Memery

Owing to my current lack of blog material I have borrowed this meme from Dave.

1) My mother once: walked around for two days with every bone in her wrist broken. She didn’t go to the doctor because she thought she’d just sprained it.

2) Never in my life: will I believe a politician.

3) When I was five: I had my whole life ahead of me.

4) High school was: something I was glad to see the end of.

5) I will never forget: I have a terrible memory, best I don’t commit to anything here.

6) I once met: Keanu Reeves. Sigh.

7) There's this person I know who: makes me laugh. Always.

8) Once, at a bar: I got a bit drunk. Ok, more than once. And more than a bit.

9) By noon I'm usually: halfway through my working day.

10) Last night I: fell asleep in front of the TV.

11) If only I had: more confidence.

12) Next time I go to church/temple: the priest will be surprised.

13) Terri Schiavo: sounds like an Italian name.

14) I like: being happy.

15) When I turn my head left, I see: the movie the children are watching (‘Up’);

16) When I turn my head right, I see: 3 candles and a coffee cup.

17) You know I'm lying when: what I say is totally unbelievable.

18) In junior school: I had a genuine, burn your bra, feminist, lesbian teacher and she was the greatest teacher I ever had.

19) If I was a character written by Shakespeare: lots of people wouldn’t understand a word I said.

20) By this time next year I: want to be running my business from home again.

21) A better name for me would be: Mildred. No, not really.

22) I have a hard time understanding: the crap that goes on in the world.

23) If I ever go back to school, I'll: need a bigger uniform.

24) You know I like you if: I talk to you.

25) If I won an award, the first person I'd thank would be: the person handing it to me I guess.

26) I hope that: things get better soon.

27) Take my advice: follow your bliss. Well, it’s Joseph Campbell’s advice actually. I’m just passing it on.

28) My ideal breakfast is: crepes with lemon and sugar.

29) A song I love but do not have is: is probably one I haven’t heard yet.

30) If you visit my hometown, I suggest: you have a good look around. It’s a very historical place.

31) Tulips, character flaws, microchips and track stars: are very pretty, are not so pretty, are fantastic, I don’t care for.

32) Why won't anyone: take me to Paris this weekend?

33) If you spend the night at my house: don’t expect too much.

34) I'd stop my wedding: for lots of things, it’s only a wedding after all.

35) The world could do without: the global financial crisis.

36) I'd rather lick the belly of a roach than: the belly of a spider.

37) My favourite thing is: my iPhone (at the moment – that will change – I’m fickle).

38) Paper clips are more useful than: politicians.

39) And by the way: you’ve wasted a bit of time reading this, did you realise?

40) The last time I was (really) drunk: was 3 years ago. It was a mistake and I regret it because I was ill for days.

41) My grandmother always: loved me.

Stolen mements

Today is a slow news day at my place, just a lot of faffing around really. So I broke into Dave's blog while he was asleep and stole this meme.

1. What was the first car you drove (legally)? The first car I drove (as a learner) was a boyfriend's Honda Civic. The first car I owned, immediately after passing my driving test, was a red Renault 5 which I named Rasputin. I loved that car.

2. How many colours has your hair been? It was quite fair when I was a child, it got darker and is naturally dark brown. I've tried various colours, blonde, blonde highlights, dark with plummy highlights and so on. Now it is just dark brown.

3. Have you ever been fired? No. I have had to fire other people though. That's not pleasant.

4. What do you sing in the shower? I don't, I sing in the car a lot though.

5. If you could be any celebrity, who would you be? I wouldn't want to be any celebrity, they're prats.

6. Who was your favourite teacher and why? My grade 5 teacher, Miss Holden. She was a left wing, feminist, hippy (although I didn't realise it at the time). She taught us about current affairs and politics and women's rights - I don't know if she was supposed to, but I thought she was fantastic. She's probably responsible for my left wing hippy views today.

7. If you had a nickname, what is it, if not, what would you like it to be? Don't have one, some people call me Caity which I tolerate but no, no nicknames. I have no desire for a nickname.

8. What would the title to the movie about your life be? They're making a movie about my life? OMG, really? What's it called? Oh. That was cruel...I'm not playing anymore.

Feel free to do this meme I'm quite sure Dave and whoever he nicked it from won't mind.

Oops, Dave just pointed out that I missed half the meme...silly me...here's the rest....

9. If we say we are here to help others, then what are others here for? I dunno...to wash the dishes?

10. Who was your first crush? I have no idea, perhaps I could just make it up.

11. Do you believe in karma? Hmmm, not sure...kind of....that doesn't really answer the question does it?

12. What are the best and worst inventions, in your opinion? The internet is the best (my rice maker comes a close second) and those automatic, recorded, phone answering thingies you get whenever you ring any organisation these days are the worst...by far.

13. What is the worst physical injury youʼve ever had? I tore a disk in my back once. That hurt. I;'ve had a broken wrist and collar bone, they both hurt too.

14. Who is your favourite Batman? Do you mean my favourite actor who plays Batman? I don't know because I'm not a fan of Batman although I have seen the two most recent ones (Batman Begins and Dark knight) and that guy playing Batman seems ok to me.

15. What is your very earliest memory? About 2, standing at the window waving my parents off as they went away leaving me with my Gran. As much as I loved my Gran and desperately wanted to stay with her, I recall feeling totally abandoned as my parents disappeared into the distance. I think it was the first time I'd been left overnight without them.

16. Is there any animal/creature that creeps you out? Cybermen. Daleks are scary too but Cybermen win.

Bloody hell...I missed another TWO...what is wrong with me??? Here they are....

17. Which is the place that youʼve never been that you'd most like to visit? Oooh, so many! Top of the list....Norway and Turkey.

18. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? When I was very young I had a ladybird book about jobs and there was a page in it about being a 'kennel maid'. I loved dogs even then and my childish heart soared at the idea of a job looking after dogs all day.

Ok, I hope that's finally it...this has turned into the meme from hell...or the meme that won't go away...or the meminator...or something.

2008 - A reflection

40 questions about 2008

Summing up 2008 with a meme...how original. This one was quite good, it made me think a bit, I'm trying to think because I want a better year than last.

Also, a warning...foul language alert.

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
   • Took TWO children to school - I have TWO at school...can you believe it?
     
   • NaBloPoMo
   • A few business related things
     
2. Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
   I don't make them...at all...ever.
   
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
   Yes, a close friend had a little girl, Mia.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
   My gran, on 16 December.
   
5. What countries did you visit?
   None. Unfortunately.
   
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
   An income from my business.
   
7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory?
   
   • 16 December (see number 4)
     
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
   Graduating.
9. What was your biggest failure?
   There is no such thing as failure, only feedback (ha!) and I got some feedback that I'm crap at marketing my business.
   
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
    Apart from a hideous flu I have been ok.
    
11. What was the best thing you bought?
    My rice maker (sad but true).
    
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
    Mu daughters, they are sweet and loving and honest and clever. I'm very proud of them. Also Kevin Rudd but only for this.
    
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
    Politicians. All of them except this one. They're (almost) all bastards.
    
14. Where did most of your money go?
    What money?
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
    Umm...not much...I'm not one for getting really, really, really excited...seems extreme. I was 'quite pleased' about a number of things.
    
16. What song/album will always remind you of 2008?
    I listen to this a lot...it pleases me greatly. Not that version though.
    
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
    
    1. Happier or sadder? Sadder
       
    2. Thinner or fatter? Well that's a bit rude...especially post Christmas.
       
    3. Richer or poorer? Richer from lessons learned, financially not so much...
       
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
    Taking action
    
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
    Stressing out.
    
20. How will you be spending Christmas? I've covered this already here and here.
    
21. Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
    I rarely use the phone, I spend ridiculous amounts of time on the computer having email conversations with my sisters. I like doing that.
    
22. Did you fall in love in 2008?
    Of course. What is life without falling in love a little bit?
    
23. How many one night stands in this last year?
    Good God, you must be joking. Apart from the fact I am happily married, who could be bothered? Really.
    
24. What was your favourite TV programme?
    Midsomer and Dr Who. I love them equally. And Documentaries about history and archeology.
    
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
    Ooh, that's a bit strong isn't it? Hate is such an ugly word (I do use it though). I prefer intensely dislike and I intensely dislike pretty much the same people as this time last year. All politicians funnily enough.
    
26. What was the best book(s) you read?
    So many! Too many to mention here but there is one that I read, then a month later read again and that was 'Eat, Pray, Love' by Elizabeth Gilbert. Wonderful book.
    
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
    Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu
    
28. What did you want and get?
    God, this is taking ages....ummm, let me see....can't think of anything - apart from my ricemaker.
    
29. What did you want and not get?
    Business success.
    
30. What were your favourite films of this year?
    Didn't have a favourite last year.
    
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
    I turned 21 and had dinner with Tom and the girls.
    
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
    Getting my shit together in my business and actually making it work.
    
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
    A bag lady in yoga pants.
    
34. What kept you sane?
    Chocolate and cuddling my girls.
    
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
    David Tennant - without a doubt.
    
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
    Where to start...all of it...politicians are arseholes and they're f%#king it all up. Everything.
    
37. Who did you miss?
    My Mum and Dad.
    
38. Who was the best new person you met?
    All of my newest blog friends.
    
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
    Ideas are useless without action.
    
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year?'Falling slowly' -not the whole song you understand, just that lyric. I feel like I spent a large part of the year falling very slowly.
    

Christmas meme

Describe what goes on for you and your house and your family for Christmas:

My typical Christmas morning it depends where we are, but if we are at home, the children wake and make a lot of excited noise. We come through and make coffee for Tom and I and hot chocolate for the girls. The present opening commences with lots of happiness and the taking of many photos. When that is finished we clean up all the paper and make a special breakfast - I like Kedgeree on Christmas morning but we vary it. We then eat and relax and enthuse about our gifts. If we are at someone else's house (my in-laws or my sister's) it's similar but with more people and less kedgeree.

The best thing about Christmas is the girls' faces when they see the tree surrounded by presents on Christmas morning...I know it's a cliche but really, that is it for me...their happy little faces.

The worst thing I have already told you about

My Gift-giving philosophy is to try to give something that will give the recipient pleasure and is something they wouldn't buy themselves. I don't like giving 'useful' presents. It should be a little bit of luxury.

Shopping destinations - I love to shop online, if I can't I cry a little then go to the 'big shops'.

Budget - Yes, we have one and usually try to stay within it...give or take.

Receiving gifts is a bit of a chore. I have a husband who DOES believe in useful gifts...that's why I get things like casserole dishes and cheese graters. I have to be careful mentioning something I want during the year because he stores that information and tries to please me by presenting it to me on Christmas morning when I try to look pleased and sound grateful. So while everyone else is reading a new book and listening to a new CD I am grating cheese. Note: it was a very fancy and expensive grater...but still a grater.

Decorations are minimal. A tree, a table centre, a beautiful red velvet Mage.

Theme - No, my Mum did themes, it seems like too much work for me.

The tree is small but with lots of lights - I like lots of lights (clear ones though they must be clear, not coloured) . It has a mix of old and new decorations (some from when I was a child) and some decorations the girls have made. It's very pretty.

My decorating wish is a bigger tree.

The menu - We'll be at the beach house for present opening so perhaps kedgeree for breakfast? Lunch is at my in-laws farm, my MIL always over-caters so there will be ridiculous amounts of food - always the traditional Christmas fare.

The vibe - depends who you are, children are excited, some adults are exhausted, others are...ahem..merry. Me? I don't have a vibe.

Your best timesaver tips - Keep it simple - one dessert is enough (ok, maybe two).

The wow factor is not getting a cheese grater.

Preparing for guests is someone elses job because this year WE are the guests.

On the day after Christmas I'll be...hiding at the beach house, probably gazing woefully at a new Dustbuster and generally just glad it's over. I'll also be looking forward to coming home.

I stole a meme...

....from Blackbird

Things you've already done: bold

Things you want to do: italicize

Things you haven't done and don't want to - leave in plain font



1. Started your own blog. Two in fact.

2.. Slept under the stars. Yes, but it's not one of my favourite things to do.

3. Played in a band - or musical. I use to play Celtic harp...but not in a band or musical.

4. Visited Hawaii. It's not on my list.

5. Watched a meteor shower. Yes.

6. Given more than you can afford to charity. All the time.

7. Been to Disneyland/world. Not my thing.

8. Climbed a mountain. Yes, well walked up a mountain actually...and not a very big one but still a mountain.

9. Held a praying mantis. Good God in heaven NOOOOOOO!!!

10. Sang a solo (in the shower). Probably.

11. Bungee jumped. That's a definite NO.

12. Visited Paris.

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea. From the shore? Does that count? If so, yes.

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch. I'm an impatient person, I can't wait to take the course so I teach myself just about everything.

15. Adopted a child. No

16. Had food poisoning. Yes, yucky.

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty. No. I would like to get to the top but I don't want to WALK, isn't there a lift?

18. Grown your own vegetables. Yes, with varying success.

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France. Yes, several times.

20. Slept on an overnight train. Yes, a few times, never the Orient Express though.

21. Had a pillow fight.

22. Hitchhiked.

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill. Well of course I have, it's called a 'mental health day'.

24. Built a snow fort. Snow MEN, snow ANIMALS even a snow WOMAN once...but never a snow FORT..why a fort...boring.

25. Held a lamb. Lots.

26. Gone skinny dipping. Getting a bit personal now.

27. Run a Marathon. Oh Puh-lease....

28. Ridden a Gondola in Venice.

29. Seen a total eclipse.

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset.

31. Hit a home run. What is that?

32. Been on a cruise.

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person.

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors. I was born in the birthplace of my ancestors.

35. Seen an Amish community. No, but sometimes during a power cut I pretend I'm Amish.

36. Taught yourself a new language. I have 'taught myself' a little of a couple of languages, never the whole thing (I went to University for that) so I have only put half of it in bold.

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied. I'm not sure what this means? Satisfied with what? I've been satisfied when having very little money and dissatisfied when having more money.

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person.

39. Gone rock climbing. I use to regularly climb.

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David.

41. Sung karaoke. Um...no, I'm really not a Karaoke kind of girl.

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt. No, but a colleague of mine regularly did a good impression of it.

43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant. I've given a stranger money to buy a meal.

44. Visited Africa.

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight.

46. Been transported in an ambulance. I only had a broken collarbone for goodness sake, I didn't need an ambulance!

47. Had your portrait painted.

48. Gone deep sea fishing.

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person.

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Quite a lot about Paris in this meme.

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling. Snorkeling once with Tom and I was so terrified and freaked out it was a disaster.

52. Kissed in the rain.

53. Played in the mud. Does gardening count?

54. Gone to a drive-in theater. Yes, not a fan.

55. Been in a movie. I was in Gone with the Wind. (how honest do I need to be here?)

56. Visited the Great Wall of China.

57. Started a business. Alas, yes.

58. Taken a martial arts class. I'd quite like to learn a martial art.

59. Visited Russia. Oh yes please!.

60. Served at a soup kitchen. Not yet.

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies.

62. Gone whale watching.

63. Gotten flowers for no reason.

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma. No, they won't take mine.

65. Gone sky diving. I have absolutely no desire to do this. EVER. NOT EVER, do you hear me?

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp. No. I won't be either.

67. Bounced a check. Oops, it was an accident...honest!

68. Flown in a helicopter. Loved it.

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy. Yes, I still my koala...Simon is his name.

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial.

71. Eaten Caviar.

72. Pieced a quilt.

73. Stood in Times Square.

74. Toured the Everglades.

75. Been fired from a job. Not yet, but I'm thinking about firing myself from my business - I'm crap.

76. Seen the changing of the guard in London. Very nice.

77. Broken a bone. Wrist and collarbone.

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle. Once, that was enough.

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person.

80. Published a book. Only an e-book. I've had a couple of short stories and several articles published.

81. Visited the Vatican.

82. Bought a brand new car.

83. Walked in Jerusalem.

84. Had your picture in the newspaper.

85. Read the entire Bible. I've read lots of bits of it though.

86. Visited the White House.

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating.

88. Had chickenpox. Very badly when I was 15...I have the scars to prove it.

89. Saved someone’s life. I haven't, but it's not italicised because really, is that something you'd WANT to do? I'd rather not be in that situation but if I ever am I shall make every attempt to save the life in question.

90. Sat on a jury. I did get called for jury duty but didn't have to sit on the jury in the end. Yay!

91. Met someone famous.

92. Joined a book club. I don't like being told what to read.

93. Lost a loved one.

94. Had a baby. Two of them.

95. Seen the Alamo in person.

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake. Not THE great salt lake, but A great salt lake.

97. Been involved in a law suit.

98. Owned a cell phone.

99. Been stung by a bee.

I wonder why there are only 99? Why not just add another and make it a nice round 100?

I stole this meme so if you need something to blog feel free to steal it from me.

Googling my life

This has been going around the blogs and because I love picture/photo/image memes so much I just couldn't resist doing it.

You have to answer the questions below, do a Google Image search with your answer, take a picture from the first page of results and do it with minimal words of explanation.

Googling your life:

My age next birthday

Place I would like to travel to

My favorite place

My favorite food

My favorite pet...it only asks for one but I like them both

Favorite color combination

Favorite piece of clothing...two again, the trousers and the dress....I just can't stick to the rules.

My favorite movie...it would be impossible to just choose one....

Town in which I live

First job I had

Dream job

A bad habit you have, it's only 'bad' because it's become more of an addiction than a habit...

Worst fear...there are two things in life that terrify me....this.....

and these.......

Something you want to do before you die....yes, I know it's naff and a cliché but I want to do it anyway....

Well that seemed like a good idea and a fun meme but it was actually a major kerfuffle what with all the image uploading then trying to format blogger......took bloody ages.

A meme of sorts

It's a public holiday here so busy doing some more of the jobs mentioned yesterday. So, a meme ....from Blackbird.

Outside my window my neighbour is fixing his fence....in a gale.

Daily rhythm: Up, coffee, cuddling children while we have morning drinks, then whatever the day brings.

I am thankful for too many things to list.

In the kitchen there is a 'to do' list...with quite a few things crossed off! But some still to do.

Breakfast - Toast with marmalade.

Lunch - Soup - homemade vegetable broth.

Supper - Ummm, haven't decided yet - it's only midday after all.

I am wearing - Functional work clothes (remember that 'to do' list? Not all done yet).

I am feeling positive and content today.

Bringing beauty to my home by making things...sewing various soft furnishings. I'm enjoying that.

I am reading Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrel....God it's long. Good. But long.

I am hoping that the rest of the year is better than it has been up until now (have to say, haven't had a fantastic 2008).

Making plans for the future - 2009 in particular. Good plans.

Some nonsense about food

So here we have a 'little' quiz about stuff we've eaten. Feel free to join in if you'd like to, here's what you do......

1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.

2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten.

3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating. (I can't be bothered with all the HTML in crossing out so I'll just put a little * if I'd never eat it).

4) Optional extra: Post a comment here at http://www.verygoodtaste.co.uk/ linking to your results.

The VGT Omnivore’s Hundred (remember I'm not a meat eater any more but many of these things I've eaten in the past):

1. Venison - No. For reasons entirely my own deer are sacred to me and I would never eat venison.

2. Nettle tea - Yep.

3. Huevos rancheros - I'm not a huge fan of Mexican food, so no.

4. Steak tartare - yes.

5. Crocodile - I have indeed.

6. Black pudding - OMG, yes! YUM!!! I miss it so.

7. Cheese fondue - Yes, I don't see what all the fuss is about. I find it a bit soggy and icky.

8. Carp - Yeah. Meh.

9. Borscht - Yes, I love it.

10. Baba ghanoush - I loathe aubergine.

11. Calamari - Delicious if it's cooked properly.

12. Pho* - No, it's a bit fatty for my taste

13. PB&J sandwich - Of course!

14. Aloo gobi - Indian food is one of my favourites and we are fortunate to live within walking distance of a great Indian restaurant and a short drive from the most fantastic Indian restaurant outside India. So yes, I've eaten aloo gobi

15. Hot dog from a street cart - Not from a street cart, no. I have had hot dogs though and liked them despite the fact I know they're made from arses and eyeballs.

16. Epoisses* - Boozy cheese, what a joy - but sadly, too stinky.

17. Black truffle - Oh yes I have and I want to try the Tasmanian ones.

18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes - Yes, with varying enjoyment.

19. Steamed pork buns* - Not a fan of pig meat of any kind really.

20. Pistachio ice cream - Yes.

21. Heirloom tomatoes - God yes, the best tomatoes EVER!

22. Fresh wild berries - Hasn't everyone?

23. Foie gras - Look, I have tried it (I spent a lot of time in France a few years back) but I'm not proud of the fact, I kind of object. I'll never eat it again.

24. Rice and beans - Not this kind no, but I'm willing.

25. Brawn or head cheese - Well yes, I'm Scottish, we eat stuff like this. What can I say?

26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper* - Despite loving Indian food I don't like too much heat and I really don't eat chilli.

27. Dulce de leche - No, but it's sweet so I'd like it.

28. Oysters - Yes, I like oysters.

29. Baklava - Yes - sweet again.

30. Bagna cauda - Not yet.

31. Wasabi peas - Here's a thing....I don't like (spicy) hot food but I do love horseradish, I haven't had wasabi peas but I do eat wasabi and I would eat these.

32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl - Sadly no, but I'd like to (except for the whole being a vegetarian thing).

33. Salted lassi - I love lassi, but don't think I've had salted.

34. Sauerkraut - yes, very nice.

35. Root beer float - Not root beer, no.

36. Cognac with a fat cigar - I've had cognac with a slim cigar - does that count?

37. Clotted cream tea - OH YES!!! But not for a long time - sob - homesick again.

38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O - I really must make this.

39. Gumbo - Probably not the genuine one, but a variation.

40. Oxtail - Soup only, but yes.

41. Curried goat - Yes, goat is very good - I prefer it to lamb, at least I would if I ate meat.

42. Whole insects* - You know, greedy as I am even I draw the line here.

43. Phaal* - Too hot for me.

44. Goat’s milk - Yes.

45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more - Absolutely.

46. Fugu* - No, this frightens me.

47. Chicken tikka masala - YUM!

48. Eel* - I just can't.

49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut - Yes (thanks Shaun).

50. Sea urchin* - No. Can't.

51. Prickly pear* - Never had the opportunity and not sure I care.

52. Umeboshi - These are the strangest little things, I've had them a couple of times and also tried them during pregnancy because someone told me they were good for morning sickness. A Japanese student of mine used to snack on them all the time. Salty and weird but not revolting. Oh and they did nothing for my morning sickness.

53. Abalone - Yes, Tom went snorkelling one morning when we were at the beach house and he brought me one back (probably illegally). He cooked it up that night in butter and garlic. It was ok. Not unpleasant but once again I don't really see what all the fuss is about.

54. Paneer - Yes, I like this.

55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal - Oh the shame. Yes, yes I have. Crap food, crap company.

56. Spaetzle - No, I haven't had spaetzle yet.

57. Dirty gin martini - Martini yes, dirty gin martini - I don't think so. Is it better?

58. Beer above 8% ABV - I do believe I have, I recall Tom bringing home a beer and making a great noise over the percentage - it meant nothing to me but the fact I can't remember it may be telling.

59. Poutine - No, I certainly did the chips and gravy in my younger days - usually in the high street at about 3am - but I'm not sure this is appealing to me.

60. Carob chips - Carob - pshaw!!

61. S’mores - No, I hear they're good though.

62. Sweetbreads* - Funny....I don't really fancy these.

63. Kaolin - No, but as a child I used to chew the pink stuff off the heads of matches. I knew I wasn't supposed to because I would hide and do it. I don't think it was related to any strange eating disorder like pica or geophagy I just liked the taste. I don't do it anymore.

64. Currywurst* - Pork again, no.

65. Durian - Nope, never tried it.

66. Frogs’ legs - Yes, many times. Very good they are too.

67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake - Beignets, in France, yes I have.

68. Haggis - Well duh.

69. Fried plantain - No, but I will.

70. Chitterlings, or andouillette* - One word. Pig.

71. Gazpacho - Love it.

72. Caviar and blini - Yes.

73. Louche absinthe - Unfortunately not. And as the modern versions have reduced hallucinogenic qualities I won't bother. But if they ever bring back the thujone.......

74. Gjetost, or brunost - No I haven't tried this.

75. Roadkill* - I'd have to be pretty hungry.

76. Baijiu - No. It sounds.....interesting.

77. Hostess Fruit Pie - Fruit pies....many, Hostess? No.

78. Snail - Yes. Not keen, can't get the snailiness out of my head.

79. Lapsang souchong - Yes. Not a favourite though.

80. Bellini - Now you're talking.

81. Tom yum - Yep.

82. Eggs Benedict - Love these.

83. Pocky - You know I have had these....Japanese student again.

84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant. - Not a degustation no.

85. Kobe beef - No.

86. Hare - No. In Celtic mythology hares represent the Goddess. Eating them just seems wrong.

87. Goulash - Sure.

88. Flowers - Yes.

89. Horse - No.

90. Criollo chocolate - So much chocolate, so little time.

91. Spam - It's been a long time but yes. Again with the arses and eyeballs.

92. Soft shell crab - Not soft shell no.

93. Rose harissa* - No. Hot. Yikes!

94. Catfish* - No. Too whiskery.

95. Mole poblano - Guacamole but no others.

96. Bagel and lox - Yup! Yum!

97. Lobster Thermidor - Yes.

98. Polenta - Yes, we have this occasionally. I'm indifferent to polenta.

99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee - Oooooh yes. I love coffee nearly as much as chocolate especially this one.

100. Snake - I haven't. But for some reason given the choice between snake and eel I'd rather eat snake. I don't know why.

Well now you know some more stuff about me. Fascinating and enigmatic aren't I?

Restraint

A challenge to answer each question in one word.....can I do it?

1. Where is your mobile phone? sofa

2. Your significant other? work

3. Your hair? fine

4. Your daughter? two

5. Your son? none

6. Your favorite thing? them

7. Your dream last night? strange

8. Your favorite drink? wine

9. Your goal? tranquility

10. The room you’re in? office

11. Your church? willows

12. Your fear? loss

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? UK

14. Where were you last night? home

15. What you’re not? finished

16. Muffins? lemon

17. One of your wish list items? puppy

18. Where you grew up? haven't

19. The last thing you did? eat

20. What are you wearing? toga

21. Your TV? silent

22. Your pets? warm

23. Your computer? temperamental

24. Your life? busy

25. Your mood? reflective

26. Missing someone? sisters

27. Your car? reliable

28. Something you’re not wearing? bikini

29. Favorite shop? market

30. Your summer? HOT!

31. Love someone? yes

32. Your favorite color? blue

33. Last time you laughed? today

34. Last time you cried? recently

35. Who will repost this? friends

Well I wasn't sure about 'UK' but I'm making a rule that acronyms are one word. Oh and I'm not wearing a toga, it's winter here, there were too many clothes to list.

Ok, your turn.

Warning - sarcasm, curse words and insults

This week I received an email meme. This one was so bewildering I wasn't sure exactly what it was trying to achieve so I thought to myself 'anything this pointless belongs on my blog'. Also, it seemed preferable to put it on the blog rather than do the whole email thing (although I did send it to the person who sent to me - it's called pay back).

However in most cases it just seems rude to force this on anyone. I figure if you're here you may want to read the blog. If there's something you don't like on the blog you click away - I call this 'having a choice'. However if I land in your inbox with my inane ramblings it's just a bit.....forward and pushy. So it's here, if you want to read it go for it, otherwise tune in later for something less sarcastic and self indulgent (actually I can't promise that anything I write will be less sarcastic and self indulgent, sorry about that).

Warning there is some bad language, I am trying not to curse on the blog so much, it shocks people, especially the 'f' word. Although if anyone is missing it let me know and I'll bring it back because really, it's a vital part of my vocabulary.

Also there is a response in there that may, or may not, offend my American readers. I apologise for this, it is there purely for comic value and not intended in any way to be hurtful. Although you guys do need to look at your spelling - just sayin'! God bless America.

Anyway, here goes....welcome to the utterly ridiculous 2008 edition of 'getting to know your friends'.

1. What is your occupation?
Archaeologist and adventurer……just kidding.

2. What colour are your socks right now?
Are you serious? It’s f&&%ing 39 degrees - why would I be wearing socks?! I'm hardly wearing clothes.

3 What are you listening to right now?
The whirring of fans (see previous question)

4. What is the last thing that you ate?
Food.

5. Can you drive a stick shift?
Speak English, do you mean a ‘manual car’? Of course I can. I can also walk and chew gum at the same time....I'm coordinated that way.

6. What colour would you be, if you were a colour?
Eh? How could I BE a colour? I may have a different skin tone if were of another race but frankly if I were an actual colour I’d be seriously concerned and probably consult a doctor rather than sitting here answering questions about it.

7. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
None of your business, who are you people, ASIO?*this is cover up sarcasm because in truth I can't remember.

8. Do you like the person who sent this to you?
Yes, she has good taste in friends.

9. How old are you today?
Now that is none of your damn business. Let’s just say I’m youthful.

10. Favourite drink?
Alcohol……..and it is too a drink.

11. What is your favorite sport to watch?
Sport? To watch? Do me a favour. Pffft.

12. Have you ever dyed your hair?
Don’t be ridiculous.....

I get someone else to do it.

13. Pets?
What about them?>

14. Favourite food?
I don’t exhibit favouritism where food is concerned and my ample arse is testimony to that.

15. Last movie you watched?
The Devil Wears Prada. I aspire to be that much of a bitch – I’m getting there (some would say I reached that destination a long time ago).

16. Favourite Day of the year?
This year or last year?

17. What do you do to vent anger?
Do the words ‘fava beans and a nice Chianti’ mean anything to you?

18. What was your favorite toy as a child?
If you mean favourite – it has a ‘u’ in it in civilised countries - I can’t remember. It was a long time ago.

19. What is your favorite, fall or spring?
Again with the misspelling….I don’t measure by seasons I measure by temperature. I hate hot. It is currently autumn and yet…..it is hot, therefore today I hate autumn. If it were cool today, or even better, cold, I may love autumn. Do you understand?

21. Cherry or Blueberry?
Oh absolutely (just humouring you now).

22. Do you want your friends to email you back?
Well I'm not emailing them so that would be silly.

23. Who is most likely to respond?
How should I know, is this a trick question?

24. Who is least likely to respond?
You’re starting to annoy me.

25. Living arrangements?
Yes I have some and I’m avoiding the dying arrangements for as long as possible.

26. When was the last time you cried?
Monday - what’s the point of this question, surely you’d be better to ask why? I’m not telling you why though.

27. Who is the friend you've had the longest that you are sending this to?
Your grammar is as bad as your spelling. Atrocious.

28. Who is the friend you have had the shortest that you are sending this to?
Oh my God, you are almost illiterate!

29. Favorite smell? Vanilla or frangipanni
Aren’t there more smells than that?

32. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers?
I’m vegan. Now do you feel stupid?

33. Favourite Car:
Oh, ok finally one I can answer. S-type Jaguar. Drool.

34. Favourite cat breed?
Is there a point to all this? I like cats ok? I don’t believe I have a particular breed that I prefer. I’m not too keen on those bald ones though.

35. Number of keys on your key ring?
Why didn’t you ask about dog breeds? That’s discrimination that is.

36. How many years at your current job?
Let me see now, in 1936 I was working as a respected archaeologist at a New England university when I had an adventure in which I was pitted against the Nazis. I travelled the world trying to prevent them from recovering the Ark of the Covenant….so it must be 72 years this year….oh hang on, that wasn’t me.

37. Favourite day of the week?
I don’t measure by days I measure by temperature. I hate hot. It is currently Friday and yet…..it is hot, therefore today I hate Friday. If it were cool today, or even better, cold, I may love Friday. Are you getting this at all?

38. How many states have you lived in?
(WTF?) Oh thousands, honestly…… thousands!

Is it over?

Thank God.

One of those meme things

1.Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Paper always, with ribbon and made to look pretty.

2. Real tree or artificial?
Artificial at the moment.

3. When do you put up the tree?
Depends on my mood, but I'm trying to set a tradition of the first Sunday in Advent.

4. When do you take the tree down?
Twelfth night. Again, I'm trying to set a tradition, I'm always tempted to rip it down on Boxing day (and have been known to but not since I had children).

5. Do you like eggnog?
OMG yes! But I’ve only had the supermarket kind, I would love to make some but have been frightened off by that whole ‘raw eggs can kill you’ thing.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
A walking talking doll. She was brunette with brown eyes. Quite unusual in dolls in those days, they all had blue eyes.

7. Do you have a nativity scene?
I have my Mum’s. It’s not really to my taste but I put it out because it was Mums.

8. Hardest person to buy for?
This year it’s Hannah, surprising since she’s a 7 year old child, you’d think it would be easy, but it’s not. She has quite specific tastes, I mean this is a kid that asked for a USB drive for her birthday. She wanted a lap top or a Nintendo DS (whatever that is) for Christmas this year. She’s getting neither of those. ALso men, I always find men hard to buy for.

9. Easiest person to buy for?
Aislin. All she ever wants is baby dolls (known to her as ‘bubbies’). Easy.

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
One year Tom gave me a casserole dish. Please don't get me started on gifts I've received from Tom.

11. Mail or email Christmas cards?
I don’t do Christmas cards really, but I do send to a couple of relatives in Scotland. They are posted

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
Polar Express…no…..The Santa Claus…..no……It's a Wonderful Life…..no, hang on…Scrooge (the 1970’s one with Albert Finney)…no……..Miracle on 34th Street….no…..oh hell I don’t know, I like them all!!! But Scrooge is pretty great.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
It varies, but for the first year ever I’m pretty much finished the week before Christmas. I have been known (pre-kids) to START my shopping on Christmas Eve. Now that is stressful.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Maybe. There could possibly have been a time many, many years ago when, as the new recipient was opening her gift, the person who gave it to me arrived. Or perhaps I made that up? I'll let you decide.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Mince pies and trifle (my Mum’s recipe).

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree?
Only clear….EVER!! Coloured lights – pah!

17. Favorite Christmas song?
I love most carols, but probably Silent Night if it’s done well. I only like carols by choirs, none of this Bing Crosby shit. Or worse, cats singing Carols. In the name of all that is holy preserve us from such an abomination.

18. Travel for Christmas or stay home?
Usually travel to family. Not this year though.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers?
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitzen and of course Rudolph. Thank you Clement C Moore, my favourite Christmas story (except for the ACTUAL Christmas story of course).

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
Usually a Santa actually, but this year Hannah made a thing. It’s a silver cone covered in stars. It now sits proudly (and lopsidedly) atop the tree.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
Obscene commercialism that seriously offends me. We have downsized Christmas.

23. What I love most about Christmas?
Christmas Eve, home from Mass, kids in bed, a glass of wine and a mince pie, Carols from Kings in the background, wrapping presents with the tree lights softly twinkling. For me it is the calm before the storm of excited children, mad unwrapping, eating, drinking and trying to be merry for two solid days. Christmas Eve is my favourite night of the year.