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These are last week's questions, but I liked them better than this week's, and it's my blog, so there.

1. Describe to me your favorite lounging clothes.
T-shirt, stretchy pants, and that's it. Pure comfort. I don this uniform of mine almost as soon as I get through the front door. If it's the weekend, I stay in it as long as possible. My biggest fear is a drop-in visit. Me with no bra is a sight no one should have to endure. (Sorry, family!)

2. If you promised to never lie again in your lifetime, in what area would it be hardest to uphold the promise?
I make my living providing customer service to the public. My "polite and caring" demeaner would be hard to uphold sometimes if I was only able to express my true thoughts and opinions! It's not that I ever lie to a client, because I don't and won't. It's just that I am way more upbeat and personable to clients than I would be naturally.

3. Give a one word answer to the question "why is life worth living".
Motherhood.

Happy Week, y'all!!

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What's one of the simple pleasures in your life?
Starbucks lattes. I don't make them an everyday thing, so those times I do decide to treat myself, it is so enjoyable! I relish every sip, and it always makes me happy. And unlike the place where I more frequently stop for a quick coffee, Starbucks never messes up my order. It is consistently hot, fresh, deliciously smooth, and served up with a smile. I know not everyone enjoys them like I do, but that's ok. They will always be a simple pleasure in my life.

What do you like to snack on when you watch a movie?
If I am at the movie theater, I love to snack on good ol' fashioned hot buttered popcorn. Mmmm. If I'm in the right mood I may also have some Goobers. Funny that - I almost never eat popcorn or Goobers any other time than at the movie theater.

If you were a Survivor contestant, what would be your luxury item?
You wouldn't catch me dead on that show. I love to watch it, but I am more of an Amazing Race or Big Brother type of contestant I think. But to answer the question, I think I would bring a bug spray. I can't believe how chewed up they get some seasons! Bugs never leave me alone, and I don't think I would make it with all those jungle bugs crawling all over me. (I told you I was not meant to me on that show!) :)

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Of all your favorite foods, which one would you find the most difficult to give up for the rest of your life?
Rice. If there is a world without rice, I don't want to live in it.

Which month of the year do you thing best describes your personality?
May. It's busy and crazy and there is always something going on. It has a little bit of everything. It is always changing. It is transitioning from one season to another. I am May.

If you could be a contestant on any game show, past or present, which show would you pick?
Wheel of Fortune, during family week, with my mother. We would tear that game up and spit it out. And we wouldn't waste all of our cash buying vowels.

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What is your favorite candy?
I'm not much of a candy person, I much prefer chocolate. If I was to pick one though, it would definitely be Swedish fish. Sooooo yummy!

Name one thing that you'd want to receive as a gift for Valentine's day.
We actually don't usually do gifts for Valentine's Day, we just try to spend some time together and that is enough. But I wouldn't mind some jewelry. You know, if you're going to force me into it. LOL!

Can we truly love someone who loves another?
I don't think so. I think that true romantic love evolves from two people working together and caring for each other. I don't think that can happen when one person is putting that energy into another.

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What's the most embarrassing song on your iPod (or music collection)?
Well, I have iTunes going right now so let's take a look.... Yeah. Here's the thing... I'm not really embarrassed by any of it. I can own the fact that I have a whole playlist of crappy early 90's pop. Whatevs. And who cares that my BNL playlist is seven hours long? Or that I have every version of every song Boyz II Men ever made? But you're right, that Britney Spears stuff is kinda shady. I think top prize is a toss up between Wannabe by the Spice Girls and MmmBop by Hansen. What's your vote? :)

How much time do you spend each day in your commute? (Or if you don't work outside the house, how much time do you spend in your car or other preferred mode of transportation?)
My commute is just under 20 minutes. It's actually the perfect commute. I can't stand wasting the day in the car, so I find a long commute to be too much of an inconvenience. I had a much shorter commute, which was great except that sometimes you just need that extra few minutes to be alone and gather your thoughts before transitioning into your other roles at the end of the day.

What's your favorite wardrobe item and why?

I am totally a jeans kinda girl - and I now work at a job where I can wear jeans everyday - woohoo! I have a zip up sweatshirt that I love to lounge around in. I'm all about comfort, so the softer, warmer, and least constricting, the better!

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What gives you hope?
Seeing my children find their passions and succeed. Knowing that they have the whole world in front of them and that they can do anything they want to do.

How often do you get your haircut? Describe your worst haircut.
It ranges from every couple of months to every couple of years. Lately, it's been every other month. I go with a friend and we make a day of it. So much fun!
My worst cuts usually are because one side of my hair grows different than the other, so it often comes out looking uneven. Or, when someone cuts it who doesn't understand my hair type. With recent pics showing up of my middle school years, I'm starting to think those had to be the worst haircuts of my life! :)

What's your most treasured piece of jewelry? Why?
My wedding ring. It is a replacement - I lost the original set and it was very traumatic for me. My sweet sweet husband surprised me with a replacement.

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What do you do to make yourself feel better when you are sick?
Rest, watch tv, take some medicine, sleep, repeat.

What is the most amazing weather you've ever seen?
I have seen many types of extreme weather, but I think tornadoes are the most amazing. The stormy weather - rain, thunder, loud... and then that "calm before the storm." That phrase is so true of that eerily quiet stillness that happens right before the chaos. Then the clouds begin to swirl, the wind swells out of control, that sucking squealing noise of the twister as it tears through a neighborhood... there is absolutely nothing like it.

Do you listen to music or talk radio in the car?
I almost always have music on in the car. I like to sing along, and the kids do too!

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And now for a very philosophical edition of..... the Manic Monday Meme...


If you were to name the most creative outlet that you have, what would it be?
Scrapbooking and writing. Neither of which I give enough attention to. Both of which always make me feel better about things. That's what creative outlets do, right? Anytime I can create something with my hands it makes me feel good. I was extremely gratified to create the handmade gifts I gave this Christmas.
Another creative outlet I used to have was playing music. I sold all of my instruments in a quiet moment of desperation to help my family's finances a few years ago, and it still haunts me to some degree. I know I did the right thing at the time, but it did leave a hole. I hope to bring music back into my life in some way someday.

What spot in your body would you say is the center of your emotional being?
I don't know about there being a spot in my body that is the center of my emotional being - if forced to choose I would say my gut. I have a fairly reliable intuition that has served me well in life.

What do you think is the secret to a tranquil soul?
A calm environment, a well-organized mind, self-control, and a clear conscious.

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Do you have any idiosyncrasies or unusual quirks when it comes to food and/or eating?
Goodness, more than I can count. I can only imagine how obnoxious it must be to share a meal with me. In fact, I feel much better if the person I'm eating with has their own meal quirks so I don't have to feel so weird about mine. :)

Have you ever written love letters? If so, do you still have any of them?
I am enamored with love letters. I respond well to the effort it takes to create for someone - a letter, song, piece of artwork, crafts... So I have definitely written love letters. As recently as today actually - although it was more of a love note that I left for him to find in his lunch.
I don't have the letters I've written - they are meant to be delivered, no? I do have ones that were written to me.

How easy or difficult is it for you to say you're sorry?
The more sorry I am, the harder it is for me to say it.

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What is the biggest mistake you made in 2008 and will not make again in 2009?
Not taking better care of myself. I am working on that.

Do you make New Year's resolutions? Why or why not?
I don't really believe in them. I don't think people stick to them at all. I don't need a date on the calendar to tell me when to be motivated. I am generally motivated when I want to be, and not when I don't.

Who do you nominate as “Man or Woman of the Year” for 2008?
No question. Barack Obama.

What was your greatest accomplishment in 2008?
Finding a job I enjoy, and spending more time with my family doing things together.

Happy New Year to you all!

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Manic Monday Questions of the Week:


Have you ever returned an item to a store for a refund after having used it?
Most definitely I have. For several reasons I'm sure - used it and didn't like it, used it and it didn't work, used it and changed my mind.....

You are going out for the evening. If your partner objects to what you are wearing, would you change your clothing?
I'm not sure. I guess it would depend on the nature of the objection. Does he think I look frumpy? I'm changing. Does he think I look mismatched, overdressed, underdressed? Sure. Does he think I'm showing too much cleavage? Yeah, right! Like he would ever think there's too much cleavage! :)
I think mostly I'd just be so surprised that he even noticed what I was wearing that I might just be inclined to listen to his opinion.

What item that you don’t currently possess would you most like to have in your home?
Serenity.


Happy Monday, Y'all!!

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What is the most expensive meal you've ever eaten?

I believe it was a kobe ribeye, with sweet potatoes and broccoli au gratin, and a cabernet sauvignon. I drool just thinking back on that meal. Good grief, that was good eats!


What is the fastest speed you've ever traveled in a car?

I am embarrassed to admit that it was well over 100 mph. I think we topped out at around 120 mph, but we were close to burying the needle at that point so.... Man, what stooopid kids we were!!

Here's another story for you - once a friend and I put her van on cruise control going 80 mph and then switched drivers. That was one of the stupidest things I've ever done, and also one of the reasons I am terrified of my own children becoming teenagers. Because if they are anything like their mother...... HELP!!!


What is the highest building you've ever been to the top floor of?

I think it was the Empire State Building? Nothing else is coming to mind.


Happy Monday, Everyone!!

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Do you ever talk to yourself out loud? What do you talk about? \I do this all the time at work. Mostly I am just working out a problem, but out loud. I also talk back to the tv. I was yelling at Grey's so loud on tivo, DH thought something was wrong and came running! (But seriously!! That whole Denny thing..... ?!?!) What the???

What stresses you out?
Abstract issues. Food. Deadlines. Whining. Traffic. Indecisiveness. People who complain but aren't willing to do anything to change the situation. Being on time. Nightmares. Too many details.

What are your secret talents?
I have good intuition. I am able to size people up quickly and accurately. I am a creative problem solver. I can think outside the box and find solutions. I can also be pretty convincing when I want to be.

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Do you believe people are basically good?
I do, but I think everyone has a bad side too. I think people are capable of making the right decision if they choose to.

If you could change the custom of shaking hands, what would you replace it with?
How about high fives? (J/K - I hate high fives.) I don't know, - How about bowing, like they do in Asia?

What is something that you enjoy that is a chore for most other people?
I like balancing my checkbook and paying bills. It always feels good to have it done, and I like the process of writing out the checks, reconciling the accounts, figuring out how to make it all work. It's strange, but I enjoy it!

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What was the first thing you thought when you looked at yourself in the mirror today?
I look pale. Why is my hair so fluffy today?

Do you have a recurring nightmare? If so, explain.
I go through spurts where I have insomnia and terrible and terrifying nightmares (especially when I am pregnant!). I am going through it now, and it is some of the worst nightmares I have ever had (no - I am not pregnant). The nightmares I have most often generally involve me being chased and someone trying to hurt me and my family. The worst ones are when these things are carried out. I wake up shaking and tired from being on the run all night and trying to protect my loved ones.
(Any dream analysts want to tackle that one?)
:)

List three foods you can’t stand:
Ham
Coconut
Tomatoes
American Cheese
Any kind of melon
(I know I listed five instead of three - I kind of got on a roll! Plus, there isn't much more I can think of that I can't stand, so that's pretty much the whole list.)


Happy Monday, Everyone!

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How many hours of TV do you watch per week? Do you feel that's too much, not enough or just right?
Too dang many, that's how many. Less probably than I have in the past, but I still have shows I like to catch. Tivo doesn't help. I tend to have shows on while I am getting other stuff done. And I like junky reality shows, cheesy dramas, and HGTV.

Which of the 5 senses do you feel is your strongest sense?
My eyes are going, and my hearing isn't the best either. So I'm going to go with my sense of touch. I am pretty sensitive to irritations and I can't stand to be uncomfortable. I can't bear to wear certain kinds of socks because of how they feel. On the flip side I love hugs, holding hands, massages. Yeah, I guess my sense of touch is the strongest.

What's the wackiest belief you held as a child?
If you breathe while driving past a cemetery you will breathe in the souls of the dead. WTH?? Yet, I still sometimes subconsciously hold my breath while driving past a cemetery. One of those silly car games gone horribly, horribly awry! :)