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. What did you eat for breakfast this morning?
Two frozen waffles with creamy peanut butter (NOT crunchy) and raisins on top.
I haven’t had it in months, but I ate it ALL THE TIME when I was pregnant with Connor. I got an extreme craving for it the other day, so I think I’m back on the frozen waffles train again.
2. Your favorite children’s television show back in the day?
Honestly, are you gonna make me pick just one?? Because that’s cruel. 🙂 Television was the unpaid babysitter of my childhood years. We watched A LOT of TV. Limited screen time was not a thing in my family.
That said, I really loved The Electric Company. And Mr. Wizard’s World. And Jem. And The Smurfs and Voltron.
3. What’s the first word that comes to mind right now.
Guacamole!
4. Who was the first person you ever had a crush on?
A kid named Brian in my first grade class. I even wrote down “I love Brian” on my bed sheet because I was soooo into him. LOL! My mom found it and couldn’t read my writing, so she kept hounding me. “Who is this boy? What’s his name?” And I just got freaked out and didn’t tell her. So she and my dad did detective work! They put on their detective caps and went through the list of kids in my first grade class, looking for all of the little boys whose names started with a “B.” Eventually, they came upon a boy named Brandon, and then they were like, “Do you like Brandon? Do you have a crush on Brandon?” kinda teasing me — you know how parents do sometimes — and I, being super sensitive and all, didn’t know how to say, “Please stop teasing me. I don’t like it.” I just wanted to hide in my room and cry, because I was embarrassed and confused about my feelings for Brian, so I said, “Yes.”
And to this day they still think I liked some dude named Brandon.
5. What’s worse — losing your makeup bag on a trip, or losing your luggage?
Both would be fairly terrible, but losing my luggage would be waaaaay worse…because I can pretty much restock a makeup bag from scratch with my eyes closed.
Happy Monday
Good morning, friend! I’m glad you could stop by this morning. I hope all is going well. It’s nice to see you. 🙂
Oh, guess who finally got a new couch!!!!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
1. What did you eat for breakfast this morning?
Greek yogurt, strawberries, and granola
2. Your favorite children’s television show back in the day?
Probably Rugrats.
3. What’s the first word that comes to mind right now.
Pinafore
4. Who was the first person you ever had a crush on?
A guy named Eric who sat in front of me in 5th grade. Some girls told me dad on field day and I got so mad!
5. What’s worse — losing your makeup bag on a trip, or losing your luggage?
Luggage! My luggage got lost on the way to Cannes and I had at least brought a spare outfit and underwear. It was so hot and muggy!
What’s up with other girls always revealing secret crushes?! Man, that happened a lot at my middle school too.
Oh, and that’s so smart to pack a change of clothes and underwear with you on your carry on. I almost never check in but I’m gonna have to steal that trick if I ever have to. Did you end up having to buy more clothes at Cannes?
I bought some! The problem was that we arrived on Saturday night or something and nothing in France was open on Sunday. Luckily we got our luggage back by Monday.
New couch?? Woohoooo!! Do we get to see pics??
1. What did you eat for breakfast this morning?
Technically I haven’t eaten yet (except for a mini snickers I nabbed from a coworker’s candy dish), but I have a banana/strawberry/spinach smoothie to enjoy in my mini fridge!
2. Your favorite children’s television show back in the day?
Aw, man… this is a tough one! I really liked Arthur, The Tick, Eek! The Cat, Bobby’s World, and Recess. But that’s not even close to a complete list of “favorites!”
3. What’s the first word that comes to mind right now.
Hair metal. (I know it’s two words, but they kinda hafta go together, lol.)
4. Who was the first person you ever had a crush on?
Aw man. This kid named Steven, when I was 6 and he was probably 8 (if I remember correctly). We were both in our church’s kids choir, and he and I were in line for something that required us to stand in front of all the other kids. The choir director comes over, puts her hands on our heads, and says, “aren’t they the cutest couple?” And all the other kids aww’d and laughed. I was MORTIFIED. I eventually went and sat down and hid behind my sister, and the choir director asked if I was embarrassed. I nodded “yes,” so she threw me a piece of candy.
After that, I had a HUGE crush on him until I was 13! During that 7-year (yes, SEVEN YEAR) period, I managed to talk to him all of once, mostly because I avoided him since he made me intensely nervous/fluttery. Also because boys have cooties? Not totally sure, lol. Such a silly thing, and a great illustration at how I avoid situations that make me uncomfortable.
(Side note: when I was in high school, at which point Steven’s family had moved on to a different church, we attended the wedding of one of his older brothers. His parents told my mom that my sister and I were “just beautiful” and that they really believed in arranged marriages – 3 of their sons, including Steven, being single at the time. My mother laughed uncomfortably, and for an uncomfortably long time, while they continued to assure her they were serious. Thankfully my parents don’t believe in arranged marriages, lol!!)
5. What’s worse — losing your makeup bag on a trip, or losing your luggage?
Hmm… depends on the makeup I’ve brought with me, lol! I think losing my luggage would be worse… it’s a toss-up, though. I usually pack pretty light, so reassembling a wardrobe wouldn’t usually take too long. But neither would reassembling a makeup bag. I tend to bring my favorites of everything with me when I travel, though, so it would be a bummer either way. It would probably depend on the trip!
Hi Shannon,
Yes! I took a few quick pics and will be posting them soon. 🙂
Did you ever find out if Steven got married? I wonder if it was arranged!
Hooray! #couchpics
As far as I know, Steven is still unmarried. He was engaged (to a girl my sister worked with, randomly) but last I heard, that got called off. He’s unfortunately NOT very active on Facebook, so I can’t “research” the situation, lol! His other brothers are married, I believe, all from non-arranged relationships. My guess is that the parents’ ideas weren’t very popular with their kids 🙂
1. What did you eat for breakfast this morning?
2 egg omelet with spinach, mushrooms and cheddar with a side of 3 pieces of bacon.
2. Your favorite children’s television show back in the day?
I loved Casper the Friendly Ghost.
3. What’s the first word that comes to mind right now.
Lunch
4. Who was the first person you ever had a crush on?
My Holy Communion partner in second grade. A kid named Gary.
5. What’s worse — losing your makeup bag on a trip, or losing your luggage?
Definitely luggage.
Your breakfast sounds so yummy, Barb! Hope you’re having a nice Monday so far. 🙂
1. What did you eat for breakfast this morning?
6:30 coconut water and a small energy bar then at 10:30 SBUX sandwich and chai.
2. Your favorite children’s television show back in the day?
That’s a tough choice! I love most of the PBS lineup. I also really liked GI Joe and the Henson shows. Voltron was also a fave, so probably Voltron!
3. What’s the first word that comes to mind right now?
Sleep. I got less than three hours!
4. Who was the first person you ever had a crush on?
Alec Baldwin!
5. What’s worse — losing your makeup bag on a trip, or losing your luggage?
Luggage! Buying a bit of makeup is easy just about anywhere (maybe minus foundation) but getting new clothes, pillow, toiletries, and all that… f no.
1. What did you eat for breakfast? Hash browns and a pot and a half of coffee. I usually eat more, but it’s Monday.
2. What was your favorite television show back in the day? Scooby Doo, all day! I’m a huge Scooby Doo fan! I even have a Scooby Doo angel for my Christmas tree, Scooby Doo is life!
3. What’s the first word that comes to mind right now? Coffee. I’ve had a lot. I will probably need more.
4. Who is the first person you ever had a crush on? A boy named Kevin. From the first day of Kindergarten to when I met my husband when I was 19, I loved Kevin. That’s when I knew I loved my boyfriend that became my husband, because I didn’t like Kevin anymore.
5. What’s worse, losing your makeup bag on a trip or losing your luggage? Luggage. I don’t wear much makeup on vacation, but I need clean underwear.
1. 2 frozen pancakes from Aldi (so good), slice of cheese, chopped zucchini, 2 eggs over easy, hot black tea and water. I needed to fuel up for my workout, and I love breakfast!
2. I’m going to go with the cartoon Recess. So good.
3. Toast. Because I’m eating it.
4. A boy named Scott. I was in 1st grade and fell HARD. He looked like Aladdin. I was in love with him until 6th grade. Our parents even became friends because of us and would play cards together and me and my sister would hang out with Scott and his younger brother. I was so excited when they moved only 3 min away from us (I counted) and Scott started going to my Middle School. The crush ended at a school dance when I finally got to dance with him but he only would hold my hands and sway (instead of the awkward my arms around his neck his hands on my hips) for 30 sec before he bolted.
5. Losing my actual luggage would be way worse!
Hi Jaclyn,
I love breakfast too! I can eat a TON at the start of the day. My fave breakfast these days is brioche french toast with bacon, eggs and a side of fruit. YUMMY!
P.S. Does Scott’s family still live 3 minutes away from your parents?
That sounds delicious! My parents moved about 4 hours South so not anymore! Now I live in TN and Scott lives in Australia. He’s recently engaged! I’m happy for him.
Well if you were my neighbor, I’d bring you some on a Saturday, haha!
Isn’t it funny how things turn out? Years ago my friend Jen and I ran into mine at a Starbucks in my hometown and it was mildly hilarious!
Aww, that’s so sweet. ? Speaking of funny how things turn out a couple years ago I had a side business writing resumes. Scott hired me to work on his! So we Skyped and it was fun catching up! He got a promotion shortly after I worked with him so I like to take a little credit for that. Haha.
That’s awesome! How did you get into that business? Are you an editor?
1. What did you eat for breakfast this morning?
A Handisnaks, lol. (I thought the frozen waffle and pb thing was just me!!)
2. Your favorite children’s television show back in the day?
It’s a toss-up between Sesame Street and Captain Kangaroo.
3. What’s the first word that comes to mind right now.
Revenge. A teacher publicly humiliated my younger niece last week, so I am ON IT.
4. Who was the first person you ever had a crush on?
Thomas Sullivan Magnum, IV, Private Investigator. 😉
5. What’s worse — losing your makeup bag on a trip, or losing your luggage?
Losing my luggage! Replacing my everyday makeup would take 20 minutes in Sephora. Replacing clothes is a lot more difficult when you’re plus-size. You can’t just pop into whatever store is handy and replace a wardrobe.
Hi Suzanne,
Frozen waffles with peanut butter are so bomb. Have you ever tried topping yours with raisins? I can’t remember how I came up with it, but it was life changing, LOL!
Haha… Love the Magnum PI reference. Now that I think about it, I was in love with some dude from the Loveboat. I can’t remember his name right now!
Girl, have you watched the new Voltron show on Netflix? It’s AWESOME! (This also coming from the original series Voltron nerd who hated all of the other kinds of Voltron. They just don’t stack up to the original. The new Voltron show is great.)
1. What did you eat for breakfast this morning?
I actually…uh, I need to eat that. Let me go get my crackers and cheese.
2. Your favorite children’s television show back in the day?
Oh gosh, I was a huge Voltron (when they reaired it in the 90s) fan, along with Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and Lamb Chop’s Play Along. I was quite all over the place.
3. What’s the first word that comes to mind right now.
Voltron. (The next season is coming in four days.)
4. Who was the first person you ever had a crush on?
Oh gee wiz, I would probably say my math tutor (who also happened to be my babysitter) in 4th grade. I can’t even remember his name.
5. What’s worse — losing your makeup bag on a trip, or losing your luggage?
Oh god, luggage, especially for an equestrian event. That’s why I road trip because the cost to replace the uniform (we call them habits) I wear would be thousands and some of my items are just priceless as they were given to me for free when I was just starting out (my dad has a few friends who are equestrians funnily enough.) Last year, someone broke into my mom’s and my hotel room while my mom and I were out eating and stole my leather with metal accents belt. Nothing else, just my belt. I had to go into the Special Olympics without it and I was very, very stressed over it!
I’m very lucky that Dover Saddlery keeps their best sellers in stock because that is my favorite belt. It was $40 to replace. That gives you an idea on how expensive my habit is. That is *just* my belt. (I was really p.o’ed about the whole thing.)
Hi Kate,
I had NO idea that there was a Voltron re-boot on Netflix. I haven’t watched the show since I was a kid in the ’80s. I hope I like the new one!
That is so weird that the only thing they took was your belt! Good thing you were able to get a replacement. When is your next big competition?
It has many of the same elements as the classic Voltron, but some great updates (and gosh, I haven’t laughed so hard in all of my life watching an animated show. Tears have streamed down my face countless times.)
The Special Olympics are next for me at the end of October. I’ll be competing in both English Equitation and Dressage, a first for me and my barn. I’ve been going around my office practicing brandishing a stick horse in order to learn the dressage routine as it’s much longer than the English Equitation.
1. What did you eat for breakfast this morning?
Tea. I usually don’t eat breakfast because I like to go to the gym and do a fasting workout first.
2. Your favorite children’s television show back in the day?
No clue. My mom used to say the TV was broken and the repairman can’t come out for months, so we didn’t watch much. In reality, she just unplugged it and told us it was broken,
3. What’s the first word that comes to mind right now.
Kitten! The neighbors got a new kitten a while back and obviously they think it’s big enough to let outside, because they’re at work and the kitten is on my back patio taunting Nora.
4. Who was the first person you ever had a crush on?
I can’t remember that far back.
5. What’s worse — losing your makeup bag on a trip, or losing your luggage? Losing my luggage is worse. It’s easier to buy makeup than it is to find clothes that I like, that fit and don’t need to be hemmed or altered in some way.
How’s the air up your way from the Napa and Sonoma fires? SF and half way down the peninsula are pretty bad. My daughter woke up and thought she has started a smoldering fire somewhere in her apartment until she realized it smelled like that everywhere. Hope you can breathe easy today.
Hi Tatiana,
Can I just say your mom was a genius? I might have to use that same tactic on Connor. 🙂
So, I haven’t been outside today because it was really hazy for most of the day. The only time I got a sniff of the air was when my neighbor came over and I opened up the door and saw ash falling outside. We’re doing OK because all the windows are closed!
1.Rusk and milk tea (chai)
2.Small Wonder was one of them.
3.Candy
4.Hmmm… The earliest time I ever had a crush would probably be…that time in 3rd grade when I had a crush on my friend’s cousin who was in 9th grade. We rode the same bus and he was always so nice to a bunch of us little girls. I don’t remember ever thinking that I had a crush on him, but looking back on the time, I’m pretty sure that was how I felt.
5.Honestly, at this point I feel like what’s in my makeup bag would cost more than all my luggage put together, so I don’t know which would be worse…
LOL to your answer to the last question, Tisha! Are you into high-end lines Chanel and Tom Ford?
Actually, come to think of it, I don’t own any makeup from either brand, though I’ve been tempted on more than one occasion to get stuff from Tom Ford. I’m more of a Nars girl.
Lately though, I’ve been investing in high-end makeup brushes, mainly from Bobbi Brown and Makeup Forever, and I’m liking them quite a bit… Have thought of buying Tom Ford brushes, but I feel like if I did, I’d just stare at them all day and not really use them…
Girl, NARS. Please tell me you have the Cordura duo! It’s the best.
I haven’t tried the Tom Ford brushes, but I touched them once when I was at the counter and they felt like fluffy clouds.
Connor Claire is cracking herself up! She is too cute!
Hi Pamela,
LOL, she does that a lot! I’m happy that she seems to find the fun side of things. 🙂
I hope you had a very nice Monday!
1. What did you eat for breakfast this morning?
Chobani Flip in the pumpkin flavor
2. Your favorite children’s television show back in the day?
I was a big fan of Muppet Babies and Bobby’s World. Any of the Saturday morning shows, TGIF on ABC. Dinosaurs. I was born in ’87, but I’m a 90’s kid…so anything out around then. I have all older siblings, so I ended up watching whatever they watched. For instance, my closest siblings (in age) are two brothers. I (very willing) consumed a lot of WWE Smackdown and Raw… It’s funny to think about now.
3. What’s the first word that comes to mind right now.
Sleep.
4. Who was the first person you ever had a crush on?
I don’t think I could answer this even if my life depended on it. I had a LOT of crushes when I was younger. I kept them under wraps for a while.
5. What’s worse — losing your makeup bag on a trip, or losing your luggage?
I’m gonna go with luggage. My skin could really benefit from fresh air and no makeup days. I usually carry the bulk (if not all) of my makeup in my luggage though, so I’d be up a creek if my stuff got lost.
Happy Tuesday!! 🙂
1. What did you eat for breakfast this morning? A Kind bar (caramel almond and sea salt).
2. Your favorite children’s television show back in the day? I liked the Smurfs, too. And Jonny Quest, Scooby Doo (not Scrappy), Schmoo and Kwicky Koala. And can’t forget Bonanza, The Big Valley and The Six Million Dollar Man.
3. What’s the first word that comes to mind right now. Old. HAHA!
4. Who was the first person you ever had a crush on? A boy I went to school with from Kindergarten through 12th grade. I had a crush on him from K – 7. He liked my best friend instead, but she liked HIS best friend. It’s funny to think of that now.
5. What’s worse — losing your makeup bag on a trip, or losing your luggage? Luggage for sure. It’s so much easier to replace makeup when you land. And even if you can’t find your faves, it’s just short term. I’m usually traveling for work and can’t imagine having to replace suits and dress shoes.