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 seven years. I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.
- Who wants to be a mermaid princess?
Who doesn’t want to be a mermaid princess? You’re crazy if you say no to this. 🙂 - What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of a dream?
One of my dreams for a long time was to not be so afraid of the ocean, ’cause I was not a strong swimmer at all (I was even afraid in swimming pools if I couldn’t touch the bottom). I was like that until my early 20s, when I was looking through a magazine one day and read about women who surfed. I thought to myself, “I really want to do that.”So I took a swimming class, joined a gym with a pool, and swam two times a week for six months. Then my good friend Cindy and I attended a week-long surf camp down in San Diego, and by the time we left, I was a surfer and was much more comfortable in the water.
- When was the last time you went to Portland?
I think it was 10 years ago? I hope to go back soon so I can put a bird on it (“Put a bird on it!”). I ask because one of my friends is visiting there now. - When was the last time you were stranded somewhere?
Apparently it’s been a while because I’m having trouble remembering, LOL!I think it was in the ’90s when I was going to school in Davis. I went to the mall and wasn’t really paying attention to the bus schedule, so I ended up not having a ride home. I just remember being in front of Macy’s with a bunch of ruffians thinking, “How the hell did I get myself into this situation?”
- Do you like going to live sporting events?
Only if I don’t have to pay attention, and if there’s hella beer and garlic fries. - Share an inspiring quote that you like.
“You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.” – Max Ehrmann, from Desiderata. - Do you gush over babies?
When they’re smiling and wearing cute outfits. 🙂 - In what decade were you a teenager?
In the ’90s. Oughh! And it was rough. I would have killed to have beauty blogs and YouTube back then. - What’s one piece of furniture you’d like to replace in your home?
I hate my freaking dresser drawers in my bedroom, and I’ve hated them since the day I brought them home something like 12 years ago (I got it cheap off of Craigslist). - It’s in my nature to be…
I don’t know… It’s in my nature to be a worrywart. - BONUS! Have you ever had a bedroom with wallpaper?
No, ’cause my parents were weird and only believed in white walls, but my best friend had Strawberry Shortcake wallpaper, and every single time I’d go to her house to play I was wracked with Strawberry Shortcake jealousy.
Now it’s your turn. Just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em! 🙂
1. Who wants to be a mermaid princess?
2. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of a dream?
3. When was the last time you went to Portland?
4. When was the last time you were stranded somewhere?
5. Do you like going to live sporting events?
6. Share an inspiring quote that you like.
7. Do you gush over babies?
8. In what decade were you a teenager?
9. What’s one piece of furniture you’d like to replace in your home?
10. It’s in my nature to be…
11. BONUS! Have you ever had a bedroom with wallpaper?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Monday doesn’t stand a chance against us. Greatness awaits!
Whoa! The Monday Poll is early!!! Love it! 🙂
Hi Siobhan!
Hope you get to answer it today. Have a great week!
1. Who wants to be a mermaid princess? Me! (you said don’t say no, so…)
2. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of a dream? Give up my job.
3. When was the last time you went to Portland? Never.
4. When was the last time you were stranded somewhere? Oh uhm, well I can’t remember. Maybe I’ve never been stranded somewhere before. And if I have, then it was a looong time ago.
5. Do you like going to live sporting events? Nah. I’m not very much into sports.
6. Share an inspiring quote that you like. Life is uncertain, eat dessert first.
7. Do you gush over babies? No. I’m not much of a kids person. Now puppies and kittens on the other hand… 🙂
8. In what decade were you a teenager? The nillies.
9. What’s one piece of furniture you’d like to replace in your home? Maybe my tv stand. It doesn’t match the rest of the furniture.
10. It’s in my nature to be… worried about things.
11. BONUS! Have you ever had a bedroom with wallpaper? Yep, and it was green! And then yellow.
Love your quote! I will happily eat dessert first. 🙂
How was your weekend? Did you do anything fun?
Had the in laws from Belgium over here in Switzerland! Was fun 🙂
1. Who wants to be a mermaid princess? Me
2. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of a dream? I ride horse
3. When was the last time you went to Portland? Never went
4. When was the last time you were stranded somewhere? Never
5. Do you like going to live sporting events? I don’t like sports mush
6. Share an inspiring quote that you like. Eat to live, do not live to eat.
7. Do you gush over babies? Sure I love babies
8. In what decade were you a teenager? 2000’s
9. What’s one piece of furniture you’d like to replace in your home? Classic sofa
10. It’s in my nature to be… worrying about all little things
11. BONUS! Have you ever had a bedroom with wallpaper? Never
Have a great week!
1. Who wants to be a mermaid princess? moi
2. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of a dream? spent a zillion years in graduate school
3. When was the last time you went to Portland? in April
4. When was the last time you were stranded somewhere? about 10 years ago when I had an accident driving back to MA from CT and a freak snowstorm hit (and I was on my way to the airport in Boston to go to Rome; missed the trip)
5. Do you like going to live sporting events? going to the Celtics game next Friday night, in fact. Yes
6. Share an inspiring quote that you like. can’t think of one right now
7. Do you gush over babies? of course
8. In what decade were you a teenager? 70s
9. What’s one piece of furniture you’d like to replace in your home? dresser in the blue & white guest bedroom
10. It’s in my nature to be… red
11. BONUS! Have you ever had a bedroom with wallpaper?
Hi Allison,
That’s awesome that you pursued a graduate degree. What subject did you study?
oh, i missed the bonus question: Yes, and I have one wall of wallpaper and 3 walls of paint in my bedroom now 😉
1. Who wants to be a mermaid princess?
Me! I love the ocean & fish, and being royalty would be pretty awesome.
2. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of a dream?
Once when I was trying to win a debate round against a really good team, I said that attacking North Korea in self-defense was justified because North Korea had launched a nuclear torpedo at South Korea *face palm*
3. When was the last time you went to Portland?
I’ve actually never been! But my cousin and her fiancé live there, so I’ll probably be going soon for their wedding.
4. When was the last time you were stranded somewhere?
Once my mom and I arrived at a rental house in the middle of the night and couldn’t find the key to the house, so she, I, and my cat had to sleep in our car! (We discovered the key the next morning.)
5. Do you like going to live sporting events? Red Sox & Celtics games 😀
6. Share an inspiring quote that you like.
“We have to embrace the conflict life puts into our stories. Often times, the scenes we want to skip produce the endings we all love to see.”
7. Do you gush over babies?
Not really. I’m not a huge baby person.
8. In what decade were you a teenager?
I’m a teenager now :p
9. What’s one piece of furniture you’d like to replace in your home?
I’d like to replace the thin, scratchy carpet in my room with a fluffy one 🙂
10. It’s in my nature to be…
A perfectionist.
11. BONUS! Have you ever had a bedroom with wallpaper?
Only in vacation homes. I prefer just simple, one color walls.
1. Who wants to be a mermaid princess?
put me down for one of those, PLEASE!
2. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of a dream?
Hm… moving to New York, I guess! In pursuit of MUSIC. 🙂
3. When was the last time you went to Portland?
I think it was when I was 19? Gosh, 7 years ago. I haven’t lived on the west coast in a little while, I guess.
4. When was the last time you were stranded somewhere?
Hmmm… I can’t think of the last time! Lucky me, I guess. 🙂
5. Do you like going to live sporting events?
If the weather is nice, totally.
6. Share an inspiring quote that you like.
“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” -Annie Dillard. Either heartbreaking or wildly inspiring, depending on how you look at it.
7. Do you gush over babies?
That would be.. very yes. (I MEAN COME ON THEY’RE SO CUTE.)
8. In what decade were you a teenager?
the 2000’s! wooo.
9. What’s one piece of furniture you’d like to replace in your home?
our gross coffee table that now sits next to our front door… as a receptacle for dust and other things we don’t care about (like mail). blech.
10. It’s in my nature to be…
variable. I’ve started to try and accept that about myself… that I’m just up and down a lot.
11. BONUS! Have you ever had a bedroom with wallpaper?
nope! There’s wallpaper in almost every room of my parents’ house, EXCEPT for 2 of them: what used to be my (& my sister’s) room & my brother’s room.
1. Who wants to be a mermaid princess? I agree with you – who doesn’t?!
2. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of a dream? hard one. I can’t really think of anything right now
3. When was the last time you went to Portland? never been
4. When was the last time you were stranded somewhere? train station in a snowstorm last year – thankfully I could walk to my parents place from there and managed to finally get a ride home from an uncle (since my parents couldn’t even get their car out of the garage)
5. Do you like going to live sporting events? Hockey – only hockey
6. Share an inspiring quote that you like. Live the dream (brain is blank)
7. Do you gush over babies? always
8. In what decade were you a teenager? 2000
9. What’s one piece of furniture you’d like to replace in your home? my coffee table – I want a higher one but it is impossible to find
10. It’s in my nature to be… bossy
11. BONUS! Have you ever had a bedroom with wallpaper? all my bedrooms but one.
1. Who wants to be a mermaid princess? um, YES PLEASE 😉 I will have to show you the party photos from the “real camera” when I have them edited 🙂
2. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of a dream? probably quit my job to stay home with my little one
3. When was the last time you went to Portland?m never
4. When was the last time you were stranded somewhere? hmmm… never? I get lost a lot though lol
5. Do you like going to live sporting events? yes if it’s football!!!
6. Share an inspiring quote that you like. Everything Starts as somebody’s daydream. -Larry Niven
7. Do you gush over babies? oh yeah
8. In what decade were you a teenager? late 90s… ugh. lol!
9. What’s one piece of furniture you’d like to replace in your home? my sofa…I really want a sectional
10. It’s in my nature to be… I am a worrier too
11. BONUS! Have you ever had a bedroom with wallpaper? nope!
1. Who wants to be a mermaid princess? I’d love to be a mermaid princess. (More water mass than land mass?…That’s gotta mean cheaper property taxes right?)
2. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of a dream? Quit University (studying economics) to go to college (and study Graphic Design).
3. When was the last time you went to Portland? Never
4. When was the last time you were stranded somewhere? 1995 In South America with my parents and brother in a family owned rice field. Took two hours to walk back to the main road in the darkness with every kind of amphibian and insect getting a healthy snack of our skin.
5. Do you like going to live sporting events? I do like live sporting events. Not much into sports but something about a live game makes me get enthusiastic.
6. Share an inspiring quote that you like. “One day you will ask me which is more important? My life or yours? I will say mine and you will walk away not knowing that you are my life.”
― Kahlil Gibran
7. Do you gush over babies? My estrogen forces me to.
8. In what decade were you a teenager? 1990’s (I’m a 90s girl, in an ice cold world…) I just gave away too much info.
9. What’s one piece of furniture you’d like to replace in your home? My broken chair that now serves as an art installation. I call it “DeSeatful Comfort”
10. It’s in my nature to be…A hugger and kisser.
11. BONUS! Have you ever had a bedroom with wallpaper? Yes!…A lovely 80’s style floral rose pattern that my Mom thought was so beautiful for a nine year old girl’s room. I really hated it.
1. Who wants to be a mermaid princess? Totes McGoats! I was always saddened by Ariel’s choice to leave the mer-world to join Eric. Eric should have joined her under the sea!
2. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of a dream? Spent tons of time stressing and planning like a maniac.
3. When was the last time you went to Portland? Never been, but I too would like to put a bird on it. I used to be obsessed with visiting Seattle and Portland!
4. When was the last time you were stranded somewhere? A few years ago, my car just wouldn’t turn on. And Oddly enough, it happened at a MACY’S!
5. Do you like going to live sporting events? For the most part I love it. Hockey especially. The one thing I’m not a huge fan of is baseball because the game feels like it takes FOREVER and you can’t even see any of the cool stuff like the catcher signaling the pitches to the pitcher. I def prefer watching baseball on TV!
6. Share an inspiring quote that you like. “Take the high road. No matter how much strife, and consternation, frustration and anger you might be confronted with, don’t go to that level.” – Tim Gunn
7. Do you gush over babies? Yes, but I’ve never felt the urge to have one myself.
8. In what decade were you a teenager? 90’s, baby! Brown lipstick (which is back and I’m kind of pumped about it!), pencil-thin brows, and GLITTER! Oh or my favorite trend, wearing black eyeliner as lip liner and then filling int he lips with a clear gloss. HAUTE!
9. What’s one piece of furniture you’d like to replace in your home? There’s an IKEA vanity that I’ve been mesmerized by for years but I don’t currently have a place to put it!
10. It’s in my nature to…try to lighten things up and make people laugh. Life’s too short to worry about every little thing. Remember, in the words of Van Wilder, “Worrying is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but you don’t get anywhere.” 😉
11. BONUS! Have you ever had a bedroom with wallpaper? Does a border count? I had a peach room once with a floral border around the top. It looked kick ass in 1989! I would have been so jealous of the Strawberry Shortcake wallpaper, too!
1. Who wants to be a mermaid princess?
No underwater life for me, thanks!
2. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of a dream?
Hmm, nothing really. My dreams have seemingly come true through hard work and effort. Maybe I need to have more impossible dreams?!
3. When was the last time you went to Portland?
Oregon? Never. Main? Never.
4. When was the last time you were stranded somewhere?
I was about 7 and my mom drove a Ford Probe at the time. It was snowing really badly and we needed to get up a hill to get to our house. We were stuck for about an hour at the bottom of a hill until a nice man pushed us up part of the way.
5. Do you like going to live sporting events?
Yes! I love hockey games. No baseball, but basketball would be okay too.
6. Share an inspiring quote that you like.
The ones who matter, won’t mind, and the ones who mind don’t matter.
7. Do you gush over babies?
Not out loud, but I’ll smile at a happy/particularly cute one.
8. In what decade were you a teenager?
Early 2000’s. Wore lots of unfashionable blazers and pale eyeliners.
9. What’s one piece of furniture you’d like to replace in your home?
Our bed. It’s really high quality but old. I’m just too lazy to replace it.
10. It’s in my nature to be…
A planner. I plan EVERYTHING I can.
11. BONUS! Have you ever had a bedroom with wallpaper?
I did have a wallpaper boarder though when I was very young.
1. Who wants to be a mermaid princess?
Can I be a Merman prince? (This question was hard since I didn’t know what was the masculine for mermaid so I have to search in Wikipedia)
2. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of a dream?
I don’t know if it’s completely a dream, but for going to the “Escuela Completense Latinoamericana” which had a two-week course about art history I had to juggling many things to get the scholarship. Right now I’m wondering how to get money to study for make up artist.
3. When was the last time you went to Portland?
I’ve never been in Portland neither to US.
4. When was the last time you were stranded somewhere?
Around a month or two ago, I was with my friends at the mall but we didn’t care about the hour so I ended catching up the two last buses that went to my house (it was kinda frightening).
5. Do you like going to live sporting events?
Erm not so much, however when having a good company and food it’s OK since I get really chatty when the event is boring.
6. Share an inspiring quote that you like.
It’s a Pablo Neruda poem it’s quite large but I really like it (translation found in internet):
It is forbidden to cry without learning,
to wake up one day not knowing what to do,
to be afraid of your memories.
It is forbidden not to smile at your problems,
not to fight for what you want. It is forbidden
to abandon everything because you are scared of making
your dreams come true
It is forbidden not to show your love,
It is forbidden to make someone pay for your debts and to be in a bad mood.
It is forbidden to leave your friends,
not to try to understand the memories made together,
and call them only when you need them.
It is forbidden not to be yourself in public,
to pretend with people you don’t care about,
to be funny just so they will remember you,
to forget all the people who really love you.
It is forbidden not to do things by yourself,
not to believe in God and forge your own destiny,
to be afraid of life and its commitments,
not to live each day as if it was your last sigh.
It is forbidden to miss someone without
Cheering up when remembering them, to forget their eyes, their smile,
just because your paths stopped embracing,
to forget their past; paying it only with their present.
It is forbidden not to try to understand people,
to think that their lives are more valuable than yours,
not to know that each one has their path and their glory
It is forbidden not to create your own story,
not to have a moment for people who need you,
not to understand that whatever life gives it can also take away
7. Do you gush over babies?
Only if they aren’t crying.
8. In what decade were you a teenager?
In fact it was between to decades from 2007 to 2014 (I don’t if I can be considered still a teenager).
9. What’s one piece of furniture you’d like to replace in your home?
Half of my bedroom because it was made when my parents decided most of the things about decoration.
10. It’s in my nature to be…
Distracted, it’s really difficult to me being focused doing one thing.
11. BONUS! Have you ever had a bedroom with wallpaper?
No, in Mexico is not common to use wallpaper.
Karen I’m back commenting because I have chickenpox, yes with 19 years old I’m having it; however thank God for medicines, I did’t get many blisters and I’m recovering quite fast.
Love that poem!!
I love that poem too!
I have to agree with Denise and I hope it’s ok that I cut and pasted it into an email to myself. beautiful…
I’m glad you liked it, in fact I also copy pasted it 😉
1. Who wants to be a mermaid princess? Me!
2. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of a dream? Hmm nothing yet…
3. When was the last time you went to Portland? I’ve never been to Portland.
4. When was the last time you were stranded somewhere? I was stranded at a 99 cent store once. My friend was supposed to drive us all home but she realized that she was going to be late for work and dropped us off there and sped off. I called my mom, of course. 🙂
5. Do you like going to live sporting events? No I don’t like sports.
6. Share an inspiring quote that you like. “Do one thing every day that scares you” ~Eleanor Roosevelt
7. Do you gush over babies? Sometimes.
8. In what decade were you a teenager? The 2000s!
9. What’s one piece of furniture you’d like to replace in your home? The living room couch. It’s plaid…
10. It’s in my nature to be… quiet around people I don’t know that well.
11. BONUS! Have you ever had a bedroom with wallpaper? Nope!
Hi Karen! I have a quick question but before that I just want to say how much I love your blog! I ALWAYS look forward to reading it 🙂 okay now for the question! Can you tell me why my limecrime red velvet velvetine liquid to matte lipstain is SO watery?!
1. Who wants to be a mermaid princess?
Sure, who doesn’t want to be a princess.
2. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of a dream?
That’s a secret so I am not going to write about it but you actually know…
3. When was the last time you went to Portland?
I have never been to Portland.
4. When was the last time you were stranded somewhere?
I don’t recall ever being stranded anywhere. Although sometimes I feel stranded at my own house since I don’t have a driving license and cannot go anywhere myself.
5. Do you like going to live sporting events?
Occasionally. I don’t mind going to a baseball game once a season, more for the experience than the game itself though.
6. Share an inspiring quote that you like.
But I don’t want “good” and I don’t want “good enough”
I want “can’t sleep, can’t breathe without your love” from I Want Crazy by Hunter Hayes. I am obsessed with this song at the moment, it’s very appropriate for where I am in my life right now.
7. Do you gush over babies?
No, not really. That’s why I don’t think I am ready to be a mother just yet.
8. In what decade were you a teenager?
2000. It doesn’t seem like that long ago but it actually was…
9. What’s one piece of furniture you’d like to replace in your home?
The dining room table and chair. I hate them and we inherited them when we moved into our condo but I’d love a brand new set that I could pick myself.
10. It’s in my nature to be…
Over emotional and some people hate it…Sometimes I hate being so emotional myself.
11. BONUS! Have you ever had a bedroom with wallpaper?
Yes, back at home in Poland I have a beautiful purple wallpaper with a rough texture. I love it, when I go home to visit I will have to take a picture for you.
1. Who wants to be a mermaid princess? Well, it never occurred to me, buy why not?
2. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of a dream? Stood in line for hours to be “audition” to be an extra in a major motion picture
3. When was the last time you went to Portland? Never been, but I’d like to – oddly, that just came up in conversation with friends this weekend. Since I live nowhere near the West Coast, that’s pretty random.
4. When was the last time you were stranded somewhere? Right after having a baby – with the baby in the car, car broke down. In July, on a hot, hot day. Thank goodness my mom was with me and we were walking distance from home; I took the baby home and mom waited for the tow truck.
5. Do you like going to live sporting events? Not unless my kid is on the field.
6. Share an inspiring quote that you like. “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.”
Robert Louis Stevenson
7. Do you gush over babies? Oh, yes.
8. In what decade were you a teenager? The 80’s. Big hair, big shoulders, melting eyeliner with a lighter to get more intense pigment, blue eyeshadow, it was awesome.
9. What’s one piece of furniture you’d like to replace in your home? My uncomfortable couch
10. It’s in my nature to be…bossy – I’ve been called it all my life – would have been nice if people thought twice about that like they do now…back then it was my label
11. BONUS! Have you ever had a bedroom with wallpaper? Definitely. Our starter home had an awful peach and mustard print wallpaper. So not my style.
1. Who wants to be a mermaid princess?
Not feeling the fish tail,lol. I’m a warrior princess!
2. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of a dream?
Sold my house moved to another city and got married!
3. When was the last time you went to Portland?
Never been
4. When was the last time you were stranded somewhere?
A long time ago at the airport in Oakland CA. stuck overnight due to the weather. The airline sent us via bus the next day.
5. Do you like going to live sporting events?
I only go to eat the hot dogs, lol. Not a sports fan.
6. Share an inspiring quote that you like.
I will become less than I am if I am trying to live out others expectations of me…regardless of what they are.
7. Do you gush over babies?
Oh yeah! I love babies!
8. In what decade were you a teenager?
In the wonderful 1980’s
9. What’s one piece of furniture you’d like to replace in your home?
I too need new bedroom dressers,they are really old
10. It’s in my nature to be
On top of things, I try to quickly adapt and reevaluate to formulate a plan!
11. BONUS! Have you ever had a bedroom with wallpaper
No but I like the idea
1. Who wants to be a mermaid princess? Ever since I was a small fry. (groan)
2. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of a dream? Got married. (groan)
3. When was the last time you went to Portland? 27 years ago? took a bus from San Fran to Portland to meet up with my then boyfriend’s (now husband) brother, sister-in-law, and their 2 kids. (groan)
4. When was the last time you were stranded somewhere? 26 years ago in Portland – KIDDING! Hmm, depends on “what kind” of stranded. I felt stranded during Sandy when we were without power for 11 days. We got by and became much closer with our neighbors.
5. Do you like going to live sporting events? no, I’m not a big crowd person.
6. Share an inspiring quote that you like. “The thing always happens that you really believe in, and the belief in a thing makes it happen.” Frank Lloyd Wright (1869-1959) American Architect
7. Do you gush over babies? Not just no. Now animals? totes different story.
8. In what decade were you a teenager? the ’70s
9. What’s one piece of furniture you’d like to replace in your home? Our big burgundy overstuffed sectional sofa HATE IT! I want my Lane Rattan sofa and love seat back (with the big fluffy cotton/canvas cushions).
10. It’s in my nature to be… analytical.
11. BONUS! Have you ever had a bedroom with wallpaper? I truly cannot remember but, does suede texture paint count? My bedroom is camel colored suede paint.
1. Who wants to be a mermaid princess?
I actually never wanted to be a mermaid princess… As awesome as Ariel, I never wanted to give up my legs (case in point, Ariel wanted to be human)…
2. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of a dream?
Sending out audition tapes… that was crazy enough for me lol
3. When was the last time you went to Portland?
I have never been! I heard it’s really nice, so I would love to visit one day.
4. When was the last time you were stranded somewhere?
Does the mall count? Not technically stranded but I had found myself not being able to leave the mall and with no money left for food or drink…
5. Do you like going to live sporting events?
I like going to baseball games… I wish the $2 tickets promotion will come back someday.
6. Share an inspiring quote that you like.
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” – Steve Jobs
7. Do you gush over babies?
Totally… and puppies… also Boo and Buddy… OMAGAHHH
8. In what decade were you a teenager?
Can I not saying anything that would age me? lol
9. What’s one piece of furniture you’d like to replace in your home?
Oh my chair… I need a new chair… a comfortable and chic looking chair. Right now, it’s neither :/
10. It’s in my nature to be…
A happy person… I seem to be able to recover from sadness really quickly… or I would like to think I am able to 🙂
11. BONUS! Have you ever had a bedroom with wallpaper?
Yes, when I was a kid. Wallpaper was very popular where I came from… I’d love to make an accent wall in my future home… just need to break it to the man 😛
x Rica
1. Who wants to be a mermaid princess? Doesn’t everyone who grew up with Ariel? 🙂
2. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of a dream? Broke up with my boyfriend of 3 years, moved back in with my parents so I could save, and basically restarted my life at 25. It was tough but sooooo worth it!
3. When was the last time you went to Portland? I’ve never been, but really really want to go.
4. When was the last time you were stranded somewhere? Wow, maybe in high school sometime?
5. Do you like going to live sporting events? It can fun with a group. I prefer soccer or hockey, though, because you know it’s not going to drag on for hours.
6. Share an inspiring quote that you like. It’s my desktop right now: “We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.” -Lincoln
7. Do you gush over babies? Always!
8. In what decade were you a teenager? Late 90s, I turned 18 in 2001. I’m so with you on wishing there had been beauty bloggers and vloggers back then, instead of magazines that never told you all the steps (and clearly still don’t!).
9. What’s one piece of furniture you’d like to replace in your home? My bed frame. It’s just a basic platform from Sam’s Club (because I built a padded headboard), and it squeaks constantly now. I have my eye on a nice wood one.
10. It’s in my nature to be… Laughing. All the time.
11. BONUS! Have you ever had a bedroom with wallpaper? Yes, my childhood bedroom. When I was in high school mom said we could do a makeover, but I had to help her strip the paper. OH GOD SO AWFUL NEVER AGAIN.
1. Who wants to be a mermaid princess? I do of course, being a mermaid would be a great thing.
2. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of a dream? I was so madly in love with him that I followed him many a times.. Jealousy !
3. When was the last time you went to Portland? I’ve never been there
4. When was the last time you were stranded somewhere? High school I think a long time ago and college years maybe ?
5. Do you like going to live sporting events? I used to
6. Share an inspiring quote that you like. ” A thing of Beauty is a joy for ever ” Keats
7. Do you gush over babies? Sometimes yes I do
8. In what decade were you a teenager? Oh 30 years ago Karen !
9. What’s one piece of furniture you’d like to replace in your home? My bed
10. It’s in my nature to be… depressed
11. BONUS! Have you ever had a bedroom with wallpaper? LOL yes a long time ago too
1. Who wants to be a mermaid princess? I totally want to be a mermaid princess and that little girl is so cute!
2. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of a dream? Idk
3. When was the last time you went to Portland? Never
4. When was the last time you were stranded somewhere? Maybe a month ago?
5. Do you like going to live sporting events? Yes.
6. Share an inspiring quote that you like.The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.
Helen Keller
7. Do you gush over babies? Yes
8. In what decade were you a teenager? 90’s
9. What’s one piece of furniture you’d like to replace in your home? My couch
10. It’s in my nature to be… Wild!
11. BONUS! Have you ever had a bedroom with wallpaper? No but I want to .
1. Who wants to be a mermaid princess? Ummm…YES!
2. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of a dream? Moved across the country!
3. When was the last time you went to Portland? Never. I have been to Seattle, and that was nice. 🙂
4. When was the last time you were stranded somewhere? Last year after I moved, I accidentally locked my keys in the car. I was in a new city so I knew no one and I was too far from home to walk. >.< However I called a locksmith to come open my car all by myself. It was nice to know that I could handle it on my own.
5. Do you like going to live sporting events? YES BASEBALL!
6. Share an inspiring quote that you like. "You don't always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to breathe, trust, let go, and see what happens." -Mandy Hale
7. Do you gush over babies? Every time. 🙂
8. In what decade were you a teenager? Early 2000's.
9. What’s one piece of furniture you’d like to replace in your home? Couch.
10. It’s in my nature to be… An over thinker.
11. BONUS! Have you ever had a bedroom with wallpaper? Actually, No.
1. Who wants to be a mermaid princess? I want to be a mermaid princess like Cher in mermaids!
2. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of a dream? Performed the twist on a live tv show…I was 3 at the time.
3. When was the last time you went to Portland? In 2000, Portland, me. Great seafood and a nice mall.
4. When was the last time you were stranded somewhere? At a car dealership, at least it felt that way while my hubby haggled over a new car.
5. Do you like going to live sporting events? Yes, I’m a NASCAR fan! Vroom vroom
6. Share an inspiring quote that you like. “Old, but I’m not that old,,,,young, but I’m not that bold”
7. Do you gush over babies? Yes, they are cuties!
8. In what decade were you a teenager? 70’s…..groovy man
9. What’s one piece of furniture you’d like to replace in your home? Bed and mattress
10. It’s in my nature to be…sarcastic
11. BONUS! Have you ever had a bedroom with wallpaper? Probably when I was a child. In the 60’s everything was wallpapered!
1. Who wants to be a mermaid princess?
~That’d be awesome! Especially if I could swim with dolphins, orcas, and sharks.
2. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of a dream?
~Over the years I’ve just gone for it. If I want something, I make every effort to make it happen. Right now I just completed day 1 of my motorcycle class. I was afraid to do it for 3 years especially after watching our friends slide out on their Harley on a ride. I finally decided that this year I wasn’t going to do any more waiting around and get things done. I am unapologetically myself and nothing can stop me from achieving my dreams. It’s something I wish I had known at age 20.
3. When was the last time you went to Portland?
~Maine or Oregon? Never been to either.
4. When was the last time you were stranded somewhere?
~Just last October when my car totally kicked the bucket on the way home from work. Got a nice new car a bit earlier than I had planned.
5. Do you like going to live sporting events?
~Here in MD, going to O’s or Nats games are a big deal. We also love NHRA (drag racing) and horse events here on the East Coast. It’s fun!
6. Share an inspiring quote that you like.
~When you have a paralyzing fear of something, it’s better to just do it and overcome it. I am a much stronger person for facing my most paralyzing fears over the years. And for all the tears about facing it, I turned out just fine 🙂
7. Do you gush over babies?
~Sometimes. I like it best when they are smiley. When they cry I have no clue what to do.
8. In what decade were you a teenager?
~Late 90’s, early 2000’s.
9. What’s one piece of furniture you’d like to replace in your home?
~Probably the coffee and end tables, but it’s not a “need to replace NOW” item.
10. It’s in my nature to be…
~an overthinker for sure. My husband says I am too smart for my own good. If I want to know about something, I research it. I was probably one of the few people in my class today that knew what motorcycles I should and shouldn’t ride as a beginner. I have read everything on engines, touring capability…you name it I have probably researched it. This is a good and a bad thing – it means I know what I’m getting myself into but at the same time I can easily psych myself out. I’ve gotten better with it as I’ve gotten older but I still do struggle at times to turn my brain off and just relax.
11. BONUS! Have you ever had a bedroom with wallpaper?
~Can’t say I have. I did get to pick my own paint color when I was a kid and we were redoing the paint in the house.
1. Who wants to be a mermaid princess? Not I! lol.
2. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of a dream? This question really made me think. I left my job in September to go back to school and run with this business idea I have. It has been pretty crazy for me!
3. When was the last time you went to Portland? For my birthday last month. Went to Voodoo donuts and did some shopping, then it started to snow and it took us twice as long to drive home (7 hours vs 3 to get there lol). It was a fun trip but very stressful because people do not know how to drive in even a little bit of snow! We almost got rear-ended!
4. When was the last time you were stranded somewhere? When I got my car serviced last year and got the brakes done. I was so bored!
5. Do you like going to live sporting events? Football games (although sometimes it is a better view on tv). And baseball games in the summer.
6. Share an inspiring quote that you like. I have read inspiring quotes but I am not big on them. I am sure everyone must have that one friend on facebook that posts quotes….That definitely isn’t me! lol
7. Do you gush over babies? If they are cute. But I am not big on children unless they are well behaved. I am content owning a dog lol.
8. In what decade were you a teenager? 2000’s
9. What’s one piece of furniture you’d like to replace in your home? Our problem is not enough furniture at the moment. We need a coffee table and end table, and maybe another cabinet for the bathroom since my makeup stash is hogging all the storage.
10. It’s in my nature to be…a hard worker and very determined. Sometimes I overwork myself or don’t give myself enough me time it ends up biting me when I get burned out! But I think it works out in the end because if I set a goal, I want nothing but to accomplish it.
11. BONUS! Have you ever had a bedroom with wallpaper? Never!
1. Who wants to be a mermaid princess?
Me, but only if my husband is a merman prince as well. I mean…there was a reason Ariel wanted to get rid of the whole fishtail thing to get with the human dude *cough*, just saying… 😉
2. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of a dream?
Started a PhD. Doesn’t seem like a crazy thing until you get into it…
3. When was the last time you went to Portland?
Never!
4. When was the last time you were stranded somewhere?
Ooh, quite a long time ago, actually. Unfortunately, it was outdoors and cold 🙁
5. Do you like going to live sporting events?
Not at all. If I have to watch a bunch of dudes (it’s usually dudes) chase a semi-round object around a field/rink etc, then I want to do it from the comfort of my own home 😛 Exceptions would be if I got to go to a few events at the Olympics someday (I’m thinking gymnastics or ice skating)!
6. Share an inspiring quote that you like.
‘When you stop thinking about yourself all the time, a certain sense of repose overtakes you’ Leonard Cohen. It’s an odd quote for an ‘inspiring’ one, but I think it really is one to live by!
7. Do you gush over babies?
I don’t really actually *gush* over anything, but so long as they’re not leaking on me, babies are great. 🙂 They inspire me to work hard in pilates so that I. too, can one day put my foot behind my ear.
8. In what decade were you a teenager?
Straddling the late nineties and the early 2000s!
9. What’s one piece of furniture you’d like to replace in your home?
The sofa. It looks great, and it’s OK, but when you’ve sat on it for a while, you realise that it really isn’t all that comfortable…
10. It’s in my nature to be…
Perfectionist.
11. BONUS! Have you ever had a bedroom with wallpaper?
I had a bedroom with wallpaper for all my life up until about 4 years ago. My favourite was the cornflower blue and indigo.
1. Who wants to be a mermaid princess?
I DO!!! If it means warm waters, then yes!
2. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of a dream?
Written a five page essay for my aunt so she would sign off for a loan. She said no.
3. When was the last time you went to Portland?
Never been.
4. When was the last time you were stranded somewhere?
I’ve never been really “stranded” but I’ve been lost a few thousand times!
5. Do you like going to live sporting events?
Uh, no.
6. Share an inspiring quote that you like.
‘You’re not disabled by the disabilities you have, you are able by the abilities you have.’ -Oscar Pistorius
So many people see him as a murderer now, but I still see him as the inspiration he was to every “disabled” person out there. He proved people like me were capable of MORE than what was typically expected, that we could compete with able-bodied persons and that we could just defy limits. His life sounded like a page out of mine. My mom didn’t let me be defined by my disorders, she didn’t let me use them as crutches and his mom was exactly like that. He was amazing to me. When he was arrested, I cried hard because for me, he was my hero. Oscar Pistorius, the RUNNER, he’s still my hero.
7. Do you gush over babies?
NO. I’m the one that rolls my eyes at them! I don’t understand the appeal! They’re screaming, crying, flailing, pooping, puking, schedule busting tyrants! Why does everyone love babies?!
8. In what decade were you a teenager?
2000s
9. What’s one piece of furniture you’d like to replace in your home?
My desk. It’s glass and metal. I’d like a wood one so I won’t be afraid it’d collapse!
10. It’s in my nature to be…
A tough goat. I do not give up easily.
11. BONUS! Have you ever had a bedroom with wallpaper?
When I was a baby, yes. I had rainbows.
1. Who wants to be a mermaid princess? Mermaid, yes! Princess, no.
2. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of a dream? Moved to NYC from Boston to study photography with a photographer/professor I admired. It didn’t work out very well, I ended up focusing on ceramics and didn’t take photos for years after.
3. When was the last time you went to Portland? A few years ago, I used to go fairly often as I had a number of friends who live there. It’s gotten a bit obnoxious, though, and there are so many people from SF there, I feel like I never left the Bay Area.
4. When was the last time you were stranded somewhere? In 2005 at JFK, I arrived the morning of the MTA strike and had no way to get to my friend’s house. I ended up taking a cab and being stuck in traffic for 3 hours (normally a 15-20 min ride).
5. Do you like going to live sporting events? I’ve never been to one, not a sports fan.
6. Share an inspiring quote that you like. Ring the bells that still can ring,
Forget your perfect offering.
There’s a crack in everything,
That’s how the light gets in. -Leonard Cohen
7. Do you gush over babies? I like babies, but I really like older kids, they’re funny and interesting.
8. In what decade were you a teenager? 90s. I’m glad, I would hate to be a teen now, it seems really overwhelming.
9. What’s one piece of furniture you’d like to replace in your home? The couch, it’s gotten uncomfortable. I’ve seen some really lovely ones at West Elm.
10. It’s in my nature to be…laughing.
11. BONUS! Have you ever had a bedroom with wallpaper? No.
1. Who wants to be a mermaid princess?
Me!
2. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of a dream?
Honestly, I’ve never done enough. I’m always scared of losing my income! The few times I’ve leaped, it’s been a failure.
3. When was the last time you went to Portland?
2 years 10 months to the day. Portland is where I consider myself most at home and I miss it so very much.
4. When was the last time you were stranded somewhere?
Italy, 2 years ago. We had a car issue in the middle of nowhere. After digging out our car, we got towed by a tractor.
5. Do you like going to live sporting events?
Olympic sports and Basketball. I’m very passionate and it’s not something I do often because I lose my cool!
6. Share an inspiring quote that you like.
Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.
Lao Tzu
7. Do you gush over babies?
It depends.
8. In what decade were you a teenager?
90’s!
9. What’s one piece of furniture you’d like to replace in your home?
Oy. I want to redecorate daily. I just have so many styles I love! It’s not that I love what I have less, I just want it all!
10. It’s in my nature to be…
Kind. Even at my own expense. Often at my own expense.
11. BONUS! Have you ever had a bedroom with wallpaper?
Never!
1. Who wants to be a mermaid princess?
Anyone with a soul
2. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of a dream?
I think the craziest thing I’ve ever done is go to an interview at MAC with no portfolio, no past experience, no nothing but my alleged skills and a model. I really really wanted the job and it paid off!
3. When was the last time you went to Portland?
I’ve never been!
4. When was the last time you were stranded somewhere?
I think that was…. never, actually… Now that I think about it, being stranded stresses me out so much that I never even get close to it.
5. Do you like going to live sporting events?
Ew, no.
6. Share an inspiring quote that you like.
“For I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
7. Do you gush over babies?
YES. I think they’re absolutely darling, I just can’t take care of them. I like them from a distance.
8. In what decade were you a teenager?
Oof…. Um…. Let’s see… Early 2000’s? I stopped being a teenager in 2011…
9. What’s one piece of furniture you’d like to replace in your home?
Ugh my desk. I really really want a vanity with lots of storage space, a big mirror, and desk space to work in.
10. It’s in my nature to be…
Loyal.
11. BONUS! Have you ever had a bedroom with wallpaper?
No! We always lived in houses with walls too textured to have wallpaper. But my parents were always happy to paint my room almost any color I wanted!