clockwise or chaos

Dear QotD?ers,

While I was perusing facebook today, I happened upon pictures of Anne's brother's family. Included in the set was a full family picture, including Anne, mostly covered by Mr. SuperHappySunshine Smiles, Sweetie Pie and Dr. Fandango, sporting the most awesome shaggy haircut ever. 10 majïk Co§mic ßrÖwnie points to Dr. Fandango for shaggy hair! Everyone else, if you get shaggy hair or dye it purple, I'll give you 10 points too.

We have tickets to WW,DTM, but we ended up getting some cheap seats. The expensive seats were expensive!

Last night I used my shampoo bar for the first time (shampoo in bar form - less waste and less harmful chemicals. prompted by Skittl's experience). I don't know that my hair is transformed yet, but it feels and looks at least as nice as with regular shampoo. More updates to come.

You are most likely reading this on New Year's Eve (Happy Anniversary Skittl!). Whatever your plans are tonight, staying home or attempting Time's Square, stay safe and have fun!

Today's Question of the Day? is:

When Christmas gifts are opened with your loved ones, are they opened all at once or do you go around taking turns?

Love,
The Asker and husband, selfportrait, new camera, christmas eve

funtimes!

Dear QotD?ers,

I wore my gloves/mittens today and they worked wonderful at keeping my hands (if not my fingertips) warm and cozy. It was fantastic! Other than that, it was a pretty regular day. went to work, had lunch, did some more work, came home, had dinner. Lots of laundry involved. I need to fold another load shortly.
Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me , an NPR news-quiz show, will be taping in Houston in February. We love that show and will be trying to buy tickets to see it. Should we get the cheap seats, since it's a radio show and there's nothing to look at? or good seats, so we can see the people we never get to see when we listen over the radio? hmmm.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

What game or activity did you do over Christmastime that you really enjoyed?

We did a Christmas puzzle at Mom's house! It's sort of a tradition in my family to get puzzles and do them while everyone is there for Christmas, but we don't do it every year. Jackie took on the blue starry sky - the most challenging of the village scene. I did the reindeer and various building parts. Getting to the end, when there are only 20, a dozen, 5, three puzzle pieces left(!) is always thrilling.

Love,
The Asker

new toys

Dear QotD?ers,

It's been a while since I've posted, but I've been on vacation and traveling to various locations around Texas. The driving is long and tedious, but it's great to see family and play games and chat and laugh. (thanks everyone!). I'm going to save the annual introspective for January, so we are going to spend this week wrapping up Christmas thoughts!

Because I want to hear more about Anne's cello..

Today's Question of the Day? is:

What are the two things you were most excited about getting during this Christmastime?

One thing I am using right now! And it may explain any odd spacing you may have noticed that I didn't catch. I'm typing with my knitted convertable mittins. I've got the flaps up and am typing with uncovered fingers, but the rest of my hand are warm and cozy. I'm going to wear these to work tomorrow!
2nd, I got new digital camera. This will replace the one I got back in college that doesn't actually work anymore. It's small and blue and takes great pictures so far. I'll be sharing some of those pictures in days to come!

Love,
The Asker

Merry Christmas Eve!

Dear QotD?ers,

It is wiiiindy outside today! Don't take out small children attached to kites or balloons!
We saw Avatar again yesterday, but at the IMAX. Justin thought it was EVEN BETTER on IMAX, which is where I originally wanted to take him. (I told him never to doubt me again.) We went with Justin's family, and then had dinner and game night at the parent's house.
Today is just us by ourselves. We finished wrapping gifts this morning. We'll make a trip to the grocery store this afternoon, go to an afternoon/evening Christmas mass, open one present and then gather everything that we'll need for the various Christmas events we have going on in the next 3 days.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

Have you had mulled wine, hot apple cider, wassail, eggnog or any of the other 'christmastime' drinks? (this season or ever, you may answer as you desire)

Love,
The Asker

The popcorn is popping and it's 3D!

Dear QotD?ers,

Guess who is back in the country!? It's Daryl and Sabrina! Both of their families are happy to spend some time with them. Mom & Dad Brown brought Daryl over and we went out to lunch and then spent the rest of the day at our house playing games and chatting. And later one of Justin's HS friends came over. It's been a fun day!

I think I'll take Mom's advice and go to Wal-Mart eaaaarly in the morning tomorrow in an effort to avoid the insanity. I'll let you know how it goes.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

Have you seen many movies in 3D?

I think Avatar is the only full movie I've seen in 3D. I can't remember any others. Hmm. Surely I've worn those red/blue glasses more frequently.

Love,
The Asker

USPS

Dear QotD?ers,

Today was a mildly productive day. There is all but one thing I still want to get, and I may have to go back to warlmart to get it, so I've been procrastinating. This is a TERRIBLE thing to do, because frantic mania increases as Walmart gets closer to Christmas. Maybe tomorrow.

We spent the morning in our pajamas, had leftovers for lunch then did some minor shopping and saw Avatar in 3D. It was pretty amazing. I enjoyed the story and the 3D ACTION. It looked fantastic and you can tell some really creative people were in on it. I may go to bed a little early tonight, just because I can.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

What is the last package you recieved in the mail?

A thing I ordered that I'm going to give to someone, so I can't tell you!

Love,
The Asker

CHEESECAKE!

Dear QotD?ers,

Uh, that's totally what I'm having for breakfast. I'm on vacation! My brother and Jackie came by yesterday afternoon and we played a game of Clue (Jackie won), Settlers of Catan (Matthew won) and then we went to Cheesecake Factory for dinner. I like it when we get visitors and these two were pretty great.

Also, check it out! it's before 9 am and I'm awake! I've still got many Christmas things to do. The Christmas tree and Nativity scene is out, but I'd like to throw some lights in the bushes outside in addition to the assorted errands to do. Tonight is also the neighbordhood Holliday Party. We'll try to go to that and seee if it's awesome fun or stuffy neighborhood association fun.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

If you were given a cupon for a free Snuggie (any size, color or style), what would you do with it?

Love,
The Asker
P.S. I'm in a Snuggie now! it's blue and personalized with my name

WAFFLES

Dear QotD?ers,

That's what I'm trying to have for breakfast this morning, waffles. We don't have a toaster, so I"m trying to crisp them up under the broiler. That should work, right?
I have determined that today is going to be a very productive day. Errends and ironing and decorating. Errends looks like it's spelt all sort of wrong. But that is not what this blog is for! This blog is to tell you that I am no good at using a broiler and I had to pull a Lucy Ricardo and scrape the char off of my waffles!

Today's Question of the Day? is:

What do you use the broiler for?

To answer yesterday's question: I'd love to say something fun like the kazoo, but I want to be a little more serious in my National Anthem sometimes. I don't know that there are any instruments that are distinctly American, but the electric guitar comes close - and it plays a meeean national anthem.

Love,
The Asker

it must be able to play the Star Spangled Banner

Dear QotD?ers,

The scheduling for the next week is going to be all crazy. I AM ON VACATION! So I'm staying up late and waking up late and hanging out in my pajamas and, apparently, not wriing Qot?D until 10:45am. I'm still going to make sure you have a QotD? every day, though. except maybe Christmas day, but I'll see when we get there.

I really should contemplate my own answers before I read all of yours. I really liked Angela's answer: get rid of all the silent letters. How about if we switch some names around so we can get at least one state starting with each letter of the alphabet
Barmdel from Alaska
East Virginia from regular Virginia. If West Virginia has a modifier, you should too
Jersey from New
Quiggly from Wyoming, just trading one crazy name for another
Xylstone from Arizona
York from New
ZAP from Maryland. A state that looks like a gun should have some power behind it

Today's Question of the Day? is:

I don't think we have one, what should the national instrument of the US be?

Love,
The Asker

renaema state

Dear QotD?ers,

Yeah, there are some things that I didn't get done today. The tree and nativity still aren't up. And there were some gifts I was hoping to find today that continue to elude me. Also, Walmart is aweful and terrible and aweful. Today marked the first trip to walmart in at least three months, and guess what: MY GIFT CARDS DID NOT WORK. who's surprised? not me, actually. Yeaarrrgh

If i'm going out into public, I'll probably wear jeans. for not work, likely a t-shirt. for work, i pick one of the shirts or sweaters that's in the next group of rotation.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

If you were charged with renaming one of the existing 50 states, which would you chose, what would the new name be, and why?

Loooove,
The Asker

It's from the closet, duh

Dear QotD?ers,

Happy Birthday TamiJean!! Hooray and three cheers Roommate! I hope your day is warm and cozy. The rest of us have stuff to do! Me? I'm on a day of vacation so I've got errands ad chores and christmas shopping things to do.

I'm not in the Christmas mood yet. Hopefully by the end of the day I will be. The Christmas Tree will help a lot!

Today's Question of the Day? is:

How do you choose your day's outfit?

Love,
The Asker

11 days

Dear QotD?ers,

We had a busy weekend. I got all of the christmas cards written and addressed and mailed, birthday dinner at the Brown's house Friday night. Saturday we went to College Station for the Percussion Studio show (which was wonderful) then drove home afterwards. Sundy after church I drove up to The Woodlands to have lunch with some friends and had a great time. We talked a lot and there were baby shower gifts (for Lauren, not me). I got home late (yes, it was a very long 'lunch') after a little shopping and still had things to do at home before bed. These next two weeks should be much les busy. I really need to put up Christmas decorations.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

Are you in the Christmas Spirit yet?

Love,
The Asker

carded

Dear QotD?ers,

Did you wish Justin a Happy Birthday? I forgot to mention it in yesterday's QotD?, but I told him about 50 times today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUSTIN!

I think I'd enjoy a scenic boat ride more. It's slower, more time to look around and without the scaryness of flying. I find small planes scary.

I'm up real late. I don't have work tomorrow, so I've been addressing and personallizing your christmas cards this evening. I should get them in the mail tomorrow!

Today's Question of the Day? is:

Do you send Christmas cards? How do you pick them or choose the design?

Love,
The Asker

sea and air

Dear QotD?ers,

instead of going out with the IT crowd for lunch today, Justin and I went by ourselves. one teammate called in sick and the other was on vacation. poor small IT group, I can only imagine that Justin goes crazy some days. i watched some TV tonight and was disgusted with the result of SYTYCD and delighted with the 'fall finale' of GLEE. sometimes a person just needs to watch goofy shows.

Practically, I could use some pants for wearing to work. I hate buying pants and I haven't done it much since I lost my 15 pounds. Frivolously, a stylish hat. I don't know what kind of style would suit me, but it'd be fun to walk around wearing a hat and looking cool.

Today's Quesiton of the Day? is:

Would you rather take a free scenic boat ride of a free scenic plane ride?

Love,
The Asker

odd couple

Dear QotD?rs,

justin missed the trashcan in our bedroom and the one in the laundry room. that brings our total to 8. At today's wedding shower luncheon, we had pasta salad, cheese n' crackers and other hors'd'vours. And i still cant't find a fake christmas tree that doesn't look naked. I'm going to have to convince Justin that we need a live, 6'-7' Douglass Fir for $35. I think Friday i'll have time to decorate the house for Chrsitmas.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

What are one very practical and one decidedly fun gift idea for you and someone you love?

love,
The Asker
p.S. if you think this is an attempt to get christmas gift ideas for family members, you are partially correct.

This fact will serve no purpose

Dear QotD?ers,

Thank you for all of your thermostat responses. I still need to work out what I can stand. Not that I feel the need to be a thermostat grinch, but there should be a range where all non-feet parts of my body are comfortable. In 'winter,' it's not reasonable to control foot temperature by thermostat. If two pairs of socks and a blanket aren't enough to instigate foot warmth, I give up and block out the coldness.

This evening I went to Hobby Lobby so I could look at christmas trees and other christmas decorating items. we have a whole big house this year and I'd like it to look christmassy! i was flaberghasted when I saw there was less than 1/2 the amount of christmas stuff they had the week before thanksgiving. They had spring garden stuff out already! WHAT IS GOING ON, HOBBY LOBBY!?!

Today's Question of the Day? is:

How many trash cans are in your abode?

love,
the Asker

s'cold.

Dear QotD?ers,

I did it! I got it to snow for Justin's birthday! It was 6 days early, but I don't care - it's an amazing feat for me to have accomplished. First, the Justin at the car as we left work. Second, our house covered in snow.

But, The Asker, where is the snowman you promised? Oh, he turned out fantastic and will be featured on this year's Christmas card. All of you regular participants will be getting one! If you've moved since last year, e-mail me your new address. Sabrina, I don't know if I should send yours to Brasil or down the street.

I am definately a better driver in real life. However, I am better in video games at playing guitar, jumping really high and shooting fireballs.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

What do you keep your thermostat set at during the winter season?

Love,
The Asker

gamer skillz

Dear QotD?ers,

Another day sitting at home with tissues, ginger ale and a thermometer. For most of the morning I did not have a 'fever' (even though it was still 1° higher than my normal temp), but this evening it's back around 99º. And my feet are freezing. it doesn't matter what socks or how much blankets are wrapped around them. They are warm in the shower and under the electric blanket. Today I also had chills and sweats, but I ate a frozen pizza, so i'm getting nutrition. I'll try to go to work tomorrow, since my doctor's note says I can and otherwise there's more paperwork to fill out. I'll just close my office door and put up a sign. Come on, antibiotics, get working already!

It looks like my plan for Justin's Birthday Snow is still on schedule for being early. Expect it tomorrow morning with additional inches in the afternoon. Regardless of how sick I feel or am, I will be in the backyard making Snow Americans with my husband for his early birthday present. There will be pictures.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

Are you better at real driving or videogame driving? If you'd like, you can susbstitute 'driving' with 'skateboarding,' 'fighting,' 'jumping,' or 'commanding armies.'

Love,
The Asker

let it

Dear QotD?ers,

I stayed home again. Yesterday was about battling the mucus coming out of my head. Today was about battling tired, aches and coldness. I've been sitting under the electric blanket for about 3 hours this evening. I'm looking sad and pathetic ~weak cough~ Sympathy helps me to feel better, so please keep sending it. Tomorrow will be about helping the antibiotics work and defeating a fever. Go Immune System Go!
What do I even tell you? It's not like I did anything of interest today. I did go to the doctor and then to Target to fill prescriptions, but I had a little bottle of hand sanitizer that I used every time I blew my nose. Regardless of how effective it may have been, I'm hoping it reassured the members of the public I encountered.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

Do you like snow?

Love,
The Asker

sounds a little rough

Dear QotD?ers,

There is a Beatles song "I've got a feeling" that is included in Beatles Rock Band. At two different locations this weekend, when people saw that, two persons simultaniously sang "woooohoooo." It was weird. The following lyric of the Beatles song is "A feeling deep inside."
I did stay home from work, and good thing, since I've had a fever. I also have a scratchy voice, reminding me of Senor Cardgage. He's my favorite scratchy voice character.
If you don't follow along in the comments, here's an udpate on my latest mistaken identity. Apparently there is some girl in Humble, TX named Kristen Brown who is causing problems for herself and me. It's not even my old car. It's just someone making dumb mistakes searching through databases and picking one of the Kristen Browns at random. Justin called the lawyers and told them I was not the same Kristen Brown they should be hunting down. I should be clear.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

Who is your favorite scratchy voice character?

Love,
The Asker
ACHOO.

I encountered this twice

Dear Question of the Day?ers,

I'm starting to feel the sickness. In the morning I'll see if I'm going to work or if I should take a sick day. It's not bad, but there's an extra tickle in my throat that I recognize.
In more absurd news, I got a letter in the mail from a lawfirm declaring that my vehicle registration was going to be blocked unless I paid the >$400 I owe to the Houston toll road system. REALLY? Well, maybe not. the license plate referenced is not a plate I've ever owned. It's possible that my old taurus, which we sold last year, has been skipping tolls. But then how would my name even get associated? would they look up the VIN for the tags and mistakenly find my name? Southern Ford, maybe you didn't do a good job of transferring my title. This will be resolved. Did I mention that the letter was on pink paper?

Today's Question of the Day? is:

How would you finish this phrase: I've got a feeling __________ ?

Love,
The Asker

Thanksgiving: 3/3

Dear QotD?ers,




We had a good thanksgiving holiday. we got to see some of my family and some of Justin's family. We ate tastey food and played Beatles Rock Band. The only bad parts are that Justin did kick his head cold (he's going to stay home tomorrow) and I have 5 consecutive days of work ahead of me. That's going to be rough after a 2-day week and 5-day weekend.


I am thankful for all the blessings I've been given. I had a wonderful husband and this year we bought our first house. My chronic headaches have been getting better. I have a lot of wonderful family and friends, and though I don't get to see them all often, The Internet has helped me keep in touch with all of you. That is the true purpose of QotD? and I'm thankful that all of you take the time to participate. ~hugs~
I will also take this opportunity to say how thankful I am that about 16 years ago my dad finally caved in and I got a kitten. Toottles was a wonderful part of my life. As an old cat, her health was slowly declining this past year, but recently moreso. My kitten was put to sleep last week and I'm thankful that my parents loved and cared for her when I couldn't.



O.K. now on to happier things.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

What food did you eat most of this past week?

I ate ALOT of peanut M&Ms. they were goood.

Love,
The Asker

Thanksgiving: 2/3

Dear QotD?ers,

Guess who is in my living room? It's Jackie! Hi Jackie! (She's reading a book right now, so she won't see this until later.) Today is Annelise's 1st birthday. She's the youngest supporting contributor and I know Angela is very excited and proud. That baby is cute, btw.

Unusually, we are hosting thanksgiving this year. Also unusual, we will be shooting guns this weekend (still unusual for me at least) and Fondu. eating, not shooting

Today's Question of the Day? is:

What is something that you are truly thankful for this year?

Love,
The Asker

Thanksgiving: 1/3

Dear QotD?ers,

It's a day off!!! Hooray! That's right, it's the begining of a 5-day holiday! I hope all of you get a little more time than a usual weekend to relax and enjoy friends, family or James Bond Marathons.

Other than the earlier mentioned movie, I dislike the actors who played Annikan Skywalker. It probaly didn't help that the character was written as a whiney brat.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

Do you have any unusual activities planned for the Thanksgiving season?

Love,
The Asker

Twilight: 6/5

Dear QotD?ers,

Guess what, Comcast is still providing terrible internet service. We have a service appointment scheduled for tomorrow, hopefully they'll fix whatever of theirs is broken.
There is quite a bit of work I want to do tonight in preperation for Thanksgiving. I need to move some boxes out of common areas, hang up art and photos, clean countertops, launder some sheets. Jackie, do you want to sleep on the queen size or twin size bed?*

Some work friends saw New Moon last night and we've chatted about it some. It seems I may be completely biased against the 2 main actors, because they thought Bella and Edward were great and that Jacob was terrible. Oh well, it's still fun to talk about and compare reactions. Also, I get to be a source of background information, since none of them have read the books.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

Have you ever been dissapointed in a TV or movie casting choice?

Love,
The Asker
*Parents and Grannie not spending the night Wednesday. Jackie and Matthew get an upgrade!

Twilight: 5/5

Dear QotD?ers,

At the theatre on Thursday night for the showing of Twilight, I counted 3 males, including Justin. At the theater on Friday afternoon for the 5:30 showing of New Moon, there were many more males: husbands, dads, boyfriends, even brothers (poor guys). I spent the first movie rolling my eyes and giggling a lot at the absurd plot (mostly how it was acted, poorly IMO). The second movie was much better and it was delightful to hear the full theater reacting to certain scenes. For those who have seen it: staunching blood with a freshly removed t-shirt. the gasps and cat-calls! hilarious! also: the very last scene.

We will be spending this week getting ready for Thanksgiving, which we are hosting this year.

One of the most dramatic situations of my high school years was the sophomore band trip to Orlando. There was a lot of drama around all the different friend groups that joined and split as we walked around Disney or Universal Studios. crushes were revealed and spurned, ex-boyfriends were in the mix. I was riding rollercoasters (turned out ok!). I rode the Tower of Terror, a falling elevator ride (turned out horrible!)

Today's Question of the Day? is:

What is worse than sparkling vampires?

Comcast. Particularly, Comcast internet service and customer service. That's why this is coming to you this morning instead of last night. I DID'T HAVE THE INTERNET last night! Comcast did not appologize or even try to fix it, though they did try to bribe Justin with more cable channels. It's Craptastic! (this is one of my links that you should really, really click on) I don't know why we continue to torture ourselves. We should switch to AT&T.

Love,
The Asker

Twilight: 4/5

Dear QotD?ers,

We are going to a movie tonight! As we get out, we'll see all the girls in town who will be taking vacation or 'suddenly' falling sick tomorrow. I'll let you know if there are any boys in the crowd.
my shirt explanation: twilight is the time of the evening when it's not dark and still a little light.. grey! new moon is when the moon is completely enshadowed, leaving a dark sky... black! It's lame, but i'm going with it.

There are a few famous Kristen's. other than the lame-o that has the lead part in the Twilight saga, there's Kristen Wigg of SNL! (she's my favorite famous Kristen) and the lady alien in Third Rock from the Sun was a Kristen too.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

What is the most drama filled experience from your teenage years?

Love,
The Asker

Twilight: 3/5

Dear QotD?ers,

Today was a better day at work. hooray!

As I told Jackie in the comments, I was on Team Edward until book two when I turned completely to Team Jacob. But generally, I'm a fan of vampires over werewolves. Unless that werewolf is Oz from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I'm definately Team Oz.

I have determined what I will be wearing to the movies this week. Behold my t-shirt choices:

get it? hilarious, right?

The 'star' of Twilight is Kristen Stewart. I'm not fond of her and the total drama teen she plays in all the movies she's in. (and she keeps showing up in movies when I least expect it! ARGG)

Today's Question of the Day? is:

What famous people share your name?

Love,
The Asker

Twilight: 2/5

Dear QotD?ers,

You know those days when everything is supposed to be fine, and then 4 crisises pop-up and the solutions to each individual crisis causes complications to the other crisises? That happened to me today. But I have had dinner, showered, shaved, washed and dried my hair. And by the time I get into bed, Justin will have turned the electric blanket on so it will be warm and cozy.

I have read all 4 of the Twilight books. In addition, I've read the part of the 'draft' of the companion novel that was leaked onto the internet. (the first book, from the vampire's perspective). I have seen the movie, and drug Justin to the theater with me. I will be doing it again this week! The first movie is playing Thursday night at 9 (for just $5!) and then we'll see New Moon on Friday afterwork. This is how prepared I am:


I will be eating popcorn and rolling my eyes at the DRAMA the entire time.
Yesterday I mentioned that the Twilight story involved a girl falling in love with a vampire. I'm going to spoil something for you: the girls best friend turns out to be a werewolf. I beleive that will be the only spoiler I spoil for those of you who are concerned with that. Other Twilight fans, try to keep spoiling to a minimum, you know, just in case they all want to read the books because it's the most popular for teen girls ever.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

.

Team Edward or Team Jacob?

or, more generally

Vampires or Werewolves?

.

This is the part of the post where I make member announcements. Sabrina's birthday was Sunday and I missed it! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SABRINA!

Mr. SuperHappySunshineSmiles* is joining us as Dr. Fandango's nemesis. I believe we shall enjoy his optimism.

.

Love,

The Asker

.

* Mr. SuperHappySunshineSmiles may be Anne's 2/3 (just as Dr. Fandango is 1/3). While wise for his age, this pre-teen will be the youngest active QotD?er. Make sure to keep it clean and friendly or I will threaten you with the DELETE button

Twilight: 1/5

Dear QotD?ers,

You've read the title and either you are excited or disgusted. Please put those emotions on hold while we get through some other business.

Look at this pretty lady and the shinyness you can almost see on her right ring finger:

(IT'S JACKIE!)

The bump that I heard was something falling in the closet. I wasn't sure what it was, because when I checked, I didn't see anything down. I assume it was so embarassed it jumped back on its shelf.

OK, now on to Twilight. I have a love/hate relationship with Twilight that you will learn about over the course of the week. There are 4 books, and the 2nd movie is being released this weekend. It's about a girl that moves to Washington and falls in love with a vampire. there is DRAMA. We are not here to argue about the merit of the plot or storytelling. Keep in mind that I'll be asking 5 questions, so you may get ahead of yourself with your lengthy answers that's ok

Today's Question of the Day? is:

Have you read or seen any of the Twilight Saga books or movies?

Loooove,

The Asker

really vague

Dear QotD?ers,

Wow, that's the best response in a while! GO RAINBOWS! I have taken the opportunity to find some itnernet videos of songs mentioned in the comments.
Origional Rainbow Connection, w/ Kermit. w/ Willie Nelson (music doesn't start until 2 minutes in), w/ Jason Mraz. They Might Be Giants Roy G. Biv. The song I learned in kindergarten, Sing a Rainbow. Oh, Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Reading Rainbow theme song!

Tomorrow I'm going to Aggieland to help Jackie and her boyfriend celebrate getting their Aggie Rings (Whoop!). (Yes, her boyfriend is my brother, but that's what the younger one gets for not participating) There's also some sort of giant new ring statue that I'll have to get pictures with. And maybe I'll jump in a fountain for good measure. I mean, it'll only be 70°, right?

Today's Question of the Day? is:

~BUMP~ WHAT WAS THAT!?

Love,
The Asker

P.S. Who remembers "Tee hee! I'm a girl!" ?

the lovers, the dreamers and me

Dear QotD?ers,

We had a full evening last night so QotD? was delayed until this morning. It was my brother-in-law's birthday and family met up in downtown Houston for dinner at Maggiano's. I had 11 different kinds of food and am STILL feeling full. It was a lot of fun, except for the live entertainment. At first I thought it was kareoke night, since surely no one would get paid to sing that bad. But I was mistaken. It was that bad. It so awful I didn't even enjoy making fun of it.

Yesterday was Veteran's Day. Thank you to all the Vetrans and those currently serving! There are no active QotD?ers with military experience (the legal, United States kind, Dr. Fandango) but there are relatives. So the husbands of Jeannie, Jessi and Angel-A and the son-in-law of Aunt Barbara: Thank you! Is there anyone else close to a QotD?er that we can recognize?

There is war a'brewin in the comments section. To keep things from getting out of hand I've brought in Quiggly Orin The Duck and the Army of Helmeted Ducks to keep everyone safe.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

Why are there so many songs about rainbows?

Love,
The Asker

I'll offer my sympathy

Dear QotD?ers,

My headaches have crept back up. I really don't like them. It's annoying and distracting and disheartening. I'm going to see if I can get to sleep unusually early tonight in an effort to get more (and hopefully better) sleep. /complain
The weekend before last I went to the grocery store wearing a t-shirt backwards. I wasn't too upset about it. it wasn't a cool t-shirt and we never see anyone at the grocery store worth impressing.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

What do you complain about more than anything else?

Love,
The Asker

Kriss Kross'll make ya JUMP! JUMP!

Dear QotD?ers,

I'm going to try something different. I'm goign to part my hair on a different side. Let's see if anyone notices. i doubt they will.
I have a fluffy black/white/gray sweater that I like wearing. It's extremely soft and cozy and it has two larg buttons for closure.
We had tacos for dinner tonight! crunchy tacos are such a tastey food. and Piñata: Survivor Island is a terrible movie.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

When's the last time you wore, in public, clothing that was backwards or inside-out?

Love,
the Asker

Not that I'm going to need it ...

Dear QotD?ers,

This weekend, we got a fabulous new game World of Goo. I believe there's a free demo that you can play. It's silly and involves some physics and building with goo. Other than that, it was a pretty uneventful weekend. We thought about going furniture shopping so we could put this TV on something, but it's so disheartening. We've already been to the furnture stores here. BLARG.

I like to have ice cream while watching movies. Or cookies.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

Do you have a favorite piece of outwear you love to wear when it is cold outside?

Love,
The Asker

Snackity Snackity

Dear QotD?ers,

I don't know if it's possible, but I think my feet have lost weight. I wore two different pairs of shoes today that felt a little big. It is possible that I'm just not used to wearing my steel-toes without two pairs of thick athletic socks.

I think The Price is Right is better than motorcycles because of the Showcase Showdown. and I would rather have A New Car!!! or motor home or dining room set than a motorcycle.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

What's your favorite snack when watching a movie at home?

Love,
The Asker

i'm trying something new

Dear QotD?ers,

My dream the other night was on the Texas A&M campus. I came back for a visit and got completely lost, because they had replaced the golf course with a lake-sized retenion pond.
i don't wear socks to bed. If I do, they will mysteriously transport themselves somewhere else in the bedroom by morning. Seriously, I have no idea how they moved off of my feet, out of the covers and across the length of the bed. I don't think I was throwing socks at Justin while I slept... If I'm desperate for foot warmth, I'll use Justin. If Justin is desperate to stop my cold feed, he'll put on the electric blanket for me.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

Fill in the blank, then answer the question - Why is The Price is Right [blank] than motorcycles?

love,
The Asker

sleeping feet

Dear QotD?ers,

On the internet, I once saw a guy who made a paparazzi costume. Complete with lots of flashbulbs and faces behind fake cameras.
I am pretty sleepy right now. I hiope I get a good night's worth of sleep tonight. Last night I had a movie dream. It was set in the orient and the young woman had taken a vow of silence to protect her brothers. But she was also chosen to be the bride of the local prince, so there was akward silence and even an akward attempt at a pillow fight.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

Do you wear socks to sleep?

Love,
The Asker

Spookaween: 6/5

Dear QotD?ers,

Hooray! We had about 50 trick-or-treaters before we ran out of candy (I bought some clearance candy today so we could have some 'leftovers'). Most of the kids had good costumes. Anthony (a boxer) came twice (with different chaperones). Some kids didn't dress up and looked lame. At least one kid had a quick response of 'male model.' One girl was either 'older sister' or 'spiderman backpack' both of which were dumb. I'd really like to give those lame-os a few pieces of gum, and everyone else good candy. But I'm nervous of the repercussions. No egging this year!

Today's Question of the Day? is:

What's the best home-made costume you've seen this year? or EVER?

Love,
The Asker

Spookaween: 5/5

Dear QotD?ers,

Today I passed out the remainder of my at-work halloween candy. I'll take down the cobwebs on Monday. Tomorrow we are going to carve our pumpkins and buy candy for the trick-or-treaters I expect. I really do hope we get some.

When I was in 8th grade, I had a crush on a boy that lived in my neighborhood. My three girlfriends and I chaparoned my (then) little brother for trick-or-treating. We totally went to that boys house. His dad was just sitting on the porch handing out candy. One of my friends asked if he was home. Yes he was. At this point I was probably red and mortified and I can't remember if anything else was said at that house. We continued down the street. Near the end, some kid goes racing by on the sidewalk. It was him! OMG! (I did not say OMG in 8th grade, but it holds the connotation of foolish drama) None of the girls noticed! phew! Then I was dumb and said something to them, so one of the girls chased him down. OMG! I think she, or maybe all 3, told him that I liked him, blah blah blah. Then it was arranged for him to walk next to me alone, while I'm trying to use Matthew as some sort of akward conversation shield. He actually asked me out and I declined. It was the most rediculous of rediculous situations. We actually started 'going out' a week or two later, but since he was a crush and not a friend, we never talked to each other and it was rediculous and akward. THE END.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

What's your favorite ghost story or urban myth?

Love,
The Asker

Spookaween: 4/5

Dear QotD?ers,

I'm still really proud of my 'bag full of jellybeans, I mean, rainbow licorice' costume. That's probably the most creative one i've ever come up with.

Tonight we sealed the granite countertop of our island. Tomorrow we'll see how well it worked.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

What's the most memorable Halloween you've had?

Love,
The Asker

Spookaween: 3/5

Dear QotD?ers,

ET. (so much so that I preferred getting in trouble in Kindergarten and sitting in time out instead of watching the movie. Also, ET inspired one of my scariest nightmares. There was a neighbor kid in Victoria that had a stuffed ET in his pile of stuffed animals. It made me very uncomfortable). Gremlins. Goonies. Wizard of Oz. Jurassic Park. (oh yeah, dinosaurs opening doors is a terrible thing. I'm also convinced they could jump through my large bedroom window or hide in my closet.) I agree about Signs. I was irationally wary of doors with light shining through underneath. EEK. TamiJean's story wins, though. Lesse, what else... We watched Rosmary's Baby at one of my 'halloween parties' and it was more disturbing than scary. Hmm, mostly I avoid scary movies unless I'm watching them in daylight and won't be alone that night. Thanks Justin!

I wore a scarf at work today. I got a lot of looks, but come on, if you are going to keep the office that cold, deal with it. I've also realized that no one else at work has halloween candy. There are 7 pieces of candy corn and 3 handfulls of chocolate eyeballs left.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

What is the most fantastic costume you've ever worn (for any reason)?

Love,
The Asker

Spookaween: 2/5

Dear QotD?ers,

Hilarious. You all love spicy foods but are big scaredy cats!
When I was around 5, I went to a 'haunted house' at church. This must be one that Mom remembers going with me... all I remember is walking by one room with a mock-surgery, screaming and blood. AND I WAS TERRIFIED! Like Jackie, I've also been to Screams, but the scariest part of that was driving a truck home in the cold, without a defroster, in the rain and hydroplaining past the stop sign at the exit. Also, Reindeer Manor, which the HS drama department used as a fundraiser. I was 'volunteered' to be a chainsaw/hotdog factory victim and got fake blood on my clothes. Like Justin, I experienced Hotard from Hell. And I took Matthew to a haunted house in Dallas one year, though I remember that being dissapointing.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

What are some of the scariest movies you've seen? Please feel free to include movies from your childhood.

Love,
The Asker

spookaween: 1/5

Dear QotD?ers,

I will share pictures tomorrow, but know that I got 1st place, doing a 5k in 43:11. YEAH! Jackie got 2nd. Matthew (younger brother/Giant Boy/Jackie's boyfriend) got 1st and Justin got 1st too. There was a whole lotta winning going on. Also, my cousin's chili won 9th place at the cookoff.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

Have you ever been to a haunted house 'attraction'? Was it scary?

love,
The Asker

Some like it hot

Dear QotD?ers,

I went walking this evening! 5k in about 44 minutes. I am ready for Saturday morning.
I got a doormat for the new house shortly after we moved in. It's some gray flowery scrolling on a black base.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

How do you like your chili?

Love,
The Asker

I saw a pirate one, once.

Dear QotD?ers,

Jackie wins for worst insect stinging experience.
I was around 5 and playing on a friend's swing set. I had put my fingers into the end of one of the support poles while climbing around. We never saw it, but it was probably a wasp that stung my finger. ouch!

This evening we tried warm, spiced mead. It tasted like Christmas candle.
There are only 3 days 'till my 5k walk race and I've only walked once this week. It was rainy this evening and I wasn't up for it (and I didn't want to face the shin splints.).

Today's Question of the Day? is:

Do you have a welcome mat for your home? describe it, please?

Love,
The Asker

another question about bugs

Dear QotD?ers,

A co-worker and I got to host an interview candidate for dinner tonight. That's a really fun part of working, sharing a free meal and good stories. I also went to the library and back before meeting them. I LOVE HAVING A LIBRARY CLOSE BY. I had to take back a book that I couldn't finish reading. I always feel dissapointed in books like those.

I'm going to vote mosquitos. They bite. I itch. they swell and inflame even if I don't scratch or rub them. And the mosquitos down here are particularly brawny. I'm glad I don't live in lake Jackson anymore, where the mosquitos will bite you through 3 layers of closing at 6 am in the morning. Fire ants I can avoid for the most part. The bites may itch like the dickens, but the radius of itch doesn't expand ilke it does for mosquito bites.

Today's Question of the day? is:

what is your worst insect sting experience?

love,
The Asker

ITCH

Dear QotD?ers,

Today I did my evening walk and my shins felt terrible. But I was listning to 80's music, so that made it a little better.
I've put up all of our Halloween decorations, though I thought we had a plastic jack-o-lantern that plugged in, but I don't know where it might be. So I've got cardboard cut-outs of scary things, just like when I grew up! And 2 strings of jack-o-lantern christmas lights.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

What is worse, mosquito bites or fire ant bites?

Love,
The Asker

What We Ate at the Fair

Dear QotD?ers,
Justin told you what was under our beds. But this weekend I went under my old bed at my parents house (and closet) and sorted through all the things I've kept throughout the years. So what was under my old bed? Dried flowers from all the corsages and bouquets I was ever given, two boxes worth of family photos, a large box of elementry and middle school stories/art projects/notes from friends, notebook of poetry that i started in junior high.

I am incredibly dissapointed that I somehow managed to delete a picture from my camera before I got to show you. Me, Mom and Justin played Killer Bunnies on Friday night. At the end I had 7 bunnies and ~14 of the 20 carrots. the last 3 cards I played were 'choose # carrots' and I still had a choose-a-carrot card in my hand. I laughed so hard at the rediculousness of it all. Have no idea what I'm talking about? Come on over and we'll play.

So, at the fair, we got a 12" corn dog:
and saw some amazing butter sculpturing:
and got some fried butter: and ate it:If you were to take some biscuit dough, fold a pat of butter in the middle and then deep-fry, you'd get it. We got ours with some grape jelly and it was incredibly like eating a biscuit.
Before we left, I got the fried peaches and cream:

which i was actually dissapointed in. They drizzled raspberry sauce all over the plate. The fried peaches batter was like a strusel and, therefor, a little too heavy for what I wanted. But I still ate it. Sadly, I couldn't find the chocolate covered strawberry waffle balls this year.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

Do you have any halloween decorations up?

Love,

The Asker

is it MONSTERS?!!?!?

Dear QotD?ers,

Oh my goodness. I should not watch Gray's Anatomy. This show is either eye-rolling dramatic, heart-breaking dramatic, or gross. I just got a shot of gross.
We have wireless internet. My computer used to be hardwired, but now it's got a little antanae sticking out of the back.
I need to start packing. We are going to the state fair this weekend! I will try deep fried butter, chocolate covered strawberry waffle balls and fried peaches and cream (sounds like cobbler!)

Today's Question of the Day? is:

What's under your bed?

Love,
The Asker

interwebs delivery

Dear QotD?ers,

I have neglected to answer some of my own recent questions. I like to have gingerale or cranapple juice. I really miss honey roasted peanuts as an airplane snack choice. I remember my dad would bring me the little packages when he had been off on a business trip. I think chewey cookies would be a good snack, with a choice of chocoalte chip or oatmeal rasin, or peanut butter.
I don't think I've ever gotten a flu shot. like may of you, I'm not in the at-risk group and don't plan on getting either innoculation.
I didn't go on my walk today. It was still 91ºF at 4:30, and I wasn't intereted in fighting that sort of oppresive heat in mid-October.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

Does your computer use wireless or hardwired internet?

Love,
The Asker

Voluntary Needles.

Dear QotD?ers,

I walked a reallly fast 5k this evening, but i must have bumped the buttons on my timer, because when I looked, my time was 00:00. Aww, but I KNOW it was real fast. I had done the 2.5 miles in 35 minutes at least.
At the work diaper shower/potluck, I brought Crapple salad. I love that salad.

Today's Quesiton of the Day? is:

Do you usualy get the flu vaccine? Those in the US, will you be getting the H1N1 vaccine? those in Brasil, is there any talk of flu vaccines down there?

Love,
The Asker

SNACKS ON A PLANE

Dear QotD?ers,

I came home from an evening grocery run to find a frog on the front door jamb. He was so smooth and green and adorable, but I couldn't remember that I put the camera on the shelf in the laundry room after I took it out of my cape pocket so I could put the cape in the washing machine. So I opened the door, crept past him, and he crawld up about 4 inches before jumping way the heck over there. Aww. But if I had been able to take a picture, I'd be sharing it with you.
Today we learned: fire in moderation.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

What is your favorite airplane ride snack and drink? What would be a really great (and easily distributed) airplane ride snack?

Love,
The Asker

ON FIRE!

Dear QotD?ers,

We went to the Reneiasance festival today! It was a little chilly and mostly rainy. There was a great deal of mud. I brought some of it home with us on my boots and on my skirts and cape. MUD. I'm trying to get some of that cleaned up right now. goodness there was a lot of squishing. I planned ahead and we saw a lot of shows this time. Many of them had a similar theme: THINGS ON FIRE. here are the things: about 2 dozen juggling batons ON FIRE, 2 whips ON FIRE, hoola hoop ON FIRE, finger candle things ON FIRE, balls with chain (like a yo-yo?) ON FIRE, fan arrangement of batons ON FIRE, blacksmiths forge ON FIRE and fireworks ON FIRE!

Today's Question fo the Day? is:

What sort of entertainment, skill or trick would be more exciting if it included something ON FIRE!?

Love,
The Asker

ringringringringringringring BANANAPHONE

Dear QotD?ers,

I like the hot water heater. A cold natured person likes me really needs warm water. And that's how I periodically warm my hands (to normal human temperature) while spending the day at the icebox that is my office building.

Speaking of cold natured, let me introduce you to our front yard neighbor, ToadFrend! (no i on purpose) Occasionally he'll come out on the porch for a visit, but he's still pretty shy. I'm very glad he has a home in our front flower bed. I'll try to get pictures of TinyToadFrend, also front yard, and the frog and toad that live in the backyard. Seriously, it feels magical to have so many amphibians to protect us from bugs and spiders.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

Who is the last person you talked to over the phone, and what was the major topic of conversation?

Love,
The Asker

it must use electricity. or natural gas

Dear QotD?ers,

Today was also a complicated day at work. I didn't get home as early as I wanted to, so we skipped our 5k walk this evening again. :[ (that's a sad face) Sometime over the past few days, I missplaced my heel lift (the one I'm wearing because of my functional short leg). (It's only 1/4" worth of lift.) I got a new one, and I can tell a difference. I must have compressed my last one considerably for me to notice. I would like to state that having to use a heel lift, because I have a functionally short leg, sounds rediculous.

Because Justin gave my answer for last night, I'll say what we had for dinner tonight: Turkey burgers and sweet potato fries. YUM sweetpotatos.
If you paid close attention to the comment-answers, you would have seen a pair that also ate similar meals. Since DrFandango is a minor, we shall use that name unless they reveal their true name on their own. It's not the first time a minor has been a QotD?er, but it IS the first time we've had a minor on the public-blog version of QotD? I'M PROTECTING YOU FROM THE INTERNETS!

Today's Question of the Day? is:

What is your favorite appliance, big or small, and why?

Tomorrow, as a united way fundraiser, I will be purchasing a snicker's ice cream bar for $1!

Love,
The Asker

Beef?

Dear QotD?ers,

Today's was one of those days where I don't like my job. There was a silver lining, in that my emergency* ride home (and two other passengers) came over for dinner and we ate our first meal at the fancy dining room table. THEN we saw a toad outside and a frog sticking on our bedroom window. YAY AMPHIBIANS.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

What did you have for dinner last night?

Love,
The Asker
*by 'emergency' I mean the van-pool leaves at 5pm and I ended up leaving at 6pm

QotD? to be regulated by the government, more at 10

Dear QotD?ers,

I had the hiccups today. I ate a small piece of chocolate cake and then I didn't have the hiccups anymore! This is my new favorite home remedy.
Justin is taller than me. When we walk the same pace, mathematics proves that he will cover more distance than me. So while Justin is briskly walking down the street, I'm behind him huffing and complaining about my shins. We walked ~5k in 48:52. Wikipedia just told me the medical term is "media tibial stress syndrome."

I have two home-made ren fest costumes and a cape. One maroon and one green w/ a sort-of corset (there's I enjoy wearing them at Ren Fests. I probably still have the pieces for the belly dancer costume if I was feeling very confident. I can't believe I wore that in public and my mother approved (and helped me put it together).

Today's question of the Day? is:

Did you know that the FTC wants to regulate blogs? Would this have any effect on your daily life?

Love,
The Asker
P.S. DISCLOSURE: That chocolate cake was free and I took it from the breakroom.

No, I can't spell, but you know what I mean

Dear QotD?ers,

I just had a long weekend. I love them. Friday morning I walked ~5k in 47 minutes but I had some terrrible shin splints. Does anyone know a good stretch for that? Also there was movie watching, laundry and vacuuming of dead bugs.
This weekend I learned that another QotD?ers lost a job. Please send good thoughts and prayers their way (and to all people who are finding themselves in crummy or devastating situations).

Montana, huh? That's a really strange question. I have no idea how I came up with it. I've been to Montana once, I think, on our Summer Across America family vacation. I see some brown packing paper that's all crinkled up and sort of looks like mountains. There are mountains in Montana. Connection made.

Today's Question of the Day? is: from Justin

If you are going to a reneaisance festival, will you dress up? as what?

Loooove,
The Asker

I SPY: 5/5

Dear QotD?ers,

Friday! I hope you will all enjoy it and the weekend ahead of us. I'm getting rather sleepy now, so I'll get straight to it.

1) I have this squiggly yarn monster. He could be an alien from the future
2) fancy safety glasses, they might represent the aesthetic of the future
3) frozen peas and lima beans. So I saw them when I went to the fridge, but since I don't like them, surely they are not from now. They must be from the future when I being to like such vegitables.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

You spy, with your little eye, something that reminds you of Montana. What is it?

Love,
The Asker

I SPY: 4/5

Dear QotD?ers,

1) the lock of hair that was purple, but is fading

2) all the dead bugs

Hey, sometimes I comment on your answers by making my own comments in the day's post. Did you guys know that? It's true. (Except for you playing at home, you get comments by direct mail!). The winner for saddest things was Sabrina, "People sleeping on the sidewalks. Maps showing deforestation."

This afternoon, I walked 3 miles in 44 minutes. PSHOOOOoooommmmmm. <-fast walking noise. I also got to eat pineapple and cheesecake, but in different meals. And then had to watch Justin suffer through jalapeño juice in his eye. That was sad, but dinner was delicious.

I think I'm going to save the wackiest question for Friday.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

You spy, with your little eye, three things that could be from the future. What are they?

Looove,

The Asker

P.S. New Glasses!

P.P.S. Cousin-In-Law-via-exchange-program, you can go by your real name if you'd like. I just didn't want to tell The Internet without your permission.

I SPY: 3/5

Dear QotD?ers,

In preperation for the 5k race I intend to speed walk within the month, I have been doing some serious walking in the evenings this week. It would be completely unbearable except that I have books to read. Today I propped open a rather large hard copy upon the front hand bar of the treadmill. What, you thought I'd be walking along the street and reading? Not at my ferocious pace! Also, that would be dangerous and dumb.

Tomorrow I will post a picture of my new glasses. They make me look very mature and studious. They are my first pair of quadrilateral glasses. I think I spelled that word wrong. Oh well.

1) gamer headphones
2) little foil pouches that are supposed to keep sensative electronics safe from errant static

Today's Question of the Day? is:

You spy, with your little eye, two things that are sad. What are they?

Loooooooove,
The Asker

I SPY: 2/5

Dear QotD?ers,

Today was a really busy day at Work. It was foggy in the morning and thunder storms in the afternoon. I saw two teeny toads on our evening walk. Frogs tiny enough that they look like small hopping bugs instead of toads. I declare toads & frogs the un-offical creatures of the neighborhood. Oh! I need to put clothes in the drier before I go to sleep.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

You spy with your little eye two things that are shiney. What are they?

Live,
The Asker

I SPY: 1/5

Dear QotD?ers,

This weekend I bought 3 sweaters. They are all warm and cozy and I'm excited about wearing them. I wish it weren't so cold in our office building, but maybe I'll look a little more stylish than the bulky, work-issued jacket liner (It's part of my coverall set. It's fire retardent!). Also this weekend, Justin and I walked 5k in preperation for annual 5k later in October. and THEN I went to a baby shower for my cousin-in-law via exchange student program. Word is getting around Justin's family that QotD? is the most awesome thing to do (Bryce, you responded twice in a row.. you can do it again!) Perhaps we'll hear from her sometime this week and I'll give her a better introduction. At this shower was the most deliciously delicious carrot/spice cake with cream cheesey delicious icing. I'd like to upgrade this to my favorite cake of all times.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

You spy, with your little eye, 5 things that are blue. What are they?

I spy:

1) my pajama pants

2) an envelope on my desk

3) a blue flower on my desk organizer

4) ethernet cable!

5) ceiling fan box

Love,
The Asker

Cake: 5/5

Dear QotD?ers,

I was really surprised by the answers to yesterday's question. I'd ask for an awesome castle cake, looking very realistic with grey marbled stone. And there will be a moat and that moat will have alligators that snap their jaws, and a working drawbridge and part of the nearby forest with an adorable cottage with kittens and ponies. Flavors will be pound cake (for strength), italian creme (for deliciousness) and tres leches (that'd be good for the swampy area). It looks amazing!

Today I'll offer you two questions.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

When was the last time you ate cake?

OR

If you were at a party in your honor, and while you were being congratulated by all the attendants, they were serving from a cake with your face on it, and by the time you were able to get cake, the only pieces left were JUST of your face (like an eye, nose and mustache, half your smile, either eyebrow) What would you feel least weard about eating in cake form?

Love,
The Asker

Cake: 4/5

Dear QotD?ers,

I wore new boots today. They are my 'yay! I've maintained my target weight since May!' boots. I like them a lot, but do not yet have a picture to show you. I'll get on that. This evening I did ironing and organizing paperwork. Not fun, but productive.

I couldn't tell you if I've actually had it, but fruit cake has such a bad stigma, I really wouldn't eat that for free if I was hungry. Also, raspberry filling. I am not beyond eating year old cake for a 1-year wedding anniversary (the icing made up for the staleness of the cake) and I wouldn't be beyond eating five year old cake for a 5-year wedding anniversary. That is, unless my parents finally got rid of that entire tier of wedding cake they had in their deep freeze. Is it weird that I'm even thinking about such a thing?

Today's Question of the Day? is:

Sweet! you have won a prize for a fantastic cake to be at your next birthday/christmas/graduation/family event/whatever! And it's the fancy cake makers that are going to do it! What's the most awesome cake idea you could have them create?

Love,
The Asker

P.S. Charm City Cakes requires a $1000 minimum for each cake. But teachers get 15% off. yay?

Cake: 3/5

Dear QotD?ers,

Today was very rainy, but the nice gentle kind. For example, it rained on us during our walk home from the clubhouse/exercize room, but the drizzle felt good after exercizing. Someday soon it's going to become miserable and I won't be able to feel my feet anymore, so I'm going to enjoy this mild fall weather! (FINALLY)

I like a lot of cakes. Yellow, strawberry, moist chocolate, italian creme, ice cream cakes, pancakes, and even carrot cake. The frosting will depend on the cake, but I'm mostly a fan of the fluffy, 'whipped' type frostings and cream cheese frostings!

Today's Question of the Day? is:

Is there a cake or icing flavor or combination that you would never eat, even if you were hungry and it were for free? (or, less extreme, what sort of cake don't you like?)

Love,
The Asker

Cake: 2/5

Dear QotD?ers,

Today I had cupcakes to share with co-workers in honor of my birthday. And then I got a bouquet of flowers! There was also a large bag of Reese's Pieces which I made Justin take away from me. That candy is good.
Now I'm very tired and ready for bed. I'll end the chatting part of QotD? and go right to the question.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

What is your favorite sort of icing or topping to go with cake? (If you don't have an answer, or you only eat pineapple upside down cake which doesn't really have frosting... just tell me about all the liquids stored in your refrigerator.)

Love,
The Asker

Cake: 1/5

Dear QotD?ers,

Happy Birthday to Me! IT has been a good weekend. I got some jewelry from Moms and Justin took me to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner tonight. I had a peach bellini and cheesecake (also there was actual dinner). Thank you to all of those who sent me happy birthday messages one way or another. :]

Today's Question of the Day? is:

What is your favorite flavor of cake?

Love,
The Asker

about me: 5/5

Dear QotD?ers,

Yay! 3-day weekend! I'm very excited about my birthday weekend. There will be Cheesecake Factory on Sunday!

Wow, I'm having a real hard time thinking of what to type for you. It wasn't that much of an interesting day. I mean, when I got home I ironed and had leftovers while I watched tv.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

Quiggly Orin seems to be pretty good at magic. If you whisper something into the magic box of his, it appears!/happens!/changes situations!/whatever! But this only works with birthday presents for me. SOoooooOOO, What sort of gift will you whisper for me!?

Love,
The Asker

about me: 4/5

Dear QotD?ers,

Sweet! I'm going on some seriously awesome vacations! And while none of you had to bring Justin, he appreciates. But TamiJean, it'd be ok to bring Anne instead of Justin. The trip I'm most excited about is Jackie's second entry. HarryPotterLand!!

As I was driving from work this afternoon, I was listening to one of the local radio station. It was playing some interesting songs. One of them had the lyric accusing someone of having a "crazy French-Canadian uncle" which I took as being very strange thing to throw into a song, because how many people do I know that such a thing would apply to? Exactly One. Bonus points if you know which QotD?er I could throw this insult at. (Not that I'd mean it, I'm sure your French-Canadian uncles are all very nice).

Yay! You've all made it to my hypothetical birthday party! Quiggly Orin took the liberty of getting a birthday card for everyone to sign. It's one of those oversized ones, you know, essentially a posterboard folded in half.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

You have plenty of room to add whatever you'd like. What will you put in my oversized birthday card when it comes 'round to you?

Love,
The Asker!!

about me: 3/5

Dear QotD?ers,

I love the British and their comedies. Justin and I finished the first season of The IT Crowd (IT stands for I.T.). It's hilarious and may have my most favorite show opening sequence of all times.

Imagine that some startup travel agency has a fantastic marketing scheme. It will find popular blogs and offer a 5-day vacation package for 4 to the blogger and first 20 commenters. Now imagine that someone has deemed this website 'popular.'

Today's Question of the Day? is:

Besides you and me, who are the other two people going on our vacation and where to?

Love,
The Asker

about me: 2/5

Dear QotD?ers,

I hope you enjoyed most of your Monday. The weather was lovely, so Justin and I ate lunch outside. It's nice to take a break from the frigid office building.
I'm reading a lovely book I got from the library, Princess Academy. It's a young adult fantasy novel that is clever and fun.

To everyone who answered yesteday's question on the website, I've resonded in yesterday's comments.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

What are 5 things we have in common?

Love,
The Asker

about me: 1/5

Dear QotD?ers,

One of my cousins turned 30 this weekend and we were invited to his birthday party. It had a Clue theme and was a great deal of fun. Everyone wore the color of their favorite person, the movie was playing in two rooms, the cake was Clue decorated and there was a 'Who's quote was this' game. Justin has never seen the whole movie, but by the end of the night he had seen probably half of it, but all mixed up and many scenes multiple times. We have been inspired to throw our own theme party. No, I will not tell you the theme, yet.

I don't wear hats on a regular basis. I have some black knit hats for wintertime, and a maroon ..bucket(?) hat that I bought for probably $5 from the 3M employee store the summer I worked there.

I don't know if I meantioned this when I talked about my mom's birthday, but I love birthdays. I think they are a very good excuse to get positive attention from family and friends. Since mine is coming up, I am this week's theme!

Today's Question of the Day? is:

How would you describe the first time we met?

Love,
The Asker

P.S. Beatles: Rock Band is wonderful!

hats

Dear QotD?ers,

Today was a mostly uneventful day. Justin is feeling better, but I'm going to insist he stay home again tomorrow.

At 09:09:09 on 09/09/09 I was talking to Justin about it being 09:09:09 and listening to a Beatles song.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

What kind of hats do you wear?

Love,
The Asker

IT'S THE NINES!

Dear QotD?ers,

Today was a rough day. There were some serious things that came up at work that I had to deal with. The free lunch was meat-and-sauce heavy bbq, Justin fell ill and this evening I found a spider crawling on my arm. Whenever I discover live spiders in our home I feel the need to exclaim "THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE! I AM UNCOMFORTABLE" in a very distressed voice, but as Justin was sleeping, I had to freak-out quietly and kill the spider myself.
In good news, The Beatles: Rock Band was released today and my Limited Edition Premium Bundle was delivered! Apparently there is a huge box in my mom-in-law's (Jeannie's) dining room waiting for me. Did I mention I ordered it in May, a time when we were still looking at houses and had no idea where we would be in the distant month of September?
Ug. a spider. and I killed one yesterday too. UNACCEPTABLE!

Today's Question of the Day? is:

What were you doing at 09/09/09 09:09:09?

Love,
The Asker

what to watch

Dear QotD?ers,

We have a new fancy pants toy to go with our fancy tv. It's one of those magic dvd players that can talk wirelessly to the interwebs. We have decided to give Netflicks a chance by using their 2 week free trial period. Even though we haven't gotten any dvds in the mail yet, we've already watched 4 things because we can stream them from the internet and onto our generous sized tv.

The most laborious thing I did on Labor day was to prepare for and clean up after a party. This included preparing a vegetable tray and cleaning a chocolate fountain. That second part is fun, but messy.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

Are there any movies or tv shows that you want to recommend? We'll probably try anything but horror or really scarry 'thrillers'.

Love,
The Asker

LABOR day

Dear QotD?ers,

I've enjoyed a 4 day weekend and hosted two seperate events. All of my immediate family came down to spend the night Saturday, and Justin's parents and sister came over to enjoy food and games as well. It was incredible having so many people over.. and we could even fit in the kitchen and not be cramped! Today (Labor Day) we had some work friends over for snacks and so they would stop asking about the housewarming party. It was good to see them outside of the office. One of our good couple friends also came over and they brought us a flowering bush. We shall plant it in the backyard.

Hopefully everyone will get to enjoy this shortened work week (except for students at Texas A&M University who had class today. Sorry, Jackie)

I have been to the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building (I cried), St. Louis Arch (I cried), The Alamo (but not the basement), the Badlands, Old Faithful and Mount Rushmore. Why did I cry, you ask? I was incredibly afraid of heights and both of those landmarks require rediculously long elevator rides (I was also afraid of elevators and falling to my death).

Today's Question of the Day? is:

What was the most laborious thing you did this Labor Day?

Love,
The Asker

famous places

Dear QotD?ers,

It was another mostly pleasant day outside and we enjoyed most of our lunch out there. This evening, Justin's sister and her husband came over for dinner. They hadn't seen the house yet and we got to see pictures of her trip to Brasil visiting Cuñao and Sabrina.

I'd rather just sweep, but I would sweep twice. I don't like mopping all that much. But usually when you vacuum, there is more of the house that needs vacuuming than sweeping/mopping. That was an answer, right?

Today's Question of the Day? is:

What is the most famous landmark you have ever been to? (you are welcome to list a few if you'd like)

Love,
The Asker

CLEAN THE FLOOOOORS

Dear QotD?ers,

Our home is vacuumed! and we have cookies! I am very tired. Only two more days of work and then it's a 4 day weekend. I'm very excited about that.
We had lunch outside today. It was incredibly pleasant, almost like we are getting our first taste of fall.

I'm going to pick stripes. I really like monochrome stripes. I'd still like to paint stripes in our bedroom.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

Would you rather sweep and mop or vacuum?

Love,
The Asker

patterns

Dear QotD?ers,

Our TV is set up, but we still don't have any furniture in that room. Unless you count the boxes of frames and pictures and poster, which I don't. Because it's a new tv, it already has the built in HD whatever, so as soon as we get an antenna(sp?) I can get seriously excited about watching LOST and Dancing with the Stars in HD! (Right? that's how it works?)

A BBQ should have at least one sort of meat with bbq sauce, baked beans and potato salad. Everything else is a bonus. But watermellon makes a bbq cookout a summertime cookout.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

Stripes or Checks?

Love,
The Asker

P.S. crimpity crimpity

it goes good with sauce

Dear QotD?ers,

Today was a day of big purchases. We bought a big, flat tv and a grill. Being frugal engineers has put us into a very good savings-heavy financial status. We are very blessed to be in this situation. But it's still overwhelming and amazing to make big purchases. We have a real big TV and you can come over to watch it sometime!

I really don't mind the birthday singing at restaurants. I usually sing and clap along when someone across the room is getting serenaded. I will gladly endure apathetic singing for free dessert. But restaurants that make the birthday person stand up or wear a dumb hat or something else utterly embarrassing, I'm against that.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

What are your favorite foods to eat at a bbq cookout?

Love,
The Asker

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

Dear QotD?ers,
This evening we watched Mighty Boosh. Today I learned that $16,000 can buy you a hypoallergenic mini-leopard. Other than that, it was a pretty unexciting day. I'm going to read a chapter or two of my current library book, maybe eat a cookie and go to bed.
However, tomorrow (Thursday) is a fantastic day because it's the birthday of one of my most favorite people. Mom! It's Mom's birthday! Happy Birthday Mom, I love you!

I'm related to a some teachers. Mom, Aunt Mary Lou, Mom-In-Law, Cousin Sarah, Justin's cousin... I also have a lot of friends that became teachers.

Today's Question of they Day? is:

Do you like resteraunt staff to sing at you when it's your birthday? Remember that you also get free dessert!

Love,
The Asker

THEY ARE EVERYWHERE

Dear QotD?ers,
Last weekend we put together our hurricane preperadeness food box. As you can see, we have fruit, chocolate, some sort of instant food and cans of soup and spaghettios, greenbeans and crackers! There have been no Gulf Coast threatening hurricanes this season, so let's keep it up! and then I'll eat those peanut M&Ms. OK, so today I learned that A LOT of you see A LOT of animals every day. This has left me feeling very sheltered and sad. Most days I see, .. maybe some birds, but it doesn't register. The past two days I've seen this mangy orangy dog walking down the street. This may be the one that is poopin' in our yard. Oh wait, I take it back. Every day I go to the chiropractor I see ducks in the pond behind the buiding. I saw over 30 ducks today! However, other than that I don't really see animals. I wish I had a cat. Or a friend with a cat that I could visit. sigh.

Today's Quesiton of the Day? is:

How many teachers are you related to?

Love,
The Asker

aminals

Dear QotD?ers,

Remember this?

Well, now it looks like this!See the close up of all the shiney glass and pretty china? Yeah, it's pretty fantastic.
My heavenly duty would be to support the lighthearted enjoyment of hard science and math. Pi Day! Organic Chemistry jokes! This would also include watching over college students who have gone hysterical with studying.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

How many animals do you see, in person, on the average day?

Love,
The Asker

Heaven: 5/5

Dear QotD?ers,

Tomorrow I'll share a picture of our beatufiul china cabinet with all the beautiful stuff in it. Arranging the stuff: 10 minutes. Cleaning all the glass: 18 hours. Maybe. It took A LONG TIME.

One thing I want to know is the first time Justin and I really met. I'm pretty certain it was at a spaceship playground when we were kids. My parents have friends close to where Justin grew up and we've BOTH been to that playground.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

Apparently everyone in Heaven has duties, some Earthly cause, great or small, to watch over or subtly influence. What is yours?

Love,
The Asker

Heaven: 4/5

Dear QotD?ers,

If you are reading this on Friday morning, you can go to this website and sign up for free chocolate. Or sign up to get a cupon for free chocolate, but isn't that just as good? Angela, it says it's redemable in 'US government installations' I don't know what that means for you.

I don't have a good answer for yesterday's question. Though I do agree with Justin that dinosaurs would be cool

Today's Question of the Day? is:

What questions (not covered in Heaven Orientation) would you like to ask God?

Love,
The Asker

Heaven: 3/5

Dear QotD?ers,

We just heard an owl outside. I don't know where it was, since we don't have any trees worth hooting from. But it was a pleasant surprise for the evening.

I'd like to have some color-change wings. This will go well with my color-change hair.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

Who or what will you want to see first?

Love,
The Asker

Heaven: 2/5

Dear QotD?ers,

It actually rained at our house today! but I left to get my haircut and didn't get back until after dark. And then Justin tried to get me to eat lima beans.

In Heaven Orientation I would include answers to these questions: "What is the meaning of life?" "Why do bad things happen to good people?" "Why does God let Earth have disease and war?" "How was the universe really created?" "Are there aliens?" "How big is this place?" And then everyone would learn the basics about Heaven, like: There are no field trips to hell - we won't let you back in. Simulating fart noises is only allowed in designated areas. No, you can't have everything you've ever wanted because getting into heaven has transformed your soul and you no longer feel a need to punch people in the face or try drugs "just to see what it's like."

Today's Question of the Day? is:

How would you like your wings and halo? or, what other heavenly outfit would you prefer?

Love,
The Asker

Heaven: 1/5

Dear QotD?ers,

.

Excluding text books and china cabinet things, there are only 5 boxes left to unpack. That doesn't mean everything is neatly in its place (because some things are grouped in piles on the floor..) but PROGRESS!

Here, let me show you a picture of our dining room, with new china cabinet*

There are two things that I won't buy at the grocery store, but this is sort of untrue, since I've bought them before: sushi and pecans. Sushi because, well, raw fish intended to be eaten raw requires some skill and professional handling. Pecans because, well, they always come free and clean from my parents freezer. Since I don't live with them anymore, this limits my access to the Svatek Farm Pecans, but it doesn't make me feel better about buying pecans at the grocery store.
.
This week's questions are going to require some creativity** and faith (or suspension of disbelief). As you may surmise from the posts' title, the theme is Heaven! For this week, imagine that you have been fortunate enough to make it to Heaven, the afterlife, as ruled by God or 'supreme beings.'

Today's Question of the Day? is:
As a new comer, you have been invited to help develop 'Heaven Orientation.' This will become the program that all new souls will recieve and will cover all of the common questions, rules and possibilities.

What will you include in Heaven Orientation?

Love,
The Asker

*This is the point I got to last night when my computer started having serious problems performing my commands. I finally gave up on it, which is why the first of this week is showing up Tuesday morning. Apologies!

**None of us have been to Heaven and religious writings only give so much insight. Your 'heaven' can be however you want it.

Food Shopping: 6/6

Dear QotD?ers,

.

Hey! That's me! This is the snippet that made it to our company intranet. There's a webpage that gets updated whenever anyone in the company has a major job move. That picture was taken on Tuesday. Tuesday also happens to be the last day I remember seeing my wallet. I've already searched the house, twice, and it's hot pink, so I'm hoping I'll find it in one of 4 locations at work tomorrow.
.
Hmm, Justin didn't answer. so I'll answer for both of us. We shop Sunday evenings. It's not crowded at all. The only drawback is that it's Sunday, the day before we have to go to work, and we are doing something productive instead of lazy.
.

Today's Question of the Day? is:

.

What is something (preferably food) you would never buy at a grocery store?

.
Love,
The Asker