Wednesday
Aug102011
Wednesday 5...No Reason, No Motive. Just Curious.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at 12:32PM Mrs. G. 
Photo by Pink Sherbert Photography
Please feel free to answer these questions anonymously if it will assure your complete honesty. You might be more courageous, but sometimes Mrs. G. has to cover her eyes before she can admit how much she really likes the look of a pedicure but doesn't like anyone messing with her feet.
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat?
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them?
3) Most awkward date?
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth?
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while?
tagged Back Talk, Wednesdays
Back Talk, Wednesdays
Reader Comments (72)
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat?
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them?
3) Most awkward date?
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth?
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while?
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat? Shamiana in Kirkland, Washington
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them? I used to ignore these types of comments when I was younger to avoid embarrassing conflict. Now I challenge or don't respond and look at the person in a way that is impossible not to interpret as my embarrasment for them.
3) Most awkward date? Most awkward and painful? The one time I answered a personal ad
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth? When I was in eighth grade, I was visiting my dad in Italy and we jumpseated on a military flight to Greece. Someone passed around a bag of what I thought was pink bubble gum to help with ear popping. I grabbed a couple, put them in my mouth and chewed--they were earplugs. They were waxy and repulsive and needless to say it gave everyone a pretty good laugh, which is just what you want when you are in eighth grade and trying to be cool.
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while? It takes me a while. I often go to bed, get up and read or write, go back to bed, get up and... It kills me because Mr. G. falls asleep within minutes of his head hitting the pillow. I often lie there, jealous.
1. Frances' diner, Hazard, KY. Good home cooking with fresh veggies.
2. I now confront them, though most people know my views and don't say stuff like that in front of me. I have had to ask people not to use certain language in front of my children.
3. Most awkward date? That's a whole category complete with subsets and small roman numerals. Let's go with the first one, where my date for the junior/senior banquet left me at a party to take someone else home.
4. Steamed okra.
5. It takes me awhile. And lately, the hot flashes are waking me up and keeping me awake. Stupid menopause.
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat?
The Crab Pot off Alaskan Way.
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them?
I'm very bad about confrontation, but I do try to let them know that such behavior is unacceptable.
3) Most awkward date?
A guy in college, who I later found out was known for hitting on much younger co-eds, asked me over for dinner at his place. I knew people he knew, and we were in the same radio group, so I figured it was safer than usual. He gave me a tour of the place, making sure to point out his Joy of Sex and Kama Sutra books, then criticized the way I handled a knife while cutting onions for the salad. When I made to leave after dinner and chat, he tried to lean in for a kiss and I politely but firmly pressed him away with a hand on his chest. He said, "You don't know what you're missing, I know how to give multiple orgasms."
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth?
An entire packet of Sen-Sen from my grandmother's purse (I was probably 4 or 5), thinking it was candy. I nearly passed out from the intense pang it gave my neck glands. hee hee...
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while?
I used to fall asleep very easily, and sleep heavily, but this past year has been a completely turnaround and I often flop for at least an hour before settling in. Not sure why....maybe just more pressure and worry in life in general.
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat? Everyone should visit Andiamo at least once. It's Italian food that is fantastic.
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them? Challenge them if there seems to be any chance of showing them the error of their way, if not, then ignore them and depart as quickly as possible.
3) Most awkward date? There were so many I can seem to separate them. The one guy who thought dinner and a movie meant room service with a porno movie. Yeah. Not happening.
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth? I don't want to even think about this one. I start to gag.
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while? even heavily medicated I'm up for ever.
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat?
---Useless Bay Coffee Company... roasts their own AMAZING coffee, and make AWESOME paninis
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them?
--- I absolutely challenge them... I love to challenge that kind of stuff... i'm usually non-confrontational but there are a few noble things that I will definitely step up on a soap box over.
3) Most awkward date?
--- Prom, senior year. Did. Not. Want to go with the guy... and he kept trying to set the mood for a romantic nosh session but I kept denying him.... years later he told my hubby I was a b!tch for it LOL..
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth?
--- I'll eat anything.... really.
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while?
---super quick!!
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat?
Joe T. Garcia's. It's an institution! (Fort Worth, TX)
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them?
I guess it depends... if I am with "friends", I probably challenge it. If I am at work, I probably just ignore it. Recently at work, I had a very minor "superior" bring me a print out of an email that was politically charged. I read the first line or two and threw it in the trash. Unbelievably, he came back a short time later asking for it (presumably to pass on to someone else). I reached into my trash and handed it back to him. The look on his face was priceless! Needless to say, I delighted in making my point so unintentionally!
3) Most awkward date?
What is this "date" thing you speak of?
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth?
Cantaloupe...yuck!!
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while?
I usually fall asleep quickly. Unfortunately, it is because I stay up way too late. I only go to bed when I KNOW I will collapse.
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat? The C & O Restaurant - Country French and tasty
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them? Depends on the situation.
3) Most awkward date? Some guy - not even sure where I met him - in college. He was a psych major. Need I say more?
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth? Cigarettes for more years than I care to remember. Thank GAWD I'm over that.
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while? I usually fall asleep pretty quickly, but I think that's because I wait until I'm dead tired before heading to bed. It can sometimes be 1 - 2 a.m. on a work night. No, I'm not generally alert the following day, but thanks for asking.
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat? You know it's Monte's in Fargo, ND! One, because it' is just plain cool, and it's been in every news story that's been done telling people that Fargo is much more than what is portrayed in the movie; and Two because my handsome charming son Bobby is a server there and you totally get kudos for mentioning Mrs. G and Blogging in general if you are lucky enough to sit at one of his tables.
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them? Is my derisive glare not enough?
3) Most awkward date? 1975 Steve (something or other - I must admit I can't remember his last name). He was on the football team, I was in a less popular peer group. He brought me to his parents house for dinner, then we "went for a drive." I sincerely hope there was no bruise on his left cheek from the open handed slap I planted there once his intentions were made clear.
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth? Haven't had that experience yet.
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while? Oh, I fall asleep, but 'round about 3 a.m. I'm wide away. Lucky for me though, coz that's when I get most of my blogging done!
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat?
Shady Grove. It captures Austin.
No wait, Magnolia Cafe. IT captures Austin.
And then there's Kirby Lane Cafe. It really captures Austin.
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them?
Are they are a therapy client? ; ) Usually I do not challenge unless I know them really well or don't like them very well and even then I often choose to ignore. I don't believe in being the PC police, generally. I like to "just get along" too much.
3) Most awkward date?
A man who told me he was a doctor. He picked me up in an orange pinto. What doctor do you know drives an orange pinto? Plus, he was much older than I thought he was. He paraded me around this snooty, country clubbish restaurant, seemingly showing off his young catch. And? He belonged to the KKK. And? He lived at his parents home. It was horrible and strange. I was afraid I wouldn't make it home alive.
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth?
Sushi. 25 years ago. I haven't had any since. Some bad food memories make too strong an imprint to overcome.
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while?
Omg, I have to be either drunk or pregnant to fall asleep quickly. Hopefully not at the same time.
p.s. 1Les? Yes, please. Do say more ;)
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat?
Piranha Killer Sushi...great food & atmosphere for a restaurant in the 'burbs
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them?
If I know them well, I'll say something. If I don't, I'll raise my eyebrows instead and my disapproval will usually be obvious.
3) Most awkward date?
A random guy in high school that I didn't want to go out with, but did anyway. He took me to the park to see the ducks and out of the blue he swept me off my feet (like carrying a baby) and swung me around. The whole thing was awkward and weird.
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth?
Wasabi. The first time I had sushi I didn't know what the green stuff was so I put a big chunk in my mouth and instantly set my mouth on FIRE!
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while
It usually takes me a while. My husband falls asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow. I'm so jealous!
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat? Rioja. I've taken foodies from both coasts there. I've taken former chefs there. I've taken myself there lots of times and will do so again. You want to go there. (And you want to order the fresh bacon appetizer. Thank me later when you can stop saying something more than "Mmmmmmmm".)
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them? Depends very much on the circumstances. I'm never "in your face", because the minute you put someone in a defensive position, you've lost them and it becomes pointless.
Sometimes letting it go is the best offense. I was the only woman on a management team reviewing performance reviews, and one of the other male managers commented on an employee's performance: "he's been having relationship trouble; it's usually a woman causing these kinds of performance issues ". All eyes turned on me. I just smiled. My boss, who was running the meeting, asked if I'd like to comment. I replied, in a calm and neutral tone of voice, "no, I don't think it requires one", and moved on. It was unbelievably effective on so many levels.
Although in most social settings, I usually just reply calmly with facts. Most people making those kinds of awful remarks can't deal with logic in response.
3) Most awkward date? The guy who, at the end of an already somewhat awkward date, asked if I wanted to go to dinner at a Mexican place he went to often. I said sure, I was hungry, I like Mexican food. He breathed an audible sigh of relief and said "oh, good. I always throw up when I eat at new restaurants." What can you say after that? (The restaurant did turn out to be pretty good after all; the guy, not so much.)
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth? Dishwashing soap. Inadvertently. My father was draining the last of the Palmolive into a drinking glass, the bottle must've fallen out, you can guess the rest. Eyuk.
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while? Depends very much on my mental and physical state. Some nights I'm asleep before I hit the pillow. Sometimes I have to work to turn my brain off.
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat?
The Wells Blue Bunny Ice Cream Shop. Can't miss out, baby.
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them?
I would usually say something like "well, that was gross" or give the stare down depending on the situation.
3) Most awkward date?
In high school a friend of my brother's kept calling me and asking me out and I politely came up with numerous excuses I finally agreed to go out (because I knew he'd keep calling). We saw the movie The Body Guard with Whitney Houston upon his request. He showed up in a ginormous cowboy hat and boots -this was circa 1992 and he was NOT a cowboy. During the movie he asked if he could put his arm around me and I said "I'd actually rather you didn't". It was all just weird and he did eventually quit calling. Whew. Many years later our kids went to the same day care and he'd miraculously show up when I came by at lunch to nurse my son. He just wanted to "drop by and say "hi" (and try to get a glimpse of my bubbies). Creepy.
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth?
On a trip to Rome I ordered some nasty fishy pasta dish not knowing what it was, and just took one bite. I really didn't need to because I knew it would taste just like it smelled but the waiter seemed pretty excited about us eating and enjoying. My husband had some bloody steak.
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while?
It usually takes me a while and I keep looking at the clock. I lie there while my husband begins snoring after just a few minutes. For a while, at the beginning of the summer, I would always open my eyes when the clock said 12:34.
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat? T. Maccaroni in Walla Walla, WA. Italian at it's finest.
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them? I'm usually non-confrontational, but if the comment is supposedly hidden in humor, I reply with a "that isn't even remotely clever" type response.
3) Most awkward date? Sorry, nothing interesting to share here.
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth? Blood pudding. And yes it is every bit as awful as it sounds. Congealed blood mixed with flour then sliced and fried. Not so much the taste -- but the consistency is killer awful. And, I was served this delicacy at the table of a monumentally fantastic family. Woe was me.
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while? I toss and turn while listening to the gentle (?!!!!) cadence of my husband snoring. True love = not smothering even when given just cause.
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat? In our closest city I would suggest 'The Haunch of Venison' bc it is a medieval building with uneven floors, low ceilings and twisted stairs. The downstairs is a pub and last time I went upstairs to the restaurant the food was great.
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them? depends on the circumstances but either way my feelings are made clear. I do a good line in icely ignoring someone.
3) Most awkward date? I only rode unicorns and flew with angels until I met my husband.
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth? seafood. Slimy mucousy sea-based lifeforms -eurgh! Oh and coffee. How do you people swallow that stuff?
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while? It seems I am a lucky duck.
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat?
If they had the right budget, I'd send them to Restaurant Eugene in Atlanta (nothing in my small town ... )
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them?
Depends on the situation - I'm basically non-confrontational at work because I'm surrounded by it - so I make do with an icy stare ...
3) Most awkward date?
I crossed paths with a guy that I had dated a few years before and had been absolutely crazy about - we went to a bar late at night for a few beers. As we were leaving, he got jumped and beat up pretty badly. His lip was split and he bled all over everything (ruined my favorite suede jacket.) I should have taken him to the emergency room but he didn't want to go and his room mate gave me a hard time for not taking him. I was just a kid and had never witnessed anything like that before - it was pretty traumatic.
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth?
When I was around 5 or 6, I recognized the brown Hershey label on a box in the cupboard and thought I had hit the mother lode. Only it was unsweetened baker's chocolate - yuck!
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while?
I generally fall asleep pretty quickly, but I tend to stay up so late that utter exhaustion has taken over ...
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat? If they insist on eating locally, then Saffron - killer Indian food. If they're willing to drive to the next town over, Crook's Corner - Southern with a fancy, local twist.
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them? I do so hate confrontation, so I used to slink away and fume. In my old age I feel more free to question them or at least give them "the look."
3) Most awkward date? Oh there have been some, but how about most awkward non-date? I was dating a guy in college and our relationship was in its death throes. My parents were coming for parents' weekend and he wanted to meet them. I said no. (What was the point? I knew we were ending things. Plus he was a long haired hippy-looking type who, true, introduced me to some fabulous music, but who I didn't think would make a good impression on my straight-laced parents.) So my parents and I were walking up the front sidewalk to my dorm when something in a nearby tree caught my eye; my boyfriend, making like Zacchaeus. I was horrified and embarrassed, especially when he hopped down and introduced himself. I'm pretty sure my parents and I never mentioned it later. That's how we make unpleasant things go away. :)
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth? The bee I drank out of my soda can.
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while? Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat? Frontera Grill!!!
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them? Depends - I am far more likely to call someone if they are being an ass about 1. the disabled or 2. gay/lesbian folks. My son has autism, and some good neighbors are lesbian. I really don't hear racist stuff anymore.
3) Most awkward date? ??? Being a shy person, I married the second person I dated. Wait - our first date, he needed a restroom but we were in downtown Chicago in his folk's station wagon and he could find no place to park! The second date I got a fish bone stuck in my throat and when the restaurant staff was asked what to do about it they called an ambulance!!!! Nothing like paramedics showing up at the table to draw attention and make you feel like an idiot!!!
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth? licorice. That stuff is vile and the taste never goes away!
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while? Quickly. Sorry. :-)
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat?
Hmm, I don't get out much. I know a great sushi place and a fun bohemian vegetarian place that is known for its pie selection. But I'd be happy to feed you in my kitchen and then take you to Tim Hortons for coffee and donuts. Everyone except Trash, that is. No coffee? *clutches mug*
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them?
I generally don't confront but my right eyebrow will say it all.
3) Most awkward date?
Fortunately that is lost in the mists of time.
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth?
Liver. Dear Lord!
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while?
Falling asleep is usually okay. Staying that way until the alarm is my problem.
ps Trash -- Timmy's makes excellent tea!
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat?
Oklahoma Joes! Even Anthony Bourdain thinks it's some of the best BBQ in the world. And really, what's the point of coming to KC without having BBQ?
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them?
Oh boy, it depends on the context. I'm really ashamed that I am usually quiet. The only people I know who make racist jokes are my father and grandfather who I just can't stand up to, I'm afraid they'll be disappointed in me for some reason. My bosses are the other people who make racist/political jokes and I'm usually quiet, but in that "I'm not laughing at your joke" kind of way. Guess that's something.
3) Most awkward date?
So while husband and I were separated and about two months after I had Lyra, I thought it was high time me to date. God knows why I thought this was a good idea. Anyway, I put profiles on every dating site--Match, Chemistry, E-Harmony, you name it. I went out with one guy who said he was 5'9 on his profile, which he obviously was not. Thank god he knew I had a kid because once he said "I broke up with my last girlfriend because she didn't want my cat to sleep in bed with us. I told her, the cat was here first. She could sleep on the couch...My cat knows when a girl is right for me, you know?" I told him my sister texted and asked me to get back quickly to take care of Lyra. Oh boy.
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth?
Eggs, sweet christ. They taste like vomit.
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while?
It used to take me FOREVAH, then I had Lyra. Now I fear sleep deprivation like that again and can fall asleep almost instantly.
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat?
Just not at my house...
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them? Well, judging from last night, I just passive-aggressively blog about it.
3) Most awkward date? All of them...
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth? Poppy seed hamantaschen - I bit into one as a kid, expecting jelly inside, and was horrified to find myself staring at what looked like thousands of little bugs. Gah.
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while? Only possible if there is NO ONE ELSE AWAKE in the room. Either my husband has to already be fast asleep or he has to be somewhere else. I hope I'm not the only one.
1) dinner out? restaurant? What's that?
2) You bet your sweet bippy I confront it!
3) Blind date - awkward because of how I felt INSIDE. I had spoken with the man via email a number of times and we got along well so agreed to meet. He was huge - as in well over 300lbs. I was uncomfortable and mad at myself for being uncomfortable.
4) a cigarette
5) 5 minutes and out like a light!
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat?
I would send them to La Loma, a wonderful Mexican restaurant built inside an old historic Denver home.
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them?
I grew up in a rather racist, sexist, obnoxious family. I was trained to be silent if I did not agree. Once I realized that I could no longer be silent, I started challenging their assumptions and quickly became the annoying liberal black sheep of the family. It's a bit more difficult when you're among strangers but I still speak out. And yes, I'm still pegged as the annoying liberal of the bunch. Oh well. I'd have to agree that I rarely hear racist stuff any more but I sure do get a shitload of emails that cross the line. It's my belief that the online comment area of newspapers or blogs is where the racists have gone to spew their crap.
3) Most awkward date?
They were all pretty awkward. But the worst would have to be with Richard, my brother's friend who held a long-burning passion for me, which of course was unrequited. I could not ditch the guy. Finally mom said that maybe if I just went out with him ONE time, he'd be satisfied and leave me alone. Umm, mom? Major fail on that bit of advice...
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth?
Mom and I went to this dark, funky Italian restaurant. There was an antipasti bar. Did I mention it was dark? I picked a few items. One of those items I assumed to be mushrooms. Turned out it was squid.
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while?
Usually, unless there are major stressors in my life. I can fall asleep quickly but staying asleep, well, that's another story.
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat?
Stephenson's BBQ in Willow Spring, NC. It is one of those places where all the old southern people eat. Nothing fancy or hip about it. They bring your soda to you in the can. Just good BBQ, hushpuppies, and slaw.
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them?
What I say depends on who it is. I never challenge people--I don't think that's the way to change people's minds. If I say something, it's usually non-threatening such as "oh, there are lots of gay people in my family and they are all nice."
3) Most awkward date?
After 5 years of mutual attraction/friendship between Dave and me, we finally kissed. He licked my face. Before the kiss I thought our relationship was headed somewhere--like possibly marriage. Afterward, I couldn't even look at him.
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth?
A big piece of horseradish. It was the "bitter herbs" at a passover dinner. I thought I could handle it because I love hot foods. Wrong! I was sure I was going to vomit or pass out in front of the whole crowd.
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while?
I fall asleep quickly. It's one of my super powers. As long as I can lean my torso against something, I can fall asleep anywhere!
i love these things...
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat?
Fogo de Chao if they're meatatarians, One World Cafe if they're veg-heads.
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them?
depends on the comment and the context of the comment. if it's blatant? i dress them down.
3) Most awkward date?
a gentleman caller showed up to my parents' house with bathrobes for each of us ("I went to Chinatown in San Francisco and I thought you'd like these because they're real Chinese silk!"). it was date number 2. i sent him home and never talked to him again.
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth?
balut. don't look it up if you plan on eating any time soon.
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while?
that depends on my tiredness. if i'm exhausted, it usually only takes a couple of minutes.
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat?- Co-sign with Jessie on Oklahoma Joe's for BBQ! Also, the steaks at the Hereford House are like buttah.
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them?- I used to be a shrinking violet in this area, but any more, I speak my mind as politely as I can. Then I avoid the moron as much as possible.
3) Most awkward date?- A guy I went to high school with had a crush on me, and I had a bit of one on him. When he got out of the army, he asked me out. We were supposed to go to Gojo's a Japanese restaurant (it's good too! If you come to KC, try it!!), but he wasn't sure where it was, so we drove around lost for two hours and ended up at Pizza Hut. He had the table manners of a troll that lives under a bridge, and the waitress gave him her phone # on the back of the bill.
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth?- Squid.
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while?- I fall asleep quickly, but have a bad habit of waking up about 40 minutes before my alarm is set to go off. And usually, once I wake up I can't fall back to sleep.
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat?
Oh, only that I could recommend somewhere. We are now the (small) city of chain restaurants. The lovely local places have been folding left and right.
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them?
Depends on who it is, and especially if it's in front of my kid. Family/friends get the "I thought you were smarter than that, guess I was wrong" kind of response. Strangers get the stare and the blank face. I used to be a receptionist at a manufacturing facility and I would get truck drivers hitting on me and telling me way inappropriate jokes. This worked like a charm with them. :)
3) Most awkward date?
Wow, so many. Well, there was the blind double date with this guy who went on and on about what a loser he was, how his brother (my coworker, and also on this date w/ his wife) and their dad were the "ladies men" in the family, and women never liked him... He hated college and dropped out. He hated his job and was going to quit. He always had bad luck. On and on. Why would anyone do this? I felt a little bit sorry for him at first, but after a few hours... Worst part was having coworker come up to me the next day telling me how much bro liked me, and when would I see him again? Um, yeah. I got the stink eye from him for a LONG time.
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth?
Liver and onions. No question. Had it often growing up and I've never gotten over it.
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while?
Lucky duck indeed. No, never fall asleep quickly. Never. Sigh.
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat?
Do you like New Mexican food? El Pinto is where everyone goes; I love Richard's.
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them?
This has become more and more painful over time. Until fairly recently, I would feel and express shock if someone was racist in front of me. (Sexism is a whole 'nother issue.) But my in-laws seem to be becoming (I didn't think it was possible) MORE racist, sizeist, sexist and generally more bigoted as they age...and it's not only disgusting, it seems to be communicable. I am becoming ageist and racist...against them.
3) Most awkward date?
I have buried my past.
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth?
Anything with legs, or what feels like legs. Tiny legs. No, no, no.
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while?
Sleep is...elusive.
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat?
The Ocean House or Umami
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them?
At a Halloween party a few years ago someone made a racist comment to me and I stopped in my tracks, looked her dead in the eye and turned on my heal and walked out of the room. No words were necessary.
3) Most awkward date?
I don't really remember the actual date or even his name, but it was the friend of a friend's boyfriend -- supremely dorky guy who asked if he could kiss me goodnight and proceeded with a closed mouth smashing faces together movie kiss. So very strange.
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth?
I'm with Trash! Coffee, blech.
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while?
It usually takes a while to quiet the voices in my head. But my absolute least favorite thing is waking at 3:00 a.m. and not being able to go back to sleep.
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat? My very favorite place, the Blu Tomato, recent went under. : (
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them? It depends on who it is. My dad? I gave up on him long ago. Someone I don't know very well I'd be much more likely to say something.
3) Most awkward date? Ah, that would be the guy who came on to me while I was gardening at my condo one spring. ("Hey, gardening is sexy!") In the spirit of keeping an open mind, I agreed to go out with him. The night of the agreed-upon date he called to ask if I could pick him up. So...okay, sure. Turns out he didn't have a license because he just got out of JAIL for armed robbery. Needless to say, the date went downhill from there. I got out of it by claiming I had go home so I could usher at church the next morning at 6:30 am.
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth? I have made the mistake of not cleaning my hands thoroughly enough after changing the oil in my car, and then biting off a fingernail. (Sadly, I have done this more than once.)
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while? It's a rare night that I'm not asleep 5 minutes after turning out the light.
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat? um....Malibu Seafood. Or my favorite taco truck, Isla Bonita on Rose Avenue in Venice.
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them? Depends - I know there have been times when I was so shocked at what someone said that I was simply stunned into silence. OTOH, I know that once at work someone said something and I just firmly and quietly told them that it was inappropriate to speak to your colleagues that way and that I wouldn't tolerate it in the workplace.
3) Most awkward date? With my sister-in-law's brother, who was also the best friend of a guy who dumped me.
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth? Norwegian salt licorice.
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while? I generally fall asleep pretty quickly. Now, staying asleep, that's another matter.
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat? My house...sadly enough now that we cook a lot, restaurant food just doesn't turn me on anymore....
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them? usually ignore depending on who it is.
3) Most awkward date?I was dating this guy, and he went away for the summer. I heard from his friends that he really lived it up, if you know what I mean. I was very hurt, but went out on a date with him again anyways. I was a cold fish and he was all what's wrong? Needless to say that was very awkward, and it was over.
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth? Liver...then octopus sushi....like eating strands of carpet.
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while? Quickly. Almost narcolepsi quick...
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat?
My house--cheap, filling and usually good.
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them?
ignore them, unless it is my husband or my children. I challenge my husband because I hate it when he sounds like an ignorant, narrow minded dolt; I call my kids on it and explain why what they said is racist, sexist, or obnoxious.
3) Most awkward date?
My first date in high school in the late 70's. I had made a dress out of an ultra suede knock-off because I couldn't afford real ultra-suede. The temperature was below zero that night and we had to walk several blocks from the parking garage to the concert hall. My dress froze stiff. Like cardboard. I was so mortified and terrified that it would crack and break when I sat down that I couldn't think of anything else. When we got to the hall, I made all these excuses why we needed to stand around in the lobby--really, I was just waiting for my dress to thaw. It froze again on the way back to the car after the concert and when I sat in the car it didn't break (thankfully!), but the skirt kind of stood up straight like a hoop skirt. I smashed it down and it went flat and wide. I don't know why I didn't tell him the trouble, but I was so uptight anyway and this just made me so self-conscious. When we got to my house, I just said goodnight and ran inside. Poor guy--he was really nice and sweet and I was too shy and socially backward to ever explain it to him.
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth?
pickled herring. Shudder.
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while?
I'm a lucky duck, though with the advent of menopause, I often find myself wide awake at 3 am.
@c - could I not just come for the doughnuts? And also tea is perhaps even more revolting than coffee, kind of like water that couldn't be bothered washing properly.
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat? Cobblestones...and if it's busy, there's always Moonstones, in the next town over.
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them? It depends on who it is. In the past, I would ALWAYS challenge them. Now? I MIGHT ignore them verbally, but I'd for damn sure give them "the look".
3) Most awkward date? LOL the one with the BC college player who said, wow, you look SO much better than your picture! Um...why did you want to meet me then?
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth? Chitlins!!! UGH! I will try almost anything, but that's one thing I wished I hadn't LOL! Even liberally doused with hot sauce, it's utterly disgusting.
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while? It takes awhile, but usually when I go to bed, I do so with enough time that I can read or talk with Dave about our day when we haven't really seen each other (boy has that happened a lot this week!)
~ annie not to be confused with ~annie : re: #4 - my SO did something similar...only it was ex-lax! And then he went to school...it was not good!
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat? I'm better at answering this question for cities in which I used to live but now that I'm in Tampa I would say Roy's (even though it is a chain, it has amazing food) or Bin 27...one of the few independently owned, chef driven restaurants here in ChilisApplebysTGIWhatever Land.
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them? Sarcasm seems to work for me. Something like an extremely sarcastic "very nice!" and then get the hell outta there.
3) Most awkward date? My best friend and I seemed to have the same awkward date with the same guy but on separate occasions. He was a very nice guy (and we're still friends) but neither my friend nor I knew we were going on a date and the guy DEFINITELY thought we were on a date. Awkward.
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth? Recently some horrid purple Listerine that my husband brough home. Tastes like road tar.
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while? Oh, it takes a while. So annoying as I too live with a man who can fall asleep in seconds.
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat? There is not just one place, but I definitely have to offer them fish tacos and carne asada fries--that is vintage San Diego.
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them? Challenge--usually with humor, but I can be confrontational.
3) Most awkward date? No answer--it was such smooth sailing we got married.
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth? Nobody told me you don't BITE oysters. Blech!
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while? I am a lucky duck.
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat?
If they want expensive and high class? Teatro's. Cheap Italian? Chianti's. Simple lunch?Spolumbo's Sausages. Murrieta's is excellent as well.
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them?
Some of the time I call them on it. Depends on who they are and why they are making the statement. If it is out of ignorance, I attempt to educate. If it is out of stupidity, well they get it with all four barrels (but politely - I am a Canadian after all).
3) Most awkward date?
Might be the time a first date showed up in a shirt and tie - and I had jeans and a T-shirt on. My mother was impressed. Me - not so much.
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth?
Tongue - of the cow kind, I mean. The love of my life (at the time) thought I was missing out on one of life's culinary pleasures. It was followed by prune pie. I did not marry the man.
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while?
If I am having a moment of stress, it takes forever. If it is allergy season, it takes forever. If I have had a great day - I can drop off in a New York second. If my husband is snoring - it takes a REALLY long time.
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat?
I shuttle between two hometowns that are foodie meccas. But for San Francisco, I'd recommend FireFly. It's just a little neighborhoody place, but what a place. Sophisticated, organic twist on Jewish comfort food with a lot of emphasis on interesting ingredients and influences. Their roasted brussels sprouts with shaved aged parmesan and truffle oil are to die for. So are their shrimp and scallop potstickers. And their carrot tsimmes. In Sonoma, Girl & The Fig. Southern French food with a local twist. No produce and little of the meat comes from outside Sonoma County, much of it grown in the restaurant's back garden. And the wine list is Rhone and Rhone style only.
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them?
Increasingly I challenge them. I recently went up to an oaf who had been spewing out racist and sexist jokes in Spanish class (in an immersion program in Mexico) and called him on his shit -- which everyone else was afraid to do since he was big and shaven headed and scary looking. But after I returned to the US, people who were still in the class said he never came back and would duck away with embarrassment when he saw someone from the class. Maybe I taught him some shame.
3) Most awkward date?
When I mistakenly went out with a very pretentious food snob who took me to a top restaurant and then proceeded -- in the loudest voice possible to the waiter at the furthest corner of the room -- to bellow that the escargot tasted like "garlic pencil erasers. I took off to the Ladies Room and stayed there until I thought the tables had turned.
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth?
Shark fin soup. So wrong on so many levels. But it was a business dinner for my husband in China and I had to choke it down and with it my Eco-Warrior tendencies.
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while?
No, but the two terriers who sneak up on the bed drop into REM sleep as soon as their little heads hit the pillows. Which is probably why we don't get much sleep.
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat? We have a lot of good restaurants, but if they want steak I send them to The Hitching Post. (It's been in a movie.)
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them? If it's a stranger I would ignore it because I don't want to mix it up with a stranger. If it was someone I know, I probably would say something, although fortunately I haven't had to.
3) Most awkward date? Well, I've only dated the one guy so...
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth? I hope you mean foodwise...sea urchin sushi. Bleccchhh!
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while? It usually takes me a while. And then usually some noise wakes me up again.
All of these answers crack me up, EXCEPT: Sharon! Wasabi, yummy yummy, in the right amount, time and place, and OH, Trash and Marms: coffee = LIFE, LIBERTY and the pursuit of happiness! But ya'lls can keep the f#cking squid.....
@Everyone: I'm having a blast trying to figure out where everyone is located from the restaurants they've mentioned :). I've actually heard of a number of them!
1. Our current favorite in Pleasanton Ca is Forno Vecchio. Fresh Italian food and a great house red at $10.00 a bottle!
2. I tend to confront verbally or by my attitude unless I am at work with a guest - then I will just remain blank ( or as blank as I can - I wear my emotions on my face pretty clearly) and try to change the topic.
3. In college I was pursued by a man who had a reputation as a "ladies man." Believe it or nothis name was Don Vaughn! I kept telling him I wasn't his type, but he said give him a chance. I agreed to go to Star Wars with him (yes, I am THAT old) so he went early and charmed some women into saving our place in line and then came to pick me up. We brought food to eat in line and share with the nice ladies who saved our place.
All was fine until he took me home and settled in on my couch and would not leave until I joined him there. I said no. Leave. He started in on how much money he had spent on our evening and don't I think I owe him a little something? I got out my checkbook and wrote him a check for my half of the evening, gave it to him and he left. And, yes, he cashed the check!
4. Tripe. I didn't know what it was when I put it in my mouth, but the texture and taste was even worse once I knew.
5. It takes me a while, I try really hard not to wiggle and shift around which annoys my spouse. I frequently get up to read, and have a cup of tea and then try again.
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat? Baby Moon, Westhampton, NY
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them? Challenge, or, at the very least, give them the stink eye.
3) Most awkward date? 6/9
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth? those atomic sour candies---taste like vomit!
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while? It usually takes me a while.
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat?
OMG. The ultimate breakfast joint -- music is death metal. Servers and cooks are tattooed. Food is UNBELIEVEABLE and gourmet. You wait outside unless the sky is spitting fireballs (the sign says that), and there is seating for maybe 25.
http://local.yahoo.com/info-16366358-golden-harvest-restaurant-lansing
It's called "Golden Harvest." Cash only.
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them?
Unless the person looks scary or violent or has a gun, I will say something if they are actually talking TO me. If they are being loud and stupid with their friends, I usually leave it alone unless they're being rude TO someone.
3) Most awkward date?
Blind date /double date w/a friend. We went to see Eddie Murphy's "Raw." BAAAAd call.
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth?
Ug. Ate a few bites of a Mrs. Grass's soup (the dehydrated kind that you add boiling water to) and THEN discovered the bugs in it.
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while?
LONG long LONG time.
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat?
I haven't lived here long enough to answer that question, but before we moved every one I know who has lived here kept saying, "You HAVE to go eat at Coco's." I thought Coco's would be this fancy, shmancy Japanese restaurant. Nope....it's a fast food chain! Which makes me wonder....do Japanese folks tell their loved ones back home..."You have to go eat at McDonalds!" I highly doubt it.
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them?
This would depend on who it is.
3) Most awkward date?
In college I went on a date with this guy who had just ended a long-term relationship. (I was also still getting over a guy I dated for three years, so the date was doomed from the start.) I don't much remember most of the date...I think we went to a dinner/movie...but I do remember the END of the date when he made a drive-by of his ex-girlfriends house. I guess he was hoping she'd be outside so he could brag that he'd already gotten over her and moved on to someone else.
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth?
I was in the early, nauseating stage of pregnancy and my mother-in-law made Beet & Pea salad. It looks (and tastes) as awful as it sounds...who want's to eat a pinky-green salad? Anyway, we hadn't been married long and I was still trying to be polite so I tried to eat it, at which point my new husband said, "I just saw you turn green." Blech!
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while?
More often than not I fall asleep on the couch watching TV. When I do go back to bed, if I have to do anything else (turn on dishwasher, go to the bathroom) then it will take me a while to get back to sleep. If I go straight to bed, I usually fall asleep pretty quickly.
1) If someone comes to your city, where is the one place you know they should eat? I'd have to take them to a spiedie shop. Spiedies are delicious little chunks of chicken, pork, lamb, or beef that are marinated in spiedie sauce. They are only made here in Binghamton, NY!!
2) If someone makes a racist, sexist or just plain obnoxious comment in front of you, do you ignore or challenge them? I may ignore the first time it happens in hopes that they are just oblivious to offensive comment they made or whatever. Second time though, I will most definitely say something.
3) Most awkward date? In high school...it was more a study date thing. This adorable blonde skater boy that just moved here from Georgia had come over to study math. My mom said we could study in my room with the door opened. Studying never happened because he sketched out pictures of Slayer album covers while I stared at him. Anywho...he was leaving and stepped in a fresh steaming pile of cat shit in my house. My mom had like 13 cats at the time and not all of them were smart enough to go in the litter box or outside. I was SOOOOO embarrassed. He either acted like he didn't even notice or he really just didn't notice. Though I don't know how that's even possible. He grabbed his skateboard and walked down my driveway and that was that. We've remained friends for years, but I will NEVER forget that evening!! oh and we have never spoke of it. ever...
4) What is the worst thing you have ever put in your mouth? these marinated garlic cloves that had hot peppers in them. just terrible!
5) Do you fall asleep quickly (lucky duck!) or does it take you a while? I used to fall asleep very easily, not so much these days.
1) There's a well-known family-owned Mexican restaurant in my city that is known far and wide. It is a destination eatery. The food is very good...not gourmet...and the margaritas are deadly. We have some real gourmet places, but everyone from all walks of life feels the need to visit this place. I can't mention it because my blog is now anonymous I'm trying not to leave any hints as to where I live. It's killing my blog traffic, by the way.
2) I WILL confront and not in a nice way. Trust me. Heads will roll.
3) Maybe my first date was the most awkward. I'm still not even sure why the guy asked me out. What I remember is the guy basically telling me that I didn't deserve to be walked to the door, though he did it anyway. Then he kissed me, but it was really more like getting a tonsillectomy topped off by a tongue bath all over my face. Then he turned on is heel and left.
4) Okra.
5) I fall asleep somewhat quickly, except for the few nights every month or so when I have raging insomnia. Sometimes it will go on for for two or three nights. I'm not a compartmentalizer and if there is anything I'm worried about at bedtime, I'm probably not going to sleep quickly or even well. I'm a world class worrier and night time really amplifies any concerns I have.