Village of Vice: April 2007

I have added this post-dated post after my 200th posting on January 3, 2008. Enjoy! By the way, I am still working on the list!

1 I am a very left brain (math/logical/analytical) girl….most of the time. However, I have a very strong right brain tendency (random/creative/intuitive). You will most probably notice my initial math tendency in my lack of grammar/punctuation skills. Sorry!

2 I hope that this list will prevent the need for therapy?

3 Parking (even though I didn’t go ‘all the way’) and under-aged drinking were a big part of ‘hanging’ out when I was in middle/high school. And that was before cable (no MTV/HBO) – go figure! I can’t imagine how we came up with these ideas with 3 – no 4 (with PBS) TV stations?

4 I became an engineer because I wanted to build a bridge. It made no sense to me that I could see the much ‘cooler’ town of Decatur right across the water – but, couldn’t get to it in a matter of minutes. Bingo – build a bridge! Well, as it turns out – that bridge still isn’t there. It would have to be really long, and would connect federal property to privately owned business property. Oh well!

5 I wonder how many friends that I have invited to look at the blog actually do? Then I want them to leave comments (so that I know they are looking)- most don’t. That’s ok too. It is my issue, not yours.

6 I am capable of killing, the ever-resilient, peace lily plant. Much to my chagrin, this is not an ‘indicator’ plant (being that you water it when it ‘indicates’ , by wilting, that it needs water). It must be watered on a regular, although not frequent, cycle. Who knew?

7 I think that people, including myself, are afraid to break out and meet new friends. I don’t mean acquaintances, I mean – friends. Now, I understand that the nature of friendship is a bond that is built over time, etc. However, people are too quick to get set in their ways and lay ‘claim’ to certain people. Maybe I’ll work on that for myself. Let’s be friends!

8 I don’t understand that I can’t ‘fix’ everything. This can often pertain to extended family issues. It isn’t always something that is my business – or anything that I can do ANYTHING about. People just have to work it out.

9 To me, divorce is the ugliest word in the world.

10 I am terrified of sharks in the ocean – but, I really want to see another one when I dive (the nurse shark in Turks & Caicos just got me started!) I’m not kidding – there is not ONE single time that I get in the ocean that I don’t think about sharks. Primarily – bull sharks – THE most aggressive shark I would probably come in contact with in the Gulf/Atlantic areas that I would be most likely to haunt. For this reason – I prefer to dive in the Caribbean. Like they can’t travel there!

11 I feel a desperate need to ‘work through’ my issues from childhood and beyond. After living 39 years though, I’ve found that ‘Everybody’s got SH&#’.

12 I think that the 2 weeks that Peonies are blooming, in May, are worth the wait.

13 I would love to have a pedicure every 2-4 weeks. I just forget. So, I end up getting 1-3 per year. Yuk!

14 I don’t have as much of a Southern accent as I should because my Mom worked for the telephone company in the 70s. They wanted everyone to sound ‘neutral’. So, she lost much of hers. Since I grew up with my Mom – I sound like her. As info, my Mom and Dad grew up in the same area of Mississippi and sound NOTHING alike. (Although – a few words sneak in occasionally…we trade there, he/she ‘made’ a doctor - meaning, what is his/her profession. I ALWAYS smile when I here one of these ‘mississippis’.)

15 I LOVE red (ok, maybe you knew that one!).

16 When I find a book I really like (Red Tent; anything Charlaine Harris; Eat, Pray, Love) – I DEVOUR it whole. I usually finish it within a couple of days.

17 I like to sew.

18 I have probably had over 20 cameras in my life. I have always wanted to capture moments. My ‘dream’ job – since I can remember would be to photograph for National Geographic. Maybe to just have one photo published?

19 “The Young and The Restless” is a vice I’m not ready to give up. I’ve been watching since I was a child. I might actually know the number of times that Victor has been married.

20 I have 2 sisters and 3 brothers. Some are ‘half’ and some are ‘step’. At least that is what other people call it. To me, they are just brothers and sisters. All of them have been around by birth or marriage since I was 12 or earlier (I’m the oldest). I think, I am gladly, stuck with them all! (they are stuck with me too!)

21 I shave the tops of my feet. I don’t actually SEE any hair- but, I sure don’t want to either!

22 If my hair were completely natural in color (I know – you are shocked!), you would see the signs of my grandfather’s ‘skunk stripe’ starting to show through the very dark strands.

23 I broke my nose when I was 7 after ‘flying’ over the handlebars of my bike. I fell, face first, onto the pavement and broke my nose, and one of my front teeth out. No fun. I might say that this incident was preceded by my Mother telling me NOT to go the way I was going on my bike. I didn’t listen, a dog chased me, I fell, I walked my bike – screaming, “Moooommmmyyyy” down the street. Note to self….always listen to your Mother!

24 I think you should vote every time – even if you don’t think you have a ‘dog in the hunt’. It is important. Also, I wish people understood that local elections can be more significant to you on a local level. So many people only vote when there is a presidential election.

25 I worry too much – about most anything. The ‘what if’ things constantly run through my brain. I am NOT going out on a limb here when I say that this came directly from my Mom!

26 I lived in a trailer ‘down by the river’ when I was a kid. We were poor – and I had no idea. We had a great time in the water, running through the woods, playing in the creek, etc. The difference 30 years makes – if I lived that close to the river now, my mortgage payment would be 3 times as much as it is now!

27 I am very happy that I had 6 amazing years ‘being married’ with my husband before our Sweet Girl came along – I wouldn’t trade it for anything. This is, even though, it will be difficult to have another child, being that I’ll be 40 this year.

28 I believe that everything happens for a reason. EVERYTHING. Even the really crappy parts.

29 I procrastinate.

30 I believe that pretty much everyone is attractive once you find/see what makes them tick, and makes their eyes twinkle.

31 I share the love of Sharpies with at least one friend of mine. Every color and width. I almost bought some more silver ones the other day. What to do? I have a two year old on the loose – I am trying to round them all up and put them under lock and key!

32 I have been wearing contacts for about 28 years. (yikes – that is longer than Leslie is old!) I am so blind – I can’t believe they let me drive! Contacts are an amazing invention.

33 I am afraid of balls. More specifically – ones being thrown towards my head (maintain yourselves, and get your minds out of the gutter!). I asked for a baseball/glove/bat for my 7th birthday. The very first throw hit me in the eye (what happens when other 7 year olds throw to you). Afraid since 7 years old. Sad…

34 I love jazz. Miles Davis is amazing. I want my daughter to appreciate real jazz too. I don’t particularly care for the new ‘smooth’ jazz as much. To each his own…

35 I don’t believe in the death penalty. I believe that prisons should not have more amenities than my first apartment. I believe that if you did break a law, you should earn your keep. This could entail growing your own food (I have grown some food – it isn’t punishment, it is a learning process).

36 I cried a little when Nancy Pelosi became the Speaker of the House. I told my daughter what a big day that was for women.

37 It took 3 years and an operation for our Sweet Girl to arrive.

38 I love Janice Joplin because I can remember riding around when I was a little girl in an Oldsmobile with my Mother as she sang her songs to me. (Things have changed – I’m singing Mommy & Me Music to my little girl – I need to work on that!)

39 I have an immediate desire to believe that any missing item has been ‘stolen’. How I could believe that someone came in my home for some mundane item, I do not know. If it weren’t for my husband – I might still be jumping to this conclusion.

40 I have a degree, which I have rarely/never used, in Mechanical Engineering. I do still have more than one thermodynamics book on my book shelf at home.

41 I love Christmas Cards! I love to send them, and I love to get them.

42 I still miss one of my best friends from college. We had a ‘falling out’ near the end of my senior year – and haven’t spoken since. We had been inseparable since sophomore year. Funny, I heard his parents relocated from Florida to my current home town. I think of him often – we never dated (in case that is where your mind is going).

43 Loverboy was my first concert without my parents. I was 15.

44 I’ve never taken a cake decorating class. I would like to take one – I think it would build confidence.

45 Elvis was my first concert with my Mom – I was 6! (my stepdad couldn’t go at the last minute, so she took me!)

46 I do not drink coffee.

47 I hate to pay for something if I feel that I could do it. Even if I don’t have the time – I still feel wasteful if I spend the money.

48 We had a pet fox at my grandmother’s house in Mississippi when I was little.

49 I love rain.

50 Getting ‘sexy’ mail can generally brighten my day, without fail. What is ‘sexy’ mail you ask? ANYTHING that is personally addressed to me, my husband or daughter. Basically, anything except junk mail, credit card applications, political fliers, etc. I am currently looking for a new name for it, as looking for sexy mail with my daughter in the car just doesn’t sound right!

51 I encourage my daughter to enjoy Big, Big World or Backyardigans because(1) I like them, and (2) I am experiencing Sesame Street/Elmo burnout.

52 I love greens. Since I was a child I have (weird, I know!). Any kind – turnip, collard, mustard, etc.

53 I cannot imagine paying $150 for blue jeans.

54 I once climbed a waterfall, at night, with no light except the moon. Oh, and I didn’t have in my contacts (afraid I would lose them – that is when contacts were $250 per pair). Oh, and did I mention that I had a full bottle of unopened tequila in my hands the entire time? The real tragedy is that I dropped and broke the bottle seal when we returned to the apartment. Yes, this was in college. Did I mention that I am blind?

55 I want my daughter to have every opportunity.

56 I collect the old-fashioned champagne glasses. They are the short, squatty ones that were supposedly fashioned after the shape of a Hollywood starlet’s breast. I just think they are cool – not for that reason. They aren’t best for the ‘bubbles’ in the Champagne – but, I’m not a Champagne expert, so I don’t care. I use them once a year for New Year’s Eve. FYI – did you know that if your glass is absolutely, perfectly clean and free of dust – you will not have the bubbles?

57 My eyes are green – and I love that. They change shades with whatever I wear. If I cry, they turn the brightest color ever.

58 My favorite cookies are chocolate chip golden raisin, that my Step-Mom, Brenda made when we were little. Raisins are awesome!

59 While I’m at it, I don’t get the whole white chocolate macadamia nut thing. White chocolate? What is the point?

60 I really don’t understand much about computers – I just fake it until my wonderful husband saves the day.

61 Consignment sales drive me wild! I’m serious. If there is a consignment sale anywhere around – I’m on it! It gives me the biggest thrill to find an awesome find for my sweet girl. I’m not above saying that I don’t mind if it happens to be a name brand. Sure, I could go buy stuff at the store, (and I do that too) but, what is the fun in that. There is no ‘hunt’ if you go to the mall. I know that one day Sweet Girl will want to go to the mall and pick out clothes ‘like her friends’. Until that day!.......

62 Seeing my Sweet Girl play with her cousins warms my heart. (not a huge surprise)

63 Two things I have, consistently throughout my life, said I want to learn: to speak Russian and play the violin. I have no idea why.

64 One I added later in life – to play jazz on the piano casually, from memory – like people do in the ‘movies’.

65 I had lots of ‘lessons’ in my lifetime: twirling baton, tap, gymnastics, ballet, modeling (for childhood pageants), acting (for childhood pageants), flute (age 5-7), piano (ages 10-15). Doesn’t sound like many now – but, back in the day – that was a lot of lessons for a little kid!

66 I’ve had at least 21 different mailing addresses in my 39 years.

67 I prefer silver to gold.

68 I stick my foot in my mouth a great deal!

69 I do not have a quick temper – but, when it gets going – WATCH OUT!

70 I love showers.

71 I hate baths. I mean, I can get the ‘relax’ mood all ready (music, wine, candles, bubble bath, etc.), and get in the bath. 2 minutes later, I am bored. YUK!

72 I want to be closer to my sisters and brothers.

73 I am a scavenger, and can’t stand to waste things.

74 I never really smoked cigarettes, beyond ‘being cool’ with the girls in high school (and some in college). I hated the way my breath smelled/tasted – AND, I can’t inhale?

75 I have been Baptist, Lutheran, Charismatic Non-Denominational, Methodist, and now, Presbyterian.

76 I want to travel EVERYWHERE!

77 I don’t imagine that I could take enough photo memory cards if I went to Africa on a photography safari…

78 Or to Naples,

79 Or to St. Petersburg,

80 Or to Paris.

81 I used to plant ‘buttercups’ every year with my Mom when I was a little girl. I plan to do that with my Sweet Girl, now that she is older.

82 I really want to enjoy backpacking so that I can go with my husband. (it hasn’t ‘taken’ yet). He would really like that.

83 The more my ‘conservative’ friends and family tell me how horrible Hillary Clinton is, the more I am intrigued by her (and want to defend her).

84 I don’t have my baby’s name on this blog, because I don’t want crazy people/pervs knowing her name. (as info, if you put her name in any comments, I will have to ‘hide’ that comment.)

85 Most items in our home that are complemented came from auctions or attic sales. Again, the hunt is the thrill!

86 I bought my husband’s wedding card from me 1 month and 2 days after we first went out. I knew he was the one. We were married 1 year and 9 months later. (I kept the receipt, so that he would know.)

87 I had THE most romantic honeymoon in Acapulco. We stayed at the Las Brisas Acapulco. It was so amazing, the people, the scenery, everything…perfect.

88 If I could live anywhere else, I would live in Turks & Caicos. 1 traffic light, incredible people, lots of diving – all the fish I could eat!

89 I love movie/tv soundtrack albums (oops – dating myself again – CDs). I feel that I get more bang for my buck with lots of different artists.

90 I love red wine – but, I could give up alcohol altogether. It just isn’t a big deal to me, or my husband.

91 I believe most family functions would be better without alcohol!

92 I like to put up our REAL Christmas tree the weekend after Thanksgiving, and we don’t take it down until the 12th day of Christmas – January 6th (Epiphany).

93 I hated the idea of being measured for my cheerleading uniform every year in high school. May I just say, if I had the measurements now that I did then, I would post them here!

94 I married Robert Queener on the playground when I was in 3rd grade – he was in 4th. He moved to Tennessee the next year with his family. Does this make me a polygamist? I guess not, it was never consummated!

95 I graduated with a girl with my same first name (she had one ‘r’) that was born the same day as me. By the way, my name came from one of Robert Kennedy’s many children. Imagine that, named after a famous democrat! Speaking of, my middle name was suggested by a family friend (pretty much real family at this point) – Cassandra (her name, not mine). She is also known to be pretty liberal. I’m starting to lean that way myself!

96 My first car was a Pontiac Sunbird, given to me by Dad and Brenda for my 17th birthday/graduation. As info, never buy a 4 cylinder GM product!

97 I wish I understood the Bible more. (that might start by reading it more often!)

98 I hope that my daughter is athletic, as I am not. Maybe I can be a little more so with her?!

99 A part of me wants to have a huge organic garden with chickens roaming freely picking out ‘pests’ and making eggs.

100 I love this BLOG! I hope you enjoy it too. Always feel free to leave comments!

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

What We Are Watching

Tuesday, April 3, 2007

What We Are Reading

Monday, April 2, 2007

Things I Love!

Sunday, April 1, 2007

Wish List

100 Things - I Betcha Didn't Know

Lists for Little Girls, Specifically, OURS!