Full Disclosure- I stole these questions from Building a Kingston Castle
I love me some survey questions, because they let me talk about myself, without having to come up with a writing prompt.
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Nope. My parents found my name in a baby book. I would have been Keith if I was a boy.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? I can't remember. I don't cry a lot.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? No. It's chicken scratchy
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Turkey
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Three daughters who simultaneously delight and horrify me on a daily basis.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Probably. I'm fun to be with most of the time, and I'm not needy.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? What is this sarcasm you speak of?
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Fun fact- I only have one. The other one never grew in or something.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? No.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Froot Loops- straight out of the box. Even better, put them in a sandwich size ziplock bag and it's like 2nd grade all over again.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Nope.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Yes, I think so.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Strawberry, most of the time. But I can't keep Ben & Jerry's Late Night Snack in the house, or I'll eat a pint in a single sitting. Oh, and there's this little ice cream store near me called Scooptacular that does a killer Oatmeal Cookie ice cream
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Their face? I guess? I'm good with remembering if I've ever met someone before, even if I don't know their names. It does make for some strange conversations however, because I'll start talking to people in the grocery store, because I think I know them, while I've only ever seen them in passing (at places like the grocery store).
15. RED OR PINK? Ah, pink? I guess?
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I have a problem dealing with emotions. I get very uncomfortable when someone is emotional.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Hmm. I was lucky enough to have all four of my grandparents until I was 20, and only last year lost the last of them. Other than that, I haven't had any real losses.
18. WHAT IS THE TECHNIQUE THAT YOU NEED TO WORK ON THE MOST? I'm not crafty, so I don't know. I kind of suck at wrapping presents.
19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? These white, red and black plaid slip-ons
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? cinnamon raisin bagel with cream cheese (my breakfast 90% of the time)
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Not sure. Something over the cubical wall from my co-worker's radio
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Cornflower blue (oh! fun fact! My sister won one of those "Name the New Crayola Color" contests back in the 1990s Brink's Pink was her color, and it was available for a few years).
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Chanel No. 5, apple pie baking, vanilla
24. HOW IMPORTANT ARE YOUR POLITICAL VIEWS TO YOU? I am quietly political. However, I avoid political conversations since I tend to be the most liberal person in the room.
25. MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY OR BEACH HOUSE? Beach for sure. There's nothing better than listening to the waves
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Baseball. Because I am secretly a 65 year old man.
27. HAIR COLOR? A dirty blond color that is getting darker as the years go on
28. EYE COLOR? Blue
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Not yet. I suspect I'll have to in the future.
30. FAVORITE FOOD? Lobster.
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? I hate scary movies. But I do love crappy sci-fi. Monsters and disasters are some of my favorite things. I like a HEA.
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? The Watch. Not what I expected. Not very good. I expected a suburban comedy. I got fucking aliens.
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? light blue t-shirt under a lighter blue v-neck sweater (I work with mostly men who refuse to let me turn on the heat in the office, so layers are essential).
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? If I didn't live in fucking hellish Arizona, I'd like the summer. But, I guess I like winter?
35. FAVORITE DESSERT? Bread pudding (again, I'm a 65 year old man in disguise)
36. STRENGTH TRAINING OR CARDIO? Ugh, neither? My husband is trying to make me a runner
37. COMPUTER OR TELEVISION? Computer
38. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Dead Girls Detective Agency by Suzy Cox. It's YA. Interesting premise. I kind of like it. (Friend me on Goodreads! keen23)
39. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? A calendar and my company logo
40. FAVORITE SOUND? I like white noise. I can't sleep without it.
41. FAVORITE GENRE OF MUSIC? 1990's college rock. That ska-punk era. Horns, bouncy songs. old No Doubt, Reel Big Fish, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, etc.
42. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Quebec, Montreal (from Arizona), Cancun, Mexico (from Massachusetts)
43. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I read really quickly?
44. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Boston
45. WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW? Hell. AKA Laveen, AZ
46. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR HOUSE? Brown. Just like every thing else in Arizona.
47. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR CAR? Silver. Actually, now that I think about it, both of my cars are silver- my commuter car and my MomVan
48. DO YOU LIKE ANSWERING 48 QUESTIONS? Yes, for sure
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Sunday Stealing (Done on Monday, Because That's How I Roll)
From here : Sunday Stealing
1) What side of the heart do you draw first?
Left. Not sure why.
2) Can you dive without plugging your nose?
Yes. I was on the swim team in High School, if you can believe it, and I was actually quite good.
3) What color is your razor?
Black. It's some type of disposable, and I really need to replace it, since I took off most of my shin this weekend.
4) What is your blood-type?
B-positive. Meaning I'm at less of a risk for sickle cell anemia, and that it's a somewhat rare blood type for white people like me.
5) Who would you want to be tied to for 24 hours?
Oprah. Because, well, she's Oprah.
6) What is a rumor someone has spread about you?
Well, I graduated High School in 1996, so I really can't remember crap that happened way back when.
7) How do you feel about carrots?
Love them in many forms
8) How many chairs at the dining room table?
10. We have a huge ass table.
9) Which is the best Spice Girl?
Scary Spice
10) Do you know what time it is?
9:25 AM Arizona Time
11) Do you know all the words to the Fresh Prince Theme Song?
Probably. "the license plate said fresh and there were dice on the mirror"
12) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator?
Hit the emergency button and then hope that there was a signal on my cell phone.
13) What’s your favorite kind of gum?
Wintergreen
14) All’s fair in love and war?
It is what it is.
15) Do you have a crush on anyone?
Many. See #5
16) Do you know how to use some words correctly, but not know the meaning?
Huh?
17) Do you like to sleep?
Sometimes. But I get insomnia in the winter.
18) Do you know which US states don’t use Daylight Savings time?
Yes, because I live in one.
19) Do you know the words to the song Total Eclipse of the Heart?
Probably not.
20) Do you want a bright yellow ‘06 mustang?
No. I don't think Mustangs have been good looking since the 60's. And, while it might be easier to find a yellow car in a parking lot, I don't really want to own one.
1) What side of the heart do you draw first?
Left. Not sure why.
2) Can you dive without plugging your nose?
Yes. I was on the swim team in High School, if you can believe it, and I was actually quite good.
3) What color is your razor?
Black. It's some type of disposable, and I really need to replace it, since I took off most of my shin this weekend.
4) What is your blood-type?
B-positive. Meaning I'm at less of a risk for sickle cell anemia, and that it's a somewhat rare blood type for white people like me.
5) Who would you want to be tied to for 24 hours?
Oprah. Because, well, she's Oprah.
6) What is a rumor someone has spread about you?
Well, I graduated High School in 1996, so I really can't remember crap that happened way back when.
7) How do you feel about carrots?
Love them in many forms
8) How many chairs at the dining room table?
10. We have a huge ass table.
9) Which is the best Spice Girl?
Scary Spice
10) Do you know what time it is?
9:25 AM Arizona Time
11) Do you know all the words to the Fresh Prince Theme Song?
Probably. "the license plate said fresh and there were dice on the mirror"
12) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator?
Hit the emergency button and then hope that there was a signal on my cell phone.
13) What’s your favorite kind of gum?
Wintergreen
14) All’s fair in love and war?
It is what it is.
15) Do you have a crush on anyone?
Many. See #5
16) Do you know how to use some words correctly, but not know the meaning?
Huh?
17) Do you like to sleep?
Sometimes. But I get insomnia in the winter.
18) Do you know which US states don’t use Daylight Savings time?
Yes, because I live in one.
19) Do you know the words to the song Total Eclipse of the Heart?
Probably not.
20) Do you want a bright yellow ‘06 mustang?
No. I don't think Mustangs have been good looking since the 60's. And, while it might be easier to find a yellow car in a parking lot, I don't really want to own one.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Things I Want to Do in 2013
These are not resolutions. I don't like resolutions. Let's consider these goals.
1. Eat better. Track calories - Sparkpeople has a fantastic, easy to use app for all smartphones. I already have it on my phone. I just need to USE IT DAILY.
2. Stop spending money on stupid things. The kids have enough crap, they don't need a $10 toy just because we went to Target because we were bored. They also have enough clothes to clothe a small European nation, and don't need any more shirts no matter how much they complain. I also do not need any more black t-shirts, even if I do wear them every single day.
3. Dress like a grown-up. Even though "stupid spending" has just been banned (see above), I need to actually have a grown-up wardrobe. A pair of dark wash jeans and a black t-shirt are not "business casual." Even with a black sweater over the mess, it's still not "business casual." Invest in shoes that I'll actually wear that aren't sneakers or flip-flops. The faux Tom's from Target can be cute, but are they grown-up?
4. Menu planning. This helps out 1 and 2 above. In that it makes me eat better, makes me pack lunches ahead of time, and saves money in the long run, since I won't be going to Fresh & Easy on my way home and grabbing pre-packaged dinner options.
5. Learn a new cooking skill. I'm a decent cook. This year, I want to learn how to pickle vegetables. I fricking love pickled carrots, pickled cauliflower, pickled beets, etc. If I could figure out how to do this, think of the healthy snacking options I'd have on hand!
6. Get more active. Walk/run at least three times a week. Consider joining a gym, even though have a phobia of the machines, want to do water aerobics. Maybe the Y has them? Look into it.
1. Eat better. Track calories - Sparkpeople has a fantastic, easy to use app for all smartphones. I already have it on my phone. I just need to USE IT DAILY.
2. Stop spending money on stupid things. The kids have enough crap, they don't need a $10 toy just because we went to Target because we were bored. They also have enough clothes to clothe a small European nation, and don't need any more shirts no matter how much they complain. I also do not need any more black t-shirts, even if I do wear them every single day.
3. Dress like a grown-up. Even though "stupid spending" has just been banned (see above), I need to actually have a grown-up wardrobe. A pair of dark wash jeans and a black t-shirt are not "business casual." Even with a black sweater over the mess, it's still not "business casual." Invest in shoes that I'll actually wear that aren't sneakers or flip-flops. The faux Tom's from Target can be cute, but are they grown-up?
4. Menu planning. This helps out 1 and 2 above. In that it makes me eat better, makes me pack lunches ahead of time, and saves money in the long run, since I won't be going to Fresh & Easy on my way home and grabbing pre-packaged dinner options.
5. Learn a new cooking skill. I'm a decent cook. This year, I want to learn how to pickle vegetables. I fricking love pickled carrots, pickled cauliflower, pickled beets, etc. If I could figure out how to do this, think of the healthy snacking options I'd have on hand!
6. Get more active. Walk/run at least three times a week. Consider joining a gym, even though have a phobia of the machines, want to do water aerobics. Maybe the Y has them? Look into it.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
My Word for 2013
So there's this thing where you pick a single word to use as your mantra for the year. My word has to be Balance. Balance between work and home is the main focus. I need to spend more time at home, and less time at work. I need to devote more of my energy to home and not to work. I've been slacking, and feeling guilty.
Now, I was going to be an asshole and say that my word for the year was perestroika. But actually, the literal meaning of perestroika is "restructuring" and that's actually a pretty cool concept. Perestroika isn't a bad mantra for 2013, if you think about it.
Another asshole word I considered was defenestration. Consider it, if you will, making your mantra of 2013 a word that means "the act of throwing something out a window."
Another word I considered was quincunx- five objects arranged in a square formation with one at each corner and one in the middle.
Do you have a mantra word?
Now, I was going to be an asshole and say that my word for the year was perestroika. But actually, the literal meaning of perestroika is "restructuring" and that's actually a pretty cool concept. Perestroika isn't a bad mantra for 2013, if you think about it.
Another asshole word I considered was defenestration. Consider it, if you will, making your mantra of 2013 a word that means "the act of throwing something out a window."
Another word I considered was quincunx- five objects arranged in a square formation with one at each corner and one in the middle.
Do you have a mantra word?
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Things I've Learned About Men
I'm not a self proclaimed expert by any means, but these are some of the things I've learned about men, from living with my man since 1999.
1. Don't get mad at him when he buys you a toaster oven for Christmas. He bought it because you've been bitching about the broken one for the past two months, and he believed the toaster oven was a thoughtful gift.
2. If you want something specific, tell him where to get it and the size and color you want. Even better, find it online, set up a shopping cart and tell him to push the "Purchase Now" button.
3. He will have a favorite shirt. It might date back to high school. Do not mock this shirt. It will make him feel bad.
4. The cat will always be YOUR cat. Even if he calls the cat his "Furry Buddy" and carries him around on his shoulder.
5. He will probably have ridiculous superstitions and rituals regarding watching "his" sports team.
6. He won't notice that the bathroom mirror is covered with spots and streaks, but his truck will be spotless.
7. Speaking of the truck, the children won't be allowed to eat or drink anything inside it, but will be fed Doritos and orange Fanta in the minivan, because it doesn't matter if the van gets stains.
8. He will throw the child in the air and catch her. This will terrify you. Just look away. 99% of the time, he'll catch her.
9. Fruit is not a normal part of his diet.
1. Don't get mad at him when he buys you a toaster oven for Christmas. He bought it because you've been bitching about the broken one for the past two months, and he believed the toaster oven was a thoughtful gift.
2. If you want something specific, tell him where to get it and the size and color you want. Even better, find it online, set up a shopping cart and tell him to push the "Purchase Now" button.
3. He will have a favorite shirt. It might date back to high school. Do not mock this shirt. It will make him feel bad.
4. The cat will always be YOUR cat. Even if he calls the cat his "Furry Buddy" and carries him around on his shoulder.
5. He will probably have ridiculous superstitions and rituals regarding watching "his" sports team.
6. He won't notice that the bathroom mirror is covered with spots and streaks, but his truck will be spotless.
7. Speaking of the truck, the children won't be allowed to eat or drink anything inside it, but will be fed Doritos and orange Fanta in the minivan, because it doesn't matter if the van gets stains.
8. He will throw the child in the air and catch her. This will terrify you. Just look away. 99% of the time, he'll catch her.
9. Fruit is not a normal part of his diet.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Monday News
Still working on that whole "Story Of Us" post...it will come!
But, some levity -
I went to the dermatologist on Monday and was informed that I have a mole on my ass. And, not only that, I probably should get it removed. Considering I don't exactly walk around outside bare-assed, it's strange that I have one in that location. Frank's response "Oh, yeah, that's been there for awhile."
But, some levity -
I went to the dermatologist on Monday and was informed that I have a mole on my ass. And, not only that, I probably should get it removed. Considering I don't exactly walk around outside bare-assed, it's strange that I have one in that location. Frank's response "Oh, yeah, that's been there for awhile."
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Division of Labor
I totally stole this from The Diniwilks. I think it's fascinating to see how families function differently.
Child care: I make the decisions for child care. This part of life is mostly over now that the kids are in school full time (thank god). They just stay at school at the after school care until either Frank or I can get them before 6 PM. And a lot of the time we're racing to get there at 5:55 PM because of traffic or work issues or whatever. We actually need to find a baby sitter for night times, but no luck right now. In a few more years, we won't even need that. We also luck out in that the kids spend 5-6 weeks in the summer with my parents. It's great for everyone- the kids get to spend the summer on the beach, we get to pretend that we don't have kids for the summer. It's like sending the kids to sleep-away camp, except they're staying with grandparents, aunts and uncles.
Newborn care (bonus historical category): I did the bare minimum of 6 weeks with all three kids. And, I was stir crazy and wanting to get out of the house by 3 weeks. Frank took a week with the first child, and two weeks with the next two. He used to work PM swing, so he'd actually get to hang out with the kids in the mornings while I went to work. Then, I'd be alone at night with the kids. He generally got home in time to do the middle of the night feeding- between 11 PM and 1 AM he'd usually have a baby with him on the couch. It meant that I never really had to be a Zombie Mommy, because I got at least 5 hours of uninterrupted sleep a night even from the very beginning (yes, I breastfed, but we depended on bottles for that middle of the night feeding). My husband got to the point where he could basically change a diaper while asleep.
Newborn care (bonus historical category): I did the bare minimum of 6 weeks with all three kids. And, I was stir crazy and wanting to get out of the house by 3 weeks. Frank took a week with the first child, and two weeks with the next two. He used to work PM swing, so he'd actually get to hang out with the kids in the mornings while I went to work. Then, I'd be alone at night with the kids. He generally got home in time to do the middle of the night feeding- between 11 PM and 1 AM he'd usually have a baby with him on the couch. It meant that I never really had to be a Zombie Mommy, because I got at least 5 hours of uninterrupted sleep a night even from the very beginning (yes, I breastfed, but we depended on bottles for that middle of the night feeding). My husband got to the point where he could basically change a diaper while asleep.
Time off (bonus category): My husband works insane hours now- 12-16 hour days. I don't get a "time off" day. But, again the kids are old enough that we can sleep in on the weekends and the kids can occupy themselves.
Work: We
both work full time. My job is a traditional office job 8 AM - 5 PM. His is in the food service industry, so he works 6 AM to 6 PM or 8 PM. A 60 hour week is STANDARD for his position.
Food: I do 95% of the grocery shopping, because I do 95% of the cooking. I make the meal plans so I pick the food that we eat.
Housecleaning: Frank does 90% of the cleaning. He does the laundry, the dishes, mops and vacuums the floors, puts away clothes, organizes and trashes clutter, changes bedsheets and just about everything in between. I clean the bathrooms- that's the one thing he won't do.
House decorating (bonus category): Mostly Frank. We have the same tastes- simple, clean lines, neutral colors. He likes to change out the art on our walls. He gets a bug up his ass about painting rooms, etc. My only request is that we have only white linens on our bed (I know, it's weird, but I only like white sheets and white down comforters).
Yard work: The front yard is xeriscaped so that there's minimal upkeep. The backyard gets mowed once a month or so, and I keep the pool from going green.
Communications: That's all me. I have to remind my husband to call his parents on their birthdays. We have a synched Google calendar to keep us on the same page, and a huge calendar on the pantry door that appointments, soccer games, girl scouts, tutoring and meetings and stuff are written on .
Finances: We both have individual accounts and a joint account. The joint account pays the household bills, and we each have fuck off money in our single accounts. Fuck off money is the money we keep separate from each other so we can buy the impractical things we want without having to get into a fight about it. As is "I don't care if you hate this, I bought it from my own money, so fuck off." Frank carries the family insurance plans, because his company is HUGE and they have a wonderful Cadillac plan for a reasonable price (I don't skimp on health or dental coverage, I want EVERYTHING).
Activities: We take turns. Frank is great at planning the logistics of the big trips, I do more of the local stuff. I'm more of a "just tell me when to show up" type of person, he likes to plan things out so we don't miss anything. We do a lot of free and cheap activities on my watch- like Art Walks, Christmas tree lighting, visiting parks and getting ice cream. We go to a lot of baseball games in season, because it's a cheap family outing. Luckily the kids are easily amused and travel well. The kids have flown cross country so many times that they're pros and don't even get excited about it any more.
Who wears the pants (bonus category): I'm the boss. Just ask the kids.
I think we're lucky in that we've lived together now for 14 years (and we're only 34 years old). We had five years without kids to figure out how to function as a team before we added the stress of kids to the household. Well before the kids, I knew I'd be alone a lot at night, just due to the job field that my husband is in.
As of today, my husband and I have been monogamous for 17 years. Fully half of our lifetimes, and all of our adult years. I plan on doing a "story of us" type post later on, when I can get some of our old pictures together.
Feel free to steal this! I think it's a great topic. Link below if you plan on doing a division of labor post.
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