All About the Number Eight

I have been tagged to do ‘8 Things’ by Del from My Relish, so here it goes
To do list (i.e. “the rules”):
1. Mention the person who tagged me.
2. Complete the list of 8’s.
3. Tag 8 bloggers & tell them I tagged them.

Eight things I am looking forward to:
1. Spending lots of time swimming with my kids and our friends this summer
2. Having Lexi complete swim lessons. She is doing so well. I just can’t wait to see how good she’ll be at the end.
3. Visiting the BlueBell Ice Cream Factory
4. Getting past several work deadlines that are coming up
5. Taking the kids to see Disney’s “Up”
6. Going back to Sea World San Antonio
7. Catching up on housework (not the doing it part)
8. Finding people to rent our house

Eight things I did yesterday (Saturday):
1. Was invited over to some friends' house for fun and dinner
2. Enjoyed socializing with adults while the kids played
3. Made oatmeal/craisen/white chocolate cookies
4. Scrubbed the refrigerator, oven, and microwave
5. Remembered that I hadn’t paid for the storage unit that we recently got and had to throw the kids in the car and rush over there.
6. Argued with Lexi about what she was going to wear (everyday)
7. Combed Lexi’s hair while she screamed (everyday)
8. Carried the sleeping kids in from the car after a late night of fun

Eight things I wish I could do:
1. Travel a LOT more, especially internationally
2. Sleep 7 to 8 hours a night at least once a week
3. Be independently wealthy (wishing…)
4. Fluently speak several foreign languages including Spanish, French, Japanese, Arabic, & Mandarin Chinese
5. Live as an Expat again
6. Save enough money for my kids’ college funds
7. Have the kind of body that I would want to show off
8. Find time for the things I like to do not just for the things I have to do

Eight shows I watch:
1. You Are What You Eat
2. Lie To Me
3. Bones
4. Any Dream Will Do
5. Monk
6. Psyche
7. HBO…
8. HBO… (this is the toughest list for me b/c I don’t watch very much tv)

Eight favorite fruits:
1. Cherries
2. Watermelon
3. Cantaloupe
4. Honeydew
5. Fuji Apples
6. Grapes
7. Strawberries
8. Mangos

Eight places I’d like to travel:
1. Morrocco
2. Greece
3. Peru
4. Australia
5. Japan
6. China
7. India
8. Alaska

Eight places I’ve lived:
1. Provo, Utah
2. Savannah, Georgia
3. Melbourne, Florida
4. Katy, Texas
5. Doha, Qatar
6. Miami, Florida
7. Little Stirrup Cay, Bahamas
8. Soon…La Jolla, CA

People I’ve tagged:
The Princess & Johnsy
Jeanette
Annette
Aimee
Anna
Reformatting My Brain
The Diva
Carmen

Christmas Tag

I received this Christmas Meme by e-mail. It has been a long time since I have been tagged. This one was festively fun, so anyone interested can consider themselves tagged.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bag?

Wrapping paper

2. Real tree or artificial?

Real tree – I love the scent

3. When do you put up your tree?

the weekend after Thanksgiving or first weekend in Dec

4. When do you take down your tree?

New Year's Day

5. Do you like eggnog?

It is ok, but everyone knows I prefer HOT CHOCOLATE.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?

Nothing specific stands out

7. Do you have a nativity scene?

Sort of – last year my mom brought back a hand carved Joseph, Mary & the baby from Poland. I don’t have a whole scene though.

8. Hardest person to buy for?

My mom – she has everything she needs and can buy anything reasonable that she wants.

9. Easiest person to buy for?

I would have to say kids in general.

10. Worst Christmas gift you've ever received?

For several years after my parents divorced, my father bought Loews gift cards for me. There wasn't even one near me in Miami. He could have gone to the Target right by Loews.

11. Mail or email Christmas cards?

Mail of course

12. Favorite Christmas movie?

Christmas Vacation – I can recite the whole thing

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

November

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?

No –shared a few though

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

Do I have to choose one? I am a huge fan of all Christmas goodies. My diet starts in January.

16. White or colored lights?

White

17. Favorite Christmas songs?

Little Drummer Boy

18. Traveling for Christmas or stay home?

Home, but my sister & father-in-law are coming.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers?

Yes

20. Angel or Star on top of tree?

Actually a bow

21. Open presents Christmas Eve or Morning?

One on Christmas Eve that is always new pjs so that our morning pictures look cute. This is a family tradition that I love.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?

Christmas parties for adults only – kids are one of the best parts of Christmas. I know lots of people that disagree though.

23. What I love most about Christmas?

Being with family and friends, giving gifts, building anticipation for Christmas morning, gobbling Christmas goodies

In the Scope and Tagged

The only thing on my mind is moving, so luckily I was tagged by Lemon Blossom.

The instructions: "I quickly write 8 random facts/habits about myself, and then tag 8 people. If I tag you, you had better play."

1. I was blind as a bat until January of 2001, when I got Lasik surgery. Since then, my eyes have been better than perfect. I am really glad I did it. (thanks LB for inspiring this tidbit)

2. One of the things I am most looking forward to about quitting is not having to figure out what to wear to work everyday. This is a very silly little issue, but between a growing belly and working at the same place for over 5 years it is hard to come up with business outfits everyday. I stand in my closet every morning bored of it all.

3. Last week, there was a news report about how people with a lot of moles tend to live longer because there is a correlation between them and some age defying genes. My husband looked and me and told me I would live forever. I guess I am admitting that I have a lot of moles blended in with my freckles.

4. My fingers are really long and thin. It is hard for me to buy standard rings because of this. My wedding ring is a size 4.5.

5. The new hair growth that comes after giving birth is still annoying me. The little ringlets in front of my ears and all the little fly-a-ways on my head make me crazy. Perhaps knowing that it will get worse again before it gets better makes me even more frustrated.

6. I have had the same car for almost 10 years. It is too small, but I love not having a car payment. I paid it off in 3.5 years, so this car has more than paid for itself. I’ll probably throw in the towel once I give birth to the next baby.

7. My maiden name is still on my driver’s license and the name I use at work. It is on my driver’s license because I hate the DMVs in South Florida. I refuse to go unless it is absolutely necessary and it hasn’t been. This is my protest. I use it at work because I started working there before I got married and it was easier. This will all change when we move to Texas.

8. My passport has expired. That probably isn’t a big deal for most people, but the idea makes me feel trapped. Getting it renewed will become a priority when I finally get a moment to breathe even though I don’t have plans to travel outside of the US.

Tagging 8 people is not that easy, but I will go with Princess & Johnsy, PageWize, A Comedienne’s Sidekick, Sofi, Anna, Reformatting (if you aren't too busy with the new baby), Aerin, and anyone else who might be interested.

Give Me Five

Thankfully, Dayngr tagged me for this little task. My mind is just too gone right now to come up with things on my own.

What were you doing 10 years ago.
Ten years ago, I was living a carefree life in Doha, Qatar working for the Corps of Engineers. For the month of June, I was actually house sitting for some very rich British doctors that were on holiday.

Five Snacks You Enjoy: (Completely different when I am pregnant. I don’t enjoy any food. Here are things that are ok at times.)
1. SunChips
2. Chips & Salsa
3. Ice Cream
4. Fruit Smoothies
5. Oatmeal cookies

Five Songs That You Know All The Lyrics To: (only U2 songs are coming to mind)
1. One
2. Mysterious Ways
3. With or Without You
4. Running to Stand Still
5. All I Want Is You

Five Things You Would Do If You Were a Millionaire:
1. Move out of Miami
2. Buy an SUV
3. Go on fabulous vacations
4. Invest & save for the future
5. Help family members out

Five Bad Habits:
1. Never checking my voice mail
2. Addiction to buying new Robeez on Ebay (good deals)
3. Only calling people on my drive home from work/the daycare
4. Always coming up with plans for the future (can’t I just live in the now?)
5. Turning my head & secretly rolling my eyes when I have to be around someone that annoys me

Five Things You Like To Do:
1. Foreign Travel
2. Domestic Travel
3. Laying in a hammock on a breezy beach
4. Spending time with extended family
5. Relaxing during time off from work

Five Things You Would Never Wear Again:
1. pegged jeans
2. leg warmers
3. jelly shoes
4. spiked high heals
5. earrings in the second & third holes

Five Favorite Toys:
1. my fairly new computer (desktop)
2. digital camera
3. dvd burner (part of computer)
4. Kitchen Aide mixer
5. I’ll have to go with baby too, who has time for anything else?

Five people to tag: (And anyone else who wants to give it a go)
1. PageWize
2. Princess & Johnsy
3. Reformatting
4. Anna
5. Aimee Enchalada

Instructions: Remove the blog from the top, move all blogs up one, add yourself to the bottom.

Absolutely Bananas
Smiling Mom
42
Dayngrous Discourse
Freckle Face Girl

150 Things People Have Done

I have many things swirling around in my head. I can't seem to get myself to blog about them though. Instead, I am stealing this from Balou. It is a list of random things many people have done. I bolded the ones that applied to me.

1. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
2. Swam with dolphins
3. Climbed a mountain
4. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
5. Been inside the Great Pyramid
6. Held a tarantula
7. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
8. Said "I love you" and meant it
9. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby's diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer and a 300 gig external!
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Posed nude in front of strangers
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an expert
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Eaten fugu (pufferfish)
89. Had a one-night stand
90. Gone to Thailand
91. Bought a house
92. Been in a combat zone
93. Buried one/both of your parents
94. Been on a cruise ship
95. Spoken more than one language fluently
96. Performed in Rocky Horror Picture Show
97. Raised children (in the processes)
98. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over (one of my favorite things to do)
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Petted a stingray
110. Broken someone's heart
111. Ridden a bike
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Petted a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad and The Odyssey
135. Selected one important author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (hated doing it)
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone's life

Courtesy of Wikipedia

I am stealing this from Rachel (a.k.a. a comedian’s sidekick).

Go to Wikipedia, type in the month and day of your birth, and then list 3 events, 2 births and a holiday that fell on that day. Here are mine:

January 28th

Event: 1547 - Henry VIII dies. His nine year old son, Edward VI becomes King, and the first Protestant ruler of England. **Interesting because these were my ancestors.

Event: 1813 - Pride and Prejudice is first published in the United Kingdom.

Event: 1986 - Space Shuttle program: STS-51-L mission (Space Shuttle Challenger disaster) - Space Shuttle Challenger breaks apart 73 seconds after liftoff killing all seven astronauts onboard, including Christa McAuliffe, who was supposed to be the first teacher in space. **I remember this one


Birth: 1948 - Mikhail Baryshnikov, Russian dancer **the Russian on Sex in the City

Birth: 1977 - Daunte Culpepper, American football player **currently playing for the Miami Dolphins


Holiday/Observances: World Leprosy Day

Busy Bee

I am happy to announce that The Princess has so kindly tagged me. My week is all about crazy deadlines and our company moving to a new building, not to mention a sick baby (becoming the norm). Since I am neglecting the blog world, it is a great time for a tag. Here goes the 6 Weird Things Tag:

1. I can't identify the smell of pot. When someone is smoking it, I either don't notice or I just think it smells weird. I only know it is pot when someone else says so. I have never smoked it and did not have any pot smoking friends prior to moving to Miami. Even after moving here, I really didn't encounter it much (except at occasional concerts) until I was 29 and lived in the Bahamas.

2. I don't watch reality television shows unless you count documentaries. It is not that I have something against them, but for some reason I don't get sucked into the drama. I used to love MTV's Real World when I was in college, but that was probably because it was a break from the Happy Valley world.

3. I read somewhere that after 7 years, most people are doing something unrelated to their major in college. For me, it was my first job that was completely unrelated. I have been on that career track ever since.

4. My husband is in every imaginable way completely opposite of my father. So, some girls don't grow up to marry their "dads." I am glad I didn't.

5. I am pretty good at keeping in touch with old friends, especially ones that don't move a lot like I do. I still talk/e-mail/call about 4 friends from college, 5 from high school, 1 from Jr. High, and 1 from middle school. Only a couple of them occasionally read my blog.

6. When I was single in Miami most of my friends that I hung out with were married. Now that I am married, most of my friends are divorced. It should have been opposite.

There you have it. Now you know that it is true, I am weird, but it is better to be weird and interesting than normal and boring. If only I was weird in an interesting way...

I don't know if people will be reading my blog while I'm neglecting others, but I'll tag Ms. WizeUp, Ms. Reformatting, Ms. Lemon Blossom, and Ms. Anna.

Five Truths Tag

It has been a long time since I have been tagged, but Wizeup has done the honors. The rules: Tell five truths about yourself that you haven't yet revealed. **I think I have been blogging for too long for that to be possible, so I'll list a few that might have been forgotten.**

1. The only times I have been in the hospital was when I was born & when I gave birth. Basically, I have never broken any bones. It isn't for lack of adventure just luck (knock on wood).
2. I don't like being referred to as a mam, lady or woman, because I don't want to be that old. I prefer girl, chic, gal, hot bombshell (*smiles*), etc. Even Blondie sounds better to me.
3. I had lots of pets when I was a kid, but haven't owned even one as an adult.
4. At the tender age of 12 my mom decided I should be responsible enough to pay for all of my own necessities including clothes. I wasn't given an allowance by the way. I babysat & for very little money, but all the time. I always struggled to buy clothes & I think that is the reason I buy too many now.
5. When I was born, I had lots & lots & lots of bright ugly orange hair. I'm glad that it became strawberry blonde rather quickly.

Alphabet Tag

I've been tagged by the very clever Ms. ReformattingMyBrain. She saved me since I have been running on empty as far as posts are concerned.

A- Available or single? Nope
B- Best Friend? Hubby
C- Cake or Pie? pies, lots of kinds
D- Drink of Choice? Hot Chocolate
E- Essential Item? mascara
F- Favorite Color? For clothes, lately brown
G- Gummi Bears or Worms? Cinnamon bears
H- Hometown? I consider Katy, Texas
I- Indulgence? Where do I start? - practically all carbs
J- January or February? January
K- Kids and names? Lexi
L- Life is incomplete without? See K
M- Marriage Date? May 17
N- Number of Siblings? 4 - 3 brothers & 1 sister
O- Oranges or apples? Oranges
P- Phobias/Fears? Being stuck in Miami for the rest of my life
Q- Favorite Quote? If you want to be heard, speak up. If you want to be seen, stand up. If you want to be appreciated, shut up. (my grandma had this in her kitchen)
R- Reason to Smile? Vacation time
S- Season? Depends where I live. While in Miami Bch, I'll go with non-hurricane season
T- Tag three people! WizeUp, The Princess, & Anna
U- Unknown Fact about Me! Can't think of anything
V- Vegetable you hate? Lima Beans
W- Worst habit? Talking on the cell phone while driving
X- X-Rays you've had? Can't remember
Y- Your favorite food? Mom's homemade rolls
Z- Zodiac? Aquarius

Tags: Alphabet tag

Weird Things Tag

I've been tagged by Dayngr Girl and here are the rules:

Each player of this game starts with the "6 weird things about you." People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says "you are tagged" in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

Here's my 6 weird things:
1. My tongue is long enough that it can touch the tip of my nose.
2. I never fail to lose my grocery list between the car and the front of the store.
3. I was a complete movie buff until 1997. I seem to get more out of touch each year, but I still LOVE movies.
4. I always have a headache. When I was 7, I was amazed to find out that most people don't. I have learned to ignore the pain for the most part.
5. When I was pregnant, I dialated to 5 cm without feeling one contraction.
6. I simply can't remember embarrassing moments. I am not sure whether I laugh them off too fast or use mental blocks.

Here's who I'm tagging: WizeUp, 30 & Flirty, Christy, Reformatting My Brain, Pegs, and Rachel.

Lucky for Me

I have had so much crap on my mind lately, that posting has become rather difficult. Thank goodness the oh so kind and wonderful Princess has tagged me today. Here is a fun meme.

1. Explain what ended your last relationship.
We simply were not meant to be. After 4 years of fighting and COMPLETELY different plans for the future, we finally went our separate ways when he moved back to the Middle East.

2. When was the last time you shaved?
This morning. I am wearing a skirt today, plus I hate stubble & shave often.

3. What were you doing this morning at 8 a.m.?
8 am means I have been at work for 15 minutes. At that time, I am still checking millions of e-mails.

4. What were you doing 15 minutes ago?
Wishing it was 5pm, so I could be wrapping up work & heading home.

5. Are you any good at math?
I was great until I hit calculus in college & then realized I hated it. Now, math only involves spreadsheets & I can't function without them.

6. Your prom night?
I graduated early & was gone by the time prom came around.

7. Do you have any famous ancestors?
Do you mean infamous? My mom's side dates back to the royals of England. Actually, King Henry the Eighth's Grandfather. Later on, quite a few were sent on the Mayflower because they were a pain in the butt to the royal family. One ended up being the first pilgrim executed for murder. Yeah!

8. Have you had to take a loan out for school?
I worked through school & my parents were fairly generous, but I had a few loans. Fortunately, I paid them off rather quickly. I should have kept them & paid of my credit card though...dumb.

9. Do you know the words to the song on your Myspace profile?
I am way too old for MySpace.

10. Last thing received in the mail?
For some reason the post office has yet to forward any of our mail (did the form online over a month ago), so we mainly get pizza coupons.

11. How many different beverages have you had today?
two: diet coke & water

12. Do you ever leave messages on people's answering machine?
Sometimes

13. Whom did you lose your CONCERT virginity to?
Hall & Oats (sounds extra kinky with 2)

14. Do you draw your name in the sand when you go to the beach?
No. If I didn't see the beach very often, maybe I would.

15. What was the most painful dental procedure you have had?
Got my 13 year old molars removed.

16. What is out your back door?
Our back door leads to the same hallway as our front door.

17. Any plans for Friday night?
No specific plans, but we usually stick Lexi in the stroller & walk to a nearby cafe for dinner.

18. Do you like what the ocean does to your hair?
No, makes it look like messy dread locks.

19. Have you ever received one of those big tins of 3 different popcorns?
Only at work & I left it for the office to share.

20. Have you ever been to a planetarium?
Twice in Houston & twice in Salt Lake City, but only for laser light shows. Seemed like there was a time when guys liked to plan that for first dates.

21. Do you re-use towels after you shower?
Yep.

22. Some things you are excited about?
Thanksgiving Baby!

23. What is your favorite flavor of JELLO?
I don't eat jello.

24. Describe your keychain(s).
A pewter key chain with a moose on it that says New Hampshire. Sometimes, it gets my purse searched at airports.

25. Where do you keep your change?
In my car for parking meters.

26. What kind of winter coat do you own?
hmm..it has been so long since I have used one. When I go on trips in the winter, I usually take rain coat and warm clothes. I have a nice ski jacket somewhere in storage.

27. What was the weather like on your graduation day?
I didn't attend my high school or college graduation. For high school, I graduated the beginning of my senior year & by May, I was so over high school. I finished my last classes of college in June. By the August graduation ceremony, I was living in the Middle East.

28. Do you sleep with the door to your room open or closed?
B.S. (before Steve) I slept with it closed. He prefers open and it isn't a big deal to me.

I tag WizeUp, Anna, & anyone else interested (let me know & I'll tag you next time).

3 Things Meme

I've been tagged by the notorious Wizeup.

3 Smells I love:
1. baby lotion
2. fresh baked bread
3. pumpkin pie

3 Smells I hate:
1. stinky alleys
2. burnt coffee
3. fish heated up in the microwave at work

3 Jobs that I have had in my life:
1. Marketing Manager
2. Media/Marketing Specialist
3. Project Controls Specialist

3 Movies I could watch over and over:
1. Our wedding video to tease Steve about how nervous he looked
2. Much Ado About Nothing
3. Christmas Vacation

3 Fond Memories
1. Falling in love with Lexi at the hospital
2. Steve completely surprising me with the marriage proposal
3. Family get togethers

3 Jobs I would love to have:
1. Foreign Service
2. Travel Journalist
3. SAHM

3 Places I have lived
1. Katy, Texas
2. Melbourne, Florida
3. Doha, Qatar

3 Things I like to do:
1. play with Lexi
2. blog
3. walk on the beach with Steve & Lexi

3 Of my favorite foods
1. almost anything with ranch dressing on it
2. pasta
3. fresh baked bread (sucker for carbs)

3 Places I would like to be right now
1. on a Caribbean Island
2. Europe
3. basically on vacation almost anywhere

3 Websites I visit daily:
1. the blogs listed on the right under connecting with
2. bank of america
3. hotmail

3 Things that make me cry
1. difficult deaths
2. stories about people hurting kids
3. crappy parallel parking spots (just not much for crying)

See Paige, you had no faith in me, but the day is far from over...

Book Tag!

Tere tagged me for a meme on Books. I must admit, that I am not an avid reader. After all the reading I do at work, pleasure reading rarely happens. I guess that just makes me pickier. Here are the books, I found enticing enough to read:

1) A book that changed my life: For Those I Loved by Martin Gray. I was probably about 14 when I read this book. It was the first biography I ever read and it was incredible. His attitude and experiences with the Holocaust as well as personal life tragedies are truly inspiring.

2) A book that I've read more than once: I can't think of any books I have read more than once, but I am considering the Princess Sultana Trilogy by Jean Sasson. The books are about a real princess in Saudi Arabia. Her stories are funny, sad, realistic, and heartfelt.

3) A book I'd take to a deserted island: SAS Survival Handbook: How to Survive in the Wild, in Any Climate, on Land or at Sea by John Lofty Wisemen. Hey, it has been way too LONG since I went camping.

4) A book that made me laugh: Dead? By Lawrence J. Law. My dad wrote this book and it is full of his bizarre sense of humor. I guess I could have picked this one for #2. Now that he passed away, it is a nice way to remember him.

5) A book that made me cry: Do They Hear You When You Cry by Fauziya Kassindja and Layli Miller Bashir. This book does a wonderful job of conveying the need for cultural understanding and acceptance, major immigration reforms in the US, and for people to take action against injustices.

6) A book I wish had been written: Most of the Biographies I read are about people whose lives are way too intense for me to wish that upon myself. So, I'll go with practically any book by my two favorite fiction authors, Patrica Cromwell (only Scarpetta Series) and Amy Tan.

7) A book that should never have been written: I am sure there are a lot out there that I would pick, but the only one that comes to mind is Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders by Vincent Bugliosi. I am not saying that it is a bad book, but I only got through the first chapter and was completely freaked out. I couldn't even look at the book after that. I had to throw it away.

8) A book I'm currently reading: a handful of books by Sandra Boynton. They are quite catchy and Lexi loves them.

9) A book I'm planning to read: I looked up a few books on Amazon & these look interesting to me: Daughters of Tunis: Women, Family, and Networks In A Muslim City by Paula Holmes-Eber and The Places in Between by Rory Stewart

10) Who I'm tagging next: Paige (since she belongs to a book club) and Anna (because she loves being tagged as much as I do). If this strikes anyone else as interesting, I'll be happy to tag you too.

Tags: books, biographies, library

Thursday & Tagged By Anna

It is Thursday and nothing special is going on. Actually, illness is all around me. Steve has now joined Lexi in the not so happy cold with runny nose club. Personally, I am trying to avoid it. I didn't get to have a night to myself last night. As soon as Lexi fell asleep (8:30pm), Steve walked through the door like a zombie. While he was taking a shower, I made soup & a grilled cheese sandwich for him. Come to think of it, I did get the night to myself. Around midnight, Steve was snoring and making so much noise that I decided to go sleep in the guest bedroom.

Here is the very lovely Tag from Anna:

Start 10 sentences with the word, I LOVE...

1. I love...Lexi. I started off with the easiest one.

2. I love...my husband, Steve. I love talking to him, laughing with him, the way he helps with household chores, the way he is overprotective of Lexi and me, the fact that he is more sentimental than I am, and that he is great at apologizing.

3. I love...my nieces and nephews. They are wild and crazy and fun and it doesn't even bother me that they are a little bratty.

4. I love...Thanksgiving. It is a four day weekend with friends, family, and good food. What is there not to love about it? I have lots of fond memories of this holiday.

5. I love...Traveling. I simply can't get enough of it.

6. I love...talking on the phone during a long evening commute. Yes - I talk on the phone and drive (if you call crawling towards home driving).

7. I love...driving over the MacArthur Causeway and seeing the crystal blue water, the cruise ships on the right, and the mansions on the left.

8. I love...little areas like City Place, where you can eat dinner and stroll around afterward. I like less commercialized places better, but I can't think of one off the top of my head.

9. I love...Katy, Texas. The people are so nice, the cost of living is cheap, I have a lot of friends there, there are 2 major airports within an hour (important see #5), there are all the advantages to big city living, etc. I could go on...

10. I love...the Caribbean. I have been thinking about how life is so laid back there.

I guess I'll tag Paige & Issy. **& Mish**

Tags: love, tag

An Interesting MeMe

I got this Meme off of Misha's blog:

1. Have you ever been searched by the cops?

No, I can't even imagine what that is like.

2. Do you close your eyes on roller coasters?

Nope

3. When's the last time you've been sledding?

Probably winter 1995/1996 while attending BYU

4. Would you rather sleep with someone else, or alone?

Some nights right after my crazy sleeping husband whacks me in the head, I think sleeping alone would be nice.

5. Do you believe in ghosts?

Sure

6. Do you consider yourself creative?

In some areas

7. Do you think O.J. killed his wife?

I didn't watch any of the trial or get sucked up in it, but I tend to think he is guilty.

8. Jennifer Aniston or Angelina Jolie?

as a Friend??? - Jennifer Aniston (get it?)
for interesting dinner conversation - Angelina Jolie

9. Do you stay friends with your exes?

Most of them for a while anyway. I have never been dumped, but I have always been a polite dumper. No ill feelings, but time goes on.

10. Do you know how to play poker?

No, I totally suck at it.

11. Have you ever been awake for 48 hours straight?

Yep, several times for workaholic deadlines

12. What's your favorite commercial?

Unfortunately, I don't remember things like this - Probably one of the Superbowl ones.

13. What are you allergic to?

Cat hair (after several days of being around one my eyes itch).

14. If you're driving in the middle of the night, and no one is around do you run red lights?

I live in Miami, everyone runs read lights day or night. There is no other way to make left turns. As far as nobody being around, that NEVER happens here. There is always traffic.

15. Do you have a secret that no one knows but you?

It's a secret. Just kidding - nothing comes to mind.

16. Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees?

Not a fan of either, but I'd rather see the Red Sox win just to spite the Yankees & their ridiculous payroll.

17. Have you ever been Ice Skating?

Yeah, several times. It is fun, but I am not good at it.

18. How often do you remember your dreams?

I dream every night & if I think about it when I wake up, I can remember. Usually, I just get busy with other things & forget.

19. When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried?

I laugh a lot, but rarely cry even out of joy.

20. Can you name 5 songs by The Beatles?

Yellow Submarine
When I'm 64
Sgt Pepper Lonely Hearts Club Band
Eleanor Rigby
Nowhere Man

21. What's the one thing on your mind now?

My baby is dosing off to sleep and I wish I could.

22. Do you know who Ghetto-ass barbie is?

No - lil Kim?

23. Do you always wear your seat belt?

Yes, when I'm driving
Not always, when I am sitting in the backseat even though I know I should

24. What cell service do you use?

MetroPCS: extremely cheap local one that I think is best for teenagers, but hey it's cheap & has unlimited minutes.


25. Do you like sushi?

Sushi is ok, but I prefer California rolls.


26. Have you ever narrowly avoided a fatal accident?

Where do I start...MANY, MANY, MANY I can think of 5 times during the summer after my senior year in high school.

27. What do you wear to bed?

Comfy pjs

28. Been caught stealing?

It has been a LONG time. I guess not even when I was 5. I admitted taking candy to my mom & she dragged me back to the store to confess & apologize.


29. What shoe size do you have?

6.5 to 7

30. Do you truly hate anyone?

I can think of 2 people that I dislike immensely, but that is about as far as it goes.


31. Classic Rock or Rap?

Classic Rock - goes along with the ugly big bangs of my younger years

32. If you could sleep with one famous person, who would it be?

The whole idea of sleeping with someone because their famous or rich doesn't appeal to me.

33. Favorite Song?

Just like commercials, I can never think of one off the top of my head. It depends on what I just heard.

34. Have you ever sang in front of the mirror?

Oh sure, who hasn't?

35. What food do you find disgusting?

Most reptiles & pork

36. Do you sing in the shower?

No (in the car)


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

No! With who??? My childhood friends were girls & I definitely wouldn't have done that with my brothers!

38. Have you ever made fun of your friends behind their back?

Sure in a playful way, just like I know they make fun of me.


39. Have you ever stood up for someone you hardly knew?

Definitely, I can't keep quiet if I completely disagree with something.


40. Have you ever been punched in the face?

Joking or by accident, not in a serious fight.

Tuesday's Meme

Last night, I stayed awake thinking about stupid stuff. I wasn't worried about anything. It was just lots of random pointless things that kept popping in my head. Unfortunately, it means my brain will be total garbage today, so it is a good thing that I have been tagged by Paige.

1. The book nearest me:
A notebook with years of To Do Lists

2. Stretch your left arm, what do you touch?
A cup of water

3. Last thing watched on television?
The morning news to see traffic & weather

4. Without looking, what time is it?
5:50 am

5. What is the actual time?
6:10 am

6. With the exception of the computer what can you hear?
The humming of the a/c

7. When did you last step outside?
A few minutes ago

8. Before this survey what did you look at?
Emily's blog: http://www.princessandjohnsy.blogspot.com/

9. What are you wearing?
Black slacks & a green polo (very boring)

10. Did you dream last night?
Yes: every night, but I can't quite remember what it was about

11. When did you last laugh?
This morning when Lexi was acting silly

12. What is on the walls in the room?
Pictures of Europe

13. Seen anything weird lately?
This is Miami - everything is weird

14. What do you think of this quiz?
It makes for an easy entry

15. What is the last film you saw?
In a theater - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
At home - the new Pink Panther (a coworker lent it to me)

16. Tell us something we don't know.
That is a tough one, have you seen my list of 100 things about me?

17. If you could change one thing about the world, what would you do?
Work hours would decrease. Actually, I would like Americans to spend more time with family and friends like Europeans do.

18. Do you like to dance?
I used to, but it has been so long.

19. George Bush?
Not a fan

20. Imagine your first child is a girl...And?
She is (are all these quizes made by teens & twenty-somethings or is it just me?)

21. Imagine your first child is a boy.
Too late, I like her the way she is. (I think I should write a meme sometime)

22. Would you consider living abroad?
In a heartbeat! It is my daydream.

23. What would God say to you when you reach the pearly gates?
We have reserved a much warmer place for you (Probably something hilarious because I'm sure he has a great sense of humor).

24. List 6 bloggers to carry on this meme.
Princess & Johnsy, Tere-Tere, the New Miamian, Shokufeh, Issy, Here in Panama
*No pressure* It is up to you.

Tagged by E-mail

Since being tagged is one of the easiest posts, I decided to use an e-mail I received & put it on my blog. Thanks Alison! ...so, here are things you may not have known about me:

Four jobs I had had in my life (I'll add since college):
1. US Army Corps of Engineers in Doha, Qatar
2. Mall Management at Cherry Creek Mall in Denver, Colorado
3. PGS Tensor in Houston, Texas
4. A Coastal Engineering company in Miami, Florida no name b/c it was pure HELL

Four movies I would watch over and over:
1. The English Patient
2. Star Wars (oldest 3)
3. Some Kind of Wonderful
4. Legends of the Fall

Four places I have lived (I'll list childhood places):
1. Salem, Utah
2. Georgia
3. Melbourne, Florida
4. Katy, Texas

Four TV shows I love to watch:
1. BIG LOVE (HBO)
2. What Not To Wear (TLC)
3. Monk (USA)
4. Any documentary (HBO)

Four places I would return on vacation:
1. Bahamas
2. London
3. Manhattan
4. Estes Park, CO

Four places I visit on the internet:
1. Blogs listed on the right
2. Bank of America
3. E-mail
4. Hundreds for work

Four types of food I love to eat:
1. Salads with ranch dressing (anything with ranch really)
2. Turkey sandwiches
3. Frosty - from Wendy's
4. Homemade bread

Four places I would rather be right now:
1. Living in Texas
2. Sleeping in my bed
3. On a European vacation
4. Camping in the Rocky Mountains

Four people that I think will respond to the e-mail or the tag:
1. Emily
2. Paige
3. Amy (e-mail)
4. Nicole (e-mail)

P.S. I don't know if some of the bloggers listed on the right like these. If so, leave & comment & I'll tag you from now on.