As interviewed by cool guy and buddy Vahid:
1. This past year, I visited both Chicago and Seattle for the first time. Though I've only seen a little of each, both seem like grand old cities. What prompted you to move from one to the other, and is there anything you miss from your old hometown that you wish you had in your new hometown?
I actually grew up in suburban Chicago (a bit different), and had been in graduate school in Bloomington, Indiana for five years before moving to Seattle. I made the decision that I wanted to move to someplace completely foreign to me, to have a go at performing, and wanted to be somewhere new where I could make a clean start. I considered Boston, and Minneapolis, and New York, but some friends convinced me to come to Seattle. They had literally thrown a dart at a map after graduating and thought, “Hey, Seattle’s supposed to be a cool city!”. And after moving here, they loved it. They convinced my then-roommate that he should move out here, then worked on me, and finally I caved in, and my roommate and I came out here together. The first time I was ever out here was to look for an apartment, then we drove for six days (right after a blizzard and ice storm) in mid-December across the country. It was hell – the tire on the U-Haul blew out in Idaho Falls, and the driver’s-side window shattered somewhere in Oregon. Luckily I was driving the car, and the dog was sedated.
Chicago is amazing, and I wish I could experience living there as an adult. I’d love to live there now. But it is very Midwestern, which – while a big part of my past and my roots – tends to be more narrow-minded than the West Coast. What I miss is the sense of familiarity, of closeness, of family. Seattle feels a little more distant and disjointed – very few people that I know here are actually FROM here. The sense of history isn’t as common here.
2. Your profile says that you're a classically trained musician. What exactly does that mean? What instrument(s) do you play? If you suddenly discovered you had enough free time in your schedule to learn a new instrument, which one would it be and why?
I started with piano lessons in the fourth grade, then clarinet in the fifth grade. It wasn’t until I was in college that I was actually pushed to be a professional musician, and my professors convinced me that I was good enough. I still don’t believe it – and have proved them wrong by being an accountant.
I’ve also performed as a saxophonist, a flutist, and a bassoonist. “Classically trained” means I studied heavily in “classical” styles, in orchestral and chamber music. But that envelopes many actual periods of music. My biggest and most highly-acclaimed successes have been in Romantic-era pieces (especially the Brahms Sonatas) and in 20th-Century works (notably the Quatour pour la fin du Temps by Olivier Messiaen).
Learn a new instrument? The cello. I'm amazed by string instruments, by what you can do with them, by how physical they are. While every instrument utilizes your entire body to play, the cello just seems to emphasize that. And I love the timbre of it.
3. What is your most vivid childhood memory?
Hmm. That’s a difficult one. There are a lot of compilations – the way my Dad smelled when he walked in the door in the winter and I ran and hugged his legs, with his suit and tie-clip and tweed overcoat. Running through the house with my brothers with Frisbees, pretending they were steering wheels, and making car noises. Sledding at our lake house and having the neighbor’s black lab Zeke jumping all over us, and later crying because he was shot by a nearby farmer. An everyday feeling of homesickness as I walked to school, and crying many mornings on the way because I wanted to stay home. I still get homesick going to work.
4. How did you first get into blogging? What do you enjoy the most about "blog culture"? What do you like the least?
I took some time off after my Dad passed away (I left my current employer – who I work for now – and had a brief stint at a non-profit AIDS agency, which didn’t work out). It was a nice break, but I got bored, and spent a large amount of time reading various blogs, from personal to political, and realized that I really missed writing. Not that I was ever a trained writer, but I always loved creative writing courses, and wanted to do some self-expressing. A blog seemed like a good way to keep a diary of sorts, to express my opinions, to have an outlet that I missed. So, I joined the blogosphere. I never expected to have any kind of following, and was surprised when people started reading and commenting.
I most enjoy the way that a huge variety of people, from different locations and backgrounds, can connect and share. I’ve “met” (virtually) many people who I would have never otherwise known, who are amazing and interesting and in one way or another are my “friends”. Blogging gives you an amazing sense of belonging, of connecting, of sharing. I’ve physically met a few blogging friends, and they’ve all been truly great people that I’m better for knowing.
What do I like the least? I guess that blogging can be so anonymous. People who leave anonymous comments, especially when they are derogatory, are cowards and pathetic. So while blogging can bring people together, it can also reinforce the idea that the internet is not reality, and that you can’t escape the dregs of the earth no matter what your forum.
5. Your fairy godmother appears one morning and informs you that
Seattle is three hours away from getting smited by a minor comet.
You've got to leave immediately. Other than Scott and any pets (if memory serves I believe you have a dog), what five things do you take with you? (Assume your fairy godmother is going to give any friends and family in the area the heads-up to evacuate as well.)
I’m a bit humbled by the fact that it would only take a minor comet to smite my city!
Assuming that Scott and our many pets (yes, we have a dog … and then two more … and cats and birds and fish and turtles and don’t forget Charlie the Chinchilla) would be safe no matter what I choose, and that we’re talking tangible objects here … wow. I don’t know. One thing I’ve learned from moving over the years is that I can let things go. I’d much rather have memories and stories and connections than to have things.
But what would I want to keep? Our framed Domestic Partnership certificate from the City of Seattle. The hand-painted box that my friend Kim gave for Christmas many years ago (I hope to reconnect with her someday). My titanium and koa-wood ring that matches Scott’s, that we bought together in Hawaii (it would be on my hand, but it’s something that would be important for me to have). My parents’ wedding picture that’s in the living room.
I can’t think of a fifth object. If I couldn’t take it all, then all I’d want to keep safe with me is Scott.
Showing posts with label Memes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Memes. Show all posts
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Sunday, February 08, 2009
A Matterdays By Any Other Name ...
This is going around on Facebook, but since I'm here more than there I thought I'd post this. Kinda fun and brainless - like me!
You use your own name to come up with these "other" names":
1.YOUR REAL NAME: Matterdays (always incognito, I am ... )
2.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME:(mothers’ and fathers’ middle names)
William Irene
3.NASCAR NAME:(first name of your mother's dad, father's dad)
George William
4.STAR WARS NAME:(the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name)
RatMa
5.DETECTIVE NAME:(favorite color, favorite animal)
Blue Dog
6.SOAP OPERA NAME:(middle name, town where you were born)
James Arlington Heights (We could just go James Arlington - much sexier)
7.SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd favorite color, favorite drink, add "THE" to the beginning)
The Green Martini
8.FLY NAME:(first 2 letters of 1st name, last 2 letters of your last name)
Maer
9.STREET NAME:(favorite ice cream flavor, favorite cookie, )
Mint Chocolate Chip Chocolate Chip - a bit redundant redundant
10.ROCK STAR NAME:(current pets name, current street name)
Stoli 24th - yes, I tried this with ALL of our pets' names, it didn't help
11. DANCER NAME: (1st pet, street you grew up on- OR- state you grew up in)
Salty Warwick (what the hell kind of dancer am I??)
12.YOUR GANGSTA NAME:(first 3 letters of real name plus ‘izzle’)
Matizzle (I ain't be tellin' that to the guys in my 'hood, yo)
13.YOUR GOTH NAME:(black, and the name of one of your pets)
Black Hunter
You use your own name to come up with these "other" names":
1.YOUR REAL NAME: Matterdays (always incognito, I am ... )
2.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME:(mothers’ and fathers’ middle names)
William Irene
3.NASCAR NAME:(first name of your mother's dad, father's dad)
George William
4.STAR WARS NAME:(the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name)
RatMa
5.DETECTIVE NAME:(favorite color, favorite animal)
Blue Dog
6.SOAP OPERA NAME:(middle name, town where you were born)
James Arlington Heights (We could just go James Arlington - much sexier)
7.SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd favorite color, favorite drink, add "THE" to the beginning)
The Green Martini
8.FLY NAME:(first 2 letters of 1st name, last 2 letters of your last name)
Maer
9.STREET NAME:(favorite ice cream flavor, favorite cookie, )
Mint Chocolate Chip Chocolate Chip - a bit redundant redundant
10.ROCK STAR NAME:(current pets name, current street name)
Stoli 24th - yes, I tried this with ALL of our pets' names, it didn't help
11. DANCER NAME: (1st pet, street you grew up on- OR- state you grew up in)
Salty Warwick (what the hell kind of dancer am I??)
12.YOUR GANGSTA NAME:(first 3 letters of real name plus ‘izzle’)
Matizzle (I ain't be tellin' that to the guys in my 'hood, yo)
13.YOUR GOTH NAME:(black, and the name of one of your pets)
Black Hunter
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
What Have I Done?
This meme is making the rounds ... I actually have been tagged by a few recently, so I owe a few bloggers, but this was actually the easiest - so the others will have to wait.
The rules are relatively simple: bold the items you’ve done; don’t bold items you haven’t done. I won't tag anyone for this, but if you're inclined to join in, please let me know.
1. Started your own blog. You’re reading it.
2. Slept under the stars.
3. Played in a band. Yes, big band geek here.
4. Visited Hawaii. Loved it.
5. Watched a meteor shower .
6. Given more than you can afford to charity. And it was worth it.
7. Been to Disney World / Land. Disneyland – my high school band played there my senior year, when I was Drum Major (see #3)
8. Climbed a mountain. Hiked in the mountains, but that’s it. And I only made it part way. Ask Scott – he has funny pictures.
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo. In chapel in college. ‘Nuf said.
11. Bungee jumped. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. *whew* That’s funny.
12. Visited Paris. I want to live on Ile Ste. Louis.
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea. From a cruise ship in the Mediterranean. Then woke up to water sloshing in through the porthole.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch. I’d like to, though.
15. Adopted a child. Only furry ones.
16. Had food poisoning.
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty. I stopped there my first time in New York, but continued on to see Ellis Island.
18. Grown your own vegetables. We used to have vegetable gardens as a child.
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France. Yes, it’s tiny.
20. Slept on an overnight train. From Paris to Rome. And yes, someone came into our compartment and tried to rob us.
21. Had a pillow fight.
22. Hitch hiked.
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill. Actually, a “mental health day”.
24. Built a snow fort. I grew up near Chicago.
25. Held a lamb.
26. Gone skinny dipping.
27. Run a Marathon. I was never a good distance runner, but I was a good sprinter.
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice.
29. Seen a total eclipse.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset. Both. I’d like to do that more often.
31. Hit a home run. In softball games at my cousin’s house.
32. Been on a cruise. The summer after high school – Greece, Egypt, Israel, and Turkey.
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors.
35. Been to Amish community. In Iowa and Indiana.
36. Taught yourself a new language. Again, something I want to do.
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied. For a short while.
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person.
39. Gone rock climbing.
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke. “Love Shack” by the B-52’s (with a friend). It was horrid. But I got a date out of it.
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt. I love Yellowstone Park.
43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant.
44. Visited Africa. Egypt, overnight. Alexandria, Cairo, and Port Said.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight.
46. Been transported in an ambulance. *knock on wood*
47. Had your portrait painted.
48. Gone deep sea fishing.
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person. It was being repaired, but I saw it through the scaffolding.
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Twice. Ask Scott about the second time.
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling. Snorkeling, in lakes and briefly (very briefly) in Puerto Vallarta.
52. Kissed in the rain.
53. Played in the mud. We had a creek behind our house growing up.
54. Gone to a drive-in theater. An almost weekly occurrence during the summers in high school.
55. Been in a movie.
56. Visited the Great Wall of China.
57. Started a business.
58. Taken a martial arts class.
59. Visited Russia. I’d love to, though. I had a Social Science teacher in high school who showed us pictures of toilets from all over Russia.
60. Served at a soup kitchen.
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies.
62. Gone whale watching.
63. Gotten flowers for no reason. Scott’s a good guy.
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma. Not allowed to.
65. Gone sky diving. HUGE, paralyzing fear of heights and falling that gets worse the older I get.
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check. Oops.
68. Flown in a helicopter. Unbelievably, yes. Three years ago along the Kona coast in Hawaii.
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy. It’s still at the house I grew up in, where my brother still lives, in the basement. Lots of them.
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial. I’d love to go back to D.C.
71. Eaten Caviar. No thanks.
72. Pieced a quilt.
73. Stood in Times Square.
74. Toured the Everglades.
75. Been fired from a job. It was mutual really, but still a blow to my ego.
76. Seen the Changing of the Guard in London.
77. Broken a bone. *knock on wood again*
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle. I’m scared of accidents, too.
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person. Well, from a plane a few times. The first time, we were ahead of schedule, and the pilot made a go-around so everyone could see it.
80. Published a book.
81. Visited the Vatican.
82. Bought a brand new car. Joe Jetta.
83. Walked in Jerusalem. Very cool.
84. Had your picture in the newspaper. In high school, pictures of me as Drum Major from our Homecoming performance (see #3 and #7).
85. Read the entire Bible.
86. Visited the White House.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating. Ick. I prefer meat that comes pre-packaged at the grocery store.
88. Had chickenpox. So I’m told, when I was about two years old.
89. Saved someone’s life. Not that I know of.
90. Sat on a jury. Served jury duty, but didn’t make it past voir dire. I think the public defendant knew I thought he was an asshole.
91. Met someone famous. Somehow I lost the Seagram’s 7 bottle that Joan Rivers signed after seeing Forbidden Broadway in New York. Oh, and ask Scott about Eartha Kitt.
92. Joined a book club.
93. Lost a loved one. Sadly.
94. Had a baby. Not that I know of …
95. Seen the Alamo in person. I hear it’s made of adobe and has no basement.
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake.
97. Been involved in a lawsuit.
98. Owned a cell phone.
99. Been stung by a bee. Luckily not since I was in fourth grade.
The rules are relatively simple: bold the items you’ve done; don’t bold items you haven’t done. I won't tag anyone for this, but if you're inclined to join in, please let me know.
1. Started your own blog. You’re reading it.
2. Slept under the stars.
3. Played in a band. Yes, big band geek here.
4. Visited Hawaii. Loved it.
5. Watched a meteor shower .
6. Given more than you can afford to charity. And it was worth it.
7. Been to Disney World / Land. Disneyland – my high school band played there my senior year, when I was Drum Major (see #3)
8. Climbed a mountain. Hiked in the mountains, but that’s it. And I only made it part way. Ask Scott – he has funny pictures.
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo. In chapel in college. ‘Nuf said.
11. Bungee jumped. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. *whew* That’s funny.
12. Visited Paris. I want to live on Ile Ste. Louis.
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea. From a cruise ship in the Mediterranean. Then woke up to water sloshing in through the porthole.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch. I’d like to, though.
15. Adopted a child. Only furry ones.
16. Had food poisoning.
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty. I stopped there my first time in New York, but continued on to see Ellis Island.
18. Grown your own vegetables. We used to have vegetable gardens as a child.
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France. Yes, it’s tiny.
20. Slept on an overnight train. From Paris to Rome. And yes, someone came into our compartment and tried to rob us.
21. Had a pillow fight.
22. Hitch hiked.
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill. Actually, a “mental health day”.
24. Built a snow fort. I grew up near Chicago.
25. Held a lamb.
26. Gone skinny dipping.
27. Run a Marathon. I was never a good distance runner, but I was a good sprinter.
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice.
29. Seen a total eclipse.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset. Both. I’d like to do that more often.
31. Hit a home run. In softball games at my cousin’s house.
32. Been on a cruise. The summer after high school – Greece, Egypt, Israel, and Turkey.
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors.
35. Been to Amish community. In Iowa and Indiana.
36. Taught yourself a new language. Again, something I want to do.
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied. For a short while.
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person.
39. Gone rock climbing.
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke. “Love Shack” by the B-52’s (with a friend). It was horrid. But I got a date out of it.
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt. I love Yellowstone Park.
43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant.
44. Visited Africa. Egypt, overnight. Alexandria, Cairo, and Port Said.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight.
46. Been transported in an ambulance. *knock on wood*
47. Had your portrait painted.
48. Gone deep sea fishing.
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person. It was being repaired, but I saw it through the scaffolding.
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Twice. Ask Scott about the second time.
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling. Snorkeling, in lakes and briefly (very briefly) in Puerto Vallarta.
52. Kissed in the rain.
53. Played in the mud. We had a creek behind our house growing up.
54. Gone to a drive-in theater. An almost weekly occurrence during the summers in high school.
55. Been in a movie.
56. Visited the Great Wall of China.
57. Started a business.
58. Taken a martial arts class.
59. Visited Russia. I’d love to, though. I had a Social Science teacher in high school who showed us pictures of toilets from all over Russia.
60. Served at a soup kitchen.
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies.
62. Gone whale watching.
63. Gotten flowers for no reason. Scott’s a good guy.
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma. Not allowed to.
65. Gone sky diving. HUGE, paralyzing fear of heights and falling that gets worse the older I get.
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check. Oops.
68. Flown in a helicopter. Unbelievably, yes. Three years ago along the Kona coast in Hawaii.
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy. It’s still at the house I grew up in, where my brother still lives, in the basement. Lots of them.
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial. I’d love to go back to D.C.
71. Eaten Caviar. No thanks.
72. Pieced a quilt.
73. Stood in Times Square.
74. Toured the Everglades.
75. Been fired from a job. It was mutual really, but still a blow to my ego.
76. Seen the Changing of the Guard in London.
77. Broken a bone. *knock on wood again*
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle. I’m scared of accidents, too.
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person. Well, from a plane a few times. The first time, we were ahead of schedule, and the pilot made a go-around so everyone could see it.
80. Published a book.
81. Visited the Vatican.
82. Bought a brand new car. Joe Jetta.
83. Walked in Jerusalem. Very cool.
84. Had your picture in the newspaper. In high school, pictures of me as Drum Major from our Homecoming performance (see #3 and #7).
85. Read the entire Bible.
86. Visited the White House.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating. Ick. I prefer meat that comes pre-packaged at the grocery store.
88. Had chickenpox. So I’m told, when I was about two years old.
89. Saved someone’s life. Not that I know of.
90. Sat on a jury. Served jury duty, but didn’t make it past voir dire. I think the public defendant knew I thought he was an asshole.
91. Met someone famous. Somehow I lost the Seagram’s 7 bottle that Joan Rivers signed after seeing Forbidden Broadway in New York. Oh, and ask Scott about Eartha Kitt.
92. Joined a book club.
93. Lost a loved one. Sadly.
94. Had a baby. Not that I know of …
95. Seen the Alamo in person. I hear it’s made of adobe and has no basement.
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake.
97. Been involved in a lawsuit.
98. Owned a cell phone.
99. Been stung by a bee. Luckily not since I was in fourth grade.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Saturday Morning Meme
From my cousin Jo ...
1. Do you like blue cheese? Yes yes yes
2. Have you ever smoked heroin? No
3. Do you own a gun? No
4. What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? Never been. There are no Sonics near Seattle.
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Yes
6. What do you think of hot dogs? I love Chicago Style
7. Favorite Christmas movie? “A Christmas Story”
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Orange juice
9. Can you do push ups? Yes. I should do more, though
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My titanium/Koa wood ring which matches Scott’s
11. Favorite hobby? Hobby? Hmmm. Gardening I guess.
12. Do you have A.D.D.? Not at all
13. What's one trait you dislike about yourself? Impatience
14. Middle name? James
15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment: I need a vacation. What time is the dog’s vet appointment? It’s really warm in here.
16. Name 3 things you bought yesterday: A chicken burrito. Lemonade. A parking sticker.
17. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Wine, water, vodka. Not together.
18. Current worry? Too long a list. I’m a big worrier.
19. Current hate right now? No hate here.
20. Favorite place to be? On a beach
21. How did you bring in the New Year? Made a nice dinner and went to bed right after midnight
22. Where would you like to go? Iceland
23. Name three people who will complete this: I doubt anyone will – but feel free
24. Do you own slippers? Yes – I wear them all the time in the winter
25. What shirt are you wearing? Plain white t-shirt
26. What year would you go back in time to? 1940’s-50’s
29. Would you be a pirate? No
30. What songs do you sing in the shower? Mostly Italian arias
31. Favorite girl's name: Meredith
32. Favorite boy's name: James
33. What's in your pocket right now? Nothing
34. Last thing that made you laugh? Wow – I can’t remember. I’m sure I laughed yesterday though.
35. Best Halloween costume? That I’ve worn? Janet Leigh from the shower scene in “Psycho”
36. Worst injury you've ever had? Five-stitches in the back of my head after a snowball fight and slipping on ice, hitting my head on a window frame.
37. Do you love where you live? I love our house, our neighbors and the city. Wouldn’t mind a safer neighborhood.
38. How many TVs do you have in your house? Two. We haven’t even turned the second one on in probably a year or two.
39. Who is your loudest friend? Cece. Not really a “friend" – she’s our CFO. But she’s the first person who comes to mind when I think “loud”.
40. How many dogs do you have? Three
41. Does someone have a crush on you? I think it’s past the crush stage after almost 11 years
42. What is your favorite book(s)? “The Sheltering Sky” by Paul Bowles
43. What is your favorite candy? I’m really not into candy
44. Favorite Sports Team? Chicago Cubs. You can’t grow up a Cubs fan and have any other answer.
45. Your favorite meal: Hmmm. I don’t have just one answer for that.
46. What were you doing 12 AM last night? Snoring – just ask Scott
47. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? I am so freaking glad it’s Saturday
1. Do you like blue cheese? Yes yes yes
2. Have you ever smoked heroin? No
3. Do you own a gun? No
4. What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? Never been. There are no Sonics near Seattle.
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Yes
6. What do you think of hot dogs? I love Chicago Style
7. Favorite Christmas movie? “A Christmas Story”
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Orange juice
9. Can you do push ups? Yes. I should do more, though
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My titanium/Koa wood ring which matches Scott’s
11. Favorite hobby? Hobby? Hmmm. Gardening I guess.
12. Do you have A.D.D.? Not at all
13. What's one trait you dislike about yourself? Impatience
14. Middle name? James
15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment: I need a vacation. What time is the dog’s vet appointment? It’s really warm in here.
16. Name 3 things you bought yesterday: A chicken burrito. Lemonade. A parking sticker.
17. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Wine, water, vodka. Not together.
18. Current worry? Too long a list. I’m a big worrier.
19. Current hate right now? No hate here.
20. Favorite place to be? On a beach
21. How did you bring in the New Year? Made a nice dinner and went to bed right after midnight
22. Where would you like to go? Iceland
23. Name three people who will complete this: I doubt anyone will – but feel free
24. Do you own slippers? Yes – I wear them all the time in the winter
25. What shirt are you wearing? Plain white t-shirt
26. What year would you go back in time to? 1940’s-50’s
29. Would you be a pirate? No
30. What songs do you sing in the shower? Mostly Italian arias
31. Favorite girl's name: Meredith
32. Favorite boy's name: James
33. What's in your pocket right now? Nothing
34. Last thing that made you laugh? Wow – I can’t remember. I’m sure I laughed yesterday though.
35. Best Halloween costume? That I’ve worn? Janet Leigh from the shower scene in “Psycho”
36. Worst injury you've ever had? Five-stitches in the back of my head after a snowball fight and slipping on ice, hitting my head on a window frame.
37. Do you love where you live? I love our house, our neighbors and the city. Wouldn’t mind a safer neighborhood.
38. How many TVs do you have in your house? Two. We haven’t even turned the second one on in probably a year or two.
39. Who is your loudest friend? Cece. Not really a “friend" – she’s our CFO. But she’s the first person who comes to mind when I think “loud”.
40. How many dogs do you have? Three
41. Does someone have a crush on you? I think it’s past the crush stage after almost 11 years
42. What is your favorite book(s)? “The Sheltering Sky” by Paul Bowles
43. What is your favorite candy? I’m really not into candy
44. Favorite Sports Team? Chicago Cubs. You can’t grow up a Cubs fan and have any other answer.
45. Your favorite meal: Hmmm. I don’t have just one answer for that.
46. What were you doing 12 AM last night? Snoring – just ask Scott
47. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? I am so freaking glad it’s Saturday
Friday, July 04, 2008
Holiday Poll
I'm stealing this from Chris and Kyle, just to post SOMETHING (since apparently some readers are getting irked by the length of time between postings). Play along, kids (everyone seems to adapt this one to their own tastes), and leave your answers in the comments:
Name:
Location:
Age:
How Long Have You Been Reading my blog?:
How Did You Get Here?:
What Can You See From Where You’re Sitting Right Now?
What one song (of any genre) could be your theme song?
What is the average flying speed of a swallow?
I'll do my damnedest to post something more substantial tomorrow ...
Name:
Location:
Age:
How Long Have You Been Reading my blog?:
How Did You Get Here?:
What Can You See From Where You’re Sitting Right Now?
What one song (of any genre) could be your theme song?
What is the average flying speed of a swallow?
I'll do my damnedest to post something more substantial tomorrow ...
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Sleep-blogging.
I've been awake since 3:30 this morning (it's now 5:00) ... how silly. It's not that I'm not tired - I desperately want to go back to sleep, but I know I'll just keep rolling over, keeping Scott awake and getting kicked out of bed by Kali The Amazingly Large and Resilient Puppy. So I'm blog-surfing and listening to the cats chase each other around the house.
I just found this personal slogan generator at Blogography. I'm not sure how good my new slogan is for my self esteem. I'm thinking a new agent could get me a better ad campaign:
I just found this personal slogan generator at Blogography. I'm not sure how good my new slogan is for my self esteem. I'm thinking a new agent could get me a better ad campaign:
Your Slogan Should Be |
|
Let's not answer that.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
I'm famous, bitches.
My Debut Album. Y'all have been breathless, I know.
I've seen this on a few blogs, but thanks to jasontt for the links:
**You are in a band. Your band is about to release their first CD. Click on the links below to design your debut album.
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:RandomThe first article title on the page is the name of your band.
2. http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3The tail (last three or four words) of the very last quote is the title of your album.
3. http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days/The third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.
4. Use the graphics program of your choice to put them together into your first CD release. (I just used Microsoft Photo Editor).
My CD:
I've seen this on a few blogs, but thanks to jasontt for the links:
**You are in a band. Your band is about to release their first CD. Click on the links below to design your debut album.
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:RandomThe first article title on the page is the name of your band.
2. http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3The tail (last three or four words) of the very last quote is the title of your album.
3. http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days/The third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.
4. Use the graphics program of your choice to put them together into your first CD release. (I just used Microsoft Photo Editor).
My CD:
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Yes, another meme ...
I know, I know … I’ve been a bad blogger lately. I’m taking the easy way out with pictures and videos. And now, in that theme, a meme from Claudia:
Seven random and/or weird things about myself:
1. I can’t sleep if I’m alone in the bed. I’m used to having Scott and at least one (large) dog, which is usually lying on top of me. Whenever I travel and have a bed to myself, I can’t sleep.
2. Sometimes I hate driving by myself because I’m scared of getting into an accident and not knowing exactly what to do. I feel like I always need someone to “take care of me” in any situation that involves my car.
3. I can’t imagine anyone who looks worse in the color red than I do. When I wear anything red, I notice every blemish and imperfection anywhere on my skin. Red makes me feel ugly.
4. I obsessively count the number of stairs from one floor to another – in my head, not out loud. I don’t always notice I’m doing it, but I do it. I also count the number of steps from one room to another, but not as much as I do stairs.
5. I always have to be doing something with my hands when I’m walking alone in public – either have them in my pockets, or carrying something. Sometimes I’ll carry my cell phone or a pen just to have something in my hand.
6. I’m more confident and friendly when I’m wearing a suit than at any other time.
7. I feel uncomfortable around people who are taller than I am (I’m 6’2”). I’m not used to it and I feel intimidated, even though I have a friend who’s 6’4”.
That’s it. Tag yourself and play along if you’re so inclined.
Seven random and/or weird things about myself:
1. I can’t sleep if I’m alone in the bed. I’m used to having Scott and at least one (large) dog, which is usually lying on top of me. Whenever I travel and have a bed to myself, I can’t sleep.
2. Sometimes I hate driving by myself because I’m scared of getting into an accident and not knowing exactly what to do. I feel like I always need someone to “take care of me” in any situation that involves my car.
3. I can’t imagine anyone who looks worse in the color red than I do. When I wear anything red, I notice every blemish and imperfection anywhere on my skin. Red makes me feel ugly.
4. I obsessively count the number of stairs from one floor to another – in my head, not out loud. I don’t always notice I’m doing it, but I do it. I also count the number of steps from one room to another, but not as much as I do stairs.
5. I always have to be doing something with my hands when I’m walking alone in public – either have them in my pockets, or carrying something. Sometimes I’ll carry my cell phone or a pen just to have something in my hand.
6. I’m more confident and friendly when I’m wearing a suit than at any other time.
7. I feel uncomfortable around people who are taller than I am (I’m 6’2”). I’m not used to it and I feel intimidated, even though I have a friend who’s 6’4”.
That’s it. Tag yourself and play along if you’re so inclined.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Tagged, I'm It
I haven’t done a meme for a while, but I’ve been tagged by Darth. He’s a good guy so I’ll humor him. ;)
I won’t go tag anyone else, but if you’d like to humor me, play along and let me know if you do.
1. When you were born, how much did you weigh? I actually have no idea. I was neither scrawny nor fat, though. Just average, like now.
2. What's you're sugar poison? Not sure that I have one. I’m not big on really sweet stuff. Although Heather brought some incredible chocolate gingerbread cookies for Thanksgiving which I LOVED.
3. If you had to choose between meat and cheese for the rest of your life, which would you choose? Then be specific. I’d rather not live on either alone. But since I love bacon so much, I guess I’ll have to pick meat. Could I still have bacon cheeseburgers?
4. What, is your opinion, is the worst song ever? Anything that Mae West ever sang. Or Boney M.
5. Who was your favorite teacher growing up and why? Mrs. Maxson in the 5th grade. She was older, and very old-school – she even had a paddle hanging inside the closet of the classroom, and was legendary for going after kids with it when they acted up. I was terrified to be in her class, but it ends up she was tough but fair and commanded respect - and was very sweet if you were a good kid (which, of course, I was). I learned a lot from her about how to get along in the world.
6. What personal activity, when performed in public, bothers you the most? Spitting. It’s completely rude. (There are others, but I'd rather not even think about viewing them in public).
7. Ok, there's a $50 bill lying on the ground. You pick it up. Dumbfounded by your incredible luck, what do you selfishly purchase? New shoes. That’s something I never buy myself.
8. Do you have a recurring nightmare? Yes, of planes crashing. I’m not usually on the plane, but I’m watching it go down, I can’t do anything about it, and I can’t make a sound. Someone PLEASE tell me what that means – I’ve had it for years …
9. Name one place on Earth you've never been, but vow to visit at least once. Iceland. No, I’m serious.
10. You notice that question #9 wasn't really a question. You feel smart for catching such a small detail. What else can you do really well that reminds you how smart you are? I didn’t notice that it wasn’t a question. I don’t feel smart. I AM good at problem-solving and logic though – unless, of course, it’s my own problem …
I won’t go tag anyone else, but if you’d like to humor me, play along and let me know if you do.
1. When you were born, how much did you weigh? I actually have no idea. I was neither scrawny nor fat, though. Just average, like now.
2. What's you're sugar poison? Not sure that I have one. I’m not big on really sweet stuff. Although Heather brought some incredible chocolate gingerbread cookies for Thanksgiving which I LOVED.
3. If you had to choose between meat and cheese for the rest of your life, which would you choose? Then be specific. I’d rather not live on either alone. But since I love bacon so much, I guess I’ll have to pick meat. Could I still have bacon cheeseburgers?
4. What, is your opinion, is the worst song ever? Anything that Mae West ever sang. Or Boney M.
5. Who was your favorite teacher growing up and why? Mrs. Maxson in the 5th grade. She was older, and very old-school – she even had a paddle hanging inside the closet of the classroom, and was legendary for going after kids with it when they acted up. I was terrified to be in her class, but it ends up she was tough but fair and commanded respect - and was very sweet if you were a good kid (which, of course, I was). I learned a lot from her about how to get along in the world.
6. What personal activity, when performed in public, bothers you the most? Spitting. It’s completely rude. (There are others, but I'd rather not even think about viewing them in public).
7. Ok, there's a $50 bill lying on the ground. You pick it up. Dumbfounded by your incredible luck, what do you selfishly purchase? New shoes. That’s something I never buy myself.
8. Do you have a recurring nightmare? Yes, of planes crashing. I’m not usually on the plane, but I’m watching it go down, I can’t do anything about it, and I can’t make a sound. Someone PLEASE tell me what that means – I’ve had it for years …
9. Name one place on Earth you've never been, but vow to visit at least once. Iceland. No, I’m serious.
10. You notice that question #9 wasn't really a question. You feel smart for catching such a small detail. What else can you do really well that reminds you how smart you are? I didn’t notice that it wasn’t a question. I don’t feel smart. I AM good at problem-solving and logic though – unless, of course, it’s my own problem …
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Before I'm Gone
I came across this meme on a few sites in the past few months. Yeah, this sounds a bit morbid. But after I started thinking about it, I thought this was actually just the opposite. And with my 40th birthday coming next month (yipes!), I've been thinking of these kinds of things lately.
What do YOU want to do before you die? There are no rules for how many things you need to list.
As for me ...
What do YOU want to do before you die? There are no rules for how many things you need to list.
As for me ...
- Go white-water rafting - finally.
- Spend New Year's Eve in Time's Square. No, really. Just to say I've done it.
- Introduce Scott to my brothers as my partner, and have him be welcome in their homes.
- Learn a foreign language, to the point of being able to converse in it. French would be cool. I'm currently fascinated by the idea of learning Hebrew.
- Learn to swim - well. I knew how when I was in high school, but haven't REALLY swam since then. I'd love to have at least a lap pool someday. It's such an incredible workout.
- Be someone's godfather, and be good at it.
- Go to Rio de Janeiro, and see the statue of Jesus at Corcavado.
- Go to the Picasso museum in Paris (the last time I was in Paris, all the museums were closed due to a strike).
- Go to the top of the Empire State Building.
- Visit Japan.
- Go to Christmas Eve services at St. Mark's Cathedral.
- Perform a solo clarinet recital again.
- Marry Scott.
- Take a drawing class.
- See the houses that my parents grew up in.
- Spend a summer vacation at a beach house in Long Beach, North Carolina ... again.
- Go to the Hebrides, stand on a cliff overlooking a grey, windy, pounding surf, and recite the poem "Western wind, when wilt thou blow? The small rain down can rain. Christ, if my love were in my arms, and I in my bed again!"
- Have the guts to actually hike all the way up to the top of Silver Falls with Scott, without looking like I'm going to hurl.
- Teach a child something they will always remember.
- Give someone something that they desperately need, without them knowing who gave it to them.
- Learn how to tie a bow tie.
- Buy a vacation house.
- Experience at least one more White Christmas.
- Get that tattoo I've been planning on for 15 years.
- Spend one afternoon a week in a library, reading everything I can get my hands on.
- Throw the meanest cocktail/dinner party ever for all of our friends, all done by me.
- Meet Garrison Keillor.
- Learn tai chi to the point I can practice it daily on my own.
- Play Santa for a kid's Christmas party. (Yeah, need to gain a little weight).
- Believe that I'm just fine being exactly who I am, with no adjustments.
I could sit here and think of 300 more things, but that's all for now kids.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
One Word Only
I've been tagged by Claudia - which I don't mind.
I have to answer these with one word:
Yourself: Matt
Your partner: Scott
Your hair: Greying
Your mother: Loving
Your father: Gentleman
Your favorite item: Ring
Your dream last night: Workmare
Your favorite drink: Tanqueray
Your dream car: Mustang
Dream home: Colonial
The room you are in: Office
Your fear: Failure
What you are great at: Listening
Where you want to be in 10 years: Adult
Who you hung out with last night: Neighbors
You're not: Patient
One of your wish list items: Suit
The last thing you did: Mail
You are wearing: Jeans
Your favorite weather: Snowy
Your favorite book: Non-fiction
Last thing you ate: Pickle
Your life: More
Your mood: Anxious
Your best friend: Scott
What are you thinking about right now: Carbonara
Your car: Jetta
What are you doing at the moment: Squinting
Relationship status: DomesticpartnershipIknowthat'scheatingwouldn'titbebettertobeabletosaymarriage
What is on your t.v: Dust
When is the last time you laughed: Yesterday
I have to answer these with one word:
Yourself: Matt
Your partner: Scott
Your hair: Greying
Your mother: Loving
Your father: Gentleman
Your favorite item: Ring
Your dream last night: Workmare
Your favorite drink: Tanqueray
Your dream car: Mustang
Dream home: Colonial
The room you are in: Office
Your fear: Failure
What you are great at: Listening
Where you want to be in 10 years: Adult
Who you hung out with last night: Neighbors
You're not: Patient
One of your wish list items: Suit
The last thing you did: Mail
You are wearing: Jeans
Your favorite weather: Snowy
Your favorite book: Non-fiction
Last thing you ate: Pickle
Your life: More
Your mood: Anxious
Your best friend: Scott
What are you thinking about right now: Carbonara
Your car: Jetta
What are you doing at the moment: Squinting
Relationship status: DomesticpartnershipIknowthat'scheatingwouldn'titbebettertobeabletosaymarriage
What is on your t.v: Dust
When is the last time you laughed: Yesterday
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Tagged!
I'm it ...
My friend Michael tagged me for this meme ...
The rules are:
* Post a similar post like this one and add a link back to the person who tagged you.
* List down 5 reasons why you blog about the things you blog on your blog.
* Choose your 5 tag ‘victims’ and tag them nicely :)
* Write a comment on their blog letting them know that you tagged them.
Five reasons why I blog about the things on my blog:
5. I've always loved writing and kept journals when I was younger, so this is a creative/personal outlet for me.
4. I have strong opinions on a lot of things, but I also love to learn from other people - so it's a perfect way to give-and-take and learn from others through their comments and e-mails.
3. I'm a vain, self-centered person and love the attention it brings me.
2. It's a pretty cool way to "meet" really good people from all over the world, and experience where and how they live (kinda like travelling, but cheaper).
1. Although I know it's only virtual, it's a small step toward immortality - a legacy of sorts. A documentation of my life. I wish I had this kind of insight about my parents, and their parents, etc. Hopefully, someday, someone will be glad to be able to read what I wrote.
So, I will now tag ...
Scott at Scootersville
Kevin at actorschmactor
CondoBlogger at This New Condo
Scott at Scott In Iowa
LSL at Long Story Longer
(I actually wanted to tag a few more people, but the rules said only five ... I'll get the rest of you another time ... you're welcome ... )
P.S. I'm a dork, but not a technologically-gifted dork. Whoever can tell me how to hyperlink when posting a comment on someone else's blog, I will write a post (including pictures, if you want) about any topic you like. Within reason, of course.
My friend Michael tagged me for this meme ...
The rules are:
* Post a similar post like this one and add a link back to the person who tagged you.
* List down 5 reasons why you blog about the things you blog on your blog.
* Choose your 5 tag ‘victims’ and tag them nicely :)
* Write a comment on their blog letting them know that you tagged them.
Five reasons why I blog about the things on my blog:
5. I've always loved writing and kept journals when I was younger, so this is a creative/personal outlet for me.
4. I have strong opinions on a lot of things, but I also love to learn from other people - so it's a perfect way to give-and-take and learn from others through their comments and e-mails.
3. I'm a vain, self-centered person and love the attention it brings me.
2. It's a pretty cool way to "meet" really good people from all over the world, and experience where and how they live (kinda like travelling, but cheaper).
1. Although I know it's only virtual, it's a small step toward immortality - a legacy of sorts. A documentation of my life. I wish I had this kind of insight about my parents, and their parents, etc. Hopefully, someday, someone will be glad to be able to read what I wrote.
So, I will now tag ...
Scott at Scootersville
Kevin at actorschmactor
CondoBlogger at This New Condo
Scott at Scott In Iowa
LSL at Long Story Longer
(I actually wanted to tag a few more people, but the rules said only five ... I'll get the rest of you another time ... you're welcome ... )
P.S. I'm a dork, but not a technologically-gifted dork. Whoever can tell me how to hyperlink when posting a comment on someone else's blog, I will write a post (including pictures, if you want) about any topic you like. Within reason, of course.
Monday, March 05, 2007
The Answer to my Four Truths and a Lie
So here's my story:
I once convinced someone that I was starring in the musical "Miss Saigon" by singing a duet from said musical with a friend - in public
True. We were spending a weekend in Chicago before one of my grad school roommates (Ellen) moved back to Philadelphia. We were dressed up, going from fancy hotel bar to fancy hotel bar ("one and done"-ing), and we were befriended by a rather drunk guy who was in town on a business trip. We decided to have a little fun with him and said we were from out of town, too - starring in the touring production of "Miss Saigon". So on Michigan Avenue, in front of the John Hancock building, we sang some duet (I think it was "The Last Night of the World"). Ellen is one of my opera-singer friends, with a gorgeous mezzo-soprano voice, so as long as I held my own underneath her part, we sounded convincing. Even though Ellen doesn't look REMOTELY Asian ...
I have played with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as a soloist
True. My senior year in high school I competed in a young performer's competition, and the finalists would perform with the Chicago Symphony on a live PBS telecast. I didn't make it into the finals, but I was a semi-finalist and got to perform with the orchestra for the judges.
I was a manager of a McDonald's restaurant
True. Not the general manager - but I was an assistant manager. When I was in grad school, my rehearsals were all in the late afternoon or evening, so I needed to work as early in the day as possible - so McDonald's it was. I used to go to work at 5 a.m. (3 a.m. once I was a manager) and work eight hours by 1 p.m., then go to classes and rehearsals and get home around 9-10 p.m. There's NO WAY I could ever do that now, and actually I'm surprised I could do it then. I was there for about 2 1/2 years and was a manager within the first year or so.
I have thrown a frozen margarita at a woman in front of my boss
FALSE. I'm too nice and reserved. But there IS a grain of truth to this - I was waiting tables and accidently dumped a frozen strawberry margarita off of the tray and down a woman's back, with my boss standing ten feet away. After her initial scream and jumping to her feet, she actually started laughing hysterically - she wasn't mad at all. Of course I apologized profusely and comped her dinner.
I have ridden a camel in Egypt
True. The summer after I graduated from high school, I went on a three-week trip abroad - England, France, Italy, Greece, and a week-long Mediterranean cruise stopping in Egypt, Israel, Turkey, and a couple of the Greek Islands (Rhodes and Patmos). While in Egypt, we rode camels for about a mile to the base of the Great Pyramids. It's a very touristy thing to do, but how can you pass that up???
So TheBuxStopHere and Sue are the winners!!!! Oh ... I hadn't thought of any prizes ... what do you two want?
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Four truths and a lie ...
The current meme going around ... I list five things about me, four are true and one is a lie. Y'all let me know which one you think is a lie, and I'll let you know later. (I'm planning on Monday, if that's fair).
Here goes - guess the lie about me:
Here goes - guess the lie about me:
- I once convinced someone that I was starring in the musical "Miss Saigon" by singing a duet from said musical with a friend - in public
- I have played with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as a soloist
- I was a manager of a McDonald's restaurant
- I have thrown a frozen margarita at a woman in front of my boss
- I have ridden a camel in Egypt
So, do you think you know anything about me?
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