Sunday Stealing - They're Coming To Take Me Away

Feel free to link up here every Sunday.

The Generic Meme

1. What did you want to be when you were little?
I wanted to be a police officer, like my mom.  Or, one of Charlie's Angels.  

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2. Would you prefer to have a large group of friends, or a small group of friends? Why?  
I have both.  I have a large circle of friends that I communicate with and keep up with.  I also, however, have a small circle of intimate friends that I can count on for anything, call in a moment's notice, know that if they are in need -- I'm someone they count on.  You know the whole "a friend in need..." is true.  Nothing says friendship like having a bull dog slip ya a card with his toe... 

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3. What is your fashion “style”? Or what type of clothes do you wear on a daily basis?
I am sans style.  I hate to shop.  I, therefore, am not trendy.  My style is "comfort" and that can mean different things at different times.  Sweats, yoga pants, baseball pants, jeans, flannel.  Oh wait.. Flannel PAJAMAS!  Now THAT is my fashion choice. 

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4. If you could live anywhere where would you live?
Colorado.  Period.

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5. What is your biggest hope for the next year?
This IS the next year .... I mean, it's ONLY January 6, so I'm going to assume you're speaking of 2014.  My biggest hope is that I get Crohn's under control, get regular, peaceful, restful sleep and become a regular at the gym again.  

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6. When you pass by reflective surfaces do you check yourself out?  
Yes.  Generally speaking, I don't like what I see.

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7. Favorite genre of movie as well as TV show?
I like anything that lets me lose myself... it can be any genre.  I enjoy a good western like Open Range like I do a romantic comedy like When Harry Met Sally as much as a sci-fi like Lord of The Rings or a drama like The Untouchables.

8. Top favorite books? (limit of 5)
I don't do favorites.  I can give you some of my favorites, but they're necessarily my top 5.  

1) The Harry Potter (SERIES).  I refuse to select one as "the" best.  While there are some better than others, I'm lumping them together in one grouping.  

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2) The Lord of the Ring and the Hobbit -- pretty much anything dealing with Middle Earth

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3)  Hamlet by Shakespeare

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4) Little Women

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5) A Light in the Attic

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9. Have you ever taken a cooking class?
Absolutely.  Loved it.  

10. What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Organized.  Opinionated.  Tired.

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11. Favorite animal?
Lola.

How can you NOT love this little face?

12. What is your dream job?
I'm not sure.  

I could be all pie-eyed and say, I'm a mother, I already HAVE the best job ever... but that would be a complete load of bull malarky because unless you just LOVE repeated trips to Wal-Mart, the carpool lane, picking the SAME SHIT UP OVER AND OVER AND OVER and bringing people into the world who want to roll their eyes, throw all their clothes in their closet floor, can't make it in the toilet to SAVE THEIR LIVES and begin every conversation with "Mom, what's for _______" [insert meal time in blank], it really ISN'T the "best" job in the world.  Writing a brief to the Supreme Court is easier than this gig.  Seriously.

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13. If you could go back in history to any moment that you did not live, what would it be and why?
Wow.... the 50s would be quite cool.  Greasers... doowap music...

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However, I would love to go across country in the days of the early pioneers... you know, all Laura Ingalls - Little House On The Prairie.  

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or the roaring 20s era in New York City...

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... I can't decide.  You can't make me.

14. If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Why?

This... would be fun.  You could hope for super strength -- like Mr. Incredible.  You could hope to fly -- like Superman.  You could want to turn invisible, but wouldn't you have to be naked to do that?  Hmmm.... I'm thinking being able to read minds... though that would probably just piss me off.  Flying would be overrated because you're only as comfortable as the weather you're flying in.  To control things with your mind -- now THAT would be a great way to mess with people.  I think invisible would be pretty cool.  Yes, I could be the ULTIMATE spy... and so now, my answer to #12 is done as well.  

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15. What is your favorite movie?
Again with the favorites.  I don't have "a" favorite anything.  

16. What is your best childhood memory?
Summers with my cousin, Laura, at my grandmother's house.

17. What is your favorite part about blogging?
The creative outlet, the memory keeping, the ability to make someone laugh.

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18. What is your favorite quote?
This, too, shall pass.

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19. What song do you feel like describes your life the best? Why?
They're Coming To Take Me Away



20. Would you describe yourself as shy or outgoing?
Outgoing.  However, it certainly depends on the situation, location and audience.  I'm very capable of blending in. I'm a social chameleon.

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Believe

One of the disadvantages of taking a blogging hiatus is that you don't get to take part in sharing little pieces of yourself for the word to read.  Did you not just miss your daily dose of awesomeness?  Ha!

I missed Saturday 9!  I love music.  I love a well thought out meme.  I LOVE THIS meme ... because it's always about music!  Today's topic -- CHER!


1) In 1998, Cher became the oldest woman to top the Billboard Hot 100 with "Believe." She was 52 at the time. At what age do you think you did hit/will hit your prime?  I will never reach my "prime" because I have no intentions of growing up.  Ever.  I think 41 is a good age.  Oh, hey, what a coincidence!  I AM 41.

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2) Cher is as well known for her outrageous outfits as for her singing. What's the latest piece of clothing you added to your wardrobe?  I got this AWESOME sweatshirt from this AMAZING shop on Etsy.  Everyone must go buy one NOW.  We should all wear them at the same time.  Power to the pooches!  

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3) Cher credits her unique looks to her diverse ethnicity. Her father was Armenian and her mom is English/German/Cherokee. From where did your ancestors come?  She should credit her looks to plastic surgery.  To be honest, however, I have no idea the true source of my lineage.  I know there are Chocktaw Indian bloodlines through my family but to see my pasty white ass and assume I have any "red" blood coursing through these veins is laughable, at best.  Heyyyyyyy, maybe I should use that type of "native american" lineage on some type of application to get preferential treatment.  Now there's an idea!  

4) When she was a little girl, Cher produced and starred in a schoolyard production of Oklahoma. Were you involved in drama or theater in school?  Yes.  It began very young.  My sister and I loved to sing and dance.  We used to put on musicals, plays, magic shows and such for our family.  We would dance to and with the Solid Gold dancers.  If you're too young to remember THESE days, your childhood really must have sucked.



Then I started school.  I was a major part in every school play we had and generally always had a major role and/or a solo singing line.  School choir.  Drama.  Who's who... you name it.  I was in the middle of it. Then you move on in life... and hit the bars to sing LOTS and LOTS of karaoke with friends... won a lot of money doing that.  Good times... good times!

5) Cher is open about her plastic surgery, speaking freely about having had her breasts 'done', her nose bobbed and her teeth straightened. If you could change one physical feature about yourself, which would it be? And what would you never change, under any circumstances?  I would LOVE to have a breast reduction.  I don't care what ANY man says, there IS such a thing as TOO MUCH of a good thing.  And when you're quite petite (as I am, 5'2"), anything over a C is WAAAAAY too much.  I realize this is TMI but... you asked. :)  Boob job.  There ya have it.

6) There's a stubborn rumor, often denied, that Cher had a rib removed so that she could maintain her long and lean silhouette. What's the most outrageous thing anyone has said of you?  I tend to dismiss most anything anyone says about me frankly because I don't care.  

7) When she was a kid, Cher practiced her autograph. Do you have a clear, legible signature? Or is it more of a scrawl?  My signature is a scribble... it looks something similar to a star.  I hate signing my name.  

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8) Cher asks, "Do you believe in life after love?" Crazy Sam's question is easier and less profound: Do you believe in luck?  Do I believe in luck?  While that may seem a simple question on the surface, it's actually quite thought provoking.  Luck, by definition, is some outside force that could BY CHANCE bring about good fortune.  So it's almost a sort of superstitious thing to wish someone "good luck," but I do it all the time.  I'm NOT superstitious   I think to say "good luck" is just another way of saying, "I hope things go well for you."  

However, if you want to delve into the whole spiritual aspect of it, and I have before, Christians shouldn't believe in luck because everything in their lives isn't left to luck but is actually already known by the creator of life and all within its realm.  In sports, is it LUCK that makes a running back catch the ball and run in for a touchdown or is it merely a series of unfortunate mistakes on the opposing team that allows such a thing to happen?  Or, is it just skill?  

On the surface, I do NOT believe in luck -- that there are any forces at play helping decide anyone's fate one way or the other.  Do I SAY "good luck" to people?  Yes.  Not because I want them to believe I think there are any supernatural aligning of the cosmos for an outcome to weigh in their favor, I just want them to know that I'm pulling for them and it's a lot easier to say than explaining all of the above.

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9) Did you make any resolutions for 2014?  Nope.

Play along... you know you wanna!  Click below for the next Saturday 9!

You gotta fight... for your right!!!

Five Minute Friday

You're given a key word. You write in a stream-of-consciousness for five minutes flat and BAM. Post it! What an awesome way to grease those creative wheels, no?

Without further delay...The word:  Fight

I have three boys.  If more than one is awake at a time, there isn't a matter of IF, just of WHEN a fight will ensue.  I hate it.  I love peace and harmony (and quiet).  I realize this is a healthy way to establish a pecking order.  This is how they learn their role.  This is also how they manage to get under my skin.  They fight over one touching the other.  They fight over who has to do a chore.  They fight over the remote control.  They fight over nothing.  They fight.  They fight.  They fight because they're IN a fight.

I have three dogs.  They love to play.  Every.Single.Night before bed, they fight.  Their "fight" is more fun.  I think it helps them sleep better.  I guess I don't mind theirs so much -- even though it's IN and ON my bed and completely disrupts my reading -- because I am not having to intervene in any way, shape or form NOR do I have to listen to tears, whining and then give them the "are you freakin kidding me" look.  I'm really good at that, by the way.

Also associated with this word -- fight -- is what many people are doing this time of year. Everyone is involved in some sort of a fight.

Fighting with their waistlines.  (I overindulged over the holidays. I need to shed those holiday pounds.  My pants are too snug.  I need to lose weight.  I need to eat better.)

Fighting colds.  (The flu is running rampant.  Strep throat is going around.)

Fighting credit card bills.  (I spent too much at Christmas.  This was supposed to be 6 months no interest.  I thought YOU paid the bill!  Etc.)

Fighting the cold.  (There is a Nor'easter blowing through New England right now.  It's BITTER cold there!)

I think if you live life to the fullest, a fight is necessary.  You need to fight.  For your right... to PAARRRRRTY!  (Okay, sorry, I just had to say that).

You HAVE to fight....and to keep the fight alive INSIDE you... without it, what's the point of living?  Right?

Besides, at the end of the day, the only one 100% on your side -- is YOU!  Therefore, YOU have to be worth fighting for... because while we are all our worst enemies, we are are all our inner voice, our strength, our fight.

Thursday 13

I have a minivan.

I have a minivan with a DVD player.

I have a three year old.

I have a three year old who loves movies.

I have memorized almost every line of the following 13 movies.

Welcome... to my Thursday Thirteen.  (Say that like Fantasy Island (if you're old enough to even know what that even means!)

1. Toy Story
2. Toy Story 2
3. Finding Nemo
4. The Incredibles
5. Cars
6. Shrek
7. Shrek 2
8. Monsters, Inc.
9. Mary Poppins
10. Robin Hood
11. Jungle Book
12. Peter Pan
13. Shark Tale

One Little Word 2014

Every year I choose a theme word to give me something to hold onto during times that may be challenging... or to give me direction on where I think my attention needs to be channeled.

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There is a woman who started the whole "One Little Word" movement.  Her name is Ali Edwards (that's her quote above).  For those of you out there who may not be in the scrapbooking world, she's a pioneer in the industry and one that continues to amaze and surprise me.  Mostly, however, she inspires me!

There is a new generation of people out there who have also started a One Word 365 movement.  They are located here.  It's a pretty unique concept in that you are grouped into "tribes" with others who share the same one word journey as you.  It could be quite interesting to see what direction others take with their word.  It could inspire you.

However, without further delay... my word for 2014:  FOCUS

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I have an incredible amount of energy.  I have an incredible amount of projects.  I have several time-intensive hobbies.  I have a lot I want to learn.  I love Facebook.  I have three children.  I have a husband.  I have a family.  I have three dogs.  I have demands on me, my time, my talents... and sometimes I lose focus.  I'm hoping to use my journey with my word to remind myself sometimes to focus on the task at hand.... other times to focus on what truly matters... and yet other times to focus on what the end result will be.

I'm back!

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Another new year, another new blog post.  Yay me!

To be quite honest, I have had the itch to write for some time now, but I hadn't taken the opportunity to act upon it because I thought I would wait for the new year since it was just around the corner.

>>>HYPOCRITE ALERT<<<

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However, you see, I'm in quite of a hypocritical conundrum.  I have always thought it absurd for anyone to wait to do anything because of some anecdotal superstition that New Years Resolutions must be made.  While I think it silly for people to wait until after any particular "day" to start something new ... like "I'm going to start exercising after the new year" or "I'll quit... [insert bad habit du jour here]" AFTER THE NEW YEAR, I actually WAS waiting for 1/1/14 to begin my blog journey again.

But generally speaking why anyone would feel the need to wait for something to happen until "after the new year"... I see that as a complete excuse.  A butt-ugly excuse.  Excuses are like assholes.  Everyone has them.  They all stink.

If you want to make a change.

BE THE CHANGE.

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Make it now.

Because a year from now, you will have wish you had started TODAY.

However, knowing how I feel about resolutions, and then using the new year as a built in snooze button for my creative endeavors makes me feel like somewhat of a hypocrite because I was waiting to start blogging again until after the new year.  Even so, I don't have a goal to blog every day.  I just have a goal to blog regularly.

I'm starting my Project Life / Capture Your 365 project today.  I love these journeys.

I've completely streamlined my daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually.... and other tasks lists so that they're completely digital and integrated within my Google calendar.  I'm so happy to have found this awesome app called Remember The Milk.  It's taken me from paper checklists to a portable digital checklist.  Have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE lists... checklists and reminders so that I don't forget to complete said lists?  This app is awesome.

I've taken control of my calendar again and have actually scheduled in blocks and chunks of time for my interests, hobbies, educational outlets, volunteering and such.  My time is valuable and I must use it wisely.  Thanks to Erin Condren I am able to do it more colorfully than ever before!

I have set lofty goals -- a lot of them.  They are not, however, tied to a resolution based on a new date in a calendar.  Mine are just goals that I have for my life in general.  I consider a goal an entirely different species from a resolution.

Me?  I don't need a resolution.  I think those are stupid.  People make them and then break them... and go back to their old ways.  They gave it a good run, didn't they?

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However, a goal -- MY goals... they're a journey.  Not just a rule.  I already KNOW that I will stumble and fall.  The difference between those making resolutions and me is that I can guarantee one thing... I don't give up.  If you make a resolution -- you will fail at reaching it.  I only fail if I don't pick myself back up, dust myself off and try again.  You only fail when you quit trying.  

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So, cheers to you all and your resolutions. Happy 2014.  I hope you make it your best one yet!