Smellyann Strikes Again

Saturday 9: Crown Of Creation

The link is here, if you're a 9'er today!

Saturday 9: Crown of Creation

1. Do you understand a belief model based on creationism?

Understand, yes. I don't believe evolution and creationism are mutually exclusive. That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it.

2. Is your house run more like a dictatorship or a democracy?

Neither one. It's somewhere in the middle. I don't think either one is the proper way to raise children. They should have a say on some things, but not equal footing with the parents. Nor should totalitarian rule be the name of the game. We do the best we can, what can I say?

3. Are you likely to forgive a transgression and give someone a second chance?

Most of the time. As long as they genuinely apologize, I'm pretty forgiving. Until that point, though, it takes an awful lot of work for me to let go of a grudge. And time.

4. Is religion a big part of your life?

There is a difference between religion and spirituality. I'm Christian, but my relationship with Christ is personal and private, and my walk with God is one I don't tend to share about often, because it's MINE alone.

5. Do you feel your job (or your spouse's if you work at home) is safe?

Well, he's in the U.S. Navy, so... ish? He hasn't deployed during our relationship, but there's always that chance. He's safer than many, if not most, in the military, and I'm thankful.

6. Do you believe in gay marriage? Why?

I support it. I think it's ridiculously absurd to dictate otherwise. Everyone should have the right to unify with the one they love and be given all the rights, privileges, and sucky parts thereof! ;)

7. Do you think the current U.S. war will lead to a more peaceful world?

Interesting concept, war leading to peace. I don't think there will ever be peace in the whole world at once. A sad fact of life, I guess.

8. Do you like people with swagger?

That don't impress me much, to quote Shania.

9. What kind of budget do you live on, is it tight or carefree?

It's tighter than tight. It's painful. We're working on it. One day, we'll be more carefree. Or not, whatever, we have each other and that's good enough for me.

Have a happy day!

Fin.

Saturday 9: Self Esteem

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Saturday 9: Self Esteem

1. How was your self esteem growing up?

 

It's never been very high, but it was especially low as a kid.

 

2. Do you ever have a hard time with morals?

 

Sure, I've come up against some situations that make me stumble, in that regard. Yes.

 

3. Do you eat in bed? If yes, what?

 

Occasionally, and if I do, I suppose it's whatever I'm in the mood for.

 

4. What was the last movie you hated and why?

 

I rarely hate a movie, so I can't even really think of a recent one. I took my oldest to see the Pirates movie that Hugh Grant had a vocal role in, a few weeks ago, and I was so very bored for the first half. That's unusual. It got better, but it wasn't great. (They had me when Chuck Darwin came on the scene, but I didn't love the way he was portrayed!)

 

5. Have you ever felt that you lost it all? If yes, explain.

 

Hmm. Mentally lost my shit? Yes, I have. But lost it all, as in hit rock-bottom? I don't think so, no.

 

6. Have you ever been stalked?

 

Yes, I have. The most frustrating part of that is the authorities' refusal/inability to act until you're harmed. I was harmed, though, and to be completely honest, I still have my bad-daydream-fantasy-thing that he's going to show up at my door and shoot me.

 

7. Do you believe in 'self help' for problems, or do you prefer therapy?

 

I'm in therapy, and it's great - because I've found an excellent care provider. I've been with 'bad' therapists, so I think it completely depends. I don't think this should be an either/or question, though. Why can't one do both?

 

8. What celebrity do you think should make a run for office?

 

Ayyyy, uh, um.... no?

 

9. Do you believe in happy endings? (We do. That's why this is the last question!)

 

Of course. I'm the eternal optimist, right here.

 

Fin.

Saturday 9: Touch Me In The Morning

Saturday 9: Touch Me in the Morning

1. Who or what sleeps with you?

Hubs, often Sophia (our 7yo), and at least 2 cats...

2. Last time you saw your high school best friend?

It's been a few years, maybe three years this summer. I miss you, Weezie!

3. What do you do when you're sad?

You mean, besides cry? Well, I cry s'more. I don't know. It's hard for me to tell the difference between "depression sad" and "regular sad," anymore.

4. What do you wear when you are relaxing around the house?

Whatever's clean and comfy, depending on the season. Gotta admit, I love sweats.

5. What did you do immediately after high school?

a. Moved to South Carolina with my dad for the summer (literally the day after graduation). b. Hated that. c. Matriculated at the University of Miami for my B.S.

6. Is anyone on your bad side right now?

No, not really. Not anyone particularly on my radar, at least.

7. What's the first thing you do when you get online?

Time was, it would be to get on Facebook, but I'm really not on there much anymore (except through my iPhone), so now it's checking email. I get entirely too much.

8. What jewelry are you wearing?

My wedding ring and another ring my husband gave me for, I think, our sixth anniverary: a giant sapphire. It's beautiful. Sophia lost my engagement ring or I'd be wearing that, too. :( Oh, and my nosering du jour, a big pearly number.

9. Post a current song that you like. (Or name it and tell us why you like it.)

"Somebody That I Used to Know," by Gotye is pretty cool. I gotta agree with Ryan Seacrest on this one: it makes me want to tiptoe around. hee

See you here tomorrow night!

Fin.

Saturday 9: That's Why God Made The Radio

Link up here if you're playing along today!

Saturday 9: That's Why God Made The Radio

1. The Beach Boys are back together (everyone alive, Dennis and Carl have passed, including Brian) for the first time in 25 years. It's their 50^th Anniversary tour. Their new single is called, “That's Why God made the Radio”. Did radio play a huge part of your growing up years?

Absolutely. 93Q out of Syracuse, NY, was my morning radio show while getting ready for school. More Z89, too, but mostly the former. We were always taping songs off the radio on our giant boomboxes!

2. What is something that you are disappointed about right now?

 

A friend called me out on something, a particular personality flaw of mine, and I disagreed with her... but upon further reflection, I've realized she's right.

 

3. What are you really anticipating right now?

 

Payday! (What else is new?)

 

4. When was the last time you watched your favorite movie? What is it?

 

It's been a long time since I've seen either Grease or Dirty Dancing, my two favorites, I think... but I did watch the original Karate Kid within the past few months, and that's on the top 10 list.

 

5. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be?

 

My son, my baby boy, my living son's identical twin, my angel...

 

6. Who was the last person you hung up on?

 

My father. I'll probably never, ever speak to him again. Jerk.

 

7. Does it bother you when meme makers separate questions that could've been combined?

 

It's not something I've ever even thought about, so no.

 

8. What is the first animal you would run to see if you went to the zoo?

 

Elephants. They're my favorite land animal.

 

9. What is the food you always buy at the grocery store that you can't live without?

 

Well, I don't always buy them, but I always look yearningly at the hummus and Wholly Guacamole, if they aren't on my rigidly-stuck-to lists.

 

See you on the next post, peeps!

 

Fin.

Saturday 9: 'Til I Hear It From You

Link up here if you're a late bloomer, like me!

Saturday 9: 'Til I Hear It From You

1. If someone, that you trusted, told you that your lover was cheating, would you believe them or not?

Yeah, probably.

2. What is something that you are disappointed about right now?

 

My daughter promised me something, and she broke her promise. She was so earnest about her promise, too. :(

 

3. Jonathan Frid, who was the original Barnabas Collins on Dark Shadows from 1967-1971, passed away in Canada at the age of 87. Who is your favorite vampire?

 

Yeah, no.

 

4. Should there be age limits on social networking sites such as facebook?

 

No, I believer 80-year-olds should be allowed to make fools of themselves on there, just like the rest of us.

 

5. Tell us about your pets. Do you have one that you wish would run away?

 

Haha!! No! We have four very different cats, personality-wise. I love them all.

 

6. Do you ever have a hard time with morals?

 

Sure, I think everyone must struggle at times.

 

7. Did you make 'a plan' the first time you made love or did it just happen?

 

The latter, nosy.

 

8. Do you agree that fame is lousy or would you love to give it a try? Why?

 

I don't know, I've never tried it. I'm sure it has some lovely perks.

 

9. Do you believe in forever, as in 'love forever'?

 

Of course I do. Don't you?

 

That was short. Meh.

 

Fin.

Saturday 9: Ain't Too Proud To Beg

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Saturday 9: Ain't Too Proud to Beg

1. What was the last thing that you begged for?

Your pardon?

2. Have you ever lost a best friend after a fight?

 

I sure have, more than once, and more than once with the same person. Heh. But each time, we were equally at fault.

 

3. When was the last time you just wanted to be invisible?

 

Whenever I'm severely depressed, I guess. I can't think of a specific incident other than that, but when I'm in a depression, I just want to hide from the world.

 

4. Which room of your home tends to be the messiest?

 

The kitchen, definitely. But right now, ugh. My whole house is a mess. It never ends, the cleaning and re-messing. Can I just burn the place down and start over??

 

5. You are to be locked in a room forever with a celebrity. You get to choose. Whom do you pick?

 

Yeah, please, no. Unless my husband is famous, I'd rather pass, thanks!

 

6. Has someone ever left another person to be with you?

 

Yes and no, and I'm going to leave it at that!

 

7. What’s been kind of a drag for you lately?

 

Remember that messy house? That.

 

8. How are you different from your significant other?

 

We complement each other completely. He's a complete Type B, and I'm totally Type A. I'm neurotic and crazy; he's chill. I'm - by 'training' - a neat freak; he's a complete slob. I can sing and dance; he can't. At all. I'm sure there are eleventy-seven more ways in which we differ, but you're bored of this now. Well, I am.

 

9. What is the most perverted thing someone has ever said to you?

 

I'm not telling you what my husband says to me in the boudoir!! Hee.

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Fin.

Saturday 9: I Must Be Seeing Things

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Saturday 9: I Must Be Seeing Things

1. Have you ever watched something unfold, that as you watched, you could not believe what you've witnessed?

Of course. 9/11 comes to mind, but other things to, sure. Princess Di's death (not that I witnessed these things, per se, but you know, on the news), JFK Jr's crash, the Challenger Explosion when I was a kid... now that I did see happen live on TV.

2. What is your favorite city in the world? Why?

I love big cities, so that's a tough one for me. Miami and NYC are probably tied for my favorite American cities, but I haven't been to them all yet, and I haven't been in L.A. long or often enough to claim that one... Overseas, Barcelona and Madrid were favorites, and Venice was amazing, as was Rome... I don't know. I'd have to say of all the places I've ever been, maybe New York. Hey, it never sleeps, like me!

3. What is the strangest film, to your sense of reality, that you have ever seen?

A Spanish-language film, Talk to Her, is the first thing that popped into my head. 

4. It seems that the older that you get, the less you want the hassle of seeing a live concert. Who is an artist or a band that you'd actually pay to see?

I guess I haven't reached that point yet, because I love going to shows. There are a lot I'd pay to see, but Clapton tops the list. Adele, Kelly Clarkson, and Madonna are somewhere on that list, too, which isn't exhaustive. The most fun concert, or at least most unusual, was Blue Man Group. That was crazy!

5. When was the last time that you lost your temper?

I'm about to. My kids are refusing to clean up their messes in the living room so I can hide their Easter baskets for tomorrow morning, and it's driving me up a wall!

6. When you were little, did you think "sex" was a bad word?

Not so much a bad word, but I was embarrassed by it.

7. What does your smart phone do that really surprised you when you loaded the app?

Nothing, anymore. I've had it a few years, so it's hard to say. At first everything was so amazing. I love my iPhone!

8. Have you ever been attracted to someone that you should not have been? (Feel free to take this lame question any way that you please.)

No, not in my mind! You can't help to whom you're attracted, so unless you're a pedophile or something,.. well, I'm not!

9. Will you see the new "The Three Stooges" film?

Uh, no. Why should I?

Have a great weekend, y'all!

Fin.

Saturday 9: Stuck In The Middle With You

Link up here if you're one of the cool people today! ;)

Saturday 9: Stuck in the Middle With You

1. In romance, have you ever been stuck in the middle with someone?

 

Oh yeah. But now now, so who cares?

2. Which current commercial is the currently most annoying to you on TV or radio?

 

I can't think of anything specifically, but when I'm listening to the radio in the car, I hate it when a siren plays on the radio. I think there oughtta be a law!

3. What do you think is the most difficult task when it comes to Spring cleaning?

 

Getting started.

4. What area is your expertise in?

 

Apparently grammar isn't yours... I don't think I'm an expert in anything except making people shake their heads, although my degree is in the biology of the marine world.

5. Have you ever bumped into a former lover and found out they were now gay or straight depending on your relationship with them?

Yep. At least one guy I've dated is gay, but I've always had a hunch about another one...

6. When was the last time that you got stabbed in the back?

 

Yesterday. I was beyond livid about it, too. That's okay, I dropped a dime or two on the person back and now Rob thinks I'll probably get sued for it, but I enjoyed myself. I didn't say anything I didn't hear straight from the horse's ass, er, mouth, though.

7. For a few years in a row, you receive a nice tax refund: do you make an adjustment with your payroll deduction so they’ll take less, or do you leave it that way so that you can continue to receive the big check every spring?

 

The latter part. I know it's stupid, but you know what? We like it that way.

8. Do you remember the most naughty night of your life? (And do tell a bit, if comfortable)

 

Yes, and no way, other than that there were more than two of us there...

9. How would you handle yourself if you were regularly in the press and tabloids?

 

Probably badly, just like I do now. I ought to have my own tabloid.

 

Have an interesting weekend!

 

Fin.

Saturday 9: Forget You

First, let me just say that I have this whole album, and I have listened to it a bajillion times. Cee Lo's voice is like buttah, and the songs are swell, too. Totally worth every penny.  Anyhoo, link up here if you're playing along today!

Saturday 9: Forget You

1. Have you ever felt that you needed to just forget an ex-lover?

Of course. The guy before Hubs. He's probably the ONE bf I regret completely. What a waste of two years of my life! UGH. To think I almost married that... piece of crap.

2. Spring picnics and cookouts are here! What would you want to have on your plate as you head back to the table?

Chicken, but not BBQ. I hate BBQ and also blackened meat. (Sorry, Missouri-bred husband o' mine.) Something tender and juicy. I like corn, but I always cut it off the cob, because I can't stand stuff getting stuck in my teeth. I've been doing that since my braces days, way back when. And... deviled eggs. With paprika, natch.

3. It's St. Patrick's Day, March 17th! Do you celebrate? Drink Green Beer? Go out?

Normally, no. Never, ever. For one thing, I'm not Irish; for another, I have not-so-pleasant memories of TBFH (ex-stepmother) putting the four of us girls in matching green shirts and white pants, with green carnations pinned to our shirts, and having to go to school like that. And yes, of course I thought about changing or at least ripping off the flower when I got to the bus, but my step-sisters would've thrown me under the bus. Possibly literally.

However, we are having a St. Pat's Day-themed birthday party for my son today, as he's turning 9 on the 22nd and my very-Irish friends are hosting it at their house for us. However, we're having Italian food and Corona instead of Guiness, so, you know. It's all good.

4. Did you remember to wear green today?

I'll probably wear my U. Miami outfit, and there's green in that. I'll try to find green stuffs for the kiddos to wear. If it doesn't happen, my heart won't break or anything.

5. What phrase or saying do you over use?

"Totally." "Awesome." "Totally awesome." Okay, not really on that last one. Right now I'm digging on "totes" for "totally," though you can only say it once or twice before people start reminding you how old you actually are...

6. If you could (or could have) change(d) something about your relationship with your parents, what would it be?

Oh, God. I'd change everything about my relationship with my dad growing up. I was the "yes, Daddy, okay, Daddy, anything you say, Daddy" kid growing up, and it's still VERY hard and painful for me to stand up to him. But more and more, little by little, I'm doing it, and I'm extremely proud of that. I have lots of Daddy issues. We really don't need to get into all that, but suffice it to say I had everything I could have possibly wanted or needed growing up - except love, comfort, and safety. I've been looking for it in all the wrong places ever since.  And of course, I'd change my mom dying when I was 7 to still being alive and well today. Otherwise, I've put my mom up on this Pedestal of Perfection, and I don't like to hear about what faults she may have had. She was totes awesome.

7. If the NCAA Men's or Women's Final Four basketball tournament was played in your hometown arena or within easy driving distance from where you live, would you try to attend one of the games?

Not unless UM was playing, and then hell yeah!

8. No matter what's going on in your life, what always makes you smile?

The silly-smart things my kids say. I love hearing the incredible thoughts that rattle around in their young brains. So intelligent, but so screwy sometimes!

9. We've asked this before: What else is on your mind? Go ahead and rant.

Right this VERY second, it's the fact that I just singed my right hand pulling Jack (son's) cupcakes out of the oven, and my hand is on FIRE. I do that every freakin' time. I iron myself every time, too. I'm, like, one big scar and stuff.

Well, y'all have a great weekend. Don't drink and drive, m'kay?

Toodles.

Fin.

Saturday 9: Easy

Link up here if you're feelin' "easy" today!

1. Have you ever had a romantic breakup that was easy?

 

Easy on me, yes. Easy on him/us... hmm, no, I don't think there was one that was "easy" all the way around.

 

2. When was the first time that you felt betrayed?

 

Oh, gosh. So many times, I'd have to do some deep thinking to put them in chronological order. I'll tell you about one time that certainly wasn't the first, nor the worst, though:  My dad gave us each $1,000 toward our first car when it was time to get our driver's licenses at 16. I had saved up about twice as much as that, so we got me a nice red '91 Escort wagon in 1993, when I was a senior in high school and ready to start driving.  He insisted I ONLY practice driving with him. Well, he moved away that Christmas, leaving me alone with The Bitch From Hell (ex-stepma) until graduation. When he came up to get me, and the car, after graduation, we picked up where we left off. Only, he decided I wasn't ready to get my license yet and refused to let me take the car down to Miami for college. Fine. I was mad, but fine. Until he drove it into the ground and had to get rid of it. Little did I know, until I found out much later, that he sold it for more than we paid for it and pocketed all of the cash. I was furious!!

 

P.S. The next summer, I got my license. Passed on the first try, to his shock and amazement. So there.  And I learned to drive a stick shift without his help and drove that all over Miami, too. So there!

 

3. Do you feel religious beliefs should have a role in politics?

 

I absolutely do not. Well, I don't know. What someone's religious beliefs are in private may influence how I think and feel about him or her as a voter, but those same beliefs should not influence policy-making on his/her part. Is that unfair?

 

4. Are you doing anything special this weekend?

 

Yes! We are taking my son to his Pinewood Derby race tomorrow morning. He won first place in his Bear den AND the overall Pack race, so tomorrow he's racing against the whole District. We're hoping for a third win! :D

 

5. Oreo cookies turned 100 years old this week. How do YOU eat an Oreo?

 

I don't, anymore, but before, I would shove half a bag in my mouth all at once. Barely an exaggeration, sadly.

 

6. If you could change something about yourself, what would it be?

 

Physically, I would get a full body lift that I desperately need. Otherwise, I would rid myself of the scourge that is Bi-Polar Disorder. I do not embrace this disease as "part of me"; rather, I resent it and all that comes with it, and I would do anything to "cure" it.

 

7. Describe a time when you should have tried harder.

 

Hmm... I guess this past year, I should've tried harder to get my baking business going before giving up and switching back to selling Jafra right when things were taking off. I don't know what made me do that. Don't get me wrong; Jafra is an awesome product, but it's not something I created out of my own two hands, and I took so much pride in my work. Except when it failed, which I admit, sometimes it did... but I kept trying! Until I just... stopped. Hmm.

 

8. What is your favorite baseball-related movie?

 

A League of Their Own! Love that movie. My sister and I saw it at the theater with my Grandma, who was never a Madonna fan, and I remember her grumbling about Madge being as bad an actor as she was a singer... lol.

 

9. What is one lesson you have learned in the past year?

 

I have learned I really need to ask for help when I really need it, and to forgive myself when I mess up. In theory, anyway; putting those things in practice is easier said than done for me.

 

Ciao for now!

 

Fin.

Saturday 9: Look Out Here Comes Tomorrow (RIP Davy Jones)

Link up here if you're playing along today!

1. How much do you worry about your future?

 

Six.

 

2. Do you believe that anyone could be perfect?

 

Just one, and He's not here on Earth right now. The rest of us... we're only human.

 

3. Regarding your future, what is the best thing you could hope for?

 

That I'm alive in it, with a modicum of happiness and sanity, and not driving my hubs and kiddos up a wall - whilst they're driving me up said wall.

 

4. What's the greatest extent you've gone to help a friend in need?

 

Well, my sister's two daughters are pretty hearty and hale, unlike my own four kids who have all had their various illnesses (and death, in one case) and weaknesses throughout their young lives, so when her younger daughter took ill with a common childhood disease, she kind of freaked out. I dropped everything and drove all night from Virginia Beach to Western New York to be with her and her family until little H got better. I hope it was appreciated, because I had to wean my then-nursing son to do it! (He'd turned a year old the week before, so I'd already planned to, but still!)

 

5. What did you do lately that was really brave?

 

I stepped away from my various (11??) positions in leadership in the Girl Scouts on Wednesday. It broke my heart to do it on the one hand, but on the other hand, I really wanted and needed that, and I feel great since doing so.

 

6. What do you wish you hadn't let yourself do?

 

Take on so many things all at once last year, and let myself get unstable because of it. It's been about a year and a half since I've been stable (I'm bipolar), and it's kind of been hell on all of us with all the med tweakings and freak-outs while we try and figure out the right (new) cocktail for me...

 

7. Who is the wisest person you know?

 

My mama-in-law is pretty sage. I ask her for advice often, and she's always got good stuff knocking around in that brain of hers.

 

8. What's the most tasteless joke you've ever heard?

 

Oh, probably something disgusting and racist, which I do NOT tolerate.

 

9. What does your answering machine / voice mail message say?

 

Call it and find out, Willises!

 

Have a good weekend.

 

Fin.

Saturday 9: Do Ya Think I'm Sexy

Link up here if you're playing along with Crazy Sam & the gang today!

1. When do you feel that you are at your sexiest?

When Hubs is giving me that

 

2. What's your favorite magazine? Why?

 

Honestly? I love Martha Stewart Living. I love Martha Stewart everything. I love her!

 

look...

3. What’s something you do more quickly than most people?

Make decisions about my life and future. I'm pretty spontaneous in that "I know what I want, and I'm gonna get it" kind of way.

 

4. When do you first remember using a computer?

 

In 1994, when I went to college! Crazy. Well, actually, no, it was long before that, in elementary school when I went to my then-BFF's house. But 1994 was when I first went online. Crazy!

5. Who is the craziest person in your family?

 

Lol. Moi. Me, myself, and I.

 

6. What one thing are you craving today?

 

Sleeeeeeep.

 

7. What is your favorite thing to spend money on?

 

My husband and kids! If it's for me, then yarn.

 

8. What’s the part of your morning you least look forward to every day?

 

Waking up. GETTING up.

 

9. What are some rules you have for yourself that don’t really make much sense?

They all make sense to me, so you'd have to ask my husband that. And he's asleep. And you don't wake a sleeping husband. Unless you want him to do something for you, and then you wake up that mofo. I mean, he's not a baby, for Pete's sake.

Welp, have a great weekend!

Fin.

Saturday 9: Indian Reservation

Happy Saturday! Link up here if you're playing along with Crazy Sam & crew today!

Saturday 9: Indian Reservation

1. Do you enjoy going to a casino now and again?

Nope. Totally not my thing. I've been to Vegas, and gambled a little bit, but it was all on someone else's dime. Oh, and I've played the slot machines in Atlantic City and on cruises, but still, just a waste of money IMO.



2. What makes you happy most of the time?

You know the saying, "If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy?" or other variations? Well, that's true... but THIS Mama is generally happy WHEN everyone (the kids and Hubs, that is) else is happy and enjoying themselves. If we're doing something, and they're all smiling and having a great time, it puts me in a fantastic mood. :)

 

3. Are you jealous of someone right now?

Yeah, anyone who doesn't have to pay $65 to fill their gas tank!

4. You're stranded on a desert island with one fictional character. Who is it? Why?

My mind is a total blank. It really doesn't matter anyway, because it's an impossibility, so :P/

5. Have you ever been in the emergency room? If yes, for what (most recently)?



Pfft. I recently got two letters from our insurance company about HOW MUCH we use the emergency room. Seriously, my family is accident-prone out the wazoo, and we LIVE there. Let's see, my last visit was for... well, TMI, but excessive diarrhea for 3 weeks. I had to get a saline IV or three.

 

6. Where is the last place you drove to just for fun?



I can't afford to do that! I drove a big honkin' minivan and can't afford to fill the tank for joyrides. Now if I drove a cute little Mazda Miata or a Smart For Two, that would be a different story...



7. If you were to make your living as a photographer, what would love to shoot?

 

Pictures, I think.

 

8. Tell us about a band you like that we might not have heard.

I ♥ Vampire Weekend. You know them?

9. Where was the last place you went shopping? Why?

I was just at Wendy's tonight, going through the drive-thru for dinner for a friend who was at work. He paid, I didn't, but he didn't have time to go there on his own. Small favors, you know, they add up.

 

 Anyway, y'all go out there and have yourselves a great weekend!

 

Fin.

Saturday 9: Our House

Link up here if you're playing along today!

1. When was the last time you moved? Where to?

 

From Guam to here in Va Beach, VA, coming up on nine years ago now. Crazy!

 

2. If they were making a Hall of Fame for the blogosphere, name a blogger or two who you think should make the list. Why?

 

Mrs.4444 at Half Past Kissin' Time, because she's funny, thought-provoking, interesting, and an all-around awesome blogger/person (not that I've met her IRL, but I just get that sense).

 

3. What are couple of funny things you remember your parents saying? (Like, “They're starving there in China, so finish what you've got.” - John Lennon) Do you say them to your kids?

 

Not like that, but my dad often talked funny. He frequently called my sister Pinky Lee, and he was always debating which of us was Francie and which of us was Blintzie. When he was surprised at something he did, he would call us Aunt(ie) Sookie. He drank "a coopa coofa" instead of coffee. When it snowed, he would say there was "Schnae in ze owf [sp]!" If he didn't like something we were doing, he'd put his hands up high in his armpits and say, "Nie, though! Nie, though! Nie though!"  And so many more things. Yes, I use lots of his sillinesses with my own kids, and he gets a giant kick out of that!

 

4. What is something that has happened to you that you would consider a miracle?

 

I met my husband, who was truly meant for me. I believe he was God's gift to me; I honestly do.

 

5. What is it too late for?

 

Drinking the Diet Coke that I'm chugging down at the moment. ;P (It's 2 AM at the moment.)

 

6. What do you try to stay away from?

 

Smokers! BLECH!!! Instant headache, and I like clean air, thanks. But don't get me started...

 

7. When you get into a disagreement or fight, how often are you the first to apologize?

 

My husband will probably disagree (haha) with this, but I would say at least half the time, I apologize first. More often if it's with people other than him.

 

8. Tell us about a current issue that you’re unhappy with.

 

I'm going to go with a personal issue instead of something in the news, so I will say my string of migraines. Three-four weeks straight of daily ones now. Hi, not fun.

 

9. How often do you update your blog/site and why?

 

I don't know, at least a few times a week at least, and der, because I've got something to say!

 

Have a great weekend, y'all!

 

Fin.

Saturday 9: How Do You Mend A Broken Heart?

Link up here if you're playing along with Crazy Sam and the gang today!

1. How did you cope with your biggest heartache?

 

I attempted suicide. Hey, don't ask the yucky questions if you don't want to hear the yucky answers. I was neither the first time, nor was it the last time.

 

2. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital?

 

My husband, in November, when he was having his stroke scares and we discovered his benign brain tumor.

 

3. How many jobs have you held in your life? How many of those were part of your chosen career field?

 

Eight or so. Part of my field? Hm. There was my internship at Mote Marine Lab, my teaching assistantship at the U. of South Florida, and ... does the dive shop in Key Biscayne count? It was related, sorta. Other than that, they were just to pay the rent and bills.

  

4. How did you discover Saturday 9?

 

Probably from another blog? It's been so long now, I don't remember.

 

5. If you could take the train from anywhere to anywhere, where would 'anywhere' be?

 

Oh, I'd go cross-country across the U.S. I've always wanted a long train ride experience, with the sleeper cars and all that. What fun!

 

6. When was the first time you cooked for someone else?

 

I don't know, I was probably 10 or so. I don't want to think about that life, though, outside of my therapist's office.

 

7. What is the worst beverage you've ever tasted?

 

LOL, Jack ordered something like a Sprite with chocolate or something similar, at Sonic. It was gag-worthy. Oh, icky-puke! All five of us tasted it; all five of us agreed.

 

8. Is there anything in life you are "certain" about? Firm in your beliefs? Strong in your convictions?

 

Evolution. Anyone who doesn't believe in it, in my opinion, is stupid. S-T-U-P-I-D. It's an observable phenomenon. Sorry if you disagree, but, I think you're stupid for it. Heh. (Don't let the door hitcha... and all that.)

 

9. Do you know anyone who has as very unusual pet?

 

My mother had a pet monkey when she was a little girl. It died of pneumonia. Otherwise.... my sister has somewhere between 50-100 snakes in her basement, all varying morphs of ball pythons, and the requisite feeder mice and what-have-you. And she makes fun of me for having four cats!!

 

Well, that was fast. Nine questions just aren't enough; sometimes I feel like saying more.

 

Have a good weekend, if you're still here after #8. Haha.

 

Fin.

Saturday 9: Home

Bublé's so cute, isn't he? Anyway, linky here if you're playing along this week!

1. Do you live close to where you grew up? Why?

Hell naw. It's COLD there and Evil Incarnate abides there, still. No, thank you, as God is my witness, I will never live back in Syracuse again.

 

2. Have you ever been so angry that you almost lost control?

Almost? Yeah, uh, almost. Right. That's the word.

3. Are you a fan of a musical act that slightly embarrasses you?

Well, I like Lady Gaga and LMFAO, but I'm okay with that.

 

4. Is there a movie that always makes you cry?

Yeah, Steel Magnolias. Still ♥ it though.

5. Who is the most famous person that you've met?

Dave Barry, who is nerdy but awesome, like you'd expect.

 

6. Before you leave your home, what must you have?

Keys. Kids, usually. Clothes are a positive. Diet Coke. Chapstick. And last but definitely not least, the iPhone.



7. What do you miss the most about being a kid?

My awesome grandparents and being geographically close to my big sis.

 

8. Tell us about a passion of yours that your readers would not expect.

Picking Sophia (my 6yo daughter's) easily peelable nail layers. I do it every chance I get. She lets me, albeit reluctantly. I LOVE doing that. Weird, huh? 

9. At what age do you think you'd be to think, “I've had a great run”?

  

64, of course. My favorite number!

Fin.

Saturday 9: I Know I'm Losing You

Link up here if you're playing along with Crazy Sam today!

1. Have you ever still been in a relationship that you knew was ending, but you hung in with it anyway? If yes, why?

Yes. It was the guy I lived with before I finally kicked him out for busting my teeth (see previous post, The Dad I Sort of Had). The relationship lasted two years and sucked for about 23 months of that. I kept him around to help pay the rent. Honestly. I'm not proud of it, but there it is.

2. Tell why people around the world should be completely enthralled by you.

Ha. I truly don't want them to be. I have a unique personality, coupled with an esoteric sense of humor, and I like to surround myself with the ones who truly "get" me. The other ones, they can hang around, but we won't have much to discuss.

3. Other than where you live, what's your favorite city and why?

Parts of my heart still belong to Miami. I went to University there, I had some of the best times of my life there, and I have some really excellent friends still living there. It's beautiful, the parts where I lived, anyway, and I love the multi-culturalism. And the palm trees. God, I love the palm trees.

4. What is something you are really passionate about?

Tolerance for "The Other." I hate -isms in the extreme. That, and environmentalism.

5. What has been your most exciting prize that you've won?

In Grade Three, I was voted Class Giggler. I've earned a lot of accolades since I was eight, but I'm still the most proud of that. I do have a mean giggle, and if you can elicit it, props to you.

6. Do you think there was there a second gunman behind the grassy knoll?

I choose not to dwell on things about which I know practically nothing.

7. What was the silliest, most fun, crazy or impractical gift that you received?

I can't think of anything on the spot, so I'll share a different person's story: A girl I interned with at Mote, her brother went to the drug store on Christmas Eve and bought all the Fleet Enemas on the shelf. That's what he gave everyone for Christmas. I freakin' love that story!

8. What was the most practical gift that you received?

My red Kitchenaid mixer (no, we didn't pay that much for it!), for Valentine's Day a year or two ago! I do a lot of mixing, so I really needed it. And it's RED. Did I mention that? I ♥ it.

9. What blogger has been in your blogroll the longest? How did you discover them?

Hmm. Opening Google Reader to check... Of the ones that remain on my list, since they come and go on a whim, probably Goodyblog, because I was a Parents.com junkie at the time. I rarely read it now, though.

Hasta mañana, folks!

Fin.

Saturday 9: Nobody Told Me

Link up here if you're playing along with Crazy Sam this weekend!

1. When you grew up were you ever told how to deal with problems?

As in, was I taught coping mechanisms? Oh, God, no... which is why I'm a maestra flipper-outer when things don't go well! But that's one thing I'm hoping therapy, yoga, and a nice drug cocktail will do for me! ;)

2. What was your first apartment like?

It was awesome. Two bedrooms, one of which I subletted to a newfound friend I later burned bridges with, and then my BF moved in. That part sucked, but the apartment itself, and the complex, were sweet! Plenty of room, clean, and mine. First time living on my own, and it was fantabulous.

3. What was the first car you owned?

In September of 1993, I spent all my money on a '91 Ford Escort wagon that was supposed to have belonged to a little old lady, but when you looked at it just right in the sunlight, you could see the Coca-Cola logo on the side doors. Hmmm.... There's more to that story, but it's not the right time to tell it now.

4. Tell us about a crush or relationship that you had at high school.

Benji, my first major boyfriend, and I, were together for a year and seven months. It was a great relationship. (TMI: I lost my virginity to him 20 years ago ... and a week. I'll never forget the date or the fact that afterward, he looked me in the eyes and said, "Tonight was special.") In fact, it was, as was the whole relationship, until I sabotaged it. Because I'm stupid. But, it would've ended eventually anyway, as those things do.

5. Have you ever had an “enemy” in your life?

That's like asking if dogs like to smell peoples' butts.

6. What were you doing the first night that you got drunk?

I was 17. I was with my friends from work, all of whom were 25 or older. We went to one of their houses, and they gave me, like, 2-4 shots of Goldschläger to get me nice and plastered. It worked; I could barely stand up! Then we went bowling, where we bowled, played darts, and drank beer until someone caught on to my drinking. That happened a lot my senior year, second semester. I got drunk every weekend, almost, with that gang, and I also got the best grades of my pre-college life. Go figure.

7. Ten years ago, what was your job and did you like it?

Ten years ago, I was doing the same thing I am now. Well, kind of. I was a stay-home mom of a four-month-old baby, instead of a homeschooling mom of three youngsters, but you get the idea. I loved it. Chloë and I had a powerful bond, as a nurseling with her mama, and I took her to so many things she's no longer aware of. That kid got more culture in her first year of life than some people ever get! Ha. I was supermom then, or so I thought.

8. What movie had the biggest impact on you as a child and why?

Children of the Corn, of all things. My mom died when I was 7, and within a month, my dad was watching it on HBO or something with my 8yo sister and I. Hello, nightmares! I still shudder when I think of that movie. Really not appropriate viewing fare for children, but then, we had access to Skinemax for the next several years and took full advantage of that, too...

9. What are your plans for this weekend?

Well, Hubs has to go to work in the morning, but when he gets home, the girls and I are going to beat the streets selling Girl Scout cookies. The sale started an hour ago and already we've sold 8 boxes. Yay! Anyone need cookies? We need to kick boo-tay this year after slacking last year. =D

Have a great weekend, y'all 9ers!

Fin.

Saturday 9: Sam's Last Stand, 2011

Link up here if you're playing along this last week of the year! (And yes, I know I'm wicked early. I'm taking a break from doing nothing much to do this. Thrilling life I lead.)

1. Over all, how do you feel about what happened in your life in 2011?

Overall, it was a pretty cool year, and I'm good with what went down. It's only this last few weeks that have sucked bullocks.

2. Do you do New Year's resolutions? If so, what are they this year?

I have in the past, but I haven't really thought about it this year. I typically don't until the actual New Year starts, I think. I do want to start Couch-to-2K (again) and become more active, and I do want to be a better housekeeper in 2012. Should the world end, I want my toilets clean for the rapture, and all

3. In the past 24 hours, I have reconnected with 3 old friends that I've not spoken to in years. If you could reconnect with someone from your past who would it be, and why?

I recently have reconnected with a friend who I thought was out of my life since November of last year: Stephanie. I re-friended her on Facebook, and we've done a little chatting. I feel good about it. It feels right.

4. Do you have anything that you would have not done or done differently in 2011 as you look back?

Yeah, but I don't want to say what. Suffice it to say, I did apologize to the offended party.

5. Going back to my ex-friends that I reconnected with, one of them ended over a boyfriend. She called to apologize. Do you have someone that you fell out with you and wonder how they are?

Uh, say what? Anyway, yes, I do, but again, I don't want to talk about it. I do wonder if the person is happy and living a good life.

6. If you had a chance to reconnect with an ex (say for coffee), who would it be, and why?

Lloydell. We had a good relationship, for the most part, and we made each other laugh. It would be good to catch up with him over some cappuccino or something. 

7. One of resolutions [sic] is about weight-loss. Have you ever struggled with your diet?

No, never. I just ate myself into the Veruca Salt blueberry and then had a surgeon pop me.

8. What do you think was the top news story of 2011?

Ashton and Demi's split. Was there anything more compelling? Or earth-shattering? I think not.

9. What are your plans for New Year's Eve?

Same as they are every year: try to keep the kids up 'til midnight, maybe have a few snackies in the last hour, and go outside and bang pots and pans after smooching my husband at the appointed hour. It's our so-called life.

Happy new year!

Fin.

Saturday 9: I Will Survive

Link up here to play along with Crazy Sam this week! It's an appropriate album for the week for me, considering I am STILL sick and have gone to the ER for fluids twice so far. I've had to cancel or postpone so much, and I have begged for an early death (fortunately, to no avail...). Anyway, on to the questions!

1. What in the year 2011 has proved to you that you are a survivor?

Honestly, I'm going through some heavy stuff from my childhood in my therapy sessions now, having found a therapist with whom I have a strong rapport. After going through five or six different therapists since grad school, I have finally felt it's about time I am able to tackle these issues and know that I am strong enough to break through to the other side of them. Any other time, it would have crushed me.

2. Have you ever stayed online for a very long time waiting for someone?

Yep! My husband, during our brief, mostly web-based courtship. When he finally "arrived," the smile on my face stretched past ear-to-ear. More like wall-to-wall!

 

3. Are you REALLY ready for the holidays?

Present-wise, sure. But we still don't have our tree and decorations up yet, and I'd meant to do that on the 4th!!

 

4. Did you have an imaginary friend as a kid?

Nope, I wasn't one of those weirdos. No offense, both of my girls have/do. And yes, I think they're weirdos, but not just for that. ;)

 

5. What niche network do you watch the most?

We don't have TV, so none. If we did, it would be HGTV or the Travel channel.

 

 6. Have you ever seen the ocean?

This question literally made me snort. I'm practically a mermaid. In fact, I have recently been called a mermaid. I live for, by, through the ocean... I grew up with it and could never live far from it, ever.

 

7. Have you ever been hospitalized?

Another snort from me. Um. Yeah. About a dozen times, maybe more.  And that's not to mention all the ER visits!  I'm sure you don't want the boring list, which includes five abdominal surgeries. My core could stand some Pilates work, though I haven't done that in years...

 

 8. What do you think of the US Republican candidates for president?

I don't.

 

9. Could you imagine life without a computer?

 

Yeah, it's called, "Life before I got to college." Seriously, though, now? Wouldn't want to. I freak when one goes down. CODE BLUE!

Have a pleasant weekend, folks o' the interwebs.

Fin.