wordless wednesday: that's my girl!

friday fill-ins 2011.10.13

And...here we go! 

1. It's easy to take shortcuts, but you pay in the long run.

2. Hold me close, my darling.

3. Once upon a time, there was the world's most insecure girl who likes to drink wine and hang out with her friends and write blogs and go on the internet and MATTER.  Most of all she wants to matter. 

4. And she lived as happily ever after as anyone ever truly does ... the end. 

5. What is the deal with all the whining?

6. I really wish things would calm a bit sooner than later.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to being with my husband!, tomorrow my plans include my favorite Drag King and Sunday, I want to see my team have some pride and a great game!




Enjoy your weekend, people!!  <3

2010 round up

Here is this year's version of the quiz I have done in the past.......
 
2006

2007

What books and/or magazines did I read this year?
Real Simple.  Travel + Leisure.  A million and one chick lit books.  I finished tons of books I have started and never finished.  That was the biggest accomplishment.

What movies and/or tv shows did I watch this year?
Greys.  I found the season finale two of the most intense hours of television I have ever watched.  I have healed along with Yang.  When she said "Being a hero has its price."  Some of the most truthful piercing words ever uttered.  Feeling the sunlight on her face and remembering to let go and embrace the tears.  Waiting for my Meredith to stand by my side and lay on the floor of the ER with me.  Where is she?

What special days did I celebrate and how?
Ten year wedding anniversary on my favorite place on Earth - Cape Cod.  Stood on the beach in front of the sunset with my favorite people to recommit myself to my true love.

What gifts did I give and/or receive?
I have crafted lots of things this year.  Hopefully they are appreciated by their recipients.  Made with love for sure.

What illnesses or health concerns did I have?
Everything.  Doctors trying to help me find my baseline.  My normal.  I haven't seen it in years.  Feels like an elusive goal right now.  Getting there piece by piece.  Part of a sacrifice I made that can never be recovered.

What fun things did I do with my friends and/or family?
The summer of sun.  Beach, beach, and more beach.  Wake up, pack a cooler, sit on the beach.  Hang with family and friends. The perfect summer.

What new foods, recipes or restaurants did I try this year?
Hibachi.  We all love it except Curly Q who jumps back every time the fire flames up.  More sake, more happy.

What special or unusual purchases did I make?
Cars!!  About frakkin time.  Both cars practically fell apart seconds before being traded in.  Totally could not afford it, but really had no choice.

What were this year's disappointments?
I have realized that sometimes I just cannot count on others.  It really is up to me.

What were my accomplishments this year?
Putting myself first and doing what mattered to me.  Standing up for myself.  Being my own damn cheerleader.  Becoming more of the wife and mother I know I can be.  Spending more time with my family, and enjoying more time with my friends who are there for me.  Lots of discovery.

Anything else noteworthy to record?
I am on an upswing I think.  I have only good wishes and expectations for 2011.  I am becoming the me I know I can be. 

 

christmassy quiz

Let's get in the spirit with a little Christmas meme.  It's been a while, right?

1. Have you started your Christmas shopping?   I shop year round.  If I see something that fits a person, I buy it.  Problem is, around now, I forget what I have and duplicate my efforts.  It's time to get everything out and see what I have.

2. Tell me about one of your special traditions.  We always get a tangerine in the toe of our stockings.  Nobody really even eats them in this household, but the tradition predates me in this family, and it hasn't stopped yet.  One of the girls was looking at the stockings on the mantle, and pondered aloud, "I wonder if we'll be getting a tangerine this year?"  I'm quite sure we will.  And I am also quite sure we will pull it out and exclaim, "Ooooh!!! A tangerine!!!!"

3. When do you put up your Tree? As soon as possible after Thanksgiving, but not too soon that we are just left with a dead stick on Christmas day.  Usually 2-3 weeks before.

4. Are you a Black Friday shopper?   Ok, here's how it goes down.... we spend weeks talking about what's going to be on sale, and saying we are going to get in line the night before, and circling the ads, and making lists, and asking each other if we are in line yet.......  And then on Friday we wake up at like tenish... throw on some clothes, leave the children with the men (they don't really notice - they are watching football), and head out, stop for coffee, miss all the good sales, pick up wrapping paper, walk slowly through the stores, laugh at all the maniacs, and go home and shop online for what we really need.

5. Do you travel at Christmas or stay home?  We used to travel like maniacs, but now we stay home if I can help it, or end up at my parents, where we park it for a few days.  No more running around.  The kids want to open their stuff and play.  It should be a relaxing day.

6. What is your funniest Christmas memory?   I lost my wedding and engagement ring set.  I was devastated, and knew we would not be able to replace them.  It really tore me up.  DH surprised me with a replacement wedding band on Christmas.  I cried.  It meant so much to me!

7. What is your favorite Christmas movie of all time?  Elf  really cracks me up.  I can watch that over and over.  But my all time favorite is It's a Wonderful Life.  You know, because it is.

8. Do you do your own Christmas baking, what’s your favorite treat?  I love baking Christmas cookies.  I think our family has the best cookie recipes.  They are all my favorite, but I think our sugar cookies are the best I've ever had.  Mmmmm!!!!!

9. Fake or Real Tree?  Real.  We get out there like troopers and cut our own.  It is always a blast.  We spend forever out there because I am indecisive and picky.  We always say we are not going to get one that is too big for the living room, and we always end up with one too big for the living room.  And it always smells divine and looks beautiful.

10. What day (as a mom) does the actual panic set in to get it all done?  I don't really panic about it.  I am particularly relaxed about it all this year.  But if there is going to be a panic, it is on Christmas Eve, right about the time I send DH and sis to Walgreens for something.  (Yes, every stinkin' year.)  Thank goodness for 24hr Walgreens.

11. Are you still wrapping presents on Christmas Eve? Always.  It is such a bad habit! 

12. What is your favorite family fun time at Christmas?  All of it.  The past few years we have been together with my side of the family, and we laugh every minute until it's over.  I can't wait!

13. What Christmas craft do you like the best?  I scrapbook a Christmas card every year.  I make a scrapbook page on paper, scan, and print as photos.  I love putting it together.  I hope people enjoy receiving it.

14. Christmas music? (Yes or No) If yes, what is your favorite song?  Nonstop.  It's a sickness.  Favorite song is O Holy Night.  Just about any version of it.  Sooooo beautiful that song is.

15. When do you plan to finish all of your shopping?   Hmmm.  Hopefully by this week or next.  Since I do most of it online, I really need to take stock and finish up while there is still time for shipping.  Oh - and of course that last minute Walgreens item on Christmas Eve.

summertime 2010 thunks

Thursday Thunks: Welcome to Summertime 2010!

The TT questions are brought to you by Bud, the color of Atlantic Ocean and the number 3.

1. It became officially summer on Monday. What's your favorite part of winter?
Holidays - Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Otherwise, I hate winter.

2. What was your worst summer vacation ever?
I so rarely go on vacation, that I don't have the luxury of ever having thought one was bad.  I am always feeling so lucky to be away that I just enjoy it.

3. Kimber's husband just got the dream job that he's hoped for. So a big shout out to her and Anthony! Tell us about the best job that you ever had.

Real job - the last job I had (that I got laid off from, boo).  It was a good combination of my strengths and interests.  Teenie bopper fluff job?  DQ.  Per the owners request - we ate our way through all the blizzard flavors, and then made up our own.  Yum!!

4. Who is probably talking a load of crap about you right now?
Probably everyone.  I provide lots of smack talking fodder.

5. An alien appears and offers you the opportunity to repeat one year of your life. You will still know everything that you know now. He explains that no matter what you do differently, when you are returned to the present nothing will have changed. What year would you pick and why?

1994 would have been the year that I could return to with my current knowledge to change the whole course of my life and still keep all the best parts that are important to me.  If everything is going to stay the same......  I can't seem to pick a single year to live over again.  I would reject the offer.

6. Name three things you have on you at all times. Explain why.
Crackberry.  (They call it that for a reason.  I'm a total addict.)  Lip Gloss.  (I'm dry.)  A book.  (Just in case.)

7. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it?
Ummmmm............  ???????   Yeah, I don't remember.

8. If you could have everyone in the blogosphere read just one of your posts, which post would you pick and why?

A letter to myself at seventeen.   Please go read and enjoy getting to know me a little.

9. I recently read that the music industry continues to decline at an alarming rate. In the last year it said the sales of Michael Jackson's and The Beatles' music are the only artists who sales continue to climb. The article stated that the two are holding up the industry. Have you bought a CD or mp3 of either artist recently?
Does Beatles Rockband for Wii count?

10. What radio ad right now do you find so annoying that you'd rather have a tooth drilled than hear it again?
Although I always have music going, I usually only listen to the radio in the car, and I station hop.  I can't even think of one commercial that is on right now.

11. Berleen walks into a bar on a hot Minnesota day. At the bar sits a priest, a rabbi and a minister. A ten foot duck walks into the bar right after Berleen. What drink do you think Berleen orders?
Huh.  Lots of irrelevant lead-ins today.  I am going to say she orders a Divine Mallard.  It has Barcadi Limon, Melon Schnapps, Grand Marnier, and Ginger.

12. There is a knock on your door. It can be anyone in the world. Who would you want it to be?
My family - telling me they are moving to the neighborhood.

13. What would be the worst entertainment or sporting that you could be forced to watch?

Golf.  Ick.


Have a great Thursday Everyone!!

my lame return to blogging continues....

Thursday Thunks: Never Agree in the First Place

The TT questions are brought to you by Berleen, the color of my rocking tan I've got going and the number 45.

Did you pass your driver's test the first time you took it?

I totally rocked it.  I took the test at the easiest test center in the whole world.  It was like - drive down this empty rural street, turn around, drive back.  Hooray - you passed!!

You are sitting outside on your deck in your comfy lawn chair, feet are up and the temp outside is perfect. There are no bugs to bite you and ruin the night... it's peaceful and all you can hear is the birds singing and an occasional cricket. Whats in your hand?
A beer.  Duh.

How many graduation parties and weddings do you have to attend this summer? Ok.. how many are you invited to?
Good job on the correction - I am already feeling the dread.  So far, it's one and one.

There is no other choice in the matter - you must transform into a different race, but the catch is that you get to pick which race. What will you now be?
Weird question, but I will go from one mix  to another.  How about a mix of Black and Asian.  It seems to be working for Tiger and Kimora.

Someone once said that the grass isn't greener on the other side... are you jealous of your neighbor's lawn?
No.  We live in some black hole of darkness where the grass refuses to grow.  I am, however, jealous of the houses at the end of the street that seem to be graced by the sun and are thus partial to photosynthesis or whatever it is that is making them so lush and weed free.

Bud is walking along a beach barefooted and steps on a piece of glass buried deep in the sand. His foot is bleeding... does he cry, swear or stomp around on his other foot?
Yes.  In that order.  And then he finds the biggest boobed bimbo on the beach to nurse him back to health.

I'm gonna take you fishing... are you going to be a whiney baby and not bait your own hook and when you catch a fish am I gonna have to take it off the hook for you?
No.  I am going to be a man, and bait my own hook, and gut and clean my own fish.  Then I'm going to season that son of a gun up, and cook you the best fish dinner you've ever had in your life.

From a Facebook friend: When asked what would you bring with you to a deserted island, why doesn't anyone answer "a boat"?
The same reason that they don't ask the genie that offers them three wishes for an infinite number of wishes.

Hamburger buns - sesame seeds or not?
Seed 'em up.  But I'm not gonna cry if you offer me one without.

From Demon #1: Whats your favorite flavor of water?I didn't know water came in flavors.  I guess I like water flavored water.

Eclipse is coming out this month... are you going to see it?No.  Not gonna read it, not gonna see it.  You Twilight-obsessed people scare me more than the Harry Potter people.  Really.

Happy Thursday!!

thunks by teens

Welcome to the February 18th version of Thursday Thunks!

This week we will answer some crazy questions brought to you by Berleen's demon spawns (teenagers), the color of snowflakes, and the number 7200.

They are 15 and 13... that is your warning.


1. Why are computer mouses called mouses?
Well, I call them computer mice.  Because it is grammatically correct.
But if I am to reveal my inner computer geek, I would suggest asking Douglas Engelbart, who would probably tell you it had something to do with how the cord looked like a tail..... or something like that.

2. If a guy has no money and he goes into a bar does he get kicked out?
I wouldn't know.  I do know that this this is not a problem for a girl though.  :)

3. Why does Taryn hate rat terrier puppies?
I don't understand the question.  Is this because I am old?

4. Why do polar bears not moo?
If polar bears mooed, what would cows do?

5. Why do people let doves fly at their weddings?
People like to spend lots of money to show off.  Nothing about doves does anything to solidify a marriage.

6. Why are no two snowflakes alike?
How do we know for sure that their not?

7. Why do people want things that don't work? (ads in newspapers - like junk batteries wanted)
I have watched hours and hours of that show Hoarders, and I still couldn't tell you.  I do know that cleaning up their house doesn't fix what's broken there though.  This is more of a refusing to throw out what breaks situation.  I truly have no idea what compels a person to get in their car and drive to where the junk is and bring it home.  Let's assume that have a really good idea for repurposing the item.

8. Why do we have to wear shoes at school?
There is no dollar amount that would be high enough to compel me to walk around barefoot on the floors of a school.  Ick.

9. Why do people wear socks with sandals?
Ummmm...... because all the cool kids are doing it?

10. Why do we always want bear hugs?
I don't.  Hugs shouldn't hurt.  I do like regular hugs though.  May I have one, please?

11. Why do dogs lick people's toes? And why do they like to lick lotion?
Ewwwww.

12. Why do people get this little thing pierced - as she points to the little thing on her ear.
You see, dear sweet teen, some people like to go all out of their way to make a statement.  Even at the risk of personal injury and pain.

13. Why do dogs like to eat out of litterboxes?
Ok, seriously???  What is wrong with your dog???
Make this reason #437 why I will never own a dog.

14. Have you ever eaten a sandwhich that had really weird things in it?
I think weird is subjective.  To me, tomatoes are weird.

15. Why isn't snow purple?
When are the adults getting home to write the questions?

16. When the earth was made why was the sky made blue?
Please see answer above.

17. Why do cats like laser lights?
I don't know why, but I do know that they are compelled, to the point of exhaustion, to chase them.  Just be careful not to give yours a seizure, k?

18. When someone invented Santa Clause, why did they make him fat?
There are a lot of WHY questions this week.  Reminds me of toddlers.
Oh, and because he is a right jolly old elf, and we all know that only fat people are happy.  Skinny people are hungry.  And angry.

19. What do you think Santa does when he's not making toys?
Adorable.  Really.  We all know that the elves make the toys.  Not Santa.

20. Why is it that suddenly I don't care anymore?
Because this was waaaaaaayyyy  a lot of questions compared to most weeks.  Don't overthink.

21. Why are the healthiest things for you most expensive?
Beauty is pain.  And expensive.

They did warn us.....

simple woman's daybook - 2010.02.02

 

FOR TODAY... from My Daybook

Outside my window...  a groundhog who saw his shadow, and letting us know that this winter will be continuing on and on and.....

I am thinking...  I need to get away.

I am thankful for... the time I spend each day with my beautiful children and getting to witness their creative imaginations and growing senses of humor.

I am wearing...  yoga pants and a t-shirt.  My standard uniform.

I am remembering... a time when things made sense.

I am going... to start planning some vacations.

I am currently reading... A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.  Amazing so far.

I am hoping... for some warmer weather.  Winter is not my thing.

On my mind... what do I want to be when I grow up?

Noticing that... The days are running together.  I can go quite a long time without leaving the house or having anyone check in on me.

Pondering these words... "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

From the kitchen... DH made some delish chocolate peanut butter squares.  Yum-O!!

Around the house... laundry, laundry, and more laundry.

One of my favorite things~ laughter.  There is never enough.

From my picture journal...

 

thunking in abscence of original thought

Welcome to the January 21st version of Thursday Thunks!

This week we will answer some crazy questions brought to you by Berleen, the color white chocolate caramel and the number 0.   (My answers in bold.)

1. Pants on the Ground....  No.  Stop it.  I don't watch that show anymore, and refuse to Google the video.  I also would not watch that baby dance video.  I also don't post copycat Facebook statuses.  Really, stop it.  Right now.
2. To compliment Kimber's question from last week.... have you ever fell down the stairs?  I didn't do last weeks thunks, so I don't know what the question was, but I fall down AND up the stairs with more regularity than what is probably normal for a person my age.

3. Have you ever written to a company about their product? Ever called them?  Oh, hell yes.  I am one of THOSE.  I have worked in customer service enough to have both a high tolerance for the poor saps doing the job, and a breaking point and persistence to know that when I have had enough that I will keep going until my voice is heard.

4. Your dog/cat/snake/iguana/pet skunk (or just fill in your pet's species) goes to the vet. Ok, you take them to the vet... most pets wouldn't go on their own. The vet tells you that your species has cancer. Do you:

• a. tell them to pull out the needle and put them to sleep on the spot
• b. take them home and let them live out their life until the end
• c. same as b. except you don't let them get to the suffering stage
• d. go full steam ahead with cancer treatments

Ohhhhhhh.  My cat has cancer and had surgery this week.  It didn't work.  Days are numbered.  :(   
I am not a pet person, and if you asked me I would tell you that I would NEVER drop a bunch of cash into saving a pet.  Until the rare occasions that my pets need it, then I get all soft and sad and do what I have to do for them.
So, to answer the question, we are probably at c.

5. What is your favorite comfort food?  Carbs.  Or ice cream.

6. If your child was put in jail for putting a gun in their spouses mouth and pulling the trigger (even though the gun wasn't loaded), strangling them and breaking their arm... would you post bail for them?   Is that what Charlie Sheen did on Christmas?  I doubt I would ever have the cash to post bail for anyone.  But for my child I bet I would work it out.  Plus, I have girls, so if they are capable of doing such a thing to their spouse, the spouse is either way weak, or has it coming.

7. If elephants had wings, how many feathers do you think they would have on each wing?  Really?  I don't even care how many feathers are on the wings of animals that are supposed to have them.

8. Is there anything growing in your refrigerator right now?  Cleaned it out yesterday.
9. What did you do with your Thursdays while we were on a break?  I didn't thunk.  In fact, I didn't even blog in protest.  Did it work?  :)

10. Would you donate to the Kimber Ark Building Fund and donate wood? She is about to float away after all...   Is this like that Evan Almighty movie?  Drowning in snow this winter, Kimber.  Trade?

11. If I were to send you a letter and I wanted to put a little heart sticker on the back of the envelope, what color sticker would you like it to be?  I love mail!!  Let's be penpals!!  Use any color you want - just write!!  Too desperate?  Then just leave a comment, ok?  Somebody??  Anybody???

disease, sesame street, and flowers.... oh my!!!

Welcome to the November 5th version of Thursday Thunks!

This week we will answer some

crazy questions brought to you by

Kimber, the color of sweet potato pie and the number B12.

1. Mad Cow disease, Bird Flu, Swine Flu...what barnyard animal will cause the next big outbreak of disease?
I feel like we should probably be on the lookout for Goat Fever, Whale Bloat, and Giraffe Sneeze.  Hell, I'm even afraid to pet the cat now for fear of catching Feline Whisker Migraine.

2. Sesame Street turns 40 this month. If you were to be on Sesame Street, which character would you want to be in a scene with?

Ok, well first, this would be my freakin' dream to be on Sesame Street.  I grew up on the stuff, I love it, and I'm not afraid to admit it.  I mean, I totally cried when Mr. Hooper died.  Making me choose just one character to be in a scene with is sorta like picking my favorite kid.  Yikes! 

 

Sooooooo.......

 

I would want to start my day waking up in Bert and Ernie's room, and helping Ernie annoy Bert for a bit.  Then I would take a peek at the Twiddlebugs in his window box before leaving to go see the Count.  

 

I'm thinking we'd get to about SIX, BWA HA HA HA, before I decided to make my way over to see Cookie Monster.  We would resist eating the cookies for a minute or two before shoving them all in our faces spraying crumbs everywhere.  

 

To work off the cookies I would find Grover for a rousing game of Neeeeaaar, Faaaaarrrrrrr.  Near, far, nearfar.  

 

At this point I would probably compete against Prairie Dawn and the Martians (Yip-yip-yip-yip. Uh-huh. Uh-huh.) in a game show hosted by Guy Smiley.  The Martians wouldn't understand the game and I would let Prairie Dawn win, she is such a sweet kid after all.

 

I'm exhausted by now, so I'm thinking a big old nap in Big Bird's nest.  I would wake up, just missing Snuffleupagus (I am from the frustrated generation that struggled to prove he is real) and have a few laughs with Telly and Herry Monster.  (Forget that Abby/Elmo/Zoe crap.  I am old school.)  

 

I would end my day in Oscar's trash can.  He is my true heart's desire.

  

3. We are out shopping for a new laptop. Which one do you pick and why?

I covet this.....

 

4. Have you ever dried a flower in a book (pressing)? If so what was the flower and the name of the book?

The only time I remember doing this is when my daughter and I were in my friend's wedding.  I pressed the flowers from each of our bouquets.  I didn't put them in a book, they are in plastic sleeves.  

 

5. Do you think it's important to study other planets? If so, why or why not?

Important for what?  I always loved astromony, so I guess it is important TO ME in that it is interesting.  I am not sure what practical knowledge we are gaining at this point by studying our own solar system, but perhaps there may be more value in what is happening beyond it.

 

(And ten bucks says Bud works "Uranus" into his response.... any takers??)

:)

 

6. Have you ever walked out of a movie at the theater? What was the movie, how much was the ticket and why did you walk out?

Nah, just can't do it.  I am one of those stick to it types when it comes to these things.  (aka OCD)  I have in recent years forced myself to put down a book or turn off a movie that is starting to suck.  These days it is mostly because once I've forked up the $$$ to be at the theater, I am committed to it - suck or not.

 

7. Does the city/town you live in have traffic enforcement cameras? Have you ever gotten a citation/ticket/fine from one? If so, did you pay or fight it?

Good grief, we only have four street lights total and three police officers..... so no.  Our budget has not yet provided for surveillance equipment.

8. If your neighbor is having a baby would you buy a baby gift for them?

Those are the kind of things I think of, and then never follow through on.  I suck at follow through, but I mean well.

 

9. How many questions are too many questions?

I'm not sure, but actually JUST thought as I was answering the last question that this was a higher than normal amount of questions this week.  Cool.  Isn't bothering me.  Just something I noticed.  :)

 

10. Do you have a handwritten journal you write in everyday?

I don't.  I used to journal a lot, but I don't write daily.  Now I just do it when I need to work through my thoughts.

 

11. Have you already made plans for 2010?

Wow - more than I can believe actually!  I have plans all the way through November.  There are some summer openings at this time if you would like to make an appointment.

 

12. Thursday Thunks has a huge party for all those who play along each week. Where is the party, how long does it last and does Kimber fall off the roof dropping crayons? If so, what color of crayon does she fall on?

Huh?  Is there beer at this party?  And is the beer, GOOD beer?

 

13. We may have "blogger celebrity" questions in the near future. Are you excited?

I am TOTALLY excited!!!

 

Ummmmm...... what is a celebrity blogger question? 

memes, and endorsements, and zombies - oh my!

Welcome to the October 22nd version of Thursday Thunks!

This week we will answer some crazy questions brought to you by

Kimber, the number 70, and the color mellow.

1. If you were to start a meme (or a second or third), what would you call it and what day would you pick?

I think I would go with The Tell-All Tuesday blog meme.   

Or maybe the Please Read My Blog and Leave a Comment Monday blog meme.

Or the It's After 8 o'clock, Everybody Be Quiet and Leave Mommy Alone blog meme.

Or the Hey, It's Saturday Night, Let's Have a Glass of Wine and Forget the Pain of the Work Week blog meme.

(And clearly I have now veered off into just venting about life in this response.....)

2. When a celebrity endorses a product, do you really believe they like it/use it?

Of course I..... Don't!  I would imagine that it is often the case that the day the camera snaps the photo is the first time their hand may have ever touched the product.

My latest fav is how suddenly addicted the morning radio team seems to be to Dunkin Donuts and laser hair removal.  They talk about it every ten minutes or so.  Interesting.

 

3. Why don't zombies ever just eat each other?

Are you saying they don't?  Huh.  I'm more concerned about how ANYONE gets eaten by a zombie when they walk so slowly.  Just run already, and you'd be safe!  

4. If you were an elephant, would you rather roam free or be in a zoo?

This, I think, would be like offering a mother the opportunity to go to jail.  Out in the wild, elephants are at risk of poachers.  In the zoo, they get regular baths and food and a captive audience who thinks they are interesting.

(Three square meals a day, peace and quiet, sleep..... think about it....)

5. The doorbell rings on October 31st, do you answer it?

It is probably one of the only days out of the year that I answer it without expecting anyone specific.

6. If you see a piece of paper on the ground while out & about, do you pick it up? If so, do you look to see what it is?

I am not particularly in the habit of picking up trash off the ground, so no.  If it was left on my desk or the floor of my office or something like that, then yes.

7. If Jon Gosselin and Octomom got married and then their own reality show, do you think she would try to get pregnant again for better ratings?

Totally.  And if anything even remotely like that ever happens, I don't want to hear anything about it.  Ick.

8. If Thursday Thunks was to be put on hold or quit completely, would you be sad?

W H A T ?!?!  

Please don't go.  This is my favorite meme of all time.

Maybe drag in some new co-authors if you are feeling the burnout? 

Really, don't go.

halloween - meh

I have never been much of a Halloween person.  The irony of this, is that I am always surrounded by people in my life who adore this holiday.  Thus, I go along and play along, but in truth, it just really isn't my thing.

I hate costumes.  I am not creative enough to come up with one, I am generally uncomfortable in one, I never feel like I've put a good enough one together..... you get the picture.

I frankly just don't need the temptation of all the candy around.  Although, I do love a good fun size Twix bar now and again.

I don't like to be scared.  I don't like scary movies or haunted houses.  I don't want someone jumping out at me and saying "BOO!"  Scary does not equal good for me.

I don't even really like the dark.

But again, I am surrounded by Halloween lovers.  Soooo, I decorate (actually, I like that part), and we costume, and trick-or-treat, and prepare for the slew of apple bobbin', custome wearin', craft makin', scare inducing parties that are upon us over the next couple weeks.

The good news is, turkey and family togetherness are right around the corner.

i forgot to thunk on a week when they used my question = fail.

Welcome to the October 8th version of Thursday Thunks!

This week we will answer some crazy questions brought to you by

Thursday Thunkers, the number 301 and the color ketchup red.

~This week we will answer questions from the Thunkers themselves. All questions were copied and pasted directly from the blogs. We will continue thunkers questions next week so if we haven't used your question yet... we will!~

1. Bud- What type of meme question is the hardest?

The ones made out of wood.

 

2. Smart Cent's Mom- If you could be any person living or dead, who would you be?

Oprah.  Kathy Griffin is right about her - that bitch rules  the world.

3. Thom- You accidentally bumb into someone at a store and you apologize. The person you bumped into says no problem and you notice food stuck in their teeth. What do you do?

Move on, giggle, tell a friend (probably Bridget or Steven).  I am that kind of stranger.   If this was a friend with something in their teeth, I tell them.  I'm that kind of friend.  Seventh grade science teacher spends a whole class walking around with toilet paper stuck to her shoe, I giggle and make jokes with the kid sitting next to me the whole class.  I am that kind of student.

 

4. Captured Memories- "Do you ever shed a tear when you poop?"

Seriously???  Would that be because it hurts, you feel such relief, or you are so damn proud of the thing?

Next!

 

5. Mejis- If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it, it's still a tree, right?

No, now it is firewood.  Light a campfire and make s'mores.

 

6. Tosin- What is something you have said to someone that you wish you could take back?

I can do this on my own.

I am vulnerable.

Yes, let's do that!

No, I don't want to.

I hate you.

I love you.

 

7. Annie's home- not feeling very creative here so I will ask if you were in the Big Brother house how would you play the game?

From the second I walked through the door.  But I would not let that show until much later.  The one's who play too hard and show their hand too early go down for it.  Can you say Ronnie, anyone?

 

8. Meandering Matt- Mac (which is still a PC (personal computer) in my opinion) or PC (Microsoft)?

Stuck in a PC world, lusting over a Mac book.  Looking for a sponsor.  Let me know.

 

9. Living Dead Nurse- Do you think Jay Leno’s show should be cancelled?

I think the whole concept of his prime time late night talk show is really stupid.  If you weren't done having your show, why did you leave it?

 

10. Dixie Chick- I LOVE VICTORIA SECRET PANTIES AND THEY ARE THE ONLY KIND I WEAR. JUST BOUGHT 5 NEW PAIR THE OTHER DAY. 2 BLACK, 2 RED AND 1 PURPLE. THEY ARE ALL FRESHLY WASHED AND READY TO WEAR. MY QUESTION IS.....WHAT SIZE BRA DO I WEAR...?

This question is a little schizophrenic.  Like one of those math problems with too much information in it.  But I'm going to say it is 38DD or below.  I know this, because I can't buy bras there that fit.  So yours may be prettier, but mine are bigger.  Deal with it.

11. And finally one by Kimber (just so you don't think I am too lazy)- There is a rattlesnake living behind the warehouse my husband's company just moved into, tarantulas in our side yard, scorpions all around at night and coyotes howling and running down the street in front of our house. So what color sheets will you want on your bed when you come to visit me?

Aw, sweetie.  It won't matter what color they are when I pass out on them after my fourth martini, now will it?  Feel better!!

mouthwash, phone numbers, and a couple thunkers questions (but not as many as i would have thought)

Welcome to the October 1st version of Thursday Thunks!

This week we will answer some crazy questions brought to you by

Kimber, the number uno and the color of the night in a moonless sky.
 

1. What color is your mouthwash?

It's, ummmmm....., I don't-use-any colored?  But I do brush and floss faithfully.  Does that count?

2. Do you remember your first phone number? Have you called it recently?
First, like when I was a baby?  I have moved over twenty times in my life.  So, yeah.  I don't remember it.  The earliest one I remember is......  329-1808.  And I don't even remember what area code it was, so I have no idea which phone number it is.  I'm guessing it was when I lived in OK?  So obviously I haven't called it recently.  Why would I do that?  I barely call my CURRENT phone number, let alone previous ones!

3. BPD in OKC's question- Do you have a super-secret hiding place and what's in it?
I have a couple not-so-super-secret hiding places.  I have already started Christmas shopping, and that stuff is tucked away.  Other than that, I don't have much worthy of a super-secret hiding spot.  Answering questions like this make me feel so vanilla.

4. When was the last time you used a pay phone? How much did it cost to make the call?

Crickey - I didn't even think those things still existed until I was way out in Podunk, USA a few weeks ago and saw one.  I couldn't believe it!  I haven't actually used one in so long I can't remember doing so, but I'd venture to guess it ran me a quarter or so.

5. What was that noise?

The sound of my hopes and dreams being crushed under the heel of the world's giant boot.
(Guess I am still a little ray of sunshine this evening...)

6. Stef H's question-how long is a woodpecker's pecker?
a.  Ewww.  And 2.  A woodpecker's pecker is as long as a woodpecker's pecker if a woodpecker would peck wood.  Or something like that.
 

7. How many comments did you receive on your last Thursday's Thunk?

Well let me look that up for you.....8.  And as a bonus, I leave you with........ BumpIts.

 

friday fill-ins #139

And...here we go!  My answers are in blue.

1. He was a misanthropic piece of garbage.

2. The return of beautiful fall days is what I look forward to most this time of year.

3. My best friend is a position that is available.  Would you care for an application?

4. In order to build true bonds, you must be honest with me and allow me to be honest with you.

5. Appearances can be a means to making ridiculous and completely inaccurate judgments.

6. The last person I gave a hug to was my little Sweetie.  She is always such a ray of sunshine.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to resting my weary bones, tomorrow my plans include making the most of hurricane conditions and Sunday, I want to clean up all the messy muckies!

bs, dog kisses, memories, and you guessed it.....more!

Welcome to the August 27th version of Thursday Thunks!

This week we will answer some crazy questions brought to you by

Kimber, the number of kids I have and the color of dead roses.

1. Have you ever played Bullshit?
I have! We played it for the duration of the twelve hour bus trip to Toronto back in high school. In between Truth or Dare games of course, where I made Jodi kiss Brent. Ha ha!!!
I don't remember how to play it anymore though. Oh well.

2. A dog licks you on your face. Are you disgusted or thinking it was sweet?

I dry heaved just reading this question. I am sooo not a dog person. Dog slobber is one of the reasons why. Blech!

3. Tell us about a fun/special memory you have of a grandparent.

When we went to Nigeria and met my grandmother for the first time, she met us at the airport. My parents were dealing with paperwork or customs or something, and I remember standing on one side of a sliding door with my sisters, and a woman standing on the other side smiling so big and waving. She recognized us instantly, but she didn't speak English and didn't know what to say. She was just so happy and crying and waving, as the door slide open and closed, open and closed. It was a great moment, meeting her for the first time.

4. Have you ever pet a rat?

On purpose??? Uh, no.

5. If I walked into your kitchen, where are the cups?

In the cup cabinet? I don't get this question. Where else do cups go? Measuring cups? Cabinet. Coffee cups? Cabinet. Cup of sugar? Cabinet. Bra cups? On my chest.

6. Since you already let me in your home, I found the cup and had water, now where's the bathroom from the kitchen?

Just past the cups on the left. It has bright red walls, and the washer and dryer are in there. Feel free to do a load while your in there. And don't forget to wash your hands.

7. Have you ever pet a turtle or tortoise?
I've touched them, but what is there to pet? I'm not sure human nor turtle derive any satisfaction from petting a turtle shell. That would be the equivalent of someone petting the roof of my house.

questions about this and that and that other thing

Welcome to the August 13th version of Thursday Thunks!

This week we will answer some crazy questions brought to you by

Kimber, the number 4812 and the color of storm clouds.

1. Hypothetical question- you are in a building with famous works of art, old manuscripts of famous novels, and original sheet music from famous composers. The building is on fire and looks to be completely destroyed. Do you grab any of the famous works before fleeing, and if so what?
I suppose I would try to grab the lot. Well, not the art if it is cumbersome. And the manuscripts are probably bulky as well. And am I really supposed to be able to make out pages of sheet music in a pile of burning rubble?
Wait, why am I standing in a burning building that is completely destroyed and contains originals of this many artistic items? I am assuming that my own life is not at risk? (Ah, this is where the hypothetical part comes in.) Yep, then I'd grab the lot. I am a sucker for all things creative and artistic.

2. In August 1969, the Manson family went on a 2 night killing spree. Do you think 40 years later they have paid for their crimes?
I don't know nuthin 'bout no Manson killing spree.

3. Power Outage! What's the longest you have been without power?
5 days. And trust me when I say, it's too damn long.

4. Just bought a new tazer gun. Will you let it be tested it on you to see if it works, and how it feels to be tazered?
Tell me someone else reading this has seen The Hangover? (Not you, Fat Jesus. Slide it on back...)

5. A neighbor's mail was delivered to you. In it is a magazine not wrapped in plastic. Is it ok for you to flip through it before giving it to the neighbor? Do you tell them you looked through it?
Ok, well since you are obligating me to give it to them (yeah, yeah, I would have anyways... Geez!!) If it was of interest I might flip through. And I'm not sure I would mention it. That would feel weird.

6. If I went through your purse/wallet right now, what all would I find in there?
Let's take a look, shall we? Makeup bag, wallet - with no cash whatsoever, brush with a broken handle, pen, notebook, mints, lotion, Advil, receipts, sunglasses, a broken bracelet, a broken ring, checkbook, napkins, chapstick, tampons, dance schedule, pictures, and Lisa's birthday card.

7. Have you been living under a rock?
It's so quiet and cool under here. Please don't let anyone know where I've been hiding. Thanks.

8. Tell us something crazy you did this week.
Ok, I'll tell, but let's keep it amongst ourselves, shall we? I considered some major life changes. And they're crazy. And that's all I have to say about that.

questions much to do about nothing

Questions much to do about nothing.

Welcome to the August 6th version of Thursday Thunks!

This week we will answer some crazy questions brought to you by Berleen, the number 1 and the color of the crap under your shoe.

1. What the hell were you thinking?
Dude. I NEVER know what the hell I am thinking. I am too worried about what the hell everyone else is thinking. What the hell were YOU thinking???

2. The tornado sirens go off in your neighborhood - what do you do?
Pause to wonder when we passed the town budget to include entirely unnecessary weather alert systems.

When I lived in an area where this question actually applied, if it is noon on Friday, just go about my business. Any other time, step outside to watch the clouds swirl.

(Yes I know. What happens if a tornado hits at noon on Friday? Dude! We are screwwwwwed!!!)

3. Give us a recipe.
1 Stick
1 Marshmallow
3 Squares of a Hershey bar
2 Graham Crackers

Preheat campfire all evening until there is a nice bed of hot coals. Put the marshmallow on the end of the stick. Hold it low to the coals, out of the direct flame, and slowly rotate. Heat to a nice golden brown. Do not set the marshmallow on fire. It might look cool, but it tastes gross. Anyone who says otherwise is a liar and a wiseass. While roasting the marshmallow, have a friend place the chocolate squares on one of the graham crackers. When the marshmallow is ready, place it on the chocolate and have your friend put the graham on top and pull the marshmallow off the stick. Eat, and say mmmmmmm.

4. It's the middle of the night, there isn't a car in sight and you are stuck at a red light that just won't change.... how long do you wait until you run it?
Not very long, especially if I am in a more rural area. I will readily admit to doing this more often than not. For someone married to a guy who puts those things up for a living, I just don't seem to have very much respect for them.

5. When was the last time you got all dressed up fancy-like? Where did you go?
I'd like to think that every day I am all fancy-like. Are you saying my frayed jeans and sweatshirt aren't fancy? Ok, I am not fancy. Even whilst purposely trying to be so. I am frumpy by design. Good grief, is this blatant stall actually covering for the fact that I can't think of the last time I went anywhere requiring me to be even remotely fancy? I guess I've gone out for a few nice dinners where I gave a go at not looking like I just got off the treadmill. Phew, yeah. I don't know......

6. Have you ever had a mole removed?
Actually, there was a dead one in the garden recently, and I certainly had hubby remove that sucker right away!
Wait, what?

7. Are you in an area of record highs or record lows for the temps this summer? Are you lucky and stuck in the middle where it's somewhat normal?
I am in the record suck area. If it rains one more day I swear to G*d I am going to jump.

8. When was the last time you changed your furnace filter?
I am pretty sure we have a guy for that.

9. What's your favorite type of frog?
Blue poison dart frog. Duh.

10. If you were to go on America's Got Talent, what would you do for your talent? (and choosing not to go is not an option....)
Flaming Baton twirling. I have already choreographed my routine. Why aren't they calling?

11. Have you ever been on a rooftop of a building?
Yes. The last time it rained and I was considering jumping. Then I realized it was only a two story building and the worst that probably would happen was a broken bone, and that would just be more of an inconvenience than anything else. And it probably isn't good for the cast to get that wet in ALL THIS RAIN.

12. What is the first website you go to each day when you sit down at your computer, other than your email?
iGoogle. It is my homepage. And has allllll my loverly apps for all my favorite stuff.

Have a great week, y'all! Peace out!!

mindless meme

1) Right now I want: My kiddos home. I miss them soooooo much.

2) I wish I knew how to: Play piano. We are getting a piano, as soon as I figure out how to get it moved. I hope someday I will be able to take lessons.

3) When I want to indulge myself, I: Eat something I shouldn't. Shop. Mani/Pedi. Ahhhhh.

4) You’ll never see me: Satisfied and settled. Always striving for more....

5) A childhood memory that I love: My sisters and I loved the water so much. When we went to the freezing New England ocean we wouldn't ever want to get out of the icy water. After wearing ourselves out swimming, we would still stay in the water floating around. To entertain ourselves we would start singing "California Dreaming" by the Mamas and the Papas. I'm not sure why we even knew that song at the time, but we would stand in that water singing that song for hours!

6) 2 things I do every single day: take my vitamins, check my email

7) Happiest moment of 2009, so far: Nothing specific comes to mind (weird?), but time spent with my family and time spent with my friends has all been great.

8) Describe yourself in 3 words: nothing comes easy

9) 2 scrap related goals for this year: Organize my photos. It is MOSTLY done. But it needs to be all the way done. Then I can start printing my digi stuff and get working on that. I have been holding back on printing for that reason. Secondly, I would like to start the Disney stuff. I will be very excited to work on that.

10) You have $40 that you MUST spend on yourself – what do you do with it? I would probably get a pedicure. Flip flop season is here! - here's hoping this mandatory 40 bucks falls out of the sky soon!

a bunch of stupid questions by kimber and an all points bulletin for sunny downs

A Bunch Of Stupid Questions By Kimber

Welcome to the July 30th version of Thursday Thunks!

This week we will answer some crazy questions brought to you by

Kimber, the number 14 and the color of life. (2 questions by Ber, figure out which 2.)

1. You are in an enclosed space with a group of friends. Elevator, auto, small room, etc.. You fart and it really stinks. Do you take credit for it or do you play along with the questioning of who did it?
Dude - I am NOT owning up to that! :) In fact, I may even choose one of you suckas to blame it on! (Ewwww!!! You stannnnnkkk!!!!!)

2. You are locked in a room sitting at a desk with just a piece of paper and a purple crayon. What do you draw?
I can't draw. I am more of a doodler. I would probably start swirling and twirling all over the page until it was completely covered in my purple haze.

3. Do you ever pee in the shower?
No. And don't you pee in my shower either.

4. Have you bought, sold or got rid of something on Craigslist?
I haven't. I find the way it is organized too confusing and it is chock full of spam. I just haven't found it useful or user friendly.

5. You are in a convenience store. In the line in front of you is a drunk guy trying to purchase more alcohol. The cashier tells him they cannot sell it to him because he is obviously already intoxicated. He gets belligerent. The cashier is scared. What do you do?
I think my answers to the last few sets of questions should show by now that I am a person of inaction. I would probably just make sympathetic faces at the cashier and Jedi mind trick the drunk to move along.

6. While shopping for produce, do you "sample" before you buy (i.e. grapes)?
I don't. That stuff's dirty. Of course, once I get it home I may just pop one in my mouth without washing. I can't even explain why that's rational.

7. You are walking down the street and there is a toddler sitting on a bench by themselves in front of a store - do you just keep walking?
Did whoever write this question ever actually HAVE a toddler? Because I have NEVER seen one just sit still for any reason. As if it was that easy..... :)

8. Have you looked up an old friend and/or lover online?
I do. And she is like a missing person or something, because I can't find her. If anyone knows Sunny Downs, and where she is now, please tell me. Maybe she will google herself one day and this entry will come up! Call me! It's Tosin!!!

9. You are nearly in a car/auto accident. Do you freak out, follow the person who nearly caused it & talk to them or just keep going?
Beep, swear, flip them the bird, beep again, tail them for a minute, realize my kids are in the car, gain composure, and move about my day as normal.

Have a stellar week!! Peace out, Y'All!!