Still Questioning...

Round Two of the stitching questions, courtesy of Bonnie...

11) Who is your favorite designer?
That's tough. All-time, probably Teresa Wentzler. But I have a lot of favorites! I love The Drawn Thread for doing fun-to-stitch designs, and Moss Creek and Jackie du Plessis for clever finishing.

12) Least Favorite Designer
Well, I'm not sure, since I probably pass over their designs, I wouldn't have internalized the names!

13) Will you/would you support a designer whose personal beliefs offended / angered you?
I agree with Bonnie that it would depend on the magnitude of the issue. In general, I probably wouldn't even know the designer's personal beliefs unless they named their company "I Kick Puppies Designs" or something!

14) Do you have a lamp especially made for needleworkers/crafters?
Yes, though I rarely use it.

15) What brand of stitching lamp do you have/prefer ?
I have an Ott light, but I prefer good ol' sunlight. =)

16) What kind of environment best suits you when you are stitching?
Quiet and sunlight is optimal, but I usually stitch in front of the TV.

17) Have you stitched any design more then once?
Good heavens, I don't think so. I may have stitched an ornament twice at some point, though.

18) Favorite design you have stitched and finished?
I really like Chatelaine's Snowflake Nativity (at least, the part I stitched). It's so sparkly!

I also really love the Anniversary Sampler I made for my parents, too (click for bigger):

But maybe my favorite stitched thing wasn't really a "design" and it wasn't just stitched by me. Three friends and I did a round robin, where we each designed at least one band for the others' samplers...and they were all unique.

You can click the link to read all about it and see closeups of all four RRs.

19) Least favorite design you've stitched and finished?
That would be this mouse I did for my sister because she was going to make a quilt for my niece. This quilt was never made. And that is all I will say about that.

20) Last, but not least, what's your longest running WIP?
Hum. This depends on what your definition of Work in Progress is, technically. And while I'm all for overly technical discussions, let's just say it's the oldest existing piece of fabric with stitches on it that isn't finished. And that would be Magical Night, started in the last millennium. =)

Stumpwork and Stitching Questions

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I did promise some stitching pictures, didn't I? I did a little bit on my stumpwork piece...it's going to be slow going, but it will be awesome once it's done.

 

Since the light was (marginally) better, I also took a couple closeups to show how dimensional this really is:

 

And I couldn't resist a closeup of the cute little bug.

 

Can I get a SQUEEEE!? Ahem. Sorry.

Bonnie posed some stitching questions she'd gotten off of facecrook, and I decided I'd answer them here rather than blow up her comment feed. =) If you feel like answering them, I'd love to hear your answers, and you can feel free to write world's longest comment or link me to your own blog post. I think there's a part two coming tomorrow.

1. Which fabric do you most prefer?
   Evenweave is lovely to stitch on, but I prefer how linen looks, so I usually go for the linen. Hopefully I'll spend longer looking at a piece than stitching it. =)
2. What is your favorite fabric count?
   32
3. What colour fabric do you most enjoy stitching on?
   In the colder months when there's less sunlight, lighter colors. Otherwise, pretty much any color is great!
4. What is your favorite fibre?
   Belle Soie...the colors, the way it feels while stitching, and the evenness of the resulting stitches are awesome. Other favorite silks are Hand Dyed Fibers, Au Ver A Soie, Waterlilies and Gloriana. I also really like flower thread or any fiber that lets me stitch with one ply at a time!
5. How many of the 450 DMC Colours do you own?
   No idea. I don't try to keep a full set. It makes stash diving more fun as I never can pull everything I need. =p
6. Of your last 5 projects -- how many used DMC/Anchor as the main floss?
   It depends what you mean by "last 5"...last 5 stitched on would be
   Hardanger Ornament (charted for DMC, but I used Hand Dyed Fibers and whatever pearl cotton I had...it may have been DMC, but it may just as easily been Anchor)
   Stumpwork Floral (no DMC at all! AVAS and Cifonda and some other exotic fibers)
   Heirloom Christmas Sampler (no DMC...all silks!)
   Toccata (no DMC!)
   Sapphire Star (one DMC floss and some pearl cotton, mostly Rainbow Gallery)
7. Of the last 5 projects, if you didn't use DMC/ANCHOR -- what did you use?
   See above...
8. What needles do you prefer?
   BOHIN! If you haven't used these, they aren't the "prettiest" as far as the eye shape, but they go through fabric like BUTTAH!
9. What is the UGLIEST design you've encountered?
   This question won't make me any friends here. =) Actually, I can't think of any ugly ones, per-se, but I can think of a number of ALARMING ones I've seen.
10. What is the most BEAUTIFUL design you've encountered?
    Oh boy...there are a ton of these...I think the last one that knocked my socks off, that I don't already own, is Red by Mirabilia. I love most of the Chatelaine mandalas, too, and nearly every Teresa Wentzler. There are several needlepoint designs that fall into this category as well...I love the Threadles designs!

JiffNotes
Look! Actual stitching not as part of Theme-a-licious update! It's a Christmas miracle! (Too soon?)

DoYoKno what NaBloPoMo means?

It's National Blog Posting Month!


I'm not going to lie; that abbreviation throws me for a loop every time. I think it's confusing because it happens in November...so I start thinking, "Shouldn't it be NoBloPoMo? 'Mo' is for 'More', right? Like, this is about encouraging us to blog more. I think? Wait, what's the 'Po' for again? November Blog Something More. Umm..."

This may just be me. In fact, it probably is just me.

Anyway! I'm going to try this for the first time this year. I'll probably lose every single follower I gained during the Hallowe'en blog hop. (Hi, new single follower! I mean, I don't know if you're single or not, but I know my follower count went up by one. But maybe ten of you decided to stick around and another nine finally bailed; how should I know?)

I promise overdue vacation photos, stitching, knitting, and deep, insightful posts on the meaning of life lots more of my usual drivel! C'mon, it'll be fun!

33 MORE THINGS!

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So, both Jo and Chiara re-tagged me for 11 Things! (I guess I was asking for it, hunh?) And McKenna also tagged me!

Here are Jo's questions:

1. Watch the film first or read the book first?
This is always a tough decision, but I almost always watch the film first. The main reason is that if I have read the book first (especially if it's recently), I will sit there in the movie theater picking apart what they changed and being miffed about it. After the first Harry Potter movie, where I reread the book RIGHT before seeing the film, I now have a six months to a year moratorium on re-reading a book if a movie's coming out. I think Hunger Games is the best movie adaptation I've seen so far (not counting the entire LOTR trilogy, although I'm still mad there was no Tom Bombadil).

2. Which book would you most like to see made into a film?
Until a few years ago, my answer would have been "Voyage of the Dawn Treader"! Now I'm not sure..."Ready Player One" would be a fun one...or "The Wee Free Men"...oooo, or "His Majesty's Dragon"!

3. Who would play you in the story of your life?
Sandra Bullock. She's got the looks, humor and height to pull it off. =P

4. What was the first live band you saw?
Sadly, due to my sensitive hearing, I've been to see almost no bands live in my life. The first live concert I remember going to was to see Doc Severinsen with my parents when I was still in single digits...I held my ears the entire time and never wanted to go to another concert!

5. Who is the most famous person you have ever met?
Probably Richard Dawson, back in the 80s. It's a long story, but I was "the cute kid" from the audience...my family wasn't on the show.

6. Did you embarrass yourself by blushing/clamming up, saying something stupid?
Well, it depends who you ask...LOL! I did say something which caused me to get teased at school for a while afterwards. (I went to such a small school that OF COURSE they showed the episode to everyone!) I didn't go to school the day the episode aired! Maybe if you all beg me I'll tell the whole story. ;)

7. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner or Breakfast, Dinner and Tea? or some other random names for your meals?
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner...although if I were a true Southerner, I would say Breakfast, Dinner and Supper.

8. Does your family have a word for something which no-one else in the world uses?
My parents would say "eygavaulty" as an exclamation of disaster...actually, I don't even know how that's spelled. No idea where that came from!

9. What is the worst job you've ever done?
Cleaning out a very, very old industrial kitchen that had maggots in it! UGH!!!!

10. How did you get out of doing it?
LOL!!! I couldn't escape, since the poor girl who was helping me had on OPEN-TOED SHOES and I had on tennis shoes. How could I complain?? Eventually, we just decided we'd worked long enough and quit.

11. What is the theme song to your life?
What a great question. "They're Coming To Take Me Away"??? LOL! That's just what it feels like lately. I have a crazy habit of making up tunes and lyrics for random things I'm doing and singing them as I go through the house. Kind of like I'm in an opera, except without all the vibrato. The hubby calls it "endearing," I think.

And now for Chiara's:

1. how long is it since you’ve last played, sat on the floor, with a kid?
It has been a while...probably since my niece was 5, so 5 years!!

2. your favourite school trip?
When I was a senior in high school, we went on a Spring Break trip to Mexico...Mexico City, Taxco and Acapulco. Since our only other school trips were to Memphis (Tennessee...to Mud Island) and to a local museum, this was definitely the winner. =) Since I was terrified or getting sunburned (I am VERY PALE, in case you hadn't noticed), I wore sun protection at all times and only spent 20 minutes per day in the sun. I had the best tan of my life when I got home! (I usually just burn.)

3. when you go to sleep, do you wake up in the same position, or do you find blankets and pillows all over the place?
Same position...on my back. I can't go to sleep if I'm on my side!

4. shades, hat or both?
Depends on the situation, but usually just shades. I do love hats, though!

5. was there a time you thought “I wish I was born there!”, if so when/where was it?
Hmmm...I can't think of one. I do love visiting places, but I am always happy to come home. Although, since I was born in the middle of a blizzard (in Michigan), almost any place would be preferable!! Hmmm, maybe I should say Hawaii, because I'd love to live there!!

6. do you know how to make candy corn? could you tell me? I’ve never tried it! (if candy corn is not traditional in your country, could you tell me how to make something you’re thinking is way better than candy corn )
LOL! No idea how to make candy corn. But if you want something really Really REALLY sweet, here is a recipe for pralines (popular in the South US): Pralines (I must add a caveat that I have not tried this one, although it's on the list! I picked it because someone said it tasted like the ones my favorite shop makes!)

7. how many years have you been stitching? did you learn by yourself or did someone help you along the way to the stitching madness it’s nowadays?
I think I learned to stitch when I was 7 or 8, with my mom. We had a little "how to" kit that was an owl sitting on a branch. Everyone I've talked to that stitches "backwards" like me (the top leg of my "X" goes like /) remembers this kit! =) I had some time "off" from stitching in high school and college. Then I found Teresa Wentzler. =)

8. the perfect sandwich: what is in it?
Nice roasted chicken (no deli meat! too salty!), cut thick, lots of basil (basilico =) or pesto, gruyere cheese, spinach or arugula, sweet ripe tomato slices, and maybe some good Dijon mustard if there's no pesto. It also needs to be on some good, seedy or nutty bread. Perfect would be this bread I had in Prague which was called "Italian bread"...full of sunflower seeds. Our waiter told me it was way too healthy for Czech food! =D This sandwich only exists in my mind...who wants to make me one??

9. honestly, do you think ironing our clothes is really necessary? how do you deal with the dullest house work ever?
Not usually necessary. Only occasionally. And those stupid all-cotton sheets I bought. =( I only iron when I watch TV and am not stitching. This happens about once every two months, LOL!

10. you reckon there’re even duller things than ironing? what is it?! ;D
OH YES! Cleaning the shower!!! Or mopping the floor. They are equally horrible. And you can't dull the pain by watching TV while cleaning the shower. Mine's a walk-in, and to do it right takes about 40 minutes. UGH. This is the main reason I hire a cleaning lady. =)

11. is there a TV commercial you like? (makes you laugh, takes you back to old times, reminds you of someone you know, ..)
We don't watch very many commercials now that we record everything with Windows Media Center and watch it through the Xbox. But I do like the one with the little kid dressed as Darth Vader (it's advertising a car I can't recall at the moment). His melodramatic motion waving his father aside makes me laugh every time.

And, last but not least, here are McKenna's questions!

1. What time of day do you prefer to stitch?
Afternoon, but that almost never happens!

2. Three favorite colors?
Same as McKenna, but in a different order...Blue, Purple, Green. Although actually, it's probably more like Cobalt Blue, Teal Blue, and Turquoise. =)

3. Do you have a sweet tooth?
A better question is, do I have any teeth that aren't sweet? (Spoiler: The answer is no.) Being of Swiss descent, I demand to keep up with "my people" in per capita chocolate consumption. The cake is not a lie around here.

4. Do you stitch for charity?
Sadly, no...I have so little stitching time that it's all for me! (Or for gifts.) Lest you think I'm completely heartless, we do support several charities each year...just monetarily!

5. Aida, Linen, or Evenweave?
Linen! Evenweave is also nice to stitch on, but I don't like the look of the finished projects as much.

6. What month is your birthday in?
February. Stupid Winter.

7. Do you like to cook?
Yes!! IF I have time and am not rushing to produce dinner. But I like baking much better.

8. How long have you been blogging?
5 years

9. Who taught you to cross stitch?
My mom...see #7 of Chiara's questions. =)

10. Favorite flower?
Tulip. Or peony!

11. Have you ever soiled the cloth you're stitching on?
Yes, but fortunately only on the border, and not with anything that stained, so I was able to wash it out.

JiffNotes
Is it possible you have any more questions about me??? Wait...don't answer that.

11 Things

I was tagged by Erin (let'snottalkabouthowlongago) with this cool meme:

The Rules:

• Post these rules.
• You must post 11 random things about yourself.
• Answer the questions set for you in their post.
• Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
• Go to their blog and tell them you’ve tagged them. No stuff in the tagging section about you are tagged if you are reading this. You legitimately have to tag 11 people.

11 Random Things About Me: Ugh, it seems like I just did five!! OK, these don't have to be things no one knows...

• I applied to nine colleges at the insistence of my dad. I got into all nine (including MIT).
• I desperately wish I could have a cat (or a bunny!) but the hubby is intensely allergic to cats. I'm a little allergic now, but I think I'd get used to it (I had a couple when I was a kid).
• I used to collect Disney movie trading cards. I'd even buy whole boxes to get the lenticular hologram special cards, and then I'd spend an inordinate amount of time on newsgroups (retro, baby!) trying to sell/trade/complete sets.
• If I had my way, I would live in a house with a pool. And a backyard.
• I hate talking to people on the phone. I think at first it was just that I hated to call and interrupt (or be interrupted), but it's even worse now that a lot of people have cell phones. A lot of the time I can't really hear them!
• My undergraduate degree is in Electrical Engineering. I probably would have done Computer Science if left to my own devices, but my dad only knew completely socially inept people who worked with computers, so he didn't want me to do that. I got my Master's in CS instead.
• I have never gotten a speeding ticket. This is something of a minor miracle.
• When I was young I lived on a lake and learned to water ski. I LOVED IT. I DO NOT like snow skiing.
• I watch more sports than any of the guys I work with on a regular basis (and I don't watch that much!)
• I have "technically" been a professional actress...I was paid to do a show in college because no one else could do it and I'd already bought tickets to see Phantom of the Opera that night. My "payment" was to make up for the tickets I suddenly couldn't use. =) I've also been paid to do mystery dinner theater, which is a TON of fun.
• On a related note, most Mystery Dinner Theater attendees could care less about trying to figure out whodunnit. More like whosbringingmorewine. They also think they can "surprise" a confession out of you by suddenly and loudly asking, "YOU DID IT, DIDN'T YOU??" This isn't Perry Mason, people, and no one here really did anything. We don't have guilty consciences and are unlikely to "break down". However, you get a home school prom up in your MDT, and you are going to get GRILLED. You better have your story straight or you'll look suspicious even if you aren't meant to!

My Answers to the 11 questions from Erin:
What is your favorite movie?
IMPOSSIBLE! ONE favorite movie?? I would even have trouble with this question BY GENRE... OR BY GENRE AND STUDIO!!
Musical (MGM): Singin' in the Rain...wait, no: On the Town. NO, Singin' in the Rain. No, no, no...An American in Paris! (See, I can't even pick my favorite Gene Kelly MGM musical! Seriously, though, it's Singin' in the Rain. I think.)
Musical (RKO): The Gay Divorcee
Musical (Paramount): Holiday Inn
Other non-musical favorites: Star Wars (duh =), Galaxy Quest, The Princess Bride, Ever After, The Incredibles, Wall-E (and just about every other Pixar movie)

What is the first movie you remember seeing at the movie theater?
Star Wars, in 1977 (I WAS VERY YOUNG)

Is there a type of movie or an actor/director that you refuse to watch?
Ohhhhh yeah.
Movie: Horror and nearly all parody movies.
Actor: Russell Crowe (although I did see A Beautiful Mind) and Colin Farrell.
Director: Stanley Kubrick and Quentin Tarrantino. I probably misspelled all their names!! =D

What craft or hobby would you try if money and time were no obstacle?
Craft: Japanese Embroidery.
Hobby: Hammered Dulcimer.
Both of those on the "time" front.

Name your favorite kitchen tool.
My KitchenAid stand mixer! For non-electric, my Henckels chef's knife.

What is your favorite type of trip/vacation? Active (like hiking), museums/history, beach, mountains, theme park, etc.
Hmmm, I like them all! In February, we did a relatively active one, but I love museums, I adore the beach, mountains are great, and if you substitute "Disney" for "theme park"...well, I think you know that's a good thing!! I'd add in "cruise" here because almost all the cruises we've been on have been GREAT!

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Australia or New Zealand. Or I'd go back to Japan.

Would you ever seriously consider living abroad? If the answer is no because you now have a family, do you think you would have considered it when you were "young and single"?
I would consider it if a sponsored opportunity dropped into my lap. However, because I can't even imagine the logistics, I'd probably never pursue it!

If you could choose any profession other than your current one, what would it be?
Movie star. LOL!! No, seriously, if money and opportunity weren't factors, I would be on stage. But realistically, I have no idea. With the way work has been going, being a greeter at Wal-Mart is looking awfully good.

What is the hardest thing you've ever done?
Kept going on a hike in 105 degree weather. We were told the hike would be about 25 minutes up an easy slope. It turned out to be NINETY minutes up a steep, narrow trail. We had no water and no money (we were on our way to meet people with a car...long story). And we were in Germany. There were a couple times where the only thing that kept me from giving up and lying down was worry about what Michael would do if I passed out.

When is the last time you felt really free (whatever that means to you)?
Probably when I was a kid during the Summer and had nothing to do but swim all day.

Consider yourself tagged:
Teresa at Girl with Needles
Jean at Baa Baa Knit Stitch
Tracey at Mostly Nerdy Crochet (You can answer at your other blog if you want. =)
Jo at Serendipitous Stitching
Jackie at Jackie Casts On
Melanie at Moonraker Lampwerks
Sharon at It's Daffycat
Carrie at Such Is Life. (my adorable blogging niece =)
Parsley at Seasons of My Mind
Susan at Afford Your Passions
Mel at Wooley Thoughts

Of course, none of you are obligated, and I fully realize some of you may not be "in" to this kind of thing. No worries, I am not offended (in advance). And if you're reading this and think it sounds like fun, I'll add you to the tag list so you'll be all official...just leave a comment. =) And since I'm on vacation AT THIS VERY MOMENT, I'll have to tag you all on your blogs when I return. Sounds like a good thing to do in my imminent jet-laggy stupor.

My questions for my taggees (I'm totally copying some of Erin's because they're good =):
If you could choose any profession other than your current one, what would it be?

What craft or hobby would you try if money and time were no obstacle?

What is the first movie you remember seeing at the movie theater?

What was the last video game you played?

What are you good at? In other words, what makes you unashamedly yell, "I can do that!"

What is your favorite vacation that you've ever taken?

If you could have unlimited money to spend at one store, where would it be?

What's the best book you've read recently? (For Jean, nonfiction. =)

Star Wars or Star Trek? Why? (NOTE: You must pick one. Flip a coin if you have to, and I will be appropriately dismayed. ;)

What's the best Halloween costume you ever wore? Or, if nothing sticks out...the best one you ever saw.

If you had to leave your home quickly what 2 items (besides family, pets, and necessities) would you take with you?

The ABC's of Me

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This is going around on the TUSAL participants' blogs...

A - Age: Same as The Magic Kingdom
B - Bed size: Queen
C - Chore you hate: Pretty much all of them, but cleaning the shower and ironing are the worst!
D - Dog's name: The hubby is allergic to pretty much every animal in existence, but I'd have cats or a bunny if I could.
E - Essential start of the day item: Tea!!
F - Favorite color: blue
G - Gold or Silver: Depends!
H - Height: 5'4"
I - Instruments you play: piano, a little hand drum
J - Job: Application Architect (I code in Java, among other things.)
K - Kids: Nope
L - Living arrangements: Downtown Atlanta near the Georgia Aquarium, with my wonderful husband, in a townhouse (3 stories plus deck).
M - Music you love: a cappella
N - Nicknames: TMTIH (The Magic That Is Heather), Freelancer (gamer tag), and various from my sisters: Heather Hoo-Roo, Heather Hootachie...
O - Overnight hospital stay at hospital: pneumonia in 3rd grade and tonsilectomy in 5th grade
P - Pet Peeve: numerous =) Currently, people saying, "It is what it is." DUH!!
Q - Quote from a movie: Stay on target! (nearly anything from Star Wars)
R - Right handed or left: Right
S - Siblings: Three sisters, 12-17 years older than me!
T - Time you wake up: "Wake" up or "get" up?? Wake up, around noon. Get up, 7:30-8 for work...9-10 on weekends.
U - Underwear: yes
V - Vegetable you dislike: EGGPLANT (UGHPLANT)
W - Workout Style: ohmigosh I am so fat I totally need to work out yay I have done two days in a row oooo, chocolate
X - X-rays you've had: leg (I was two), teeth, lungs, head/left hand (braces)
Y - Yummy food you make: Christmas cookies
Z - The best place to visit: Japan...or Disney World

JiffNotes
Underwear? Really? That's the best "U" you could come up with?? What about University? (Georgia Tech) Or Unbelievable Fact? (I've been on Family Feud...twice) Or Unique Talent? (I can tell when people who are arguing are actually "in violent agreement" and are just saying the same thing two different ways.) C'mon...

QED

Your result for Howard Gardner's Eight Types of Intelligence Test...

Logical

51% Logical, 49% Spatial, 25% Linguistic, 8% Intrapersonal, 18% Interpersonal, 41% Musical, 14% Bodily-Kinesthetic and 31% Naturalistic!

"This area has to do with logic, abstractions, inductive and deductive reasoning, and numbers. While it is often assumed that those with this intelligence naturally excel in mathematics, chess, computer programming, and other logical or numerical activities, a more accurate definition places emphasis less on traditional mathematical ability and more reasoning capabilities, abstract pattern recognition, scientific thinking and investigation, and the ability to perform complex calculations.

Careers which suit those with this intelligence include scientists, mathematicians, engineers, doctors and economists." (Wikipedia)

Take Howard Gardner's Eight Types of Intelligence Test at HelloQuizzy

Unsurprising for me, yes? I'd love to hear your results if you take the test!

Heather is...

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Tintocktap had a cool meme on her blog that she translated from another blog.

Do this: Google your name plus "is" in quotation marks. ("Heather is" for me.) Copy the first five matches that have sentences containing "Heather is ...." and upload them to your blog.

• HEATHER IS WATCHING Scary.


• Far from a low-lying, dense shrub that excels in harsh environments, Heather is actually quite tall and brainy. Tall=only in Japan. Brainy=yes.
  
• In Scotland, heather is said to be stained with the blood of clan wars... Yikes!!


• Heather is a beautiful woman that has entertained us for decades, thankfully she is okay. You're too kind. And yes, I am OK.


• Heather is an important food source for various sheep and deer which can graze the tips of the plants when snow covers low growing vegetation. um...yeah

Bonus round:

• Aside from managing a talented team of staffing professionals, Heather is probably best known as a blogger. Google irony


• The roses would drop their petals and be dead in a day; but the heather is a thing that endures. Poetry. Not usually associated with me.


• Heather is 'The Queen of Calm'... Bwahahahahahaaaa!!! <wipes eyes>

These come as no big surprise; when I was a kid I was constantly searching for one of those bookmarks that have the meaning of your name that didn't say "a flower". I love my name, but I've always envied those whose names "mean" something. For instance, Michael means "one who is like God". COOL! Anyway, the only one I've ever found that didn't say "a flower" was one, which I really should have bought, which said, "Cover of Beauty". LOL!! <wipes eyes again>

JiffNotes
Heather is amused.

It's Nerd to Me, Apparently

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Your result for The Nerd? Geek? or Dork? Test...

Modern, Cool Nerd

61 % Nerd, 61% Geek, 22% Dork

For The Record:

A Nerd is someone who is passionate about learning/being smart/academia.

A Geek is someone who is passionate about some particular area or subject, often an obscure or difficult one.

A Dork is someone who has difficulty with common social expectations/interactions.


You scored better than half in Nerd and Geek, earning you the title of: Modern, Cool Nerd.

Nerds didn't use to be cool, but in the 90's that all changed. It used to be that, if you were a computer expert, you had to wear plaid or a pocket protector or suspenders or something that announced to the world that you couldn't quite fit in. Not anymore. Now, the intelligent and geeky have eked out for themselves a modicum of respect at the very least, and "geek is chic." The Modern, Cool Nerd is intelligent, knowledgable and always the person to call in a crisis (needing computer advice/an arcane bit of trivia knowledge). They are the one you want as your lifeline in Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (or the one up there, winning the million bucks)!

Take The Nerd? Geek? or Dork? Test at HelloQuizzy

JiffNotes
For the record, I say that the difference between a nerd and a geek is that the geek can tell when people's eyes are glazing over and knows when to shut up about her obsessive interests.

I Got Your Urban Legends Right Here

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Which Website are You?

JiffNotes
Well, I never made a rocket car. I wish I'd made a rocket car. But I didn't.

Horrors!!

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Really, this test was hilarious to take...if for nothing else than the "advice" that pops up throughout the test for surviving....

Your result for How Long Would you Survive in a Horror Film?...

The Horror Aficionado

54% chance of survival!

Sometimes known as "the wise guy" or "the totally platonic best friend". This character is usually either the most likeable or most excruciatingly annoying character in the movie, because he's almost always the comic relief (or lack thereof). Sometimes he is the first to die because he figures out what's going on, tries to escape and is killed. However, the horror aficionado will more likely use his knowledge to devise the plan that eliminates the threat. That means he survives until the end where he ends up dying as a sacrifice so that the heroine can carry out the plan. Though he tends to lack a backbone, you do feel somewhat bad when he dies.

All possible results:

Jock/Cheerleader

The Black Guy

The Horror Aficionado

The Hero/Heroine

The Killer

Take How Long Would you Survive in a Horror Film? at HelloQuizzy

JiffNotes
Oh, fine. Kill the funny girl.

Falling

Yup, that about says it all. Especially the cold part.

You Are Apple Cider

Smooth and comforting. But downright nasty when cold.

What Part of Fall Are You?

I'm it!

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It's been a long time since I posted, because I have a bad case of Can't Be Bothered. The five-day work week is going better; I've been pacing myself better, and a few work fires burned out, so that helped greatly as well. Stitching and knitting have been scarce due to lack of energy. Hopefully I'll feel inspired to post more soon. But for now, I've been tagged by Jill. Here goes...

"The rules of the game get posted at the beginning. Each player answers the questions about themself. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 0r 6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leaves a comment letting them know they've been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you've posted your answer."

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?
In May 1998, our loft was on the Atlanta Downtown Tour of Lofts for the first time. We actually had a visit from a Metropolitan Home rep, but our place didn't make the cut for the magazine. I was preparing to celebrate my first wedding anniversary (we went to Callaway Gardens). I was about to leave my first "real" job (as a consultant at a small place) to start a new one. That "new" job, at MAPICS, turned into "the best of times, the worst of times". I met my current manager (who I convinced to come work here) at that job, and that is a Very Good Thing! This was also the year I went to my first-ever needlework event, Spirit of Cross Stitch, where I met DFs Jill and Teresa for the first time. That was a life-changing event for sure! =) We've spent many great times together over the years, and their friendships have enriched my life greatly! You know, it's a darned good thing we wrote a Christmas letter for that year and posted it. Otherwise, I'd never have remembered all that!! (Like, when did I change jobs, anyway?? Duh.....)

2. What are five things on my to do list for today?

• make sure hubby is packed for business trip (no, I don't pack for him like my mom does for my dad, but I gotta check him for missing buttons and such!)


• get haircut


• do application build for release nope, can't do that...gotta wait for tomorrow for coworker to check in his code...


• buy more contact solution, saline and Scrubbing Bubbles


• if time, pick up ??? to finish the ??? I'm making for ???


• unload dishwasher

3. Snacks I enjoy...

• Publix Trinity ice cream (OMGosh!)


• like everyone else, Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M's


• dark chocolate covered crystallized ginger


• Teddy Graham Bears & Bees


• Twizzlers


• Harry & David's pepper jam mixed with cream cheese with tortilla chips


• hummus & pita chips


• blueberries with milk & a dash of sugar (or better yet, Jean's blueberry trifle...does that count as a snack or a meal??)


• Andy's guacamole with tortilla chips (snarf!)

4.Things I would do if I were a billionaire...

• hire someone to manage the bucks and make sure I never "have" to work again


• spend at least a month (or two...) traveling around the world. Literally. Around it. All the way.


• re-film Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and HPatCoS with Michael Gambon


• build a time machine and re-film Episode I with Hayley Joel Osment


• make all manner of charitable contributions...the Aquarium, Atlanta Union Mission, Samaritan's Purse, Prison Fellowship Ministries, etc., etc. I think I'd have to set up a foundation.


• learn to do all the stuff I wish I had time to learn to do (play various instruments, various dance styles)


• see how many TV cameo appearances I could buy my way into =)


• take care of family members: Mom and Dad get cleaning/organizing staff and personal trainers. Oldest sister gets her own tea shop. Middle sister...hmmm...I might employ her to run my charitable foundation! Youngest sister gets a travel allowance, since her stingy husband won't pay for any trips for her. Nieces and nephews get help with school or housing or something.

5. Places I have lived...

• Michigan ('til I was 3)


• Dunwoody, GA


• Oxford, MS (on a lake...sigh....)


• Downtown Atlanta

6. What jobs have I had...

I'm only going to do paying jobs...

• accompanist (on piano)


• teaching assistant at Georgia Tech for an artificial intelligence class


• research assistant at GT


• actress (yup, I've gotten paid...more than once, too!)


• consultant (of the software variety)


• software developer

Nope, I've never worked in retail or food service. I would have been horrible at either!

Unpaid jobs...

• choreographer (for a cheerleading team...and if you don't think that's work...!!!)


• reading tutor


• Sunday school teacher (yeah, it's work for sure!!)


• worship team singer/percussionist


• technology specialist (and ball roller) at the Paralympics (We were at the Standing Volleyball venue and they were short-handed on floor staff one day)

7. Peeps I want to know more about...
I'll tag

• Susan


• casablanca


• Erin


• Julia


• Jenni


• Shanta

Whew! I actually cut that list down to six to comply with the rules (you know me ;). I'm counting on you guys to tag the peeps I missed. =)

JiffNotes
Sing with me now..."Getting to knooooow you, getting to know alllll aboooout youuuu...."

Happy Birthday to meme

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I was going to make up my own birthday meme, but that seemed like too much trouble. ;)

1. Type in your birthday (minus the year) in the search bar at Wikipedia.org
2. List three interesting facts, two births, and one death that happened on your birthday.

Three facts
1. Apropos: 1951 - The Twenty-second Amendment to the United States Constitution, limiting Presidents to two terms, is ratified.
2. Hilarious: 1964 - The government of Italy asks for help to keep the Leaning Tower of Pisa from toppling over.
3. Yawn: 1986 - The United States Senate allows its debates to be televised on a trial basis.

Two births
Dudes, I'm going more than two, because some seriously cool people were born on "my" day:
272 - Constantine I, Roman emperor (d. 337)
1807 - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, American poet (d. 1882)
1902 - John Steinbeck, American writer, Nobel laureate (d. 1968)
1930 - Joanne Woodward, American actress
1932 - Elizabeth Taylor, British-American actress
1934 - Ralph Nader, American consumer activist
1934 - Van Williams, American actor
1964 - Todd Bodine, American race car driver (this one is for Jean)
and to make up for the embarassing
1980 - Chelsea Clinton
we have what would probably be the two I listed for real:
1981 - Josh Groban, American singer
1962 - Adam Baldwin, American actor
People. Adam Baldwin! How cool is that? I just love him in "Chuck" right now, but my enjoyment is enhanced by having seen him in "Firefly". What's that? You've never seen it?!? I command you to remedy that immediately. And, you know, it's my birthday, so you have to do what I say. ;)

One death
2003 - Fred Rogers, American children's television actor (b. 1928)
*sob*

JiffNotes
I can fit in a "Firefly" blurb nearly anywhere...

Oughta be in pictures

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Saw this on Terri's blog. How cool!! I picked pix that were illustrative of the answers, but that's not necessary.

Answer the questions and type your answer into Google images search. Post a photo from the FIRST results page. (this can be tough!!)

Age you will be on your next birthday?


Place you would like to visit?


One of your favorite places?


Your favorite object?


Your favorite food?


Your favorite animal?


Your favorite color?


Name of a past pet?


Where you live?


First grade teacher’s last name?


Middle name?


A bad habit of yours?


Favorite flower?


Favorite Holiday?

JiffNotes
Looks a lot like Heather...

Really?

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I had to take this test after seeing it on Erin's blog.

Hunh. I never would have guessed this result. Nikki, possibly. Hiro, maybe. I can't paint or draw to save my life!!

Your Score: Isaac Mendez

You scored 33 Idealism, 41 Nonconformity, 70 Nerdiness

I need painting supplies.Congratulations, you're Isaac Mendez! You're a talented, creative, artistic soul with a few demons you've been working to overcome. You are really passionate person and you are not afraid to express yourself or your emotions. Your best quality: Creativity and artistic talent. Your worst quality: A possibly addictive or indulgent personality

Link: The Heroes Personality Test written by freedomdegrees on OkCupid, home of the The Dating Persona Test

JiffNotes
=( Rats, I wanted to end up as Hiro. {{{(>.<)}}}

One Word

I got this meme from Terri. It's going to be a real challenge for me, because I am a relatively verbose writer!

You can use only one word to answer.

1. Where is your Cellphone? - purse


2. Relationship? - lovely


3. Your Hair? - chocolate


4. Work? - mandatory


5. Your sister? - which?


6. Your favorite thing? - sleep


7. Your dream last night? - non-existent


8. Your favorite drink? - sweet


9. Your dream car? - Solstice


10. The room you’re in? - boring


11. Your shoes? - Clarks


12. Your fears? - insomnia


13. What do you want to be in 10 years? - happy


14. Who did you hang out with this weekend? - everyone


15. What are you not good at? - athletics


16. Muffin? - absolutely


17. One of your wish list items? - Segway!


18. Where you grew up? - lake


19. Last thing you did? - blinked


20. What are you wearing? - pants


21. What aren’t you wearing? - shorts


22. Your pet? - missed


23. Your computer? - boxed


24. Your life? - tiring


25. Your mood? - mopey


26. Missing? - time


27. What are you thinking about right now? - dinner


28. Your car? - totalled


29. Your kitchen? - awesome


30. Your summer? - fruity


31. Your favorite color? - blue


32. Last time you laughed? - yesterday


33. Last time you cried? - hazy


34. School? - Master's


35. Love? - unconditionally

Meme-o-licious

Stolen from Erin...

1. Are you taller than your mom?

Yes, but just barely!

2. What color is your car?

Well, I don't have a car right now. DH's car is "Patriot Blue". If I had a car, it would be blue. =)

3. What is the closest thing to you that is red?

Well, my speaker on the computer is muted, so there's a little red "X" by it. Other than that, it's the Tangrams on my page-a-day calendar.

4. What is your ringtone?

Some arpeggiated thing that came with my phone.

5. Are you sick?

Miraculously, no. I say miraculously because in the past few weeks I have gotten little sleep and have been on vacation, two things normally guaranteed to make me succumb to illness.

6. What color is your favorite pillow?

Favorite pillow? Favorite pillow??!? What kind of fickle slumber harlot wrote this meme? Pillows are not to be switched amongst like so many pairs of shoes! My only pillow is buff. (In color...DH is also buff, but not in color :b)

7.What is your favorite video game?

Halo. I also loves me some Viva Pinata. It's like video game crack. My favorite classic vid game (arcade) is Ms. Pac Man, my favorite original Atari game is Frostbite, and my favorite PC game is Super Tetris. Or Minesweeper. Or Spider. If I had back all the time I spent on those three alone, I probably could have solved the world's oil crisis or something.

8. Had a nap today?

=( No. I almost never get that luxury, and usually when I try, I've got too many things on my mind for it to "take". Sunday afternoons are the only time I can usually nap.

9. Gold or Silver?

That depends. My wedding ring is gold, but I tend to veer towards silver jewelry in general.

10. Is there an animal that creeps you out?

Snakes! Although they are technically reptiles.

11.Who was the last person you rode an elevator with?

Random guy I work with whose name I don't know.

12. Did you go iceskating as a kid?

Yes, and I was just as terrible at it then as I am now! Weak ankles or whatever. I rock at roller skating, though.

13. Ever have stitches?

Mmmm...I was going to say no, but I think I had one when I had a cyst removed from my temple.

14. Favorite non-alcoholic drink?

Egg creme, although that can be made alcoholic quite nicely. =) Other than that, hot tea of the flavored variety (and my favoritest is Orange Dulce Mighty Leaf...like drinking candy, it is).

15. How long ago did you kiss someone?

About an hour and a half ago.

16. What's something you want to do before you die?

Go all over Europe.

17. Have you ever caught something on fire?

Yes, and even on purpose. =)

18. Have you ever seen a ghost?

Well, I've seen "Ghost", but other than that, no.

19.Have you ever seen the northern lights?

Nope.

20. Do you know how to use chop sticks?

Yes, but I'm not very shozo (skilled). =)

21. Name something good that happened today.

So far, I guess that would have to be that my WOMBAT scores submitted (unlike yesterday).

22. What room are you in?

The "library".

23. Are you worried about something you can't control?

That's like asking me if I'm breathing.

24. Do you take daily medications?

Nope, although during allergy season, it feels like it.

25. Ever been in a fight?

Like physically? No, although I have been worried about being jumped by an insane ex-girlfriend before.

26. Are you wearing nailpolish?

Only on my toes. I'm almost always doing something with my hands, and being a programmer for a living, with all the typing, it's just not worth it.

27. Favorite color?

Blue!

28. Innie or Outie?

Innie.

29. Ever used a Ouija board?

Good heavens, no! And praise God I haven't; I've heard some really scary stories about prolonged use.

30. Sweet or Sour?

Sweet.

31. Sun or Moon?

Sun, even though I am not a morning person. I hate winter because there's so little sunshine.

32. What shoes did you wear today?

So far, slippers. Right now I'm barefoot because I'm about to work out. After that, it'll be sandals...since that's pretty much all there is during Summer! =)

33. Favorite eye color of the opposite sex?

Blue, blue, blue.

34. Most important quality in any relationship?

Mutual respect.

35. Favorite zombie movie?

This isn't really a movie, but a video...Thriller. (Cheese-tastic!!)

36. Do you know how to kill a zombie?

This is a trick question, right? Zombies are ALREADY DEAD. That's why they're zombies. If you want to stop one moving, though, I think you have to shoot it in the brain. Brains....

37. Time of day you were born?

About 6:30 in the morning, and I've never been up that early since, LOL!

38. Do you know your blood type?

Yes. Am I supposed to tell what it is??

There's no 39, so I'm going to talk about blood types. My family becomes fascinated with the weirdest small things. At some point, they got fascinated by blood types. Now, blood type heredity is very simple. You get one gene from your mom, and one from your dad. A and B are dominant, O is recessive. So if you get an A from your mom and and O from your dad, you're an AO, and A is dominant, so you're type A. Since O is recessive, you can only be an O if you got an O from both parents (making you OO).

So if you know your mom is type A and your dad is type O, and you know you're type A, which two genes did you get? That's right, and A from mom and an O from dad. For some reason, my sisters are incapable of remembering this. We have the same conversation at almost every get-together.

"What type are you?"

"A."

"So what type is Mom?"

"She's A as well."

"But I thought Dad was A."

"Nope. He's O."

"But I'm type A and my son is O."

"That means your husband is O."

"So how can my son be O if I'm A?"

"You're an AO, 'cause Mom's an A and Dad's an O. He got an O from you and an O from his dad."

"So O is dominant?"

"No, O is recessive. Dominant/recessive has nothing to do with what's passed on, only with what trait is...er...dominant once you've got it."

"Oh, I see. I wonder what Grammy and Grampy were (on Dad's side)."

"Well, we don't know, because Dad's O. They could have been A, B or O."

"How could they have been A or B if Dad's O?"

*sigh*

40. What would you spend 5000 dollars on right now if you were handed it?

I'd get this really cool table DH likes from Design Within Reach, and then I would pay a contractor the rest to get our stairs in the new place fixed before July 1st. If I couldn't find one, I'd get blinds for the second floor in the new place.

41. Name something annoying in public transit?

Not being able to get everywhere using it.

42. Girls are:

Fickle.

43. Guys are:

Idiots (except DH, who only acts like an idiot once in a while in order to remind me he's a guy).

44. Parents are:

Obsessed with their kids.

45. Did you grow up in the city or country?

Country, but I'm a city girl at heart. Or at least a small-town girl.

46. Would you ever consider going on a reality tv show if offered a large sum of money?

Depends which show. Actually, more like, different shows would require different amounts of money to get me to go on them. Like, to get me to go on Survivor would take a huge sum, because I don't do well without protein and I'd be afraid for my health (mental and otherwise, LOL!)

47. Have you flown in your dreams?

Yes, both with and without airplanes. :b

48. Hugs or kisses?

Yes, please. Although I only want kisses from DH.

49. You have 10 dollars to spend in the dollar store, what do you get?

10 things. Well, actually, 9 things, because there'd be tax. Duh! ;)

50. Slurpee flavor?

No, thanks, I'd rather have an Icee (cherry).

More flair than substance

Saw this test on Afford Your Passions and couldn't resist. Of course, I could have told you which leading lady I'd come up as.

Your Score: Katharine Hepburn

You scored 19% grit, 19% wit, 57% flair, and 11% class!

You are the fabulously quirky and independent woman of character. You go your own way, follow your own drummer, take your own lead. You stand head and shoulders next to your partner, but you are perfectly willing and able to stand alone. Others might be more classically beautiful or conventionally woman-like, but you possess a more fundamental common sense and off-kilter charm, making interesting men fall at your feet. You can pick them up or leave them there as you see fit. You share the screen with the likes of Spencer Tracy and Cary Grant, thinking men who like strong women.

The Classic Dames Test

Cary Grant!! *swoon*

Movie Meme

Name your all-time top five favorite movies.
Are you kidding?? That's like asking me to name my top five all-time favorite meals!! Maybe I could do top five in each category.... OK. For the purposes of this meme, I will try.

• The Princess Bride


• Singing in the Rain


• The Gay Divorcee


• A Little Princess


• Sense & Sensibility (Emma Thompson version)


• Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope


• The Incredibles


• The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring


• The Matrix


• Signs

OK. That's 10. That's really the best I can do. I had to cut out a bunch of winners to do that (Holiday Inn, Bringing Up Baby, The Emperor's New Groove, The Sound of Music, The Music Man....)

What’s your favorite movie line?
It's probably, "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." (The Princess Bride) Or possibly, "Peach preserves! Say, I really go for those! Why, they're great with.... Or even plain!" from Holiday Inn, and it's all in Fred Astaire's delivery. But the one I probably say the most is "Stay on target...stay on target!" (That's Episode IV, in case you didn't know.)

Who’s your favorite movie character?
Erm...that's a tough one. I don't tend to have favorite characters outside the context of the movie. I'll go with my favorite Disney character...Meeko. =)

What movie do you love that most people hate?
I have no idea. I do love Treasure Planet, and that didn't do very well in the theater. Most people just haven't seen it, though. Same with Atlantis.

What movie do you hate that most people love?
Citzen Kane. Please, people, it's so obvious what Rosebud is at the beginning. Also, Shrek. I was totally done when Fiona made the bird explode.

What was the last movie you saw?
In the theater, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End.

What’s your least favorite movie ever?
The Piano. As in, you couldn't pay me to see it again. We were supposed to be going with another couple, who told us, "Hey, we like you guys and we never do anything. Let's go see a movie right now." Er...OK...and against my better judgment, we decided on this one. On the way to the theater, though, they decided they needed to "talk about their relationship" and ditched us. We spent the whole movie wondering what had happened, and the only reason we didn't walk out of this horrible flick is that we didn't want to abandon them.

What one movie have you seen that you would never ever watch again?
Didn't I just answer this one? LOL! I'm trying to think of a movie I liked that I won't watch again. Ah, I've got it. The Ring. Best opening of a suspense/horror flick, ever. (Not that I see that many.) But I wouldn't watch it again.

What was the last DVD you saw?
Curse of the Golden Flower.

What was the first DVD you remember buying?
The real question is, do I even remember ever buying a DVD?? Usually that's DH's job. In the early days I would order them from Amazon, so that doesn't really make a real impression, either. I'm going to say Wallace & Gromit's Adventures.

What actor/actress would you like to look like?
Well, DH likes brunettes (go figure =), so I'll stick with brunettes, although I personally think Nicole Kidman, Grace Kelly and Kate Winslett are gorgeous. I wouldn't mind looking like Jennifer Garner. She's not too "showy", but she's got a nice willowy figure (which I'll never have...). Or Julia Roberts...she's beautiful. Oooo! I've got it! Anne Hathaway! She's so pretty!

What classic movie have you never seen?
When Harry Met Sally. I'm putting this one, not because I think it's necessarily a "classic," but because people always look at me like I've grown another head when I say I haven't seen it. I also haven't seen Jerry McGuire.

What song would you choose to be the theme song to the movie of your life story?
Now this is an interesting question. I would like it to be "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" because I'd like people to praise God from seeing His work through me. But I'm a long way off from that.

What’s your favorite movie genre?
Musicals! Or action/adventure/kung fu!

Who’s your favorite actor/actress?
For current actors/actresses, I really like Jim Carrey, though not when he does the Ace Ventura type stuff. Loved him in The Majestic. On the actress side, I love Geena Davis and Julia Roberts.

Realistically, my favorite actor is probably Cary Grant, followed closely by Fred Astaire, Gene Kelley and Donald O'Connor. And my favorite actress, Judy Garland. Or Olivia de Haviland. Or Rita Hayworth....

What actor/actress do you refuse to see their movies?
Colin Farrell. I find him to be a revolting individual, so I can't enjoy anything he's in. I also dislike Russell Crowe intensely; I think the only movie I've seen that he's been in is A Beautiful Mind.

What genre would you choose not to watch?
Horror/gross-out comedies.

What’s your favorite theater concession combo?
Junior Mints! No drink...don't want to have to leave during a vital plot point, LOL!

Front row, Back row, Side Seats, Aisle or center?
Center, first or second row of upper area in stadium seating. Which is pretty much all there is around here. If for some reason it's a smaller theater, wherever I'm looking slightly up at the screen but not too much.