Wednesday
Sep142011
Wednesday 9...No Reason, No Motive. Just Curious.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at 7:00PM Mrs. G. 
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way?
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree?
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion?
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without?
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten?
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had?
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it?
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why?
10) Biscuits or bagels?
tagged Back Talk, Wednesdays
Back Talk, Wednesdays
Reader Comments (68)
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way?
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree?
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion?
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without?
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten.
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had?
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it?
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why?
10) Biscuits or bagels?
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way?
Do not start smoking to be cool. It took me ten years (and so many miserable false quits) to finally stop.
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree?
Don't spank children.
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
I have taught and I would want to teach the same things: writing and great books
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion?
Of late, Ben & Jerry's Red Velvet Cake
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without?
ginger beer and blonde highlights
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten.
8.5
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had?
Al Lutz of Portland, Oregon. He told us our security deposit check was in the mail (we left the house cleaner than we found it) and he never sent it. When we called him, he would hang up on us.
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it?
It was a Dixie cup of Wild Turkey which I consumed on my way in to the "Rocky Horror Show" To this day I can't drink whiskey, scotch or brown alcohol of any kind.
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why?
Hmmm...I would like to start a nonprofit that paid a decent salary.
10) Biscuits or bagels?
As if that is even a legit question--biscuits
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way?
Don't rack up credit card debt!
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree?
Legalizing marijuana
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
kindness...can I teach that??
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion?
VANILLA! You can add anything to it;-)
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without?
my housekeeper (just twice a month...but so worth the bucks!!)
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten?
9
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had?
never had a bad landlord...now room-mates, that's another story!
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it?
at a wedding, champagne, 12 years old. Got REALLY sick..stupid kid!
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why?
Law. I would love to be a judge and make some things right that aren't
10) Biscuits or bagels?
neither :-( I have celiacs.
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way? To never, EVER trust anyone over my own judgement. Even when what they're saying makes perfect logical sense. I know me better and yes I DO know what's better for me.
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree? I hold very few "beliefs" - most of what I work from as my data set that other people vehemently disagree with have been researched diligently. But people believe what they're told and won't look at actual data if it conflicts with "common sense".
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach? How to write an effective resume.
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion? Mint Chocolate Chip.
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without? Good chocolate....wait, that's neither frivolous or a luxury. That's an absolute necessity. I guess it would be nail polish, because without it I'd be a lot unhappier.
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten? 3.5. And that's up from the past couple of weeks.
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had? I haven't, really.
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it? Assuming you're not counting sips of wine and beer given to unsuspecting children, I was first served wine in a restaurant when I was 14. I looked 18+ without trying - I have one of those faces that never was young/fresh. I've always looked like an adult.
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why? I don't know. I just don't know.
10) Biscuits or bagels? Depends. Mostly biscuits these days because I grew up outside NYC and I am a complete spoiled bagel snob. And biscuits, when made slightly sweetened, are the perfect base for strawberry shortcake, which I've been craving all summer.
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way?
Most of them. I'm not too bright. But probably the most pervasive problem was I grew up as an inveterate liar. Why tell the truth when you can make crap up? I am (almost) scrupulously honest now because it's just easier. I will admit my first instinct is almost always to make something up.
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree?
Spanking. I don't believe in beating children, but I don't believe a well-timed, well-placed and well-planned pop on the butt hurts them either.
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
No idea.
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion?
Chocolate.
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without?
Cable TV. We were talking tonight about how that would be one of the "easiest" areas to cut back on. Define easy?
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten.
7
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had?
I've been pretty lucky. I've never had a truly horrible landlord. I've lived in each place I rented for several years. 12 years in one place. I did have one lady who didn't want me leaving the rent check in her mailbox because someone could take it but didn't want me knocking on her door to give it to her and "disturbing" her, but actually had it written into the wonky lease that I couldn't mail it. This was years before electronic transfers and all that so not real sure what she wanted. I just mailed it and she never kicked me out...
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it? On my front porch. My friend I filched a couple of beers from the fridge. I tasted it and thought it was nasty. To this day I still can't stand the smell of beer. I'm not a drinker anyway so it's no big loss.
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why?
I heard what nurses are making earlier today. I'd be an awful nurse, but I'd be a nurse.
10) Biscuits or bagels?
Silly questions. Biscuits.
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way? To be a hard worker and not skate by on my smarts--I got it by my early twenties.
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree? I am an atheist.
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach? I do teach something--but I'd rather be teaching English--in a culturally relevant, exciting way.
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion? Pralines n Cream.
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without? Getting my hair done (expensively and well).
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten? 8
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had? Not a bad landlord per se, but really horrendous neighbors. It's a huge reason why I bought a house when I was 25.
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it? I was 5 and fascinated by the way my stepdad and his Vietnam buddy were shooting whiskey. They let me do a shot. It was horrible.
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why? An attorney working in social justice.
10) Biscuits or bagels? Bagels!
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way?
Oh, man! I'm afraid I have chosen to learn too many lessons the hard way. But, I have to agree with Mrs. G. Unfortunately...I haven't broken the habit yet. It's been 30 years.
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree?
Can I just be vague and say I am a "bleeding heart liberal"? I know several people who disagree! sigh
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
The Golden Rule
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion?
Strawberry
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without?
Internet service
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten?
If by "right now" you mean "this minute" I will say 5. Glass half full, right?
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had?
Mrs. G, how in the world do you decide which questions to ask? Unfortunately, like last Wednesday's question about worst boss, I have to say "my current one".
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it?
In a friend's car. Boone's Farm Wine.
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why?
When I was younger I wanted to be a Physical Therapist or a 911 Operator.
10) Biscuits or bagels?
Depends on the condiments. Biscuit with gravy. Bagel with cream cheese and strawberry preserves.
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way?
There are some people you do not have to forgive.
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree?.
Drinking water is not a scam. It is hugely important to the way the cells of your body function.
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
Journaling for fun and mental health
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion?
As of today, strawberry
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without?
Wine
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten?
8
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had?
Crazy old man in Pensacola, FL
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it?
I really and truly do not remember.
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why?
I might be a nurse.
10) Biscuits or bagels?
I do love onion bagels but if I had to choose, I have to choose biscuits.
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way?- To not go in to debt with credit cards. Between those and medical bills, my husband and I nearly drowned. I wasn't thrilled about it at the time, but honestly, bankruptcy saved our lives. And our marriage.
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree?- Legalizing marijuana
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach?- Home Ec
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion?- Peanut Butter-Chocolate
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without?- Internet
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten.- About an 8
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had?- Our current one. We've lived in this house going on 8 years and she reminds us constantly that this used to be her house, yet refuses to do anything major to keep her house in proper working order, like say, repair the plumbing, the electricity or the rickety foundation. Yeah, I don't know why we're still here, either.
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it?- I think I was around 15 or so, at a friend's house for a sleepover. Her mom (!!) bought us peppermint schnapps. I was drunk and minty fresh in no time!
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why?- I would be a librarian. Surrounded by books and I could tell people to shut up if they got on my nerves.
10) Biscuits or bagels? - Biscuits, because you can't have country gravy and fried potatoes with bagels!
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way?
Don't date someone seriously if you know you would never marry him. (I wasn't dating for the halibut, I was dating to find my life mate. There was defnitely a dumb choice made out of loneliness that still haunts me.)
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree?
Just one? Okay... spanking. Of course, my youngest is now 12 and it's been quite a few years since I spanked. That phase is long over.
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
History -- there are so many great resources out there to use to make it an exciting subject.
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion?
Tie between Dulce de Leche and Pralines-n-Cream (depends how badly I want nuts)
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without?
WiFi
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten.
7.5 (It's been 3 months since Mom died, and I'm still processing that reality.)
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had?
No bad landlords but some poor choices in roommates and a couple really bad neighbors.
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it?
Besides sips of wine from parents throughout my childhood, I will never forget my first taste of beer at my uncle's wedding. I think I was about 8 years old and it kept me away from beer for many years. The first beer I enjoyed was with my high school boyfriend.
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why?
I'd still choose to be a stay-at-home-Mom.
10) Biscuits or bagels?
Bagels. (Sorry, I'm no Southerner!)
Quick comment: I didn't mention the spanking issue to start any kind of heated debate (it just came to me--I believe just as strongly that gay people should be allowed to marry), so let's keep the tone as it is currently: respectful. I've seen people tear each other apart over this issue. I have many friends who are wonderful parents who spanked their children, just a personal opinion that came to me quickly.
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way?
There are no shortcuts - to a good job, a good run or a well-made meal.
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree?
That people really can be rehabilitated - it has sparked many discussions over the dinner table.
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
English. And to high school students. Because thanks to my grade 13 English teacher, I finally got why classics are important, that poetry can move your soul, short stories can say as much as a novel and that writing is a craft that needs to be practiced daily.
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion?
Pralines and cream. (Just now my son said "Ewww" - lucky he doesn't get an opinion!)
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without?
New books - oh and good yarn. Oops - I guess that's two.....
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten.
9.5
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had?
Bob the wrestler from Hamilton, Ontario - a nice guy - but 2 inches of water in the spare bedroom did not appear to phase him. Oh and he played the "Rodeo Song" on high at all hours of the day (Google "Rodeo song lyrics" to get the full effect.)
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it?
Richmond Hill Ontario Winter Carnival circa 1972. It was lemon gin - it was not pretty.
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why?
Librarian - I work in a library - but when I see what libraries are doing, I would love to be part of the process, instead of a cog in the wheel.
10) Biscuits or bagels?
Gotta be a bagel - but it has to be a REAL bagel - not the ones from Safeway.
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way? Don't be in a hurry to get married!
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree? That religion has nothing to do with God.
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach? Can I teach tolerance??? Otherwise, grammer - I love grammer - blame it on the nuns!
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion? Any kind of Vanilla with Pralines
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without? Pedicures and Manicures
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten. Maybe a 6 or 7 - would be a 10 if my boyfriend would say the "L' word...and if I had a job!!!
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had? Don't recall the name but it was an old, poorly-kept apt complex on Northside Drive in Macon, GA.
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it? Hard to remember - if one doesn't count tastes my father gave me at home - it might be from my boyfriend's father's flask at a Jets game at Shea Stadium - I was 17 and it was an Apricot Sour. It was delicious!
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why? Attorney - I've always been fascinated by the legal world, but it would have to be social in nature, nothing corporate and boring.
10) Biscuits or bagels? Can't I have both?? Grew up in NY and LOVE bagels...but living in the South for so long I've come to adore good biscuits.
Just an additional comment. I noticed a few who would be nurses if they could start afresh. I am a nurse - became one 40 years ago because my mom pushed me into it. I've never really liked it, though have been a pretty good one over the years. Money is okay, but you don't get rich on it. The hours suck...especially working Christmas Day with children at home. Got laid off 18 months ago and still can't find a job unless I move away from my family.
Anyway, was really just thinking about the irony of having what someone else dreams of and wishing for something different...
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way? You teach people how to treat you
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree? Jesus is the way the truth the life. No one gets to the Father except through him
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach? Young mothers how the Bible tells them how to raise their children. There is an instruction book.
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion? Vanilla--homemade, great-grandma's recipe made w/whipping cream.
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without? Laptop, internet, FB--is that frivolous?
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten? 8
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had? The one who had a dog who barked all the time in spite a shock collar and the leases saying a dog couldn't even visit. We finally had to complain to the owner, her step-father. She had to take him/her to the family farm. She never forgave us and didn't renew our lease the next year. Silver lining--we bought our first house!
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it? Drive-in movie freshman in college. Rum and coke. . .I know, blerg.
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why? Maybe the same Health Information, maybe working with Jr. High girls so perhaps I could help their time at that age not be as insecure as mine was.
10) Biscuits or bagels? Bagels for breakfast for sure.
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way?
- To never stay put for a guy... Especially when you are only 17
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree?
- Peanut Butter sandwiches are best when dunked in Spaghettios
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
- How to really love - without an agenda, without judgement, without any strings attached
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion?
- Ben and Jerry's Late Night Snack - Try it! It will change your life!
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without?
- Internet
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten?
- 5
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had?
- My first one. The apartment was full of bugs and garbage when I went to move in along with a shower head and faucets full of rust. I stayed there for exactly 1 night before I begged my parents to help me move back out. (Thankfully the landlord had given me the keys without me signing the lease or giving him a rent check so I was only out the $100 deposit that he had asked for)
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it?
I was sitting with my Dad. We had a beer together.
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why?
- The same degree that I am going for now - While it took me 9 years to figure out what I want to do with life it'd be great if I would have actually been doing it by now.
10) Biscuits or bagels?
- Bagels with a ridiculous amount of cream cheese slathered on it.]
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way? Don't live beyond one's means. Sadly, I often seem to need to learn lessons twice. Ugh.
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree? You don't have to stay at home to be a good mama.
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach? Math!
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion? Ben & Jerry's Coffee Heath Bar Crunch
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without? Cafe Ladro cappucinos. A cell phone with unlimited data.
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten. 4
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had? Pinkney of Parkland, WA. Rents crappy houses to college kids that don't know how to fight back.
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it? Partying up an old logging road, as the kids do in the sticks. Cheap beer.
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why? Hmmm. Writer? High school math teacher?
10) Biscuits or bagels? Either. Both! I can make my own good biscuits though. Bagels mean a drive.
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way?
While I believe people can change, I can't change people.
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree?
State workers really can be lazy.
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
Love
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion?
Baskin Robbins: Baseball Nut (vanilla ice cream with a dark berry swirl and cashews.....it's amazing)
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without?
Coffee
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten.
10 And that is due to my choice to be content with the way things are.
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had?
Current one. She is so very lame.
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it?
Don't actually remember the very first, but sips of my dad's beer was not uncommon in my childhood. First experience at being drunk? Cold Duck (note: does NOT mix well with chocolate cake. If only I had known this at 14).
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why?
Therapist. I'm actually going to school to change my life since I feel perfectly free to reinvent my life.
10) Biscuits or bagels?
Biscuits. With butter and jam. Yes, please.
Mrs. G-- I'm in Seattle for the next several days with nothing to do. Are you available for coffee?
Elaine, I am! I work Thursday afternoon but I'm flexible other times. Email me: mrs.ggggggggggggggg@gmail.com and we can set something up.
!. When people show you who they are, believe it.
2. That all people are God's children, not just the heterosexual ones/
3. Kindness
4. One scoop maple walnut/ one scoop coffee eaten together. Sends me into a delirious coma of happiness on the rare occasion I splurge. You see, I have this little problem w/ice cream...
5. The computer
6. One, my son had to witdrawl from college due to illness and it sucks so bad for him all I want to do is cry.
7. Always had great ones. So I guess I will say my father when I lived at home. It wasn't pretty!
8. Hayride in the moonlight...Boones Farm Strawberry something or other. That wasn't pretty either!
9. Family doctor, without a doubt.
10. Udi's gluten free bagels ( almost the real thing!)
What is one lesson you learned the hard way? not to mix business and family.
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree? I also learned the hard way that spankings are not the way to go, but I'll pick something else. Right now I am in debates with many people about the fact that one can actually believe in intelligent design (God) and still believe in the basic tenents of evolution.
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach? That the story you tell yourself about an event is what drives your feelings about the event (your friend not calling doesn't make you sad. The reason you THINK she didn't call is what has you in a tither). You have control over the stories you chose to tell yourself. If you meant in a school setting it would probably be home ec. My kids home ec teacher sucked but I would throw the above little lesson in for free.
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion? I would second Ben and Jerry's Late Night Snack....for now.
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without? Well, I consider coffee a need, internet a business expense, cable is already shut off but I do like a pedicure. One little way I can do something bold with my life, like have zebra printed nails : )
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten? about a 7
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had? I've only rented on time and it was a pretty good experience.
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it? It was in my kitchen last year, red wine. I'm a little late to grow up and start having my own opinions and ideas of right and wrong.
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why? I would like to own a small book shop with an attached cafe/coffee stand. I know that independent book stores are hard to keep afloat...plus I hate the business side of a business (I already keep books for our small contracting business) but the dream still seems romantic. In a perfect world the shop would be near the coast.
10) Biscuits or bagels? huh? My last fasting glucose was 113 can we quit talking about carbs? Right now I would eat both together! but I do have a slight preference for bisuits, homemade with real butter...scones really. Scones are a biscuit aren't they?
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way?
That telling the truth is the only way to go.
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree?
Where do I start? How about socialism.
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
Philosophy
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion?
Coffee!
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without?
Perfume.
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten?
7
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had?
Haven't had one unless you count my parents in which case I'd have to say my father. I was lucky enough to buy a house back when I was young and houses were affordable.
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it?Oh heavens. I was with the man who would become my favorite husband and it was a tequila sunrise or 5.
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why?
Artist because that's what I am. And as of Friday I will be making art full-time-my day job quit me. I ran a boutique for several years and we have been liquidating. Almost there.
10) Biscuits or bagels?Bagels please.
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way?
I didn't close the basement door fully earlier this summer and woohoo! HUGE wasp colony moved in! Horrible!
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree?
I believe that people drive too damn fast and reckless and they would know what I mean if they walked or biked from time to time....
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
I got out of college and became a teacher of blind children, later a reading teacher and up until last spring, a pottery teacher. The only thing with teaching is that I want to be making, not teaching, and it feels like a distraction.
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion?
If there was chocolate with chocolate bits, cookie dough bits and peanut butter it would be perfect.
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without?
Bourbon!
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten?
Ten! Lucky me! And my mother-in-law, whom I adore, is coming to visit today from Kansas!
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had?
I scrubbed my Chicago apt head to toe, it was sooooo clean, but she did NOT give my deposit back, saying it was dirty. I think it was her game to make extra money.
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it?
Next door at Becky's house. She was BAD......... :)
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why?
Well, the one I am in, artist, but I wish I knew how to drum too!
10) Biscuits or bagels?
I don't know when I had a biscuit last, but I bought 2 dozen bagels yesterday....with everything! Garlic, onion, sesame, poppy seeds...
Tonya Lynn, you are my best pal and all, and I want to be respectful of your choices, values, opinons, and I love peanut butter, but peanut butter dipped in spaghettios sounds hurlworthy....
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way? Long Island Iced Tea may taste benign but it isn't.
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree? Does evolution count?
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach? Film History :-)
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion? Either Carnation-brand peppermint stick OR whatever brand of Pralines and cream served by the Park Service at the food place at Mt. Rushmore several years back. See - from me you get flavor and brands!
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without? Internets.
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten. Five.
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had? Never rented but once, and he was a good one.
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it? At home. Creme de menthe.
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why? Film archivist. That is actually what I started out to be, but kids and autism and homeschooling got in the way.
10) Biscuits or bagels? Biscuits. I bake a pretty good biscuit (from scratch).
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way? still learning how to wrap my head about managing money
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree? Lately? That people are inherently good and it makes more sense to look for that than be afraid of the bad aspects...
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach? I do teach. I wouldn't mind teaching teachers.
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion? Chocolate with peanut butter.
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without? Foiling my hair every few months.
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten. Sadly, about a 4
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had? We rented a house that was built in 1640 and the landlord was not happy when things started showing "wear and tear". For a 350 year old house.
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it? Somebody's sleepover party in sixth grade. Raided the bar in the basement. Yikes.
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why? Counseling
10) Biscuits or bagels? bagels. duh.
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way?
All of them; I'm a try it before I believe someone else kind of person. Actually this could be my hard lessons. I've learned a lot of hard lessons, now I've learned to consider what my loved ones advise me to do!
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree?
A lot of them have to do with my budding spirituality. It makes me a little sad actually. I believe that all religions have valid points and that there can't be just one right one. I also believe I have a guardian angel and that my chakras can be aligned. Friends and family (luckily not my husband) clam up when I talk about it. I wish they'd just discuss it with me and tell me what their beliefs are.
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
I already teach one of them--resume and cover letter writing. I volunteer to teach a class through my alma mater for that. I'd really really love to teach on the power of writing; all kinds. My long-term goal for social work is to actually open an agency that teaches community members all kinds of writing--creative, academic, business, etc. Then have visiting authors teach classes too (oh yeah, it'll also function as a writers colony).
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion?
Mexican chocolate from Poppy's ice cream here in Lees Summit. Chocolate and cinnamon together: GENIUS.
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without?
Hmmm, baths in our giant huge humongous bathtub. It's one of the reasons we bought our house.
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten.
8!
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had?
I haven't had anyone terrible, but our last landlord before we bought was nitpicky and just kind of weird.
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it?
I was at my friend Jessica's house with my (then) boyfriend who had bought over a bottle of tequila. We all took a swig from it, but a swig is all I took. It tasted TERRIBLE.
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why?
Gah, this IS my start afresh profession: social work. I had to choose between this and writing (for the short term). So if I had to choose another one I'd choose writing. Though honestly I think I'd go bonkers if writing at home was my dayjob.
10) Biscuits or bagels?
Biscuits with my mother's gravy. Bless her, she makes it for me on my birthday every year.
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way? I have learned that just because my parents gave me life didn't mean I was ever going to be their first priority.
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree? Life is NOT an emergency!
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach? I have tutored reading, and I would love to continue doing so.
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion? Java chip!
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without? Definitely internet/WiFi
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten. I'm sitting at a solid 8.
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had? The US Gov't. We lived in base housing years ago, and they never fixed ANYTHING! One day a repair guy came to my door with a work order dated 18 months prior. My husband had long before repaired the problem himself.
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it? I don't remember, but apparently I was around age two. My parents were having a lovely dinner party, and I went around emptying whiskey sours left on end tables. See question #1
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why? I would work in animal rescue.
10) Biscuits or bagels? BISCUITS!
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way? hmmm like everyone else-smoking and the credit card thing are the two biggies
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree? I can be spiritual and believe in God with out going to church.
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach? Anything to do with music
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion? Ooooohhhh!!! Humdinger's (a little spot in my hometown) homemade flavor Sticky Beach Nut--vanilla ice cream with fudgy swirl, flecks of coconut and almonds. There may be caramel in there too. I just LOVE the stuff!!!
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without? Satellite tv and internet.
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten. Probably about a 4 this morning. Just not feeling it today.
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had? His name was Leonard. Our apt. had water that leaked out of the electrical sockets, the roof leaked. If anything broke my husband had to fix it because Leonard would take 2 months to even call back. He told us we could hang pictures then when we moved out he counted each and every hole and sent us a bill to fix them. He also tried to take us to court over the pinholes from our pictures. He got nothing. But we spread his name all over town about what a terrible landlord he was and to avoid him at all costs.
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it? I was at my friend Jenn's house and it was Jack Daniels. I think was about 14 or maybe 15 yrs old. To this day I still love Jack n Cokes! Thanks alot Jenn ;)
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why? Musician because I have always loved all kinds of music and playing the piano is so relaxing and peaceful to me. I love it and wish I had a piano now that I could pound some notes out on.
10) Biscuits or bagels? I love bagels but will always choose a warm buttered biscuit with jam over a bagel any day!!
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way?
That sex and love are not the same thing.
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree?
Two major ones: 1) I do not believe a civilized society likes ours claims to be should allow capital punishment, and 2) I believe that same society should allow gay people to marry (and not just civil unions--the real deal).
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
Social studies/civics, which is funny because in high school I considered this subject dead boring. I would hope that as a good teacher, I would make it more interesting and engaging and light a fire in young people that desperately needs to be lit.
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion?
Rocky Road and Mint Chocolate Chip
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without?
Dining out. I know we do it too often but I sure do enjoy being waited on!
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten?
Oh gawd... now I'm having flashbacks to the hospital and that damned pain scale! I'm going to give my life a good 7.5 right now. It would be 9 were it not for the fact that I'm still in pain and recovering. (Hmm, is it wrong to enjoy medical leave just because I don't have to go to work?)
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had?
Never had much trouble with the apartments I rented. However, when I moved home for a while to save up a down payment to buy my first home, my dad was a complete jerk to me. So I guess he gets the honors.
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it?
Mom used to make us a Sloe Gin Fizz every New Year's Eve when we were older, probably starting around age 8. It was just a small capful of sloe gin mixed with a heaping dose of 7-Up. We felt all grown up; she liked the fact that it put us right to sleep! She also would make us a hot toddy when we were sick, tea with lemon and honey and a bit of whiskey. I'm sure some parents would be horrified by that now but we miraculously survived.
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why?
Assuming both complete freedom and adequate funding, I would like to start a nonprofit that awarded grants for worthwhile projects. You know, like you see on PBS: "This program was funded in part by the French Family Foundation..." And yes I would pay decent salaries and benefits to my employees, too.
10) Biscuits or bagels?
Scones first, bagels second
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way?
Eating does not make anything better except actual, physical hunger
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree?
All vaccines are beneficial.
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
Science, preferably biology or general
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion?
Taharka Brothers Key Lime Pie
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without?
Good chocolate
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten.
8
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had?
Grad school. When our roof leaked, he put a tarp on it. For a year.
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it?
At a VFW-hall wedding reception. I was probably 8 or 9 and it was really really bad, cheap red wine. One sip was enough to put me off drinking for a long time.
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why?
I'm happy with the many professions I've had; I would focus more on improving my people skills which would have made a difference to my happiness level.
10) Biscuits or bagels?
Onion bialy, loads of butter
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way? when a man is physically violent to you, and he says he's really sorry and it will never happen again, he is lying.
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree? I literally don't know where to start. I'm going to pick quite a topical one that's given rise to a few recent arguments: prisoners should retain their right to vote.
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach? human rights
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion? rum n raisin
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without? my iPhone
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten? 6
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had? in Tottenham (London) this guy let a house to a group of us students. It had supposedly been completely refurbished, yet when anyone took a bath or shower upstairs, water flooded through the kitchen ceiling below. He sent round a variety of his shoddy 'handymen' none of whom could fix it. It leaked for MONTHS.
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it? apart from the odd sip, the first one I recall was when I was about 12 years old and my parents gave me a glass of port.
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why? central government justice policy wonk.
10) Biscuits or bagels? On the basis that I don't think our definitions of biscuits match (to me biscuit = cookie) I'm going with bagel.
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way?
It's not OK to leave wet things around for a week. The mold smell may go, but the stains will not.
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree?
Having sex with someone of your gender is a sin.
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
literature
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion?
chocolate fudge brownie
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without?
Starbucks
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten?
10
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had?
The slumlord who ran my mom's building whileI lived with her for a while. Roaches, mice, water damage, no heat, all for dirt cheap rent in a posh suburb.
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it?
I was pretty young. My dad let us have a sip of whatever we wanted from an early age, probably 10. It demystified alcohol for me and I never felt the need to drink before I turned 21, or to drink to excess ever. I do not recommend this as a practice and I don't think I would do it with my kids.
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why?
I'd either become a teacher or go to law school.
10) Biscuits or bagels?
biscuits
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way? If your best friends don't like someone you are involved with, there is probably a reason.
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree? Around here? Inclusive language when it comes to God. And apparently the importance of keeping families together in worship. Oh, and that the poor? Aren't bad people just because they are poor. And America? Strangely enough, never mentioned in the Bible, which means we are on equal spiritual footing with ALL the other peeps.
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach? Educationally? History. Lifewise? Patience. And taking the high road.
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion? Really good coffee ice cream. Baring that, Fudge Ripple.
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without? Good Tea. And Going to a Salon for my haircut.
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten? 4. Still wrangling grief.
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had? San Diego. no, wait, the one in Virginia Beach. They had termites and accused me of lying about it. Damn things ate through my diploma!!!
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it? Wine, when I was probably in junior high at Thanksgiving. Do the martini olives that I ate growing up count?
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why? I don't know. Maybe Christian Education? Maybe becoming a Pharmacist?
10) Biscuits or bagels? Bagels for morning, biscuits with dinner.
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way?
That sex often leads to pregnancy.
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree?
That our country should require service to community for one year (or military service if preferred) for every high school graduate. It should be a standard college entrance requirement.
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
History...Howard Zinn style! ;)
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion?
Java Chip from Starbucks. Coffee ice cream with hunks of dark chocolate ZOMG.
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without?
The internet!
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten.
7 or 8. Happy, content. Not deliriously happy, but fine.
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had?
The one who let the building go into foreclosure and didn't pay the heating bill so our pipes froze, burst and flooded our apartment, creating mold and causing the building to be condemned. We were technically homeless but so fortunate to have loved ones, including coworkers, take care of us until we were in a new place. My heart breaks for people in similar situations who don't have the support system we did.
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it?
As a kid my parents allowed me to taste wine a few times but I thought it was gross. My first full drink was at some party freshman year of college. Strawberry Boone's, aw yeah.
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why?
Midwifery. I love learning about pregnancy and childbirth, even considered becoming a doula at one point. I like the idea of helping families with this experience, and providing the best care with the least damage as possible. I'd like to be one of the people showing that safety and proper care can be done in a more natural environment and manner. I can talk about that stuff 'til the cows come home. I'm not militant about it, though.
10) Biscuits or bagels?
Biscuits and gravy! I do enjoy bagels, though.
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way?
No matter hard hard I tried or how tough I was, I feel I enabled my kids too much
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree?
I'm still Catholic. There are things that can irritate me, but for the most part, certain aspects give me comfort when I need it.
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
The importance of being organized or how to clean a horribly cluttered space.
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion?
Baskin Robbins had a flavor called "Fudge Brownie"....dark, dark chocolate with a chewy hunk of fudgy brownie....delicious
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without?
My Kindle
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten?
8....will be happier when daughter and grand daughter move out, but that's because of space...also see the answer to #1
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had?
Never had one. Moved from my parents when I got married.
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it?
I was 14 or 15 and it was Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why?
Landscaping, I love to be in a garden
10) Biscuits or bagels?
Can't choose....both are wonderfully full of carbs
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way? That some people are just never going to change the way they live because they enjoy the drama too much....and as long as it doesn't effect my life, that's ok.
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree? um..many. I tend to do my research on subjects that are going on in today's society, I really try not to have a "knee jerk" reaction to things...maybe because my husbands job is in information operations in the military...I understand propaganda and how it work, so I take everything said by the media with a grain of salt and do my research...which leads to me having a very different view on things than a lot of people.
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach? History!! In depth history...we're losing so much of our past to having to be PC (oh look...there's a belief that might cause a few comments now! LOL) that in 100 years those children will know nothing of what really went on during the revolutionary war, civil war, ww1, ww2...there is so much we can learn from history...if we look at it objectively and without emotions.
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion? Chocolate peanut butter cup.
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without? Internet service.
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten? 5...but I've been sick for about a month...ask me again when I'm well :P
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had? I've never had a landlord.
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it? LOL..well..actually my mother gave me a shot of whiskey when I was 8...to break a fever I think...it was disgusting and I cannot to this day drink whiskey.
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why? Photography. I had kids, got married and followed that path...I never go to follow the photography path...I have wanted to be a photographer since I was 13 years old, that has not, or will it ever change.
10) Biscuits or bagels? Pffffffffft...bagels of course :P
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way? I am still trying to learn when to shut up.
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree? I have reluctantly come to accept that in some cases, the death penalty is warranted. Think Ted Bundy, Westley Allen Dodd, Timothy McVeigh. Lots of people close to me disagree.
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach? Something practical, hands-on and methodical. Like cooking or gardening.
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion? Vanilla. I love vanilla ice cream
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without? pedicures
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten? oh, gosh. About seven.
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had? Well, it was certainly memorable! In 1977 I was living in a kind of squat; it was an artist's loft in Soho and the owners were in Sweden. Some six people had little rooms made of partitions in the loft, and we paid our rent - $75 a month - to a guy named Roberto, who claimed to be a gypsy and worked as an off-Broadway theatrical director. After I'd lived there about two months, I came home to find an eviction notice nailed to the door. I don't know whether it was Roberto or the Swedes, but somebody wasn't sending the rent money to the owner. Roberto convinced the owner to let our little cohort stay another month to find something else, so I think the Swedes were the culprits, but who knows?
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it? I was in someone's backyard, in the summer between junior and senior year, and it was Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill.
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why? I had dreams of being an archeologist when I was young. That would be fun. Except I have had an incredibly wonderful professional life, even though I'm not in theatre anymore. If I could start afresh, I'd probably stay in my field but value it more and do a better job of it.
10) Biscuits or bagels? That's a tough choice. It's hard to find good ones in Los Angeles, for either.
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way? People will not always do the right thing.
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree? Everyone deserves health care.
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach? English. I'm always slightly shocked when I read published pieces with grammatical errors, not to mention misspelling.
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion? Coffee
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without? Cable television
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten. 3
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had? My first apartment had the circuit breakers in the bedroom. I awoke one night to blue arcs emanating from the box. After calling the fire dept. and vacating, I called my landlord and was told that every circuit box does that occasionally. Uh-huh. I started looking for a new place the next day.
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it? I drank sloe gin fizzes at my first high school party. I still can't even say sloe gin without feeling slightly nauseated.
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why? I'd be a teacher. I really wish I had majored in education instead of communications. Through the years, I feel I've had a knack with kids. As a scout leader or a classroom volunteer, I always thoroughly enjoyed working with children of all ages.
10) Biscuits or bagels? Bagels, sesame please.
Mrs. G., I really enjoy these posts. Thanks.
1) Don't wear your heart on your sleeve.
2) Tattoos are a misguided option for self-expression.
3) Writing.
4) Butter brickle.
5) GOOD coffee.
6) 7
7) A slumlord in Stevens Point--we paid THROUGH THE NOSE for heat in Wisconsin winters--there was NO insulation.
8) In a field at a beer party when I was in 9th grade--beer, but I don't know what kind.
9) I believe I'd become a librarian. (Funny--my middle son just asked me this last night!)
10) Bagels.
I love these answers today! I want to comment on several of the #2 answers but don't want to pick a fight. :) I enjoy that we can be in this space together even though we're all not just the same.
Speaking of just the same, I'm thinking that Kelley and I might be the same person. Just about.
For a long time now I've been disappointed in not having any girlfriends who live near me that I can be myself with, warts and all. I've been saying that I want friends who don't *only* live in my computer. Even so, I'm very glad you all live in my computer, and are honest about the ups and downs of your lives. This space gives me comfort.
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way? Every week or so I relearn why it's a bad idea to procrastinate. Shoot.
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree? Trying to think of something apolitical here... cereal should have just enough milk that all the cereal is wet but there's very little milk left over to drink by itself once the cereal is gone.
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach? Teach senior citizens how to use a computer, or to begin on a more basic level, how not to be afraid and suspicious of ATMs. :) (I'm remembering my sweet grandma here)
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion? tie between B&J's Coffee, Coffee, Buzz! Buzz! Buzz! and the local popsicle shop's Mexican Chocolate popsicle.
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without? eating out
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten. 6.5
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had? no bad ones.
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it? freshman year of college, screwdriver.
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why? Library conservation. I've always loved the idea of restoring treasures.
10) Biscuits or bagels? oh for sure biscuits. There's a place near us that does sweet potato biscuits with brown sugar on top and hot ham and melted cheese inside. Pausing to think about them.........
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way?
My husband's family is not like my family.
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree?
Patriarchy is one of the most pernicious forces in society.
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
Organization. I seem to have a knack for understanding what works for people.
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion?
Cappuccino made by a local company.
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without?
My iPad. I am addicted to the ability to find information.
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten.
9+. I'd go higher but I don't want to jinx it.
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had?
Just a few odd ducks, but no real stinkers.
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it?
At home as a teenager; wine.
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why?
Librarian. See above re: organization and information.
10) Biscuits or bagels?
Oh my GOD, biscuits!
Ashley, in a parallel universe we're BFFs! I love Wednesdays around here becuase it's so interesting to read everyone's answers. Thanks, Mrs. G!
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way? That I should have focused more on my college education instead of my then budding new-found social life ....I would most definately be in a different career.
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree? That men and women can be JUST friends. I know, I know....according to the movie "When Harry Met Sally" a man and a woman can never be friends because the sex thing always gets in the way.
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach? Music...I would like to give voice lessons....singing is my one talent
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion? Blue Bell Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without? my i-phone
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten. I'm a 4...fighting off some depressing thoughts right now. Feeling alone, empty and overlooked.
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had? I have never had a landlord...went from my parents house to my husbands house...never lived on my own.
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it? At my brothers house when I was 15-Drank a Bartles and James Blush Wine Cooler....mmmm!
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why? See answer #3...or I would have liked to have married for money and not have to work! HA HA!
10) Biscuits or bagels? Biscuits....with sausage gravy of course!!!
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way?
Keeping my mouth shut - in some situations your words can be twisted. Be diplomatic at ALL times, unless among absolutely trustworthy friends.
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree?
It's OK to remove your kid (or yourself, for that matter) from a difficult situation, in specific, bullying. Leaving them there will not "toughen them up". I think walking away shows a certain aspect of strength as well. Why stay when options exist to go elsewhere? Not a popular opinion with many of my "toughen them up - life just gets harder" acquaintances. Yeah, so, fire burns. Do I hold the kid's hand in the flame, then? "Toughen up! Soon all the nerves will be dead & you won't feel a thing!" Ha.
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
Art with a bunch of happy pre-teens & teens. Preferably homeschooled. Heaven!
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion? Easy. Black Forest - the one with the marshmallow cream & lots of maraschino cherries.
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without? Can I say "books"? Or maybe long, hot showers. Really long, till the tank runs cold long.
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten? Maybe 8.5 ish. Things pretty good.
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had? One that intercepted me on the way down the stairs to my dumpy basement suite one night and propositioned me very persistently. Luckily I deflected him & he took it reasonably well. Told my boyfriend (now husband) and he walked me home every night until I moved out - which was very soon after!
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it? Hmmm...sips of beer when I took my dad his afternoon coffee break beer & sandwich. Quite liked it. But I never did really ever take to alcohol - very occasional, very light social drinker.
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why? I would love to own a used book store. AND a printing press to reprint out-of-print books that I deem worthy of preservation.
10) Biscuits or bagels? Biscuits, hot out of the oven with way too much butter.
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way? Look out for your own needs first.
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree? "I decided to accept as true, my own thinking." -- Georgia O'Keefe
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach? Advocacy.
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion? Rocky Road
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without? Expensive conditioner.
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten?
Okay, so, I need to use a disclaimer here: I believe that happiness is a high, kind of like the fact that depression is a low. You have to *come down* from happiness, or climb up from depression. I aim for the beautiful middle where I am fully content.
To answer your question though, on a happiness scale, I'm around FOUR. But, on a fully-content-with-life-scale, I'm around NINE.
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had? Verlyn Braun.
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it? At home, about 14... my mom wanted me to experience my first drunk in a safe place. She bought me one of those huge cans of beer. My second drink was shots of tequila at a bar with her, age 16. (To finish this story, she smoked weed with me on a regular basis starting at age five and did cocaine with me at age 17, which I went to rehab for at age 19.) Oops, can of worms!!
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why? Unjobbing.
10) Biscuits or bagels? Neither as I am not big on breads. An omelet?
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way?
Bad people end to "win" a lot of the time.
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree?
The complete separation of church and state - that would resolve so many problems, including gay marriage, issues in education, climate change and so many of the other "us vs. them" stuff in this country.
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
What good customer service really is and how to deliver it.
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion?
Baskin & Robbins Pistachio Almond.
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without?
Pedicures.
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten?
Six and rising.
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had?
I guess I have been lucky - none so far. I even had one who didn't charge me when my roommate pocketed my portion of the rent and didn't pay him!
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it?
My parents were having a BBQ party in the backyard and I begged my dad to let me try beer from the keg he was setting up. I was around 10 years old and that was the worst thing I had ever tasted. Still don't like beer, though.
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why?
I actually have my law degree and I would take the bar exam and practice law in an area related to social justice.
10) Biscuits or bagels?
A really good biscuit is special, but I do love whole wheat stuff and I am not sure biscuits can be made that way?
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way?
It's okay to let friends go. Some relationships are just toxic. You don't have to maintain them to just be nice.
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree?
Many, but especially that gay marriage should be legal. Love is love.
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
Junior high science. Science education in this country is so abysmal.
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion?
Chocolate chip.
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without?
My DVR? Does that count?
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten?
7
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had?
Hmmm, never had a bad landlord.
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it?
A beer at a house party when I was 16. It was the worst thing I'd ever tasted. Then again, it was a Miller Light. Not a good way to start out.
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why?
I don't know. I've been too disillusioned by what I wanted and I enjoy where I ended up (museums).
10) Biscuits or bagels?
Psh. Biscuits. Duh.
1) What is one lesson you learned the hard way?
You can't prepare for everything - life happens and sometimes you are off in a direction unplanned.
2) What's a belief you hold with which several people disagree?
Personal responsibility. I don't go for the " eating twinkies made me do it" defense or the "but they didn't know what they were signing" excuse.
3) If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
I hate teaching things. My grown kids say it was a good thing they learned to tie shoes before velcro was on everything. Otherwise they claim I would have shown them once and said "There! Got it? No? Too bad!" I'm sure I wasn't THAT bad, LOL!
4) Best flavor of ice cream in your considered opinion?
Believe it or not, Vanilla. And only very good ice cream.
5) What is one frivolous luxury you would rather not live without?
Good coffee. We do have it at home not out - but it has to be PEETS! I even take it with me when traveling.
6) Your happiness right now on a scale from one (lowest) to ten?
9
7) Who is the worst landlord you ever had?
Only rented twice and for very short times and don't have any bad landlord stories.
8) Where were you when you had your first alcoholic drink? What was it?
Wine at a fairly early age, at home with parents. Martini (which was considered alcohol in our house) only after I married.
9) If given a complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why?
The same one I chose this time - something in health care.
10) Biscuits or bagels?
Bagels for breakfast, biscuits with certain dinners.