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.