i'm so spot on

Currently! Stolen from Lemonade Life.

Current Book: Mockingjay, Third Book of The Hunger Games. I ate the first two, and this one is turning out to be no different. Sometimes, I hate to find a book trilogy/quartet that I love, because I alwasy finish it too quickly. And then I'm sad.

Current Movie: Hmm...last one I watched was Schindler's List, which was beautifully sad; The Boy in the Striped Pajamas before that. My sister is bringing Blue Valentine to watch this weekend. We are apparently people who love to be depressed.

Current Song: I'm a little obsessed with Promises, Promises -- and some other new Incubus.

Current Restaurant: New favorite in Seattle is Contour, on 1st. Their happy hour menu is so good, so varied and so cheap!
 
Current Needs: More sleep. And more exercise. And less homemade cookies and bagels sitting the breakroom! Oh yes, and a Google+ invite. (Anyone...anyone? I can pay you in (boyfriend) baked goods and snuggles.)


Current Dream Travel Destination: I think Egypt.

Current Bane of my Existence: That it is not yet 5PM. That is all.

Current Inspiration: My friend, Christopher. For saying what he wants and what he means, even if it isn't directly. And for going after things without any agenda but his own happiness.

Current Favorite Blog: Craftgasms. Totally wish I had known her better when we were in school together!

Current Excitement: Three day weekend! And the weather is supposed to be gorgeous. And I got a new credit card (which was my plan, after closing a different one...but it's still exciting.)

human nature (ten on tuesday)

As always, head on over to Roots and Rings to link up with Chelsea!

1. What’s the recipe for your favorite drink? (Smoothie, alcoholic, coffee, whatever.) Chai Tea mix and milk. I just love chai.
 2. What kind of razor do you use? Bic Soleil. I've contemplated going back to using one of the Venus w/ the disposable heads, but I just can't bring myself to spend the money to start it off.

3. Who is your favorite Sesame Street character? Cookie Monster? or Oscar.

4. What makes the perfect salad? (Lettuce type, toppings, dressing, etc.) Iceberg. Those wedge ones. Oh, man. I do also enjoy a good Waldorf, with the nuts, cheese and berries. Yum.

5. What was your favorite subject in school? Chorus. I like singing. Plus, it was super easy =)

6. What’s your favorite summer tradition? I'm not positive I have any summer traditions. Maybe I should change that...

7. Do you suffer from season allergies? How do you combat them? I don't have any seasonal allergies. Knock. On. Wood.

8. How often do you have to charge your cell phone? Usually just while I sleep. I know its bad for the battery to leave it plugged in all night, but it's the only time I remember. =P

9. Do you have a bucket list? I have a list of things I'd like to accomplish, but I haven't updated it in a while. So...sort of?

10. Do you have any desire to go back to school?
Yes! Though, I'm not sure what for. I'm very indecisive.

sweet berry (ten on tuesday)

Welcome to yet another week where it's possible all I'll do is answer memes. Because it's my blog and I can; my life is just that exciting. (Link up with Chelsea over at Roots and Rings!)

1. What’s the perfect meal?
Thanksgiving. It includes all the perfect foods: dark meat turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, stuffing, copious amounts of bread and PUMPKIN PIE.

2. What are the perfect pair of shoes?
I have a hard time finding perfect pairs of shoes, but recently it's been my new denim Airwalks. They're from Payless, and I'm pretty sure they cost me about $6. ANDILOVETHEM.

(my feet hang out under a desk all day, so I very rarely change into my work shoes -- even though I bring them with me every day. Shh, don't tell!)

3. What is the perfect afternoon?Something that involves food, drinks and shopping! But seriously, I love just wandering around markets, stores, downtown areas. It's all good.

4. What’s the perfect house?
Something roomy. I'm not terribly picky about what type of house it is, as my interests stretch from old school Victorians to new construction to Tudor, but I would like it to have an awesome kitchen with a gas stove and an island/breakfast bar, a fireplace in at least the living room (if not bedroom,) and a master suite. Other than that, I'm pretty flexible.

{via}

5. What is the perfect outfit?
Jeans. T-Shirt. Aboslutely no shoes.

6. What’s the perfect wedding song?
The Luckiest by Ben Folds, but it's kind of running rampant among my friends as part of their weddings, so I probably won't use it as anything specific in my wedding.

7. What is the perfect job?
For me? Singing. Especially a cappella and choral, but I'd take just about any singing. I like performing for people.

(I'm on the left; one of my best friends, Megan, is on the right)

8. What’s the perfect hairstyle?
A ponytail, because I don't have to mess with it.

9. What’s the perfect music festival?
Winterfest at Leon! Get out of school early and just run around with friends listening to bands. It was the awesome-est.

10. What’s the perfect day to yourself?
I love just walking down to the water and reading on a bench where I can look out over the Sound. I guess a perfect day to myself involves me, reading and tea. And maybe some Facebook games <-- addict over here, people.

moving from left to right (wee bit wednesday)

Wee Bit Wednesday is hosted by Leigh Ashley! Link up in the fun =) {one} what color best describes you + why?Green. Possibly because it's my favorite, but also because I think it is spunky while still having depth.
{two} how have you changed in the past year?I think I've become more confident, in the past year or so. I've always been able to act confident, but settling into my new job and being in a completely new city has actually upped my confidence in my abilities, which is great!
{three} have you ever had any surgeries? I had bunyon correction surgery (because I'm an old lady) during Christmas break of my Junior year on my right foot. I also had my wisdom teeth removed -- all of them, pesky little buggers -- during college. That's it.
{four} why did you start your blog?Because I have a horrible memory for the little stuff, and I want to actually be able to look back and see what I did and how I was feeling during my life.
{five} what are you looking forward to this summer?Sunshine!
{six} do you have any family traditions for the 4th of July?We used to go visit friends that had lakes and stuff, but mostly it's just setting off dinky fireworks in the street. Hoorah!
{seven} what’s something new that you’ve tried in the past few months?Hmm...I try new things a lot, but I haven't tried anything substantial recently I don't think?
{eight} what is the perfect a/c temperature?That's hard, because it depends. AC usually makes me too cold after being in it for a while. I'd say maybe 72?
{nine} what was the last movie you saw in the theater?Insidious. It. was. AWFUL. (That reminds me of the way Natalie Portman says that in Garden State.)
{ten} what song do you think everyone should hear at least once?The Luckiest - Ben Folds. Do it NOOOOOOOOW. 

Gonna go watch Game 7 after work. We are on the wrong coast for this, and I don't much care about hockey, but....Go Bruins!

 

clouding up my mind (ten on tuesday)

(retroactively posting for this week's ten on tuesday, because I was traveling all day yesterday! Hosted by Chelsea.)

1. How do you pronounce the word aunt? Does your pronunciation rhyme with ‘haunt’ or ‘can’t'? Rhymes with can't.

2. Do most of the people in your life know you blog? Or are you partially or totally anonymous?
I definitely don't hide it -- but whether or not they read it when I post the link on Twitter/Facebook/etc. is up to them! I do have a blog that I keep private from almost everyone, just so I have a place to write completely anonymously. But I don't use it very often.

3. When you grocery shop, do you prefer to bag your own groceries or do you like it when the store bags them for you? Paper, plastic, or reusable bags?
I'm fine either way? Sometimes the grocery store people like to put two things in a plastic bag and call it a day, which is not really a great way to bag things, in my humble opinion. We get plastic, so we can use them as trash bags!

4. Do you have a green thumb? I suck at keeping plants alive. Nate's parents gave me one, though, and it hasn't keeled over yet.

5. If you watch the Food Network, which chef/show host is your favorite? I love Food Network, but I don't think I particularly care for one chef. I like pretty much all the chefs on Iron Chef, though.

6. Do you like to take baths? Do you take them very often? I like baths, but the water always gets cold way too fast. I prefer the hot tub ;)

7. What color are the walls in your kitchen? Mmm...white? I think our apartment is white or off-white.

8. Do you prefer to dine outdoors or indoors? I like dining outdoors, when the weather is nice.

9. Describe your ideal weather. Sunny or mostly sunny, but cool. Like, with a cool breeze. But not so cold that I need a jacket.

10. If you could learn any foreign language, which would you choose to learn?
I've tried learning many foreign languages (ie: Latin, German and Arabic,) and I'm just not real good at it. But I would probably pick a romance language, like French or Spanish. I feel like I'd do alright with those. I did ok with learning ASL, but that's because it's so kinesthetic, so memorizing vocab is completely different than with a spoken language. I've pretty much forgotten it all now.

i can't wait (wee bit wednesday)

Want to do it to? Make sure to link up, over at Leigh Ashley's! {one} how many times have you been a bridesmaid/maid of honor?

Hmm...none. My friends hate me. Actually that's a complete lie, none of my close close friends have gotten married (or even engaged, save one) yet!

{two} what’s the last thing your do before you fall asleep at night?

Usually it's either kiss Nate (you have my permission to groan) or check my phone. I do both, in one or order or the other.

{three} you just won your dream vacation, all expenses paid. where are you going?Oh man, this is hard. I love many places, but I'll say Egypt, because I haven't been there yet and I really want to go someday!  

{via}

{four} what is your favorite outdoor activity?I love being outdoors in general, but I'm big on swimming. Only if the water isn't freezing, however.

{five} as a child, what did you want to “be when you grew up”? did you end up there?I don't think I actually wanted to grow up, but at various points I wanted to be an archaeologist and a veterinarian. I've also contemplated being an author, but that would require me to finish something I start writing (besides blog posts.) I still want to be a movie star or a famous singer, but I don't know how attainable those goals are. Especially since I'm not really working at them...  

(silly singing picture)

(for real singing picture)

{six} what are 3 things your dream home would have that you don’t currently have?The most giant and beautiful room of a shower ever known to man. A pool and hot tub. An awesome kitchen with gas stove. (I think these things are totally doable, right?)  

{via}

 {seven} what’s for dinner tonight? No clue. Pasta? Maybe with peas. And green beans? We don't have much left in the house, because Nate is already gone and I'm about to be gone for 5 days.
 {eight} if someone stopped by your house unannounced on a typical Saturday night, what would they find you doing?

Prob watching TV/movies or playing on the computer. Sometimes we might be drinking. Almost always eating!

{nine} what’s your average monthly water bill?

We don't pay water, our apartment building does. It's a good thing, too. =P

{ten} what do you do to relax?Read. Sometimes I'll listen to music and play on the computer, but mostly my downtime is spent with my kindle. Or possibly in the shower -- so relaxing =)

(woah woah) evacuate the dance floor (ten on tuesday)

There are just simply so many of my friends' birthdays this month, I don't even know what to do with myself. So I ignore them all, and then feel bad and proceed to comment on the FB of anyone who I'm actually good friends with. I'm a horrible friend. Horrible. Shame on me.

Anywho, it's Ten on Tuesday time! Feel free, as always, to link up over at Roots and Rings. (Also, it's one of my fav blogs, so check it out, anyway =)

1. What type of phone do you have? Do you like it?
iPhone and I am totally an iPhone person. I will spout its glories to anyone who will listen. I have a 3GS, and I want a 4, but since my upgrade with AT&T doesn't happen until next February (ooh hoo hoo,) and there are rumors that the 5 will be out before then, I may just wait and get the 5. Hopefully by then we will have the money to throw away on fancy gadgets. Because really, I'm in agreement with the commercials: If you don't have an iPhone, well...you don't have an iPhone.

2. How old were you when you got your first cell phone?
Uhm...high school, I think? Sohpomore year. I got one pretty much as soon as they became vaguely affordable. It was about the time my friends started driving, so I was out and about and getting rides from school to theatre and theatre to home, so my parents wanted to know where I was.

3. How many cell phones have you owned since your first?
Let's see...I had a little baby Kyocera for my first one. Then I stepped on it, cracked the screen (I take real good care of stuff, can't you tell?) and it slowly went crazy until I was forced to get a new one. I loved that little phone. After that I had a couple flip phones. My sister and I got a contract for the two of us, so pretty much every time that was up, we got the new "free" phones when we renewed. An exact number is hard, though. Somewhere around 5?

4. How much is your average monthly phone bill?
Uhhh....I don't know. Nate pays the bill. I want to say it's like, $130, for our two data plans (thank goodness for being grandfathered into unlimited data!) We also have unlimited texting, with the lowest number of minutes possible...and we still have rollover. Neither of us talk on the phone very much.

5. When you were a kid/teenager, were you allowed to have a phone in your room?
I don't remember if I ever had the actual phone unit itself. We had at least one cordless phone from the time that cordless phones were available -- my Dad likes new technology -- and at least two phones lines from the time I was 11 (though one was for dial-up (oh my gawd, dial-up?) or DSL, when we switched over,) because we are an interwebs family. In any case, who needs the phone when you can just take the receiver up to your room and leave it there?

6. Do you like talking on the phone or do you despise it? Or somewhere in-between?
I hate talking on the phone. It makes me feel so, so very awkward. I'd much rather text/email/IM.

7. Do you text a lot? Is texting/talking while driving illegal where you live? Are you guilty of it anyway?
Yup. I don't think it's illegal here. I don't have a car, so I don't text and drive. I used to text at stoplights in Tallahassee, but I was pretty good about not texting while the car was actually moving and under my control.

8. What sort of texting keyboard does your phone have? Touch screen, slide out, or something different? Do you care?
Touchscreen. Oh yeah, iPhone.

9. Look at the last call in your call log – who is it? What were they calling about? Who calls you the most?
Yesterday I got a call from a number I didn't recognize, as I was leaving work, so I didn't pick up. Turns out it was from a research firm in Boston that I had signed up for while I was living there, for some extra money, seeing if i wanted to participate in a study. Awesome how they never called me while I was living there...

10. What is the longest phone call you can recall having?
I remember I used to talk for hours late-night on weekends to my guy friends, because obv there were no sleepovers happening, since we were in middle school and all. It was before computers got real popular for that kind of stuff. And my friend Evan didn't have access to a computer/the internet, for a while, anyway, so we chatted on the phone.

back to your regularly scheduled posting (also, ten on tuesday)

I was sick for a week and didn't feel like doing much of anything except staring off into space. So that's what I did. Well, that and eat. But now, I should be posting again. Starting with today!

Good Ol' Ten on Tuesday -- link up with Chelsea over at Roots and Rings!

1. From your childhood, what do you miss most about summer vacation?
Hmm...not having anything to do? That's actually a lie, I had plenty to do in the summer. I was always at summer camp, traveling with my family or theatre. I was not a summer couch potato. But really, I just miss having a break from the "normal routine." Vacation is good, even if it isn't necessarily relaxing.

2. Are you going anywhere on vacation this summer?
I'm going to Boston/New England the second weekend in June! Other than that, summer is the busy time at my work, so I'll have to wait until the fall to do any real vacationing.

3. What foods do you like to barbecue?

I am actually not a huge bbq fan, but I do like a good grilled pork tenderloin or chicken drumsticks.

4. How do you celebrate the fourth of July?

Drinking! And sometimes fireworks ;)

5. What’s your favorite beverage to drink in the summertime?

Anything cool and/or filled with ice. Sweet Tea is always my favorite beverage, but a good Coke is also delectable.

6. What movie are you looking forward to seeing this summer?

It would be helpful if I knew what movies were coming out this summer? I definitely want to see the third Transformers. Even though the second one was a bust.

7. In the car: windows down or AC?

I grew up in Florida, so I am always an AC girl if given the choice.

8. Have you ever had a summer fling?

Hmm, yeah, I guess. I had one in the VI during college, and then a couple the summer before I left for Boston after college. But I don't usually do flings -- I don't really date for "fun."

9. Do you wear sunscreen?

Often. Pretty much any time I go outside specifically for sunshine. I know I should wear it when I go outside in general, because my skin is transparent, but I don't feel like smelling like sunscreen 24/7. My moisteurizer has SPF, though, and I always wear that on my face =)

10. Do you have any favorite summertime activities?
I really like just laying around outside in the sunshine. I'm also a fan of boats, but not living near the water/knowing anyone with a boat makes it hard to go boating. Anyone want to invite me on their boat?

wee bit wednesday (a wee bit late)

It's Thursday, so sue me, but my nose is dripping like a faucet and my eyes are all itchy. Afrin is a miraculous drug that lets me sleep at night and breathe through my nose, but in return it has opened the floodgates. Lame.

(as always, you can link up over at LeighAshley's...but that's kind of in the past, now ;)

{one} what’s the worst date you’ve ever been on?I haven't ever really been on a bad date. I've been on dates where I knew by the end of it that I didn't want to see the person in that capacity again, but I've never had anyone treat me badly. And I've never been out with someone that I just completely didn't connect with, so...sorry?
{two} if you could be any other person for one day, who would it be?Natalie Portman. Because she's awesome. Or maybe my sister, so I could understand her better. {three} what is your favorite kind of cheese?ANYTHING. No really, I just love cheese. I am partial to cow's milk over goat's milk cheeses, though. 
{four} do you remember your 1st grade teacher?Absolutely, as she was probably one of my most influential teachers -- though, I guess that seems a strange thing to say about someone who taught mini-me. She was the first person to get me on a stage; the first person to recognize that ability in me. I was Peter Pan at age 7, check it. Thanks, Ms. Wilson! (She was the principal of my old elementary school, now I think she's on the school board. She was mostly just awesome.) I remember planting a butterfly garden and making icecream in plastic bags in her class. Totally random? Yup. {five} who is the first person you call when you have a bad day?Nate or my mom.
{six} were you ever in a school talent show?Mmm...I don't think my school ever really had a talent show, but I was in plenty of school showcases from elementary school through high school. Plus, I started performing with theatre when I was in 4th grade. I think that should count.
{seven} who is your favorite fictional character?Captain Jack Sparrow. I am also a fan of a lot of Star Trek characters. Especially Picard and Janeway.
{eight} can you open your eyes underwater?When I don't have my contacts in. But then I can't see, so what's the point? (I definitely could before I started wearing glasses/contacts, as long as it was a pool and not the ocean. Saltwater = pain.)
{nine} do you look at the keyboard when you type?Usually when I start typing -- mainly because I don't actually type with the correct fingers on the correct keys, so I have to have some kind of starting point. This is true on the piano, too.
{ten} when was the last time you took a nap?Uhm...last weekend? I'm not a very good nap-taker, though. They usually turn into nap-a-thons, where I'm asleep for several hours. The word 'power-nap' is not in my vocabulary. =P

disguise as a smile, well (ten on tuesday)

1. Have you ever used Craigslist? All. The. Time. We used it to find our current apartment and most of our current furniture. I occasionally use it just to play around and look for things I don't need.

2. Can you sew? I used to be able to; much better than I do now. I took classes and could sew a pattern when I was younger, but now all I can do is stitch things by hand (and not very well, at that!) I have a handheld sewing machine I got for Christmas than I'm planning to use to get back into it, but I have to find the time, energy and a fabric store. ;)

3. Do you pour syrup on your pancakes or dip your pancakes in the syrup? I don't use a whole lot of syrup, but I tend to pour. Or pour on the side of the plate, then rub the pancakes around in it...does that count as dipping?

4. Rain storms: I love them, as long as I can just sit inside and listen to them. Here, it's more likely I have to walk to work/home/anywhere else in them. That, I don't like.

5. Do you like swimming? Love to swim.

6. What kind of drink do you order at Sonic? Strawery limeade. (Sonic has the best ice EVER!)

7. Are you funny? I don't think so, but I guess a little.

8. At what age will your kids get cell phones? Hah. Probably earlier than they should. I am a firm believer that technology is good thing.

9. What’s your favorite vegetable? Green beans or brussel sprouts, but I also love me a good sweet potato.

10. Were you a Girl Scout? I was a brownie for a year, but I didn't even buy the uniform. It was one of the activities/social groups I tried out before figuring out I loved theatre in 4th grade. The others included gymnastics, ballet/tap class, art class and horseback riding.

(as always, link up at Roots and Rings with Chelsea!)

maybe that's how books get written (wee bit wednesdays!)

(link up at Leigh Ashley's)

 {one} do you watch the history channel? if so, what’s your favorite program?yup! I think Nate likes it more than I do, though. he was a Pawn Stars addict, for a while. I enjoy a good American Pickers and special on some strange point in world history, though.
{two} what is your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?depends. i love just sitting inside and reading, but there are so many rainy days here, they've kind of lost their novelty =P {three} what does your dream house look like?Nate and I were talking about this the other day, and I don't really know. But it would be pretty cool to live in a giant Victorian with secret passages! And a turret -- I would like my house to have a turret, thanks.{four} what state were you born in?Florida.
{five} do you have a change jar? if so, what do you use it for when it gets full?We have change in a candle that we punched a slit in the top of. It's...uhm...crafty?
{six} what’s the first website you look at when you get on the computer?Usually Twitter or Facebook. Sometimes my Google Reader, or my Blogger dashboard.
{seven} what is your favorite breakfast?Over-Medium Eggs, Wheat Toast, Hashbrowns or Country Potatoes with Cheese, Onions and Mushrooms and a side of Cheese Grits. Oh, and bacon.
{eight} what’s the most memorable trip you’ve ever taken?Probably the 5-month road trip across the US, though I have many memorable trips. I loved Ireland.
{nine} do you prefer your coffee black or with cream/milk/sugar?I prefer it tasting like coffee ice cream, so lots of cream and sugar. And flavoring. {ten} have you ever done a professional photo shoot?Kind of? I took a modeling class when I was in high school, so we had several shoots with professional photographers during that. I wish I knew where my proofs were now. =P

 

all of the lights (Ten on Tuesday: Photo Edition!)

(Per usual, link up over at Roots and Rings!)

Yay for photo edition!


1. Your favorite piece of furniture in your home.

oversized chair -- free, from the CL.

2. Your favorite thing on your wall.

easy, because this is one of the very few things we have on the wall. it's a panoramic pic of Boston.

3. Your bed as it looks right now.

no, the bed is never made. and no, our comforter covers don't match.

4. Your pantry.

as close to a pantry as we got. this is the only (floor-level) cabinet specifically for food.

5. Your favorite piece of jewelry.

Toss up between this and this.

(i'm wearing both today!)

6. Your favorite book.

(not even kidding. this is my favorite book because it is all books. ok, fine. this is my actual favorite book:

 but my copy is all beat-up and weathered. it's also in New Hampshire, currently.)

7. Your most comfortable shirt.

express best loved tee. that's not me, and I don't look like that in it, but I am wearing it in that color! (does anybody else notice the hard line above her boob on the right? that looks suspiciously like photoshop to me!)

8. Your messiest room.

uhm....no, sorry. actually, most of our rooms are fairly clean, at the moment. now, if I had a pic of my room at home. or my dorm room. ooh, child -- you haven't seen messy.

9. Your house shoes.

house shoes = bunny slippers. i <3 happy bunny.

10. Yourself.

riding a dinosaur! what could be better?

thanks for stopping by! 

might be worth redeeming (meet me on monday)

Link up over at Never Growing Old! Just a quick survey, to start the week off:

1.  Crunchy or smooth peanut butter?
I prefer crunchy, but we never have it in the house. I don't eat it often enough to justify getting my own jar, and Nate doesn't do crunchy, so...that's what we get.

2.  What is your favorite color Rose?
I have to go classic and say red, though, I do love a good white, too. Not a big fan of pink.

(we're painting the roses red, we're painting the roses red...Alice in Wonderland, anyone?)

3.  Do you remove your shoes when you walk into your home?
Yes, but only so we don't have to clean the floors as often. (I'm not sure we would clean the floors any more often, but at least this way, we aren't wiping a lot of grime off our feet if we're barefoot.)

4.  What is your favorite season?
I like all the seasons for different reason, but I guess my favorite is Fall. I love the crispness is has, and how everything changes to warm colors. Just love it.

5.  Approximately how many hours a day do you spend blogging?
Uhm...not a whole lot. Maybe one or two. I get interrupted a lot, so those hours may span several. But the actual portion spent sitting and writing isn't usually too much.

into my soul (wee bit wednesday)

Link up over at Leigh Ashley's!


{one} what profession have you always admired?Teaching. mainly because I have absolutely no desire to do it. It seems hard and thankless.
{two} what would the title of your memoir/biography be if it was written today?It's All About Balance
{three} how far do you commute to work?15 minutes, walking. {four} are your earlobes attached or detached?detached.{five} do you eat the unpopped kernels of popcorn at the bottom of the bag?No, they're too hard. (I feel like that's a strange thing for an ice-chewer to say.)
{six} what is the strangest gift you’ve ever received?I've gotten many strange gifts, but maybe The Batman Handbook? I mean... I like Batman and all, but I don't want to be Batman.
{seven} what is one tv show that you wish hadn’t been cancelled?Sports Night. Also, Freaks and Geeks.{eight} what is something that you are saving money for right now?Hmm...we're supposed to be saving money to pay off debt. But we've been bad at saving, so far. {nine} what hobby would you like to take up?Lots of them. Sewing and crafting in general I'd love to get into. I'd also love to get back into horseback riding, or windsurfing. Or rock climbing. I would like my life to be all about hobbies, instead of being all about work. {ten} how many times a year do you get really dressed up?Not..very often. Sometimes for birthdays. Sometimes for anniversaries. But are we talking, like, gowns? Because I'm pretty sure I haven't worn a gown since my Senior Recital...in high school. Unless you count our Winter Formal for SAI. 

the times we had (wee bit wednesday)

Link up over at Leigh Ashley's blog!

{one} have you ever been stuck in an elevator?nope!
{two} have you ever ridden on an elephant?no. it's definitely on my life list, though. along with riding on a camel!
{three} have you ever met a well known celebrity?Jessica Biel! She hung out at my house! I've also met Tony Hale (Arrested Development) and Cheryl Hines (Curb Your Enthusiasm/RV) because they are from my home town and went to my theatre -- way before I did -- so they would come back to visit. I also went to theatre with Allison Miller (Kings) and have sung with Anoop Desai (American Idol) via a cappella in college. Do they count?Ooh, I was also super-close to getting to meet Ben Folds, because my a cappella group from college was one of the ones contacted about being on his a cappella CD he put out. But it wound up Florida was too far for him to fly to record. And because it was after I'd graduated, I didn't get to open for his show in Florida with the current (at the time) group, so I didn't get to meet him. Wah. {four} do you have any food allergies?Not really. My skin is irritated by citrus juice, though? {five} do you know how to sew?I used to, when I was younger. I took sewing classes when I was in elementary/middle school, and sewed some with my Aunt when we visisted her, but I haven't really sewed since then.
{six} did you get an allowance when you were young?I used to get $20 a week in high school (before I started driving) to spend on lunch. I usually brought lunch, though, so I wound up spending it on snacks and drinks after school. Mostly, though, I was out of the house so much that my parents gave me money for things like gas (whether it was mine or paying someone else) and food, since theatre and chorus took up so much of my time. {seven} how often do you fill up your gas tank?Not very often. We don't drive the car very often, anymore.
{eight} have you ever been stung by a jelly fish?Yup, but not a bad sting. It mostly just itches.{nine} have you ever been robbed?Yes. When I was in high school, I had my phone and wallet taken off a table at FunStation. More recently, our house was broken into while we were living in MA and they stole a lot of things -- my laptop, the Wii & games, my Gameboy, my jewelry. They didn't take my Kindle, though, or the PS2 or my iPod dock. It was strange and probably one of the worst memories I have. (Sorry for reminding you, Nate.){ten} what is the worst haircut you’ve ever had?I don't think I've ever had a bad haircut. I did have a cut I didn't really like in 10th grade, but that's because the made me cut it off for a play -- not because it looked bad or anything. I also had a short cut my junior year of college that I wound up not loving, but that's just because I decided I don't like my face shape with short hair. 

close enough to normal (wee bit wednesday...a day late!)

 {one} have you ever fainted?

 yup. multiple times. I fainted watching a vet scrub an old barbed wire wound on a dog's nose in 8th grade -- i even made it to the bathroom before this one, and actually fainted walking back to the exam room, in the hallway, cause i'm AWESOME. I fainted in the shower before high school in 10th grade -- found out i'm anemic. lastly, i fainted when i was super sick in college and didn't stay in bed long enough after taking nyquil. my boyfriend at the time stood there holding his friend's dog we were pet sitting and just watched it happen, cause he's awesome. =P oh, and i almost fainted during my last chorus concert in college because I was sick and had taken Afrin on a basically empty stomach. I walked off-stage and sat down before it could happen (not that it mattered -- I lost my voice right before the concert, so I was lip-syncing anyway!) Does that count? I guess I'm just a fainter. {two} what is your favorite casino game?' Casino games are a bad idea for me, but probably the slot machines. Cha-ching! 

(my 'bad idea' face)

  {three} do you have a good sense of direction? pretty good. I can find my way around well enough. i get lost/turned around occasionally, but my sense of direction is better than Nate's ;){four} laptop or desktop? laptop. don't tie me down! {five} what is your go-to hair style when having a bad hair day? 

I have to be having a bad hair day? My go-to hair style is always, always a ponytail.

{six} do you read the newspaper on a daily basis? 

nope. but i do read my google reader on a daily basis. gotta get through all my blogs!

{seven} do you have a favorite celebrity chef? 

I go through phases, but I like watching Robert Irvine (Dinner: Impossible & Worst Cooks in America.) I used to really like Bobby Flay, though.

{eight} what tv show would you like to make a guest appearance on?

Grey's Anatomy! Or How I Met Your Mother.

{nine} do you have satellite radio in your car?

nope! we don't really drive our car, so there's no point.

{ten} what was the last movie that made you cry?

mmm....Tangled? I'm a sap. (to answer your question, Nate: i watched it while you were at work because you didn't seem interested. so just WATCHTHETOWNWITHOUTME.)

-C



Check out Leigh Ashley's blog to link up!

haven't lost it all yet (ten on tuesday)

1. What is a food that you never thought you would try, but then tried and liked?
When I was younger I was pretty picky (also, my sister was REALLY picky,) so there weren't many new food introductions in my house. As I've gotten older, I've discovered that I'll try pretty much anything, unless it includes foods/spices I know I dislike. But I suppose once I started trying raw foods, I was surprised at how many I wound up loving: oysters, carpaccio, sushi, etc.

2. Do you subscribe to any foodie publications? If so, which ones?
Nope. Not unless you count food blogs ;)

3. What ingredient do you find yourself reaching for the most when you cook?
Pasta. Basil. Recently, brussel sprouts. Cheese. I'm kind of an Italian food junkie, so anything that goes well with noodles!

4. Are there any foods that you hated as a child, but then learned to like as an adult?
I remember vehemently not liking onions. Now I love them, as long as they aren't raw.

5. What do you like to eat that others may consider weird?
Brussel Sprouts? I also love Kraft Macaroni and Cheese mixed with Apple Sauce. It's like the low-brow equivalent of brie and apple slices. I haven't had it in a long time, though.

6. What is the weirdest ingredient you’ve ever cooked with?
Hmm...probably nothing that weird. For me, it was probably spaghetti squash. I'm so adventurous!

7. Do you have any major food allergies?
Nope. But I do get a rash on my skin if I leave citrus juice/residue on it. Especially the skin around my mouth.
8. Is there an ingredient that you would like to cook with, but are intimidated to try?
Eventually I'm gonna go for the 'buy the shellfish while it's still alive and dump it in boilig water when you get home' thing, but for now, it scares me.

9. Do you bake?
Not usually. Nate is better in that department.

10. If you could go on any “foodie” show to compete, which one would it be, and why?
Chopped. But I'd fail miserably, cause half the time I've never even heard of what's in the basket. Or have any idea how to cook it.

-C

(check out the other answers and link-up at RootsandRings!)

let's go back to the start

What's in Your Bag: A Study of the Caitlin

Over the years, I've learned that on most days, just carrying a purse isn't enough for me. Usually, if I have an event that I want to just carry a purse or clutch to, I wind up bringing a whole bag of things, with the clutch inside, and make a split-second decision as to what can be left in the car/person's house we're leaving from/on the floor under my chair in the original bag. I am a bag lady, and I've come to terms with this.

Here is what makes it into my bag on a normal day. Most of these things fit into my purse, but my lunch and usually my work shoes (that I don't wear to walk to work) don't, so I bring a larger bag, so I can fit those very necessary things.

1. Kindle (Amazon) -- I stopped carrying it for a while, but I'm back to bringing it. So I can read at lunch. And sometimes at my desk. I'm working my way through everything Michael Crichton ever wrote, pretty much.
2. Planner (Vera Bradley) -- With a similar pattern to my kindle sticker. Totally unintentional.
3. Umbrella (Target) -- Because I live in Seattle, and it's usually at least misting. I bring it even when the forecast says it's supposed to be completely sunny all day. Because the weather people? They lie.
4. Minimergency Kit (Ms. & Mrs.) -- This is a save-all pack. It has mini hairspray, mini clear nail polish, nail polish remover pads, emery board, earring backs, mini sewing kit, stain remover towelette, deodorant remover towelette, breath fresh drops, tampon, lip balm, band aids, floss, clear hair ties and pain reliever. You have no idea how often I get to say 'I have that!' when someone asks. And they sell refills, so you don't have to buy a new one when you run out of stuff.
5. Emery Board (Paul and Joe) -- My nails break often, I need to file them. Sometimes, I chew on them when I get nervous or stressed out (it's a bad habit I haven't quite fully been able to quit.) I file them. It's useful.
6. Spray Hand Sanitizer (Cleanwell) -- This stuff is great, and this mini bottle lasts forever. It doesn't have alcohol (it uses plants!) so it's super kid and pet safe, and smells much better than the traditional stuff.
7. Roll-On Perfume in 'Pink Sugar' by Aquolina (Sephora) -- I have regular, spray perfume at home. But if I forget to put it on, or just feel like I need a good-smelling pick me up during the workday, I can use this!
8. Pen -- So I always have a pen. Because they're useful. And then if I'm signing up/in for something, I don't have to wait for everyone else to finish (it was very handy for group job interviews, back when we first got to Seattle.)
9. Lip Gloss (Archipelago) -- For when I want shine. It also smells good, but not like candy, so I'm not tempted to taste it when I put it on.
10. Kiss of Smoothness Lip Balm (Nivea) -- This stuff is the BOMB. I always have it. It's the only thing I've found that doesn't stop working after three applications (cause my lips are always chapped, no matter how much I hydrate.)
11. Redness/Irritation Eyedrops (Visine) -- I wear contacts. I wear contacts for way longer than is recommended by the packaging. So towards the end of their life, they get dry. And I think my eyes are overly sensitive when I don't get enough sleep...which is always. So they're red, and they need help.
12. Lavender Hand Cream with 20% Shea Butter (Pre de Provence) -- Lavender is my favorite scent and this stuff is awesome. The tube has lasted me for a long time, although that might be because I don't use handcream often enough.
13. Compact (Sephora) -- This handy little buddy came with the giftcard my sister sent for my birthday last year. It's got a nice big mirror inside. I don't usually carry my makeup with me, but it's nice to have a mirror, every once and a while.
14. iPhone (not pictured) and Headphones (Apple) -- I cannot live without my iPhone.
15. Wallet (Big Buddha) -- Wallets are one of my weaknesses, but I love this one. It's got plenty of space, it's fashionable looking and it's big enough to find easily in my bag. Unlike everything else I carry.


To quote a little Capital One commercial: What's in your wallet bag?
-C