So…what is the Monday Poll?
Good question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll. It’s just a list of five more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past gazillion years (more than 10!). I love reading your answers, and it helps me get my week off to a great start. ?
1. How old were you when you got your first cell phone?
OK, I’m dating myself, but I wanna say 24?
Maybe it was 25…
I can’t remember the model or the brand, but it was a husky silver flip phone…and I think it may have had an antenna?! The best thing about it was that I could drop it (and I did, every five minutes) without it breaking.
SERIOUSLY, I dropped that thing 20 times a day, and for years after that whenever I got a new phone, the first thing I’d ask the sales associate at the phone counter was always, “Can it handle being dropped a lot, all the time?” And the salesperson would always look back at me like I was out of my mind. ?
Ha ha ha!
2. Bath bombs, bath oils or bubble baths?
Gimme them bubbles! And light some candles, turn off the lights, and please leave me alone for 30 minutes. Oh, and close the door on your way out, thanks!
3. Is there such a thing as too much glitter?
All signs point to “yes,” although if you’d bumped into me at a rave in 1999 and saw the body glitter on my arms, the glitter in my hair and the glitter on my eyes and lips, my answer would’ve been totally different.
4. I don’t usually leave the house without [FILL IN THE BLANK].
Ugh, so many things. Have a kid, they said. You can be a streamlined mom, they said.
Lies, all of it.
Here goes…
If it’s just me, then my wallet, phone, keys and my personal miscellany, which almost always includes a small bottle of hand sanitizer, baby wipes, a tiny tube of hand cream, Urban Decay lip balm, any number of various lip products, sunglasses, black hair elastics (two at a minimum) and a pen.
If Connor’s with me, then I’ll also have…
- Snacks (to treat hangry-ness)
- Folding silicone travel potty (for emergencies)
- Disposable toilet covers
- One change of clothes for the Coywolf
- Travel packs of various wipes, like sanitizer wipes and baby wipes
- Disposable gloves (um…I’m really grossed out by public restrooms)
- Kleenex
- Travel sippy cup with water
5. Pay yourself a compliment — and no half-@ssed sh*t, either. I wanna see epic!
Karen. KAAAAARRENNNN! You are a much better writer than you give yourself credit for.
C’mon, don’t be like that. You are! You’re creative, write weirdly interesting lists, and you have a knack for making mildly amusing alliterative allegories. You’ve been lucky enough to write daily for more than 10 years, and that’s all kind of amazing, you know? Keep doing the damn thing, girl!
Paws up!
Bet there was a split second when you wondered if the mini emery boards in the pic up top were for your cat(s) or for yourself, huh?
I can see myself delicately holding a tabby paw and buffing away very gently while Tabs reclines on his fainting couch, ha ha ha! These emery boards are actually for, ya know, human nails (sorry to disappoint you), and the reason why I have them nearby is because I’m trying a new thing this week — adding a little fun to everyday, simple tasks. Like filing down my claws with the sweetest emery boards. For some reason seeing those paw prints makes the act a little less tedious, and something about the mini size is just so, so cute to me. Anyway, I figure if I can make the things on my to-do list different and fun in some little way this week, maybe, just maybe, when all those little bits add together, I’ll cumulatively accrue some extra joy. It doesn’t hurt to try, ya know? Plus, it gets me out of my comfort zone a little.
Here’s what’s on my list so far:
- Try a new cold coffee drink.
- Mail a friend a “thinking of you” card with an old picture of us and a poem about friendship.
- Try a new salad recipe with an ingredient I’ve never used before.
- Take a different route on my morning walk with Connor.
- Look for some new pop music and listen to it while I tidy up my desk at the beginning and end of my day.
- Stretch for 10 minutes in the morning.
See, small things.
Oh, I almost forgot the most important thing! I have to track each little thing I do, because seeing it on a list makes it real.
Anywho! Just something to try.
You have a good Monday and a great week, ‘k?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Question time! Here are they are to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to you soon.
1. How old were you when you got your first cell phone?
2. Bath bombs, bath oils or bubble baths?
3. Is there such a thing as too much glitter?
4. I don’t usually leave the house without [FILL IN THE BLANK].
5. Pay yourself a compliment — and no half-@ssed sh*t, either. I wanna see epic!
1. How old were you when you got your first cell phone? Sad to say, but I was probably in my late 30’s. Cell phones were not around until then and I actually had a Blackberry for work before my first flip phone.
2. Bath bombs, bath oils or bubble baths? I prefer oils now that I am older and my skin is really dry.
3. Is there such a thing as too much glitter? Yes!!!!
4. I don’t usually leave the house without [FILL IN THE BLANK]. Sunscreen, a bottle of water, iPhone and keys.
5. Pay yourself a compliment — and no half-@ssed sh*t, either. I wanna see epic! Not bad for almost 59 girl!
I did think those emery boards were for cats beacuse there are so many pet products available. Those are cute. I tend to buy the least expensive emery boards which seem to work fine on my nails.
Enjoy the day!
Hi Jane,
I usually use the inexpensive ones too (only because I can’t find my crystal file, ahhh!). These were a gift that I’ve been holding onto… I figure I might as well break them in and enjoy them!
It’s a lovely sunny day here in Northern California. Not too hot, and just right. How is life on your end?
Happy Monday!
1. How old were you when you got your first cell phone? I believe I was 26. It was not a flip – it was one of those Motorola phones that looked like a mini cordless. And it DID have a pull out antennae. Also, different color face plates. I almost always had the orange one on. Here’s another crazy stat. I have only had 5 cell phones over the last 20 years.
2. Bath bombs, bath oils or bubble baths? None, thank you. 🙂 I’m not a bath person at all. The idea of sitting around in questionably clean water until I’m pruney isn’t appealing. And it’s been so hot and humid here that all I can think of is cool showers.
3. Is there such a thing as too much glitter? Not if you’re young. Go ahead and bedazzle! For me, any glitter is too much. HAHA!
4. I don’t usually leave the house without [FILL IN THE BLANK]. My purse, if I’m driving. If not, just my phone and sunglasses/hair tie. If we’ll be outside, I absolutely bring sunscreen and bug spray.
5. Pay yourself a compliment — and no half-@ssed sh*t, either. I wanna see epic! I think I’m outstanding at avoiding questions I don’t want to answer. I’ll just talk or write about something else and bore the poor person to death until they completely forget that they’ve asked me something and are chomping at the bit to get away. 😉 I’m also highly superstitious about self-compliments because, hubris, and what not. PS That’s just me. I went to Catholic school and am very much a “God is going to punish me” kind of gal. 🙂
Happy Monday to you, too! I remember that Motorola phone, LOL! My friend had one (she never used the orange).
How was your weekend?
My weekend was better than my week so far (as you can see from my lack of comments until today). HAHA! The boys start soccer on Monday so we’ll be back to the grind, but we did have 2 weekends that were pretty carefree. I hope you had a great one, too!!!! 🙂
1. How old were you when you got your first cell phone?
17! I still have the same number at 31.
2. Bath bombs, bath oils or bubble baths?
Bubbles!
3. Is there such a thing as too much glitter?
For certain situations, sure. But if I’m circusing, all the glitter please.
4. I don’t usually leave the house without [FILL IN THE BLANK].
My purse, which contains keys, phone, debit and credit cards, and too many lip products that I never use.
5. Pay yourself a compliment — and no half-@ssed sh*t, either. I wanna see epic!
Chelsea, you are a good friend and you deserve the same.
I have a terrible respiratory infection right now, so I’m not all here. I’m blaming my little cousins at the family reunion.
Oh, no. We (as in everyone in the fam) just got over a virus so I feel you. I hope you get better soon. Are you resting at home?
I’m at home but I’m working. It’s been a pretty low key day though! I also wish it wasn’t 90+ degrees out because the heat makes it feel even worse!
I might go take a nap after my last meeting. I’m a zombie.
1. How old were you when you got your first cell phone? i was 17. it was a tracphone from
2. Bath bombs, bath oils or bubble baths? bath oil like the locttaine almond oil
3. Is there such a thing as too much glitter? yes unless its for a costume party
4. I don’t usually leave the house without [FILL IN THE BLANK]. my cell phone. i cherish it and my caudalie hand cream and a multiple lipsticks
5. Pay yourself a compliment — and no half-@ssed sh*t, either. I wanna see epic!
Ericca, is a great aunt. if she had a kid, they would be spoilt
1. How old were you when you got your first cell phone?
17, I was a senior in high school. It was the classic Nokia 5110 that everybody had!
2. Bath bombs, bath oils or bubble baths?
None of that, I take showers only. I stopped takings baths when the California drought forced water use restrictions down here a couple years ago and I haven’t looked back.
3. Is there such a thing as too much glitter?
Yes, definitely. I’m not a fan of glitter in any way shape or form. I’m okay with a small amount on my lids if it’s very fine glitter.
4. I don’t usually leave the house without [FILL IN THE BLANK].
My keys, phone, and ID. Those are the only 3 things that I always have with me.
5. Pay yourself a compliment — and no half-@ssed sh*t, either. I wanna see epic!
You are so much more resourceful and tenacious than you give yourself credit for, girl!
Hoping your week is amazing Karen! How’s the weather up in Marin? Down here in San Diego we’re getting another heat wave this week. Not excited about it!
1. How old were you when you got your first cell phone? I was 39 (!) and it was a huge BAG PHONE that sat on the console in the car. I’m totally older than all of you!
2. Bath bombs, bath oils or bubble baths? bath bombs – love the fizz and the scent
3. Is there such a thing as too much glitter? Y.E.S.
4. I don’t usually leave the house without [FILL IN THE BLANK]. Lip-stick-gloss-balm-stain (if I die suddenly, clean ALL the lipsticks out of my purse and desk, plz), my phone, my wallet and my sunglasses!
5. Pay yourself a compliment — and no half-@ssed sh*t, either. I wanna see epic! You are almost-63, and you are a girl boss rocking a male world, and you do it with gorgeous curly silver hair, lipstick and shoes with heels! AND, your granddarlings love you!
That cat filing his/her claws! Priceless. ??????
1. How old were you when you got your first cell phone?
About the same age as you did, but I’m older so my first “cell phone “ was a… get this…bag phone. It came in this cumbersome bag and you had to plug it into the lighter in your car ?- crazy. I thought I was pretty cool though.
2. Bath bombs, bath oils or bubble baths?- Actually lavender Epsom salts for me. Helps a lot with sore muscles, but no bubbles:(
3. Is there such a thing as too much glitter? At age 50, most definitely.
4. I don’t usually leave the house without water, a snack. Lip balm and tissues (in that order)
5. Pay yourself a compliment “You’ve gotten really good at trying things outside your comfort zone- way to go!”
1. How old were you when you got your first cell phone? Late 20s.
2. Bath bombs, bath oils or bubble baths? I only take showers. If I had to take a bath, then bubble bath.
3. Is there such a thing as too much glitter? Nope!
4. I don’t usually leave the house without my bag (which has my wallet, makeup bag, keys, glasses, and a bunch of other crap), and my phone.
5. Pay yourself a compliment — and no half-@ssed sh*t, either. I wanna see epic!
“You’re a survivor, and you’ll continue to survive because you’re smart, capable, kind, and tenacious.”
1. How old were you when you got your first cell phone?
22, I think!
2. Bath bombs, bath oils or bubble baths?
Bath oils probably, I’m dry skinned. They make getting out of the tub hard.
3. Is there such a thing as too much glitter?
For sure!
4. I don’t usually leave the house without [FILL IN THE BLANK].
My purse. Wait, my wallet.
5. Pay yourself a compliment — and no half-@ssed sh*t, either. I wanna see epic!
You are the smartest and kindest person you know IRL 🙂
Even though you chunky, you got an LA face and an Oakland booty.
1. How old were you when you got your first cell phone?
Ugh, I’m not too sure honestly. It was definitely in my 20’s and it was a bulky silver phone.
2. Bath bombs, bath oils or bubble baths?
I’m not a bath girl. I do showers. But I would love to try a bath bomb.
3. Is there such a thing as too much glitter?
As I’ve gotten older, the answer is a definite yes!!
4. I don’t usually leave the house without [FILL IN THE BLANK].
My purse which holds wallet, debit card, hand sanitizer, blotting sheets, various lippies, mirror and my phone.
5. Pay yourself a compliment — and no half-@ssed sh*t, either. I wanna see epic!
Barb, you are intelligent, confident and outgoing! Keep it up!!
1. How old were you when you got your first cell phone? Oh so old, I think like you I must have been in my mid-20’s. And I actually only got it then because I was being stalked and my parents insisted I get one for safety so I could call the cops quickly. I don’t think I actually fell in love with a cell phone until the iphone. And is that really a cell phone? I rarely am talking on it. Usually taking photos, checking email or texting my teenager.
2. Bath bombs, bath oils or bubble baths? bath bombs baby from Lush. No other will do. But I do like a good bubble too. Bath oils I don’t care for. I end up too slick and I’m not coordinated enough for that.
3. Is there such a thing as too much glitter? No. There is never too much glitter. Glitter is a joyous thing that everyone should use as much of as they like and celebrate being all sparkly.
4. I don’t usually leave the house without [FILL IN THE BLANK]. Ma phone. With apple pay, that’s all I need. Well, that and lipsticks.
5. Pay yourself a compliment — and no half-@ssed sh*t, either. I wanna see epic! I am a super fun mom!
1. How old were you when you got your first cell phone? I think I was 24. I still remember the number! It was a chunky black flip phone with an antenna.
2. Bath bombs, bath oils or bubble baths? I don’t want any of those things in my tub water. But I slather myself up with all kinds of things when I get out.
3. Is there such a thing as too much glitter? On my face, yeah. I’m 43, glitter on the face is over. But I love glittery shirts and shoes! My Mom used to be a belly dancer and she was fond of saying, “You can never have too many sequins!” I like that.
4. I don’t usually leave the house without [FILL IN THE BLANK]. My phone! It’s a phone wallet, so everything is in there. And a coffee or water bottle (aluminum please!) And lip balm, always always always. I have a tube next to the front door.
5. Pay yourself a compliment — and no half-@ssed sh*t, either. I wanna see epic! Steph, you are a positive and loyal friend. 100%. You are an excellent role model for your daughters, to show that female friendship is necessary and important.
Hi Karen, it’s Katie. It’s a very sad day here as I found out today that my first horse instructor, Nick, went to Heaven today. My mom and I have been crying on and off since we found out. He was also the director of my non-for-profit and everybody at the barn has been having a hard time. He came into my life when I really needed someone to show me direction in life, so I’ve been super upset all day.
1. How old were you when you got your first cell phone?
I was 15. Yes, 15! This was circa 2004, so every single teenager in my graduating class had a cell phone since around 2002…except me. I lived in a rather higher middle class area. You can imagine the teasing. (Yes, even the homeless kids had phones! Me? NO.)
2. Bath bombs, bath oils or bubble baths?
I don’t like baths, so none of them, but I do like those shower fizzy things that you can throw in the shower and they fill the shower with a scent. I really love the peppermint ones (naturally only found on Etsy these days.)
3. Is there such a thing as too much glitter?
There is such a thing as moderation and I prefer glitter in moderation. Plus…have you ever tried to vacuum glitter from carpet? It. Is. HELL.
4. I don’t usually leave the house without [FILL IN THE BLANK].
Sunglasses. I have such sensitive eyes I just can’t. It will be the middle of the night and I will need my sunglasses because a store’s lights will be too bright for me.
5. Pay yourself a compliment — and no half-@ssed sh*t, either. I wanna see epic!
Katie, Nick taught you so much about horse riding, but right now he’d tell you to keep on riding. Just because he passed away doesn’t mean you stop riding. You ride because you. can. RIDE. He always told you were meant to ride. It will be hard on Wednesday, but you won’t be the only one crying. So, go out there and keep on riding.
That’s not really a compliment, is it? It’s more a pep talk, but it’s the only thing I can think of.
You keep riding girl!
I am. It’s going to be really hard, but he always said, “Ride on.” He was so selfless and poured his heart into helping others. It’s just going to be super hard walking in on Wednesday. I suspect there will be lots of tears going around. I’ve ridden there for 3 1/2 years, so I don’t know how things are going to change in terms of who is getting the barn or how it will be managed. I do know that we’ll probably be saying, “THAT’S NOT HOW NICK DID IT!” for a long time! He was such a stickler with his barn and horses!
I’m sorry for your loss, Katie. Sounds like Nick was a wonderful person who helped you a lot. Sending you a hug from me, Coywolf and Tabs.
1. How old were you when you got your first cell phone?
I was a high school junior or senior, which was late for someone whose classmates were using cell phones a few years before! I just didn’t feel like I needed one before then
2. Bath bombs, bath oils or bubble baths?
None because I’d rather take long, vigorous showers
3. Is there such a thing as too much glitter?
Not unless you own and /werk/ how much you’re wearing
4. I don’t usually leave the house without [FILL IN THE BLANK].
I don’t have a toddler and I carry everything but the kitchen sink, too. I like being prepared! I end up being the one in the group everyone goes to for certain needs
Besides phone/wallet/keys, my personal miscellany MUST include sunglasses, lip balm with SPF (I currently use Jack Black), a mini hand sanitizer (I have one from Kaiser that I refill with GermX), a compact mirror (I have a floral, painterly one from Sephora that looks more expensive than it is and is joy to use), small Altoids, and contact lenses rewetting drops
5. Pay yourself a compliment
Katie, you’ve had an incredible year of change, demonstrating tenacity you often forget you possess. But change doesn’t always equal progress, so keep going and growing this year! Also, you have wonderful smile – flash it more!!
KAREN! (Connor Claire! Tabs!) It’s lovely to be back after some time away. I just saw the posts about your new haircut and no-concealer-concealer attempts. You look fantastic (and your brows are an ongoing inspiration as I continue growing mine out!!)
P.S. How do I add an avatar to my commenting handle?
1. How old were you when you got your first cell phone? Can’t remember exactly, but it was a big, gray thing with a flip cover and an antenna. I know it was after Dear Daughter was born because I remember the car I drove when I used it. It had a curly cord that I could plug into the cigarette lighter so that the battery lasted longer. (Remember cigarette lighters in cars?)
2. Bath bombs, bath oils or bubble baths? None of the above. I’m a strictly showers person. I hate submerging myself in water.
3. Is there such a thing as too much glitter? Depends. In makeup, definitely yes. In clothing and accessories it’s a thin line.
4. I don’t usually leave the house without [FILL IN THE BLANK]. My glasses? I can’t think of anything I have to have to leave the house. Sometimes I rely on Dear Husband for keys. And if he’s driving I don’t bother with my glasses, my Rx isn’t that strong. I’ll gladly leave my phone at home any day.
5. Pay yourself a compliment — and no half-@ssed sh*t, either. I wanna see epic!
Tatiana, you are “The Greatest Mom in the World!” to quote the poem Dear Daughter wrote when she was 7 yrs. old. I know there are days she still feels the same, I also know there are days she feels otherwise. Still, I have raised an independent, hard working and conscientious young adult.
1. How old were you when you got your first cell phone? 12 years old.
2. Bath bombs, bath oils or bubble baths? Bath bombs! They are so fun and colorful.
3. Is there such a thing as too much glitter? Yes but it’s not a bad thing.
4. I don’t usually leave the house without my phone.
5. Pay yourself a compliment — and no half-@ssed sh*t, either. I wanna see epic! You rock baby!
1. How old were you when you got your first cell phone?
19- it was one of those bag phones. I felt like a secret agent.
2. Bath bombs, bath oils or bubble baths?
None of the above. We only have a shower, but it is a pretty amazing one.
3. Is there such a thing as too much glitter?
Definitely. I can’t say anymore, or there would be a major rant on the subject of family members who lack any comprehension of the term “age appropriate”.
4. I don’t usually leave the house without [FILL IN THE BLANK].
My sunglasses and a travel pack of Kleenex. Oh, and Benadryl, in case I accidentally eat some mushrooms. (I’m allergic.)
5. Pay yourself a compliment — and no half-@ssed sh*t, either. I wanna see epic!
I have a knack for making people feel at ease, because almost everyone I know starts smiling and visibly relaxes as soon as they see me. I think it’s a combination of being very maternal and being a good listener. It’s also ironic, since I have pretty serious social anxiety issues.
1. How old were you when you got your first cell phone?
I was about 35, and it was a Motorola flip phone. Everyone I knew already had a cellphone, but I was a holdout until the day I got a flat tire en route to my job. I had AAA, which didn’t help because I couldn’t call them. The car broke down close to work, and I actually spotted a coworker driving blithely by. Eventually someone called the police, and through the responding officer I called AAA. That night I took a trip to the phone store at the mall.
2. Bath bombs, bath oils or bubble baths?
Bubbles all the way! Oil is a slip hazard and I’ve never gotten into the fizzy bombs. I have a jetted tub so they seem slightly redundant.
3. Is there such a thing as too much glitter?
Yes! No! Yes? Okay, I enjoy glitter on clothing and accessories. On my cheeks or in my eyeballs, er, not so much.
4. I don’t usually leave the house without [FILL IN THE BLANK].
Mah purse. It’s got everything–wallet, keys, tissues, lipsticks, breath strips, wet wipes, Pepto Bismol tablets, elf blotting sheets, panty liners, lens cleaning wipes, reusable shopping bags, ponytail holders…it contains multitudes.
5. Pay yourself a compliment — and no half-@ssed sh*t, either. I wanna see epic!
“You have a way of putting people at ease, despite your natural shyness.” Meh, that’s all I’ve got right now.
1. How old were you when you got your first cell phone?
I had a Motorola MicroTac to use that was the family’s in 1995-6ish? But it was only for emergencies and before I could drive calling for a ride home since my school was a long distance call to our house. Remember long distance? ? For a while I’d do the collect call with the IT’SNICOLECOMEPICKMEUP message.
2. Bath bombs, bath oils or bubble baths?
I don’t really like baths ? I like my lava hot showers. If pressed, bubble because it’s not likely to leave a residue that needs cleaning!
3. Is there such a thing as too much glitter?
I mean I don’t love glitter falling down my face and on my chin and all over my baby from kissing him. But I do like glitter that stays where you put it!
4. I don’t usually leave the house without [FILL IN THE BLANK].
My phone, of course. s/usually/ever/
5. Pay yourself a compliment — and no half-@ssed sh*t, either. I wanna see epic!
Nicolasa, you’re a good and thoughtful mom. A perfect fit especially for your rather unique in personality first kiddo. And heck, I’d throw in a good and thoughtful friend too. ?
Hi there. I commented on one of your other blog posts about Rihanna’s Fenty primer. I’m just wondering if you have the name of the Stella perfume that reminds you of the scent?
Hi! It’s called Stella, by Stella McCartney. The original one in the purple bottle. 🙂