It's All About Meme

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2009

I rarely do memes, but I particularly liked this one, which I found on the Coffee Slut's blog.  Seems like a quick way to share a little about myself.

You are supposed to copy and paste this list into your own blog and bold the items (I highlighted in yellow) that you have done.. this is being passed around but I think it's a fascinating conversation starter.. I have added a couple both that I have and have not done.. please do the same on yours.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language ~ does pig latin count?
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David in person
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt in person
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Been to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie 
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person 

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Crossed the Equator
100. Seen the Southern Cross
101. Been Whitewater rafting
102. Held someones hand right while they died.
103. Seen a ghost
104. Had your heart broken
105. Seen the Rolling Stones
106. Seen Madonna in concert
107. Seen the Northern Lights
108. Secretly been in love with somebody
109. Eaten calamari.
110. Adopted a pet from an animal shelter.
111. Been a literacy volunteer.
112. Been stung by a jellyfish.

113.  Almost died.

114.  Appeared on tv

115.  Been to a Broadway show

Friday Fill-Ins

1. It's cold and green and tastes soooooo good - it's Margarita time!

2. Jersey tomatoes are the best!

3. My favorite health and beauty product is Bare Minerals.

4. IMHO, there's no such thing as a nice long ride.

5. Well, first of all, you must remember, it's all about me!

6. John Lennon and me; those were the cast of characters in a recent dream and it was so real.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching the game, tomorrow my plans include sleeping in and Sunday, I want to keep my options open! 

The Only Person Who Ever Had His Work Done By Friday Was Robinson Crusoe

Just stopping by to let you know the kind of week I'm having.  Work is interfering with my blogging time.  It seems they're going to wring every last ounce of energy out of us before they announce the lay-offs.

Who IS This Person and What Have They Done With Jersey Girl?

I was looking forward today to a fairly relaxing day.  I had a few errands to run, but once done with them, I was looking forward to just chilling.  I woke up early for me on a day off, 7:40,  and had my coffee while reading the paper.  I knew I needed to go grocery shopping, but first decided to put away some laundry.  I opened  a dresser drawer and decided it needed a little straightening up.  One thing led to another and, the next thing I know is that there's a mountain of clothes piled on the bed.  So now, my dressers are all organized.

From there, it only felt natural to continue on to the closets, where, as the warmer weather slowly arrived, sandals had become mixed in with boots and winter coats hanging with spring jackets.

Once finished there, I realized I needed to make a grocery list, which meant checking inventory in the kitchen cupboards which meant that, within minutes, the kitchen table was stacked with assorted groceries, waiting to be organized back into the cupboard.  After completing that, I couldn't ignore the fridge, could I?  By the time all was said and done, I didn't leave for the store until 3:00.  

Now, all this cleaning and organizing is NOT me, especially doing this with a smile on my face.  Believe me, no one will ever mistake me for Martha Stewart.  I have no idea what this was all about.  I only hope I'm over this soon.  I wouldn't want the LSH to get used to this.

The First Official Summer Weekend

Spent today preparing for our annual Welcome Summer barbeque tomorrow.  We've had it every year on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend since we moved into this house 6 years ago.  We've always been blessed with great weather, but our luck may have run out this year.  Weatherman is calling for showers in the afternoon.  

If you happen to be in the Jersey Shore area, stop on by.  We always have too much food anyway.

                      Happy Memorial Day!!

True Confessions Part 2

I posted my first True Confessions a couple of weeks ago and I felt so much better getting it off my chest, I thought maybe I should try it again.  

I like all kinds of music; if you have your audio on, you're probably getting a taste of it right now.  Now I'm ready to come out of the closet and admit that I'm a fan of

Yes...Barry Manilow.  There..I said it.  

I loved Manilow during his heyday in the 70's. I saw him live in concert numerous times, from Atlantic City and Madison Square Garden to Forest Hills and the Garden State Arts Center, always bringing at least one friend with me, not always accompanying me willingly.  As Barry's time on the charts slowly faded, my interest faded to.  My musical tastes changed, having discovered Springsteen which made me embrace rock and roll again.

Recently I discovered a very mellow station on Sirius which I tune in to when I read (another pastime that I'm trying to make some time for).  They occasionally play a Manilow song which brings back memories.  And I realize that I like him again!!  I just bought a Greatest Hits CD which keeps me company commuting to work.

I believe there are a lot of people who are afraid to admit they like Barry.  The tv show Family Guy had an episode where the guys admit to each other that they each were Manilow fans and go to a concert together.  So, come on, all you closet Mani-holics.  Don't be embarrassed.  Join me.  Stand up proudly and shout "I love Barry and I'm proud of it!"

Beware The Ides of March

I admit I'm about 2 months late with this warning, but, hell, I've been having a hard time lately finding the time to blog anyway, so, as they say (has anyone ever found out who "they" are)? "Better late than never."

Every March 15, Komaki, a small town in Japan, celebrates Hounen Matsuri. Matsuri is Japanese for "festival" and Hounen means "over-sized wooden penis."  (Well, I'm not entirely sure about this last part, but if it doesn't, it should).  

The festival  celebrates fertility.   Why else would you need a giant wooden penis? You think I'm kidding??

  

    

And my personal favorite:

How did Hallmark miss this one???

Made Me Laugh

See?  I neglected my blog for a few days and now two in one day!

I heard this joke today and had to share (if you're not a fan of baseball, you probably won't think it's funny, IF you even understand it).

This is for one of my followers - My Expressions Live:

What do a bear on contraceptives and the World Series have in common????

NO CUBS!!!!

                                  

The Way We Were

Hi. Remember me? I'm the person who used to blog here.

It was a fairly rough week, both at work and away. The ex-husband of my best friend, Candy (we've known each other since high school), passed away. Although they didn't have a very amicable divorce, time usually does heal all wounds, and, mainly because they have 2 sons, things became better between them over the years. They were married when Candy was only 19; I was a bridesmaid and even caught the bouquet!
When I heard Pete had died, it affected me strangely. It wasn't because I cared much for him. But it hit me that, with his passing, they had come full circle. Dating, marriage, kids, divorce, grandchildren, death. I started heading down Memory Lane and became a bit melancholy. I remember when my parents' started losing their friends and it's hard for me to accept that I'm at that point in my life.
It was a warm night when I drove to the wake and I had my window down. A car pulled up next to me and I could hear clearly the song coming from their speakers - "The Way We Were" and my eyes started to tear up.
I had an "Oops" moment at the wake. When I got there, I knelt & said a prayer. When I got up, I saw Candy in the back of the room, but there were people sitting off to the side who I assumed were members of Pete's family. I figured it would be rude of me to just walk by and not acknowledge them. So I went over and said "Hi, I'm Kathy; I was a bridesmaid in Pete & Candy's wedding." Well, I got no response from anyone, other than a cold stare. So, I gave my regrets and moved on. When I told Candy what I said, she let out a loud, long laugh. It turns out that the woman I addressed myself to was Pete's second wife, who despises Candy. I thought I noticed her foot come out to try and trip me.

The Splash Award

That Wizard of Wizards, Otin, has bestowed yet another trophy for my cyberspace mantle.
The Splash Award is given to alluring, amusing, bewitching, impressive, and inspiring blogs. When you receive this award, you must:Put the logo on your blog/post.Nominate up to 9 blogs which allure, amuse, bewitch, impress or inspire you.Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.Let them know that they have been splashed by commenting on their blog.Remember to link to the person from whom you received your Splash Award.
I'm always at a loss when it comes to passing on these awards because I'm finding so many new (to me) blogs that I'm enjoying. Well, here goes:

1. Island Roar - Brand newbie blogger that I want to inttoduce you to; please check the lady out. She's a Jersey Girl transplanted to Martha's Vineyard (not a bad place to wind up).
2. The Bumbles Blog
3. Unmitigated
4. The Jason Show
5. A True Heart Girl in Jersey

And that's as far as I can go. Linking takes time, you know.

Pink Bats and Manly Men

Happy Belated Mother's Day to all you mothers out there (and you know who you are)!

I was pleasantly surprised (and quite thrilled actually) to receive the card above.
For those of you not into baseball, the player featured there is my favorite player, David Wright, the 3rd baseman for my favorite team, the NY Mets. For the last five years, MLB has teamed up with the Susan G. Komen For The Cure, sponsoring "Going To Bat For Breast Cancer" program. Among many other things, players can volunteer to take their first at-bat using a pink bat. Once their at-bat is done, the player autographs it and the bat is then is put up for auction. As a two-time breast cancer survivor, I applaud these players who participate and my only question is "Why wouldn't every player join in??
I have to admit, it wasn't that long ago where an idea like this would have gone over like a lead balloon.
If you know a baseball fan of the female persuasion (or a guy who just likes pink), check out the MLB Pink Ribbon Collection. $10 from each sale is donated to the Komen Foundation.

True Confessions

I admit it. I've been holding back some truths about myself. So today I decided to confess something about myself that, when I've admitted to this in person, has always evoked the response "REALLY? You're serious??"

So, I'll start with a riddle. What do Demi Moore. Goldie Hawn, Susan Sarandon & I have in common?







We're all cougars!! For purposes of this blog, I'm referring to the definition from WOWOWOW.com - a woman, typically 35 or older, who is in a relationship with a man who is younger than she by eight to ten years or more. Yes, I am 10 years older than the LSH. So, what does that say about me? I have no idea. But, when people find this out, usually I notice at least one eyebrow raise, especially from the male species.
I wasn't "on the prowl" looking for a younger man. When we met, neither of us had any idea how old the other was. We met through a volunteer organization we were both members of where we first, became friends. By the time we got around to learning each other's age, it really didn't matter. It's probably just as well I didn't know how old he was; I might have let that stop me from going out with him. He may feel the same way. But my age has never seemed to bother him.
Older men with younger women has always been accepted; why do some people react so negatively when the roles are reversed?
Well, I've gotta go now. It's almost time to put the LSH to bed.

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things That Bother Me More Than They Should

1. Supermarket Check-Out Lines - My cart is full. I approach the check-out, quickly perusing the other carts in the lines and the people behind them, looking for the people that look as determined as me to get out of here in the fastest way possible. I commit to my line and, in my head, start cheering for us, "GO, GO, GO!" Things seem to be moving well. Then, I hear "I think that's supposed to be on sale." Cashier says "No, it's not." Customer insists. Then, over the PA system, I hear those dreaded words "Price check in lane 5." NOOOOOO! PS. I do use the self check-outs when I don't have a lot of items. When I've done it with my weekly shopping, inevitably there's a problem with something that requires store personnel involvement. Kind of defeats the purpose, in my eyes.
2. Ordering at the Deli Counter - Approach; take a number (used to be that machine that gave you those little pink tickets, now we have some computer that we push a button and THAT prints the ticket. Wow! How we've evolved.) I get very antsy waiting there. And there always seems to be one kid behind the counter wearing that attractive paper hat (what is the purpose of that hat? ), who is standing there either just watching the action or making goofy comments to his friends. Finally, my store has put in a kiosk where you can order online when you get there. do your shopping and pick it up before you check-out. Kudos to the person who thought of this.
3. Discontinued items. I finally find a lipstick that I love and am loyal to it for years and then one day, it's not there. Where did it go? In it's usual spot, there's some irridescent purple hue that maybe I could wear on Halloween. My hearts stops. No, it couldn't be. I ask the make-up "expert" behind the counter, some 20-something with perfect skin who wasn't even born yet when my color was introduced. And she gives me the bad news. I go home and check on the manufacturer's website and, it's gone for good, to make room for new, "youthful" shades. Just another thing that makes me feel like an old dinosaur, slowly becoming extinct.
4. Nail salons. Like most nail salons today, the one I go to is owned and operated by Korean women. They've very nice and friendly and I like the ambience of their salon - pretty flowers, little thingys placed around with running water to relax my tired mind. However, when they start talking & laughing among themselves in their native language, my insecurities arise and I just know that they're talking about me. I understand that, in the mental health profession, this has come to be known as "Elaine Benes Syndrome."
5. Fake Security - You're attending a sports or music event and have to wait in line so that "security" (some kid who alternates between security and selling popcorn) can "search" your bag. You finally reach the checkpoint, "security" glances in and maybe touches whatever is on top and you're good to go. I can't blame them; I wouldn't want to put my hands in some stranger's bag either. But it's become kind of a game for me. I always try to smuggle in some banned substance from the outside (like my own bottle of water; I'm such a rebel) and I'm proud to say, I haven't been caught yet.
6. Gridlock - Who are these assholes? I'm stopped at a light, waiting to cross an intersection of a highway heading to Sandy Hook on a hot, Saturday morning. You can see ahead that the highway is backed up for miles. But there's always some jerk that just has to get through that intersection before the light turns red. What are these idiots (New Yorkers) thinking?? My light now turns green and this guy's rear end is blocking my way. Go home, you Bennie. (NJ colloquialism for a non-year-round resident of the Shore).
7. Papercuts - How can one little cut hurt so damn much?
8. Building Temperatures - The temperature in my office is in direct opposition to the temperature outside. In the winter, I have to wear short sleeves because they have the heat blasting and, now that the warm weather is here, it's freezing. And of course, there's no such thing as fresh air because there isn't a window that can be opened. When and why did that become standard for all new office buildings?? I suppose someone convinced someone that this is energy efficient (I guess no one thought of how unhealthy it is). However, companies could save money on heating/cooling costs, particularly in spring/fall, when heat and ac aren't necessary if you can open some windows!!!
9. Stupid Inventions - If you've ever turned on the tv at 3AM, I know you've seen commercials for some of the most idiotic things. Who are these people who invented them and more importantly, who are the people that buy them? Actually, I think these piss me off because I'm angry because I didn't think of it. (Although I must come clean, I'm a proud owner of a Snuggie and I love it!)
10. Hiccups - Enough said.
11. Over-Friendly Servers - "Hi, my name is Chelsea and I'm going to be your server tonight." I just don't like this approach. I've had servers pull up a chair and sit to explain the specials. Just get my order right and check back on a regular basis to make sure we're good.
12. Women's Clothing Sizes - My husband knows his size. He never has to try anything on. Men's slacks are sold by height and waist-size. Makes sense. Women sizes are 8, 10, 12, etc. and that's broken down into Juniors, Misses, Petites, and Women. I have slacks in my closet that range from 8 to 12, petite, junior and misses, and they all fit. And it rarely fails - if I buy something without trying on, it will NOT fit.
13. Businesses that Hire Employees Who Can't Speak English - I don't care if these people work behind the scenes. But, why in the world would a company hire someone to deal with their customers who doesn't have command of the English language? If I want to play Charades, I'll get together with my friends on Saturday night!!

R.I.P.

Thanks to Metsgrrl!!

Blast From The Past

I had one of those OMG moments today at work.
They've started a Weight Watchers group at work. Meetings are on site every Tuesday at noon. It's so convenient that the Lunch Bunch decided to sign up. I had lost 10 pounds after my surgery in January, but, God damn, those pounds found me again.
I went in for my first weigh-in today and one of the two WW reps immediately said to me "I know you!" I looked at her and started wracking my brain, trying to figure out who she was. I got nothin'. When she told me who she was, I couldn't believe it. Since I had last seen her, about 15 years ago, she had lost 140 pounds! Back then, she owned the cafe that was two doors down from my travel agency. I was amazed she recognized me right away; she said I hadn't changed a bit. I guess that''s a good thing, right? I let out a bit of a scream and, of course, everybody outside thought it was my reaction to what the scale said! She's going to be my inspiration. Ten pounds seems like nothing compared to 140! She's going to be at the meetings weekly, so we'll have a chance to catch up.

Change of subject: I decided today that I hate my current umbrella. Can anyone recommend a good umbrella?? Looking for one that's sturdy, provides good protection, easy to open & close, and good-looking. Am I asking to much?? I don't think so.

Manic Monday #166

Which household chore do you dislike the most? the bathroom, especially the tub/shower!! Yuk!

What's the best museum you've ever visited? Although not officially a museum, I was most impressed with the artwork in the Vatican. The Sistine Chapel is absolutely awe-inspiring.
It's Star Wars Day today. I've never seen any of the Star Wars movies. What "common" movies haven't you seen? The Harry Potter movies, Lord of the Rings trilogy, any of the Pirates of the Caribbean films (but I HAVE been on the ride at Disneyworld)!

This has nothing to do with Manic Monday, but I just have to post this British commercial for....well, you'll see:

Mother's Day

Next Sunday is Mother's Day and what are you getting Mom? Another plant? Perfume? BORING!!!!!
It's time to show mom that this year, you really gave it some thought and Jersey Girl has already done the work for you. I've listed below some great gift ideas and their websites. It's not too late to order and make this Mom's most memorable Mother's Day ever!

1. For the mom who can't have enough purses.
2. For the mom who loves to cook.
3. For the doll collector.
4. For the mom who still loves her stuffed toys.
5. Mom will definitely think of you when she sees this on her kitchen countertop!
6. Has mom's retirement savings taken a hit over the last year? Then this is the gift for her! (Buy 2; Dad will probably want one too).
7. The gift that keeps on giving all year long!
8. Who says moms can't bar-b-que?
9. Just what mom needs after a stressful day. (This can also be considered a gift that keeps on giving)!
10. Last, but not least, let's not forget those moms-to-be out there. They deserve to be remembered too!

You can thank me later.

Cleaning Tip

Everyone cleans the outside of their computer monitors. But, have you ever wondered how to clean the inside of the glass? It's a particularly perplexing problem, but now it's been solved!

Put your Internet page on full screen mode (that's the little box in the top right of the window). Then click on the link below. In about a minute the inside of your monitor glass will be completely cleaned!

Commence cleaning routine

The Swine Flu May Save My Job

When it comes to work, it has been one hellish week. Most of you know, I rarely let more than 2 days go by without a post. Plus I think I have some new readers, so I hope I haven't lost them already. But I just couldn't come home from work and look at another computer screen again.
It's a fact that, when something bad occurs, someone always benefits. The company I work for manufactures medical gloves, among other things. It seems this was the week that people started to take this swine flu thing seriously. We've been inundated with orders for gloves from medical centers, medical parts distributors, retail outlets, like Walmart, CVS, etc. I'm the customer service supervisor for the medical & consumer divisions for this company, so I've been in the middle of this insane demand, working with customers, salespeople, supply & logistics and trying to make everyone happy, an impossible task. But my manager acknowledged tonight that she knew it was a stressful week for me, but she thought I handled it well without losing my cool.
Because of this unexpected boost in sales, the saying around the office is that the swine flu could save some jobs. I highly doubt it. Our new year starts July 1 and all the budgets are in, so I still think the lay-offs will happen. So I will continue to be on my pink slip watch.