That's Me Thursday - Comfort is Paramount

Playing along with "That's Me Thursday" from The Classy Closet.

I need to pick one of the pair of shoes above that is most like me and describe why.

There was a time when I would have been the shiny red pumps. Oh yes. I was all over the Come F Me shoes. Those days are long gone and have been for a while.

So, I would have to say the purple Uggs represent me now. Comfortable and bright but always with a touch of girlie.

Mom is 24 and Loves Climbing On Rainbows

Copy this note, ask your kid the questions and write them down exactly how they respond. Tag me back if you haven't done this, I'd love to hear the answers.

1. What is something mom always says to you?
She loves me

2. What makes mom happy?
Being good and being nice to mom

3. What makes mom sad?
When I don't eat all of my dinner

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
When you're happy

5. What was your mom like as a child?
What else? (she would like to skip this one)

6. How old is your mom?
24 (I LOVE THIS GIRL!)

7. How tall is your mom?
Bigger than daddy (exsqueeze me?)

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Clean up the toys and mop the floor (Well, of course she would think that)

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Climb on a rainbow

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Spitting milk in the garbage can

11. What is your mom really good at?
Throwing up (I think I threw up in front of her once. She still references it daily. I think I scarred her for life)

12. What is your mom not very good at?
Skip

13. What does your mom do for her job?
Play with Patty. You're a goofball!

14. What is your mom's favorite food?
Meatloaf (she's not too far off the mark here)

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
Making her bed

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
The Banana Splits

17. What do you and your mom do together?
Go to the playground and kiss people (yeah, no idea)

18. How are you and your mom the same?
The same colors

19. How are you and your mom different?
You and David and Mango have the same (hair - that is. Mango is our orange cat)

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Cause I tell you hot potato hot potato with your heart

21. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
To the movie! To the park (scary how dead on she is here)

Getting to Know You

So, my friend Gina at Namaste by Day is mock interviewing me. This is kind of fun!!

1. What is your favorite childhood tradition that you have passed on or will pass on to your children?

We didn't have a whole lot of tradition in my house growing up, which makes me want to begin new ones with my kids. One thing that we did do as a child was attend church on Christmas Eve. Once the kids are old enough, I'd really like to start doing this. I remember it being such a magical event, going to Midnight Mass.

2. If you could win an award for anything, what would it be for?

Being on time. I'm embaressingly prompt.

3. If you could have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, who would you choose?

Steven Hawking, Marilyn Monroe and Barack Obama.

4. What is one thing you always consider splurging on...but don't?

There's not much I don't splurge on when I want it. It's an issue.

5. If I looked in your refrigerator, what would you find?

I was just thinking about this as I semi cleaned out the fridge yesterday and I looked in there thinking how sadly empty it was. Fortunately, I did make it to the store today, so I can say there are some staples on hand. Milk, eggs, cheese, leftover tri-tip, medicine (oh, lots of medicine), apple juice, lemonade, Smirnoff ice, bottled water, Gogurt, Yoplait yogurt (for me), some veggies in the crisper and that's generally about it. I mean, there are lots more little things, but I don't want to bore you with talk of mini pickles and 50 thousand salad dressings.

My Cheap Attempt at a Free Pass to Blogher

To attend Blogher in Chicago would be the cherry on the cake of my year.

I was not new to the world of online networks when I started my blog in February 2007, but most of my online contribution had been primarily related to infertility and miscarriage. 2006 brought the death of my father and an unexpected twin pregnancy. Overnight, I went from "age related miscarriage girl" to "soon to be mom of 3 under 2 girl" - a complete 180 in terms of my identity.

Once I got past the mind numbing nausea of the first 20 weeks of my pregnancy, I sought out others who had been in my shoes and lived to tell about it. Along the way, I sharpened my writing skills, found my niche and made some profound connections with people, that have at times, been the sole source of hope amidst the chaos that is my life.

My blog began as a generic, online journal for friends and family, sharing the details of the the first year with my Irish triplets. And what a year it was. 2007 and 2008 brought us health crises, unemployment and 5 hospitalizations. As I wrote and more importantly, read others' blogs, it became clear to me that I needed to take my blog to the next level. I started a new blog, with new graphics and began to make blogging & writing a large part of my life, outside of caring for my family and of course, my full time job outside the home.

I'm always looking for ways to network and learn more about the world of MommyBlogging, so attending the BlogHer conference would certainly be a wonderful opportunity. Given that my husband is currently unemployed, I have no idea how I will afford a trip to Chicago, but trust that if I win this pass, I will find a way. I have a whole closet of outgrown baby clothes that are just calling out to Ebay and craigslist.

I'm Not Above Bribery

Playing along withe Melissa...

I didn't bribe Sofia into eating a hard boiled egg with the promise of My Little Pony gummy treats.

I would never do that.

I felt truly evil watching her practically gag (she hates eggs) on the egg, forcing it down. That girl will do just about anything at the prospect of a snack treat.

The "H" word

A friend of mine is playing the letter game and I thought it would be fun to play along. The task is to come up with 10 things I love that begin with the letter "H."

Harder than it looks!

Health - This is something that I've always struggled with, growing up with asthma. Now that I have my walking petrie dishes, seems we are always un-healthy, making the times we are healthy much more meaningful. In all seriousness, health scares in my life have brought me to my knees emotionally, which has been hard, but in retrospect, makes so much of the day to day stress much less frightening.

Hot Dogs - I know they are bad, toxic even, to the human body. Despite that, they still rank up there with my top 5 foods. I did grow up eating only all beef, deli old fashioned franks, but still I'm sure they were fat and carcinogen laden. I'm still kind of a hot dog snob, would prefer not to eat packaged hot dogs, unless they are Hebrew Nationals. My first job was working at a ballpark, putting hot dogs in buns for the vendors. And in case you were wondering, I'm a simple girl. Mustard and bun, those are my only requirements.

Halloween - This was my favorite holiday growing up. I guess it says a lot of my mental state as a kid that I looked forward to becoming another person for a day. It was an opportunity to wear something outlandish, put on makeup (as a child!) and act a bit crazy. The weather was just starting to turn (living in California, that would mean turning from high 60's to low 60's) and there was a new smell in the air, a new light was cast. And well...ya know...the candy didn't suck either.

Hair - So, I'm not even going to lie. I'm a bit obsessed with my hair. From the days when I begged to have my hair cut off for a Dorothy Hamill style, then cried like a baby as I had to walk around with this unflattering bowl cut, hair has played a huge part in my identity. It's been permed, colored, cut, grown long, highlighted, lowlighted, reddened, henna'ed, conditioned, glossed and crimped. I prefer my hair on the longer side, although I know my days are numbered on carrying that off. For those of you who know me, you will probably be chuckling at this one as I've been mercilessly teased for having coiffed hair at all times. Now granted, there were a few months in there, postpartum, when my hair wasn't looking so cute, but for the most part, you won't see me leave the house without my hair looking ready to impress. And yes, I used to be a hair stylist. Briefly. Hardest job I ever had.

History Channel -- I adore the History Channel. I can become quite engrossed in anything from The History of Sex in the Bible to a documentary about clowns. Seriously, I think I picked the wrong major at times.

Hotels - There is nothing better about a beautiful, clean, hotel room. For one thing, it usually means you are on vacation. Clean slate, new travel adventures looming, maid service and a mini bar? It doesn't get any better than that.

Home - I am a Taurus and as such, treasure nothing more than my house and all that goes with it. I have been told by ex boyfriends (and my husband) that "You always want to go DO stuff," but that is just a smokescreen. At heart, I really am a homebody.

Handwriting - I love writing and looking at people's writing. I have always been able to mimic most people's handwriting and my own changes frequently, although now that I have kids, it has settled into one slightly right slanting (oh, the irony!) doctor-like chicken scratch. They say that changing your writing frequently is a sign of instability, but I say it's a sign of a creative girl exploring all her options.

Hawaii - What can I say about this other than I can't wait until my kids are old enough so that we can go back. I've gone twice, once with an a-hole ex boyfriend who bought a time share and is probably still enjoying it and once on my honeymoon. It is truly magical, in every way.

The Hills - I had to balance out the History Channel with something, right? I've been watching the Hills before it was the Hills, when she was known as LC and the show was Laguna Beach. (By the way, how much is Kristin K. kicking herself that she didn't jump aboard that train at the time? Last I saw her, she was sidling up to the Kardashian sisters and being made fun of on TMZ) My husband and I watch it together. Yes, it's kind of embaressing, but that show is seriously addicting. Plus it gives me something to talk about with my 23 year old cousins.

So, exciting news. My friend Gina at Namaste By Day just gave me my first award. Woo hoo! This award asks me to share some random, honest things about myself, so here goes...

(I have done this sort of thing before and for those of you who are on Facebook with me, you probably have seen my recent "16 things about me" note, so this will be repetitive.)

1. I love the History Channel, Frontline, Meet the Press, This Week with G.S. and Nova. I also love all of the VH1/MTV and E Channel Reality shows; Rock of Love, The Hills, and Celebrity Rehab. What.....a dichotomy.

2. I can forge pretty much anyone's signature. This came in very handy in high school, let me tell you. I regularly forge my boss' signature (with her blessing) and can change my writing style to match my mood. I read somewhere that people who change handwriting often are unbalanced. Now it all makes sense.

3. I was raised by a true blue (or pink as the case may be - *rimshot please*) beatnik/hippie dad who used to teach art and also received a National Endowment for the Arts grant in the 70's. To say my upbringing was offbeat would be an understatement. Dad rolled with Ferlinghetti in North Beach and made lots of interesting artwork growing up. He had girlfriends that were practically teenagers. There was always a sweet, funny smell in his house but I will give him credit, he never did it in front of us until we were adults.

4. My name was supposed to be Atman. My brother's name is Brahman, which is a really big deal in Hindu world. Hippy. Dad. Get the picture?

5. On my 3rd birthday, my brother and I were taken away from my mother. I saw her a handful of times after that and then never saw her again after age 6.

6. I won first prize in a college literary magazine short story contest in 1989. The story focused on #5.

7. In 1989, I lost 80 lbs on my own, through diet and exercise. I kept it off for 15 years, then lost 40 lbs on WW before my 2003 wedding. Since I started trying to conceive in 2003, having miscarriages, babies and more babies, it's been an uphill struggle with my weight. 4 pregnancies in 3 years will do wonders to a girl's figure. I do not recognize myself when I look in the mirror anymore. Working out used to be such an integral part of my life but unfortunately, doesn't really fit into my current lifestyle. That is my main goal for this year, to get back to a realistic, comfortable place with my weight and as a result, a much healthier lifestyle.

2008 in a nutshell

I saw this on Cynthia's blog and thought it was sort of cool. I realize it's 6 days late and a dollar short, but here goes.

1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Hired a cleaning lady. ;-)

2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Alas, no. I made the resolution to spend less money and not to buy any trashy celebrity magazines if either Britney/Angelina Jolie were on the cover. In the end, I spent money like a drunken sailor but the magazine resolution lasted a good 6 months.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, my best friend, my former best friend, my sister in law and my sister in law's sister.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
My great uncle.

5. What countries did you visit?
None. Unless Disneyland is considered a country.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
PATIENCE.

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
August 27th, the day I bought my 46 inch flat screen tv.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Finally moving out of our house into a bigger house.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Sticking to a budget and losing my patience.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Just the usual sinus infections, asthma, etc. Oh yes, and a fractured foot.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
My 46 inch flat screen TV.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Hmmm...no one off the top of my head.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
More often than not, my 3 year old girl. Oh, the drama!

14. Where did most of your money go?
Daycare, groceries, my 46 inch flat screen tv.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Going to visit my BFF in Austin, going to Disneyland, Sofia having her own bedroom, my 46 inch flat screen tv.

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
The song that begins with "It's Britney, Bitch."

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? sadder
b) thinner or fatter? fatter
c) richer or poorer? poorer
Oh boy, I sound like a hot mess!

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Spending more time with my kids.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Worrying, spending money.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
With family, taking care of sick kids.

21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Yes...with my 46 inch flat screen tv.

22. What was your favorite TV program?
The Office, Lost, 30 Rock, Mad Men.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Well, now that you mention it, Ann Coulter is definitely getting on my nerves at the moment.

24. What was the best book you read?
I haven't been able to finish any one book this year...because I was too busy watching tv.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Amy Winehouse, but that was probably more 2007. Adele.

26. What did you want and get?
My 46 inch flat screen TV.

27. What did you want and not get?
To sell our house and buy a bigger house. The real estate market had other plans.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Sex in the City was good.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
40th birthday. Had a mini party at a local bar with family/friends and watched a Van Halen cover band.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If my father was alive to watch my kids grow.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Seriously? I am almost 2 years post partum and I still wear some maternity tops. That is my personal fashion concept.

32. What kept you sane?
Working outside the home.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Jon Cusack. Yummmmmmmm. That twilight kid is cute, but that officially makes me a cougar to say that.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Not one particular issue, but I did love the election and all the dicussions it brought forth.

35. Who did you miss?
My dad.

36. Who was the best new person you met?
A woman who lives on my street with 4 kids 4 and under.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Trust your instincts. Time and time again, I have learned that the mommy instinct will never steer you in the wrong direction.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"Mama said they'll be days like this..."

Getting to Know You Meme

Meme, tagged, here it is. :)

1..Where is your cell phone? In my purse.
2. Where is your significant other? In the garage (a.k.a. "Man Cave")
3. Your hair color? Blonde, highlighted.
4. Your mother? Deceased - 2004
5. Your father? Deceased - 2006
6. Your favorite thing? Writing.
7. Your dream last night? That I saw the moon, but it was blue and it exploded. In the dream, I was Geena Davis and was living in a bachelorette pad and going out and partying with various dudes.
8. Your dream/goal? To be a working freelance writer.
9. The room you’re in? Our family room.
10. Your hobby? Photography.
11. Your fear? Something happening to my husband or children.
12. Where do you want to be in six years? A working writer.
13. Where were you last night? Home.
14. What you’re not? Patient.
15. One of your wish list items? Something I just bought - a digital SLR.
16. Where you grew up? In and around San Francisco
17. The last thing you did? Put our Xmas tree in its stand.
18. What are you wearing? PJ pants and a black tee shirt.
19. Your T.V.? Lost, DWTS, most VH1 reality, E reality, MTV reality, The Office, SNL, most cable news.
20. Your pets? 3 cats
21. Your computer? Compaq Presario C700
22. Your mood? *eh*
23. Missing someone? My dad
24. Your car? White Honda Odyssey
25. Something you’re not wearing? Skinny jeans. If you saw me, you'd see why.
26. Favorite store? Anything online that has a discount and a promo code.
27. Your Summer? it was ok
28. Love someone? Uh...yeah...
29. Your favorite color? Periwinkle
30. When is the last time you laughed? Today. I asked my 21 mo old for a kiss and he snorted "NO!" like a crazyperson
31. Last time you cried? Tonight, when my husband told me he was being asked to take a pay cut...

Anyone who reads this, consider yourself tagged. ;)

Six Word Memoir

Saw this meme and happened to post this on a parenting forum I frequent many months ago, so here goes.

Dysfunction, detachment, determination; dreams become reality

Quirks 'R' Us

I've been tagged with this lovely meme - to name 6 quirky things about yourself.

My first response was "Well, I'm not really that quirky" but then I realized, I had plenty of material.

1. I love the smell of gasoline and chlorine. Yeah, that's right. I like to breathe in carcinogens. Sue me.

2. I love everything Disney. I am a total sucker for the Magical Kingdom and anything related to it. I am also fascinated with Walt Disney history. I have done a bit of reading on him and realize there is much to know about him (mostly bad - which draws me in even more), behind his well known persona.

3. I am a total freak for astronomy. Were it not for my complete lack of academic prowess with math and science, I may have gone into astronomy as a field. In fact, I think underneath the surface, I may be a closet science geek. Have I mentioned how clear the stars are living out here on the coast? Very few street lights, it's like we're camping - the sky is pitch black. It's probably my favorite part of living here.

4. I'm deathly afraid of some benign things, primarily goldfish. I have tried to analyze why this is for years and the only thing that makes any sense is that I'm frightened by their fragility. I have vague memories of having goldfish as a child (Donny and Marie) and watching them flop on the floor, too scared to pick them up, then watching them die. (I also am not fond of the kamakaze suicide move they do, jumping out of the bowl to their death) I am not cut out for animals that die that easily. Not a big gerbil or bird fan, either, now that I think about it. Suffice it to say, Sofia won't be having any of those animals. Oh and let's not forget my irrational fear of snails. David picked one up recently (thinking it was a rock) and I screamed like a baby. Give me spiders or bugs any day, but get a snail near me and I'm a quivering freak.

5. I love the History Channel, Frontline and Nova. Along with Rock of Love, The Hills and Dancing with the Stars. What.....a dichotomy.

6. I'm painfully prompt. BK (before kids) I was always early. Now, I am merely on time. I am rarely late. I think this comes from a deep seated fear of missing out on something or getting in trouble.

**************

For the meme, here are the rules:

Link the person who tagged you
Mention rules on your blog
Tell about 6 quirks of yours
Tag 6 fellow bloggers to do the same
Leave a comment to let them know
Here is who I have tagged...

1. Shelli
2. Fern
3. Heather
4. Melissa from Tennesse

I know it's only 4, but honestly, these are the only people I "know" well enough to tag.

Some Fun 80's Stuff - Class of 1986

I wish I had my high school picture to post here, complete with flashdance inspired cut sweatshirt, long-sleeved hoodie, stoner-feathered hair and neon aqua high heeled shoe earrings. Oh yes - and let's not forget the pale pink lipstick, blue mascara and blue eyeliner, lined inside the eye for maximum freakish looking effect (or like you had a serious case of conjunctivitis - all the better to hide your stoned-ness - oops! Did I say that?).

Shelly over at Bagmomma,my comprade in having turned 40 this year has inspired me to do this cute 80's Meme. I will just preface this by saying I grew up in an area where disco, hip hop and R&B and heavy metal ruled the populous. You were either into one or the other, or you were into "new wave." I wavered between hip hop girl and rocker girl. Most of my girlfriends were into the hip hop thing, but my older brother was a heavy metal, "Joe Six Pack" kind of guy with lots of friends. I guess I sort of had an identity crisis, but I digress...

If you'd like to do it, go to Music Outfitters and type in the year you graduated in the search field. Bold the songs you like, strike through the songs you really hated.

Class of 1986 - Good times ahead.

1. That's What Friends Are For, Dionne Warwick, Elton John, and Gladys Knight
2. Say You, Say Me, Lionel Richie
3. I Miss You, Klymaxx
4. On My Own , Patti Labelle and Michael McDonald
5. Broken Wings, Mr. Mister
6. How Will I Know, Whitney Houston(This was when she was at her best, still pulling for her)
7. Party All The Time, Eddie Murphy (embaressingly enough, I really liked this song)
8. Burning Heart, Survivor
9. Kyrie, Mr. Mister
10. Addicted To Love, Robert Palmer
11. Greatest Love Of All, Whitney Houston
12. Secret Lovers, Atlantic Starr
13. Friends And Lovers, Carl Anderson and Gloria Loring (This was the Days of Our Lives gal, correct?)
14. Glory Of Love, Peter Cetera
15. West End Girls, Pet Shop Boys
16. There'll Be Sad Songs, Billy Ocean
17. Alive And Kicking, Simple Minds
18. Never, Heart
19. Kiss, Prince and The Revolution
20. Higher Love, Steve Winwood
21. Stuck With You, Huey Lewis and The News (Filmed in Santa Cruz, one of my fave videos - saw them in concert a few times)
22. Holding Back The Years, Simply Red
23. Sledgehammer, Peter Gabriel
24. Sara, Starship
25. Human, Human League
26. I Can't Wait, Nu Shooz
27. Take My Breath Away, Berlin (Come on, Top Gun!)
28. Rock Me Amadeus, Falco
29. Papa Don't Preach, Madonna (Fond memories of Dance Party, U.S.A. Hey, Shelli, you're from NJ, did you watch this? It was filmed in Phillie with local teens and featured Kelly Ripa in her early teenybopper days! If you tell me you were on the show, I will.die.right.here.and.now)
30. You Give Love A Bad Name, Bon Jovi (saw them in concert this year)
31. When The Going Gets Tough, Billy Ocean
32. When I Think Of You, Janet Jackson
33. These Dreams, Heart
34. Don't Forget Me (When I'm Gone), Glass Tiger
35. Live To Tell, Madonna
36. Mad About You, Belinda Carlisle
37. Something About You, Level 42
38. Venus, Bananarama (More Dance Party, U.S.A. memories, here - "Goddess on the Mountain Top!")
39. Dancing On The Ceiling, Lionel Richie
40. Conga, Miami Sound Machine
41. True Colors, Cyndi Lauper
42. Danger Zone, Kenny Loggins (Again, Top Gun)
43. What Have You Done For Me Lately, Janet Jackson
44. No One Is To Blame, Howard Jones
45. Let's Go All The Way, Sly Fox
46. I Didn't Mean To Turn You On, Robert Palmer(Oh god! Those anorexic mannequins!)
47. Words Get In The Way, Miami Sound Machine
48. Manic Monday, Bangles
49. Walk Of Life, Dire Straits<
50. Amanda, Boston
51. Two Of Hearts, Stacey Q(I had the extended LP of this - SCARY!)
52. Crush On You, Jets (What ever happened to THEM?)
53. If You Leave, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
54. Invisible Touch, Genesis
55. The Sweetest Taboo, Sade
56. What You Need, INXS
57. Talk To Me, Stevie Nicks
58. Nasty, Janet Jackson
59. Take Me Home Tonight, Eddie Money
60. We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off, Jermaine Stewart
61. All Cried Out, Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam With Full Force (I loved me some Lisa Lisa back in the day)
62. Your Love, Outfield
63. I'm Your Man, Wham! I also loved me some Wham!
64. Perfect Way, Scritti Politti
65. Living In America, James Brown
66. R.O.C.K. In The U.S.A., John Cougar Mellencamp
67. Who's Johnny, El Debarge
68. Word Up, Cameo
69. Why Can't This Be Love, Van Halen
70. Silent Running, Mike + The Mechanics
71. Typical Male, Tina Turner
72. Small Town, John Cougar Mellencamp
73. Tarzan Boy, Baltimora
74. All I Need Is A Miracle, Mike + The Mechanics
75. Sweet Freedom, Michael McDonald
76. True Blue, Madonna
77. Rumors, Timex Social Club
78. Life In A Northern Town, Dream Academy
79. Bad Boy, Miami Sound Machine
80. Sleeping Bag, ZZ Top
81. Tonight She Comes, Cars
82. Love Touch, Rod Stewart
83. A Love Bizarre, Sheila E.
84. Throwing It All Away, Genesis
85. Baby Love, Regina
86. Election Day, Arcadia
87. Nikita, Elton John
88. Take Me Home, Phil Collins
89. Walk This Way, Run-D.M.C. (Saw them in concert that year)
90. Sweet Love, Anita Baker
91. Your Wildest Dreams, Moody Blues
92. Spies Like Us, Paul McCartney
93. Object Of My Desire, Starpoint
94. Dreamtime, Daryl Hall
95. Tender Love, Force M.D.'s (Awwwww yeahhhh....)
96. King For A Day, Thompson Twins
97. Love Will Conquer All, Lionel Richie
98. A Different Corner, George Michael
99. I'll Be Over You, Toto
100. Go Home, Stevie Wonder

Fall Meme

I will preface this by saying we don't have much of a change of seasons here. It's pretty temperate all year 'round, hence the astronomical (although getting less astronomical by the day) cost of living in the San Francisco Bay Area. We do get some leaves turning colors, a crispness in the air, rain, sometimes lots of it as summer makes way for fall, then fall to winter...it's currently about 80 degrees here, gorgeous and sunny, with a slight breeze. I was thinking it might be fun to take Sofia to the beach this evening for a post dinner snack and sunset date.

As we celebrate the Autumnal Equinox, I decided to have fun and take part in a Autum Meme, thanks to Pam over at Everyday Snapshots.

When does fall begin for you?
Mid October for the Bay Area.

What is your favorite aspect of fall?
The nip in the wind, seeing the colored leaves blowing, the slight change of smell in the air.

What is your favorite fall memory?
Every year, going to the Grand National Rodeo with my grandmother.

What do you like to drink in the fall?
Coffee. Oh wait, I like to drink that all year around.

What's your favorite fall food?
Pies.

What is fall weather like where you live?
Sometimes rainy, but generally pretty temperate.

What color is fall?
Golden.


What does fall smell like?
Burning wood.


Holiday shopping in fall: yes or no?
Yes, most definitely.

If you could go anywhere in the fall, where would you go?
Hawaii. We went in October for our Honeymoon, it was divine.

What is your favorite fall sport?
Football.

Do you have a favorite fall chore?
Shopping for the birthday presents for 4 of my nieces and nephews (their birthdays are December 1st, December 5th, December 5th & December 26th)

What is your least favorite thing about fall?
The sometimes heavy rain and having to drive in it with people who have no clue how to drive in the rain.

What is your favorite fall holiday?
Halloween, hands down.

What's your favorite kind of pie?
Pumpkin.

What was your favorite Halloween costume?
My ex boyfriend wore a cereal box with a knife through it. He was a Cereal Killer. *badump bump*

What was your favorite Halloween candy?
Mini snickers, that hasn't changed.

What was your least favorite Halloween candy?
Those weird candy corns.

Which do you prefer, the Farm or the Fair?
The fair.

Do you have a favorite fall book?
Not really.


How about a favorite fall poem? How about a quote

"Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting
and autumn a mosaic of them all."
- Stanley Horowitz