Day 16 - 100 Things Meme

Why yes... my weekend is just filled with fillers such as another Meme for your enjoyment!

***** 100 Things About Me *****

1. I'm the oldest of three children
2. I grew up in Lynn, Massachusetts
3. I lived in Saudi Arabia as a child
4. We named our Saudi cat "Sheika"
5. I have two brothers
6. I have lived in 4 states (MA, NH, IN, VA)
7. I would love to visit every state in the US at least once
8. I have only been to 20ish so far
9. I have never been on a Cruise
10. I hate flying
11. I was married for 11 years
12. I have two children, a boy (almost 8) and girl (almost 2)
13. Four members of my family have a birthday on the 12th of a month
14. I love sappy movies
15. I need Kleenex during Hallmark commercials
16. I am famous for driving around with library books in my car with the intention of returning them, and making them very late
17. I knocked my permanent front teeth out in a rollerskating/bicycle accident when I was 9
18. My friend Carrie ran behind me holding my teeth - root and all - while I bled all through the house
19. I once got caught flippin' the bird to my Dad when he saw me in the reflection of a glass cabinet
20. You can probably guess, I had soap in my mouth a few times as a child for punishment
21. I still have the same best friends as I had in elementary school, some as early as kindergarten.
22. My family adopted a retired Greyhound when I was 14
23. His name was JA's Express. We called him Express, or 'Spressy
24. We always had cats growing up, and now I'm allergic to them as an adult
25. I used to be a smoker
26. I have been smoke-free for over 8 years
27. I quit in a Blind Field Study using test patches through an Indiana University research program
28. I still do not know if I had a placebo patch, a nicotine patch, or the "test" medicine in my patch
29. I have never fired a gun
30. But I have held and put together a shotgun
31. I believe in the Right To Bear Arms, but think it should be a lengthy process to have the privaledge of doing so
32. I was baptized and raised in the Catholic religion
33. My kids were baptized in the Methodist church
34. I do not attend church regularly, but that does not make me less of a believer
35. I miss getting envelopes in the mail from my grandmother, filled with clippings and comics from my hometown newspaper
36. I miss hearing my grandfather humming, and the smell of his aftershave and peppermint gum
37. I am not a good baker
38. I consider myself a good cook though, just don't ask me to make cookies
39. I can barely sew a button back on clothing
40. I have never used a sewing machine
41. I hate shopping
42. I hate shopping with other people even more
43. I have to touch everything I pass by when I'm in a store
44. I have a prescription for glasses
45. I haven't worn my glasses in years because I can't stand them on my face
46. I wore contact lenses for a handful of years and they were a pain so I stopped
47. Don't follow my example. Wear your glasses.
48. I love Yankee Candles. I burn them every day
49. I no longer have my thick Boston accent
50. I do not play an instrument
51. I took piano lessons as a child
52. I acquired a taste for Mexican food only in the last 10 years
53. Homemade meatballs and sauce is one of my favorite things
54. I like my steak cooked Medium. I can't believe I used to want it Well Done when I was younger. Uh!
55. The only seafood I like is fried clams, shrimp cocktail, lobster and scallops.
56. I have a child with Autism
57. I do not go past my waist in the ocean, and I don't like to do even that!
58. I miss the sounds of the waves and an ocean breeze though.
59. Fall in New England is hard to beat
60. I've grown to love the beauty of an endless field of corn stalks in August
61. I needed help from a fertility doctor to conceive my children.
62. My astrology sign is Virgo: Practical, responsible, sensible, logical, analytical, precise, punctual, dedicated, perfectionist, critical
63. I have an overwhelming need to pick someone's suntan if their skin is peeling.
64. I tell people if they have something in their teeth, on their face, or sticking to their person. I would want the same for me!
65. Sometimes the above recipients have been strangers. But thankful strangers!
66. I have had 2 c-section surgeries
67. I color my hair (are there women who don't?)
68. I would never, ever bungee jump
69. I love to sing really loud in my car
70. I don't stop singing even when those in the car next to me are glancing over.
71. I had a breast-reduction surgery 10 years ago
72. I have taken a liking to photography as a hobby
73. I have never eaten at a Hardee's
74. I do not like tomatoes on sandwiches or salad, but I love salsa. Go figure.
75. I watch The Bachelor and The Bachelorette as my guilty pleasures.
76. I believe in a woman's Right To Choose. I hope they choose Life.
77. My first car was a 1970-something Chevy Nova. Red(ish), faded, no radio
78. My Dad taught me how to drive a stick shift. I learned in the hilly neighborhoods off of Lynnfield Street. Great practice.
79. I drove home the first time he took me out. He was very patient. I was freaking.
80. I went to a Catholic school until 8th grade
81. Horror movies scare me way too much
82. The most useful class I took in high school was typing
83. I love Disco music.
84. I get teary when the National Anthem plays at events
85. My friends and I doubled pierced our ears as teenagers using ice cubes and a needle
86. I believe in Gay Rights
87. I've had over 300 shots in the stomach and butt to have my two babies
88. I voted for Obama
89. I could never eat a live bug. And probably not a dead one either. No Survivor for me.
90. I'm fiercely afraid of spiders. Ew.
91. I know CPR
92. I love stuff that has to do with the weather. I want a weather computer thingy.
93. I have been through 2 hurricanes. Gloria and Bob.
94. I played Tiny Tim in a school play and got gasps when I took my cap off at the end and my long hair fell out.
95. I have too many shows recorded on my Tivo that I will never have time to watch
96. I am deathly afraid of going snorkeling.
97. I would love to see Van Morrison in concert, but only if he promised his Greatest Hits
98. I recycle all paper, newspapers, magazines, plastic containers, glass, cans and cardboard every week
99. I dislike reheating leftover meat in the microwave. I'd rather eat it cold.
100. When I hear a child say "Mommy!" I answer them out of habit even if it's not my kid

I am giving John the tag only because he threatened to rip my heart out and eat it. That would make him have to come to Indy, and I want to see them. :)

Day 9 - Sunday Seven

Another Meme to fill up my spot in cyberspace....Here are 7 more Random Facts about Yours Truly:


1. Sometimes I end my showers with very cold water. It’s so invigorating and can put just the right hop back in my step!

2. If I ever have M&Ms as a snack, I first separate my M&Ms into groups of like colors first. Then eat the group with the most colors down to match the amount in the least colors. That will give me all equal number of colors, such as 2 red, 2 brown, 2 yellow etc. Then I decide on the pattern of how I would like to finish my treat, which would take too long to type here – but I have several plans of attack. I cannot give you a reason why I would choose one over the other. I know, I’m messed up. Blame my Mother. She does weird things with her M&Ms too.

3. My shoe size went up a half-size after each of my kids were born. I was told by many women that it happened to them, yet I was convinced I would not be the next victim. This bites. But sometimes I still buy an 8.5 and hope they stretch out! Vanity still overules comfort in a lot of cases for women!

4. I think Blue Cheese-anything is disgusting. Blahhhh…

5. In my 35 years, I have never met a newborn child named Andrea. Although one of my best friends shares my name, I can’t even remember meeting a small child with my name – I know there are plenty of adults with it, but did that name stop being used in the 70’s? What gives?

6. I love chocolate covered raisins and dried cherries, but they must be covered in dark chocolate, not milk chocolate. Trader Joe’s has my favorite kind!

7. I’ve seen New Kids On The Block, ‘N Sync, the Backstreet Boys in concert, and I’m well beyond my teenage years. But to balance that all out, I must tell you I have seen AC/DC from the 2nd row - close enough to have Angus sweat on me, Pink Floyd - didn't matter where you sat you were not going to get "fresh air" outdoors in the stadium, and Jimmy Buffet - where "Wasted Away In Margaritaville" was not just a song title for most of those attending!

So there you have it. Now I'm tagging John because he might need content for his participation in NaBloPoMo like me!

Meme of Three Things...

Here's a little Meme Challenge - some random things about me - now tell me all about your THREE THINGS!

THREE THINGS THAT SCARE ME: Spiders, being home alone late at night, public speaking

THREE PEOPLE WHO MAKE ME LAUGH: My family, Lewis Black, Chelsea Handler

THREE THINGS I LOVE: Butterflies, 65 degree weather, New England in the Fall

THREE THINGS I HATE: Wet socks, cleaning up puke, flying

THREE THINGS I DON'T UNDERSTAND: Math problems, a lot of my digital SLR camera settings, what causes Autism

THREE THINGS ON MY DESK: My camera, a cookbook, blank CDs

THREE THINGS I'M DOING RIGHT NOW: listening to music, updating my blog, scratching (#!@*%$) mosquito bites!

THREE THINGS I WANT TO DO BEFORE I DIE: Travel to Italy, become a nurse, learn to like tomatoes on my salad

THREE THINGS I CAN DO: Type fast, curl my tongue 2 ways, drive a stick-shift car

THREE WAYS TO DESCRIBE MY PERSONALITY: An open book, fun, worry-wart

THREE THINGS I CAN'T DO: Whistle, play an instrument, keep my nails long w/o breaking them

THREE THINGS I THINK YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO: Waves crashing on the beach, my children belly-laughing, leaves crunching under your feet in the Fall

THREE THINGS I DON'T THINK YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO EVER: The sound of a tornado siren during a storm, fingernails on a chalkboard (eww!), someone grinding their teeth (double eww!)

THREE OF MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE FOODS: Gooey cheese pizza, steaming hot lobster smothered in butter, marinated steak tips

THREE THINGS I'D LIKE TO LEARN: Ballroom dancing, how to play Euchre without help, my genealogy

THREE BEVERAGES I DRINK REGULARLY: Cold water, decaf coffee/tea, glass of wine or a cold beer

THREE SHOWS I WATCHED WHEN I WAS YOUNGER: Brady Bunch, Beverly Hills 90210, In Living Color

THREE SHOWS I WATCH NOW: Grey's Anatomy, mindless reality shows (ie; Survivor, Big Brother, The Hills), HGTV shows

THREE HOBBIES I ENJOY: Crafting my cards and invitations for clients, watching NFL (Go Golts!), volunteering on 3 committees

THREE PET PEEVES: Unpainted toenails, self-checkout lanes at stores, the toilet paper roll going under instead of over the roll

THREE PEOPLE I'M TAGGING: John L., Wendy, & JoEllen

Did you know?

It's Meme time! Since my mind is jammed full of useless info at the moment - I present my latest "list"....

Ten movies I would watch over and over: Grease, Top Gun, Forest Gump, Jerry McGuire, Nat’l Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Pretty Woman, Erin Brockavich, Good Will Hunting, Ocean’s 11, Schindler's List

Nine people I enjoy the company of: (more than 9 to name!) My girlfriends, my family

Eight things I'm wearing: Pajama top, bottoms, socks on both feet, underwear, earrings, hair clip, loop recorder

Seven things on my mind: The answers to these questions, installed new light fixture and it works, should have purchased another beaded spoon today, I need to download some pictures from my camera, I’ve got to plant more flowers this week, my menu for Bunco night, I’m sore from Boot Camp yesterday

Six objects I touch every day: alarm clock, toothbrush, coffee maker, remote control, dishwasher, car keys

Five things I do every day: housework, cook meals, check email, surf the ‘net, read the paper

Four bands or musical artists that I couldn’t live without: Matchbox 20, Van Morrison, 70’s music, Daughtry

Three of my favorite songs of the moment: songs by Daughtry, Kanye West “Stronger”, "Unwritten" Natasha Bettingfield, any songs by Colbie Caillat

Two people who have influenced my life the most: Carter and Olivia

One person who has been nice to me today: Everyone I've encountered

Day 17 - Saturday Six!

Welcome to my Saturday Six!

Paper or Plastic? I tend to annoy the bagger at the grocery store when I go. I feel bad sometimes, because I remember a time that I worked as a cashier at a local grocer. I hated picky customers when it came to what bags they preferred. I was young, give me a break! So now, karma has come 'round and I request paper most times (unless the store does not have handles on their bags (Kroger)) because I can get more in them. And I recycle and need them to put my newspapers in from the week. And because I have one set up in the garage that I toss dirty diapers into. And because they don't slide around in the van and spill everything out of them. 'Nuf said? But sometimes, when I'm running low on plastics, I request to have paper IN plastic! Ugg.. this is so torture to the bagger, I remember so well, and now I'm doing it! I need to have plastics around though. Everyone uses a plastic bag for things, right? So, in a nutshell, I'm a paper AND plastic girl. I guess I'm only half green...baby steps!

Sweet or Unsweetened Iced Tea? I grew up with my iced tea tasting like I added a spoonful of tea to my sugar. Yes, I said that right. Sickly sweet. And instant! And no, I'm not from the South to have had it that sweet. Nestea was the brand I think, or Lipton. Whatever. Now that I'm a grown up (some would argue - heh!), I like it without sugar. Straight up, no lemon, no sugar and not instant. I can't believe I used to drink it the other way! Ew!

Coffee - black or dressed up? I'm not a big coffee drinker, but when I do have it, I am just the opposite of how I like my iced tea. I want my coffee with cream as creamy as one can get it, and delight in a flavored cream! Oh yes, and sugar me up! I like a little splash of coffee with my cream & sugar please... for the record, my hubby likes it black. What's the point I say? Oh, and I do it decaf mostly, because I get weird heart dabbles when I have too much caffeine. See? I don't have any need to be a coffee drinker. I dress it up so much that it no longer resembles coffee in taste or color, then I want it decaf...might as well just have a glass of water. I can ask myself now, what's the point?

Snooze Button or Get Right Up? Hmm... this one depends on the activity I would be setting my alarm clock for. I'm generally a get right up girl, because there's nothing more annoying than that 9 useless minutes in between hitting the button. I only know this, because of course I've done it! And it's stupid.... and there's one alarm clock that does this 5 days a week. It's not mine, but you can probably guess who's it is by elimination. I mean, if you have to get up at 6:30, then set the alarm for 6:30! Not 6:00 then hit it for a half hour.... Grrrrrrrr.... C'mon, I do not have to be up that early, yet I'm forced to be jolted awake. No fair! Oh, then there's those people who do that crazy thing like put the wrong time on their clocks - set it 15-30 minutes wrong. Do you know people that do that? I'm related to people that do that. I won't say who, but you know who you are. What.The.Heck! You already know you "fooled yourself", it's not like you closed your eyes and hit the time before bed button and you will have to guess what time it really is in the morning. No - you already know when your alarm goes off that it's 15 minutes wrong. Who are you trying to fool anyway? (names have been left out to protect the foolish).

McDreamy or McSteamy? In case you have been living under a rock and do not know what this is referring to, they are characters in the tv show Grey's Anatomy. They are male doctors (cuties) that have been given secret nicknames by their female coworkers. They are referred to in conversations as McDreamy and McSteamy for obvious appearance reasons! Ok where was I? I think McDreamy is, well Dreamy! And McSteamy is uh....um... yeah. That. I could not choose - they are both so different. Maybe they need a character that has both man's qualities rolled into one.... McPackage!

Toilet Paper - over or under? I put the paper roll on the holder with the paper over the top. I have been known to switch it in other people's homes. It drives me nuts when it's under. It's too much effort for me. I have also been known to fold the end piece like a little triangle the way the hotels do sometimes. It looks prettier. You know, when what you're looking for is pretty toilet paper when you're in there and all. So, if you like it under and you've found it changed after I've been visiting, I'm sorry. But I will do it again the next time too, so you might as well just get it the right way before I get there.

Day 10 - Meme - Random or Weird Facts

What's a meme? Click here if you're curious. I'm finding memes all over the blogging world, and noticing how nicely they are to have as a posting filler during NaBloPoMo. I've been tagged by another blog I read and so now I will entertain you with my meme theme of Saturday Seven!

List 7 Random or Weird Facts About Myself (it is hard to write only 7!)

1. Unpolished toenails drive me nuts. If one’s toes are exposed, I think they should always have a layer of color on them. I mean, they’re feet! They need some pretty-ing! I tend to use a burgundy, purple or taupe. This of course, does not apply to men. I think it would be a little strange to see my husband with painted toenails... I have the opposite of a foot fettish.

2. I have never seen the movie, Gone With The Wind. I read the book 7 years ago though and it has got to be one of my all-time favorite books. I decided to read it after seeing a documentary about slavery & the south on one of those Discovery/History channels. The book is still fresh in my mind like I closed it yesterday. Never having seen the movie either, I didn’t really know what the story was about. I was left with my jaw open at the end of the 1,100 pages! I took all that time to read and THAT is how it ends? Hmph!

3. Both of my children started life in the womb as “a twin”. They were each born as singletons though, after years of infertility treatments. My 2 miracles indeed! Thanks to these awesome people for helping us.

4. I am fiercely allergic to rabbits! And somehow have acquired an allergy to cats. I grew up with cats all my life. Now that I have not lived around one for almost 14 years, I cannot pat one without sneezing, getting a runny nose or needing to gouge my eyes out from itchiness. What's up with that?

5. I’m addicted to Yankee Candles. I have to have a candle or scent going at all times. I get cranky if I’m out of candles and need to rush to the nearest Yankee store to replenish. Some of my favorite scents this time of year include: Spiced Pumpkin, Blueberry, Autumn Wreath, Christmas Eve, Festival of Lights, Jack Frost. But I love anything fruity in the warmer months.

6. I rarely use my cell phone. In fact it is so infrequently used, that it is usually out of battery life before I think of making a call. I tell people that the two sounds in my car you are most likely to hear (besides me barking to Carter to quit copying his sister’s noises) are these, “deedle deedle deee” (high pitched and fast) and “ding (pause)ding(pause)ding”. Those would be the ‘Low Battery’ signal for my phone and the ’Need Gas’ tone on my dashboard, respectively.

7. I love the ocean. But I am deathly afraid of ever going snorkeling. I refuse to go more than waist deep in the sea. And even then, I’m scanning the waters for Jaws and the like. I know that picture you just clicked on was pretty life-like, wasn't it? Ok ok...it’s a stupid fear. But I can’t shake it. Bah! Just thinking about it makes my skin all crawly and stuff... Chlorine is my friend.

PS... and remember to check out my Uncle's blog by clicking Here. He's the one that got me started on this whole challenge of posting every day for a month! I won't thank him just yet. I have 20 days to go!