You might be wondering, “So what the heck is this Monday Poll thing anyway?”
Well, it isn’t much of a poll. It’s more just a constantly evolving (devolving?), somewhat random list of questions I’ve been putting out to readers every Monday morning for the past four years. I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.
- What’s something you like doing in the morning?
Um, besides sleeping in? 🙂 I actually really love working out in the morning. Up through my early 30s, I was always an afternoon/early evening exerciser, the very thought of rolling out of bed and moving my @ss before noon made my tummy turn.Now, though, I love it! Love it, love it, love it! I feel like it gets my day off to a good start, like I’ve already checked something important off my list.
And truth be told, I’m usually too tired to haul my cookies around after a long day assisting my kitty employer.
- Do you thrive in chaos?
Sometimes. I do get a lot done under pressure, but I think everything’s just better when I have the time to get all my ducks in a row. - A place you have very fond memories of?
The North Shore of Oahu… I have so many happy memories with El Hub of those beaches and little surf towns, just swimming, relaxing, snorkeling and hanging out with each other. The best was our wedding, though. We got married there at a hotel called Turtle Bay.We celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary yesterday! 🙂
- Something you’ve been meaning to do but keep putting off for one reason or another?
Ugh, buy some dresser drawers! I’ve had the same one since 1999, and it has never been any good (damned thing’s drawers don’t close all the way).I got it second hand off Craigslist for a steal way back when you could meet people on Craigslist without the threat of great bodily harm, or at least as high a threat as there seems to be today, and I’ve hated it ever since.
I’ve actually got my eye on this one from Crate & Barrel. It’s totally out of my price range but it’s perfect.
Furniture lust!
- How many windows did your childhood home have?
Nine, if you include the sliding glass door in the backyard. - What’s your stance on lady mullets?
DUDE. I’ve actually seen it on a few girls, and they looked really, really cute. I mean, you have to have the right style and the mojo to pull it off, but when works, it works. - Is there a part of growing older that’s surprised you?
That it would someday take effort to see the world with wonder, which is something I think I always just did naturally as a kid. I thought it would be easier, to be honest… Now I’m definitely more skeptical and cynical. - Got any projects in the works?
I’m thinking of starting either a fashion or a food blog…because, you know, Tabs gives me sooo much extra time for my side projects, hahaha!Yes, that was sarcasm.
- Are you a hipster?
No, but I have a hipster kitty! 😀 - Write yourself a kind, encouraging note…
Oh, Karen, I love you, but you really have to chill-the-eff out. Just breathe, relax, and look forward to getting a pedicure at 6.Don’t sweat the small stuff, kiddo. You’re doing just fine.
To complete the Monday Poll, just copy the following list, and paste it with your answers in the comments.
Le List
1. What’s something you like doing in the morning?
2. Do you thrive in chaos?
3. A place you have very fond memories of?
4. Something you’ve been meaning to do but keep putting off?
5. How many windows did your childhood home have?
6. What’s your stance on lady mullets?
7. Something that’s surprised you about growing up and growing older?
8. Got any projects in the works?
9. Are you a hipster?
10. Write yourself a kind, encouraging note…
Bear with me through some cheese, please, but I feel like I need to tell you something on this lovely Monday morning. You are appreciated and loved.
Do you hear me? I never take our friendship for granted.
Aww, cheesy, I know. I love cheese. 🙂
You have a good day and wonderful week, okay?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
1. What’s something you like doing in the morning? Sleeping, I WISH!
2. Do you thrive in chaos? I’d say sometimes.
3. A place you have very fond memories of? my grandparent’s house, so many…
4. Something you’ve been meaning to do but keep putting off? the list is endless. I must (!) see a hair dresser soon, to start with.
5. How many windows did your childhood home have? oh, I have no idea…
6. What’s your stance on lady mullets?not a fan)
7. Something that’s surprised you about growing up and growing older? you get tired easily and sooner, NO!!!
8. Got any projects in the works? since I had a holiday and then got sick, I have a lot going on right now. Need more time, please!
9. Are you a hipster? no)
10. Write yourself a kind, encouraging note… take it easy. Simple, yet true.
LOL about getting tired easily, Marina. I went to the pool last weekend, and watching the kids jump into the pool, swim out, and jump back in over and over again was exhausting! I can’t believe I used to have that type of energy.
You have a good week, okay?
Yes, madam! 😉 You, too!
I can’t believe I could stay up all night and then go to the uni/work, as if I had 8-hour sleep. Craaazy.
PS. Are you watching True Blood? I am not really in the mood to, hm.
1. What’s something you like doing in the morning?
~I also love sleeping in when I get the chance. However, if I’m not tired and I’m naturally awake by 6 or 7 (which when everything is going well and I’m not sick is my “sleeping in” time), I enjoy doing some morning yoga or a small workout to jump start my day.
2. Do you thrive in chaos?
~I do very well in it and can stay organized, but I do also enjoy planning time. It’s important to me. I feel like some things go much better when there is some sort of plan written down somewhere.
3. A place you have very fond memories of?
~Ocean City, MD. Been going there since I was a baby, and while it’s not the prettiest beach in the U.S., it holds a lot of memories. And the waves are really rough – so they test you surfing/bodysurfing.
4. Something you’ve been meaning to do but keep putting off?
~Getting more involved in a steady yoga routine. When I have had a routine, however long or short daily, it has really relaxed me and kept me focused. I can tell when I need regular yoga in my life because I will get really stressed and not feel like I have time for everything. Plus, doing yoga on and off, I have forgotten how much it actually strengthens you.
~Also, I need to get my furniture over to the house and start unpacking and going through stuff. Something that needs to be done to de-clutter and get the house organized. I’d also like to keep the guest room a guest room – in case anyone had to stay over for a while. Organizing is not easy in a townhouse but it can be done.
5. How many windows did your childhood home have?
~Not sure, never counted, but not a ton. My bedroom had 2.
6. What’s your stance on lady mullets?
~Not a fan – I think it looks good on some people, but not for me. I like my layers but they can be hard at times to get into a bun. Imagine how hard a mullet would be to braid or put up or do anything with. Having had shorter hairstyles before with lots of layers, it usually involves messing with a blowdryer and flatiron daily to make it look good and do what I want it to do.
7. Something that’s surprised you about growing up and growing older?
~I think how immature other adults can be on a lot of different things. When I was a kid, I thought people being mean would stop at being kids in school and that kids would “grow up”, i.e. learn better ways of dealing with things. It’s surprising to see adults throw temper tantrums in public over the stupidest little things. I was always taught growing up that stooping to other people’s levels was not the way to go and it only made me look bad. I’m also surprised at how much a lot of kids have handed to them these days, and it really wasn’t so long ago that I was a kid. I’m still a happy go lucky person, but I’ve learned that I can’t really keep my expectations of people high.
8. Got any projects in the works?
~Currently looking for a good secretary desk for the dining room, keeping organized is always a project in itself…Fitness is a never ending project as I find new workouts to try and read different books.
9. Are you a hipster?
~No, not really. I see “hipster” as trendy, and while I like some trends, I do not follow all of them.
10. Write yourself a kind, encouraging note…
~You will get to where you are meant to be soon. Keep you head up, be patient, and keep working out so that you are fit and healthy for when that day comes. Put in the work, and the success will come.
Did you ever visit Assateague? We honeymooned in Ocean City, then went down to the sanctuary island and got eaten by mosquitos, but it was wonderful, wild and windy!
Natasha-
Yes, I have visited Assateague! I was a huge fan of the Misty of Chincoteague series of books by Marguerite Henry and had to see the “wild” ponies up close. It is a beautiful island, and a lot of people camp there. The ponies (which are really feral, not wild), are so tame that they’ll come up to your car. Did they do that to you? That is awesome that you honeymooned in OC.
Hi Katherine,
Yoga makes such a huge difference! I noticed that when I was doing it consistently, I felt a lot less frazzled. What kind do you enjoy? I like yoga flow classes.
Karen,
Over the years I have gotten into Ashtanga yoga (which is where you work on keeping focused and holding difficult poses for gradual long periods of time, like Crow pose and headstand or handstand). Ashtanga is great for staying focused and also great for getting proper body form on the hard poses. I also enjoy flow yoga (known as Vinyasa), and Bikram, which is hot yoga (yoga in a 105 degree room – supposed to be good for sweating out toxins and loosening up the muscles). Bikram is kind of expensive around here (about 20 bucks a class) so I don’t do it a lot. It’s also better in the winter months because you can be refreshed by the cooler temps outside.
We should totally make a vow to do some form of yoga every morning/night – even 5 minutes will help us sleep better and be focused for the rest of our day!
I’ve done ashtanga and enjoyed it too! You really get in there and deepen the stretch (which is what I need). Just thinking about it makes my hammies all jiggly, LOL.
I tried hot yoga once and it was a hot mess. I felt like I was suffocating in the room! I have friends though, like you, who absolutely love it.
Oooh… I am down for a yoga challenge if you are! I have a mat here at home. 🙂
1. What’s something you like doing in the morning? Drinking coffee and watching the news
2. Do you thrive in chaos? Sometimes. At first I will get a little crazy and then the focus will kick in and I’ll make things happen.
3. A place you have very fond memories of? San Juan, PR. Hubby and I had our honeymoon there and it was a great place to start our marriage.
4. Something you’ve been meaning to do but keep putting off? Clean out my junk corner. It’s annoying me. I have more time now so I’ll work on it.
5. How many windows did your childhood home have? About 4.
6. What’s your stance on lady mullets? No, no, no!
7. Something that’s surprised you about growing up and growing older? I feel younger than ever but wiser and more relaxed. I don’t feel old or boring lol
8. Got any projects in the works? Just trying to get healthier by working out more and consistently and eating more fresh food.
9. Are you a hipster? No way. lol But I do hang out in their neighborhoods alot lol
10. Write yourself a kind, encouraging note… You are a bright shining star and no one can dim your glow. Keep shining!
Congrats on celebrating your 7 year anniversary! We are going to be celebrating our 5th in August!
Thank you Suri! Congrats on your upcoming anniversary in August. 🙂
Hi Karen, Happy Monday. I am exhausted from the last few days. Just feel like hiding under a blanket and sleeping for days. Not gonna happen though…
1. What’s something you like doing in the morning?
Drinking coffee and reading beauty blogs.
2. Do you thrive in chaos?
Absolutely NOT. I like everything organized and well planned.
3. A place you have very fond memories of?
Lake George, NY where I first went for Work&Travel program and that’s how my love for the US started.
4. Something you’ve been meaning to do but keep putting off?
Getting my eyebrows waxed.
5. How many windows did your childhood home have?
8 and that’s a lot for an appartment!
6. What’s your stance on lady mullets?
No, thank you.
7. Something that’s surprised you about growing up and growing older?
I don’t think there has been any surprises. Maybe how many responsibilities there are…
8. Got any projects in the works?
I’m about to start an online class on Science of Gastronomy and another one on Diet&Nutrition.
9. Are you a hipster?
No.
10. Write yourself a kind, encouraging note…
It’s going to be a great week and I will be able to take care of all the chores, keep up with working out and work is going to be blissful this week!
Hi Agata,
I saw your pics on Instagram and it looks like you had a lovely time at the wedding. Your sis-in-law’s makeup looked, AMAZING, btw. Great job!
Thank you girl, it means a lot coming from a pro like you! There will be more pictures where you can see her make up better but my husband has to edit them etc. The wedding was a blast!
Morning, Karen! Happy Anniversary!!!
1. What’s something you like doing in the morning?
I also like to exercise in the morning. I used to be a night owl, but a stint in the hospital 3 years ago turned me into a morning riser… and since the Hubby is still sleeping, it’s the perfect time to go for my power walk.
2. Do you thrive in chaos?
Depends on the chaos. Constant noise and demands, no. A messy environment is OK… I just can’t stand lots of people all talking at me at the same time and sometimes poking me if I don’t respond because I’m working on someone else… this is my life as a facepainter with a crowd of kids and little parental intervention… I do the best I can, but it isn’t thriving.
3. A place you have very fond memories of?
Baltimore/DC area. That’s where I met my hubby. I have great memories of running down to DC for week-end concerts at the Smithsonian, hiking in the woods of Virginia, our favorite hole-in-the-wall Chinese takeaway place… and especially Ellicott City where we got married. I also have very fond memories of living in Austin, TX — the music everywhere, the great food, the warm and wonderful people — we’d move back in a heartbeat if there were a job…
4. Something you’ve been meaning to do but keep putting off?
Fix the back door screens. They’re floating screens that are beautiful and in theory are perfect for our French doors… but floating means the screen portion is not firmly attached anywhere and within 24 hours of installation, Miss Sahara figured out that she could just push the screen out of its frame and go for a walkabout in the great outdoors…which kind of defeats the purpose of the screen…
5. How many windows did your childhood home have?
7? With 2 giant glass patio doors.
6. What’s your stance on lady mullets?
If she’s got the right bone structure/face shape and it works on her, then I like them…. but not on me.
7. Something that’s surprised you about growing up and growing older?
That I don’t necessarily feel wiser. It’s just easier to admit that I don’t know stuff. Also, I don’t care as much what other people think. I can do silly stuff and have fun instead of feeling uptight about if anyone I knew would see me…
8. Got any projects in the works?
I just dyed up a bunch of shirts and now I need to decorate them. I also need to create a cat-inspired piece of art for a show called The Catnip Connection… the deadline is next Wednesday…better work fast!
9. Are you a hipster?
No.
10. Write yourself a kind, encouraging note…
Remember to breathe and don’t feel guilty about taking time for your hobbies: they keep you sane when the schedule gets tight. It’s going to be a crazy week, but you can get through this one day, one minute at a time. Deep breaths. And no, you can’t smack children who poke you while you’re working…
Thank you, Natasha! Have a wonderful week, and enjoy your “me” time with your hobbies this week. It’s important.
That is so cool you are from the Baltimore/DC area, too. Ellicott City is where my mom grew up. Small world, for sure.
I appreciate you, too, Karen!
1. What’s something you like doing in the morning? My mornings feature…going on the Internet. Honestly, my mornings are super low-key.
2. Do you thrive in chaos? Not at all. I hate chaos. I could probably do just fine in chaos, I just don’t want to be in it/
3. A place you have very fond memories of? Paul Bunyan Land. That’s actually not what it was called, but that’s what my family called it. It was this awesome Paul Bunyan-themed fun center in northern Minnesota that we would visit every summer. It had a huge (HUGE) animatronic Paul Bunyan and he would say hi to you by name as you entered. And there were rides and stuff. It was awesome. It’s closed now, though, and I’m sad about that.
4. Something you’ve been meaning to do but keep putting off? If you’d asked me that two days ago, I would have said, “Make a new purse,” but I finally got that done yesterday. Finally! I make my own purses since the ones in stores never have what I want.
5. How many windows did your childhood home have? My childhood home was an apartment. It did not have enough windows.
6. What’s your stance on lady mullets? Now that you mention it, lady mullets CAN look cool, but it depends. I knew this girl who have the BEST HAIR EVER. She had this mop of hair in the back, sort of like dreadlocks, that the front half of her head was shaved, but with some bangs in front. It sounds terrible but it was amazing.
7. Something that’s surprised you about growing up and growing older? I’m actually getting better with age.
8. Got any projects in the works? Tons. I’m working on a book about blogging. I plan to make my own hummus this week. I’m doing a 5K race this weekend. All good stuff!
9. Are you a hipster? Nah. Some might think so when they see my thick-framed glasses, but I’m really not. I’m just me. And I need these to see.
10. Write yourself a kind, encouraging note… Keep being awesome and adorable, as usual!
You’re so sweet, Trisha. Have a lovely week, okay?
Happy Monday! And happy anniversary!
(Fun fact: the traditional gifts for a 7th anniversary are wool and copper! So very rustic sounding. :))
1. What’s something you like doing in the morning? Waking up surrounded by cats. This morning I woke up to Fluffball curled up in the small of my back and Halfcat curled up by my tummy. Bliss.
2. Do you thrive in chaos? No, but I can fake it and function. I’d like to thank working in a newsroom for that.
3. A place you have very fond memories of? Disneyworld! I finally went last year and it was as every bit magical as I imagined it would be as a kid.
4. Something you’ve been meaning to do but keep putting off? Buy a sewing machine…now that we’re in our new place, we need curtains, stat. I like not wearing pants and not all of our windows have blinds.
5. How many windows did your childhood home have? 18, I think. It was a big, 5BR farmhouse from the early 1900s (at least) and each room had at least a window on each wall.
6. What’s your stance on lady mullets? Having had one for a hot second (and accidentally), I am strongly against them.
7. Something that’s surprised you about growing up and growing older? I forgot how old I am. As a kid, I remember thinking how big of a deal age is (ha! I’m 8 and you’re only 7! I’m OLDER!) and now I’m lucky if I remember I’m not 22 anymore.
8. Got any projects in the works? My apartment. SO and I are rehabbing the upstairs of a 1905 vintage two-flat. It’s needing a lot of love and care.
9. Are you a hipster? I’ve been accused of it. I don’t think I am. I don’t even know the cool bands to listen to and be pretentious about (I still listen to Barenaked Ladies). And I don’t drink beer, so I can’t be all uppity about microbrews. I went to a hipster art school, though, so maybe I’m like, half-hipster? I feel like I’m in a hipster-identity-crisis.
10. Write yourself a kind, encouraging note…
Dear Christine,
Everything will work out. You might be in a tight spot right now (and it might stay that way for awhile), but you’ll never be homeless or eating cat food. You’ve got a strong support system and you need to remember that.
Love, Christine
Hi Christine,
You are so lucky to wake up with sleeping kitties, aww! Mine just likes to bounce off of me, LOL. He’s a funny guy.
Do the kitties sleep with you at night too?
HA! Nope. They do what we call in our household the “Cat Olympiad.”
It includes very rough roughhousing, running at top speeds, and bounding over the bed (because it’s in the way, apparently). Back and forth and back and forth…then Halfcat might sleep in bed with us, but Floofmonster waits until SO leaves for work in the morning.
It sounds like Tabs might be a good Cat Olympiad competitor!
1. What’s something you like doing in the morning? I love reading my beauty blogs with my kitty snuggled up next to me while enjoying a cup of coffee/cappuccino/latte.
2. Do you thrive in chaos? Unfortunately not… I physically can’t function if things are completely chaotic around me. When my desk at work got covered in papers and files, I had to stop and organize before I could go on with my day… Same at home. It’s a mental disorder lol.
3. A place you have very fond memories of? Ireland. That’s where my husband and I met :). It’s such a beautiful place, I can’t wait to go back!
4. Something you’ve been meaning to do but keep putting off? Clear up one of the smaller rooms in our house, currently used for storing various things, and transform it into my makeup room.
5. How many windows did your childhood home have? Nine 🙂
6. What’s your stance on lady mullets? Hmmm, not sure to be honest.
7. Something that’s surprised you about growing up and growing older? Getting more in tune with my femininity, that’s definitely been the most amazing part for me. I hardly recognize myself from 10 years ago, but I am enjoying it immensely :).
8. Got any projects in the works? Nope. But hopefully soon enough I’ll get around to that makeup room I talked about earlier :).
9. Are you a hipster? Seen as a state of mind, I do consider myself somewhat of a hipster, when it comes to be being a progressive thinker, having a great appreciation of art, stuff like that… Not so much in how I dress or present myself ;).
10. Write yourself a kind, encouraging note… Continue working hard and one day your dream of opening an animal shelter will become a reality!
Hi Aida,
I love your dream! I read somewhere that when you adopt a shelter animal, you save two lives: the animal who you adopt, and the one who gets to take its place in the shelter. 🙂 I know you will make it come true.
Thank you, Karen :). Nothing would make my life happier than saving furry lives.
Aww, I would visit your shelter! El Hub and I were talking the other day about what we would do if we ever won the lottery and one of my dreams would be to have a cat sanctuary. That would ROCK!
1. What’s something you like doing in the morning? Having breakfast !
2. Do you thrive in chaos? Oh no !
3. A place you have very fond memories of? Yeu, a tiny and yet beautiful island located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean
4. Something you’ve been meaning to do but keep putting off? So many things well I can’t quote them all LOL
5. How many windows did your childhood home have? 8
6. What’s your stance on lady mullets? No definitely ! ( but pretty on Kim Wilde ! )
7. Something that’s surprised you about growing up and growing older? I am getting wiser ( arent’ I ? 🙂 )
8. Got any projects in the works? Euh nope
9. Are you a hipster? Nope !
10. Write yourself a kind, encouraging note… Be strong, it’s a bad summer for you but fall will bring you pretty things ( such as makeup ! )
Hi Dominique,
Hang in there. You have all that beautiful fall makeup to look forward to!
1. What’s something you like doing in the morning?
Making and drinking my Crystal Light with caffeine. I’ve had to cut way back while pregnant but it’s so nice in the morning. I also love some puppy snuggles.
2. Do you thrive in chaos?
I like to think so. I used to work in fundraising and I always felt like I was at my best during our events and the busy season.
3. A place you have very fond memories of?
My grandparents lived in a beach house in Maryland and while growing up and we’d spend a few weeks there every summer. We had the best times there.
4. Something you’ve been meaning to do but keep putting off?
Clean out the cabinets in my bathroom and kitchen. It’s not really that much work but I just can’t seem to get to it.
5. How many windows did your childhood home have?
A lot. I’m not sure how many. Maybe 25 or so.
6. What’s your stance on lady mullets?
I have to go with a but No on this one.
7. Something that’s surprised you about growing up and growing older?
That I just don’t care what other people think quite so much anymore. It’s very freeing.
8. Got any projects in the works?
Just baby and house stuff. I got through a ton of the house projects though so I’m feeling pretty good.
9. Are you a hipster?
I think I’m the opposite of a hipster. I’m a bit preppy and traditional.
10. Write yourself a kind, encouraging note…
Hang in there! Only 17(ish) more days to go!
You’re almost there, Leah! I will be waiting for you with a glass of wine. 🙂
Please do! And maybe an IPL treatment and a glycolic peel to fix the brown spots and blemish scars that have built up over the last 9 1/2 months! I can’t wait to get all my brown spots zapped and go back to using all my anti-zit products. My hospital bag has sooooo many products in it that I haven’t been able to use in so long!
1. What’s something you like doing in the morning? I love spending quality time with my two cats – they love morning belly rubs.
2. Do you thrive in chaos? Absolutely. I am living it as we speak with a crazy project at work. I find the busier I am, the more I can accomplish!
3. A place you have very fond memories of? My family farm.
4. Something you’ve been meaning to do but keep putting off? I turned 50 and I need to schedule my colonoscopy. Ugh!!
5. How many windows did your childhood home have? 8
6. What’s your stance on lady mullets? A big NO
7. Something that’s surprised you about growing up and growing older? I feel much more confident and peaceful
8. Got any projects in the works? Just started an online degree in Health Information Management to serve as my second career when I retire from my first in a few years.
9. Are you a hipster? I think so!
10. Write yourself a kind, encouraging note… Sue, you are focused and will stay on track to meet the deadlines and finish your latest work project to much success.
Happy 50th, Sue! I hope your birthday was a grand one. 🙂
1. What’s something you like doing in the morning?
Brewing coffee. If I make decaf strong enough the smell would wake me up mentally from my coffee zombie state.
2. Do you thrive in chaos?
I have to freak out for about 10 minutes then I can thrive. But I must irrationally panic to get all of the nerves out.
3. A place you have very fond memories of?
The Philippines. Have to visit my roots, right?
New York. My first trip past the Mississippi River as a grown up.
Hawaii. My then boyfriend proposed to me.
Las Vegas. Lots of fun trips and I got married there.
4. Something you’ve been meaning to do but keep putting off?
Getting my mailing and art supplies in order. They’re still in moving boxes.
5. How many windows did your childhood home have?
13 if you include the sliding glass door.
6. What’s your stance on lady mullets?
You seriously gotta have style to make it look fabulous. A je ne sais quoi or it just looks like you’re stuck in the late 80s/early 90s (or a hockey game).
7. Something that’s surprised you about growing up and growing older?
In my teens I would angst about how I looked but according to others my body was hot. As I got older I loved how I looked but my body became a hot mess. Ahh the innocence of youth.
8. Got any projects in the works?
Overly elaborate plans for a BBQ/water gun war/kiddie pool party. We’re finally going to invest Slip ‘n Slides and Super Soakers.
9. Are you a hipster?
Pfffh whatevz B|
10. Write yourself a kind, encouraging note…
Do your leg presses with more big girl plates. Work dem legs!
OH, love the leg presses! You can do it, girl!
Weehoo, poll day!
1. What’s something you like doing in the morning? Eat my breakfast while scanning posts on the Daily Mail. My guilty pleasure 🙂
2. Do you thrive in chaos? Not at all. I need order to function.
3. A place you have very fond memories of? Austria.
4. Something you’ve been meaning to do but keep putting off? I never really put off things. I like checking off things of my to do list, and the sooner I can do it the better 🙂 I am a little OCD like that.
5. How many windows did your childhood home have? Oh wow, lots. My parents have a big house 🙂
6. What’s your stance on lady mullets? I am firmly against them!
7. Something that’s surprised you about growing up and growing older? How two people can become so in sync with each other.
8. Got any projects in the works? The blog is an ever ongoing project 🙂
9. Are you a hipster? Nah, I don’t think so.
10. Write yourself a kind, encouraging note… You will find a job here eventually! One day someone will take the time to REALLY look into your resume and will realize your not just ‘the foreign girl’ but truly a valuable asset and good employee.
Checking things off the list is so satisfying! I love that moment when you can mark the next thing off. 🙂
Have a good week. I’ll send you good job search vibes!
1. What’s something you like doing in the morning? Listen to the radio, never TV only radio.
2. Do you thrive in chaos? Sometimes yes, sometimes I find it terrible and sometimes I don’t care
3. A place you have very fond memories of? London, and I’m totally excited because I’ll move to London in September.
4. Something you’ve been meaning to do but keep putting off? Painting the floor in my basement, I have already bought the paint. It needs to be finished by next week because I need the storage space.
5. How many windows did your childhood home have? About 16
6. What’s your stance on lady mullets? No way, this style was popular with German football players in the 80’s
7. Something that’s surprised you about growing up and growing older? Becoming calmer and more relaxed, which is good
8. Got any projects in the works? Moving to London, at least for the next two years, planning and packing and reorganizing my life.
9. Are you a hipster? No, I don’t have to follow every trend
10. Write yourself a kind, encouraging note… You can do it, you will find a nice affordable appartment and you will do the packing on time.
Have a great week everyone! Does anyone know of an appartment in London?
Hi Yogirl,
Congrats on your upcoming move. Are you moving for work, or for adventure?
Happy Monday!
I’m moving for work, but I think it will get adventorous as well.
First off, Happy Anniversary!!! You should be very proud of seven years, it’s a big deal!!! Here’s to many many more! <3
1. What’s something you like doing in the morning? Reading the paper (funnies) drinking coffee. I remember my parents doing it, and not understanding the appeal. NOW I understand!
2. Do you thrive in chaos? I have a husband, two kids, a cat, a snake, tons o' fish, two hermit crabs, and we're babysitting a guinea pig. Chaos is normal. I prefer quiet.
3. A place you have very fond memories of? My Grandma's backyard pool. When we were kids, we'd get up, eat breakfast, walk across the street to her house, get in the pool, swim allllllll day, go home, eat dinner, go to bed, repeat. Now I take my kids over for swimming, and I'm loving that they love it there too!
4. Something you’ve been meaning to do but keep putting off? Getting back to my friend about a road trip to her this next month. She talks A LOT! It's not bad, but I'm not always up for a three hour phone call.
5. How many windows did your childhood home have? Ten. That was a lot of remembering!
6. What’s your stance on lady mullets? I believe that if a lady wants a mullet, then she should have one!
7. Something that’s surprised you about growing up and growing older? Wisdom, being able to see both sides of the story instead of just one.
8. Got any projects in the works? We're contemplating a move out of State, so everything that goes along with that.
9. Are you a hipster? Heck NO! I do own a pair of Tom's shoes though!
10. Write yourself a kind, encouraging note… Stef, you're doing a great job! The husband is happy, the kids are happy and healthy, everything is fed, you're rocking it. I love you!
1. What’s something you like doing in the morning? I like to listen to the birds sing and drink my coffee.
2. Do you thrive in chaos? Yes
3. A place you have very fond memories of? Gatlinburg, TN
4. Something you’ve been meaning to do but keep putting off? replacing the vanity in the kid’s bathroom
5. How many windows did your childhood home have? seven big windows
6. What’s your stance on lady mullets? No, for a ordinary lady it won’t work, but one with bone structure and attitude, maybe.
7. Something that’s surprised you about growing up and growing older? How I don’t rush getting older now that I am not 21. I’ve asked a lot of older people what they don’t like about getting older. The one thing they all agreed on is they don’t like people reminding them of their age when they can’t do something or they have an ache or pain.
8. Got any projects in the works? crocheting a pretty blue afghan
9. Are you a hipster? no,
10. Write yourself a kind, encouraging note…
Keep your head held high, your heart strong, and your eyes filled with love & laughter.
HAPPY MONDAY!!!!!
A little too much excitement for the least liked day of the week? Meh. 🙂
1. What’s something you like doing in the morning?
I like working out in the morning, also! It pumps me up for the day….and it’s over and done with. LoL. I tend to zone out on the computer, with my coffee. Silly videos and checking email. 🙂
2. Do you thrive in chaos?
Oh, yes I do. It’s a nice kick in the butt and it’s constantly “go” mode, so I don’t have time to dilly dally. I did really awesome the last time I was taking classes: 2 different schools, 26.5 units. I felt so proud of myself (and my car!). Now, I just need the kick in the pants again. *sigh*
3. A place you have very fond memories of?
Stockton. It’s a smaller city, but it’s home. I can’t believe I used to ride the bus in that city! So much has changed, and it constantly gets a bad rap, but it will forever be home. I love Stockton.
4. Something you’ve been meaning to do but keep putting off?
Forreal study. The material is so dry, and I can’t retain stuff like I used to, so repetition and practice is a must. But the fridge is so distracting…and videos of animals on youtube.
5. How many windows did your childhood home have?
I didn’t really have a childhood home. I’m a Navy brat, so we moved a few times. The home my parents currently own has 13, not including the sliding door. That sliding door is riding a fine line, huh?
6. What’s your stance on lady mullets?
I have never seen one that looked good. I’ve seen some silly ones on Tosh.0’s blog, but nothing sexy, or “You rock that -ISH, girl!”.
7. Something that’s surprised you about growing up and growing older?
How silly I was when I was younger. Nowadays, I try not to let the little things get to me. Just smile and carry on with what I’m doing.
8. Got any projects in the works?
Not really. I have been trying to re-do my resume, but it’s really difficult for me to “upsell” myself. I blame it on the meekness of my traditional Filipino upbringing.
9. Are you a hipster?
No. I like to be classic. 🙂
10. Write yourself a kind, encouraging note…
Dear self: Get off of Youtube and get pumped to learn and retain financial accounting. It is for the better of the Dominguerra Democracy! You will be a Suga Momma to your kind, supportive, loving husband, who works hard. The puppies on Youtube will be there after you kick these exams’ butttttsss!!!!!
A bit odd, but a future perspective always helps.
Hope the day is treating you all well! 🙂
Let’s do this! lol
1. What’s something you like doing in the morning? I enjoy the whole process of prepping my face before any makeup application: washing my face, using an avocado face mask to cleanse my pores, applying my serums, and locking it all in with my Shiseido moisturizer. There’s something about “purifying” my face that gets me all excited (lol)
2. Do you thrive in chaos? Not really. I’m like a chicken without a head and then I just *poof* into the air. LOL. I have to take a couple of steps back to clear my head and then I come back to finish or put in order anything that needs to be taken care of.
3. A place you have very fond memories of? There isn’t a place that brings up fond memories. There are smells and of course many moments with friends or family that bring up beautiful memories, but not of specific places. I’m fond of the smell of Play-Doh because it reminds me so much of my year in kindergarten (lol) Yes, I can still remember a lot of it and it was lovely. Then there is the smell of some unknown (to me) dough which is also an aroma I remember from my toddler days and I’ve only smelled it once in my adult life and I can’t even remember where or what it was. As for moments/people, the birth of my nieces and nephews (an up to now every moment with them is dear to me), the last trip to Disney World where the entire family vacationed together (we were all in our mid 20’s already but felt like kids again, we even went into the Nemo ride – lol), the night I realized that Santa’s handwriting looked exactly like my moms (lol), a “Cursillo” (like a religious retreat) I attended in Mexico, and so many others.
4. Something you’ve been meaning to do but keep putting off? Buying shoes (lol) It’s just that when I do have money to splurge I spend it on makeup *blush*
5. How many windows did your childhood home have? 10.
6. What’s your stance on lady mullets? I personally don’t like the look and only very few people can carry it well, but as my friend always says, “to each its own.”
7. Something that’s surprised you about growing up and growing older? How right my parents were in their advice. Although I didn’t always like the advice as a teen, I’m glad that they were firm in setting down rules and values which now as a grown woman I’ve come to appreciate and cherish.
8. Got any projects in the works? Yes. It’s not a “work” project but more of a ME project. About a month ago I started to eat healthier to improve my life overall. I feel fantastic and I’m always surprised at how much I’m enjoying it.
9. Are you a hipster? No. I’m too busy living 😉
10. You are a child of God. Yeah it’s cheesy, but true 🙂
1. What’s something you like doing in the morning?
Eating breakfast! Even if “breakfast” is at 1pm, because I might have slept to late. Oopsie!
2. Do you thrive in chaos?
I like the idea of organizing, I like reading tips about it, watch other people do it, stare lusitly after all those organizing goodies, but alas I live my life in chaos and it works pretty well!
3. A place you have very fond memories of?
The zoo! I went every year as a child, and I just went back a few weeks ago. Twas wonderful! 🙂 (NC zoo, it’s the best)
4. Something you’ve been meaning to do but keep putting off?
create my resumes, clean my apartment, obtain abs that rival a washboard etc etc.
5. How many windows did your childhood home have?
6
6. What’s your stance on lady mullets?
I know Katy Perry rocked it, but I’m still skeptical.
7. Something that’s surprised you about growing up and growing older?
Quicksand is not really an issue. That was a legitimate fear when I was a child. Darn TV.
8. Got any projects in the works?
I’m an artist and actress. My whole life is a project in the works. A very broke one at that. But, I’m hoping to create a blog soon, feel around for commissions, and look into how I can obtain an agent.
9. Are you a hipster?
Not really.
10. Write yourself a kind, encouraging note…
Ashley- you get anxious, the future is scary, and yes, surprisingly everything costs money (which you don’t have), but you’re trying to do something difficult, something you love, and that takes a lot of courage, so just chill out! Everything will be okay 🙂
Le List
1. What’s something you like doing in the morning?
sitting out on the patio with a fashion magazine and a cup (or 2 or 3) of coffee!
2. Do you thrive in chaos?
no–i hate chaos and drama, but my parents tend to think of me as a drama queen anyway ; )
3. A place you have very fond memories of?
the woods behind my parents’ house where my neighborhood friends and i would play and build forts
4. Something you’ve been meaning to do but keep putting off?
unpacking and decorating since i moved into my bf’s house (SEVERAL months ago!)
5. How many windows did your childhood home have?
way too many to count!
6. What’s your stance on lady mullets?
painfully bad
7. Something that’s surprised you about growing up and growing older?
my parents were usually right
8. Got any projects in the works?
just my blog
9. Are you a hipster?
not really–i have my own sense of style (it’s very eclectic!)
10. Write yourself a kind, encouraging note…
don’t be so hard on yourself–others aren’t nearly as hard on you as you are on yourself!
1. What’s something you like doing in the morning? Drinking coffee! It’s delicious, but it’s such a ritual for me. I take a to go cup with me to work during the week so I really REALLY enjoy relaxing with a hot mug of joe on the weekends. It’s a treat.
2. Do you thrive in chaos? No, I really need quiet time and have a hard time understanding people who create drama and chaos just to have something to do/talk about. I like simplicity and peace!
3. A place you have very fond memories of? Puerto Rico. My best friend and I went on a trip there together and it was magical – riding horses, eating the AMAZZZZING food (Karen, you would LOVE it), swimming in the ocean, and exploring the whole island in a rental car. It was the last big trip we took together before we got serious jobs and serious significant others, so it was really special.
4. Something you’ve been meaning to do but keep putting off? File. I do it at work, but ya know, they pay me. At home? Not so much.
5. How many windows did your childhood home have? We moved a lot so I couldn’t tell ya!
6. What’s your stance on lady mullets? WHAT? They’re back?
7. Something that’s surprised you about growing up and growing older? How much less time you have! used to take 2 seconds to plan a dinner with the girls, now that everyone’s married and working FT and busy with their own lives, it can sometimes take weeks to get everyone to pin down a free night. It’s a super rare occasion when someone just says “Hey, wanna go to dinner tonight?” “Sure!”.
8. Got any projects in the works? Reorganizing my whole makeup stash as soon as my new organizers arrive, and culling the stash of stuff I never use or don’t really love.
9. Are you a hipster? Nah.
10. Write yourself a kind, encouraging note…You kick ass! Keep it up! But do remember to relax with a book from time to time, too.
Happy 7th wedding anniversary, Karen!! Wunderbar! â¤â¤â¤
1. What’s something you like doing in the morning?
Drinking coffee.
2. Do you thrive in chaos?
I can deal with it and some chaos is necessary in life but I can’t say I “thrive” on it.
3. A place you have very fond memories of?
Northcoast of California–absolutely gorgeous.
4. Something you’ve been meaning to do but keep putting off?
Cleaning and organizing!
5. How many windows did your childhood home have?
I think 13.
6. What’s your stance on lady mullets?
Not for me but cool on others. Quite frankly, I have more of a problem with overly-scented hair products and perfumes than I do with hair styles. As long as they don’t shave so that they only leave obscene words/pictures on their scalp, I’m cool with it.
7. Something that’s surprised you about growing up and growing older?
How I can feel the stiffness and lack of energy from my age–and yet some things stay the same.
8. Got any projects in the works?
Not really.
9. Are you a hipster?
Naw.
10. Write yourself a kind, encouraging note…
Mags, don’t be so hard on yourself. Don’t be discouraged and don’t give up! The important thing is to keep going…
Hi Mags,
What part of the Northern California coast did you visit? I live in Novato, which is the northernmost part of Marin county.
1. What’s something you like doing in the morning? Getting up early and having a leisurly morning before I have to head out. Usually drink coffee, read news, listen to NPR. It sets a nice tone to my day.
2. Do you thrive in chaos? Unfortunately, yes.
3. A place you have very fond memories of? Cape Cod in the winter, so pretty and desolate.
4. Something you’ve been meaning to do but keep putting off? Selling all the vintage clothes I no longer wear. I have them organized (finally!) but need to list them on ebay or etsy, it’s just so time consuming.
5. How many windows did your childhood home have? It was a flat with 4 huge windows.
6. What’s your stance on lady mullets? No. Just…no.
7. Something that’s surprised you about growing up and growing older? Having more patience and insight.
8. Got any projects in the works? Lots of sewing/mending projects, I’d like to take a car maintanace class so I can take better care of my baby, a 63 Dodge.
9. Are you a hipster? No, at the ripe age of 37, I could not care less about the latest…anything. I work in the Mission, where the hipsters are too much to bear but I guess it’s at least entertaining.
10. Write yourself a kind, encouraging note… Keep going, you’re doing great!
Happy anniversary!
1. What’s something you like doing in the morning?
Cuddle with Zena if she’s decided to nap on my bed.
2. Do you thrive in chaos?
Uh, no. I am an absolute neat freak. Chaos….chaos is my nightmare.
3. A place you have very fond memories of?
Colorado. I loved living there. I lived on the Army base, which has now become part of Aurora, CO and I used to wake up to seeing the mountains in the distance. It was great. Lots of memories there.
4. Something you’ve been meaning to do but keep putting off?
Organizing my computer desk, my “desk” (it’s technically a coffee table) upstairs in my room, organizing under my bed….my “spring cleaning” goes in very small spurts. I can only do so much before I overstimulate.
5. How many windows did your childhood home have?
Um, you realize I had eight childhood homes, not counting the one I live in now, yes? EIGHT. I think I’ve lost count.
6. What’s your stance on lady mullets?
Um, not for me. I can’t braid it.
7. Something that’s surprised you about growing up and growing older?
I’ve become human. Ha ha ha. I know, but seriously, it’s true. I used to be a monster.
8. Got any projects in the works?
-Project Spring Cleaning and Organization. Basically, I feel I have too much crap and have been working on consolidating (read: donating or pitching depending on item) and organizing all of the crap in my room. Zena has been going a bit nuts as this has meant giant upheaval in her routines. I just bought one of those organizers that are giant cubes (they are called cubeicals) from Target (mine’s 9 cubes!) and I have to go back and get more baskets for it! I love it though! (I built it all by myself!) I also got a new (bigger) bulletin board so I can hang all of my necklaces! Slowly I’m going through everything. It’s very slow going.
9. Are you a hipster?
What’s a hipster? I always hear this, but no one cares to define it for me. Hipster? WHAT IS A HIPSTER?
10. Write yourself a kind, encouraging note…
Katie, it’s okay if the pushpins on your bulletin aren’t perfectly aligned. The world isn’t perfect, so why should your bulletin board be?
Le List
1. What’s something you like doing in the morning?
Eat fruit! The hardest part about being pregnant for me was eating at a regular schedule and more than once a day, so an apple in the morning gets things started.
2. Do you thrive in chaos?
I do. I wilt when there’s nothing going on.
3. A place you have very fond memories of?
Door County, Wisconsin. My family has a summer home up there where I spent every Fourth of July up until last year, and that was so hard. Hoping to go back up there in a few weeks when I go back to Chicago to visit family.
4. Something you’ve been meaning to do but keep putting off?
Going to Babies R Us and looking at strollers… ugh! So many choices it’s overwhelming. Oh, and registering my car in the state of California.
5. How many windows did your childhood home have?
A lot. Too many to count.
6. What’s your stance on lady mullets?
Not a huge fan! But hey, rock it, girl.
7. Something that’s surprised you about growing up and growing older?
It sucks! Not nearly as fun as I thought it was going to be.
8. Got any projects in the works?
Just the baby cookin’ in my belly. And a baby scrapbook and journal.
9. Are you a hipster?
A little! My husband calls me a yipster because I look like a hipster but I “wear too much designer to be hipster.”
10. Write yourself a kind, encouraging note…
Amanda, you have a good head on your shoulders and you’ll get through this rough period with flying colors!
I LOVE the site Karen…you’re so funny! 🙂 Check out Ikea for the drawers. It’s not the same quality, but you get the look on the cheap.
Try this:
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20248415/#/00247186
or this:
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50252745/
So sorry I’m tardy to this party. Hope I’m not to late! 🙂
Le List
1. What’s something you like doing in the morning? Hitting the snooze button.
2. Do you thrive in chaos? At work yes otherwise no.
3. A place you have very fond memories of? New York City. I’ve been there multiple times and I love it.
4. Something you’ve been meaning to do but keep putting off? Washing my makeup brushes. They’re looking wild.
5. How many windows did your childhood home have? 11 I think. It was a big home we don’t live in it now because it’s a parsonage and my dad doesn’t have that appointment anymore. Yay for housing allowances!
6. What’s your stance on lady mullets? Mullets in general are strange to me.
7. Something that’s surprised you about growing up and growing older? My parents were pretty much winging it the whole time.
8. Got any projects in the works? Always!
9. Are you a hipster? Sometimes I like to pretend I am but I’m not. Mostly because I refuse to own any apple products besides the ipod.
10. Write yourself a kind, encouraging note… Tania you are awesome and you do have strength, wisdom, and power!
Happy Anniversary! And I’m totally voting for the food blog. 🙂