Friend Makin' Mondays

Hey kittens, I'm participating in this meme, which today is sponsored by the lovely Kenz at her fabulous blog All the Weigh. I discovered her through Jodi. Please stop by Kenz's blog and give her some comment love--and tell her Kitten sent ya!

Anyhoo, what's Friend Makin' Monday? Here's what Kenz has to say:

If you're new and want to take part, all you have to do is copy this post and a link (with your own answers) onto your own blog then link up at the bottom of [Kenz's post]. After that, just take a few minutes to visit a few FMM bloggers and leave a comment or two. It's a great way to discover new and awesome blogs. Let's get to know each other, shall we?

I like...being back in a routine. As much as I don't like getting up at the ass-crack of dawn, it's good to be back at work.

I don't like...peas. Never have, never will. They have a weird texture. I'm big on texture when it comes to my food.

I love...lots of things. Too many to list!

I dream of...living in a peaceful world.

I wonder...how I can recapture my sense of wonder and awe at things in the world around me.

I know...that life isn't easy sometimes.

I went...to the Y this afternoon for Zumba, and discovered that it was on their annual shutdown week. Major bummer!

I have...to bake a cake tomorrow for a dessert buffet we're having for a colleague who just got married.

I think...therefore, I am.

I plan...to do some form of exercise today. I'm not going to let the Y shutdown get me...well, down!

I regret...letting my emotions get the best of me sometimes. Sometimes I react before I've had a chance to think.

I do...a lot to keep me busy.

I drink...lots of different beverages every day. Mostly water, but I also drink milk, cranberry juice, coffee, tea (green, black, and chamomile), and a glass of red wine with dinner.

I wish...that this country weren't so divided. We've taken the "united" part out of our official name.

I am...Kitten, hear me meow.

I am not...actually a little grey kitten, like you see in my header. I am a human being, blogging under a synonym. I happen to like books and cats, hence, my nom de plume.

I need...to achieve balance in my life, somehow.

I graduated...with a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, and a PhD from the School of Hard Knocks.

I hope...that I can be the best person I can be.

I want...to shed some pounds. I've recently made some lifestyle changes that are working. I love to see the results!

I sometimes...I'm going to quote Kenz's answer for this one, word for word, because it applies to me as well: "I try way too hard to impress people immediately upon meeting them because I want them to know that I'm more than just an overweight person."

I always...know that things happen for a reason, and that life has a funny way of working itself out.

I can...gain perspective on almost everything I've ever done.

I work...very hard to overcome depression and anxiety.

I cannot...walk and chew gum at the same time.

I avoid...again, I'm going to quote Kenz because it applies to me as well: "problems sometimes instead of facing them, but I've come a long way with that in the past year. That being said, I still have to work on it because my first instinct is often to avoid problems rather than facing and fixing them."

I will...wrap up this post and see if the butter has softened to start making my cake. :)

Can an iPod really lower your self esteem?

So my bloggy pals Jenners and September Mom did it, and now I am giving into the peer pressure of doing this little iPod Shuffle meme. Here's how it goes:

1. Put your iPod or MP3 player on shuffle.
2. Press forward for each question.
3. Use the song title as the answer to the question even if it doesn’t make sense. NO CHEATING PLEASE!

Well, Jenners' iPod called her a name; I'm hoping that mine doesn't do the same thing. Let the games begin...

How do you feel today?
In Your Room by the Bangles. Okaaaayyyy...I'm not quite feeling romantic today.

What’s your outlook on life?
Joy! by the Boston Pops. Yeah, that's pretty accurate. Thank you, iPod. :)

What does your family think of you?
Baby Don't Go by Sonny and Cher. This makes no sense, since the opening lyrics are:

"I never had a mother,
I hardly knew my dad..."

My parents and I are very close, so this is NOT a good choice. Can you redeem yourself with the next one, iPod?

What do your friends think of you?
Another Suitcase in Another Hall from the Evita soundtrack, original Broadway cast. So I'm disposable?!?! NOT!!

What do your exes think of you?
I'm Not in Love by 10CC. Can an iPod really cause low self-esteem?!?!

How’s your love life?
Stay (I Missed You) by Lisa Loeb (Awwww...that is so sweet. I missed you too. Who are you?)

How will your love life be in the future?
Puer Natus Est by Cantus. Loosely translated from the Latin, it means "For unto us a child is born." WHAAAATTT?!?!!? Does that mean I'm gonna get pregnant soon?!?!

Will you get married?
If It Makes You Happy by Sheryl Crow. Well, I guess, like Sheryl says, "It can't be that bad."

Are you good at school?
El Shaddai by Amy Grant. Well, I was good at languages.

Will you be successful?
Scattered Pieces by Domestic Problems. They're a band from Grand Rapids, Michigan. You really have a high opinion of me, don't you, iPod?

What song should they play on your birthday?
La Vie Boheme by the original Broadway cast of Rent. Well, I am a little quirky, may as well celebrate it!

The soundtrack of your life?
2000 Years by Billy Joel. A little obscure here.

You and your best friends are?
When the Stars Go Blue by Tim McGraw. Well, if you really read into it, it's accurate. "Where do you go when you're lonely/where do you go when you're blue/where do you go when you're lonely/I'll follow you/when the stars go blue." That's really sweet!

Happy times:
School's Out by Alice Cooper. Tee hee hee...

Sad times:
Don't Ask Me Why by Billy Joel. Yeah, I'd say so. When shit happens and you don't know why, "Don't wait for answers/just take your chances/don't ask me why." Didn't know my iPod was so philosophical.

For tomorrow:
Ludlow Street by Julian Casablancas. A song of regret and lament? Gee, iPod, I thought you were turning the tide with that last one.

For you:
Swinging Hawaii by Kitty, Daisy, and Lewis. Um, yeah, I've always wanted to visit Hawaii, but what do you mean it's just for me? Is it a sign for me to leave Connecticut?

What does next year have in store for me?
A Kiss is Not a Contract by Flight of the Conchords. Okay, so how should I put this together with the question that tells me that I'm gonna get preggers?

What do I say when life gets too hard?
Makes Me Wonder by Maroon 5. An answer that makes sense! Don't we ALL wonder why life deals us some crappy cards sometimes?

What song will I dance to at my wedding?
Skating by Vince Guaraldi. This is one of the songs from A Charlie Brown Christmas. Guess I'll get married in December, to a pairs skater or an ice dancer, and we'll have our first dance--er, skate--on the pond.

What do you want as your career?
Anticipation by Carly Simon. I got nuttin'.

Your favorite saying?
Kung Pao by Brad Paisley. Well, it's as good as any.

How will I die?
Eensy Weensy Spider by Carole and Paula. Okay, I'm gonna die in a flood, huh?

My iPod doesn't have much faith in me, kittens. I thought I'd have better luck with this meme. If you'll excuse me, I'm gonna head over to Mimi's to see what she's got cooking up this week.

Yo soy...

I'm back, kittens! Refreshed and relaxed from my southern Caribbean vaycay, and dreading the return to work tomorrow. Please forgive me for what is going to be an abundance of Spanish in this post; I spent the day in Old San Juan yesterday! It was beautiful and warm and colorful--and right now, here in Connecticut, it's grey and bare. Sigh.

Anyhoo, I'm stealing this meme from Emalee. I will tell you tales of my trip muy pronto. Ciao for now!

I am: Kitten

I think: that there is still a lot of good in the world, in spite of all of the bad things

I know: life is full of challenges

I want: to sleep in tomorrow morning

I have: lots of things to say

I dislike: war

I miss: various friends and family members

I fear: snakes

I feel: lots of emotions

I hear: the cars driving by my house

I smell: nothing. I have a clogged-up nose

I crave: love and affection

I usually: find excuses to turn up the car radio as loud as possible

I search: funny or profound quotations

I wonder: how some people just can't follow simple directions

I regret: I try not to regret too many things

I love: my family and friends

I care: deeply

I always: am driving someplace

I worry: about the future

I remember: things I really ought to forget

I have: a clogged-up nose

I dance: more often in private than in public

I sing: all the time

I don’t always: cook dinner at night

I argue: rarely; I try to avoid it

I write: on my blog

I lose: faith in others

I wish: we didn't struggle

I listen: to music all the time

I don't understand: why life is so hard

I can usually be found: in the car

I am scared: of what life can bring

I need: money so I can travel more often

I forget: important things

I am happy: most of the time

A Christmas meme

Special thanks to NurseExec for this one.

1. Does your family send Christmas cards?

Always. We even hang them up. I have kept my Christmas cards every single year since I've been on my own. Not just the photo ones, but the paper ones, too.

2. How soon do you start shopping?

I traditionally start the Saturday before Thanksgiving. This year it was the Saturday after T-Day. A migraine prevented me from partaking in early festivities.

3. Who do you shop for?
Immediate family and my two best friends. I bake for co-workers.

4. Do you put up a Christmas tree?

It wouldn't be Christmas without one!

5. If so, is it fake or real?
It is fake. I live on my own, in a loft. It would be a doozy for me to drag a real tree up the stairs every year. Plus, I kill plants. I have a black thumb.

6. Do you like tinsel?

Ick, nooooooooo. Besides, it's too much temptation for the cats, and the last thing I need during the holidays is a ginormous vet bill.

7. Do you use homemade or store bought ornaments?

Both. In fact, this year, I'm taking pictures of my ornaments and writing posts about the stories behind them.

8. Do you put Christmas lights outside your house?

It's against condo association bylaws to do that.

9. Do you put lights on the tree?

It's a pre-lit tree that I bought from the Home Despot the day after Christmas one year. Best clearance deal EVER.

10. How about popcorn and cranberries?

Nope. Don't wanna attract vermin.

11. Is there a wreath hanging on your door?

Yes, it's a wreath handmade by Mama Cat herself.

12. Do you hang up your stocking?

At the Cat Family homestead, yes, because there is a fireplace. At my place, no; I don't have a fireplace.

13. Does your family read "Twas the night before Christmas?"

We used to, when Sister Kitten and I were little. We also read a book called Santa Mouse. We don't do this anymore, now that we're grown. :(

14. Christmas Movie?

A Christmas Story is the BEST Christmas movie EVER. No question. Sister Kitten and I watch the 24 hour marathon on TNT every year and we never get sick of it. We can quote the dialogue.

15. Character from any Christmas Movie

Randy, the little brother from A Christmas Story. My favorite scene is the one where he eats dinner as if he were a pig. Oh, and no mention of A Christmas Story would be complete without the leg lamp!

16. Christmas Song

"Santa Claus is Coming to Town", as performed by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.

17. Christmas Memory

My sophomore year of college a bunch of us went to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. We took the Metro North into the city, saw the show, then went to Jekyll and Hyde's afterward. We caught the last train back to school at 1:30 AM. We got back to campus at 3:30 AM. It was a great night...:)

18. Give or Receive?

Both are fun

19. Ham or Turkey?

Turkey

20. White Lights or Colored Lights?

White; I'm not much of a fan of colored lights on small Christmas trees. On the bigger ones, such as the one in Rockefeller Center, it works.

21. Blinking Lights or Still Lights:

Still. I get motion sickness when I look at blinking lights.

22. Were you Naughty or Nice this year?

I'm a nice girl.

23. What do you want for Christmas this year?

A new washing machine would be nice, since mine no longer runs cold water.

24. When do you open your gifts?

Christmas morning

25. What's the best gift you've ever gotten?

I've received a lot of nice gifts.

26. What's the worst gift you've ever gotten?

Can't think of one.

27. Who gives you the most gifts?

I really don't keep a tally.

28. Have you ever had a secret Santa?

We do Secret Santa every year at work.

29. Do you like wrapping gifts?

Ugh, noooooooo. Read this.

30. Do you put change in those red buckets?

Yes. I feel that any contribution I make is worthwhile, even if it's just a few pennies.

31. Do you burn a yule log?

Only the one they broadcast on TV. Anyone out there in Bloggerland remember the Yule Log on WPIX every year?

32. Can you name all the reindeer?

Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph

33. Do you bake cookies?

It depends on how busy and healthy I am during the holiday season.

34. Have you ever seen your mommy kissing Santa Claus?

Ahhhh...no.

35. Have you ever gotten a kiss under the mistletoe?

Yes

36. Do you drive around and look at the Christmas lights?

No, but we used to have some neighbors who would deck the halls, so to speak.

37. Have you ever left Santa cookies?

We did growing up. We left the jelly thumbprint cookies for him...which, coincidentally, were Papa Cat's favorite cookies. Hmmm...

38. Have you ever sat on Santa's lap?

Mama Cat has some pictures, yes.

39. Who do you celebrate Christmas with?

The Cat Family--rawther, my immediate family.

40. Where do you celebrate Christmas?

At the Cat Family homestead.

41. Have you ever had a white Christmas?

Yes, but not every year. In Connecticut it's a crapshoot.

42. What part of Christmas do you look most forward to?

The concerts, the carols, and A Charlie Brown Christmas. Also spending lots of time with friends and family.

43. Have you ever had your picture taken with Santa?

When I was little.

44. Does your family always take pictures at Christmas?

Moreso when we were kids, not so much as adults.

45. Have you ever heard the song "Thank God For The Kids"?

Nope.

Always, sometimes, never

Special thanks to my good pal Jenners for allowing me to steal this meme. Well, she didn't give me permission, but I'm going to do this anyway (and give credit where credit is due).

I ALWAYS...

• start my day with a large mug of coffee from the Keurig
• wear a strand of pearls...they go with any outfit, even jeans
• have my iPod and a book in my purse...portable entertainment wherever I go
• wear my aquamarine birthstone ring on my right hand
• listen to NPR on the way to work
• visit the websites of the New York Times and CNN to get caught up on the news
• have a square or two of dark chocolate every day
• take my vitamins every morning
• roll down the windows of my car and crank up the radio as loud as it will go whenever it's a nice day
• am reluctant to get up in the morning--especially before sunrise
• make an ass out of myself
• look for the humor in everyday life
  

I SOMETIMES...

• make the time to catch up on my DVR shows
• let my nails grow past my fingertips
• go to bed when I'm supposed to
  
• eat my daily required fruit and vegetable servings
• make exercise a part of my daily routine
• prefer to stay home rather than go out with friends
• feel that a totally lazy day (i.e., staying in my PJs and sitting on my ass) is totally necessary to my well-being

I NEVER...

• go a day without snuggling with my kitties
• eat peas, Brussels sprouts, or beets
• have consumed a Whopper or a Big Mac
• met a potato product I didn't like
• knew the way to San Jose
• drink pulpy orange juice...OJ is not meant to be chewed
• watch horror movies. Too scary.
• have had such a difficult time thinking of things I never do!
  

Bookin' Around meme

Borrowed from my pal NurseExec.

Do you snack while you read? If so, favorite reading snack?

I don't snack while I read. I find that I don't concentrate as much on the book if I do.

Do you tend to mark your books as you read, or does the idea of writing in books horrify you?

I only marked up books if I had to read them for college/grad school courses. I don't these days; even the thought of putting sticky notes in a book as I read horrifies me.

How do you keep your place while reading a book? Bookmark? Dog-ears?

It depends. If it's a paperback that I own, dog ears. If it's a library book, bookmark. If the bookmark has a dust jacket, I use the flaps to keep my place.

Laying the book flat open?

Never. I always hold the book in my hands.

Fiction, Non-fiction, or both?

Les deux.

Hard copy or audiobooks?

Hard copy. I haven't tried audiobooks yet, and I'm kinda afraid to. I fear that the narrator's vocal tone and style may ruin the book for me.

Are you a person who tends to read to the end of chapters, or are you able to put a book down at any point?

I have to go all the way to the end of a chapter. I feel a better sense of closure that way; I don't like being in limbo.

If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop to look it up right away?

This isn't a problem for me. My vocabulary is pretty large. Plus, I'm pretty good at figuring out words from context.

What are you currently reading?

Sad to say, nothing! I've been so busy with work!

What is the last book you bought?

I bought the latest one from the author of The Elegance of the Hedgehog. Sadly, I can't think of her name right now.

Are you the type of person that only reads one book at a time or can you read more than one at a time?

Sometimes I read more than one at a time, others I can only concentrate on a single volume.

Do you have a favorite time of day and/or place to read?

At the end of the day, before bedtime, curled up in a ball on the left corner of my couch.

Do you prefer series books or stand alone books?

I love 'em all!

Is there a specific book or author that you find yourself recommending over and over?

All summer long, I've been raving about The Time Traveler's Wife. And I can't recommend Lucy Maud Montgomery--any of her works--enough. And The Pillars of the Earth made a rather large impression on me, too.

How do you organize your books? (By genre, title, author’s last name, etc.?)

By series and genre. All of my Twilight books are shelved together. All of my chick lit books are shelved together, my travel books together, etc.

Favorite genre?

Memoirs, and lately, a lot of chick lit. And I do mean, A LOT.

50 Questions

Stolen from the good people at Lola's Diner.


1. Where were you three hours ago? At the gourmet food store, buying a baguette for dinner tonight.

2. Who are you in love with? I'm in love with life...I know that's a "what", but I'm not romantically involved with anyone.

3. Have you ever eaten a crayon? No.

4. Is there anything pink within 10 feet of you? Nope

5. When was the last time you went to the mall? Do the outlets count? If so, I went a week ago today.

6. Are you wearing socks right now? No.

7. Do you have a car worth over $2000? Well, it's a 2002 with over 136,000 miles on it, so I doubt it's worth that much.

8. When was the last time you drove out of town? Yesterday, for work. Haven't been back home yet; I'm housesitting from now till Monday evening.

9. Have you been to the movies in the last 5 days? No. I am, however, contemplating going to see Fame. The remake, that is. Is it worth it for me to see? Let me know, kittens; the 80s tv show is rawther close to my heart.

10. Are you hot? Temperature wise, I'm kinda cold right now. Looks-wise...well, I'm pretty modest, so how would I know? Compared to whom?

11. What was the last thing you had to drink? Coffee.

12. What are you wearing right now? A blue floral tunic from Lane Bryant and long khakis. Paired 'em with my Sketchers at work today.

13. Do you wash your car or let the car wash do it? Car wash. Whenever I get my car serviced, I always get a coupon for a free car wash. Can't beat that!

14. Last food you ate? A Jello pudding cup.

15. Where were you last week at this time? At the outlets.

16. Have you bought any clothing items in the last week? Yes! I bought four tunics at the Lane Bryant outlet. All on sale or on clearance. Go me!

17. When was the last time you ran? I ran down the hall at work this morning. Does that count?

18. What was the last sporting event you watched? A middle school soccer game.

19. Your favorite animal? Oh gee, I wonder...:P

20. Your dream vacation? I have to choose just one?!?! Well right now, since it's getting cold here in Connecticut, I'd love to go to somewhere nice and beachy. Anywhere. I'll pick Australia, cause I've never been there and I can get to stalk Hugh Jackman.

21. Last person’s house you were in? Right now I'm in someone else's house. I'm housesitting!

22. Worst injury you ever had? Cut my left thumb with an Exacto knife. I still have a bit of scar tissue in there. The numbness didn't go away for a couple of years.

23. Have you been in love? Who hasn't?

24. Do you miss anyone right now? BFF...it's been two months since we last talked.

25. Last play you saw? The Remarkable Thing About Stardust, a play written by a local playwright

26. What is your secret weapon to lure the opposite sex? Play up the eyes. They're big, brown, and have long, long lashes. Wink, blink, and nod. They're my best accessories.

27. What are your plans for tonight? Soak in the hot tub, followed by an early bedtime. I'm beat tonight!

28. Who is the last person to send you a Myspace message or comment? I don't do MySpace.

29. Next trip you are going to take? A cruise of the southern Caribbean

30. Ever go to camp? Day camp. Not sleep away camp.

31. Were you an honor student in school? Not to brag, but yes, I was.

32. What do you want to know about the future? The winning number for my Publisher's Clearing House entry.

33. Are you wearing perfume or cologne? Gap Dream...it's an old bottle...do they even still make it?

34. Are you due sometime this year for a doctor’s visit? Going for the lady doctor visit in two weeks.

35. Where is your best friend? I dunno. See #24

36. How is your best friend? See #24 and #35

37. Do you have a tan? It's fading.

38. What are you listening to right now? The refrigerator humming

39. Do you collect anything? I used to collect Beanie Babies. I don't collect much of anything these days.

40. Who is the biggest gossiper you know? Someone I went to college with.

41. Last time you got stopped by a cop or pulled over? Labor Day weekend. There was a drunk driving checkpoint about half a mile from my house.

42. Have you ever drank your soda from a straw? Yes.

43. What does your last text message say? It was something from Twitter; I'm not sure.

44. Do you like hot sauce? Not the REALLY hot sauce.

45. Last time you took a shower? This morning, around 5:30 AM.

46. Do you need to do laundry? YES!!!

47. What is your heritage? Sicilian on my dad's side. On my mom's side, I'm German, Welsh, Scottish, Dutch, and just a wee bit o' Gypsy.

48. Are you someone’s best friend? I hope so.

49. Are you rich? Not money wise, but thankfully, I'm rich in other ways.

50. What were you doing at 12 AM last night? Sleeping very soundly, thank you very much.

One word meme

Here's a meme I found over at NurseExec's. I know I haven't posted in awhile, so consider this something to hold you over till the next time I write...whenever that will be. Like I said in my last post, I'm on hiatus till I adjust back to my work-year routine. Thanks for all of your comments...and especially your patience!

Where is your cell phone? purse

Your significant other? none

Your hair? bun

Your mother? talkative

Your father? bald

Your favorite thing? iPod

Your dream last night? forgotten

Your favorite drink? wine

Your dream/goal? peace

What room are you in? office

Your hobby? reading

Your fear? snakes

Where do you want to be in 6 years ? thriving

Where were you last night? city

Something that you aren't? tall

Muffins? yummy

Wish list item? laptop

Last thing you did? laundry

What are you wearing? pajamas

TV? distraction

Friends? loyal

Your life? great

Your mood? tired

Missing someone? yes

Drinking? pinot

Smoking? NOOOOO!!

Your car? sedan

Something you're not wearing? socks

Your favorite store? Kohl's

Your favorite color? purple

When is the last time you cried? past

Where do you go to over and over? supermarket

My favorite place to eat? parents'

Favorite place I'd like to be at right now? Caribbean

My life according to Springsteen

I originally got tagged for this on Facebook, and thought I'd share it with you all. Because lately...I got nuttin'. Life has been pretty boring for moi lately. So here we go:

INSTRUCTIONS: Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Pass it on to 12 people you like and include me (you don't have to if you don't want to). You can't use the band I used. Try not to repeat a song title. It's a lot harder than you think! Repost as "My Life According to (BAND/ARTIST NAME)"

-Are you a male or female?
Jersey Girl

-Describe yourself
It's Hard to Be a Saint in the City

-How do you feel right now?
Land of Hope and Dreams

-If you could go anywhere, where would you go?
New York City Serenade

-Your favorite form of transportation
Pink Cadillac

-Describe Your Morning Routine
Dead Man Walkin'

-Your best friend is
Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)

-What's the weather like
Thunder Road

-Pet Peeve?
57 Channels (And Nothin' On)

-If your life was a TV show, what would it be called
Growin' Up

-Your relationship
My Love Will Not Let You Down

-Your Fear
Darkness on the Edge of Town

-What is the best advice you have to give?
Tomorrow Never Knows

-If you could change your name, you would change it to
Bobby Jean

-What do you say when you are frustrated?
Chicken Lips and Lizard Hips

-Thought for the day
How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live

-How you would like to die
When the Lights Go Out

-Your soul's present condition
Don't Look Back

-Your motto
Take 'Em As They Come

Tagged!

My good pal Vickie tagged me for this fun meme. Here's how it works:

The Rules:

1. Respond and rework; answer the questions on your blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your invention, add one more question of your own.

2. Tag other people.

What is your current obsession?
The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien. I never watched much of Conan when he was on at 12:35, because I couldn't stay up that late, but now that he's on an hour earlier, I love to watch him. I love his sense of humor; I love geeks and goofballs. He just may replace Brian Williams as my TV boyfriend.

What are you wearing today?
A t-shirt, capri jeans, and my zip-up hoodie. It's cool for a July day in Connecticut. It feels more like a late spring day.

What’s for dinner?
Leftover pasta and vegetables.

What would you eat for your last meal?
My Mama Cat is one of the best cooks in the world. My last meal would have to be what I ask for my birthday meal every year: pork chops with mustard, her homemade macaroni and cheese, and her homemade applesauce. I'm drooling just writing about it.

What relaxes you the most?
Reading and sleeping.

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
The beach, either in the Mexican Riviera or the Caribbean.

Which language do you want to learn?
I would love to learn Italian.

What do you love most about where you currently live?
Everything I need is within a ten-minute drive or less--shopping, mall, car repair, BOOKSTORE, etc.

What style is your current home decorated in?
There really is no style. It's very simple. I've got some framed prints on the walls, some framed crochet that Mama Cat gave me a few years back, and lots of pictures of family and friends. Most of the framed prints I got from tag sales.

If you were a time traveler what era would you live in?
The 1950s. I should have been a kid or a teen in the 1950s. Times seemed so innocent then. I honestly think I was born during the wrong decade. A lot of my personal values and beliefs just don't seem to jive with 21st century living.

What is your favorite color?
I adore purple. The deeper and plummier the shade, the better. :)

What is your favorite piece of clothing in your own wardrobe?
The $6 Lee jeans that I bought from Big Lots. They're my most comfy pair, and they fit me very well.

What were you doing ten years ago?
I was 23, living with the rents, working full-time and prepping for my first year of grad school.

Describe your personal style?
Very casual. I don't really have much of a style, though. Can someone nominate me for What Not to Wear?

If you had $300 now, what would you spend it on?
Once again, let me remind you that I am the Bookkitten. Take me to Borders!!!!!

What are you going to do after this?
Take a shower. I'm still housesitting right now and made a quick trip home to check on my girls. The outfit I described to you earlier is what I plan to wear today after I clean up. :)

What are your favorite films?
You can't beat any of the Disney animated films, or for that matter, their live action films from the 1960s and 1970s. Think The Parent Trap, Escape to Witch Mountain, and my personal fave, The Love Bug and all of its sequels.

Your favorite books?
I cannot emphasize my love for the Anne of Green Gables series enough. I must say, however, that the Little Women trilogy is rapidly becoming an addition to my all-time faves.

Do you collect anything?
I used to collect Beanie Babies. I don't anymore, but still display my collection of bears in my living room. Right now I collect refrigerator magnets from places I've traveled, but not much else.

What makes you follow a blog?
I really love how one's personal story unfolds over the life of a blog. It's what keeps me visiting over and over again. I feel like I've made many new friends without ever leaving the comfort of my home. I especially love a person's sense of humor.

What was the most enjoyable thing you did today?
Coming home for a spell, snuggling with the cats, visiting my pals in the blogosphere, and writing this post. :)

Ann's Question:What makes you comment on a blog?
If it's a post of something that interests me, I will comment. I usually try to comment whenever I visit someone, but if I can't think of anything to say, I don't. It's nothing personal; I just don't like to try too hard when leaving a comment. I like to say meaningful things, more than just "nice post!"

Amy's Question:What is your favorite thing to do when you have some free time?
Blogging, reading, cross stitch, cooking, scrapbooking, watching The Tonight Show. (Told ya I was obsessed!)

Tonya's question:What is a talent you wished you had?
I would love to be able to make my own clothes. Amber often posts her homemade works, and she does a phenomenal job. I would love to have even a fraction of her talent!

Gena's question:As you may know, I am all about "Serene Moments", so what is your "Serene Moment"?
This may not sound so serene, but for me, it is. I love looking out my window during thunderstorms and watching the rain fall. I love to watch rain fall. I find it very peaceful. I feel the same way about watching snow fall, too.

Noelle's question: If you could go to heaven who would you see, and why?
My maternal grandmother. She died of pancreatic cancer when I was 9 years old. I knew her as the grandma who gave me toys and took me places, but I never got to know her as a woman. She sounded like a really neat lady, and I would have ached for the chance to get to know her better.

Vickie's question: Who is your favorite actor?
OK, well, Conan really isn't an actor, so I don't think I'll count him here. But I've got two words for you: HUGH JACKMAN. Love him, love his Australian accent. Me-OW!

My question: Other than Blogger, Facebook, and/or Twitter, what are your most frequently-visited websites?
I like to visit CNN, YouTube, Yahoo! Mail, and my Gmail account.

And now, I tag thee:

Jenners
Septembermom
Jodi

...and whoever else would like to participate and join in the fun! Thanks Vickie!

Alphabet meme

Stolen from Eadyn over at Faded Pictures and Misprinted Lies.

A - Age: 33

B - Bed size: Queen

C - Chore you hate: It's a toss-up between folding laundry and cleaning the litter boxes.

D - Donuts or Kolaches: What are kolaches?

E - Essential start your day item: COFFEE!!! Although lately, since it's been so humid and muggy here, an extra-large unsweetened iced tea from Dunkin' Donuts.

F - Favorite color: Purple. The deeper and plummier the shade, the better.

G - Gold or Silver: Gold

H - Height: 5'.25"

I - Instruments you play: the flute (in my younger days), my voice, and the occasional kazoo.

J - Jokes or Rhymes: Jokes

K - Kids: 0

L - Living arrangements: own a condo, live with two cats

M - Movie: Anything (almost) with Jared Leto

N - Nicknames: Shorty, Squirt, among others

O - Overnight hospital stays: 2005, stayed in the hospital for four days and three nights. I had a horrible asthma attack, which was exacerbated by the fact that I had the flu--and didn't know it.

P - Pet Peeve: People who have no respect for proper grammar.

Q - Quote you like: "A lot of comedy is tragedy plus time." --Carol Burnett

R - Right or left handed: Right

S - Siblings: Sister Kitten, who is three years younger than moi

T - Time you wake up: During the week, between 5:30 and 5:45. On the weekends, I sleep in till about 8:30.

U - Underwear: Most of the time.

V - Vegetable you dislike: Peas.

W - Ways you run late: Reluctance to get out of bed. Staying up late the night before, then paying for it dearly when I get ready for work the next morning.

X - X-rays you've had: Chest X-rays for pneumonia, as well as dental ones.

Y - Yummy food you make: Caprese pasta salad, bittersweet mocha coffee cake

Z - Zodiac sign: Pieces

Eight is Enough

My bloggy pal Amber over at Mommy Mania tagged me for this fun little meme. Enjoy!

Here's the rules--mention the person that tagged you. Complete the lists of 8's. Tag 8 of your wonderful blogger friends. Go tell them you tagged them!

8 Things I Am Looking Forward To:
1. Attending an art auction with my friend L Friday night
2. Attending a choir concert Saturday night with my friend D, and watching two of our closest friends sing
3. Ushering Sister Kitten's play the first weekend of May
4. Attending The Twenty-Fifth Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee with a few friends during the second weekend of May
5. The end of the school year
6. Our family reunion in July
7. The Bridgeport Symphony Summer Pops concert at the end of June
8. My church's annual picnic

8 Things I Did Yesterday:
1. Returned to work
2. Visited my therapist after work
3. Made dinner
4. Blogged
5. Washed dishes
6. E-mailed my sister
7. Did some work at home
8. Watched TV

8 Things I Wish I Could Do:
1. Grow a garden...I tried growing a container garden of herbs two or three years ago, and I failed quite miserably
2. Sew my own clothing
3. Knit
4. Write a book and have it published
5. Perform in an improv group
6. Be independently wealthy
7. Travel to China, Japan, and Australia
8. Move to another locale--if only for a year or two (Connecticut can get awfully boring)

8 Shows I Watch:
I'm not a huge TV watcher, so these are shows I happen to watch only when I'm channel surfing. I only catch bits and pieces of these shows at a time.
1. NBC Nightly News
2. 60 Minutes
3. Family Guy
4. What Not to Wear
5. 18 Kids and Counting
6. Giada at Home
7. Paula's Party
8. Better Connecticut

8 People I Tag:
1. Yaya
2. That.Girl
3. Vickie
4. Missy
5. Jenners
6. CDB
7. Jodi
8. Pooba

Book meme

I'm stealing this one from Marie over at Boston Bibliophile.

1. Hardback, trade paperback or mass market paperback?
I prefer trade paperbacks. They're lightweight, easy to slip into a purse, and have type large enough that you don't have to squint when you read.

2. Barnes & Noble or Borders?
For years I've always said "Borders" very easily. I like its decor; a lot of books without looking too dark and stuffy. However, I recently lunched with a friend at a B&N and was amazed at their selection of publishers' remnants and discounted books. They had a way larger choice at B&N. So I'll have to go with B&N.

3. Bookmark or dog-ear?
If it's a book I own, I dog ear. If it's a library book, I use a bookmark that resembles an oriental rug, which was a gift for me from a friend of mine.

4. Amazon or brick and mortar?
Brick and mortar, without question.

5. Alphabetize by author or alphabetize by title or random?
If I have a number of books by the same author, I group them all together. I don't alphabetize, though. I DO, however, organize by genre: travel, French literature, Spanish literature, education, etc.

6. Keep, throw away, or sell?
Keep, donate for store credit, or my recent favorite--PaperbackSwap.com. I abso-freakin-lutely ADORE this website. You must check it out.

7. Keep dust jacket or toss it?
Keep. A book looks naked without one.

8. Read with dust jacket or remove it?
Read with the dust jacket. I like to use the flaps for bookmarks.

9. Short story or novel?
Novels, although I loves me a good anthology every now and then.

10. Harry Potter or Lemony Snicket?
I've never read the full series of either. I'll have to add those to my TBR pile.

11. Stop reading when tired or at chapter breaks?
At chapter breaks. If I stop before one, I always feel like I'm in the middle of a cliffhanger. I hate to be in unresolved situations.

12. "It was a dark and stormy night" or "Once upon a time"?
"It was a dark and stormy night." I love the image of Snoopy on top of his doghouse, typing away at his novel.

13. Buy or borrow?
I'm really getting into borrowing. I especially love how my library now sends E-mails when my books are due.

14. New or used?
Either one, but I especially love used books. Cheap, green, and did I say cheap?

15. Buying choice: book reviews, recommendations, or browse?
Usually browsing, followed by book reviews, followed by recommendations. I've found my favorite books by browsing.

16. Tidy ending or cliffhanger?
Tidy endings. I obsess over cliffhanger endings too much.

17. Morning reading, afternoon reading, or nighttime reading?
During the week, nighttime reading, because it's the only time I get to read. Otherwise, any old time!

18. Stand-alone or series?
I'm more of a stand-alone reader.

19. Favorite series?
Why, the Anne of Green Gables series, of course! However, the Little House books follow in a very close second.

20. Favorite children's book?
Linnea in Monet's Garden

21. Favorite YA book?
Anne of Green Gables

22. Favorite book of which nobody else has heard?
Ella Minnow Pea, by Mark Dunn

23. Favorite books read last year?
The Devil in the White City, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, Girls of Tender Age, Last Days of Summer, and Almost Like Being in Love

24. Favorite books of all time?
Anne of Green Gables, A Walk in the Woods, The Pillars of the Earth, The Little Prince, Madame Bovary, Linnea in Monet's Garden, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Trumpet of the Swan, Charlotte's Web

25. What are you reading right now?
Three Cups of Tea

26. What are you reading next?
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius

27. Favorite book to recommend to an eleven-year-old?
If it were a girl I would readily suggest Anne of Green Gables. I have no clue what to suggest for an 11-year-old boy.

28. Favorite book to reread?
Anne of Green Gables

29. Do you ever smell books?
YES. I love the smell of new books! There's something so comforting about inhaling new book smell.

30. Do you ever read Primary source documents?
Do blogs count? Then, yes. I also like a lot of biographies.
This question reminds me of an Oscar Wilde quote: "I never travel without my diary. One should always have something interesting to read."

Name that tune!

Found this over at Don't Forget to Flush, who stole it from Moomin Light.

This is an interesting little meme. Here are the instructions:

Step 1: Put your music player on shuffle.
Step 2: Post the first line from the 1st 25 songs no matter how embarrassing
Step 3: Strike through once someone guesses both the artist and the track correctly.
Step 4: For those who are guessing, looking up the lyrics is CHEATING.
Step 5: If you like the game post your own.

And awaaaaaayyyyyyyyy we go!!

1. "Sitting in the movie show thinkin' nasty thoughts." Shelley, Mel
2. "The road is long, with a-many a winding turn that leads us to who knows where, who knows where." Mel
3. "There go the street lights, the night's officially on, I got the green light to do whatever I want."
4. "I just can't get you out of my head, boy your lovin' is all I think about." That.Girl, Steph Su
5. "If I could turn the page, the time that I'd rearrange just a day or two, close my, close my, close my eyes." CDB
6. "And it's all right, and it's comin' on, we gotta get right back to where we started from." Jodi, Mel
7. "Superstar, where ya from, how's it goin'?" Mel
8. "Here's a groove, slightly transformed, just a bit of a break from the norm."
9. "One toke over the line, sweet Jesus, one toke over the line, sittin' downtown in a railway station, one toke over the line." That.Girl
10. "Who is this man, what sort of devil is he to have me caught in a trap and choose to let me go free?" Steph Su
11. "When this old world starts a gettin' me down, and people are just too much for me to face I'll climb way up to the top of the stairs and all my cares just drift right into space." Jodi, Mel
12. "When I was a little boy, the devil called my name, say now who do, who do you think you're fooling?" CDB
13. "Dear Sir or Madam, will you read my book?"
14. "You always said you liked my style, you say I'm tough and kind of wild."
15. "As long as he needs me, oh yes he does need me, in spite of what you see, I'm sure that he needs me."
16. "People point and fingerpainting the world, even me the silhouette of my life, and I'm filling in the negative space with positively everything."
17. "The local rock group down the street is trying hard to learn its song."
18. "Hey girl, in your eyes, I see your picture of me all the time."
19. "Some dreams are in the nighttime, and some seem like yesterday but leaves turn brown and fade, ships sail away."
20. "I met a gin-soaked bar-room queen in Memphis, she tried to take me upstairs for a ride." CDB
21. "Come on-a my house, I'm gonna give you candy."
22. "The flame is burning deep in my soul, saying I was half now I'm whole."
23. "When I come to the clubs, step aside, pop the seats don't be hating me in the line."
24. "I don't remember what day it was, I didn't notice what time it was."
25. "Every day when the work is behind you and the shop and the store, put the lock on the door, just get away where your worries won't find you, if you'd like then I'll tell you more."

Good luck!

What Kind of a Reader Are You?

Found this quiz over at Jenners' place. Here are my results. I think they speak for themselves!

What Kind of Reader Are You? Your Result: Dedicated Reader You are always trying to find the time to get back to your book. You are convinced that the world would be a much better place if only everyone read more.
Literate Good Citizen
Obsessive-Compulsive Bookworm
Book Snob
Fad Reader
Non-Reader
What Kind of Reader Are You? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

36 Random Things Meme

Thanks to NurseExec for this one.


1. Do you like bleu cheese?
You have no idea how much I love the stuff. I eat it straight outta the container.

2. Have you ever smoked?
No. Never have. I'm asthmatic, and both my parents smoked when I was a kid, so the thought of lighting up disgusted me. Actually, everyone in my immediate and extended family smoked.

3. Do you own a gun?
Nope.

4. What flavor Kool Aid was your favorite?
Cherry. Ironic, since I don't like real cherries.

5. What job would you like to do other than your own?
I'd love to be a journalist.

6. What do you think of hot dogs?
Yuck.

7. Favorite Christmas movie?
Who doesn't love A Christmas Story?

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?
Black coffee.

9. Can you do push ups?
Only the modified ones.

10. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry?
My 3-stone aquamarine ring. It's my birthstone.

11. Favorite hobby?
Reading

12. Do you have A. D. D.?
Nope.

13. Do you wear glasses/contacts?
Nope.

14. Middle name?
Ann

15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment:
I need sleep, I need sleep, I need sleep.

16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink.
Coffee, tea, wine

17. Current worry?
I've got several.

18. Current hate right now?
Life's too short to hate.

19. Favorite place to be?
At home with my cats.

20. How did you ring in the new year?
At my best friend's house with a group of friends.

21. Name three people who will complete this:
Whoever wants to.

22. Do you own slippers?
I love my slippers.

23. What color shirt are you wearing?
Tiffany blue turtleneck sweater.

24. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets?
I prefer cotton.

25. Can you whistle?
Not really.

26. Where are you now?
In my office.

27. Would you be a pirate?
Nope. Don't wanna get caught by the authorities.

28. What songs do you sing in the shower?
I don't sing in the shower.

29. Favorite girl’s Name?
Alice Anne

30. Favorite boy’s name?
Peter William

31. What is in your pocket right now?
Nada.

32. Last thing that made you laugh?
Someone telling me the old "Pete and Re-Pete went out on a boat" joke in a cockney accent.

33. What vehicle do you drive?
2002 Kia

34. Worst injury you’ve ever had?
I've never been seriously injured, thank God.

35. Do you love where you live?
Connecticut's not such a bad state, but I'm not totally, madly in love with it.

36. How many TVs do you have in your house?
Two, one in the living room, and one in the bedroom.

The iPod Shuffle Meme: courtesy of Jenners

Jenners posted this meme in response to "Make Your Own Meme Monday", hosted by The Secret Life of a Tattooed Minivan Mom.


Here are the rules, taken directly from Jenners' blog:

• Using the shuffle feature on your iPod (or other MP3 player), write down the first 5 or 10 songs that play.
• Justify, defend or explain why those songs are on your iPod.
• Tag someone else to complete the meme.
• Include these rules--and the phrase "The iPod Shuffle Meme was created by Jenners at Life with A Little One and More -- the greatest blog on the Planet Earth and perhaps the Universe" when you post your meme answers. ***

Before I start, let me just say that I have a verrrrrry wide range of musical tastes. (If you've seen any of my iPod playlists, you're already aware of that). I love Bruce Springsteen, but I also love Broadway. I love Amy Grant, and I love ABBA too. And you may also find a few surprises that may make you go, "Why'd she choose that?"

For me, music can evoke a memory in a way that no smell, photograph, or story can. One tune can take me back to the exact place I was where I heard that song. I hope you enjoy my stories.

And awaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyy we go!!!

1. "It's My Life," No Doubt: I just love the chorus to this song. It came out at a time when I was experiencing a huge period of self-confidence: I had just bought my first condo, I was up for tenure in my job, and I just felt like I was rockin' the world. I love the beat to this song, too; it reminds me of the 80s, the decade when I started coming of age. I especially love how No Doubt took this song--which was originally done in the 80s, but I don't remember who the original artist was--and totally made it into their own.

2. "Montage: Hello Twelve, Hello Thirteen, Hello Love," Original Broadway Cast of A Chorus Line: I told you there'd be Broadway on this meme! I discovered the soundtrack of A Chorus Line when I was a freshman in college. I borrowed the CD from a girl who lived on my floor, dubbed it onto a tape (this was pre iPod, Kittens), and listened to it over and over again. This was what started my love of Broadway musicals. I love the lyrics; they're so campy, but describe adolescence so well.

3. "No More Rhyme," Debbie Gibson: I was a huge--I mean, huge--Debbie Gibson fan when I was in middle school. I was a charter member of her fan club! Electric Youth was one of my favorite tapes. I played it on my pink walkman till it almost wore out. This just brings back memories of middle school--only the good ones, thank God! Even as an adult, I still like this music! I don't think "Ewww, bubblegum" like I do with so many teenybopper artists of today. To her credit, Debbie did write and produce her own music!

4. "Tell Me On a Sunday," Bernadette Peters: A girl who was in Glee Club with me sang this song during her last Pops Concert her senior year. It helped contribute to my love of Broadway, and was what helped me discover Andrew Lloyd Webber. When Bernadette sings this song, you can really hear the pain in her voice as she sings about a lover who is giving her grief. A lovely performance by a lovely lady. P.S. This is the song that officially introduced me to Bernadette Peters as a Broadway performer; I had previously known her through her acting. (Pink Cadillac, anyone?)

5. "Poor Wayfaring Stranger," Kristin Chenowith: I adore Kristin Chenowith. She was absolutely amazing in Wicked. She released an album of inspirational songs a few years back, and this was one of the tracks on it. This is such a powerful song, and I love the way that Kristin sings it. There are no high sopranos in it, as is her signature, but in this case, less is definitely more. This is an excellent arrangement; it is one of my favorite tracks in my iTunes library.

6. "Hawaiiannette," Annette Funicello: This is one of those tracks that's making you go, "Huh?" When I was a kid, when the Disney Channel used to run decent programming, the original version of the Mickey Mouse Club aired before school, and I used to watch it while I got ready for school. Annette became my favorite; she was a fellow Italian girl with curly hair, how could I not dislike her? So when I found this on iTunes several months back, I downloaded it. Yeah, I know this probably could be classified as "bubblegum", but you know what--I DON'T CARE! Bubblegum of the 1960s and 1980s is far superior to 21st century bubblegum!!

7. "The Boy in the Bubble," Paul Simon: This is a track off of the Graceland album. I don't remember hearing this song on the radio as much as I remember the video for it. It was one of the first computer-animated videos, if I recall. I just remember hearing this when Graceland came out, back when I was in 5th grade, and feeling all important because it seemed like such a serious song. It is a powerful song, and with Paul Simon, you really can't go wrong. (Which reminds me, did I ever download "You Can Call Me Al?")

8. "Voulez-Vous," ABBA: Ha! Told you there'd be ABBA here! I didn't learn about ABBA till I was in college and I first heard their music. One of my friends freshman year had the "ABBA Gold" CD and loaned it to me. I then dubbed it onto tape, and my musical tastes haven't been the same since. Now if you think I grew up never listening to music, you're wrong. I listened to whatever was on the radio either in my parents' car or when I was getting ready for school. It wasn't till college when I discovered a lot of the classic acts that I now adore, such as ABBA.

9. "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'," the Righteous Brothers: How could you not like this song? This played on WDRC all the time when I was growing up. Mama Cat and Sister Kitten loved listening to this station. Me, not so much when I was younger, but I like to listen to it now. At my last middle school dance, when I was in 8th grade, this song played, and I remember my history teacher and her husband slow dancing to this song. My friends and I just kept staring at them going, "I can't believe they're dancing like that--at a middle school dance!"

10. "Welcome Back," John Sebastian: I loved watching Welcome Back, Kotter as a kid. It was one of my favorite TV shows, and it's one of the all-time great TV themes. I kept thinking of this song when I first started teaching. Whenever I stepped into my classroom that first year, there were times that I couldn't believe that I was standing in front of the room as opposed to sitting in one of those little desks. There was a Welcome Back, Kotter marathon on TV Land when I got cable in my first apartment, two weeks after I moved in. I took it as a sign.

Well, that's my iPod meme! Jenners, thanks for such a clever meme! I liked it so much, I have decided to add a bonus track:

11. "One," Original Broadway Cast of A Chorus Line: This popped up on the shuffle just as I was concluding this meme. I felt it was appropriate to end with this; see #2 for why. After all, it's the finale to the musical, as well as this meme!

Kitten's first original meme

The very funny blog The Scattered Mind of a Tattooed Minivan Mom is sponsoring a "Make Your Own Meme Monday." I love memes, and I thought, how could I not participate?

I don't know how original this one is; I would not be surprised if Crazy Sam wrote something like this, or if Judd stole it one Sunday. But here we go...play along if you'd like...

THE FIRST CAR MEME

1. What was your first car?

My first car was a 1994 Ford Tempo. White. Four doors. My friends christened it "The Cop Car."

2. How did you acquire said car?

It was a 21st birthday present from my parents.

3. Were you involved in choosing the car?

No, but I was pretty damn grateful that I had a vehicle.

4. Did you go on any road trips?

I drove out to Cleveland with a friend of mine for another friend's graduation party. We split the driving. On the way out we drove five hours, bunked at a Travelodge, then drove the rest of the way the next day. On the way back we drove all 10 hours the same day, with pit stops for meals.

5. Did you ever get into an accident in the car?

No accidents, although the fuel pump went after I had it for a month.

6. Did you use the car for any--ahem--"romantic activities"?

Uhhh...no. I drove a Tempo, remember? We all know that Ford Tempos were real guy magnets. :P

7. How many miles were you able to put on the car before its demise?

I had 120,000 miles on it, or thereabouts. And then it started falling apart on me. First it wouldn't start, and then the tranny started going...that's when I got the car I have today.

8. How did the car meet its demise?

See #7.

9. Do you miss your first car?

Yes, because it was my first car. No, because it gave me a lot of problems toward the end.

10. Fondest memories of the car?

Just having the feeling of independence that comes with having your first vehicle. I'd roll the windows down in the summer, turn the radio all the way up, and sing along. I'd take the long way home just so I could drive a little while longer. Add a few friends in the back, singing along with you, and you've got some good times.

***UPDATED TO ADD: If you would like to use this meme, make sure you link your post back to this one! Thanks!***

Jenners interviews Kitten

My bloggy friend Jenners recently posted an interview meme on her blog. Anyone who wanted to participate had to leave an interview request in the comments section. Part of the fun of this meme is that the interviewer E-mails you five questions, which you have to answer and post in your blog.

I thought it would be fun to participate, so here it is!

1. What book do you remember fondly from childhood? Why was it important to you?

Well, like most of my memories, I tend to remember things in threes (probably because I was born on the third day of the third month). There are three books from my childhood that stand out: Charlotte's Web, The Trumpet of the Swan, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. These were the first chapter books I ever read. My second grade teacher, Mrs. Werner, read it to my class. She always read books in such a calm, loving way; she never gave the characters funny voices, but let us use our imaginations as to how the characters would sound. She'd stop at various places and ask us questions about the story.

Mrs. Werner encouraged us to get our own copies of the books she read so we could follow along. Sometimes, she'd stop reading and let one of us read aloud. We always fought over that.

Mrs. Werner is the one of the reasons why I'm such an avid reader today. She helped me develop a passion for reading, and always had such wonderful books on her shelves.

2. What do you think are the five most beautiful words in the English language? (you can pick from meaning or from pure sound or both).

This is a tough one! I can easily pick out my favorite words in either French or Spanish, but I take my native tongue for granted! Let's see...

• serendipity: I like the sound and its definition. They're both romantic.
• cacophony: I like the sound and definition. It's a neat-sounding word that describes something that doesn't sound neat at all!
• gardenia: It's one of my favorite flowers.
• paradise: I love this word because it means so many things to so many different people. Paradise can range anywhere, or be anything, from a tropical island, to a room full of books, to being in a field of sunflowers in Tuscany.
• sunflower: Another one of my favorite flowers! I love this word because it describes exactly what a sunflower is.

3. What author/s do you particularly enjoy reading? Why?

I love Bill Bryson. He has such a great sense of humor, and I love the way he tells stories. He's got so many interesting tales to tell about his travels.

Lucy Maud Montgomery has been a favorite since I was a child. She wrote such wonderful, beautiful stories about what it was like to be a child. She really understood how kids acted and conveyed it well on the written page. She also wrote in a way that made you feel as if you were a part of the community, as if you were catching up on the latest bit of gossip.

And of course, Anne of Green Gables and the entire Anne series remain some of my favorite books to this very day.

Laura Ingalls Wilder is an author I knew about as a kid, but I didn't get to fully appreciate her books until two summers ago, when I bought all of the Little House books at a used book store. I devoured each and every one. They are very sweet, tender books.

I also love Barbara Kingsolver. I got hooked on her book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, and very quickly purchased most of her novels right after I finished. The Poisonwood Bible is on my Chunkster Challenge list. I can't wait to read it!

4. What was one of the weirdest dreams you ever had?

The weirdest dreams I've ever had have usually been under the influence of some illness or medication, or a combination of both. The one that really stands out occurred in 1996, shortly after I began my semester abroad in Paris. I came down with a cold and had to go to the pharmacy to buy medication. I went back to the apartment, took the medicine, and went to bed. I fell asleep very quickly, and slept very deeply for three hours.

I don't remember all of the details of my dream, but I do remember that it involved Carol Burnett, Kermit the Frog, and a lot of psychedelic colors and funky music. I do blame it on the medication! There must be a few ingredients in European meds that are different than their American counterparts.

By the way, when I woke up, my cold was gone.

5. Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging shortly after the school year ended in June of 2007. I had originally started this blog to post all of my book reviews, since that summer, I was reading a lot more than I had in previous summers of my adult life. I wrote five posts in 2007. Later that summer, a personal and financial crisis began in my life, and I stepped away from blogging for a while.

In May of 2008, I joined a book club, and decided to revive my efforts. I started blogging about books again, but as I kept writing, I realized I had a lot more to say. I drifted away from the books for a while as I discovered my voice, and as I tried to find some direction for my blog.

I discovered memes last December and started participating in those. As a result, I started to get a following. I also discovered a lot more blogs that I otherwise would never have found. I also started paying attention to the "Blogs of Note" to see what else was out there. Through this feature, I found the blog Reading Adventures, and through that, I found J.Kaye's blog.

J.Kaye's blog had a lot of reading challenges, and I decided to sign up for them, since I wandered so far from my blog's original focus.

Now I feel as if I've got a good balance between book reviews and personal stuff. I enjoy working on the blog; writing has become a great form of therapy, and I've met a lot of great people whom I would not have met otherwise. I love to write as much as I love to read.

*******************

And now that this interview is finished, it's YOUR turn! I'd like the opportunity to interview some of you!!! Here are the directions, copied from Jenners' blog:

1. Leave me a comment saying, “Interview me.”
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. (I get to pick the questions).
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Thanks for this opportunity, Jenners! I hope you guys get a chance to play along!

TAG--I'm it!!!!

The fabulous drollgirl tagged me for this one! Merci, mon amie!!

1) What are the 3 things you would save out of your burning house?
My two cats, my purse, and my cell phone.

2) What was the last thing you read/are currently reading?
Street Gang: The Complete Sesame Street, by Michael Davis

3) Do you nap a lot?
Not as often as I used to.

4) Who was the last person you hugged?
A friend of mine at church.

5) Where would you like to be at this very moment?
Someplace warm and sunny.

6) What is the last thing you said out loud?
"Hi guys!" Greeting to the cats upon coming home this evening.

7) What websites do you always visit when you go online?
CNN, Facebook, and Blogger.

8) What was the last item you bought?
An oil change and a tire rotation. OK, I know...a refill for my Advair.

9) What is your most challenging goal?
To lose weight.

10) If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished, anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Tuscany...beautiful, beautiful Tuscany...

11) Favorite Vacation spot?
I adore the Mexican Riviera...Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cabo...take me back!

12) Say something to the person who tagged you:
Drollgirl, I heart your blog! You are open, honest, and funny!

13) Name one thing you just can't resist no matter how bad it is for you:
Cheez Its.

14) What is your favorite item of clothing?
My Lees.

15) Favorite pair of shoes you keep going back to over and over, even though your closet is over flowing with a zillion others?!
I have a pair of comfy fleece sliders that I wear nearly everywhere. They are soooo warm during the winter!

16) Name one thing you can not live with out:
Humor.

17) What do you envy?
I try not to spend too much time envying things. That having been said...people who get to travel to exotic places at the drop of a hat.

18) If you could only have one 3 course meal for eternity,what would it be?
My favorite meal made by my mom: pork chops with mustard, homemade mac n' cheese, and homemade applesauce. My mouth's watering just thinking about it.

19) If you could have one superhuman power, what would it be?
The ability to read minds.

20) If you could contribute to any charitable organization, what would it be, and why?
I'd like to join the cause for pancreatic cancer research. It doesn't get that much attention, and it's what killed my maternal grandmother. She was 60.

And now...I tag thee:

NurseExec
Hula
Jenners

If you've been tagged, all you have to do is follow these two steps:
Step 1: Respond and rework — Answer the questions on your own blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your own invention, add one more question of your own.
Step 2: Tag other people.

And if you weren't tagged, and you'd like to play along...you're welcome to do that, too!