-bound journal, and report here either from time to time, or when I'm done.
I did get through seven-almost-eight books. I read the Ramona series from "Henry Huggins" to "Ramona the Brave," and am one chapter away from finishing that one.
So that's something.
I gathered/borrowed all the books in her oeuvre, excluding two she wrote about Beaver Cleaver (which by the way I would LOVE to read, but no one has anymore). I set aside this past weekend--no plans, no obligations, just reading. I figured I'd like the experience even more than the Judy Blume weekend.
But...I didn't. I slacked. I stalled. I trudged. I found excuse after excuse NOT to read. I got my hair chopped off and my ears double-pierced. I grocery-shopped. I talked to Lily about bridesmaid bracelets. I played my turns promptly on Words With Friends. I read every interesting-looking thread on Two Peas. I returned two items to Wal-Mart that had been in the backseat of my car all summer. I went through Think Geek and Uncommon Goods catalogs online and pinned every single thing that looked interesting. I cleared Google Reader several times.
It actually was a fairly productive weekend.
What was wrong with me, though? I was avoiding Beverly-freaking-CLEARY?? I love these books! Ramona is my GIRRRRRL! I was excited to finally, finally read "Sister of the Bride"!
The only thing I can figure is that I really wasn't in a Book Place this weekend. Sometimes I get in moods where I just don't wanna read. And I won't, for several weeks, or months. I'll do a magazine here and there but not much else. And I haven't read a book for a long time. Many times, I am in a *total* Book Place. I'll be listening to one and in the middle of three more, devouring page after page during lunch hours and breaks and evenings. I love those times. They make me feel erudite.
But...I really want to read these books. I want to do it while I have them and while I'm still fresh in the series. So I'm making it my mission to FINISH this project. Not in 48 hours, of course, but in a week or so. And I'll keep writing in my little pocket spiral-bound journal, and report here either from time to time, or when I'm done.
I did get through seven-almost-eight books. I read the Ramona series from "Henry Huggins" to "Ramona the Brave," and am one chapter away from finishing that one.
So that's something.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Life Listed, April 18 - April 25
I fear I've been falling into old Negative Nelly habits too often these days. That odd new feature on Facebook is what confirmed my vague suspicions...the sidebar that tells you what you wrote as your status on this day in previous years. And mine were almost always funny/happy, or goofy/happy, or muse-y/happy. They didn't scream "I'm bitching about something!"--and I wonder if I'm becoming the kind of person that whines all the time. And there's nothing more tiresome than a person who whines all the time...am I right? No matter what the subject is...it always sucks. Because what are people supposed to say to me? "I'm sorry," "That sucks"---different iterations, over and over and over? It can also be construed as attention-getting, and while I do like some attention, I don't want to get it because I'm complaining or through sympathy.
So, while I'll never be Rainbows and Light and Ponies Leaping Through Sun-Dappled Meadows...I DO want to be more upbeat. Life is going well right now, and there's no reason for me not to be. I just refuse to fake it. :)
Speaking of faking it...
What parties have you been to in the last year?
Ugh, parties! They make me nervous. They make my blood pressure rise. I will do ANYTHING to get out of a party, with a few exceptions. A few close-knit friends getting together to scrapbook? Hell yes. A family birthday with the Parshalls and select other family friends in attendance? Bring it on. In the case of this summer--a bachelorette party with the bridesmaids, a crazy cool hotel room, and multiple bottles of wine? Couldn't get enough! And if board games are involved, I am absolutely SO THERE. But...I can't take it if I don't know everyone at a party. Or am just acquaintances with them, or it's work sponsored. I just can't relax. I wish it were socially acceptable to pull a Rory Gilmore--find a comfy, high-backed chair to hide in and bust out some Dorothy Parker to read in relative peace. Ironically, I LOVE being away from parties...enjoying the noise and bursts of laughter while removed slightly from the action. When I was little, my parents would have dinner parties and let me stay up late. My favorite thing was going into the living room, one room away from the dining room, lay on the couch in my slippery party dress (ALWAYS satiny tulle, always ruffles), and be lulled to sleep by the muffled gaiety.
Oh yeah, the question at hand. Hm. Amy and Mark's wedding. Sarah's bachelorette, and Sarah's bridal shower. Sarah's wedding. That might be it.
What character traits do you use most often to judge people?
Intelligence and sense of humor.
What schools have you attended?
Children's House, 3-5
Ridgeway Elementary, 5-12
West Junior, 12-15
Hickman High, 15-18
Grinnell College, 18-22
NYU, 23-24
MU Law school, 26
SISLT (Library school @ MU), 27-30
UNC-Chapel Hill/Oxford University, 29
I have one last educational wish, and time will tell if it will come to fruition.
Which family members do you wish you weren't related to?
HA! Wowie wow wow. Well, I'll say right now--I love my immediate family to freaking pieces. I'm glad I'm related to them because they are automatically forced to love me and I am so damned lucky they do.
But...even though there are certainly extended family members who aren't always pleasant, I don't wish they weren't in my life. I don't have to see them very often, and when I do, it's been long enough that we pretty much just catch up and then our time together is over. My mom's family has some pretty horrific stories to tell--not that they would admit to them--but I've always been welcomed with open arms.
Who are your heros today?
HEROES, DAMMIT!!! HEROES!!!!!!
Call yourself a published work. Tsk tsk tsk.
I don't really have heroes. I don't think it's a very healthy method of consideration. I admire a lot of people, for dang sure...all you selfless mamas with your hands full day after day after day, teachers, nurses, artists, Zack Galifianakis...but I don't put anyone on a pedestal.
Which of your body parts do you hate the most?
Which? So, only one then..?
My lower stomach. All the fat goes there and it's so obvious. I've always had it--even at 135 lbs. I wish I could just cut it off. (Okay, ew. I won't do that. But if there was a pain-free, cost-free, side-effect-free way to do it...I'd be sorely tempted.)
Where do you like to travel and where have you been?
I feel like I've answered this about three times so far. So I'll make up a new one:
What was your worst vacation?
(so much for trying to be more upbeat.)
Though it wasn't 100% horrible, our trip to Reno in May of 2010 was quite memorable in very unpleasant ways. The first half-day of the train was good--fun and adventurous even, and we met an adorable old couple at dinner who showed us their pimped-out room (as in, it had a bathroom and was twice the size of our sleeper). Sleeping in our converted bunk beds was fun, and watching the countryside zip by through our huge window was neat. But the communal bathrooms were little more than airplane-sized, and our coffin-esque room got old REAL QUICK. I had just started taking Paxil the week before, and the side effects were kicking in--cold sweats, lack of interest in food, the shakes, and a general foggy-brained feeling. And there just wasn't anything to *do*. I couldn't read by the window or I'd get sick, and it just became a waiting game in between meals. Eventually we didn't even fold up the top bunk at all since napping was a good time-killer.
The next several days in Reno were okay. Grandma's house and landscape are absolutely gorgeous, and I would *love* to live in a place like hers one day, with dry landscaping and a mountain right outside her backdoor with little lizards scurrying around. The air was deliciously dry and mild, and we spent a lot of time sitting in the backyard enjoying the surroundings. I gambled for the first time in my life, and understood why I shouldn't let myself do that again--money lost all meaning to me. Charlie (Grandma's husband) was surly as usual, bitching about my taking naps (the Paxil's side effects were super bad there) and lord knows what else. But Grandma made cinnamon rolls and took us out to eat every night, and when it came time to leave, I'd had enough chicken fried steak to last several thousand years.
The train ride back was a *nightmare*. I don't even remember the first part of it, but the final twelve hours were unbearable. Shortly after we went to bed that last night, our A/C (which was controllable inside each little room) went full blast and would NOT stop. It was totally hot outside, but utterly freezing in our sleeper. We couldn't find any crew to help us, and even hours later when Neil eventually talked to someone, they couldn't do anything about it. We had only packed summer clothes, and the beds were equipped with a sheet and super-thin blanket. We wrapped ourselves as best we could, but there was nothing we could do but wait it out. We were bleary from lack of sleep, pissed off at not getting help, and shivering uncontrollably, stuck in this teeny rectangle of a room until the train rolled into Ottumwa, IA--only to have to drive three hours to get home.
Tickets for the train trip were about $1700. Never, ever, ever, EVER again.
So, while I'll never be Rainbows and Light and Ponies Leaping Through Sun-Dappled Meadows...I DO want to be more upbeat. Life is going well right now, and there's no reason for me not to be. I just refuse to fake it. :)
Speaking of faking it...
What parties have you been to in the last year?
Ugh, parties! They make me nervous. They make my blood pressure rise. I will do ANYTHING to get out of a party, with a few exceptions. A few close-knit friends getting together to scrapbook? Hell yes. A family birthday with the Parshalls and select other family friends in attendance? Bring it on. In the case of this summer--a bachelorette party with the bridesmaids, a crazy cool hotel room, and multiple bottles of wine? Couldn't get enough! And if board games are involved, I am absolutely SO THERE. But...I can't take it if I don't know everyone at a party. Or am just acquaintances with them, or it's work sponsored. I just can't relax. I wish it were socially acceptable to pull a Rory Gilmore--find a comfy, high-backed chair to hide in and bust out some Dorothy Parker to read in relative peace. Ironically, I LOVE being away from parties...enjoying the noise and bursts of laughter while removed slightly from the action. When I was little, my parents would have dinner parties and let me stay up late. My favorite thing was going into the living room, one room away from the dining room, lay on the couch in my slippery party dress (ALWAYS satiny tulle, always ruffles), and be lulled to sleep by the muffled gaiety.
Oh yeah, the question at hand. Hm. Amy and Mark's wedding. Sarah's bachelorette, and Sarah's bridal shower. Sarah's wedding. That might be it.
What character traits do you use most often to judge people?
Intelligence and sense of humor.
What schools have you attended?
Children's House, 3-5
Ridgeway Elementary, 5-12
West Junior, 12-15
Hickman High, 15-18
Grinnell College, 18-22
NYU, 23-24
MU Law school, 26
SISLT (Library school @ MU), 27-30
UNC-Chapel Hill/Oxford University, 29
I have one last educational wish, and time will tell if it will come to fruition.
Which family members do you wish you weren't related to?
HA! Wowie wow wow. Well, I'll say right now--I love my immediate family to freaking pieces. I'm glad I'm related to them because they are automatically forced to love me and I am so damned lucky they do.
But...even though there are certainly extended family members who aren't always pleasant, I don't wish they weren't in my life. I don't have to see them very often, and when I do, it's been long enough that we pretty much just catch up and then our time together is over. My mom's family has some pretty horrific stories to tell--not that they would admit to them--but I've always been welcomed with open arms.
Who are your heros today?
HEROES, DAMMIT!!! HEROES!!!!!!
Call yourself a published work. Tsk tsk tsk.
I don't really have heroes. I don't think it's a very healthy method of consideration. I admire a lot of people, for dang sure...all you selfless mamas with your hands full day after day after day, teachers, nurses, artists, Zack Galifianakis...but I don't put anyone on a pedestal.
Which of your body parts do you hate the most?
Which? So, only one then..?
My lower stomach. All the fat goes there and it's so obvious. I've always had it--even at 135 lbs. I wish I could just cut it off. (Okay, ew. I won't do that. But if there was a pain-free, cost-free, side-effect-free way to do it...I'd be sorely tempted.)
Where do you like to travel and where have you been?
I feel like I've answered this about three times so far. So I'll make up a new one:
What was your worst vacation?
(so much for trying to be more upbeat.)
Though it wasn't 100% horrible, our trip to Reno in May of 2010 was quite memorable in very unpleasant ways. The first half-day of the train was good--fun and adventurous even, and we met an adorable old couple at dinner who showed us their pimped-out room (as in, it had a bathroom and was twice the size of our sleeper). Sleeping in our converted bunk beds was fun, and watching the countryside zip by through our huge window was neat. But the communal bathrooms were little more than airplane-sized, and our coffin-esque room got old REAL QUICK. I had just started taking Paxil the week before, and the side effects were kicking in--cold sweats, lack of interest in food, the shakes, and a general foggy-brained feeling. And there just wasn't anything to *do*. I couldn't read by the window or I'd get sick, and it just became a waiting game in between meals. Eventually we didn't even fold up the top bunk at all since napping was a good time-killer.
The next several days in Reno were okay. Grandma's house and landscape are absolutely gorgeous, and I would *love* to live in a place like hers one day, with dry landscaping and a mountain right outside her backdoor with little lizards scurrying around. The air was deliciously dry and mild, and we spent a lot of time sitting in the backyard enjoying the surroundings. I gambled for the first time in my life, and understood why I shouldn't let myself do that again--money lost all meaning to me. Charlie (Grandma's husband) was surly as usual, bitching about my taking naps (the Paxil's side effects were super bad there) and lord knows what else. But Grandma made cinnamon rolls and took us out to eat every night, and when it came time to leave, I'd had enough chicken fried steak to last several thousand years.
The train ride back was a *nightmare*. I don't even remember the first part of it, but the final twelve hours were unbearable. Shortly after we went to bed that last night, our A/C (which was controllable inside each little room) went full blast and would NOT stop. It was totally hot outside, but utterly freezing in our sleeper. We couldn't find any crew to help us, and even hours later when Neil eventually talked to someone, they couldn't do anything about it. We had only packed summer clothes, and the beds were equipped with a sheet and super-thin blanket. We wrapped ourselves as best we could, but there was nothing we could do but wait it out. We were bleary from lack of sleep, pissed off at not getting help, and shivering uncontrollably, stuck in this teeny rectangle of a room until the train rolled into Ottumwa, IA--only to have to drive three hours to get home.
Tickets for the train trip were about $1700. Never, ever, ever, EVER again.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Life Listed, Apr.1 - April 17
So first of all, Blogger's apparently automatically doing this irritating-as-hell in-text advertising for everyone's blogger blogs, and it drives me nuts. Enough so that I kind of want to change blog hosts. But we'll see. I've done some research and no one else is bitching about it--even though I DID find an article about blog advertising saying "before you agree to in-text advertising, please be aware that it's the most annoying kind." YEAH, GOT IT. Apparently I have no control over it though.
What are your favorite board games?
(For April 1st? Really? No "What's the best prank you've ever pulled?" "How gullible are you?" Get with it, Life Listed.)
Trivial Pursuit... Celebrity, even though no board is required... Telestrations... Encore... Password... Sorry... If Magic counts, then Magic... Cranium
Where are the best places you have traveled?
NYC! Los Angeles. Seattle. Chicago. Des Moines. Bath, UK. Door County, WI. Orlando. Madison, WI. London, sometimes. A cemetery in Paris.
Where are unusual places you have taken a nap?
I'm not an easy napper, so not many. At work I've managed to accustom myself to sleeping on a yoga mat on the floor, though...on my stomach with a couple small pillows and a pashmina for cover.
What causes do you strongly believe in?
I haven't really gotten into any. I haven't made the time or money for it.
Which type of person do you hate the most?
Oooh. Attention whores. Moochers. Passive-aggressives. Hypochondriacs. Needies. Meanies. Fake-happies. The constant critic. Fair-weather friends.
What vehicles have you owned?
1988 gray Dodge Caravan; 1995 white Toyota Tercel; 2007 cactus pearl Toyota Corolla. I'm done with Toyotas after this one.
What are your favorite beers?
No beers ever. They taste like vomit. Woodpecker Cider's awesome, though. And Woodchuck.
What talent do you wish you'd been born with?
Musical. Artistic/crafty. Creativity.
Which web sites do you visit daily?
Erm...these are starting to sound similar...
Facebook, Gmail, Google Reader, Twitter
What are the worst pick-up lines you've ever heard?
A note taped to my door asking if I want to be friends with benefits with a box for Yes or No. A pencil was also included.
Which musical instruments do you (wish you could) play?
Piano, but mostly drums.
What are your favorite Disney movies?
Sleeping Beauty, Mary Poppins, and Little Mermaid. I don't like when they get sad, like Dumbo or Bambi or Fox and the Hound. And I don't like much action.
Who have been your favorite and worst roommates?
Favorites: Neil, Whitney Hicks at NYU, Zanne and Karen at Door County
Worst: Ex-boyf, Niki at Grinnell, Erica Fera at Arrow Rock
What are things that no one knows about you?
Yikes! Okay, well, there's no way I'm putting my deepest darkest here. I'll just treat it like normal trivia!
Man, this is tough. I'm pretty much an open book for things like this. If I haven't told people already, I've probably written it here somewhere.
I take all the soaps and freebies from hotel rooms so I can donate them to local homeless shelters, but I never get around to it so they just accumulate.
I get extremely jealous over little things (for multiple friends/family), but I try really hard to hide it.
I will never do karaoke, but I know I would have a freaking blast with it. I have fantasies about it. Generally in the car.
Let's call it a day. Whew.
What are your favorite board games?
(For April 1st? Really? No "What's the best prank you've ever pulled?" "How gullible are you?" Get with it, Life Listed.)
Trivial Pursuit... Celebrity, even though no board is required... Telestrations... Encore... Password... Sorry... If Magic counts, then Magic... Cranium
Where are the best places you have traveled?
NYC! Los Angeles. Seattle. Chicago. Des Moines. Bath, UK. Door County, WI. Orlando. Madison, WI. London, sometimes. A cemetery in Paris.
Where are unusual places you have taken a nap?
I'm not an easy napper, so not many. At work I've managed to accustom myself to sleeping on a yoga mat on the floor, though...on my stomach with a couple small pillows and a pashmina for cover.
What causes do you strongly believe in?
I haven't really gotten into any. I haven't made the time or money for it.
Which type of person do you hate the most?
Oooh. Attention whores. Moochers. Passive-aggressives. Hypochondriacs. Needies. Meanies. Fake-happies. The constant critic. Fair-weather friends.
What vehicles have you owned?
1988 gray Dodge Caravan; 1995 white Toyota Tercel; 2007 cactus pearl Toyota Corolla. I'm done with Toyotas after this one.
What are your favorite beers?
No beers ever. They taste like vomit. Woodpecker Cider's awesome, though. And Woodchuck.
What talent do you wish you'd been born with?
Musical. Artistic/crafty. Creativity.
Which web sites do you visit daily?
Erm...these are starting to sound similar...
Facebook, Gmail, Google Reader, Twitter
What are the worst pick-up lines you've ever heard?
A note taped to my door asking if I want to be friends with benefits with a box for Yes or No. A pencil was also included.
Which musical instruments do you (wish you could) play?
Piano, but mostly drums.
What are your favorite Disney movies?
Sleeping Beauty, Mary Poppins, and Little Mermaid. I don't like when they get sad, like Dumbo or Bambi or Fox and the Hound. And I don't like much action.
Who have been your favorite and worst roommates?
Favorites: Neil, Whitney Hicks at NYU, Zanne and Karen at Door County
Worst: Ex-boyf, Niki at Grinnell, Erica Fera at Arrow Rock
What are things that no one knows about you?
Yikes! Okay, well, there's no way I'm putting my deepest darkest here. I'll just treat it like normal trivia!
Man, this is tough. I'm pretty much an open book for things like this. If I haven't told people already, I've probably written it here somewhere.
I take all the soaps and freebies from hotel rooms so I can donate them to local homeless shelters, but I never get around to it so they just accumulate.
I get extremely jealous over little things (for multiple friends/family), but I try really hard to hide it.
I will never do karaoke, but I know I would have a freaking blast with it. I have fantasies about it. Generally in the car.
Let's call it a day. Whew.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Life Listed, Mar.14 - Mar.31
What junk food did you eat this weekend?
Cupcakes. :) A small sea-salt brownie. Soda and fast food (hey, I was traveling). Dewey's pizza.
What holidays do you enjoy most and how do you celebrate them?
I love holidays, so I'm just going to list them in order.
January 1st--Mama and Lily's birthday. We gather at the homestead for gifts and a toast, Dad makes dinner and cake, and it's a quiet family night.
Valentine's Day--I like to make a big deal out of it, even if I'm not romantically attached. Everyone deserves love!!
St. Patrick's Day--Green beer bread!
Easter--some kind of fancy meat at Family Dinner, and Dad hides plastic eggs with money inside of them all over.
Mother's Day--Family dinner and a toast for Mama!
My birthday--Family dinner, Texas sheet cake, and Art in the Park gifts ALL FOR ME!! This year, I got a massage, which is a tradition I shall most definitely continue.
Father's Day--Family dinner, gifties--generally a joint affair with Jobie's birthday.
Independence Day--Fireworks from the big tents...many illegal, but we try not to make it too loud. Lily hates them and Mom was always scared of them. Dinner outside, then fight the traffic to watch the fireworks from the top of the parking garage.
Labor Day--Family dinner, this year with Lori Smarty!
Halloween--I'm very careful about channel-surfing. I love all the trappings of Halloween, but I generally don't participate. I think the last time I dressed up was when I was in law school. I donned my TGIFriday's uniform.
Thanksgiving--Cinnamon rolls for breakfast, then Lil and Dad cook all day and we have an early-ish dinner followed by games. Generally we're joined by the Parshalls.
Christmas Eve--best day ever!! Dinner out, ride around looking at Christmas lights, spiked egg nog and last-minute gift wrapping by the tree with Christmas Story playing all evening.
Christmas--Cinnamon rolls, presents...naptime for all but Lil and Dad, the cookers...then a big dinner with the Parshalls and games. A LOT like Thanksgiving.
New Year's Eve--not much, usually. If Neil stays up we'll kiss, of course, and some years I work on resolutions. Sometimes it's just an evening of reflection.
What are your favorite comic book characters?
Charlie Brown.
Do you have recurring dreams? What happens in them?
I don't like when people talk about their dreams, but I'll do this one anyway.
I'm lost on Grinnell's campus and can't find the dorm room I want to get to.
I don't have my locker combination and I HAVE to get in my locker.
The semester is almost over and I kept skipping this class I should have gone to. I even realize in the dream that I've graduated, but for some reason I kept going with school.
I'm completely in the weeds waiting tables at Friday's.
My significant other is cheating on me and being cruel about it.
What lies have you told this week?
Wow! Crazy one. Hmmmmm. Honestly I can't remember...I've been in a chipper mood for awhile now, so even if someone asks me how I am and I say "Good!" I definitely mean it. OH! I know. I just called my chiropractor's office and told them I wouldn't be coming in this week because I was picking Neil up from work even though he told me yesterday he'd be walking home while the weather is nice. Really I just didn't want to go see the chiropractor because I have my doubts that he really helps with my back pain, and I just want to go straight home after work.
What languages would you like to learn?
Spanish, I guess. But I don't really care if I do or not. Maybe see if I can pick up French again? There was a time when I did love it.
What were your first words as a baby?
HORSE.
[i was a pretty awesome baby.]
What places would you travel to if you could go back in time?
I'd meet Laura Ingalls, both while she was a kid on the prairie and after she became a successful [co-]author. So....DeSmet and Rocky Ridge Farm in Missouri. I'd like to see how the 50s were in Columbia. Or NYC. Or New Madrid.
Who are your favorite musical groups and/or artists?
Abba. Adam Lambert. NKOTB. George Michael. Poison. Paul Simon, and sometimes Garfunkel. Britney's fascinating and danceable, and if I didn't put her in here, I'd have to scroll up to the "what lies have you told this week?" and say I didn't list her. Peter, Paul, and Mary. More, I know, but that's what I can think of for now.
Who are your best friends?
Lindsay, Emily, Sarah M., Sarah I., Lily, Joe, Steve, Dad, Shannon....and Neil. :)
What are your favorite movie quotes?
First of all--Jackie and I used to send each other quote notes several times a week. So I'm embarrassingly well-versed in this area. I don't go quoting stuff like a loser, though.
Anything from Young Guns or Young Guns II--what junior high memories!! Also anything from When Harry Met Sally. Princess Bride, of course...I think that movie was made for the quotes. Breakfast Club and St. Elmo's Fire (we had a THANG for Emilio).
Which are your favorite decades of music?
90s, then 80s.
What sports did you or do you play?
Soccer, softball, volleyball, swimming, skiing, kneeboarding. FOUR SQUARE, yo.
What are your 'most recent' favorite songs?
Taio Cruz, Dynamite and Break Your Heart...Jason DeRulo, Ridin Solo...SOME Katy Perry, and SOME Gaga if she isn't trying too hard...The Golden Age...Black Keys, Tighten Up and Next Girl
If your house was on fire and you could grab only 5 things before leaving, what would they be?
My husband!...my tablet...my phone...my car keys...am I wearing my glasses? Those, if I'm not.
My sentimental self would choose Neil, my big box of photos, my Genevieve's Jolly Postman book, Mama's pastels, and our wedding sand art.
One more for today!
What are your favorite cartoons?
Monchichi/Snorks/Gummi Bears, though it's been 30 years since I've seen them and they might be interminable now. Same with Strawberry Shortcake, Care Bears, Scooby Doo, and He-Man. But I can ALWAYS watch a Peanuts holiday special, particularly the older ones. I can always watch a Garfield holiday special. Sleeping Beauty and Mickey Mouse. Anything Christmassy and cartoony, as long as it's not dark. Little Mermaid.
Cupcakes. :) A small sea-salt brownie. Soda and fast food (hey, I was traveling). Dewey's pizza.
What holidays do you enjoy most and how do you celebrate them?
I love holidays, so I'm just going to list them in order.
January 1st--Mama and Lily's birthday. We gather at the homestead for gifts and a toast, Dad makes dinner and cake, and it's a quiet family night.
Valentine's Day--I like to make a big deal out of it, even if I'm not romantically attached. Everyone deserves love!!
St. Patrick's Day--Green beer bread!
Easter--some kind of fancy meat at Family Dinner, and Dad hides plastic eggs with money inside of them all over.
Mother's Day--Family dinner and a toast for Mama!
My birthday--Family dinner, Texas sheet cake, and Art in the Park gifts ALL FOR ME!! This year, I got a massage, which is a tradition I shall most definitely continue.
Father's Day--Family dinner, gifties--generally a joint affair with Jobie's birthday.
Independence Day--Fireworks from the big tents...many illegal, but we try not to make it too loud. Lily hates them and Mom was always scared of them. Dinner outside, then fight the traffic to watch the fireworks from the top of the parking garage.
Labor Day--Family dinner, this year with Lori Smarty!
Halloween--I'm very careful about channel-surfing. I love all the trappings of Halloween, but I generally don't participate. I think the last time I dressed up was when I was in law school. I donned my TGIFriday's uniform.
Thanksgiving--Cinnamon rolls for breakfast, then Lil and Dad cook all day and we have an early-ish dinner followed by games. Generally we're joined by the Parshalls.
Christmas Eve--best day ever!! Dinner out, ride around looking at Christmas lights, spiked egg nog and last-minute gift wrapping by the tree with Christmas Story playing all evening.
Christmas--Cinnamon rolls, presents...naptime for all but Lil and Dad, the cookers...then a big dinner with the Parshalls and games. A LOT like Thanksgiving.
New Year's Eve--not much, usually. If Neil stays up we'll kiss, of course, and some years I work on resolutions. Sometimes it's just an evening of reflection.
What are your favorite comic book characters?
Charlie Brown.
Do you have recurring dreams? What happens in them?
I don't like when people talk about their dreams, but I'll do this one anyway.
I'm lost on Grinnell's campus and can't find the dorm room I want to get to.
I don't have my locker combination and I HAVE to get in my locker.
The semester is almost over and I kept skipping this class I should have gone to. I even realize in the dream that I've graduated, but for some reason I kept going with school.
I'm completely in the weeds waiting tables at Friday's.
My significant other is cheating on me and being cruel about it.
What lies have you told this week?
Wow! Crazy one. Hmmmmm. Honestly I can't remember...I've been in a chipper mood for awhile now, so even if someone asks me how I am and I say "Good!" I definitely mean it. OH! I know. I just called my chiropractor's office and told them I wouldn't be coming in this week because I was picking Neil up from work even though he told me yesterday he'd be walking home while the weather is nice. Really I just didn't want to go see the chiropractor because I have my doubts that he really helps with my back pain, and I just want to go straight home after work.
What languages would you like to learn?
Spanish, I guess. But I don't really care if I do or not. Maybe see if I can pick up French again? There was a time when I did love it.
What were your first words as a baby?
HORSE.
[i was a pretty awesome baby.]
What places would you travel to if you could go back in time?
I'd meet Laura Ingalls, both while she was a kid on the prairie and after she became a successful [co-]author. So....DeSmet and Rocky Ridge Farm in Missouri. I'd like to see how the 50s were in Columbia. Or NYC. Or New Madrid.
Who are your favorite musical groups and/or artists?
Abba. Adam Lambert. NKOTB. George Michael. Poison. Paul Simon, and sometimes Garfunkel. Britney's fascinating and danceable, and if I didn't put her in here, I'd have to scroll up to the "what lies have you told this week?" and say I didn't list her. Peter, Paul, and Mary. More, I know, but that's what I can think of for now.
Who are your best friends?
Lindsay, Emily, Sarah M., Sarah I., Lily, Joe, Steve, Dad, Shannon....and Neil. :)
What are your favorite movie quotes?
First of all--Jackie and I used to send each other quote notes several times a week. So I'm embarrassingly well-versed in this area. I don't go quoting stuff like a loser, though.
Anything from Young Guns or Young Guns II--what junior high memories!! Also anything from When Harry Met Sally. Princess Bride, of course...I think that movie was made for the quotes. Breakfast Club and St. Elmo's Fire (we had a THANG for Emilio).
Which are your favorite decades of music?
90s, then 80s.
What sports did you or do you play?
Soccer, softball, volleyball, swimming, skiing, kneeboarding. FOUR SQUARE, yo.
What are your 'most recent' favorite songs?
Taio Cruz, Dynamite and Break Your Heart...Jason DeRulo, Ridin Solo...SOME Katy Perry, and SOME Gaga if she isn't trying too hard...The Golden Age...Black Keys, Tighten Up and Next Girl
If your house was on fire and you could grab only 5 things before leaving, what would they be?
My husband!...my tablet...my phone...my car keys...am I wearing my glasses? Those, if I'm not.
My sentimental self would choose Neil, my big box of photos, my Genevieve's Jolly Postman book, Mama's pastels, and our wedding sand art.
One more for today!
What are your favorite cartoons?
Monchichi/Snorks/Gummi Bears, though it's been 30 years since I've seen them and they might be interminable now. Same with Strawberry Shortcake, Care Bears, Scooby Doo, and He-Man. But I can ALWAYS watch a Peanuts holiday special, particularly the older ones. I can always watch a Garfield holiday special. Sleeping Beauty and Mickey Mouse. Anything Christmassy and cartoony, as long as it's not dark. Little Mermaid.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Life Listed, Mar.3- Mar.13
I'm welcoming two new blog readers today: greetings, Lori and Bill! I don't think people really do that with their blogs, but when you have a solid four-person readership, it's important to let everyone know they're appreciated.
So I've finished with the first two months of the neglected Life Listed calendar. I'm powering on today until I get tired of it or keep coming upon really dumb questions.
What are your favorite pizza toppings?
Pretty picky about this. Pepperoni is #1. Sausage, depending on the place (Shakespeare's is divine). Hamburger, especially on Dad's. Lately I've been liking salami. Roma tomato slices. Different kinds of cheese as long as it's fairly mild. But mostly, that's it. I won't even go for onions. Peppers, no way...ham/canadian bacon is no good. Mushrooms--absolutely NOT. If I could find the person who first put pineapple on a pizza I would punch them in the nose. And I'm fairly confident in saying that anything else you may put on a pizza, I probably won't go for it.
What are your 5 favorite web sites?
Facebook, MSN games, Television Without Pity, Pandora, Google Reader
What are you most afraid to lose?
My family.
What are your favorite video games?
Hidden Object games, Bubble Town, Gold Miner, Heroes of Might & Magic, Civ2
What are your biggest accomplishments?
Having a career in an area I'm well-educated in. Finishing the Sunday New York Times Crossword in one sitting.
What are the worst movies you have ever seen?
I don't watch a lot of movies, and if they're bad, I generally stop or leave. But I've been in situations where leaving would be awkward....
"Speed Zone," Columbia Mall 4 theatres. Leena promised she'd pay me back if the movie was bad since I told her it didn't sound appealing, but she never did. You owe me like $2.50, girl.
"Idiocracy." Oh my god so bad. Our friends told us it was the funniest movie ever and we were kind of roped into seeing it with them, and we were both miserable throughout. They were so enthusiastic--there was no way we could have said "Umm...this is kind of interminable. We're gonna go now."
"Cable Guy." I went by myself at the Mall 4. I was such a Jim Carrey nut, and loved Matthew Broderick, that I was sure it was going to be awesome. Not awesome. I don't know why I didn't leave.
"Royal Tenenbaums." I just didn't get the humor at all. I think Wes Anderson isn't a good fit with me.
"Bitter Moon," when Peter Coyote came to Grinnell to talk about it.
"Citizen Kane." I only remember that it was soooooo long.
What famous people have you met?
Okay, "meet" is kind of a stretch here. I collect famous-people touches, but I'll try to keep this to encounters.
I did meet Edward Albee during his presentation at Jesse (I stage-managed). I told him I'd seen the London premiere of his "Play About the Baby" and we chatted for a minute about that.
Also had an encounter with Dave Atell under the same circumstances. The opening comedian had broken a bottle on the stage, and the first swipe with a broom after he was done wasn't very effective. I said to Atell "I'll run right out there and finish" and he said in a pissed-off tone "Don't worry about it." Douche. Oh, except earlier me and a friend were sitting in the dark backstage and he passed us and nodded to us, and in the dark he looked so much like a regular guy that I just ignored him. So I was kind of a douche to him!
Branford Marsalis gave a performance there too, and I stage-managed as always. He was totally cute and had vertigo! No fooling. He left his peacoat on the chair near me when he went onstage, and his little entourage was sitting all around too, and when I brushed against his coat I almost said "ooooh" out loud. It was cashmere and the softest thing I had ever felt. Throughout the show I touched it was much as I could.
There are probably more Jesse stories, but I don't remember now.
My favorite celeb-touching story is when I went to see "Amadeus" in London, with Michael Sheen and David Suchet. I heard in the lobby there was some celeb in the audience, and people were all kinds of abuzz about it. Since it was just me, and they sell student tickets at low prices an hour before the show, I got in like the 7th row for 30 pounds or something ridiculous. I kept looking around at the boxes or front rows for someone famous--was it the Queen?? Who are people TALKING ABOUT?!!! But only regular people were there. I heard a group sit down right behind me, and I smelled cigarette smoke. I turned slightly, not thinking anything of it, and WHOA. Blue eyes blue eyes BLUEST EYES EVER. Black short hair, army jacket, ratty clothes otherwise. No makeup, but those eyes! An instant after being dazzled, my brain clicked into gear and I thought "Holy crap--I have better seats than Boy George!"
When intermission began, I figured he'd be leaving to enjoy another smoke. I leaned wayyyy back in my seat, and he had to brush past me. CELEBRITY FORCE-TOUCH FOR THE WIN!!!
Last one for today:
What are your most embarrassing moments?
Oh man, the ones I've repressed so I'll never have to think about them? Lord.
In 9th grade I managed to fall UP the stairs at WJHS. A boy who knew I had a crush on him silently helped me up. I could have died.
I again fell UP the stairs a year or so ago here at work. A couple of men were behind me and asked if I needed help--since my bag's contents had scattered as well--and I angrily told them no. Man, being embarrassed sucks.
The summer after junior year, my good friend Melanie and I got in a big fight. She was working at Mazzio's with this guy I told her I'd had a crush on, but who didn't know I existed. She told him I liked him, just to get back at me. Luckily, he'd just graduated so I never had to see him again...but if I ever did see him again, I would again want to die.
That's all I want to recall on this subject. And I'm doing one more so it will perk me up a bit since my cheeks are burning.
What are your favorite things about your hometown?
Oh, what a cute one!!
Dad's house; Art in the Park; spring and fall; theatre; knowing the lay of the land; that I don't have to take time off for holidays; nothing is too far away from anything else; that the whole town comes out for big events; Mama's bench; MKT trail; a few remaining cobblestone streets; Farmer's Market; the ARC; Hartsburg pumpkins; evenings on the Flat Branch patio; the amazing tiled benches across the street from Cool Stuff; Murry's jazz; David Spear's paintings in Sophia's; the plaster cast museum on campus; memories of an old Barn; Children's House; Ridgeway; to-go wine at Jesse; Shakespeare's (preferably room-temperature); Trops on a hot night when you don't need to stay classy; hearing the football cheers from our balcony...
So I've finished with the first two months of the neglected Life Listed calendar. I'm powering on today until I get tired of it or keep coming upon really dumb questions.
What are your favorite pizza toppings?
Pretty picky about this. Pepperoni is #1. Sausage, depending on the place (Shakespeare's is divine). Hamburger, especially on Dad's. Lately I've been liking salami. Roma tomato slices. Different kinds of cheese as long as it's fairly mild. But mostly, that's it. I won't even go for onions. Peppers, no way...ham/canadian bacon is no good. Mushrooms--absolutely NOT. If I could find the person who first put pineapple on a pizza I would punch them in the nose. And I'm fairly confident in saying that anything else you may put on a pizza, I probably won't go for it.
What are your 5 favorite web sites?
Facebook, MSN games, Television Without Pity, Pandora, Google Reader
What are you most afraid to lose?
My family.
What are your favorite video games?
Hidden Object games, Bubble Town, Gold Miner, Heroes of Might & Magic, Civ2
What are your biggest accomplishments?
Having a career in an area I'm well-educated in. Finishing the Sunday New York Times Crossword in one sitting.
What are the worst movies you have ever seen?
I don't watch a lot of movies, and if they're bad, I generally stop or leave. But I've been in situations where leaving would be awkward....
"Speed Zone," Columbia Mall 4 theatres. Leena promised she'd pay me back if the movie was bad since I told her it didn't sound appealing, but she never did. You owe me like $2.50, girl.
"Idiocracy." Oh my god so bad. Our friends told us it was the funniest movie ever and we were kind of roped into seeing it with them, and we were both miserable throughout. They were so enthusiastic--there was no way we could have said "Umm...this is kind of interminable. We're gonna go now."
"Cable Guy." I went by myself at the Mall 4. I was such a Jim Carrey nut, and loved Matthew Broderick, that I was sure it was going to be awesome. Not awesome. I don't know why I didn't leave.
"Royal Tenenbaums." I just didn't get the humor at all. I think Wes Anderson isn't a good fit with me.
"Bitter Moon," when Peter Coyote came to Grinnell to talk about it.
"Citizen Kane." I only remember that it was soooooo long.
What famous people have you met?
Okay, "meet" is kind of a stretch here. I collect famous-people touches, but I'll try to keep this to encounters.
I did meet Edward Albee during his presentation at Jesse (I stage-managed). I told him I'd seen the London premiere of his "Play About the Baby" and we chatted for a minute about that.
Also had an encounter with Dave Atell under the same circumstances. The opening comedian had broken a bottle on the stage, and the first swipe with a broom after he was done wasn't very effective. I said to Atell "I'll run right out there and finish" and he said in a pissed-off tone "Don't worry about it." Douche. Oh, except earlier me and a friend were sitting in the dark backstage and he passed us and nodded to us, and in the dark he looked so much like a regular guy that I just ignored him. So I was kind of a douche to him!
Branford Marsalis gave a performance there too, and I stage-managed as always. He was totally cute and had vertigo! No fooling. He left his peacoat on the chair near me when he went onstage, and his little entourage was sitting all around too, and when I brushed against his coat I almost said "ooooh" out loud. It was cashmere and the softest thing I had ever felt. Throughout the show I touched it was much as I could.
There are probably more Jesse stories, but I don't remember now.
My favorite celeb-touching story is when I went to see "Amadeus" in London, with Michael Sheen and David Suchet. I heard in the lobby there was some celeb in the audience, and people were all kinds of abuzz about it. Since it was just me, and they sell student tickets at low prices an hour before the show, I got in like the 7th row for 30 pounds or something ridiculous. I kept looking around at the boxes or front rows for someone famous--was it the Queen?? Who are people TALKING ABOUT?!!! But only regular people were there. I heard a group sit down right behind me, and I smelled cigarette smoke. I turned slightly, not thinking anything of it, and WHOA. Blue eyes blue eyes BLUEST EYES EVER. Black short hair, army jacket, ratty clothes otherwise. No makeup, but those eyes! An instant after being dazzled, my brain clicked into gear and I thought "Holy crap--I have better seats than Boy George!"
When intermission began, I figured he'd be leaving to enjoy another smoke. I leaned wayyyy back in my seat, and he had to brush past me. CELEBRITY FORCE-TOUCH FOR THE WIN!!!
Last one for today:
What are your most embarrassing moments?
Oh man, the ones I've repressed so I'll never have to think about them? Lord.
In 9th grade I managed to fall UP the stairs at WJHS. A boy who knew I had a crush on him silently helped me up. I could have died.
I again fell UP the stairs a year or so ago here at work. A couple of men were behind me and asked if I needed help--since my bag's contents had scattered as well--and I angrily told them no. Man, being embarrassed sucks.
The summer after junior year, my good friend Melanie and I got in a big fight. She was working at Mazzio's with this guy I told her I'd had a crush on, but who didn't know I existed. She told him I liked him, just to get back at me. Luckily, he'd just graduated so I never had to see him again...but if I ever did see him again, I would again want to die.
That's all I want to recall on this subject. And I'm doing one more so it will perk me up a bit since my cheeks are burning.
What are your favorite things about your hometown?
Oh, what a cute one!!
Dad's house; Art in the Park; spring and fall; theatre; knowing the lay of the land; that I don't have to take time off for holidays; nothing is too far away from anything else; that the whole town comes out for big events; Mama's bench; MKT trail; a few remaining cobblestone streets; Farmer's Market; the ARC; Hartsburg pumpkins; evenings on the Flat Branch patio; the amazing tiled benches across the street from Cool Stuff; Murry's jazz; David Spear's paintings in Sophia's; the plaster cast museum on campus; memories of an old Barn; Children's House; Ridgeway; to-go wine at Jesse; Shakespeare's (preferably room-temperature); Trops on a hot night when you don't need to stay classy; hearing the football cheers from our balcony...
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Life Listed, Feb. 15-Mar 2
What would make a perfect date?
A mild summer night, theatre, a swingy dress, my man's hiney lookin' fine in nice pants, wine, driving in the dark, getting taken care of, treating ourselves, self-portraits, holding hands, laughing, fingernail polish, eyeliner, dessert, snuggles, hotel room, kisses against a car (I don't know, it's a thing for me), adventuring, not worrying about prices, enjoyable sighs, benches, a waterfront, smiles, learning new things, sharing food, naughty glances...I love dates. :)
What cool features would be in your dream house?
A scrap room for me with a Scrapbox and a (forgive the overuse of the term) man-cave for Neil; indoor swimming pool (Endless Pool FTW!); a large kitchen with an island you can comfortably gather/sit at; two fridges (with filtered water dispenser) and a deep freezer; a large garage; warmed bathroom floors; a hot tub; a deep whirlpool tub; red set of washer/dryers; plenty of accessible storage; a finished basement; a huge master bedroom you can fit a settee in; strong-water-flowing showers; indirect lighting like the Cloisters room at Nelson-Atkins; good ventilation so the windows can be opened when it's nice out; a wraparound porch with Adirondack seating and weatherproof pillows; a tiny toy Yorkie and a huge Great Dane who both adore us and each other; that one Crate and Barrel rug that's like $1100; a library with built-in custom shelving and a rolling ladder like in Music Man; warm colors in the kitchen (golds, reds, oranges, coppers); somewhere to display our Fiestaware; the ability to USE my Kitchenaid; a glass and red blender; a wall of glass; a guest bedroom; a step-down living room with cushy leather seating and two recliners; a Christmas room where I keep everything, and space to move it to when IT'S TIME; a Cali king sleigh bed (do those even exist?); a Shipping and Wrapping center; soft dining-table seating....OK, I could go on forever. But that's what Pinterest is for, am I right?
Who are the people you call most frequently?
I am SO not a phone-person. But Emily is, and Lily is, so I call them most. I talk to Neil a lot despite both of our aversions to the phone, and Dad too. Sometimes Gilbert and Sarah M., and OCCASIONALLY Lindsay if I'm going to die if we don't talk soon since it can't be discussed digitally or something. :) Grandma a few times a year...Joe and Steve, of course. Roger sometimes.
How late did you stay up each evening this week!
You guys, I am totally making a turnaround!! I take my Trazodone at 9 PM each night, which makes me ding-dong tired, and by 10 I can't keep my eyes open. I *can* push bedtime til 11, but mostly I'm asleep by then. it's been great!!
Where are your favorite places to get ice cream?
I'm sure I'll be condemned for saying this, but I'm not CRAZY for ice cream. I definitely like it, and if folks are getting it, I am totally in! But I don't know that I'd ever choose it over, say, a brownie. or a cupcake. Yeah, no, I never would. :) I enjoy it a lot if it has tons of crap in it--like gooey hot fudge (NOT Hershey's syrup. Gack!) or real swirls of peanut butter or Tax Crunch at Baskin Robbins--but am fairly uninterested in plain ice cream. Mint chocolate chip is about as 'vanilla' as I get. That said, though...my answers are Baskin-Robbins, Central Dairy, Shakes Frozen Custard, or a gelato stand. Pinkberry was okay, but I like Lollicup Tea's toppings better.
What are the best food dishes that you can make?
Rum cake, but you better like it strong. Crock-potted roast (apple cider vinegar is the key. Totally breaks it down). Totino's pizza with Tabasco all over it--does that count? I have the timing in the oven down to a freaking SCIENCE. Neil has said he likes when I marinate chicken and grill it, but I've developed an extreme aversion to raw chicken so I can't do that anymore. Bran muffins. I doctor up Hamburger Helper all the time with beans and tomatoes and onions and stuff...but...that may not count either. I've tried to make almost every dish of Dad's that I love at home (green salad, baked potato yogurt sauce, deviled eggs) but I can't do them right. It's not that I'm an awful cook...I just don't really like to do it. And if I had a large luxurious kitchen, I'm definitely willing to try!
What would you have on your own custom postage stamps?
Book covers. Vintage-like.
What are things you should never say in an interview?
This is weird for a list question. It's almost like a quiz question. Weren't these drilled into every single one of us in college/graduate school?
-"I didn't like my last job because..."
-"Do you guys get to wear jeans here?"
-"I don't work well with people."
-"My greatest fault? I'm totally lazy. like astronomical."
-"I'm wanting to work here just for a couple months until I get a real job."
-*chomp chomp* [gum]
What is your idea of an ideal mate?
Kind. Funny. Snuggly. Kissy. Dependable. Intelligent. Tall. Unskinny. Facial hair. Understanding. Patient. Nonjudgmental. Great smile. Attractive. Fun.
What do you love for breakfast?
Grandma's/Mom's warm cinnamon rolls JUST out of the oven. These are NOT big gigantic hard wastes of dough, people. They are skinny long rolls bursting with butter, sugar, and cinnamon in every millimeter. Served only at Thanksgiving and Christmas breakfasts. Often with maple sausage, cold milk, and Tropicana OJ. Heaven. Also: Dad's omelettes, any Dawson scrambling eggs, Applesauce bread from the Farmer's Market, Mom's Monkey Bread, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Blueberry Muffin Tops cereal, Egg McMuffin with sausage, McGriddles, biscuits and gravy, this one kind of breakfast burrito NO ONE sells anymore but it doesn't have anything nasty like onions or peppers in it, McD's steak/egg/cheese bagel, and a tall glass of icy cherry Pepsi--preferably without ice. Just ice-cold.
What songs would you like played at your wedding if it were today?
I always wanted to dance with Daddy to "Sunrise, Sunset." Or with my new husband to "The Way You Look Tonight." Blame "Father of the Bride" for that one. :) Oh, and some dance numbers, for sure...NKOTB, You're the One That I Want, Cha-Cha Slide, Cotton Eye Joe (just for the Electric Slide), Total Eclipse of the Heart....oh, now it's getting to be a PARTAY!!!!
What places would you like to live?
I'd love to try living IN Chicago...on Wacker in one of those awesome apartments the family walked by one Oscars Sunday. Near enough to NYC to take a day trip there one weekend a month. The Pacific NW...Portland or Seattle. San Diego or up near San Fran. The desert. Bath, UK. Madison, WI if it weren't so damn cold. The Villages, FL--in the winter. :)
What are the best compliments you've ever received?
When people say I'm funny, it is the best feeling ever. Ever! But it also chokes me up when they say I'm nice, because I'm really super hard working on that side of myself. Also when they say I smell good or look pretty. Or when I've lost weight, if they notice. If they like my jewelry or hair. We were at a restaurant and I finished ordering and the waitress said "You have good taste!" and I was like "Wowie! THANKS!" so I guess I like that too. Oh, and when people say I'm a good gift-giver! I love that because I put a lot of effort into gifts. (Shannon--you are hands down the best complimenter-friend on earth!! I feel so good about myself when you're in my life!!)
OK, last one for today....
What makes you smile?
Um, see above? Other than that....my Neil's smile. Sophie and Livi videos. Noah and Lucy's huge grins. Babies dressed up in funny costumes, or in formal stuff like bowties and shiny shoes. Little tiny dogs. GREAT BIG FLOPPY DOGS. My brother Steve's incredibly contagious laughter. Dates with my sister. Playing cards as a family. David Eckstein and Yadi. A performance that leaves me breathless. Anne of Green Gables. The opening to Golden Girls--the airplane against that sunset. My craft room. Presents (especially in the mail). Neil's pinky fingers and tummy.
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