Music - First and Last

I love copying memes from Susan because they always have something to do with music or photography. This one is all about music.

1. What is the first song you ever remember hearing? How old were you?

I was four. My brother got one of those funky little record players with the lid that hinged on and off and could play forty fives. He bought El Paso by Marty Robbins. He must've played that record a hundred times a day. In fact I think I still have it in my stuff somewhere.

2. What was the first album you ever bought on your own? What format?

Oh hmmmm. I remember the first forty-five I ever bought easier than the album. It was Help Me Rhonda by the Beach Boys. I was in fifth grade. My brother, who is a year older than me, was already a record club member and he was buying all the albums. I do remember now! That same year I had have him order me The Dave Clark Five. Vinyl, of course, no other choice at that time.

3. (If you’re old enough) What was the first CD you ever bought?

I remember being ticked off that we had already purchased albums in vinyl, then 8-track, then cassette and now they wanted us to buy CDs???!!! (Just ask me about how I feel about the RIAA) Then like everyone else we jumped on that band wagon pretty quick - first CD - probably Phil Collins (No Jacket Required) or Pink Floyd (Dark Side of the Moon).

4. What was the latest album you’ve purchased?

Does anyone buy albums anymore? We mostly buy songs. The latest songs I've downloaded have been oldies for my iPod. Girl Watcher by the Okaysions was the latest. And a Nickel Creek song.

5. What song takes you straight back to grade school?

Help Me Rhonda and Stop in the Name of Love. I can still see a girl from the sixth grade standing on the play ground pretending she was Diana Ross (I was a lowly fifth grader).

6. What was the theme song of your 8th grade dance and/or graduation?

Oh wow. I remember 7th grade dances better. Our Valentine's dance was Good Vibrations. 8th grade we didn't do graduation just a school dance. I think Hey Jude got played a lot for slow songs.

7. What was your first real concert?

Jimi Hendrix, San Diego Sports Arena I was 14. I always say 15 because I turned fifteen that year but I was only 14 when I saw him. It was in May, my grandmother bought the tickets for my brother and I got to go with him, basically by default as his friends' parent wouldn't let them go. We rode the bus to San Diego and it was a great concert. People were dressed so differently. Some in tuxes and evening gowns (old people) and kids in jeans and tie dyed t shirts. Hendrix talked a lot about the war during the set.

There's an article floating around the net saying that the tickets were anywhere from $2.50 to $5.50 but ours cost $15.00 each. I think in an old scrapbook of my bros is the ticket stub. My grandmother thought it was highway robbery, but still it was a birthday gift for my brother so she didn't complain all that much.

8. What was your latest real concert?

I can't recall. There goes that memory thing. It's been a while. I know there was an Aerosmith concert in Austin, but Babe and middle daughter went to that. I do remember seeing an impromptu concert at Waterloo records with Lyle Lovett in 1993 (i think it was 93).

9. Best concert?

It would be easier to tell you worst concert. Best? Hmmm. I do know best band ever in concert. It was Captain Beyond. They opened for Alice Cooper in San Diego. We were stunned at how good they were. Clean, sharp, in tune and man oh man - tight. We bought their album the next day. The piccolo snare was amazing.

10. What was your song with your first girl-/boyfriend?

Good Vibrations, John. Valentine's dance. Became our song. We went steady for six weeks I think. I moved on to Grant leaving John in the dust.

11. What was your favorite band in high school?

I have to say it changed as music was progressing pretty quickly. Not that I no longer liked the band but I moved through artists pretty quickly. Freshman year it would have to be Cream, then Deep Purple. Then on through the rest of high school were the Beatles as they broke up, and Black Sabbath. Alice Cooper became an all time favorite along with Uriah Heep.

12. What albums were the soundtrack of your senior year?

Senior year Imagine was our senior song. But I'm thinking Pink Floyd Meddle was usually in the cassette player and got exchanged out with Under My Wheels by Alice Cooper quite a bit.


13. What was your first musical discovery at college?

College. Queen and Uriah Heep. Not really a discovery but they were hot. And anything had to be better than my roommate's country and western crap she played.

14. What song(s) did you/do you want played at your wedding?

Oh ugh. I was married in the 70s. Weddings were still like "ruled by parental units back then" We had yet to break out and think for ourselves or at least win the arguments back then. I remember wanting my bridesmaids in navy blue - you know the dark, dark blue on the flag - yeah that blue. My pics reveal my moms ruling, a light blue flowery print. ugh. So I didn't have music at the reception that I can remember at all. I was such a cupcake back then!

I have to chuckle though, I think there was a rendition of Saturday's Warrior at my brothers wedding a year later.

15. Do you have a favorite band now? If so, who?

Favorite band now. Hmmm. I always take a nod from the girls now. The Tall Kid seems to be presenting some good stuff. Right nikugow Rise Against has found its way into the play list.

16. What’s the last thing you listened to?

Yesterday's drive to San Diego included a lot of Hawkwind.

17. What do you want played at your funeral?

Not sure. Let me think about it while I tell this story about my brother's funeral. He was a HUGE Emerson Lake and Palmer fan. The guy loved them. On the Works 1 album they have Fanfare for the Common Man by Aaron Copeland. Bro always said he wanted it played at his funeral. We found a lady in the stake willing to play it and it was perfection. I can't listen to ELP without tearing up to this day.



My funeral on the other hand hmmm. I do know I'd like "I believe in Christ" sung at the memorial and I'll Fly Away.

And at the ash spreading (somewhere the bluebonnets bloom in the hill country of Texas, I'll be home) a good old rendition of Tiny Dancer and Sunshine on my Shoulders possibly.




If you, like me, would like to share your musical memories go for it!

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Interesting Meme - Album Cover

I think I could do this all day. I love old album covers and this way of naming a band, an album, and using a photo is really quite interesting. You should try it.
The rules are here:

1 - Go to "wikipedia." Hit “random”or click

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random

The first random wikipedia article you get is the name of your band.

2 - Go to "Random quotations"or click http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3

The last four or five words of the very last quote of the page is the title of your first album.

3 - Go to flickr and click on “explore the last seven days”or click http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days

Third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.

4 - Use photoshop or similar to put it all together. Post on your blog, facebook or where ever you want.

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Be Honest from Jane

Spring has obviously sprung. At least in blogworld. All around us are stories of cleaning, or the lack thereof. Some people hate it, some perople are resigned to it, me I just do it, occasionally. At What about Mom? she's put up a post about home and hearth. And, asking you all to be honest in your answers. I decided to copy it. Sortof like a meme (plagiarism at its finest). heh. So give it a go.

1. How big is your house? How many people do you have living in it?

2. How many hours a day do you spend cleaning?

3. Do you work for money in or out of the home? Do you clean more/less if (now that) you have a paying job?

4. Are you successful at getting hubs (or wife, my two, dear male readers) or kids (what age?) to help? HOW?

5. Do you clean frantically before guests (your mother-in-law) come?

6. Does housecleaning/house-messiness/housecleaning-inequity affect your daily contentment?

7. Have you discovered how effective blogging is at procrastinating/blocking out messes?

Jane

I'll be interested in the answers from everyone. Another sort of the eavesdropping on your lives I enjoy so much. My answers:

1. 1100 square feet. 6 currently and a very large cat.
2. Um. less than one most days. Then I spend a day a month really cleaning.
3. I did work out of the home for three months recently. I did absolutely nothing at home when I was working, thus this past weeks drive to get things in order. I can't imagine working full time away from home like I did recently.When the girls were young however, I did work full time away from home, and keep the house in order. I have one daughter who thinks I was superwoman. However, we have a rule in our house: "You're part of a family, help out. Bus your own plates from the table, rinse them and put them in the dishwasher if it's empty, on the counter if not. My sons-in-law are finding this an interesting rule. Also, if you made the mess, clean it up. And yes, occasionally you can do something to help with general cleaning, it's your home too."
Keep in mind that I run three individual businesses right here out of my home too. Doing that, and working full time was too much. The three here and cleaning is a much better fit for me.
4. See house rule in question 3. Yes, we're in this together. If you can't keep your room clean, keep the door closed. Mine is closed most of the time, beds are never made, unless there's a party or I go on vacation. Speaking of vacations. That's when my house is cleanest. Because you never know if you are going to die away from home, like my great aunt Vera, and then some random stranger is going to go to my house and go "oh wow!" Silly. yes, I know.
5. Growing up, we'd ask my mom who was coming over any time we cleaned. It was not very often. So this week was a mad dash to make up for the lack of deep cleaning over the last three months (and hoping for a remodel laziness) in prep for a party. But usually if my mother, mother in law or anyone else for that matter, usually gets what they get. I am over trying to make someone think I'm something I'm not.
6. Not in the slightest. My husband on the other hand, it bugs him to death most of the time, so we compromise and try to keep things tidy. He does understand a time crunch and always helps out. Except with laundry. It cracks me up when he does laundry. His clothes are the only dirty ones he can locate.
7. Not messes per se, but worthy endeavors. I could be making money right now, if I'd just get off the computer. sigh.

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Mm, K - 10 things meme

S'mee took the challenge from a blogging buddy and I was at a loss for things to post. So I decided to join her in her random list that begin with the same letter meme. Random because she chose the letter K for me. K???!!

S'mee says that I can easily name ten things I love that begin with K. Well, not counting my two darling, make that three darling nieces (sorry Pea - I love you too!) whose names begin with K, and of course, Kooshgal too, I'll try my best to name ten things that I love that begin with K.



Well, the obvious K is up first. Yes, Kissing. Count me in as one who loves to kiss that man I love. Our first kiss still makes the two of us giggle. Let's just say I was the most experienced kisser out there - and leave it at that. Still, after 33+ years of kissing the same guy, I still love to snuggle up to him and make out. (yes, I hear my daughters!)

Phew! Now let's see what else we have that begins with K?

2. Knives. Yep I love me some good knives! You can't cook without them, and if you know how to maintain them they don't even have to be name brand knives.

3.



Keepsakes. Little pieces of life that I have saved for years. Each piece simple in its own right, yet filled to overflowing with wonderful memories of people, and places. The pics are a couple of shelves in my crafting room of some of those keepsakes.

4. Kindergarten. Yep, everything I needed to know about life I did learn in kindergarten. Even that when you push boys to the limit, they react differently than girls. I ended up bugging a kid so much that he poured his entire bucket of red paint all over me one day. I learned that kindness, like kindergarten begins with me. It was then that being kind was instilled in my paradigm and have tried to be kind to others. That's not to say, I don't go ballistic like my school buddy on occasion!

5. Kneading. I love the satisfaction gained when kneading a few ingredients together like flour, salt, sugar and yeast and the result is the best loaf of bread ever! Such a simple process, that has been experimented with and challenged and perfected over time, with grand results that bring the staff of life to a table near you. Such satisfaction that someone can learn to do it easily and provide such comfort to those around them.

6. Kneeling. While I must admit the actual process of kneeling has eluded me for a few years, as my knees don't work so well anymore... But the very act of finding somewhere quiet and without distraction to calm oneself enough to petition God. This act is a sacred time for me to talk to the only Father I really know. If I did not have so many examples of those prayers being answered I could scoff and say God is a myth that people use to comfort themselves when they are in the midst of trials. But not so, He is not a myth, and has intervened for me and many I love, and even random strangers, that I cannot deny His existence.

7. Knight in shining armour. Yes, that's my man. He is my Knight. I wasn't a damsel in distress by any means, but he arrived in his white stallion 1966 Ford Wagon way back when and swept me off my feet. It wasn't the car, or the fact that he was in a rock band that drew me in, no it was those gorgeous long legs, and the fact that he thought I was the only girl around worth looking at. He's still my knight and I'm still his princess. He even made me a plaque for a wall in my bedroom that reads "As you wish". *flutter*


8. Knowledge. I will be a student forever. I love the act of learning something new and strive to daily learn. Sometimes, I find learning difficult, others not so much. We live in this HUGE world and there are so many things outside of our small corner of it, how can you not want to learn more about it. I worked with a man a few years ago and he told me once that he had never been more than forty miles away from where he was born. I was shocked and dismayed.

9. Kodachrome. I learned to take pictures while working for a camera shop just out of high school. Film is not the easiest way to take photos now days, in fact it is a dying art. However, once you've shot film, developed it yourself, and then printed it, there is no greater satisfaction. Learning to work with light is challenging, but the results are magnificent and simple.



10. Last but not least. The Kookaburra song. I sing this song in my head more than one would think I should. It takes me back to about third grade when my brother learned the song. Pretty soon I had it down too and we would sing this song as we walked to and from school in San Diego near the zoo, where we actually saw a Kookaburra!

Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree
Merry, merry king of the bush is he
Laugh, Kookaburra! Laugh, Kookaburra!
Gay your life must be

Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree
Eating all the gum drops he can see
Stop, Kookaburra! Stop, Kookaburra!
Leave some there for me!

We weren't all that gay back then, and dreamed of a place like Australia where life could be carefree and and simple. Little did we know then that my brother would spend two of the best years of his life in Queensland when he was 19. It was a dream come true for him.

Now, if you want to try your best to name ten things that begin with a random letter, let me know, I'll send one your way!

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The name meme

This meme is making it through the blog world in lightening speed! It's fun, but I kind of wish I didn't have to just limit it to one child o mine. Each of them have great names, that I think they like, a lot. But s'mee has said she wants to hear about my youngest one. I give you The Youngest One!

Name and meaning: Gillian Heather. Gillian from Gaelic means St. Johns servant, the latin meaning youthful. Gill's name was given to her like our other daughters. We knew that as they married each of our daughters would have a new last name. We wanted to make sure their names would define them no matter what last name they had. Their names were chosen to represent their heritage, while also making sure they were strong names, giving them self identity and confidence. We also tried to make sure their names weren't common. We succeeded with Gill's, the other girls' became very popular while they were small. Gill's name remained pretty obscure throughout her school years. She also shares her name with a cousin's given name, althought the cousin has never been known as Gillian!

Age: 26 man I'm young, I had her when I was 15!

Nicknames: Bean, a derivative of Gillibean. We all refer to Gill as Bean.

Favorite activities: Gill is a true driver. I think she likes driving more than anything! Winding in and out of curves and speeding on the straightaways really puts a smile on her face. She not only drives fast, but she knows how her car works, and how to, if need be fix the car too!

She is also a great nurturer. She had recently become the mom of a new puppy and I am amazed at how she has learned what needs to be done to make sure he is healthy, disciplined and loved.

Gill is very creative also, she loves beading and has made several necklaces and bracelets for friends and family.

She also loves to cook. When she was younger she thought she would go to culinary arts school. Instead she fell in love and moved to potato land.

Favorite Foods: hmmm. can we say chocolate? But then again, Gill is a great cook. She has studied and learned on her own and can cook really well. Yahoo! Chicken and Dumplings are a real fave, not Gill's alone in that, we all love them!

Least favorite foods: Gill can not stand pizza! Yep the all American girl can't stand the stuff.

Favorite music: That's a tough one. I know for a fact that without Kevin and Bean podcasts, life just wouldn't be the same for Gill. But music, favorite? hmmmm. Gill has been raised with music as a soundtrack, all kinds. She's probably have to pick alternative/punk, just like her dad. To me she'll always be Van Morrison's Brown Eyed Girl.

Favorite toys: Her GTI! And now her new Rabbit!

Favorite Books: The Jolly Postman. She also is liking the Twilight series. Gill loves to read.

Favorite item of clothing: Right now, probably her work out clothes. She spends a lot of time at the gym.

What makes her happy: Her Tall Guy. The beach. The two of those combined! oh and Ozzy, can't forget him.

What makes her sad: Being far away from her sisters (and us too). And snow.

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Pictures at an Exhibition

Yes, one of my favorite albums, but this isn't about it. It's a new meme. I'm not sure what it is called, but that's what I decided to name it. Rules:

a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.

b. Using only the first page, pick an image.

c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd’s mosaic maker.

The Questions:
What is your first name? ~ Sweetheart
What is your favorite food? ~ roast turkey
What high school did you go to? ~ Oceanside (and another, but I get to pick. That's the reward for going to 16 schools before you are 15, no BFFs but a good pick.)
What is your favorite color? ~ Blue
Who is your celebrity crush? ~ Mark Wahlberg
Favorite drink? ~ hot chocolate
Dream vacation? ~ Australia via Ireland
Favorite dessert? ~ cookies
What you want to be when you grow up? ~ a lavender farmer
What do you love most in life? ~ My family
One Word to describe you ~ Loved
Your flickr name ~ foodchronicles

I'd love to see yours!

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Soundtrack of my life Meme revisted

I have done this post in the past, yet I find myself easily entertained therefore I will do it again as requested by the 1st Daughter. Should be interesting.

If your life were a soundtrack, what would the music be?
Here’s how it works:
1. open your library (iTunes, winamp, media player, iPod)
2. put it on shuffle
3. press play
4. for every question, type the song that’s playing
5. new question — press the next button
6. don’t lie and try to pretend you’re cool

opening credits: Hanging by a Thread, Nickel Creek

waking up: Build Me Up Buttercup, The Foundations

first day at school: I'd Love to Change the World, Ten Years After

falling in love: Long Cool Woman, The Hollies

breaking up: I Want you To Want Me, Dwight Yokum

prom: Once Was a Boy, Moulin Rouge Soundtrack

life’s okay: Riders on the Storm, Doors

mental breakdown: Lodi, Credence Clearwater Revival

driving: Friday I'm in Love, The Cure

flashback: American Woman, Guess Who

getting back together: No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem, Kenny Chesney

wedding: Only If, Enya

birth of child: Into the West, Annie Lennox

final battle: Creek Mary's Blood, Nightwish

death scene: Perfect Love, Felicia Sorenson

end credits: Should I Stay or Should I Go, The Clash

Heh. This time it is completely different. If I didn't tag you, and you want to do it. Don't wait for a tag, just do it!

Okay so I'll tag The Pea, The MiddleHip Sister, and Adan.

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My So Called Life - A glimpse

The oldest daughter tagged me with this one:

10 yrs ago:
Was the year the middle daughter graduated from school. I was working part time for a friend doing research at his investment firm.

5 Things on my list of things to do today:
Finish my slides project - I got them photographed at least!
Laundry - ugh.
Work on some vinyl projects.
Go to Target.
Begin Easter surprises for Sport and Little miss.

Things I would do if I suddenly was a Billionaire:
Set up a family trust.
Pay off all debts.
Build homes.
Travel the world, to see if I could actually identify a root in my family origin.
Set up a foundation to help middle class families in need of short term financial assistance; including paying for educational expenses for women really wanting to pursue the arts (any kind).
Remember that money is for spending and helping others, and be grateful for the blessing/trial of having it.

3 of my bad habits:
Just 3???
Chewing on my fingers when I get stressed.
Being too independent.
Objectifying people.

Places I have lived:
Port Huron, MI
Redondo Beach, CA
Long Beach, CA
Lynwood, CA
Anaheim, CA
and that was just the first five years of life!

Jobs I have had:
Bank Teller, I proved youcould close an account without crediting all the interest earned. That job lasted two weeks. ugh.
Union Grocery Clerk - great pay, lousy hours
Sales person in a camera store
Stock Broker
Plant Manager, food processing company

Things most people don't know about me:
I love research, give me a topic.
I love to run, even though I don't do it.
I have a difficult time with color coordination.
I am going deaf, not due to age.
I find being alone is not a difficult thing, although I enjoy company when it is around.

Who to tag? It seems everyone I know has been. So if you haven't and want to share, go for it. I'd love to see your answers.

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As S'mee puts it, the really odd meme

What kind of soap do you have in your bathtub/shower right now?
Bath and Body Works Peppermint Candy

What color or design is on your shower curtain?
The shower curtain is clear with a rectangly design with grooves. When the sun hits it it shines prisms around the room.

What would you change about your living room?
Oh where to start. Number one, make it at least half again larger. Then get rid of the popcorn ceiling.

How many plants are in your home?
Two. And I'm praying they don't die before they can go outside again.

Are the dishes in the dishwasher clean or dirty?
In the process. I do them at least every three days. That's how long it usually takes to fill it up.

Do you drink out of glass or plastic most of the time at home?
Clear polycarbonite glasses for everyday. Glass for occasions.

Do you have iced tea, made in a pitcher, right now?
Yep. Decaf Green Tea.

Do you have any watermelon in your refrigerator?
Not in season my friends, not here.

So, what is in your fridge?
Gorgonzola, Feta and Tillamook cheese. Oh and parmesan. Left over lamb, chicken and salmon. Condiments, including dill pickles in spears and chips, sweet relish, three kinds of mustard, ketchup, salsa, really good milk, water, Function:Light Weight, eggs, kalamata olives, 3 cans of tuna, 1 can chicken, cream cheese, red and green bell peppers, celery, romaine lettuce, baby mixed greens, 1 sweet onion, mushrooms, red flame raisins, yeast, nutmeg, real butter, unsalted and salted, chocolate frosting, buttercream frosting, olive tapenade, beef demi-glace, worchestshire, two rice vinegar, siracha, lemon curd, soy sauce (a million little packets from chinese take-out), sausage, a couple of apples. I think that is about it. Note: this does not include the stuff in the freezer.

What's on top of your refrigerator?
My slow cooker, a big thing full of whey protein, cuisinart ice cream maker. And a good layer of dust.

White or wheat bread?
None currently, usually Roman Meal.

Comet or Soft Scrub?
Comet. Bon Ami, if I can find it for sale anywhere.

Is your bed made now?
Hardly ever. Unless I'm going on vacation, I just throw the covers back and call it done. If I am going out of town, I'll actually pull the spread back. I do that so if I die while I'm gone all those nice older women that will come to help my husband will think I was such a great housekeeper.

Is your closet organized? Yes.

Can you describe your flashlight?
It's a really pretty blue Maglight. The head bonker one. It's huge!

If you have a garage, is it cluttered?
Oh, it's cluttered, but I still park my car in it every night. That's a rule at our house.

Well, who do I want to be nosy with? Hmmm Okay: the Youngest One, the Oldest One, Number 2 and Nicolette, and Maren.

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6 habits Meme

I almost forgot that Jessica of Lost Button Studio fame tagged me for the 6 habits meme First off, I must share the rules with you.Then I will share 3 habits and 3 facts about me.

The rules:
A. Each player lists 6 facts/habits about themselves.
B. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning before those facts/habits are listed.
C. At the end of the post, the player then tags 6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

1. I am never without a camera. I carry one with me most all the time. My only regret is when I see something that would be a perfect photo, and cannot stop driving to take the photo.
2. I have a habit of making small talk with business owners. Before the end of the chat I will have given them several ways to improve their business. It drives my husband crazy and he says I need to talk to myself on occasion and remind myself how to be successful.
3. I am continually multi-tasking. I have a difficult time doing just one thing at a time. If I am working on a project I will continually stop to make notes for other things or ideas.
4. Fact - I am the oldest living sister and sibling in my family. I have been the "mom" since I was five and took my role seriously. However, as I have aged, I see where I could have done a better job and saved my younger sisters some heartaches. Alas, that is the fate of a child being a parent.
5. The longest I have ever lived anywhere is in the home I live in now. We moved quite a bit in our marriage, but not nearly as much as when I was growing up.
6. All the moving of houses and locations in my childhood served to debilitate me socially. I am better with crowds than one on one. I count my sisters as my dearest friends and my daughters too. When I was 12 I was told that as an adult I would be able to count my true friends on one hand. I thought that was a terrible statistic. It has turned out to be true. I think it is why I am well suited for blogging, as blogging friends have opened my world and helped me with conversations.

I am tagging Nicolette, Jewel, Bean, Bri, and The Pea

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memememememememe

Tuning up for another round of let's get to know the chronicler a bit more. I am not sure you really want or need more but Lisa is making me do this.

So here we go!

My roommate and I once: Had a crush on the same guy - Brian Beres. I still think of how cute he was and wonder where he ended up. The roommate? Not a clue where she is today, I don't infact even remember her name. oops!

Never in my life have I: Been on skis. Water or snow.

High school was: The best! I loved my high school; Go Pirates!. And the friends I had begun to make. Then halfway through my sophomore year my parents decided to move to another city and I had to start all over again. Ugh. Never was the same again.

When I’m nervous: I turn into a complete boob. I talk too much, I chew on my fingers, and I don't concentrate well.

My hair: Rocks.

When I was 5: I was already too old. I had assumed the role of mom and it was downhill from there.

When I turn my head left: I see the gigantic homage to the media that we have on the wall.

I should be: 28 still. It is how I feel most of the time. It is so random, but I loved my 20s.

By this time next year: We will hopefully be completing our home in Arizona. Then we will invite you all over for a big big party!

My favorite aunt is: I don't have an aunt so I can't have favorite. No uncles either. Well, I should say that I know of, my real dad stepped away from the picture when I was four and a half (other than for tormentor purposes). I am not sure if he had any siblings. I do remember a great aunt Vera once came to visit my grandmother while I was staying at her home for summer vacation. Great Aunt Vera said she was tired and needed to lie down. She went to take a nap on my grandma's bed and never woke up. They didn't go to all the drama stuff though. My grandpa sent us with grandma (brother and I) to get something from the store. When we got back Great Aunt Vera had gone. It wasn't until later that summer that I found out she died by eavesdropping on a conversation.

I have a hard time understanding: How people can walk away from their kids. I understand walking away from a spouse, believe me on that one, but kids?

You know I like you if: I joke with you. I have a really weird sense of humor so it may not seem like humor at the time, but if I clue you in on the joke, we're friends.

My ideal breakfast is: In winter - hot chocolate and a croissant. Summer - fruit and eggs, scrambled with strawberry puree is a fave.

If you visit my home town: Tell me what it's like. I was born there and we moved three months later. Haven't been there since. But if I got to pick my home town it would be Austin Texas. The first time I landed there it was like I was home for the first time. I even comment on random strangers' blogs when I know there in Austin. It must kind of freak them out a bit. But I just love the place.

If you spend the night at my house: Please make yourself at home. What ever you want here, is yours. Good food usually, always chocolate and comfy places to snuggle. Plenty of books, conversation and not a clock in the place other than the stove so who cares what time it is?

My favorite blond is: Bri

My favorite brunette is: It's a tie! 1st daughter and the youngest one.

The animal I would like to see flying besides birds: Whales, well, you know if you're going to do something, do it big!

I shouldn't have been: made to move 16 times in 11 years. It stunts a person socially to have to do that! I still have problems in small groups.

Last night I: Spent more time with Jack Bauer. Oh no!

A better name for me would be: Excuse me can you tell me where I can find... It's weird, no matter where I go, people think I work there. Just call me familiar girl!

I've been told I look like: Lisa's step mom. Interesting.

If I could have any car, it would be: I already have it!


But I did see a car that I just have to drive just once! A McLaren 722 Mercedes, and if someone gave it to me, I'd keep it.


Now, if you have read this far... (and I have a blog counter, and know how long you have been here...)

CONSIDER YOURSELF TAGGED!

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The Fours Meme

MeMe from Melissa and her sister!

This came to Melissa in an email, she asks that we all keep it chugging along. So S'mee, Pea, the youngest one, and the 1st should all give it a try.

A) Four Jobs I have had in my life!

* Grocery Store everything, started as a box girl and worked my way to carrying keys, counting the money and setting prices (chain wide)
* Baker this was by far the very hardest job ever, it takes precision and stamina
* Stock Broker, yes I was one, I love the financial markets, hated the job
* Cook, line chef so to speak


B) Four Movies I watch over and over (and over)

* Empire of the Sun
* Regarding Henry
* About a Boy
* Joe versus the Valcano

Unfair to list only four. I love movies. I watch movies everyday, from Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, The State of the Union oldies to War of the Worlds and Braveheart. It serves an injustice to choose only four.

C) Four Places I have Lived

* Port Huron, Michigan
* San Diego, California
* Long Beach, CA
* Provo, UT

This was the hardest of all to decide, you see, I have lived so many other places too! I could have had a list of probably 20 more.

D) Four TV Shows I Love to Watch

* Heroes
* Monk
* No Reservations
* Amazing Race

This one was pretty easy. TV isn't all it's supposed to be, anymore. I have a myriad of tv to choose from and keep the channel on the HGTV and Discovery network most of the time.

Four Places I have been on vacation

* Punta Chivato, MX
* Cabo San Lucas, MX
* Utah, Idaho roadtrips
* San Francisco, CA and the pacific coast

Four Websites I Visit Daily

* My Blog Roll, some of you more than twice a day just to see if you're ever going to write again.
* Little Cotton Rabbits
* eGullet
* Ethicurean

Four of My Favorite Foods

* Hot Chocolate, yes, it is a food
* Chili Verde, in a burrito with melted cheese and lots of green sauce
* Kalamata Olive bread from Con Pane with thin sliced roast beef, goat cheese
* Turkey, gravy and rice

Four Places I Would Rather Be Right Now

* Anywhere warm!
* Lexington, Virginia
* Provo, Utah
* Rexburg, Idaho

What I've learned so far is that I could probably eat with Lisa any day of the week and Melissa and I could watch TV or go to the movies together, a lot.

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