You might be wondering, “So what in tarnation is this Monday Poll thing anyway!?”
Well, it isn’t exactly a poll. It’s more of a constantly evolving (devolving?), somewhat random list of questions I’ve been putting out to readers every Monday morning for the past seven years. (It’s like a kickstart for your brain.) I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.
- What was the very first thing you ate today?
A bright green smoothie! And I guess it would be more accurate to say that I drank it, instead of ate it, but it was filling.I put two big handfuls of spinach in there, one small gala apple, the juice from one lemon, a cup of coconut aloe juice (the one that comes in a box from Trader Joe’s), a fourth of an avocado and 10 blueberries (has to be 10… Don’t ask me why.).
Now that I look back at the ingredients…yeah, it might sound kinda gross, but no way. It was delicious, and now I’m fired up with energy right meow, woo-hoo!
- When was the last wedding you attended?
Um…years ago. Maybe a decade? I think it was my friend Jen’s destination wedding in Boca Raton, Florida. That was a while ago… - And the Award for Best Pet in Your Entire Life goes to…
Seriously, growing up our house was like a zoo. We had dogs, cats, birds, mice, rabbits, fish, probably other animals I can’t remember now too, since my dad was always bringing some random stray or other animal home, but of all of the animals I’ve shared my life with, Tabs wins, hands down. He’s been the sweetest, most patient, funniest, most loving animal I’ve ever known. - What would you call your biggest shortcoming?
I waste a lot of time and energy — too much time and energy — needlessly worrying about things that are out of my control, and it’s exhausting.Like so many things, it’s a process. I’m workin’ on it…
- What do you consider your biggest asset?
Hmm… My outgoing-ness (is that a word?). Things do seem to work out better for me when I can talk to other people, even strangers.I don’t know if that makes any sense, but it’s true.
Your turn. 🙂 Just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em!
1. What was the very first thing you ate today?
2. When was the last wedding you attended?
3. And the Award for Best Pet in Your Entire Life goes to…
4. What would you call your biggest shortcoming?
5. What do you consider your biggest asset?
Hey, babe! Happy Monday to ya. Are you busy today? I am…but then again I’m not. Like, I feel like I have a ton of things to do around the house, but all I’m really doing is sitting around waiting for BG to show up. Will it be today? Tomorrow? Tonight? Middle of the afternoon? I don’t know.
I do have today, howeve, marked on my calendar, because it’s the day Susan Miller of Astrology Zone (don’t laugh… Her forecasts have been eerily accurate for me.) said that a new baby could be coming.
If she does decide to arrive today, I just hope it’s before 2 p.m. this afternoon… LOL! We have to drive to San Francisco, and I want to beat the traffic and still have some energy.
So, um…if I could please send a cosmic message out into the universe, I would like to ask for BG to announce her arrival before 2 p.m. today.
I’m just sayin’.
Anywho! Time for another cup of decaf tea. I hope to see you in the comments. Have a great day.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
1. What was the very first thing you ate today?
3 Petite Vanilla Scones from Starbucks. They were supposed to be my treat this afternoon, but I couldn’t help myself. I didn’t even realize I had eaten all three until they were gone. Oops!
2. When was the last wedding you attended?
That would be my sisters wedding which will be 5 years this summer. My younger sister and I were bridesmaids and it was the hottest day of the year and not the slightest breeze to be had on the full sun patio during the ceremony.
3. And the Award for Best Pet in Your Entire Life goes to…
My BG, my yorkie-poo Winnie. I’ve always had pets growing up but Winnie was my first pet on my own and the bond is very different. I can’t imagine my day without her.
4. What would you call your biggest shortcoming?
The complete opposite to you Karen, I’m deathly shy. I have the worst social anxiety.
5. What do you consider your biggest asset?
Once people do get past my shyness, I am a fiercely loyal and supportive friend.
I hope you’re getting lots of quiet time before BG comes Karen because you might not get any for a while. When my sister was in labor she didn’t even know. She went in for a checkup a week before her due date and the doctor told her to go straight to the hospital. She was about 6-7 cm dilated and felt nothing. She actually didn’t feel any pain during the entire labor and birth so you never know when BG might make her big debut!
1. What was the very first thing you ate today? Depends what you count as eating, lol. Either Zofran, an anti-nausea drug, or a Thomas’ wheat English Muffin 🙂
2. When was the last wedding you attended? Gosh, I think it was Fintan & William’s wedding in Oct. 2013. This year, my SO’s younger daughter is getting married.
3. And the Award for Best Pet in Your Entire Life goes to…Evil, my first and favorite black cat
4. What would you call your biggest shortcoming? thinking I’m always right
5. What do you consider your biggest asset? self-confidence most of the time
1. What was the very first thing you ate today? Also a green smoothie – big handfull of Kale/Spinach, 1/2 honeycrisp apple, 1/2 banana; Tbl chia seeds, aprox 20 almonds, 1/2 bolthouse chai and some water
2. When was the last wedding you attended? I went to one last summer as a date
3. And the Award for Best Pet in Your Entire Life goes to… My Ella-Puff shes a 3 year old Frenchie that I got at 10 weeks old – she amazing
4. What would you call your biggest shortcoming? I’ve developed anxiety over the last couple years, it can definitely hinder me.
5. What do you consider your biggest asset? Probably my eyes.
Hi Karen! I love green smoothies. My favorite combo is an apple, spinach, honey (from our own bees), mini cucumber, a couple pieces of frozen pineapple, and ground flax seed.
1. What was the very first thing you ate today? Trader Joe’s oatmeal with blueberries.
2. When was the last wedding you attended? The wedding for a friend from grad school. I was on the groom’s side (not the bride’s). It was held at a winery/distillery. 🙂
3. And the Award for Best Pet in Your Entire Life goes to…
My cat Maximus! He’s a tuxedo tabby and will be 16 in April.
4. What would you call your biggest shortcoming? I deal with anxiety and that makes things challenging if I’m having a rough day.
5. What do you consider your biggest asset? My Mom calls it my “gift of gab.” I’m able to talk to people which helps out in all sorts of situations.
1. What was the very first thing you ate today?
Clementines whilst peeling them for everyone’s lunchboxes. Yum!
2. When was the last wedding you attended?
My husband’s primo (first cousin).
3. And the Award for Best Pet in Your Entire Life goes to…
My current basset-dachsund mix! Those eyes… those stubby legs… that wagging tail and sweet disposition… the endless willingness to cuddle… !!!
4. What would you call your biggest shortcoming?
Worry or fear. (That’s two, but I suppose they’re linked!)
5. What do you consider your biggest asset?
Spiritual understanding (to the degree that I have it) and an ability to see the long view in a crisis. (Two again! It’s that kind of day.)
But fortunately it won’t be that kind of day for you, Karen… my mom had twins without knowing they were coming until she delivered. That was before ultrasounds. At least you won’t get that kind of surprise!! Whenever she comes, she’ll have a great mommy!
1. What was the very first thing you ate today?
Oatmeal with skinny milk, an apple sliced and some agave nectar for sweetness. My go-to breakfast whenever I am at home.
2. When was the last wedding you attended?
My own, a little over two years ago, highly pregnant with Little Bean. Everyone around me already is married or going through a divorce.
3. And the Award for Best Pet in Your Entire Life goes to…
My cat, Tjeika, who sadly died from immune deficiency when she was three years old.
4. What would you call your biggest shortcoming?
I can get very emotional upset very easy and sometimes loose myself in that.
5. What do you consider your biggest asset?
That I can get emotional very easy and thus can be very caring and emphatic.
I guess it is a burden and a blessing at once.
Fingers crossed that Baby Girl listens to your wishes, at least for now. I actually went on a walk with Little Bean and told her that it was almost spring and that she should really come now, so I could show her the flowers starting to bloom when I was pregnant and half an hour later my water broke. Haven’t tried that this time with Peanut, but I sure hope he arrives soon.
1. What was the very first thing you ate today?
Water! I have yet to consume food. Sick 🙁
2. When was the last wedding you attended?
My own in 2010
3. And the Award for Best Pet in Your Entire Life goes to…
That’s a toughie. I’lll say my current dog Elroy. Followed closely by my dog Shasta. I only had Shasta a few weeks but he saved my life as a child and I will always love him. My parents rehommed him cause they couldn’t afford to feed or deal with a wolf hybrid. He went to good friends who lived on property. We got to visit him every few months.
4. What would you call your biggest shortcoming?
I have quite a few. I’m a bit judgmental and I don’t have pertinence for stupidity.
5. What do you consider your biggest asset?
My intellect and my big heart.
I’m on pins and needles for BG! Keeping you in my prayers.
I’ve loved all my pets though! It’s hard to choose. All mah babies been special. Even my rats and fish!
1. What was the very first thing you ate today? Rice Chex!
2. When was the last wedding you attended?
Hmm, it’s been a while! Probably some friends last September who are now getting a divorce…
3. And the Award for Best Pet in Your Entire Life goes to…
Quincy and Mina just brighten up my life in an amazing way. Quincy is just so personable, and makes everyone he meets fall in love with him, even bunny skeptics. He is full ofpersonality. And Mina is such a sweet kittycat. She’s not always easy to be a parent too, because she loves getting into mischief and chasing the bunny, but she loves everyone she meets and will bathe them in kisses and purrs. Her lack of a tail causes endearing clumsiness, she falls in the bathtub, in the toilet, off her cat tree…
4. What would you call your biggest shortcoming?
I talk before I think because silence makes me anxious.
5. What do you consider your biggest asset?
I’m a pretty kind person.
1. What was the very first thing you ate today? Frozen waffles and Starbucks Doubleshot Light, haha. It’s fast and easy so it’s been the same most days lately.
2. When was the last wedding you attended? My brother’s in 2011 and it was pretty rough in the social anxiety and I basically know no one department!
3. And the Award for Best Pet in Your Entire Life goes to… possibly our super sweet orange and white tabby cat, Oliver. We had good dogs growing up but Oliver is probably the sweetest cat ever with virtually no bad habits!
4. What would you call your biggest shortcoming? Tendencies towards social anxiety, it can get in the way of a lot of things but having kiddos has helped. There’s always a topic of conversation!
5. What do you consider your biggest asset? A large supply of patience 🙂 (but not endless, the toddler can burn through it pretty fast haha)
1. What was the very first thing you ate today? Two slices of bacon, two egg whites with avocado, an orange, and three cups of black coffee. My normal weekday breakfast.
2. When was the last wedding you attended? In January I went to one of my “mom friends’s” weddings! My Mom friends are what I call the friends of my kids’ classmates. I love that I’ve made such wonderful and lifelong friends as an adult, through my children. It’s wonderful! And the wedding I went to was romantic and fun and full of joy!
3. And the Award for Best Pet in Your Entire Life goes to…I grew up with so so so many animals, and we had this dog named Tina that was my sister, my parents had to bottle feed her after her momma died. Also, my current dog Fanny, a pug, is my third daughter. I can’t even explain the love I have for this dog!
4. What would you call your biggest shortcoming? Straight up laziness! I could get so much done if I would just do it, but sometimes catching up on the DVR and cuddling the pug on the sofa win out! Not everyday, but probably more than I should.
5. What do you consider your biggest asset? I tend to make friends for life, really good, close, friendships. I work hard on growing and cultivating those friendships, and my girlfriends have been one of the biggest joys of my life!
1. What was the very first thing you ate today?
I also had a smoothie! I had some frozen strawberries and blueberries, half a banana, kiwi, handful of spinach and coconut water.
2. When was the last wedding you attended?
In September, it was my husbands cousins wedding.
3. And the Award for Best Pet in Your Entire Life goes to…
I had a dog when I was younger and living with my parents. He was a black lab named Gus and someone my family knew was moving and couldn’t take him so we adopted him. He was about 5 at the time. And about 7 years ago we had to put him to sleep. He was so old and so sick. Saddest say of my life. He was such a good dog.
4. What would you call your biggest shortcoming?
Wasting time when I’m lazy.
5. What do you consider your biggest asset?
Hm I’m not sure. Maybe my kindness? It’s weird to think of these things when it’s about yourself!
How exciting baby girl could arrive any day! I’ve been thinking of you everyday wondering! Maybe she will wait another week for my birthday on March 1st:) I’m starting to get anxious with all the things I have to do myself. I still have about 10 weeks to go and we just started making progress on the nursery. I feel like my house is upside down and I just can’t wait to have everything done!
1. What was the very first thing you ate today? A muffin and tea
2. When was the last wedding you attended? A friend’s wedding a couple years ago. It was a pagan wedding with a medieval/faerie theme. It was interesting and lots of fun.
3. And the Award for Best Pet in Your Entire Life goes to… My dearly departed cat, Terry. The smartest cat I’ve ever seen in my life, and I grew up with dozens of cats. He was also sweet. When we took in three abandoned newborn feral kittens, he adopted them and potty trained them and everything (except nursing, of course). When a flesh eating virus attacked his leg, he was so patient and understood we were trying to help him. After he lost his leg, he was still the neighborhood alpha cat. I miss him.
4. What would you call your biggest shortcoming? Severe and chronic General Anxiety Disorder
5. What do you consider your biggest asset? I’m really smart and tenacious.
1. What was the very first thing you ate today? A green smoothie with too much kale. I couldn’t stomach it so I drank a huge cup of coffee instead.
2. When was the last wedding you attended? My own wedding! August 2013
3. And the Award for Best Pet in Your Entire Life goes to… Don’t make me choose between pets! I have a collie named Holly and a sassy tabby cat named Tibbs and I love them both 🙂
4. What would you call your biggest shortcoming? Lack of willpower/laziness
5. What do you consider your biggest asset? My humor and kindness 🙂
1. What was the very first thing you ate today?
A cup of mixed fruits, and it was really late (past noon). I woke with a migraine and couldn’t stomach anything before that!
2. When was the last wedding you attended?
Last October, my husband’s first cousin got married in his parents backyard. They did great on the decoration and entertainment, it was awesome!
3. And the Award for Best Pet in Your Entire Life goes to…
Ernesto! I’ve only had one pet before, and I was a child so we didn’t bond as much. Ernesto’s a trooper, he’s moved across oceans and followed me on 3 continents! He’s so loving that he’s almost a dog…
4. What would you call your biggest shortcoming?
Lack of self-confidence.
5. What do you consider your biggest asset?
My brains, although I don’t always use them as much as I could.
Hope BG shows up soon, I can’t wait to hear the news!
1) 1st thing I ate! 1/3 of a Builder Bar. Not the healthiest protein bar, but I’m a bit limited on choices where I live. Also, not the healthiest breakfast at all!
2) 3 and a half years ago. It was my sweet cousin, and it was a long drive, but it was also the last time I’d have the opportunity to see my entire family before all of my international moving began. It was very bittersweet.
3) My current dog! He’s a 65 lb lap dig! He’s the sweetest animal ever. I “baby” him more than I “baby” my husband! :-/
4) Again, I agree with Karen. I make myself sick with worry. It’s truly such a waste of energy! Also, I’m a people pleaser, so I have been taken advantage of. I’m much better at saying “no” now, instead of agreeing to dreaded plans!
5) I would give the shirt off my back to someone in need. Again, people pleasing perhsps, but I’m very caring and empathetic.
Okay, before I answer your poll, I was sure I was going to log on to your site and see a baby photo. But no. So I implore you, mama, relax and let that baby go!
1. What was the very first thing you ate today? Two shots of espresso over ice with a dash of cream.
2. When was the last wedding you attended? Ten years ago, my good friend Don and Paige. Second for both and so beautiful. And amazing food. Don passed away five years ago and I miss him terribly as does his widow. We don’t make plans to see each other because all we do is cry when we run into at each other at events. 🙁
3. And the Award for Best Pet in Your Entire Life goes to… Oh boy, I would have to ask Paco Rabanne and his brother Blue to share the award, which would lead to fur-pulling even though they are very close. So I would have to award it to each one in private and swear him to secrecy.
4. What would you call your biggest shortcoming? I’m impatient and tend to be too black and white about things. Plus, I’m bossy. I’m one of those people who always knows best. Those people drive me up the freakin’ wall and yet, that’s so me.
5. What do you consider your biggest asset? my ability to talk to anyone about anything. I’m an introvert but a social one, if that makes any sense.
1. What was the very first thing you ate today?
Well, I’m drink a Boost, so does that count as eating something?
2. When was the last wedding you attended?
Let me think about this. It was the daughter of a friend of my grams and I think I was 12.
3. And the Award for Best Pet in Your Entire Life goes to…
I have two. My Greyhound Porsche and Zena! My greyhound pretty much acted as a seizure dog and she was my first real childhood dog. Zena is my current pet and she is such a sweetie.
4. What would you call your biggest shortcoming?
I really cannot filter my mouth or emotions. So, if I really don’t like you, I can be very hostile and extremely cold to you.
Plus, I’m not one for giving second chances so if I don’t like you, you’re pretty much stuck in that category. I’m trying to work on it like anything else, but sometimes it’s really hard when things that made me dislike you in the first place happened during very traumatic times.
5. What do you consider your biggest asset?
My patience and fondness for animals. A lot of people get frustrated when a horse won’t cooperate and give up, but I enjoy the challenge. I love learning what will work for each horse. Some horses at my NFP don’t need my stick (I don’t whip them hard like in races) to get into a trot and stay there; some need a boot; some need a stick. I enjoy a good challenge!
1. What was the very first thing you ate today?
Oatmeal with apples and flax accompanied by a mug of Japanese green tea.
2. When was the last wedding you attended? 15 years ago this month
3. And the Award for Best Pet in Your Entire Life goes to… Not sure she qualifies as a pet, but considering how much she has given to my daughter and myself and that I think of her as a member of the family, my mare Lucy. Retired from competing now because of arthritis in her knees. Still the smartest, calmest, most protective horse out there. I swear there were times she could read our minds. Best darn horse on the planet.
4. What would you call your biggest shortcoming? Procrastination. Reading all the blogs I do, doesn’t help. 😉
5. What do you consider your biggest asset? My ability to talk people down from the ledge and inject calm and reason into a situation when others get worked up. My husband says it would be great if I could take my own advice some times.
The waiting game the last few weeks is hard. Hope you can rest and relax as much as possible before the big day.
1. A corn muffin
2. My own, in 2006 (divorced from him now, engaged to someone else!) Was invited to one in Maine a few years ago and wanted to go but couldn’t (would have been about a 14 hour drive)
3. SHAKESPEARE my cat!!! He’s legendary, just like his namesake…
4. I don’t have enough money!
5. My endless creativity!
1. What was the very first thing you ate today?
Just a glass of soy milk, most days I drink a smoothie with soy milk, a banana, oats and chocolate or coffee but I didn’t have it because I was running late (I even put sunscreen in the car).
2. When was the last wedding you attended?
My aunt’s wedding on December, I danced like it weren’t tomorrow.
3. And the Award for Best Pet in Your Entire Life goes to…
Max, that little dog is like my son, I’ve never been so emotionally attached to a pet like with him; sometimes I think he’s crazy and/or silly but is my little boy.
4. What would you call your biggest shortcoming?
Procrastination, I’m always delaying things so I ended up doing them in a blink (with all the problems that end up happening).
5. What do you consider your biggest asset?
I think I’m a really good person, so I’ll always try to see the best of someone, also my commitment with things, when I stop doing something is because I’m not feeling well or something like that.
1. What was the very first thing you ate today?
I ate leftover blueberry banana pancakes that my 11 year old (well he will be 11 Thursday) made for the family all by himself. And they were probably the best pancakes I’ve ever had. His first time making them too! I make them every weekend and they surpassed mine by leaps and bounds. That’s not saying much. I can cook.
2. When was the last wedding you attended? My husbands friend and her wife got married almost a year ago at this amazing garden. I’m going to a wedding in a few weeks in Laguna for a good friend and her soon to be wife!
3. And the Award for Best Pet in Your Entire Life goes to…
My cat Savanah Mittens. Aka Kitty. She was a beautiful Abyssinian “cuppie”- part cat part puppy. She was the best. Met me at the door when I came home, friendly to everyone. Super affectionate. Groomed your hair and slept on your shoulder. She snuck out during my husbands birthday party almost two years ago. I didn’t know. I fell asleep and she was on my bed but people were still there and someone must have let her out. I had closed my windows that night cause they were smoking cigars in the backyard. I didn’t hear her crying to be let in. A coyote got her and left her on the porch for me to find in the morning. I’m still devastated. Sorry to be so depressing. She was truly the best.
4. What would you call your biggest shortcoming?
My biggest shortcoming is my insecurity. It makes me jealous. It makes me say yes to everything at work and loads me up w too much sometimes. If holds me back from risks. It makes me scared of change. I hate it!!!
5. What do you consider your biggest asset?
I’m friendly and empathetic and a hard worker. I’m smart, especially in the science area. I try hard. I used to be fun but then I had kids. Now I feel like I’m not as fun. Agh… There’s the insecurity. Bleh!
I hope baby girl came today! I hope you post when she’s here! Labor dust for you!
My lil guy has grown enough that my uterus is now in my ribs so when I sit, I feel like I swallowed him! Agh! 16 more weeks!!!
1. What was the very first thing you ate today?
Cinnamon oatmeal and curd.
2. When was the last wedding you attended?
My own, lol! On August 22 of last summer.
3. And the Award for Best Pet in Your Entire Life goes to my dear Lenka, may she rest in peace.
4. What would you call your biggest shortcoming? My inability to let go of things.
5. What do you consider your biggest asset? The fact that I put a lot effort and passion into everything that I commit to.
Happy Tuesday! Was Susan right?? 2/22 has a nice ring to it. 🙂 You’ve probably already said this or realized it but BG could be a Leap Year baby. I have a friend who is – it’s pretty cool. When she gets to be 100, she could still be like “well, I’m TECHNICALLY still 25”. 🙂
1. What was the very first thing you ate today? A sea salt and caramel almond Kind bar. Actually, still chewing it.
2. When was the last wedding you attended? 2 years ago, I think.
3. And the Award for Best Pet in Your Entire Life goes to… With 4 in our house right now, it wouldn’t be nice to choose. 🙂
4. What would you call your biggest shortcoming? Impatience.
5. What do you consider your biggest asset? Probably being pretty consistently happy. I see so many people who are negative and miserable. I would hate to wake up every day feeling that way. Like literally not being able to smile and say “good morning!”.
1. What was the very first thing you ate today?
I had a tea with chocolate biscuits.
2. When was the last wedding you attended?
In january. One of my best friends got married. She was the first in outlr clique to get married.
3. And the Award for Best Pet in Your Entire Life goes to…
I haven’t had pets except for my fish. So fishes.
4. What would you call your biggest shortcoming?
Wasting time. And taking too long when not needed to be.
5. What do you consider your biggest asset?
My big heart and being friendly with everyone.