Sunday Stealing: I'm in Rare Form Today ;-)

Evidently this is the second part of a 90-question meme; clearly I've been slacking on my Sunday Stealing. Enjoy!  

Do you read your horoscope?

Not usually.  I’m a Scorpio (no kidding, right ;-)?), so it’s usually pretty extreme and melodramatic.

31. Where was the last place you bought something?

McDonald’s.  Jeff and Ari are clearing the ground for the new pool (bought with many saved gift cards and Ari eschewing her allowance for several months).  The old pool was really pretty small, so we just put a tarp down under it.  This one is pretty big and quite deep (almost over Ari’s head), so they are bonding over the prepwork on Fathers Day, and they expressed an urge for McDonald’s.  I am supposed to be “resting”, but I figured hitting the McD’s drive-thru wasn’t terribly taxing, so I got Jeff a Big Mac meal and Ari and Mighty Kids Cheeseburger meal.  I didn’t get anything because, in addition to resting, I am supposed to focus on liquids. 

32. How do you feel about your hair right now?

My hair sucks.  The gray roots aren’t even roots anymore; I have a half and half thing going from the last time I had it colored.  Unfortunately, I’m on medical leave from work and won’t get paid until August, so my hair is not a financial priority when you have the mortgage to pay and children to feed and no income.

33. Do you bite your nails?

Nope.  If you think about where your nails go throughout the course of the day, even if you wash your hands a lot and/or use hand sanitizer, you’re playing with fire if you bite your nails. 

34. Do you have any expensive jewelry?

I have a few nice pieces, mostly from my grandfather and a diamond-cut gold bracelet that my stepdad gave to my mother that she gifted me with after he passed away.  My ex-husband gave me diamond earrings and a couple of other things.  Jeff got me a beautiful gold starfish necklace last Mother’s Day, but the chain was too short for me to wear it comfortably and we haven’t been able to afford a new chain, but I can’t wait until I can wear it.  My engagement ring is white gold and heart shaped … I love it!

35. Have you ever been told you speak fast?

Yup, sometimes I speak really quickly. 

36. Is your laugh usually hearty?

Haha, my laugh is memorable, but I don’t think anyone has ever referred to it as “hearty”.  Annoying, yes.  Loud, yup.  Even “nice”.  Never hearty.

37. How fast have you driven a car?

Oh goodness gracious, I don’t know.  Actually, I do … 120 on a highway at 2 or 3 in the morning.  Viva la college.

38. Have you ever smoked?

Yes, and I currently have fluid in my lungs, which isn’t the main focus of my health dramas but certainly doesn’t help.  I wish I had never smoked.  My beloved stepdad died from lung cancer caused by being a lifetime smoker.  For a long time, I would occasionally slip when I was out drinking with certain people or at certain places.   

39. What was your favorite subject in school?

English.  Duh. (Sorry, I’m an English teacher)

40. Do you have cell phone provider loyalty?

Yup, I’ve used Verizon Wireless from Day 1.  I think this is mostly because it’s what my parents used.  Also, I tend to have customer loyalty in general.

41. What type of boy or girl do you usually fall for?

The type that will get me in trouble.  I deviated from that with my ex-husband because he’s a math nerd and he seemed safe and boring following the drama surrounding the rape debacle (ironically, of course, he ended up being the most abusive guy I've ever been with, but that’s a story for another day).  My current husband, is also sort of an exception because he is such a nice man, but I’m pretty sure he used to be an asshole.  That’s what he says, anyway.

42. Do you have any hidden talents?

I can tie a cherry stem in a knot with my tongue.  It’s a great hit at parties.  And whilst flirting with cute guys at bars in my wayward youth.

43. Favorite Song?

“Wake Up” by Alanis Morissette

44. Do you like to sing at all?

I love to sing.  I used to be pretty good at it, too.  My main gig right now, though, is singing to Gabrielle when I’m rocking her to sleep at night J

45. Dream Job?

Writer.  I would love to be able to be home writing all the time, blogging regularly about compelling subjects and getting paid for it, working on novels, even doing research and writing about mysteries or conspiracy theories from my own perspective.  I WILL write a book about Charles Manson someday, by the way, for all of you aware with my bizarre fascination in terms of psychological control.

46. Where does most of your family live?

Actually, virtually all of them live within an hour.  It’s a wonderful treat!

47. Are you an only child or do you have siblings?

I have a sister, a brother, two half-sisters, a half-brother, a step-sister, and a step-brother.  I know a lot of interesting people just in my own family ;-)

48. Would you consider yourself to be spoiled?

In some ways I’m very spoiled.  My husband and kids try very hard to “keep Mama happy”, but that’s in terms of behavior and activities.  I virtually never spend money on myself; seeing my kids able to participate in activities and have nice clothes and such makes me much happier than buying myself stuff.  I do have an iPhone 5, but it’s my one extravagance.

49. What was the first thing you thought when you woke up?

“Oh, Gabby’s here … Jeff must have gotten her.  That was nice of him J. Wait ... is she passed out??”

50. Do you drink?

Well, I’m breastfeeding, so not much right now (although I do have a beer or two once in awhile).  I also have a messed up liver, so I shouldn’t drink at all period, but I do sometimes.  I almost never drink at home, though; it’s only when I go out, and since that almost never happens these days, I almost never drink.

51. Know any other languages?

ig-Pay atin-Lay.  But seriously, I studied Latin in both high school and college.  It’s the base for the Romance Languages (Italian, French, Spanish), so I guess theoretically I could pick up one of those pretty easily.  Latin itself is a dead language, but I learned more about grammar in Latin than I ever did in English class.

52. Ever write a coded message?

I’m sure. 

53. Have you ever been in someone else's wedding?

Yup, my sister’s.  Had to give a speech, too ;-)

54. Do you have any children?

I have three daughters.

Emily is 19, and a brilliant student, a gifted musician, a bit OCD about time, and in general the kind of kid ever parent dreams of having.

Ariel is 10, and a gymnast, a cheerleader (it kills me to write that, but she’s actually very talented), a free spirit, blonde in both the literal and idiomatic sense, and probably the funniest kid I’ve ever met.

Gabrielle is 6 months old.  The sky’s the limit with her, but I think we are in for it based on the sparkle in her eye …

Oh, and Howard, my boxador puppy, is almost a year old.  He is a fantastic dog, if a little crazy (less so since being neutered).  He drives us all a bit bananas at times, but he’s a very good boy and I love him very much.

55. Did you take a nap today?

Nope.  I am supposed to be “resting” (two ER visits in a row before we made any sort of progress), but I’m not good at resting, so I’m sitting up (because the idea of fluid in my lungs terrifies me in terms of lying down) and typing.  I couldn’t get Gabby to take a nap for the longest time, but she is finally asleep in her swing.  Maybe I’ll try to take a quick one when I’m done with this.

56. Who has the same birthday as you?

Hillary Clinton, Pat Sajak, and Keith Urban. 

57. Ever met anyone famous before?

Not anyone I’d brag about meeting ;-)

58. Do you want to be famous one day?

I would LOVE to be a bestselling novelist.  Or a famous blogger where people talk about what I write around the water cooler. 

59. Any Pet Peeves?

Too many to list.  Most are related to grammar (using apostrophes with an s to make a word plural is a big one) or sloppy spelling/are you really THAT… unaware? (“I love you so much I can’t breath when you’re near me” or “She lead the way into the restaurant”) or things like the word “supposedly” being said as “supposably”.  It makes my toes curl … Maybe I’ll have to do a blog post on this topic …

60. Are you multitasking right now?

No, I’m resting.  And writing.  So I guess that means yes.  J

Sunday Stealing: Random XV

Sunday Stealing is a weekly event that I've taken part in on and off in my life as a blogger.  It's a lot of fun.  If you are reading this via Facebook, think of it as a note meme or something.  If you're reading this on FB and you do it, please tag me so I can read it.  I'm insufferably nosy.

1. How old is the oldest pair of shoes in your closet?

The newest pair of shoes I have were purchased in September.  You probably don't want to know about the oldest.  Howard the Wonder Dog has thinned them down a bit ... it's funny, he doesn't touch anyone else's shoes, but he chews on mine every chance he gets.

2. Did you buy Girl Scout cookies this year? If so, what variety?

This is a sensitive issue in my house. For one thing, it's the first year Ari hasn't been a Girl Scout, so we had to actually look around.  One of Jeff's students had a little sister who was selling them, so Jeff texted me to ask what to get.  I replied, "Tagalongs, Thin Mints, and Samoas", because, really, those are the best.  He came home with two boxes of Thin Mints and said the kid messed up the order.  I have murkier suspicions...

3. Do you know how to ballroom dance?

No way.  I can barely do the Macarena.  I am scared to death of dancing and look like a clumsy elephant when I try.

4. Were you a responsible child/teenager?

When it came to babysitting or any sort of trust incurred on me by anyone but my parents, yes.  Otherwise, not particularly.  I wasn't irresponsible, just typical, I think.

5. How many of this year's Oscar-nominated movies did you see?

 I'm going to go with none here.  I haven't seen a movie in ages.  It's one of those things I used to love, but I've sort of lost the sparkle for it.  I'm working hard to get the sparkle back.  Incidentally, I haven't read a book since January.  The good news is, I was having trouble writing, too, and here we are :-)

6. If you're going to have a medical procedure done, such as having blood drawn, is it easier for you to watch someone else having the procedure done or have it done yourself?

It doesn't really bother me overmuch either way.

7. What is your favorite day of the week and why?

 I don't really have a preference at the moment; days sort of blend together when you're medically unable to work.

8. What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received??

Well, the most memorable one came when I was getting my senior pictures done. The guy kept taking pictures and was obviously getting frustrated.  He kept looking at his watch, because we were clearly well over my allotted time.  He finally said to me, "You are beautiful, absolutely gorgeous, and I can't capture it on film.  I am so frustrated."  It was very awkward.  In the guy's defense, though, I do think I look better than I photograph.  It's kind of weird.

9. Do hospitals make you queasy?

Nah.  Funny story, though.  I had to have a procedure last year, nothing huge but it required anesthesia, so I had to have someone drive me home.  I asked every family member and friend I could think of, and then out of desperation asked my mother's best friend.  My mother was furious with me, and I didn't know why.  It was only after it was over that she told me that Pat is petrified of hospitals and the last time she walked into one, she passed out.  I felt awful!  Pat was a trooper, though ;-)

10. At which store would you like to max-out your credit card?

Probably Target.  I'm getting practical in my old age.

11. Are you true to the brand names of products/items?

It depends.  Like, mayonnaise from Market Basket (which I think is a New England chain, so if you've never heard of it, I apologize) is better than Hellmans or Cains.  In general, I go generic, though, because I'm poor.  I have some standards, though.  I would never buy meat or produce at Wal-Mart ;-p

   

12. Which is more difficult: looking into someone’s eyes when you are telling someone how you feel, or looking into someone’s eyes when he/she is telling you how he/she feels?

 Doesn't it ultimately amount to the same thing?

13. What’s one thing you’re deeply proud of — but would never put on your résumé?

 I can tie a cherry stem in a knot with my tongue.

14. What’s the most out-of-character choice you’ve ever made?

I'm  honestly not sure.

15. What’s your personal anthem or theme song?

Something by Alanis Morissette from Jagged Little Pill.  I am still an angsty teenager inside ;-)

Sunday Stealing: Random Twenty

I've missed Sunday Stealing :-)  It's a lot of fun to know that there's a weekly random meme in your future, so feel free to join in.  You answer the questions for yourself, then you link your post so others can see.  Great way to connect with people, and quite entertaining.





1. Last time you had butterflies in your stomach? 
Thursday.  I got some pretty frightening news from the doctor.
2. What was your last alcoholic beverage? 
I had a couple of Leinenkugel's Summer Shandys (Shandies?  What the hell is the plural of a Shandy) last week.  Based on the aforementioned frightening news from the doctor, I suspect that will be the last time I'll sip a shandy.
3. Who can you trust?
Truthfully, I don't trust anybody.  My sister comes closest.
4. Where was your first kiss with your current significant other? 
The parking lot at The Holy Grail, this fantastic restaurant that used to be a church.  You sit in converted pews and throw back Guinness.  It's pretty epic.
5. Favorite Band?
Simon and Garfunkel.
6. What is something you've learned about yourself recently? 
I've learned that a lot of people care about me.  That's a pretty cool realization to have :-)
7. Do you like anyone?
Do I LIKE anyone?  I like a lot of people.  In terms of the middle school vernacular  of "liking someone", I like Jeff.  And Ben Affleck.
8. Do you know anyone who is engaged? 
Yup, several people.  
9. What's your favorite number?
8. No clue why, I just like it.
10. Who was the last person to make you cry?
Myself (to wit, my liver)
11. Did you ever go to camp as a kid? 
I went to day camp, which was Camp Sun and Fun in the city I grew up in.  I actually have some really great memories.  
12. When was the last time you cried? 
Yesterday.  I really hate my liver.


13. What is one thing you miss about your past? 
I miss my stepdad terribly, and my grandfather as well.  I guess I miss the innocence I used to have.  Until fairly recently, I thought that people in general cared about others and would try to help if they could.  I've discovered, to my distress, that just because I feel this way doesn't mean it's common.  
14. What is one thing you've learned about life? 
If you don't have a sense of humor, you might as well just throw in the towel.
15. Are you jealous of anyone? 
Not really.  I'm jealous of the situations a lot of people are in, but not any one person.
16. Is anyone jealous of you?
If they are, they should go to the ER as soon as possible to be evaluated.  
17. Has a friend ever used you?
I'm sure.

18. Has anyone recently told you that they like you more than as a friend?
Believe it or not, yes.  Someone I know through my husband, no less ...  I have an odd life.
19. Who was the last person you drove with? 
Ari and The Gabs.
20. What are you looking forward to?
I'm looking forward to seeing my dad later today, I'm looking forward to eating a Milky Way candy bar at some point today, I'm looking forward to Ari coming home (she slept at a friend's house last night), I'm looking forward to Dunkin' Donuts having pumpkin coffee again ... hmmm, guess that's about it for now.

Sunday Stealing: 40 of the Most Random Questions Meme (Part II)

Even if you're not a fan of memes, I've found that Sunday Stealing is a different kind of thing.  It's a community.  It's a world unto itself.  It's a ton of fun :-)

21) What’s something you’ve always wanted?
A son, just because I have the perfect name picked out.  Also, my daughters have given me unspeakable joy and happiness ... you always hear, however, about how "sons are easier".  That would be pretty sweet.  I'm too old, though, to start over again on the kid train.

22) Do you have hairy legs?
Not really.

When I had my foot surgery in November, though, I couldn't take a shower (or even a bath) for two weeks.  I was an obsessive sponge bather, of course, but since I could not stand on one foot without causing a fair amount of discomfort (hey, I'll just be honest and call it freaking agony), shaving my legs became a minimal priority.

And then I had an incident involving my foot and a dog long deprived of her usual game of fetch ...  I ended up at the doctor scared that the incision had opened or the bones were broken or whatever.  Everything was fine (minus a couple days of additional agony), but I was mortified to see that I looked like a male when my pants were rolled up to take the x-ray.

Now, I'm not sure why this bothered me so much (I'm not exactly appearance-obsessed on general principles), but it just really freaked me out.

So I've been better about shaving regularly and thoroughly since then.

23) What does “Semper Fidelis” stand for?
Always faithful.  It's good to know that studying Latin in high school instead of a more ... well, useful ... language wasn't a total waste of time.

24) Would you rather swim in the ocean or a lake?
Ocean.  There is no comparison.

Generally speaking, swimming in a lake is like being in a bathtub (I know there are some exceptions).  With the ocean, you never know what you're going to get.

When I'm in the ocean, I am reminded about the power of nature.  And of higher powers.  And of my small yet legitimate place in the world.

Lakes are just boring as heck after that.

25) Do you wear a lot of black?
Actually, I do.

One of my colleagues asked me recently if I was going to a funeral.  It was kind of awkward.

The truth is, I am the biggest klutz in North America.  I can't eat without spilling food on myself.  I almost always end up wearing splashes of morning coffee.  I slip and fall in mud puddles.  I wipe off dry erase marker smudges without thinking and smear my pants.  I play fetch with two insanely hyperactive dogs.  My eight-year-old daughter is the second-biggest klutz in North America and, whenever she has an incident, she wants to be held; transfer of stain potential is a daily issue.

So, yeah, I find that wearing black helps.

26) Describe your hair:
My hair sucks.

27) Do you have Entomophobia? 
Nah, bugs don't bother me.

I am, however, a card-carrying ophidiophobe.  **shudder**

28) Are you an adult?
Well, technically, I suppose.

29) Do you own or rent?
This is far too complex to explain on a meme.  "Living in the attic of your mother's barn" is not an option, nor do I feel it appropriate to get into the reasons for this situation.

Henry owns his own house, so I suppose I'll be moving in that status direction sooner or later.

My life is very hard to explain at times ;-p

30) Do you have a tan?
No.  No, I do not.

I don't tan.  I can't tan.  Even the fake stuff doesn't work well on me.

My skin is too damn Irish white to be anything more than ... well, Irish white.  I mean, I don't even burn ...

The irony is that both of my daughters are these tanning machines ... even wearing sunblock, they develop these perfect tans.


31) Are you addicted to TV? 
Nah.

I go in phases with TV.  There are a few shows that I like a lot and will watch ("Elementary" is one that's standing out at the moment), but I'm not obsessive about it.

I should mention that, when I'm having a lot of trouble with insomnia, I watch a lot more TV.  I'm having a lot of trouble with insomnia these days, hence I've been watching a lot of TV.

32) Do you enjoy spending time with your In-laws? 
I don't have any in-laws.  I like Henry's parents, though, so hopefully that won't change once the big event transpires.

I have already endured the worst mother-in-law possible, a truly evil woman who was the root cause of terrible and unspeakable pain for my ex.  She was the only 100% bona fide human monster I have ever met in my life, and she committed crimes that were worthy of torture.  Extreme torture.

I am one of the most bleeding-heart people on the planet, but if she still lived and she was burning on the street, I wouldn't pee on her to put the fire out.

33) Are you a sugar freak?
Situationally.

When I get junk food cravings, it's more about carbs and salt.  Cheetos are my freak food.

If there are brownies or cookies or whatever sitting around, I'll eat them, but I don't seek them out in general.

Give me a cheeseburger any day ;-)

34) What happened to Larry King?
Honestly, I don't care.

35) What sign are you? 
Need you ask?  I'm a Scorpio!

36) What do you wish on your birthday?
I hate my birthday.  I wish it wouldn't happen.

37) Who did you copy this from? 
 Sunday Stealing :-)

38) Do you eat breakfast?
Nah.  I've never been a big breakfast person, but when I was pregnant with Addie, I got violently sick every single morning for nine months.  VIOLENTLY sick.  It's been eighteen years, and I still can't eat in the morning.  It's weird.

I do drink a veritable ton of coffee, though ;-)

39) What would you name the royal baby?
Baby.  I think that might be entertaining ...

40) Do you buy a newspaper?
Nah, I read the news online.

I do buy trash celeb magazines, though.  It's a guilty pleasure ...

Sunday Stealing: Have Yous and What Ifs

Rarara, Sunday stealing :-)

1.       Have you anything to confess today?

Actually, yes.  I had foot surgery on Wednesday.  The doctor suggested I take two full weeks off from work, and I was like, “Naaaaaaaah.”  This was especially true because I scheduled the surgery so much of that time was incorporated into Thanksgiving break. 

In other words, I’m going back to work tomorrow and Tuesday, then I am off Wednesday until Sunday.

I have to confess, I wish I’d listened to the doctor.  I am still extremely uncomfortable if I’m not sitting down elevating with a bag of frozen peas on my foot.  Realistically speaking, I am not going to be able to sit, elevate, and ice at work.  This could cause backward progress (which I’d be pretty upset about since I’ve actually been good about sitting and elevating and icing, which is so not my style).

I’m sure I’ll be glad once I get to work (after my clearance appointment tomorrow morning), but I  must confess that I regret my stubborn nature and arrogant tendencies that led me to be confident in returning to work despite the doctor’s recommendation.

It’s going to be a tough couple of days …

2.       Have you ever broken a law? If so, what was it?

I’ve no doubt broken the law before.  It wasn’t anything egregious enough that I was a) caught or b) feel guilty enough to confess it now.  Standard college student stuff.  Maybe taking a road sign or two.  Nothing that sounds remotely significant to who I am today.

3.       Have you ever committed an act of betrayal against a friend or family member? Explain.

Yes, who hasn’t? 

This meme is making me feel really guilty and remorseful of who I used to be.  I’m not that person anymore.  Betrayal—or at least intentional, knowing betrayal, even in the name of “I’m right and s/he is wrong” is a thing of the past for me.

4.       Has someone else done something that, to this day, makes you cringe when you think about them committing the act?

Yes.  I would say that lying to the medical staff at a hospital that just took your blood by swearing on your child’s life that you haven’t had anything to drink and then having your blood alcohol level come up at .39 is pretty pathetic.  The fact that this happened more than once (more than twice, in fact) does indeed make me cringe.  It makes me cry.  It makes me vomit. 

It makes me feel so sorry for you … the truth will set you free, but you will never truly understand that.

5. Have you ever found yourself sexually aroused by someone that you absolutely should not have been?

I think anyone that answers “no” to this question is lying.  Sexual arousal is a visceral thing that you really have no control over.  That being said, I’m not going to start listing midgets and magicians and stuff …

6. Have you ever cheated at school? How so?

I had a friend that went on to major in Latin in college.  I’m sure I utilized her (and her homework) more than was healthy according to the academic honesty charter. 

Otherwise, though, no … I find cheating abhorrent.  The fact that kids today are able to do it frequently and pretty much without consequence has really gotten me rethinking my career, in fact. 

I have serious procrastination issues, so I had to get to the point where I was willing and able to work all night to get work I’d put off done, but I figured it out eventually.  Failing Algebra I and having to go to summer school was also something of a wake-up call.

7. What if you came across a backpack stuffed with one hundred thousand dollars. Would you keep it?

I’m one of those schmucks that would bring it to the police station.  Yes, I’m serious.  No, I wouldn’t take any.  I would hope that the owner was located and would want to give me a reward, but my luck as such that this would probably not happen.

It would make a hell of a story, though ;-)

8. What if you were the most powerful person in the world. How would you use that power?

I would rid the world of assholes.  It would take care of the population problem and make the world a better place.

9. What if you found a magic lamp?

I would be unable to resist the urge to rub it.  I mean, there has to be something to the myth, right?

10. What if you could change one thing about the world. What would that one thing be?

I would make it impossible for assholes to be successful.  Have you ever noticed that, by and large, people in positions of power are complete bullies?  It’s criminal …  My mother always says, “The pendulum swings” and that, in this day and age, nobody with a heart and strong morals would be willing to take on the responsibility of power when everything is so powered by political correctness.  Changing the rules for people based on who they are, however, is wrong.  Period.  This is especially true when you would totally nail someone else to the wall for the same thing.  Hypocrisy, lies, incompetence … the world is permeated with them, and it needs to change.    

I've adopted a "pay it forward" approach.  I'm not sure if I'll reap the benefits personally, but I've certainly benefited from the act of giving :-)

11. What if you could take one thing back. What would that one thing be?

As hard as this is to say, I would take nothing back.  Everything that happens to you—the good, the bad, and the ugly—give you character and shape who you are.  Giving that up would change the essence of who you are…

12. What if you were stuck on an island forever but had all the water, food and shelter you needed. What would you do?

I’d think a lot.  And figure out how to make paper and a writing implement. 

13. What if the internet didn't exist?

I go through phases where I can’t get enough of the internet, and other times when I don’t even use it at all.  A couple of months ago, I would have died without the internet.  This week, I’m seriously contemplating giving my iPhone to my mother and picking up one of the old flip phones circa early 2000s.

14. What if you never started blogging?

I’d have a lot fewer friends on Facebook ;-p

Nah, seriously, I would have missed out on knowing some incredible people.  I would also not be as strong a writer as I am … the practice and the authentic audience and being able to interact with people on their own blogs is just an incredible experience.

I love you all <3 o:p="o:p">

15. What are your November 22 Thanksgiving plans?

I am still going to be recuperating from my foot surgery, so I’ll be sitting on my derriere, elevating, and icing.  I’ve been charged with peeling potatoes. 

We are having approximately twenty people over.  Eating a turkey raised by one of my students.  Having steak on the grill for those of us that don’t like turkey.  Lots of people.  Lots of pie.

We’re playing Apples to Apples.  It should be a blast J

Sunday Stealing: Our Players' Meme

Ah, Sunday Stealing, it's been awhile ... The bonus of doing a regular weekly meme is that it gives you some really interesting ideas for future blog posts.  Oh, and it's a great way to wake up on a Sunday morning while you drink the requisite coffee :-)  

1. You have been awarded the time off from work and an all-expenses paid week anywhere in the United States. The catch is that it must be somewhere you have not been before. Where do you choose to visit? 

Somewhere in the south, where I've never been in reality (other than driving through on the way to Florida as a kid) but have been extensively through literature.  Is South Carolina what Pat Conroy and Anne Rivers Siddons made it for me?  And how about Alabama, where I grew up alongside Scout Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird?  

2. Name three of your guilty pleasures.

Coffee, cheeseburgers, and reading.

3. The best kind of Girl Scout Cookie is:

Tagalongs.  Oh my gosh, I can put those things away by the box ... I am not buying ANY Girl Scout cookies this year.  It never ends well ...

4. What do you value most in other people? 

Humor.  Even if you're an asshole, I'll find some sort of redeeming value if you can make me laugh.

5. Be honest. Do you sneak some raw cookie dough when you’re baking cookies?

I don't cook, but what I have been known to do is worse.  Yeah, you know the pre-made cookie dough they sell at the grocery store?  I've been known to buy that for the sole purpose of ... well, not baking it. Haha, I don't think I've ever admitted that before ;-)

6. Have you ever looked back at your life and realized that something you thought was a bad thing was actually a blessing in disguise?!

More times than I can count :-)

7. What is the most beautiful place you’ve ever visited? 

I think it would have to be Bar Harbor in Maine.  I love my little tiny slice of New Hampshire ocean, but seeing the ocean in Maine surrounded by mountains and forests, and the water is this unbelievable shade of blue, and it is just the most beautiful place ever.  

8. Are you more of a thinker or a feeler? 

I feel first and think later.  I do both equally, but it's more of a sequential thing with me than with many people, I think.  It's something I'm working on ... not a great way to be.

9. Name three things you are thankful for right now.

My family, having a job I love, and coffee.

10. Have you ever participated in a three-legged race? 

Haha, yes.  It was a drunken college thing.  It did not end well.  (I seem to say that a lot...)

11. When you are at an event that plays the National Anthem, do you place your hand over your heart?

This is going to sound really stupid, but I didn't know you were supposed to.  The Pledge of Allegiance, yes.  "The Star Spangled Banner"?  I thought standing and removing your hat were sufficient to show respect.  Since I've started attending more events where this comes up, I've started placing my hand over my heart because half the audience does, and I don't want to look disrespectful.  However, I'm still not sure if this is right or not ...

 

Second meme: 

12. What kind of work do you do?

I am a high school English teacher.  That means I'm a psychologist, a psychic, a clown, a philosopher, a referee, a coach, a technology expert, a cheerleader, a warden, a facilitator, and about a hundred other hats.   

13. During the course of your lifetime, which job or career has been your favorite or most fulfilling?

Teaching, no question.  Of course, the other options include things like wearing the rat costume at Chuck E. Cheese's and working third shift at Cumby's, so it's kind of a no-brainer ;-)

14. Do you think it’s necessary in your life to have a day-to-day “career” that is meaningful and service-oriented or do you function better in “just a job” with a steady paycheck?

Absolutely.  If I didn't love my job, I would certainly find something that paid better.  I discovered last year that I made more money bartending than I do teaching, which is scary.  Teaching is far more than a job to me, and the stories you collect are just amazing ... even better than the ones you get while bartending.  

15. Was there ever a time in your life when you wanted to stay home with your children instead of working, even if it meant less money in the household?

Of course ... although I still think I am a much better mother because I work.  It makes the time I have with my girls a hundred times more valuable, plus dealing with kids all day makes me appreciate them more.  I have really enjoyed this summer, actually, since I've gotten to spend a lot of time home with my kids ... where Addie basically asks for money to go out with her friends and Belle's incessant chattering begins to wear thin after awhile to the point where I direct her to the television (I'm exaggerating, of course, but I've found that it's not exactly all it's cracked up to be)

16. Tell us your worst boss story.

I have to plead the fifth on this one.  Make sure to read my memoir when it comes out, though ...

17. Have your ever been the boss?

Not the BIG boss, no way.  My skill set is not exactly suited for being a boss.  I'm great at being a high school English teacher, so why would I want more than that?  Some of my colleagues are all about going back to school to get certified as administrators, and I am honestly puzzled by that.

18. What is your dream occupation?

A published author.  But "high school English teacher" is the ultimate fallback :-)

The Movie Time Meme (More Sunday Stealing :-))

Heehee, Sunday Stealing is the best thing to do whilst drinking coffee on a Sunday morning ... you get to answer random questions, readers get an insight into you they wouldn't otherwise, and ... well, it's fun :-)  The Movie Time Meme is this week's offering ... good times :-)

1. What is your all-time favorite movie costume?

In Wolfgang Petersen's The Neverending Story, there is a giant bat with wings that look like black trash bags.  My siblings and I had so much fun laughing at that (like, we'd reference it on trash day ... "Time to take the bat wings out") that it has to be my favorite movie costume.

2. What classic film would you nominate for a remake?

The Legend of Billie Jean.  That movie had potential ;-) (And, yes, it WAS a classic!)

3. Name your favorite femme fatale.

Kate Winslet, because she has the coolest name and managed to become a serious and successful actress despite being closer to a typical weight than most.

4. Name the best movie title.

Santa Claus Conquers the Martians.  Only because the title is the best thing about it ... absolutely the worst  movie I've ever seen ...

5. Describe the worst performance by a child actor that you’ve ever seen.

The Olsen twins on Full House.  I can remember really being bothered by them.

6. Who gets your vote for most tragic movie monster?

Severus Snape ... the monster that was, ultimately, the true hero of the Harry Potter series.

7. What is the one Western that you would recommend to anybody?

Gotta go with The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (it's all about Eastwood, except for the unfortunate Honkeytonk Man)

8. Who is your ideal movie-viewing partner?

Anyone that doesn't talk during movies.  When I'm watching a movie, I want to focus on watching the movie ... a very good way to piss me off royally is to talk during a movie.

9. Has a film ever made you want to change your life? If so, what was the film?

Dead Poets Society definitely changed my approach to teaching and my bottom line attitude regarding my profession.  Plus, it always makes me cry.

10. Think of one performer that you truly love. Now think of

one scene/movie/performance of theirs that is too uncomfortable for you to

watch.

The scene where Tom Hanks is screaming, "WILSON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" during Castaway makes my toes curl.

11. On the flip side, think of one really good scene/performance/movie

from a performer that you truly loathe.

Lindsay Lohan was pretty amazing in Mean Girls ... it's kind of sad, because it makes you realize how truly talented she is (or was).  

12. What is your favorite romantic comedy?

Dirty Dancing ... nobody puts Baby in a corner.

13. What is your favorite drama?

Beaches.  You would think I'd no longer cry by now, but I do.

14. Worst film you've seen?

Hmm, at the moment (one cup of coffee into the day), I'm feeling like it's the aforementioned Santa Claus Conquers the Martians or Honkeytonk Man.  

15. How do you feel about the majority of romantic films being labeled "chick flicks"?

Eh, I guess I'd be offended if I thought about it overmuch, but let's be real ... how many guys get together to watch Sleepless in Seattle?

16. Favorite on-screen couple?

Han Solo and Princess Leia, natch :-)

17. Favorite off-screen couple?

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner (because since Ben is clearly never going to be mine, at least he's got a girl that loves her kids, has a good sense of humor, and is occasionally photographed by paparazzi sans makeup and wearing glasses and sweatpants)

18. Best kiss in a movie?

Gotta go with From Here to Eternity in this one.

19. Favorite scene?

In The Godfather, when Marlon Brando's Vito Corleone is filling in his son Michael (Al Pacino) on the ultimate facts of life.  "It was Barzini all along."

20. Who are 2 film characters you wished had gotten together, but never did?

I am clearly overthinking this one ... are we talking the same movie?  Random characters slapped together from different films?  I haven't had enough coffee to answer this one, obviously.

21. Two actors you think would have great chemistry, but have never done a film together?

No idea ... creativity is flowing faster than the coffee this morning ...

22. Favorite song in a film (doesn't have to be from a musical)?

"The Wind Beneath my Wings" because it always makes me BAWL in the context of Beaches (even though the song annoys me otherwise since I've heard it a zillion times).

23. Best score from a film?

Pretty much anything John Williams scored.  The master of the major fifth ;-)  I especially like Star Wars and E.T.

24. Best film quote?

"Fra-gee-lay.  That must be Italian."

25. A film you'd recommend that is a "Must See" for us to watch?

The Legend of Billie Jean ... I'm telling you, it was ahead of its time.

Sunday Stealing: The Next Installment of the Imaginary Meme

If you don't do Sunday Stealing, you should ... it's fun :-)

121. Have you gone rock climbing? If not, would you?

On man-made rock walls, yes.  Lots of fun, actually.  On real rocks?  No way … I am the world’s biggest klutz, and … well, it just wouldn’t end well.    

122. Do you believe in forever love in a romantic relationship?

I really and truly hope so J

123. As a kid did you ever sneak anyone into your house?

You know, I honestly don’t think I did.  Whether or not I ever snuck out of my house is a completely different question …

124. Do you personally know anyone homeless?

I do, unfortunately.

125. Do you believe in aliens?

I think it would be presumptuous of humankind to assume that we are the only living things in existence when you consider how truly, immeasurably huge the solar system (which is only one of many) is … it’s mind-boggling, if you think about it.

126. Have you ever killed someone?

What kind of a sick and twisted meme is this?

127. What would it take for you to sell your soul to a devil?

It’s hard to predict how you’d act in a given scenario until it comes up.  Not that I’d ever want this one to …

128. Top or bottom?

Oh, I always preferred the top bunk when I was a kid because my sister had a little bedwetting problem, as I found out when she got the top bunk on a vacation to Florida and I woke up to … well, raindrops falling on my head.

129. Are you happy with your career?

I adore every aspect of the teaching part of my career.  Unfortunately, teaching becomes less and less a part of being a teacher every year.  Does that make any sense?

130. What's your favorite store to buy clothes? Why?

I have two children … I haven’t bought clothes for myself since 2004 or so.

131. What is your eye color?

Blue.

132. Watching or playing sports?

Depends on the sport.

133. Would you have plastic surgery?

I doubt it, if only because I have a tendency to be very unlucky when it comes to medical stuff.  “There is a one in 500 chance you’ll have this side effect” … “Nobody ever gets this side effect, but we have to mention it” … um, yeah, guess who always seems to get that side effect?  Me getting elective surgery would just be asking for trouble.

134. Name one website that you visit daily. Why do you read it?

This is really lame, but I stalk The Weather Channel, particularly in the summer.  I am scared to death of thunderstorms (my golden retriever and I fight over the bathtub), so I am always on the lookout for them.  I am like the amateur meteorologist from hell … “We have a severe thunderstorm warning, but according to the Doppler, I think we’re only going to get a piece of it.”

I’m a dork ;-)

135. Are you going on vacation this year? If so, where?

Nope.  Too poor.  Also, not enough time (summer school starts in a week, and then there are conferences and trainings and such, plus I am trying really hard to finish writing my new novel this summer).

136. How do you align yourself politically?

I try not to pigeonhole myself that way, because it is dangerous and honestly kind of ignorant.  I try to keep an open mind (if only so my children don’t feel pressured to have my opinions instead of their own), but I tend to find myself on the left side of things (except for welfarereform … I am further right than Rush Limbaugh on welfare reform).

137. Do you have any pets?

I have two dogs, a black lab named Sonja (she was a rescue dog and is the coolest animal ever … ) and a golden retriever named Mollie (she is a neurotic, spoiled princess … but for some reason, I love her very much in spite of this).

138. Do you believe in soul mates?

“Friends for a reason, friends for a season, and friends for life.”

139. What’s one trait that you hate about yourself?

My ADHD (which encompasses the bad things about me, such as procrastination, impulsivity, disorganization, and so on)

140. How long have you played Sunday Stealing?

Good question … quite awhile, I’m pretty sure J  I was off the grid for a bit, though.

Sunday Stealing: The Imaginary Meme

This is Part VI of a longer meme, but since I haven't blogged forever (other than my random iPhone contemplation on roadkill, where I learned that IOS doesn't give a rat's derriere about paragraphs...), I figured this was a good way to ease back in.  Check out Sunday Stealing, if you get a chance ... always an interesting read :-)

101. Name 4 things you always have with you.

iPhone (it's a combination extra appendage and crack), coffee, keys, and ... hmmm, underwear???? 

102. How many SERIOUS exes do you have?

Serious exes ... hmm, sounds a touch oxymoronic ;-)  Probably four.

103. What causes you to you admire people?

Honesty, humor, and ... well, a willingness to do interesting things.

104. Do you like sports?

I do.  I like to watch baseball and football on TV, and I enjoy playing random "non-sports" like badminton, ladder golf, beach volleyball, and such.  And I'm a swimming maniac.

105. Would you have sex after marriage? Why or why not?

Nah, marriage takes all the fun out of it ;-)

106. What is your favorite male name?

Roran

107. Do animals go to Heaven?

They'd better, because many animals I've known are more deserving than most people.

108. Last time you had a great time with your dad?

Some Christmas Eve event at his house.  It's usually a good time, with lots of music and beer and reminiscing.  

109. What is your favorite hair style?

I am very low-maintenance.  My hair just is.  The idea of all the work that goes into it keeps me from really enjoying any other hair styles.

110. Do you like your name?

Sure.  I mean, it's a little over-common, but it's much better than Prunella or Apple or whatever.

111. When was the last time that you quit your job?

2008.  Geez, time flies ...

112. When you wake up, what is the first thing you think?

"Put the dogs out", since I usually wake up to a black lab climbing all over me and a golden retriever relentlessly licking my face.

113. Have you ever pulled an all-niter?

In my wayward youth, many times.  It's been awhile ...

114. What is the perfect day for you?

Any day where I get to spend extensive time with my daughters.  And cheeseburgers.

115. Last time you cleaned the bathroom?

Hmmm, when you can't answer that question off the top of your head, I guess you know it's time to clean the bathroom.  Guess I know what I'm doing when I finish this ...

116. Have you ever failed a grade? Why?

I never failed a grade, but I did fail Algebra I.  Twice.  

My parents got divorced when I was in sixth grade, so suffice it to say that I didn't care a whole lot about school at that time (it was a pretty bad scene).  As a result, I ended up tracked in low classes when I went into junior high.  My eighth grade English teacher wanted me to take the placement test for Honors English when we were doing course selections for high school, and they decided to take me, for some reason.  

The problem was, the school would not allow me to take Honors English and Pre-Algebra (back then, if you were exceptionally smart in one area, you could theoretically be exceptionally smart in all areas).  I had to make a choice.  Well, my mother had to make a choice.

Long story short, I walked into Algebra I thinking that "X" meant multiply.  It went downhill from there ...

117. Have you met anyone online?

Haha, yup.

118. Have you ever smoked?

Yup...dirty, filthy, disgusting habit :-(

119. Do you like celebrities?

I do, in fact, have a minor obsession with celebrities.  When I was in high school, I kept scrapbooks of different celebrities that were always in the news, and even now I can tell you random celebrity gossip facts that are completely pointless.  I own the celebrity category of Trivial Pursuit ;-)

120. Do you like traveling?

Actually, I love traveling.  Unfortunately, I have a deathly fear of airplanes, so my options are a bit limited.  I do the best I can with what I have :-)