Here goes nothing!


It has been a very long time since I blogged, so this meme is the perfect re-entry into the blogosphere!

1. How long have you been blogging?

On and off for at least three years.

2. What made you start?

I first began blogging as a way to encourage my students to write. The first blog I set up was for an upper-division composition class that I was teaching.

3. Who inspired you?

If The Brain worked properly, I would remember this. Alas, The Brain's several short circuits makes the memory foggy. However, I do remember that I was inspired by an article I read in a professional journal.

4. About how many hours a week would you estimate you spend on your blog?

When I'm actively blogging, I spend about 10-12 hours a week on my blog. That is, unless I start playing around with widgets, codes, links, etc.

5. What kind of experience or background do you have with writing?

I have a graduate degree in English and taught composition to college students for several years. I've also had professional papers published in literary journals. Blogging is a completely different style of writing than I am used to and although I do enjoy it, I still prefer to do research and develop an argument on a topic of interest.

6. Talk about how you come up with blog topics. Where do you get your ideas?

Life is a blog post just waiting to be written, so I just live and let whatever strikes my fancy at the moment become the topic du jour.

7. What or who inspires you and your blog?

See #6.

8. Where and/or how do your brainstorming for your blog?

Brainstorming is not my thing; it's a pre-writing strategy that just never worked for me. Instead of brainstorming, I keep notes on my iPhone of things that I found interesting, insightful, intriguing, or irritating and use them as the jumping off points for posts.

9. Do you have any blogging rules or guidelines you follow?

I love reading blogs with images, so I always try to find a picture of some kind to accompany a post. Other than that, I don't follow any hard and fast rules.

10. Is there anything you will not blog about?

If it irks, irritates, or intrigues me, I'll blog about it.

11. Do you have any sort of a publishing schedule in terms of day of week or topic?

Not really. Sometimes I'll write a post or two and keep them on the shelf for just the "right" time to publish, but that doesn't happen very often.

Here goes nothing!

27. Do you prefer to sleep or eat?

I prefer to sleep because I never seem to get enough of it.

28. Do you look like your mom or dad?

I have my dad's eye and hair color, my mom's face and body shape. The older I get, the more I look like my mother, though.

29. How long does it take you in the shower?

Because I am conscious of the fact that where I live there is a serious water shortage, I do my best to get in and out of the shower in under 15 minutes.

30. Can you do the splits?

Of course -- I can split hairs, bananas, stocks, and cards when playing Black Jack.

31. What movie do you want to see right now?

I'm waiting to see the new Disney animated film which I think is called The Princess and the Frog or something like that.

32. What did you do for New Year’s?

The same thing we always do -- stay at home and away from all the drunk people.

33. Do you think The Grudge was scary?

I have no clue what The Grudge is.

34. Do you own a camera phone?

My iPhone has a camera on it -- not a great one, but a camera nonetheless.

35. Was your mom a cheerleader?

My mom was the best kind of cheerleader there is -- she rooted for and cheered on her daughters.

36. What’s the last letter of your middle name?

E

37. How many hours of sleep do you get a night?

I average about 3 hours per night.

38. Do you like Care Bears?

Not really; I'm a little old for that.

39. What do you buy at the movies?

A ticket to get in and nothing else. Everything is so overpriced at the theater.

40. Do you know how to play poker?

Yes, I do.

41. Do you wear your seat belt?

It's the law in California.

42. What do you wear to sleep?

A nightgown.

43. Anything big ever happen in your hometown?

The Beach Boys and Mattel Toys "happened" in my hometown of Hawthorne, California.

44. How many meals do you eat a day?

Usually just one.

45. Is your tongue pierced?

Does forked count?

46. Do you always read MySpace bulletins?

I don't use MySpace at all.

47. Do you like funny or serious people better?

I like them equally, but I prefer serious people who can be funny when appropriate.

48. Ever been to L.A.?

Uh, I was born and raised in a suburb of Los Angeles.

49. Did you eat a cookie today?

No. Do you want to share one?

50. Do you use cuss words in other languages?

Very, very rarely. My mom taught me and my sisters that people who use foul language are only showing the world how stupid they are because they have such a limited vocabulary that they can't find a more effective word to use instead. I agree with her and very seldom say cuss words in any language because I don't want people thinking that I'm stooopid!

51. Do you steal or pay for your music downloads?

I buy music from iTunes.

52. Do you hate chocolate?

Is it possible for people to hate chocolate?

53. What do you and your parents fight about the most?

I don't fight with my father -- we are both way too old for that.

54. Are you a gullible person?

Not any longer.

55. Do you need a girlfriend to be happy?

Nope; I have a husband.

56. If you could have any job (assuming you have the skills) what what would it be?

I would teach just like I did until I retired a few months ago.

57. Are you easy to get along with?

People tell me that I am.

58. What is your favorite time of day?

My favorite time of day is the very early morning like 2-5 am.

Here goes nothing!


1. When you go to Wowmart, what one thing do you get every single time, besides a funky-wheeled squeaking cart full of frustration?

Nothing. I don't shop unless necessary and avoid places like Wowmart like the plague!

2. What is something that people are currently “into” that you just don’t get or appreciate?

Tattoos! I always wonder if the people who get them think about what they will look like on their aged skin? An old tattoo is not a pretty thing to see!

3. What is something that really hoists your sail that other people might feel “ho-hum” about?

The fact that too many people aren't willing to take the time to investigate an issue before developing and expressing an opinion about it. How do you know what your opinion is if you don't know what the issue is all about -- and I mean from a variety of angles and perspectives?

4. Favorite song to sing in the shower or car?

It changes with my mood, so there's no particular one.

5. A really great salad must have this ingredient:

Thousand Island salad dressing

6. What advice in a nutshell would you give to new bloggers?

Post as consistently as life allows you to.

7. What was the alternate name that your parents almost named you? Do you wish they had chosen it instead of the one they gave you?

I remember my parents telling a story about how my dad wanted to name me Ellen or something along those lines. Thankfully, he was off on a Navy ship in the Pacific when I was born, so my mom was in charge of filling out the birth certificate and thus my name. I wouldn't change my name, ever.

8. What in your life are you waiting for?

The new Ken Burns documentary to air on PBS.

9. You get a package in the mail. What is it, and who is it from?

If I get a package in the mail, it's because I bought something online. Who it's from depends on who got my money and what I needed at the time I clicked the BUY button.

10. Today–what song represents you?

Gilbert O'Sullivan -- Nothing Rhymed


11. What is one thing that blogging has taught you about yourself?

That I as much as I enjoy it, I am still far more comfortable with research writing than I am with creative writing.

12. How are you going to (or how did you) choose the clothes you’re wearing today?
What do they say about you in general or specifically how you’re feeling today?

I chose the clothes that I am wearing because I woke up in them. It's currently 3:40 AM in Southern California, and I have been awake for nearly four hours. It's too early to put on real clothes, so the nightgown it is. What does it say about me? Well, since it has no sleeves, it says that I get hot easily. It's green, which is the color of hope and one of my favorites. Finally, it says that I am hopeful that before the sun peeks up over the horizon of my neighborhood, I will feel sleepy enough to go back to bed.

Here we go . . .

what are your most common nicknames?

I don't really have a nickname, unless you consider that my favorite uncle has always called me by my middle name and that Thom calls me Zip.

what is today's weather?

Currently, at 4:14 AM in my part of Orange County, California, it is 75 degrees F with an expected daytime high temperature of 90 as the day progresses.

where did go on vacation this year?

I didn't take a vacation this year; I retired instead.

what did you do there?

I played Farm Town on Facebook a lot and had surgery.

where did you stay?

Either at home or in the office at our business. The accommodations at home are more comfortable when the weather is hot, so I've stayed in the luxury of central air for a few weeks.

what job do you do?

It would be easier to tell you what job I don't do. I don't do windows.

describe where you live.

I live in a city that is swallowed up by two others that are much more famous: Anaheim (home of Disneyland) and Santa Ana (once voted the "Great American City"). Garden Grove is best known for its annual Strawberry Festival and for being conveniently located near everything else that is important.

what do you usually do on weekends?

The same things I do on week days -- work.

what food hits your 'bliss spot'?

Spinach cooked just about any way you can imagine.

what drink really does it for you?

Coffee with hazelnut cream

describe the first friend that comes to your head.

The Amazing Egyptian Dude (aka my husband)

what was the last restaurant you went to?

I think it was Red Robin, but I don't remember for sure.

where would you like to live if you had unlimited moneys and nothing stopping your dreams?

Somewhere in the mountains between Pagosa Springs and Silverton, Colorado.

what is the likeliness of you achieving this dream home?

Not likely at all -- the Amazing Egyptian Dude balks at the idea of touching snow let alone living in a place where it is a daily part of life for several months of the year.

what do you like to do in your spare time?

Read, crochet, play with the cats, crossword puzzles, and watch documentaries

what's your favorite genre for TV programs?

My favorite TV programming is on PBS because it's mostly documentaries; on network television, though, it would have to be the talent competitions like American Idol and Dancing with the Stars.

what's your favorite genre for music?

Country

what's your favorite song that's sad?

I've got a whole list of them here: Songs to Cry By.

what's your favorite soppy film?

A Walk to Remember

how about your favorite chick flick?

Right now it's Music and Lyrics; however, it changes every few days.

what are you looking forward to at the moment?

A reduction in the swelling at the incision site of the surgery I had on Friday morning.

what are you dreading at the moment?

The swelling not going down and having to make a trip to Urgent Care to get it checked.

how would you describe your personality?

Sheesh, these questions are quite random, aren't they?! Anyway, I'd describe my personality as friendly and easy to get along with.

if you had a personality eraser, what part of yours might you erase?

The stubborn parts.

you are given $5000 to spend in 1 day, what do you do with it? remember, no limitations!

Providing, of course, that it has been invented, I'd buy a robot that does the laundry. If one isn't available, then I'd use the money to buy some gold as an investment.

what is your biggest fear?

That my husband will die before I do.

INSTRUCTIONS: Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Try not to repeat a song title. It's a lot harder than you think! Post as "Jodi's Meme: My Life According to (BAND/ARTIST NAME)" The great thing is that if you have already done this meme, you can do it again with a different artist! Please do!

Here we go . . .

-Are you a male or female?

Hey, Little Girl

-Describe yourself

I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide

-How do you feel right now?

My Bucket's Got a Hole in It

-If you could go anywhere, where would you go?

A Thousand Miles from Nowhere

-Your favorite form of transportation

Long White Cadillac

-Describe Your Morning Routine

The First Thing Smokin'

-Your best friend is

Little Sister

-What's the weather like

It Won't Hurt

-Pet Peeve?

Holding Things Together

-If your life was a TV show, what would it be called

Sorry You Asked?

-Your relationship

My Heart Skips a Beat

-Your Fear

Buenas Noches from a Lonely Room

-What is the best advice you have to give?

Don't Be Sad

-If you could change your name, you would change it to

Carmelita

-What do you say when you are frustrated?

I Hear You Knockin'

-Thought for the day

Close Up the Honky Tonks

-How you would like to die

It Won't Hurt

-Your soul's present condition

Nothing's Changed Here

-Your motto

I Ain't that Lonely Yet


Have a great week, everyone!

Question 1: Who do you think is the hottest movie star?

Since all of them can probably afford air conditioning, it's not likely any of them are truly hot. And if they are hot, they probably have excellent health care and can afford to go to a doctor to see what's making them that way!

Question 2: Apart from your house and your car, what is the most expensive thing you have ever bought?

The most expensive thing I have ever bought besides my house and car would have to be the living room furniture I bought last year.

Question 3: What is your most treasured memory?

I have too many of them to choose just one!

Question 4: What is the best gift you’ve ever received as a child?

The best gift I received as a child was a collection of Childcraft books that my grandmother got when she won Queen for a Day and gave to me and my sisters. I read those books over and over and over and over again.

Question 5: What is the biggest mistake you’ve ever made?

Believing that people, if given accurate information, will naturally draw logical conclusions.

Question 6: Give four words to describe yourself.

friendly, talkative, inquisitive, competitive

Question 7: What was your highlight or lowlight of 2008?

High: The road trip to Texas with my daughter and niece.
Low: The death of my Uncle Jerry.

Question 8: What was your most embarrassing moment?

This is another area where I've had way too many to keep track!

Question 9: Tell something not generally known about yourself.

I am crazy for wasabe peas.

Question 10: If you were a comic strip/cartoon character, who would you be?

Little Orphan Annie

Then: August 1999

1. Age: 40 for two whole months

2. Romantic Status: You could have asked me this question in 1989 and got the same answer, still married.

3. Occupation: Teaching English at one university and two community colleges

4. Fun night out: Dinner and coffee with hubby and friends

5. My BFFs: Cindy and Iman

6. I spent way too much time: Trying to engage the disengaged, never realizing that they had checked out for a reason.

7. I spent not enough time: Monitoring my health and listening to warnings when they were first given.

8. I wanted to be when I grew up: I had been grown up for a long, long time already.

9. Biggest concern: My daughter's future

10. What my biggest concern should have been: No difference from #9

11. Where did I live: The same place where I live now.

12. Dumbest thing I did that year: I honestly don't remember.

13. If I could go back now and talk to myself I would say: Never, ever trust that everything is ok just because it seems like it is!

14. Picture of me then: I don't have a scanner.

Now: August 2009

1. Age: 50 for two whole months

2. Romantic Status: Still married to the same guy I was married to in 1989 and 1999.

3. Occupation: Recently retired from teaching, but now working in our business most of the time.

4. Fun night out: A fun night "out" is actually a quiet night "in" without any work to do.

5. My BFFs: Cindy and Iman

6. I spend way too much time: Right now I spend way too much time playing Farm Town on Facebook. In general, though, I spend far too much time on the computer doing work related stuff.

7. I spend not enough time: Reading. I miss having the time and energy to curl up with a good book!

8. I want to be when I grow up: Same answer as for 1999.

9. Biggest concern: Since 1999, I was diagnosed with Arnold Chiari Malformation and had brain surgery two years ago to help control the symptoms; therefore, my biggest concern at the moment is keeping The Brain under control and fighting off seizures and headaches so that I can have more good days than bad.

10. What my biggest concern should be: How to keep grey hair under control.

11. Where do I live: In the same house that I lived in 10 years ago. I hate moving!

12. Dumbest thing I have done this year: Because of #9, remembering things like this is not easy for me. Besides, I do dumb things on a daily basis!

13. What I think I would say to myself in 10 years: Carleen, you should have given in to your inner gypsy and taken a road trip every summer!

Summary:

1. What do I miss most from 1999: The bones that I had in my neck and the piece of my skull that I had back then that were removed when I had brain surgery a few years ago.

2. What do I miss least from 1999: Nothing that I can think of . . . that may have something to do with the missing pieces of my head and neck, though . . .

3. What have I accomplished in 10 years that I am most proud of: I survived without losing my sanity or my ability to be thankful for what I have and who I am.

4. What have I NOT accomplished in 10 years that I wish I had: I didn't take a road trip every summer.

My roommate and I once: did something, but it was in a past life because I've never had a roommate in this one.

Never in my life have I: enjoyed picking my nose in public.

High school was: enough.

When I’m nervous: it's a really big deal -- I don't get nervous.

My hair: is on my head . . . and on my legs when I have neither the time nor the inclination to shave them, but is always gone from under my arms.

When I was 5: it was a very good year.

When I turn my head left: I hear a creaking sound.

I should be: sleeping?

By this time next year: I hope to be a beauty queen.

My favorite aunt is: a dingbat for leaving California to live in Texass, but I love her anyway.

I have a hard time understanding:

You know I like you if: I don't kick you in the shin.

My ideal breakfast is: a chicken fajita omelette from iHop

If you visit my home town: on Memorial Day weekend, you can attend the Strawberry Festival.

If you spend the night at my house: be prepared to find a cat in the bed.

The animal I would like to see flying besides birds: is the common loud-mouthed teenager.

I shouldn’t have been: both smart and beautiful, but what could I do? It's in the genes!

Last night I: had a nice conversation with the son-in-law.

A better name for me would be: her majesty

I’ve been told I look like: no one else on earth

If I could have any car, it would be:

1. Who was the last person of the opposite sex you lay in a bed with?
Sheesh, this one starts with a great question! My husband.

2. Where was the last place you went out to eat?
The last place I ate that wasn't my home was Red Robin.

3. What was the last alcoholic beverage you consumed?
I haven't had alcohol for close to thirty years, so I have no clue.

4. Which do you prefer - eyes or lips?
Eyes

5. Medicine, fine arts, or law?
Fine Arts

6. Best kind of pizza?
The kind my friend, Christine, makes from scratch. It has tomatoes, spinach, olives, and onions on it, along with three different kinds of cheese.

7. What is in store for your future?
Only God knows the answer to this one.

8. Who was the last band you saw live?
I don't remember the last band, but the last live performance I attended was a Sarah Brightman concert.

9. Do you take care of your friends while they are sick?
Take care of them? No, they have spouses and children who do that. I do, however, help them out with whatever I am able to.

10. How many songs are on your iPod?
I have no clue how many songs are on my iPhone. It has however many 8 gig can hold, I suppose.

11. Where is the last place you drove to?
The last place I drove to was the nursing home to visit Betty.

12. Where did your last kiss take place?
Kinda nosey, don't you think? I don't kiss and tell!

13. What were you doing at 11:59 PM on Monday night?
I don't remember what I was doing at 11:59 PM last night, forget about Monday night!

14. Are you a quitter?
That depends on the situation because quitting isn't necessarily a bad thing. For example, quitting a bad habit is something to be proud of.

15. Who was the last person you had in your house?
Actually, it was a group of people who were all at my house last night: daughter, son-in-law, and two nieces.

15. What do you think about people who party a lot?
I feel sorry for them for a couple of reasons: (1) I find it sad that people who party too much can't find a way to make themselves happy while retaining their consciousness; (2) I pity people who party a lot because they will never be able to regain the time they wasted.

16. Does talking about sex make you uncomfortable?
That depends on the reason, the context, and the other conversants.

17. What was the last CD you purchased?
Songs of the Civil War to replace my original which had begun to skip.

18. What are two bands or singers that you will always love?
(1) Elvis Presley and (2) Merle Haggard

19. Which of the seven deadly sins are you guilty of?
Probably all of them, but I've forgotten which ones are on the list.

20. How is your last ex doing?
I don't know and don't care.

To see other entries or play along, visit here.


1. If you could turn back the hands of time to correct one wrongdoing, what event would you choose and why?

I wouldn't want to turn back the hands of time to correct a wrongdoing because in doing so, I would also erase the lesson that I learned from the mistake. Do I regret some things that I've done? Of course, but I learned and moved on, trying never to repeat them.

2. Are you one for tradition? If so, what traditions do you strongly believe in? If not, what makes tradition hypocritical?

Traditions are the threads that join the panels of our lives together and without them, we're frayed and fragmented. Traditions provide us with continuity and a sense of immortality. I believe in and celebrate traditions wholeheartedly! The types of traditions that I believe most strongly in are those that are unique to every family -- things like eating certain foods only on specific special occasions. As wonderful as I think they are, though, traditions can become hypocritical if nobody knows what they mean, how they started, or why they continue. A really good example of this is found in Shirley Jackson's short story, The Lottery.


3. You were taking part in an event and you had to crossplay, who would you crossplay as and why?

I have no clue what crossplaying is, so I guess I wouldn't do it.


4. If you only had one day left to live, how would you spend your last day? Would you be tempted to live fatally if you knew you were to die the next day, and if so, what extreme measures would you take?

I'd live my last day the same as I would every other one. The only thing that I might do differently is to add an extra prayer or two.


5. What are your top five sinful materialistic items, ones you'd expect from others including those closest to you? Why are each in the position they are in?

I'm not sure what a "sinful materialistic item" is, nor do I get the second half of the first sentence. I was doing okay with this meme until now! I don't think I have any "sinful materialistic items," unless you count my cigarettes. . .


6. I am...tired but can't sleep because I woke up from a bad dream.

7. I feel...inspired to do something remarkable today.

8. I see...my computer screen and a cup of coffee on my desk.

9. I need...very little to make me happy.

10. I love...little baby ducks, clovers filled with luck, slow-moving trains, and rain
I love little country streams, sleep without dreams, flowers that bloom in May, and hay
And i love you too

I love leaves in the wind, pictures of my friends, birds in the world, and squirrels
I love coffee in a cup, little fuzzy kittens, iced tea in a glass, and grass and i love you too

I love honest open smiles, kisses from a child, tomatoes on the vine, and onions
I love winners when they cry, losers when they try, music when it's good, and life
And i love you too

**I borrowed the lyrics for Tom T. Hall's song, "I Love," and changed them up a bit.

11. I wish...that I could control The Brain instead of It controlling me.

12. I think...; therefore, I am.

13. I hear...dead people. No wait, I see dead people. I forgot what I hear.

14. I crave...mangoes in the summer.

15. I fear...bridges more than anything else.

16. I hope…For love, joy and laughter
I hope
We'll have more than we'll ever need
I hope
We'll have more happy ever afters
I hope
We can all live more fearlessly
And we can lose all the pain and misery
I hope, I hope

**I agree with the Dixie Chicks' lyrics for "I Hope."

To see other entries or play along, visit here.

1. I’ve come to realize that my chest-size. . .is nobody's business but my own.

2. I’ve come to realize that my job. . .is something that I will miss very much.

3. I’ve come to realize that when I’m driving. . .at least 80% of the stupid people in California are on the road at the same time!

4. I’ve come to realize that I need. . .very little and want even less.

5. I’ve come that realize that I have lost. . .a lot of sleep in the past few months.

6. I’ve come to realize that I hate it when. . .people use or take things without asking first.

7. I’ve come to realize that if I’m drunk. . .someone is trying to kill me because I never drink.

8. I’ve come to realize that money. . .may not be the root of all evil, but it sure can create plenty of it!

9. I’ve come to realize that certain people. . .will never open their eyes or their minds.

10. I’ve come to realize that I’ll always. . .be right no matter what anyone else thinks or says.

11. I’ve come to realize that my sibling(s). . .is pretty cool.

12. I’ve come to realize that my mom. . .still has a profound influence on my life even though she has been dead since I was 17.

13. I’ve come to realize that my cell phone. . .is one of the best investments I have ever made.

14. I’ve come to realize that when I woke up this morning. . .I shouldn't have.

15. I’ve come to realize that last night before I went to sleep. . .I should have prepared much of the food that we ate today prior to getting into bed.

16. I’ve come to realize that right now I am thinking. . .this meme is REALLY long!

17. I’ve come to realize that my dad. . .is awesome.

18. I’ve come to realize that when I get on Facebook. . .I waste a lot of time.

19. I’ve come to realize that today. . .is Sunday.

20. I’ve come to realize that tonight. . .I will be very tired.

21. I’ve come to realize that tomorrow. . .is another day.

22. I’ve come to realize that I really want to. . .finish this meme soon so that I can go to bed.

23. I’ve come to realize that the person mostly likely to repost this is. . .anyone who participates on Sunday Stealing.

24. I’ve come to realize that life. . .is what you make it.

25. I’ve come to realize that this weekend. . .brought the hottest day we have had in several weeks.

26. I’ve realized the best music to listen to when I am upset. . .is George Strait.

27. I’ve come to realize that my friends. . .are getting old.

28. I’ve come to realize that this year. . .is the last one in this decade.

29. I’ve come to realize that me exes. . .don't exist.

30. I’ve come to realize that maybe I should. . .eat pickled okra more often.

31. I’ve come to realize that I love. . .life, and my cats.

32. I’ve come to realize that I don’t understand. . .stupid people.

33. I’ve come to realize my past. . .isn't nearly as exciting as I thought it was.

34. I’ve come to realize that parties. . .are a waste of time and energy.

35. I’ve come to realize that I’m totally terrified. . .of bridges.

36. I’ve come to realize that my life. . .has been pretty doggone good so far.

A – An advantage you have – I have an Amazing Egyptian Dude.

B – Blue or brown eyes – Mine are blue, but I like brown better.

C – Chore you hate – LAUNDRY!

D – Dad’s name – His name is Billy Joe, but he's always been called Butch -- except by the civilized people who call him Bill.

E – Essential start of your day – A pot of coffee

F – Favorite color – Purple, with green as a very close second

G – Greatest thing you’ve ever done that made you feel really good – Finally finishing college

H – Habit you have – I twirl my hair when I'm thinking

I – Issue you hate that the world tries to make you pursue – Secondhand smoke

J – Job title – Haus Frau

K – Kohls or Target – Target

L – Living arrangements – Yes, my living is arranged

M – Music you like – All kinds, but especially old country

N - Nicknames – Jane

O – Overnight hospital stay – Far too many to record here

P – Pet Peeve – People who always put IN before WHICH when a different preposition is appropriate. For example:

The road in which we drove had several potholes.
**Since you're not really driving IN the road but ON the road, you need to use the correct preposition, otherwise I get crazy. **

Q – Quote that you like most – "Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives." -- John Stewart Mill

R – Right or left handed – right

S – Siblings – 2 sisters

T – Time you wake up –. Varies, but always before 4 a.m.

U – Underwear – Yes, I wear them

V – Vegetable you dislike – Brussels sprouts

W – What makes you run late – See my response for A

X – X-rays you’ve had – Too many to list here

Y – Yummy food you make – Creme caramel

Z – Zoo animal – camels

To see other entries or play along, visit here.

1. I've come to realize that my last kiss... is my business.

2. I am listening to... CNN's coverage of the events transpiring in Iran.

3. I talk... so much that my dad once said he wanted to meet the inventor of the batteries that run my mouth because my dad just knew if they were marketed correctly, the two of them could be millionaires.

4. I love... Tom T. Hall's song, "I Love"


5. My best friend/s... are awesome people.

6. My first real kiss... happened long ago.

7. Love is... a battlefield, says Pat Benatar.

8. Marriage is... a full-time job worth doing well.

9. Somewhere, someone is thinking... "I need to pee!"

10. I'll always... have a cat or two.

11. The last time I really cried was because... of frustration.

12. My cell phone... is a tool that I use for more than its ability to make calls.

13. When I wake up in the morning... I make a pot of coffee.

14. Before I go to bed... I take medication.

15. Right now I am thinking about... the increasing lack of stability in the world.

16. Babies are... God's way of showing us what good is.

17. I get on Myspace...no, wait -- I don't get on MySpace; I use Facebook instead.

18. Today I... will be watching the U.S. vs. Egypt soccer game and rooting for the red, white, and blue; the Amazing Egyptian Dude plans to root for the red, white, and blue during the first half of the game and for the descendants of the pharaohs during the second half.

19. Tomorrow I will be... taking my dad out for lunch.

20. I really want to be... able to become the proverbial fly on the wall so that I could witness the great moments in history while they are still current events.


To see other entries or play along, visit here.

**This meme presented me with a serious quandry because I don't hate much of anything. Even though the items on this list are prefaced with "most hated," a more accurate word choice for how I feel about them would have to be "most disliked."

1. Most hated food: brussels sprouts

2. Most hated person: I don't hate people -- it's a waste of time and energy; however, I really dislike Fred Phelps and his family.

3. Most hated job: Does laundry count?

4. Most hated city: Paris, France -- again, I don't hate it, but I sure didn't like finding dog poop all over the place -- on the sidewalks, on the metro, in front of cafes and restaurants, etc. Yuck!

5. Most hated band: If the band screams instead of sings, I don't like them. I have to be able to understand the lyrics to a song for it to have meaning for me.

6. Most hated (non-blog) website: Both of Fred Phelps' websites. If you want to know who he is and what the websites are, Google his name or Westboro Baptist Church.

7. Most hated TV program: O'Reilly Factor and Hannity on FOX News

8. Most hated politician: Right now, it's the Governator and although I don't really hate him, I'm coming closer and closer to it!

9. Most hated artist: Jackson Pollack -- what's up with the splashes, anyway?

10. Most hated book: The Way Things Ought to Be

11. Most hated shop or store: I don't shop enough to have one.

12. Most hated organization: NAMBLA

13. Most hated historical event: June 28, 1914 -- the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand which became the catalyst for World War I, the single event that changed the world for the worse more than any other in human history

14. Most hated sport: football

15. Most hated technology: nuclear bombs

16. Most hated annual event: Valentine's Day

17. Most hated daily task: cleaning litterboxes

18. Most hated comedian: any of them who think that foul language makes them funny

19. Most hated blog: Bill O'Reilly: Blog

20. Most hated song: The Song that Never Ends

1. Name one person who made you smile today: I haven't seen anyone yet.

2. What were you doing at 8am this morning? It's just now 5am, so I haven't done anything yet.

3. What were you doing 45 minutes ago? Sleeping.

4. What is your favorite candy bar? Skor

5. Have you ever been to a strip club? No

6. What was the last thing you had to drink? Squirt

7. What was the last thing you ate? Chinese food at dinner last night

8. The last sporting event you watched? The last World Cup final game

9. Do you go to church every Sunday? I'm a Muslim, so I don't go to church at all

10. Do you prefer Chinese food over pizza? Yes

11. What are you doing tomorrow? Finishing up the retirement paperwork to be prepared for a meeting on Tuesday

12. What do you think of when you hear Australia? Rick Springfield

13. Biggest annoyance right now? Answering questions before I've had my first cup of coffee

14. Last song listened to? "All I Ask of You" from Phantom of the Opera

15. Do you have a maid service clean your house? Not unless I put on a uniform

16. Are you jealous of anyone? Not that I can think of

17. Is anyone jealous of you? I hope not!

18. What do you usually do during the day? Work, nap, read

19. Do you hate anyone that you know right now? Hatred takes way too much energy; I just ignore people I dislike

20. Are you thinking about someone right now? Juan Valdez, the Colombian coffee dude


To see other entries or play along, visit here.

A
• Are you available? For a job interview?
• What is your age? 50
• What annoys you? People who ask too many questions.

B
• Do you know anyone named Billy? My dad
• When is your birthday? May 19
• Who is your best friend? the Amazing Egyptian Dude

C
• What's your favorite candy? Gummy Bears
• Crush? Pineapple, in a bottle not a can
• When was the last time you cried? A couple of days ago

D
• Do you daydream? Doesn't everyone?
• What's your favorite kind of dog? I'm a cat person, but I think the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is cute.
• What day of the week is it? I hope it's Sunday, because this is the Sunday Stealing meme!

E
• How do you like your eggs? Scrambled
• Have you ever been in the emergency room? I used to own the ER
• Ever pet an elephant? Elephants don't have enough hair to pet.

F
• Do you use fly swatters? No -- wooden spoons are more effective
• Have you ever used a foghorn? I've been told that I sound like one.
• Is there a fan in your room? Other than the Amazing Egyptian Dude, you mean? Yes.

G
• Do you chew gum? Sometimes
• Do you like gummy candies? See the letter C
• Do you like gory movies? No

H
• How are you? Ask me again when I've finished my first cup of coffee.
• What's your height? Short, really short
• What color is your hair? I don't remember the name on the box of dye.

I
• What's your favorite ice cream? Rite-Aid's brand of Butter Pecan
• Have you ever ice skated? On purpose, you mean?
• Ever been in an igloo? No, but I've never been in a Coleman, either.

J
• What's your favorite Jelly Bean? Jelly Belly Pina Colada
• Have you ever heard a really hilarious joke? Yep
• Do you wear jewelry? My wedding ring

K
• Who do you want to kill? Is this a trick question?
• Have you ever flown a kite? Yes, while singing the song from Mary Poppins!
• Do you think kangaroos are cute? Interesting, but not cute.

L
• Are you laid back? Most of the time
• Lions or Tigers? or Bears, oh my!
• Do you like black licorice? Yes

M
• Favorite movie as a kid? The Three Lives of Thomasina
• Ever shopped at Moosejaw? No. Have you ever shopped at Deerknee?
• Favorite store at the mall? I don't do malls.


N
• Do you have a nickname? A couple
• Whats your favorite number? 4
• Do you prefer night or day? Very early morning, when it's still technically night but will be day in a couple of hours.

O
• What's your one wish? That I will get my grading done and grades turned in by Tuesday.
• Are you an only child? No, but I am the oldest.
• Do you like the color orange? For safety vests.

P
• What are you most paranoid about? People who are paranoid.
• Piercings? Ears
• Do you know anyone named Penelope? Only Odysseus' wife.

Q
• Are you quick to judge people? To judge, no; to assess or size-up, sometimes.
• Do you like Quaker Oats? Yes
• Know anyone that makes quilts? Yes
• Do you think you're always right? Are you implying that I'm not?!
• Do you watch reality TV? Unashamedly, YES
• Reason to cry? Hallmark commercials

S
• Do you prefer sun or rain? Rain
• Do you like snow? As long as I don't have to live in it.
• What's your favorite season? Autumn

T
• time is it? 5:35 AM
• What time did you wake up? 4:15 AM

U
• Can you ride a unicycle? Yes
• Do you know anyone with a unibrow? Yes
• Uncles do you have? Still living, 1 uncle and 1 great uncle

V
• What’s the worst vegetable? Brussels sprouts
• Did you ever watch Veggie Tales? No
• Ever considered being vegan? Not even!

W
• What's your worst habit? Refusing to discuss my bad habits.
• Do you like water rides? No
• Ever been inside a windmill? No

X
• Have you ever had an x-ray? So many that I'm almost radioactive.
• Ever used a Xerox machine? Yes

Y
• Do you like the color yellow? Yes
• What year were you born in? 1959
• Do you yell when you're angry? No

Z
• Do you believe in the zodiac? No; it's astronomically off because the galaxy orbits, too, and is in a different position now than it was when the whole zodiac thing was mapped out.
• What's your zodiac sign? Taurus
• When was the last time you went to the zoo? About 20 years ago.


To see other entries or play along, visit here.

1. What bill do you hate paying the most?

Thankfully we don't have many, but of the bills that we do have to pay, I'd choose the electric bill as the one I hate paying the most.

2. Where was the last place you had a romantic dinner?

At home, courtesy of the Amazing Egyptian Dude and his excellent culinary skills.

3. How many colleges did you attend?

3

4. Why did you choose the shirt that you have on right now?

Ummm...it's a little after 3 a.m., so it's still the night clothes for me.

5. First thought when the alarm went off this morning?

I don't use an alarm because The Brain wakes me up 2 or 3 hours after I fall asleep anyway.

6. Last thought before going to sleep last night?

How many more essays do I have to grade?

7. What do you miss being a child?

I had an amazing childhood! The thing I miss most about being a child is having my mom.

8. What errand/chore do you despise?

Without a doubt, laundry! I swear that laundry is the curse of my life.

9. Have you found real love yet?

Yep, see #2.

10. What do you get every time you go into Wal-Mart?

I am not a shopping kind of person at all, so if I go to Wal-Mart at all, it's because I need something. The answer then would be that I get what I need.

11. Do you think marriage is an outdated ritual?

Not at all. Rituals are the glue that bind societies together.

12. What famous person would you like to have dinner with?

This is a tough one because I don't know how to choose between Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Christopher Marlowe.

13. Ever had to use a fire extinguisher for its intended purpose?

Never used a fire extinguisher for any purpose.

14. Somewhere in California you've never been and would like to go?

Anywhere north of San Francisco.

15. At this point in your life would you rather start a new career or a new relationship?

Career -- I'm always ready to learn something new.

16. Do you have a “go to” person?

I have two: the Amazing Egyptian Dude and Aunt Nola.

17. Are you where you want to be in life?

I'm fine with my life.

18. Over the years, what about you do you think has changed the most?

My willingness to make excuses for people has changed more than anything else about me. The older I get, the less likely I am to make or accept an excuse for things like rude behavior, mistreatment of others, disrespect, and willing ignorance.

19. Looking back at high school were they the best years of your life?

The best? No. But they were lots of fun!

20. Are there times you still feel like a kid?

Sure! I'm often filled with the same sense of wonder that I had a as a kid; I still have the love of learning that I had as a kid.

21. Where was the hang out spot when you were a teenager?

I don't know of one. Most of the time, my friends and I hung out at one another's houses.

22. Who do you think impacted your life the most?

Without a second thought, it was my mother. From her, I learned how to share even when you don't have much yourself; that having "things" may bring comfort, but "things" don't guarantee happiness; that the best quality a person can have is a willingness to help others without ever expecting anything in return; and that using foul language (curse words) is a public display of ignorance, for swearing, my mom used to say, tells the world that your vocabulary is too limited to find a better word to use. Truly smart people, according to my mom, can convey their feelings with words far more powerful than the ones that come from the gutter.

23. Was there a teacher or authority figure that stood out for you?

Mrs. Wilson, a high school English teacher. Most of the students in her classes hated Mrs. Wilson. She was very near retirement when I had her the first time as a sophomore, and even closer when I had her again as a senior. She commanded respect, demanded our best, and challenged us to beat our own expectations.

24. Do you tell stories that start with “when I was your age”?

I do now! I used to love hearing my grandparents and parents talking about the "good old days," and now I love to do the talking. The major difference, though, is that I almost always start with "I remember when. . ."

25. What is the scariest thing that has happened to you as an adult?

Having brain surgery.

26. What advice would you give to someone about to get married?

Learn to choose your battles because some things really aren't worth fighting for, over, or about in the long run.

27. What advice would you give someone starting their first job?

Show up on time and ready to work as soon as you step foot in the door.

28. If you could go back and change one thing you did, what would it be?

I believe that there's something to be learned from everything we do. That which we consider a mistake when it happens offers us the opportunity to learn what made it a mistake so that we can avoid the experience a second time. I like to learn, so I wouldn't change anything.

29. If you could go back and change one thing someone else did, what would it be?

See #28.


More entries and the rules for playing along are available here.

1. What is on the walls of your room?
Yellow paint and a landscape above the bed.


2. What type of music do you listen to?
All kinds, but I'm especially partial to the Bakersfield Sound (country) of Dwight Yoakum, Merle Haggard, and Buck Owens. I also really, really like the music of the 50's and 60's: Fats Domino, Bobby Vinton, Elvis, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Conway Twitty (both the rockabilly and the country stuff), Cliff Richard, The Beatles, The Everly Brothers. And the crooners -- I like the crooners, too: Andy Williams, Frank Sinatra, Engelbert Humperdinck, Tony Bennett. If I don't stop now, this list will be the whole post.


3. What do you want more than anything right now?
I would love to have my mother with me. I've been married to my husband longer than I lived with my mom, who died 32 years ago, but I still miss her every single day.


4. Do you get scared in the dark?
Nope. I don't see well at night anyway, so it doesn't really matter.


5. What's you worst fear?
That my husband will die before me.


6. If you could anything right now, what would it be?
If I could WHAT anything right now? EAT -- a 'Shroom Burger from Red Robin; DO -- take a nap; BUY -- a plane ticket to England; BAN -- willing ignorance; SMELL -- gardenias


7. What’s the meaningful gift that you’ve received?
I believe that every gift is meaningful because someone put their time, thought, and feeling into buying it for me. No matter what it is, that makes it a meaningful gift.


8. Do you have a crush?
I've had a crush for close to 30 years on the Amazing Egyptian Dude.


9. Who is your favorite celebrity?
Hmmm...my answer would differ based on the why. For example, my favorite actress is Meg Ryan; however, I really admire Michael J. Fox and Holly Robinson Peet as much for their talent as for their activism on behalf of Parkinson's Disease.


10. Could you fall in love with someone that you know must leave?
Yes, because leaving doesn't have to be permanent like death, so there's room to hope that the person would or could return.


11. Share a favorite quote of yours.
"To argue with a person who has renounced the use of reason is like administering medicine to the dead." -- Thomas Paine


12. What’s your weakness?
Sad songs. I can't get enough of them, even though I should. I'm so partial to them that even when I'm not feeling down, I need to hear a sad song! Where's Dr. Freud when you really need him?


13. Do you believe that we all have a soul mate?
I'm not much for Aristotelian philosophy.


14. What were you doing before Sunday Stealing?
I was watching You've Got Mail. See #9. :)


15. What do you get complicated about the most?
I get complicated about dealing with people whose minds are so closed that they remind me of the stones in the Great Pyramid -- even a sheet of paper won't fit between them.


16. What turns you off the most from a potential partner?
I haven't had to think about this for a very long time! I suppose it would be obnoxious behavior, especially in public. I mean the kind of behavior that makes a person just cringe inside and want to disappear into the floor to avoid being seen with the culprit.


17. What is you worst habit?
Becoming obsessed with a task and not being able to stop until it is finished. I used to be able to work on multiple projects at once quite comfortably, but the older I get, the more important it has become to finish a task before starting another one. Maybe I subconsciously worry that I'll die before the task is finished and cause unnecessary hardship on someone who might not know how to complete it.

18. When was the last time that you were jealous?
The last time I remember being jealous was when I started noticing that my students drove nicer cars than I. Once I expressed that to the Amazing Egyptian Dude, I got a brand new one.


19. Have you ever had a “friend with benefits”?
No.


20. Do you use sarcasm?
Me? Who's been talking to you?


21. At the moment, what’s you favorite song?
"He Stopped Loving Her Today" by George Jones has been my favorite song for many years.


22. What is you favorite day of the year?
Thanksgiving Day. It has always been my favorite holiday.


23. Describe your love life.
What's to describe? I love life!


24. When was your last one night stand?
Never.


25. How many past lovers are too many?
That's a judgmental question, and I do my best to avoid passing judgment.

Join in the fun! See more Sunday Stealing responses here.

**I'm a bit ahead of schedule because seizures have been bothering me quite a bit for the past two days and since I really don't want to miss out Sunday Stealing, I did mine between seizures just in case tomorrow is more of the same.**

First Job: I worked in an old-fashioned movie theater that was privately owned by a very unusual husband and wife team. I was 15 and got to see movies free, so it was easy to put up with the Addams Family of bosses.

First Real Job: Receptionist at a huge Buick dealership. Unfortunately, the owner was less than honest, and the DMV closed him down. I went to work one morning and discovered that a security company was in charge and all employees were sent away.


First Favorite Politician: Abraham Lincoln. My grandfather, a Civil War buff, sparked my interest in our 16th president, and it has never died.




First Car: 1973 Plymouth Duster

First Record/CD: Same Train / Different Time by Merle Haggard

First Sport Played: Barbies -- that counts, doesn't it?

First Concert: The Beatles

First Foreign Country Visited: Mexico


First Favorite TV Show: It's About Time. For years, I have remembered the theme song for this goofy show! Don't ask me why, because I honestly can't tell you. My very first school lunch box was the one in the photo below. Oh, what I'd give to have one of them now!




First Favorite Actor: Rock Hudson

First Favorite Actress: Doris Day



First Girlfriend/Boyfriend: The first love of my life was my Uncle Jerry. He stayed with us when he was in the Navy and stationed in San Diego. Since I'm the first grandchild on both sides of the family, I readily admit to being terribly spoiled and never wanting for attention as a child. Uncle Jerry, however, was my special pal because he watched Batman with me. From as early as I can remember, I was convinced that I would marry my Uncle Jerry. He broke my heart, though, when I was five and he married my Aunt Juanita. Poor thing had to really work at winning me over after she stole my man, but she succeeded just fine.

First Encounter with a Famous Person: The Everly Brothers used to play at Townhall Party where my parents went to dance. They took me along when I was a baby, and The Everly Brothers watched me while my parents jitterbugged around the dance hall.

First Brush With Death: If I've had one, I'm blissfully unaware of it and hope that I don't have one until it's the real deal.

First House/Condo Owned: The one I live in now. I hate moving!

First Film Seen: The first movie I remember from childhood is The Three Lives of Thomasina from 1964. I was five.


First Favorite Recording Artist: Merle Haggard

First Favorite Radio Station: 93 KHJ Boss Radio

First Book I Remember Reading: My grandmother was Queen for a Day in 1964 or thereabouts, and one of the prizes she won was a set of Childcraft Books which she gave to me and my sisters. I remember spending hours engrossed in those books, especially the one with the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales.

First Meme You Answered on Your Blog: I think that the first one I did was Movies A-Z. It's been a while. . .


Check out the other entries for Sunday Stealing!