MelaniePenelope

Sunday Stealing: How Are Ya Today?

Hey there, folks. Link up here if you're playing along today!

Cheers to all of us thieves!!! 

How Are Ya Today Meme

Stolen from: Love me some surveys

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Okay, here we go. How are ya today?

This was me today: SLEEPY. I don't know why; it's been a very sleepy week for me since last weekend. Hoping to rev up tomorrow!

1.  Have you ever been so happy you felt invincible? 

u

Actually, yes: The day Hubs and I eloped, nothing could stop us. That's the reason for this blahg's link byline: You and Me Against The World. Unfortunately, it only shows up as "...wo," and I can't change it, or I'd lose all my connecting link-ups!

1. Would you ever refer to something as ‘bitter sweet’? 

Aside from these candy hearts? Actually, yes. I will be posting about this more next month, but giving birth to two beautiful, identical baby boys and then losing one twin was absolutely a bittersweet time for me. #Understatement

1.  Is there a person in this world you don’t think you could ever figure out?

Probably, but it's not my job to try to figure people out. I either like them or I don't.

1. When was the last time you were freaked out? 

The last time I was freaked out was a little embarrassing: We were at the horse farm where my daughter Sophia takes showjumping lessons. Her horse was lame, so she was walking him around the pasture to eat grass. I parked myself under a nearby tree for the time being. Right after I sat down, a black-and-white lizard came up out of the grass and bolted toward me, and then behind me, and then crawled up my right arm from the back! I was wiggling and screaming, and people were watching me! I couldn't help but laugh at myself after that!

1.  Do you learn from ‘every’ mistake you make?

1. I make a ton of mistakes. Sometimes, more than once, sometimes even bigger than the first time, and then I learn the lesson. So... maybe?
2.  
3.  Do you sometimes think that you’re too nice?

Absolutely. At home, I'm not at all, but out in public, I can be a bit of a doormat. I get accused of this all the time. But when I feel I am wronged, then I speak out, in a BIG way.

1.  Is there something you’re dying to tell someone?
2. 

Yes, but referring back to the previous question, I will never tell ______ that he is truly an asshole. I just may not mourn terribly when he dies.

1. Do you think you have a unique name? 

Ha. Melanie? Not so much, but people seem to have a devil of a time either pronouncing it when they read it, or spelling it when they ask for it!

1.  Do you usually try to find the good in people?

Absolutely. That is my whole MO, my quest in this life: Find the good - and BE the good - in everything. Sometimes I fail, but I try again. Always.

1. Do you look back on embarrassing moments and laugh about them?

Generally, yes, unless there was something hurtful about it.

1. Have you ever laughed just to save yourself from humiliation?

I do try, but as Hubs can attest, I dwell on those things for the next 20 years.

1. What are you doing in 2 hours? 

Hopefully, by then, I'll have cooked an amazing vegetarian meal. And so, eating??

1. What is the last thing you ate?

We received some more beautiful kohlrabi from our local organic farm, in our latest CSA share, so I bugged Hubs to make chips out of it. I ate them ALL. Every last one. In my belly.

1.  Do you love your job?

Mom to these three S'mores-munchin' knuckleheads? I LOVE it! ♥

1. When is the last time you showered?

I took a bath yesterday, so Friday, I guess. I'm due.

1. Who is the last person you texted? 

Sophie's riding instructor at the farm, Dani, to let her know we'd be there yesterday. Oops, she was supposed to be there again today, but I forgot! :O

1. When is the last time you were in a hospital?
2. 
3. Last week, on Wednesday, I took a friend to the ER. She was deadly sick. Turns out, she has the flu. Now I'm trying to come down with it, or so it seems. Nooo... I don't have time for The Sick!
4.  
5.  The last time you went out to eat, what did you order?


The last time we had food out, I ordered a bean burrito from Taco Bell. Does that count?

1. Do you tend to have a lot of those moments where you forget something that you wanted to say?


ALL. THE. TIME. I am the queen of saying jacked-up things. Ask Hubs. It's a longstanding family joke.

1.  How long have you known the last person you text messaged? 

Well, since that was the afore-mentioned fluishly sick friend, I guess about a year. She's still sick, poor thing.

1. Will this week be a good one?

Definitely. I intend to make it so.

1.  Anything happen to you within the past month that made you really happy?

It's been a slow news month, but the kids have been in the kitchen doing a serious amount of cooking and baking for the family. It brings me great joy that they are learning so much from their dad and me about not just academic subjects, but also how to take care of themselves at home and in the world around them.

1.  Do you prefer to take showers at night or in the morning?

Whatever time I wake up, I prefer to shower. Except today. Today, I haven't.

1. Have you been to New York City?

I was born near NYC, and my whole family is from NYC (both sides), so I have spent a great deal of time there, actually. Mostly Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Less time in Brooklyn and Queens, but I've been there, too.

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Thanks for stopping by!

Fin.

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Saturday 9: The Times Of Your Life

Link up here if you're playing along today!

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Saturday 9: The Times of Your Life (1976)

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

1) This song is all about memories. How far back can you remember? What's your earliest memory?

That's me on my beautiful mother's lap, and my booboo-faced sister next to us; I wasn't that much older than she was here in my first memory. The whole thing is a flash of me running from the living room in that house down the hall to my bedroom, arms over my head, screaming in laughter. I have no clue why I was so happy, or why I remember it so well.

2) The first line is "Good morning, yesterday." What do you remember about yesterday morning?

It was pretty forgettable. This week has been quite dull, as the last week of each month usually is for is. Come on, Monday (payday)!

3) This song was originally a 60-second jingle, featured in a commercial for Kodak film. Do you ever use film? Or are all your pictures digital?

I never use film anymore. I use my phone camera when I have to, but I rely heavily on my Nikon DSLR for my photography habit. I never learned to develop my own film, or that might be something I still did, but nope.

4) Who took the most recent photo of you?

Actually, it was just 90 minutes ago. I donated my precioso O- bluds for the first time in about six months, after getting the go-ahead from my docs. The phlebotomist was amused by my claim that I am a difficult stick; I always end up bruised with blown veins. He insisted on taking my picture to show the lab techs where I go that it could be done!

5) This week's featured artist, Paul Anka, was born in Canada and enjoyed appearing in a made-for-TV Perry Mason movies with fellow Canadian, Raymond Burr. Do you enjoy courtroom dramas?

I guess they're okay; why not?

6) At 15, Anka won a supermarket contest by collecting the most Campbell soup can wrappers. The prize was a trip to New York. Do you enter contests and sweepstakes? Play the lottery?

I don't like gambling, so I don't play the lottery. I'll occasionally enter a contest. I won a pair of Solo 2 Beats by Dre headphones in a Vitamin Water, which I gave my son Jack for Christmas. And I just won a Starbucks gift pack tonight! Can't say I never won anything...

7) This year Paul Anka performed throughout Florida (Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Clearwater and Fort Myers). The Sunshine State is a popular vacation destination. Do you have a favorite spot in Florida?

I live in Florida; it would perhaps be easier to name my LEAST favorite spot in Florida: Tallahassee, home of the Seminoles! I have to flip off the whole drive through from Jacksonville to Pensacola. You know it. #GoCanes

8) In 1976, the year this song was on the charts, an earthquake hit China. Have you ever experienced an earthquake?

That's the year I was born. Yup, I'll be 40 this year. Y'all are coming to my party, right? ;)  Earthquake... yes, I have been in a few, but only minor ones, thankfully.

9) Random question: Do you know CPR?

I had to go through a CPR and First Aid class when I became a Girl Scout troop leader. That being said, I would not be dependent on ME if it came to that. I just don't have the head for crisis situations. Hubs, on the other hand, is fantastic. He's who you'd want on your survivalist team.

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Thanks for stopping by!

Fin.

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Sunday Stealing: Puzzler Meme

What's up, fellow thieves? Link up here if you're puzzling along with the rest of us!

Puzzler Meme

Stolen from: Love me some surveys

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What time is it? 

Right this minute, it's 8:08 PM, a time that my high school boyfriend, Ben, and I dubbed "Digital BOB time." It was OUR time to think of each other.

•  Quick. What’s the first green thing you see? 

I have four bottles of JAFRA Nail lacquer on my desk in front of me. I have ugly feet, with stubby little toes, and I'm always wearing flip-flops. Those toenails MUST be painted. I don't know why; it's like a law.

• Do you like those Sudoku puzzles?

I went through my Sudoku craze a while back, when they were immensely popular. I'm a fan, but I wore it out.

•  Do you own a plaid shirt?

I have a couple. That same boyfriend, Ben, used to wear plaid flannel shirts in high school, and I stole a couple. They'd be too big for me, now. What is this, Ben Day?

• What’s your favorite kind of pie?

If you've never had (my) Apple Cream Pie, then you are seriously missing out on some taste bud delight. I love any fruit pie, though. I could get all kinds of chubby again on pie alone!

•  Have you read a book today?

Unless going through the stack of magazines that came in the mail yesterday and today counts - before relegating them to the donation pile - then I haven't read diddly. P.S. Does anyone want a thousand new issues of as many different magazines? Will not deliver. ;)

• Do you like going to museums?

I love museums! I'd be too timid to do something like this, though. I'd be afraid to piss off a docent!

 

•  Have you ever been to Washington D.C.?

• I have been several times. It's always exciting to visit, but I hate the driving there!
•  
•  Have you ever been to the state of Washington?

Not yet; it's on my "must" list. Hubs lived there before we met. I think he misses Rainier Beer as much as anything from those days!

• Do you like apple juice?

I love everything apple, juice included. My favorite kind was the big $10 glass jug of organic apple juice from the little organic shoppette in the Virginia Beach Farmer's Market. (Definitely worth a visit there and across to the fishmonger, Uncle Chuck's, for crab cakes if you're in town!)

 How cold is it outside? 

 

It's 69ºF here in Homestead, at the butt-crack of Miami-Dade County, Florida. Don't hate, but I'm freezing.

•  Have you ever taken a course in Chemistry?

Here's a little history lesson: At the University of Miami, I double-majored in Marine Science and Biology. I wanted, too, to triple-minor in Chemistry, Mathematics, and Spanish, but they wouldn't let me if I wanted to graduate in three years as I did. So I picked Chemistry. The short answer to this question is Yes, plenty. And I loved it. My sister-in-law, Jessica, is a Chemist.

• Do you like to draw?

 

 I like to doodle, but my 10yo daughter, Sophia, is always drawing. Sometimes she'll do something like this, with My Little Pony characters, while other times she invents her own characters with all kinds of background into who they are. Right now she's working on a story about some of those; I am eagerly awaiting its arrival in my email inbox! She has a bit of a loyal fanbase on Facebook with her doodles. I'm quite proud of her, as you can tell!

• What do you put on your french fries? 

That ^^^ is so true, isn't it? Historically, I only put a bit of salt on my fries, but I'm learning to appreciate the addition of ketchup. Unless I'm at a fair, and then I want tons of melty, gooey cheese and a whole lotta vinegar on them. YUM!

• Do you like everything to match?

Not necessarily, but I like things to at least coordinate. I love chaos and spontaneity as much as I love symmetry and order. Call me crazy (and I am)!

 

• Do you like mustard?

I detest mustard. I loathe and abhor it. No. I just can't even.

• Would you ever work at a movie theater? 

I don't see why not, if I needed a job and they were hiring...

•  Do you have a phone charger in your car?

Yes. Is it just me, or do they never charge as fast as the block in the house?

• Have you ever slept through an alarm?

Uh, yeah. Last night, I couldn't sleep at all. It was about 0500 this morning when I finally crashed. I set my alarm for 0900, and I missed it. I had so much today today, and I accomplished exactly none of it. GO, ME!

• Do you like pineapple on pizza?

It's my favorite, favorite topping. Hold the ham, please!

• Do you like to hold hands? 

Generally, only when I'm not in a hurry. I'm always in a hurry.

•  Do you want a tattoo? 

I don't know. I feel like I should want a tattoo, because I have piercings and those go kind of hand-in-hand, but I don't like the permanence of a tat. I am so capricious and want to change things all the time about my look, and I have so many ideas I'd want to incorporate into that one perfect thing, so... And that is my struggle. Haha! Hubs has nine and wants a hundred more.

• When is the last time you ordered from a catalog?

I maxed out my Victoria's Secret card around Christmastime. Sophia and I live in their yoga pants all week, and the three of us girls love their sports bras! ;) #AngelForever

 Do you know anyone who has a collection of old records? 

Hubs and I each had some. The Eric Clapton one was mine. Many of ours were damaged in our last move, from Virginia Beach to Miami. Those packers were something else...!

What’s the name of the gas station you last stopped at?

 

Racetrac, for $10 worth of gas at $1.69/gallon. Come on, 99¢ gas!

• What was the first song you heard today? 

"Kiss," one of my favorite songs by Prince. I have it on the I♥Radio 80s station today.

•  Have you ever gotten a magazine subscription as a gift?

Yes; most recently, my sister-in-law Gail gave us National Geographic. She gave the kids the Jr. version. Love it!

• What was the last video you watched on YouTube? 

Okay... please don't make fun of me. Okay, go ahead! I'm a huge fan of Justin Bieber's current, newist album. I love every song released so far. I was looking for an explicit version of "Love Yourself" on YouTube out of curiosity, but I couldn't find one. Lord help me; I'm turning into a 2016 Belieber! o_O

• Have you ever sacrificed something for someone you love?

Hey, listen. I'm a wife. I'm raising three kids. I have two dogs, and we have four cats. I love them all, so there is a lot of sacrificing going on. Most recently, I ignored the incredibly strong desire to pick up some delicious Publix cannoli in favor of putting more gas in the car. Sophia's horse, Buddy, is injured right now, and she needs to be at the farm every day to take care of him. That takes a lot of gas. The cannoli can wait.

•  Have you ever had your picture in the newspaper?

 

Growing up, I had in the paper a few times for various academic achievements. I don't think I have since then, but that's probably a good thing!

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Thanks for stopping by!

Fin.

 

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Saturday 9: Sixteen Tons

I very nearly forgot it was Saturday! Link up here if you're playing along today!

Saturday 9: Sixteen Tons (1955)

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

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1) 16 tons = 32,000 pounds, because there are 2,000 lbs. to a ton. Without looking it up, do you know how many ounces are in a pound?

Yes, sixteen. I do a lot of cooking, and it's hard not to absorb that fact almost without trying, therefore...

2) The singer describes himself as having "a mind that's weak and a back that's strong." Think about yourself. Which feels more powerful today, your body or your brain?

For once, my body. My brain is in pain, stupid migraine. I think I'm having caffeine withdrawal.

3) The poor chap in this song has money troubles. Are you good at sticking to your budget?

No. I'm admittedly horrible with money; I always have been. I keep trying my best, though!

4) Tennessee Ernie Ford snapped his fingers as he recorded this song. It's been said that while it's possible to snap your fingers of both hands, the noise is louder with your "dominant hand." (So if you're a rightie, the finger snap will be louder with your right hand.) Try it yourself. Did you find this to be true?

No. I'm ambidextrous, but I generally write better with my right hand (I write in mirror-image with my left hand). I can only snap with my left hand, though; my right hand does some weak impression of the act.

5) Mr. Ford appeared as "Cousin Ernie" in three episodes of I Love Lucy. What's your all-time favorite sitcom?

Hmm... Currently, it's The Big Bang Theory, but I think of all time? It's gotta be Three's Company. I was a huge fan of John Ritter.

6) Tennessee Ernie took the money he made from his performing career and invested in a California cattle ranch. Think back to the last beef your ate. How was it prepared?

I'd have to think back to August 1995. It's been that long since I committed to vegetarianism. It was probably a cheeseburger at the dorm cafeteria in college. My sister was upset when I went to visit her that summer. She made a lasagna, in which she always puts ground beef. I couldn't eat it. Sorry, Sis.

7) Mr. Ford passed away at age 72 in 1991. That year, Dr. Seuss also died. What's your favorite Dr. Seuss book?

My standard graduate gift: Oh, the Places You'll Go!

8) Gene Roddenberry also died that year. Mr. Roddenberry is best known as the creator of Star Trek. Who is your favorite Star Trek character?

I don't think I've ever sat down and watched any Star Trek, but I am a huge fan of George Takei as a real individual. Can I just say him? (Incidentally, if you're not following him and his husband, Brad, on Facebook, you're missing out.)

9) Random question: We're having smoothies. What's your favorite?

We live around the corner from Robeks, so my kids are always clamoring to walk over there and have a smoothie. We indulge about once a month. I always get a peanut butter and banana one, with an extra shot of whey protein and fake sugar. I have low-carb, high-protein dietary needs or else I'd be all about a strawberry banana like my son, Jack. (I do steal a sip of his usually, though!)

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Thanks for the visit!

Fin.

 

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Wordless Wednesday: Morning Glory

I snapped this open Morning Glory on my way to my appointment one morning at Sylvester Cancer Center in downtown Miami. That turned out to be the one bright spot about that morning, and I really needed it!

Wordless today? Link up here with Frugality is Free to see more entries.

Fin.

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Sunday Stealing: OLOGY Meme

Stealing today? Link up here if you're playing along with us!

OLOGY Meme

from The Archives

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MOUTHOLOGY
What is your least favorite salad dressing? anything orange
What is your least favorite fast food restaurant? anything where the main claim to fame is fried, four-legged animals
What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? Chain: Ruth's Chris, maybe?

Non-chain plug for my brother-in-law's restaurant: Sycamore, in Columbia, MO
On average, what would cause you to flirt with the server? hot guy combined with my being single
What food could you eat every day just to "get along"? pizza
What pizza toppings would make you hurl? anything 
What food is likely to get you "in the mood..."? none, but put some alcohol in me and...
What is your favorite type of gum to get off your shoe? uhhh, what? (I don't chew gum, by the way)

TECHNOLOGY 
Number of contacts you'd never let your significant other see on your cell phone? 0
Number of contacts in your email address book that are exes? Three, maybe
Do you judge others about the wallpaper on their computer? very definite yes
What is your favorite technology from the past that is now obsolete? Atari
Do you have stuff on your computer that you'd never want someone to see? I don't think so

BIOLOGY 
Are you right-handed or left-handed? I'm almost evenly ambidextrous, according to a little test I did in graduate school
Do you like your smile? yes
What's your best feature? my big brown eyes
Have you ever had anything removed from your body? not including biopsies, my gallbladder and all but one ovary of "the factory" as one friend so beautifully put it
Which of your five senses do you think is keenest? touch; the rest are crap
When was the last time you had a cavity? i have one right now :(
What is the heaviest item you lifted last? an empty Diet Coke can (you said "last," after all)
Have you ever been knocked unconscious? many, many times

BULLCRAPOLOGY (lol)
If you could, would you wanna know the day you were going to die? nope. yup. no. i don't know! and this is why we generally don't
Is love for real? of course
If you could change your first name, what would you change it to? I wouldn't, but I would change my name to Melanie Penelope!
What color do you think looks best on you? red
Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake? when i was three, my sister and her bff made me eat a mudpie made out of dog poop
Have you ever saved someone's life? yes
Has someone ever saved yours?  yes

DAREOLOGY 
Would you walk naked down a public street for $100,000? nope
Would you kiss a member of the same sex for $100? sure
Would you cut off one of your little fingers for $200,000? no, I don't consider mine vestigial
Would you never blog again for $50,000? hm. i'd negotiate
Would you pose naked in a magazine for $250,000? not even if Hubs was the only person who'd ever see it. wait. that's dumb. but only then
Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000? nooo
Would you give up watching television for a year for $25,000? sure, and for less, and I have

DUMBOLOGY 
What is in your left pocket? no pockets
Do you have hardwood or carpet in your house? tile, and every time something falls, it breaks into smithereens #mypoorFiestaware
Do you sit or stand in the shower? why would I sit instead of taking a bath?
Could you live with roommates? I have, but it's not easy
How many pairs of flip flops do you own? easily eight
Where were you born? New York
Last time you had a run-in with the cops? when my taillight was out
What do you want to be when you grow up? old...er

LASTOLOGY 
Friend you talked to? Toñita last night... no, I forgot we ran into Ed & Maria at the grocery store today
Last person you called? my OB/GYN about that damn left ovary needing to come out
Person you hugged? probably Jack; he's my hugger

FAVORITOLOGY 
Number? 64
Color? turquoise, like the middle depths of the sea
Season? Summer

CURRENTOLOGY 
Missing someone? always
 Mood? I have a headache, so I'm getting a little cranky
Listening to? Katy Perry
Watching? Sophia run in and out in a different outfit every five minutes (grr)
Worrying about? all that laundry she's no doubt creating


RANDOMOLOGY 
First place you went this morning? to meet with two ladies from my auction group
What can you not wait to do? cook dinner - really!
What's the last movie you saw? Tomorrowland for the second time, because I love it
Are you a sexy person? duh
Now that the meme's done, what are you going to do? Kiss my sleeping husband on the head on the way to getting something for my headache

Aren't y'all glad I didn't post that many pictures this week?

Fin.

Saturday 9: Love Story

Link up here if you're playing along today!

Saturday 9: The Theme from Love Story (1970)

In honor of Valentine's Day

 

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

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1) The very popular tagline for this movie is, "Love means never having to say you're sorry." Here's your chance to rewrite it. "Love means _____________________."

Good enough.

2) The movie was famous for a montage of the lovers frolicking in the snow. Do you enjoy sledding, skating, skiing, snowball fights, snowmen, etc.? Or do you just want spring to hurry up and get here?

No. Nope, non, no way, José! I hate the snow. It's been down below 50ºF here this year, and believe me, that was absolutely frigid to my already-thinned blood!

3) In the movie, Oliver asks his father for $5,000. The money is required for wife Jenny's hospital treatment, but Oliver is too proud to tell his father why he needs it. Adjusted for inflation, $5,000 in 1970 is $30,000 today. How much would you be willing to lend a friend or family member without knowing the reason?

Pffft. It depends on how much I could lend. If I was a gazillionaire, things might be different. But right now, five bucks is a lot when I'm trying to feed three kids...

4) In the movie, Jenny is the daughter of a baker who owns a little shop in Cranston, Rhode Island. Think of the last baked goods you consumed. Were they homemade? Did you buy them from a bakery, the grocery store, or a coffee shop, like Starbucks?

I've been doing a ton of cooking lately, and I also happen to have a pantry full of baking mixes for no real good reason. I decided to make a big meal with cake for dessert last night. My nearly-13yo son, Jack, wanted to help me, but since he has helped me so much already, I told him he could do it by himself while I washed the dishes. He did a beautiful job, maybe better than I would have myself! I loved the look of concentration on his face while he was frosting it. (True to form, too, he's been keeping track of how fast that thing is disappearing today!)

5) In 1970, when the movie was first released, California's First Lady Nancy Reagan said she liked it but was upset to hear Ali MacGraw's character swear. What's the curse word you use most often?

 

All of them!

6) Now 75, Ali MacGraw has let her famous hair go gray. She says she's glad to "look like a grown up." Do you feel your age? Or older or younger than your years?

This past year has been really tough on me, physically and to a letter extent, mentally. Right now I feel every second of my 39 years + change.

7) MacGraw and her Love Story co-star Ryan O'Neal are currently on tour in the play, Love Letters, and they're drawing big crowds of fans who remember them in their famous film. Tell us of another movie couple you felt had romantic chemistry.

 

I'm an 80s girl, so for me it's a toss-up between Julia Roberts and Richard Gere in Pretty Woman and Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing.

8) Red is the signature color of Valentine's Day. Are you wearing red right now?

Nope, I'm wearing this sweatshirt and gray leggings.

9) Because Valentine's Day is such a big day for chocolate ... would you prefer a large, solid milk chocolate heart or a small box of four assorted chocolates?

I don't care, as long as it's good chocolate! ;)

~*~*~*~*~*~

Thanks for stopping by!

Fin.

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Fin.

Sunday Stealing: Carry A Tune Meme

Link up here if you're playing along today!

Cheers to all of us thieves!!! 

Carry A Tune Meme

Stolen from: Love me some surveys

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Do you own a tablet of any kind? 

No, but if I did, I'd want a triangular one like Dwight has. My kids all have tabs, but I can't stand the smaller computing devices, personally...

What’s something people always assume about you that isn’t true? 

I am quite an airhead, actually, but I'm not dumb. I just come off that way. I'm more like the absent-minded professor type.

On a scale of 1-10, how much do elevators scare you?

Elevators don't scare me at all, actually. I'm the weirdo that jumps when the carriage hits the ground floor, to feel the sensation. Not lately, of course; I'd probably pass out. But usually!

When you’re upset, do you vent to people or do you keep to yourself?

It depends on how comfortable with them I am. I'm a complete introvert, but I come out of my shell when I develop a certain level of comfort. Few people see me at that level, so I normally bottle it up and then vent it to Hubs. With Hubs, though, I just let loose!

Have you ever watched a meteor shower? 

I haven't seen a complete shower, like this one; just or two "shooting stars."

Do you tend to put things off until the last minute? 

Often, yes. But I can turn out some kick-ass work at the end of that deadline, so normally it's a win-win.

How do you react to random strangers suddenly trying to make conversation with you?

OMG. I absolutely loathe small talk with people I have just met or barely know. I suck at it. Who flippin' cares?!?!

Do you have a lucky number? 

From the time I can remember, maybe about three years old, I chose 64 as my lucky, favorite number. I have no idea why or where that came from. All I know is that I am very mathematically inclined, and I love that about my younger self. Why? Because 64 is a perfect square, and it is made up of other perfect squares: 4 and 16. There's more, but I'll stop there. This number is significant in my life, and you may soon learn why!

Would you go out to dinner with Oprah?

Sure! I admire her. As long as she doesn't bring a cold. I already have a compromised immune system.

Did you ever play sports? 

Yeah, no. I'd be like the guy in the middle. I was a dancer, but I didn't play any sports for school, for example.

Do you feel guilty if you throw food away?

Oh God, yes. It was just about beaten into my head that waste of any kind was bad, bad, bad. I now abhor wasting, and occasionally now, I feel guilty because my kids think they must make use of everything or I'll get mad. Only occasionally, like I said, but it's a teachable moment - for me.

Do you think you could make it as a baker?

LOL. That's an older picture of my daughter Sophia, who'll be 11 in April. We like to bake, lots and lots, and I even attempted to have my own dessert business once. It was semi-successful, but I just couldn't devote as much time to it as it required. I think I could definitely be successful with it full-time, though.

Are you one of those people who are wearing scarves with everything? 

Nope! I don't get why that's such a huge trend, but it is, so whatever. I guess I just like as little restraining of my neck as possible?

Have you ever been in a castle? 

Only Cinderella's castle in WDW!

When you were little, did you ever play with Play-doh?

Hahaha, that's hilarious! Yes, of course I played with Play-Doh! But never at my own house; Dad didn't want the mess. :\

Would you rather write a mystery or love story?

What about a mystery love story? Anyway, probably a love story, since I'm such a mush, but I don't know if that will ever happen. I'm still working on that dang first novel (but I do have one book ready for editing and illustrating)!

Tell me about your worst fashion mistake: 

It probably happens every day! I am no slave to fashion. I wear what fits and is comfortable. If it looks good, too, then it's purely unintentional.

Do you hate it when people smoke around you?

Um, yeah. Just a little bit. :\

How are you wearing your hair right now?

When I blow it out, which is never, it looks a lot like Keira Knightley's, here. But with bangs. So, yeah.

When’s the last time you were sick? 

I'm always sick, but I'm at my sickest just about right now. Hubs says there should be a Venn diagram of all the autoimmune diseases in separate circles, with ME in the overlap center. It's not a good time for me...

Would you rather have OJ or milk with your breakfast?

 

I hope you meant orange juice, because I'm lactose-intolerant. I can only have one or two sips, and only before I start eating, please. (Yes, I am this much of a pain.)

What were you doing thirty minutes ago? 

Sleeping. Poorly, but sleeping.

Do you own any school-related clothing articles? 

I own a thing or seventeen with my alma mater's colors on it. Go 'Canes!

Would you rather call people or have them call you?

Oh no, please don't call me. I'll call you. Maybe. On, like, the fifth of never...

Can you carry a tune?

I do all right. When I'm not sick. Which is forever. So, um...?

Who was the last person who unexpectedly texted you? 

My sister, Stacy ♥

Whom do you text the most?

 

Hubs and I text each other all the time. Sure, most of the time we are next to each other, but once your kids are well past the spelling stage of getting secrets passed, you have to resort to texting. Hee.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Yay, I finished a post. Granted, it was a prompt, but hey, it took work to look up those memes! ;)

Thanks for stopping by!

Fin.

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Saturday 9: Sorry

Hey Beliebers and non-Beliebers ! Link up here if you want to play along with this fun Q & A!

~*~*~*~*~*~

Saturday 9: Sorry (2015)

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

1) This song is a plea for a second chance. Are you good at forgiving/forgetting?

I feel like I just answered this here in this space recently. Since I'm kind of doped up on pain relieving medications at the moment (forgive any typos or inappropriate remarks, as it's taking all my effort to make this post sensible), I'm glad to not have to think too hard about my answer! YES, I do forgive and forget easily on one condition: the offender has to acknowledge the problem, take responsibility for her/his part, and genuinely apologize. Otherwise, NO.

And yes, the image I posted above is random, but it was so funny I wanted to keep it... ;)

2) Justin asks his girl to "forget this." What have you done/said recently that you wish could just be forgotten?

Oh, everything. Literally, everything I say or do. I'm a neurotic mess, and I know I am so annoying to people. Hubs loves me and accepts me the way I am, and that's a big part of why I married him. Other people, I feel, really just don't like me. And that's saying it nicely...

3) Mr. Bieber says he needs just 6 hours sleep every night. How about you? How much sleep do you require to feel sharp?

Part of being a night owl neurotic mess is that I'm also an insomniac. I honestly don't know how much sleep I require, because my sleep so erratically. I have no clue. It could be four or five hours, or it could be 10+!

4) Justin prefers D&G underwear, which can cost as much as $102/pair. Sam may be crazy, but there's no way she'd spend that much on underwear. What's something you're willing to splurge on?

I also have OCD, so I'm SO complicated and fun (said no one ever), and one of the things that I'm OCD about is my skin. It has to be well-moisturized and extremely soft, clean, and well, perfect, or I can't function. Seriously, I just cannot even. So I splurge on my skincare products from JAFRA, using our Pro line as well as the (actual) gold-infused supplemental products. And my skin is... yeah. It's good.

5) He may be picky about underwear but not cuisine. He loves Big Macs. If we were going to McDonald's, what would you order?

I'd really rather not, but on the odd occasion where I haven't gotten groceries yet, and I'm super pressed for time and stuff, I'll swing through the McDs drive-thru lane and order a 20-piece McNuggets (maybe more) for the rest of Team Odette to pass around, large fries (I like the long, squishy ones; they can have the rest) for everyone, and probably a Coke for Rob.

6) When it comes to healthier fare, Bieber has told fans he enjoys snacking on bananas and grapes. What do you reach for between meals?

I'm definitely a grazer, so there is no in-between meals. I'll have a slightly hungry moment between sips of whatever I'm drinking at the moment (I have to constantly be drinking something or I'll dehydrate, thanks to my gastric bypass surgery) and wander into the kitchen for something. I'll eat a piece of cheese, or a banana, or hummus... Ooh, thanks for the reminder, I want to make some hummus up tonight!

7) Performing in Germany, Justin Bieber told a girl who approached the stage, "Ich liebe dich” ("I love you") and she fainted. Have you ever fainted?

The first time I fainted, that I know of, was in choir in 8th grade. We were all standing on risers, singing our little hearts out, and boom, from the second or third riser up, down I went onto the floor. Our choir director, with whom I'm now good friends with on Facebook, actually sort of sarcastically corrected me for not singing and standing up! I did not respond, so they got me up and rushed me to the nurse's office. I can't count how many times I have passed out since then.

8) As a kid, Justin was teased for being one of the shortest in his class. What do you recall being teased about in school?

In school, I was ridiculed for being smart. I was quite the nerd. Definitely not "popular." I was teased for years in the classes I had to take that were not Honors or AP classes. I'm not bitter about it, though; I think I'm over it. However, I'm still very self-conscious and self-aware when I'm in public situations. I'm paranoid that people are always laughing and talking about me. I hate it.

9) Random question: Will you be watching this weekend's Super Bowl?

LOL! If I do watch Super Bowl 50, it will probably just be for the commercials. I don't care about either team, and I couldn't really care less about professional American football. Meh.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Well that's it! Thanks for stopping by. And if you did, and you read this whole thing, then I want to tell you something. You've maybe been reading this blog for Saturday 9s for a while, and mabye Sunday Stealing, too. And you may know that I've been sick for months and have been really bad about replying back on your blog to your Sat9 and Sunday Stealing posts, though I've been promising to do just that. I have to apologize. I really am sorry. Truly. But I'm getting exponentially sicker, and I'm not taking things even day by day anymore.

Now it's hour by hour, and sometimes minute by minute. It's killing me. Literally, I honestly feel like I am going to die and they will figure out what's wrong with my autopsy. I have yet another doctor appointment on Monday, and I am trying to get in with an Infectious Diseases specialist here in Miami to get things figured out. I think it's mold, which I've been jokingly suggesting to Hubs since the beginning of this. Now I think it's forreal, folks. Gah. If you pray, please pray; if you don't, please think good thinks and said positive vibes, juju, or whatever our way. Thank you. Peace out.

Fin.

 

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