Have you ever...

I saw this meme and thought it looked interesting. I've done one of these before, but the list is different, so I wanted to do this one too! My code is listed below:


Bold and Blue - the ones I've done and am glad I did
Light Blue - the ones I've done and am not proud of
Shaded to Gray - the ones I haven't done and don't want to do
Bold and Red - the ones I haven't done and want to do


1. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
2. Swam with dolphins
3. Climbed a mountain
4. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
5. Been inside the Great Pyramid
6. Held a tarantula
7. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
8. Said 'I love you' and meant it
9. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby's diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly could
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing (do the rock climbing walls count?)
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them (does it count if it was in an airport?)
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your cds
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Posed nude in front of strangers
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Gone white water rafting
82. Been on television news programs as an "expert"
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Had a one-night stand
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror.
96. Raised children.
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Created and named your own constellation of stars
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived.
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Petted a stingray
110. Broken someone's heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Petted a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey
135. Selected one "important" author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146: Dyed your hair
147: Been a DJ
148: Shaved your head
149: Caused a car accident
150: Saved someone's life

A little fun

Take the quiz at: http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/book7exam

Getting to Know You Day - Create A Connection

Today's Getting to Know You question is: If you could have a redo moment in your life, would you do it and what would it be? Not changing history drastically-it's all just a what if.

My only "what if" is something that would have changed history dramatically (at least my own history!) My redo moment would be the day I chose to go to college locally instead of going to New York to follow my dreams. I stupidly chose to go to a local school because my boyfriend (who later became my husband, who later became my ex husband) was going there and I couldn't stand the idea of going somewhere far away from him. When I look back on my life, that is the one regret. I didn't follow my dreams when I had the chance. Who knows how it might have turned out? I might have been accepted into a performing arts program somewhere and I might have had a nice career in theatre, or I might have spent several years auditioning and not getting any parts. But either way, I would have tried and then I wouldn't have that one regret today.

I've been tagged!

My lovely new friend Nina tagged me, so here goes!

First: List 7 random facts/habits about yourself.

1. I am becoming just like my mother, and I'm not upset about that!
2. I like to eat Hershey's chocolate and cheddar cheese together for a snack (really, it's good!)
3. Three times in my life, I've a dream that someone died, and then three days later, they did.
4. I dream in vivid color and surround sound.
5. My favorite perfume is Beautiful.
6. I have a countdown clock on my computer desktop. It is counting down the days until my summer vacation and the release of the last Harry Potter book.
7. I have a collection of postcards from everywhere I've been. One day, I'm going to do something really cool with them, but I haven't figured out what yet.

Second: Choose another SEVEN bloggers to tag and list their names in your blog.

1. Chris
2. MD
3. Devon
4. Erin
5. Jenn
6. Ed
7. Jaybizz

Third: Leave your seven tagged bloggers comments to notfiy them of their tagging and to direct them to your blog for tag instructions.

Getting to know you day at CaC

Here is today's question:

If someone from your local community college approached you about teaching a class, would you do it? What subject? Would there be field trips? What books would be required reading? Any guest lecturers?

My answer? That's a tough one! I'm not sure I know enough about anything to actually teach a class on it! If I knew more about writing, I'd want to teach a class in it. Maybe one day I'll have enough experience to actually do that. I suppose I could teach public speaking. I think I'd make a good public speaking teacher because I have helped people become comfortable speaking in front of a crowd before. Also, I think it would be really interesting to see what people decided to speak about!

If I were to teach a class at a 4-year university (not a leisure studies-type class at a community college) I would want to do a media training class for public relations students. It would be set up like a workshop. Every week, the journalism students and the public relations students would be split into pairs (one of each per pair) and they would be given a crisis situation to deal with. The journalism students would spend the week figuring out how to get the story from the public relations students, and the public relations students would spend the week coming up with a crisis communication strategy. At the end of the week, they would play out the scenario in front of the class, each dealing with the crisis in whatever way they see fit. This, of course, is based on something I learned when I got out of school... nothing we studied prepared me for crisis communication! I've actually decided to start this class if I ever manage to get my Master's degree and actually teach!

have you ever...

I saw this on another blog and thought it was cool, so here goes.

The ones I've done are red
The ones I haven't done are black
The ones I haven't done but want to do are blue.

Have You Ever:

01. Seen the Grand Canyon
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath
08. Said I love you and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby's diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Eaten alligator
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Been to Austria
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Taken a midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sang karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an expert
83. Gotten flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Been in a marching band
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Passed out cold
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Driven on the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Ridden on a boat down the Danube River
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone's heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Dyed your hair
115. Shaved your head
116. Caused a car accident
117. Been elected to public office
118. Skipped all your school reunions
119. Built your own PC from parts
120. Gone back to school
121. Read the Iliad and the Odyssey
122. Ridden a horse
123. Eaten Kangaroo meat
124. Had stitches
125. Toured castles in Europe
126. Had your picture in the newspaper
127. Eaten sushi
128. Sold your own artwork to someone you didn't know
129. Published a book
130. Written poetry
131. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
132. Fired a rifle, shot gun or pistol
133. Had major surgery
134. Had a snake as a pet
135. Gone on an African safari
136. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
137. Visited more foreign countries than US states
138. Visited all 7 continents
139. Lived in a foreign country for more than a year
140. Been swimming in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
141. Been to Niagara Falls
142. Lived on both sides of the Mississippi river
143. Sang in a foreign language in front of an audience
144. Taught a child to read
145. Been a DJ

getting to know you day at CaC

I love today's question! It's been interesting looking back and figuring out how to answer it.

Here's the question for today: I want to know what book, movie and song not only changed your life, but also changed the way you thought about the medium. It could have been when you were a child or a teenager or just last week. Anytime in your life.

Book: This one is easy. The book that changed it all for me was Fahrenheit 451. I read this book when I was about 13 years old. It was an assignment for school, and I think every single school in the country... no, every school in the world... should require their students to read this book. Censorship is a dangerous and serious issue, and kids should be taught about it early on, so that they will know how to fight it! I never really thought about censorship and what it can mean for society until I read this book. It really changed the way I thought about the written word, and how important it is to preserve it. Even if I don't agree with what it says.

Movie: Dead Poet's Society. I know, I know... it's a cheesy choice. But when I saw this movie in high school, it made me really think about thinking for myself. It is a beautiful illustration of individual expression and learning to think for yourself. Schools shouldn't teach us what to think, they should teach us how to think, how to come up with original ideas, and how to express our own ideas and ideals. It was one of the first movies that actually made me evaluate the way I think. I always love movies, plays, and television shows that make me think, and Dead Poet's Society is the ultimate movie for that!

Song: This one is more difficult. The song that really changed how I felt about songs was "The Boxer" from Simon and Garfunkle. It tells the most vivid story, and even the music goes along with what's happening in the song. I could close my eyes and see the story progressing, and I could feel what was happening, not just in my mind, but in my body too. Everytime the boxer was hit, I felt the pain. That song still has that effect on me, even after hearing it hundreds of times since that first time. A song that changed the way I think about life, however, is "Seasons of Love" from the musical Rent. The lyrics are so powerful, and they really make me think about life and how I live it. I first heard this song shortly after graduating from high school, in a time when I was sort of trying to figure out what was important in life, and it was the perfect time to be reminded that the only thing that is really important is the love you give to others and the love you get in return. It's a beautiful sentiment and I try to live my life by it.

Create A Connection questions

1. If you could have any magical power for only one hour, what would it be and why?

Any magical power? I think I'd want the power to turn things into something else. I'd go around turning garbage into money so that I could pay off all my bills, give money to everyone I know, and then donate it to worthy charities. I'm sure I'd save enough to buy a house too, lol!

2. You've won a pair of round-trip airline tickets to anywhere in the world. Where would you go, with whom, and why?

I'd go to Paris with Chris. I've always wanted to experience that particular city with him, because he loves it so much!

3. You are stranded in a library or bookstore for 24 hours. In what section do you spend the most time? Why?

Fiction, of course! I would spend a lot of time making a list of the books that sound good, and then I'd pick one out and find a comfy place to read!

4. If you were to be on a reality TV show, which one would it be? Why would you be a good fit for that particular show?

I hate all reality TV, but if I had to be on one, it would be American Idol. I would be a great fit for Idol because I have an excellent singing voice. (unfair advantage, having taken lots of voice lessons, though!)

5. What did you most recently dream or daydream about?

Last night I had a nightmare that the Fundraiser didn't go well. Today at lunch I daydreamed about going to the beach.

Journal Swap!

I had a wonderful time participating in my first swap over at Create A Connection! This month it was a journal swap, and could not be more thrilled about my brand new journal! Judy got my name, and she promptly emailed me asking me about colors and other things I like. I mentioned blues and greens, and also said that I had a fascination for symbols, especially Celtic ones, so she made me this amazing journal cover and put a journal in it! I love this wonderful journal, and have already written in it. In fact, I wrote in it immediately! And here's the great part, she actually dyed the material herself, so this was truly a handmade gift that I will treasure forever, because even when I fill up the journal inside, I can just buy another journal and put the cover on it. So I can use it over and over and over!

Thanks again, Judy, for the beautiful and thoughtful journal! it is truly the perfect journal for me!

Getting to Know You Day - Create A Connection

Today is Getting to Know You Day at Create A Connection, so I thought I would go ahead and post my answers. So here they are! I'll be visiting the other participants later tonight (after play rehearsal) and commenting on their answers. But for now, my answers are...

1. If you had to change your first name, what would you choose as your new name?

I'd actually use my middle name, Elisabeth. Or I would go with Anne because of how much I love Anne of Green Gables.

2. What is your favorite saying, quote, or expression?

My favorite quote is currently: "Be the change you want to see in the world." - Gandhi

3. If you could buy any rare collection in the world, which would you choose? Why?

I am crazy about antique books, so I would find a collection of antique books to buy.

4. If you could fly in a hot-air balloon over any city in the world, what city would you choose? Why that city? Have you visited there before?

Just one city? Can't I choose more than one? There are so many I'd like to fly over in a hot air balloon.

5. What is an item you own that has a minimal monetary value but has such sentimental value that you would not sell it for $5,000?

I have some pins that my grandmother used to wear. They were inexpensive Avon pins that she bought from a lady in her church who sold Avon. They have very little value, but when I look at them I feel close to her and it's almost like she's here with me.

Get to know you day at Create a Connection

I found this cool place called Create a Connection, and today is Get to Know You Day. They post the questions and I post my answers. It's clever and fun, and I just might have to become a regular participant!


What did YOU eat last?
A cheese sandwich and a cherry coke just a few minutes ago.

What about YOUR love life? Anyone special? Tell us about him/her!
What love life?? (lol) There is a guy I think I might be interested in, but there are no details yet. Stay tuned!!!

What is it like where you live?
Hot. Okay, 70 degrees isn't really hot, but I'm already getting prepared for the blistering 98 degrees that we will have in just a couple of months. But that's not very specific, is it? I live in a house, on an acre of land, out in the country. There are several trees in the front yard, as well as some flowering bushes and other plants. The backyard also has several trees and one beautiful wisteria vine. This weekend, I'm putting up a hammock so that I can lay in the shade and read.

What are YOUR favorite features about yourself?
I love my eyes and my voice.

What deep thoughts have YOU been pondering upon?
I've been thinking a lot about the quote from Gandhi: "Be the change you want to see in the world." I've always tried to live my life like that. I try really hard not to complain about things, but to find ways to change the things I want to complain about. On a grand scale, I might not be able to do anything to "change the world," but I can smile at someone, who will hopefully have a better day because they know someone cares. I can help someone when they need it, so that hopefully they will help someone else, who will help someone else. I like to think that's the way it works, anyway.

List 2 random things you love about life:
laughing and singing

How did YOU find out about CAC?
Cara at January One mentioned her interview at Create A Connection, so I popped over and read about it and absolutely loved the idea!

What do YOU love most about spring?
The weather! I love sunshine, thunderstorms, mild temperatures... no hurricanes!

100 things about me

I've seen this on other people's blogs and thought it might be fun. I'm just typing these as they come to me, so they are in no particular order, lol! So here goes...

1. My middle name is Elisabeth.
2. I have an older sister.
3. I'm very close to my parents, especially my mom.
4. When I feel like I'm not in control of my life, I rearrange my furniture.
5. I like the beach during the day, but I love it at night.
6. I'm a writer.
7. I'm an actress.
8. I'm a public relations professional (and the two things above this are useful in that field!)
9. It takes a lot to make me angry.
10. I got married at 19.
11. I got divorced at 22.
12. I'm not desperate for a relationship, but I am at the point where one would be nice.
13. I tend to be a little anal about certain things.
14. The beginnings of these sentences are not lining up and it's starting to annoy me!
15. I don't like tomatoes unless they are on a tomato sandwich or a BLT.
16. I'm a closet sci-fi geek.
17. I studied opera in college and sometimes I sing arias in my car when I'm driving alone.
18. I love jazz.
19. I think roses are beautiful, but also a little sad.
20. I tone down my bubbly personality at work so they won't think I'm an airhead.
21. My favorite book is Fahrenheit 451.
22. My favorite poet is Walt Whitman, favorite poem of his is "O Me, O Life"
23. I can't write poetry.
24. I love "fancy" coffee, but not "regular joe."
25. I play computer games to unwind.
26. When I get mad at someone, I make them a Sim in The Sims 2 and drown them in the pool.
27. I'm not crazy, I promise!
28. I love Italian food.
29. I love accents.
30. I love men.
31. I love to dance, but I'm not very good at it.
32. My favorite painting is Van Gogh's Starry Night.
33. I love Charlie Brown.
34. I have an awesome nephew named Noah, who is the light of my life.
35. I have a beautiful niece named Hannah who is my little princess.
36. My sweet and incredible nephew named Kohl is my cuddle bug.
37. I have horribly embarassing nicknames for my sister's kids, lol!
38. I want to have a child someday.
39. Stress makes me perform better.
40. Sometimes I need to be alone.
41. My sister is constantly trying to fix me up with guys.
42. My sister and I have very different taste in men.
43. I have a few close friends that I've known most of my life.
44. I want to travel the world.
45. I work for a nonprofit and love it.
46. I am 30 years old.
47. I've written 3 novels, but none of them have been accepted for publication yet.
48. I'm determined to get a novel published before I die.
49. I wish I went on more picnics.
50. I'm a hopeless romantic.
51. Chick flicks are my guilty pleasure.
52. Okay, chick lit is a guilty pleasure too!
53. I sometimes wish the book I'm reading would go on after "the end."
54. I get terribly addicted to TV shows.
55. I love to make lists... obviously!
56. I haven't worn a bathing suit in five years.
57. I'm trying a diet and exercise program, but haven't told anyone in case I lapse.
58. I'd rather buy gadgets than clothes.
59. I recently learned to knit, and I love it!
60. I dye my hair.
61. I am not a morning person!
62. I sing in the shower.
63. Show tunes make me happy.
64. I am afraid I will fall in love with the wrong person again.
65. I love the Harry Potter books.
66. I wish I could write a series of books that become that successful.
67. I have an idea that has potential, but it's going to take a lot more work.
68. I do not believe in ghosts.
69. I do believe in spirits.
70. I am a Christian, but I'm not religious.
71. I dislike organized religion.
72. I prefer red wine over white.
73. I hate beer.
74. I sometimes wish I could go back and do things differently.
75. I put people I know into my stories sometimes.
76. I never put myself into my stories.
77. People tell me I look like Drew Barrymore.
78. I wish that was true.
79. I want my life to make a difference in the world.
80. I crave adventure.
81. New experiences are exciting to me, but also a little scary.
82. I Google myself about once a month.
83. When I meet someone new, I Google them when I get home.
84. I love to get comments on my blog!
85. Two years ago, I started taking pictures as a hobby.
86. I carry a camera everywhere I go.
87. My political beliefs are different from most of my family.
88. My IQ is 130
89. I want to go to graduate school.
90. I love hearing other people's stories.
91. I am genuinely interested in people and their lives.
92. I am a Scorpio
93. I was born in the year of the Dragon.
94. My Myers-Briggs personality type is ENFJ.
95. The descriptions for Scorpio and ENFJ are very accurate.
96. I wear contacts (clear, not colored)
97. I am a member of Equality Now
98. Joss Whedon is my hero.
99. I always try to show compassion to everyone.
100. I believe the world would be a better place if nobody had hatred for anyone else.

10 years ago...

Josh had this on his myspace and I thought it was funny, so here goes...

10 Years Ago

1.) How old were you? 20
2.) Where did you go to school? University of Mobile
3.) Where did you work? Thomas Hospital
4.) Where did you live? Mobile
5.) Where did you hang out? Bowling alley (not by choice, Wayne loved bowling and I went along for the ride)
6.) Did you wear glasses? Contacts
7.) Who was your best friend? Rhea (Chris and I fell out of touch during this time)
8.) How many tattoos did you have? none
9.) How many piercings did you have? Does one in each ear count as two? (lol)
10.) What car did you drive? 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier
11.) Had you been to a real party? Sure
12.) Had your heart broken? Of course
13.) Single/Taken/Married/Divorced/Bitter: Married to Wayne (mistake!)

5 years ago

1.) How old were you? 25
2.) Where did you go to school? University of South Alabama
3.) Where did you work? managing editor of The Vanguard (student newspaper)
4.) Where did you live? Fairhope
5.) Where did you hang out? Movies, clubs in Mobile
6.) Did you wear glasses? still contacts
7.) Who was your best friend? Rhea and Chris
8.) Who was your crush? none I can think of
9.) How many tattoos did you have? still none
10.) How many piercings did you have? still just the ears
11) What car did you drive? 2000 Dodge Neon
12.) Had you had your heart broken? not since the divorce
13.) Single/Taken/Married/Divorced/Bitter: Single and happy about it


**March 2007**

1.) How old are you? 30
2.) Where do you work? Bay Area Food Bank (I absolutely love my job!)
3.) Where do you live? Fairhope
4.) Do you wear glasses? considering Lasik surgery to get rid of the contacts!
5.) Who's your best friend? Rhea and Chris (of course!)
6.) Do you talk to your old friends? I've just recently connected with several old friends and it's great to catch up with them!
7.) How many piercings? Still just the earlobes (I'm boring!)
8.) How many tattoos do you have? Still none.
9.) What kind of car do you have? 2006 Honda Civic (I love my car!)
10.) Has your heart been broken? Yes, but it has healed and I don't stress about relationships anymore. There's no reason to do that!
11.) Single/Taken/Married/Divorced/Bitter? Single and loving every minute of it, but I am also finally ready for a good relationship too. I figure if it happens, it happens. If not, that's okay too.

"What do you need to write?"

Devon tagged me with this question, so here goes. I'm with you, Devon. The only thing truly needed is something to write with and something to write on. I do have a particular pen and a particular blank book that I like to write in when I'm writing by hand, and since I carry them everywhere I go, it's easy to get my hands on them, but if inspiration strikes and I don't have them, I'll grab any pencil/pen/crayon/marker or whatever and anything I can write on, whether it is a napkin or some kind of paper and will write away. Most mornings, I write a little at each red light during my commute. Since there are about 10 red lights between my house and the Interstate, it equals about 20 minutes of writing every day (I don't usually count that in my writing time, though!)

Ideally, I would rather use the computer when I'm writing for longer periods of time, mostly because I type faster than I write, although I really enjoy the physical act of writing. I think it's a more creative action than typing, which is more mechanical in my mind. But since it doesn't hinder the flow of creativity and since it's faster which means I'm more productive, I use it most of the time. I always have music playing when I write, usually from my iPod. I plug it into the external speakers and pick a playlist that fits what I'm writing and just listen and write. Sometimes I make a playlist just for each different story I'm writing, so that when I start working on that particular piece, I just choose that playlist. I find music very inspiring, and it can help shape a scene that is unformed in my mind. If I'm writing fairly technical nonfiction, I prefer instrumental because the lyrics distract me. I find myself singing instead of writing! But with fiction, I can listen to anything. With grants, I prefer something Celtic, because it is soothing and wards off the headache I always get when I write grants. I usually write at home, although I do enjoy getting out to a coffee shop every now and then. One reason I prefer writing at home is my chair. It's the most comfortable chair in the world. I bought it when I was doing medical transcription at home and would sit for 8 hours at the computer. Comfort is key when you have to sit that long!

So that's it, and thanks Devon for tagging me! I now tag Ed and Chris. (Chris thinks he's not a "real writer" but I think his words are beautiful!)

Since I don't know anyone who does these I have to search them out. But there's this cool thing about technorati, you can type in any word and find blogs with that word as a tag. I typed in meme and this was one of the first that popped up and I loved it! So here it is.

Greatest Hits for the Year I Turned 18

The Rules
1. Go to popculturemadness.com and find the greatest hits for the year you turned 18.
2. Note that this is totally US-centric and play along only if you're okay with that.
3. Select the first 50.
4. Bold the ones you like.
5. Turn the ones you hate a lighter color.
6. Italicize the ones you are familiar with but neither like nor hate.
7. Leave the ones you don't know as is.

So here are the greatest hits of 1994, the year I turned 18.

1. All I Wanna Do - Sheryl Crow
2. I'll Make Love To You - Boys II Men
3. Turn The Beat Around - Gloria Estefan
4. On Bended Knee - Boys II Men
5. I Like To Move It - Reel 2 Real
6. Crazy - Aerosmith
7. I Swear - John Michael Montgomery (or All-4-One)
8. The Sign - Ace of Base
9. Bootie Call - BLACKstreet
10. Can You Feel The Love Tonight - Elton John
11. Beautiful In My Eyes - Joshua Kadison
12. 100% Pure Love - Crystal Waters
13. At Your Best (You Are Love) - Aaliyah
14. Fantasic Voyage - Coolio
15. Mr Vain - Culture Beat
16. Mr Jones - Counting Crows
17. Power Of Love - Celene Dion
18. Another Night - Real McCoy
19. Whatta Man - Salt N Pepa
20. Endless Love - Mariah Carey & Luthor Vandross
21. What's Up - DJ Miko
22. Here Comes The Hotstepper - Ini Kamoze
23. All For Love - Bryan Adams, Sting, Rod Stewart
24. All Apolgies - Nirvana
25. Action - Terror fabulous
26. Return To Innocence - Enigma
27. Always - Bon Jovi
28. Back and Forth - Aaliyah
29. Prayer For The Dying - Seal
30. Moving On Up - M People
31. I'll take You There - General Public
32. What's My Name - Snoop Doggy Dogg
33. Amazing - Aerosmith
34. Laid - James
35. All I Want Is You - U2
36. Without You - Mariah Carey
37. Wild Night - John Melloncamp & Me'Shell NdegeOcello
38. Regulate - Warren G & Nate Dogg
39. Don't Turn Around - Ace of Base
40. Love Is All Around - Wet Wet Wet
41. Having A Party - Rod Stewart & Ronnie Wood
42. Basket Case - Green Day
43. Anytime You Need A Friend - Mariah Carey
44. The Most Beautiful Girl In The World - Prince
45. Bump 'N Grind - R. Kelly
46. Come To My Window - Melissa Ethridge
47. Loser - Beck
48. Mary Jane's Last Dance - Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
49. Rock and Roll Dreams Come Through - Meatloaf
50. Self Esteem - The Offspring

Because I have nothing to say..

This is a "Friday Five" meme that I found online. I thought it was cool, and since I have nothing else to say, I thought I would answer the questions.

1. What job do you have, and why do you like/hate it?
Public relations and development professional for a nonprofit hunger relief organization in Alabama. I love my job! I enjoy doing public relations and event planning, especially when I'm in charge of the events! Development is fun too, although I'm still learning about it. Grant writing is especially interesting to me (and I appear to be good at it, so that's a plus!)

2. As a kid, what did you want to be when you "grew up?"
I wanted to be an actress. Specifically on Broadway. Specifically the roles of Eponine in Les Miserables and Christine in Phantom of the Opera. But really, I just wanted any possible role, as long as I could sing and act on stage.

3. Is the job you have now anything like what you imagined as a kid?
Not really. Well, in a way I'm always on stage while at work, especially when dealing with the media.

4. Do you have a five-year career plan?
Yes. In five years, I would like to be director of marketing and/or public relations and/or development for a nonprofit. In ten years, I want to be the executive director of a nonprofit. Of course, throughout all this, I will continue my writing and will hopefully have some books published by then.

5. In order to get the job of your dreams, is there anything you wouldn't do? Why?
There are lots of things I wouldn't do. I have certain morals and standards that I will not go against. No job is worth compromising my principles.

A bunch of questions

I don't usually do this, but I liked this one so I decided to go ahead...

in the last 24 hours:

• Had sex: no
• Bought somethng: yes
• Gotten sick: no
• Sang: yes (almost all the time)
• Been kissed: sadly, no
• Ate something: yes
• Felt stupid: of course
• Talked to an ex: no
• Missed someone: I miss my friend Chris on a daily basis...

Last person who...

• slept or laid in bed with you: Winnie the Pooh (stuffed animal, not kinky costume)
• saw you cry: my mom
• made you cry: an ex
• went to the movies with you: Rhea
• went to the mall with you: Beverly

Have you ever...

• said I love you and meant it: yes
• got into a fight with your pet: when I was a kid
• been to New York: yes (loved it!)
• been to Mexico: no (want to)
• been to Canada: yes (loved it!)
• been to Europe: no, but hopefully soon!
• been to Japan: no (want to)
• been to Italy: no (want to)

Assorted questions:

• do you have a crush on someone: maybe...
• what books are you reading: Pattern Recognition, The Girls Guide to Power and Success
• worst feeling in the world: being betrayed
• future kids names: Elisabeth Rhea, Anne Victoria, Christopher (middle name unknown)
• do you sleep with a stuffed animal: aforementioned Winnie the Pooh
• what's under your bed: books, board games, and hidden secrets
• favorite sport to watch: figure skating
• location: Alabama
• piercings: ears
• do you drink: I love a good wine with dinner
• what are you most worried about right now: my sister
• where do you want to get married: on a beach
• who do you really hate: people who hate (lol, but it's true)
• do you like being around people: most of the time
• have you ever cried: mostly at sad movies
• are you lonely right now: yes
• song that is stuck in your head: Sinnerman by Nina Simone
• played strip poker: no
• has anyone said you look like a celebrity: yes, Drew Barrymore
• been drunk for more than 2 days straight: no way
• have you ever done an all-nighter: when I was in school I did a few of those
• Been on radio or TV: yes and yes
• been in in a mosh-pit: yes (long time ago)
• do you have any gay/lesbian friends: yes
• can you dance: I'm really bad but I still love to dance.
• What is your favorite smell: chocolate chip cookies in the oven
• What is the first things you notice about the opposite sex: eyes (not the color, the light)
• Name someone with the same birthday as you: Mickey Mouse!

Yet another quiz...

1) Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 18, find line 4. Write down what it says.
"The bottle was empty." (Fahrenheit 451)

2) Stretch your left arm out as far as you can. What do you touch first?
A bookshelf filled with my favorite books.

3) What is the last thing you watched on TV?
Right now, I'm watching my Angel DVDs. Season 5.

4) WITHOUT LOOKING, guess what the time is.
About 10 p.m.

5) Now look at the clock, what is the actual time?
10:11 p.m.

6) With the exception of the computer, what can you hear?
The TV is on, playing the episode called "A Hole In the World" from the TV series Angel.

7) When did you last step outside? What were you doing?
Returning to my car to get my cell phone, about three hours ago.

8) Before you came to this website, what did you look at?
Checked my email.

9) What are you wearing?
T-shirt from my trip to LA last summer and a pair of gym shorts.

10) Did you dream last night?
I dream every night. Last night it was about my grandmother's house. It was odd, as my dreams tend to be, lol.

11) When did you last laugh?
I was just watching "Smile Time," the episode of Angel. It's hilarious!!!

12) What is on the walls of the room you are in?
Lots of pictures of my sister's kids, a print of Starry Night (my favorite painting) a Serenity poster and a Lord of the Rings poster.

13) Seen anything weird lately?
Nothing too strange... my life is pretty normal.

14) What do you think of this quiz?
It's pretty cool.

15) What is the last film you saw?
Silent Hill, in the theaters last week. I didn't really enjoy it.

16) If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy first?
A house.

17) Tell us something about you that we don't know.
I don't eat seafood.

18) If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do?
Get rid of the hatred and anger.

19) Do you like to dance?
I love to dance, but I'm not very good at it!

20) What was the last CD you purchased?
The soundtrack to Veronica Mars. Great music.

21) Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her?
Kaylee Anne or Elisabeth Rhea

22) Imagine your first child is a boy, what do you call him?
Alexander or Christopher (I don't know what the middle name would be)

23) Would you ever consider living abroad?
Absolutely! I love a good adventure!

A get to know you survey

Just because there's nothing else to do...

1. What's one thing you wish you could do but can't?
Fix people. I always want to make people better, to make them happy. And I just can't do that, because people have to make themselves happy.

2. What should you be doing rather than this survey?
Sleeping.

3. What is your ideal marriage location?
Anywhere that my family and friends can share the happiness.

4. Which musical instrument do you wish you could play?
Guitar and piano.

5. Favorite fabric?
Anything light and airy, especially this time of year.

6. Favorite song?
Seasons of Love from Rent

7. Something you love and hate?
I love how beautiful the world is, especially on a sunny day. I hate intolerance of any kind.

8. What kind of bedding do you use?
Soft cotton sheets and a comforter. Nothing fancy.

9. What kind of soap do you use?
Caress body wash. It smells delicious!

10. Do you tell your friends about your sex life?
No way! I don't kiss and tell.

11. What's the one language you want to learn?
Chinese - just because.

12. How do you eat an apple?
I cut the peel off in one long strip. Then I cut the apple into pieces, taking out the core. Depending on my mood, I will sometimes put peanut butter on the apple pieces.

13. What do you order at a bar?
I rarely go to bars anymore, but my favorite drink with dinner is a margarita for Mexican food, of course, and if it's Italian, a nice Merlot.

14. Have you ever pierced your body parts?
Not personally, but I did have my ears pierced when I was young. Nothing else.

15. Do you have tattoos?
No, although I did consider getting one once. I wanted to get a butterfly, but I won't say where...

16. Would you ever admit to having done plastic surgery of any kind if confronted?
I would never have plastic surgery done. I think our society is too vain, and I refuse to cave to that pressure and undergo surgery just to be pretty.

17. What's one of the "funnest" things you've ever done?
Going to Disney World with my nephew, Noah. He was so much fun!

18. Can you drive a stick shift car?
Yes, but not well. I don't like driving them, though. I like to have my hand free to mess with the radio and the sunroof, lol.

19. What's one trait you hate in a person?
Just one? I can list more. Hatred, anger, intolerance, negativity, I could go on and on...

20. What's your favorite TV show of all time?
Firefly

21. What kind of watch(es) do you wear?
An Italian charm watch with charms on it that mean something to me, including charms with places I've been and places I want to go, words that give me strength (Faith, Hope, Love) an Earth charm because it's important to take care of our home, an orange ribbon charm for hunger awareness, a cross to show my faith, and more...

22. Most frivolous purchase?
I once paid waaaay too much for a pocket computer. I love it, though.

23. Do you consider yourself materialistic?
Not really. I like gadgets and I don't think I would enjoy life as much without technology, but I can do without most material things and be happy.

24. What do you cook the best?
Chicken parmesan

25. Favorite writing instrument?
I love the physical act of writing with a nice pen. But I mostly use a keyboard.

26. Do you prefer to stand out or blend in?
Stand out.

27. Do you have anything monogrammed?
Not that I can think of.

28. Would you ever go out dressed like the opposite sex?
Not on purpose, but I often wear pants and jeans, and guys wear those things. But of course, I wear ladies pants, not mens pants, so I guess that's the difference.

29. What's one car you will never buy?
A Chevrolet Cavalier (I've owned two, neither of which I actually purchased myself, and I will never own another one.)

30. Have you ever done drugs?
Absolutely not.

31. What kind of books do you like to read?
Mysteries, satire, scary, chick lit, inspirational (not self-help)

32. If you won the lottery, what would you do first?
Pay off student loans and then pay off any bills my parents have. Then I would take a trip to Europe. With Chris and Rhea.

33. Burial or cremation?
Cremation.

34. How many online journals do you read regularly?
Look at the ones in my links list and you'll know.

35. What's one thing you're a sore loser at?
I hate, hate, hate losing at Trivial Pursuit. And I ALWAYS do.

36. If you don't like a person, how do you show it?
I usually avoid them.

37. How many drinks before you're tipsy?
2 long island iced teas and I'm pretty much gone.

38. Favorite kind of porn?
I've never actually seen porn.

39. Do you have problems changing clothes in front of friends?
Yes. I don't change in front of anyone.

40. Do you cry in front of friends?
It's happened a few times, but I don't like when it does.

41. What kind of first impression do you think you give to people?
I've been told I come off as a little flaky at first. And most people tell me I'm too nice.

42. What's one thing you like to do alone?
Read.

43. What's the worst thing you ever said to someone?
I told my sister that she was not my sister. I still feel awful about it, over 10 years later.

44. Are you a giver or a taker?
Giver. Sometimes too much of a giver.

45. What have you stolen before?
Does downloading music count? I used to use Napster (before the legal battles began)

46. When's the last time you cried?
Last week.

47. What's your favorite way to communicate?
In person, so I can see all the nonverbal signals.

48. What is one thing you don't leave home without?
My car. (lol)

49. What's the most painful experience you've ever had?
Having my tonsils taken out. And more recently, breaking my ankle.

50. What is something you feel very strongly about?
I actually have lots of "causes" that I'm passionate about. Ending hunger, ending child abuse, protecting the environment, preventing animal cruelty, intolerance, fair treatment and equality for everyone, peace... there are so many more...

Things I've Done

I saw this on someone else's blog and I had to see which of them I've done. It's fun, everyone should try it.
The ones I've done are in red.
The ones I haven't done are in black.
The ones in blue are things I want to do one day.
_____________________________________

I have eaten more than 5 meals in one day.
I have read a lot of books.
I have been on some sort of varsity team.
I have walked/run more than 2 miles without stopping.
I have been to Canada.
I have been to Europe.
I have watched cartoons for hours.
I have tripped UP the stairs.
I have fallen down an entire flight of stairs.
I have been snowboarding/skiing.
I have played ping pong.
I swam in the ocean.
I have been on a whale watch.
I have seen fireworks.
I have seen a shooting star.
I have seen a meteor shower.
I have almost drowned.
I have been so embarrassed I wanted to disappear.
I have listened to one cd over & over & over again.
I have had stitches.
I have been on the honor roll.
I have had frostbite.
I have licked a frozen pole. (why would someone do that??)
I have stayed up til 2 doing homework/projects.
I currently have a job.
I have been ice skating.
I have been rollerblading.
I have fallen flat on my face.
I have tripped over my own two feet.
I have been in a fist fight.
I have watched the power rangers. (it was just the one time, with my nephew!)
I do attend Church regularly.
I have played truth or dare.
I have already had my 18th birthday.
I've lost weight since one year ago.
I've called someone stupid. And meant it.
I've been in a verbal argument.
I've cried in school.
I've played basketball on a team.
I've played baseball on a team.
I've played football on a team.
I've played soccer on a team.
I've done cheerleading on a team.
I've played softball on a team.
I've played volleyball on a team.
I've played hockey on a team.
I've played tennis on a team.
I've been on a swim team.
I've been on a golf team.
I've been swimming more than 20 times in my life.
I've bungee jumped.
I've climbed a rock wall.
I've lost more than $20.
I've called myself an idiot.
I've called someone else an idiot.
I've cried myself to sleep.
I've had (or have) pets.
I've owned a Spice Girls cd.
I've owned a Britney Spears cd.
I've owned an N*Sync cd.
I've owned a Backstreet Boys cd.
I've sworn at someone in authority. (at least, not to their face)
I've been in the newspaper.
I've been on TV.
I've been to Hawaii.
I've eaten sushi.
I've been on the other side of a waterfall.
I've watched all of the Lord of the Rings movies.
I've watched all of the Harry Potter movies.
I've watched all of the Rocky movies.
I've watched the 3 stooges.
I've watched "Newlyweds" Nick & Jessica.
I've watched Looney Tunes
I've been stuffed into a locker.
I've been called a geek.
I've studied hard for a test and got a bad grade.
I've not studied at all for a test and aced it.
I've hugged my mom within the past 24 hrs.
I've hugged my dad within the past 24 hours.
I've met a celebrity/music artist.
I've written poetry.
I've been arrested.
I've been attracted to someone much older than me.
I've been tickled till I've cried.
I've tickled someone else until they cried.
I've had/have siblings.
I've been to a rock concert(s).
I've listened to classical music and enjoyed it.
I've been in a play
I've been picked last in gym class.
I've been picked first in gym class.
I've been picked in that middle-range in gym class.
I've cried in front of my friends.
I've read a book longer than 1,000 pages.
I've played Halo 2.
I've freaked out over a sports game
I've been to Alaska
I've been to China
I've been to Spain.
I've been to France.
I've had a fight with someone on MSN or AIM
I've had a fight with someone face-to-face.
I've had serious conversations on any IM
I've forgiven someone who has done something wrong to me.
I've been forgiven.
I've screamed at a scary movie.
I've cried at a chick flick.
I've watched a lot of action movies.
I've screamed at the top of my lungs.
I've been to a rap concert.
I've been to a hip hop concert.
I've lived in more than 2 houses.
I've driven on the highway
I've driven more than 40 miles in a day. (that's every day, actually)
I've been in a car accident
I've been homesick.
I've thrown up
I've puked all over someone
I've been horseback riding (I love horseback riding!)
I've spoken my mind in public.
I've proved someone wrong.
I've been proved wrong by someone.
I've broken a leg. (well, my ankle)
I've broken an arm. (well, my elbow)
I've fallen off a swing.
I've swung on a swing for more than 30 mins straight.
I've watched Winnie the Pooh movies.
I've forgotten my backpack when I've gone to school.
I've lost my backpack.
I've come close to dying. (when I almost drowned when I was 5)
I've seen someone die/dying.
I've known someone who has died.
I've wanted to be an actor/actress at some point. (a part of me still really does)
I've done modeling.
I've forgotten to brush my teeth some mornings. (that's why I carry a toothbrush and toothpaste with me... I'm strange, I know)
I've taken something/someone for granted.
I've realized how good my life is.
I've counted my blessings.
I've made fun of a classmate.
I've been asked out by someone and I said no.
I've asked someone on a date and been turned down.
I've slapped someone in the face. (changed because I remembered a time when I did this. See the comments for the story, lol)
I've been skateboarding.
I've been backstabbed by someone I thought was a friend.
I've lied to someone to their face. (I'm not proud of it)
I've told a little white lie.
I've taken a day off from school just so I don't go insane.
I've fainted.
I've had an argument with someone about whether cheerleading is a sport or not.
I've pushed someone into a pool.
I've been pushed into a pool.