100 More Things

1) I majored in English in college thinking that I would go on to law school. I don't know what I was really thinking. I am so not lawerly!

2) The reason I was drawn to literature and creative writing had every thing to do with a mentor and teacher I had in high school. Mr. Huth was passionate about every thing from Chaucer to Conrad, from Faulkner to Fitzgerald.

3) When I was younger, I wanted to have all boys. 4 boys to be exact. I am so grateful for my 2 kids and for one of each.

4) Mosquitoes love me. Unfortunately, I don't love them, but I do attract them and I am very allergic.

5) My aunt (my Dad's youngest sister) is more like a sister to me. She's only 10 years (almost to the day) older than I am and I cannot imagine my life without her.

6) My favorite jewelry is Brighton. Of all the pieces I own, I have only purchased one ring and one necklace for myself. My friends and family know how to make me happy.

7) I'll take dark chocolate over milk chocolate any day.

8) I believe in signs. They are everywhere...we just have to be open to them. Like the lone tiger lily that appeared in my garden right before my daughter was born confirming my pink suspicions or the song on the radio when my Mom passed that simply doesn't exist. Seriously, the DJ said the artistist's name, but I cannot find her any where. The lyrics were so comforting. I am resigned to believe that the song was sung by the voices of angels and sent from heaven above.

9) The boy who gave me my first kiss has recently friended me on Facebook. I am really not so sure what I think about Facebook. I find the play by play some people feel the need to give annoying.

10) I am all thumbs when it comes to doing my daughter's hair. My neighbor, who has a boy, came over the other day and was trying to teach me to french braid and make buns.

11) My Mom used to say that if you could count your good friends on one hand, you were lucky. She was right. Less is more as far as I am concerned when trusting people with your innermost thoughts and feelings.

12) I truly fell in love with my husband after I graduated and we (Gidget and Moondoggie) took a 3 week trip to Hawaii. It was the most time we had spent together after only dating for a few months and I could have stayed forever in paradise with him.

12) Last summer I sang every single word to every single song Jack Johnson played during his concert. Seriously, the people around me were glaring at me, but I didn't care. I was especially obnoxious during this song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwoFGuDDUN8

13) I saw Stevie Wonder last summer too with my girls...my Mom and my almost sister, K. My Mom was weak in body, but not in spirit. It was a magical night. My other almost sister, J., asked me to go again this summer, but I declined. That perfect evening is a sacred memory. I want that to be the first and the last time I saw Stevie. He played this song and it was THE bomb!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmUvVj2mxnY

14) I am always optimistic on Thursdays. I wake up thinking that I can conquer anything...that anything is possible. Monday I'm at my lowest. It takes until Thursday to get that Little Engine attitude. I am starting to understand my stagnation.

15) I found out there was no Santa when I was 8. My Mom pulled an early Christmas gift out of her closet. I wasn't enthralled with the new pillow I opened so I went to further investigate. It was days before Christmas and there were already gifts from Santa in her closet. She simply conceded.

16) Some people may say that life is too short to waste time carrying grudges. I think life is too short to waste time on undeserving people who give one reason to have a grudge in the first place.

17) I have learned that I despise the saying, 'God only gives you what you can handle.' Believe me it isn't true and it isn't comforting in any way. It is ok to say, 'What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.' That is true.

18) I didn't go to my 20 year high school reunion. My philosophy was if I haven't missed you enough in 20 years to look you up and contact you, then what difference would 20 years and 1 day make?

19) Rude people make my blood boil. I have a long and lengthy list of what exactly constitutes rude behavior. I'll leave that for a whole separate post.

20) I cry easily and I am ok with that. Other people not always so much.

21) I have worked for my Dad at various times in my life and I have found that that just doesn't work for me. He is a tough boss. My friend K., on the other hand, worked very well for him.

22) One of the most romantic dates I ever went on was to see Maynard Ferguson on the Green at Yale my summer before college. For a few days after, I actually considered converting to Judaism for this boy. He didn't actually propose btw.

23) Once my brother and my boyfriend at the time lost all of our money playing 3 card Monty on the streets of New York. Some nice old lady gave us train fare so we could make it back to Connecticut. Later my Dad informed us that she was probably in on the scam too.

24) My first job was babysitting. I was 12 and babysitting for a newborn. Her parents thought they were smart to put her to bed before they left for the evening. Little did they know that I would wake her up because I so desperately wanted to hold her. I ended up babysitting for that family throughout college.

25) In the summer, I mostly wear skirts. I mostly wear skirts with flowers on them.

26) I think pico de gallo is a brilliant culinary creation. You don't actually need a recipe...that's the beauty of it beside the fact that it tastes good on everything.

http://smittenkitchen.com/2006/08/the-taco-joint-on-my-shirt/

27) I am enamored with the bluebirds in my yard right now. So are my cats. Their rust colored bellies surprise me every time.

28) I have a terrible aversion to dirty feet and body odor. I have to go to bed clean.

29) I always smile when I pass people on the street, and I take it personally when they look away or stare at me blankly. People don't you know that smiles are free and healthy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkHM8xG6i8o

30) I am excited for the road trips in our future now that my kids are old enough to not ask 100 million times, "Are we there yet?"

31) Zoos depress me. I often wonder why some of the largest animals have the smallest exhibits.

32) I have learned how powerful it is to not ask what it is you can do, but to just do it. I know it sounds like I am pitching for Nike here. It's actually a brilliant slogan.

33) As far as I'm concerned...cheese is the perfect food. Any cheese...blue, feta, goat, cheddar and even chocolate! My daughter got the cheese gene. She has been known to go through 1/2 a container of Parmesan when we have pasta.

34) I love the way that the men in my life are really just boys at heart.

35) My super hero power would be to be invisible.

36) I am drawn to people with charisma and humility.

37) I find myself leery of people who are Polly Annas. I cannot trust someone who always, always sees their glass as half full.

38) I was the only adult to dress up this past Halloween at a costume party our friends had except for the host and hostess. My husband even vetoed putting on a costume. The good thing was that I was in full make up as a witch and no one knew who I was. Do you have any idea how fun it is to be anonymous?

39) I am a salt fiend.

40) I will never forget a single soul who came to my Mom's funeral and I won't ever forget who didn't come either. I can still remember my eulogy and I can hear Father T. singing Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Ra. It was my Mom's favorite lullaby. He has since admitted he felt compelled by the holy spirit to sing it. I find moments of divine intervention so comforting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvjlDLzW5RU

41) My husband can sell anything on Craig's List!

42) I have never been on a blind date.

43) My boyfriend (at the time) and I used to go on double dates with my husband and his girlfriend (at the time) when we were in college.

44) Two friends who stood up in my wedding ended up marrying two of my husband's groomsmen and another met her husband at a gathering for my wedding. They are all still married. I think I may be a match for the Millionaire Matchmaker!

45) I never want to climb Mt. Everest or go to the moon.

46) Although sometimes I still dream about going to China to adopt a little girl and going to Africa on a safari.

47) I call all my kids' friends, "Honey."

48) I want to go to a psychic with my friend K. who lost her Mom almost exactly a year before lost my Mom. She has been such a comfort and inspiration to me. Our Moms grew up together too. I'll be forever indebted to her for the way she came to my rescue last fall. She took off from work even before I asked her to and she handled nurse Susan like a pro. I was very impressed and ever so thankful. In fact the whole houseful off hens was impressed that day. I would be a puddle without her...a mess.

49) Thunder makes me calm.

50) I still wear Birkenstocks. In fact, I just got a new pair this season. Old Navy flip flops are still my staple though.

51) I am also a sucker for Vera Bradley. Obviously I have an eclectic style.

52) I enjoy giving much more than I enjoy receiving, but I so heart the things my sil-to-be brings me from her store on a whim.

53) I love words. There are words in every room of my house. Quotes on walls, framed inspirational sayings, stencils, monograms.

54) I am not a boater. I get sea sick the moment I board. The only time I have looked death in the face was on a boat in Green Bay. We were going 100 mph on the turbulent bay and I was sure we were all going in. The problem was that there were 50 fast boats behind us so we wouldn't have had a chance.

55) The best thing about my kitchen are the double ovens. The rest of it needs to be gutted.

56) My Mom is the most generous person I have ever known. She wouldn't give you the shirt off her back, but she would go out and buy you one in every color if you liked it.

57) I am named after a little girl my Mom used to babysit for. My blond hair and blue eyes reminded my Mom of this little sweetie. I actually like my name.

58) That being said...if I could change my name I would be Tess. Although, I never considered naming my daughter that.

59) I would like to learn to speak Italian. After all, it is the language of love. My husband once started to teach himself Chinese because it is the language of business.

60) I believe that we should have year round school now. Unfortunately, the teacher's union is so strong that I don't see that happening in my lifetime.

61) I like cloudy days especially in the fall and always in the winter.

62) When I was younger my favorite shows were Dance Fever, In Search of, The Love Boat and if I was lucky and could stay awake for it...Fantasy Island. It was on at 9:00 you know.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icAwcByaNtY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GX-pVhTZg0U

63) I have always liked jazz. Ever since my very first boyfriend made me a mix tape. It speaks to my soul.  I still have the tape, but no way to listen to it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Pwo9FEqzzM&feature=PlayList&p=50704FE99A1D4B54&index=0&playnext=1

64) The first music video I ever saw was Madonna's Lucky Star. I still heart that song...Madonna...not so much!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHOuzJ_Rf1E

65) We only eat whole wheat bread in our house.

66) I only eat popcorn without butter and with lots and lots of salt.

67) I am very envious of women who still have their mothers.

68) On the weekends, my Dad would drop my brother and I off at Skateland and we would roller the afternoon away. When the slow songs came on, he would pretend to be my date and we would skate (dance) together.

69) I don't function without a cup of coffee in the morning. I only need one...but I need one.

70) I am very much against Ethanol, amongst other government mandated programs that I won't get into.

71) I hope that John and Kate get a divorce. I don't see how they can be happy together any more. The only thing Dr. Phil says that I agree with is, 'It's better to come from a broken home than to live in one.' He is spot on about that! She's a nag and he's a whiner. Move on.

72) Story People speak to my soul. I love me my Brian Andreas. It's my favorite gift to give ever to every one. I personally have 5.

73) A little girl put a curse on me in Zijuatanejo, Mexico. I believe she was trying to inflict the evil intentions on my husband who was unknowingly teasing her, but as a child of only 5 or 6 she may not have mastered the art of hexing yet. We're talking green gas emanating from my mouth, a floor to ceiling crack in our 5th floor balcony door, a room full of flies. Creepy. When my hubby tells the story, I get the willies.

74) Despite the fact that I am an English major, I am always referring to Strunk & White especially where apostrophes are concerned. Successful people always know where to go for the answer. We're talking phone a friend...friends. It's all about using your resources.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/0205632645/sr=8-1/qid=1247379001/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books&qid=1247379001&sr=8-1

75) I cried for days after I saw The Elephant Man and for weeks after I saw The Champ. Of course, that was about 30 years ago and I still get teary eyed thinking about either feature film.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAhrqKqK_cA

76) I love the Cirque du Soliel!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlrsvPb8zF0

77) My favorite smell in the whole world is eucalyptus. It soothes me...it energizes me...it.inspires me..you get the picture.

78) I think kalamata olives should me in every kitchen and most recipes.

79) My husband is one of the coaches of my son's baseball team this year and I fall in love with him all over again every time I see him mentor and support the kids. All the Moms adore him and the Dads...they know they should be more like him. The kids think he is the bomb. They're right and they are the best judges of character, and really the only ones who count.

80) I am the only person in my house who loves black licorice. I am also the person in my house with the most cavities.

81) I believe that homemade is always better! Always!

82) I would love to learn how to dance some day. As in ballroom dance. It's such a beautiful, passionate way to express yourself with your partner. Unfortunately, we have two left feet apiece!

83) I have the best friends in the world. My Mom's best friend has become one of my dearest friends too. I mean...I've known her just as long, but we share a very special bond now. When the two of us are together, I know my Mom is always with us. I am fortunate to see her several times a week and I am so thankful. She is living proof of the discriminating judge of character my Mom was. She's one of a kind and I absolutely cherish her! She calls a spade a spade and wears her feelings on her sleeve just the way my Mom did, and she would give you the very shirt off her back. Or more like the shoes of her feet...look in my closet, she's done it!

84) I am scared to swim in the lake at night, but I still do it because I don't want to pass this fear on to my kids.

85) A friend commented on how my brother always hugs me when we greet. It's true we begin every meeting with an embrace and we end most conversations with an 'I love you.'

86) I don't like to wrap gifts and think that gift bags are a necessity. If something is a perfect square, I pass it off on my hubby to wrap. He is far more patient and meticulous than I am.

87) When a recipe calls for ground meat, I usually use turkey.

88) I have to make my bed every day.

89) I am not comfortable with putting pictures of my family on my blog..yet. That's why there are so many pictures of my cats.

90) We love to play the You Tube Game.

91) I no longer blame people who hide $$$$$ in their matresses. Not a bad idea. Don't get any ideas because I still go to the bank.

92) I cannot eat breakfast until 10:00 or so. I'm just not hungry before then.

93) I always wear jewelry.

94) If there were room in my bathroom...I'd add a steam room.

95) I'm smitten with the Smitten Kitchen. The cakes I'm baking tonight for Father's Day are a little daunting, but every bit worth it. Come to think of it, I don't even know if my Dad likes hostess cupcakes.

http://smittenkitchen.com/2008/02/homemade-devil-dog-ding-dong-or-hostess-cake/

90) Nostalgia. It's all about nostalgia. It sweeps over me at least a dozen times a day.

91) Cheese and crackers are my favorite snack.

92) I usually fall asleep during movies.

93) I like to walk at night because then I can see in my neighbor's homes. I like to see how they have decorated.

94) I once met Charlie Sheen in an airport. I was a big fan after seeing St. Elmo's Fire when I became familiar with his brother Emilio Estevez. My Mom chased him down to get his autograph for me. I was beyond embarrassed, he was not very nice and she was so proud of herself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIGIpff2ib4

95) I have been a huge fan of Rickie Lee Jones since middle school. She is one performer I have never seen, but would like to see.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLiIe0KQ_lY

96) I used to go to a lot of concerts with my Mom. She was such a fun person to do that with. We saw everyone from Celine Dion to The Stones. We got free tickets to see Celine and I was not looking forward to it, but she puts on an incredible show. It is still in my top 10.  So were the Stones.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ji-GONSfwnE

97) My son has started to like U2. So what if he calls them...You Tube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pF1I8H14zfE

98) When I workout, I usually look like I just got out of the shower. I sweat that much.

99) It only takes me about a 1/2 hour to get ready in the morning. I'm pretty low maintenance.

100) The only time I like it to be 90 and above is when I am poolside. 70s an0 80s rock any other day.