The Curious Mind of Me

Sunday Image #7

2011-03-27T20:31:00.000-07:00

Here is an image that caught my attention for one reason or another at some point in time:

So what are your thoughts?

Sunday Stealing: The 5000 Question Meme Part 2

2011-03-26T20:44:00.000-07:00

26. Who has done something today to show they care about you?

The hubby, my pops, the in-laws...

27. Do you have a lot to learn?
Everyday I realize just how much...

28. If you could learn how to do three things just by wishing and not by working what would they be?
How to cook really yummy healthy food that the hubby would drool over, to speak in front of people without having panic attacks, and how to stop procrastinating.

29. Which do you remember the longest: what other people say, what other people do or how other people make you feel?
Always how they make you feel... the saying is very true.

30. What are the key ingredients to having a good relationship?
Honestly, laughter, and love.

31. What 3 things do you want to do before you die?
Umm... Hmm.. This is a tough one... Get a degree, run a marathon, and make a difference.

32. What three things would you want to die to avoid doing?
Live as a vegetable, that's really the only one I can think of...

33. Is there a cause you believe in more than any other cause?
I am very involved in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

34. What does each decade make you think of:
90s - High School; 80s - Big Hair; 70s - Spandex and leggings; 60s - Hippies and Drugs; 50s, 40s, 30s - Not much at all; 20s - Poodle Skirts.

35. Which decade do you feel the most special connection to and why?
The 90s I guess...

36. What is your favorite oldie/classic rock song?
Run Around Sue!

37. What country do you live in and who is the leader of that country?
United States of America - President Obama

If you could say any sentence to the current leader of your country what would it be?
Please put the checkbook away...

38. What's your favorite TV channel to watch in the middle of the night?
Umm... I don't have cable, so I watch Netflicks on Wii.

39. What Disney villain are you the most like and why?
I can't think of one I can relate to off the top of my head...

40. Have you ever been a girl scout/boy scout?
Yes, I was a girl scout.

41. If you were traveling to another continent would you rather fly or take a boat?
Fly... I get sea sick (even on a cruise ship).

42. Why is the sky blue during the day and black at night?
The reflection from the ocean?

43. What does your name mean?
Christ-Bearer or Follower of Christ - Guess I missed the mark on that one...

44. Would you rather explore the deeps of the ocean or outer space?
Outer space, by default since I was freaked out attempting to snorkel.

45. Word association

What is the first word that comes to mind when you see the word:

Air: Breathe

Meat: Smoked Ribs

Different: Special

Pink: Yuck

Deserve: Earned

White: Black

Elvis: Presley

Magic: Vegas

Heart: Red

Clash: Hubby

Pulp: Fiction

46. If you could meet any person in the world who is dead who would you want it to be?
Harriet Beecher Stowe

47. What if you could meet anyone who is alive?
Gandhi

48. Is there a movie that you love so much you could watch it everyday?
Not everyday, but my favorite is Gone With the Wind.

49. You are going to be stuck alone in an elevator for a week. What do you bring to do?
Earplugs, a pillow and blanket, a huge stack of books, and some beer and snacks.

50. Have you ever saved someone's life or had your life saved?
No to both at least in the literal sense.

Saturday 9: A Long December

2011-03-25T17:41:00.000-07:00

1. Looking back at it now, how were your holidays and your time on New Year's Eve?
My grandfather had a seizure on Christmas day and this was the first holiday season without my grandma, so it was a little rough. My grandfather is stubborn, but after some convincing he let the paramedics check him out and he seemed to be "okay." I was less than convinced, but I did get ratted out by my aunt and yelled at by my grandfather for calling them. I so love my family. New Year's Eve was uneventful, so all in all my holidays were good.

2. Do you have any unusual collections?
I have a coin collection and the hubby and I have a bit of a gun collection, but nothing that I find unusual. Oh wait... I have the entire set of Disney characters that you could collect from McDonald's twelvish years ago... Is that unusual?

3. If you could train a machine to do one thing for you whenever you wanted, what would you have it do?
Does "clean my house" count as one thing? If so, that is what I want a machine to do for me... I hate cleaning!

4. What is one thing that makes you cry?
One thing that makes me cry... Hmm... Those faithful animal stories that I Stumble Upon on the internet always seem to get me.

5. What do you love to do on the weekend?
Barbeque! Relaxing at home with the hubby is my favorite. I would really love to go camping, but I am still working on the vessel for such an event.

6. Do you and your family get along?
Yes, we get along. My pops and I are super close and talk every other day. My mom and I are apparently not speaking right now, but it has never been a matter of not "getting along."

7. Have you ever gotten kicked out somewhere? If yes, do tell.
Thinking... thinking... not that I can recall at the moment.

8. Who do you normally turn to when you need to complain about something?
My bestest girl Jewelean... unless it is work related, then S gets to hear all about it since can sympathize (we work together).

9. What is the last thing you ordered on-line?
Thin crust veggie pizza with white sauce (it just went out for delivery). Yum yum!

Sunday Image #6

2010-08-29T21:08:00.001-07:00

Here is an image that caught my attention for one reason or another at some point in time:

I am not the religious type, so I may not be the best person to comment on this. But... it does seem to me that god often credit for the wonderful or beautiful things in life while being able to skirt responsibility for horrible ugly things. This cartoon reminded me of this...

So what are your thoughts?

Wednesday Wickedness: Angelina Jolie

2010-08-24T21:43:00.000-07:00

I keep meaning to participate in this meme and as always I keep procrastinating. But this week I saw a picture of Angelina (one of my favorite actresses) and I figured that there is no better time than the present:

1. “All women do have a different sense of sexuality, or sense of fun, or sense of like what's sexy or cool or tough.” What do you do to feel sexy?

Recently... working out has been helping me feel sexy again... (as I blow off my workout for the night)

2. “I don't think the money people in Hollywood have ever thought I was normal, but I am dedicated to my work and that's what counts.” Do you think people think you are normal?

I don't even think I know anybody who could define normal.

3. “If you ask people what they've always wanted to do, most people haven't done it. That breaks my heart.” What have you always wanted to do?

Go skydiving and learn to surf... I should probably work on that.

4. “There's something about death that is comforting. The thought that you could die tomorrow frees you to appreciate your life now.” What do you appreciate the most about your life at this time?

Even though I get wrapped up in petty shit sometime (especially recently when it comes to work) at the end of the day, I simply appreciate my life. I have a job I really love and a husband I am proud to be a wife to. We have built something simply amazing.

5. “Where ever I am I always find myself looking out the window wishing I was somewhere else.” If you could be somewhere else, where would you be and why?

In my hubby's arms right now. On vacation would work well too.

6. “I need more sex, OK? Before I die I wanna taste everyone in the world.” Have you ever felt that you need more sex to be happier?

More sex never hurt my happiness level, that is for sure.

7. “If I make a fool of myself, who cares? I'm not frightened by anyone's perception of me.” Have you ever made a fool of yourself? If yes, spill.

A time or two I am sure, typically these times involved more alcohol than I care to remember (not an excuse) and the edges are a bit fuzzy.

8. “I don't believe in guilt, I believe in living on impulse as long as you never intentionally hurt another person, and don't judge people in your life. I think you should live completely free.” How often do you feel guilty?

I am not a big believer in guilt and regret. If you feel guilty, fix it. ** A Scott and Aimee song lyric is now playing in my head... "I used to be Catholic, but now I'm just guilty" - damn I love that woman. **

9. “I never like being touched, ever. People used to say I held my breath when they were hugging me. I still do.” Are you ever uncomfortable being touched?

I can be a very touchy feely person, the type that greet people with hugs instead of handshakes. Some people really creep me out though and then I completely understand the discomfort. I try to be mindful of others comfort level with being touched.

10. “Oh, God, I struggle with low self-esteem all the time! I think everyone does. I have so much wrong with me, it's unbelievable!” Give us an example of what you’ve done when feeling low self-esteem.

First, I give into it with ridiculous results, and then I tell myself to pull it together and fix it or shut up about. This would be why I am on my workout plan (I know the one I blew off tonight). I believe that if you don't like something in your life than you should fix it and if you choose not to fix it you really don't dislike it.

Mindless Monday #1

2010-08-23T22:03:00.000-07:00

So... I am going to admit once and for all that this blogging thing is really, really, really difficult for me. I triple guess everything that I plan to post and then decide that it is not "good" enough to be posted and hit the delete. To be honest most days my ideas for a post don't even get to the click clack of the keyboard before they are deleted. This is one of the things I do and the main reason I have such a difficult time writing papers for classes. I edit before even writing anything. So I am attempting to accept the fact that this blog does not have to be "good" enough for anything. It is mine and I can type up what ever gobbly goop that I please. And I just might...

Well another four months have passed and I have no idea where I stand with my list of 1001 things to do or if I even have any days left to do them in. I will evaluate and adjust this list soon. I have been working out damn near daily for the past three weeks and am half way through the Slim in 6 program from Beach Body. A huge thank you to Roxy for the video!! I actually am starting to believe I can see some results as slight as they may be.

Work is crazy and I am not sure how much longer I can even attempt to bite my tongue working in such close proximity to a man with a huge God complex... But the hubby says I need to start shutting down work mode after five pm, so I will stop that rant mid-thought or I will never manage to get to bed.

Bed... That is my next mission... Right after I write a check, clean Bob's ear (no that will be in the morning), and grab a gulp of water. Wow, bed actually sounds really inviting right this minute, which is a bit of a surprise since the hubby isn't yelling down the hall at me to come to bed. I truly hate when he is out of town, not only do I miss him more than I love turning the AC up to a respectable temperature, but sleep seems to escape me the moment I kiss him goodbye. Go figure, but more on that later because this is the end of my Mindless Monday rant.

Sunday Image #5

2010-04-18T20:33:00.000-07:00

Here is an image that caught my attention for one reason or another at some point in time:

So what are your thoughts?

Saturday 9: Kicks (Keep Getting Harder to Find)

2010-04-17T19:31:00.000-07:00

1. As you get older, do you find that kicks are harder to find?
Umm... no? I have less empty time, so it seems easier to fill...

2. Who is your favorite relative and why?
Favorite is kinda tricky... I am closest to my father. I do not have a relationship with a bunch of my relatives, but the ones I do are very special to me.

3. Who is the most important person in your life?
Tricky, tricky... I could never pick just one person. The hubby, my daddy-o, my sister from another mother (SFAM), they would top the list.

4. Name one thing you used to do that you are not proud of.
I don't really have an answer for this one. I am sure there is something, but it is slipping my mind for now.

5. Tell us about the furthest you've ever been from what you consider "home".
That would be New York. I thought this answer should be a bit more profound, but that is all I've got for now.

6. Who would you want to be locked in a room with for 24 hours?
Right now I would go with SFAM. I think we could talk for a week straight right now and still have more to talk about.

7. What are you doing this weekend?
Enjoying the fact that the hubby is home for a few days and I can "sleep" in his arms.

8. Other than your own, whose car were you in last?
I honestly can't remember. I haven't been in anybody's car, but my own all this month... That is kinda weird, especially since I hate driving!

9. Tell us about the last compliment that you've received.
A new work associate said that I had incredible communication skills and that I was in a word "Awesome" - How refreshing that was to hear and it means a bit more since I think she is pretty "awesome" too...

Starting Again...

2010-04-12T21:35:00.000-07:00

I keep putting off my next post, because... well, because that is what I do. I procrastinate and I am really really good at it. At least in my personal life I am. When it comes to work, I am completely different. I start projects right away and have them finished long before they are due. I get horribly annoyed with co-workers who procrastinate and then need help completing their project at the last minute. I know I am a bit crazy. I just wish I could figure out a way to think about housework and homework like my work work... I think the craziest part is that I even procrastinate when it comes to things I want to do. I mean things like laundry and my essay exam are pretty easy to figure out why I don't want to dive right in, but writing blog posts or watching a movie with the hubby? I keep thinking I should get one of those self-help books on stopping procrastination, but I haven't made it down to the bookstore quite yet...

Mute Monday 'Psychology'

2009-12-06T21:29:00.000-08:00

I Could Cry...

2009-09-09T20:21:00.000-07:00

I just got back from my short walk because my Nike+ broke and now I really just want to cry...

On the Right Path...

2009-09-08T20:15:00.000-07:00

"We make money, make money, to spend, people want, people need, cause it never ends, now baby..." Pepper "Rent"

Day two of learning how to run... done. No Billy today. Just a run and some randomness. I'll weigh in tonight and close my eyes to my fat little Mii.

I need to finish my reading assignments, so I can move onto the writing assignments all of which are due on Saturday. Magnificent. I am an incredible procrastinator, second to none, if I do say so myself.

Why doesn't beer boast your metabolism like a weight loss drink? If only I could figure that one out, then I would be a bazillionaire...

My pops birthday is tomorrow, so we will be having the family birthday dinner. Yum... I love dinners with my family even if little miss bratzilla does attack...

TMI Tuesday #203

2009-09-07T20:46:00.000-07:00

1) If you were to only live until the age of 50, how would you live your life differently?
I don't think I would change much at all. Maybe nap a bit less, but that's all I can think of.

2) Are you settling in your job/career?
Settling as in I really wanted vanilla ice cream, but I'll settle for chocolate? No, I don't think so. I am constantly working towards my next advancement and attempting to absorb all that is available. I do not have the career that I dreamed of as a kid, but then again I don't have the same dreams anymore...

3) Are you settling with your significant other?
Same question... Or do you mean settled, content, and happy? I'm confused!! Anyways, how ever the question was meant... I am horribly happy with my hubby and wouldn't trade him for anything. He drives me crazy, but also deals with my insanity. He knows how to push all my buttons, for better or for worse.

4) How important is your family?
Extremely. Although I should do a much better job of showing it.

5) If you caught a neighbor peeping in at you while you were naked or having sex, would you close the blinds? (assuming you live in a city and can see into other buildings).
They would have to be very obvious for me to even notice, since I walk naked in front of our open window multiple times a day and have a habit of running to the garage half naked... But hmm... it would depend... I probably would since like a said to be that obvious would be pretty creepy...

I Need A Pep Talk...

2009-09-07T20:34:00.000-07:00

"... bring a mirror to my face let all my memories be gone..." - Spoon "My Little Japanese Cigarette Case"

I began my first day of training on my Nike+ walk to run program. Got my ass kicked by Billy Banks. Then my Wii Fit called me overweight and told me to loss twenty pounds. What an amazing ending to a three day weekend. To add insult to injury, Wii Fit makes your little character fatten up for a lovely visual. Guess I should focus on a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Okay, time for a quick shower and a bit more homework before bed. I have to become reintroduced to four am tomorrow morning quickly followed by an hour long commute. God, I love my life... No, really I do love my life.

Booking Through Thursday - Recent Worst

2009-08-13T20:16:00.000-07:00

What’s the worst book you’ve read recently?

This would have to be Violin by Anne Rice. It was not horrible, but the first three-quarters were like pulling teeth to get through. It might not have been so bad if I hadn't been searching for the damn vampire that does not exist. You know since Anne Rice is known for vampire novels, I would have thought there should be a warning - **Beware: This novel does not contain any blood sucking.** Or something to that effect.

Stopping By To Say, "Hello"

2009-08-12T19:52:00.000-07:00

Hello!!! I am attempting to turn off my work brain, so this doesn't become my curious rant about all things work related. I am however having a bit of trouble turning work off right at the moment. Nothing bad. Just a very full day, so when I turn work off there is nothing floating around tonight. So to keep up with my daily blogging, I figured I would complete this meme I read over at Vixen's place. The point here is that you can only give YES or NO answers.

Been arrested? No
Kissed someone you didn’t like? No
Slept in until 5 PM? Yes
Ran a red light? Yes
Been suspended from school? No
Experienced love at first sight? No
Totaled your car in an accident? No
Been fired from a job? No
Fired somebody? Yes
Sang karaoke? No
Pointed a gun at someone? No
Done something you told yourself you wouldn’t? Yes
Caught a snowflake on your tongue? No
Kissed in the rain? Yes
Had a close brush with death (your own)? No
Seen someone die? No
Played spin-the-bottle? Yes
Smoked a cigar? Yes
Sat on a rooftop? Yes
Smuggled something into another country? No
Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes on? Yes
Broken a bone? Yes
Skipped school? No
Eaten a bug? Yes
Sleepwalked? No
Walked a moonlit beach? Yes
Rode a motorcycle? Yes
Dumped someone? Yes
Lied to avoid a ticket? No
Ridden in a helicopter? No
Shaved your head? No
Made your boyfriend/girlfriend cry? No
Eaten snake? Yes
Marched/Protested? No
Had Mexican jumping beans for pets? No
Puked on amusement ride? Yes
Seriously & intentionally boycotted something? No
Been in a band? No
Been on TV? No
Shot a gun? Yes
Skinny-dipped? Yes
Gave someone stitches? No
Ridden a surfboard? No
Drank straight from a liquor bottle? Yes
Had surgery? Yes
Streaked? Yes
Taken by ambulance to hospital? No
Passed out when not drinking? Yes
Peed on a bush? Yes
Donated Blood? Yes
Grabbed electric fence? No
Eaten alligator meat? No
Killed an animal when not hunting? No
Peed your pants in public? No
Snuck into a movie without paying? No
Written graffiti? No
Still love someone you shouldn’t? No
Been in handcuffs? Yes
Believe in love? Yes
Sleep on a certain side of the bed? Yes

Well, I apologize for being less than a ball of fire tonight. I'll be back tomorrow.

TMI Tuesday #199

2009-08-11T20:27:00.000-07:00

1. How do you differentiate between love and lust?
Can you picture growing old with them or just riding them until your toes curl? Growing old? = love; Toes curl? = lust; Both? That would still be love.

2. You are happily married, engaged, or committed in a relationship, yet you have a hot sexy dream about someone you have always wanted to do it with. Have you cheated at least in your mind?
Hell no!! That is most definitely not cheating. What I got married and the rest of the world suddenly became unattractive??

3. Do you trust your significant other?
Absolutely, positively, without a doubt!

4. How important is your Husband or Wife wearing their Wedding bands? Is it important to you and why?
I went through a bit to find that perfect ring for him, so I would be sad if he did not wear it. I would say he feels the same.

5. Do you feel that flirting is OK if you are taken?
Of course.

Bonus (as in optional):If you were 100% guaranteed not to get caught having a one night stand with someone else, would you?
Ummm... No... Weird question... So is the only reason I don't cheat on my hubby because I might get caught? No. But then this is an impossible situation, so if the world starting spinning backwards would you walk on your head?

Mute Monday 'John'

2009-08-10T05:23:00.000-07:00

Sunday Image #4

2009-08-09T20:32:00.001-07:00

Here is an image that caught my attention for one reason or another at some point in time.

So what are your thoughts?

Saturday 9: On Broadway

2009-08-08T21:01:00.000-07:00

1. Have you ever seen a Broadway play? If yes what and when?
Nope... I have only been to one play actually, but it was Cats.

2. Tell us about one strange event in your life this week.
Strange event... hmmm... this week...There has been a random beeping noise in my house. The hubby and I deduced that it must be the stupid smoke alarm, but we could not figure out why it would beep since it is hardwired into the house. The hubby undid the alarm only to find out that touching it makes the lights in the house flicker. Electricity and the hubby are not on friendly terms, so I made a call to by father the electrician to come save the day. After a bit of investigation he discovered that it was the battery powered smoke detector that we never knew we had that had been beeping and the hardwired one did not even work. I've been try to shut the wrong smoke detector up for over two years...

3. Have you ever lied to "get the guy/gal"?
No.

4. Tell us about your best friend.
She is like the sister I never had, except I've always had her. Last month she told me that her plan was that we would both die in our sleep on the same night, so we didn't have to live without eachother, after I asked her to make sure my marker wasn't stupid. We're odd I know, but she knows me better than I know myself and she even knows when to pretend she doesn't.

5. What was the best vacation that you ever had?
I don't think I could just pick one. There was the one when I meet my husband and that was a pretty life changing one. But then there was the one when I was sixteen or seventeen just me and my dad and we got the truck stuck at the desert and then got it pulled out, realized we forgot the whip and had to go get new ones and had the best time ever. Yeah, that one really sticks with me.

6. What was the last big purchase you made?
A lawyer??

7. What is your favorite non-alcoholic drink and when did you start drinking it?
Shirley Temple. I couldn't say...

8. When was the last time someone did not believe you?
When I said I don't want kids anymore anyways...

9. You have signed on to direct a romantic comedy. Who are your stars?
Jenifer Aniston and Kate Hudson... Can I make a gay romantic comedy? You know that you would come watch that movie... Honestly, I don't know. I'm not a big romantic comedy movie lover. Typically, they are full of shit. I did like The Break-Up though, no sunny fix all ending.

I'm Sorry, but I'm Back....

2009-08-07T21:44:00.000-07:00

Oh dearest blog I have neglected you and I am so terribly sorry. Please know that I have not forgotten you. I think of you often, of stories I wish to tell you and secrets I wish to confess, but I find time passes much to quickly between my visits. I know that I quick "Hello" is all you ask of me, but I find I am too short on time to say all I wish and then say nothing at all. Our friendship was just beginning to blossom and I have abandoned you and now must begin again. A good friend told me that daily writing is a habit and it is one I will attempt to form. I must overcome another habit, procrastination, first and I have practiced this one far longer than I can recall.

Hmmm... now that I've gotten that off my chest; let's start new or again, whichever. Thank goodness today is Friday and I have a drink in my hand. Well, on my desk. This week has been a bit much and I am very ready for a nice relaxing weekend. I have been fighting our lawyer to get descent or should I say any service for the past three months and have almost won. Okay, won is the wrong word, since all I really did was get a headache and a full refund. I'll keep the refund and am currently washing the headache away with Tanqueray and grapefruit juice. Would that be a Gin Greyhound?? I have no idea, but it is tasty. Sorry, I got thirsty, but I'm back... again...

So, on the other front of my long week was work. Now I must say, that I truly love my job, not even just the paycheck portion of it; I really do enjoy what I do all day. Minus the waking up to an alarm clock part I wouldn't change much. Oh, did you catch the "much"? Well to be honest, if I ran the world, I would change all types of things, but that is a bit beyond this conversation. I adore my assistant, I really do. She's great, but I need her to learn three things that I have no idea how to train her for: 1) To follow-up... If I ask you to call somebody about something, I don't mean just leave them a message or send them an e-mail and forget about it... I mean get me an answer, and that answer should be the one I'm looking for. 2) Know when not to talk... When I'm pulling my hair out attempting to make a deadline, it is not a good time to bitch about your boyfriend and when other people are in the office don't spout off like it is just the two of us bullshitting. 3) Take some initiative, instead of just taking the shortcut... Just because it is easier for you to ask me for the answer does not make it the right thing to do... If I wanted to come up with the answer I would have taken care of the project myself; figure it out...If you have nothing to do, find something, anything, so you keep busy; wait... anything except screwing around and looking for a reason to leave early. Is this too much to ask?

Wow... Apparently, I had a bit more to rant about than I thought. I really do appreciate the assistance I receive and some days she is "on it" in a big way, but I need that everyday all the time. Still, I have to remember that she is young. As I type this, I wonder how many people have said this same thing about me... I am young too, not that young, but still, I also was not as young as she is when I was her age, but such is life. I could go off again on this subject, but I'll save that for another time. It has been a long while and I wouldn't want to over do it right out of the gate...

Sunday Image #3

2009-06-14T21:14:00.000-07:00

Here is an image that caught my attention for one reason or another at some point in time.

So what are your thoughts?

Sunday Image #2

2009-06-07T21:12:00.000-07:00

Here is an image that caught my attention for one reason or another at some point in time.

So what are your thoughts?

Saturday Ramblings

2009-06-06T20:36:00.000-07:00

I sat down to work on my "List" update, but I'm just not feeling it. I am continuously thinking of things and thoughts that I want to post and I never seem to make it to my keyboard to make the connection between brain and screen. I am currently rocking out to Girl Talk, so a huge thank you goes out to Miss Sex and Food for turning me on, and just felt the need to start typing. I apologize in advance if this post jumps from thought to thought and topic to topic.

Last Friday I escaped work a bit early, so the hubby and I could go watch my fabulous spoiled brat of a niece sing Taylor Swift's Love Story in her school talent show. I must tell you that little girl was amazing, actually all of the kids were impressive, but I'm a bit partial to the one who runs up to me every time I see her and jumps into my arms. I did however almost break into tears a few acts later when a little girl did a ballet dance to Miley Cyrus' Butterfly Fly Away. It was not her dancing that evoked the tears and I had no idea who was singing as I listened to the lyrics of this song for the first time. If you are not yourself familiar with this song take a moment to read the opening lines before proceeding.

Miley Cyrus Butterfly Fly Away Lyrics

So here I am in the first row of an elementary school talent show seated between the hubby and my father holding back tears as I listen to a Miley Cyrus song, sometime my life surprises even me. Okay now for the explanation.... My dad is amazing, that's the short story and here is a longer version: After my parents divorced when I was five, my father was twenty-eight and my mother was twenty-four, my dad proceed to raise me, alone. My mom has always been around in her own way, but has been much too wrapped up in her own world to actually play the role of mother. My father on the other hand paid the bills and took care of me, all the while dealing with a daughter who had to push the limits and got away with murder by simply spending the night at Mom's. When she was too wrapped up in men and drugs to return phone calls, he was there every time without doubt or question. When I sat in the halls of the courthouse nervous as hell that I may be called to testify, he sat holding my hand, while she walked by holding hands with the defendant without even looking at me. Every other weekend when I waited hours for her to pick me up, he assured me that this time she didn't forget to pick me up, she always had. When my mom was overwhelmed by her life and disappeared for months, he held me when I cried, but never stopped her from seeing me when she returned, although I'm sure it broke his heart. At my wedding, he was there early and helped clean-up and packed up all my gifts to store at his house until after my honeymoon, she arrived late and left early. My father waited over ten years to live with his girlfriend, so I would not have to change schools and still asked me if I was okay with her moving into our house when I was eighteen. He still calls it "our" house, even though I moved out years ago and own my own home with the hubby. My mother once left me sleeping in a house with her two boyfriends while she moved into a hotel room with her new young stud and then finally called a week later, as I laid sick as a dog in bed, asking me to tell them she wasn't coming back, "feel better, baby, bye." My father still stores Barbies and My Little Ponies in his rafters; I store my mother's Bible and keepsakes in mine. I never understood when I was a teenager just how thankful I would be for everything my father did, but I do now, and I am constantly hoping that he knows how grateful I am and how much I love him. I learned never to expect anybody to stick around in my life, but I've always known he would be there no matter what. So to summarize, my dad... well there are simply no words to describe him properly and my mom... is my mom.

TMI Tuesday #6

2009-05-26T05:13:00.000-07:00

TMI Tuesday #188 - Rambling Edition

1. Before the industrial revolution, most people never traveled more than 30 miles from their home. How far from your birth place do you now live?
About 40 miles.

2. What is the farthest distance from home you have you have ever had sex or an orgasm? What is there farthest distance you have traveled from your home to have a sexual encounter
Okay, I had to do a little research because geography is not my strong suit and it turns out the New Jersey is farther away then Hawaii. I can't say that I have traveled more than 1/2 and hour for an encounter, no crazy stories here.

3. How many states (or Canadian provinces or your country's geopolitical division) and counties have you had sex and/or an orgasms in?
Six states, but only one country (I have had sex in international waters, but not in another country).

4. Have you ever had sex in a vehicle? While the vehicle was moving?
Yes, in a vehicle (we had it down to a science), not while it was moving.

5. Do you have any travel related fantasy? If so, share, please.
Travel fantasies.... No, I can't say that I have any.

Bonus: On holidays that honor our military do you tend to remember those currently serving or veterans of military service?
Both, equally I think.

Mute Monday 'Trip'

2009-05-25T18:19:00.000-07:00

Sunday Image #1

2009-05-24T19:00:00.000-07:00

Here is an image that caught my attention for one reason or another at some point in time.

So what are your thoughts?

Four For Friday #1

2009-05-24T17:20:00.000-07:00

Four For Friday

Yes, I am aware that it is Sunday, not Friday, but I don't care. I really meant to respond to these questions on Friday, but as you may have noticed I am a bit of a procrastinator. I still wanted to participate and this is my blog, so I can do Friday memes on Sunday if I want to. So there...

Q1 - Pillow Talk: Over a quarter of UK employees are so work obsessed they can't resist using a mobile device such as a laptop in bed before they go to sleep, according to a survey released this week by CREDANT Technologies. The survey discovered that of those people who do work in bed, 57% do so for between 2 and 6 hours every week, while nearly 10% admitted they spend more time on their mobile devices during the evening than talking to their loved ones (i.e., husbands or wives). Do you work at night while in bed (hey, it's a serious question... get your mind out of the gutter)?
I have to put a bit of effort into leaving work at work, because honestly I love my job. I do draw the line at bringing the computer to bed with me, however. I typically read while the hubby watches a bit of TV to wind down. We make a real effort to go to bed together most nights. Bedtime and dinnertime are the real "us" times around here.

Q2 - Staying Home: Nearly 350 Boulder, Colo. teachers played hooky this week in protest of that town's school district's latest teacher contract offer. Last week, contract negotiations broke down between the Boulder Valley School District and the local teachers' union, the Boulder Valley Education Association. The union wants a permanent cost-of-living increase to the pay scale, but the school district says it does not have the guaranteed revenue to make that change. Do you think certain 'essential' professionals -- such as teachers, firemen, doctors & nurses -- should be barred by law from walking out and striking, or is going on strike as American as musicals, college football, and apple pie, and therefore should never be viewed as illegal?
I don't know that making the practice illegal would do any good, but I am not sure that walking out or going on strike does these or other professions any good. In my opinion when these practices are used the strikers tend to loss public sympathy which typically hurts their cause.

Q3 - Turning Around and Going Back: Everyone's done it at some point in their lives... forgotten something at home or work and had no choice but to turn around, go back and retrieve what was forgotten or left behind. When was the last time you had to do this, how long did it take, and what was it that you forgot in the first place?
I did this a few months ago. I left the house without my laptop. Luck for me I only made it half way to the freeway before I realized my mistake. I commute over an hour, so I was so glad I remembered only ten minutes from home.

Q4 - Different Path: Assuming you had never gone into the career you are currently in, what would be doing now professionally?
This is a tough one. I basically fell into the career I have now and fell in love with it. I would like to think that had this not happened I would have gone back to school, but who really knows? I use to want to go into psychology before construction built me up.

Saturday 9: Hot Fun in the Summertime

2009-05-23T19:19:00.000-07:00

1. Is summer your favorite season? Why?
Yes, I absolutely love summer. Long hot days, BBQs, and river trips, what is not to love??

2. Do you exercise more in the summer because you wear less clothing?
Ummm... No. I always tell myself I will, but I normally just drink more instead.

3. Do you enjoy tanning or are you more concerned about the dangers of basking in the sun?
I should be more diligent with sunscreen, but I love to lay out and soak up the rays.

4. You are on the beach when a waiter appears for your drink order. What do you ask for?
A Bloody Mary, Greyhound, or a Michelob Ultra - It just depends on the time of day...

5. Do you camp in the summertime?
If by camp you mean in a tent, no.

6. What was your favorite summer vacation as a kid?
Trips to the La Jolla Indian Reservation. We would spend the week tubing down the "river" and swinging in the water and then hit the water park on the last day.

7. Do you enjoy sleeping outdoors?
I can't remember the last time I did, so I don't know.

8. Do you throw a summer barbecue every year?
Nope.

9. Have you ever been to a nude beach? If yes, what did you think?
No, I have not. The one near me is a little mmm... I don't know...

Updating The List

2009-05-22T20:14:00.000-07:00

When I started my list of 101 things to do in 1001 days I thought to myself, "I'll post an update of my progress weekly and that will help keep me on track." Well, 129 days later I am making my first update post and I am not on track, at least I'm not a half ass procrastinator.
#1 - I have to research this one. I have no idea where to start, but I have a source at work and I hope to have a chance to pick his brain next week.
#2 - I will be beginning to complete this task next fall, I hope.
#3 - I am currently enrolled in the last required course. I need to apply for the certificate.
#4 - I own a typing program that I need to install on my computer and get a baseline measurement.
#5 & 6 - Haven't started
#7 - I found one, now I have to actually go.... They are on Tuesdays, maybe I'll make it this week.
#8 - I signed up for the OSHA 10-hour course offered through my office that will be held in July.
#9 - This may happen sooner than I was hoping, we'll see.
#10 - I am listening to podcasts during my commute. We'll see how well this method works.
#11 - I've learned that my 401K is sinking like a rock, does this count?
#12 - Not yet.
#13 - Three down and one tomorrow. I might even how found a new member.
#14 - I wrote one to a soldier that I adopted.
#15 - Not yet.
#16 - Done. I don't have any more money and she still owes me a bunch, but I called her out regarding ignoring the situation.
#17 - 22 - Haven't started.
#23 - I completed week one of the nine week program yesterday. Tomorrow I start week two.
#24 - 25 - Haven't started.
#26 - Started, quit, need to start again.
#27 - After #23
#28 - See #26
#29 - Tried one day, horrible timing. Need to try again. I do own a juicer now.
#30 - 37 - Haven't started.
#38 - He is joining me on my runs. We need to start walking on the off days as well.
#39 - 40 - Not yet
#41 & 42 - Done and done.
#43 & 44 - Not yet
#45 - I tried, it did not work well, and I need to try again.
#46 - 48 - Not yet
#49 - I have read 8 of 101. This list is as follows, no particular order: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, Wicked, Violin, The Gnostic Mystery, Slathbog's Gold, Lolita, Match Me If You Can, and Bones to Ashes.
#50 - 52 - Not yet
#53 - In progress
#54 - 72 - Not yet
#73 - One down and one to go.
#74 - Done. Happy birthday to me.
#75 - 78 - Not yet
#79 - Here I am.
#80 - I bought a journal, now I just have to open it.
#81 - 84 - Not there yet
#85 - Done and it was fun.
#86 - 89 - Not yet
#90 - I'm trying, but it is not fun.
#91 - He loved this, I have to take him again.
#92 - 94 - Not yet
#95 - Done, finally.
#96 - 101 - Not yet

So there is the official update. Thanks for visiting.

Wednesday Media Mix #3

2009-05-20T19:52:00.000-07:00

Wednesday Media Mix

[Listen] Do you tend to go through genre phases–maybe listen to nothing but blues for a month, and then nothing but industrial the next? If so, what phases have you gone through lately?
Yes, I definitely do. I have actually been listening to mostly country recently. This is simply due to the fact that it is workplace friendly. I have a nice long commute, but after a long day commercials and blabbing radio heads drive me nuts. I have recently discovered the wonder world of podcasts where I can learn Spanish, listen to our president's ideas, or have a book read to me all the way to work and back.

[Watch] At what age did you see your very first horror movie? Do you remember what the movie was?
I was about seven or eight I believe. The movie is still one of my favs. Silver Bullet I loved that the movie scared the shit out of me. It would give me nightmares, so my dad would tell me not to watch it again and I would beg him to let me. Yeah I know, I was a weird kid.

[Read] Name one pet peeve you have with writing styles.
Long descriptions with no point. I can live with an author spending three pages describing a field, but something really important better happen in that field. If the character just watch it pass out their car window, I am going to be a bit upset. Why the hell did I care how tall the grass was?

In Other Words #1

2009-05-19T21:13:00.000-07:00

...in other words...

Quote for May 19

All things are difficult before they are easy.
-- Dr. Thomas Fuller

Sometimes I need a little reminder that the things that I find simple were once challenging and the things I find impossible will one day be a breeze. This is especially important to keep in mind when I am attempting to teach somebody else. It is a bit of a struggle for me to realize that the task I know like the back of my hand is brand new and overwhelming to those who are see it for the first few times.

TMI Tuesday #5

2009-05-19T05:18:00.000-07:00

1. Have you ever participated in HNT? If so, when? If not, why not?
No. For lots of reasons I guess. I hate the pictures I take and have not mastered the concept of photoshop by any stretch of the imagination, I am a complete procrastinator and that would require advanced planning, I don't feel strongly enough about it to persuade the hubby that it is a grand idea.

2. Have you ever avoided certain sites because of the HNT pictures that were posted?
No, I love (most) of the pictures people post and admire them for doing what they please. Hey, you got to love the skin your in.

3. Have you ever posted a HNT picture that you wish that you hadn't?
See answer #1

4. Do you email/text/call anyone regularly with someone you met through HNT?
Nope

5. What percentage of your online friends are current or former HNTers?
I'm new to all this, so...

6. Does anyone in your "real" life know that you do HNT (if, of course, you do)?
See answer #1

7. Other than previously-known friends, have you met any fellow HNTers?
Nope

8. Have you ever downloaded someone else's HNT pictures?
No.

Mute Monday 'Liberty'

2009-05-18T05:10:00.000-07:00

Mute Monday

Mute Monday

Saturday 9: Do You Think I'm Sexy?

2009-05-16T16:35:00.000-07:00

1. Who do you think is sexy?
My husband, my best friend, Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp, Gerald Butler, myself (sometimes), ...

2. When does it become love?
Before you know it.

3. Are you a good dancer?
No, but I don't care anymore.

4. What magazines do you read?
Regularly? Playboy and Maxim

5. If you could have any name, what would you call yourself?
Well, according to my grandmother, you can just pick any name you want and start using it. This always seemed odd and fake to me. I think my name and various nicknames fit me just fine, so I'll stick with what I have.

6. Have you ever ridden in a limo? If yes, when?
Yes. Going to a friend's prom, to my prom, and to a Kings's game. I think that's it...

7. What is something you really like to do?
Kiss my husband.

8. Last chance: Who wins Idol, Kris Allen or Adam Lambert?
Sorry, I could not possibly care less.

9. If you had to, what animal would you choose to be?
An Eagle.

Mute Monday 'Addiction'

2009-02-09T21:06:00.000-08:00

Mute Monday

Saturday 9: Time Has Come Today

2009-02-07T20:13:00.000-08:00

1. What time of day do you usually play Saturday 9?
No particular time, just when I have a spare moment.

2. At 9AM on a weekday, what are you doing?
Working. The activity varies, but always working.

3. At 9PM on any given night, what would you most like to be doing?
Getting ready to crawl into bed with the hubby and watch a little telie.

4. What is your most frequent activity online?
E-mail.

5. Is there one day of the week that seems to fly by? If yes, why?
Saturday and Sunday. Because I don't have to work?

6. Do you agree that the older you get, the faster time seems to go by?
Most definitely. I spent so many years wishing time would speed-up and I'm sure I'll be spending the rest of my years trying to slow it back down.

7. What is your favorite thing to do with free time?
Eat some yummy food with great friends and family.

8. How much time do you spend alone? Would you like it to be more? Less?
Typically just the time to and from work, so a couple of hours a day. The hubby and I are pretty good at being together doing our own thing, so that is just about perfect.

9. If you could spend one hour doing something what would it be?
Right now? Probably not the things I should be doing. Oh right, that is what I spent the last hour doing. :)

Wednesday Media Mix #2

2009-02-04T20:47:00.000-08:00

Listen: What’s the silliest song you’ve had stuck in your head lately?
Aaron Tippin's Kiss This. No, I have no idea why this damn song keeps playing in my head.

Watch: Have you seen any of the films that have received Oscar nominations? If so, which ones?
Not one, so said.

Read: Do you have have dreams that are spawned from the things you read? If so, share an interesting dream.
When I was reading The Twilight Saga I dreamt of sexy vampires coming to suck my.... well you get the point.

Join in at My Digital Ghost.

TMI Tuesday #4

2009-02-03T05:16:00.000-08:00

1. When you sleep with someone, how much or how little contact do you like to have?
I love cuddling up, but then I make the hubby horribly hot and we drift to our sides (typically with the beagle between us).

2. What do you think there is a appropriate amount of time for a divorce parent to date before introducing the kids to the "new" "special" person in their life?
As a product of divorce myself I have a fairly strong opinion on this one. I believe that it depends on the situation and the child's relationships with their parents. In a sentence I would say that there is a huge difference between introducing kids to their parent's "special" friend and introducing them to their "new" mommy or daddy.

3. Which ONE do you wish you had more of in bed... romance, experimentation or foreplay?
Hmm... foreplay...

4. What do you thinks makes a kiss great?
Forcefulness, mmm...

5. Describe your sex life in two words.
Currently marvelous

Bonus (as in optional): Do you remember a time when you were having sex that you smile or even laugh about now? Do tell....
The hubby and I (before hubbyhood) where in the middle of a passionate encounter on our porch when we were greeted by our neighbors. Nothing scandalous, but it was humorous to know what they did not.

Mute Monday 'Creatures'

2009-02-01T20:59:00.000-08:00

Mute Monday

TMI Tuesday #3

2009-01-27T05:08:00.000-08:00

1. What was the last movie you saw in a theater?
Sweeney Todd. Nope I do not make it to the movie theater very often at all.

2. What is your favorite movie theater snack?
Yummy, horrible for you popcorn with salt and fake ass theater butter all over it. Mmmm....

3. Have you ever snuck in 'outside' food into a theater?
When I was a kid we always brought our own candy in.

4. Have you ever made out in a theater?
I admit it I have and I even got caught once it was so sad.

5. What is the 'farthest' you have gone in a theater?
Not *all* the way, but 80% there.

Bonus (as in optional): What is one of your favorite movie sex scene?
I would have to say that right now in this moment it would be the stair scene in A History of Violence between Viggo Mortensen and Maria Bello. It is a very hot passionate scene.

Mute Monday 'Big'

2009-01-26T05:20:00.000-08:00

Mute Monday

Dedicated to Tejah...

2009-01-25T20:36:00.000-08:00

We'll miss you baby girl...

Wednesday Media Mix

2009-01-21T04:52:00.000-08:00

Listen: What was the last concert you went to, and what was your experience like?
The last concert I went to was approximately six years ago, damn that's weird. It was see Toby Keith and it was a very interesting night. It was actually a big night for the hubby and I, though he was not the hubby back then and he did not go to the concert. As I said interesting night. As far as the actual concert, it was Toby Keith and it was 2002 so there was a huge patriotic vibe, a very good show.

Watch: Is there a movie that inspires you? If so, which one?
I *love* movies, but I cannot think of any I would call inspiring. I would say that off the top of my head both A Home at the End of the World, Playing by Heart, and The Constant Gardener stuck with me after the credits rolled.

Read: What was the last time you read a book and saw the film adaptation afterwards? What was your reaction?
It's been awhile. The Chamber by John Grisham would be the last one. The book was great, the movie was good, but they were not the same story. So since I was looking to watch the book it ruined everything about the movie.

You can find this meme at My Digital Ghost, if you would like to play along.

TMI Tuesday #2

2009-01-20T05:06:00.001-08:00

1. Have you ever dated/married purely for money?
No can't say that I have, although I have been accused of it which is fairly laughable.

2. What is your type?
I don't think that I really have a type, unless older is a type. That is the only thread I can think of.

3. What is the best sex game you have ever played?
Sex games? Hmm... I've had a lot of fun with drinking games, but sex games? I'm at a bit of a blank.

4. Have you ever given or received an orgasm from a person whose last name you did not know?
No, on the receiving. Given, that may be possible, but unlikely.

5. Have you ever masturbated in front of a sexual partner?
Yes, in deed, I have.

Bonus (as in optional):At what age do you think men and women reach their sexual peak? Do you think you have hit yours yet?
I have no idea, but I would imagine that it varies from person to person. Mine? I'm going to go with no.

Mute Monday 'A'

2009-01-19T05:13:00.001-08:00

Sunday Night Ramblings

2009-01-18T21:10:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to quickly share with all of you in blogger land that I *love* waxing. Well not the actually waxing part, but the next day and the day after that and the week after that part, that part I *love*. Just wanted to share that.

Saturday 9: The First Apartment

2009-01-17T20:59:00.000-08:00

1. Where had you moved from?
My dad's house and the house that I lived at with my mom before she left. You could say I was at a transition point.

2. Describe your first apartment.
One bedroom, one bath, first floor, lots of humidity, and, for the most part, absolutely perfect.

3. How old were you when you had your apartment?
I was nineteen when we moved in, but it was more his than mine I was just along for the ride.

4. Did you have roommates? If yes, tell us more.
I guess you could say I was the roommate, since it was my soon to be hubby's place.

5. What was your place of employment then?
A glass company where I was the doer of all things plus some.

6. How were you finances at the time?
Good.

7. Tell us about a lover who spent a night there.
Just the one that lived there and then I married him.

8. Tell us about a band you listen to then. (You can cheat. Look it up.)
Pretty much the same stuff as now.

9. How long did you live there and why did you move from there?
We lived there for three years. We left to move into our first house.

The List -- Update #1

2009-01-16T21:07:00.000-08:00

So I made my list of 101 things to do in 1001 days. I guess you could say that this is my answer to a New Year's Resolutions, but drawn out and much longer. I'm not sure if that is better or worse. Some of the items are useless, but many are things I keep telling myself I'll do next week, or month, or well you get my point. Any which way, I'm off to a slow rocking start. I was sick this week and I hate being sick only sightly less than I hate the hubby being sick. Slow start or not at least I have started, that's what counts right? Right! What follows is a quick run down of the items that I am currently working on:
#2 -- This is one that I just decided would be stupid not to finish I have five classes to finish in order to finally have an AA degree. I know nothing special, but if I don't finish these five dumb classes then I took a lot of other classes with nothing to show for it. So here we wait... as you will come to see I'm great at procrastinating. The class was full, so I'm on the wait list and will have to wait until the 24th to see if I'm in.
#3 -- My third class in this five class series begins on the 20th. Wish me luck!!
#13 -- The first meeting of the most wonderful book club ever is scheduled for the 24th at 1pm. I even have my three books and a back-up all picked out. (I can't post them here, since I don't want to ruin the surprise. Unlike some people) :) Damn, that reminds me I need to find some yummy appetizers. Any suggestions?
#42 -- I am signed up for the MS walk. I need to work on raising some money. Walking will begin in April.
#48 -- This one is going to take for-ever!! I'm working on it though.
#49 -- I am currently reading Anne Rice's Violin and let me tell you this is one strange ass book. I am attempting to finish before the 24th when I will start a book club book, but damn is this a weird book.
#53 -- Just finished uploading a CD. See I'm multi-tasking, pretty good huh?
#79 -- Look at me -- maintaining a blog!!
#90 -- Just before starting this post I was paying bills. Yeah Us!!

So there you go... Update #1.

TMI Tuesday #1

2008-04-01T04:45:00.000-07:00

Something a little different for me today. I found this on a friend of a friends blog and thought it would be fun.

1. How are your March Madness picks doing? or What is your favorite event?
March Madness is so far over my head that it is laughable. I cannot name even one college basketball team. Basically the only thing I do know about March Madness is that it is about college basketball and the guys are work are going crazy over it and have huge charts in their offices. My favorite event, well if we are talking sports I do enjoy a visit to see the LA Kings. To be honest I am not much of a sports fan and since my husband's interest is limited as well I don't get a lot of exposure.

2. What is the best April Fool's joke - EVER?
I don't do the whole April Fool's joke thing. I'm sure over the years more than a few have been played on me, but nothing with enough effort that I can remember it this early in the morning.

3. Valentine's Day - bogus holiday or romantic holiday?
Mainly bogus holiday. We always do a little something, so that you can tell it is Valentine's Day here, but no restaurant dinner, no flowers, but yes candy.

4. If you made any New Year's Resolutions have you broken them yet? or What have you done lately to make yourself a better person?
I typically make some random resolutions that I quickly break. So this year I did not, not one. Just had a crazy night and left it at that. As far as making myself a better person, I haven't taken on any particular tasks in this department. I have however made myself a healthier person. I have limited my smoking to zero cigarettes a day and have maintained this new limit since the middle of January. I have also joined a gym, my attendance is a bit sporadic, but I'm working on it. My next goal is to run out of excuses, but I should be gaining a work-out partner in the near future and I am very optimistic.

5. If you believe in 'regret', what is your biggest regret? If you don't believe in 'regret', what do you call 'errors in judgment' or 'missed opportunities' in your philosophy of life?
My first thought is no, I absolutely do not believe in regret, but then I looked it up just to be sure. I believe the second definition that I found referring to thinking of the past with a sense of loss and/or disappointment is what we are talking about here. If this is the truth, then once again no I do not believe in regrets other than to know that other people have them. I believe that everything that I have done felt right and the time and though I may feel sorry that my actions were not always up to par, that is a short term feeling and all and all I think I've done alright in the long run. As far as the second part of the questions goes, 'errors in judgment' are just that errors, but sometime a wrong turn takes you on a wonderful adventure. And missed opportunities could just as easily have become mistakes if not missed. The past is done and time spent wishing it was different is wasted, especially when I could not be happier with the present that

Bonus (as in optional): Tell us about four things about yourself, one of which isn't true.
1) I am such a "morning person"
2) I had four things in my head when I took a shower and have now forgotten them.
3) I have two tattoos and once had twenty-one piercings.
4) I procrastinate and will work on that one of these days.