So…what is the Monday Poll?
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 10 (!) 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.
1. Describe your outfit!
Girl, OK. I feel like I’m on repeating Groundhog Day loop, because right now I’m in stinky, sweaty post-workout clothes…and it feels like I am ALWAYS in stinky, sweaty post-workout clothes, LOL!
This could be due to the fact that I just finished a short run on the treadmill. Before I sit down to write, especially in the mornings, I like to get my wiggles out, and the easiest way to do that is with a quick HIIT class on YouTube or a mile or two on the treadmill.
Sweating also helps me wake up and clears my head…
Anyway! That was my long-winded way of saying that I’m all Senita’d out today. Thank you, Abbey in the comments, for introducing me to the line. Their clothes are SO cute and affordable. I’m wearing the Sarah Bra in the Bahamas Print, the matching Bahamas Swift Shorts and the black Boyfriend Tank.
2. Do you know who you are?
WOW! — that’s a serious question for a Monday eclipse morning, but yes, I feel like I know who I am. But I also feel like I’m still growing and changing as a person.
I know the girl deep, down inside, and I love her, but sometimes she drives me crazy!
3. How long did it take you to truly figure out who you are?
I don’t think we’re ever done fully figuring ourselves out, because life and the things that happen along the way change things, but for me, really, I started to feel like I was finally becoming the person I was meant to be in my late 30s, so it took a while.
I admire those people who know themselves from the get-go. El Hub is like that. But it wasn’t that way for me. I’ve changed so much over the years, which reminds me — I’m so thankful that I didn’t grow up in the era of social media and online personas, because social media can be a perception trap.
I dunno… What are your thoughts on this?
4. What do you do when you don’t know what to do about something?
I freakin’ stall! Seriously, I stall as long as I can, and I use the time to calm down and clear my head.
When I react to something right away, I’m more likely to make unwise decisions… It took me a long time to figure that one out. Anyway, I stall for as long as I can, and in that process I take several deep breaths. If I have the time, I’ll also call El Hub and my parents, or one of my friends, and ask for advice.
5. Should you stay or should you go now?
So, of course I have to sing that song now. 🙂 “Should I stay or should I go now?”
While I think there’s value in sitting still, you should just GO! Go out and see the world. See everything.
I gotta get out of these clothes now, man! Although I do have to say that they dry pretty quickly. The sweat just wicks away into the ether.
Before I jump in the shower, can I just say that I think you’re great? 🙂 YOU ARE GREAT!
Be careful watching the eclipse today. Have a wonderful week.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. The questions to copy/paste.
1. Describe your outfit!
2. Do you know who you are?
3. How long did it take you to truly figure out who you are?
4. What do you do when you don’t know what to do about something?
5. Should you stay or should you go now?
1. Describe your outfit!
Well… PJs for now, I’m afraid. Been home, writing some more stuff in my thesis since I got up. Since my like being comfy, I didn’t bother changing.
2. Do you know who you are?
Most of the time, yes. But sometimes I go through ‘phases’ of (re)discovery, when I try new hobbies, or remember old ones. I’m linking ‘who I am’ to hobbies and activities, because I think I usually tend to define myself by what I do. ‘The phases’ (could make-up be one, I sometimes wonder?) also tend to happen when I am really stressed, and I just need some kind of escape. They feel good, but also create some minor disconnect from what I am like when I’m relaxed.
3. How long did it take you to truly figure out who you are?
Hm. Despite what I said above, I don’t think I’ve been through any gigantic changes since I had some kind of rebellious phase in school – maybe ages 14-16. Afterwards, I think the core of what I’m like and who I am stayed more or less the same, actually. Sure, with the exceptions from point 2.
4. What do you do when you don’t know what to do about something?
Run around like a headless chicken. Ha, kidding – mostly. I do go through this state of panic, and I might try to ask people around me for advice, but only at the very start of the situation. After that I feel like I need an hour or two to figure out by myself how I really feel, and what I really want to do. So yeah, for me, going off to have some alone time really helps.
5. Should you stay or should you go now?
Leaning towards the ‘go’ option myself. 🙂
Lex recently posted … Short tip of the day: Cleaning and refreshing eyeshadows
You’re doing great on your thesis, Lex! The first draft is always the hardest. YOU’VE GOT THIS!
Awww, thanks Karen! You’re so nice! Hope you’re having a great day!
I’m still writing some stuff, but amusingly, I’m also testing some new eyeshadow from Vincent Longo at the same time. Might go check how it’s holding up after I do a bit more work. 🙂
1. Describe your outfit!
I’m wearing a sleeveless sundress – it’s all a kind of peachy color with a crocheted-looking overlay. I wore it for my friend’s wedding 2 years ago, and bring it out on days where I wanna feel a little fancy but not too fussy.
2. Do you know who you are?
…yes, I think so. I mean, who I am can change from day to day (especially around a certain time of the month, cough cough) but I’m pretty good at knowing my emotions, what I feel capable of, what I can/can’t handle… and in those moments where I need to dig into the reasons I respond to life in ways that are surprising or frustrating or feel out of character, I take some time with myself (with a walk by the river, if I can swing it) to really examine what’s going on.
3. How long did it take you to truly figure out who you are?
“Truly” feels like a big/daunting word! But I mean… I know in my soul that I’m a musician, and I didn’t figure that out until I was about 23. (Even though I had *literally* been a musician all my life. Sometimes I’m a little slow on the uptake, lol.) How I manifest that has evolved over the years – I went from singing with my family to playing clarinet in the wind ensemble to singing jazz to writing & singing my own stuff and now to playing bass (??), but it’s something I simply have to do. To not do it would feel like… I don’t know. Like I’m missing out on what life is about.
I envy people who knew what they wanted or who they were at a young age (Elizabeth Gilbert comes to mind). But I’m also grateful that I realized that I have a “vocation” at all! I think I would’ve felt really unsatisfied if I hadn’t taken the time to notice it. Another interesting thing about that, though, is that some people don’t really seem to have a vocation, but a million diverse life interests. I have a friend who doesn’t really have a “calling,” but takes every class that she’s curious about and basically learns all manner of things simply because she’s interested in them. She picks up every hobby that she’s intrigued by. And then I get to hear about whatever new thing she’s involved in, and it enriches my life. It’s quite cool, actually.
4. What do you do when you don’t know what to do about something?
Um… I hide a little? Haha. I usually avoid the issue for a while. It’s probably me processing things, to a certain extent. Especially if it’s important, I’ll take some time to think about it. I’ll do that whole walk-by-the-river thing, if I can, to try and parse the situation and get some clarity. Water is wonderfully helpful for clearing my mind.
5. Should you stay or should you go now?
At the moment, I should probably stay! And prepare mightily for the “go now” so that when it comes along I can jump on it’s back with all the gusto in the world. 🙂
You’re so lucky to have a calling and to be so good at it, Shannon! By the way, how are your nails holding up while playing bass? That’s why I never became a guitarist… Too hard on my manicure. LOL!
Hahaha – surprisingly, the nails are holding up pretty well!! The way you play bass is much more conducive to having a manicure than playing guitar is… which is great. You kind of push down & through the string, rather than strumming up and down, and you hold the strings down with more the pad of your finger than the tip – so there’s little to no nail-to-string contact. *fistpump* I SO chose the right instrument, lol! I have to keep my nails relatively short, so basically will have to redo things every 1-2 weeks anyways. Maybe this will inspire my to paint my paws more often – who knows!
Similarly, I was totally thrilled when I started singing after playing the clarinet and realized I could wear lipstick on stage. (Reeds do not take kindly to lipgloss, lol.) I am such a makeup-loving creature, haha!
1. Describe your outfit!
Midi blue skirt and white top. Comfy me on a Monday!
2. Do you know who you are?
Truth is always subjective.
3. How long did it take you to truly figure out who you are?
Still getting to know aspects of myself, discovery will never stop, so I guess a lifetime 🙂
4. What do you do when you don’t know what to do about something?
Nothing till I’m sure I know what to do. I’ll normally ask for advice.
5. Should you stay or should you go now?
Go home. Too long a day in the office and it’s only a Monday. When home, happy to stay 🙂
Hope you have a good week, Eleni!
1. Describe your outfit! Black Quake 3 Arena t-shirt and black leggings because I just can’t make any effort while I’m pregnant until I’m in maternity clothes.
2. Do you know who you are? For the moment, sort of? I identified as a tech person for a long time but then became a mom and been home with the two of them for 4 years now (by choice) which is pretty much all encompassing. It takes some effort to keep pieces of me outside being a mom.
3. How long did it take you to truly figure out who you are? It’s an ongoing process, for sure.
4. What do you do when you don’t know what to do about something? Research on the internet, talk to people about it. My desire to know everything means I don’t want to ask someone before I do my own research but I’m working on changing that.
5. Should you stay or should you go now? I’m a homebody but I can definitely appreciate the need to go. It’s just complicated sometimes with small children.
Hi Nicole,
Ahh, congrats on your pregnancy! How far along are you?
Just 11 weeks, haven’t gotten ducks in a row to tell out of town family so haven’t made an official announcement yet ? Like with my second pregnancy, even thinking about makeup makes me queasy so I’ve been kind of MIA.
1. Describe your outfit!
Lazy Monday at the office: jeans, a white and blue floral shirt, black sneakers.
2. Do you know who you are?
I think I do. It also took me a very long time. And sometimes I still feel like I might be wrong!
3. How long did it take you to truly figure out who you are?
Forever! I had zero clue until my thirties for sure.
4. What do you do when you don’t know what to do about something?
Typically I do nothing and wait for it to go away, lol! If I know it won’t, I discuss it with my husband, and then make a decision.
5. Should you stay or should you go now?
Looks like I gotta go!
Hi Lulle,
Happy Monday! That’s cool that you get to dress down for the office. Definitely a huge plus!
. Describe your outfit! Classic – white tee, Lucky Brand jeans that my sister gave me because they were too tight on her, black light wool blazer and black wedge sandals.
2. Do you know who you are? Pretty much, but even at almost 58, there is room for change.
3. How long did it take you to truly figure out who you are? I am still working on that.
4. What do you do when you don’t know what to do about something? It depends, but I will ask my mom.
5. Should you stay or should you go now? Go!
So, back at work and it is so quiet as everyone is on summer vacation. Camp is over for everyone and so they are away with their families. I am bummed for two reasons:
1. I missed the total eclipse today, although my sister sent me a photo from the City.
2. My Les Beiges Healthy Glow powder cracked in the palette. I must have mishandled it while on vacation, but the center is completely gone and it is flaking every time I open the palette. Also, my Undertone cream shadow feels drier than it has been. is that usual for the Chanel cream shadow? It still looks great on my eyes, but it also seems to be a bit crumbly.
Anyway, I can’t believe summer is almost over and we are starting to think about school. Zack will be a HS junior. Yipes!!!!
Be well.
Bummer about your cracked palette, UGH! And that’s unusual for a relatively new Chanel cream shadow. Maybe it wasn’t closed tightly?
I missed the eclipse today too because it was cloudy in the Bay Area!
Can you pretty please list the makeup products that in today’s post? I absolutely love purple and all shades in between.
Hi Cathy,
Is there something specific you want to know the name of? Unfortunately I put all the makeup away and so I don’t have all the names off the top of my head. If there’s something you see and like I can try to dig it up!
Hi Karen,
Can you please provide me with the names of the individual eye shadows, the Smith & Cult pink nail polish, the two MAC Lipglass closest to the blush and the purple lip gloss next to Smith & Cult pink nail polish.? The Smith & Cult nail polish is near the two MAC Lipglass.
Thank You Karen!
Hi Karen,
1. I am in a bathing suit . I have a pool so I pretty much swim everyday ????
2. I am a grandmother, mother, wife, sister , aunt to many , cousin of even more , daughter , neighbor , friend ,,,,
3. Knowing who you are is constantly evolving .
4. When I don’t know what to do I think of a very logical person I know and what they would do .
5. You should always GO if there is a question !
1. Describe your outfit!
I’m currently wearing purple jammies with foxes on them, I got them from Tarjay last holiday season.
2. Do you know who you are?
Sometimes
3. How long did it take you to truly figure out who you are?
Still working on it, I know what I’m not though.
4. What do you do when you don’t know what to do about something?
I usually procrastinate, which is bad.
5. Should you stay or should you go now?
If I go there will be trouble, if I stay it will be double… IDK right now, I have to move and I hate the house I might have to move to. I like the one that’s not good for my pets (indoor is amazing, yard sucks) or my sister, and I’m mostly moving to give her a fresh start. I’m trying not be resentful.
1. Describe your outfit!
White tee that ties at the hip, striped Black and Tan mermaid skirt, pink suede Marc Jacobs platform sneakers with big fat bows.
2. Do you know who you are?
Yes.
3. How long did it take you to truly figure out who you are?
In the absolute sense, it’s always been intuitive but took much effort to consistently understand. In the relative sense, a few decades; with surprising moments still.
4. What do you do when you don’t know what to do about something?
Pray about it. Occasionally ask a family member for measured input. Once I used the app Something Pop to validate an intuition, and interestingly, it worked!
5. Should you stay or should you go now? Go! To the dog park. Or the trouble will definitely be double in a few hours!
1. Describe your outfit!
I just got home from shopping/the eclipse, so I took off my makeup and put on my white floral caftan and fluffy pink socks
2. Do you know who you are?
Maybe? I know my viewpoints on major stuff, I don’t know what I should be doing with my life.
3. How long did it take you to truly figure out who you are?
I’m 31 and not there yet?
4. What do you do when you don’t know what to do about something?
Cry and ask a group of four or five closest friends and my mom.
5. Should you stay or should you go now?
Go, more often than not go. But tonight, after this day, I’m staying home. I had to replace my front doorknob, and the old one was jammed in the door frame, it was awful.
Howdy! I saw that you didn’t get to see the eclipse. Bummer! I didn’t want to travel to see the full eclipse, but we had 99% here. My younger son and I put on our special glasses and watched it from our front yard. Hubby saw it full in St. Louis. Our older son saw it full in Washington with some friends, and he got some great pictures with their telescope.
1. Describe your outfit! Thin, natural color cotton T-shirt with a watercolor skull and flowers design and worn over same color camisole; black maxi-skirt with two slits in front; black ballet flats.
2. Do you know who you are? The weird smart lady with a “stong personality.”
3. How long did it take you to truly figure out who you are? Hmmm…mid-30’s? Or maybe that’s when I just stopped giving a rat’s patootie. lol
4. What do you do when you don’t know what to do about something? Talk to my hubby; do research; worry unnecessarily.
5. Should you stay or should you go now? I need a change of scenery, for sure!