Good Girls Don't ... But (Sometimes) I Do ...

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 173

2006-05-28T21:31:00.000-04:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Bounce :: dryer sheets;
Wasting time :: Procrastination;
Utility :: bills;
London :: Calling;
Pregnant :: E.P.T.;
Cranberry :: Juice;
International :: House of Pancakes;
Disappointment :: Heartbreak;
Sponsor :: And Now A Word From Our . . .;
Second :: Place.

Monday Madness - Simple Things ...

2006-05-22T08:55:00.000-04:00

This week's Monday Madness meme . . .

How many simple things have you learned to appreciate more, for one reason or another? Please list them and feel free to elaborate on each.

Sunsets;
Wishing on Stars;
Rainbows;
Children's Laughter;
Holding Hands;
Stolen Glances;
Piggy Banks;
Drum Sticks;
Neighbors Who Keep To Themselves; and
The "Repeat" Button on the Stereo, CD Player, iPod.

Category:: "Memes"

(c) 2006 This Southern Belle's Life

Monday Madness

2006-04-10T15:54:00.000-04:00

This week's Monday Madness meme:

Do you like to shop?    Absolutely!

IF YES, answer the following:

1. What is your favorite store?     Why?     That is difficult to narrow down -- I guess my top five stores would be (in no particular order): Victoria's Secret, Macy's, Neiman-Marcus, Belk, and L.L.Bean.     Why?, because I the stores carry my favorite things (clothing, cosmetics, jewelry, lingerie, etc.).

2. Do you only shop when there is something you specifically need or want or do you sometimes go shopping just for "something to do?"     Both - it depends.

3. Do you prefer shopping online or in stores?     Both - it depends.

4. Do you have a shopping buddy or are you perfectly content going alone?     I prefer shopping alone.

T.G.I.F. - Health Buff

2006-04-07T17:53:00.000-04:00

This week's T.G.I.F. meme:

1. How many glasses of water do you drink in a day?     Never enough.

2. Do you watch what you eat?     Yes, most of the time.

3. What physical fitness regimen do you follow?     Work out at the gym 3-4 times a week with some extra cardio mixed in throughout the week.

4. How many hours of sleep do you need every night?     Need?     6-7.     Get?     A lot less - I'm a chronic insomniac.

5. Are you happy with your body?     Generally - a lot more, recently - probably even more in the weeks ahead as my workouts become more 'strenuous'.

Friday Fiver

2006-04-07T17:38:00.000-04:00

This week's Friday Fiver meme:

1. What's the weather like?     Beautiful, bright, sunny, low 80s.

2. When is the last time you felt appreciated?     Just a few minutes ago when I received a telephone call from someone who loves me! :-)

3. What is the last bad news you heard?     "It's 2:20 already."

4. What is your favorite sad song?     Here Without You - 3 Doors Down

5. Tell us about something you're obsessed with:     Sorry - I can keep a secret! ;-)

Top 5 On Friday - Week 66

2006-04-07T15:36:00.000-04:00

This week's The Music Memoirs meme:

Top 5 On Friday - Week 66
Top 5 songs played on your iPod.

One Last Breath - Creed
1985 - Bowling for Soup
Lyin' Eyes - The Eagles
Everybody Out Of The Water - The Wallflowers
With Arms Wide Open - Creed

Monday Madness

2006-04-03T16:34:00.000-04:00

This week's Monday Madness meme . . .

1. Do you own any box sets of your favorite shows?     Yes, a few.     I have some Homicide: Life on the Streets and CSI early seasons.

2. Are you penpals with other people?     Not snailmail, but e-mail.

3. Do you still send out real, paper cards in the mail?     Yes - holidays, birthdays, special occasions, etc.

4. Have you ever bought or sold anything on Ebay?     Yes, both.

5. Did you have to set your clocks an hour ahead this past weekend?     Yes, and I have a lot of clocks!

6. How many of your blog buddies' birthdays do you know?     Quite a few.

7. When is your birthday (need not include year)?     November 6th.

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 165

2006-04-02T16:20:00.000-04:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme . . .

Desire :: , Heart's;
Sleep :: Deprivation;
Lost :: Weight;
2006 :: Resolutions;
Pump :: Iron;
Space :: Not Enough;
Stuck :: On You;
Reference:: Books;
Birth:: Order;
Hand:: Signals.

Catch-Up Memes . . .

2006-03-29T10:09:00.000-05:00

This week's Ten On Tuesday meme:

10 Things That People Do That Annoy You

(in no particular order) People who are guilty of the following:

Talking loudly on cellphones in public places (restaurants, grocers, etc.) or quiet places (doctor's offices, etc) - or worse - those danged walkie-talkie type cells, as if we want to hear both sides of the conversation - yelled - like they're twelve years old;
Not disciplining their bratty kids when they misbehave in public and annoy/physically accost/etc. others around them;
Not taking crying babies out of crowded rooms, restaurants, churches, movies, etc. when it is disrupting the rest of the people who are trying to do whatever it is they are there to do;
Cutting into line anywhere - whether on foot or in a car;
Constantly interrupting - as if what you are saying isn't as important as what they have to say;
Believing they are always right and never wanting to listen to anyone else's opinions, ideas, suggestions, etc. because they already have their minds made up that their way is the only way to go;
Unloading all of the crappy grunt jobs that they don't want to do with some lame excuse that they don't have time when the real reason is they don't want to have to confront people in situations that are stressful on matters that are volatile, so they pass the buck instead and give someone else the ulcers;
Say they'll call or come by at a certain time and they're always late - very late by hours, not minutes - or they don't show up/call at all until days later;
Let their dogs poop on your property instead of walking them around the block and/or cleaning up after them pursuant to City/County and HOA ordinances;
Sitting at stop lights waiting for them to change to ANOTHER shade of green!

* * * * * * * * * *

This week's Monday Madness meme:

The Bag Sachel Wallet Meme

1. Do you use a bag/sachel/wallet?    Yes.     I've been carrying a small black leather Harley-Davidson studded saddlebag-style purse for almost a year (it was a get-well gift when I broke my ankle last year).     But, I just bought a new black leather Harley-Davidson purse on Monday that is a different style and a bit larger than the last, so I have been carrying it for two days now.     I also carry a black leather briefcase, and a black leather camera case.

2. Do you use the same bag/sachel/wallet everyday or change depending on your outfit?    Unless it is a black-tie, ultra-conservative, gallery opening, etc.-type event, my H-D bag can handle any other everyday occasion and works with most of my other outfits.

3. What do you carry in your bag/sachel/wallet?    A leather H-D wallet, a leather H-D (joint) checkbook, a leather H-D zipper change-purse, a 2nd (individual) checkbook, a pen, a small notebook, an Alabama Crimson Tide pewter elephant keychain with an assortment of grocer, retail, etc. discount key fob cards, small cosmetic bag, cell phone, PDA, iPod.

4. Do you check and change the contents of your bag/sachel/wallet before you go anywhere specific or do you take everything everywhere?    I take everything everywhere, unless I'm going to a black-tie event.     In that case, I carry an evening bag with ID, a credit card, cash, lipstick and a compact.

5. How often do you have a good clean out of your bag/sachel/wallet?    Weekly, to sort and file receipts.

* * * * * * * * * *

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 164

Glass castle:: Shouldn't (people who live in);
Preserved:: Pickled;
Jealousy:: & Murder;
Territory:: Wilderness;
Coffee:: Good To The Last Drop (Maxwell House);
Stephen:: King;
Slut:: Whore;
Dynamic:: Charismatic;
Daybreak:: Sunrise;
Dew:: Do The;

10 Things You Worry About

2006-03-21T11:27:00.000-05:00

This week's Ten On Tuesday meme:

(in no particular order)

My parents (health and aging);
Our business (profitability and continued success);
My studio (networking, booking shows, meeting deadlines);
A recent property dispute with a neighbor (very ugly);
A distorted body image (fashion, plastic surgeons and advertising have us convinced that we're all imperfect);
Aging (there's no such thing as "gracefully" - it's all kickin'-&-screamin');
Child abuse, neglect, child pornography and children's rights;
Animal abuse, neglect, failure to neuter/spay and animal rights;
Environmental issues, lack of recycling, lack of use of alternatives to chemical products, etc.;
(Sadly, too much about) What others think of me ...

Monday Madness

2006-03-20T17:24:00.000-05:00

This week's Monday Madness meme:

1. When driving in my car, my radio station is usually tuned to no local stations - I have XM Satellite and I surf between several pre-programmed XM stations.

2. When I turn my television on, even if I'm not really paying close attention to it, it's usually on channel no particular channel - usually on previously recorded shows on DVR or DVDs from blockbuster.com.

3. If I owned a pet, I would own a n/a, because I do own pets - 5 cats and 3 dogs.

4. I own a HP printer. I bought it because it is a printer / fax / scanner / copier - which I needed for my business.

5. You can find all kinds of books in my bookshelves, but mostly this type: photography, writing, and forensics (and so much more - the library includes a studio/business library in my office and a personal library in our family room, with several boxes of books still not unpacked from the last move).

6. I take about 50-150 pictures every month.

7. I blog about 30-60 times a month (between all of my blogs).

8. I've been really busy painting lately.

Everybody Hurts . . .

2006-03-20T09:41:00.000-05:00

This week's Monday's A B*tch meme:

1. What's the most excruciating physical pain you've ever experienced?     Car accident when a man ran a red light and broad-sided our car, my side, breaking my right pelvic bone and most of my left ribs.     I was completely covered in glass from head to toe and confined to a hospital bed, unable to move, because any sudden moves could cause a rib to slip and puncture my lungs or heart.     I was told that I may not walk again due to nerve damage in my back and neck.

2. Are you afraid of needles?     I don't like to see them, but I don't freak totally out about them.

3. How do you remove a band-aid?     Peel it slowly or rip it off quick?     It all depends on how bad the boo-boo is.

4. Have you ever broken a bone?     Yes, but not until I was twenty-four.     But, when I did, I really did it up bad!     Since then, I broke my ankle just last spring.

5. Do you believe in the "no pain, no gain" theory of fitness?    Explain.     To a degree, but not to the extent that you suffer the next day - that only leads to a quick burn-out and not wanting to continue with the program.     But, pushing a little, and increasing gradually, is definitely the way to go.

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 163

2006-03-19T16:50:00.000-05:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Sugar rush:: Jitters;
Chemical:: Reaction;
Suspension:: Without Pay;
Defending:: Your Rights;
Conference:: Call;
Dance:: With The Devil;
Weather:: Channel;
Fuel:: Gauge;
Heartbreak:: Ridge;
Insult:: Comic.

Wednesday Mind Hump

2006-03-15T11:56:00.000-05:00

This week's Wednesday Mind Hump meme:

Friday is St. Patrick's Day.     That means it's time for some Irish-related questions for the Mind Hump!

1.    What's your favorite Lucky Charms marshmallow shape?     And do you ever eat the cereal part of it too?
A.    I'm not a fan of sugar-laden cereals with rock-hard marshmallow candies inside.     If I were forced to pick a shape, it would, of course, have to be the green clover - but, I would never eat anything that came out of a box of Lucky Charms (the box is probably the healthiest part)!

2.    How do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day?
A.    Wearing of the green, calling all of my Irish relatives to wish them a Happy St. Paddy's Day, meeting friends at a local Irish pub to celebrate . . . and, whatever else might strike my fancy on such a special day.

3.    What's your favorite Irish or Celtic song or artist?
A.    I love true Irish music and musical instruments, but don't have a particular song or artist that I would consider my favorite.

The last question comes from famous Irish comic Jerry O'Seinfeld
4.    Corned beef - ya got beef, but where's the corn?     What is the deal?
A.    I'm not a huge Seinfeld fan, nor am I a huge corned beef fan, either.     I'll skip passing judgment on the odd name for a deli meat.     I'd rather have a smoked turkey and provolone.

10 Things You'd Tell Other People To Try

2006-03-14T15:34:00.000-05:00

This week's Ten On Tuesday meme:

Sushi;
Harley-Davidson Motorcycles;
Acupuncture;
Casino-gambling (not to excess);
30 SPF Sunblock;
Deep-Tissue Massage;
Blockbuster.com;
Franklin-Covey Planner System;
Renting a Beach-House for a week each year;
Renting a Mountain-Cabin for a week each year.

Monday Madness - Monday

2006-03-13T16:44:00.000-05:00

This week's Monday Madness meme:

Using the letters in the word 'MONDAY,' list things that you do (or would like to do) in your spare time.

M ... Meditate.
O ... On-line Time.
N ... Nap.
D ... Daydream.
A ... Art, Create.
Y ... Yak with long-distance friends.

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 162

2006-03-12T15:29:00.000-05:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Displacement:: Associative;
Grease monkey:: Mechanic;
Vacancy:: No;
Conquer:: Your Fears;
Payroll:: Taxes;
Personal:: & Confidential;
Housewife:: Diary of a Mad;
Lateral:: Move;
Tissue:: Paper;
Multiplication:: Tables.

Questions ...

2006-03-06T19:00:00.000-05:00

Questions found at Cat's Sweet Memes site

For some strange reason, several of the numbers are missing - perhaps 'lost' along the way as the meme has been passed around.

01. Put an "x" in the parentheses for those things you have done in your life:

( ) Smoked a cigarette cigarette, no
(x) Drank so much you threw up don't ask
( ) Crashed a friend's car
( ) Stolen a car technically, no
(x) Been in love
( ) Been dumped.
( ) Been laid off/fired
(x) Quit your job
( ) Been in a fist fight
( ) Snuck out of your parent's house
(x) Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back
( ) Been arrested technically, no
( ) Gone on a blind date
(x) Lied to a friend.
( ) Skipped school
(x) Seen someone die yes, three people
( ) Been to Canada
( ) Been to Mexico
(x) Been on a plane
(x) Been lost
(x) Been on the opposite side of the country
(x) Gone to Washington, DC
(x) Swam in the ocean Atlantic, Pacific, Caribbean
(x) Felt like dying
(x) Cried yourself to sleep
(x) Played cops and robbers don't ask
(x) Recently colored with crayons
(x) Sang karaoke
( ) Paid for a meal with only coins
(x) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't don't ask, pi
(x) Made prank phone calls
( ) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
(x) Caught a snowflake on your tongue.
(x) Danced in the rain
( ) Written a letter to Santa Claus
(x) Been kissed under the mistletoe
(x) Watched the sun rise with someone you care about or love
(x) Blown bubbles
(x) Made a bonfire on the beach
( ) Crashed a party
(x) Gone roller-skating
( ) Ice-skating

02. for some strange reason, #2 is missing from the list ...
03. Any nicknames?    Yes - Kitty, Miss Kitty, Southern Belle, Lil Bit, Small Fry.
04. Mother's name?    Mama.
05. What is your favorite drink?    Herbal Tea.
06. Tattoos?    Yes, two.
07. Body piercing?    Just ears - two holes/right, three holes/left.
08. How much do you love your job (1-10).    Overall: 8. Lately: 5.
09. Birth Place?    Homestead AFB, FL.
10. Favorite vacation spot?    St. Lucia.
11. for some strange reason, #11 is missing from the list ...
12. Ever steal any traffic signs?    Yes.
13. for some strange reason, #13 is missing from the list ...
14. A, B, C, D, DD cup size?    DD.
15. 2 Door or 4 Door?    2-Door Convertible.
16. Salad dressing?    Catalina or Honey French - or - Japanese Ginger Soy.
17. Favorite pie?    Fresh Key Lime - or - Fresh Cherry Cheesecake.
18. Favorite number?    Seven.
19. Favorite movie?    Casablanca.
20. Favorite holiday?    Thanksgiving.
21. for some strange reason, #21 is missing from the list ...
22. Favorite food?    Hibachi Chicken
23. Favorite day of the week?    Monday
24. Favorite brand of body soap?    Aveda Rosemary Mint Body Wash
25. for some strange reason, #25 is missing from the list ...
26. Toothpaste?    Sensodyne w/Extra Whiteners
27. Favorite smell?    amaretto (candles, liqueurs, lotions, etc.)
28. What do you do to relax?    Visit my masseuse, go shopping, take a day-trip, visit friends, watch a movie, listen to music, do absolutely nothing, take a cat-nap.
29. How do you see yourself in 10 years?    Not looking ten years older, more established in my chosen fields, able to travel more, published more, with a more established and recognized name in literary/photographic circles.
30. What do you do when you are bored?    Take an "Artist's Date" (from Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way book), visit a library or museum, surf the web, call long-distance friends, catch up on e-mails and snail-mail correspondence (or see #28).

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 161

2006-03-05T11:39:00.000-05:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Upgrade:: Software;
Happy ending:: (s), So Much For My ...;
Stale:: Bread;
Tripping:: Out;
Working:: for the Weekend;
Explicit:: Materials;
Happy place:: Going to my ...;
Tornado:: Destruction;
Medication:: Too Much;
Muppet:: -s Take Mahattan.

Spring Fever

2006-03-04T13:36:00.000-05:00

This week's Saturday8 meme:

sat-8 :: spring fever

1.   have you gone on spring break before?     if so, where, and if not, why?     No, I never really got into the whole "spring-break" mentality, and I don't feel as if I missed out on anything.     I've traveled extensively, and had a blast, so ...

2.   do you take a spring vacation?     Sometimes.     It all depends on schedules, opportunities, options, etc.

3.   if you had (or have) a spring vacation, what would be your first choice to do?    skiing in vermont?    a week in the keys?     Definitely a beach - east coast, west coast, Caribbean - doesn't matter, as long as there is sand, surf and sun!

4.   in your home/~~apartment~~, do you do spring cleaning?     To a degree, but not in the 1950's term of spring cleaning.     There is a decluttering and a weeding out, tossing out, and donating of unused items, clothes, etc.

5.   in your area, what is your weather generally like in mid-march?     It depends - some years it is in the 50's, some years it is in the 70's, some years it is raining, thirteen years ago we had a freak thunder-snow that dropped over 2 feet of dry snow in mid-March.     So, there's no way to predict March weather in the South.

6.   spring is my favourite season ... do you share my sentiment, prefer another season?     I like Spring, but my favorite season is Autumn.

7.   do you do anything differently in spring than you do any other time of the year? (plant flowers/garden, take off the snow tires, etc.)     I drop the top on my convertible, I move my plants back out onto the 3-season sunporch, we grill more meals outside, the three dogs get a buzz-cut, and we plan more short and long trips on the Harley.

8.   what are your plans for this weekend?     I have to fulfill two article deadlines by Saturday.     Sunday, we are meeting seven friends for brunch after church.     In between, there are tons of little incidentals that have to be handled before the weekend is over, and maybe I can even squeeze a movie in at some point.

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 160

2006-02-26T09:26:00.000-05:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Baby step:: Take It Slow;
Wasted:: Youth;
Reggie:: Miller;
Pitiful:: Wretch;
Acting out:: Hyper;
Tomato:: Basil Pesto;
Bad night:: Insomniac;
Trip:: Acid-;
Finance charges:: Unreasonable;
Sport:: Utility Vehicle.

Tuesday Twosome

2006-02-21T15:00:00.000-05:00

This week's Tuesday Twosome meme:

1. Do you have a collection of anything?     If so, of what?     Yes.     I collect (a certain style/type of) Willow Tree Angels, antique wicker baskets, antique furniture, furnishings, and artwork.

2. What is your favourite book?     How many times have you read it?     This is very difficult to narrow down to just one.     Perhaps if I try to narrow it down to a few, I can reduce some of the anxiety ... The Choirboys by Joseph Wambaugh which I have read at least 10 times, The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron which I have read at least 7 times, and Danse Macabre by Stephen King which I have read at least 5 times.

3. Do you usually prefer books or movies?     Since my time is so limited these days, movies fit my schedule much better than books.

4. Do you tend to believe immediately what people tell you or are you cautious?     I'm very cautious - sometimes to the extreme - but, not without prior history to dictate my actions.

5. Where do you get your news information (TV, newspaper, internet) and why?     I'm not a news junkie, per se, because the majority of news is bad news.     I scan the headlines on my homepage, stop by a news network once or twice a week, but I don't get so wrapped up in the world events that I get overwhelmed by everything.     I encounter enough people in my day-to-day that I glean enough tid-bits of information by osmosis to keep me up-to-date on current events.

Random 10 - Week 44

2006-02-21T14:06:00.000-05:00

This week's Random 10 meme:

10 songs that sum up your weekend ... or were on your weekend playlist ... and one picture that relates back.

Let's Get It Started - Black Eyed Peas;
1985 - Bowling for Soup;
Photograph - Nickelback;
L.A. Woman - The Doors;
Who Are You - The Who;
Evenflow - Pearl Jam;
Everybody Out Of The Water - The Wallflowers;
Welcome To The Jungle - Guns N'Roses;
Ironic - Alanis Morissette;
Lyin' Eyes - The Eagles.

Take Me Back Tuesday - Week 59

2006-02-21T13:21:00.000-05:00

This week's Take Me Back Tuesday meme:

Name three songs with transportation related words in the title.    Cab - Train; Running Out Of Days - 3 Doors Down; Fly - Nickleback

Name three artists with transportation related words in their name.    Train; B52s; 30 Seconds To Mars

Name three albums with transportation related words in the title.    Train - Train; Maybe You Should Drive - Barenaked Ladies; Superstar Car Wash - Goo Goo Dolls

Deadly Sin # 6 - Pride

2006-02-20T14:20:00.000-05:00

This week's Monday's a Bitch meme:

1.    Do you have a problem admitting you're wrong?     I'll let you know if it ever happens ... *ha-ha* ... just kidding!     Actually, I do have a bit of a problem admitting when I'm wrong.

2.    Would you rather watch someone important to you walk out of your life or beg them to stay?     It all depends ... if they were that important to me, I would do whatever I could to keep them in my life, but ... they would have to be very special for me to resort to begging.

3.    Are you the kind of person who would rather try your best and fail, or not try for fear of failure?     I try my very best at everything I do; even though, at times, fear of failure causes anxiety and hesitation.     Still, I will give it my best try.

4.    Have you ever expressed interest in someone high above your status, where your chances of being rejected were very high?     Not to my knowledge.     Although, I don't get tangled up in "labels" such as class/status, etc.     I choose my friends and lovers, not by any preconceived notions or prejudices, but simply by whether I feel a connection to them or not.

5.    If you made a contribution to a charity would you want credit, or would giving be enough?     I contribute to several charities on a regular basis.     I make no 'production' of my giving; I give to causes that are important to me.     I do receive receipts that I can use for tax purposes, but that is not "claiming credit" as a way of drawing attention to my giving.

Monday Music Mambo - Week 87

2006-02-20T12:57:00.000-05:00

This week's Monday Music Mambo meme:

1.    A song by a Beatle   Photograph - Ringo Starr

2.    A song featuring piano as the main instrument   Piano Man - Billy Joel

3.    A song with a woman's name in the title   Janie's Got A Gun - Aerosmith

4.    A song with a man's name in the title   Mr. Jones - Counting Crows

5.    A song about money   Billion Dollar Babies - Alice Cooper

6.    A song with weather in the title   It's Raining Men - The Weather Girls

7.    A song with parentheses in the title   Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth) - George Harrison

8.    A song made by a punk band   Rock 'n' Roll High School - The Ramones

9.    A song with the word "song" in the title   Bird Song - Grateful Dead

10.   A song you love so much you stop and listen whenever you hear it   1985 - Bowling for Soup

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 159

2006-02-19T12:43:00.000-05:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Right time:: Right Place;
Funeral:: Wake;
Calculate:: (d) Premeditated;
Believe me:: Honestly;
Chat:: Dialogue;
Anniversary:: Celebration;
Let you down:: No Support;
Shout:: Scream;
Sweatsock:: Stinky;
Prayer:: Communion with God.

Friday Feast - Eighty-One

2006-02-17T10:48:00.000-05:00

This week's Friday Feast meme:

Appetizer If you were a color, which color would you be, and why?     Pumpkin, or some other deep, rich earthtone.     Autumn is my favorite time of the year because I love the beautiful colors that Nature creates.

Soup When was the last time you went to the doctor, and what was your reason for going?     Thursday, actually.     I've been sick since November and my primary care physician was baffled.     She finally referred me to an allergist, who I saw on Thursday.     Three medications and two days later, I feel 95% better than I've felt in four months.     I guess I am allergic to something after all.     I go back in two weeks to begin the tests to see what it is.

Salad What do you collect?     (a certain type of) Willow Tree Angels, antique and/or unusual wicker baskets, (certain types of) antique furniture and furnishings, artwork, old mirrors, and stained glass.

Main Course What were you like in high school?     Name one thing you miss and one thing you don't miss about those days.    (If you're still there, imagine how you'll remember it in the future.)     Shy, artistic, smart.     I don't miss anything!

Dessert Pretend you're standing in front of your home, with your back towards your home.     Describe the view - what can you see?     Trees?    Cars?    A zoo?    Wal-Mart?     I see a field of grass, and behind the field is a grove of trees - tall pines and other assorted trees - all approx. 25-30 feet tall or more.     Vaguely, behind the trees, I can see the outline of a couple of houses -- no cars, no zoos and, luckily, no Wal-Mart.

3x Thursday - TV Habits

2006-02-16T12:37:00.000-05:00

This week's 3x Thursday meme:

1. How much TV (movies not included) would you say you watch a week?     What type of programs do you watch?     Too much, honestly!     Police dramas, forensics, a few sit-coms.

2. What are your favorite shows?     Are there certain programs you just can't miss?    L&O:SVU, L&O:CI, L&O, CSI, CSI:NY, Medium, Criminal Minds, NUMB3RS, NCIS, Without A Trace, My Name Is Earl.     I never miss L&O:SVU & CI, CSI, Medium, and Criminal Minds.

3. Even if you're not a big TV watcher, are you taking the time to watch any Olympic coverage this week and next week?     If so, which sports are you interested in watching?    No, I'm not into them, especially since they are pre-empting several of my favorite shows on NBC and I'm reduced to a few L&O re-runs on USA.

Bonus Question for Comments:    What's your movie watching like at home?     Do you watch a lot of movies?     Do you have a Netflix/Blockbuster type thing going?     If so, do you like it?     Why/why not?     I watch quite a few movies.     I do have a Blockbuster.com account.     I like it very much, and receive my movies in a one day turn-around most of the time.     I currently have over 200 movies in my queue.

Wednesday Mind Hump

2006-02-15T09:43:00.000-05:00

It's Wednesday once again, and that means another Wednesday Mind Hump courtesy of BlogdriveInsanity! This week's Hump has a Valentine's theme...

1. Valentine's Day - love it, like it, tolerate it or hate it?
I'm somewhere between like and tolerate, I think. Valentine's Day is just so commercialized. Most any other day of the week/month, you can purchase the same flowers/chocolates for 1/10th of what they charge you on V-Day, just because they know they can. Even though I'm 1/2 of a couple, it is just such a over-commercialized holiday -- greeting cards, florists, restaurants with 2-hour waits even with a reservation (that's the voice of experience talking!) -- it takes the warm-fuzzy feelings out of the day when big-business sticks all of their fingers into the pie. I did receive some nice gifts, though -- and not the usual V-Day sort. I'm calling today to schedule my hour-long, deep-tissue, full body massage (gift certificate).

2. Who or what is on your "love list" right now?
My s.o., my five cats, three dogs, my friends, my parents ... hopefully my new nutritionist/accupuncturist that I'm scheduled to see next week, my favorite Japanese restaurant in Chattanooga that I got to visit last week that I hadn't been to in over eight months, and the cool rice cooker I got for Christmas that makes perfect killer rice.

3. What does your own personal candy heart say?
Dangerous!

4. Will you be my valentine next year? (asks rfduck the music-loving mememeister...)
Of course, I'd be honored ... one can never have too many valentines!

Wednesday 3

2006-02-15T09:34:00.000-05:00

This week's Pretend Writer - Wednesday 3 meme:

1. If you were given the choice to receive $100 for yourself or donate $10,000 to a charity of your choice but the donation must be anonymous which would you choose and why?    I would donate the $10,000 to a charity.     An anonymous donation wouldn't be a problem.     I would donate it to breast cancer research.     My mother is an eight year survivor!

2. Is it Jam or Jelly?    I guess I have to cop-out and go with the cheesy/obvious answer ... it must be jelly, cuz jam don't shake like that!

3. What is your unique talent?    Harboring a giant "people-magnet" inside of me that makes total strangers walk up to me and tell me their whole life story from DNA-conception to what they had for breakfast that morning.

Monday Music Mambo - Week 86

2006-02-13T10:06:00.000-05:00

This week's Monday Music Mambo meme:

David Bowie or David Lee Roth? Bowie;
Hotel Calfornia or Heartbreak Hotel? Hotel California;
KISS or Love? KISS;
Jimi Hendrix or Jimmy Page? Hendrix;
Faith Hill or Faith No More? Faith No More;
Safety Dance or The Hustle? Neither;
George Clinton or George Strait? George Clinton;
Elvis Presley or Elvis Costello? Elvis Costello;
Little Richard or Lil' Jon? Neither;
Steven Tyler or Mick Jagger? Both;
Keith Richards or Joe Perry? Both;
Live album or studio album? Depends;
Fender or Gibson? Fender.

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 158

2006-02-12T09:39:00.000-05:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Unorthodox:: Solution;
Skate:: board;
Hold on:: Loosely;
Europe:: -an Vacation;
Reminder:: Sticky Note;
Gold:: Rush;
Calcium:: Supplement;
Rated R:: Restricted;
Saturday night:: Live;
Tell:: -er, Penn &.

Wednesday Mind Hump

2006-02-01T10:31:00.000-05:00

This week's Wednesday Mind Hump meme:

Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate!
Hot or cold? Depends on the time of year as to what I can tolerate.
A bunch of short weekend trips, or one long vacation? One long vacation.
Almond Joy or Mounds? Neither.
Country or Rock And Roll? Rock 'N Roll!
Cosbys or Bradys? Bradys.
Brand new car or brand new house? New Car.
Inside or outside? Depends on the time of year.
Pepsi or Coke? Coke, but I don't really drink sodas.

10 Favorite Articles of Clothing

2006-01-31T08:34:00.000-05:00

This week's Ten On Tuesday meme:

Harley-Davidson oversized retro sweater with vintage varsity lettering;
All twenty pairs of jeans I own (LL Bean, Eddie Bauer, & Victoria's Secret), all of which are relaxed/faded and totally comfortable;
All twelve pairs of Birkenstocks, regardless of shape, style, or color - summer/winter;
Harley-Davidson black/orange/tan leather retro bomber jacket;
Long, oversized white waffle robe I purchased during a stay at the La Mansion' in San Antonio, TX;
Navy-blue silk suit - tailored trousers and a 3/4 length fitted jacket (can be dressed up for exceptional evening-wear and dressed down to be appropriate for important business meetings, etc.);
3/4 length fitted black silk dress w/short sleeves and gold button detailing (all-purpose, look-appropriate dress, including funerals);
Delicate black silk and casmere sweater with round pearl buttons up the front;
Lingerie cabinet filled with nothing but Victoria's Secret matching bras and panties; and
White, combed-cotton, long-sleeved, v-neck, softly-ribbed, slightly-fitted Tee from LLBean.

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 156

2006-01-29T08:11:00.000-05:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Long distance:: Relationship;
Meant to be:: Together;
Here:: to Stay;
Endless:: Love;
Resentment:: and Anger;
Insipid:: Dull and Boring;
Bunny:: Slippers;
Slogan:: Ad Campaign;
Naked:: Canola Oil Twister, Kitty's;
Sarcasm:: Quick Wit and.

10 Favorite Current Shows

2006-01-17T16:01:00.000-05:00

This week's Ten On Tuesday meme:

10 Favorite Current Shows

Law & Order: SVU;
Law & Order: CI;
Criminal Minds;
NUMB3RS;
CSI;
Medium;
The Closer;
Without A Trace;
NCIS;
My Name Is Earl.

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 154

2006-01-15T19:36:00.000-05:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Paralyzed:: With Fear;
Bossy:: the Cow;
Worth:: Self-;
Breathing:: Labored-;
Uneventful:: Meeting;
Return:: to Sender;
Splint:: -er;
Notice:: Without-;
Hero:: Worship;
Vulnerable:: Spot.

Sexy Name Decoder

2006-01-11T20:23:00.000-05:00

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 153

2006-01-08T09:38:00.000-05:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Better off:: Dead;
Girls:: Night Out;
Uniform:: -ed Guard;
Classified:: Ad;
Hard:: Habit To Break;
Kitty:: "ME";
Team:: Effort;
Massive:: Heart-Attack;
Depressed:: Mood; and
Award:: -s Ceremony.

Meme of Six

2006-01-04T13:45:00.000-05:00

This week's Cheddar X meme:

Six jobs you've had in your life: Administrative Assistant, Accounts Receivable Clerk, Patient Accounts Administrator, Paralegal, Interior Designer, Writer;
Six movies you could watch over and over: Casablanca, The Bridges of Madison County, Airplane, Goodfellas, Texas Chainsaw Massacre II, Aliens;
Six places you've lived: Soddy-Daisy, Red Bank, Hixson, Collierville, Chattanooga TN, Manassas Park VA
Six TV shows you love to watch: L&O, L&O:SVU, L&O:CI, Criminal Minds, CSI, My Name Is Earl;
Six places you've been on vacation: St. Lucia, Atlantis Nassau Bahamas, Carpenteria CA, St, Michaels MD, Myrtle Beach SC, San Antonio TX;
Six websites you visit daily: In High Cotton, Steel Cowboy, Windfall Woman, A Southern Belle's Musings, Princess Girly Girl, MSN
I visit so many that I just picked the first six that popped into my head.
Six of your favorite foods: Sushi, Tortillas & Salsa, Steamed Rice, Hibachi Chicken, Pinto Beans, Watermelon;
Six places you'd rather be: Beach cottage, Mountain cabin, Hanging out with old friends, Ireland, Secluded B&B, The right side of happiness;
Six albums you can't live without: Chris Botti - Night Sessions, Simply Red - Greatest Hits, Metallica - Metallica, Eagles - Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975, Kraftwerk - Autobahn, Mystic Moods - One Stormy Night.

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 152

2006-01-01T11:22:00.000-05:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Celebrate:: Party;
Resolve: Change;
I need to:: sleep;
Call:: a friend;
Token:: subway-;
Brand:: Name;
Comparison:: Shopping;
Far away:: from home;
Artful:: Dodger;
Fantastic:: Four.

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 150

2005-12-18T10:26:00.000-05:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Replenish:: Refill;
People:: Shiny-Happy-;
Trend:: Fad;
Girlfriends:: Catty;
Spirit:: Ghost;
Banshee:: Scream-Like-A;
Oasis:: Haven;
Thrills:: &-Chills;
Fountain:: Three-Coins-In-A;
Boxes:: Ribbons & Paper.

10 Things You Want for Christmas

2005-12-13T11:18:00.000-05:00

This week's Ten On Tuesday meme:

Another Lone Nut - Audio CD / Richard Belzer;
Roomba (I think it is already under the tree!);
Double-link 14K Gold Charm Bracelet w/a lobster-claw clasp;
Homicide: Life On The Streets series DVD set;
Scene It? game and/or Trivial Pursuit Pop Culture 2 game;
UFOs, JFK, and Elvis: Conspiracies You Don't Have to Be Crazy to Believe by Richard Belzer - Book;
Rice Cooker;
Extra lenses and lens filters for my SLR digital;
Chris Botti - "TO LOVE AGAIN" - CD; and
Dual-reception Radar Detector.

10 Household Chores You Hate

2005-12-06T13:56:00.000-05:00

This week's Ten On Tuesday meme:

Sweeping/Vacuuming (all that cat/dog hair is so hard to get up);
Mopping/Waxing the hardwood (paw-prints appear too quickly);
Putting away laundry (I don't mind doing laundry, I just hate putting it all away afterwards);
Taking out the trash (the trash cans are at least one flight of stairs down from every door);
Cleaning the litter boxes (even with two automatic litter boxes, you still have to take out the liner collection bins and replace them and sweep and mop the tiles);
Planning Meals (I wish I had a live-in 24/7 chef - yeah! - when I win the lottery!);
Cleaning the three bathrooms/toilets;
Cleaning the aquarium;
Cleaning out the fridge/freezer; and
Cleaning all of the windows (especially where the dogs press their noses against to look out).

Sat.8 - Baby It's Cold Outside ...

2005-12-03T16:23:00.000-05:00

This week's Saturday8 meme:

saturday8 :: baby, it's cold outside

1.   what's the coldest temperature you've ever experienced?
7 below 0 F

2.   what's the hottest temperature you've ever experienced?
105 F

3.   what is your preferred temperature for your home?
68 F

4.   what is your preferred/climate temperature to be outside in?
Low humidity, 60s/70s F

5.   i abhor skiing, and i think it's because i can't stand being in snow for more than 15 minutes at a time.   what outdoor activity do you reject because you don't like the weather conditions?
I'm not fond of extremes in temperature, so snow or very hot/humid are both out.

6.   i used to lie out in the sun a lot because i LOVE being warm and enveloped by the sun's rays (now i just stay indoors and pasty-white because i don't think i'd enjoy melanoma).   what outdoor activity do you really enjoy due to the weather conditions?
Riding our Harley in the Spring or Autumn when the weather is mild is extremely nice.

7.   would you ever go to an extreme temperature location ... like a volcano or the arctic?   why or why not?
No, see Q #5.

8.   non-weather related ... have you picked up any christmas/hanukkah gifts yet?
Yes, I'm almost finished with all of my shopping (for once).    I only have a few more gifts to buy and I'll be finished (early, amazingly enough).

Friday Feast - Seventy-Two

2005-12-02T16:55:00.000-05:00

This week's Friday Feast meme:

Appetizer

When was the last time you did something you would consider courteous, what was it, and who was it for?
This morning, I allowed a man with only two items to go ahead of me in line at the grocer.

Salad

If you were to have a painting done of you alone, what would you want the background to be?
Somewhere from my ancestral homeland of Ireland.

Soup

Describe your voice.
Very Southern.

Main Course

What is something you would like to do, but you're afraid of the risk(s)?
Jeez!, I'm drawing such a blank on this one; I'll have to come back to this.

Dessert

What was the last television show you watched?
Dr. Wayne Dyer: Power of Intention

Fill In The Blanks ...

2005-11-28T11:42:00.000-05:00

This week's Monday Madness meme:

1.    I've always been afraid of bugs.

2.    People should not talk on cell phones while in restaurants, doctor's offices, etc.

3.    The one thing I look forward to every day is writing.

4.    My first meal of the day usually consists of fruit and yogurt.

5.    It seems like keeping my floors cleaned & waxed is a never-ending job.

6.    The last time I painted a room in my house was in D.C..

7.    The next time I paint, I'd like to paint my breakfast room bright yellow.

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 147

2005-11-27T11:23:00.000-05:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Stuffed:: Shirt;
Armstrong:: , Lance;
Bruise:: s & Cuts;
Content:: , Unsuitable for Children;
Musical:: Instruments;
Assistance:: Needed;
Scrambling:: Your Brain;
Battle:: Scars;
Extended:: Vacation; and
Discount:: Beverage Barn.

Ten Favorite Movie Characters

2005-11-15T07:56:00.000-05:00

This week's Ten On Tuesdays meme:

Pvt. Hudson - Bill Paxton - Aliens;
John Bender - Judd Nelson - The Breakfast Club;
Freddy Krueger - Robert Englund - Nightmare On Elm Street franchise;
Alex Forrest - Glenn Close - Fatal Attraction;
Rick Blaine - Humphrey Bogart - Casablanca;
Annie Savoy - Susan Sarandon - Bull Durham;
Mr. Blonde/Vic Vega - Michael Madsen - Reservoir Dogs;
'Wild Bill' Wharton - Sam Rockwell - The Green Mile;
Michael - Jeff Goldblum - The Big Chill; and
Ellen "The Lady" - Sharon Stone - The Quick & The Dead.

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 145

2005-11-13T09:11:00.000-05:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Mighty:: Aphrodite;
Gotta find time to ....:: breath;
Statistic:: -al Analysis;
Midnight:: Cowboy;
Thaw:: - Deep Freeze;
Hips:: Rose-;
Reader:: 's Digest;
Related:: by Marriage;
Brilliant:: Deduction; and
Posture:: , Poor.

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 144

2005-11-06T08:05:00.000-05:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Deeper and deeper:: Barry White lyrics;
Can’t help .... :: feeling this way;
Devil’s advocate:: playing the . . .;
Superpower:: Isn't that a cliche now?
Threatening:: actions;
Played:: you got -;
War:: -torn countries;
Violate:: Break the rules;
Invest:: Play the market; and
Choke:: hold.

Redrum . . .

2005-11-04T10:30:00.000-05:00

This week's Friday Five meme:

1.   What is your shoe size?   I wear a 7, but an 8 feels so good, that I buy a 9 - seriously, I wear a 9.

2.   How many hours did you sleep last night?   With the proper meds (thank God for pharmaceuticals!), I got eight hours of sleep last night.

3.   Area code of your phone number:  This year, it is 770

4.   Last grade of school completed:  16+

5.   Time it takes you to get ready in the morning:   That depends - on where I'm going, and what I'm going to be doing.     It could take anywhere from 5 minutes - 30 minutes depending upon the circumstances.

The Friday Five

2005-11-04T10:24:00.000-05:00

This week's Friday Five meme:

1.   What are you most self concious about?  My boobs.

2.   What's your favourite word?  Serendipity.

3.   What's your biggest fear?  *****

4.   What's the weirdest thing ever to happen to you at work/school?  Watching a man die right in front of me.

5.   If you were going to have a revolution, what kind of society would you create?  One filled with peace, love and harmony.

10 Best Scary Movies

2005-11-01T07:54:00.000-05:00

This week's Ten On Tuesday meme:

Se7en;
The Exorcist;
Poltergeist (I and II);
Aliens;
The Omen;
When A Stranger Calls;
Psycho;
_____ of the Living Dead franchise;
Silence of the Lambs; and
Showgirls!

Honorable Mentions:

Carrie;
The Shining;
Jaws;
Texas Chainsaw Massacre II;
Nightmare on Elm Street franchise; and
Burnt Offerings.

Monday Madness - Asst. Questions III

2005-10-31T17:19:00.000-05:00

This week's Monday Madness meme:

1. Name 1 comedy movie you've seen. (recently) Hitch.

2. Name 2 black and white films you remember seeing. Casablanca and Psycho.

3. Name 3 dramas you thought were worth watching. Domino, Wonderland, and Shattered Glass.

4. Name 4 television shows you watch on a regular basis. L&O:CI, L&O:SVU, CSI, and Crimimal Minds.

5. Name 5 things that, in your opinion, are advertised on television too frequently. car insurance; sleazy-ambulance-chasing lawyers; diet pills, weight-loss centers and magic-weight-loss pills; tampons and other such personal items; toothpaste and mouthwash.

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 143

2005-10-30T15:02:00.000-05:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Unbreakable:: Bruce Willis;
Have mercy:: On Me;
Do it better:: than everyone else;
Settle scores:: Get Even;
Comments:: -from the peanut gallery;
Craziest thing:: I've ever seen;
Apple:: -A-Day, An;
Halloween:: Night;
Manageable:: Un-;
Trick:: Or-Trick.

3 x 5

2005-10-28T16:33:00.000-04:00

This week's Friday Fiver meme:

1. What's the last item you mailed?   Returned a blockbuster.com movie.

2. Who has made you smile recently?   My friend, Vic.

3. What's the weather like outside?   Mid-60s and sunny.

4. Do you consider youself a good judge of character?   Definitely!

5. What's your favorite photograph?   Currently, a photo of the front yard (100+ y/o trees, picket fence, etc.) in a rainstorm taken at our 107 year old farmhouse in Virginia.

Friday Five

2005-10-28T08:14:00.000-04:00

This week's Friday Five meme:

1. If you had all the money in the world and could choose to own anything, what you would get and why?   Two secluded vacation houses -- one at the beach and one in the mountains -- so that I could "get-away" whenever I wanted to my own private space on the shore with waves crashing or high on a mountain with nothing but trees and wildlife surrounding me.

2. If you were to do something that scares you, what would it be?    Face my worst fears head-on instead of hiding from the truth.

3. What was your first pet?   A part bobcat, part ???-cat named Rocky.

4. What's the farthest you've traveled?    Distance?   Or location?    I've visited islands in the Southern Carribean, and traveled up the Pacific Coast Highway into northern California - both a long way from home for a SE TN gal.     But, I've been in at least 1/2 of the States across the U.S., and many of the islands in the north and south Carribean and here and there in between.

5. If you were a season, which one would you be and why?    Autumn, because of all of the vivid colors and the brisk nip in the air.

Extra one: If you were a song, which one would you be and why?    This one is practically impossible to answer because my favorite song and artist changes on a daily basis.

Monday Madness - Asst. Questions II

2005-10-24T10:02:00.000-04:00

This week's Monday Madness meme:

1. diamonds or pearls? Both, but I wear diamonds more often than pearls.

2. paperback or hardcover books? Both, it all depends on what the book I want to read is released in at the time.

3. carpet or hardwood floors? Definitely hardwood thoughout the entire house!

4. dogs or cats? Both. I have three dogs and five cats (and a tank of fish).

5. fluffy or firm pillow? Both, one of each.

6. fine point or medium point pens? Usually a medium-point for most writing but, sometimes, for a very special correspondence on fine stationery, I like the look and feel of a fine point, calligraphy or other specialty pen.

7. clocks a little fast or on time? On time, definitely.

8. mahjong or spider solitaire (or other)? Neither.

9. wall calendar or desk calendar? Both, plus a planner and a PDA.

10. 'Survivor' or 'The Amazing Race?' Neither, I don't do any types of 'reality' shows - ever!

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 142

2005-10-23T23:46:00.000-04:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Infiltration:: of the System;
Nice person:: Not a -;
Debt:: -Free;
Settle down:: Act Your Age;
Thomas:: Edison;
Unforgivable:: Act;
Medicine:: Show;
A year from now:: Where Will I Be?;
Neighbors:: Nosey-; and
Dripping:: with Sweat.

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 141

2005-10-16T19:27:00.000-04:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

On the verge:: Living on the edge;
Tempestuous:: Rocky;
Coherent:: Non-
Near death:: Experience;
Illiterate:: Johnny can't read ...;
Why not?:: Why?;
Period:: Question Mark;
Long lost:: Relative;
Torrid:: Affair; and
Nail:: Salon.

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 140

2005-10-09T16:56:00.000-04:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Quirk:: -y;
Crystal:: Clear;
Pet Peeve:: More than a few ...;
Cuban:: Cigar;
Breasts:: , Perky;
Whispers:: & Secrets;
Complicated:: Affair;
Promise me:: Cross-Your-Heart-Hope-To-Die;
Murder:: for Hire; and
Filament:: Lightbulb.

Friday Feast - Sixty-Five

2005-10-07T17:05:00.000-04:00

This week's Friday's Feast meme:

Appetizer

Name 3 qualities that are important to you in friendship.

Honesty, loyalty, caring nature.

Soup

If you could dream about anything tonight, what would the subject matter be?

Another beach vacation.

Salad

Do you usually make an effort to personally thank people who do favors for you?

Definitely!

Main Course

If you had to go out of town for an extended period of time, who would you trust to take care of your home and belongings?

My parents.

Dessert

How do you react to practical jokes when they're played on you?

Not very well!

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 137

2005-09-18T17:26:00.000-04:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Less filling:: Tastes great;
Glue:: stick;
Surprise me:: with a gift;
Model:: behavior;
Fee:: -s do not apply;
Microphone:: stand;
Choices:: , too many;
To the bone:: bad -;
Run!:: don't walk; and
Appeal:: sex-.

Quitters Never Win

2005-09-16T11:16:00.000-04:00

This week's Friday Fiver meme:

Quitters never win

1. Name one thing you've quit:

Drinking sodas (several times);

2. Name something you've won:

Art shows, writing contests, photography contests;

3. Describe a subject in school you do poorly in:

I no longer attend school, but did well in all of my classes when I did;

4. Have you ever purposely not done your best?

Not that I can recall;

5. Do you lead, follow, or get out of the way?

It depends on the situation. If I am confident in knowing enough to lead, I will lead. If not, I will allow someone who is more qualified to lead, and if I'm totally confused, I'll just get out of the way.

Can You Hear Me Now?

2005-09-16T11:04:00.000-04:00

This week's The Friday Five meme:

Can You Hear Me Now?

1.    Who is your mobile phone provider, and how many minutes are in your plan?

Cingular.     750, plus nights and weekends and rollover.

2.    What program do you primarily use for instant messaging?

I don't use any IM features on-line but do occasionally use text messaging on my cell phone.

3.    Who do you send and receive text messages from most?

No one person in particular, and I only send messages when I want to leave a message without calling and having to spend time talking to a person when my schedule is too-tight to squeeze in a phone call at that particular time.

4.    What area code do you live in?

770

5.    What year did you first get an e-mail address and do you still use it?

1993, and I don't still use it because we have moved five times since then and changed/upgraded providers and services several times.     But, I still use a variation of my original e-mail address as one of my current e-mail addresses.

10 Weird Facts About You

2005-09-13T10:32:00.000-04:00

This week's Ten On Tuesday meme:

10 Weird Facts About You

I don't like for my food to touch (and would be happy if the whole world used divided plates!);
I am so deathly-afraid of bugs that it could be medically classified as a clinical phobia;
My eyes change colors - from blue to green and shades in between - sometimes they're even teal;
One of my best and closest friends is my first long-term (3 years) ex-boyfriend. We have been best friends for twenty-seven years and still keep in touch often;
I'm a P.K., but didn't really begin 'my-wild-oats' phase until I was eighteen;
I have seen "Casablanca," "The Way We Were," "The Bridges of Madison County," "The Big Chill," "St. Elmo's Fire," and "The Breakfast Club" over 100+ times each;
I love sitting on a covered porch during a summer thunderstorm, listening to the thunder, seeing the flashes of lightning and watching the rain fall;
I had R.K. surgery twelve years ago and recently had to see an optician for a prescription. Since my surgery, my eyes are now too flat for most contact lenses, and I am now trying out the fourth different type of lens to see if I can wear it;
I only first tried sushi about 3-1/2 years ago but, now, I'm addicted to it; and
I once received a standing ovation from a public works crew at a building site (long story).

Monday Madness - True or False?

2005-09-12T18:06:00.000-04:00

This week's Monday Madness meme:

1.    I'm at my best in the early morning.

It all depends on whether I slept well the night before.

2.    I start each day with a healthy breakfast.

I wish I could say 'yes,' but I don't always prepare something that would be considered 'healthy.'

3.    I'm always sure to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night.

I'm a chronic insomniac and require several rx to fall asleep.     I try to go to bed at the same time (or close to it) every night and get up at the same time every morning, seven days a week, to help establish a routine to lessen the effects of the insomnia.

4.    I enjoy my job.

Being self-employed, 99.9% of the time, it is great.

5.    I get along with most everyone.

Usually, I try to be easy-going and laid-back, even though it isn't really my nature or personality.

6.    I'm looking forward to the new season of tv shows this year.

Yes, although it may be later into the season when some of my favorites come back on.

7.    I make sure I take some time for myself every day.

I try, but sometimes it is difficult to do when I have deadlines or projects that are looming.

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 136

2005-09-11T10:21:00.000-04:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Related:: by marriage;
Soothing:: words of comfort;
Flashback:: to the 80s;
Turmoil:: and confusion;
Immense:: relief;
Guitar:: lessons;
Nonsense:: and gibberish;
Blame:: it on the Rain;
Childlike:: wonder; and
Duff:: - get off your lazy.

Ten Great Love Songs

2005-09-06T10:07:00.000-04:00

This week's Ten On Tuesday meme:

Ten Great Love Songs

(* Subject to change at a moment's notice, on a passing whim, on a vivid recollection or strong memory, or hearing a song playing on the radio - and all of the songs that make my list have a very personal meaning, not merely because of the artist or the lyrics)

Practically anything by Barry White;
Here Without You - 3 Doors Down;
Lyin' Eyes - The Eagles;
All Would Envy - Chris Botti;
With Arms Wide Open - Creed;
Unchained Melody - The Righteous Brothers;
Smoke Gets In Your Eyes - The Platters;
Please Forgive Me - Bryan Adams;
The Reason - Hoobastank; and
Iris - Goo Goo Dolls.

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 135

2005-09-04T09:16:00.000-04:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Julie:: -ann Moore;
Emotional:: Trainwreck;
Head of household:: Number of Dependents;
Diva:: Overinflated sense of self-worth;
Devastation:: Total Loss;
Business or pleasure:: Mixing business with pleasure;
Crown:: Jewels;
Eastern:: culture & religions;
Buzzed:: , Feelin' a little -; and
Officer:: , I couldn't have been speeding!

Monday Madness - Potpourri

2005-08-29T09:02:00.000-04:00

This week's Monday Madness meme:

1.   Do you own a dishwasher (and if not, do you even want one), or do you have to do your dishes by hand?

A.  I've always had a dishwasher in all of my apartments and, then, in all of my houses.     I would rather not do dishes by hand, but some things require it -- such as my antique (family heirloom) china and antique gold (family heirloom) flatware - both of which are only used for holidays and special dinner parties - and certain items on an as-needed hand-washing basis.     All-in-all, I'm a dishwasher-devotee.

2.   Do you put your dishes away immediately after washing them?

A.  Either as soon as the dishwasher stops or, if the dishwasher runs overnight, I put them away the next morning.

3.   In the warm weather, do you like hanging your laundry out on the clothesline to dry, or do you prefer a dryer?

A.  When I was a kid, it was a treat to have freshly-laundered, line-dried clothes, sheets, etc., but - now - there are so many pollutants in the air, and so many types of bugs everywhere, that I would rather put my laundry in the dryer with dryer sheets or hang it on hangers inside the laundry room.     I hate (translate - am terrified of) bugs!

4.   How many loads of laundry are done in your household each week?

A.  Amazingly enough, I probably do ten or more loads per week, and there are only two of us living in the house, and I work from home most days (only meeting clients, editors, etc. a few times a month).     I don't understand how my s.o. can generate so much laundry!

5.   Do you own a pet?   If so, do you buy them presents for holidays?   Do you consider your pet(s) spoiled?   If you don't own one, do you think you will one day?

A.  I don't "own" pets -- they "own" me!     I have five cats and three dogs.    Yes, I buy them gifts for holidays and birthdays.    Spoiled?     They are all spoiled rotten!

6.   It's Friday evening and you're planning your weekend.   What's on your agenda?

A.  Planning at least one or two trips on the Harley - generally for Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon, calling our friends Charles & Barbara to see if they want to get together at some point during the weekend - w/ or w/o including the Harley, planning either breakfast or lunch out at least one day during the weekend, and just hanging out for a couple of days with a break in the 'action' of the usual rat-race of the workweek.

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 134

2005-08-28T16:51:00.000-04:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Girlfriends:: can be catty;
Here to stay:: gone tomorrow;
Call me:: sometime;
Frustrated:: beyond belief;
Public school:: system;
Glitch:: in the system;
Cheese:: whiz;
Director:: producer;
Pivotal:: decision; and
Exclusive:: interview.

Friday Feast Sixty

2005-08-26T17:14:00.000-04:00

This week's Friday's Feast meme:

Appetizer

Do you get excited when the season begins to change?     Which season do you most look forward to?

Yes.    I love Autumn - the changing of the colors, and the brisk nip in the air.

Soup

What day of the week is usually your busiest?

Either Monday or Thursday, depending upon deadlines with editors for myself and handling my s.o.'s banking and accounting for his business.

Salad

Would you consider yourself to be strict when it comes to grammar and spelling?     What's an example of the worst error you've seen?

Yes.     I am frustrated when people use an apostrophe in the wrong place or at the wrong time, but I can't say what is the "worst" error I've ever seen because there have been many.

Main Course

Who has a birthday coming up, and what will you give them as a gift?

My friends Missy and Brian both have a birthday next Tuesday.     Gifts are "special" and I don't want to give anything away here.

Dessert

If you could have any new piece of clothing for free, what would you pick?

If, by clothing, that includes shoes, I would have to say a pair of custom-made dark purple snakeskin boots to match the new purple snakeskin helmet I just bought to wear while riding the Harley.

Friday Feast Fifty-Nine

2005-08-12T12:31:00.000-04:00

This week's Friday's Feast meme:

Appetizer

Did you sleep good last night?

No.     As a chronic insomniac who has to medicate to sleep, it was a fitful sleep at best.

Soup

What is your current computer desktop image?

The view of the boardwalk from our recent beach-house stay leading down to the water's edge.

Salad

When was the last time you planted something, what was it and where did it go?

Right before I broke my ankle.     I planted creeping ivy all around the perimeter of the flower bed in the front/side yard, and filled in the bed with silver-leaf, flowering heather, and hibiscus.

Main Course

What's your favorite condiment?

Mustard, or maybe Salsa, its a real toss-up.

Dessert

Share a quote that you like, for whatever reason.

One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas.     How he got into my pajamas I'll never know. - Groucho Marx

10 Best Current Actors/Actresses

2005-08-09T11:50:00.000-04:00

This week's Ten on Tuesday meme:

10 Best Current Actors/Actresses

Meg Ryan;
Guy Pearce;
Russell Crowe;
Kevin Spacey;
William H. Macy;
Chris Evans;
J.K. Simmons;
Angelina Jolie;
Michael Chiklis; and
Viggo Mortensen.

Honorable Mentions: Vince Vaughn, Melanie Griffith, Jamie Foxx, Kim Basinger, Owen Wilson, Colin Farrell and Samuel L. Jackson.

Televsion Fives . . .

2005-08-09T11:31:00.000-04:00

Five Favorite Current Television Shows

Law & Order (Original, SVU and CI - I can't narrow it to one);
CSI (LV and NY, but not Miami);
The Closer;
Rescue Me; and
Reno 911!

Honorable Mentions: I really have trouble narrowing down to just five, so I must include Monk, Wanted, and Kojak in the mix.

Five Favorite (No Longer On The Air) Television Shows

Hill Street Blues;
M*A*S*H;
NYPD Blue;
Touching Evil; and
Blind Justice.

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 131

2005-08-07T11:33:00.000-04:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Complexion:: Peaches & Cream;
Teach:: A Lesson;
Back to school:: The end of summer;
Months:: Nine-;
Nominate:: Candidates;
Favorite curse word:: F***;
Concerned:: Overly-;
Better:: than ever;
Escalate:: to violence; and
Unveil:: Reveal.

If You Have To Go Away

2005-07-28T13:58:00.000-04:00

This week's The Thursday Threesome meme:

::"If You Have To Go Away"::

Onesome - If You - If you were given a million dollars, what would you do with it?

A. Pay off my debts, give my parents a portion of it, give a portion of it to charity, buy a beach house and a mountain cabin for get-aways, and invest the rest.
Twosome - Have To - What is it that you have to do today? Or is there something you're dreading to do this week?

A. I have to call and order DSL for our business location, and get all of that in place so that my s.o. can buy his new laptop this weekend and start using it at work, and transporting the laptop back and forth between work and home for all of his business data entry. Something that I dreaded doing -- that I already had to do -- was to leave the beach and come back home.
Threesome - Go Away - Where's that place you've been imagining to take a dream trip to lately?

A. The beach -- which I did this last weekend. But, we are making more definitely plans to 'escape' to an island in late Winter . . . perhaps St. Lucia again. We're also talking about, possibly, a New Year's Eve get-away to Las Vegas for the night - and treating some friends to the trip along with us as a surprise.

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 129

2005-07-24T13:11:00.000-04:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Believing:: , Seeing Is;
Invasion:: Of The Body Snatchers;
Boys:: On The Side;
Island:: Get-Away;
Repeatedly:: Late;
Normal:: Life (what is that?);
Hex:: Nut;
Tuxedo:: , Tennessee;
Virgin:: Records; and
Cereal:: & Milk.

Pet Connection

2005-07-22T12:33:00.000-04:00

This week's Friday Fiver meme:
Pet Connection

1.    Are you a dog or cat person?

A.  Both, equally.

2.    How many pets do you have?

A.  Five cats and three dogs, all rescues.

3.    What's the best thing about your pets?

A.  Their undying love and devotion.

4.    What's the weirdest thing your pet has done?

A.  Too many stories to tell . . . :-)

5.    Plans for any more pets?

A.  Not at the present, because we travel often and finding pet-sitters and house-sitters are sometimes difficult to locate when needed.

Monday Madness - Fill In The Blanks V

2005-07-18T09:59:00.000-04:00

This week's Monday Madness meme:

1.   Mal asks... What is the last thing you do at night?

A.  I assume you mean before getting into bed??? *ha-ha*     That would be brush my teeth, brush my hair, and take a sleeping pill (I'm a chronic insomniac).

2.   Wil asks... Where were you when the lights went out?

A.  I hate to utter the obvious answer, but . . . it begs to be said . . . "In the dark!"

3.   Andrea asks... What's on your refrigerator?

A.  Notes that never get read, appointments that are forgotten, cartoons that are cut out and stuck up with one of the hundreds of magnets that are there, magnets from trips around the planet, and magnet notepads for writing more notes that will never be read.

4.   Jenny asks... What is your ideal vacation spot?

A.  A secluded beach on any coast in the world.

5.   Kia asks... What's the sexiest language in the world?

A.  Spanish - I love the sounds, and the way the mouth moves to make the sounds -- think Antonio Bandaras.

6.   Zeno asks... Have you ever made a wish on a shooting star and had that wish come true?

A.  Yes, but most of them don't . . . the odds are against it, but I keep on wishing anyway . . .

7.   Bunnykissd asks... We're more than halfway through the year now; how are you doing with your New Year's resolutions?

A.  Resolutions?    Resolutions?    Oh, yeah, I remember those . . . not very well, actually . . . but, there's always next year, right???

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 128

2005-07-18T09:42:00.000-04:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Tolerate:: Simply put up with (for a time);
Release:: Me, and Let Me Love Again;
My soul:: burns for you;
Sax:: , Tenor & Jazz Music;
HP:: Printer, Copier, Fax, All-In-One;
Worth:: Nothing;
Rockstar:: Quality;
Terrify:: Scare Wit-less;
Knock me off my feet:: Blow Me Away; and
Taunt:: Tease.

Monday Madness - Asst. Questions

2005-07-11T08:39:00.000-04:00

This week's Monday Madness meme:

1.    What book are you currently reading? (from dawn)

A.   I'm reading three books now -- The Stripper's Guide To Looking Great Naked; You - The Owner's Manual; and Time Management For The Creative Person;

2.   Have you ever experienced the loss of a pet?    How did you deal with it?    Would you get a new pet, and why? (from peanutbutterfly)

A.   Yes, and I didn't deal with it very well as he had been with me for eighteen years.     I had him cremated, and he has a special place of honor in my house.     I currently have five other cats, and three dogs, but none of them could ever take Leonard's place - he was extremely special!

3.   Is anyone in your family in the armed services? (from teresa)

A.   Not a direct family member, but one of my very best friends is stationed in Iraq right now.     I speak with him via (satellite) phone about once a week, and hear from him via (satellite) e-mail about once or twice a week.    I'll just be happy when he finally is able to come back home!

4.   If you have or have had a girlfriend/boyfriend, did you tell your parents about her/him without them prying for the information? (from shady88)

A.   My parents were always very concerned about my relationships, but . . . I managed to keep my family life and my social life separated when I needed to.

5.   What was your favorite childhood pet and tell me a few things about it. (from beth)

A.   He was a cat named "Rocky," who was big, and loveable, and would let me dress him up and play with him.     He was a beautiful (and sweet) cat!

6.   Have you ever been in love? (from seren)

A.   Definitely.     Wanna see the holes in my heart from where it was broken?!?!?

7.   What's your favorite activity? (from robyn)

A.   This is very difficult to answer -- I have a lot of things that I like to do, so it is hard to narrow it down to just one.     It also depends on the day, the situation, the people involved . . . I think I'll have to pass on this question, because there are just too many variables to narrow it down to a single, definitive answer.

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 127

2005-07-10T09:15:00.000-04:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Do-it-yourself:: Projects;
Pickpocket:: (don't be a) Victim of a;
Ballet:: -Barre;
Resume:: and CV;
Phenom:: . Sports-;
Love/Hate:: Relationship;
Unusual:: Circumstances;
Intense:: Feelings;
Interruption:: "Coitus Interruptus" and
Not enough:: Time!

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 126

2005-07-03T21:02:00.000-04:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Statistics:: Bureau of Vital;
Grin:: & Bear It;
Saturn:: , Rings of;
Fulfilled:: Satisfied;
Life plan:: who has a plan?;
Cult:: , Blue Oyster;
Lily:: of the Valley;
Stalemate:: Impasse;
Celebration:: Kool & The Gang; and
Underwear:: only Victoria's Secret!

FWIW Department ...

2005-07-03T15:05:00.000-04:00

can I really put too much stock into an online test?!?

Your IQ Is 165

Your Logical Intelligence is Above Average
Your Verbal Intelligence is Exceptional
Your Mathematical Intelligence is Exceptional
Your General Knowledge is Above Average

A Quick and Dirty IQ Test

It's a nice round number, though, yes?!?
:-)

Feast Fifty-Four

2005-07-01T11:49:00.000-04:00

This week's Friday's Feast meme:

Appetizer   Where do you plan to go on vacation this year, or where would you want to go?

A.   With the new business underway, the only plans for 'vacations' this year are two events that we have already booked.     We have hotel accommodations already made for the August National Annual HOG Rally that will be held in Chattanooga, TN this year, and we already have beach cottage accommodations booked for October for Biketoberfest in Daytona Beach, FL.     We have tentative plans in-the-works with friends for a get-away some time in late February.     We're talking about, possibly, St. Lucia if we can work out all of the details.

Soup   What color is your bedroom?    If you could redecorate it, what would you change?

A.   It is a medium flat-caramel (builder's choice).     We have already begun the renovations on the third floor (where the master is located), and the catwalk, landing, stairs and master bedroom carpeting has been removed and replaced with hardwood flooring.     The next step will be painting.     The bedroom (which is very large, with very high ceilings, funky architectural detailing, and with lots of windows) will either be painted in a deep chocolate leather brown, a dark forest green, or a rich burgundy merlot red.

Salad   Do you have a bumper sticker on your vehicle?   What does it say?

A.  I recently had to replace my car (an accident in March).     My previous car -- a Chrysler Sebring Convertible -- was a tribute to bumper stickers, and each was a profound statement about myself.     Since replacing my car -- a Saab 9 3 Turbo Convertible -- I haven't felt like it warrants any bumper stickers.     It makes a statement all on its own.

Main Course   What's the worst pain you've ever been in?

A.   Just because it is relatively fresh on my mind, I would have to say when I broke my ankle/foot this past April.     I had to have surgery (a plate and five pins), and am still recovering from the accident.

Dessert   Who is your favorite celebrity?   What do they do that inspires you?

A.   I'm really not into the Hollywood-hype, so I don't really have a favorite celebrity.     I mean, I have certain people that I enjoy their work, but I don't get caught up in reading or hearing all the latest gossip about them, or even care what's going on in their lives.     I don't look to celebrities for inspiration.

I'll Be Your Shoulder . . .

2005-06-30T11:32:00.000-04:00

This week's The Thursday Threesome meme:

::"I'll be your shoulder when you cry"::

Onesome - I'll be -   What did you want to grow up to be when you were a child?   If you aren't fulfilling your childhood dream, what made you change it?

A.   I never really played "dolls" as a child.     I always played either one of two role-playing games (even as a very young child), sometimes incorporating the two.     I either wanted to be a police detective or a newspaper reporter.     My poor Mother has been "interviewed" about every imaginary crime I could conceive, and I would return to my "office" -- which contained a desk, a beat-up old manual typewriter, and assorted office equipment, and I would type up my reports on the crimes of the century!     I did graduate with a degree in Journalism, and I do a lot of freelance work for newspapers, magazines, on-line and other publications.     Not as glamorous as I envisioned it all those years ago . . .

Twosome - Your shoulder -   Who's your confidant?   Who do you run to when you need emotional support?

A.   Chuck.     Always has been, always will be, my only confidant.     I can (and do) tell him -- everything.     I'm never afraid of any judgment on his part.     He is the one "constant" in my otherwise chaotic life.

Threesome - When you cry -   What makes you cry?   The scent of flowers?   Allergies?   Or are you just super-sensitive to that sad song you always seem to hear on the radio lately?

A.   I admit it -- I'm a softy . . . I cry at old movies, even ones I've watched fifty times before.     Sometimes I'll watch them just because I need a "good-cry."     Songs that remind me of good times, or good friends, or great memories will make me cry . . . sometimes I'll even cry over cartoons.     And, sometimes I cry over what might have been, or what should have been . . .     Life isn't always fair, and it isn't always easy . . . but, . . . somehow, we find ways to muddle through . . .

Wednesday Mind Hump - Week 67

2005-06-29T11:08:00.000-04:00

This week's Wednesday Mind Hump meme:

Ooops!    Wednesday already?     Heeerrrrrrre we go!

BDI's Wednesday Mind Hump - Week 67

Happy Humpity Hump Day. Today is Remote Control Day celebrating the introduction of man's second best friend in 1964.     So get control of yourself and let's hump.

If you had a remote control that hypnotizes people you encounter throughout the day.    List examples of the things you would have other people do at the push of a button in the following categories.

01.    Useful     This remote would have buttons that read: "MAID," "DOG GROOMER," "PERSONAL SHOPPER," CHEF," "CHAUFFEUR" (as needed; I like driving my convertible, if I'm alone), "LAUNDRESS," "GARDENER," "GROCERY SHOPPER" (yes, this differs from a personal shopper, imo), and a "PERSONAL ASSISTANT" that will cover whatever falls through the cracks that the others don't do.

02.    Pranks    I could get into SUCH trouble with this one -- HECK!, I already get into enough trouble and I don't even HAVE a remote that gives me any "prank" buttons . . . I think I'll pass on this one . . . I might tell a secret or two that is best kept a secret!

03.    Significant Other     This remote would have "FREEZE" and "MUTE" buttons so he would have to "STOP" and "LISTEN" to me without blowing me off, ignoring me, or interrupting me in the middle of a sentence.    There would also be a "RE-WIND" button so that I could re-wind any remarks he made that were derogatory, and "allow" him to reconsider his remarks again in a better frame of mind.

And an optional example --

04.    Mean    See # 02!

05.    You have a magic remote control which instantly transports you to your happy place but only for 30 minutes (the average amount of total commerical time during a two hour made for TV movie.    Also you can only do it once a day with no rollover minutes.     Describe your happy place.

My "happy place" is a small, secluded cottage on a deserted stretch of beach.     The wrap-around porch has rocking chairs with thick, comfy pads and cotton throws, that face in all four directions around the perimeter of the cottage so that, depending upon the time of day, you can view the world from every angle.     The porch also has a wooden walkway that turns into a boardwalk that leads down to the edge of the water for walking in the sand.     The interior is all old, well-worn pieces of furniture -- wicker, wood, whatever -- that has been whitewashed and bleached by the sun over time.     The same for all of the fabrics; they all have that wonderful, worn, comfortable feeling to them that makes you want to just snuggle up into them.     The design of the cottage is such that when the windows are open, there is always a wonderful cross-breeze that flutters the long, gauze window treatments and causes the tropical ceiling fans to begin to turn even without electricity.    The bookshelves are lined with books for sitting on the porch, sitting by the fire, or sitting down on the beach and reading.     There isn't a television, but there is a 'hidden' audio system that plays the perfect mix of beach, tropical, caribbean, and jazz music.     Above the doorway is an old weathered board that has been hand lettered with the words, "Kitty's Solitary Retreat."

8 Truths and 2 Lies

2005-06-28T10:10:00.000-04:00

This week's Ten On Tuesday meme:

[From 10 on Tues]
"Thought I'd do something a little different this time around. This can be sort of an interactive 10 on Tuesday for your readers, let them guess which 2 aren't true.

8 Truths and 2 Lies About You (let your readers guess which are the lies)"

I was a "jock" in high school;
My favorite sport to play now is golf;
I have two tattoos; one I designed myself;
I once lived in a haunted house;
I've met Nichelle Nichols (Lt. Uhura);
I once spent the night in jail;
I collect and restore antiques;
My personal library has over 5,000 books;
I have an extremely high tolerance for alcohol; and
My ex-boyfriend is 15 years, 6 months, and 3 days older than me.

Monday Madness - Fill In The Blanks IV

2005-06-27T10:03:00.000-04:00

This week's Monday Madness meme:

If I could just figure out how to time-travel to correct past mistakes, I'd be real happy.
I would be happy to hand over cleaning the entire house to someone else.
One thing I try to do every day is call and/or write (at least) one friend.
Someone once told me that I was very intuitive and empathic.
Probably the one word/phrase I tend to overuse is yes (I sometimes find it difficult to say "no" when someone asks for help, or volunteers, or whatever - I need to learn how to say "no" when I really don't have the time, energy, money, effort, or desire to say "yes" to something when asked).
I need to work on a few self-esteem issues.
When I'm cleaning house I like to listen to 70's or 80's music - really loud! (but, see #2 for my preference to this task.)

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 125

2005-06-26T12:21:00.000-04:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Useless:: Knowledge;
Radiant:: Beauty;
W:: X, Y, and Z;
Unpaid:: Debt (I'll probably never see!);
Geek:: Squad;
Unfaithful:: Don't Judge;
Reboot:: too many times!;
No!:: Way Out;
Squad:: , Mod; and
Fetish:: Cop!

In Your Lifetime, Have You ...

2005-05-23T14:50:00.000-04:00

This week's Monday Madness meme:

The following all begin with 'In your lifetime, have you....'

...ridden on a rollercoaster?

Yes (a few), and I will never do that again, if I can prevent it. Rollercoasters are definitely not my thing!
...performed (in any area of the arts) onstage?

Yes, I have been in a few local theatre plays.
...planted a garden?

Yes, a few -- herb gardens, bird/butterfly/bee gardens, midnight gardens, and regular flower gardens.
...ever had to reformat your hard drive due to a virus/spyware?

Yes, I've had to have my entire system wiped clean and re-loaded from scratch due to a virus.
...written a book? A poem? A song?

I've written many poems, some of which have been published, and am currently working on a book.
...sang karaoke?

Yes, but circumstances dictated the details.
...been interviewed by a local tv station/newspaper?

Yes, several times for both newspapers and television.
...witnessed a tornado/earthquake/hurricane first-hand?

Yes, I've experienced all three . . . tornados in east and west TN, earthquakes in west TN and northern VA, and Hurricane Isabelle in northern VA. I'd like to live the rest of my life without any of those experiences again!
...participated in a photo scavenger hunt?

Yes, both on-line and in a local group. Both were quite fun.
...traveled to another country?

Yes, but just Puerto Rico, and touring several of the northern and southern Caribbean Islands. I still have so many other places I want to visit, including my homeland of Ireland.

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 120

2005-05-22T14:12:00.000-04:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Heimlich:: Maneuver (what else?);
Gesture:: Obscene Finger;
Party:: Animal;
Cuddle:: & Coo;
Room with a view:: Beachfront Property;
Sebastian:: Cabot;
Ooooh:: la, la;
Sigh:: of Relief;
Two fish, three fish:: Dr. Suess; and
Cake or death:: Death by Chocolate!

10 Brand Names You Can't Live Without

2005-05-17T10:28:00.000-04:00

This week's TEN on Tuesday meme:

10 Brand Names You Can't Live Without

Victoria's Secret (all lingerie, some jeans, some shirts, some shorts, assorted misc. clothing);
Clinique (skincare products and make-up);
Aveda (haircare products);
Birkenstocks (sandals, clogs, mules);
Dasani Purified Water;
Pentax SLR cameras (35mm and digital);
Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble tie for books - one for on-line, one for drive-to (although I'm not driving anywhere lately);
Toshiba for the great high-definition, big-screen television and laptop computer that have both made the broken foot/ankle a "tiny" bit more bearable (relatively-speaking, considering);
Harley-Davidson for that glorious - beautiful black-on-black-on-chrome - bike that I can't wait to get on the back of again once this cast come off; and
SAAB for my new 9₃ Turbo Convertible that I haven't really even gotten to drive yet since I broke my foot/ankle right after I got it.

HONORABLE MENTIONS have to go to Cingular for my great cellular service, Palm for my PDA, DISH for my satellite service and three DVR recorders, Blockbuster.com for movies right to my door, and Blogger for giving me space for all of my blogs!

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 119

2005-05-15T09:47:00.000-04:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Grandma:: 's Feather Bed;
Pet:: Rock;
Desolate:: & Abandoned;
Backspace:: Edit & Delete;
Common ground:: Finding -;
Storm:: -Chasers;
Dark:: & Stormy Night;
Water bottle:: Constant Companion;
Training:: Day; and
Dot coms:: dot-bombs.

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 118

2005-05-08T09:58:00.000-04:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Android:: Robot;
Revenge:: Is A Dish Best Served Cold;
Knight:: In Shining Armor;
Stranded:: On A Deserted Island;
Weakness:: Can Be Strength - Disguised;
Greed:: Is A Dangerous Sin;
Walter:: Maude & ... ;
Dense:: As A Brick;
Sheep:: -Herder; and
Propane:: Tank.

Unconscious Mutterings - Week 117

2005-05-01T09:28:00.000-04:00

This week's Unconscious Mutterings meme:

Texas:: Remember The Alamo!;
Scholarship:: Fund;
Runner-up:: Second-Place;
Mustang Sally:: not the Mustang Ranch...;
Jones:: Me & Mrs.;
Hard to get:: Hard to keep;
Jewish:: Celebrations;
Crew:: , J.;
Cable:: -vs- Satellite; and
Assistant:: District Attorney.