So…what is the Monday Poll?
Well, it isn’t exactly a poll. It’s more of a constantly evolving (devolving?), somewhat random list of questions I’ve been putting out to readers every Monday morning for the past NINE (!) years. (It’s like a kickstart for your brain.) I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine. 🙂
1. How often do you wear mascara on your lower lashes?
Most of the time. I’d say 80% of the time when I wear mascara, and when I don’t do it, it’s usually because I ran out of time or was feeling lazy.
My lashes are uninspiring by default and fairly sparse (seriously, you can barely see them at all), so it helps when I wear mascara on the top and bottom.
I’m also pretty picky when it comes to my lower lash mascara, though, particularly the brush. I prefer super skinny brushes like the one that comes with It Cosmetics Tightline Mascara to get way down there at the base/roots.
2. Backpacks or cross-body bags?
Cross-body all day, son! I’m always reaching into my bag for something, like my phone, lip balm, baby toys, etc., and it’s just easier for me to grab things out of a cross-body bag than a backpack (because I don’t have to take it off).
3. What are three things you’d like to accomplish over the next two weeks?
- Clean my bathroom (it has reached the event horizon between “not quite gross” and “pretty disgusting”)
- Walk or run a combined 20 miles, at least
- Hang at least one of my framed pictures in the hallway (P.S. Can you tell that I’m into this whole short-term goals thing?)
4. Where do you go when you need a quiet place to think?
If I’m away from the house, I’ll go sit in my car. It’s quiet with the windows up, and it’s a good place to think. And at home, my “thinking space” is the bathroom, LOL!
It’s quiet, especially with the fan on, and nobody bothers me in there…but I suspect that that will change once Connor Claire figures out door knobs!
5. What’s something you need to let go of?
Connor Claire’s little baby clothes that don’t fit her anymore. 🙁 I’m about to go full-on hoarders status in about two seconds if I don’t.
Thing is, it’s hard saying goodbye to the things that I remember her wearing when she was a teeny, tiny peanut. I tried to set aside a box filled with things for donation last weekend, but I just couldn’t do it. I got very emotional. I ended up shoving the box in my closet…
I figure, I’ll let go of it when I’m good and ready.
Oh, deer…
Look who visited last weekend! A family of four stopped by to chill on our hill for a bit.
I swear, seeing animals outside never gets old.
Speaking of chilling, I hope it isn’t too cold there, and I hope you’re able to do some relaxing today. Today is a national holiday here in the U.S., Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Take good care of yourself, my friend. 🙂 If you can, maybe paint your nails, take a nap or read a magazine — something to recharge your batteries a little. It’s important.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Here are the questions to copy and paste…
1. How often do you wear mascara on your lower lashes?
2. Backpacks or cross-body bags?
3. What are three things you’d like to accomplish over the next two weeks?
4. Where do you go when you need a quiet place to think?
5. What’s something you need to let go of?
1. How often do you wear mascara on your lower lashes?: Very rarely. It looks weird on my huge eyes.
2. Backpacks or cross-body bags?: Cross body because I too find it easier to reach for things.
3. What are three things you’d like to accomplish over the next two weeks?: Call a therapist, clear out the main bedroom so I can move in.
4. Where do you go when you need a quiet place to think?: The room I sleep in.
5. What’s something you need to let go of?: The fact that I will never have a good relationship with my parents.
1. How often do you wear mascara on your lower lashes?
Whenever I wear mascara which is probably 2-3 times a week.
2. Backpacks or cross-body bags?
Backpacks for sure. I’ve had scoliosis since I was a teen and backpacks just feel better on my back. Something about spine realignment and balance probably.
3. What are three things you’d like to accomplish over the next two weeks?
Finish at least half of the remaining chapters to write in my book.
4. Where do you go when you need a quiet place to think?
The spare bedroom in my house. It has that fresh energy from a room that hasn’t been used a lot.
5. What’s something you need to let go of?
I need to let go of being hard on myself.
1. How often do you wear mascara on your lower lashes? Every day
2. Backpacks or cross-body bags? Cross-body. I HATE backpacks! Especially the people wearing them on MUNI who are unconscious of the fact that they have 2′ of stuff hanging off their back
3. What are three things you’d like to accomplish over the next two weeks? Put my living room shelf stuff back in order, take a bunch of old linens to Goodwill, workout at least three times a week.
4. Where do you go when you need a quiet place to think? Home
5. What’s something you need to let go of? My husband’s old silver. I hate it!
1. How often do you wear mascara on your lower lashes? Every day
2. Backpacks or cross-body bags? Cross-body. I HATE backpacks! Especially the people wearing them on MUNI who are unconscious of the fact that they have 2′ of stuff hanging off their back
3. What are three things you’d like to accomplish over the next two weeks? Put my living room shelf stuff back in order, take a bunch of old linens to Goodwill, workout at least three times a week.
4. Where do you go when you need a quiet place to think? Home
5. What’s something you need to let go of? My late husband’s old silver. I hate it!
1. How often do you wear mascara on your lower lashes?
Mostly all the time if I have makeup on.
2. Backpacks or cross-body bags?
Cross body bags! I always feel weird with shoulder bags.
3. What are three things you’d like to accomplish over the next two weeks?
Set clothes aside for donations, hang out with my friends more, and work on my blog redesigning.
4. Where do you go when you need a quiet place to think?
My room.
5. What’s something you need to let go of?
Doubting myself.
1. How often do you wear mascara on your lower lashes?
I wish I can do it more often because I really like how it looks… but most of the time I’ll end up with raccoon-eyes :/
2. Backpacks or cross-body bags?
Backpacks when I’m bringing my laptop but cross-body otherwise.
3. What are three things you’d like to accomplish over the next two weeks?
– Getting prepared for my machine learning talk (slides and all)
– Run at least once (it’s so hard to do it when it’s -5 Celsius in the morning!)
– Finish reading one book.
4. Where do you go when you need a quiet place to think?
I like to go for a walk in the park, and then sit down in a cafe to write all the result of my thoughts.
5. What’s something you need to let go of?
My fear of looking stupid.
PS: I always love the questions you came up with and your answers, Karen!
1. How often do you wear mascara on your lower lashes?
Every time I wear mascara. I have eyes that are on the small side, and I think it opens them up a bit.
2. Backpacks or cross-body bags?
Cross body!
3. What are three things you’d like to accomplish over the next two weeks?
1) Be more creative with my make up and use things in my kit that are often over looked.
2) Write more! I’m writing a book, and although it’s going good, I’d definitely like to accomplish more. I don’t have things that are in an order another person could follow, so I don’t really have much criticism for it yet.
3) Maintain my positive vibes? This has been the happiest January of my life, I think. Which must have something to do with being engaged on Christmas Eve…
4. Where do you go when you need a quiet place to think? Bathroom, my room. I like long bus rides actually, with headphones on, just looking out the window.
5. What’s something you need to let go of?
My bitter grudges. I have a few, and they’re really smothering me.
1. How often do you wear mascara on your lower lashes?
Not always as they are so darn to get it on correctly as they are sparse. But I do wear
IT cosmetics tightline.
2. Backpacks or cross-body bags?
Definitely Crossbody as I have back problems and can’t take strain on my back.
3. What are three things you’d like to accomplish over the next two weeks?
1. Finish reading the library books I checked out.
2. Take a load of clothes to Goodwill
3. Get enrolled at our local drop in center so I can take some Yoga classes.
4. Where do you go when you need a quiet place to think?
In our guest room
5. What’s something you need to let go of?
Worry!! I worry about everything
1. How often do you wear mascara on your lower lashes?
Almost never, I hate the way I look with mascara on my lower lashes.
2. Backpacks or cross-body bags?
Cross-Body!
3. What are three things you’d like to accomplish over the next two weeks?
Organize, do my taxes, have a happy birthday.
4. Where do you go when you need a quiet place to think?
Either into a bubble bath in my beachy themed bathroom, or out to the lake a few miles away to watch the water.
5. What’s something you need to let go of?
clutter in general.
1. How often do you wear mascara on your lower lashes? Never, I just don’t like the look on me.
2. Backpacks or cross-body bags? Cross body, backpacks can be too big for me.
3. What are three things you’d like to accomplish over the next two weeks? Well, I finally got all the Christmas stuff put away today, that was a big one. I need to organize my pantry, get an oil change in my car, and try to get to the gym a few times!
4. Where do you go when you need a quiet place to think? I’m a stay at home mom, so my quiet time is when the kids are at school and the hubs is at work, Monday thru Wednesday. I love those three days.
5. What’s something you need to let go of? Christmas ornaments. I have so many boxes of bulbs that I don’t use, I may consolidate them to just one box, keep one of each. But it’s hard to get rid of things that are sentimental. I also need to get rid of the kids’ schoolwork from when they were little, I’ll keep a few things, but I’ve got bags and bags of art projects and papers, I just don’t have the room!
1. How often do you wear mascara on your lower lashes?
Every time I wear mascara. I don’t really load up my lower lashes though.
2. Backpacks or cross-body bags?
Totes. I haven’t really worn back packs that much since college and the few times I used them recently were when I had to do a lot of air traveling. But other than that, with all the crap that I have lugging around, a cross body bag doesn’t cut it.
3. What are three things you’d like to accomplish over the next two weeks?
a) Deep clean the kitchen. b) Tidy up the guest bedroom/the husband’s man cave which has turned into a complete disaster. c) Reorganize my makeup collection because it has become that time.
4. Where do you go when you need a quiet place to think?
The shower.
5. What’s something you need to let go of?
My past.
1. How often do you wear mascara on your lower lashes?
Um, about 40% of the time.
2. Backpacks or cross-body bags?
I’m a cross body junky
3. What are three things you’d like to accomplish over the next two weeks?
Get signed back up for pilates (been trying for weeks actually but I think the studio closed for the holidays)
Clean a majority of the house
Organize my beauty samples
4. Where do you go when you need a quiet place to think?
I usually go to the ocean since living here. In Germany, there was a little park on the edge of town, not quiet but not loud either. When I lived in Portland, Larch Mountain in the gorge.
5. What’s something you need to let go of?
Fear of failure.
1. How often do you wear mascara on your lower lashes? Never. I figure out a way to keep it from smudging and sliding off. I hate ending up with raccoon eyes.
2. Backpacks or cross-body bags? Cross body all the way.
3. What are three things you’d like to accomplish over the next two weeks? Hmm, I’m not really that organized. But I need to drop clothes off at the dry cleaner today. And I really ought to go through my closet and get rid of shoes and clothes that no longer fit.
4. Where do you go when you need a quiet place to think? The park across the street. Not completely quiet, but it’s close enough. If there’s no one on the playground, I’ll sit on one of the swings. Otherwise I’ll sit on one of the picnic tables or on the bleachers by the baseball field and watch the crows. Sometimes I’ll get in my car and drive. The bathroom doesn’t work around here because someone will always knock, asking for something.
5. What’s something you need to let go of? Accumulated stuff in general. But lately, old clothes I don’t wear. Clothes from when I weighed 15 pounds more (I’m afraid if I give them away I’ll regain the weight and have nothing to wear). Also I have a ton of art supplies that I no longer use that I should donate.
1. How often do you wear mascara on your lower lashes?
Every time I put it on! Feels imbalanced without it
2. Backpacks or cross-body bags?
Big shoulder bag! But if I have to pick between the two, cross-body for sure
3. What are three things you’d like to accomplish over the next two weeks?
Meet three milestones at work
Organize at least one area of my house
Cook several inspiring and delicious meals
4. Where do you go when you need a quiet place to think?
If everyone’s out of the house, anywhere in the house works. If they’re in the house, my bedroom
5. What’s something you need to let go of?
A little extra weight, haha! I’ve moved so much that I haven’t been able to hold on to a lot. But I so get what you mean about sorting through those baby things. What I finally did for my son was to set up one big box/plastic tub for his baby things, plus one for each grade school year. In his baby box I put the outfits he wore most and looked cutest in, one or two of his favorite board books, one of his bottles, the chew ring he used – the things that really remind me of his first years. It made it much easier to pass along most of his clothes and toys to other babies, knowing I was selecting out the most precious stuff. In his grade school boxes, at the end of the school year I had him go through all of his artwork and assignments and pick out the ones he wanted to keep. It reduced the pile by about half or 2/3. 🙂
We went to the art museum today and did art prints and activities around MLK day, his speeches and life. Then I took a nap!! Hope you’re having a great day too, Karen!
1. How often do you wear mascara on your lower lashes?
Always! I love the look of big lower lashes. I usually wear brown mascara in general though.
2. Backpacks or cross-body bags?
Cross-body bags are all I do anymore. Easy access to my things, and wearing a bag means I don’t forget my purse in places.
3. What are three things you’d like to accomplish over the next two weeks?
– Buy a bookshelf and organize my books (I meant to do this when we moved 6 months ago…)
– Get letters of recommendation for a teaching position at community college
– Work on a survey for some academic stuff
4. Where do you go when you need a quiet place to think?
Bathtub!
5. What’s something you need to let go of?
Being so hard on myself
1. How often do you wear mascara on your lower lashes? Everyday!
2. Backpacks or cross-body bags? Cross-body bags are good but sometimes it is nice to wear a backpack (purse).
3. What are three things you’d like to accomplish over the next two weeks? Relaxing, going to the beach, and enjoying a good book. It’s vacation time for me!
4. Where do you go when you need a quiet place to think? Meditation class or a book shop.
5. What’s something you need to let go of? A dilemma that involves my best friend. I try to let go of things I can’t control but it is easier said than done.
1. How often do you wear mascara on your lower lashes?
Almost never. I have bald spots on my lower lash line and I feel like wearing mascara actually emphasizes the problem…
2. Backpacks or cross-body bags?
I wore backpacks a lot when I was younger, now I’m obsessed with cross-body bags. They’re so convenient!
3. What are three things you’d like to accomplish over the next two weeks?
Get back into my running routine – there were the Holidays, then a week-long trip for work, then I got the flu, paint my nails at least once, read one book.
4. Where do you go when you need a quiet place to think?
The bathroom is a good place, but our house is usually quiet throughout, except when Ernesto decides to vocalize for hours on end…
5. What’s something you need to let go of?
Old lipsticks and glosses. I have so many drugstore and mid-level lippies that I barely ever used but that are now several years old!
Hope you have a great week Karen!
Lulle, thanks for reminding me! The lipstick collection is practically exploding out of my makeup storage containers and a vanity drawer or two. It’s like they’re breeding in there.
They are. That’s the only logical, rational explanation for the number I have in my drawers…
1. How often do you wear mascara on your lower lashes?
Always. Blonde hair = invisible lashes. Of course, finding a brand that doesn’t result in grunge-era raccoon eyes can sometimes be a challenge.
2. Backpacks or cross-body bags?
No backpacks since college! At the time, they were worn on your back over only one shoulder. Damn you, hardcover textbooks!
3. What are three things you’d like to accomplish over the next two weeks?
– Make sure I do, indeed, have health insurance coverage for this year, since I have an upcoming doctor’s appointment.
– Order an inexpensive frame for an odd size poster (Year of the Cat, signed by Al Stewart himself after a live concert last fall ?) before it gets lost in the shuffle.
– Actually list some items for sale on eBay. I’ve only made a few purchases on eBay over the years, but have some items set aside that need a new home (e.g., not the guest bedroom).
4. Where do you go when you need a quiet place to think?
A long car ride, though usually I turn the radio on out of habit. If that’s not possible, the computer room/guest bedroom (though that’s not currently an option, as it’s full of stuff [see above]).
5. What’s something you need to let go of?
The past. Baggage, both physical and emotional.
1. How often do you wear mascara on your lower lashes?
Close to never. I don’t really have bottom lashes to start with, and I don’t feel like it makes that much of a difference.
2. Backpacks or cross-body bags?
Cross-body bags. It’s more convenient and my paranoid-self doesn’t worry that someone else’s grubby hands are reaching for my things. My friend also pointed out that because of my stature, wearing backpacks can make me look very young.
3. What are three things you’d like to accomplish over the next two weeks?
Clean my room and put my clothes away. Mop my room?
4. Where do you go when you need a quiet place to think?
My everyday surrounding is actually very quiet! But I do most of my thinking in the car. Horrid commute, lots of time to think.
5. What’s something you need to let go of?
Old makeup and skincare products. I’ve already started but it’s hard. Also old clothes.
1. How often do you wear mascara on your lower lashes? Every day
2. Backpacks or cross-body bags? Usually neither. If I have to pick one, backpack. Cross-body bags don’t get along very well with big busts.
3. What are three things you’d like to accomplish over the next two weeks? Mend some clothes; finish sorting my loose powder eyeshadows; go on a date night with hubby.
4. Where do you go when you need a quiet place to think? Out of the house
5. What’s something you need to let go of? Some books. *sniffle* I just don’t have room for them.
1. How often do you wear mascara on your lower lashes? All the time to make my eyes ‘pop’.
2. Backpacks or cross-body bags? Cross-Body bags even though I hate the look of them on my chest but I love the convenience of hands free.
3. What are three things you’d like to accomplish over the next two weeks? 1. Decluttering my dining room 2. Start the ‘donate’ box 3. start reading again
4. Where do you go when you need a quiet place to think? My place is a quiet place when you live alone… but if I need to get away from work, I go sit in my car… and close my eyes and refocus
5. What’s something you need to let go of? my overthinking everything.. its keeping me awake at night and there’s really nothing to overthink.
** You could have those favorite oh so cute Connor Claire baby clothes turned into a patchwork quilt…
1. How often do you wear mascara on your lower lashes? Oh, goodness, never. I look like a Clockwork Orange.
2. Backpacks or cross-body bags? Backpacks! But, truth be told, I almost never carry a bag.
3. What are three things you’d like to accomplish over the next two weeks? First, I think your short term goal thing is great. Second, it took me 5 years to frame and hang some of my kids’ art. You are NOT behind in comparison. For me, work out every night, eat more veg, cut down on caffeine.
4. Where do you go when you need a quiet place to think? I used to go for a drive but now I’ve apparently stopped thinking because I never feel the need to find a quiet place anymore. HAHA!
5. What’s something you need to let go of? All my clutter! But it’s laziness, not sentimental value that’s the issue. Btw, you’ll get rid of Connor’s clothes when you’re ready. We still have baby quilts and some “favorite” outfits from when the boys were tiny. You’ll be surprised how fast memories fade so it’s nice to have some physical reminders!
1. How often do you wear mascara on your lower lashes?
10 % if that
2. Backpacks or cross-body bags? Cross Body but i was a big fan of back packs since elementary school
3. What are three things you’d like to accomplish over the next two weeks?
Paying off a credit card bill, paying a part of a trip , cleaning my room
4. Where do you go when you need a quiet place to think?
the bathroom
5. What’s something you need to let go of?
Fear and procrastination . they are the doublemint twins that are the root of most of my issues.