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. Is there any takeout place or coffee shop where folks usually/frequently mess up your name?
It’s Karen, spelled the conventional way, but I’ll be darned if I don’t get some very creative takes on my name at Starbucks.
I picked up a drink once that said “Cairn” on the side of the cup…like the terrier. LOL! Another time somebody wrote “Carrot,” and I gotta hand it to them for that one. 🙂 But do I look like somebody named after that vegetable??
2. Something you need to do today?
Just one of many things I need to do today, because the baby caught her first cold and it’s been…an adventure, but I need to wash the bedding in the guest room because We had company over, and I always like to keep fresh sheets in there, just in case somebody stops by unexpectedly and needs to stay the night.
Not that that ever happens… Last weekend was my in-laws, and we knew they were visiting ahead of time, but I still like to have that room ready just in case somebody ever does stop by completely out of the blue.
Weird, I know.
3. You’re out running errands one morning when you realize — OH, NO! — that you must have lost or forgotten your phone at home. What do you do?
If Connor were with me, I’d probably wouldn’t worry about it because, you know, if I really needed to get hold of someone, I’d find a way — ask someone to borrow their phone, find a payphone (do they still have those??) — but if Connor wasn’t with me, I’d probably jet back home to check, and if I still couldn’t find it, I’d use Apple’s Find my Phone and remotely wipe it if I saw it moving around on that little map.
4. Where are you right now?
In my office, which overlooks our little neighborhood circle, looking out my windows from my desk and waiting for Connor Claire and the sun to rise.
5. Finish the following sentence: I believe…
I believe that no matter what happens, you have to get back up, get back in there and try again. If you fall 99 times, you get back up and go for #100.
Happy Monday, amiga! I don’t know what it’s like out there, but we’re definitely starting to feel the effects of fall here, which means it’s almost full-time stretchy pants time, woot!
It’s getting chilly at night, and the oak trees all over our place are dropping leaves like crazy! It still warms up to about 80 in the daytime, but it’s weird. We’re on that summer-fall cusp.
About the stretchy pants, though, it’s not like stretchy pants ever go out of style (because every day can be a stretchy pants day), and I currently have my eye on a new pair of cuties with faux leather on the sides by Senita.
Speaking of stretchy pants, may each day this week be as good to you as your favorite pair of stretchy pants. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. I love that picture at the top, but that was taken on Friday BEFORE Connor’s nose started running. She’s in full-on cold mode now and none too pleased about it. If you know of any good toddler cold remedies or tips, please share. There’s a very unhappy baby over here. 🙁
1. Is there any takeout place or coffee shop where folks usually/frequently mess up your name?
I can’t remember a time my name was misspelled in a coffee shop, but I think it’s because it isn’t really difficult to spell and unless they ask me my last name I say Efra which is shorter and easier.
I must admit that if I ever live in an English-speaking country, I’d be in trouble because many English-speakers have trouble with the dipthong “ai” which leds them to say “e-frien” instead of “e-fra-in”. Also since last trip I think some people will ask me if I’m jewish because of my name, which I think it’s hilarious but I have a the nose and the afro so I understand it.
2. Something you need to do today?
I need to do some payments but since I need to go to two different banks I’m not thrilled about it, BUT I’m seeing one of my best friends today and we haven’t seen each other since May because she went to the states.
3. You’re out running errands one morning when you realize — OH, NO! — that you must have lost or forgotten your phone at home. What do you do?
The first thing I’d do is call my mom to see if I really left my phone in the house, then unless I’m expecting a call I’ll return fot it, if not I’d stay without it without worrying.
4. Where are you right now?
In my bedroom which needs some decluttering soon.
5. Finish the following sentence: I believe…
Destiny acts in really awkward ways and sometimes it lets you meet people who in the end will help you a lot.
Also about Connor’s cold you can use Vick Vaporub (on her soles, her chest and her back) and a saline nasal spray to help her decongest her nose. I hope she gets well soon.
I second the Vicks Vaporub (they make a baby one if the regular is too strong) it clears up congestion really well. Just apply on her chest and back. A doctor also told me that running a hot shower and sitting with your child in the steamy bathroom helps too. I hope CC feels better soon! I also occasionally use one of those things that sucks out boogers, but my son hates that, LOL sometimes it’s the only thing that will clear up his little nose though.
1. Is there any takeout place or coffee shop where folks usually/frequently mess up your name? yes, starbucks all the time , now i like to spell it out. 2 cs in Ericca ,please if you wanna get techinical.
2. Something you need to do today? get my clothes from my mom, take in a nap, I have been working an extra job and buy those vita cocos.
3. You’re out running errands one morning when you realize — OH, NO! — that you must have lost or forgotten your phone at home. What do you do? go back home and get my phone. unless, i am headed to work then i will get it when i get home.
4. Where are you right now? work.
5. Finish the following sentence: I believe…
I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me . I need the encouragement.
Connor is sooo adorable! I’m sorry to hear she’s sick.
1) I always give the name Chris, so no. It’s an easy name to spell.
2) Slice up my soap loaf! I mixed up a batch of Hot Apple Pie soap yesterday.
3) I would try to finish my errands and then run home to get it. I don’t have an iPhone so the phone isn’t urgently needed.
4) In the kitchen catching this cool breeze.
5) I believe…… that if someone is meant to stay in your life, they will stay. If you’re fighting for a friendship, fight if you must but know when to lay your weapons down.
1. Is there any takeout place or coffee shop where folks usually/frequently mess up your name?
A lot of places spell it wrong. It’s Barbara and a lot of people spell it Barbra.
2. Something you need to do today?
Work and then run to a mandatory meeting at my son’s high school tonight. He’s a senior this year and I think this is a meeting to talk about what exactly is going on and how much it’s all gonna cost 🙂 I still can’t wrap my head around that my baby is graduating high school!! Seriously, that was probably the quickest 4 years of my life.
3. You’re out running errands one morning when you realize — OH, NO! — that you must have lost or forgotten your phone at home. What do you do?
Go back and grab it. I get panicky if I don’t have it. Just in case there is ever an emergency.
4. Where are you right now?
Working. Sitting at my desk wondering what I feel like having for lunch.
5. Finish the following sentence: I believe…
in karma. I’m a firm believer in what goes around comes around. I’m also a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.
I’m sorry Connor isn’t feeling well. Is she getting some new teeth? Our poor birds were always sick (daycare) and one practically lived on a nebulizer, so I sympathize. To be honest, not much helped unless there was a fever and then the Children’s Advil seemed to give some relief.
1. Is there any takeout place or coffee shop where folks usually/frequently mess up your name? I usually give our last name and people always get that wrong. They’ll think it’s Wilson or Molson (we live on the Canadian border – HAHA). It’s an uncommon last name so new people never get it right.
2. Something you need to do today? So far, nothing I NEED to do, thankfully. Lots of things I’d like to do, but no emergencies yet. Famous last words. 🙂
3. You’re out running errands one morning when you realize — OH, NO! — that you must have lost or forgotten your phone at home. What do you do? Before the boys had phones, I wouldn’t have cared. Now, I would go back and find it. They’re always calling or texting for something and it’s how they’d reach me in an emergency.
4. Where are you right now? At work, in my office.
5. Finish the following sentence: I believe… I can fly. I believe I can touch the sky. 😉 Sorry, but that’s the first thing that came to mind.
OMG Conner gets cuter and cuter every time I see her!!! What an adorable photo! What a gorgeous little girl!!!!
1. Is there any takeout place or coffee shop where folks usually/frequently mess up your name?
My full name is Syahidah so I shorten it to Shasha but people still call me Shasha. So now I just give them my full name and just wait to see what people’s reactions are. It’s annoying especially when someone forces intimacy on me like ‘Oh where are you from?’ Like, dude, I just want my coffee.
2. Something you need to do today?
Edit my book which I’ve done!
3. You’re out running errands one morning when you realize — OH, NO! — that you must have lost or forgotten your phone at home. What do you do?
Try not to freak out and just try to get home as soon as I can.
4. Where are you right now?
On my dining room table, eating muffins and tea.
5. Finish the following sentence: I believe…
in miracles! Oh yes I do 🙂 Especially the ones you make for yourself.
Poor Connor – colds are miserable for little ones and they do often coincide with a new tooth. It can make for some long days – they need rest but it’s hard to sleep when you can’t breathe. I also recommend the Vicks VaboRub and saline nasal spray – they really do seem to help – but don’t put the Vicks on her face or where she can get it on her hands – it tastes bad and can be irritating to skin. Also, make sure you have a humidifier cranking in her room, especially at night. Aquaphor on her nose and upper lip will help with irritation from drainage and wiping. Often nasal drainage will cause a sore throat – popsicles and Jell0 can help soothe her throat and also get some hydration into her. Some little ones want more cuddles and attention when they are sick and some want to be left alone; just follow her cues and try not to take the crankiness personally. All you can really do is wait it out. Good luck!
Hi Karen! I’m just getting back from a vacation to the Canadian Rockies and Montana (simply gorgeous!). It was a great trip but I’m so jet-lagged today.
1. Is there any takeout place or coffee shop where folks usually/frequently mess up your name? I always use my husband’s name Tyler for takeout for this very reason. Instead of Leah I get Leia, Lee, Leigh, Lea etc. 🙂
2. Something you need to do today? Make it through the work day. My flight from vacation was late so I did not get home until 2:30am! I did sleep in and came in late to work (my boss was super understanding).
3. You’re out running errands one morning when you realize — OH, NO! — that you must have lost or forgotten your phone at home. What do you do?
Last night on the airport shuttle there was a guy that forgot his phone on the plane. It was after Midnight and he could not get in touch with anyone to help. Sooo…back to me and my phone. If it was at home I would not panic. If it was lost I would panic for sure. Does that “find your iPhone” tool even work?
4. Where are you right now? At work.
5. Finish the following sentence: I believe… that nothing is better than a strong friendship!
1. Is there any takeout place or coffee shop where folks usually/frequently mess up your name? Nope.
2. Something you need to do today? It’s been done already.
3. You’re out running errands one morning when you realize — OH, NO! — that you must have lost or forgotten your phone at home. What do you do? I keep running errands although I would probably forget half of what I am supposed to do because I write it all down on my phone.
4. Where are you right now? On my couch. Wrapped up in a fluffy blanket.
5. Finish the following sentence: I believe in fairies!!! What else right?
1. Same as you, wash towels and sheets. We had company one night last week and I always wash everything even after one night. Also, I need to call my aunt.
2. I get called Joy a lot (my name is Joyce) but the only place they spelled it wrong was Blaze Pizza where they spelled it Joice.
3. I wouldn’t go back for my phone but it would bother me that I didn’t have it the whole time I was out.
4. Right now I’m sitting at home at my desk, looking out at the darkening sky. Rain’s coming soon.
5. I believe things will get better for me. Today. Other days I don’t believe that.
Connor is growing up so fast! She’s beautiful. Thanks for sharing pictures of her.
1. Is there any takeout place or coffee shop where folks usually/frequently mess up your name?
My name is foreign so yes, everywhere. I actually give an “Englified” version of it at restaurants and Starbucks, makes things easier for everyone.
2. Something you need to do today?
Cut all 20 of my nails. For real, I don’t know where time goes these days, but I’ve been wanting to give me a mani/pedi for weeks and I just haven’t found the time.
3. You’re out running errands one morning when you realize — OH, NO! — that you must have lost or forgotten your phone at home. What do you do?
Depends if I need my phone or not – like, am I supposed to meet someone later that day? If not I’ll just finish my errands and hope I forgot my phone at home.
4. Where are you right now?
On my couch, waiting for my mil to get out of the bathroom so I can take a shower!
5. Finish the following sentence: I believe…
In Myself. Or I fake it till I make it…
1. Oddly enough the neighborhood place I get coffee doesn’t write names on cups. They somehow either remember who ordered what or just rely on people being honest about their orders. On the other hand it’s a traditional Venetian coffee bar, so their menu is limited to just Italian coffee drinks, hot chocolate and a few pastries and sandwiches.
2. Wash the windows in the family room and kitchen and then take photos so I can get some help deciding what window coverings to get.
3. I’ve forgotten my phone? Yeah! Yippee! Freedom. I don’t think twice, I just go about without it. I remember when a time before cell phones and the freedom from being tracked every second of every day. Sometimes I think I forget mine on purpose.
4. On my family room sofa trying to motivate myself to shower after my run.
5. I believe there’s nothing better for the inside of a human than the outside of a horse. Or kindness.
The photo of you and Connor is just the best! Sorry to hear she is not feeling well. Hugs and cuddles were about the only thing that made Dear Daughter feel better at that age.
P.S. I hate stretchy pants. I especially hate jeans that have stretchy waistbands. I don’t mind denim with a bit of stretch, but I really wish jeans makers would put some interfacing in the waistbands so they don’t stretch out. I’m tired of having to pull my jeans up constantly because there’s no structure in the waistband.
1. Is there any takeout place or coffee shop where folks usually/frequently mess up your name?
I don’t even use my real name, it’s so uncommon that I use something easily recognizable and easy to spell! 😉
2. Something you need to do today?
Make another batch of chili. We ran out of time yesterday and I really like having dinner at the ready during the week.
3. You’re out running errands one morning when you realize — OH, NO! — that you must have lost or forgotten your phone at home. What do you do?
Go home, all my lists are in Google Keep! 🙂
4. Where are you right now?
At work, enjoying the quiet while most people are still at lunch.
5. Finish the following sentence: I believe…
We can recover from just about anything. We just have to want to do it badly enough. <3
1. Is there any takeout place or coffee shop where folks usually/frequently mess up your name?
Everywhere! My name is Erin. So it’s usually Errin, Aaron, Aaryn, Aeron, or something completely off the wall, like Mary.
2. Something you need to do today?
A lot of cleaning but I don’t want to…
3. You’re out running errands one morning when you realize — OH, NO! — that you must have lost or forgotten your phone at home. What do you do?
If I’m super close go back and get it. If not, don’t care 😛 and hope I don’t get in an accident.
4. Where are you right now?
At work, in my family room.
5. Finish the following sentence: I believe… THE CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE….
1. When I’m in my home country, mostly they’d spell it “astri” or “Asri” which is a more common Indonesian name. When I’m in Germany though, they’ve always spelt it right (it is a Nordic/German/Dutch name).
2. I kept forgetting to make a short Berlin travel guide for my friends coming for the marathon… must do it today!
3. Oh gosh, I’d have something close to a heart attack if the phone is lost/stolen but if I just forgot it at home, I’ll just go on with my errands and come back for it latter (happens to me already)
4. On a Caltrain to Stanford! Yay for vacation time :).
5. I believe… in the good in ourselves and others. I need a reminder of that from time to time. Also I believe in going for your dreams (even if I feel like I’m never there!)
Hope Connor is feeling better soon! I don’t know any remedy, unfortunately. But I know moms need some TLC too when the kids are sick. Take care of yourself, Karen!
What an adorable pic of you two ! She’s getting so big .
1. My name is Michele but I get Michael even Maria !
2. I need to start a walking regime to kick up my metabolism.
3. If I forgot my phone ? I would go back and get it . Sorry ? a phone freak.
4. I’m out in back watching hubby close the pool ?? Sad ? day here .
5. No matter what happens , I will get up and move on and try again . I always do.
Have a great day !
1. Is there any takeout place or coffee shop where folks usually/frequently mess up your name? People mess up my name all the time: Rachael, Racheal, Rachelle…you name it, I’ve probably seen it. Odd fact: Starbucks always asks me how to spell it, and none of them have ever goofed it up.
2. Something you need to do today? Buy milk and bread.
3. You’re out running errands one morning when you realize — OH, NO! — that you must have lost or forgotten your phone at home. What do you do? If I can swing back home conveniently, I will. Otherwise, my kids are grown, and they can get a hold of my husband or my brother. They also have a couple friends’ phone numbers for emergencies, one of whom works with hubby. If I need a phone, then most stores will let you borrow theirs for an emergency.
4. Where are you right now? At home on my desktop computer.
5. Finish the following sentence: I believe… in the end, the only person you can really count on is yourself.
1. Hmmm… Not really. Every coffee place equally messes up my name!
2. Have a plan for the rest of the week.
3. I don’t use a cell phone.
4. At home.
5. I believe… I can fly 🙂 (a la R Kelly of course)
P.S., It can be hard feeding babies when they have a cold… Still, try getting a lot of fluids in her even if she doesn’t want to eat. Also, lots of sleep/rest should help. Hang in there! Within a week she should be back to 100 🙂
1. Is there any takeout place or coffee shop where folks usually/frequently mess up your name? Not usually. Even at Starbucks they’ll usually get it straight, it’s Jennifer so there are only ten million or so of us. But, the thing is, I go by Jennifer. Not Jenny, not Jen but Jennifer. In New England, a lot of people, usually strangers, automatically shorten it to Jen, which I’ve found very odd. People in the Midwest don’t do that without asking first.
2. Something you need to do today? I’ve got to go to sleep soon!
3. Where are you right now? Sitting on my sofa next to my teenager, who’s watching the Walking Dead.
4. Left phone at home? Definitely go home and get it unless like you I have my kid with me, then I’d try to deal. But I use Apple Wallet so I’m really lost if I don’t have it. Or if I don’t have a signal. We recently took a road trip to a town I haven’t been to in years and there was no AT&T tower. I was so lost because I always use Siri to get me to places I’ve never been to.
5. Finish the following sentence: I believe meditation can change lives.