Wednesday Answers

From My Digital Ghost...

[Listen] Any song stuck in your head right now? Or do you remember the last song to be stuck in your head–what was it?

I have Flo Rida's "Spin me Round" stuck in my head right now...it must have just been on a commercial or something.

[Watch] Will you/did you see the new Harry Potter movie this week? In general, have you ever attended a midnight showing of a major film the night it was released?

I will not see the Harry Potter movie. I haven't seen any of them thus far, so wouldn't start towards the end; I really don't have much of an interest in them! I feel like I have seen a midnight release, but am not sure if that is true...if it was anything, it was one of the Star Wars movies (either the re-release of the originals or the first new one). Can't guarantee that is true, though.

[Read] What is your favorite category of non-fiction? (History, culture, humor, etc.)

I have been reading a lot of history lately. I also really love travel books and learning about the places I will go...soon I'll have to start reading about Amsterdam!

Wednesday Answers

From Wednesday Weirdness.

1. If you were to be reincarnated as an inanimate object, what would you choose to come back as?
A refillable pen.

2. If you were told that you would be equipped with the perfect comeback to any remark, but it would cost you five years of your life would you take it?
At this very moment? No. But I am sure it would come in handy at some point, so maybe, if it means living to 95 instead of 100 (we have long life lines in my family).

3. What would be the most shocking thing your mom could have ever told you?
That she & my dad were/are swingers. It would also gross me out completely. (hi mom!)

4. If you could spend 24 hours as the opposite gender, what would you do?
Have sex, duh.

5. Describe the ugliest outfit you have ever worn in public.
Hmmm...well, the 80's and 90's don't count, right, since things were in style then... if they do count, well, pretty much anything I wore then. The puffy paint sweatshirts, acid washed jeans, and 3" high hair really wasn't cute.

6. Do you like to celebrate Valentine's Day or do you wish you could magically pouf it from the calendar? If you did, what holiday would you invent to put in its place?
I am of two minds about Valentine's Day. As a romantic holiday, I think it's so false, and that it's just meant to make so many people feel bad (if you're single, you suck; if you're in a relationship, you must want diamonds and lots of gifts; if you're a guy, you just feel bad for not doing the right thing or something). But, I try to look at it as a way to celebrate my friends and the good love I do have in my life. And, of course, Luca, my #1 valentine:-).

Wednesday Answers

Nothing like a little procrastination. This time, courtesy of My Digital Ghost...

Listen: What was the last concert you went to, and what was your experience like?

Gosh, I can't even remember...I assume it was some sort of cover band because I don't know that I have seen live music in a while. How sad is that? I assume, though, that my experience was getting pushed around, getting tired of standing, and eventually leaning up against something for support.

Watch: Is there a movie that inspires you? If so, which one?

I wouldn't exactly say it was inspiring in a good way, but Revolutionary Road really made me think about life, what I would love in a relationship, and, importantly, what I could not tolerate in one. It made me evaluate dreams and support and what that all means. And it made me really think twice about my life at that moment.

Read: What was the last time you read a book and saw the film adaptation afterwards? What was your reaction?

I think it was The Other Boleyn Girl. I could not put the book down...it wasn't a fine piece of literature, but it was a good, descriptive book that really kept me, as the reader, involved and interested. The movie, on the other hand...was TERRIBLE. I almost turned it off. And, it takes A LOT for me to stop watching something. 1. I was transfixed by the horrible teeth they had Natalie Portman wear, and 2. The picked the worst parts of the book to adapt, so it made no sense. Also, Henry VIII was known to have the Tudor reddish hair. Not be dark like Eric Bana. This also bothered me.

Sunday Answers

This one from Sunday Stealing...

1. If you could say anything you wanted to say to George Bush, what would you say?
Goodbye.

2. If you had to be the mother of Britney Spears or Lindsay Lohan, who would you choose and why?
Probably not either, but I think Brit-Brit...I think she just wants someone to notice here and is crying for help, whereas Lohan is a total egoist.

3. You get to be Queen for a day. The kids are all taken care of, and you can spend as much money as you want. What do you do all day?
I think I would go to the gym and hire a trainer for a day, to walk me through all sorts of exercises I could do from the next day forward. Ditto a personal chef. Then I would probably go buy a baseball team so I could manage them, thus ensuring an income for some time after my Queendom is over. And maybe I would treat Luca to a groomer...but he may hate that.

4. Is there a song that brings tears to your eyes every time you hear it? If so, which one?
The Luckiest by Ben Folds. That song makes me cry like a baby. "Now I know all the wrong turns, the stumbles and falls, have brought me here..."

5. A fairy taps you on the shoulder and tells you that you can either have a perfect face or a perfect body for the rest of your life. Which do you choose?
I would wonder what that means, exactly. What is a perfect face? Would the perfect body be the perfect body for me/my type, or would I look unhealthy? Neither seem like a good option.

6. If you could live any place in the world and money was no object, where would you live and why?
I don't think money should stop any of us from moving where we want to be. I see myself living back in Spain someday. Timing just has to be right.

7. What is your biggest regret in life?
This sounds trite, but I try not to have regrets...especially given some things that happened this last summer, I try to be a doer, and not look back and wonder why I didn't do something. That said...I wish I would have stayed in college a little longer, and stayed in Sevilla a little longer, too. But, had I stayed in school longer, I wouldn't have had the same experience I had in Sevilla, and had I stayed in Sevilla longer, I wouldn't have had some fantastic travel experiences. So, it all works out in the end, methinks.

8. If you could go back and visit one person in your life who is now dead, and ask one question, what would that question be and why would you ask it?
Often times I wish I would have asked my grammie for her green bean recipe. More and more lately I have been craving those. But, in general, I just would have asked all my now-passed grandparents many more questions.

9. If you had the choice to age forward (like we are now) or aging backwards (think Benjamin Buttons) which would you choose and why?
Forward. I don't really have much of a desire to go back to my youth. It was a terribly awkward, and just generally not so great, time.

10. What will the epitaph on your headstone say?
I like a quote by Michael Landon, "Remember me with smiles and laughter, for that is how I will remember you." But, realistically, I am not the most smiley/laughy person, I am much more serious and "dark & twisty." So I would just like it to read, "Loving daughter, wife, mother, and friend." Hopefully all of that will be true by the end of my time.

Friday Answers

Back to the once in a while memes...this one is from ilaxSTUDIO...

Is it harder for you to eat healthy or get exercise?

It is much harder for me to eat healthy. I like eating healthy, but cooking for one person is tough when all the recipes I have are for 4+ servings. I don't like eating leftovers for days on end. So it is easier to grab something at lunch (which I try to make healthy), then cook something random for dinner. It's not that it's necessarily unhealthy, but they often aren't the best rounded meals.

Exercise, on the other hand, is a little easier. I can throw on my tennis shoes and put a leash on the dog, and take a jog or walk. I can pop in a DVD and do my little workouts here at home. I can run to the gym and do a quick workout. I like exercise, I like feeling like I have accomplished a little more, physically, then others:-).

I do try to balance things...but for me, exercise is a little easier.

Monday Answers

From Monday's a Bitch...

1.Which song reminds you most of the 90's?
Probably "These Are Days" by 10,000 Maniacs and "Tubthumping" by Chumpawumpa

2.Do you remember where you were when you heard about Kurt Cobain?
I was in Seattle visiting some people my friend and I had met at Close Up. I still have the paper from the day after...we left on the day of the funeral, otherwise we would have gone.

3.Were you ever known to sport a fanny pack?
I probably wore one, but I never really liked 'em.
4.Which 90210 character was your favourite?
DYLAN McCAY 4-EV-AH

5.Do you own a troll doll?
I don't think I do anymore.

Sunday Answers

From Randomness...
This or that?
1. soda or water?
soda
2. mustard or ketchup?
ketchup
3. lake or beach?
lake
4. rent a dvd or go to the theater?
theater
5. log onto the internet or go for a jog?
job
6. read a book or watch a movie?
read a book
7. italian food or chinese food?
italian
8. summer or winter?
summer

Wednesday Answers

From One Day at a Time.

Hypotheticals: If you could bring someone famous back from the grave, who would you choose?
Aside from family members, I think someone like Eleanor Roosevelt.

Anything Goes: Where do you not mind waiting?
I don't like waiting, but if I have to...someplace I can people watch to my heart's content.

No-Brainers: What do you hate sharing with people?
My problems.

Personals: Where is your birthmark?
Behind my ear.

Thursday Answers

From 3x Thursday...

1. How did this holiday season treat you? Are you glad it's over? Why/why not?
I had a really nice holiday season...I can't say that I am happy it's over. It was a really fun time hanging out with my family and friends I haven't seen in a long time.

2. How as your health been with this busy time? Did you get sick?
My health has not been the best. I am tired all the time, clearly fighting something off, and I tweaked my back, which stinks!

3. Now that the chaotic holidays are done with, what are you going to do now?
Are they over? I feel like they're not over until New Year's. I need to clean clean clean!

Wednesday Answers

From Daily Three

1. What is the worst natural disaster to affect the city in which you live? Were you living there when it happened?
I think the 1989 Earthquake...perhaps the 1906 was worse, but the 1989 one was the one I lived through and it was horrible.

2. Do you know if there are sex offenders living in your neighborhood? Are you concerned about it?
I am sure there are. I don't worry about it too much...I worry more about the gangs across the way.

3. If you were elected to your city council, what would be the first item you would want to vote on (go ahead and be creative)?
Cleaning up the streets.

Tuesday Answers

From Tina's Tuesdays...
1. What is your all-time favourite holiday movie?
A Christmas Story ("Fra-gi-le...it must be Italian")
2. What recent release is a must have on your list?
Love Actually
3. What are some more of your favourite holiday movies?
Elf
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
All those claymation movies

Tuesday Answers

Word association from The Music Meme...First song/artist/album that comes to mind...

Icy
Johnny Angel

Dark
Strong Enough

End
It's the End of the World as We Know It

December
Oh What a Night

Flake
Creep by TLC

Duet
Unforgettable

Beat
We got the Beat

Stress
Bad Day by Samiam

Harmony
Motownphilly

New
New Shoes

Monday Answers

From Monday's a Bitch...

Jamaicin' Me Crazy
1.Would you ever put your hair in dreadlocks?
HELL NO
2.Got any sun-holidays planned for this winter?
I wish. Depends on a few factors...I would love to go to Mexico for a long weekend!
3.What's your favourite rum based drink?
Skinny Pirate (TM Susie's friend) - Captain & Diet
4.Do you like reggae music?
Sometimes.
5.What's your opinion on the legalization of marijuana?
It would be a great way to increase tax revenue! And, really, how is it any worse than most of the alcohol that's out there? I don't get it.

Tuesday Answers

From Ten on Tuesday:
Ten Songs that Bring Back Memories (and why)

In no particular order:

1. TubThumping (chumpawumpa) - This reminds me of walking into Madison's in SLO, and most of my senior year of college

2. Hang on Sloopy (the mccoys) - A family "band" at the River played this one when I was younger, and it always reminds me of summer

3. Hold on to the Nights (richard marx) - sitting in the back seat of the station wagon, thinking about the boys we're crushin' on at the River

4. Everybody Hurts (REM) - this song came out at the perfect time, my senior year of high school, and in a weird way, brought a lot of us together

5. The Search is Over (survivor) - my first slow dance

6. These Are Days (10,000 maniacs) - my senior year of high school, a few good times

7. Stay (lisa loeb) - my angry post-high school song, I loved belting this out in my car while thinking about the cute boys

8. Bad Day (samiam) - this song still helps me get through a bad one

9. M+Ms (blink-182) - my friend in college made me a tape, and this was the last song on it; always reminds me of him and good times

10. Depende (jarabe del palo) - brings me right back to Reyes' class in Sevilla

Friday Answers

Courtesy of Friday Fill Ins:

1. Plans and schedules guide me.

2. I'm happy when things are in order .

3. The last thing I drank was wine left over from the other night .

4. One of the most valuable things in my life is my general health .

5. I like pineapple on my pizza.

6. Dear November, please see me through the rough .

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to clarity, tomorrow my plans include getting my haircut and Sunday, I want to go shopping!

Friday Answers

From Five on Friday...

1. They say elephants never forget. Would you compare your memory to that of an elephant or gnat?

I am somewhere between a gnat an elephant. Half the time I can't remember anything, but then I remember the most random stuff. it is weird.

2. What kinds of things do you find it easy to remember?

I find it easy to remember things my friends tell me, random pop culture references, and things I probably should forget (like grudges and what not).

3. What kinds of things do you find it difficult to remember?
I have a hard time remembering what I had for lunch that day, tasks, things I need to bring somewhere or tell someone.

4. How does your short-term memory compare to your long-term memory?

Short term is horrible these days. Long term is in pretty good shape!

5. How do you commit things to memory? Do you use tricks, songs, images, word associations, or other little mnemonics?

I use lots of lists...lots. I put my keys next to things I need to remember. I write it on a sticky and put it on my door. Lists, lists, lists. And even then, sometimes I forget.

Sunday Answers

From Patrick's Place - Sunday Seven

Name seven items in your “junk drawer.”

1. Scissors
2. Change for the laundry (although now it is just nickels and dimes, it seems)
3. Lots of pens
4. Post-it Pads in bright colors
5. Wine corkscrew/opener
6. Champagne lid thingy to keep out air when I can't finish a bottle
7. Nail file

Sunday Answers

A little free association from Luna Nina

1. Uneven :: Life
2. Wonder :: Amazement
3. Spider :: Web
4. Emma :: Friends
5. Swing:: Child
6. Orbit :: Gum
7. Flirt :: Me
8. Donation :: Need
9. Veil :: Wedding
10. Atmosphere :: Dying

Monday Answers...

From Monday's a Bitch.

1. What percent of your pants are denim?
I would say about 30-40%. I only have a few pairs of jeans.

2. What are your thoughts on the WWE? Entertaining? Irritating? Worst invention ever?
I grew up with WWF...and had a love/hate relationship. Love, probably because of the soap opera aspect; hate, because my brother and cousins used to practice the latest moves on me. I think what is going on now is very tragic.

3. Have you seen any movies recently that you would consider to be in the class of "greatest movies of all time"?
I don't think so. Wedding Crashers -- which isn't too recent -- will go down as a classic, along with Old School, 40-year old virgin, etc.

4. Have you ever denied having a livejournal/blog?
No. I may not tell people the name, but if they google me they'll find it.

5. If you were able to travel anywhere in the world, with any two people (alive, dead, real or fictional) as your traveling companions, where would you go, and who would come with you?
I think I would like to go somewhere with my two grandmothers. I am not sure where I would take them, but I bet the two of them together would have been a hoot.

Friday Answers

BeliBlog poses some interesting questions...

Q1 - Back Seat Driver: When sitting in the back seat of a car, do you have a preference of which side--passenger or driver--you sit on? What if you were the only passenger sitting in the back... would you have a preference then? Related question: As the driver, do you have a preference of which side a lone back seat passenger sits?

I prefer to sit on the passenger side when I ride in the back seat. If I am alone in the back, I'll usually sit on the passenger side...although occasionally I'll sit in the middle if I need to be involved in the front seat conversation. As the driver, if there is just one person in the back seat, I prefer them to be on the passenger side.

Q2 - Lawsuits: A member of the Rutgers women's basketball team sued Don Imus and CBS on Tuesday, claiming the radio personality's sexist and racist comments about the team damaged her reputation. Kia Vaughn's lawsuit says Imus and his former co-host Bernard McGuirk, along with CBS Corp. and CBS Radio, are legally responsible for damage done to her character and reputation. Do you agree that Vaughn's character and reputation were damaged by Imus' remarks and that she has legitimate cause for action against the caustic radio host?

I think this society is a little sue-crazy.

Q3 - Recall: Toy maker Mattel announced this week that they are voluntarily recalling millions of units of toys because of "impermissible use of lead paint and risks associated with small, high-powered magnets." Have you been affected by Mattel's recall? If not, when was the last time you were directly impacted by a mandatory or voluntary product recall?

I have not been affected by this recall. I believe there was a voluntary recall on my car a few years ago, and I brought it into the shop and had it fixed.

Q4 - Impressions: If you could get away with it and do it extremely well, whose voice would you impersonate for an entire workday?

Barry White would be fun.