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. Do you have any cowlicks?
Oh, my gosh, yes, and it is so annoying. It’s right at the tip of my widow’s peak, and it wants to go right when I want the hairs there to go left. Girl, I don’t even know why it’s so stubborn.
I’ve been parting my hair down the middle lately (a recent development), and because I used to be strictly a side sweeper, I only recently learned, because of this whole parting-the-hair-down-the-middle process, that this cowlick exists.
It just WILL NOT do what I want it to do. It’s like, nope! Sorry, lady. I’m gonna go this way, and you have no say in the matter at all.
2. What are three things that are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face?
Hmmm…
- Fluffy tabby kittens
- Big, bright-eyed babies with chubby cheeks
- Finding stuff on sale
3. A woman who inspires you?
There are so many, but the first one who comes to mind is Michelle Obama.
4. Who was the last person you said thank you to?
Hmm… Oh! It was El Hub. I thanked him for giving Connor a bath last night. I was downstairs making chocolate-chip cookies (nothing fancy, just the pre-made chunk ones you get out of a bag), and I could hear her laughing and splashing and squealing like she was having the best bath ever in the history of babies.
She always has much more fun with him, because I’m more of a taskmaster. I’m focused on efficiently moving through the steps. “OK, hair washed, CHECK. Hands washed, CHECK.” And dad is all about the fun.
5. How aggressive are you when you drive?
At the moment, not very aggressive, but I used to get super crabby behind the wheel. Then one day I was just like, “Ya know…this is a waste of energy. Flipping off this guy in his Porsche Boxster will just make my blood pressure go up, and I don’t need that in my life.”
Now when people cut me off, or honk at me, or do obnoxious things on the road — because there are a lot of obnoxious drivers in the Bay Area who drive like they’re in Thunderdome — I take a few deep breaths and repeatedly remind myself that this is not gonna matter in five years. When I say that to myself enough, the urge to chase someone down so that I can yell at them through my window and throw an obnoxious gesture goes away.
BONUS QUESTION: How are you feeling today (be honest!)?
Well, it’s early on Monday, so I’m cautiously optimistic…but also a little disappointed that the weekend is over. It went full-on fall last week — heavier air, colder, wet leaves everywhere — and I don’t think I’ve fully caught up to the weather. When it’s rainy, it always takes me longer to wake up.
I’m not the type of person who goes to 100% the moment their eyes open in the morning. It takes me at least an hour, and when it rains, especially when I’m super comfortable and snuggly underneath the covers, it’s even harder.
Other than that, I feel pretty darned great. I got up early, so I’ve been getting stuff done before the baby is awake, and the house is in a relatively non-chaotic state, which always calms me down.
So the short answer is that I feel calm, centered and positive about the day…but a little physically tired.
My mission this week…
Find a rain coat.
I used to have one ages ago, but I can’t find it. I’m pretty sure I konmari’d it a while back because it did not spark joy. In fact, it sucked the joy out of me whenever I wore it, because the sleeves were too short, so my wrists would always get wet when I was out in the rain, and the hood would always slip back whenever it was on my head, so the front of my forehead would always get wet.
So I’ve been looking for a new rain coat, but they’re all so expensive! I’m not about to spend $140 on a rain coat right now.
I did see some cute ones at Target, though. Which one do you think is better? This sporty Waterproof Rain Jacket by C9 (I wish it covered more of the bum, though) which is currently on sale for $40, or this olive hooded anorak by A New Day, which is on sale for $35?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Have a wonderful and productive week. I hope some good news comes your way. 🙂
P.P.S. Here are the questions to copy and paste:
1. Do you have any cowlicks?
2. What are three things that are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face?
3. A woman who inspires you?
4. Who was the last person you said thank you to?
5. How aggressive are you when you drive?
BONUS QUESTION: How are you feeling today (be honest!)?
1. Do you have any cowlicks?
Tons. Two that drive me nuts regularly. One at my forehead that causes my hair to lay completely flat against my head if I go with it. When I flip my hair against it in a side part (almost always) it gives the hair a lot of lift but also causes it to separate in a forehead exposing chunk to give a comb over effect. Other obnoxious one is at my crown on the left. Even with long hair, it makes a small section stick up much higher than the rest of my hair. I have a bunch in the back that are only really noticeable if my hair is cropped short back there.
2. What are three things that are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face?
The kids playing together nicely or them just being happy and giggly in general, cake, and coffee.
3. A woman who inspires you?
My good friend who has two little ones the same age as mine. We’re so similar but also very different in our energy levels (she’s high and I’m very low, same with our kids). She inspires me to do different stuff and try things and generally is a great person.
4. Who was the last person you said thank you to?
My almost 2 year old probably for putting something in the trash or my 4 year old for cooperating. Since they’re both pretty sensitive (one very much so) and I’m always correcting them, I try to make sure I catch them being good and thank them regularly.
5. How aggressive are you when you drive?
I never have been, maybe a teeny bit when I was in my late teens but generally since I rear-ended a car (which totalled the one I was driving) at 17 I have given everyone lots of room. Five people want to merge in front of me by using the shoulder, fine. It used to make me mad but now I don’t really care unless someone almost causes an accident and that just freaks me out. I also prefer to follow the rules in any given situation, so.
BONUS QUESTION: How are you feeling today (be honest!)?
Well. I’m 23 weeks with #3, I’ve had 3 or 4 colds in a row now, I’ve had a bad cough literally for 6 weeks which has ruined my pelvic floor (tmi – ha), the kiddos are going through a phase where they’re fighting constantly, my oldest has a cold and he’s a terrible patient, hmm. Haha. But he’s at pre-k now and my little guy is having a good morning, not melting down every 5 minutes so all that being said it’s a pretty good day so far! I’m not a morning person in the slightest and there’s been more waking up due to bad dreams/sickness with the kids lately so I’m definitely dragging in general though.
Whew. Confessional over. ?
Oh my gosh, Nicole! I don’t know how you manage it. Moms are superheroes!
I hope you feel better soon… It sucks to be pregnant with a cold, ugh.
1. Do you have any cowlicks?
Yep – right at the edges of my temples, and then I have one right around the crown of my head. FUN, lol!
2. What are three things that are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face?
1 – family, 2 – a beautiful sky, and 3 – adorbs animal videos
3. A woman who inspires you?
Hmm. Can I pick two? First off, Hillary Clinton; second, Amanda Palmer.
4. Who was the last person you said thank you to?
I think it was my sister, last night. She flew me out to the PNW this weekend to celebrate my dad’s 60th bday, and I thanked her (via text) as I was settling into my seat for the flight home.
5. How aggressive are you when you drive?
WAY more aggressive than I used to be. I don’t usually get angry – I just am much more, uh, “confident” than I used to be? lol. I tend to engage in more “power struggles,” like where someone doesn’t want to let me in and I’m like “sorry dude I’m merging here, so you can either let me over or crash into me, kthx” and I just GO for it. Driving in NYC totally changes the way you think about driving! I’m sure people think I’m a menace when I drive in Seattle, haha.
BONUS QUESTION: How are you feeling today (be honest!)?
Well – since the flight I took was a red-eye (SeaTac to JFK), and I’m now currently at work, I’m a little out of it! I’ve kind of got a wired-tired thing going on. But I’m so happy/content from spending a weekend with family. I’m usually really sad when I leave “home” (like, tears & emotional upheaval from the moment I start saying goodbye until I get on the plane), but this time it was very chill – I think because we already have tickets home for Christmas, so I have that to look forward to. Still feeling a little busy with the details of the Christmas album I’m releasing next week (!!) but it’s sooooo clooooose to being finished! So… overall, I’m tired, but hopeful and content. 🙂
re: the raincoat – I really like the A New Day one!
Hi Shannon,
I get the same way when I leave my family too after long stays with them, too. I mean, I see them all the time, at least once a week every couple weeks, but when I get to spend long stretches of time with my mom, dad and my brother, I get super emo when I leave them. Last summer we went to Hawaii with my parents and my brother, and when the trip was over and we said our goodbyes, I climbed into the airport shuttle with Connor, strapped her into the car seat, and then cried buckets in front of a bunch of Japanese tourists. I think being with them 24/7 for a few days reminds me of how it used to be growing up, when it was just us, and how we’d see each other all the time. *sniffs*
I’m really stoked for your Christmas album! I can’t wait to listen to it and get into the holiday spirit. 😀
P.S. Thanks for weighing in on the coat. I’m gonna pop by Target today to see if I can try it on.
1. Do you have any cowlicks?
No, my hair is so oily that all of it just goes the way I need it to go, which is usually up into a big top knot.
2. What are three things that are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face?
1. Cute, fluffy animals (puppehs, bunnehs, kittehs!)
2. My husband.
3. Fries.
3. A woman who inspires you? Beyonce.
4. Who was the last person you said thank you to?
My co-worker.
5. How aggressive are you when you drive? I haven’t driven since I moved to Taipei (it’s been over a year). Don’t need to. However, when I’m in the states, I’m a very skittish driver. I’m so used to not driving that I’m scared of everything!
BONUS QUESTION: How are you feeling today (be honest!)? Very itchy and frustrated. My eczema has been flaring up like crazy all over my body. Some skin patches are very puffy and inflamed. I’ve gone to multiple doctors and tried everything they’ve prescribed to no avail. Luckily, I can use concealer to cover the patches on my face and neck. I really just wish it would go away.
Hi Tammy,
I’m sorry to hear about your eczema. I’m sure it’s very frustrating. 🙁 I get hives during the fall and it’s scary because I can’t control when and where it happens, you know?
Did you move to Taipei for work?
1. Do you have any cowlicks?
Hey I just learned a new word! So yes I have cowlicks, the most obnoxious being on the back of my head. Also, me parting my hair always on the same side is not by choice, that’s where my hair wants to go!
2. What are three things that are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face?
A cup of earl grey tea, a kitty, chestnuts.
3. A woman who inspires you?
Hard to pick one, female scientists in general.
4. Who was the last person you said thank you to?
My husband for making a dish that tasted great with broccoli that had been waiting too long in the fridge!
5. How aggressive are you when you drive?
I’m not an aggressive driver, but I can get mad when other drivers do stupid things – and they do A LOT down here in Southern California. Driving down here can feel like witnessing the end of civilization…
BONUS QUESTION: How are you feeling today (be honest!)?
I went to bed way too late so not very awake. I also have a lot to do but don’t feel like I have much energy. The sun is peaking through the clouds though so that should help me!
Hi Lulle,
Ahh, new words are the best! Here are a couple I learned recently (I got them from the book I’m reading, Cocoa Beach).
Puttee (noun) — a cloth strip wrapped around the leg from ankle to knee
Febrile (adjective) — marked or caused by fever, feverish
I hope you were up late last night because you were having fun and not because of insomnia!
I was up late last night pointlessly surfing the web, but that’s okay, I need that too sometimes. I still went to a spin class today so it didn’t stop me from reaching my daily goals!
Thanks for the new words!
Febrile I know, we have it in French.
Puttee, hmm, it looks like it should be a golfing term!
Back to cowlick, did you know that it first appeared in print in 1598? Etymology dictionaries are the best!
Oh fun! I miss going to spin class. I used to go pretty regularly a few years ago but then moved farther away from my gym. Do you use clips when you ride? I’ve tried them a few times but I’d rather just use my regular shoes.
OK, I have a new word for you. Torpid (adjective): mentally or physically inactive; lethargic.
P.S. Had no idea about the origin of cowlick. I’ll have to remember that one for trivia night!
1. Do you have any cowlicks? yes, especially when i part my newly straightened hair down the center
2. What are three things that are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face? 1. my nephew, food and seeing people in love.
3. A woman who inspires you? my former college roomate, maudisa
4. Who was the last person you said thank you to? my dad
5. How aggressive are you when you drive? im more nervous than aggressive. but i am a horrible person in the passenger seat when people dart out into traffic or walk against the light.
BONUS QUESTION: How are you feeling today (be honest!)? i feel nothing.
Hope you feel a little something good soon, Ericca. 🙂 P.S. Your new hair sounds cute.
1. Do you have any cowlicks?
Ugh, yes. In my hairline, directly in the middle of my forehead. No bangs for me.
2. What are three things that are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face?
My younger niece has a habit of spontaneously making up these long, rambling, hilarious stories that make me ugly-cry/laugh. (The latest was about a school of hungry, OCD, vegan sharks eating a lighthouse.) Also, waking up to temperatures below 80 degrees. And clean sheets.
3. A woman who inspires you?
My best friend- she’s a Boss Lady.
4. Who was the last person you said thank you to?
My mom, who did some ironing for me this morning. (I’m horrible at ironing.)
5. How aggressive are you when you drive?
Not very. I usually have my girls with me and I don’t like to behave like that in front of them.
BONUS QUESTION: How are you feeling today (be honest!)?
Tired. We’re getting ready for a dinner party this Saturday (excited!), but it’s exhausting getting the house ready.
Hi Suzanne,
I’m stoked for your dinner party. What are you making? Or are you getting take-out food?
I’m making ham, chicken and dressing, creamed corn, and a salad, with a homemade cheesecake for dessert. I don’t get the chance to entertain much, so I’m going all out. 🙂
That sounds so good! For some reason I’m really intimidated by chicken. Mine always ends up really dry. 🙁
I think I like the C9 better but it is a bit short. I have one from the North Face that I definitely don’t love. It’s not fabric lined so, when it’s warm and raining, it feels like being covered in saran wrap. Though, it doesn’t suck the joy out of me like yours did –
and I must say that I literally laughed out loud when I read that.
1. Do you have any cowlicks? Yes, exactly where I part my hair. It’s impossible.
2. What are three things that are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face? The boys laughing/having fun, pictures and videos of them when they were younger (smile, then get misty!) and hearing old, favorite songs on the radio.
3. A woman who inspires you? This is probably terrible to say but I can’t think of anyone who really inspires me, woman or man.
4. Who was the last person you said thank you to? Someone in my office who offered me Christmas decorations (it was a no, thank you).
5. How aggressive are you when you drive? I’m aggressive with the driving part but not aggressive toward other drivers. Sure, I get ticked off if someone cuts me off or honks a horn but I’m not one to chase someone down or flip them off. There are too many unstable people out there, so you never know who you’re dealing with. 🙁 If I accidentally pull out in front of someone or cut them off, I also make a point of waving and apologizing. Once people realize you’re not intentionally being a jerk, they seem to relax and wave back/say it’s OK.
BONUS QUESTION: How are you feeling today (be honest!)? My blood pressure is a bit higher than I’d like and I’m pretty tired. We were away for the weekend because the boys had a hockey tournament. As we were walking out the door (literally), we noticed the hot water tank was leaking. So, the hubs spent the day driving between the tournament (2 hours away) and a home improvement store (half an hour in the opposite direction) and home putting in a new tank and then back to the tournament. I think I’m only half as tired as he is. It was still a long weekend. I’m also very ready for the holidays and the vacation that comes along with them!
Holy crap, isn’t it always like that though? Things always break during inopportune moments, it’s true. Kudos to your hubs for getting it done!
How did the boys do in the tournament?
Believe it or not, our washing machine started leaking the week before so he had to order some parts. I reminded him of that when he said things always break as we’re walking out. I don’t think my comment was helpful, though. 🙂
They won. None of the games were close in score but they had to work hard. It was nice because there were some teams we wouldn’t normally play. They had a good time. 🙂
I’m glad they had a good time. I’ve never seen a hockey game in real life, can you believe it? One of these days.
Are the boys in band still? They are so busy!
1. Do you have any cowlicks? yes I have two of them: one on the left side near my bangs which is a real pain when I have my bangs trimmed coz it makes them uneven, and another one at the top of my crown. Weird.
2. What are three things that are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face? 1. cheddar cheese popcorn 2. sunshine 3. the ocean
3. A woman who inspires you? Eleanor Roosevelt and HRC
4. Who was the last person you said thank you to? My Aunt Sheila for calling me today.
5. How aggressive are you when you drive? I guess I’m fairly aggressive. Jeff says I tailgate slow drivers in the passing lane too often. And I’ve been known to give other aggressive drivers the finger lol.
BONUS QUESTION: How are you feeling today (be honest!)? Kinda depressed because it’s super gloomy, rainy and dark today. I love the sunshine!
Hi Allison,
I love the sunshine, too. I saw a little bit of it yesterday, but now it’s overcast again in the North Bay. On the upside, I’m hoping to see a rainbow sometime soon!
1. Do you have any cowlicks?
Yup! I have a really bad one on the right side of my part.
2. What are three things that are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face?
-cute animals
-memes from my coworkers
-my friend Heather
3. A woman who inspires you?
There are so many! My friend Alyssa in particular.
4. Who was the last person you said thank you to?
My boss!
5. How aggressive are you when you drive?
Somewhere in the middle, but I’m trying to be less so.
BONUS QUESTION: How are you feeling today (be honest!)?
Not great. I have a headache and got rejected from another job app this weekend.
Hey Chelsea,
Keep your head up, friend. You’ll get a new gig that you love soon!
1. Do you have any cowlicks?
I don’t think so!
2. What are three things that are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face?
My daughter, puppies, and my husband
3. A woman who inspires you?
My mom! She is the most awesome!
4. Who was the last person you said thank you to?
The checkout person at Target… I spend too much time there.
5. How aggressive are you when you drive?
Ummm…. depends if I am running late but I tend to be a little more aggressive than some.
BONUS QUESTION: How are you feeling today (be honest!)?
I am ok, home on maternity leave with my 6 week old daughter and I love being with her… she has started smiling so much now! But also nervous because my milk supply has dipped and I am worried I am not making enough milk for her and I am not sure what to do 🙁
Hi Katie,
When my daughter Connor was a newborn, I was at Target all the time. It’s a refuge for new moms!
Is your daughter your first child?
Yes, she is my first 🙂 We are absolutely in love with her.
Katie, do you have a lactation consultant or new mom lactation group through your midwife or hospital? Or La Leche League? I didn’t have quite enough milk at first and started feeding my son 1 bottle of formula per day. It worked well like that for over a year – all his meals but one were breastfed. You could also leave her latched longer to work on boosting your supply, or use a pump in between feedings to stimulate more milk production. I did that once, too, and ended up with way too much for about a week before things settled down. 🙂
I mean all his meals each day except one each evening. Not just one all year! He had one “extra” bottle every day, and it worked out that way for a long time. 🙂
We saw a lactation consultant from when she was 4 days old until she was 5 weeks. We had a lot of trouble breastfeeding but I always had MORE than enough milk because I had to pump and feed her with the bottle. The past 2 weeks we have been breastfeeding during the day and bottles at night. I think my supply is dipping because we know that she doesn’t take as much milk when she breastfeeds vs the bottle and I bet my supply is regulating itself. I know I am making less because I still pump about 3 times at night and instead of the 4oz or so I was getting w/ each session I am now only getting about 2oz…. but we are trying to bottle feed her 3oz. So what I am pumping is not adding up.
I didn’t think about leaving her latched longer though when I do breastfeed… she would stay there all day if I let her!
I second La Leche League. I went to a couple meetings and found them helpful and supportive. I mostly went to cry!
1. Do you have any cowlicks?
I don’t know, tbh. I still don’t perfectly understand what it is as everyone in this thread described it, so maybe I don’t have one ?.
2. What are three things that are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face?
– Blue sky beach and a time to chill on it.
– Really tasty food
– Of course a sale ?
3. A woman who inspires you?
Oh there are many, you are one of them, Karen! But one of my earliest memory of this was of the first Indonesian astronaut, who is also a woman, Pratiwi Sudarmono. Sadly she didn’t go to space because her mission was after the challenger incident. She sparked my interest to be an engineer/scientist.
4. Who was the last person you said thank you to?
Hmm, the waitress at the restaurant, for bringing us the check ?.
5. How aggressive are you when you drive?
Very aggressive. It might be good that i don’t drive often anymore (you don’t need a car in berlin), otherwise my blood pressure would be up the roof ?.
BONUS QUESTION: How are you feeling today (be honest!)?
Started the day feeling meh. I’m not ready for Monday. Who is this person saying that if you do your dream job you will be looking forward to do it all the time? Anyways, I feel slightly better motivated after sitting in front of my sunlight lamp (don’t laugh, but I really need one!), but still in general overwhelmed with a slight chance of just want to curl in the corner and hide.
Have a great week, Karen!
Hi Astrid,
Cowlicks are pieces of hair that point a particular way. Usually they’re in the direction that you don’t want them to go in!
Ah ok, thank you! Then having curly hair I must have them for sure. Most likely I just don’t really try to get my hair to do a certain thing anymore, so I don’t have to deal with my cowlicks!
1. Do you have any cowlicks? – Yup. Pain in the butt but I’ve grown used to them.
2. What are three things that are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face? 1 – My kids 2 – My hubby 3 – My mom
3. A woman who inspires you? I’m going with you and Michelle Obama. She seems like such a nice cool person to hang out with. I could see being BFF’s with her.
4. Who was the last person you said thank you to? – My son, this morning.
5. How aggressive are you when you drive? Depends on my mood but usually, kinda aggressive. I hate it when people speed up to try and get around you. Nope, it’s not happening.
BONUS QUESTION: How are you feeling today (be honest!)? Eh, it’s Monday and it was cold and raining this morning. Need I say more? It would have been a perfect day to stay home, on the couch, watching Netflix, drinking a cup of tea or hot cocoa.
1. Do you have any cowlicks?
Yes! One to the left of my widow’s peak. I can’t get the full bangs I want because of it. I think there are some more around my head, but oh well.
2. What are three things that are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face?
PUPPIES, waking up to good skin, texts/emails from good friends and family
3. A woman who inspires you?
Eva Chen. She is beyond busy with a demanding job and 2 young kids, but she is still so nice and classy. She takes the time to reply to each and every email, DM, comment. Plus she’s so smart, confident and humble. She breaks a lot of the stereotypes about the fashion industry.
4. Who was the last person you said thank you to?
A client via email. LOL
5. How aggressive are you when you drive?
On and off. I try to stay chill, but sometimes if you’re about to hit me, then yes, I will honk. But otherwise, I always think of this meditation practice to take red lights, cars braking, etc, as a reminder to breathe.
BONUS QUESTION: How are you feeling today (be honest!)?
A little crappy. I had champagne at a friend’s wedding 2 days ago and I’m still feeling hungover. That’s what happens when you don’t drink for 2+ years! I’m staring at copy that I’m supposed to edit or rewrite and words aren’t coming to me. I had a fun date with a guy on Saturday (tacos + beach, super cute), but there are too many red flags. The biggest? He hates NYC and could care less about history. My favorite podcast is an NYC-specific history podcast.
I’ve heard good things about MUJI raincoats: http://www.muji.us/store/apparel/raincoats-umbrellas.html
Thanks, Gloria. Those look like they’d keep me dry, but I’d probably end up swimming in them, ha! Plus, they kinda remind me of the raincoat the lead character wore in the movie Unbreakable.
1. Do you have any cowlicks?
A little bit, where I part my side bangs too – no matter which side I part to! So annoying!
2. What are three things that are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face?
Puppies and babies, my husband’s quick wit, hearing the baby’s heartbeat.
3. A woman who inspires you?
My mom, always.
4. Who was the last person you said thank you to?
Someone just held the door for me. I always appreciate it. 🙂
5. How aggressive are you when you drive?
A lot less than I used to be! I never really drove aggressively and unless someone endangers my life I tend to take it easy on the shouting. 😉
BONUS QUESTION: How are you feeling today (be honest!)?
Not great, TBH. Baby girl feels like she’s doubled in size overnight and there’s a ton of pressure on all of my organs. Hopefully I’ll sleep better tonight than I did last night!
Hi Trude,
Oh, I remember that feeling so well. You know what helped me sleep at night? The Snoogle! If you don’t have one yet, you need one ASAP:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/daily-photo/leachco-snoogle/
1. Do you have any cowlicks?
Yes, quite a few!
2. What are three things that are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face?
Food, wine, and baby animals. My pets of course.
3. A woman who inspires you?
Many, but Tilda Swinton is in my mind today.
4. Who was the last person you said thank you to?
My husband.
5. How aggressive are you when you drive?
Not overly so but I am when needed.
BONUS QUESTION: How are you feeling today (be honest!)?
I’m healing from a limb break but hopeful!
I hope you heal up soon, Erin!
1. Do you have any cowlicks?
Two…both in my bang section. There’s one on the left side that makes my bangs poof and the one on the right makes my bangs switch directions. Cut my bangs wrong and I have a world of bad bang days which is why I am incredibly picky about hairdressers. I went to my mom’s hairdresser and she did NOT cut my bangs right. UGGGGGH; it’s been many days of sweeping my bangs over to one side of my face to not show my bangs. I hate my cowlicks. I should just let my bangs grow out at this point.
2. What are three things that are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face?
1. Horses. Any kind of horse as long as they are acting like horses (and are not underweight because that just makes me sad.)
2. Dogs. Whether it’s Zena or another dog on the Internet, I instantly smile. Zena is typically the instant quicker picker upper in moods though.
3. Going with the horse theme, riding horses. Some people may like to paraglide or actually fly a plane to get that flying feeling, I like feeling the wind in my face and four feet doing the work for me. It’s so exhilarating to be able to tell a half ton animal where you want it to go and how fast with just your legs and it listens to you. It requires so much trust but it’s so much fun.
3. A woman who inspires you?
My grams. She may be in Heaven, but she kept our family together with love and laughter, was extremely giving to children and spent many hours volunteering even when she had so many troubles of her own. She used to work at the front desk at a hospital and she often dressed up as the Cat in the Hat and wore funny and ridiculous headbands for holidays to cheer patients up. She would then dress up and read to children in the pediatric cancer ward. That was her. She was extremely funny, giving and full of youth even at 74 (she died of a stroke at 75.)
4. Who was the last person you said thank you to?
My mom!
5. How aggressive are you when you drive?
I’m a little bit aggressive. It comes from having lived in Illinois. If you don’t fight for your spot on the road, uh, you ain’t getting it. XD
BONUS QUESTION: How are you feeling today (be honest!)?
Honestly? I’m missing my grams a bit. The holidays always do that to me. It’s been getting easier to handle the grief and feelings that come with the holidays though. I’m more hopeful than depressed. I think much of it has to do with the fact I’m in a new house this year, in a state (and community!) that isn’t as fast-paced or stressful, so I can comb through things more at my level.
Plus, I can’t wait until we pick up our Minion inflatables! MINIONS!!!! (I’m obsessed with them!)
Hi Kate,
Your grams sounds like she was a special person. May she rest in peace.
1. Do you have any cowlicks?
Not really! My hair does prefer to part on the right, but I can get it to work either way. The only thing is it does tend to have a little bend right next to my temples.
2. What are three things that are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face?
I was at JC Penney on Saturday in the changing room and I heard a little baby laugh from another stall and it made me grin so hard! So, jolly happy babies are number 1. Also hugging my cat and getting lunch with my good friends. Even if we’re talking about serious stuff, I always feel less burdened and happier after.
3. A woman who inspires you?
Lots! Michelle Obama is a great one. Also, my mom. She’s always super optimistic and she’s always there for me.
4. Who was the last person you said thank you to?
Two of my professors! They enthusiastically agreed to write letters of recommendation for graduate school, so of course I said a huge thank-you!
5. How aggressive are you when you drive?
I don’t actually drive! When I was in high school, my parents worked so much they couldn’t teach me, and drivers ed always conflicted with my own job so I just never got around to it. I only ever got my learner’s permit when I turned 21 because getting another non-driver’s state ID seemed silly. My roommate’s supposed to teach me soon but we’ve been so busy. I have a feeling I’d get pretty road-ragey, though. I’m always frustrated by people on the road even from the passenger seat!
BONUS QUESTION: How are you feeling today (be honest!)?
Pretty good, relatively. I’ve got a lot of stress right now but after so many years, I’ve finally figured out how to remove the rest of my life from an isolated stress point. Like if due dates are looming, I’ve figured out how to not let that anxiety take over all points of my life. I’ve also been working out a ton (well, a ton compared to what I used to), usually 45 minutes every day, and that’s helping a lot because it’s making me feel like I’ve accomplished something for the day.
That’s great that you’ve been working out more, Katie! Those endorphins do amazing things for anxiety. I’m getting ready to work out soon… Excited to do it!
1. Do you have any cowlicks?
Yes but luckily it isn’t visible. Makes my ponytail weird though ☺️
2. What are three things that are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face?
Animals on Instagram, animals in person, animals in general.
3. A woman who inspires you?
Melania Trump.
4. Who was the last person you said thank you to? My coworker for helping me with a deadline.
5. How aggressive are you when you drive? I used to be awful but it’s just not worth it. World is already ugly enough!
BONUS QUESTION: How are you feeling today (be honest!)? I’m a little sad that I won’t be with family for the holidays.
Hi Ami,
I love seeing animals on Instagram too. I follow a few cat accounts and love the ones with kittens, especially. Have a great Tuesday!
Karen, I’m feeling the olive anorak all the way. It is a good color for you, covers the bum and is more stylish than the other one. So on those days when you need to get out but don’t have time to plan an outfit (MOTHERHOOD, hello!) you can still wear something that has more…oomph to it.
Also, it’s something I could see Michelle Obama wearing on a casual day.
Oooh, good point, Pamela. I can see that too! She’s one of my style icons. 🙂 I think I’m gonna order that olive coat.
1. Yes, at the top left side of my head.
2. Shetland Sheepdogs, seeing a new spectacular flower on one of my plants, and seeing monarch butterflies (or hummingbirds) on their migration.
3. The author Sylvia Meagher (now long deceased). She read the entire 26 volumes of the Hearings & Exhibits of the Warren Commission, and created a subject index for them (because the government couldn’t be bothered to). She also wrote the very important book “Accessories After the Fact.”
4. A coworker.
5. I follow all traffic rules as much as I possibly can. I don’t cut off people or speed. In Texas, if you aren’t constantly ready to brake, you WILL end up rear-ending some idiot who thinks he has the right to jump into your lane at any time he wants to. These people also speed ALL THE TIME.
Bonus question – Okay, considering I’m dealing with lymphoma.
Hi CL,
Since you love monarchs, you have to visit Santa Cruz here in Northern California sometime. During the winter the monarchs visit for a few months and live at the eucalyptus grove Natural Bridges. The trees are literally dripping in butterflies! I’ve seen it in real life and it’s stunning.
I would love to see that butterfly sanctuary in person. This has been a terrible year for monarchs in my area – I’ve only seen about three of them, when I used to be able to see them frequently from September to November (as they fly to Mexico). I have a small butterfly/hummingbird garden with Butterfly Bush, Purple Coneflower, Texas Betany, and Salvia Coccinea, yet I have only seen one hummingbird this year, which was last spring. I also have feeders, but that doesn’t seem to work. I think the area I live in is just too “urban” – I live next to six lanes of constant, roaring car traffic.
You have to go someday. The tree branches look like they’re alive when you see all those beautiful wings fluttering together. It’s unreal!
Oh, and you’d probably love my deck… I have a small garden off on the top deck where I recently planted salvia. The hummingbirds love it. In the middle of summer I’d see at least one every day stop by to have a snack. I took your list of plants, by the way, and put them in a reminder note for next year. I love the look of the Butterfly Bush, especially.
Happy Wednesday to you, by the way. 🙂