cuz Lesley said I had to

Her blog, her rules

1. Where is your cell phone? counter
2. Where is your significant other? searching
3. Your hair color? brownish
4. Your mother? inquisitive
5. Your father? strong
6. Your favorite thing? WJ
7. Your dream last night? eerie
8. Your dream/goal? happiness
9. The room you're in? kitchen
10. Your hobby? GH
11. Your fear? death
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? stable
13. Where were you last night? home
14. What you're not? boring
15. One of your wish-list items? Dyson
16. Where you grew up? Cali
17. The last thing you did? sleep
18. What are you wearing? jammies
19. Your TV? off
20. Your pet? Jake
21. Your computer? ThinkPad
22. Your mood? FUD
23. Missing someone? always!
24. Your car? Focus
25. Something you're not wearing? panties
26. Favorite store? Target
27. Your summer? gone
28. Love someone? yes
29. Your favorite color? black
30. When is the last time you laughed? yesterday
31. Last time you cried? Sunday

Now it's your turn!

yeah, it's been awhile!

I've been pinged by a few of you asking "Are you ever going to blog again?"

Well, it's not an original excuse, but it's the truth. I've been busy! Truly busy. Not too busy to keep reading everything all of you are writing about, and occasionally comment. Just too busy to give blogging any real thought.

I've noticed a few of you doing a meme that was started by Avitable, and that I found over at Kapgar's. Maybe this will get my juices flowing to start writing again since I really miss it.

Here's my take on things...

My favorite age: 40 – truly the best year of my life… so far!

My best friend: Stacie and Groove – sometimes they both know more about me than I know about me.

My celebrity crush: Sean Connery – yummy!

My defining characteristic: I’m told it’s my blue eyes.

My most evil moment: Do you think I’d honestly put that in writing? Those who were with me know, and they’ll never tell either.

My favorite food: That’s a hard one. If I had to pick only one I’d say enchiladas, but any and all pasta comes in close second.

My grossest injury: The bloodiest was when I sliced the tip of my finger off while shaving potatoes on a mandolin, but I think the bruise on my ass from slipping off the stairs going out my back door was the ugliest.

My biggest hatred: People who whine, ask for advice and then never do anything to help themselves.

My most illegal activity: I plead the 5th on this one.

My need for justice: What goes around, comes around.

My most knowledgeable field: Having fun!

My life's goal: To quote an unknown author, "Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It's the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference."

My mother's influence: Being inquisitive.

My nerdiest point: Having the clothes in my closet sorted and grouped by color.

My oldest memory: Coming home from my Grandmother’s house on Thanksgiving when I was 5 and finding that someone had broken in and turned the house “upside down” taking stuff. Didn’t sleep right for months.

My perfect date: Date? What’s that?

My unanswered question: Why with the power of the Death Star do we not have a tray that is fucking dry?

My random fact: I haven’t been on an airplane in over 4 years.

My stupidest decision: Quitting college to work full-time after getting my Associates degree.

My favorite television show: Survivor. Season premiere is tomorrow!

My style of underwear: VS thongs.

My favorite vegetable: Corn – any form – and tomatoes.

My weakest trait: I’m with Kevin on this one. Delegating tasks. I like to be in control.

My X-men power: I know nothing about X-men, so I had to look this one up. I’ll go with telekinesis like Jean Grey.

My strongest yearning: To live happy.

My moment of Zen: Relaxing with friends.

name that tune - another iTunes meme

It's been awhile since I've done a good meme and found this one floating around. Hell, I might have already done it before, but if it's about tunes, it's always worth doing... even if it's for a second time.

Open up iTunes, if you have it (if not, improvise), and answer the following questions:

How many total songs?
423 songs, 1.1 days, 1.70 GB (I don't store all my tunes in iTunes, so there's LOTS more I just haven't imported)

Sort by song title - first and last
A*****e Father, Sick Puppies, Dressed Up As Life
(You Want To) Make a Memory, Bon Jovi, Lost Highway

Sort by time - shortest and longest
I Don't Care, Black Flag, Everything Went Black - 0:59 seconds
Free Bird, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Guitar Rock (1974-1975) - 9 minutes, 0:05 seconds

Sort by Album - first and last
Act III, Death Angel
Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!, Hellogoodbye

Sort by Artist - first and last
ABBA
Yes

Top five played songs:
Jump Jive 'n' Wail, Brian Setzer
Don't Know What You Got, Cinderella
All the Same, Sick Puppies
Clocks, Coldplay
Carry on Wayward Son, Kansas

Find the following words. How many songs show up?
Sex: 0
Death: 4
Love: 8
You: 59
Home: 10
Boy: 6
Girl: 8

First five songs that come up on Party Shuffle
What If, Creed
Pump Up the Jam, Technotronic
Everything About You, Ugly Kid Joe
My Own Prison, Creed
You And Me, Lifehouse

And now, all that remains is to tag. I tag:
If you're a music freak, consider yourself tagged

remember me? - the final round

As I was trying to clean up my inbox this morning I realized that there's only one word to describe me these days. Slacker!! That's right. Complete and total slacker on anything that doesn't have to do with work, my kiddo, and/or the necessities of life.

I found two sets of questions that I never answered. Oy! Sorry girls. Here's the Q&A for the final round of Remember me?

Hilly wants to know:
1. What do you think of Angelina Jolie?
DSL, baby! DSL!!!

2. When did you last eat a cupcake?
Ummm... maybe a year ago? Sad, I know.

3. Boxers or Briefs? (on men) Why?
Boxers. They leave a little something to the imagination.

4. What did you last buy that made you happy?
A piece of artwork in celebration of my previous, tumultuous three years.

5. What's your favorite time of the day?
First thing in the morning, when the kiddo's still sleeping, and I'm hanging out, waking up, and trying to keep up with all you verbous bloggers.

6. How would you teach the world to sing?
In perfect harmony?

LOL

I used to sing (in public) when I was younger, and I've been told that my voice doesn't totally suck, but I seriously doubt anyone would want me teaching anyone, let alone the world, to sing.

7. Whom would you most like to get drunk with?
Stacie. I'm trying to help her come out of her shell!

38 more days, baby!!! W00t!!!!

**************************************************

And Nicki (as my final inquisitor) wants to know:

1. What do you think of boochachas?
I've been told on more than one occassion that I've got a pretty nice set of them.

2. When did you last fart?
About 30 minutes ago

3. Boxers or Briefs? Why?
See question #3 above

4. What did you dream of last night?
I was so tired last night, I didn't dream.

I go through stages where I have very, very elaborate dreams for nights on end and then total dry spells with nothing I remember. Last weekend I had a few doozies, but nothing since then.

5. What's your favorite blog? - I can answer this one - Everybody Else is Doing It.
Indeed. LOL

6. How would you tip a stripper?
Is this a male or a female stripper?

The female strippers don't seem to like me much being that the guys aren't giving them (the strippers) their undivided attention.

7. Whom would you most like to poison?
Oh, that's an easy one! Can you say beeyotch!??! I knew you could.

Thanks to everyone who participated! I'm sure you don't know me any better than you did before this all started. But, hell! At least I blogged a few times this month.

remember me? - Round 2

Well the week got away from me again, but I still have more questions that need answering so here's the next round.

Stacie wants to know:

1. What do you think of your new blackberry?

I'm addicted! Now if I could just get you added as a contact. Grrr!!

2. When did you last go on a road trip?

Depends on what your definition of a road trip is. If it's just driving for longer than an hour or so away from home, then it was the middle of last month when I went to Oregon. Otherwise I guess I'd have to say it was March '01 when I moved to WA from Arizona.

3. Skiing or rock climbing? Why?

I really wouldn't pick either, but I'll take skiing. Keeping my feet on the ground sounds better than dangling in mid air.

4. What did you want the most for Christmas as a kid?

A 10-speed bicycle. I finally got one right before going into the 6th grade and promptly told my parents to keep it since I was also told the reason they'd finally bought me one was because I was being sent to a new school that was further away.

5. What's your favorite laundry detergent?

Tide

6. How would you like to come visit me?

Nah. That doesn't sound like much fun at all. :P

7. Whom would you most like to kick?

Depends on the day, but in general, stupid drivers.

****************

And Groove asks:

1. What do you think of free soda?

Free is always good.

2. When did you last mamba horizontally?

I don't mamba, or limbo, or any other latin dancing. But thanks for asking.

3. Silk or Cotton? Why?

Cotton. I'm a low maintenance kinda girl.

4. What did you have fun doing last week?

Playing pool.

5. What's your favorite pick-up line?

Is it time? LOL

6. How would you break into a sperm bank?

Doubtful I'd ever want/need to break into a sperm bank considering I'm done having kidlets.

7. Whom would you most like to (Damn Sizzle stole it) rub virgin olive oil into their scalp?

You! I'd take all those long locks you're growing, lube 'em up, then slick 'em back.

remember me? - Round 1

Wow! I'm shocked there's still any of you who care enough to check up on li'l old me. Makes a girl feel kinda special!

Here's Round 1 of the Q&A from the Remember Me? questions I posted yesterday. (I'm calling this Round 1 assuming there might be another round. Then again, maybe no one else cares. We'll see. LOL)

Here are Sizzle's questions:

1. What do you think of the LOST season finale?

LOST? What is this LOST you speak of? I know I've been missing for awhile, but I had no idea they'd created a finale about it.

2. When did you last get a pedicure?

Um... never. In case I haven't already mentioned it before I have a foot phobia. Now, let me just say that doesn't keep me from putting on my "party toes" during the sandal wearing season (are we ever going to have one out here this year?), but the idea of someone else touching my feet. Ewww!!!

3. Chocolate or Vanilla? Why?

Definitely chocolate. There is no other choice.

4. What did you do on Sunday?

This past Sunday I got up, read through blogs (yes, I still read even though I don't post or comment much), yakked with Stacie for a bit, put away some laundry, washed some more laundry, talked to my Dad, showered, watched NASCAR, went to the grocery store, played hide-n-seek out front with the little man and all the other neighbor kids, made dinner, checked work email, then vegged out in front of the TV.

5. What's your favorite pizza topping?

Honestly I don't have a favorite. There's truly one two things I won't eat on a pizza - anchovies and cashews.

6. How would you explain a prolonged absence without really giving anything away?

There's this thing called work. It pays my bills. It keeps me working strange hours. It's even been known to make me think once or twice. And... it's definitely gotten in the way of my personal computer time. And then there's this other thing about taking a break and not really posting much of anything of personal nature because snooping eyes (you know who you are) like to read about it.

7. Whom would you most like to shag?

Stacie.

Okay, not really. But if I swung that way...

I could go with someone obvious like Matthew McConaughey, but I'd like a sexy man with more experience so I'll say Sean Connery.

********

And here's Kim's questions:

1. What did you think of all natural disasters in the world?

Apocalypse. I know where I'm headed when it comes.

2. When did you last go to the theater?

You know it's been too long when you can't remember. I think it was either Meet the Robinsons or Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End. Whichever came to the theater 2nd.

3. Sweet or Salty? Why?

Yes. One always follows the other. There is no separation.

4. What did you eat for breakfast?

I don't eat breakfast, so Diet Coke and a smoke it is.

5. What's your favorite thing to do in the evening?

Relax on the phone with friends and have a couple of beers.

6. How would you quit your job if you could do it any way you want?

Oh, I'm in NO way thinking of quitting my job since I've worked very, very hard to get it and hold on to it, but... if I was going to quit, it'd depend on the circumstances. I pretty much don't like to leave a place in a bad way just in case I ever need to go back to them for whatever reason, but in my wild imagination I'd walk up to everyone I've ever thought was a moron and tell them directly to their faces.

Quite the imagination, eh?

7. Whom would you most like to meet?

You.

Hehe! Okay, you and a bunch of the other bloggers I've gotten to know over the past few years. I just never seem to be able to make any of the meet ups that are scheduled either because of work, lack of funds, or whatever.

remember me?

I know it's been months since I've posted anything. What can I say? I've been busy? I've not had anything to write (bullshit)? I've been a slacker (mayhaps!)? Whatever.

It's not that I don't think of posting, I just don't do it. But when I saw Chag's Libs I figured I'd throw one out there for myself on the off chance there's still anyone who checks up on me periodically to see what I think.

With that said, here you go. Leave a comment filling in the blanks to the questions and I'll answer them in a future post. Whatever you want. Within reason, of course.

1. What do you think of ________?

2. When did you last ________?

3. ________ or ________? Why?

4. What did you ________?

5. What's your favorite ________?

6. How would you ________?

7. Whom would you most like to ________?

You know you want to.

Because I've been gone so long, a meme for you

A MEME IN PICTURES (stolen shamelessly from Hilly & Karl)
Here’s how it works:
1. Go to www.photobucket.com
2. Type in your answer to the question in the “search” box
3. Use only the first page
4. Insert the picture into your Blog

1.) What is your relationship status?



2.) What is your current mood?



3.) Who is your favorite band/artist?



4.) What is your favorite movie?



5.) What kind of pet do you have?



6.) Where do you live?



7.) Where do you work?



8.) What do you look like?



9.) What do you drive?



10.) What did you do last night?



11.) What is your favorite TV show?



12.) Describe yourself.



13.) What are you doing today?



14.) What is your name?



15.) What is your favorite candy?

thinking differently

I was tagged last week by Jenny at stickyfeathers for this thinking challenge. To get the blah blah out of the way, here's the rules..... Write a blog post about thinking differently. Let them know it's part of the Think Different Challenge and include a link and/or trackback to this post. At the end go ahead and tag some fellow bloggers. Don’t forget to let them know they've been tagged.

Wow this is a tough one! At the ripe old age of forty my opinion meter is pretty well stuck on most subjects. I’ve sat here running through things I might be able to think differently about and am really stretching on this one. Don’t know that I can actually pull it off, but it’s worth putting in writing I suppose.

The thing I’d like to start thinking differently about is me. That’s right, me. I am totally my own worst critic (I think?). I’m pretty damned hard on myself and hold myself to a much higher standard than I do anyone else. Why is this? Was it the way I was raised? Was there some turning point in my life that I can’t quite pin down? Who the hell knows, but I’m willing to examine it and give it shot, so here goes.

The physical me
One would think after working hard to lose a whopping 45 lbs. I’d have a better self-image. One would be wrong. Any time I look in the mirror I find something, and more times than not multiple something(s), to criticize. From my muffin top to my hair to my double-chin, all are open targets. And I won’t even tell you how disgusted the wide load I carry on the back side makes me. I want to start looking in the mirror and seeing the positive, the progress I’ve made, and not worry so much about what’s left to work on.

The emotional me
I’m a worrier. I worry about anything and everything. Sadly many of my worries are things that are out of my control, such as problems my friends are facing that the intellectual side of me knows I can’t fix but the emotional side wants to. I want to continue to be as supportive as I can but stop sweating what I know I cannot change. Maybe this will help with my erratic sleep cycle?

The intellectual me
Haha! What intellectual me? See, there I go criticizing myself again. I’ve never claimed to be the sharpest crayon in the box but I’m certainly not the dullest either. For years I’ve beat myself up for not finishing my college degree. I know, it’s never too late, yet right now I really can’t see (read as “afford”) finishing it. I want to stop using it as an excuse for not finding that ideal job. I want to use the brain power I know I harness for bettering myself. I just wish my brain wasn’t always so tired.

So there you have it. I want/need to start thinking differently about me. Let’s see what these people want to think differently about…

Liss at Epiphanies & Random Thoughts
Nicki at Everybody Else is Doing It
Lesley at patron saint of smart mouths

crazy 8's

I honestly cannot believe how freakin' long it took me to do this meme. This was real dedication folks. I totally deserve brownie points (or, better yet, brownies) for completing this one. Thanks to Bill, here's my Crazy 8's.

8 Things I’m Passionate About

1. The Little Man – I never knew I could love someone so much until my little man came along. Oh, there are moments when I don't like him very much - like when he decides he's going to lie to me - but I do, and always will, love him from the bottom of my heart.
2. True Friends – True friends are hard to find, and even harder to keep. But once you're in my circle it takes a hell of a lot to pushed out.
3. Cooking – I love to cook! New recipes. Tried and true favorites. Experimenting with different ingredients. Though I don't get the opportunity to cook as much as I like anymore, it still ranks up there. Just don't ask me to wash the dishes!
4. Reading – Getting lost in a good book on a wet and dreary day while huddled under the covers sipping a cup of hot coffee or tea is one of the best stress relievers I know.
5. Photography – Though I'm certainly not the best photographer, I truly enjoy taking pictures. But most of all, I like looking back at the memories.
6. Writing – Besides blog writing (if you can even call that writing in the true sense of the word) I've tinkered with writing journals, poetry, and short stories. And, no, you can't see any of it.
7. Talking – Whether in person, on the phone, IM, or email I love to talk. And I wonder why the little man often has diarrhea of the mouth!? Uh huh.
8. Scrapbooking – Another passion I haven't taken much time (read as none) for lately, but one day I hope to get back into the swing of things and catch up with it again.

8 Things I Want To Do Before I Die:

1. See the little man graduate from college – He'll be the very first in the entire family to do so.
2. Travel to Egypt – I've always been fascinated with ancient Egyptian history and would love to see the pyramids before they're lost forever.
3. Take the little man to Disneyland – It really is the most magical place on earth!
4. Drive a race car – Speed. The faster the better. One thing my Uncle and I always talked about was driving a race car. He's gone now, but I'd love to make it a reality myself.
5. Learn to play the drums – Doesn't that sound like fun?
6. Take a photography class.
7. Go on a cruise – preferably a Disney cruise.
8. Visit Stacie and Liss in Maryland!!!

8 Things I Say Often:

1. Sweetpea – The little man’s nickname.
2. NMP – Not My Problem
3. WTF!?!
4. Apparently – Cuz that Lee family sure does get around!
5. Goodnight. Sweet Dreams. I love you! – The bedtime ritual.
6. Stoopid – Covers a wide range of people and subjects.
7. Dumas – I seem to encounter many.
8. Stop licking!! – What can I say? I have a dog who thinks he’s a cat.

8 Books I’ve read recently: (for this one I’m defining recently as the last 8 books I’ve read – some aren’t so recent)

1. Bergdorff Blondes by Plum Sykes
2. Twelve Sharp by Janet Evanovich
3. The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield (this was my 2nd reading)
4. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
5. Undead and Unwed by Mary Janice Davidson
6. Undead and Unemployed by Mary Janice Davidson
7. Undead and Unappreciated by Mary Janice Davidson
8. Undead and Unreturnable by Mary Janice Davidson

8 Songs I Could Listen To Over And Over:

1. Crazy by Aerosmith

2. More Than a Feeling by Boston

3. Tomorrow by Avril Lavigne

4. Over You by Daughtry

5. Take It To the Limit by The Eagles

6. Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Green Day

7. Look What You’ve Done by Jet

8. All the Same by Sick Puppies


8 Things That Attract Me To My Best Friends:

1. They’re just as evil and crazy as me
2. They like to talk, but more important they’ll listen to me
3. They tell it like it is
4. Even when I don’t want to hear it
5. They always have good advice
6. They know how to have a good time
7. They accept me despite my flaws
8. They think I’m hawt

8 People I Think Should Do Crazy 8’s:

1. Nicki from Everybody Else is Doing It
2. Liss from Epiphanies & Random Thoughts
3. Stacie from {forking madness over here}
4. Tony from Creative-Type Dad
5. Whiskeymarie from Never What You Think It Should Be…
6. Sue from The Torn Pages
7. Aimee from Greeblemonkey
8. Neil from Citizen of the Month

7 facts meme

I can always count on my dear friend Stacie to tag me with a meme or two, and since the gears aren't moving too quickly this morning I figure it's a good day to play along.

Here's the rules:
1-Link to your tagger (see above), and also post these rules on your blog.
2-Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3-Tag 7 people at the end of your post (see below) by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4- Let them know they are TAGGED by leaving a comment on their blog.

Here's my 7:

• 
  I hate feet, except for baby feet. Yeah, I know this is one that Stacie used on her list, but it's definitley my number one weird fact.
• 
  I have a totally screwed up sleep cycle. Some nights I fall asleep in the recliner as early as 8pm, and other nights I can't seem to fall asleep at all.
• 
  Speaking of sleep, I cannot fall asleep unless I'm on my stomach. I can change positions during the night, but when first trying to doze off I must be on my stomach with my head cocked to the right or it just isn't happening.
• 
  I can't point straight. Try this out. Make a fist and then put your index finger out as if you're pointing at something. Most people's index finger is in line with their hand and arm, but not mine. Mine curves sharply to the side whether I'm using my right or left hand. Weird, huh?
• 
  I color coordinate my undergarments with my clothing.
• 
  I hate being submerged in water. This includes swimming, sitting in a hot tub, or taking a bath. As far as I'm concerned water serves two purposes - making coffee and showering.
• 
  When I was little, I used to think a little birdy followed me around and reported back to my mother when I'd done something wrong. More on this in another post.

So, here's where the tagging part comes in. Tell me your 7 random/weird facts:

Bill - Make it a Double
Sue - The Torn Pages
Lesley - patron saint of smart mouths
Marni - It's a Pug's Life
Chag - Cynical Dad
Tim - LA Daddy
Miss Sizzle - Sizzle Says

thanks for playing! don't forget your parting gifts

I have to admit when I posted that meme the other day I really didn't think many people would participate, so I'm shocked that all of you who did took the time to do it. What I'm more shocked about are some of the answers you posted. LOL Some of them seriously had me laughing my ass off, and in all honesty, rethinking some of my original answers I'd written up the day I posted the questions.

So, the moment you've all been waiting for is here. The real answers to the silly meme questions - along with a few thoughts on some of the answers you gave.

Where did we meet: Well, that depends on who you are, silly!

Take a stab at my middle name: Ann

How long have you known me (been reading my blog): Has it really been that long?

Do I smoke: You got me there.

What was your first impression of me upon meeting: I know you loved me at first sight! Go ahead, admit it.
Groove said "Uh oh, this one will be trouble..." I'm sure I've lived up to that one a time or too. Liss said "That girl is taking my time" Indeed, my friend. Indeed!

Color of my eyes: Blue - very blue. Not even close to being hazel like many of you said.

Do I have any siblings: Negatory
Unless you count my li'l sis!

What's one of my favorite things to do: Play video games with the little man.
Although I definitely love eating chocolate as kilax mentioned, I try to steer clear of that one too often for fear of adding those nasty 40 lbs. I've shed. My li'l sis knows me well in that I love talking on the phone. And Groove's not only heard me talk about my love of driving fast, he's witnessed it even though he'll tell you I resemble Driving Miss Daisy when compared to him.

Do you remember one of the first things I said to you: Really? I guess your memory is better than mine.

What's my favorite type of music: Since I'm not even sure what my favorite type is, I'll just say "Yep, you guessed it!" I seriously don't have a favorite type of music and will listen to everything from classic rock, rock, angsty rebel pop/rock, alternative, and 80's as you all said. Motherbumper, I've got no idea what zydeco is, so I'm gonna have to say no to that one. And my biggest not even if you paid me would be rap.

What is the best feature about me: Hehe... you meant to say my eyes, didn't you!?
That was my answer the other day fully expecting to get the cleavage and tongue comments because of my profile pic. ;)

Am I shy or outgoing: No wallflowers in this garden.
You ALL obviously know me very well on this question.

Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules: Depends on the game.
Funny you all think I'm a big, bad, goagainstthegrain kind of gal!

What's your favorite memory of me: Awww, really? That's my favorite memory of you too!
Groove, you shhh!!!

Any special talents: I bet YOU can't tie a cherry stem with your tongue, now can you!?
OMG! This one totally floored me. How in the hell did do many of you know this one!?! And, Bill, sad but true, not only can I not burp the alphabet, I can't burp on command. At all. Not even if someone offered me a million bucks to do it.

Would you consider me a friend: You like me! You really like me!
Although I don't really know most of you all that well, I think of you all as friends by default. Except you, Groove. You're full of shit and not a friend at all. Just pure evil. :P

How many children do I have: One super little man

If there was one good nickname for me, what would it be: Really? That's a new one for me.
Hilly's hotsy totsy had me rolling. So did Liss' LookyLoooooo and Groove's Jill - but both of them are IRL jokes.

If you and I were stranded on a desert island, what is one thing that I would bring: You know me so well!

Well thanks for playing along with me on this one! It's been fun!!

i know you, you know me

Welcome to the first day of posting for NaBloPoMo!

Since I might have some new readers, I was thinking I might post a little introduction about myself. But then I remembered I'd received this meme awhile back and never did anything with it so I decided what better way to kick things off then having all of you tell me what you think you know about me. Saves me the work of writing about myself too! Pretty tricky how that works, eh?

So this is how it works - YOU fill in the blanks about ME. It only takes a few minutes, so just do it! In the next few day's I'll update this post with the correct answers so you can see how much (or how little) you really know about me. Go ahead! What are you waiting for?

Where did we meet:

Take a stab at my middle name:

How long have you known me (been reading my blog):

Do I smoke:

What was your first impression of me upon meeting:

Color of my eyes:

Do I have any siblings:

What's one of my favorite things to do:

Do you remember one of the first things I said to you:

What's my favorite type of music:

What is the best feature about me:

Am I shy or outgoing:

Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules:

What's your favorite memory of me:

Any special talents:

Would you consider me a friend:

How many children do I have:

If there was one good nickname for me, what would it be:

If you and I were stranded on a desert island, what is one thing that I would bring:

There, you're done! That wasn't so difficult, was it!?! Don't forget to check back tomorrow to see how you scored.

fire and blood

I ran across this over at Groove's blog and just had to run it for myself. Besides, the coat of arms is just too cool to not share.

Your Score: House Targaryen

63% Dominant, 81% Extroverted, 81% Trustworthy

Ancient. Noble. Passionate to the point of insanity. Transcending lesser beings, you are of House Targaryen.

You are a dominant personality—in fact, you are the most dominant of all eight house types. You will not suffer yourself to be ignored. You will not suffer yourself to be ruled. The phrase "I will not suffer myself to _____!" was practically made for you. You are willful, arrogant, and exceedingly dangerous to screw with. With a temper like yours, anyone stupid enough to saunter into your line of fire won’t soon forget their mistake.

You are also extroverted, which means that everyone in the world knows exactly what your intentions are. Unlike your cohorts (who hide behind smiles and courtesies and court politics), you think of it as your birthright to come riding in on an enormous dragon, breathing fire and fucking your siblings. Hey, what you lack in subtlty, you make up in style!

Finally, you are trustworthy. Your absurd amounts of power and borderline psychosis are not used unjustly. Unlike many, your general aims are just and true. You we bred for rule, and the fact that you cannot rest until you are doing so is not your fault. If you make up your mind, it becomes reality. Never one for empty threats or vainglorious lies, you can only speak the truth. And the truth is "fire and blood."

Representative characters include: Daenerys Stormborn, Rhaegar Targaryen, and Viserys Targaryen

Similar Houses: Baratheon, Lannister,and Tully

Opposite House: Frey

When playing the game of thrones, you play it to the death.

tell me what you think

Sometimes I just have to jump on the bandwagon and go for a ride. First it was Snackie, then it was Sizzle. So, now I really want to see how some of you answer THE TWENTY "QUESTIONS" MEME.

Lisa is.....
Lisa needs.....
Lisa's best friend is.....
Lisa's dog is named.....
Lisa smells like.....
Lisa drives like.....
Lisa craves......
Lisa's favorite TV Show is.....
Lisa hates the actor whose name is.....
Lisa's alcoholic drink of choice is.....
Lisa's NON alcoholic drink of choice is.....
Lisa's favorite musical artist is.....
Lisa's favorite cupcake flavor is.....
Lisa's hair is.....
Lisa's celebrity crush is.....
Lisa's occupation is.....
Lisa's favorite book is.....
Lisa's favorite color is.....
Lisa hates.....
Lisa wishes.....

so, you wanna know about meme...

Freak Magnet wants to make me suffer as much as she did, so she tagged me with this little meme. Thankfully, there's no thinking required. Good thing since my brain's a little mushy today.

Anywho, the rules: You go to Wikipedia and type in your birthday (month and day) Then you write down 3 events, 2 births, 1 holiday, and tag 5 friends.

Events
1927 - Mae West is sentenced to 10 days in jail for obscenity for her play Sex.
1987 - The Simpsons make their television debut in the short "Good Night" a segment for The Tracey Ullman Show.
1995 - Oklahoma City bombing: The Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA, is bombed, killing 168. That same day convicted murder Richard Wayne Snell, who had ties to bombing suspect Timothy McVeigh, was executed in Arkansas.

Births
1946 - Tim Curry, British actor
1969 - Jesse James, Television personality, Custom motorcycle builder

Holiday
Bicycle Day.

And now to do the obligatory tag.

Liss because she loves doing these crazy things.
Stacie cuz I always tag her.
Lesley so when there's a day she's got nuthin' else to say she can just put this up.
Marni cuz she really doesn't have much time to think about what to say these days.
Kyra because after the horrible return trip she just had, she might need something to just have fun with.

alphabet soup

I'm elated. I'm stressed. I'm happy. I'm tipsy. What does all this add up to? Saying a bunch and nothing at all. So I'm filling the page with this meme that Sizzle tagged me for.

A - Available or Single? Single.

B - Best Friend? So I've been told.

C - Cake or Pie? No thanks. I like the me I've shrunk down to.

D - Drink of Choice? Coffee. Propel. Beer. Whiskey.

E - Essential Item(s)? Computer. Phone. iPod. Secret Embrace bras.

F - Favorite Color? Black. (Yes, I'm aware it's not a color. Whatever.)

G - Gummi Bears or Worms? Again, no thanks.

H - Hometown? Sunnyvale, CA

I - Indulgence? Starbucks. iTunes. Tanning. Getting my hair done.

J - January or February? January.

K - Kids? Yes. Just 1.

L - Life is incomplete without… Friends.

M - Marriage Date A distant memory.

N - Number of Siblings Nada.

O - Oranges or Apples? Apples. Fuji or Granny Smith.

P - Phobias/Fears Spiders. Horror movies.

Q - Favorite Quote: “Some people are like Slinkies. Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.” -Unknown

R - Reasons to Smile? My son. I have a job. I am loved.

S - Season? Definitely Fall.

T - Tag Three Liss, Stacie, Dan

U - Unknown Fact About Me: Basically, I'm a pretty boring person. Hmm. Okay. I once had a water baloon fight with Lindsey Buckingham. Now, if that doesn't age me. Sheesh.

V - Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animals? Where's the beef?

W - Worst habits? Smoking. Cussing. Emotional binge eating.

X - X-rays or Ultrasounds? Neither. I hate hospitals.

Y - Your Favorite Foods Ice cream. Pasta. Cheeseburgers. Bagels.

Z - Zodiac Aries.

think think think... ouch!

For some odd reason my L'il Sis Jessica has bestowed the "Thinking Blogger Award" on me. She says, "I love Lisa’s blog for many reasons, but mostly because she’s smart, witty, honest, and not afraid to cuss like a sailor in public." Aw, thanks Sis! Really, I think she just wants to make my head hurt while I try to actually think of something to say instead of just opening my head and letting my brain spill out all over the place.



So, now it's time for me to pass the award on. This is the thinking part, so consider yourselves warned - this will hurt. But what's a little fun without a little pain, right? Okay. Without further ado, and in no particular order, I am happy to pass the "Thinking Blogger Award" on to:

{forking madness over here}: Okay. You all knew this one was coming. No. I'm not giving Stacie this award because she's "my girl" (even though that'd be as good a reason as any). I'm giving her this award because she truly makes me think, each and every day. Sometimes her life gets a bit hectic, and her blog doesn't always reflect her deepest thinking self. But that's the way life goes. I know she's always thinking even if she doesn't show it.

Sizzle Says: One of my new friends, Sizzle, tells it like it is. Whether it's spilling her guts about self awareness or laughing at her klutzy self, every day is a good read and enlightening for me. Besides, we practically share a birthday, so I had to pick her!

Home on the Fringe: I started reading this blog back during the NaBloPoMo craze. Kristin and John are the tag team writers for this blog -- Kristin does more of the writing and John speaks volumes through his photography. It's deep. It's funny. A definite must read.

patron saint of smartmouths: Another NaBloPoMo find, Lesley Girl runs the gammut on her blog. An avid knitter and former clergy student, she spreads happiness, opinions, and foolishness across the blogoverse. I know how much she hates ads on peoples blogs, so let's see what she thinks of awards!

evil, silly n stoopid: Yeah, I know. Another big surprise. Really, even though it's like pulling teeth to get him to blog once in a blue moon, Groove's another deep thinker. So much in fact it keeps him awake at night. Maybe if he blogged more frequently he'd get more sleep!

There are tons of other bloggers I'd give this award to, many who've already received it. But since I had to narrow it down to 5, there ya have it. Now I need to go take something for my throbbing head. Thanks a bunch, L'il Sis!

The rules behind this Thinking Blogger Thing are as follows:

1. If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think.
2. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme.
3. Optional: Proudly display the 'Thinking Blogger Award' with a link to the post that you wrote (here is an alternative silver version if gold doesn't fit your blog).

five questions: the interview for me and you

Ok, I know I already posted once today, but that was before I saw Snackie's pseudo meme. Unlike the traditional meme, the following 5 questions came straight from Snackie. And since she asked me questions directly related to today, I didn't want to wait until tomorrow to post. So here you have it. After you read the questions and answers, read the instructions so you can play along too. You know you want to!

1. Friday the 13th....friend, foe or just a bunch of hooey?
Definitely friend. Oddly enough the number 13 happens to be my lucky number and when it falls on a Friday it’s usually even luckier. Since today is one of those days, I’ve gotten a call for an interview with yet another state agency on the 23rd, and a call for a follow-up 2nd interview on Tuesday with an agency I interviewed with on the 4th. I count this as a lucky day! What would be really lucky is if I get a job offer call from my interview two days ago.
UPDATE: Thanks to the trying to be nice man at the post office, I was foiled at getting the number 13 from the "take a number" wheel and was stuck with number 12. Subsequently, I came home, and there was NO call with a job offer. Ugh!

2. Who is your all-time favorite cartoon character?
Now this is a hard one. I honestly have never been too much of a cartoon fan. At least not in the way of buying cartoon memorabilia, or anything. If I had to pick one character I can most relate to it’d be Taz – whirling from here to there, cranky then happy then cranky again. Yeah, that pretty much sums me up!

3. Do you believe in love at first sight or is that just poppycock?
Definitely poppycock if you’re asking about romantic love. The only “love at first sight” I’ve ever experienced was with my son. I seriously never knew I could love anyone so much, without reservation. Of course now at his ripe old age of six and a half (had to put that extra half in there since he’s always reminding me of it when I say he’s six), there’s definitely been times I haven’t liked him very much, or been pissed as hell at something he’s done, or not done, but my love for him never changes.

4. Are you more of "a saucy evil pirate wench" or a "fair maiden in a tower"? Why?
What do you think? Hehe! Certainly a very “saucy evil pirate wench”, of course!! I’ve no time to be a “fair maiden” – in a tower, or elsewhere. I’ve always been a very opinionated, independent girl. So much, in fact, it sometimes drives people away. Being an only child, rapidly approaching 40 (in 6 days), female, a single parent, and hanging around a bunch of evil, bad influences makes me the best “saucy evil pirate wench” I can be. Order up!

5. And finally an easy one....Miracle Whip or Mayonnaise?
An easy one? Who says this is an easy one?? It depends on what the Miracle Whip or Mayo is being used for. Salads require Miracle Whip Light, but sandwiches must have Light Mayo or I won’t touch them.

Here are the instructions to continue:
1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me, you saucy evil pirate wench!"
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions. (You must have an email address on file in your profile for me to send the questions to.)
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Tagged by Marni

So, I've been tagged by Marni on a songs meme. I can't pass up the music ones, so here's the deal. I'm going to list the seven songs I'm into right now then tag seven other people and see what they've got to say for themselves.

And my top seven for today are...

1. Tomorrow - Avril Lavigne
2. Streetcorner Symphony - Rob Thomas
3. The Reason - Hoobastank
4. Suddenly I See - KT Tunstall
5. Waiting on the World to Change - John Mayer
6. All the Same - Sick Puppies
7. It Don't Matter to the Sun - Rosie Thomas

Of course my list changes almost daily, but there ya have it for today!

Now I'm tagging:

1. Stacie
2. Chag
3. Sizzle
4. Sarah
5. Jay
6. Tony
7. Elizabeth