QotD: What I Love About Summer

Vox Question of the Day - What do you enjoy most about summer?

Here are my favorite things about summer:

• Spending time with family and friends at grilling on the deck
• Holidays that are celebrated with fireworks
• Warmer weather (although I don't like it too hot)
• Wearing sandals
• Longer days
• Growing plants on my deck
• Spending more time outside, especially on my deck
• Alfresco dining
• Weekend getaways

Originally posted on my Vox site. Full post moved here September 7, 2010 in anticipation of Vox's closing.

Less Prissy than Expected

You Are a Bit Prissy

From time to time you can be a princess, but these days, who isn't a little high maintenance? You know what you want, and you're definitely not afraid to ask for it. (Just refrain from having a temper tantrum if you don't get your way!) There's nothing wrong with having high standards... as long as they're occasionally low enough to allow spontaneity and fun!

How Prissy Are You?

QotD: My Movie Cliche' Moment

Vox Question of the Day - What movie cliché would you most like to live out in real life?

Two came to mind, they are:

• I would love to have a crazy high speed chase where I am able to avoid hitting cars, people or objects and escape from whomever is chasing me completely unharmed and without a scratch on the car.
• I would love to have a classic movie kiss. The kind where soft romantic music plays, you are surrounded by soft lighting and time slows down as a result of the passion exuded from the kiss.

Originally posted on my Vox site. Full post moved here September 7, 2010 in anticipation of Vox's closing.

There will be fruit

The first blossom appeared on my patio tomato plants yesterday.

QotD: Grown-Up Boot Camp

Vox Question of the Day - What are three things you want to learn, and three things you can teach others to do?

Things I want to learn:

1. To knit.
2. More about digital photography.
3. To sail.

Things I can teach others:

1. Setting up an iTunes library and using an iPod. (Inspired by a recent project to do just this for my friend Jenna.)
2. To sew.
3. To make pies.

Originally posted on my Vox site. Full post moved here September 7, 2010 in anticipation of Vox's closing.

Breaking News Update

In case you spent your weekend under a rock like I did and missed the following important events here is an update.

• Elwood, a 2-year-old Chinese Crested and Chihuahua mix, was crowned the world's ugliest dog at the Marin-Sonoma County Fair in California over the weekend. He placed second last year but won the title, bragging rights and $1,000 dollars this year. When you more closely examine the other contestants you understand what a sweet victory this is. I am a dog lover and didn't think there were dogs in the world *this ugly.* My innocence is shattered. If curiosity is killing you and you must see a pic, click here. But remember, you were warned!
• The Beavs are National Champions again! Oregon State became the first team in a decade to repeat as College World Series champions, following a victory over North Carolina on Sunday night. You can read highlights of the game, here. They received a heroes welcome when they arrived back in Corvallis yesterday afternoon. Pics can be found, here. Go Beavs!

That wraps up the breaking news from my corner of the world! Happy Tuesday!

QotD: Bail Me Out

Vox Question of the Day - Who would you call with your one phone call if arrested? (No lawyers)

This question may be difficult to answer if I we hadn't already discussed this, but alas I have a plan! (Just in case, of course). True friendship is those that will take care of you when your sick, help you move or bail you out of jail. I would call Don. And if Don happened to be with me, I am pretty sure that we would call Kat! :-)

Originally posted on my Vox site.  Full post moved here September 7, 2010 in anticipation of Vox's closing.

QotD: Worst. Hairstyle. Ever.

Vox Question of the Day - What was your worst hairstyle decision ever?

When I decided in college that I would look really cute with a short, pixie, Katie Couric inspired bowl cut. I did it and it looked horrible! Absolutely horrible. I wasn't cute like Katie Couric, not even close. I don't show many pictures from that phase of my life cause they are OH SO BAD!

Originally posted on my Vox site. Full post moved here September 7, 2010 in anticipation of Vox's closing.

Yes/No Game

This has been sitting in my "drafts" folder for months and months and now I have no idea where I originally saw it. Oops! Anyway, here we go.

===========

THE RULES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1. You can only say Yes or No!
2. You are NOT ALLOWED to explain ANYTHING unless someone messages you and asks!
3. DO NOT SAY ANYTHING BESIDES YES OR NO!!!
4. Repost this as the Yes/ No Game!

==========

Over 18? - Yes

Kissed someone who is a good friend? - Yes

Danced in front of your mirror naked? - Yes

Ever told a lie? - Yes

Tripped on mushrooms? - No

Done Ecstasy? - No

Been arrested? - No

Kissed a picture? - Yes

Fallen asleep at work/school? - Yes

Held an actual snake? - No

Ran a red light? (they mean in a car) - Yes

Been suspended from school? - No

Totalled your car/motorbike in an accident? - No

Been fired from a job? - Yes

Sang karaoke? - No

Done something you told yourself you wouldn't? - Yes

Laughed until something you were drinking came out your nose? - Yup

Caught a snowflake on your tongue? - Yes

Kissed in the rain? - No

Sang in the shower? - Yes

Sat on a roof top? - Yes

Thought about your past with regret? - Yes

Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes on? - Yes

Broken a bone? - Yes

Shaved your head? - Yes

Blacked out from drinking? - Yes

Played a prank on someone? - Yes

Been wrongly judged? - Yes

Stayed up longer than 24 hours straight? - Yes

Had a gym membership? - Yes

Felt like killing someone? - No

Made your (ex)girlfriend/boyfriend cry? - Yes

Been in a band? - No

Shot a gun? - No

Liked someone with nobody else knowing about it? - Yes

Played strip poker? - No

Donated Blood? - Yes

Loved someone you shouldn't? - Yes

Have a tattoo? - No

Have or had any piercings besides ears? - No

Me as Ice Cream

You Are A Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Girl

Creative. Expressive. Unique.

What Flavor Ice Cream Girl Are You?

QotD: Never Ending Boat Ride

Vox Question of the Day - What's the longest boat ride you've ever been on?

I believe the longest boat ride I have even been on it when my family took an all-day sailing excursion from Lahania, Maui, Hawaii to Molokini crater for a day of snorkeling. We were on the boat from early morning to late afternoon except when we were in the water snorkeling and swimming. The boat was absolutely beautiful and the captain had sailed it around the world. I loved the entire experience except for the sunburn that I had the following day, Ouch!

Originally posted on my Vox site.  Full post moved here September 7, 2010 in anticipation of Vox's closing.

QotD: Discount Shopping

Vox Question of the Day - How many discount cards do you carry in your wallet and where are they from?

1. Safeway Club
2. QFC Advantage
3. Fred Meyer Rewards
4. AMC Movie Watcher
5. Capers Cache Card
6. Albertson's Preferred Card
7. Barnes & Noble Member
8. Hallmark Gold Crown
9. Silver City Restaurant & Brewery
10. Subway Club
11. Tap House Grill
12. Rock Bottom Mug Club
13. Emerald City Smoothie (Punch Card)
14. Taco Del Mar (Punch Card)

Originally posted on my Vox site. Full post moved here September 7, 2010 in anticipation of Vox's closing.

Always Siblings

I read an article this morning on my RSS feeds from the New York Times regarding recent research proving that firstborns have a higher I.Q. than the siblings that follow. You can check out the article here: Research Finds Firstborns Gain the Higher I.Q.

Upon reading this I immediately send an email to my two younger brothers with "Sorry Guys" as the subject line and the link as the body of the message. This began the following email chain:

Dave (middle sibling): You may be smarter according to this, but I'm still taller!

Jimmy (youngest): Whatever, I am still the best looking.

Dave: I'm still taller.

Me: I can't argue with either of your points but I'm still smarter. :-P

I always have to have the final word! And I couldn't even think of anything witty or fun to say so I just restated the obvious which is just obviously annoying.

Quote of the day

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and it may be necessary from time to time to give a stupid or misinformed beholder a black eye."

-Miss Piggy

Rock, Paper, Scissors

You Are Scissors

Sharp and brilliant, you can solve almost any problem with that big brain of yours. People fear your cutting comments - and your wit is famous for being both funny and cruel. Deep down, you tend to be in the middle of an emotional storm. Your own complexity disturbs you. You are too smart for your own good. Slow down a little - or you're likely to hurt yourself. You can cut a paper person down to pieces. The only person who can ruin you is a rock person. When you fight: You find your enemy's weak point and exploit it. If someone makes you mad: You'll do everything you can to destroy their life

Are You Rock, Paper, or Scissors?

QotD: Do Not Want (To Eat)

The Vox Question of the Day - What do you absolutely refuse to eat?

Foods that I am allergic to which include blue cheese and coconut milk because dealing with the consequences is not fun at all. I only eat foods that cause stress to my gastric system in moderation including broccoli and cabbage. Other than that I am pretty easygoing. I like to try new things and am a firm believer that you can't say you don't like it if you have never tried it. I figure it's worth trying cause it will probably just taste like chicken.

Originally posted on my Vox site. Full post moved here September 7, 2010 in anticipation of Vox's closing.

Oh Dear God

They sell Wedding Barbie at David's Bridal.

QotD: Roll Call

The Vox Question of the Day - Who are the last five people you called on your cell phone?

1. Laurie
2. Don
3. Work
4. Mary
5. Work

I am working from home this morning so I have called the office much more than I usually do from my cell phone.

Originally posted on my Vox site. Full post moved here September 7, 2010 in anticipation of Vox's closing.

Sunny Seattle Afternoon

Gas Works Park from Lake Union aboard The Duck.

QotD: Change The Channel

The Vox Question of the Day - Who's the most annoying person on TV?

Oh boy, that is a loaded question.  It really should be who doesn't annoy you on TV?  Here are a few that come to mind immediately.

KOMO 4 the ABC affiliate in Seattle has put together quite a group of newscasters that drive me crazy.  They include:

• Steve Pool cause he is a tool and he is ALWAYS wrong, so much so that he even wrote a book about it!
• Jim Castillo because he stammers and his eyes are set too closely together.
• Natasha Curry because she is cheesy and she has a freakishly large forehead.

I really like the show 1 vs. 100 and would probably watch it but I can't stand Bob Saget.

I won't watch America's Funniest Videos or Dancing with the Stars because Tom Bergeron is too annoying for words.

Originally posted on my Vox site.  Full post moved here September 7, 2010 in anticipation of Vox's closing.

My brother thinks I am frigging special

I received the email below from my brother this morning. At first glance I was shocked that my brother who hates chain mail as much as I do would forward just a message, that was until I read it and then I cracked up! Enjoy! And Dave, I think you're frigging special too! :-)

==========

Today is International Disadvantaged People's Day. Please send an encouraging message to a retarded friend... Just as I've done.

I don't care if you lick windows,
Screw farm animals,
Take the short bus
Or occasionally shit yourself...

You hang in there sunshine,

You're frigging special.

QotD: Also Known As

The Vox Question of the Day - What other names did your parents consider for you?

My parents didn't know for sure if I was going to be a boy or a girl. The girl names that they had picked out were Jennifer Lynn and Julie Anne. My mom says that as soon as they looked at me they knew that I was a Julie and not a Jenny and I agree. My mother was fairly certain that I was going to be a girl but they had names picked out in case I had been a boy that included Jeffrey Lynn or David Alan. That's probably why my brother who was the next one along because David Alan.

Originally posted on my Vox site. Full post moved here September 7, 2010 in anticipation of Vox's closing.

Quote of the day

"The visionary lies to himself, the liar only to others"

-Friedrich Nietzsche

QotD : Just Five More Minutes

The Vox Question of the Day - What time is your alarm clock set for? Do you use the snooze button?

My alarm is set for 5:30 a.m. and I ALWAYS use the snooze button. I keep the alarm clock across the room and I get out of bed and hit the snooze button and then crawl back into bed to finish the waking up process. I rarely fall back asleep during that time but if I do the alarm wakes me again. I usually crawl out of bed around 5:45 a.m. and turn the alarm clock off.

Originally posted on my Vox site. Full post moved here September 7, 2010 in anticipation of Vox's closing.

QotD: It Set Me Apart

Vox Question of the Day - What set you apart from the rest of the kids at school?

Two things immediately come to mind. The first is my height. I was ALWAYS the tallest girl in my glass throughout much of school until the boys hit puberty and then a few of them caught up. I hated being tall as a kid and although I have accepted that it's just the way it is, I sometimes wish I were a more reasonable height.

The second thing would be religion. I grew up as a Presbyterian in the Salt Lake Valley which is made of a majority of LDS people. There are a few instances from my childhood where the difference cause a situation that was very painful but throughout the majority of the time I just made the best of the situation.

Originally posted on my Vox site. Full post moved here September 7, 2010 in anticipation of Vox's closing.

Beautiful Sunset

The perfect end to a perfect day!

True Blue

You Are A Blue Girl

Relationships and feelings are the most important things to you. You are empathetic and accepting - and good at avoiding conflict. If someone close to you is in pain, it makes you hurt as well. You try to heal the ones you love with your kind and open heart.

What Color Girl Are You?

QotD: Current TV

Vox Question of the Day - After all the recent season and series finales, what are you watching on TV these days?

Not much! Summer TV leaves a whole lot to be desired. I was totally over reality TV a few seasons ago and it seems as though summer is jam packed with talentless reality TV shows. I have watched National Bingo Night on ABC a few times but haven't had a single bingo and am losing patience with it. Instead I have been watching lots of NetFlix including a few different TV series that I missed because I don't have cable including Strong Medicine, Weeds and Big Love.

Originally posted on my Vox site. Full post moved here September 7, 2010 in anticipation of Vox's closing.

Champagne Celebration

Celebrating my better than average scores on the MCAT with several colleagues at lunch! :-)

Quote of the day

"Life can only be understood backwards;
but it must be lived forwards."

-Soren Kierkegaard

QotD: My Current Top Ten

Vox Question of the Day - What are your top 10 most-played songs currently?

All of my recently played tracks are Scrobbed onto LastFM.com and according to their records my Top 10 tracks in the last 90 days are:

1. Sarah McLachlan - Angel
2. Carbon Leaf - The Boxer
3. Mike Coughty - Looking at the World From the Bottom of a Well
4. Ben Folds - The Luckiest
5. Vienna Teng - City Hall
6. Jimmy Buffett - Fins
7. Sarah McLachlan - Building a Mystery
8. KT Tunstall - Suddenly I See
9. Johnny Lang - Anything's Possible
10. Vienna Teng - Harbor
11. Vienna Teng - Homecoming
12. Sarah McLachlan - Ice Cream

Originally posted on my Vox site. Full post moved here September 7, 2010 in anticipation of Vox's closing.

QofD: Fascinating Class

Vox Question of the Day - What is the most interesting class you have ever taken?

It's really hard for me to narrow it down, I love learning and have taken many, many, many classes that have excited and intrigued me. If I were to pick from the recent past I would have to say the 2 semesters of Anatomy and Physiology that I just completed in March. The human body is fascinating in it's engineering and I love learning about it.

Originally posted on my Vox site. Full post moved here September 7, 2010 in anticipation of Vox's closing.

Great Day for Beaver Believers!

I received a text message from my brother on my way home this evening to let me know that the Oregon State Baseball team was one of the "eight for Omaha" and headed to the College World Series for the 3rd year running! The No. 25 ranked Beavers will be playing hard to defend their Championship title. WOO HOO!

I also noted today while reading the RSS feed of the student newspaper, The Daily Barometer, that OSU Senior Sara Jean Underwood has been named Playmate of the Year by Playboy magazine.

I don't know who to be more proud of, the cute boys on the ball field or the girl who took her clothes off for all the world to see, it's a tough call.

Go Beavs!

Happy Day!

Today is David's 31st birthday! Dave is my brother and a lovable guy who has reached that point in life where birthdays are just like any other day, kinda disappointing isn't it. My birthday message for Dave...

I hope your birthday is filled with fun and maybe even a few surprises. Remember how your son celebrated his birthday this year? I think it would be great if you had so much fun that you ended up with cake all over your face. :-) I love you!

QotD: That's Just Cruel

Vox Question of the Day - What's the weirdest baby name you've ever heard (or considered)?

My ex-boyfriend wanted to name his son Nicodemus Michajedediah. I thought it was utterly ridiculous.

I have a niece named Rihanna Brielle. I was speechless when I was told what her name was. Poor kid.

Originally posted on my Vox site. Full post moved here September 7, 2010 in anticipation of Vox's closing.

Bad Blogger

I have not been the best at keeping up on this blog at times over the past few months and I have been horrible at keeping up my Vox blog. I use it primarily to answer the Vox Question of the Day which I hadn't done since March 7th! I just posted several that I had saved as drafts and answered some of the additional that intrigued me and am going to work at trying to be a bit more attentive to it. You can check out my answers, here.

My Kind of Wine

You Are Merlot

Smooth, confident, and popular - you're the type most likely to order wine for the whole group. You seem to breeze through life on your intuition and wit. And no one seems to mind! You're comfortable in any social situation you find yourself in, and you never feel outclassed. And while you live a charmed life, you never let it go to your head. You are truly down to earth and a great friend. Deep down you are: Balanced and mature Your partying style: Surprisingly wild... when you let loose, you really let loose Your company is enjoyed best with: Some greasy pizza

What Kind of Wine Are You?

Blooming Garden

The plants that I potted on my deck are starting to bloom.

Adventures in Babysitting

I babysat the cutest nephew in the world yesterday. He was really good, which is good because I didn't want to deal with a *major meltdown* or even close. We played and laughed and danced. We has an AMAZING amount of energy and worked hard to wear him out so bedtime would be painless and my plan worked!

I wanted to post this pic because it's cute and because Granny Neece and Uncle Jimmy would love to see lil John representing their school! :-)

QotD: In Case of Emergency

Vox Question of the Day - Who is your Alert in Case of Emergency person?

Since moving to Seattle it's Don. He was the only person that I knew besides my brother when I first moved here and a whole lot closer (geographically) than my brother is most of the time. He is also the person in my life most likely to drop everything and attend to an emergency, should one occur.

Originally posted on my Vox site. Full post moved here September 7, 2010 in anticipation of Vox's closing.

Pure Genius!

I was delighted to see the above product in the frozen food section of the grocery store earlier this week. You can now purchase Pillsbury Dinner Rolls and Biscuits in a resealable bag. I wasn't sure if they would taste the same as the traditional biscuits from the dairy section do but made 2 of them last night and they do. The two biggest advantages, as I see it:

1. You can prepare any quantity from 1 to the entire package, therefore not unnecessarily wasting food.

2. You don't have to deal with those horrible containers that pop open unexpectedly and scare the *&%$ out of me!

As my friend Barb would say, "Definitely a Quality Product!"

QotD: I'll Have The Usual

Vox Question of the Day - If a waiter stopped by right now to take your order, what cocktail or drink are you having?

Typically it would depend what was "on tap" or not. I am a big fan of the Northwest Microbreweries and like to experiment a bit but always like a Hefeweizen or similar. I'm also a big fan of wine, both red and wine depending on the season and what I am eating.

And depending on my company I have been know to venture into the "harder stuff." When I am handing with Katharine I have been known to drink margaritas or the like and when I am with my friend Suzie, I always drink Long Island Ice Teas. Yes, they are both horrible influences on me. ;-)


Originally posted on my Vox site. Full post moved here September 7, 2010 in anticipation of Vox's closing.

Lobster carefully disguised as a Beaver fan

Being a Beaver fan is going to save this guy from being made into a Lobster Roll. He will spend the rest of his days at an aquarium. The odds of this happening are 1 in a million.

Quote of the day

Today's quote of the day was inspired by my workplace. :-)

"We Are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful what we pretend to be."

-Kurt Vonnegut

QotD: Tune In, Turn On

Vox Question of the Day: How many TVs do you have in your house?

Two. One in the living room and one in the bedroom.

Originally posted on my Vox site. Full post moved here September 7, 2010 in anticipation of Vox's closing.

June begins in a whirlwind

I hope the rest of the month of June is a bit more relaxed that today was. WOW! It was a bit nuts.

I was up at 5:00 a.m. to finish packing, load the car and head to the office. While loading my luggage into the car I noted that my hand felt wet so I wiped it on my pants and kept going. When I got in the car I realized that I had sliced the thumb on my left hand open and my hand had been wet with blood. I was already driving down my driveway so I decided to handle it when I arrived at the office but it wouldn't stop bleeding so I drove to work with my right hand on the steering wheel and my left hand in a fist. When I arrived at the office I quickly cleaned it up and then attended to everything that required my attention and was on the road to Spokane for the Washington State P.E.O. Convention at 8:40 a.m.

It took me nearly 50 minutes to drive the I-405 loop to merge with I-90 and I suddenly started to panic that I was going to be late. But once I was safely on I-90 I relaxed a bit. I stopped to get gas in Issaquah and headed up the mountains, due east. About this time a got a call from Don letting me know that he was leaving Seattle and would be just 40 or so minutes behind me.

The drive was uneventful, which is good. It was great to drive and think and drive and sing along with my iPod and drive and think and drive and drive. I think you get the idea! I love road trips and I love being in the car alone, it's awesome thinking time. I arrived in Spokane without stopping at 1:10 p.m. and took the detour that was marked along the interstate.

This is where the real FUN began.

In hindsight I realize that I missed a critical left turn onto Spokane Falls Blvd. But for nearly 40 minutes I drove around the city of Spokane and Spokane Valley trying to find my way. I was due in my first session at 2:00 p.m but at that time I had stopped for directions and was heading frantically towards the hotel. Don ended up arriving at the hotel before I did and was awful curious that I hadn't checked in yet. We connected in the lobby and check-in to the room and parted ways - Don to the room to sleep and me to sneak into my session a bit more than wee late.

The session buzzed by. I calmed down from the being lost and driving and adventure of the day and remembered why I am here. I am here because this organization means a great deal to me. I am here to connect with sisters from other chapters and get energized about the phenomenal impact that P.E.O. makes on woman around the world. I am so glad that I am here!

Following the session I rescued my car for the valet and got my luggage. I went up the room and set my stuff down, grabbed my laptop and headed to the bar to give Don a chance to sleep a bit longer. I ordered a beer, connected my computer to the wireless network and am SOOO happy!

We will be imbibing at one of my favorite Spokane hot spots tonight. And then the rest of the weekend will be chock full of P.E.O. It's over 90 degrees and sunny in Spokane! :-)

I hope you have a fabulous weekend, wherever you are.

Me as a flower

You Are A Lily

You are a nurturer and all around natural therapist. People see you as their rock. And they are able to depend on you. You are a soothing influence. You can make people feel better with a few words. Your caring has more of an impact than even you realize.

What Flower Are You?

QotD: Senseless Saying

Vox Question of the Day: What's a saying or phrase that's never made sense to you?

"God never gives you more than you can handle" or any similar saying about God's will. I don't believe that God deals out misery to see where our breaking point is. And when facing a difficult point in my life I don't really need to be reminded by people that it was God's will and that God is just exhaulting some kind of punishment on the fact that I am strong and will get up, brush myself off and start all over again.


Originally posted on my Vox site. Full post moved here September 7, 2010 in anticipation of Vox's closing.