Mosaic meme...

Meme stolen from Life in the Pink

Answer these questions:

1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. Favorite drink?
7. Dream vacation?
8. Favorite dessert?
9. What do you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. One word to describe you.
12. Your Flickr name.

The instructions to create the mosaic are:

* Type your answers to each of the questions below into Flickr Search
* Using only the first page, pick an image
* Copy and paste each of the URLs into the mosaic maker

Hope that your heart's always warm...

And here are the last three questions...written for the second time by cg who had her first set swallowed by blogger...

If tomorrow you could wake up and magically be brilliant at something that you can't do, or are crap at doing, today, what would it be?

This one is a no-brainer. I would want to be musical. I bet if I tried really hard I could be passingly musical, but who has the time or money to do that? I'd love to play the piano or guitar. And I'd love to sing in key. It might help if my fingers were magically stretched a bit as they are exceedingly small and make chords and keys seem impossible...

Desert island CD. I leave it to your discretion whether you want this to be an actual released album or a mix CD - if it's a mix CD, your discretion as to how many tracks you choose to list here ...

This is impossible. I realize I'd need a mix - because I'd need music to "work" to (you know, when I'm building my hut) and music to cry to (you know, because I'm stuck on a desert island). The problem here is that this is going to be influenced by what I love now. And anything will get tiring after a while. And oh my god, I can't handle the pressure.

Sad sap songs:

1. Mona Lisa - Guster
2. Brothers on a Hotel Bed - Death Cab for Cutie
3. Your Ex-Lover is Dead - Stars
   
4. Joga - Bjork
5. Not the Red Baron - Tori Amos
   
6. Age Six Racer - Dashboard Confessional
7. A Plain Morning - Dashboard Confessional
   
8. Typical Situation - DMB
9. Hide and Seek - Imogen Heap
   

Working hard songs:

1. Hyperballad - Bjork
2. Tripping Billies - DMB
3. Let Go - Frou Frou
   
4. My Name is Jonas - Weezer
   
5. Sexy Back - Justin Timberlake
6. Mr. Brightside - Killers
   
7. Lovestoned - Justin Timberlake
8. Oooh La - Kooks
   
9. Naive - Kooks
   
10. Crystal Ball - Keane
    
11. Do It - Nelly Furtado
12. Stronger - Kanye West

This question is too hard. Way too hard. And you all should take this opportunity to clue me in to new music, because I have been craving something new pretty hard for a few weeks now. I'm listening to music at work a lot now (to drown out some uncomfortable noises originating in the cubicle behind mine).

Most influential person in your life so far? and if I can stretch one question slightly, so that it also includes some hint of why/how so?

My Mom and Dad. Most of it was a lot of the normal shit, but I think I've learned a lot by example (and while most of that is good stuff, some of it has been "what not to do"). I'm really not sure that there will ever be a more influential person. My friends have had great influence on me as well...but that all just gets murkier than the parent thing even is (and we jump into the question of how much of me is me and how much of me is that which I've taken from others...).

Now cg...here are your questions:

• Because it was so torturous and hard, I'm going to make you do your own desert island question (freudian that I first typed dessert?)
• If you could give whatever you wanted (no cost/time/spatial restrictions) to someone you love, what would you give? And to who?
  
• As a fellow singleton (singleton's of the world unite!), do you have any "deal-breakers"? Do you have anything that you would like a "date" or partner to possess?
  

Questions and questions...

So, I forgot to ask Aaron some questions (sorry!):

• What is the first thing you notice about people when you meet them? (repeat question, but I like it).
• What is your favorite book? Favorite movie?
• If you could do anything for the next 24 hours, no consequences, no money limit...what would you do?

And now, Janet's questions....

What is one thing that you really want to accomplish in the next ten years?

This one is tough...I'm headed in the right direction for my "short-term" goals, which are to graduate grad school and own a condo (this one is more longer term). I guess the one "accomplishment" that I hope to have is a relationship of some kind? Even if I'm not in one at the ten year mark, to have had one in between now and then might be nice.

If you could have one meal and eat whatever you want without having to worry about fat or calories, what would it be?

Wow, this one is hard. But here it is...

Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Paneer Butter Masala (with Naan to dip into it and rice to eat it on)
a Sweet Mandy B's cupcake

What TV character (or movie I guess) is most like you? Most like who you would want to marry?

This one is terribly tricky. It doesn't help that my memory is so thin. My first thought was Angela from My So Called Life. She's so naive and sensitive...and I feel like that a lot lately. Who I would want to marry...my first thought was Jim from the Office. I just love him right now. And I love his sense of humor.

So Janet...you didn't say if you want questions or not...let me know if you do. I know you don't really blog anymore...so just let me know!

A few more questions...

Aaron asks....

Do you or have you watched any TV series religiously? If so, which ones?

Honestly, I've sort of fallen off of the religious TV watching thing. The only show I would really be sad if it didn't Tivo is the Office. I used to really love Grey's Anatomy, but eh. And maybe I'll be excited when Lost comes back around. Overall, I'm less attached to the TV than I've ever been...

What's your favorite thing about living in Chicago? What's your least favorite thing? (sorry, 2 in one...)

It is really hard to pick any favorite thing...I love the fact that I can walk almost anywhere. I love the view at times (there's an awesome, amazing, delicious view off on the top level of the Children's Memorial Hospital parking garage or the view from certain roads on the way in). I love the food options. Restaurants everywhere...

I don't love the traffic. I don't love the smells (sometimes, you just walk through a pee cloud or a sewage cloud). Right now I don't love the CTA.

Where in the world do you most want to go where you have not been before?

My top vacation destination at the moment is Greece. I have this thing for ruins...

But I also would like to see some part of Africa, rainforest somewhere (Brazil maybe)...it would be pretty cool to go to China...and I still sort of want to go to India.

More questions...

Mavis, I confess, I like this game too....and it's sort of a little more intriguing when you don't really know the person (although my sister has informed me how you all know each other, so I know there is that slight connection).

Do you read the newspaper, either online or print edition? If so, do you have any favorite reporters/columnists?

I do read the newspaper online, although not as thoroughly as you seem to imply. The Trib is my homepage on all of my computers (home and work) so I look at the headlines probably 100 times a day. I am mainly a headline reader though...I do occasionally drill down to the story, but usually it involves zoo animals or other animals (it's a weakness). As election stuff ramps up I'll be horrified and dismayed and end up reading a lot of that stuff. Due to my superficial reading, no, I have no favorite columnists...

If you could max out a credit card (someone else is paying the bill) at any store, which store would you pick?

This is TOUGH. Is it crazy that I want to say Target? I love Target. I would like to be able to max it out over the course of the year though...so I could hit all seasonal stuff....

What is the worst book you've ever read?

How about the worst book I never got farther than 100 pages in? Gravity's Rainbow. BLARGH. And...I may have to try to read that sucker again.

Book I got through that I hated? The Alchemist. I hated that book. I actually think it's a fairly brilliant test of whether or not I'm going to get along well with someone...did you like the Alchemist? Yes? Bye.

Ok Mavis, here are my questions for you:

• What is the first thing you notice about someone when first meeting them? Is it different for guys vs. girls?
• If you could change one thing about yourself, what would you change?
• Do you have any guilty pleasures? If not, do you wish you had some?
  

Redhead's questions...

An owl? Why?

Ah the owl. It's sort of a silly story that starts with a sorority "mascot", middles with an owl collection and an ugly ornament tradition and ends with my Mom being horrified that I would get a tattoo that is "for" her.

What is your favorite color and why? When did make that your favorite color?

Red.

? I don't really know. I just like it. It's vibrant, it's happy. But it's not shockingly vibrant (depending on your hue obviously) and it's more somberly happy than say...yellow. I like to wear it and live with it.

How do you look back at your sorority experience?

Sort of a mish-mash. I think it was necessary because I was swimming in a large university and suffering from a bad freshman dorm placement (I was in the upper-classmen dorm. Yeah - you try to make friends with other freshmen when you're surrounded by old people). I didn't really "profit" from the social events (although I feel like we went to quite a few of them senior year) but overall I remember my experience only positively. Although I am stuck still talking to people like redhead.... :)

Redhead...here are your questions

• Will you ever go back for a higher degree? If so, in what?
• When you imagine your future, what do you see?
• Are you still thinking of naming your child Seabass? Any names picked out for the future?
  

Al's questions...

Once again, some questions (if you don't know what's going on here, scroll down a bit and read the 3 blog posts before this one):

Do you ever regret getting your tattoo? Side question: Do you ever think you'll get another one and if you did, what would it be?

Nope, no regret. Although I do sometimes wish it looked slightly different and will probably "jazz" it up someday. But I definitely don't regret what is on me right now. And yes, yes, yes I will be getting more tattoos. Unfortunately, to the chagrin of my parents, I will probably be the one in the extended family that ends up with a menagerie of tattoos. Probably a whole lot of small ones, although I did once see a huge one that I would consider. I'm just not ready for that kind of tattoo commitment yet. My next two tattoos are already planned. I'm just waiting on them to make sure they hold - I always try to wait a longish amount of time so that I don't brand myself impulsively.

Tattoo the second: stars on the top of my foot. Colored. The color is up for grabs at this point - possibly primaries...maybe something like teal, gold, eggplant? I'm not entirely sure on that yet - that may be something I'd discuss with the tattooer.

Tattoo the third: An owl...location still in question. Possible hip bone, on the front or back...not sure. One color. Not sure if it's black...

What is YOUR definition of chemistry?

Should I give back story on this question? Ok - so I'm questioning my judgment on all things having to do with men. Maybe that's not even clear enough....I can't decide one way or the other about someone, if I'm crushing on him or not. So I was wondering if chemistry can be a one way street (thoughts readers?). And then Al and I got into a convo about chemistry. My definition is somewhat limited, something along the lines of: the sizzle you feel around someone you're clicking with. However, I think this is too narrow. I now may adopt Al's definition which was (I paraphrase): when your personalities click/bounce back and forth with someone. When personalities play well together....

How would you answer this question: "So Katie, what's your story?"

When I read this question, I think the appropriate answer is one or two sentences:

Twenty-something reluctant scholar who spends her days laughing with other nerds while making websites for librarians. Is hopelessly attached to her family and a few good friends while spending most of her time around other humans being socially awkward.


So Al, here are your questions. Answer them at will:

• I heart that story question, so I'm going to make you answer your own question. So Al, what's your story?
• If you could eat only one thing for the rest of your days what would it be? If you could only read one thing? Watch one thing? Listen to one...CD?
• When you imagine your future, what does it look like?
  

Pooj's questions...

See the original questions post for how this thing is working...

What did you take away from your college experience at U of I?

I think the most important thing was definitely not the schooling part of it (because honestly, I use barely anything I learned there. The only possible useful thing I was schooled in is writing. I can kill a business case now). I think I came away with a better idea of who I am, how to interact with people (and live with them...and even learned that I don't really want to live with them). Probably the one thing I learned that may be different to what most people learn in college (sure, I learned my alcohol tolerance like the rest) is how to be alone and not be lonely.

If you had the power to make one fictitious character a reality, who would it be?

My first inclination was Ronald Weasley. But, like my sister said with Anne of Green Gables, I think he is some amalgamation of Ron Weasley and Rupert Grint in my head. There is a weird mesh there...

I have this horrible problem where I don't really remember much of what I have read. It's sort of the same issue with not remembering all that many details of my childhood. Not sure why this happens/happened, but remembering fictitious characters is not my strong suit (my head is probably brimming full of song lyrics and coding and all that other stuff was pushed out).

Does your dad make the best homemade pizza? Just kidding...

The truth is...I've never had any other homemade pizza. But, I'm sure if I had, yours would come out on top....

If you could only watch 3 more movies in your life, which ones would you choose?

This one is tough. I think I'd have to pick ones that I could watch over and over...so here's the first three I came up with:

1. The Fifth Element (Action + Sci-fi)
2. Love Actually (Romance + a dose of realism)
3. Empire Records (a bit of everything)

Ok Pops, it's your turn:

• This is a first instinct/first thought question, so you have to answer it with the first thing that pops into your mind: Happiest memory? Saddest memory?
• What TV shows are you watching this year?
• I'm stealing this question from Ang's questioner, Mavis: You have to leave right now to go to the airport for a 10 day trip. Where are you going? And...are you taking me with you?
  

As I was typing this I got another three questions. I'm going to do those later tonight or tomorrow...

Questions...

So the deal is, I asked my sis three questions. She reciprocated and now I answer them here. If you'd like, you can ask three questions in the comments and I'll answer them on this blog. Then I'll ask you three and you have to answer them somewhere (if you have a blog, on your blog. If not, then...I guess in the comments?). So here goes:

Besides the monetary benefits, was it worth it to go and get your Masters in something so far removed from your major in college? Was it the right choice?

Yes, yes, yes. I think part of the problem of being an adult and having to pay your own bills (boooo) is trying to find a job that you actually like. Or, put differently, finding busy work that you don't mind doing...and I managed to hit it with this stuff. I took an educated guess that since I spent so much time on my computer that I might as well marry it...maybe I should be an IT person. And once in school again, I figured out which part of IS fit me...it was a big gamble and it paid off (and I think the chances of it going the other way were pretty high).

Part of why I love my job so much right now is the atmosphere here. I laugh out loud, hard, probably at least 5 times a day and usually more around 15-20. And while that is a function of the atmosphere and people of this place, not the actual work...it is also something that could never exist in an insurance company (no offense Pooj). I will probably never have a stuffy job again. And I may never have to dress business casual again (hooray). And I think all of that fits me. I think my "people" fit somewhere in the large pool of nerdy IT people...

What's your favorite place in London?

My first instinct was Budgen's. My grocery store. Which is sort of hilarious and shows you just how much I like food. But I think it's more like...London was home and when you live somewhere the small places are most frequented: your favorite restaurants (Pret!), your grocery store, your public transportation hub (Mile End Underground stop!). And those little things are what I remember most. But, the place I would HAVE to visit if I was in London is Tate Modern. I love that place. I can even walk through it in my head...and if you know my memory, you know that means it's a place I value (and have been to a million times). My favorite ever piece of art was there...in one sentence: An large wall piece made out of plastic rectangles connected with tubes, full of sand colored as the flags of a whole bunch of countries that had, at one time, been used as an anthill.

What trends do you secretly wish you were taking part in right now? What trends are you glad to keep away from you with a ten-foot pole?

I love hats...and I wish that I could wear some of the cuter trendy hats without feeling like a tool. But I would. I'd feel like people would look at me and think, "Britney Spears wannabe?". Or "Hipster." I don't want to be a hipster.

That may be the only trend that I like. I don't mind that the shirts are a bit longer now. Cuts down on the riding up over my sloped belly.

As for trends that I hate:
Leggings are HIDEOUS.
Formal shorts are just plain stupid.

Girl last night who was wearing leggings under formal shorts with hooker heels: utter disaster.

Meme...

So...I was tagged for a meme and since I'm game for anything, I decided to go ahead with it.

Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those tagged need to write on their blogs 7 facts, as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag seven others and list their names on your blog. You have to leave those you plan on tagging a note in their comments so they know that they have been tagged and need to read your blog.

1. I'm not the best at sharing the things that I really like. I am a worrier by nature, so I can't help but worry that I'll never get said item back (remember when I owned About a Boy, KATY). Applies to food especially.
   
2. I call my cats Doker and Boner frequently (their names are Boku and Mona respectively. Yes, my nicknames make no sense. No, I don't mean boner in a dirty, dirty way).
   
3. Sometimes I wonder about the most inane and inappropriate things. Today's example: What do homeless women do when they have their period? Anyone?
   
4. I would like to get another tattoo.
   
5. I prefer this weather to warmer weather. And the other day it felt so much like fall that I started thinking about pumpkins and apples....and I got really excited...only to jump back into reality bummed about spring and flowers (and really, cicadas. yuck).
   
6. My efforts to save the environment now include: toilet paper, dish washing liquid, paper towels. Soon to include cat litter. We'll see how that goes!
   
7. I'm going to a wedding in Utah next weekend - never seen Salt Lake City...yay for new adventures.
8. This should be item 7.5 because it's not really a fun fact about me - but I got SO MUCH mail today that it's insane. I imagine they're still doling out the backlog....
   

That was a boring list, eh?

I don't really love tagging people (and I'm definitely not leaving a comment on any of their blogs - I'm fairly anti-comment)....but here's the only 7 I know out there...

Redhead, sister, Al, the Dad, Rita, co-worker CG (don't know if you're public with your name in the blogosphere), ScottScottScott....

And if any of you do this I will be shocked. Although it will prove that you actually read my blog....mua-hahaha...public verification of my reading audience...

Pro-cras-ti-nation...(sang to Anticipation)

I was tagged for this meme a long time ago...but I was hesitant because my middle name and the tagger's middle name are the same. And that's not really much fun. But now I'm procrastinating a midterm...so I decided now was the time to take it. I tag no one...my sister could do it...but her middle name starts with M, so again...not much fun.

Also, I deleted Redhead's answers a while ago, so if mine are the same, it's pure coincidence.

....Your Middle Name: Marie

1. Famous singer: Mick Jagger
2. 4 letter word: More
3. Street name: Montrose
4. Color: Mauve
5. Gifts/presents: Moola
6. Vehicle: Mercedes
7. Things in a Souvenir Shop: Mugs
8. Boy Name: Maxwell (welcome Max!!)
9. Girl Name: Mindy
10. Movie Title: I cheated and looked at my movie rack: Mansfield Park
11. Drink: Mojito
12. Occupation: Martial arts teacher
13. Flower: Magnolia
14. Celebrity: Matthew Perry
15. Magazine: Men's Health
16. U.S. City: Miami
17. Teams: Miami Heat
18. Something Found in a Kitchen: Mice (oooh, hope not...how about Miracle Whip. Again, sort of hope not...how about...Marshmallows..yes, please!).
19. Reason for Being Late for Work: Married an abuser (that's terrible, but marriage was the first M I came up with)
20. Something You Throw Away: Money (on rent...)
21. Things You Shout: MOVE!
22. Cartoon Character: Mighty Mouse
23. Food: Muffin!

This was sort of Scattergories-esque. If friend Katy still had a blog I'd tag her...although I think her middle name is Mary or Marie. So that sort of ruins that...

Harry Potter meme (said with English accent)...

1. Favorite Harry Potter movie- Prisoner of Azkaban. Although there were some great moments in Goblet of Fire...

2. Favorite Harry Potter book- Goblet of Fire.

3. Least favorite Harry Potter movie- Probably the first one. I don't love the book and I don't love the movie. I guess it sometimes feels like they're too young...

4. Least favorite Harry Potter book- 1st one - Sorceror's Stone.

5. Favorite Harry Potter Character- Pretty much any Weasley. I heart them all (except maybe Percy. Thought: under Imperius?). Ron first and foremost, then the twins, then Ginny....

6. Least favourite Harry Potter Character- Lucius Malfoy. I don't hate Draco though. Honestly, I think he's going to end up saving Harry in the end (or showing some sign of good).

7. Spell, Charm or Hex you most wish you had the ability to perform- the only one I could think of was Alohamora (sp?). The only reason that one is burned into my brain is because there was an HP game at some point that used that spell a lot. I guess it might be nice to unlock doors.

8. Reason for desiring to perform said Spell, Charm or Hex- I'd never be locked out of my apartment?

9. If I were in Hogwarts, my house would be- Nerdy self used the computer to figure it out for me. Quiz here. Put me in Ravenclaw (84%) which is probably right on. After that: Hufflepuff (81%), Gryffindor (71%) and Slytherin (54%).

10. If I played Quiddich, my position would be- Have to agree with the sister: I'd be in the crowd.

11. My favorite Hogwarts subject would be- Charms. Definitely.

12. After graduating Hogwarts, my magic profession would be- Some sort of paper pusher I'd imagine? A computer nerd for magical gadgets?

13. Harry Potter character you would most like to snog- Ron.

14. Magical creature you would keep as a pet- I would have a cat. But I wouldn't mind having an owl.

15. Favorite method of magical transportation- Flying car?

16. Make up a spell, complete with name and function- Allygurcus. It takes allergies and pulls them out of you and transforms them into what they are....so my cat allergy..GONE and transformed into a cat!

17. Person I would most like to use the Confundus Charm on- Hmmm, I honestly don't know.

18. Person I would most like to use Avada Kedavra on- Lucius Malfoy?

19. Person I would most like to use the Cruciatus Curse on- No one...

20. Person I would most like to use the Imperious Curse on- No one....

21. Person I would most like to use the Entrancing Enchantment on- hmm, I wouldn't mind using it on someone beautiful for a night of fun.....(Justin Timberlake? Gael Garcia Bernal?)

22. If God could do magic, would he be better than Dumbledore? Yuck.

True or False questions- (answer honestly)

23. I have read all (so far) 6 Harry Potter books- True

24. I have pre-ordered book 7- True

25. I have re-read all (so far) 6 Harry Potter books- True. And will again in a matter of months to prepare for Movie 5 and Book 7....

26. I own all the Harry Potter DVDs- True.

27. I own a wand- Sort of true. Because I own a lot of HP legos. And so a lot of little lego wands.

28. I know magic- False.

(Questions 29 and 30 were lame, so they're heretofore redacted.)

31. I have at one point had an inappropriate crush on Hermione Granger (girls are encouraged to answer too)- False.

32. I am Lord Voldemort- False.

33. I have lost sleep due to reading Harry Potter books- True. The first time around with a lot of the books, and sadly I sometimes lose sleep when I re-read them as well...

34. Harry Potter's witchcraft has possessed my soul and now Jesus hates me because I read Harry Potter more than the bible - This is dumb. And thus, deserves a strikethrough to show my disdain for this question (even if it was written to be "funny").

So really I'd better scurry...

Today I saw the mysterious and illusive CTA Holiday Train. I only saw the very back end of the very last car. From the inside of the grocery store. Yeah - not the best sighting, but a sighting nonetheless. The train is nearly impossible to ride (at least for me, in terms of my daily train usage and even my shopping trip usage). Maybe sometime in the future I'll have to try to make a special trip just to ride around on the holiday train. Oh the lovely scene that's unfolding in this little idle mind:

The city is covered in a blanket of snow. Big fat flakes are falling. I'm riding the holiday train towards the loop at night. The view is spectacular (as is the train). Sigh. Lovely picture.

And now, to jolt myself out of my stupid winter/holiday funk, I'm going to try to be cheerful for this holiday meme (friends that are awaiting return calls from me...I'm planning on using the phone tomorrow. Al if you're really busy we should be able to connect Friday):

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate. With marshmallows. And whipped cream (but only if it's real - I am a whipped cream snob).
   
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Possibly one of my favorite parts of present giving is the wrapping of said presents. I usually get made fun of for my elaborate bows and such. But that's just jealousy...
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? I grew up with colored and am loyal to colored. I can imagine a day far off in the future where I will fill my gorgeous brownstone with not one, but two trees. And on that day, I will possibly have an "elegant" tree of white lights. But as of now, it's all colored all the time.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? No. I can't even remember a time when anyone in my family did. But it is something I'd like to do eventually...
5. When do you put your decorations up? I'll probably end up doing it the weekend after Thanksgiving every year from now on...
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? How can you exclude dessert? That's dessertism. Or something. I don't know, I like stuffing. But I like the Italian Beef too.
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? Christmas Eves at Tootsie's. That year we couldn't go anywhere due to a snowstorm and ending up eating homemade pizza and watching movies.
   
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I don't know the answer to this. I vaguely remember finding out at the same time my sister did. But I have no idea when or how.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? From the greater extended family, yes.
10. What kind of cookies does Santa get set out for him? Santa has not been getting cookies for years and years and years. But when he did? I don't know, I have no memory. Jingles? Chocolate Chip?
11. Snow! Love it or dread it? I love it and I dread it. I dread it when I have to get somewhere (even walking...). I love it when I can just watch it fall and be white and glistening and smile...
12. Can you ice skate? Yes. Although I'm not the biggest fan. One of my childhood memories involves my cousin's toepick being stuck in my thigh (still have a scar). Here's the most interesting part though: I remember falling on the ice all tangled up with her (I'm sure we were doing tricks). The fall smarted. I got up and kept skating. A little later I went to the bathroom and found a gash on my thigh with quite a lot of blood. I guess I was cold, my thigh was numb...toepick pain was dulled. My scar is still present...I do remember it used to even have jagged edges like a toepick...
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Um, no. I've received a lot of good stuff over the years. I like a lot of my gifts still.
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Spending time with my family. Giving well-liked gifts. Seeing the friends.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? I really like rainbow jello. And who doesn't like Christmas cookies? And that chocolatey frozen pie.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Extended family all getting together on Christmas Eve.
17. What tops your tree? A delightful feathery star. One of my best IKEA purchases ever.
18. Which do you prefer Giving or Receiving? Well I love getting gifts (if you say otherwise you're almost certainly lying). But I also like the joy of seeing someone genuinely like their gift - and I know it's hard sometimes, but I like when they genuinely like their surprise gift, one they didn't know they were getting.
19. What is your favorite Christmas Carol? Mmm, Nutcracker Suite maybe? Or...does that song, Baby It's Cold Outside count?
20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? Yum! But really only the classic tasting ones.
    

I'd love to see you all do this meme! Even those of you who never blog....give all your readers a happy little Christmas present/blog post....

Currently...

Watching Mona try to figure out how to get on to the mantel to eat my lovely tinsel tree. She is meowing every other second as some sort of plea to let her eat the tinsel tree. I'll let you all know if she ever uses her brain effectively and realizes that the speaker - to the radiator - to the mantel is a perfect access path. I feel like cat injury is in the making here....

And now I'll meme:

[ RED ]
1. Closest red thing to you? Red & gray striped socks

2. Has anyone ever cheated on you in a relationship? Errrm, my relationship past is quite limited and as far as I know...no.

3. Last thing to make you angry? Huh...I don't think I've been angry in a while...mmmm...my group I guess.

4. Are you a fan of romance? Well sure. I probably wouldn't be the best recipient of cheesy romantic gestures, but otherwise, yes.

5. Have you ever been in love? Mmm, not really.

6. Do you have a temper? Slow to ignite but long-lasting. I'm a grudge holder.

[ GREEN ]
1. Closest green thing to you? The green lights in a Christmas strand - I'm a multi-colored girl all the way.

2. Do you care about the environment? Yeah.

3. Are you jealous of anyone right now? Nah.

4. Are you a lucky person? I can be. But I also have bad luck too (like everyone). It's a neutralizing thing.

5. Do you always want what you can't have? Sometimes yes.

6. Are you Irish? No I am not.

[ PURPLE ]
1. Last purple thing you saw? The purply pink lights in the strand of Christmas lights.

2. Like being treated to expensive things? Sure. Who doesn't?

3. Do you like mysterious things? I like mysterious people....to a point. At some point you just want to know them, right?

4. Favourite type of chocolate? Dark, all the way.

5. Ever met anyone in royalty? No. And I think this question is phrased poorly. You're not IN royalty. You ARE royalty. So it should be: Ever met anyone royal? Right?

6. Are you creative? In ways. I like playing with paper and knitting and such. But I can't creatively cook at all.

7. Are you lonely? Sometimes, sure. Mostly no.

[ YELLOW ]
1. Closest yellow thing to you? A big yellow flashlight.

2. The happiest time(s) of your life? Holidays!

3. Favourite holiday? I like Christmas, Thanksgiving and Halloween.

4. Are you a coward? Sure.

5. Do you burn or tan? Sun has no noticeable effect on me even after long periods of time.

6. Do you want children? No.

7. What makes you happy? Lots and lots.

[ BLUE ]
1. Closest blue thing to you? Box for a humidifier filter - set there to remind me to reorder.

2. Are you good at calming people down? I believe so - in the right situation.

3. Do you like the ocean? I think it is amazing to look at, fun to watch other people battle but not a place I want to be.

4. What was the last thing that made you cry? Hmmm, I don't remember, a movie maybe?

5. Are you a logical thinker? In some aspects - as far as logic problems go I tend to get frustrated and give up.

6. Can you sleep easily? My family would have you believe no (I can't FALL asleep easily). But in the right situation, yes.

7. Do you prefer the beach or the woods? Beach.

[ PINK ]
1. Closest pink thing to you? Boku's nose.

2. Do you like sweet things? Um, yes is an understatement. If it was healthy, I would eat sweets all day, every day. Donuts, cake, cookies, cupcakes, yes please!

3. Like play-fighting? I think everyone does.

4. Are you sensitive? Can be.

5. Do you like punk music? Not really.

6. What is your favourite flower? Iris!

7. Does someone have a crush on you? This is a silly question I think - usually if someone is crushing on you, you don't necessarily know.

[ ORANGE ]
1. Closest orange thing to you? The publish button on blogger.

2. Do you like to burn things? I don't mind burning a candle, but I don't get joy from burning things that shouldn't be burned.

3. Dress up for Halloween? No.

4. Are you usually a warm-hearted person? Eerrr, I want to say yes, but I think in some situations, no.

5. Do you prefer the single life or the security of a relationship? Isn't everyone going to just answer what their current predicament is?

6. What would your super power be? Two places at once.

[ WHITE ]
1. Closest white thing to you? Kleenex.

2. Would you say you're innocent? I can be naive but I'm no innocent.

3. Always try to keep the peace? Generally, yes.

4. How do you imagine your wedding? One big, fun party.

5. Do you like to play in the snow? I don't mind a frolic in the snow or a sledding episode.

6. Are you afraid of going to the doctors or dentist? No, I got over that when I started going to the doctor every 3-4 months.

7. Do you have Attention Deficit Disorder(A.D.D)? No.

[ BLACK ]

1. Closest black thing to you? The cap to a pen.

2. Ever enjoy hurting people? No.

3. Are you sophisticated or silly? Definitely silly. Although compared to some, my level of sophistication is OK.

5. Do you have a lot of secrets? Hmm, not really.

6. What is your favourite colour(s)? I like red a lot and I like blue.

7. Does the colour you wear affect your mood? I hope not, since most of my work clothes are really bland and neutral.

Another sorry post...

I really like this meme, so thanks Starfish and Coffee!

1. Yourself: plain
2. Your boyfriend/girlfriend: not
3. Your hair: long
4. Your mother: giggles
5. Your father: cool
6. Your favorite item: cats
7. Your dream last night: questionable
8. Your favorite drink: water
9. Your dream car: mine
10. The room you are in: favorite
11. Your ex: who?
12. Your fear: falling
13. What you want to be in 10 years: me
14. Who you hung out with last night: project
15. What you're not: spontaneous
16. Muffins: cupcakes!
17: One of your wish list items: Origami
18: Time: Fiveish
19. The last thing you did: unpacked
20. What you are wearing: clothes
21. Your favorite weather: chilly
22. Your favorite book: Harry
23. The last thing you ate: CareBear (ok, it's really two words, but so is fruit snack - i have no idea how to describe that in one word).
24. Your life: busy
25. Your mood: neutral
26. Your best friend (s): inspiring
27. What are you thinking about right now: Thanksgiving
28. Your car: delightful
29. What are you doing at the moment: relaxing
30. Your summer: short
31. Your relationship status: singleton
32. What is on your tv: addicts
33. What is the weather like: perfect
34. When is the last time you laughed: lunch

Easy enough and quick enough for even the scarcest blogger to complete.

I actually had real content planned for the day...but I just really like this meme!

Sunday = no fun day...

Hey all. So, as predicted, my one group member has completely and entirely welched (did you know that this could also be welshed? And is therefore derogatory to the poor citizens of Wales?). I'm totally embroiled in my group project, doing 800 parts that weren't originally mine as well as fixing up my parts. Boooo. Therefore you'll have to be satisfied with this meme (randomly stolen from here, after a google search for "find a meme". I didn't even read all the questions...ok, I maybe read one of them...):

1. IF YOU COULD BUILD A SECOND HOUSE ANYWHERE, WHERE WOULD IT BE?
It might be nice to have a FIRST house. So, assuming my first house is a fabulous, vintage (but refurbished) condo...my second house would be in....Florida. Or Arizona.

2. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ARTICLES OF CLOTHING?
First thing that popped into my head: my winter hat (see picture). I've had that hat for years now. I'm hoping to eventually have the skills (starting December 1) to make lots and lots of winter hats so that I have variety.

3. THE LAST CD YOU BOUGHT?
Um....wow...I can't remember at all. Maybe the new Dashboard CD (which I'm neutral about).

4. WHAT TIME DO YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING?
Well it varies. When I have to work at 9, 7:20. When I have nowhere to be, I usually manage to sleep in until about 8 or 8:30.

5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE KITCHEN APPLIANCE?
This one is a tie...either the microwave (my primary cooking instrument) or my rice cooker (because it makes perfect rice).

6. IF YOU COULD PLAY AN INSTRUMENT, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Easy. Piano.

7. FAVORITE COLOR?
Red.

8. WHICH VEHICLE DO YOU PREFER, SPORTS CAR, MOTORCYCLE, OR SUV?
Sports car. To be honest, I think it would be fun to have an attractive, sporty hybrid though.

9. DO YOU BELIEVE IN THE AFTERLIFE?
No but I do sometimes consider reincarnation. When I am having a day where I don't believe in reincarnation I believe that it just ends. So enjoy it while you can kids...

10. FAVORITE CHILDREN'S BOOK?
Silly question - Harry Potter (if I had to pick just one...probably Goblet of Fire).

11. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEASON?
Fall.

12. IF YOU HAVE A TATTOO, WHAT IS IT?
Only one. Between my butt dimples, just a single, small word: hope. I have been considering sprucing it up (don't worry, no plans to do so).

13. IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
To be in two places at once. And that other part of me would be able to be or do whatever I want with no monetary restrictions.

14. CAN YOU JUGGLE?
No, can you?

15. ONE PERSON/PEOPLE FROM YOUR PAST YOU WISH YOU COULD GO BACK AND TALK TO?
Huh...this is a rough one. Maybe my grandpa.

16. WHAT IS UNDER YOUR BED?
Lots of cat hair. A few cat toys. A towel (they like to sleep directly under my head...I don't ask questions, I just oblige and leave the towel there).

17. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DAY?
Probably Saturday.

18. WHICH DO YOU PREFER, SUSHI OR HAMBURGER?
I prefer a cheeseburger. Have to have the cheese. I tried sushi once (OK, not really since there was no fish on it - it was just a cucumber roll and it was not to my liking).

19. FROM THE PEOPLE WHO NORMALLY READ YOUR BLOG, WHO IS THE MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND FIRST?
Do you really respond to a meme? I think what this question is really asking is - who is most likely to post this meme? Probably someone who is also NaBloPoMo'ing. So my sister. Or Dad.

20. ON WHICH BLOG DID YOU FIND THIS MEME?
I already told you that. Click the link provided above.

21. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FLOWER?
Iris. Hands down. So weirdly pretty. I like the colorful ones best - purples, yellows and reds.

22. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL?
Right now...I like cottage cheese a lot (eaten with anything I can find in the house). And out of the past few days, the favorite meal has been Indian delivery. I love a Thanksgiving dinner though and I can't wait. Turkey and stuffing, yum!

23. DESCRIBE YOUR PJS.
The ones I'm in right now? A hideous tank top (it says HeartBreaker) and some surf board boxer shorts. The radiator heat in my apartment makes the temperature in here oscillate wildly...so I have a blanket. When it tends towards cold I cover myself with blanket. When it gets roaringly hot I discard the blanket.

24. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BREAKFAST?
The one I eat every day: granola bar. But for a real breakfast I really like all of these equally: pancakes, french toast, belgian waffle.

25. DO YOU LIKE YOUR JOB?
Yes. I like the people. The work is boring though and has nothing to do with my future career (you know, when I'm an adult....25 isn't an adult, right?).

26. WHAT IS YOUR DREAM JOB?
I find this one really hard. I'd like work I could be proud of but a job that requires me to only work a few hours a day.

27. WHAT AGE DO YOU PLAN TO RETIRE?
27. I don't know. It's a bit early to plan this.

28. WHERE DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE OR SIGNIFICANT OTHER?
This kind of presumes a lot. A lot of questions in this meme started with IF. So why doesn't this one? If you have a partner, where..... But NOOOO. Blatant singleton discrimination.

29. SOMETHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO DO THAT YOU HAVE NEVER DONE BEFORE.
Lots of travel to places I've never been.

Blogger beta is giving me some serious issues due to my list (the numbering thing). Some bugs to work out still. Hopefully this posts successfully.