
So…what is the Monday Poll?
Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007).
1. Crocs or Birkenstocks?
I don’t own either, but I feel like Birkenstocks are a little more formal, so I’d go with those.
2. Do you tend to cook with a lot of spices?
Sure, if a recipe calls for them. When I’m left to my own devices I tend to keep it simple. Salt, pepper, that’s it!
3. Something that you’re hoping for?
I hope Marnie’s brother gets adopted soon. His adoption profile briefly disappeared from the Marin Humane website (which is what happens after an animal gets adopted), but then he showed up again last week.
4. Something you’re currently craving?
Toast with butter!
5. A small goal you’d like to accomplish this week?
I’d like to get everything done in the mornings with time to spare. I’ve been rushing lately and I don’t like the feeling of chaos first thing in the morning.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.
1. Crocs or Birkenstocks?
2. Do you tend to cook with a lot of spices?
3. Something that you’re hoping for?
4. Something you’re currently craving?
5. A small goal you’d like to accomplish this week?

1. Crocs or Birkenstocks? Birkenstocks, I like Arizona style
2. Do you tend to cook with a lot of spices? I am Indian and I do cook with spices, but can’t handle hot spices
3. Something that you’re hoping for? I want to change my team and have a call tomorrow with the hiring manager and I hope it goes well
4. Something you’re currently craving? A nice clean salad, after binging on weekend
5. A small goal you’d like to accomplish this week? To get workouts in regularly.
1. Crocs or Birkenstocks?
Birkenstocks. I’ve never understood the allure of Crocs.
2. Do you tend to cook with a lot of spices?
I’m definitely a ‘spice girl’, lol. I have a spice drawer next to the stove.
3. Something that you’re hoping for?
My mental health has taken a hit lately, so I’m hoping for some calm and rest.
4. Something you’re currently craving?
Dark chocolate sea salt caramels.
5. A small goal you’d like to accomplish this week?
I need to change my air conditioner’s filters; fresh filters help my allergies and asthma. (The small, infrequent chores are the ones I tend to forget the most!)
Have an excellent, unrushed week, my friend!
Crocs are comfortable – it’s as simple as that. Also, they’re great for wide feet.
1. Crocs or Birkenstocks? Birkenstocks.
2. Do you tend to cook with a lot of spices? Yes, I cook almost salt free so have learned to use a lot of other things to make the dish tasty without the sodium.
3. Something that you’re hoping for? Husband not having to travel for work for at least 2 weeks in the row (I’m home with a new puppy, an elderly dog on multiple meds, and full time telework).
4. Something you’re currently craving? Scones with butter and some good tea.
5. A small goal you’d like to accomplish this week? An uninterrupted night’s sleep.
1. Crocs or Birkenstocks? Crocs…I sprained my ankle last week and my I can’t wear any of my “real” shoes. I usually only wear Crocs around the house, but I have been wearing them to work this week.
2. Do you tend to cook with a lot of spices? Depends on the day and recipe
3. Something that you’re hoping for? My ankle to heal faster…two dogs and two kiddos…I don’t like being slowed down🤪
4. Something you’re currently craving? Chocolate chip cookies
5. A small goal you’d like to accomplish this week? Stress less
1. Crocs or Birkenstocks? Birkenstocks. I keep a pair handy to slip on when I need to take the trash out, bring the mail in, etc. Otherwise, I don’t wear them.
2. Do you tend to cook with a lot of spices? Middle Eastern family here so, yes, I use a lot of spices.
3. Something that you’re hoping for? Passing my written driver’s test.
4. Something you’re currently craving? I was craving the grilled veggie burger from The Habit, but I was able to satisfy that craving yesterday so I’m good.
5. A small goal you’d like to accomplish this week? Same as #3 above—pass my written test. My DMV appointment is this week.
1. Crocs or Birkenstocks? Neither- both look clunky to me and I don’t like that look
2. Do you tend to cook with a lot of spices? Depends on what I’m making
3. Something that you’re hoping for? I hope the stone guys come & finish my patio. They are behind schedule because of all the rain& we need that done so the trim can be finished. Then the painters can come
4. Something you’re currently craving? Good corn on the cob. It’s showing up in the stores but it’s still too early for the good local stuff
5. A small goal you’d like to accomplish this week? I have a bunch of touch up painting to do on trim in my house
1. Crocs or Birkenstocks? I’ve never owned Birkenstocks, because the good ones are made in Germany and are expensive. Also, most don’t have an ankle/heel strap, and it’s not too safe to walk in “slide” type shoes. I do own a few Crocs. They have a good built-in arch support, and they’re pretty comfortable. They’re a godsend for women with wide feet, as they are made to fit both men and women. They really get a bad rap. You can get lined ones for cold days, or just to absorb sweat from the soles of your feet. I only wear them around the house and in the front and back yards. I got the tie-dyed ones, one pair of regular and one that’s lined.
2. Do you tend to cook with a lot of spices? No, but I do tend to follow recipes exactly, so I’ll get whatever spices it says to get. I currently have cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves, paprika, garlic salt, and rosemary on hand.
3. Something that you’re hoping for? “I’d give you everything I’ve got for a little peace of mind.” – John Lennon, from a song called, “I’m So Tired.” (Which could be my theme song, except for the alcohol and cigarette references.) I just wish I could feel relaxed, safe, and secure for more than a couple of minutes at a time. I feel like I’ve been having an existential crisis for about 50 years. It’s exhausting. Being 100% on my own makes it even worse.
4. Something you’re currently craving? See answer to No. 3. A good night’s sleep would be great. Haven’t had one in about 32 years.
5. A small goal you’d like to accomplish this week? Plant some more summer flowers and seeds.
I love the lined Crocs in the winter! So comfortable on tile or hardwood floors.
1. Crocs or Birkenstocks? Have never owed either of them and don’t intend to.
2. Do you tend to cook with a lot of spices? I’m of Scandinavian decent so pepper and garlic are my spices of choice. Yes, I have a spice cupboard with other spices. And I don’t use salt.
3. Something that you’re hoping for? A good night’s sleep
4. Something you’re currently craving? fresh salmon
5. A small goal you’d like to accomplish this week? See #3
1. Crocs or Birkenstocks?
I own both but I go to my Birkenstocks more often.
2. Do you tend to cook with a lot of spices?
The real question is do I tend to cook? lol. Yes, spices are necessary.
3. Something that you’re hoping for?
Peace in the middle east.
4. Something you’re currently craving?
The rapper Kim Namjoon (RM) from the kpop group BTS.
5. A small goal you’d like to accomplish this week?
Make it to the gym twice.
1. Crocs or Birkenstocks? for the beach doesnt matter. but usually, I am in sneakers
2. Do you tend to cook with a lot of spices? yes.
3. Something that you’re hoping for? that I pass my national exam
4. Something you’re currently craving? crabs , its a Maryland thing.
5. A small goal you’d like to accomplish this week? passing my last 2 classes.
1. Crocs or Birkenstocks? Birkenstocks. I have a pair of Arizonas that I’ve resoled and replaced the footbeds on that I’ve had since high school (30+ years).
2. Do you tend to cook with a lot of spices? Yes, although I’ve noticed that I’ve had to cut the heat a little or I end up not sleeping well.
3. Something that you’re hoping for? A hamburger from heaven. IYKYK.
4. Something you’re currently craving? I really want the couple of remaining TJ’s toffee chips covered in milk chocolate that are technically DH’s (I get the dark chocolate ones).
5. A small goal you’d like to accomplish this week? I’m on vacation tomorrow, but I may spend half an hour to get my work inbox back down to one screen. Once it gets past that, there’s a real chance of total email meltdown.
1. Crocs or Birkenstocks? Birkenstocks. I still have the navy blue suede Arizonas I saved for and bought in high school over 30 years ago.
2. Do you tend to cook with a lot of spices? Yes, although I’ve had to cut down on the heat recently or risk not sleeping well.
3. Something that you’re hoping for? I was hoping that I didn’t get invited to our annual company powwow/beatdown at a country club near our CEO’s retirement house. Looks like I got lucky (no invite) this year.
4. Something you’re currently craving? Not much, on a long weekend and just ate a stromboli and some ice cream.
5. A small goal you’d like to accomplish this week? By the end of the weekend, I need to try to get my work inbox down to one screen. When it gets past that, things start falling through the cracks. I’m hoping I can get that done in about 30 minutes Sunday night.
1. Crocs or Birkenstocks? No clue, I’ve never tried either of them. I guess I’d go with Birkenstocks, they’re supposed to be good for your feet.
2. Do you tend to cook with a lot of spices? Yes.
3. Something that you’re hoping for? That the vet can figure out what’s going on with Nibbler (beyond old age) because I’m getting tired of cleaning up barf late in the evening.
4. Something you’re currently craving? Walnut, brown sugar yubeshi from Okinawa and doriyaki (red bean filled pancakes)
5. A small goal you’d like to accomplish this week? I’d like to get the numbers to 100 and the basic set of Hiragana down pat for my my beginning Japanese class.