Christmas 2015

So it's The Day After Boxing Day! I will never forget my dad, stepbrother, stepbro's BFF and I, ready to go shopping in London the day after Christmas 1983, when we found out all the stores were closed for something called Boxing Day.

What. The. ?!

Brits.

Anyhoo... The beef tenderloin was a big hit! It was super easy and the meat was fantastic. Not an everyday thing at $27 a pound, but yes. Good stuff. I also made crack potatoes, which everyone knows are the best potatoes ever invented. So it worked well. Lauren and Grandma made the strawberry jello, cream cheese, pretzel crust dessert thing, which was delicious. First family Christmas meal at my place is now in the memory books.

We didn't go out to eat one single time while the fam was here. That's probably some sort of record as well. We also didn't finish our 1000 piece puzzle for the first time ever! Ack. That thing is still sitting on the table. We will finish it!

We have finally made a pact with Steven that we will no longer purchase gift cards to exchange at Christmas. (I don't prefer to get anyone a gift card unless it's something really unique that requires it, but that's what he asks for every year.) It's just weird to trade gift cards. I mean, honestly. What exactly is the point? Now the cancellation of this horrible tradition has been decreed! Yaaaaay! And I am free to just give him a gag gift, which is WAY more fun.


Saturday 9: Happy Holidays!

1. As you can see, Sam loved giving her annual wish list to Santa. Yet some children are reluctant to climb into Jolly Old St. Nick's lap. Did you enjoy the tradition or were you shy? Or did you by pass it altogether -- either because you wrote him a letter or because your family didn't celebrate Christmas?
I always enjoyed it! Lots of pics of me on Santa's lap. I didn't want to miss telling him what I wanted, so he wouldn't give me clothes.

2. Are you currently on the Naughty or Nice list? How did you get there?
Nice. I got there by making it through the entire year without silly stringing the office of that person we can't stand at work.

3. Did you ship any gifts to friends and family this year? If so, which one traveled the farthest?
I only shipped one (a live tabletop evergreen arrangement). It went to my Grandpa in Dallas.

4. Did you buy yourself a gift this year?
Guitar Hero Live

5. What's your favorite holiday-themed movie?
Love Actually

6. Thinking of movies, Christmas is lucrative for Hollywood. Have you ever gone to a movie theater on Christmas Day?
We usually go to a movie on Christmas afternoon. We didn't this year.

7. Have you ever suffered an embarrassing moment at the company Christmas party? 
I wish I had, so this answer would be entertaining, but no.

8. What's your favorite beverage in cold weather?
spiced cider

9. Share a memory from last Christmas. 
Going to Johnson City with Scott and Julie!

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'Tis the Season to be Jolly

Fa la la la laaaaaaaaa...

Yesterday, Kathy and I went to Armadillo Bazaar at Palmer Events Center. It's always the best art show in town. I even bought something this year!! It's cut metal folk art by Hayley Nolte. A mirror to be precise. SO cool. I've hung it in my foyer and I am elated to own it. I debated between a cowboy boot motif and a sea turtle motif, both of which I loved, but I have some other decor that is Texas-themed, so I went with the boots. It's perfect! You can see a similar one on their website here (my boot mirror's color scheme is different than the photo there). I think Jeff even likes it.

Today, I helped Kathy bake her Christmas cookies and fudge for her trip home to Houston tomorrow. I'm not doing any baking this year, so it was nice to participate. I will, however, be roasting a beef tenderloin for the first time ever on Friday, so watch for that story right here on Boxing Day.

Tomorrow... Jeff's fam arrives. Let the annual traditional Christmas puzzle begin!


Saturday 9: Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (1979)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) According to a marketing research firm, this song is both one of the most played and most hated songs of the season. Do you like it?
Nope.

2) In this song, Grandma's troubles start when she drinks too much eggnog. Do you like eggnog?
Yes, but not more than one glass.

3) In the song, Grandpa recovers from losing Grandma by drinking beer and playing cards with Cousin Mel. Will you be celebrating the holidays with cousins?
No, just Jeff's parents and my brother-in-law.

4) When did you most recently drink a beer? Was it in a bottle, a can or a glass?
I vaguely remember recently having a Shiner Bock in a bottle with Jeff.

5) The lyrics refer to "pudding of fig." In "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," the carolers demand figgy pudding. Yet despite its popularity in holiday songs, Sam has never tasted fig pudding. Have you?
I have not.

6) Thinking of holiday sweets, would you prefer a gingerbread cookie or slice of pumpkin pie?
gingerbread cookie

7) This song was recorded by a duo named Elmo & Patsy. It occurs to Sam that she has never met anyone named Elmo. How about you? Any Elmos in your life?
I know no Elmos (Elmoes?).

8) Do you need snow to get "into the spirit?"
I live in central Texas. We very rarely get snow at all, so... nope!

9) Random question: Are you going to get/have you gotten a flu shot this year?
I got my flu shot!

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Rolo Tales

We had our company Christmas potluck this week. I was going to make those Rolo pretzel turtle candies, but when I went to the grocery store to buy the pretzels, Rolos and pecans, those three very specific items were conspicuously GONE from their respective shelf spaces. This told me that tons of people are making these this year and I worried that someone may bring them to the party, so I bought cheddar popcorn to bring instead.

I showed up to work that morning and told KathyG (my office mate) the story of why I hadn't brought the pretzel turtles. She turned and picked up her dish and showed me a full plate of them. HA! Plus, she's been a professional baker for years and decorated hers with red and green icing, so mine would have paled in comparison. Whew! SO glad I didn't make them. 

Sunday Stealing: Why Do You Want To Know That Meme

1. List 5 things you want to do before the year ends. 
box and store all of Lauren's storage items, take some much-needed time away from work (two weeks!), get together with Laura, buy more Neutrogena Rainbath shower gel (I've now tried regular soap and another shower gel and I simply must have it), see a movie

2. What color are your pants? 
I'm not wearing pants.

3. Favorite motivational quote. 
Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new. -Albert Einstein

4. When was the last time you drank coffee? 
yesterday- Dunkin Decaf from the Keurig

5. What was the last thing you ate? 
cheddar chicken patty, edamame and stuffing/gravy

6. Favorite animal. 
tiger

7. Favorite song. 
"Hello" Adele

8. Last movie you watched? 
This is 40

9. Any turn ons?
intelligence

10. Any turn offs? 
arrogance

11. List 4 big words off of the top of your head. 
flibbertigibbet, preponderance, supraclavicular, idiosyncrasy

12. What are some meaningful movies? 
Little Miss Sunshine, Love, Actually,  Steel Magnolias, Terms of Endearment

13. 2 most important people in your life right now? 
Jeff and Lauren

14. What are 3 things you want for Christmas? 
I only specifically want a new rice steamer

15. When was the last time you read a good book? 
a long time ago

16. What was the last thing you studied?
clinical database software administration

17. Do you have any nicknames? 
not that anyone calls me on a regular basis

18. Favorite kind of perfume? (fruity, alluring, etc.) 
alluring and understated

19. Do you have any international friends / friends who live out of state?
lots of friends out of state, my friend Sue Ellen lives in Sydney, Eva lives in Brussels, Stephen's wife is Australian and they live there, Bob and his English wife live in England

20. What is something unique that you do every single day?
I do nothing unique every single day.

21. If there was a movie based on your life, what would it be called? 
That's What She Said

22. When was the last time you bought a gift for someone? 
I think the last gift I bought was for Lauren on Monday.

23. Are you a shopaholic? 
No, but I do enjoy shopping!

24. What are some songs that always make you feel better? 
"Accidentally In Love" Counting Crows, "Drive By" Train, "You and I" Lady Gaga

25. List 3 activities that you can only enjoy by yourself. 
shopping for clothing (I like time to peruse every little item), creative writing, music through great headphones

26. If you could live in any biome* (and survive) which biome would you live in? (*a large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat, e.g., forest or tundra.)
I'm going to say forest, because I would burn with a lot of sun exposure in the other biomes.

27. How do you like being roused in the morning? 
with a very quiet and gentle chiming alarm sound

28. How was your day? What did you do? 
Jeff and I went to lunch at Panera and then ventured to Walmart (omg) to get a few things. At Walmart, we found Guitar Hero Live, which I have been wanting. We bought it and played it all afternoon. SUPERfun. Very realistic.

29. What did your last text message say? 
"Ahaha. It's so hideous, on top of looking anatomical." to Lauren, about the 'vagina sofa' shown on an episode of Ellen this week.

30. Do you respond to texts quickly? 
I always respond to texts as soon as I see them, if I am able to. I don't carry my phone with me all the time, so it is not always an immediate response.

31. Who was the last person you called? 
Laura

32. List 5 things that are on your wish list. 
just the rice steamer!

33. If you were famous, what do you think you would be famous for? 
coming up with some sort of efficiency in an industry process

34. Winter or summer? 
summer

35. What is a quality that all people should have?
optimism

36. If you could have a large collection of one item, what would that item be? 
gold bars

37. What have you been thinking about lately? 
my vacation, which starts Tuesday

38. What is the secret to a happy life? 
having a purpose that you value

39. What are some phrases you say often? 
"Awesome!!"
"Why on earth would you..."
"Yeesh"

40. Favorite food? 
pizza

41. What is your wish for the world?
peace and tolerance

42. What are some of your greatest fears? 
earthquakes, scorpions, food-borne illnesses

43. What is the last thing you downloaded onto your computer? 
documents from my cardiologist's office

44. Most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen (in real life)? 
the view from the top of Mount Jenner in Bavaria

45. Spicy food: Like or dislike? 
dislike

46. Scary movies: Like or dislike? 
like

47. Do you like to travel?
yep!

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Monday, Monday

Super Awesome Lyrics du Jour

Why did you let me run

When you knew I'd fall

Through the gaping hole

Where your heart should be...

"Of Crime and Passion" Duran Duran

Oh. Yes. Classic, baby. 

Julie and I saw Brooklyn Sunday. It was really good. It was so beautifully shot as well.

Spoiler-- The only part I didn't get was when Eilis went back to Ireland and got involved with a young man there, just after she and Tony married. Now, had she known him from before or had he saved her from a burning building or some such thing, I might understand that she was "back home" and feeling like maybe her life was there and this man was the person she should have been with, etc. But she and Tony were completely in love and newly married, and I don't think her character would ever have entertained the notion of even hanging out with another guy. I think Eilis would have told her best friend, the very first day she brought him over, that she and Tony had secretly gotten married and that would have been the end of the new guy.

Also, Julie wondered what would have happened if her marriage hadn't been discovered. Would she have stayed? Gosh, I would hope not.

Anyway, it was very good and it's probably on its way out of theaters because it's been out so long. If you get a chance to rent it later, you should!


Ohhhhh A&M Football... What dirt does Spav have on someone that keeps him in that position?  Just wondering.

Very sad to see Kyle Allen go. :(


Saturday 9: Chuck E.'s in Love (1979)
Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Chuck E.'s friends look for him at the pool hall and the drugstore. If we want to find you on a Saturday afternoon, where should we look?
a retail establishment

2) The lyrics tell us his friends know something up with Chuck E because he's even combed his hair. So here's a question about your hair: do you usually use a blow dryer or let it air dry?
blow dry

3) In this song, Ricki Lee sings that she spotted Chuck E. at the Pantages, a grand old Los Angeles theater. Nearly 100 years old, the Pantages was originally a movie palace and was renovated in the 1980s for concerts and theatrical productions. Tell us about a cool landmark in your town.
The state capitol is amazing- the largest in the country, second in square footage only to the US capitol.

4) "Chuck E." is a real person. Chuck E. Weiss is a blues musician and DJ who hung around with Ricki Lee and her boyfriend ... until he fell in love. Have you ever had a friendship fall by the wayside when one of you entered a romantic relationship?
Never permanently. There was always that time at first where the person in a new relationship is hanging out with their new love all the time. Soon enough, you pick back up with the rest of the world.

5) Rickie Lee was once married to a French musician named Pascal Nabet-Meyer. Say something to us in French.

Parlez-vous Anglais?

6) When her popularity was at its height, Rickie Lee appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone twice. Who have you seen on a recent magazine cover?

Gwen Stefani

7) Rolling Stone called Rickie Lee "the duchess of cool." Who is the coolest person you know?

TracyR

8) 1979 was a good year for Rickie Lee, what with her big hit record and the Rolling Stone covers. But it was a terrible year for The Who, because eleven of their fans died during an Ohio concert. What's your favorite Who song?

"Pinball Wizard"

9) Rickie Lee moved to New Orleans, a city she fell in love with after a visit. Have you ever gone to a vacation spot and wished you could just stay there forever?

Hawaii

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Christmas Party

I've begun weekly quotes from 500 Days of Summer in the ol' sidebar >>>. Why never before?! SO great.

Last night was Jeff's company's Christmas party at the W. In the bar before we all got ready, Don's daughter's boyfriend texted him and his wife that the Moscow Mule was good there and they should try it. Don texted him back- Tastes like ass. Ahaha.

The W is beautiful and the party was superfun! There was a DJ and a dance floor and a photo booth and an aerialist! We had access to the 2nd floor patio, with the Christmas lights in the trees below. So nice.

At some point I sat down on THE WORLD'S LOWEST COUCH, unexpectedly finding my knees up near my chin, which was special, considering the minimal length of my dress. Spent a few minutes trying to look demure with my pinot grigio. I didn't stay there long and managed to get up, thankfully in one smooth and flawless move.

We stayed overnight and had a river view, which was really cool. Fun party weekend!


Never have I ever...
(bold the ones you've never done)

Never have I ever injured myself while trying to impress a girl or boy I was interested in.
Never have I ever had to run to save my life.
Never have I ever taken food out of a trash can and eaten it.
Never have I ever cried / flirted my way out of a speeding ticket.
Never have I ever taken part in a talent show.
Never have I ever made money by performing on the street.
Never have I ever broken something at a friend’s house and then not told them.
Never have I ever snooped through a friend’s bathroom or bedroom without them knowing.
Never have I ever ruined someone else’s vacation.
Never have I ever walked for more than six hours.
Never have I ever jumped from a roof.
Never have I ever shoplifted.
Never have I ever seen an alligator or crocodile in the wild.
Never have I ever set my or someone else’s hair on fire on purpose.
Never have I ever ridden an animal.
Never have I ever had a bad fall because I was walking and texting.
Never have I ever been arrested.
Never have I ever pressured someone into getting a tattoo or piercing.
Never have I ever gone surfing.
Never have I ever walked out of a movie because it was bad.
Never have I ever broken a bone.
Never have I ever tried to cut my own hair.
Never have I ever completely forgot my lines in a play.
Never have I ever shot a gun.
Never have I ever had a surprise party thrown for me.
Never have I ever cheated on a test.
Never have I ever dined and dashed.
Never have I ever gotten stitches.
Never have I ever fallen in love at first sight.
Never have I ever had a paranormal experience.
Never have I ever woken up and couldn’t move.
Never have I ever accidentally said “I love you” to someone.
Never have I ever hitchhiked.
Never have I ever been trapped in an elevator.
Never have I ever sung karaoke in front of people.
Never have I ever been on TV or the radio.
Never have I ever pressed send and then immediately regretted it.
Never have I ever been so sun burnt I couldn’t wear a shirt.
Never have I ever had a crush on a friend’s parent.
Never have I ever been awake for two days straight.
Never have I ever thrown up on a roller coaster.
Never have I ever snuck into a movie.
Never have I ever accidentally sent someone to the hospital.
Never have I ever dyed my hair a crazy color.
Never have I ever had a physical fight with my best friend.
Never have I ever had someone slap me across the face.
Never have I ever worked with someone I hated with the burning passion of a thousand suns.
Never have I ever danced in an elevator.
Never have I ever cried in public because of a song.
Never have I ever texted for four hours straight.
Never have I ever chipped a tooth.
Never have I ever gone hunting.
Never have I ever had a tree house.
Never have I ever thrown something into a TV or computer screen.
Never have I ever been to a country in Asia.
Never have I ever been screamed at by a customer at my job.
Never have I ever spent a night in the woods with no shelter.
Never have I ever read a whole novel in one day.
Never have I ever gone vegan.
Never have I ever been without heat for a winter or without A/C for a summer.
Never have I ever worn glasses without lenses.
Never have I ever gone scuba diving.
Never have I ever lied about a family member dying as an excuse to get out of doing something.
Never have I ever made a website (Tumblr doesn’t count).
Never have I ever bungee jumped.
Never have I ever been to a country in Africa.
Never have I ever been on a fad diet.
Never have I ever been to a fashion show.
Never have I ever been electrocuted.
Never have I ever stolen something from a restaurant.
Never have I ever had a bad allergic reaction.
Never have I ever been in an embarrassing video that was uploaded to YouTube.
Never have I ever thought I was going to drown.
Never have I ever worked at a fast food restaurant.
Never have I ever fainted.
Never have I ever looked through someone else’s phone without their permission.

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Happy Saturday Morning!

I am laughing at this commercial for Married By Mom and Dad, another "arranged marriage" reality show coming on some cable channel. A couple is sitting with their adult daughter, for whom they are choosing a mate. The dad says to the camera, "I have sex almost every night," whereby the daughter promptly disappears under the table and the mom laughs and says, "That's not true."

So cute.

Had lunch with the mommies this week! They look so happy and their babies are the cutest. Jen wishes she could be a stay-at-home mom, but Mel is "bored." Reminded me of when I told my boss that I would be leaving to stay at home with my baby. She was very supportive but also said she would go crazy being at home with her toddler. We're all so different and everyone should do what works for their own family. Mel will be back in two weeks, to take back the study I'm running for her while she's out. YES!! The countdown has begun.

Saturday 9: Boulevard of Broken Dreams (2004)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) The "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" video begins with the gentlemen of Green Day dealing with car trouble. If your car overheated, what's the first thing you would do to remedy the situation?
Call roadside assistance

2) Thinking of cars, lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong has had his share of trouble behind the wheel and was busted for driving well beyond the speed limit. Was your last ticket for parking, or was it a moving violation?
It was about 15 years ago, a parking ticket at Office Max.

3) Billie Joe says "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" was inspired by the Edward Hopper painting, "Nighthawks." Tell us about a piece of artwork that you enjoy. (Yes, the macaroni picture frame created for you by your nephew counts.)
We have a very cool, modern metal piece of art by Benini, which I love because it has such a great story and because we met and chatted with him and his wife Lorraine a few times at his studio in Johnson City. We've also taken some beautiful Hill Country photos from their (former) backyard atop Rattlesnake Mountain. The story? He accidentally mowed over some metal on his property. He picked up the bent and broken pieces, realized he could make beautiful sculptures out of them, and mowed over more of the metal. It reminds me of the Hill Country and also is such a cool transformation of "trash" into something pretty.

4) Let's go back to childhood. Was the home where you grew up located on a boulevard, an avenue, a street, a lane or a road?
As a kid, I lived on Bluff Road, Ryewater Drive, and Creek Bend Drive.

5) This song won Green Day a Grammy for Record of the Year. What positive feedback have you received recently? 
Our study team received a giant gift basket from the sponsor for a job well done at the meeting we had in Dallas a few weeks ago.

6) Green Day uses their Facebook page to let more than 32 millions know what the group is doing. What's the last thing you posted to social media?
I told everyone how Michael reprogrammed all of my review listings at work to highlight changed data in burnt orange. Gotta tip my hat to him on that one. That said, I'll be planning a response...

7) In 2004, when this song was popular, Ken Jennings had a still unbeaten string of 74 wins on Jeopardy! What game show do you think you'd do well on?
Wheel of Fortune

8) Also in 2004, Lance Armstrong was in the midst of his own Tour de France winning streak. Now we know he cheated. Tell us about a time you broke the rules.
I wore white shoes after Labor Day this year.

9) 2004 is when Morgan Spurlock released Super Size Me, his documentary about eating nothing but McDonald's for a month. What's the last fast food restaurant you visited?
Chik-Fil-A

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It's Christmas Time!

Christmas decorations are up!! It's officially time to switch to my Christmas playlist. Whee!

Went Black Friday shopping with Crystal. The last time I went shopping the day after Thanksgiving was years ago, with my mother-in-law. It was just as I had imagined and I never wanted to go again. C and I went all over town and never really hit any crowds. We didn't go to the typical Walmart, Target, Best Buy, etc. so that may have helped with our pleasant shopping experience. We were at Pier 1 at some point though, and it was fine. Thank goodness for online shoppers staying home!

So... Mariah Carey has always been too much for me, with her over-the-top diva attitude. Many people think it's amusing and entertaining. I just think it's a silly part of her very orchestrated "persona." I do have one question though- why does she always sit with her arms away from her body? She looks oddly posed, like a store mannequin. I've seen two recent interviews and in both, she sits very tall, with her hands in her lap and her elbows out, or just with her arms out and her hands on the arm rest or the seat. Very strange.



WHAT THE...?! Gloria Steinem is 81???!! Sorry more randomness, but she just popped up in a TV interview right now. She looks fabulous. She looks 60!


Have you ever…

Dated someone you didn’t have feelings for?
No. Why would anyone waste their time doing that?
Hooked up with someone to make someone else jealous?
Heavens, no.
Dated or hooked up with a friend’s ex?
No
Regretted hooking up with someone?
I've never just "hooked up" with anyone, so no regrets!
Had a rumor spread that you hooked up with someone, but actually didn’t?
Not that I know of.
Did something sexual in a car?
Quite a bit.
Kissed someone who was a really bad kisser?
YES. Bad kissers cannot be reformed. They just have to be ditched in a hurry.
Been told that you were a bad kisser?
Nope.
Slept in the opposite sex’s clothing?
No
Slept in the opposite sex’s bed?
Yes.
Lied about dating or hooking up with someone?
Nope.
Got in trouble for public displays of affection?
Yes. Isn't high school fun?
Hooked up with two people in the same day?
No, but I did have two dates in one day.
Had a friend with benefits?
Absolutely not. Worst idea ever.
Have you ever been drunk or high?
Yep.
Describe the last party you were at:
We were at Scott-n-Julie's cul-de-sac Halloween party, where the neighbors all gather at the house on the corner of the main road. We all sat in a horseshoe and gave out candy, so the kids didn't have to go around the cul-de-sac.
Do you remember the first time you were drunk? If so, elaborate:
KimB was visiting from Louisiana, my sophomore summer. She and I took a drink out of every single bottle in my mom's liquor cabinet, from tequila to peppermint schnapps. It was terrible!
Have you ever been to a party that was busted by the cops?
Yep, in high school. I had been drinking quite a bit and was outside, being silly with some people in the street, with my friends trying desperately to get me to go inside. I just thought it was funny at the time, but they did manage to get me into the house before I got myself into trouble.
Do you or have you ever smoked cigarettes?
I smoked literally a cigarette or two in high school, and I didn't inhale.
Have you ever taken adderall, ritalin, or some other kind of drug to get high?
There was the one time in high school where my friend and I took something we were told was "speed" that was caffeine. I was just telling Lauren this week about how, when I got extremely dizzy and felt SO bad afterwards, asking Mom to take me to the ER, my mom said, "It serves you right! That's what happens when you take drugs!" So true, so true. It wasn't really drugs, but yes.
Do you get bad hangovers?
I have not drunk enough to have a hangover since I was in my twenties.
If so, do you do anything to get rid of the hangover?
Nothing but IV fluids can get rid of a hangover. So no.
Do you have a friend who ALWAYS throws the best parties?
Now- probably TracyR. In high school, Bas was the party king. (His parents were out of town a lot.) In college, Tiffany and Kathy threw the best parties.
Have you ever thrown a party?
We used to have parties, but we haven't in years. Our last was a beer tasting. SUPERfun!
Have you ever passed out or thrown up from being so drunk?
Not since college. Just remembering it makes me nauseous.
Is there someone who you always myspace/facebook stalk?
No. (Myspace? Is that still a thing?)
Do you ever wonder who myspace/facebook stalks you?
I’m sure no one does.
Do you know the password to any of your friends profiles?
Nope
If so, have you ever logged on without his/her permission?
-
Have you ever sent a friend request to someone just because you thought he/she was hot?
I don't friend anyone unless I actually know them in real life.
Have you ever sent a friend request to someone who you thought was someone different?
Yes. I linked to a person on LinkedIn who not only was NOT the person I thought she was, she was a HE. Put a photo on your social accounts, people.
Do you/have you ever watched porn?
Yep
Do you know someone who has ever made a fake profile to pretend to be someone else?
Angi's dog has a Facebook. I'm pretty sure it's actually Angi.
Do you think you spend way too much time on the internet?
Not for the past few years. I have a few sites I frequent, but I don't really hang out online much.
Have you ever gotten in trouble for putting up inappropriate pictures?
No.
Do you know anyone who has gotten in trouble for putting up pictures of people drinking?
No.
Have you ever chatted with someone on webcam?
Yes.
Do you think internet stalking is fun?
Sometimes, especially for new coworkers!
Have you ever snuck out/snuck people into your house?
I snuck people in, but quietly through the front door. Nothing involving a trellis.
Would you hook up with the last person you messaged?
Nope. (Sorry Crystal!)
Have you ever stolen something?
A friend and I stole mail from mailboxes once, when I was a kid. It was a felony, but instead of going to the big house, my parents made me bring it back and apologize. Worst. Punishment. Ever.
Have you ever lied to your parents about where you were?
Nope. My parents were pretty lenient about that kind of thing. As long as they knew where I was and when I would be home, it was fine. Sometimes I got a "What are you going to be doing THERE?" but as long as I had a legit activity to be done at that place, I was usually given permission. Now there was a clear understanding that if anyone's parents called my mom asking where we were, she would tell them in a New York minute. (Not my problem!)
Do you/have you ever had a friend that you secretly hated?
Nope.
What do you think about kids having sex at age 13 or younger?
That is creepy and sad.
Do you have any regrets?
Too few to mention.
Why or why not?
There are some things I would handle better if I could go back.
Do you ever go commando?
Very rarely.
What’s your bra size?
36C
Do you like the size of your boobs?
Yep
Would you rather them be bigger or smaller?
A little bigger would be fine, to balance out my German birthing hips.

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Allen's Mojo Returns

So proud of the Aggies!! Kyle Allen is back and hitting his receivers exactly like he was earlier in the season. The defense was the best I've seen in years. They were finally able to shut down the run, so I didn't have to yell at my TV through the whole game. Well other than to shout at Musburger, who never fails to sound like a drunk football fan who called in to give his inaccurate, sometimes bizarre thoughts on what's happening on the field. WHAT ARE YOU SMOKING, BRENT??!

NCAA football teams really need to call each other these days and ask what they're wearing before Saturday. Silver vs. grey wasn't a fabulous idea.

BTHO LSU!!


Sunday Stealing: Would You Rather Meme

1. Would you rather be stuck on an island alone or with someone who talks incessantly?
someone who talks incessantly

2. Would you rather be too hot or too cold? 
too cold

3. Would you rather have a cook or a maid?
cook!

4. Would you rather be the youngest or the oldest sibling? 
oldest

5. Would you rather get rich through hard work or through winning the lottery? 
hard work

6. Would you rather have a 10-hour dinner with a headstrong politician from an opposing party, or attend a 10-hour concert for a music group you detest? 
Oh man. Uhhh... I'll take politician from an opposing party. 

7. Would you rather be an Olympic gold medalist or a Nobel Peace Prize winner? 
Nobel Peace Prize

8. Would you rather have a desk job or an outdoor job? 
desk job

9. Would you rather live at the top of a tall NYC apartment building or at the top of a mountain? 
top of a mountain

10. Would you rather have Rambo or The Terminator on your side?
The Terminator

11. Would you rather be proposed to in private or in front of family and friends?
in private

12. Would you rather have to sew all your clothes or grow your own food? 
grow my own food

13. Would you rather hear the good news or the bad news first? 
bad news

14. Would you rather be your own boss or work for someone else?
work for someone else

15. Would you rather have nosy neighbors or noisy neighbors? 
nosy neighbors

16. Would you rather be on a survival reality show or dating game show?
dating game

17. Would you rather be too busy or be bored?
too busy

18. Would you rather watch the big game at home or live at the stadium?
live

19. Would you rather spend the day with your favorite athlete or you favorite movie star?
movie star

20. Would you rather live where it is constantly winter or where it is constantly summer?
summer

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Feelin' Like a Criminal

Fiona Apple's "Criminal" is one of the best songs ever recorded, with some damn cool lyrics...

I've been a bad, bad girl
I've been careless
With a delicate man
And it's a sad, sad world
When a girl will break a boy
Just because she can...

Ohhhhhhhh help me 
but don't tell me to deny it
I've done wrong 
and I've got to suffer for my sins okay, I got a little carried away there, but yeah.


My favorite item on social media this week:

Ha! SO true. All the sociopolitical arguing on social media is driving me to drink lately.

I was hanging out with our office manager in the reception area yesterday afternoon, watching our office building neighbors bring in loads of beer and liquor. Those guys are always bringing in alcohol.

I wonder if they're hiring.


Saturday 9: Perfect Storm (2014)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is about "the thrill of a lifetime" kind of love. Do you believe we each get one great love? Or do you think it's possible to fall in love more than once?
Of course people can fall in love several times. One "great love" is the goal and probably the case for most. People who lose a spouse do seem to be able to find a new love, if they're open to it. So for some, I think there can be more than one great love.

2) Brad Paisley endured his own "perfect storm" in 2010, when he lost his guitars in the massive flood that hit Nashville. Tell us about a time when you had to clean up after Mother Nature. 
The flood from Tropical Storm Claudette in Houston in 1979. It took about a year to get the house back to normal, after drying out the walls, new flooring, furniture, etc.

3) He is married to actress Kimberly Williams, who played Steve Martin's daughter in the Father of the Bride movies. He has admitted he was a little in love with her before he met because he'd seen her on screen. Do you have a crush on anyone right now? 
Bradley Cooper is probably my current celeb crush.

4) He's a passionate Cleveland Browns fan. Are you following the NFL this season?
Nope. But I do happen to be aware that Manziel is the starting QB for the Browns for the remainder of the season.

5) Brad has developed his own line of western wear for Boot Barn, including some pricey items. (A "Perfect Storm" felt hat goes for $230.) What's the most expensive item you've added to your wardrobe recently?
$60 pants. Wooo, baby!

6) "Paisley" is also a term for a popular print. Are you wearing a print or solid right now?
I am wearing solid maroon. GIG EM!

7) Crazy Sam is not a big country fan, but she can sing along with this song because it played so very often at a bar she frequents. What's the last song you sang?
 "Criminal" in the car.

8) Though Brad Paisley has recorded songs about drinking, he never touches alcohol. His favorite beverage is Yoohoo, a chocolate beverage bottled by the Dr. Pepper/Snapple Company. What's the last beverage you drank directly from the bottle?
Sprite Zero on the way to Dallas with Beth and Leslie.

9) Random question from a Sat9er: What's your favorite handmade item?
any kind of art

Read more...

Back from Big D

I've just returned from the fourth meeting for one of my studies- this time in Dallas, at the Grand Hyatt DFW, which is one of my all-time favorite hotels. It is beautiful inside, with a room view (should you request it) over the runway. Very cool. So fun to see all our worldwide team members again, and to meet some great new people.

It was too cold for me at the rooftop saline pool, but not for one of our coordinators from Minnesota. Hey, at least it's heated.

We finally saw The Martian last weekend. It was SO good! One of my favorite moments was when Rich called his idea "Project Elrond." With SEAN BEAN sitting right there as part of the NASA team.

Bahaha! A lil' somethin' for the LOTR fans.

There were a lot of great lines in the movie. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next, through the whole thing. Go see it!


Saturday 9: The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia (1972)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) The lyrics tell us about a young man who stopped at a bar named Webb's before heading home. What's the last restaurant or bar you visited? What did you order? 
Ooh.  The Grand Met at the Grand Hyatt DFW. I had the best lunch- the steak salad. O. M. G.
Fork tender steak and perfectly dressed arugula.

2) In this video, Vicki Lawrence is obviously lip synching. If you had to participate in a competition, would you do better at karaoke or lip synching? And what song would you choose to perform?
I think I would sing karaoke- Kelly Clarkson "The Trouble with Love Is"



3) Back when this song was popular, so was the Rubik's Cube. Can you solve that 3-D puzzle?
Back then, I learned how to solve it by buying a guidebook at the bookstore (those were the days, eh?), so I could solve it pretty quickly. Not today though.

4) Vicki Lawrence is a hyphenate, meaning she's a comedienne-actress-singer. Using hyphens, describe yourself.
data manager-database administrator-all around "fire-putter-outer"

5) Back in the early 1970s, songwriter Bobby Russell first offered this song to Cher, who refused it. Give us the name of a song Cher did record.
"Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves"

6) Vicki Lawrence won her first big break playing Carol Burnett's kid sister because of her resemblance to the star. Have you ever been told you look like a celebrity?

Ellie Kemper. There she is with my hairstyle. I would love to have that color! Maybe I'll try it someday.

7) She also starred on Mama's Family in the role of matriarch of an argumentative Southern clan. As we head into the holiday season, do your plans involve a lot of family time?
This year it's Thanksgiving and Christmas with my in-laws. Usually it's just Christmas.

8) After The Carol Burnett Show and Mama's Family, Vicki became a staple on daytime TV. She hosted Win, Lose or Draw and was a contestant on The Match Game and $25,000 Pyramid. Do you watch much daytime TV?
On Wednesdays, I keep the tv on for noise and the occasional distraction. I DVR The Chew every day and watch when I get home from work. Best daytime show!

9) Random question provided by a Sat 9er: Bugs/insects. Do you like 'em or fear 'em? Tell us something/anything you know about them.
I fear any insect that bites or stings. Otherwise, I like them just fine. I have learned that scorpion stings are not typically deadly or even emergency-room-worthy. (BUT I still don't want to be stung by one. Almost grabbed one on the garage door handle recently.)

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Happy Weekend!

I haven't gone grocery shopping on a Friday night in years, but it was surprisingly vacant at 8pm on Friday, to the point where I wondered of there was something going on I wasn't aware of. (Nope, only FRIDAY NIGHT. Why are you here.)

Third loss of the season last night at Kyle Field. For all that is good and holy, can someone please fire Spavital?


Sunday Stealing: Big Bad Meme

1. Is there anyone else in the room with you? What are they doing?
No one else gets up this early in my house.

2. Do you show your teeth when you smile, or do you prefer smiling with your lips closed?
My teeth show.

3. Would you rather be told the truth, even if it isn’t what you want to hear? 
If I'm asking the question, I deserve a straight answer. We all have the right to navigate our lives knowing the truth.

4. What is something that you plan to buy, as soon as you’ve saved up the money for it?
A new kitchen.

5. Do you play Sudoku? 
Now and then. I'm on more of a Spider Solitaire kick.

6. Have you ever had a migraine? 
I get migraines about 2-3 times a year. I take Excedrine Migraine and get on with things. Not too big a deal for me.

7. What was the last book you read for pleasure?
Why is this question on every other meme? I can't even remember. Probably Bethenny Frankel's book, Skinnydipping.

8. What was the last item of clothing you purchased for yourself?
a red, Christmas-y top

9. Your first serious relationship, do you still talk to him/her? 
I haven't spoken to John in person since 1989, although he last contacted me online when my dad died a few years ago, to give his condolences. Jeff and I were going to have lunch with him about ten years ago, but he blew through town without showing up and then texted when he was home to say he couldn't make it. (Par for that course.)

10. Who is the last person you texted? 
Jennifer

11. How close is your family?
We're not super-close. Not that we're estranged or anything. Mom's side of the family are just spread out throughout the country (aunt in Denver, uncles in Gulf Shores and Chicago). My dad's family are all in Germany. When I was growing up, we were very close to my grandparents and aunt/uncles in College Station. We saw them every couple of months or so until Grandma passed away and the kids left Texas.

12. Is there anything too serious to be joked about? 
Nope. There is a time and place for jokes, but there will eventually be a time and place for everyone to laugh about even the most tragic of circumstances. Some of the best jokes Laura and I have are about the most tragic things. (I love you, L, but do you have to wake me up EVERY TIME I stop breathing from too much morphine? I bet that nurse never did get fired.)

13. Do you like to understand and have good knowledge of things? 
Yep.

14. What is worse? Back pain or shoulder pain? 
Back pain is more difficult to relieve, I think, because everything in your body connects to it. I've had shoulder pain that made me want to put my head through a wall though, so it's all bad.

15. Have you ever almost fallen off of something high off the ground?
No.

16. What’s one fruit you love in drinks?
cranberry

17. What is something simple that you’re afraid of?
I need to phone a friend on this one, because I have no idea what this means. Scorpions are pretty simple. Yes?

18. Has this weekend been good? 
Other than the Aggie game, yes.

19. How much time do you take to get ready in the morning?
About 45 minutes. I take my showers at night, to save some time in the morning. 

20. Last movie you watched in theaters and with whom? 
I think it was Trainwreck with Jeff.

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Checkin' In

Watching Timberlake nail this country gig on the CMAs with his effortless and amazing supertalent. Wow!

But really, I'm just on here to share this exercise equipment with you all--
Elvie

It fits in a drawer, unlike your treadmill. And you can take it with you to work.


The Alphabet Thing Meme

A: Accent -- very light Texas, y'all
B: Breakfast -- protein shake
C: Chore you hate -- ironing
D: Dad's name -- Werner
E: Essential everyday item -- Burt's Bees
F: Flavor ice cream -- mint chocolate chip
G: Gold or silver -- silver
H: Hometown -- Houston
I: Insomnia -- I usually have it early morning when I wake up around 4
J: Job title -- Clinical Data Manager
K: Kids -- 1 beautiful daughter
M: Mother's birthplace -- Antigo, WI
N: Number of significant others -- 3
O: Overnight hospital stays -- too many
P: Phobia -- I've become a bit claustrophobic in the past few years
Q: Quick at -- learning new things
R: Religious affiliation -- Christian, but not "religious"
S: Siblings -- 1 half-brother I have yet to meet in person
T: Time you wake up -- 4 and then 6
U: Unnatural hair colors -- none
V: Vegetable you refuse to eat -- squash
W: Worst habit -- leaving my shoes everywhere
X: X-rays -- plenty
Y: Yummy -- dinner last night, I made steak with rosemary bacon corn relish
Z: Zodiac sign -- Aries

Read more...

Day After Halloween Halloween Meme

So I looked up Clone-A-Willy on Amazon, to show someone because it was mentioned on TMZ this week, and now it's on my "recently viewed" list. This is how I discovered there is an "edit your recently viewed list" link on Amazon.

You're welcome.


Sunday Stealing: Halloween Meme

Are you scared of bats? 
Only if they are flying very close to me.

When you were a kid, did you go out on Mischief Night? (Mischief Night is an informal holiday on which children and teens engage in pranks and minor vandalism. While its name and date vary from place to place, it is most commonly held near the end of October to coincide with the night before Halloween)
I did not. I wasn't much of a mischievous teen.

What is your favorite trick-or-treat candy? 
Snickers

Have you ever seen a ghost? 
Just the one time- a runner in my living room.

The most memorable costume you ever wore? 
Flasher, in high school. So fun!

Do you dress up on Halloween? 
I usually dress up for the work party, but not this year.

Any cooking or baking you do for Halloween? 
Nope

Have you ever been to The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland or Disneyworld? 
Yes- at Disney World.

Any element of the season you don’t like? 
Selfish, oversensitive people who have made schools have "Fall" parties instead of Halloween parties. Get over yourselves.

What is your favorite scary movie? 
The Exorcist

Do you cook the pumpkin seeds from your carved jack-o-lanterns? 
I tried once, but it didn't turn out well.

Are you intrigued with vampires? 
Nope.

What is your favorite written work of horror fiction? 
The Shining

What is your favorite work of science fiction/fantasy? 
Lord of the Rings

Who is your favorite monster?
Alien

What horror movie gives you the most chills? 
The Grudge. That movie is creepy, yo.

What character from any horror film would you most like to play? 
Anyone who dies a horrible death in the Saw movies. Awesome!

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Infrequent Flying

When we were at training in Minneapolis a couple of weeks ago, my colleague asked me why I have my laptop webcam covered.

"Are you afraid the boss is watching to make sure you're working?" he laughed.

Ha. Well, that, and I work in my nightgown on Wednesday mornings and hackers could turn on your webcam at any time.

Hey. You never know.

Our trip to Minnesota, which was pretty nice, started with two frustrating American Airlines flights. See, it turns out, if you aren't a frequent flier, you pretty much have to check your bag. This is because 3/4 of the plane is full prior to the first group of "regular folk" boarding. We had no idea.

First flight (to DFW), I had to walk way past my seat to find overhead storage. I walked past bin after bin of oversized bags and UNDERsized bags. You're supposed to put undersized bags under the seat in front of you. The flight attendants should be making people do exactly that, but they weren't. Someone should have also been checking to make sure people weren't shoving giant duffel bags or guitars and other "too big" in-plane baggage into overhead bins. GAH.

And people in the back should not be allowed to put their luggage in the bin on row 10. Bring it with you to the back! Inconsiderate jerks.

Second leg (to Minneapolis), there was NO room for my carry-on.

Flight attendant #1 (with an chiding glare): You're going to have to check that. Go up front and just outside the plane, they'll check it.

Flight attendant #2 (on my way out of the plane): Are you checking that? You'll have to hurry.

Lady, I didn't want to check it. You all should be falling over yourselves apologizing that I HAVE to check it. Per the ticket I purchased, I'm allowed a personal item and a carry-on.

Bag checking lady outside the plane (shaking head): It's really late to be checking this bag.

Okay, seriously?

Me: I didn't want to check my bag. If you guys wouldn't charge people to check bags, the plane wouldn't fill up with them. Also, if you would enforce the rules you have about bag sizes, there would be space for every person's carry-on.
Bag checking lady: *silence*

On the way home at the end of the week, I checked my bag through, for $25, just like AA wanted me to. American has made traveling a miserable experience for those of us who don't travel often. That's just sad.

I do have an amusing story from Minneapolis. I was texting outside during a break from our class and noticed that there were piles of dog poop on the ground. Like, EVERYWHERE. I wondered why so many dogs were walking there and why no one was cleaning up after them. Then I looked closer.

These were gigantic piles of BIRD POOP. What kind of... pterodactyl... makes poop that big and dog-ish?!

Geese. Flocks of them. They flew by the window during class. Super huge, especially in groups.

Google image search "goose poop." You'll see!

Read more...

Cheers to You, Oenophile!

Just got an email that opens with, Cheers to you, Oenophile!

How dare you, Sir.

(What the heck is an oenophile anyway?)

:)

And so, friends, this is your word of the day!


Sunday Stealing: Swiped Meme

1. Did someone die in that last movie you watched?
We watched The Age of Adeline last night. Someone did die. Good movie, but I hated the parts where the Twilight-Zone-ish guy narrated the past events as if they were news stories. The audience doesn't need the explanation. We're watching the scenes from the past. WE GET IT.

2. Are the trees pretty colors outside for you now or at all?
A couple of trees are yellow and orange, but not many. Most of our trees in the neighborhood are evergreen or just drop their leaves in fall. The Bradford Pears are beauuutiful for about a week, but I think they've dropped their leaves at this point.

3. Have you ever made a bad first impression on someone's parents?
Only Jeff's. Just one of the things that happened the weekend I met them- I spit a grape across the table during dinner. Yep.

4. When's the last time you video recorded something on TV?
The last thing that the DVR recorded was The Chew on Friday.

5. What is a career you wanted to have when you were younger, and still kind of want to have now? 
I would love to be what I studied to be- a radiation safety officer. I'd have to move away from Austin to find a job and it's been too long since I got my degree to really get into it at this point.

6. What are your views on sunflowers?
Sunflowers are gorgeous! I still remember sunflower fields in Kansas, from the year when I was in kindergarten there.

7. What is your favorite incense or candle scent?
apple

8. Caramel apples or candy apples?
Definitely caramel. I hate candy apples. Too sticky and crunchy.

9. Have you ever walked into a wall?
Nope. I have walked into a few doors though.

10. Would you ever or do you make your dog wear a bandanna?
If I had a dog, I would make it wear a bandanna.

11. Do you find dandelions when they're gone all white pretty?
Yes.

12. What makes you laugh?
Donald Trump being a contender for President.

13. The scariest moment of your life?
Driving up the side of the hill/mountain to get to the Malerwinkel Guest House in Schönau am Königsee. Good grief. Steep, very skinny "road" with a deadly dropoff on the side. And people walking down, who expect you to move towards the dropoff to let them skim past you on the inside! Skeery!

14. What’s the coolest thing you’ve bought lately?
iPhone 6S Plus

15. What’s the worst you’ve had to do because of losing a bet?
Sadly, I've never bet anything that interesting!

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You've Been Endorsed

LinkedIn endorsements are the silliest things. They could be meaningful, if people took them seriously, but people just hand them out. I think it's because they show up in LinkedIn as a suggestion and people just do it to tick that box.

If you have 37 endorsements for Content Strategy, but one of them is from your mom, it just highlights the fact that people deal out endorsements like Halloween candy.

Let's keep it real. If you're a family member or one of my pals, and I've never worked with you, I probably know little about what kind of a manager you are or how skilled you are in Good Clinical Practice, but I could endorse you for things like:

Bartending
Parallel Parking
Pictionary
Grilling
Couponing
Sense of Humor
Parenting
Karaoke...

Off to endorse some people!

Sunday Stealing: 25 Fun Meme

1. If you were trapped in a room with the person who asked this for 24 hours, what would you do? The answer cannot be romantic or sexual.
Why not romantic or sexual? Well since I just pulled this one from the blog, I'll pick... Kimberly! I hope we're trapped in a room in the Four Seasons. With her, I would play cards and look at old photos!

2. If you could learn any language instantly, what would it be?
Spanish

3. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Billy Budd *snort*

4. Favorite song lyric?
How 'bout...
You make me smile like the sun
Fall out of bed, sing like a bird
Dizzy in my head, spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Oh, you make me smile

5. Favorite album?
One of my all-time faves is Evanescence's Fallen. All great songs.

6. Which time of day would you say is best for you work-wise?
7-10 a.m.

7. Favorite city that you’ve visited?
Las Vegas

8. Favorite city that you haven’t visited?
Rome

9. If you could donate $10,000 to charity, what charity would you pick?
MD Anderson

10. What is one book you wish you could get all your friends to read?
Billy Budd

11. What is one movie you wish you could get all your friends to watch?
Love, Actually

12. What do you think people assume about you from first glance?
that I'm a geeky science chick

13. If you could play any musical instrument, what would it be?
guitar

14. What is your favorite item of clothing?
my casual jeans

15. Who was your first follower on your blog? Do they still follow you?
The first person who knew about my blog was Eva. She catches up now and then!

16. If you could create one thing, what would it be?
a cure for cancer

17. Favorite superhero?
Thor

18. If you were to write an autobiography, what would you title it?
Just Keep Swimming

19. If you were to have a band, what would you call it?
KK and the Blowfish

20. What is your favorite card/board game?
"The Card Game"

21. What was the first IM service you used? Who was the first person you talked to on it?
AIM. Kerstin was probably the first person I talked to on it.

22. If you could give a friendly hug to any one person, who would it be? Cannot be your romantic/sexual partner if you have one.
Jen. She just had her baby this week!

23. Have you ever won any sort of contests? What kind?
I've won several contests- mostly in writing.

24. Who was the last person you hugged? Cannot be your romantic/sexual partner if you have one.
Jen. I hugged her before she left work for maternity leave.

25. If you could be skilled in any one activity, what would it be? Cannot be romantic or sexual.
Again it can't be romantic or sexual? This survey is very limiting. Um... I would be skilled in grilling.

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Sunday Stealing

5-0 Aggies tied with LSU for #1 in SEC West! Whoop! We're off next week, which is good. Gotta prepare for Bama!

Remember, friends don't let friends wear crimson. ;)


Sunday Stealing: Q&A Meme

1. What would you pick as a major, if you could go back to college and do it again?
Well, my life would be very different had I had a different major, so I wouldn't wish to change any of that really, but a nursing or pre-med degree would have been more closely related to my career.

2. Who is the one celebrity with whom you would most like to have an in depth conversation? 
I'd love to get very 'in depth' with George Clooney. But kidding aside... yes, George Clooney. He's not just a pretty face.

3. If you could make a living doing ANYthing, what would that be?
Taking bubble baths.

Joe Manganiello's wardrobe assistant? :)

Okay, I would love to help people go through their clutter and donate/sell things they don't need and organize the rest. The more cluttered, the better!

4. What’s your all-time very favorite dessert? 
New York style cheesecake

5. How many pairs of jeans do you own? 
three

6. What is your favorite flower, and why?
Tulips, because they are so beautiful, and not the typical, overdone rose.

7. What book has most changed your life?
Chicken Soup for the Surviving Soul. Are they making the Chicken Soup series anymore? So great. This book really touched me with shared stories of victories and successfully overcome obstacles I had also experienced in my own life, as well as ones less familiar, which inspired me with their positivity.

8. What is your least favorite vegetable? Is there any way you can be persuaded to eat it?
Squash. No.

9. If you could take a nonstop first class flight to any destination, where would you pick to land? 
Rome

10. If your 15 minutes of fame included a stint on American Idol, what song would be your trademark solo?
"Sober" by Kelly Clarkson


11. If you could pick one former friend (who has remained elusive in this wild Facebook world) to reunite with, who would you unearth?
Tiffany! She's a high school and college buddy, now a famous pediatric oncologist, with no time for Facebook.  Would LOVE to catch up with her.

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

13. Name three of your guilty pleasures. 
show tunes, chocolate, The Real Housewives of NYC/Jersey/OC

14. The best kind of cookie is: 
chocolate chip with pecans

15. What do you value most in other people? 
honesty

16. Have you ever looked back at your life and realized that something you thought was a bad thing was actually a blessing in disguise?
many many things, yes

17. What is the most beautiful place you’ve ever visited?
Hawaii

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

19. Name three things you are thankful for right now. 
Lolo having some improvement in her leg pain from new meds, time away from the office day-to-day on a business trip this week, cooler weather

20. Have you ever participated in a three-legged race?
Yep, in Brownies a billion years ago.

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

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Drinking Tips

I have a little hint for you today for making drinks involving dry drink mixes. We drink protein shakes for breakfast made from a dry mix. I always used to put the mix in the cup first, but I ended up with gunge in the bottom of the cup. no matter how well I mixed. Lauren said I needed to put the liquid in first. It works far better for avoiding clumps! If you get the swirl going fast enough, you'll avoid the powder flying everywhere. Leave space in the top of the container for this reason. Or use a shaker.

This week I saw something about mixing dry hot chocolate mixes this way as well. The manufacturer said to put the powder on top of the liquid and stir it in. (Although I do NOT drink hot chocolate. I would not, could not on a train. Not in the dark. Not in the rain... Blech.)

I researched the topic online and have seen professional mixer articles that say put the powder on top of the liquid. Then, I happened upon the tried and true, the ultimate powder into liquid  tip:

Put the powder into the cup. Mix just a little liquid to make a homogenous paste. Then pour the remaining liquid into the paste. Ahh HA. This probably works best, although it takes too long for breakfast, so I'll stick with the powder on top method.


Saturday 9: Straight Up (1988) 
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here. 

1) In this song, Paula sings about being in a dream. Did you dream last night?
Yep, I dreamed that our cat, Maya, had become a miniature pig. She was presented to me as a "new pet pig," but I recognized her face. Creepy.

2) When Paula enrolled at California State University, she planned on studying broadcasting and becoming a reporter. Think about your career aspirations when you were 19. Did you follow through and stay on track or, like Paula, did you veer off and find success elsewhere?
When I was 19, I was on track to be a radiation safety engineer at a hospital or a nuclear power plant. I veered off during grad school and got into clinical research.

3) For a while she was a "Laker Girl" and performed at L.A. Laker games. Do you have a favorite NBA team?
No, but I was a Rockets fan growing up in Houston.

4) Paula was once married to Brad Beckerman of Stillhouse Spirits, a company that specializes in whiskey. What's your favorite alcoholic beverage?
Mexican Martini

5) Paula has been dancing since age 8 and, as you can see from the video, Paula moves very well in heels. Tell us about your most comfy shoes.
They are orange wedges. Not juicy "orange wedges" from Florida, but pretty high heeled wedges that happen to be orange. SO CUTE. And the most comfy shoes I own.

6) Paula admits it was her passion for jewelry and that inspired her to design her own line for QVC and Avon. What is your favorite thing to go shopping for? 
earrings

7) She advises young girls to "keep the faith and don't lose your gut instinct." How about you? Are you more logical or instinctive?
instinctive

8) In May, Paula traveled to Austria for The Life Ball, a fundraiser to help those afflicted with HIV/AIDS. When is the last time you left the country?
this past March- to Germany

9) Paula Abdul is a spokeswoman for Avon's "Go Check Yourself" campaign for breast health awareness. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Do you know anyone who has been touched by this disease?
Me! 23 years cancer-free!

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Random Recap

Taking a break from unpacking/reorganizing. WHEW.

Recapping the last few weeks I've been off the grid:

• GIG 'EM AGGIES! WHOOP! 4-0
• The two John Jay football players should be punished to the full extent of school, district, UIL and state/federal laws and rules. "We're not thugs." Give me a f'in break.
• Trump is too wackadoodle to win the Rep nomination, so people shouldn't worry about that. Voters will never actually push his button in the voting booth when it comes time to get serious and cast their votes. The bigger concern- Fiorina is actually second in some polls. Egads. She is awful.  Bush was very funny when he said during the last debate that he smoked pot and his mom was going to be upset upon hearing about it. Then tweeting this...
  
  
  
  Cute!
• My desktop computer is caput after being turned off to move it. It probably hadn't been turned off in a couple of years. We'll see if a new power supply helps or if it's truly toast.
• And this... hee!

 

Continuing the randomness...

Sunday Stealing: Really Random Meme

Do you believe that Walt Disney is really frozen? 
I don't think I heard he was. Wow. Maybe.

Do you believe its easy to forgive and forget? 
Depends on whether or not the person is remorseful.

When you feel like running away from it all who do you call? 
Cathy

Is there anyone who knows your entire life story?
Cathy

Have you had to have stitches at all in the last year? 
Nope

Which is coming next: Christmas or your birthday?
Christmas!

Have you ever been a clown for Halloween? 
Nope

What time did you go to bed last night?
Around 11:30

When did you get up this morning?
5:30

When was the last time it rained? 
Friday

Are your finger nails painted at the moment? 
No.

Do you ever go hunting/fishing?
No. My dad used to take me fishing sometimes when I was a kid.

Did you have an imaginary friend as a child? 
Nope.

Which parent do you look most like? 
My dad.

Do you have any friends who are famous?
Nah. One of my friends in high school was Audrey Rose star Susan Swift's sister. (Susan also went to our school, but I didn't know her.)

Do you use eBay to buy or sell? 
No

Is music a daily part of your life? 
Definitely

Is your self esteem high or low? 
It's pretty good at the moment.

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RATTLESNAKES

Hold on. The guy who is mowing my lawn right now is SMOKING while he mows. Ahahahaaa. Priceless. I don't think I've seen anyone smoke for the past 3 months. I don't think I even know anyone who smokes anymore. Oh, he's having issues with the mower now and trying to deal with it while holding the cigarette in his mouth. Honestly- what the...?! Put. The. Cigarette. Down. 

Anyhoo... our office building's maintenance department sent out an email saying that a 5-foot rattlesnake was discovered by the elevators on the first floor of our parking garage, and that another smaller rattlesnake (aren't they ALL smaller? yikes) was underneath the car parked behind the elevators against the wall. Um, that would be MY car. 

So Maintenance wrastled up some snake wranglers who reported that rattlesnakes are not nesting animals, so there isn't some central location that can be extracted to get rid of them. They're loners who roam free in the grassy area behind the building. We'll just have to be careful.

Over the next few days, two more large rattlers were seen on the sidewalk along the back of the building by the garage. (I've moved my car to the inside row, further away from the elevators.) We used to eat lunch outside along the sidewalk, at these picnic tables with a very nice shade cover and an unusual ever-present breeze, but NO MORE. 

Maybe when winter settles in.

*shudder*

Saturday 9: That's All (1983)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In the lyrics, Phil Collins sings of a time he was wrong when he thought he was right. Tell us about a recent time when you got it wrong.

A study nurse reported that she was told to enter a something a certain way in the clinical database. I told the team that wasn't true, that she could enter it the other way as well. Then I happened to be looking at something else in the casebook guidelines which I wrote, and the instruction is actually THERE to do it as the nurse had described. OOPS.

2) The song is addressed to a lover that Phil clearly feels is contrary. When he says, "day," she says, "night." Is there anyone in your life who seems to disagree with you all or most of the time?

Jeff. It's not just me though! He's a debater with everyone.

3) This was Genesis' first Top 10 hit in the US. Can you name another Phil Collins or Genesis song? 

In the Air Tonight

4) Phil Collins is a model train enthusiast. Is there anything special that you collect?

I have a pretty good collection of Mary Engelbreit stuff, but I stopped collecting it years ago.

Yeah!

5) Collins was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Berklee College of Music in Boston. At the ceremony, he delivered the commencement address. When did you last give a presentation or deliver a speech? 

I presented at an investigator meeting in Berlin in March. Next up- Dallas!

6) One of Phil Collins' early solo albums was called, Hello, I Must Be Going. He took the title from a song in the 1930 Marx Bros. movie, Animal Crackers. What's the last black and white movie or TV show that you watched?

I have watched very few black and white shows or movies in my life. Oh, there was Clooney's Good Night and Good Luck!

7) In 1983, when this song was popular, the Lotus 1-2-3 program made it easier for PC users to build spreadsheets. Are you answering these questions on a PC or a Mac? Laptop or desktop? Tablet or phone?

Macbook Air laptop

8) 1983 is also the year when McDonald's introduced McNuggets. What's your favorite chicken recipe (assuming it's not McNuggets)?

Chicken Parmesan

9) In 1983, President Reagan signed the bill making Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday a holiday. What's your favorite holiday?

Christmas

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Football. Yeah.

This. From Good Bull Hunting.

Ha! Oh man. So great.

AND THIS:

Ahaha.

Speaking of the game just now- Um, can we run anything but Carson up the middle when we're in a pickle? No?

Questionable play calls aside, Kyle rocked (especially after being temporarily replaced by the freshman). Kyler, too. Lots of amazing new and returning talent on the field and a STRONG showing by the D. (Who knew?!) My favorite quote: "There's just too much Miles Garrett tonight." Chavis was a great addition to the coaching staff. Whoop!

Christian Kirk. WOW. Welcome to A&M!

SO PROUD OF OUR AGS. Whoop!!

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New Car!

I got a new car yesterday! A blue Acura TLX with grey interior...

Click me for a bigger version.

SO pretty!

In other news, turns out I'm friends with someone who knows the lovely Cindy Williams from "Laverne & Shirley."

Not really, but the silhouette looks like her, yes?? Ha!


Saturday 9: Hello, Dolly (1964)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is about a woman returning to the town where she was happiest. How many towns have you lived in? 

Eight-- Worms, Germany; Pasadena, TX; Lenexa, KS; Deer Park, TX; Houston, TX; League City, TX; College Station, TX; Austin, TX

2) Crazy Sam played Ernestina in her high school production of Hello, Dolly! and still remembers one of her lines: "Hey, you with the big ears! What are you doing after the show?" Tell us something that you memorized for school that is still rattling around in your brain.

I remember all the words to the German Song "Tanz Mit Mir" I sang with my fellow Bluebird Girls in our senior musical, Carnival. (Can-can girls, yo!)

3) This week's featured artist, Louis Armstrong, got his start entertaining diners on riverboat dinner cruises. Have you ever taken a dinner cruise? 

A few. We recently went on a company dinner cruise on Lake Austin.

4) Armstrong took his nickname, "Satchmo," from "Satchel Mouth" -- a slang term for someone with a wide mouth, which Louis believed was his most distinguishing feature. What do you think people notice first about you?

My smile. I hear a lot of "You're always smiling!"

5) In 1936, Louis became the first African American to get featured billing in a Hollywood movie. Have you seen any of this summer's big movies?

Trainwreck, Pitch Perfect 2, Entourage, Jurassic World, Magic Mike XXL

6) When "Hello, Dolly" composer Jerry was growing up, he was close to an aunt named Belle who encouraged his love of music. Tell us about one of your aunts or uncles.

My aunt Teresa is the youngest of five kids, where Mom was the oldest, so Teresa and I are only 11 years apart. I've always thought of her like an older sister. She's a feisty, independent person and very funny and enjoys having a great time. We had a serious falling out a few years back, but thankfully, we've been talking via email every so often for about a year now. We hung out at my Grandpa's one afternoon last year, which I enjoyed a lot. Hoping to see her again this fall.

7) Though famous for composing the scores of Hello, Dolly!, Mame and La Cage Aux Folles, Jerry Herman can't read music. Can you?

Yep.

8) Now retired, Mr. Herman lives in Miami. This is Miami's "wet season," which lasts into October. When did it last rain where you are?

Friday! Shocking.

9) Random question: Have you suffered a sunburn this summer?

Not yet.

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Hill Country Drive to Drippin'

One of my friends' friends is having a baby girl they're naming Luna. So pretty! Pregnant ladies everywhere lately!

Jeff and I headed to Dripping Springs to Deep Eddy Vodka distillery and also to Hawk's Shadow Winery and Vineyard last weekend. Deep Eddy was superfun (my fave is the cranberry vodka). They have a nice view at the tables outside and a really large indoor lounge. We'll definitely go back.

Hawk's Shadow is beautiful! Stunning view from their huge patio...

Bring your own food and have some wine there. It will be perfect in the fall, when it's a bit cooler, but until then, there is a surprisingly refreshing breeze on the patio (and an indoor tasting area). The drive through the hills to get to the winery is pretty, too. 

Finally made it to Rolling in Thyme and Dough (I love clever business names) in Drippin' as well. It's always been closed when we've tried to go. The bakery is awesome! We'll have to go back for lunch or dinner in the cafe.

Sunday Stealing: I want you to be free from me Meme

Are your nails painted a dark or light color?  dark taupe
Have you ever order pizza online?  yes- Yaghi's
What color was the last candle you lit? red
Is there something written on your shirt right now?  nope
Is there a bookshelf in your room?  no
Do you own a treadmill?  not anymore
Have you ever signed up for a gym membership? I've been a member of an aerobics gym and a gym gym.
Is there a garbage can in your room? What color is it? yes, it's white
Have you ever read in the bathtub?  nope
Have you ever had to wear a hairnet?  no
Do you know how many pages the last book you read had?  150-ish
What day of the week does the laundry usually get done?  Wednesday
Do you use Facebook chat often?  Very rarely, but my work friends and I frequently use Facebook Messenger.
Do you have any baby pictures of yourself on your computer?  one with my mom and dad
Do you eat onion rings? Yes. Do some people not?
What flavor of tea did you last have? regular unsweetened
Do you own a bathrobe?  no
Did you/will you have coffee or some other form of caffeine today?  probably not
Do you have a mailbox or do you collect your mail from the post office? we have a mailbox
What was the last animal you saw, and was it a pet?  Maya, our cat
What was the last documentary you watched focusing on? the Nazis
Is there anything you need to remember to do before the day ends? get Mel's baby gift!
Is your car messy, or do you like to keep it clean?  it's pretty neat
Are you the type to wake up before the sun has even risen? yep
Do you get uncomfortable when people stare at you? yes
Have you ever been admitted to the hospital for a long period of time? I was in for a week several years ago, when they put me on blood thinners for a suspected blood clot in my lungs. Most boring week ever.

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Sunday Stealing

Friday night at the Round Rock Express game, a bee was flying around my face. I totally freaked out stood up from my seat and tried to wave the bee away. Then Jeff said the words no one wants to hear...

"The bee is stuck in your hair."

He tried to flick it away, but it was trapped in there. So I had to stand still and whimper while he looked for something to dig it out. He grabbed something (I have no idea what- a napkin?) and was finally able to flick it away like twenty minutes later.

Ok, it was 5 seconds. But it felt like forever.

Grrr! Bees!


Sunday Stealing: Shout Out The Answer Meme

Do you shout out the answers at the TV while watching quiz shows? 
Yes
 
Do you get over-involved with TV or movie plots at times? 
I'm not usually one to notice and point out plot inconsistencies. I do point out the really bad ones though. For instance, we watch Stalker, but I have an issue with the cops ALWAYS showing up at these completely random places, at any time of day or night, just before the stalker is going to kill the target. Every. Single. Time. (And always about five minutes before the end of the show.) They have some bizarre conversation first, where they lay out a ridiculous line of reasoning that leads them to a light bulb moment, where they figure out what remote desert location/completely unrelated person's home/dark beach the stalker is about to strangle/shoot/drown the victim. It's just very amusing.

What's the highest hill or mountain you've ever climbed? 
Climbed- probably Mount Bonnell in Austin (vertical gain=190 feet. YES!)
Reached the top by alternate means- Mt. Jenner in Bavaria (vertical gain=3943 feet), Pikes Peak in Colorado (vertical gain=7400 ft, still remember those switchbacks from when I was a kid)

Do you have a piggy bank? 
No, but as a child, I used to keep my money in a little metal treasure chest.

What's the fastest you've ever traveled in a car? 
90?

Could you ever hand milked a cow? 
I don't think so.

Which was your favorite science? Biology, Physics or Chemistry?
Biology
 
Have you ever had a surprise party? (that was an actual surprise)
Nope
 
Have you ever worn clothing with the labels/tags still attached? 
No.

Have you ever slipped on a banana skin?
Only while playing Mario Kart.

Are you scared of the dark?
Every now and then I have to turn a light on because I'm not sure I want to walk through a dark room at night.
 
Do you have a lawyer? 
No, but I have some friends who are lawyers, so if I ever need one, I'm ready!

If you had a paid year off, what would you want to do? 
Remodel my kitchen and the upstairs bathrooms, go to Puerto Rico, take an Alaskan cruise

How long did you last phone call last?
30 seconds
 
Have you ever helped someone across the road? 
No

Have you ever been wolf whistled in public?
Yes

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Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Heartbeat Song (2015)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Kelly Clarkson is singing an upbeat song about falling in love. Think of your favorite love song. Is it about finding love or losing it?

Finding it!

...I'm a snowball running,
Running down into the Spring that's coming 
All this love
Melting under blue skies
Belting out sunlight shimmering love...



I so love that song!

2) This song was co-written by Kara DioGuardi, who was a judge on American Idol. Kelly was, of course, the first American Idol. Do you watch Idol, The Voice, or America's Got Talent?
We used to be very dedicated fans of AI, but haven't watched for years, ever since the original judges left. We watch The Voice.

3) In this video, Kelly is blonde. Clairol based a famous ad campaign around the assertion that "blondes have more fun." Tell us another commercial catchphrase (it can be for any product at all).
"Just do it."

4) As a young girl, Kelly wanted to be a marine biologist. She jokes that she changed her mind after seeing Jaws. Tell us about a movie that really scared you.
The Grudge. It was really different from most horror films at the time. The basic idea is that anyone who dies in a fit of rage leaves behind a manifestation of their anger. Sarah Michelle Gellar stars as an American nurse who moves to Japan and lives in a house that has the curse after a mother died there. It is super intense and VERY creepy!!

5) Kelly is very involved with NASCAR, performing at pre-race concerts and appearing at their Champions' Breakfast. Are you a race fan?
Nope.

6) Kelly is married to Brandon Blackstock, stepson of country superstar Reba McEntire. Are you a country music fan?
I'm a fan of all music, but country isn't one of my favorites.

7) The Blackstocks have a baby girl, River Rose. In May, the family visited an Australian wildlife preserve and introduced her to koalas and kangaroos. Have you visited the zoo this year?
Not yet!

8) Upon learning that she was getting criticized on Twitter for being "big," Kelly responded, "Say what you will. It's a free world. It doesn't bother me." How about you? Do you worry what other people think of you?
I care about what my friends and family think about me. If randoms on Twitter were talking about me, I couldn't care less.

9) She bid over $200,000 and won a ring that had once belonged to Jane Austen. (She doesn't have the ring, though; the British government banned its sale because it's a historic artifact and Kelly's money was returned.) She also has a first edition of one of Austen's novels. Who is your all-time favorite writer?
I'm not a fiction reader, so I don't have a fave.

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