Me me me me me Meme Monday

Meme Monday. Random FUN facts about me. Y'all know the drill.

• If the whole world were listening to you right now, what would you say?

“All we are saying is give peace a chance.”

• If you could meet anyone on this earth, who would it be?

Former president Jimmy Carter, I think. I admire him greatly for putting his money and time and conviction where his mouth is. We share many of the same perspectives and he is an honorable man of God. Plus I suspect he’s a very charming Southern gent, and I’m a sucker for those.

• You just got a free plane ticket to anywhere. You have to depart right now. Where are you going to go?

Either New York City, or Barcelona, Spain. However, if I could pull it off, I’d head to Havana.

• What do you think about most?

Young William. Followed by flashes of writing ideas.

• You have the opportunity to spend a romantic night with the music celebrity of your choice – who would it be?

Please. Have we just met? Stewart Copeland. An evening 30 years in the making.

• You can erase any horrible experience from your past – what will it be?

The days when Will was very critically ill two weeks after his birth and we were given dire prognoses about his mortality. I would not wish that time on even my worst enemy. No parent should have to even consider the death of their child.

• What’s your strangest talent?

I have double jointed fingers that can move in slightly disturbing ways. I can also burp the alphabet.

What?

• What would be a question you’d be afraid to tell the truth on?

How much I weigh. Just like every other woman in the world.

• Ever had a poem or song written about you?

Sadly, no. I date my share of creative types, but interestingly enough, none of them immortalized me in song or verse. And I dated a good number of musicians, too. Bastards. Hrumph.

• When is the last time you played air guitar?

This morning. You know how quirky my house is….

• Do you have any strange phobias?

Snakes. Snakes. Snakes. That is all. That is enough.

• What’s your religion?

Christian. Proud member of the Religious Left. Baptist, but a very very very very to the 100^th degree moderate one.

• What is your current desktop picture?

A night shot of Manhattan streets, taken looking down from a top floor in a building.

• When you are outside, what are you most likely doing?

Working out. The outdoors is my gym.

• What’s the last song you listened to?

This one!

• Simple but extremely complex – favorite band?

Simple but extremely easy answer: The Police

• What was the last lie you told?

“No – I’m just going to the bedroom to watch the Gator game. I’m not going to take a nap.”

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

• What is a saying you say a lot?

“Please.” And “WHAT IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE!!!”

• What is your greatest weakness? Your greatest strength?

Weakness: my insecurity. I am riddled with self doubt regarding so many things…

Strength: my intelligence. The one area about myself in which I am confident.

• Who is your celebrity crush?

So many from which to choose, but let’s go with Jon Hamm. Try to act surprised.

• What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “heart”

Life. Love. Pursuit of happiness.

• How do you vent your anger?

Two ways: I either cry or speak in very measured tones using what I call $10 vocabulary words.

• Do you have a collection of anything?

Cookbooks! Snowglobes! Hotel china from classic St. Petersburg hotels and clubs.

• What is your favorite word?

Grace. Defined as unmerited favor. If Will had been a girl, I would have either called him Lucy or Grace.

Alert the media -- it's Meme Monday

Just when you thought there was NOTHING new to learn about me, along comes Monday and another set of delightfully random questions. Don't say I didn't warn you...

Who is the last person you high-fived?
Will. We are the masters of the “up high/down low/too slow” routine. Although lately we’ve been into the fist bump. Much more hip.

If you were drafted into a war, would you survive?
Listen – if things get so dire that they start drafting women of a certain age, we’re all in trouble. But in the unlikely event I do get the notice, I think the lack of room service and indoor plumbing might do me in before the enemy does.

Do you sleep with the TV on?
I like to fall asleep with the telly on, but thanks to the sleep timer, it’s just for about 45 minutes. Sleeping with the television on can lead to weird dreams, especially if you drift off to something like Criminal Minds (SERIAL KILLERS!) or Law & Order: SVU (SEX CRIMES!). So I’ve heard, anyway.

Have you ever won a spelling bee?
Know.
Heh. Seriously. No. Hell no. I have many gifts, and proper spelling isn’t one of them. If you’ve ever IMd or texted with me for any length of time, you can attest to this.

Have you ever been stung by a bee?
Yes. Wasps too. Had minor allergic reactions to both. Scared me to death because when I was a kid, I read this book called A Taste of Blackberries which tells the story of a boy whose best pal dies because of an allergic reaction to bee stings. Talk about a great thing to stick with you for decades…

How fast can you type?
Really really fast if you don’t count typos. Or misspellings. Heh. I’m actually pretty fast. I had to work on the speed thing in college to reach a certain WPM to get into a required reporting class. Hours spent banging away on my faithful little electric typewriter paid off. But if you bought stock in white-out in those days, I probably made you very very rich.

Are you afraid of the dark?
Regular dark? No. But something like cave or cavern dark with bats and bugs and things that go bump in the night – you betcha.

Eye color?
Brown. The shade that deepens in color depending on what I wear.

Have you ever made out at a drive-in?
You betcha. I am a big fan of the car make-out. It’s fun and reminds me of being a young thing when grabbing time and location to play tonsil hockey with the object of one’s affection was always a bit of a challenge.

When was the last time you chose a bath over a shower?
It’s been waaaaay too long. I can’t even remember the last time I took a good bubbly soak. Hmmmm…

Do you knock on wood?
Yes. Just in case. You never know.

Do you floss daily?
No. Shhh…

Can you hula-hoop?
Once upon a time, I could. Haven’t tried in a while.

Are you good at keeping secrets?
I am very discrete when need be. Have anything you’d like to share?

What do you want for Christmas?
Jon Hamm

Do you know the Muffin Man?
No, but I know the Muffin Top Man. Me and Elaine Benes.

Do you talk in your sleep?
I don’t think so. I know I snore (shut it) but I think that’s the only utterance I make.

Who wrote the book of love?
Either Sir Shakespeare or Señor Neruda or Lord Byron. Sigh.

Do you make up your own words?
Heck yeah! Thought I made up one last night – concussive. But alas, someone beat me to it. I’m particularly fond of “conversate” and the classic “strategery.” If only Words with Friends thought the way I do about such words…

Meme Monday After Dark

Welcome to the better late than never edition of Meme Monday. Perfect for reading when you need something mindless right before bed...

This edition is the second part/continuation from last week's question. The place where I found stole these questions from broke it down into more digestible bites to prolong the fascination. Enjoy. Or whatever.

34. HAVE YOU BEEN OUT OF YOUR HOME COUNTRY?
Yeppers. Been to all the other countries in North America and a couple of spots in the Caribbean.

35. WEAKNESSES?
A smart funny man with facial hair and a hairy chest. Oh, you mean my personal weaknesses… I’m terribly insecure and wear my heart not just on my sleeve but pinned to the front of my chest. Plus I can rarely resist a good semi-intelligent chick flick and anything caramel. And I'm terribly competitive with anything of the cerebral nature.

37. FIRST JOB?
Other than babysitting, I was a professional gift wrapper at a small gift shop during the holidays. Great gig. Still can wrap a package with precision and no extra paper!

38. EVER DONE A PRANK CALL?
As a chick who grew up in the heyday of slumber parties when such things as caller ID were a mere glint in some inventor’s eye – what do you think?

By the way, do you have Prince Albert in a can?

39. DO YOU THINK EVERYONE OUT THERE HAS A SOUL MATE?
Indeed. Sometimes more than one during different phases in life.

40. WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU DID THIS MEME?
Dishes. Domestic goddess stuff. Living the dream.

41. HAVE YOU EVER HAD SURGERY?
I have. Wisdom teeth and some lady-stuff surgery – oh! LASIK too!

42. WHAT DO YOU GET COMPLIMENTED ABOUT MOST?
My hair. My skin. My smile. *blush *

43. HAVE YOU EVER HAD BRACES?
Yes – about 18 months back in my youth. Ugh.

44. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY?
Let me get back to you on that one. It’s a ways-away.

45. HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU WANT AND WHAT DO YOU WANT THEIR NAMES TO BE? (OR IF YOU HAVE KIDS, TELL US ABOUT THEM.)
I have one – the infamous Young William. Please read The Will Chronicles to find out more about my boy.

If Will had been a girl, I’d have named him Lucy or Kathryn, Kate for short.

46. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
The Name That Was The Bane of My Youthful Existence is a family name – my nana’s middle name. We had a family friend (who was a little kooky, come to think of it) who believed until her deathbed I was named after her. That kind of works, too, actually.

47. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST TURN OFF OF THE SEX(ES) YOU'RE ATTRACTED TO?
Arrogance. Lack of relative intuitiveness. Stubbornness.

48. WHAT IS ONE THING YOU LIKED ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL?
The fact that my HS was so small that I was able to dabble somewhat successfully in a lot of extra-curricular activities.

49. WHAT KIND OF SHAMPOO DO YOU USE?
Alterna Caviar. I am a real diva when it comes to my hair.

50. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
No. It’s horrible. Sometimes I cannot even figure out what I wrote.

51. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Roast beef. What?

52. ANY BAD HABITS?
How much time do you have…

53. ARE YOU A JEALOUS PERSON?
More an insecure person than anything – which can bleed into jealousy.

54. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
I’d like to think so. I’m tough to get to know and like Popeye, I am who I am. Love me or not.

55. DO YOU AGREE WITH FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS?
If I were single…

56. DO LOOKS MATTER?
To some, yes. I prefer the character of a person and the brain. That gray matter is my first interest in a person. Always.

57. HOW DO YOU RELEASE ANGER?
I’m working on healthy ways to do this. The Trainer is having me start to do some boxing exercises. That worked this morning…

58. WOULD YOU RATHER GAIN 58 POUNDS OR LOSE 58 POUNDS?
Lose. Please. From your mouth to my tuchus and core…

59. WHAT'S YOUR MAIN GOAL IN LIFE?
To ensure that Will maximizes his potential and has a happy, healthy life.

60. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD?
I loved my Mrs. Beasley doll (from Family Affair) until my brother, who hated her, broke her ability to talk. Still pissed to this day. Also loved my Barbies and my Spirograph. Plus my set of supermarket encyclopedias, which I read cover-to-cover one summer.

61. HOW MANY NUMBERS ARE IN YOUR CELL PHONE?
Let’s go with 37. I’m too lazy to count.

62. WERE YOU A FAN OF BARNEY AS A LITTLE KID?
When Barney was in his heyday, I was substantially older than the age of his target demographic. But even if I was a little kid, I would have hated him.

63. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
Have we just met?

64. MASHED POTATOES OR MACARONI AND CHEESE?
Mac & cheese, baby.

65. WHAT ARE YOUR NICKNAMES?
JJ, Mama, Girlie, Miss Janey, Will’s Mom

66. FAVORITE SUPER POWER?
I’d like the ability to run really really fast. My tuchus would be a whole lot smaller as a result. Second place: invisibility. Just because.

Meme Monday. It's tanned, rested and ready.

It's Monday. It's a Meme. It's Meme Monday.

How's that for a logical deduction. By the way -- feel free to steal this little exercise for your own use if you are so inclined. I'd love to know more about y'all!

The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.
~ Dr. Seuss

1. ONE OF YOUR SCARS, HOW DID YOU GET IT?
Picture it. Spring semester, senior year in college. Day two of a three-day all nighter. Senior magazine project due in 36 hours. Oral Spanish exam to be taken in 38 hours. Thus the reason for the lack of sleep. Back in those days, when dinosaurs roamed the earth and journalism students wrote stories on electric typewriters, we did such projects by hand. With rub on letters and rubber cement (which would provide a nice buzz after prolonged exposure in a small room) and X-acto knives. While working on my magazine sitting on the floor of my room in the sorority house, I dropped the X-acto knife onto my barefoot, making a nifty little slash across my right pinky toe. Undeterred, I found a band-aid, patched up my war wound and kept right on designing.

Got an A on that project, thank you very much.

2. WHAT IS ON THE WALLS IN YOUR ROOM
Right now, just paint. Even after being in the new house almost a year, we’ve still yet to hang any pictures. Yeah. I know.

3. DO YOU SNORE, GRIND YOUR TEETH, OR TALK IN YOUR SLEEP?
True confession: I snore. Yay sinuses! I’m completely and utterly embarrassed by this, but it is what it is.

4. WHAT TYPE OF MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO?
Save for contemporary country, rap and any metal that’s thrashy or deathy, I’ll listen to just about anything.

5. WHAT TIME WERE YOU BORN?
7:30 am

6. WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?
Tangibly - a turkey sausage egg white flatbread from Dunkin’ Donuts. Less tangibly – to be a better friend to those around me.

7. WHAT DO YOU MISS?
The spark and lightness I had before Will was born. My carefree nature. How’s that for something on the serious side.

8. WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION(S)?
My child. Does he count?

9. HOW TALL ARE YOU?
5’6”, give or take some fractions/depending on the volume of my hair.

10. DO YOU GET CLAUSTROPHOBIC?
No I don’t, come to think of it.

11. DO YOU GET SCARED IN THE DARK?
Nope. Not really.

12. THE LAST PERSON TO MAKE YOU CRY?
My child.

13. WHAT'S YOUR WORST FEAR?
That Will will die young. Wow. It’s just out there now, isn’t it.

Why are these questions so damn serious? Oy.

14. WHAT KIND OF HAIR/EYE COLOR DO YOU LIKE ON PEOPLE YOU'RE ATTRACTED TO?
Dark hair. Brown eyes.

15. WHERE CAN YOU SEE YOURSELF PROPOSING?
Please. I’m leaving this here because I’m too lazy to remove and renumber the questions.

16. COFFEE OR ENERGY DRINK?
Coffee of the two. But iced tea if I must caffeine.

17. FAVORITE PIZZA TOPPING?
Sausage and onions.

18. IF YOU COULD EAT ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Cheeseburger, rare. With mayonnaise and grilled onions. Fries on the side. And a cold beer.

19. FAVORITE COLOR OF ALL TIME?
Purple

20. HAVE YOU EVER EATEN A GOLDFISH?
Not to my knowledge

21. WHAT WAS THE FIRST MEANINGFUL GIFT YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
I received Roget’s Thesaurus as an 8th grade graduation gift from a very dear friend of the family. That book, more than any other, has served me well for over 30 years. It is coffee-stained with grease marks made by late-night pizza covered fingers. I still have it – it has a place on my desk, next to my college dictionary and high school grammar book. I may be buried with this book.

22. DO YOU HAVE A CRUSH?
But of course I do…

23. ARE YOU DOUBLE JOINTED?
Yep. My pinky fingers are double jointed. That’s the reason I’m not a jazz pianist today. My story and I’m sticking to it.

24. FAVORITE CLOTHING BRAND?
Hmmmm. I rather like DKNY, if I have to pick just one.

25. WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE FEMALE/MALE CELEBRITY?
Female: Helen Mirren and Diane Keaton. Both Women of a Certain Age. Both relevant. Both always interesting.

Male: Jon Hamm. Because I love him. And James Franco. Because I find him fascinating. Dude marches to his own drummer and what a beat he’s keeping. I cannot wait to see what he’s up to next.

26. DO YOU HAVE A PET RIGHT NOW?
No I don’t. I’d love a kitty witty, but…

27. WHAT KIND IS IT?
See #26

28. WOULD YOU FALL IN LOVE KNOWING THAT THE PERSON IS LEAVING?
Yes. How could you help yourself if you were falling… I’m not wired to turn that particular emotion on and off.

30. SAY A NUMBER FROM ONE TO A HUNDRED?
A number from one to a hundred.

Let’s also go with 27.

31. BLONDES OR BRUNETTES?
Brunettes. Every time. Every single time. And if it’s a brunette with more than a touch of grey… swoon.

32. FAVORITE QUOTE?
What I really wanted was to have a job like Darrin Stephens on 'Bewitched', where you could be creative all the time.
~ Edie Brickell

I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much. ~Mother Teresa

33. FAVORITE PLACE?
It’s a toss-up. My vacation house on Captiva Island. Or Manhattan. Very different. But both feed my soul.

Meme Monday. You know you want to.

Yep, it's that's time again, boys and girls, for the weekly roundup of completely useless, sometimes ridiculous, always entertaining facts about me, your erstwhile blogger.

Pay attention -- there may be a quiz later ;-)

1. What do you add to your coffee?
Not a morning coffee drinker – I prefer my caffeine cold. But when I do have coffee, it’s usually after a really nice dinner. And I take it black.

2. What are you reading now?
Re-reading Anne Lamont’s Bird by Bird and Rory Noland’s The Heart of the Artist. Getting in that creative frame of mine.

3. Do you own a gun?
No. No. No. Never. Not my thing in any way, shape or form.

4. Are you registered to vote?
Absolutely – have been since two days before my 18th birthday.

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments?
Does the sun rise in the east and set in the west?

6. What do you think of hot dogs?
All beef with ketchup and kraut only.

7. Favorite Christmas Song?
Secular: “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
Sacred: “And the Glory of the Lord” from Handel’s Messiah. It’s got a killer alto part.

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?
Water/FRS lo cal wild berry. And PS: I was drinking FRS looooong before Lance and Tim started pimping it. That stuff works. Seriously.

9. Can you do push ups?
Yep. Can you?

10. What was the name of your first boyfriend/girlfriend?
Pretend: David (Cassidy)
Real: Steve

11. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry?
My Tiffany ball earrings. Go with everything.

12. Favorite hobby?
Probably cooking. There’s always something new to do with it – and the products (when done well) make people happy.

13. Do you work with people who idolize you?
Heh.

14. Do you have ADD?
No I do… ooooh look! Shiny!

15. What’s one trait that you hate about yourself?
I am extraordinarily disorganized and without a neat gene.

16. What’s your middle name?
The birth certificate lists it as Elizabeth, but I use the maiden name these days.

17. Name three thoughts at this exact moment.
* Is Will going to muck with the washing machine again this afternoon.
* I really need to find something for lunch that doesn’t involve the words cheese or burger
* God bless America, I’m tired from this morning’s workout.

18. Name three things you bought yesterday.
* A vintage matchbook from a favorite childhood restaurant here in the ‘Burg
* A Bible app for my iPad
* Workout clothes

19. Name three beverages you regularly drink.
* Daisani
* Iced tea
* Red wine

20. Current worry right now?
Getting Will through current and potential ear infection issues as unscathed as possible until he goes in for the surgical exploratory thing in late February.

21. What side do you dress to?
Moving on… (obviously, this is a question directed towards the opposite sex. But it amuses me, so I left it in…)

22. Favorite place to be?
Either floating in a lovely large body of water (salt or fresh, matters not) or in Manhattan.

23. How did you bring in the New Year?
At home, watching some celebration from Times Square on the telly.

24. Where would you like to go?
Man, that’s a loaded question… want to visit South America and Europe. Biggest dream is to visit Cuba. The MINUTE travel for Americans opens up, I’m booking a flight and hotel. Wow. Yeah.

25. Name three people who you will see today.
*Will
*Will’s teacher
*My trainer

Meme Monday. Still rockin' in the free world.

Hello and welcome to yet another (over)sharing from the World According to Janey. There will be a quiz at the end of the lesson, so pay attention!

1. What curse word do you use the most?
Yes.

How’s that for an answer. I have what the kids call a potty mouth. Come by it naturally, as my paternal grandmother apparently had the same affliction. Am working on it, though – however, baseball season is coming… sports brings out the merchant marine (in speech, that is) in me.

2. Do you own an iPod?
I have three. One verrrrry old one that Will uses, an iPod Touch for toting around and a Shuffle that I use when I work out.

Don't ask me where the chargers are for them though.

3. Do you still remember the first person you kissed?
I do! I think. Wait…

4. Would you rather take the picture or be in the picture?
Take the picture. I am a notorious camera-phobe. You would not believe the lengths I go to in order to NOT be in a photograph. Ugh.

5. Has anyone ever called you lazy?
Yep. And it was justified. That’s all I’m going to say about that.

6. Has anyone told you a secret this week?
Mmmhmmm. My lips, they are sealed.

7. What is the first thing you notice about a someone to whom you are attracted?
His brain and/or sense oc humor, natch.

8. What are you looking forward to?
Finishing this meme. And my me-only trip to New York City in March.

9. Do you own any band t-shirts?
But of course. Lots of Police ones, a Stones classic and my vintage Joy Division one come to mind.

10. When is the last time you slept on the floor?
Not too long ago when Will was having a tough time health-wise and I needed to be close by.

11. What did you do last night?
Watched maybe the worst football game in the history of the sport. And played Angry Birds. Oh – swore a lot. That game was horrible. To think that one of those teams is in the playoffs and my Bucs aren’t. Stupid system. My profanity was justified. Trust me.

12. Do you get along better with the same sex or the opposite sex?
It’s a toss-up. Depends completely on the person.

13. Who was the last person to make you mad?
Not going to say but I think they know who they are. Ahem.

14. Who would you want to be tied to for 24 hours?
Jon Hamm. Please. Have we just met?

15. T or F: All’s fair in love and war?
No. There needs to be some honour and discernment. Not enough of those two things going around these days.

16. What’s something you’ve always wanted?
To be a talk show host. Hush.

17. Do you enjoy spending time with your mother?
It depends…

18. Do you want a bright yellow ‘06 mustang?
Not particularly.

19. Apples or oranges?
Despite being a total F-L-A girl, gotta go with the apple. Yum.

20. Would you rather swim in the ocean or a lake?
While I love the ocean, there’s just something about swimming in a lake that relaxes me. Maybe it’s the non-salt-water-up-the-nose thing I dig.

Find your reading glasses... it's a literary Meme Monday!

A Facebook Thingy. Brought it over here for posterity. You know what I always say -- my blog, my rules.

Per my pal: this can be a quick one. Don't take too long to think about it. Fifteen books you've read that will always stick with you. First fifteen you can recall in no more than 15 minutes.

Per me: I've re-written the requirements.. I've listed the most important books to me and who I am -- the total is 22. Tough. Wouldn't be me without any of these. So there you are.

1. Oh! The Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss
Great advice for life. My go-to gift for college graduates.

2. A Taste of Blackberries by Doris Buchanan Smith
This book scared me to death when I first read it in elementary school -- the protagonist's little friend died after an allergic reaction to a bee sting. And to this day, I am convinced I will also suffer the same fate -- have never been stung by a bee *knock on wood* so the phobia continues.

3. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
The first book I ever really truly loved. Reading it as a young girl, it never even occurred to me that it had been written over a 100 years prior. It was simply a wonderful literary journey. Have read this many, many times since and whenever I enter the March's living room on that Christmas day, I'm transported back not only to their home, but to being a wide-eyed girl full of possibilities and wonder.

4. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
My greatest literary obsession. The book that defined me as a teenager. I lived and breathed this book. My cousin, who lives in Atlanta, nicknamed me Scarlett -- and still calls me that. Romantic and compelling and sweeping and epic -- it fit the overly dramatic nature I honed during those years. I would sit for hours and try to style my hair like Vivien Leigh's on the poster I had hanging on my bedroom wall. While my passion for this classic has waned, it still remains beloved and at the top of any list i have of favorite books and movies.

5. Around the World with Auntie Mame by Patrick Dennis
The first "grown-up" book I ever read. Found it in the back of a closet and "snuck" read it -- I couldn't have been more than nine or 10. Still one of the funniest books I've ever had the pleasure of reading. I think it might be time for a re-read, in memory and celebration of Bea Arthur, the one and only Vera Charles.

6. Scruples by Judith Krantz
The dirty beach trash novel that started it all for me. I would slather myself with baby oil, grab my transistor radio, lounge chair and this book and head to the backyard, rolling like a chicken on a spit to get the ideal all-over tan. Good times.

7. Henry IV Part 1 by William Shakespeare
This one is special because it was the first piece of Shakespeare I ever performed. Shakespeare festival at school -- I got to play the role of Mistress Quickly in a scene with Falstaff and Prince Hal. Such fun -- even though the name of my character was a bit embarrassing to shy little me.

8. Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin
Wrote my senior paper in high school about this book. Taught me so much about critical thinking and literary analysis and not to be afraid of sharing one's own interpretation.

9. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Poetry in prose form. I discover something new each time I read this. Which I'm about to do again -- starting today -- with two galpals. Suzi and Crystal, I'm ready -- anyone else want to join us?

10. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

Mr. Kurtz. He dead. This work says so much about the human condition. And I quote it constantly. "The horror! The horror!" You wouldn't believe how often that phrase comes in handy. Or maybe you would.

11. The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

I am quite the Hemingway fan -- he can say so much with so few words.

12. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

A glimpse into a world I still find fascinating featuring people I'm not sure I'd want to know in real life.

13. The Bastard by John Jakes

American history with a soapy edge -- what's not to love. I have the entire series of these books, dog eared and worn, on my reading book shelf (as opposed to my research book shelf) ready for a re-read.

14. All the President's Men by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward

True confession: I'm obsessed with the Watergate era. And investigative. Reading this book for a political science report in high school was the impetus for me wanting to major in journalism in college.

15. The Dubliners by James Joyce

Read this as a sophomore in high school. It was the first piece of "serious" literature with which I connected and just didn't rote-read. I can still picture, clear as day, the bazaar in "Araby" as I imagined it as a 15-year-old.

and six to grow on
16. The French Chef Cookbook by Julia Child

Aside from genetics (thanks, Grandma!), this book -- and its author -- are why I cook.

17. Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt

Just a great read. Picturesque and evocative.

18. The Message/modern translation of the Bible

How the Word sounds in my head when I read any translation. I love this translation.

19. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

A beautiful book with themes that speak to the essence of who I am. Whenever I read this, I'm always one pumped up liberal afterwards.

20. Man and Superman by G.B. Shaw

Brilliant as literature and as a play. Four words: Don Juan in Hell

21. The Hotel New Hampshire by John Irving

I love John Irving and his quirky characters who live their lives in most interesting fashions. This book is perhaps my favorite of his, with Garp a close second. PS: I hated the movie.

22. What We Talk About When We Talk About Love by Raymond Carver

Wrote a major paper in grad school about this piece. Carver speaks to me -- his people, ordinary, flawed, seemingly unaware folk, live those proverbial lives of quiet desperation. And he's got that minimalist style thing going. Now I'm in the mood for a re-read...

Meme Monday. Seriously.

Hello and welcome to yet another (over)sharing from the World According to Janey. There will be a quiz (with essay!) at the end of the lesson, so pay attention!

1. What time did you get up this morning?
5:54 am. Thirty-six minutes before the alarm. Thanks, Will!

2. How do you like your steak?
Shhhh… listen. Hear that soft, barely-perceivable mooing? That’s my steak making its way to the table. Janey likes her steak r-a-r-e. Always have, always will.

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
Eat, Pray Love. Yeah, I know.

4. What is your favorite TV show?
Mad Men. No question.

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Manhattan.

6. What did you have for breakfast?
Will be having a Clif bar (maple nut) and an FRS wild berry energy drink. Just enough fuel for the upcoming workout.

7. What is your favorite cuisine?
Probably Italian, with Cuban a very close second.

8. What foods do you dislike?
Olives. Coconut. Sushi.

9. Favorite Place to Eat?
My favorite restaurant in the whole world is a place called Six/Seven in Seattle. Also very fond of an Italian place on the Upper East Side in Manhattan whose name escapes me at the moment…

10. Favorite dressing?
Balsamic vinaigrette or a GOOD bleu cheese.

11.What kind of vehicle do you drive?
2005 Honda Pilot

12. What are your favorite clothes?
Jeans and… or a great little black dress. Guess which I have more opportunity to wear? ;-)

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance?
Cuba. England. Cuba. Sweden. Cuba. Spain. Cuba. Brazil. Get the picture?

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full?
Half full. Try my hardest to always look at things this way.

15. Where would you want to retire?
I live in the F-L-A already. Not a subject to which I give much thought.

16. Favorite time of day?
Don’t really have one – it rather varies.

17. Where were you born?
In a hospital about five miles from where I currently live. Yep. Still hanging in the ‘Burg.

18. What is your favorite sport to watch?
Please. Have we just met?

19. Who do you think will not tag you back?
No one will tag me back because I don’t plan on tagging anyone.

20. Person you expect to tag you back first?
See #19

21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this?
Ugh. Not removing this one because I’m too lazy to re-number this bad boy.

22. Bird watcher?
Nope.

23. Are you a morning person or a night person?
While I like staying up late, I’m more focused in the morning.

24. Do you have any pets?
No.

25. Any new and exciting news you’d like to share?
My fantasy football team rather sucks at the moment. But my Rays are AL East champs, which helps assuage the pain of having a sucky fantasy football team. Jay Cutler, really? Really?

26. What did you want to be when you were little?
Either a talk show host or a weather girl.

27. What is your best childhood memory?
Too many to name here. The childhood was fun and never dull.

28. Are you a cat or dog person?
Cats. Hands down. Dogs are very foreign to me.

29. Are you married?
Yeppers. Thirteen years the end of this month.

30. Always wear your seat belt?
Heck yeah. Feels weird to drive/ride without it.

31. Been in a car accident?
Define “accident.” Do fender-benders count?

32. Any pet peeves?
Inconsiderate people. Lack of respect for one’s fellow man. I’m not perfect in these areas by any means, but the rampant rudeness and thoughtlessness of society in general irritates me greatly.

33. Favorite Pizza Toppings?
Sausage, onion, extra cheese.

34. Favorite Flower?
Tulips and hydrangeas.

35. Favorite ice cream?
Anything with caramel. Mmmmmmmm.

36. Favorite fast food restaurant?
The evil yet delicious Chick-Fil-A.

37. How many times did you fail your driver’s test?
NONE! HA! Passed on the first try.

38. From whom did you get your last email?
iTunes telling me a show I have on a season pass is ready to download. When you’re a discerning TV viewer (OK, addict) sometimes the DVR isn’t enough to catch everything you like when time slots overlap.

39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?
Either Nordstrom or Crate and Barrel.

40. Do anything spontaneous lately?
Sadly, no. There’s not much room for spontaneity in my life anymore.

41. Like your job?
The toughest one I could ever imagine having – parenting a special needs kiddo – but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

42. Broccoli?
No. Will eat it if necessary but it’s not something I choose willingly. Unless there is cheese sauce involved.

43. What was your favorite vacation?
A trip to Seattle/Vancouver/Whistler. So beautiful. Or any of my trips to NYC. So fulfilling.

44. Last person you went out to dinner with?

Dinner? Hmmmm. The Mister, I think. Don’t get to go out very often. (See #41)

45. What are you listening to right now?
Led Zeppelin on the radio in Will’s room and Little Einsteins on the telly. My child is a sound junkie.

46. What is your favorite color?
Purple

47. How many tattoos do you have?
None. Yet.

48. How many are you tagging for this quiz?
Again with the tagging questions… pfffft.

49. What time did you finish this quiz?
6:53 am

50. Coffee Drinker?
Not in the standard sense – like my everyday caffeine cold (hello, iced tea!) but I do like espresso after a “real” meal.

Meme Monday. Still rockin' in the free world.

Hello and welcome to yet another (over)sharing from the World According to Janey. There will be a quiz at the end of the lesson, so pay attention!

Who...
…is easy to love?
Young William, natch!

…do you just wanna smack?
There’s a list. Hold on…

…do you talk to when you’re alone?
Myself. The telly. God. Not necessarily in that order.

What...
…dangerous things do you do while driving?
Drive too fast. Let my mind wander and think about stuff other than what’s on the road. Yeah. I know.

…would you never, ever, ever give up?
Iced tea and cheese. Never. Ever. Ever.

…is Satan’s last name?
It changes on a daily basis. Today it’s Mel Gibson. Bastid, that one is.

…is the last thing that moved you?
Thinking about the daughter of one of my BFFs and how she treats Will like a regular kid. Their relationship is amazing and brings me to tears on a regular basis.

…is the freakiest thing in your house?
My KGB phone. What?

When...
…is it time to turn over a new leaf?
When the old one is too shriveled to be useful and is too dried to serve as a good place to hide behind.

…will you be all that you can be?
A question I ask myself every single day…

…is enough enough?
When I figure it out, I’ll let y’all know. Remember what Mother Teresa said: “I know God never gives you more than you can handle. I just wish He didn’t trust me so much.”

…do you go to the dark side?
When I need to eat. And when I spend too much time by myself. Which is more than you'd think. I don’t do well when left alone too long. So text/e-mail and check on me – ‘kay?

Where...
…are your pants?
Hugging my tuchus at the moment.

…is your last will and testament?
Sitting on the mister’s desk, waiting for us to find a notary and a witness. Any volunteers?

…is your junk food stash?
Since I’m really trying to eat clean, I don’t have one at the moment. Although it’s usually in the freezer, since I’m a sucker for ice cream.

…are you the happiest?
When I’m around water – beach, lake, pool. It soothes me somehow. Perhaps I am part mermaid.

Why...
…are there no seat belts on school buses?
Whoa. I never thought of this. Budget, probably. Or piss-poor planning.

…are musicians sexy and plumbers aren’t?
Seriously? You’re asking this question of the woman who’s been in love with Stewart Copeland for 30 years? The chick who has tales yet untold about myriad relationships with tune-making dudes? The girl for whom music is a serious aphrodisiac?

Although a plumber who solves the problem of malfunctioning indoor plumbing could look awfully good to this diva in the right light…

…did the chicken cross the road?
Because he could, dammit!

…do we revere athletes more than teachers?
Do not get me started on this one…

Would you...
…swim the English channel for a doughnut and coffee? If not, what?
Quite possibly. If the doughnut was a Krispy Kreme Hot Now and the coffee Cuban.

…forgive someone who deliberately hurt you?
Yes. I have. And under the right circumstances, I will continue to do so.

…rather believe a lie if it hurt you less than the truth?
No. The truth will, as they say, set you free. And it eliminates the persistent, paralyzing what ifs.

…still need me, would you still feed me, when I’m 64?
Yeah. Yes I will.

Meme Monday. It's got a purpose.

People think responsibility is hard to bear. It's not. I think that sometimes it is the absence of responsibility that is harder to bear. You have a great feeling of impotence.
~ Dr. Henry Kissinger

Fun fact: I am a liberal.

Yeah, I know. Guess what else? Water is wet and birds (save for a couple of exceptions) fly.

Miss Janey’s left-leaning tendencies are not exactly a secret – I’ve been called, more than once “everyone’s favorite liberal.” In a few cases, I’m the ONLY liberal some people know (remember where I live, y’all. I’m not a member of the Religious Left for nothing. ) I’ve a friend who swears there’s a file on me and my “activities” in some government building. The fact that I bought and now proudly display a phone that was used in a KGB building in Moscow during the Cold War pretty much probably confirms this.

My liberal interests over the years have been mostly regulated to the social issues (don’t get me started…) and fiscal side of things. That’s not to say that I didn’t care about the other prong in the liberal trifecta – the environment. But my passions lay elsewhere. I’ve protested, written letters, worn ribbons, donated time and finances.

Until that damn methane bubble went and blew. Spewing oil into my beloved Gulf of Mexico. That did it.

The toll this disaster is going to take on so many aspects of the economy of the Gulf region can’t even begin to be counted yet. Not sure how I’m going to help here – but I’m going to lend a hand somehow. Might be something as simple as donating Dawn (the blue kind) to help clean our precious Florida wildlife. Might be something more – something where Will can participate too. But I want to help in some way.

Because saving the environment just got personal.

And, as I am wont to do pretty much anytime when my eyes are open, I got to thinking. About being a better world citizen. About the little changes I can make in how I conduct the business of living my life.

So today I made a point to haul my grocery tote bags with us as Will and I did our post-school run to the store. He likes ‘em, as they are easier for him to help carry.

Today I also began participating in a little initiative helmed by Sir Paul McCartney and his daughters called Meat Free Monday. To quote the site: Meat Free Monday is an environmental campaign to raise awareness of the climate-changing impact of meat production and consumption. Many people are unaware that livestock production is responsible for 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions – that’s more than the entire transport sector.

As I am the OCG (Original Carnivore Girl), this was a challenge for me to even consider participating. But I made it. I think it will be a mutually beneficial exercise for me, the world and Sir Paul.

And in honor of Meme Monday, I found quite serendipitously this meme about my eco-habits. I’ve answered honestly – and while I’m a little ashamed of some of my responses, it’s nice to know exactly where I have opportunities to grow in this area. No, I’m not going to take off for parts unknown on a Greenpeace boat or become a full time vegetarian (not that there’s anything wrong with that.) or start a hemp wardrobe. But I am going to be more aware of what I do and how I do it.

Because it’s now personal.

Be the change you want to see in the world.
~ Mahatma Gandhi

Do you recycle?
No, but I should. I discovered just a couple of days ago that the neighborhood recycle area is about five minutes from the house. No excuses. I do now read the paper on line and on my Kindle. So there’s that.

Do you do you laundry with hot or cold water?
Cold, with warm for whites.

What kind of light bulbs are in your house?
For the most part, they’re the energy efficient ones. I think. We’re still moving in and I’m getting used to the joint.

Do you compost?
No – but I’m thinking about it. There’s space in the new backyard to set something up. On the list to research.

What kind of vehicle do you drive?
A Honda Pilot.

Do you use plastic or reusable bags when grocery shopping?
I’ll fess up – I had been using the plastic ones. Yeah. I know. But now that the reusable ones are found, deployed and back in the care, I’m on that track.

What are three ways you conserve energy?
*I try to turn off lights when we’re not in that room. However, the Junior Member of the Household like to flip switches on and off. I mean well
*I take super efficient showers with pretty cool water.
*I try to run major appliances during non peak-hours. Doesn’t always happen that way, but again – I mean well.


Away, away, from men and towns,
To the wild wood and the downs,
To the silent wilderness,
Where the soul need not repress
Its music.
~ Percy Bysshe Shelley "To Jane, The Invitation"

Meme Monday. Because I said so.

Do you forgive or forget?
I forgive. And try very hard to forget. But that doesn’t always happen.

Do you trust people?
As a rule, yes. But I also have a pretty good instinct for sensing who’s a dirtbag sleezeball and who’s not.

What are you not looking forward to?
Hmmmm. The next command appearance with the in-laws. Neither set like me all that much, despite my best efforts. Makes it tough.

Do you get mad easily?
Peeved, yes. Mad – not really. It takes a lot.

Tell us about the last time you were told you that you were pretty.
I cannot remember the last time anyone told me I was pretty. Facts are facts, I guess.

Do you have strange dreams?
Have we just met? All the time. My subconscious is a riot. Eric Idle on a road rally scavenger hunt and Howard Hesseman in a bubble bath. I’ll stop there…

Ever licked someone's cheek or forehead?
Yeppers ;-)

When did you last play a game?
Gosh – probably when the mister and I played cards. Which was ages ago.

What do you have on you at all times?
Cell phone. So I can be contacted in case Will has any funny business happen.

Do you go out in public without getting all dressed up?
Oh yes. These days, my uniform is my work-out gear. As far from dressed up as you can get outside of pajamas.

Do you like fruity or minty gum?
Cinnamon. HA!

Favourite musician or group?
Please. The Police. Others come and go, but Stewart and the other ones are forever in my heart.

Do you like anyone?
Sure!

Favourite computer game?
Does Tetris count?

First album you ever went and bought with your own money?
Helen Reddy’s “I Am Woman.” Circa 1972. This explains a lot, doesn’t it.

Think back five months ago, were you single?
Noooope.

Do you believe in celebrating anniversaries?
But of course!

Do you think someone is thinking about you right now?
I’d like to think so.

Last thing you bought?
A new sports bra with a racer back.

Are you a jealous person?
Yeah, I am. Not my proudest characteristic. Has more to do with me being insecure than anything…

Does it take a lot to make you cry?
Again – have we just met? I tear up watching a flower bloom.

Do you have a friend of the opposite sex you can talk to?
Yes, yes I do. A couple of them, actually. I'm a lucky girl in this regard.

Have you ever had your heart-broken?
Oh yes. Many many times.

Have you ever done something while drunk that you still cannot believe you did?
Heh. Yeppers. Shhhhh….

Do you text?
I do indeed. And for the most part, they are pretty text-speak free. I am an old-school English geek, dontcha know.

Do you wish someone would call or text you right now?
Mmmmhmmm

Is your life anything like it was a year ago?
In some ways, yes. In some ways, no.

Go back one year on your blog. Leave us a link to your favorite post.
Ode to Hirsute Pursuits So I went back two years. My blog, my rules. But this is THE most “hit” post of mine of all time, hands down. It’s worth a repeat view.

You can only drink ONE liquid for the rest of your life, what is it?
Sweat tea. No wait -- Nehi grape soda. No no -- Daisani.

What is the last thing you said out loud?
William! Eat your dinner!

Will this year be better than last?
I’m doing my damndest to see that it is.

Meme Monday, Nordic Combined Edition.

Yes, ladies and germs (and I use that word deliberately... **achoo**) it's time again for More Useless Information about Me... this time in HiDef!

And by the way, I define Nordic Combined. I am a quarter Swedish, after all. So there.

1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?
Nice undereye bags, there, Sick Girl. Good lord, I look bad.

2. How much cash do you have on you?
$17.82

3. What’s a word that rhymes with DOOR?
Rapport

4. Favorite planet?
I’m rather partial to Earth, to be honest. It’s done me right thus far, although Mars does have a bit of sex-hay appeal to it.

5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone?
A number I don’t recognize. Wait… it’s the PODS people, probably about today’s final pickup.

6. What is your favorite ring tone on your phone?
I love my catch-all one: “Honky Tonk Woman” by the Stones.

7. What shirt are you wearing?
None.

HA! Made you snicker, didn’t I.

I’m wearing my pajamas. They are purple. Standard sick girl attire.

8. Do you label yourself?
Yep.

9. Name the brand of the shoes you’re currently wearing?
Old Navy terrycloth flip-flop slippers

10. Bright or Dark Room?
Dark. I have vampire-esque tendencies in this area.

11. What do you think about the person who took this survey before you?
I have no idea – I pilfered it from some dude whose blog popped up in a “blog meme questions” Google search

12. What does your watch look like?
Timex, gold/silver, Target special

13. What were you doing at midnight last night?
Watching the latest episode of “Real Housewives of Orange County” because I couldn’t get to sleep thanks to my cold. By the way, those women are awful. Seriously – who acts like that? Ridiculous.

14. What did your last text message you received on your cell say?
It was from the Mister – a note about the bedroom furniture we’re buying for the new house

15. Where is your nearest 7-11?
Quarter mile from here.

16. What's a word that you say a lot?
Please. Seriously? Will!

17. Who told you he/she loved you last?
My mother.

18. Last furry thing you touched?
The suspicious looking strawberries I discovered yesterday in the back of my fridge.

19. How many drugs have you done in the last three days?
Advil, Prozac, Zyrtek, Mucinex. I think that’s it.

20. How many rolls of film do you need developed?
None. Please. It’s a digital world and I’m living in it!

21. Favorite age you have been so far?
30 was good. Had the world by the tail. But I like to think the best is yet to come…

22. Your worst enemy?
Myself. Although there is another frenemy situation looming…

23. What is your current desktop picture?
My “table” at the Algonquin lobby. Look for a similar one next week…

24. What was the last thing you said to someone?
“My name is Mama. Not Janey. That’s not a good choice.”

25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly what would it be?
The money. Flying is what airplanes are for.

26. Do you like someone?
You betcha.

27. The last song you listened to?
“Shut Up and Kiss Me” – Mary Chapin Carpenter. I sang along as well. And it was AWESOME. Hee!

28. What time of day were you born?
7 am. That explains a lot.

29. What’s your favorite number?
27

30. Where did you live in 1987?
Gainesville and then the ‘Burg.

31. Are you jealous of anyone?
Truth be told – yep. I have a friend I miss a lot and am jealous of those who are spending time with her these days. I'm afraid I'm not interesting enough for her any more...

Anyhoo.

32. Is anyone jealous of you?
I cannot imagine who would be… seriously.

33. Where were you when 9/11 happened?
At work.

34. What do you do when vending machines steal your money?
Kick the bloody things.

35. Do you consider yourself kind?
Yes.

36. If you had to get a tattoo, where would it be?
Hip. And it would be an ampersand.

37. If you could be fluent in any other language, what would it be?
Spanish

38. Would you move for the person you loved?
Yes.

39. Are you touchy feely?
Depends on what my mood is.

40. What’s your life motto?
Be the change you want to see in the world.

41. Name three things that you have on you at all times?
Earrings, cell phone, glasses (either sun or reading)

42. What’s your favorite town/city?
New York, New York

43. What was the last thing you paid for with cash?
The co-pay at Will’s pediatrician.

44. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it?
I honestly cannot remember. This makes me a little sad.

45. Can you change the oil on a car?
If “change the oil” means take it to the mechanic, then yes indeedy

46. Your first love: what is the last thing you heard about him/her?
I cannot remember… Google, here I come

47. How far back do you know about your ancestry?
About five generations. I have some work to do, don’t I…

48. The last time you dressed fancy, what did you wear and why did you dress fancy?
Black gown, purple pashmina, silver shoes, fabulous up-do. Debutante Ball in December.

49. Does anything hurt on your body right now?
Most things above the neck are in a mild state of discomfort at the moment. Damn cold.

50. Have you been burned by love?
Absolutely. But no, I’m not going to spill the details…

Meme Monday. And now your life is complete.

1. Are your parents married or divorced?

Married -- 48 years in June. Wow.

2. Are you a vegetarian?

Please. Have we just met? I’m the OCG. Original Carnivore Girl.

3. Do you believe in Heaven?

Absolutely.

4. Have you ever come close to dying?

No.

5. What jewelry do you wear 24/7?

None.

6. Favorite time of day?

Morning.

7. Do you eat the stems of broccoli?

Ugh. No.

8. Do you wear makeup?

Oh yeah – usually just mascara and lip gloss, but there are times when I do the whole face thing. I clean up nicely, thankyewverymuch.

9. Ever have plastic surgery?

Not yet… (Don't want anything serious – just a boob lift… shhh…)

10. What do you wear to bed?

It depends…

11. Have you ever done anything illegal?

Yes.

12. Can you roll your tongue?

No. And I hate that I can’t.

13. Do you tweeze your eyebrows?

But of course.

14. What kind of sneakers?

Brooks. Like these:

15. What is your hair color?

Salt and pepper. Emphasis on the salt. A lot of salt. But it's really really high quality salt.

16. Do you snore?

I have been told that I, on occasion, do.

17. If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be?

Havana. Manhattan. Rio. Buenos Aires.

18. Do you sleep with stuffed animals?

Are you joking? Good grief no.

19. If you won the lottery, what would you do first?

After I came to after fainting, I’d call my attorney.

20. Gold or silver?

Silver.

21. Hamburger or hot dog?

Yes. Love them both.

22. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Potatoes. The world’s most versatile veggie.

23. City, beach or country?

City.

24. What was the last thing you touched?

Keyboard.

25. Where did you eat last?

A couple of hours ago -- did the breakfast thing. Kashi, dried cherries and vanilla soy milk.

26. When’s the last time you cried?

Last week sometime. Don't ask. (Or I'll tell you...)

27. Do you read blogs?

You betcha.

28. Would you ever go out dressed like the opposite sex?

What does this even mean?

29. Ever been involved with the police?

Nope – neither professionally nor personally.

30. What’s your favourite shampoo and conditioner?

Alterna Caviar. I am a total diva when it comes to my hair.

31. Do you talk in your sleep?

Nyet.

32. Ocean or pool?

Yes. I am part mermaid.

33. Who would you take on a ménage à trois for a dirty weekend?

Wouldn’t you like to know…

34. Window seat or aisle?

Window.

35. Ever met anyone famous?

No. This saddens me greatly, being the connoisseur of People and Entertainment Weekly that I am.

36. Do you feel that you’ve had a truly successful life?

It’s still in progress.

37. Do you twirl your spaghetti or cut it?

Twirl. Anything else is heresy.

38. Basketball or Football?

Yes. Again, have we just met?

39. How long do your showers last?

It depends...

40. Automatic or do you drive a stick?

Automatic. I cannot drive a manual transmission car – and that kinda freaks me out. I have a recurring nightmare in which I’m in a dangerous predicament and the only way out is for me to drive a stick shift car.

41. Cake or ice cream?

Buttercream frosting.

42. Are you self-conscious?

Yes. Why? Does it show?

43. Have you ever drank so much you threw up?

Please. (Yes… shhh…)

44. Have you ever given money to a beggar?

Absolutely – do it on a regular basis.

45. Have you been in love?

Oh yes.

46. Where do you wish you were?

Let me think about this one… let’s go with NYC. Or Captiva.

47. Are you wearing socks?

Nope.

48. Have you ever ridden in an ambulance?

Yep. Not for myself – with Will.

49. Can you tango?

No. Sadly. But damn, do I want to.

50. Last gift you received?

A turbo superfantastic food processor for Christmas.

51. Last sport you played?

Do Wii Darts count? If not, then touch football.

52. Things you spend a lot of money on?

Groceries.

53. Where do you live?

The F-L-A, kids.

54. Where were you born?

The F-L-A.

55. Last wedding attended?

I cannot even remember, it’s been so long.

56. Most hated food(s)?

Black eyed peas. Lima beans. Gin. Olives.

57. Can you sing?

I like to think so. And on occasion, have been told I can.

58. Last person you texted?

My buddy about the Super Bowl last night. Total smack talk.

59. Last place you went on holiday?

Quick trip to Las Vegas last fall. I think.

60. Favourite regular drink?

Sweet tea or Crystal Light Fruit Punch. Yeah, I know. I still love it, though.

61. Current Song?

This one:

And this one:

Finally, this one:

Do-Ra-Me-Me-Me Meme Monday!

1. Have you ever been searched by the cops?
Aside from the occasional TSA “please step to the side ma’am” kind of searches, the answer is no. Disappointed?

2. Do you close your eyes on roller coasters?
Sometimes. But usually not. I like to be prepared.

3. When's the last time you've been sledding?
Never. Sad, isn’t it. Such a native of the F-L-A am I.

4. Would you rather sleep with someone else, or alone?
Alone. Assuming you really mean sleeping with and not “sleeping with.” Hee. I like my space in the bed. Which is usually all over the bed. The Mister calls it Bed Chaos. I accept that.

5. Do you believe in ghosts?
Hmmm.

6. Do you consider yourself creative?
Yes, yes I do. Sometimes too much so.

7. Do you think O.J. killed his wife?
Is the Pope Catholic?

8. Jennifer Aniston or Angelina Jolie?
Who cares at this point, really?

9. Do you stay friends with your ex's?
Nope.

10. Do you know how to play poker?
I do. I’m not great, but I can hold my own.

11. Have you ever been awake for 48 hours straight?
Yep. In college and during Will’s first few weeks here at home after he was released from the NICU. It’s not pretty.

12. What's your favorite commercial?
Currently, it’s this one:


HAHAHAHAHAAHA.

13. What are you allergic to?
Codeine. And camping.

14. If you're driving in the middle of the night, and no one is around do you run red lights?
Not as a rule. But I have been on a late night run to the hospital with Will after a seizure and run a red or two. Shhhh…

15. Do you have a secret that no one knows but you?
Yep. And my lips are sealed.

16. Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees?
Are you joking? Really? Pfffft.

GO RAYS! (Pitchers and catchers report February 19th. Boo-yah!)

17. Have you ever been ice skating?
Nope. Not too many opportunities to do this in the F-L-A. My most readily available rink: in a shopping mall. Yeah. I know.

18. How often do you remember your dreams?
Regularly. And they’re usually doozies.

19. When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried?
During my NYC trip last summer with my gal pals. Something got us tickled and the laughter was infectious. The fact that we had consumed several bottles of wine was probably another contributing factor. Good times.

20. Can you name five songs by The Beatles?
Please. Have we just met?

Oh. You want me to actually name them…
Yellow Submarine
I Want to Hold Your Hand
Norwegian Wood
Octopus’ Garden
Come Together

Shall I go on?

21. What's the one thing on your mind now?
Wouldn’t you like to know…

22. Do you know who Ghetto-ass barbie is?
No, nor do I think I want to.

23. Do you always wear your seat belt?
You betcha.

24. What cell service do you use?
Verizon. At the moment.

25. Do you like sushi?
Here’s my rule for proteins: I like my beef rare and my fish cooked (along with pork and chicken, but they are not the issue here at the moment.)

Given that – what do you think?

26. Have you ever narrowly avoided a fatal accident?
No. Thank goodness.

27. What do you wear to bed?
It depends. Sometimes PJs, sometimes a cami/panties, sometimes a nightie, sometimes nothing. I’m a woman of many pajama moods.

28. Been caught stealing?
No – this is not Jane’s Addiction ;-)

29. What shoe size do you have?
Ten. Wide.

Shut up.

30. Do you truly hate anyone?
Pity, yes. Disrespect, yes. But hate – no.

31. Classic Rock or Rap?
Classic rock, baby!

32. If you could sleep with one famous person, who would it be?
You really are going to make me choose, aren’t you… right now, it would be Jon Hamm. Yeah. Let’s go with that.

33. Favorite Song?
C’mon. That’s like asking a mother to pick her favorite child. I’ll say, for the purposes of this little exercise “Night and Day” by Cole Porter.

34. Have you ever sung in front of the mirror?
HA! If there’s a reflective surface, I’ve probably grabbed a hairbrush and belted one out in front of it.

35. What food do you find disgusting?
There is a difference between disgusting and loathed, isn’t there… I’m not particularly fond of bugs or other unusual delicacies fancied by other cultures across our fine planet.

36. Do you sing in the shower?
Ironically, that’s the only place I don’t sing. Do my best thinking/problem solving in the shower, believe it or not.

37. Did you ever play, "I'll show you mine, if you show me yours"?
Heh heh heh.

38. Have you ever stood up for someone you hardly knew?
Yes I have.

39. Have you ever been punched in the face?
Good grief no. Here’s to keeping this little statement true and in tact.

Meme Monday. You'll laugh, you'll cry. It's better than Cats

You were probably wondering if you had anything else to learn about me, weren't you... never fear, more useless information is here!

1. Do you like blue cheese?
It’s bleu. And yes. Mmmmmm.

2. Have you ever been drunk?
Please. Have we just met?

3. Do you own a gun?
No way.

4. What flavor of Kool Aid was your favorite?
Grape, baby

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments?
Yep

6. What do you think of hot dogs?
Best at a ball park – ketchup and ‘kraut. With a beer.

7. Favorite Christmas movie?
“White Christmas” and “Love Actually” since “A Charlie Brown Christmas” cannot be considered a movie.

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?
Milk; iced tea. But never together.

9. Can you do push ups?
Modified, but yes. Just did some the other day.

10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry?
Tiffany ball necklace and earrings

11. Favorite hobby?
Tie: cooking and writing. Although I’m working on making one of these more than just a hobby.

12. Do you have A.D.D.?
Just a smidge… oooh – is that something shiny?

13. What's your favorite shoe?
Tie: Black Chucks and black clogs

14. Middle name?
Elizabeth

15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment?
*I’m really sick of Kashi cereal for breakfast
*Am I ready for Will’s parent/teacher conference this afternoon?
*I’d rather have a root canal than listen to Barry Manilow’s new album of love songs. Good lord, it’s awful.

16. Name three drinks you regularly drink?
Water, iced tea, Grey Goose

17. Current worry?
Will. As always.

18. Current hate right now?
My challenges with organization.

19. Last thing you said to somebody?
"No, your name is not Maurice nor are you a Gangster of Love..."

20. How did you bring in the New Year?
At home playing Beatles: Rock Band and drinking port.

21. Where would you like to go?
South America

22. Name three people who will read this?
No telling

23. Do you own slippers?
Yep – terry cloth flip flops. They do so count.

24. What color shirt are you wearing right now?
Maroon

25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets?
Ew. No.

26. Can you whistle?
Yes

27. Favorite color?
Purple

28. Would you be a pirate?
Probably not – that all-seafood diet is the deal breaker.

29. What songs do you sing in the shower?
Interestingly, the shower is the only place I don’t sing.

30. Favorite girl's name?
Grace or Lucy

31. Favorite boy's name?
William or Michael

32. What's in your pocket right now?
Lint

33. Last thing that made you laugh?
My phone conversation with my brother

34. Best bed sheets as a child?
White with pink rosebuds

35. Worst injury you had as a child?
Ankle sprain

36. Do you love where you live?
S’aight. But that’s about to change…

37. Who is your loudest friend?
Does Will count? Because no one is louder than he is. Just ask anyone with whom I've been on the phone while he's afoot.

38. How many dogs do you have?
None

39. Does someone have a crush on you?
Doubtful

40. What is your favorite book?
Honestly – “Around the World with Aunite Mame” by Patrick Dennis

41. What is your favorite candy?
Anything caramel. As long as it doesn’t involve coconut.

42. Favorite sports team?
University of Florida Gators; Boston Celtics; Tampa Bay Rays. Like I could narrow this one down...

43. What song do you want played at your funeral?
“Amazing Grace”, followed by “Honky Tonk Woman” and “She’s a Bad Mama Jama.”

It's Monday. Meme Monday. Shaken, Not Stirred

Yay! More useless information about me! Wheee!


do you get regular massages?: No. But how lovely would that be?
do you have an answering machine?: Nope. Voice mail. Which I’m always forgetting to check. Even though there’s that weird dial tone that indicates we’ve got messages.

what cuss word do you use the most?: Shit, crap, fuck, damn. Yeah. I know.
are you underweight or overweight?: I prefer “curvy”
can you see your veins?: No, actually. But I had to look.


Favorite...
soap?: Ivory for the basics, but I LOVE Neutrogena cocoa butter body wash

fruit?: Banana
. Or maybe apple. Oooh no -- fig.
kind of red meat?: either a filet or a burger. Both prime cut. Both cooked rare.
fish?: Swedish

candy bar?: Zero bar.

Have you ever
...
eaten a whole bag of potato chips?: Please. Have we just met?
eaten lobster?: Yep. Prefer crab, but lobster’s not bad
climbed a mountain?: Indeed I have. NC mountains. The view will take your breath away.

been skydiving?: Heck no.

been water skiing?: No, believe it or not. Odd for a native of the F-L-A.

Do you
...
wish you could change something about your life?: Yes. Yes I do. And we'll leave it at that.
like your nose?: It’s not bad.

like salt and vinegar chips?: YUM! YES!
eat salsa?: But of course.
own a boat?: Does a 30 year old canoe count?

What is
 a small thing that people let slide but that actually has dire consequences?: 
Hmmmm…

your most macho trait?: I swear like a sailor and adore sports

the longest relationship you've ever had?: Married 12 years/been together 15
your most embarrassing thoughts?: Usually something lascivious about a member of the opposite sex
your most shameful moment?: Like I’m going to tell y’all that…


This/That

bath/shower?: Love a bath, but usually only a shower fits the schedule

markers/crayons?: Crayons!

pens/pencils?: Pens
jelly/cream cheese?: It depends. But the jelly’s usually grape.
bagel/toast?: yes

Finish...

My greatest weakness is...: my tender heart

I wish I was...: about two inches taller. All in my legs.
Three things I wouldn't do for a million dollars is...: murder, harm someone, robbery
The oddest thing I've ever put in my mouth is...: Let’s go with octopus

Firsts

credit card you had?: I had a Master Card in college for emergencies. However, I thought an “emergency” was a sale at Burdines. First credit card I had on my own was a Maas Brothers card.

loan you got was for?: living room furniture
first paycheck was for how much?: You know, I can’t remember specifically. I had summer jobs and babysitting gigs. But my first grown-up job paid $13K a year. That’s right. Oy.
time you had stitches?: I sliced open my right pinky finger knuckle breaking a Mayor McCheese glass trying to force ice into it. I was a senior in high school. Why I remember those details is beyond me.
time you went to the hospital for something?: See above.

Lasts

list everything you ate in the last 24 hours?: Since when did you become my trainer? Please.
last thing you used a credit card for?: Amazon.
what was your last job?: Other than being a SAHM to Young William, I was a copy editor/proofreader/writer for a printing company before motherhood abruptly came a'calling.
last thing you celebrated?: New Years!
last time you were at a sports bar?: Ferg’s to watch football. However, with baseball season just around the corner, my time there will increase shortly. Yay!