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 10 (!) 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. Last time you shampooed your hair?
Last night! I’ve been washing my hair pretty much daily this summer because I’ve been trying (“trying” being the key word here) to exercise more, and it’s been hot, so my hair, and especially my scalp, feel…extra sweaty and gross by the end of the day. I haven’t been in the mood for dry shampoo, either, so I’ve gotten back into the habit of washing my hair daily.
Well, I wash with shampoo and conditioner, then alternate with a “conditioner wash” on the days in between, but that’s a big departure from my routine a couple years ago, when I was using dry shampoo much more and only shampooing my hair once or twice a week.
I still use dry shampoo sometimes, depending on how tired I am, but my scalp feels much better now that I’ve been washing it almost daily.
2. Last time you went to the beach?
It was this past June in Hawaii, but now I can’t bring myself to go to the beach here in NorCal, sigh… The water is so much colder.
I should try to go at least once before the summer is over, though. There’s a beach about 30 minutes away called Heart’s Desire near Point Reyes that’s supposed to be fun for the kiddos. I’ve been wanting to check it out.
3. Last really delicious meal you had?
El Hub and I stumbled on a really yummy sushi place in San Rafael last month when we were looking for a restaurant to go to on our anniversary. We didn’t make reservations because we thought we’d just go to one of our two favorite Japanese spots, but they were both closed!
The place is called Iko Sushi, and everything is delish! — the rolls, the sashimi, the bento boxes (El Hub says that their BBQ chicken is top-notch), and don’t miss out on the tempura!
4. Last person you spoke to before falling asleep last night?
El Hub, purr usual. Sometimes, though, I’ll text my mom or my brother, because they’re always up late.
5. Last awesome thing that happened to you?
A few week ago Jane Ford, one of Benefit’s co-founders, left a comment on a post I wrote about Tiburon, the town she lives in, and she invited me over to her house one of these days (!). It was both random and absolutely thrilling!
Happy Monday!
Oh, Monday… You know I ain’t got nothin’ but love ? for ya.
I’m actually really excited about today, not that I have anything big or exciting to do, but I’m a little bit ahead in my work, and that always feels good. That, and I’m really looking forward to making another egg sandwich for lunch.
LOL! 🙂
I’ve also been thinking a lot about that whole “making your own happiness” thing, because if we don’t do it (make our own happiness), who else will? I might not have control over everything in my life, because none of us does, but I can control how I react to things.
Anywho…just some food for thought. I hope you have a wonderful week, my friend. Talk to you soon.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste:
1. Last time you shampooed your hair?
2. Last time you went to the beach?
3. Last really delicious meal you had?
4. Last person you spoke to before falling asleep last night?
5. Last awesome thing that happened to you?
I do love these Monday polls!
1. Last time you shampooed your hair? Sunday afternoon when we returned from the beach. I try to wash my hair every three days. It is do dry.
2. Last time you went to the beach? Saturday afternoon on Long Beach Island, NJ
3. Last really delicious meal you had? There have been so many, but I have to say that last night we had hickory-smoked burgers on the grill. I love a thick, juicy burger cooked on the grill. It’s the bit of carnivore in me. A slice of grilled Vadalia onion and good Cheddar Cheese, makes me happy!
4. Last person you spoke to before falling asleep last night? Bruce, who else would I kiss and say goodnight to.
5. Last awesome thing that happened to you? Nothing really recently. Maybe just getting away for an overnight at the beach.
So Zack is still at the beach and is coming home Wednesday. It’s nice to be a teenager!
Be well.
Hi Jane,
Mmm, have you ever had Maui onions on your burgers? They are so tasty and sweet!
And lucky Zack. He better be wearing sunscreen, LOL. Gosh, there are many things about being a teenager that I don’t miss, but one thing I do miss is the long summers and the ability to have time to be at places like the beach for days.
Happy Monday!!
1. Last time you shampooed your hair? This morning (I’m an every morning washer).
2. Last time you went to the beach? Like you, Hawaii. But, sadly, in April. 🙂
3. Last really delicious meal you had? A few weeks ago in Lake Placid at a place called Smoke Signals (BBQ). We’d been wanting to go for quite a while and were glad we were finally able!
4. Last person you spoke to before falling asleep last night? The Hubs (though sometimes it’s one of the fellas).
5. Last awesome thing that happened to you? I’ve had a very stressful and challenging project at work for the last 4 months. It’s been a lot of bad news and big problems. I finally got some great news about one part of it that I’ve been working hard on and have been really worried about. It’s just one thing but I will absolutely take it!!
Hi Kim,
I’m happy your project got some good news. Hopefully from this point out it’ll be smooth sailing. Keeping my fingers crossed for ya!
Thank you! I can use all the finger crossing I can get!! 🙂
1. Last time you shampooed your hair?
Last night! I’m a daily washer. Fine hair, I sweat a lot, and circusing.
2. Last time you went to the beach?
I have no clue. It’s probably been years.
3. Last really delicious meal you had?
Maybe the French Dip Sliders I got last week? Yum!
4. Last person you spoke to before falling asleep last night?
Probably my husband.
5. Last awesome thing that happened to you?
Um. It’s been pretty dull around here! Probably just the circus performance last month!
I love how you used circusing as a verb! 😀
When is your next performance?
P.S. The French Dip Sliders sound yummy.
No upcoming performances right now, but I’ve been doing hammock a lot recently, which I hadn’t done a ton of previously, and I love it.
I thought of you last night because we did rope climbing in HIIT class and someone mentioned using silks and doing suspension work! Man, you really have to be strong to pull all that stuff of, yeah?!
Srsly! Especially since I’m 30ish pounds overweight, extra weight to pull! It took me a few months to be able to climb consistently.
Hey, it builds more muscle! At least that’s what I kept telling myself last night (I’m still carrying around some extra pregnancy weight but at this point I’m like, “Eh.”). It took me a few tries but I was actually able to climb up the rope. When I got my core involved it all of the sudden made sense!
I’ve just started rope stuff, and I prefer it to silks in some ways because it’s easier to hold onto than silks, which are slippery and harder to grip. I always need grip aids on silks.
I bet. I would be a mess on silks. I know I’d be that person who slips right off, HAHA!
Go on with your upper body workouts on those ropes, girl!
There we go, happy Monday!
1. Last time you shampooed your hair? Yesterday.
2. Last time you went to the beach? Three weeks ago…
3. Last really delicious meal you had? My mum’s beef fillet with rice, two days ago.
4. Last person you spoke to before falling asleep last night? My husband.
5. Last awesome thing that happened to you? I got married to a wonderful man last year.
Have a great week, and congrats on your recent marriage. This year El Hub and I celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary.
Amazing! Massive congratulations to you!! We’ve only been married for a year but have been together for almost eight years now. Look forward to the decade!
The time goes by fast, doesn’t it?!
Yes, sometimes it’s so scary how fast! Then I just go back and look at the memories and feel so incredibly rich that at least the time gone by makes sense :).
It does make sense! Amazing the changes you can through in that time, and the changes that happen together as partners.
1. Last time you shampooed your hair? Four days ago. Definitely going to wash it today.
2. Last time you went to the beach? Too long. June, I think.
3. Last really delicious meal you had? Italian food for my Mother’s Day dinner: Pan-fried risotto patties stuffed with cheeses and basil; bread with garlic-herb oil olive; lobster tortellini; red wine; creme brulee for dessert.
4. Last person you spoke to before falling asleep last night? My younger son.
5. Last awesome thing that happened to you? My older son finally moved out into his own place. 😉 LOL
Hi Rachel,
How’s your oldest liking his new place. Congrats to him (and you!) on this new big step.
He’s liking it a lot. He’s getting settled in. He still visits here a lot, of course. Thanks for the congrats.
Just found your blog and I really love this idea!
1. Last time you shampooed your hair?
Three days ago (don’t judge!), I was supposed to wash my hair yesterday but I didn’t end up having time because I was so busy.
2. Last time you went to the beach?
Yesterday! I live really close to the beach and I’m lucky enough to have a beach hut so I go down there every time the weather’s nice
3. Last really delicious meal you had?
Ooooh that’s a hard one. Probably when I went to a really nice veggie place and had a falafel wrap and an amazing smoothie!
4. Last person you spoke to before falling asleep last night?
My mum
5. Last awesome thing that happened to you?
I got some work experience in the area I’m looking to go into in the future!
Lucky you to live so close to the beach! Do you get to go every day?
1. If dry shampoo counts then this morning. 😀 It’s our first day back home from vacation so catch-up chores + caring for my 2 young kids all day= no time to shower just yet! I used Aussie’s brand. Honestly, I’m not impressed. Now my hair is just a mix of crunchy and greasy. Not cute.
2. Last week! We were on a beach vacation with my husband’s whole family. 30+ of us descended upon the Wisconsin River.
3. This might not sound like much, but lunch today was surprisingly good. Since our fridge is empty after being gone for a week I took my boys to this low-key pizza buffet. I was really impressed, the pasta was so so good! And the place was cheap, too! We got out cheaper than we would have at somewhere like Burger King or Chick-fil-A and got more food for our money, AND supported a local business. I was pumped!
Funny related story…I’m wearing a dark shade of ColourPop lipstick today(I think LAX). After our meal I gushed to the cute waiter about how great it was. Later when I got in the car I realized my lipstick smeared from drinking out of a glass and I looked like the joker! Oops.
4. My hubby. He’s the best. I was probably bragging to him about our kids. They’re the best, too.
5. I went skiing for the first time in over a decade and did really well. I got up on my first try!
My 2 cents on the “make your own happy” thing. I’m over our culture’s obsession with happiness. I want to experience the full range of human emotions as the result of a full, varied life. Sunshine all the time only makes a desert. I want the whole freaking rain forest! 😀
I totally get where you’re coming from. But as someone who’s been dealing with anxiety for the past few years, it’s only lately that I’ve been feeling myself again, so at this point in my life I welcome all the happiness I can find!
Yasss, then go after it with all your heart! ❤❤❤
1. Last time you shampooed your hair? This morning.
2. Last time you went to the beach? Last week my whole family was in Bermuda!
3. Last really delicious meal you had? See above. I would say our last night on the cruise ship. We ate at a Mexican restaurant on board.
4. Last person you spoke to before falling asleep last night? My husband.
5. Last awesome thing that happened to you? Being able to travel with my family. It was such a great trip!
Hi Leah G.,
That’s super cool that you got to go on a trip with your family. The last trip I took (Hawaii last June) was with my fam, and it was one of the best ones I’ve ever had. At the end I was so sad to leave them! We had such a good time. How long was the cruise, and how many family memebers did you go with?
Hi Karen! We went on the 7 day cruise from Boston to Bermuda. There were 19 of us total from the family that went! I have not been to Hawaii (yet) but it’s on the list! 🙂 Hope you have a great day today. <3
Oh, how fun! Sounds like it was the trip of a lifetime. I’ve never been to Bermuda but heard it has gorgeous beaches. 🙂 How cool that you were able to share the experience with so many members of your family.
Which cruise line did you take? I’ve never been on a cruise myself but would like to someday.
You have a great Tuesday!
We cruised on Norwegian Cruise Lines. Cannot say enough good things about them. They have a kids program too that my cousin’s kids were able to take advantage of. 🙂
1. Last time you shampooed your hair?
Saturday night!
2. Last time you went to the beach?
Last Monday!
3. Last really delicious meal you had?
Bodega Bar in Victoria!
4. Last person you spoke to before falling asleep last night?
Hubby!
5. Last awesome thing that happened to you?
I saw a pod of humpback whales on the way back from Victoria!
Have a great week, and how cool that you saw the whales.
1. Last time you shampooed your hair? This morning. I went swimming yesterday and needed to wash the chlorine out. I only wash it twice a week, I have fairly thin hair, so it doesn’t ever get all that dirty.
2. Last time you went to the beach? Three weeks ago. I live three hours from the beach, and my family owns a condo in a little beach town called Cayucos, near Morro Bay, so we spent five days there, dodging waves. I think I may still have sand in my ears.
3. Last really delicious meal you had? We went out to Italian food on the 3rd, it was our 21st wedding anniversary. I carbed it up, but it was so good!
4. Last person you spoke to before falling asleep last night? My pug! The kids both fell asleep early, they start school on Thursday, and the hubs always goes to bed early since he wakes up so early to go to work, so I told my doggie baby that I loved her and gave her the right amount of kisses before turning in.
5. Last awesome thing that happened to you? I saw my best friend of 37 years yesterday, we met in Kindergarten, and she had two huge back surgeries in June, and they worked! She was almost crippled and now she’s not! Yay!
Hey Girl Hey
1. Last time you shampooed your hair? 2 weeks ago
2. Last time you went to the beach? last may
3. Last really delicious meal you had? i dont remember
4. Last person you spoke to before falling asleep last night? my cat, or my coworkers ( i have a part time job at night)
5. Last awesome thing that happened to you? i dont remember
1. Last time you shampooed your hair?
Yesterday morning, before we went school shopping.
2. Last time you went to the beach?
I honestly can’t remember, which is crazy since I’ve lived less than 90 minutes from the beach my entire life. But a medication I take makes me so sensitive to the sun that I can’t stay outdoors more than 5 minutes before I burn, even with sunscreen. It’s no fun at the beach in long sleeves and pants!
3. Last really delicious meal you had?
A couple of weeks ago, at a friend’s restaurant.
4. Last person you spoke to before falling asleep last night?
My nieces. Their mom is renting a new house and they’ll have their own rooms for the first time. We had an incredibly serious discussion about decorating. 🙂
5. Last awesome thing that happened to you?
Nothing truly outstanding. I try to celebrate the small, daily wins.
1. Last time you shampooed your hair? Today when I got back from the gym around 11am. I sweat so much when I work out I need to wash my hair after.
2. Last time you went to the beach? Probably the last time we were in Hawaii, about 8 to 10 years ago. Gosh we need to go back. Unless you count driving up or down the great highway in SF.
3. Last really delicious meal you had? Last night. On the spur of the moment we decided to see if there was a table available at Bird Dog in Palo Alto. We had a hamachi appetizer, an okra dish, spinach w/ apricots and vadouvan and skirt steak.
4. Last person you spoke to before falling asleep last night? Dear Husband. Unless you count Nora kitty, who always gets on top of me at night.
5. Last awesome thing that happened to you? Uh…..
You really ought to take Jane Ford up on her offer. It would be so fun to hang out with her and chat beauty and find out what else she’s into. And besides, it’s Tiburon. So pretty there.
1. Last time you shampooed your hair?
Yesterday morning, and OMG I feel like a rebel. I have to wash my hair daily, but have been cowashing for the last few months… and this is the second time I’ve ever gone out with day-old hair and NO dry shampoo. My hair doesn’t look perfect, but it also doesn’t look disgusting! I’m counting it as a win, for sure.
2. Last time you went to the beach?
In February, when I was in New Zealand. I want to make it to the beach here in NYC before the season ends! I’ll have to plan a trip some weekend, or maybe play hooky one of these days… (which I probably won’t do, lol. But it’s fun to think about!)
3. Last really delicious meal you had?
I had bomb-ass Italian food at Supper in Manhattan with my parents & some dear friends. Their Spaghetti Al Limone is to. die. for.
4. Last person you spoke to before falling asleep last night?
My hubby! Probably saying something like “I love you.” 🙂
5. Last awesome thing that happened to you?
Well, I’m learning to play the bass so I can play it myself in my band. (Eeep!) It’s fun and has been really exciting to learn about, and while I consider myself a good musician and a quick learner when it comes to instruments, I’m still SUPER scared that I’m just gonna suck at the whole thing. But I had a rehearsal with my drummer over the weekend and we played through two songs, and I didn’t crash and burn! (I’d say I was 80%-90% there, which isn’t at all gig-ready, but I certainly didn’t fall apart.) And he was really impressed and encouraging about my progress, which was THRILLING. Plus, my guitarist (aka my hubs) has been hearing me practice, and is also on the impressed/encouraging train, which is incredibly validating (he doesn’t compliment folks lightly). Getting honest and sincere encouragement from both those dudes freaking made my WEEK. So y’know. That was pretty awesome 🙂 Now I need to go practice some more, lol!
1. Last time you shampooed your hair?
Last night as well. I’m doing every other day (lazy) but not using dry shampoo because I can’t handle the smell at the moment so my hair is pretty grim second day.
2. Last time you went to the beach?
Gosh, maybe 2007 I’m Naples when I still lived in Florida, maybe? A long time. I love the beach but dislike being in the sun, especially if it’s crowded.
3. Last really delicious meal you had?
Who knows, man. A long time ago. But I think the last thing I remember tasting really good to me was some enchiladas I made a few months ago.
4. Last person you spoke to before falling asleep last night?
My husband, per usual.
5. Last awesome thing that happened to you?
I haven’t told everyone since it’s still early but I’m pregnant ❤️
1. Last time you shampooed your hair? Just now. I got back from the gym and jumped straight in the shower…
2. Last time you went to the beach? A couple of months ago when I was on holiday in the Philippines visiting my dad. I did some island hopping to Palawan,
Bohol and Boracay. The beaches were just beautiful…
3. Last really delicious meal you had? When I was in the Philippines I asked my dad to make me all my favourites – lumpia, Pork adobo and lechon kawali…
4. Last person you spoke to before falling asleep last night? My mum. She’s visiting aunt and cousins in Denmark before flying to Portugal for her holiday…
5. Last awesome thing that happened to you? I wanted to try new things in the Philippines. For me this was snorkelling for the first time and parasailing…
Karen, I missed your blog and your Monday poll! This is a good one 🙂
1. Last time you shampooed your hair? I’m going to do it tonight before my hair runs away from being so dirty. I think the last time was Tuesday or Wednesday. My color-treated red hair doesn’t like to be washed too often.
2. Last time you went to the beach? yesterday
3. Last really delicious meal you had? last night, and I made it!
4. Last person you spoke to before falling asleep last night? Jeff, my guy
5. Last awesome thing that happened to you? Now that’s a difficult one. Things are just fine, but the last “awesome thing” I can’t even remember.
1. Last time you shampooed your hair?
Today, with this heat it’s almost impossible not to wash your hair daily.
2. Last time you went to the beach?
A month ago but we couldn’t swim so I was disappointed; at least it was a beautiful place.
3. Last really delicious meal you had?
There have been many these days because they were new to me.
4. Last person you spoke to before falling asleep last night?
I think it was my friend Paola because I called her.
5. Last awesome thing that happened to you?
*spoiler alert: this is going to be a little bit personal* These days have been so harsh, because I think one of the family members where I’m staying is fed up about me staying in their home so there have been some negative and shady comments; so I was dealing with more anxiety than ever. So knowing that I’m leaving tomorrow is the most awesome thing that has happened, I’ll be staying five days in San Cristóbal de las Casas and I’m really excited about it.
This is related about this situation and what you say about making our own happiness; I think it’s healthy to feel any kind of emotions but we have to be string enough to be able to deal with them and don’t let them overcome us: I was in a really dark place a few days ago, but I knew that I need to do something to solve it instead of only feeling awful. In a nutshell: yes we can make our own happiness or at least we can know how to deal with our emotions.
Oh boy, I am glad you’re getting out of there. A hard living situation is never easy and is tough on your mental health. What will you be doing in San Cristobal de las Casas?
I don’t know it you have searched it on the web but everybody says it’s a lovely place, my plans are explore the city and go to the near cities or towns (Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapa de Corzo, Zinacatan, San Juan Chamula and maybe Comitán) I know I should start doing a schedule but I want to do it when I arrive tomorrow in the morning and I see how easy is to go to other places. You know I’m afraid I might not have brought enough sweaters for there but in the worst case I’ll buy a rebozo.