If it's good enough for them...

A while back, I tagged a bunch of fellow bloggers to answer some questions. I was thinking it's only fair I answer them myself!

1. You have been awarded the time off from work and an all-expenses paid week anywhere in the United States. The catch is that it must be somewhere you have not been before. Where do you choose to visit?
Hands down, Hawaii. Every time I see photos of it, it looks so amazingly beautiful. I would love to relax there, walk on the beach, play with my camera...

2. Name three of your guilty pleasures.
Magazines - there's something about the non-commitment of a magazine, the fact that you can pick it up and put it down whenever the mood strikes you and not have to worry you'll forget what happens if a long time passes before you pick it up again. Yankee Candles - my inability to choose just a couple leads to an obscene stash of votives in the closet, but they all smell so wonderful and I just can't help but to restock with the new scents that come out each season. Cafe World - It is a silly game on Facebook but it allows me to interact with some of my friends on a nearly daily basis and interaction with friends is never a bad thing.

3. The best kind of Girl Scout Cookie is:
Thin Mints are great, especially chilled. And I love the simplicity of Trefoils (shortbread is so underrated!). But if I had to choose just one to to have for the rest of my life, it would have to be Tagalongs. I am powerless to the lure of peanut butter and chocolate.

4. What do you value most in other people?
Accountability. As the years go by, more and more, I find that accountability is the root of all the other characteristics I value. When people are accountable, they make the effort to nurture their relationships. They don't make promises they won't try their very best to keep. They show up and they don't bail out. They own their choices, good or bad, without making excuses. They realize the importance of sincerity, of kindness, of hard work. When I look at those I choose to fill my life now, each of them is accountable, and they are all awesome people.

5. Be honest. Do you sneak some raw cookie dough when you're baking cookies?
I really don't. The texture just doesn't appeal to me. I prefer cookies warm & chewy from the oven.

6. Have you ever looked back at your life and realized that something you thought was a bad thing was actually a blessing in disguise?
Plenty of times. Some big, some (in retrospective) small. It doesn't always show itself right away. Or maybe that sometimes it just takes a while before we're ready to see it. I don't necessarily think bad things happen "for a reason" but I do believe good things can come from the bad, whether it's a lesson I learn about myself, the new strength I gain as a result of enduring, or an unbelievable gift that I wouldn't have been able to receive otherwise.

7. What is the most beautiful place you've ever visited?
Sequoia National Forest is awe-inspiring. Autumn in New England is glorious. But the most beautiful thing I have ever seen is the Pacific Ocean.

8. Are you more of a thinker or a feeler? 
I'm not sure how exactly to answer this. I am a thinker, but I often find myself thinking about my feelings...

9. Name three things you are thankful for right now.
My fiance, who is thoughtful, funny, protective, responsible, and smarter than he gives himself credit for. My friends - I have, absolutely, the greatest group of friends a girl could ask for, people who listen when I'm ready to talk, jump at the chance to celebrate with me, and they make me laugh all the time. This life - and I am not just saying that. I look around at all I have and I get so overwhelmed with gratitude, because there was a time, not that long ago, that I thought I would never reach this place.

10. Have you ever participated in a three-legged race?
Many many years ago, at the annual church picnic. To this day, I have no idea how I didn't injure myself, given my lack of...errr...grace.

11. When you are at an event that plays the National Anthem, do you place your hand over your heart?
Absolutely. And I keep my eyes on the flag. And I sing along. And I get very very annoyed by people who keep their hats on or don't stand up or who talk through the whole thing. No wonder the rest of the world thinks we're spoiled, self-centered, arrogant brats.

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Where apparently I am it.

It's been ages since someone "tagged" me to do a post, but tagged I was, back in February. I've had it open in a tab since then--that is one of my favorite features of Chrome, that it remembers the tabs I have open until I decide to close them, no matter how many times I close my browser--and I finally have the time to see to this. The idea is to answer the questions asked, then tag some more people to answer questions of my own.

1. What dreams have you achieved?
Are you kidding me? I am living the dream. We just bought a house. We're getting married in the fall. My dream was to have a happy life...and I do.

2. What dreams have you yet to achieve?
I don't know that I have any big lofty dreams left. Which sounds bad, but it really isn't. My dreams are mostly of the small variety, like visiting every Major League ballpark at least once, meeting a few of my longtime internet-made friends in person finally, see some more of the United States. The biggest of my goals is to finish paying off some debt. The biggest of my daydreams is to visit Hawaii someday. And someday, God willing, I would like to be a mother.

3. Have you lost any friends that you used to have and you wish you could get them back?
No. If someone is no longer a friend, it was a calculated decision on my part. There was a reason it was better we part ways.

4. What was your favorite car?
I loved my first car. A little black 1998 Nissan Altima. I loved the way it looked when it was freshly washed. I loved how it drove. I loved that it was all mine.

5. What was your favorite job?
There have been parts I've loved about every job I've had...and parts I haven't liked so much. Of all my jobs, I liked working in food service the least by far, but I don't think I could pick a true favorite.

6. Do you look forward to going to your current job?
Most of the time. I very rarely dread it...and when I do, it's usually because I am due for a vacation. Everyone needs some time to recharge.

7. Since you started blogging, what has been your favorite post by you?
I have a dozen I have actually tagged as favorites, but I think my very favorite of them all *might* be "Where I'm From."

8. By others?
Oh wow. I've read so many. I usually share them on Facebook. I don't think a specific one actually comes to mind though.

9. What is your favorite side to a good roast?
Ummm... whatever side is moist and tasty and on my plate?

10. What is your favorite zoo animal and why?
I think the "big cats" are very regal and giraffes are interesting to watch move around, but when I am at Disney's Animal Kingdom, I can lose large chunks of time watching the white-cheeked gibbons. They completely fascinate me.

11. If you could go to space, what in particular would you like to see?
I think I would just like to see the earth from above. I loved the feeling of perspective I got from hiking under the sequoias on my Christmas vacation, and I think the same sort of perspective could be gained in reverse from viewing this planet from afar. Truth be told though, I don't think I would do well with space travel and that would weightless thing. I figure if I can't even stomach "Mission Space" at Epcot, taking off in a space shuttle likely wouldn't be a good plan.

I don't think I can make it to quite eleven more people, but how about: Rachel, Krystyn, Stripeycat, Chele, Rebecca, Suzy, and G (consider this your nudge, since we agreed to encourage one another with our blogging!)

And for their eleven questions:

1. You have been awarded the time off from work and an all-expenses paid week anywhere in the United States. The catch is that it must be somewhere you have not been before. Where do you choose to visit?

2. Name three of your guilty pleasures.

3. The best kind of Girl Scout Cookie is:

4. What do you value most in other people?

5. Be honest. Do you sneak some raw cookie dough when you're baking cookies?

6. Have you ever looked back at your life and realized that something you thought was a bad thing was actually a blessing in disguise?

7. What is the most beautiful place you've ever visited?

8. Are you more of a thinker or a feeler?

9. Name three things you are thankful for right now.

10. Have you ever participated in a three-legged race?

11. When you are at an event that plays the National Anthem, do you place your hand over your heart?

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Have you ever?

G says it's my turn to bold the things I've done. I do what I'm told. Also, my brain doesn't want to turn jumbled thought into coherent sentences. I'll make it up to you by tossing in some of my own commentary (that's the part in red).

1. Started your own blog - Fairly obvious, no?

2. Slept under the stars - I am so NOT an outdoorsy sort of girl. I like my bed. And my creature comforts. And a lack of bugs.

3. Played in a band - I was in band from fourth grade til I graduated high school. Does that count?

4. Visited Hawaii - I would *love* to. It's on my Bucket List.

5. Watched a meteor shower - I have but the visibility wasn't the best. I'd love to see one on a clear night in an open area.

6. Given more than you can afford to charity - I try not to do anything "more than I can afford." Makes me anxious.

7. Been to Disney World - The question isn't have I been to Disney World. It's how many times? (I've lost count.)

8. Climbed a mountain - I'm not really compelled to even consider this.

9. Held a praying mantis - I have observed a praying mantis. I was not so much inclined to touch him, though. We regarded each other with curiosity from a respectable distance.

10. Sang a solo - Not. A. Chance.

11. Bungee jumped - Even less of a chance than me singing a solo.

12. Visited Paris - There are so many other places I would rather see.

13. Watched a lightning storm - Many many times. They are practically a daily occurrence here in the Summer. And when they take out your electricity, there aren't many other options. Especially at night.

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch - I don't think I have...

15. Adopted a child - I have not. I think it's an amazing thing to do though.

16. Had food poisoning - Indeed. I probably don't need to elaborate.

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty - I've seen it from a distance, years ago. I don't think they let you climb to the top anymore, though.

18. Grown your own vegetables - More like I helped my Gramp grow vegetables, back in the day. I'd like to attempt it on my own.

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France - Nope. Sometimes I think true appreciation of that type of art is lost on me.

20. Slept on an overnight train - The only trains I have ever been on are the ones found in Disney parks. Or the subway type found in big cities.

21. Had a pillow fight - One may or may not have taken place on the eve of Alison's wedding. I'll never tell.

22. Hitch hiked - There is NO way.

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill - I have, on rare occasion. I try not to very often, because I feel like it tempts fate & I really don't like to not feel well.

24. Built a snow fort - It left a lot to be desired (some are mighty impressive!) but I think all kids from New England build snow forts & snowmen at some point.

25. Held a lamb - At Camp Koinonia in the fifth or sixth grade! His name was Myogi. I don't recall if he was all that thrilled about it.

26. Gone skinny dipping - I am not that girl.

27. Run a Marathon - I'm not this girl either.

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice - The only times I've been out of the country, I went to Canada.

29. Seen a total eclipse - I can't bold this one because while I have seen eclipses, I don't know if they were *total* eclipses.

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset - Both. Many times. One of my very favorite things.

31. Hit a home run - I have watched many of them. I have a better shot at buying a winning lottery ticket than hitting one myself. I am probably the least athletic human being alive.

32. Been on a cruise - I go back & forth on this one. Wanting to, I mean. I would be a wreck if we hit rough waters (my stomach does not agree with that kind of choppy activity--plus, have you not seen the video coverage on the news or YouTube?? terrifying!) & every time I think I might consider it one day, some cruise ship breaks down out at sea, leaving the passengers with no running water or electricity for several days while awaiting rescue, or there is some massive gastrointestinal plague that hits the entire ship... I am so ambivalent.

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person - From the Canadian side. (See Number 28.)

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors - Only the ancestors I actually knew. Which I am thinking is probably not what this means.

35. Seen an Amish community - Not in person.

36. Taught yourself a new language - Taught myself?? No.

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied - Financial satisfaction is a state of mind, I think. I can live comfortably within the means I have. For me, that equates to being "truly satisfied." The rest is bonus.

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person - Not unless it can be found in the top two-thirds of North America. ;-)

39. Gone rock climbing - No thanks.

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David - Now *this* I could appreciate.

41. Sung karaoke - The only places I sing are a) alone in my car, b) in church and c) when I'm being goofy at home (lucky Troy).

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt - No but I wouldn't mind at some point, if the opportunity arose.

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant - Not a meal. I did pay for the two people behind me in a Dunkin Donuts a few times though.

44. Visited Africa - This is just so totally NOT my scene. Unless you mean at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight - Walked on a beach. Walked by moonlight. But never on a beach by moonlight.

46. Been transported in an ambulance - I am thankful there has never been a reason to be.

47. Had your portrait painted - Chalked. Drawn with marker. Not actually *painted* though.

48. Gone deep sea fishing - Nah. Not interested.

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris - I refer you back to Number 12.

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling - I am more of a walk-on-the-beach girl.

52. Kissed in the rain - Not like in the movies or anything.

53. Played in the mud - Ew. Why would I want to do that?

54. Gone to a drive-in theater - Can you believe I've *never* been to one??

55. Been in a movie - Uh, no.

56. Visited the Great Wall of China - Only in the movie in the China pavilion at Epcot.

57. Started a business - I wouldn't even know where to begin!

58. Taken a martial arts class - Too much physical contact for me. Also? I am a baby about pain.

59. Visited Russia - I really think I am more of a "visit through the photos of others" type girl. I feel like I should *want* to say "ohmigosh, I WISH!!" but I really just... ::shrug::

60. Served at a soup kitchen - I have donated goods many times.

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies - I *purchase* Girl Scout Cookies. Yum.

62. Gone whale watching - Once. We never saw any. I've never had the desire to go again.

63. Got flowers for no reason - Yes, on rare enough occasion that it makes receiving them truly special.

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma - Only to my doctors when they demand it. ;-)

65. Gone sky diving - This is on par with Number 11.

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp - Oh...um...no.

67. Bounced a check - Completely on my own, not since I was a much younger girl. Lesson was learned. In a joint account over which I had, at most, fifty percent control? I'd rather not go into detail. We will say with certainty, barring some extreme circumstances, I do not ever expect that to happen again.

68. Flown in a helicopter - Plenty of (large) planes. No helicopters.

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy - Yes. I have a Cabbage Patch Kid tucked safely away in a box.

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial - I was too young to appreciate it. I want to go back. Very badly.

71. Eaten Caviar - Not a fan. A bit too salty for my palette & the texture was...weird.

72. Pieced a quilt - I would love to learn!

73. Stood in Times Square - More than once. I guess I wasn't all that impressed?

74. Toured the Everglades - There are bugs & gators & enormous snakes in there! ::shudder::

75. Been fired from a job - Yes. By a crazy boss. Even the guy who followed up on my unemployment claim thought so.

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London - No. But I've seen the changing of the guard at Arlington. Another thing I would like to witness again, this time through the eyes of an adult.

77. Broken a bone - I don't believe so. I think they were all just bad strains or sprains.

78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle - Motorcycles frighten me.

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person - Only from an airplane. It was covered in snow & so unbelievably beautiful. Maybe one day from the ground.

80. Published a book - So many seem to have this dream. I will leave the publishing to my brother and sister-in-law.

81. Visited the Vatican - Boy, this thing keeps insisting I may have left North America at some point.

82. Bought a brand new car - Bought once. Leased once. The current one is a purchased pre-owned.

83. Walked in Jerusalem - I honestly think I would be too worried about my safety to fully take it all in.

84. Had your picture in the newspaper - Taken with my Gramp when I was maybe 7 or 8, helping him at the farmers market.

85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve - I don't even want a stranger to get too far into my personal space. Interpret that as you will.

86. Visited the White House - We only saw it from the outside.

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating - I am a big fan of eating meat. I am not a big fan of actually seeing where it came from or how it arrived on my plate.

88. Had chickenpox - I was in the eighth grade. I had a terrible case. I have the scars to prove it. Incidentally, my brother gave it to me. I think he had a half dozen pox over a long weekend. I missed two weeks of school. Brat.

89. Saved someone’s life - Not that I am aware of.

90. Sat on a jury - I have. It was an intriguing, humbling experience I think everyone should have.

91. Met someone famous - I talked to an honest-to-God primetime television actor on the phone once, and not only was I unimpressed, I totally thought he was making it up. (He wasn't.)

92. Joined a book club - I don't read well under pressure. The second I "have" to read something, I lose interest.

93. Got a tattoo - I'll pass. (Remember what I said about pain & being a baby?)

94. Had a baby - Perhaps one day...

95. Seen the Alamo in person - No! But I would love to!

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake - To give you an idea: I just curled my lip at the thought of it.

97. Been involved in a law suit - Thankfully, no.

98. Owned a cell phone - I've owned several.

99. Been stung by a bee - Not just once, but twice! On the same foot! I was standing at the edge of the garden, talking to Gramp. It was Summer. I was barefoot. There was clover all over the place on my grandparents' property. Honey bees *love* clover. I stepped out of the dirt & into the grass...and onto a bee, who promptly stung me. (I can't blame him.) I jumped off him. I landed on another. (He wasn't any more pleased than the first one.) I also was bitten on the elbow once by a wasp. I didn't even do anything to him. I was eating my dinner at the dining room table & minding my own business. He crawled right up & stung me. Meanie.

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confirming what we already know

Your Soul Is Connected to the Fall

You are a somewhat sensitive soul with a tough exterior. You are street smart and wise about the world. You have the heart of a poet, but you're not too eager to let anyone else see it. You are very creative and deeply talented. You are still looking for the perfect outlet for your expression. You embrace change and think the cycles of life are beautiful. You don't shrink away from the darker elements of life.

What Season is Your Soul Connected To?

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if i were a Spring day...

You Are Baseball Games

You like old fashioned things. You're one of those people who values tradition. You enjoy a slow pace of life. You believe that life is all about enjoying every moment. You love the changing of the seasons, and you look forward to what each season brings. You are smart and a bit obsessive. You become very immersed in your interests.

What Part of Spring Are You?

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and i thought coming up with six was difficult in the past.

i have been tagged by several people to participate in this meme, the rules of which state that i must share 16 random things, facts, habits, or goals about myself. i'm also supposed to tag more people but i'm going to leave that open. consider yourself tagged if you wish to play along.

1. i have never attempted to make a pie from scratch. not because i don't care for pie but because my Gram was the queen of pie-baking and i am all but certain that anything i could produce from my oven would be a disappointment in comparison, if only to myself.

2. when i was very little, i was convinced that if i misstepped onto or off of an escalator, i would get sucked inside. i am no longer afraid to ride an escalator, but i do have this ridiculous little quirk that i need to be able to step into the middle of a full step so that i don't lose my balance & tumble down them, taking out everyone in my path. if i miss it, i need to wait for the next full step. i *know* how ridiculous this is--i even giggle at myself--but something about those moving steps makes me feel off balance. and that scene in Elf when Biddy first encounters the escalator? makes me crack up every time for this very reason.

3. eating bologna gives me a headache.

4. when i was little, i was terrified that the trees in my grandparents' backyard were going to grab me if i went past them, because of the trees that threw apples at Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz.

5. i am one of those strange people who actually prefers Internet Explorer. and not because i haven't tried the other options. i have & still went back to IE.

6. for all the fresh fruits and vegetables available to us, a staple in my grandparents pantry was canned fruit cocktail. i hate the cherries in canned fruit cocktail.

7. i can never spell 'exaggerate', 'travelling' or 'developed' correctly on the first try.

8. i actually ate something with mushrooms on it, without picking them off, while i was last in California. i suppose this means they fall under the same rule as onions now: if i can see them and they are large enough to be removed, they're coming out, but otherwise, as long as i don't have to think about it too much, then i can manage to eat them.

9. i almost went for my hair cut today. it's a good thing i double checked my calendar before i left since my appointment isn't until next Saturday. that would have been a wasted two and a half hours worth of driving, round trip.

10. i am so ready for baseball season, i can practically taste it. having the MLB Network (yay!) helps some but i am itching for some real live baseball action!

11. when i look back at my early 20s & think about the way i had my life "mapped out" in my mind, i see now that i couldn't be further off course from that plan than i am at 32. i'm ok with that, finally, but one thing hasn't altered: i still would like to have children.

12. i love visiting aquariums and zoos.

13. one of my goals is to change over from using disposable plastic Gladware to glass containers for storing my leftovers.

14. i have been craving Shepherd's Pie for a while now. i'm not sure why, but i think i will have to plan to make some soon.

15. it is taking all my willpower not to eat a handful of chocolate for lunch.

16. my favorite character from the show Boston Legal is Alan Shore.

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P is for post.

a couple of weeks ago, Joe did a post similar to this on his blog. the basic idea: leave a comment on this post requesting a letter (like i did on Joe's), and i’ll assign you one. then you write about 10 things you love that begin with your assigned letter. post it on your blog and when people comment on your list, you give them a letter, and the chain continues on. got it? good! moving on.

Joe says my letter is P. hmmm... P. couldn't have given me B, R or S, right Joe? too easy. (no Boston. no Red Sox.) and no M or L for mmmmm...Mike Lowell... Joe clearly wants me to think here.

P.

well, since i can't find a way to spin P into anything to do with my favorite baseball team, how about we start with...

1. the Philadelphia Phillies! my love for them is not nearly equal to that of my boys from Boston, but they will forever have my gratitude for preventing the Rays from winning the World Series. i love them for that!

2. the Patriots. you can take the girl out of New England but you can't make her root for her local sports teams. bleh.

3. ohhh!!! ::slaps forehead:: PEDROIA!! let's face it, he's no Mike Lowell (wink wink nudge nudge) but he certainly brings the style of play i enjoy watching to the table. i love that he lays it all out there when he plays. he runs his mouth a little more than i might prefer & i know he's the sort of player other teams' fans love to hate, but i love that he's ours! and ours for another six years at that!

4. packages in the mail. i love to send them. i love to receive them--even if they are something i bought for myself. and there is no such thing as a box in the mail too small to get excited over. happies in the mail are *always* a good thing!

5. peanut butter. is there really a more perfect food? it plays nicely with chocolate. and jelly. you can put it on apple slices. or crackers. you can put it into cookies. or eat it straight off a spoon. yummy.

6. Private Practice. total chick show, i know. but it's one of my must-sees. which i am slowly running out of, by the way. Boston Legal has ended. Dexter's season is over. we are months away from baseball. ::sigh::

7. photos. i really really love photos. not just taking them or looking at my own, but old family photos. other people's photos. old photos. family photos. vacation photos. baby photos. when someone has photos, i am always sincere in my excitement to see them.

8. on the subject of photos, there is also Picasa. i know Flickr is where all the cool kids play, but i really like the Picasa software for organizing my photos on my computer. and also the ease with which i can seamlessly upload my photos to my Picasa Web albums for backup & for sharing. there are some basic photo editing tools in Picasa, and when those don't suit my needs, i am also a big fan of (bonus P!) Picnik.

9. Pirates of the Caribbean--the Disneyland version. the one here in Florida, at Magic Kingdom, was one of my all-time favorite Disney attractions. and then? i was lucky enough to go on the California version. i still enjoy it but that one *totally* puts the one here to shame.

10. Pioneer Valley Days. not just being nice here. Joe's blog is in my top ten list of blogs to read. i'm really glad i discovered it!

turns out i could have gone on & on! there are also: poinsettias (which always remind me of my Gram at Christmas time), potatoes (mashed, boiled, baked, fries, chips, roasted, hasbrowns, yummy), possibilities (who doesn't like the anticipation of endless possibility??), peppermint (mmm...candy canes & York Peppermint Patties...), Priority Mail (hooray, two-to-three-day delivery for those packages mentioned above!), pine-scented Yankee Candles (Sparkling Pine, Mistletoe, Christmas Wreath, Balsam & Cedar--all make that artificial tree feel a little more real), Post-it notes (oh the wonder!), Planet Earth (the show from the Discovery Channel--serious WOW, no matter how many times i see it). great letter choice after all, Joe!

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Christmased

my apartment has been Christmased. my blog has been Christmased. my cards have been ordered. my gifts will be wrapped this evening. Christmas music is playing the office. and now? the Christmas meme (courtesy of Lil Foot's Mommy)!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? unless the shape of a gift simply will not lend itself to being wrapped wiith paper, i prefer to use wrapping paper and ribbons and bows. i actually enjoy the gift wrapping process.

2. Real tree or Artificial? i would prefer real but they are just too expensive in Florida, so artificial is better than no tree at all because i can't afford one.

3. When do you put up the tree? on the first Sunday of Advent or as close to it as i can get. this year, due to travelling & not feeling well, it went up this past weekend.

4. When do you take the tree down? after Epiphany--so most likely the second weekend of January this year.

5. Do you like eggnog? no thanks. i would prefer to have hot apple cider or hot chocolate instead.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? truthfully, no one gift stands out in my mind. i always loved all my gifts.

7. Hardest person to buy for? my father's wife. i have a theory on this...

8. Easiest person to buy for? my dad. in fact, he's so easy for me to buy for that i have to cut myself off!

9. Do you have a nativity scene? several. i have a miniature nativity and also a Precious Moments one that my Gram & Gramp gave me.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? mail! i know i always love seeing the cards that appear in my mailbox.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? i got this sweater from the ex's parents one year... yikes...

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? (i have to pick more than one, i can't help it) classic: It's a Wonderful Life. comedy: Elf. drama: The Nativity Story.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? well, i am always on the lookout for The Perfect Gift, but i officially start in October. i need to be done by the first week of December so that all the gifts can be wrapped & put into the mail early enough to reach their destinations before Christmas.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? i don't think so...

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Christmas cookies!!

16. Lights on the tree? are you kidding me?? that is my favorite part of having a tree! having all the lights off except for the tree. and i want my tree to have colored lights please.

17. Favorite Christmas song? "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "White Christmas".

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? a little of both!

19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer’s? i sure can!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? star

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? i've done both when i had multiple places to celebrate Christmas, but these days, i prefer Christmas morning.

22. Most annoying part about this time of year? the fact that so many people tell me that the way i celebrate Christmas, as a Christian, is offensive to them and that i should keep it to myself, but i am not allowed to be offended by the way that any of these people celebrate Christmas or whichever is their Winter holiday of choice. the fact is, their holidays *don't* offend me, but why am i the only one required to be tolerant? can't they just respect my traditions as i respect theirs? ok, enough controversary. it's threatening to dampen my Christmas cheer & that's just not acceptable.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? i *love* my ornaments. every single one of them. some belonged to my grandparents or my dad and were passed along to me. some i've had since i was a child. some i have acquired on my own or received as gifts since becoming an adult. but they all mean something special to me. i guess if you were to look for a common "theme," you would see that i have lots of stars, angels, snowflakes, snowmen, gingerbread men and jingle bells on my tree.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? i don't think i have a favorite food that i *must* have for it to feel like Christmas dinner. it's all about the company.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? for the people i care about to enjoy the gifts i picked for them. all the rest is bonus.

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succinct

i am assuming Steph tagged me, because it says 'Dawn' but there isn't a link for me to determine if that meant me or another Dawn. either way, here ya go:

Where is your cell phone? desk
Where is your significant other? missing
Your hair color? darker
Your mother? Burlington
Your father? working
Your favorite thing? tree
Your dream last night? hazy
Your dream/goal? comfortable
The room you’re in? office
Your hobby? Disney
Your fear? disappointing
Where do you want to be in 6 years? happy
Where were you last night? home
What you’re not? angry
One of your wish-list items? jersey
Where you grew up? northeast
Last thing you did? answered
What are you wearing? jacket
Your TV? silent
Your pet? non-existent
Your computer? sleeping
Your mood? festive
Missing someone? always
Your car? dirty
Something you’re not wearing? sneakers
Favorite store? Target
Your summer? ended
Love someone? absolutely
Your favorite color? red
When is the last time you laughed? earlier
Last time you cried? 30th

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'twas the survey before Christmas

1. Do you send out Christmas cards?
yes i do. who doesn't like a little happy in their mailbox?
2. How soon do you start shopping?
i'm not against finding special treats all year long, but i actively start my shopping at the end of October usually. i need to get everything in hand, because most of it needs to be wrapped, packaged & shipped out by December 15!
3. Who do you shop for?
my loved ones.

Decorations
4. Do you put up a Christmas tree?
absolutely!
5. If so, is it fake or real?
i love real trees but they are too expensive down here. mine is artificial--and it's a pretty nice one that was still far cheaper than even one real tree.
6. Do you like tinsel?
no! that stuff is worse than the needles! it sticks to everything.
7. Do you use homeade or storebought ornaments?
all of my ornaments are store bought. i think my Dad still has the ones i made when i was a kid.
8. Do you put Christmas lights outside your house?
no, i live in an apartment.
9. Do you put lights on the tree?
of course my tree has lights! it wouldn't be the same without them.
10. How about popcorn and cranberries?
no, i don't have any sort of garland-type anything on my tree.
11. Is there a wreath hanging on your door?
no. i was actually looking for one for my wall in my kitchen & couldn't find any that i liked. maybe next year.

Christmas Eve
12. Do you celebrate it?
yes. i always go to church on Christmas Eve. the latest service i can go to. it's so peaceful...
13. Do you hang up your stocking?
not on Christmas Eve. my stocking is up all season, hanging, waiting. if i am a good girl, though, Santa will come fill it up on Christmas Eve!
14. Does your family read "Twas the night before Christmas?"
i don't think i have a copy of that book actually. i always read "Jolly Old Santa Claus" on Christmas Eve. i have ever since i was old enough to read.

Favorites
15. Christmas Movie -
i have several favorites: It's a Wonderful Life. Elf. The Nativity Story.
16. Character from any Christmas Movie -
not really a movie, but i love Yukon Cornelius from "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer"!
17. Christmas Song -
O Little Town of Bethlehem. White Christmas.
18. Christmas Memory -
family Christmas parties at my Gram's sister's home every Christmas Eve.

This or That
19. Give or Receive?
give! i love to give gifts. and i always try to sneak in a little surprise or two to people who are completely unsuspecting!
20. Eggnog or Cider?
cider, please.
21. Red or Green?
a nice warm rich red.
22. Ham or Turkey?
i like either. in my family, turkey was for Thanksgiving, ham was for Easter, and Christmas could be anything!
23. Star or Angel?
i have a star.
24. White Lights or Colored Lights?
i love white lights outside, especially in the snow, but i only like colored lights for my tree.
25. Blinking Lights or Still Lights?
still. *please*. my grandparents had some that would blink, some that would chase, some that were still. it's a wonder none of us ever had a seizure! ;-)
26. Were you Naughty or Nice this year?
*ahem* i'm a good girl with just enough naughty, of course!

Presents
27. What do you want for Christmas this year?
to make the people i love smile. *really*. all the rest is bonus.
28. When do you open your gifts?
Christmas Day.
29. What's the best gift you've ever gotten?
i love all my gifts. i don't know that i really have a favorite.
30. What's the worst gift you've ever gotten?
i did get this sweater one year... let's just say that people who don't know you well should *not* get you clothes!
31. Who gives you the most gifts?
i don't really keep count. i know that i am *very* spoiled every year.
32. Have you ever had a secret Santa?
we did that one year where i worked. i knew who it was though. when you work in an office, you recognize people by their handwriting.
33. Do you like wrapping gifts?
yes! i love to give pretty packages!

Random
34. Do you put change in those red buckets?
yes, if i have some.
35. Do you burn a yule log?
i'm thinking they wouldn't really appreciate it if i did. there isn't a fireplace in my apartment. ;-)
36. Can you name all the reindeer?
i sure can: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blizten and Rudolph. even though my Gramp wouldn't acknowledge Rudolph because he said he was a sissy. and no, i didn't look the names up.
37. Do you bake cookies?
yes i do! mmmm... cookies....
38. Have you ever seen your mommy kissing Santa Claus?
i have not.
39. Have you ever gotten a kiss under the mistletoe?
no. no kisses for me. maybe because i've never had mistletoe.
40. Do you go caroling?
i have a few times, but it's not one of my hard & fast traditions.
41. Do you drive around and look at the Christmas lights?
not intentionally, but i love to see them while i am out & about!
42. Have you ever left Santa cookies?
of course! i'm not taking any chances that he won't stop at my house!
43. Have you ever sat on Santa's lap?
when i was a child. not so much recently.
44. Who do you celebrate Christmas with?
used to be just my family but now it varies.
45. Where do you celebrate Christmas?
at home or in California, the last few years.
46. Have you ever had a white Christmas?
not in the last seven Christmases. many before that though!
47. What part of Christmas do you look most foward to?
all of it. the preparations and the giving of gifts. the baking and the decorating. the Advent services and the wrapping. the Christmas shows and music. all. of. it.
48. Have you ever had your picture taken with Santa?
yes, also as a kid.
49. Does your family always take a picture at Christmas?
they might, but i'm not in it.
50. Have you ever heard the song "Thank God For Kids" by The Oakridge Boys?
i cannot say that i have.

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while my thoughts are marinating...

...i'm going to do this cooking survey that i swiped from Nichole and Rebecca. ha ha. thoughts marinating. cooking survey. get it? lame, i know, but so are my efforts to organize my thoughts into an actual post with meaning. or that, at the very least, makes sense. but the natives are getting restless and i've gotten more than one pointed remark about updating so... here ya go.

1. Favorite milk?
the kind we call ice cream. or cheese. i'm not a big fan of drinking milk, but i do use 2% in my cereal.

2. What are the top 3 dishes/recipes you are planning to cook this season?
this season?? i plan my meals no more than a week in advance. i have *no* clue what i will be specifically cooking. i do know that i tend to cook more "comfort foods" now than in the past season though when it's too hot to cook anything you can't either grill or cook very quickly on the stove top. i have already made stuffed shells and meatloaf patties since the weather has been cooler.

3. Topping of choice for popcorn?
just enough butter for the taste without making the popcorn too soggy or your fingers excessively greasy & a teeny tiny bit of salt.

4. Most disastrous recipe/meal failure?
while i know that they have happened, i can't seem to get any to surface. this may have something to do with the fact that i cooked nothing but plain pasta, grilled cheese sandwiches, hot dogs, chicken tenders & cheese quesadillas for five years--and those are tough to mess up. the most recent kitchen oops i've had was when i was making cupcakes & forgot to add the water to the mix before i started mixing (did you know that cupcake mix, eggs and oil make chocolate cement?) but that is hardly what i would call a disaster or a failure. i just dumped it out & started over.

5. Favorite pickled item?
just regular old cucumbers. they can be dill or bread & butter or hearty garlic though. mmm... pickles.

6. How do you organize your recipes?
i am slowly getting them all assembled on my recipe blog.

7. Compost, trash, or garbage disposal?
i have a garbage disposal but i use it cautiously. when i was growing up, though, my grandparents had a compost pile. if i lived in the country, i would.

8. If you were stranded on an island and could only bring 3 foods...what would they be (don't worry about how you'll cook them)?
ice cream. raspberries. tomatoes.

9. Fondest food memory from your childhood?
i think about 75% of my childhood memories involve food in some way. my Gram was an incredible cook. we ate like kings. i had fresh produce from the garden & orchard, and their home-canned counterparts all Winter long. there were Sunday dinners and holiday feasts and big family potlucks. i cooked with her in the kitchen as far back as i can go in my memory. if you forced me to pick one, i would have to condense it to time spent in her kitchen with her.

10. Favorite ice cream?
can't have just one! there is mint chocolate chip... and black raspberry... and chocolate mocha silk... and coffee... and Tagalong Cookie...

11. Most loved kitchen appliance?
it's more of a utensil, i think, than an actual appliance but i don't know how i would survive with my mezzaluna chopper.

12. Spice/herb you would die without?
basil.

13. Cookbook you have owned for the longest time?
i'm pretty sure that would be the Betty Crocker cookbook that covers all the basics. it's a handy resource, from time to time, but i can't honestly remember the last time i made a recipe from it...

14. Favorite flavor of jam/jelly?
raspberry. although my Gram made tons of homemade jams & jellies (blueberry. blackberry. currant. apple. peach. grape. plum. strawberry.) and i have never found a store bought jam or jelly that could compete.

15. Favorite recipe to serve to a friend?
i don't really have a favorite recipe... i think it would depend on who i was cooking for & what they like!

16. Do you eat tofu?
i've had it once--but i have no idea how to actually cook it. i was served it as a guest. the jury is still out. sometimes it takes me a few tries to determine a verdict. in this case, it's the texture i am considering.

17. Favorite meal to cook (or time of day to cook)?
probably dinner. i rarely cook breakfast foods and lunch is typically leftovers or something quick & easy.

18. What is sitting on top of your refrigerator?
a turkey-shaped basket and a cornucopia filled with dried Autumn flowers. ooo, wait right here. i think i have...

yep! photos!


19. Name 3 items in your freezer without looking.
ice cream. fresh chopped herbs in ice cube form. frozen peas.

20. What's on your grocery list?
at the moment? ummm... just a Sunday paper, granola bars, apples and butter. the week is young though. it will grow between now & Sunday's shopping trip.

21. Favorite grocery store?
Publix. it's the best one we have in my area. i miss Stop & Shop though.

22. Name a recipe you'd love to try, but haven't yet.
there are tons i have tucked away in draft form on my recipe blog. i don't post them til i've tried them & liked them though. however, i can't really link to them since they are only drafts...

23. Food blog you read the most.
i really like the recipes they post on Chop. Stir. Mix.

24. Favorite chocolate?
See's. hands down. it's a food group unto itself. and a miracle food group at that.

25. Most extravagant food item purchased lately?
you would have to define your terms. i don't buy anything extravagant by my standards.

26. What vegetables do you enjoy most?
mmm... veggies. peas. corn. carrots. zucchini. summer squash. brussel sprouts. broccoli. cauliflower. green beans. asparagus. peppers (raw only though). tomatoes (yes, i know... it's a fruit). potatoes. really, it's much easier to ask me what i *don't* like: winter squash of any variety and onions.

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all the pretty colors

The Ultimate Color Test


When you are at peace, you are:
Deeply stable

When you are moved to act, you are:
Giving and warm

When you are inspired, you are:
Creative and productive

When your life is perfectly balanced, you are:
Philosophical and expressive

Your life's purpose is:
To live a passionate life


The Ultimate Color Test

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who needs rose-colored glasses?

this is so me, it's almost a little scary...

You See the World Through Blue Colored Glasses

You live your life with tranquility. You have faith that things will work themselves out with time.
You judge all your interactions through the lens of hope. You try to get all the facts before forming your opinion.
You face challenges with wisdom. You know that all bad things pass, and you have the confidence to see problems through.
You see love as the utmost expression of trust. Your relationships tend to be peaceful and stable.
At your worst, you can be cool, melancholy, and detached. You sometimes have to step back from emotionally charged situations.
You are at your happiest when you are able to reflect and relax.

What Color Glasses Do You See the World Through?

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Introduction to Dawn

i saw this over on Flea's blog. at first i was going to post my results in the comment section but not only was it turning into a ridiculously long comment, some of these results were too accurate not to share. and who better to share with than you, my six devoted readers. ;-)

You Are French Food

Snobby yet ubiquitous.
People act like they understand you more than they actually do.
What Kind of Food Are You?

two favorite colors. one of them made me laugh. *hard*. i'll let you guess which one. ;-)

What Your Favorite Color Red Says About You:

Ambitious --- Energetic --- Passionate
Spontaneous --- Attractive --- Inspiring
Seductive --- Powerful --- Addicting

What Your Favorite Color Blue Says About You:

Emotional --- Affected --- Sensitive
Peaceful --- Tranquil --- Connected
Spiritual --- Experimental --- Deep
What Does Your Favorite Color Say About You?

You Are Sunrise

You enjoy living a slow, fulfilling life. You enjoy living every moment, no matter how ordinary.
You are a person of reflection and meditation. You start and end every day by looking inward.
Caring and giving, you enjoy making people happy. You're often cooking for friends or buying them gifts.
All in all, you know how to love life for what it is - not for how it should be.
What Time Of Day Are You?

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in eight

i was tagged by Julie about a hundred years ago to do this and i'm finally getting it done. she's probably forgotten she even tagged me by now. (also, i'm not tagging anyone else -- i'm such a rebel -- but if you want to play along, by all means, feel free!)

Eight Things I Have a Passion For:
(beyond the obvious answers of the people i love & my personal faith)
1. the Red Sox -- i'm pretty sure i don't have to explain this.
2. the Patriots -- probably don't have to elaborate on this one either.
3. all things Disney! -- not just the two here in the United States, but the international parks really intrigue me as well!
4. photography -- no way could i do it on a professional level, but i *love* playing with my camera. i would be lost without it. my photos, and the memories they hold, are some of my most prized possessions.
5. children -- they absolutely fascinate me. it is amazing how they start so helpless & incapable of almost everything and in less than a year, look what they accomplish! even though i don't do daycare anymore (nor do i have any of my own), i still keep on the latest "news". i can't help it. i read just about everything i come across.
6. cooking -- some days, i just don't feel like it. others? the need to cook is almost primal & i feel like i need the challenge of a new recipe. i can't explain it any better than that.
7. reading -- i am always reading *something* whether it's a book, a magazine or something online. the form of media doesn't really matter to me, just as long as i have something to read.
8. lists! -- oh how i love a good list. or five.

Eight Things I Would Like to do Before I Die:
1. see a Red Sox playoff game, live & in person.
2. visit all the Disney parks.
3. have a child. (yeah, i know i'm kind of missing some steps between here & there. consider the intermediate steps a given.)
4. pay off my stupid student loan finally!
5. see each of the fifty States -- including Alaska & Hawaii. my grandparents saw all of the 48 contiguous states because they wouldn't fly, and i would love to see some of the same places they did, with my own two eyes, but since flying does not bother me (as long as it's not in a small plane) , i would love to see the other two as well.
6. learn to use a camera that actually has manual settings.
7. see a home game for each of the Major League Baseball teams.
8. visit Washington DC as an adult who can actually appreciate some of the things i saw as a clueless 12-year-old kid.

Eight Things I Say a Lot:
1. seriously.
2. are you kidding me??
3. hello, [company name], how may i help you?
4. is it time to go home yet?
5. crap!
6. ummmm...
7. i don't know.
8. please don't call the bullpen please don't call the bullpen please don't call the bullpen.

Eight Books I Have Read Recently:
(define "recently"...)
1. "Dynasty: The Inside Story of How the Red Sox Became a Baseball Powerhouse" by Tony Massarotti (currently reading)
2. "Sex and the City - The Movie" by Amy Sohn
3. "Sex and the City: Kiss and Tell" by Amy Sohn
4. "The Return of the King" by JRR Tolkien
5. "The Two Towers" by JRR Tolkien
6. "The Fellowship of the Ring" by JRR Tolkien
7. "An Acceptable Time" by Madeleine L'Engle
8. "Watching Baseball: Discovering the Game Within the Game" by Jerry Remy

Eight Movies I Have Seen Eight Times:
1. Ocean's Eleven
2. Father of the Bride (Steve Martin remake)
3. Father of the Bride 2
4. The Wizard of Oz
5. As Good As It Gets
6. Jerry Maguire
7. Major League
8. Ever After

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Saturday Survey

i saw this in a bunch of places (Rebecca, Nichole, Chele and Krystyn on her private blog) and now it's time to play along, appropriately on Saturday.

1. What is in the back seat of your car right now?
an insulated bag for refrigerated/frozen grocery purchases. a bottle of Febreeze in "Spring Renewal" scent. one of those windshield shades that keeps the sun from beating down into your car in an effort to keep it somewhat cooler.
2. When was the last time you threw up?
remember that episode of Seinfeld where Jerry mentions how long it's been & then he ends up getting sick? yeah well, i am not saying. i would cut off my right arm if it would keep me from ever throwing up again.
3. What's your favorite curse word?
ummm... damn? crap? i don't really curse very often.
4. Name 3 people who made you smile today?
Mega. Troy. Michelle.
5. What were you doing at 8 am this morning?
i was still asleep & having some very bizarre disjointed dreams, i might add.
6. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?
reading another chapter in "Dynasty" by Tony Massarotti and realizing just how much Dan Duquette contributed to making the Sox who they are today.
7. What will you be doing 3 hours from now?
hmmm... 11:25pm? that's a toss up. i could be reading (possibly more of my book, possibly catching up on blogs) or i could be asleep. all depends on what time i get sleepy tonight.
8. Have you ever been to a strip club?
no & i cannot say i've ever had the urge to go. they hold no appeal for me in any way, not even for the sake of curiosity.
9. What is the last thing you said aloud?
"bye."
10. What is the best ice cream flavor?
i don't think i can pick a "best". there are so many that i love... vanilla is probably the most versatile though.
11. What was the last thing you had to drink?
water. as usual.
12. What was the last thing you ate?
the last of the leftover turkey that i had to clean up. i just made a turkey sandwich on whole wheat with some mayo.
13. Have you bought any new clothing items this week?
yep. needed some new underwear. i only buy new ones when some get retired & some got retired so i bought some new ones to replace them.
14. When was the last time you ran?
through the rain to my front door on Wednesday when i got home from work.
15. What's the last sporting event you watched?
Red Sox game against the Angels this afternoon. ::enormous sigh::
16. Who is the last person you emailed?
my old neighbor from a long time ago, Matt. we stumbled into one another on Facebook. it's cool to reconnect with (some) people.
17. Ever go camping?
no, and i hope to keep in that way.
18. Do you have a tan?
i'm not sure that's possible with SPF45. and if you saw how blindingly white i am, you would understand the necessity for SPF45.
19. Do you drink your soda from a straw?
the only time i drink soda at all is when i have an upset stomach & i have some ginger ale in which case i sip it from the can.
20. What did your last IM say?
wow... it's been a while since i IM'd. too bad you didn't ask about text, huh?
21. Are you someone's best friend?
without sounding like i have a big ego, i am lucky enough to be the best friend of several most wonderful people.
22. What are you doing tomorrow?
church. grocery shopping. watching the Sox. typical Sunday.
23. Where is your mom right now?
beats the heck outta me. she could be home. she could be out. she might not even be in Connecticut if she took a vacation.
24. Look to your left, what do you see?
end table. lamp. candle. pack of gum. coaster. bottle of lotion. two framed photos of my god daughter. framed photo of my grandparents on their wedding day.
25. What color is your watch?
silver with a tiny bit of gold accent. and i haven't worn it since Thanksgiving because the battery is (still) dead.
26. What do you think of when you think of Australia?
Grant Balfour, relief pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays, who the tv announcers feel the need to point out that he is from Australia every time he comes in to pitch.
27. Would you consider plastic surgery?
only under extreme circumstances.
28. What is your birthstone?
opal.
29. Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive thru?
mostly drive thru.
30. How many kids do you want?
in my long ago past, i wanted two or three. now i would say let's get to one & see what happens after that.
31. Do you have a dog?
yes... sort of... i don't have custody of him. Casey is a blond Cocker Spaniel. he just turned six last month.
32. Last person you talked to on the phone?
some recording telling me the warranty is up on my car & trying to sell me something. i hung up before it could elaborate.
33. Have you met anyone famous?
no. i can think of a few i'd like to meet though.
34. Any plans today?
it's a little late to have plans for the day. i did exactly what i wanted to though: a whole lot of nothing.
35. How many states have you lived in?
two. Florida & Connecticut.
36. Ever go to college?
yep. still paying for it too.
37. Where are you right now?
my living room.
38. Biggest annoyance in your life right now?
uncertainty. and the outrageous renewal cost for my car insurance forcing me to shop for new quotes.
39. Last song listened to?
"Livin' Our Love Song" by Jason Michael Carroll. it's playing right now. oops, just changed over to "My Own Prison" by Creed.
40. Are you allergic to anything?
dust. sulfa drugs. some pollens.
41. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time?
i don't wear my favorite shoes all the time. they are silver strappy heeled sandals. look great & surprisingly comfortable but they don't really go for "every day wear".
42. Are you jealous of anyone?
not in an all-consuming way, but more in theory than of anything specific. (ok & maybe just a *little* bit of Nichole, Daniel & Steven after the last few texts i just got.)
43. Is anyone jealous of you?
i seriously doubt it. i guess i would be curious to hear why they would be, if they were.
44. What time is it?
9:04pm.
45. Do any of your friends have children?
about half of them do, i would say.
46. Do you eat healthy?
i don't kill myself to eat healthy, but i have always enjoyed fruits & veggies & whole wheat bread, so lots of foods i like are good for me.
47. What do you usually do during the day?
on weekdays, i work. and when my work is done, i play online. on weekends, i usually relax, watch tv, read, run errands, do housework.
48. Do you hate anyone right now?
hate? that's a powerful word. and one that i feel can turn you angry & bitter inside. i do not hate anyone. but i do have very strong dislike for a few people.
49. Do you use the word 'hello' daily?
i do during the week, the million times i answer the phone. on the weekends, it depends.
50. How old will you be turning on your next birthday?
i will be 32. most of the time, i don't care.
51. Have you ever been to Six Flags?
i've been to a couple of them. upstate New York, somewhere in New Jersey, and in Virginia, if i recall correctly. all when i was under the age of 18. not really my thing now so much. especially since i don't do roller coasters or major thrill rides. i am more of a theme park girl than an amusement park girl. (yes, there is really a difference.)
52. How did you get one of your scars?
i have a very faint scar on the fleshy part of the palm on my left hand, just below my thumb where i got burned as an infant. you wouldn't be able to see it if i didn't point it out to you.

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procrastination: part two

ah yes! this time we were smart enough to not number them.

Could you go out in public looking like you do now?
one would hope, since i am at work.

What DVD is in your DVD player?
ummmm... S&TC, Season Two, Disc 2.

What did you do last night?
i lived through hell on earth watching the Sox come unglued in Tampa.

Last person who got mad at you? Why?
no names. because i am an idiot.

Do you like your music loud or at a reasonable level?
depends. where am i? is there anyone else i need to be considerate of at the time? usually i am at a very reasonable level. unless i am in my car & i need the music loud. to drown out my singing.

Are you a beach person or a snowy mountain person?
is it day or night? where is the beach? am i outside on the mountain or tucked somewhere cozy? i need more information.

Who was the last person to text you?
Daniel. (LOL! yep that changed since the last survey!)

What annoys you the most?
when someone is inconsiderate. i include myself in that.

When do you take a shower, morning or night?
i always take one in the morning. but also sometimes in the evening as well, especially if i was outside & sweaty in the Florida heat or if i have somewhere special to go or because i feel gross or because i need to cool off or...

Do you play any sports?
is active spectatorship a sport?

Do you like scary movies?
not so much. i live alone. no need to create things that go bump in the night.

Would you rather stay home all day, or be out and about?
STAY. HOME. (clear enough answer for ya?) <--- Michelle's answer. i couldn't have said it better myself.

Look out the window what do you see?
machine shop. trees. trucks. fence.

What are your nicknames?
Nonny. Sunshine. Miss Pretty (yeah i don't understand that one either).

Last time you went to the mall?
an actual traditional mall? March, maybe? there's an outdoor mall very close to me. i was just there this past weekend.

Tell me about the pants your wearing:
a pair of green (a Spring-y green, not primary) cargo capris. very comfy. not sure what else you need to know...

Do people ever spell/say your name wrong?
actually, yes. the saying more than the spelling. Don is a man's name. my name is Dawn. Dawwwwwwwn. awwww. like when you see puppies or baby seals. not onnnn. like what you do when you flip a light switch.

Are you watching tv?
i am not. i'm at work, remember?

Where would you like to live?
Disney World.

Last time you spent the night at someone's house?
it made me very happy.

When was the last time you were extremely disappointed/really mad?
we covered "mad" in the last survey, no? we called it angry, but six of one, half dozen of another. disappointed? very recently. in myself. i internalize.

Is there anyone you regret ever meeting?
yes.

Would you rather have roommates or live alone?
i have a (very) short list of people i could share living space with. presently, i live alone. what's that tell ya?

Have you ever made someone so mad that they broke something?
if they did, they never told me and i wasn't there to witness it.

Plans for the upcoming weekend?
hopefully not drinking hemlock (thank you Daniel!) in relation to any of the Sox-Yankees games.

Have you got a certain somebody on your mind right now?
several somebodies for a variety of reasons.

What's the last thing you put in your mouth?
a spoonful of yogurt.

Who was the last person you drove with?
Troy

When was last time you walked further than a block?
Monday night.

Name something that made you laugh today?
Michelle's answers to these surveys.

When was the last time you saw #3 on your top friends?
i don't give my friends numbers.

Do you believe ex's can be 'just friends'?
depends on the ex. and why they are an ex in the first place.

How do you feel about Diet Dr Pepper?
diet soda? ick. Dr Pepper? ick. and i don't drink soda. that about sum it up?

When was the last time you cried really, really hard and why?
::sigh:: Tuesday. and that's all i want to say about that.

What were you doing at 9pm last night?
cursing at the Red Sox bullpen and hating the Tampa Bay Rays with the passionate hatred heretofore reserved only for the Yankees.

Do you think relationships are ever really worth it?
some very much are. others? know when to say when. lesson learned. the hard way. more than once.

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35 (give or take a few) little secrets

Michelle sent me this survey (she sent me another one too, which will likely follow this one, just to warn you now). i am playing along because:
1. she's my friend.
2. her answers were so funny, they *make* me want to play along. (and i am trying my best to get her to start up a new blog so you can all share her hilarious sense of humor too! but until that day, you'll just have to take my word for it.) not that i will ever be as funny as she is, but i aspire to elicit as much laughter as she does!
3. short work weeks are bad for my motivation.
4. i needed an idea for a post & i just can't seem to conjure one up. (see item number 3.)

and away we go!

[ZERO] Who was your last text from?
Nichole

[ONE] Where was your default pic taken?
default picture? would that be profile picture? one was taken in the office of my old house. the other was taken on the couch in my current living room.

[TWO] What's your middle name?
Lynn. because when i was born there were too many Dawn Marie-s. yeah, changing my *middle* name was the way to eliminate confusion. =P

[THREE] Your relationship status?
exactly what i wish it to be.

[FOUR] Have you ever lost a close friend?
i have. to date, it's been entirely by choice. pruning out the toxic people. meaning i shed no tears.

[FIVE] What is your current mood?
can 'witty banter' be a mood? because i am on a roll this morning & it's suiting my mood perfectly.

[SIX] What's one of your brother's names?
Josh

[SEVEN] What's your favorite color?
i cannot have just one. i'm sorry but i never have one favorite *anything*. i am equally fond of navy blue & a warm crimson red.

see what i meant by "give or takea few"? no number [EIGHT] here.

[NINE] Have a crazy side?
don't we all? some just come out more than others.

[TEN] Ever had a near death experience?
Depends on how you look at it, and how dramatic I am feeling at the time, but in all reality, probably not so much. =) see now this is one that i just have to leave Michelle's answer. it's true, it makes me laugh, and i hold no illusions of topping it.

[ELEVEN] Something you do alot?
think too much?

[TWELVE] Angry at anyone?
i so rarely get angry. i get sad. i get hurt. i get disappointed. i get annoyed. i get frustrated. (if you had any doubts i was human before, i've cleared that up now!) but i very rarely actually get *angry*.

[THIRTEEN] What's stopping you from going for the person you like?
i think once you pass the age of 30, you are exempt for answering questions like this.

[FOURTEEN] When is the last time you cried?
ummmm... yesterday. 10am & i'm ok today. so far.

[FIFTEEN] Who would you do anything for?
the people i care about. and at my own expense, if need be.

[SEVENTEEN] How old r u ?
old enough to be able to actually spell out all the words in this question!

[EIGHTEEN] Do u liKe some1 in ur top frends?
i think that whatever that is up there posing as a question is akin to whining: as in, i don't hear you unless you can speak normally.

[NINETEEN] What kind of phone do you have?
LG-VX8350 RED.

[TWENTY TWO] Have u kissed sum1 with the following letters? k,v,l,z
see question eighteen.

[TWENTY- THREE] Do you speak any other languages?
a little French, a tiny bit of German. not enough to survive in either culture.

[TWENTY-FOUR] Who is your friend that your really close to?
i'm only allowed one?? pffft!

[TWENTY- FIVE] Describe your life in one word?
work-in-progress. (what?! it's one word! hyphens, people.)

[TWENTY- SIX] Have you ever kissed in the rain?
::sigh:: yes.

[TWENTY- SEVEN] What are you thinking about right now?
how to bleach my last answer from my brain forever.

[TWENTY- EIGHT] What should you be doing right now?
::glances at paperwork multiplying on her desk:: uhhhh... nothing...

[TWENTY- NINE] What is your favorite memory?
again with the favorites. i don't have just one!

[THIRTY] What are you listening to?
someone else's phone call. something about bearings. and hubs.

[THIRTY- TWO] Who was the last person who yelled at you?
i can't remember the last time i actually heard someone yelling at me.

[THIRTY- THREE ] Do you act differently around the person you like?
not since high school.

[THIRTY- FOUR] What is your natural hair color?
a medium brown. nothing remarkable. but i don't hate it either.

[THIRTY-FIVE] Who was the last person to make you smile?
Michelle. she's good like that.

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maybe this will help pass a few minutes...

...because this day already feels several eternities long and it's not even lunchtime.
::sigh::

swiped from Gail!

1. What is in the back of your car?
ummmmm... a couple of boxes i think? i should bring those in the house when i get home today. i kinda forgot they were back there til right this second.
2. What color is your toothbrush?
blue and white.
3. Name one person who made you smile today.
Nichole.
4. What were you doing at 8:00 AM?
logging into my computer at work.
5. What were you doing 45 minutes ago?
setting up a new customer in our database.
6. What is your favorite candy?
See's chocolates. or Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.
7. What is the last thing your said aloud?
he is off-site with a customer. can i offer you his voicemail?
8. What is the best ice cream flavor?
you're kidding me, right? just one?? i like so many... mint chocolate chip is one.
9. What is the last thing you had to drink?
water.
10. What are you wearing right now?
jeans and this top (in Tree Moss Green, but no belt).
11. What is the last thing you ate?
Quaker Simple Harvest Dark Chocolate Chunk Chewy Granola Bar
12. Have you bought any new clothes this week?
i have not. and i don't plan to.
13. When was the last time you ran?
how about so long ago that i don't actually remember? it's *way* too hot & humid for anything even remotely resembling running right now. i would probably need to be on fire or see a giant spider.
14. What was the last sporting event you watched?
yesterday's Sox game, of course!
15. Ever go camping?
are you out of your ever-loving mind??
16. Do you have a tan?
i do not. i have SPF15 on my porcelain white skin because tanning is little more than a futile effort for me & really just an exercise in how to acquire skin cancer.
17. Do you take vitamins daily?
in my fruits & veggies. ;-)
18. Do you go to church?
i do most Sundays.
19. Do you like Chinese food more than pizza?
not even close. i like Chinese just fine, but i rarely crave it.
20. Do you drink your soda with a straw?
i honestly can't remember the last time i even drank a soda at all!
21. Are you someone's best friend?
i am! more than one someone even! i am so lucky.
22. What are you doing tomorrow?
working. watching the Sox. making meatloaf for dinner.
23. Where is your dad?
i am assuming he is at work although the possibility exists that he is on vacation. pretty likely odds of that actually since i plan to call him on Wednesday. =P
24. Can you say the alphabet backwards?
not as fast as i can say it forward!
25. Do you have a maid service clean your home?
i do not. and even if i could afford such luxuries, i am weirded out by the idea of some stranger cleaning my home.
26. Do you have a favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time?
i don't have that many shoes to begin with that i wear regularly. sneakers, brown sandals, black sandals, brown boots, black boots. i like them all pretty equally.
27. What color is your car?
silver.
28. How do you like your popcorn?
a little bit of butter (just enough for the flavor, not enough to make it greasy) and i don't mind a tiny bit of salt but i don't need to have it.
29. How did you get your worst scar?
from when i had chicken pox. i am pretty lucky. i don't have many scars.
30. Look to your left. What do you see?
the copy machine. the urethane production manager's office. the door to the urethane shop. a monitor that shows the images from our security cameras.
31. What color is your watch?
it's mostly silver with a little gold accent. but i haven't worn it in six months because it needs a new battery & i never remember to take it with me when i am somewhere near a licensed jeweler.
32. What do you think of when you think of Australia?
koala bears. kangaroos. platypusses. (platypi?)
33. Do you use chap stick?
not specifically. i use vanilla flavored softlips.
34. Do you have a dog?
sort of... he stayed behind (almost) two years ago though...
35. Last person you talked to on the phone?
some telemarketer that had the personality of a rotting tree stump.
36. Have you met anyone famous?
nope!
37. Any plans today?
i plan to watch the Sox game tonight. and that's about it.
38. How many states have you lived in?
two: Connecticut and Florida.
39. Do you dye your hair?
i've gotten varying degrees of highlights but i've never done all-over color.
40. Do you like cats?
sure!

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just call me Little Miss Sunshine

You Are a Positive Person


No one would accuse you of being too negative!
You're a naturally upbeat and optimistic person.
Like everyone else, you come across things you can't stand every day.
But unlike everyone else, you ignore what annoys you and focus on what uplifts you.

Are You Too Negative?

Read more...