MelaniePenelope: Entries from December 2015

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Entries from December 2015

26 December 2015

Sunday Stealing: The 2015 Year-End Meme

Stealing today? Link up here to join the rest of us!

*~*~*~*~~

The 2015 Year End Meme

From the archives!

What did you do in 2015 that you’d never done before?

In October, when we went up to Missouri to visit my in-laws, I took my son Jack and went to visit my father-in-law in his hotel room. For about two hours, we had a couple of beers together and talked, laughed, and really related for the first time in 15 years. It was pretty freaking great. I will cherish that time.

Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

My only resolution for 2015 that I can even remember (I usually make a few) was to look things up more. I have always historically delegated that task to Hubs, so much so that in years past I dubbed him "Look-it-up Boy." Except when I haven't been able to do it, like when I'm driving or something, I've actually kept this resolution pretty well and have been looking shit up all by my big grown-up self this year. I know. I'm so proud of myself.

I'm still chewing on what to make my main goal for 2016. I promise it'll be just as huge.

Did anyone close to you give birth?
My amazing friend Erin had her first baby, Alden, with her husband Brian in March. I'm still ecstatic for her. Alden is nine months old today, and he's just the most beautiful wee boy!
Tell us a valuable lesson you learned in 2015?
I have no filter. I'm a blurter. I say whatever the hell comes into my brain, sometimes before I know it's there. I swear, my tongue has a mind of its own, with no connection to the actual brain up there. SO... sometimes this gets me in serious trouble, as you can imagine. After nearly four decades of living, I am finally starting to learn to shut the f*** up. It's VERY hard for me.
What was your favorite new TV program?

I really don't take the time to just sit on the couch and watch television, except for my week-nightly date with Hubs to watch Jeopardy! and, on Thursday nights, The Big Bang Theory with Chloë. I have too much of nothing else to do. Ha!

What would you like to have in 2016 that you lacked in 2015?

Better control of our family finances. We've never been good at that.
1. What dates from 2015 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
3. Maybe this past Wednesday, December 23^rd. We decided to bite the bullet and lease a horse for Sophia. She's taking English riding lessons and really seems to connect with Buddy. We'll be spending lots of time at the stables in 2016!
4. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
6. I really did not feel well for the better part of the year, and so my achievement list is woefully short. However, there were a few times when my family, my kids, really needed me to power through those tough times and be Super Mom. And I did. I managed to do what they needed me to do, despite feeling like utter crap. So I'll give myself a quick pat on the back for that.
7. What was your biggest failure?
I signed on to become a Master Knitter, about this time last year. Ohhh, that was one of my other 2015 Resolutions. Yeah, I accomplished exactly zero things toward that goal. Fecking health problems!
1. What was the best thing you bought?
In August, my dad took a nosedive, and it scared me half to death. Our relationship has had a lot of problems, but he's my only living parent, and I love the old fartacus. He wasn't buying any food and therefore wasn't eating any. Nothing. We pretty much flew up to South Carolina, where I promptly bought half the food at ALDI (first-timer there) and cooked for days to stock up old-man-size portions in his freezer. He's been raving about the food ever since, and I am SO happy that he's eating at least!
1. Whose behavior merited celebration?
3. I'm seriously proud of all my kids, but I'm going to give this one to 10-year-old Sophia Lorelei. As the baby of the family, she is not the one used to being in charge of anyone, or anything, else. And we have tried various athletic pursuits with her, because she is an active girl and needs an outlet, to no avail. So when I got this Groupon for the riding lessons, I could see something in her right from the start. There was a new determination, a new drive to succeed that I had not seen in her previously. She did not have the ability to control a horse when she started, of course, and these are very large, sometimes determinedly stubborn
4. animals. Not only did Sophia learn the basics of how to ride a horse in the latter months of the year, but she found something within herself that showed her the way to be firm, speak up, and take charge of a situation new to her. Way to go, girl!
5. Whose behavior made you appalled and disgusted?
7. Oh Em Gee, Donald Trump. Seriously, people, this guy could be our next flippin' President?!! You all have got to be out of your ever-lovin' minds to support this mother-freaking jackhole.
8. What song will always remind you of 2015?
1. Probably "Wildest Dreams" by Taylor Swift. My 14-year-old, Chloë Raine, is a huge Swiftie. Last Christmas, we gifted her with tickets to T-Swizzles' Miami concert here at the end of October. When the night finally arrived, my girl was beside herself. Absolutely beside herself with excitement. That had to have been her Best Night Ever (at least of 2015), and I'm thrilled I was able to be there with her.
2. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Math with my homeschooled crew. Seriously. Math. With my being sick, structured schooling time was a little less... structured... and Math is what we got a little more behind in than I'm proud to admit. We will absolutely be doing more Math in 2016. Heads-up, chirren!
1. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Sitting in effing doctors' offices, being traded around from specialist to specialist, giving way too much of my precious blood to find out WTF is wrong with me, and getting no real answers. That sucked. SUCKED, I say!
1. What was the best book you read?
The best book, hands-down, was Preston and Child's Relic. I have the next four or five books in the Agent Pendergast series to read next, and I just haven't taken the time to dig into them. There, that's one Resolution for 2016 on the list.
1. What one thing would have made your year measurably more satisfying?
3. Seeing a new place I haven't seen before... I really want to go to Cuba or somewhere I have not been yet in the Caribbean, because it's nearby and way more economic for us. Dominican Republic, Haiti, Saba! Rob, honey, are ya with me on the next plane?
4. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
From Lean On by Major Lazer:

"What will we do when we get old?
Will we walk down the same road?
Will you be there by my side?
Standing strong as the waves roll over

All we need is somebody to lean on
All we need is somebody to lean on..."

Rob is my somebody to lean on, and I'm lucky enough to have three more proven up-and-comers to help out when I really need help. Thank you, Family of Mine. Thank you.

*~*~*~*~*~*

And thank you all, too, for coming by here and reading these posts of mine that go off into the ether after I hit "Publish." I know I'm not the best Visit-Back Blogger lately, but that will be another Resolution for my 2016 list. I'm gonna work on it.

Fin.

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Posted at 20:57 in Bienvenidos a Miami, Book It, Christmas Bells Are Ringing, Come Sail Away, Freakin' Jerks, Funny $h!+, Horsing Around, Knitting Pretty, Memes & More, Sunday Stealing, Sweet Pea Academy, Team Odette, Traveling Broad, WTF | Permalink | Comments (9)

25 December 2015

Saturday 9: Happy Holidays!

Hey, y'all, link up here if you're playing along this weekend, too!

Saturday 9: Happy Holidays! (from the archives)

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1. As you can see, Sam loved giving her annual wish list to Santa. Yet some children are reluctant to climb into Jolly Old St. Nick's lap. Did you enjoy the tradition or were you shy? Or did you by pass it altogether -- either because you wrote him a letter or because your family didn't celebrate Christmas?

I honestly can't remember; I'd have to make something up!

2. Are you currently on the Naughty or Nice list? How did you get there?

Can I be on both? And can I remain mum on both as well? ;)

3. Did you ship any gifts to friends and family this year? If so, which one traveled the farthest?

Gifts, no, but I did mail out about 100 Christmas cards this year, and I would have to say the one that traveled the farthest went to British Columbia, Canada.

4. Did you buy yourself a gift this year?

Yes! It was about six bucks on Amazon, so a total, y'know, splurge. I bought this essential oil/tart burner, which I simply adore so far. My last one broke, but this one's even mo' bettah!

5. What's your favorite holiday-themed movie?

Well, my favorite Christmas movie of all time is Miracle on 34^th Street, but I also love National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Chevy Chase and crew bring the funny!

6. Thinking of movies, Christmas is lucrative for Hollywood. Have you ever gone to a movie theater on Christmas Day?

That used to be a tradition in my non-traditional family growing up. I remember seeing Home Alone on Christmas Day in the theater. But we don't do that now, partly because I strive to do nothing like that family era.

7. Have you ever suffered an embarrassing moment at the company Christmas party?

I have never been to a company Christmas party. I've never been to a Halloween party, either. I've never had a baby shower, and I didn't have a bridal shower. There, now I feel like utter shit, thanks. (I kid, I jest, I josh!)

8. What's your favorite beverage in cold weather?

Mmm, warm apple cider; I wish we had some right now! (Okay, don't hate on me since it's 77º at 2120 on Christmas Day, but I'm always cold. And right now, I'm freezing!!)

9. Share a memory from last Christmas.

This is Rob (aka "Hubs") ca. Christmas 2000, the year we met.

This is Rob last year, when he was all bloated from the side-effects of his brain surgery medications and, to cap off that awesome look, his regular glasses broke. He was stuck wearing these jerry-rigged goggle-looking things, which cracked me up at the time and also made me feel sad for him.

And this is Hubs this year, feeling a lot more like himself again. Looking good, Babe!

*~*~*~*~*~*

Thanks for stopping by! Have a lovely, happy, merry, joyous rest of 2015!

Fin.

Posted at 21:31 in Bienvenidos a Miami, Christmas Bells Are Ringing, Cinema, Fun Times, Memes & More, Saturday 9, Team Odette, There's a Rumor it's a Tumor | Permalink | Comments (4)

23 December 2015

Wordless Wedneday:

{Delicious food we ate at 15^th St. Fisheries Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for an early 15^th-anniversary dinner recently. Scrumptious!}

Wordless today, too? Link up here with 5 Minutes For Mom for more photographic fun!

Fin.

Posted at 06:22 in Foodie Delights, Memes & More, Photography Amateur, Wordless Wednesday | Permalink | Comments (2)

19 December 2015

Sunday Stealing: Christmas Q&A

Link up here if you're stealing on Christmas this weekend!

Christmas Questions Meme

{From the archives...}

1. Have you been naughty or nice this year?

I guess it would depend on whom you ask!

2. What do you want most for Christmas?

Call me cheesy if you want to, but what I really want is for my family to be happy, my house to be clean (har har, that'll never happen while I live with these folks), and Peace on Earth.

3. What is your favorite Christmas movie?

Miracle on 34^th Street; I haven't seen it in years! I wonder if it's on Netflix?

4. How many Christmas cards do you normally send out?

I sent out almost a hundred this year. It's one of my favorite things about the holiday preparation. I still have some to send; would you like one?

5. Do you still get a stocking?

That's all 12 of ours this year, hanging on the wall around our Christmas "tree." Yes, we each get one (including our angel son, Robby, whose white one on the bottom left I crocheted the year he died, and also including our six pets)! I yearn for the day when we own our own decent-sized house once again and can put up a true tree with stockings not, you know, tacked to a wall.

6. What is your favorite Christmas song?

"The First Noël," because my mom sang it beautifully, and that's a wonderful memory I have of her.

Following that, "Gloria in Excelsis Deo," because my grandfather and mother did a gorgeous duet of it around the piano annually.

Good times. Good times. *sniffle*

7. What is your favorite Christmas tv special?

Charlie Brown Christmas, because its message is heartwarming. ♥

8. What is your favorite way to wrap gifts?

Theoretically, I would love to use entirely natural and around-the-house found objects to wrap all the presents. In practice, it never works out that way, and I invariably rely heavily on store-bought paper. This year, since I have been so weak, Chloë has taken over the vast majority of the present-wrapping duties - even her own. Kinda sucks, and it breaks my heart not to do it a little bit, but it is what it is.

9. What do you look forward to most at Christmas?

Joy. Simple, simple joy.

10. What did you do for Christmas this year?

Well, it's ongoing. We do Advent all month long. I haven't posted too much about that, because of the aforementioned energy issues, but I have a little bit. We're most looking forward to the candlelight Christmas Eve service at church. It's a favorite.

11. Who do you want to kiss under the mistletoe?

I'll take this cutie every day of the week! #LoveMyHubs

12. What kind of Christmas tree do you have?

One day, when I can have a themed tree in every room, I'll have a turquoise-and-pink one like this beauty, here. In the meantime, it's the wall tree we have above. Thank you, Pinterest!

13. Did you take part in a Secret Santa?

Not in the past few years. Maybe I'll just have to organize one myself, for next year! I've never done that...

14. Did you go to any Christmas parties?

Yep. We went to the party at my daughter Sophia's horse stables this year. It was super-fun. I didn't faint this time, like I did at the Halloween party, so much less embarrassing. A good time was had by all, I think!

15. How early do you wake up on Christmas morning?

Whenever. We roll with the flow 'round here when it comes to waking up, y'know?

Happy holidays, Merry Christmas, Yule, Festivus, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and all the rest! Enjoy!

Fin.

Posted at 22:12 in Bereavement, Bienvenidos a Miami, Christmas Bells Are Ringing, Fun Times, Furry Friends, Horsing Around, Memes & More, Music to My Ears, Sunday Stealing, Team Odette, Theism | Permalink | Comments (6)

Saturday 9: Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer

For realsies, y'all: LINK UP HERE to play along this weekend!

Saturday 9: Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (1979)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

* * *

1) According to a marketing research firm, this song is both one of the most played and most hated songs of the season. Do you like it?

Meh. I used to love it as a kid, but now, I could take it or leave it.

2) In this song, Grandma's troubles start when she drinks too much eggnog. Do you like eggnog?

Pretty much the same as the last answer; however, a fortnight ago, Hubs asked me to buy some rum for his eggnog when I next ran to Publix. Obligingly, I ran into the Publix liquor store to do that very thing, and I found this bottle of Evan Williams Original Southern Egg Nog waiting for me there instead. The shopkeep told me, and I quote, "It'll knock you on your ass. It's damned good." So I bought some. I'm here to say that he was right on both counts.

3) In the song, Grandpa recovers from losing Grandma by drinking beer and playing cards with Cousin Mel. Will you be celebrating the holidays with cousins?

Sadly, no. I'd love to, but I don't know if the feeling is mutual. I didn't grow up around any of my three cousins, and now my kids are having the same unfortunate experience. Kind of a boo-hoo maker, but... it is what it is, I guess.

4) When did you most recently drink a beer? Was it in a bottle, a can or a glass?

I had a can of Coors Light at the U. Miami Alumni Avenue Homecoming Party last month. I never used to be much of a beer drinker; I can count on my fingers the number of times I've even sipped one in my life. However, after the (MUCH) better part of four decades, I think I'm coming around to that barlish and hopular elixir!

5) The lyrics refer to "pudding of fig." In "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," the carolers demand figgy pudding. Yet despite its popularity in holiday songs, Sam has never tasted fig pudding. Have you?

I've never been given the opportunity. However, I've also never been offered mincemeat pie. Given the choice, I'd much rather the former. Now, blood pudding, on the other hand, is completely out of the question.

6) Thinking of holiday sweets, would you prefer a gingerbread cookie or slice of pumpkin pie?

Pumpkin pie, DUH! (Gingerbread: not a fan of me, nor I of it.)

7) This song was recorded by a duo named Elmo & Patsy. It occurs to Sam that she has never met anyone named Elmo. How about you? Any Elmos in your life?

I, like many other parents of Generation Z'ers, have entirely too much firsthand knowledge of Tickle Me Elmo. Otherwise, no Elmos in my life, either.

8) Do you need snow to get "into the spirit?"

Listen up, y'all: I grew up in Syracuse, New York, where scenes like the above occurred every year for about all year save one day (which is barely an exaggeration). I need sun, palm trees, and warmth to forget about that particular "need."

9) Random question: Are you going to get/have you gotten a flu shot this year?

I did. It was quick and painless. The allergic reaction from my hyperactive immune system for the next umpteen days was less fun!

* * *

That was fun. I plan to get around to visiting some of you back this week, so, uh, comment and I'll comment back. (Don't hold your breath, though, because I suck at that. I'm making it one of my New Year's Resolutions for 2016, though!)

Fin.

Posted at 03:47 in Christmas Bells Are Ringing, Foodie Delights, Funny $h!+, Memes & More, Saturday 9 | Permalink | Comments (9)

13 December 2015

Sunday Stealing: Why Do You Want To Know THAT?! Parte Dos

Link up here if you want to play along with the rest of us thieves today!

Why Do You Want To Know That Meme, part two

Stolen from: Love me some surveys

25. List 3 activities that you can only enjoy by yourself.

Heh heh heh. Oh, you probably didn't mean that... okay, so:

a. Knitting. I love to knit. I wish I had more time to do it, because Lord knows I have plenty of yarn!

b. Checking email. Seriously, this is lame... Even though my kids are older now, there is still very, very little I do alone. This is actually a very difficult question for me!

c. Drink my drinks and eat my foods... kind of a solitary activity in and of itself, right?

26. If you could live in any biome (and survive), which biome would you live in?

I would choose to live in the depths of the ocean. I swear, I was a mermaid in a previous existence.

27. How do you like being roused in the morning?

No.

28. How was your day? What did you do?

I actually felt pretty good and had a decent day! I baked a bunch of cookies, and then the family and I went to the Christmas party hosted at the stables where Sophia, 10, takes her horse riding lessons. Fun times!

29. What did your last text message say?

"Ohh, yeahhhh..." was the last text. Exciting stuff, that.

30. Do you respond to texts quickly?

It completely depends on if I want to respond or ignore. Often, it's ignore. ;)

31. Who was the last person you called?

We have a weekly CSA farm share that gets picked up on Saturdays. Only, we're supposed to pick it up between 0800 and 1500, and I suddenly realized at 1505 yesterday that I never picked it up. So... I called to let them know I was running late, and I got our box. Phew!

32. List 5 things that are on your wish list.

a. Once again being homeowners, with a big ol' large kitchen for all the cooking we do. We're working on that!

b. Towels, bathmat, and other accoutrement to go with the new sea-traveler shower curtain I bought from Kohl's

c. Some new bedding from the Fiesta line... love it!!!

d. I broke my glass Kitchenaid mixer bowl again a couple of days ago, and Kitchenaid is so supremely awesomely going to replace the entire mixer with a nearly identical one for me. However, I would really like to get a metal mixing bowl on my own, because, uh... glass and me go together like peanut butter and tuna fish. Yeah.

e. There are a lot of much more graphic photos about plastic surgery after a humongous weight loss on Google Images. I'll spare you and share this one, because after losing 200+ lbs, believe-you-me, I need a full body lift. :\

33. If you were famous, what do you think you would be famous for?

Welp, since you said "famous" and not "infamous" or "notorious," I'd like to say it's for writing a kick-ass book or four. But since I didn't win NaNoWriMo this year - I didn't even get anything done toward it except actually signing up - I'll have to try again next year!

34. Winter or summer?

I'll live anywhere, as long as a Perpetual Summer is part of the package. Yep.

35. What is a quality that all people should have?

Compassion for our fellow human beings ♥

36. If you could have a large collection of one item, what would that item be?

I would have a room full of clocks. And maps. And shot glasses. Okay, maybe three rooms.

37. What have you been thinking about lately?

Sophia, our 10-year-old, has developed a passion for English horse riding lessons, and so... I've been thinking about how to fit a horse into our tight little budget. Yes. A freaking horse.

38. What is the secret to a happy life?

Honestly, I think it is cultivating an attitude of gratitude. It's all in how you take onboard what comes your way, process it, and release it back into the world...

39. What are some phrases you say often?

I had a friend who constantly said, "Irregardless of the fact...," so whenever I want to say "regardless," I say that instead. It's kind of my calling card.

40. Favorite food?

Pizza, but lately I am absolutely adoring the Pizza Hut Pan pizza with pineapples, a balsamic vinegar drizzle, and baked-in asiago cheese crust. SO YUM!

41. What is your wish for the world?

I wish that people would recognize the delicate, fragile state the planet is in and work hard to protect what natural resources we have, conserve them, save them, and reverse the (especially man-made) damage.

42. What are some of your greatest fears?

Something happening to my sweet family is my worst fear. My only fear, really. They are all, they are everything.

43. What is the last thing you downloaded onto your computer?

CeeLo's latest album, Heart Blanche - i'm a big fan of CeeLo Green, and I think my favorite song on this album is "Mother May I." Take a listen.

44. Most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen (in real life)?

When Chloë Raine was born via emergency C-section 14 years, 3 months, 6 days ago. I was very sick, on the verge of a stroke among other things, due to Severe Pre-Eclampsia. They brought her over to me on the operating table, and I saw her little tiny bump of a nose. I thought to myself, "Well, that is just about the cutest thing ever," and I fell immediately in love with that little girl. And then I threw up.

45. Spicy food: Like or dislike?

I can't handle spicy food. Like, at all. My entire GI tract is problematic, and even the mere mention of spicy sends it into a tizzy.

46. Scary movies: Like or dislike?

Hate. Hate, hate, hate. Can't handle that either. I wonder if my GI tract is to blame for that, too.

47. Do you like to travel?

Oh, yes. I was born to travel. I have incessant wanderlust.

48. Any regrets?

I regret that I wasn't a squeakier wheel when I knew something was wrong with our son, Robby. I squeaked for three days, but it wasn't enough.

49. Do you like rain?

I do. It's a good thing, too, since it rains damn near every day here in South Florida, especially with this El Niño season going on. The thing I love the most is that we see an abundance of rainbows...

Thanks for stopping by!

Fin.

Posted at 16:52 in Knitting Pretty, Memes & More, Sunday Stealing, Team Odette | Permalink | Comments (2)

11 December 2015

Christmas: Advent Day 10 Video

Yep. We started opening presents on the 9th, five days in advance of our 12 days of Christmas.

But so what? We're having fun. The kids are loving it. It's all good.

I hope you'll enjoy this video of our Day 10, the second day we opened presents.

Stay tuned for more Advent posts!

Fin.

Posted at 15:25 in Christmas Bells Are Ringing, Team Odette, VLOG | Permalink | Comments (1)

Saturday 9: Chuck E's In Love

Hey, guys and dolls! Welcome back for another fun weekend of Saturday 9 and Sunday Stealing posts! Link up here if you'd like to join in on the Sat9 fun this week!

Saturday 9: Chuck E.'s in Love (1979)

Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Chuck E.'s friends look for him at the pool hall and the drugstore. If we want to find you on a Saturday afternoon, where should we look?

It depends on the Saturday! For instance, this weekend, our afternoon will be spent at The Falls (a fairly cool local mall) having cookies with Santa, followed by the Christmas party at the stables where my daughter Sophia takes her horsey-ridin' lessons.

2) The lyrics tell us his friends know something is up with Chuck E because he's even combed his hair. So here's a question about your hair: do you usually use a blow dryer or let it air dry?

My cut is pretty much wash-and-go, so I let it air dry. However, when I want it to look really nice, I blow-dry it and use a flat iron to make it sleeker.

3) In this song, Ricki Lee sings that she spotted Chuck E. at the Pantages, a grand old Los Angeles theater. Nearly 100 years old, the Pantages was originally a movie palace and was renovated in the 1980s for concerts and theatrical productions. Tell us about a cool landmark in your town.

Here in Homestead, FL, in the Redlands farming area of town, we have the famous Knaus Berry Farm. I have yet to take the family, but it is crucial we get there to go for not only some berry-picking, but their cinnamon rolls are apparently to-die-for, too! YUM!

4) "Chuck E." is a real person. Chuck E. Weiss is a blues musician and DJ who hung around with Ricki Lee and her boyfriend ... until he fell in love. Have you ever had a friendship fall by the wayside when one of you entered a romantic relationship?

Yeah, I think it's a normal phenomenon, actually. You have a novel experience happening that should be making you feel good... of course you're dwelling on those feelings and experiences more than normal for a while.

5) Rickie Lee was once married to a French musician named Pascal Nabet-Meyer. Say something to us in French.

Je ne parle pas français, mais je serais ravi d'apprendre!

6) When her popularity was at its height, Rickie Lee appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone twice. Who have you seen on a recent magazine cover?

I saw Ellie Goulding on the cover of Shape or some other "body" magazine, and judging from the picture, I really was confused as to that cover selection. Sorry, Ellie.

7) Rolling Stone called Rickie Lee "the duchess of cool." Who is the coolest person you know?

Me. I'm freezing, actually, I'm that cool. ;)

8) 1979 was a good year for Rickie Lee, what with her big hit record and the Rolling Stone covers. But it was a terrible year for The Who, because eleven of their fans died during an Ohio concert. What's your favorite The Who song?

Either "Who Are You?" orrrrrrrr.... "The Kids Are Alright"

9) Rickie Lee moved to New Orleans, a city she fell in love with after a visit. Have you ever gone to a vacation spot and wished you could just stay there forever?

When we lived on Guam, it was like a tropical paradise on Earth. Some bad things happened there, pregnancy- and weather-wise, that for a long time colored my perception of Micronesia, but now... now, I am ready to go back.

***

Fin.

Posted at 07:24 in el español y más, Horsing Around, Memes & More, Music to My Ears, Saturday 9, Traveling Broad | Permalink | Comments (4)

09 December 2015

Wordless Wednesday: Christmas 2015 Starts With A Video

I decided to do a little something different this week for Wordless Wednesday and make a little video representation of our afternoon. I hope you'll watch it and enjoy a little lighthearted fun!

Feeling short on words today, too? Make sure you link up here with 5 Minutes For Mom to join in the fun!

Fin.

Posted at 18:06 in Christmas Bells Are Ringing, Furry Friends, Memes & More, Team Odette, VLOG, Wordless Wednesday | Permalink | Comments (3)

05 December 2015

Sunday Stealing: Why Do You Want To Know That?!

Link up here if you're stealing along with the rest of us today!

***

List 5 things you want to do before the year ends:

a. Bake Christmas cookies with my family,

b. Go to Christmas Eve candlelight services together,

c. Get our veritable mountain of laundry washed, dried, folded and put away for once,

d. Get everyone's Christmas presents wrapped, and

Buy more groceries and make sure we use up these ^^^ veggies & tilapia from the farm where we get our weekly CSA shares!

What color are your pants?

They're a bit more red than in this picture, but cherry red not tomato red, on top, and black on the rest.

Favorite motivational quote:

I have this posted on my wall, here in my little office area of the living room. Whenever I'm feeling like poo, I look up at it and remind myself to BE the good, etc.

When was the last time you drank coffee?

Last night, Chloë and I made a run to Starbucks. She ordered a Java Chip Frappuccino, I ordered an Egg Nog Frapp "Light" with Coconut Milk (minimal dairy for me), and I brought home a Café Mocha for Rob. Technically, I don't think there was any coffee in mine, but I probably had some earlier in the day... maybe?

What was the last thing you ate?
I've been eating a lot of ice chips lately, so that was the last solid "food" I consumed. I'm not eating much else aside from the ice! It took me a few days to realize I probably have Pica from being extremely anemic. :\
Favorite animal:

So, my favorite overall animal is of the sea: Shortfin Mako Shark.

My favorite land animal is the African Elephant.

And my favorite animal of flight is the soaring Bald Eagle.

Favorite song:

"Near You Always" by Jewel - though I adore that entire album!

Last movie you watched?
Well, I rented five movies (for FREE!) from the Redbox last night, but we only managed to get two watched (Paper Towns and Shaun The Sheep), but the one I'm really looking forward to watching today is the newer Vacation movie! Yes, I'm totally allowing my kids to watch it. C'mon, it'll be fun..! ;)

Any turn-ons?

Nicole nailed it - in that order, too!

Any turn-offs?
Arrogance, lack of sense of humor, and stupidity are my major turn-offs.

List 4 big words off of the top of your head.
Okay... extraneous, superfluous, garrulous, expediency
What are some meaningful movies?
Jodie Foster in The Accused, and

Gabourey Sidibe in Precious really meant a lot to me.

The two most important people in your life right now?

No. I cannot do just two. It's these four folks: Rob, Jack, Chloë, and Sophia. They are my life!

What are 3 things you want for Christmas?
I really, really want the Cards Against Humanity game!

THIS new printer, which Rob already gave me, because I desperately needed it, and

OF COURSE I want peace on Earth. Please, please, please, let there be peace.

When was the last time you read a good book?
These are the five books I just purchased from Audible. I hope I have time to listen to all of them in the next few months!

What was the last thing you studied?
I studied the ecological and functional morphology of the pharyngeal jaw apparatus of elasmobranch fishes, with this guy:

Dr. Philip J. Motta, at the University of South Florida in Tampa.
Do you have any nicknames?
Aside from Smellyann? It's pretty much "Mom," or "Honey."

Favorite kind of perfume?
It changes. Right now, I'm really digging my JAFRA blends, which have some fruity elements, a little bit of floral, and a little bit of ... allure. I can mix and match which one(s) I use, depending on my mood. Love them!

Do you have any international friends / friends who live out of state?

Yes, of course I have tons of friends (and family) from out-of-state, but I also have lots of international friends. Some of them, I have never even met. I'm hoping to meet Pammy, here, in the next few months. I have "known" her since 2004. She lives in Canada; I shall have to pack warm!

20. What is something unique that you do every single day?

I'm in a lot of pain these days, so I am trying to do gentle yoga as much as possible. Sometimes, it's a simple stretch or two. Other times, when I'm having a better day, I get more active. But I have a ways to go before I look this beautiful whilst doing it!

If there was a movie based on your life, what would it be called?
It would be called Does That Make Me Crazy?
When was the last time you bought a gift for someone?
I bought a drift fishing trip for Rob and Jack for Christmas, last. Shhh, don't tell Jack!

Are you a shopaholic?
In-store, not so much, but online... I have to be careful!

What are some songs that always make you feel better?

The #1 song to get me in a good mood, up and dancing on my feet is "Kiss" by Prince. Guaranteed.

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Thanks for stopping by!

Fin.

Posted at 15:48 in #BecauseScience, Attitude of Gratitude, Bipolar Roller Coaster, Book It, Christmas Bells Are Ringing, Foodie Delights, Funny $h!+, Gardening, Jafra, Kitchen's Callin', Memes & More, Music to My Ears, Organically Yours, Photography Amateur, Playing Games, Sunday Stealing, Team Odette | Permalink | Comments (8)

04 December 2015

Saturday 9: Boulevard of Broken Dreams

Link up here if you're playing along today!

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Saturday 9: Boulevard of Broken Dreams (2004)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) The "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" video begins with the gentlemen of Green Day dealing with car trouble. If your car overheated, what's the first thing you would do to remedy the situation?

Pull over!

2) Thinking of cars, lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong has had his share of trouble behind the wheel and was busted for driving well beyond the speed limit. Was your last ticket for parking, or was it a moving violation?

Oh, definitely a moving violation. I have no ability to sit still, but I get into all kinds of trouble when I move... ;)

3) Billie Joe says "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" was inspired by the Edward Hopper painting, "Nighthawks." Tell us about a piece of artwork that you enjoy. (Yes, the macaroni picture frame created for you by your nephew counts.)

I adore anything by Romero Britto, but I'm especially enamored of his Kissing Fish series of artworks!

4) Let's go back to childhood. Was the home where you grew up located on a boulevard, an avenue, a street, a lane or a road?

I grew up at 5 Buccaneer Bend, Baldwinsville, NY... that's a lot of "b"s...

5) This song won Green Day a Grammy for Record of the Year. What positive feedback have you received recently?

Gosh, I don't know. The only feedback I really get, and it's mostly good news, is from my husband and kids these days.

6) Green Day uses their Facebook page to let more than 32 millions know what the group is doing. What's the last thing you posted to social media?

This picture: We're having Drunken Pizza and Movie Night here at Casa de Odette... of course, the kids are not having spiked 'nog! ;)

7) In 2004, when this song was popular, Ken Jennings had a still unbeaten string of 74 wins on Jeopardy! What game show do you think you'd do well on?

Was that really in 2004? That many years ago?!! I'm in shock. Holy crap. Time flies. I'd love to give Jeopardy! a shot, myself.

8) Also in 2004, Lance Armstrong was in the midst of his own Tour de France winning streak. Now we know he cheated. Tell us about a time you broke the rules.

Probably for my last speeding ticket, speaking of moving violations...

9) 2004 is when Morgan Spurlock released Super Size Me, his documentary about eating nothing but McDonald's for a month. What's the last fast food restaurant you visited?

Well, I just picked up Papa John's pizzas tonight, so I guess that's my answer!

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Fin.