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 11 (!) 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. Raspberry berets or little red Corvettes?
Raspberry berets (but only the kind you can get from a second-hand store).
2. Would you rather be able to teleport or fly?
This is such a hard question because, in my mind, I can see myself, like, floating above streets and my neighborhood and dipping up and down through the clouds. Like, it’s so clear in mind, so the journey would be amazing if I could fly, but then there’s something equally alluring about teleportation and being free of all the frills and bullsh@t. Basically, you just get there, wherever there is. I need to go to Paris — BAM! I’m there. I need to visit my parents in the Philippines — BAM! It’s instantaneous.
But then I wonder, could I teleport with luggage? Would I have to do it naked, like they had to do in Terminator? At least if I could fly I could put all my crap in a backpack or strap my luggage to my torso…
3. Leather or lace?
Lace today because I want to channel the kinder, gentler side of K-dog.
4. Would you rather pay full price now for the LE luxury eye palette of your dreams, or wait a month to get it for 50% off and risk it potentially being sold out?
I don’t like to gamble, but in this case I would take the risk and wait, because deep down inside I am my mother’s daughter, and I love a sale.
Plus, it’s the beauty world, you know, and chances are another dream palette will come along in a month or two or three.
5. What’s the last fear you conquered?
I joined a mom’s group a few months back in the hopes that I’d make more friends, but I wasn’t really successful after the first few event. Well, instead of doing the same thing again, which would have been to go to another event and not talk to anybody, I emailed the president and asked her what I could do to get the most out of the club and make more friends and build a network, and that small act… I mean, it was a small act of bravery for me because I chose not to sit back and let things happen to me, so I felt like I took the reins.
At the next get-together, the president of the group pulled me aside, and we talked for a really long time. She suggested that I join the board (which i’m still considering), gave me her number and said I could call her anytime, and introduced me to a few of the board members.
It got the ball rolling, and I think I’m getting something out of it.
Happy Monday
I’m not always ready to face Monday, but I’m always ready to face Idris Elba. 🙂 I rented a movie last weekend with him and Kate Winslet in it called The Mountain Between Us, and even though it was stressful because it’s basically… I’m not gonna tell you the entire story, but there’s a plane crash, and Idris and Kate have to find their way out of this snowy mountain situation… Anyway, it has Idris and his silky smooth voice.
So, I hope that no matter how many times you find yourself rolling your eyes internally today, you can think of Idris saying, “My darling, you’re gonna be OK. We’re gonna get through this.”
That’s what I’m gonna do today. “We’re gonna make it.” That’s what he said throughout the movie.
Yes, Idris, we’re gonna make it. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Here are the poll questions. You can copy and paste these with your answers in the comments.
1. Raspberry berets or little red Corvettes?
2. Would you rather be able to teleport or fly?
3. Leather or lace?
4. Would you rather pay full price now for the LE luxury eye palette of your dreams, or wait a month to get it for 50% off and risk it potentially being sold out?
5. What’s the last fear you conquered?
1. Raspberry berets or little red Corvettes? Raspberry berets!
2. Would you rather be able to teleport or fly? I’m not super into heights, so I’ll go with teleportation.
3. Leather or lace? Lace, leather is a little heavy.
4. Would you rather pay full price now for the LE luxury eye palette of your dreams, or wait a month to get it for 50% off and risk it potentially being sold out? I like a sale, I’d probably wait.
5. What’s the last fear you conquered? I don’t really have any fears that I haven’t already conquered.
Ps Karen, once Connor Claire starts school, you’ll find your tribe. It just happens. Mothers of her friends will become your friends, Starbucks dates will follow, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
Pss. Idris Elba is dreamy!
Hi Stephanie,
That’s what everyone tells me. I hope it’s true! She’s pretty outgoing so I have a feeling she’ll have a lot of friends. 🙂 Did it take a while for you to find your people?
1. Raspberry berets or little red Corvettes?
Not really into either.
2. Would you rather be able to teleport or fly?
Teleport, anywhere at any time! My friends are spread out all over the country and world, being able to hang out or help one of them would make up everything.
3. Leather or lace?
Lace t shirt with a leather jacket!
4. Would you rather pay full price now for the LE luxury eye palette of your dreams, or wait a month to get it for 50% off and risk it potentially being sold out?
I’d pay full price if it’s really of my dreams.
5. What’s the last fear you conquered?
Backing out of my driveway in the snow
Hi Breyerchic04,
How’s the snow situation out there in Indiana today? Is it heavy or light? I’ve never lived in any place that snows myself and now after watching The Mountain Between Us, I probably never will.
I think this is the first poll I answer this year (I actually think I haven’t said Happy New Year, and because everyday is a good day to say nice things, I hope you have a wonderful year)
1. Raspberry berets or little red Corvettes?
Little red Corvettes because I love cars. It was hard for me to get the Prince reference.
2. Would you rather be able to teleport or fly?
Even though you make me think about naked teleportation; I’d rather teleport instead of flying because I’m worried of falling for any mistake. But also teleporting will affect space-time relativity so I don’t know.
3. Leather or lace?
Lace underwear with a leather jacket.
4. Would you rather pay full price now for the LE luxury eye palette of your dreams, or wait a month to get it for 50% off and risk it potentially being sold out?
Wait for it, unless it’s a best-seller.
5. What’s the last fear you conquered?
I think I have fear of commitment and last week I decided to start a relationship with a guy and today I accepted to stay in the same department all my internship. So, I’m scared but I’m doing it.
As Stephanie said I’m sure that once Connor starts school it’ll be aesier to have friends, son don’t worry about that, I’m sure you’ll get along with many people.
Happy New Year, Efrain! I’m happy to hear that you’re in a new relationship. I hope that you can bring the best out of each other and support each other. 🙂 How did you two meet?
Also, I didn’t think of the space-time thing. Definitely something to consider!
A friend introduced us on November, but he started flirting with me a week or two after we met. We dated once but I thought he was going to fast and asked him to slow down, he did it so I gave him a second chance. After more dates and a Jane Austen book as a Christmas gift, I decided to ask him to become boyfriends.
1. Corvette.
2. Fly!
3. Leather or lace? Both! I’m currently wearing a leather skirt with cutouts that look like lace.
4. Take my chances and wait a month.
5. Excellent question! I’m still working on it but I’ve made huge progress in the “fear of disappointing my parents” part. And I’m 33! In the last few years I’ve finally given myself freedom to live MY life how I want too.
Hi Jaclyn,
Your skirt sounds super cute! I bet it looks cute with tights and boots.
How was your weekend? Did you do anything fun?
Ooo, good idea on the tights and boots! I’m wearing it with a tucked in grey t-shirt, sequined black Converse shoes, and red lipstick. ?
This weekend I traveled to Texas to cheer on my sister and cousins running a half marathon! They did an amazing job! How about you?
Your shoes sound awesome! What color are they? Please say black!
What a fun and supportive thing to do for your sister. I hope you guys had a delicious post half-marathon meal together, because a half marathon is no joke.
On Saturday and Sunday I mostly caught up on the things we didn’t do last week (cleaning, making headway on an organization project, laundry, errands), since I’m finally starting to feel better now. That cold was rough! I really hope I can stay healthy for at least another month.
Good morning, Karen! ^_^
1. Little red corvettes! …even though I don’t know how to drive. (I’m 29 and it’s just never been a big thing for me – I can take public transit or walk (and I should be doing more of that anyways, as my weakness for cherry coke is starting to catch up with me!), as I live in a fairly big city and am close to downtown).
2. Fly! It’s more about the journey than the destination, after all.
3. Leather. Well, faux leather, optimally (although I do have some real leather pieces, I prefer faux when I can). Lace is okay in small doses, but I prefer the “bad girl/femme fatale” aspect of leather… That and my cat would destroy it because he’s a twerp.
4. Oooooh. Hmm. Depends on what the palette is. If it’s something like Kat Von D’s Alchemist palette, full price right now gimme gimme gimme! (Yes, I know that makes me sound so shallow you could stand in a puddle of me and not get your feet wet, haha.)
5. I’ve started trying to be more like Neville Longbottom (even though I’m a Slytherin) in that I’m finally standing up to my friends. For example, I have a friend I love dearly and who I respect and admire like almost nobody else. Thing is, I have a problem telling them how I really feel or if I have a problem with their behaviour towards me, which bites me in the butt. So, I’m trying to grow a backbone and maybe not put people on pedestals and let them walk all over me.
Have a good Monday… love to Connor Claire, El Hubs and Tabs and may your eyeliner be ever perfect and even.
Good morning, Jules! I hope your makeup is giving you LIFE today. I’m about to put some on to run a few errands. Been working all morning in my PJs. 🙂
You’re so lucky to have great public transportation. We have a decent bus system in my town but they don’t come by enough to really be helpful, so I end up driving most of the time. There’s a lot of things about living in San Francisco that I don’t miss, but I do miss being able to hop onto a train and get to places quickly.
Regarding your answer to number 5… I totally know what you mean. It’s hard for me to confront my friends and family because I’m the least confrontational person, ever, and when I do bring up issues, I’m often super emotional. I’m working really hard on bringing up issues calmly and without as much loaded emotion. It’s hard!
I hope the rest of your Monday is great. Anything exciting happening this week?
Hey Jules, I am a non driver too. I am learning to drive and cracking down on the fear going on a year now.
1. Raspberry berets or little red Corvettes?
Little red Corvettes, but only if they’re vintage (i.e., 60’s style fastback)
2. Would you rather be able to teleport or fly?
Teleport, because it’s faster and your journey wouldn’t be ruined by weather.
3. Leather or lace?
Leather. I have a strong aversion to lace.
4. Would you rather pay full price now for the LE luxury eye palette of your dreams, or wait a month to get it for 50% off and risk it potentially being sold out?
I’d wait, and chances are I’d forget about it/change my mind. I’m fickle. Also, I think limited edition palettes are largely a marketing gimmick and I hate that.
5. What’s the last fear you conquered?
Fear of change. We’re uprooting ourselves and moving to a new community, which is going to be a totally awesome lifestyle change but is also kind of scary – we’re jumping into the unknown a little bit, but I think it’s good for us.
Hi Allison,
Fear of change is something I’ve been dealing with a lot lately. I don’t know when it happened, but sometime in 30s and into my 40s, I got REALLY set in my ways. Sometimes I wonder if I wasn’t like this how things would’ve turned out. How would my life be different if I wasn’t afraid to make those jumps? I know I can’t do anything to change the past, and that the future’s the only thing I have in front of me, so I’m trying hard to embrace change and not be so fearful. I’m excited for you and your leap into the unknown! Thank you for reminding me today that facing change is a good thing.
1. Raspberry berets or little red Corvettes? No clue.
2. Would you rather be able to teleport or fly? Teleport!! It would save so much time! Never having to worry about long distance relationships…
3. Leather or lace? Lace, more deinty and feminine.
4. Would you rather pay full price now for the LE luxury eye palette of your dreams, or wait a month to get it for 50% off and risk it potentially being sold out? I’d pay full price if it’s the type of product I can’t stop thinking about.
5. What’s the last fear you conquered? I feel that other people would be able to answer that for me. I don’t have the distance to know that about myself.
1. Raspberry berets or little red Corvettes? Red Corvette if someone else is driving .
2. Would you rather be able to teleport or fly? teleport, thats like flying through the time space continuum
3. Leather or lace? leather
4. Would you rather pay full price now for the LE luxury eye palette of your dreams, or wait a month to get it for 50% off and risk it potentially being sold out? i like the dare.
5. What’s the last fear you conquered? i have been driving more and more. I have stopped crying while driving . yes, i would be in full blown tears from fear.
1. Raspberry berets or little red Corvettes?
Red Covettes!! Love fast cars though I don’t own one. lol
2. Would you rather be able to teleport or fly?
Teleport for sure. I’d love to fly but weather would be a problem (i.e. rain, snow) and I’m all about getting somewhere quickly so teleporting. Just as long as I wasn’t naked when I got to my destination.
3. Leather or lace?
Leather. Have been working to get back into some new leather pants after baby (toddler) #3. It’s so much harder this go around but I’m determined.
4. Would you rather pay full price now for the LE luxury eye palette of your dreams, or wait a month to get it for 50% off and risk it potentially being sold out?
Depends on the actual palette. If I don’t have a lot of dupes and the consistency and color pay off is amaze balls, I’m going to spring for it. That said though, it’s been awhile since I’ve sprung for a luxury eye palette.
5. What’s the last fear you conquered?
Every time I have to kill a spider. OMG, my kids think I’m so brave but I’m literally DYING inside and always short of a panic attack, but haven’t let one of those suckers get away. The winter is the worst cuz they come inside cuz it’s warm and toasty. UGGGHHHH.
Hello! How can anyone not love Idris. I was just saying that while watching Thor 2 the other night. 🙂 Good for you with the group!!! Boards are a pain in the butt and a lot of work but you are guaranteed to have lots of people talking to you. Even if they’re complaining. HAHA! Good luck!
1. Raspberry berets or little red Corvettes? Definitely Corvettes!
2. Would you rather be able to teleport or fly? Same dilemma as you. I’d love to be able to fly but also, the ability to instantly be somewhere else is probably more appealing.
3. Leather or lace? Leather, always.
4. Would you rather pay full price now for the LE luxury eye palette of your dreams, or wait a month to get it for 50% off and risk it potentially being sold out? Totally wait for the sale.
5. What’s the last fear you conquered? Well, I’m not sure this is a fear but I always worried that if I had to give up carbs (like for a health reason) that I couldn’t do it. I’ve been low carbing, with none of my favorite foods, for 2 months and I’m doing just fine. 🙂
1. Raspberry berets or little red Corvettes?
For some reason, I read this as raspberry sorbet! I guess I’m hungry. 🙂
2. Would you rather be able to teleport or fly?
Teleport for sure. After traveling for 24 hours to visit family in India, I would love to snap my fingers and just be somewhere.
3. Leather or lace?
Lace
4. Would you rather pay full price now for the LE luxury eye palette of your dreams, or wait a month to get it for 50% off and risk it potentially being sold out?
I would wait. Like you, I love a good sale!
5. What’s the last fear you conquered?
This was a long time ago, but I went to my 15 year high school reunion all by myself. I was so nervous b/c I was not one of the popular kids. I got a drink and said hi to people and actually had fun!
It’s so hard to make friends as an adult! Even at work, I sit in my cube all day but it’s not really a place to make friends. I meet with a few ladies from my church a couple of times a month and it’s been nice to get to know people on a more personal level. It’s difficult for me to stand out in big groups of people. I’m glad you took the step to reach out. I hope it works out!
I read The Mountain Between Us so I was curious about the movie. I didn’t know it was out for rent yet. I’ll have to check it out. Hope you’re having a good Monday!
1. Raspberry berets or little red Corvettes? Little red Corvettes
2. Would you rather be able to teleport or fly? Teleport; I don’t like heights. (Although if I could fly, maybe I wouldn’t be so afraid of falling from said heights. Hmmmm…)
3. Leather or lace? Leather
4. Would you rather pay full price now for the LE luxury eye palette of your dreams, or wait a month to get it for 50% off and risk it potentially being sold out? I’m not much of a gambler, either. Whenever I wait, the thing I want inevitably sells out in 5 seconds. If I pay full price, it goes half off after a month. So if I really love something, I buy it right then.
5. What’s the last fear you conquered? Starting writing for Dear Darkling Magazine back in November. I was worried I’d been out of writing for too long. I worried that I wasn’t young, cool, or goth enough, but I went for it anyway. I got hired and it’s going really well.
So happy that you’re writing again, Rachel. You have such talent and a passion for beauty. They’re lucky to have you on staff!
Thanks! You’re so sweet!
1. Raspberry berets or little red Corvettes?
Berets, as I like hats.
2. Would you rather be able to teleport or fly?
Teleport, as long as I’m able to stay clothed.
3. Leather or lace?
I’m not a big fan of lace (unless it’s on my underthings), and as an equestrian, lace wouldn’t lace two seconds, so leather (and not that pleather stuff either. Leather.)
4. Would you rather pay full price now for the LE luxury eye palette of your dreams, or wait a month to get it for 50% off and risk it potentially being sold out?
Now, but only if I really really wanted it.
5. What’s the last fear you conquered?
I was really scared about contacting the authorities about what we found out about Bree – all of her psychological issues and physical issues – because I didn’t want it coming back to haunt us. But, I knew the person who owned her before us couldn’t get away with what she did as she has other dogs, so I took the evidence to the proper channels. I haven’t heard anything back, but I hope I’ve at least alerted them to a problem.
Hi Kate,
You did a good thing, because there will be something on record now, and hopefully they won’t be able to treat any other animals. Poor Bree for having to live through that. I’m sure she’s thankful every day for your patience and love.
I did think I might have forgotten (in expert level fashion) to have put a subject header in for one of the e-mails, so I may have to resend it, but I hope I’ll hear back. The Ohio SPCA was very helpful in sending me to the proper channels as they were couldn’t do much but were worried.
I’m sure she gets fed up with us bothering her. We make sure she gets her PT in, gets her training in, goes for her “walk” (she still goes around in a baby stroller. It’s really cute actually) and goes outside to potty, not inside. She’s thrilled to go outside when it rains, I tell you (she HATES it.)
1. Raspberry berets or little red Corvettes?
Mmmmmmmmmm, little red corvettes, please!
2. Would you rather be able to teleport or fly?
Teleportation does, in fact, seem pretty handy. I’d love to just be able to instantly be wherever I want.
3. Leather or lace?
Leather, ATM. I’m feeling the need to be a little hardcore.
4. Would you rather pay full price now for the LE luxury eye palette of your dreams, or wait a month to get it for 50% off and risk it potentially being sold out?
Eeeehhh… man. It really depends on whether or not I have the extra cash $$ laying around. If not, I’d skip it and save, hoping that it would go on sale. However, if it’s literally everything I could possibly hope for AND I had the money in the bank, I’d probably go for it!
5. What’s the last fear you conquered?
Hmm. This is a good one. I guess… getting in touch with a musical idol for a lesson? Did that just the other day. I’m still somewhat terrified about it (we’re meeting up on Monday) but hoping that I can chill and be normal, and that I’ll come out of it with the attitude of, “oh yeah, that’s just what I do, take lessons with people I really admire .”
And GOOD ON YOU for getting involved in your mom’s group, Karen!! So freakin proud of you. Keep us updated on board status and all that 🙂
Hi Shannon,
That’s so great that you took the initiative to reach out to someone you admire. Such a good way to grow and expand your range of skills! Thank you for inspiring me… We can always get better, right? Will you be taking voice or instrument lessons?
1. Raspberry berets or little red Corvettes?
As a song, Raspberry Beret! To own, probably the corvette 😛
2. Would you rather be able to teleport or fly?
That’s a tough one. Flying would probably be better but you’d have to deal with weather. Teleporting is instant. I suppose I’d have to know what my limits were on teleporting.
3. Leather or lace?
Leather, always.
4. Would you rather pay full price now for the LE luxury eye palette of your dreams, or wait a month to get it for 50% off and risk it potentially being sold out?
Neither! I’m on a shadow no buy.
5. What’s the last fear you conquered?
Living alone, which I did when my hubby was in Afganistan.
Hi Erin,
Doing things alone can be scary, but be liberating, too!
1. Raspberry berets or little red Corvettes?
Raspberry beret!
2. Would you rather be able to teleport or fly?
Definitely fly. I dream that I’m flying fairly often and it’s pretty awesome. I wish I could do it during the day too!
3. Leather or lace?
Leather!
4. Would you rather pay full price now for the LE luxury eye palette of your dreams, or wait a month to get it for 50% off and risk it potentially being sold out?
Definitely wait. If it sells out, I’ll find another wonderful palette within a few months.
5. What’s the last fear you conquered?
Signing up for membership to a fitness studio and going to classes I know will be very challenging for me, and not running away when I’m the one person unable to jump onto a box. I don’t know if it’s age-related but I don’t care much what other people may think anymore. Turns out they mostly mind their own business anyway!
Hi Lulle,
I can related to your answer to number 5. I’ve felt that way about new physical activities, like dance and yoga. It’s scary at first but after a while it always gets better. 🙂 What are your favorite workouts? By the way, I’m going to HIIT class tonight for the first time since I got sick (it’s been two weeks) and I’m so excited!
I really like the combo classes they do at that studio, it’s half spin, half barre or bootcamp. Each half is long enough to get a good workout but short enough that you don’t hate yourself for coming, lol!
So what does a HIIT class look like exactly? What exercises do you do?
1. Raspberry berets or little red Corvettes? raspberry beret
2. Would you rather be able to teleport or fly? fly like a bird
3. Leather or lace? leather (jacket)
4. Would you rather pay full price now for the LE luxury eye palette of your dreams, or wait a month to get it for 50% off and risk it potentially being sold out? gamble and wait – it would kill me to pay full price and then see it 50% off!
5. What’s the last fear you conquered? When I was laid off my job 2 years ago, I went back to school for massage therapy, so a) going back to school, and b) changing careers to something I had never thought about doing.
1. Raspberry berets or little red Corvettes? I can’t pull off a beret but I’d love a little red Corvette.
2. Would you rather be able to teleport or fly? teleport for sure
3. Leather or lace? lace
4. Would you rather pay full price now for the LE luxury eye palette of your dreams, or wait a month to get it for 50% off and risk it potentially being sold out? I really am hooked on buying everything on sale.
5. What’s the last fear you conquered? I went to the dermatologist a couple weeks ago to get some things checked out.
1. Corvette, but not in Texas traffic.
2. Teleporting would sure be convenient, but flying seems like a lot of fun. Probably flying, even though I hate heights.
3. Leather.
4. I would wait for the probable sale.
5. Going to surgery, scans, and chemotherapy appointments alone. I did ALL of it alone, except for someone who drove me home from the surgery.
must revert with this very important opinion: i think you can in fact teleport with a luggage. i do think it needs practice though – better a missing luggage than a missing arm! (yikes)
1. Raspberry berets or little red Corvettes? Raspberry berets (but actually: When doves cry).
2. Would you rather be able to teleport or fly? Teleport! I commute a lot for work, so taking the train is sometimes a pain… but the worst part is getting up sooo early…
3. Leather or lace? Leather, but I might try lace one day.
4. Would you rather pay full price now for the LE luxury eye palette of your dreams, or wait a month to get it for 50% off and risk it potentially being sold out? I don’t do much eye makeup, so no to buying this palette, but I might wanna try Charlotte Tilbury once…
5. What’s the last fear you conquered? I go to a belly dancing (in fact oriental dance class) since last November. I’m not really the Salsa – hip rotating type, so this is a big step for me. The teacher is great, it’s a mixed group of women and it’s good for the back as well.
Happy Tuesday!!!