FF: 194

Appetizer

If you could live on another continent for 1 year, which one would you choose?

Difficult, Antarctica is up there but I think it would have to be Asia. I would love to explore all that China has to offer. I suppose I could if I had the money since I have three friends living over there. Farmer Ted pointed out that I should pick Australia since it's an island and I have thus far only been to islands. An actual continent might throw things off.

Soup

Which browser do you use to surf the Internet?

Mozilla, because all my friends use it. And I love Leechblock which keeps me away from sites I shouldn't be wasting my time on. This will come in handy this fall when law school starts.

Salad

On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being highest), how much do you know about the history of your country?

7---I have a strong aversion to the Civil War, however all else is covered.

Main Course

Finish this sentence: Love is…

a garden. Dig it! (Farmer Ted's addition) All I can think of is Love is a Battlefield by Pat Benatar

Dessert

Have you ever been in or near a tornado?

No. I'm sure I've had a drink called a tornado though. Does that count?

FF:193

Appetizer

Do you consider yourself to be an optimist or a pessimist?

At the moment? Pessimist. We're moving to a new city, new state, and I'm very nervous. My nerves have been causing me to be a pessimist lately.

Soup

What is your favorite color of ink to write with?

I have no preference in ink. I tend to prefer cheap freebie pens over nicer ones. I probably don't have to ever buy a pen with the number I have in my house. They just seem to accumulate over time. However if it's a pencil then I prefer Ticonderoga pencils above all else.

Salad

How often do you get a manicure or pedicure? Do you do them yourself or go to a salon and pay for them?

Occasionally I will pay for them but for the most part I do them myself. When I was a full time floral designer I gave myself one weekly due to standing on my feet all day and using my hands. The knives we would use dried out my skin and my cuticles were always dry. I find that a good scrub, some cuticle oil and a rich lotion do the trick for me.

Main Course

Have you ever won anything online? If so, what was it?

No.

Dessert

In which room in your house do you keep your home computer?

Well, we have two laptops and a desktop. The laptops are everywhere in the house. The desktop stays in our bedroom where we also use it to watch movies and online television. We have really bad reception for digital television and don't watch enough tv to pay for cable. It's nice and easy since we have a wireless mouse and wireless keyboard. If I wanted to surf the net in bed I can.

FF 192

Appetizer

When you drink soda/pop/coke, do you prefer to drink it from the bottle, a can, or after pouring it into a cup?

Pouring into a glass with ice. I prefer glass to plastic if offered plastic I usually turn it down.

Soup

What television show are you willing to stay up late to watch?

We don't watch tv unless the show is posted online. Sorry, but no tv in our house.

Salad

Name one person, place, or thing you think of as brilliant.

Brilliant? I think the way Walt Disney World was built one story above ground is genius. I think the movie Amelie is pretty darn close. I think Farmer Ted can act like a genius some days. But brilliant? I'd have to say my dogs. They are brilliant at begging and getting to sleep on the bed--which is hard since one is a Great Dane and the other a Lab.

Main Course

Would you be willing to work 4 10-hour days instead of 5 8-hour days in order to save gas?

Yes. When I worked for the State I wasn't allowed to and Farmer Ted isn't allowed to either which sucks. I don't work very far from home so in the long run I really wouldn't save much gas. We probably drive ten miles total in an average day.

Dessert

If you were a superhero, what would you call yourself?

I was just explaining to Farmer Ted that I had a boyfriend who would wear a superhero cape around. His superhero name was "Scirocco Danger" and he was 25 when we dated. He was a true child at heart. I couldn't think of anything, so I asked Farmer Ted. He suggested General Disarray. I'm not going to ask why, but I do know that it's a South Park character. I think I like my mild attempt of "Dancing Queen" much better. I'll admit that my robot dance is really coming together. Street performers beware!

FF: 191

Appetizer

What is the nearest big city to your home?

I thought I lived in a big city. Salt Lake City?

Soup

On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how well do you keep secrets?

No comment. I'm not letting my mad skills leak out on this question.

Salad

Describe your hair (color, texture, length).

Golden. Long. In Japan it was an issue because people wanted to touch it. I've been approached about selling it. Heather, my hairdresser, thinks I have a secret to keeping it shiny. It needs a haircut.

Main Course

What kind of driver are you? Courteous? Aggressive? Slow?

Clean record however I am not a legal driver at the moment...oh the rebel in me!

Dessert

When was the last time you had a really bad week?

Two weeks ago. I try not to think about bad weeks or days anymore. They are too draining.

FF: 188

Appetizer

Name something you would categorize as weird.

Nipples. It was the first thing to come to mind. I also had a conversation about them earlier with my breast-feeding sister so I'm sure that's why it was fresh in mind. I should say that they CAN be weird but in general are quite normal since everybody has them.

Soup

What color was the last piece of food you ate?

green, white and pink---sushi--California roll. Why is it called that?

Salad

On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you enjoy being alone?

Love it! I want more of it! I think you can learn a lot about yourself when you stop to spend time with yourself.

Main Course

Fill in the blank: I will _________ vote for ___________ in _______.

I will not vote for any American Idol in the next month.

I cannot stand that show.

Dessert

Describe your sleeping habits.

HA! Funny you should ask...I am one of those ladies who wears a sleeping mask to bed. I also have to have the tv on which helps me fall asleep faster and Farmer Ted stays up much later than I do. I find it easier to sleep when our lab is next to me too. For some reason I also get the privilege of the alarm. I don't know how I got this responsibility but it's mine.

FF: 187

Appetizer

Name a color you find soothing.

Green. It also happens to be my favorite color. There is just something about green that calms me and makes me feel like me.

Soup

Using 20 or less words, describe your first driving experience.

Horrible, interstate, father reading the newspaper, and raining outside.

Salad

What material is your favorite item of clothing made out of?

Right now it would be velour. It's warm and comfy and I'm addicted to track jackets so when Juicy Couture combined the three I bought em up.

Main Course

Who is a great singer or musician who, if they were to come to your town for a concert, you would spend the night outside waiting for tickets to see?

Well, when Elton John came my way I quickly grabbed tickets. The same for Bob Dylan. I would have to say David Grey, Madonna, R.E.M., or Pearl Jam. Now that I am moving to a major entertainment area I will have more opportunities to see some of these if they ever tour! Hopefully with R.E.M. having a new album out I will have that chance!

Dessert

What is the most frequent letter of the alphabet in your whole name (first, middle, maiden, last, etc.)? E with 4 which beats L with 3

FF: 186

Appetizer

Invent a new flower; give it a name and describe it.

A great question for a florist! It would be lime green and a cross between a dendrobium and tuberose. The dendrobium more for looks with the tuberose for scent. It could be called a dendrose.

Soup

Name someone whom you think has a wonderful voice.

I am going to read this question as if its asking for a singer. I really like Amy Winehouse's sound, that deep voice. I also like Louden Wainwright's voice which I find calming and fun. In terms of people I enjoy a local DJ's voice, Kate McGuire, from Mix 106. She is hilarious to listen to and has this great raspy, but not smoker, voice.

Salad

On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how clean do you keep your car?

I would say a 6. It's not cluttered but dusty at times and could use vacuuming more often. We do wash it often though.

Main Course

How do you feel about poetry?

I enjoy poetry and wish I was more patient to try it. I'll write something and then give up because I don't have the patience to work on it. As an undergraduate I would listen to poetry every Monday night.

Dessert

What was the last person/place/thing you took a picture of?

Myself upset and silly over how long it was taking to order our Idaho ice cream potatoes. I was also peeved that our group plans had changed so quickly.

FF:185

Appetizer

What does the color dark green make you think of?

A leather bomber jacket I had in the seventh grade. It was so cool! However I saw someone wearing one the other day and couldn't believe that I actually wore and owned one. Does anyone else remember the navy, mauve and forest green leather jackets back then?

Soup

How many cousins do you have?

Eleven. I am the third oldest on both parent's sides.

Salad

On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how honest are you?

Seven? I'll admit that I can be fake or hide my true feelings in uncomfortable moments and of course I consider this to be dishonest.

Main Course

Name something that is truly free.

This is a difficult question for a household of two economists. My first suggestion was body odor but I was reminded that there is a cost with body odor---exercise, the cost of smelling yourself and having others smell you. So then I brought up AIR! I thought I was genius for this! However Farmer Ted has pointed out that it takes time to breathe and thus there is a cost to consuming air. TANSTAFL BABY!

Dessert

Using the letters in the word SPRING, write a sentence.

Do the words have to be in order?

Spring pours rain in new gardens.

Sing Prince's Rasberry (Beret) in navy galoshes.

FF: 184

Appetizer

Given the choice, would you prefer to live in the country or in the city?

I grew up in the country and over the years have come to appreciate all that it offers. So I would have to say country. You can always travel to cities but the countryside is harder to get to. Cities have planning guides, countrysides don't. I believe it's easier to choose what city to visit but the same doesn't apply to the country.

Soup

Who is the cutest kid you know?

They are seven year old twins. I can't get enough of them as they make me laugh all day.

Salad

Fill in the blank: I couldn’t believe it when I heard ___________.

I couldn't believe it when I heard my LSAT score. It's one of the last times I remember going WOW! and I was nervous since I didn't know if hard work would pay off for that test.

Main Course

If you could star in a commercial for one of your favorite products, which one would you want to advertise?

I can't decide! I'm thinking Mr. Bubbles, Juicy Couture (I live in their velour jackets), and Harney and Sons jasmine tea. To be honest, I wouldn't want to star in a commercial. I would be fine as an extra though.

Dessert

What type(s) of vitamins and/or supplements do you take on a regular basis?

I take a Flintstone everyday. I like them chewable.

FF: 183

Appetizer

On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 as highest), how much do you like your own handwriting?

7, although when I am at school I have to use "correct" cursive so I don't like my handwriting that much

Soup

Do you prefer baths or showers?

I love a hot bath, but I never find the time to take one, so my preference (due to a time restraint) are showers.

Salad

What was the last bad movie you watched?

The Simpsons Movie and Because I Said So

Main Course

Name something you are addicted to and describe how it affects your life.

Reading. I am always reading books. It has affected my life positively since I am always learning, building upon my vocabulary, and lost in stories.

Dessert

Which instrument is your favorite to listen to?

Piano, cello or violin solos.

FF: 182

Appetizer

If you could be any current celebrity for one whole week, who would you want to be?

Queen Elizabeth II. I think it would be absolutely fabulous to rummage through her belongings, tour her castles and drink her tea. I also think it would be somewhat relaxing and she always has loads of dogs to please her. I would not be bored, that's for sure!

Soup

On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being highest), how much do you enjoy talking on the phone?

1

Salad

Name a charitable organization to which you have donated (or would like to).

Amnesty International, Idaho Youth Ranch, YWCA, Idaho Food Bank and Idaho WCA--all are current donations.

Main Course

What is a food you like so much you could eat it every single day for a month?

Easy, sushi. And I've done it while living in Tokyo.

Dessert

Have you or anyone in your family had the flu this year?

Yep. Farmer Ted and I both did at the smack dab start of the year. It was horrible and I wouldn't want to wish it on any of you!

FF:181

Appetizer

Who was the last person you hugged?

Adult: Amy

Children: Nikita or Dillon, although I'm not sure if they were hugs. When you are surrounded by children they tend to perform "hanging hugs" to get your attention.

Soup

Share a beauty or grooming trick or tip with us.

I use a toothbrush to groom my eyebrows. I also apply hair oil to the ends of my hair. It helps moisturize and strengthen my long locks. I also use conditioner to shave my legs, it's cheaper and longer lasting.

Salad

What does the color yellow make you think of?

Gerber daisies, daffodils and a certain submarine

Main Course

If you were to make your living as a photographer, what subject would your pictures revolve around?

flowers, plants, gardens, parks, water--relaxing eye candy

Dessert

What was the longest book you ever read?

I have no idea, one of the following most likely:

War and Peace

Anna Karenina

Harry Potter series or individual book. Depends on how you view series

FF: 180

Appetizer

Have you ever played a practical joke on anyone? If so, what did you do and who was your victim?

The earliest one I can remember was dragging a dead cat into a girl's yard for some prank. All I can remember is the cat part. I was in the 4th grade with my friend Denise and the victim was Elizabeth, a girl who drove us crazy. In general, my family is known for practical jokes. Whether it be switching the fortune cookies for ones that have dirty messages or sending traveling missionaries to your home we've done it or thought about it.

Soup

What do your salt and pepper shakers look like?

HA! I'm the proud owner of my grandmother's Depression era salt and paper shaker collection! I think I have close to 200 sets of shakers that will shake no more. I have several nice outhouse sets, along with chickens, priests, skulls, and A-bombs.

Salad

Where is the next place you plan to visit (on vacation or business)?

Vegas. Need sun and all you can eat buffets.

Main Course

What kind of lotion or cream do you use to keep your hands from getting too dry?

Aveda Hand Repair. Its a little oily but it feels lovely. My hairdresser gave it to me. I also love Bliss hand cream--its not as oily and feels heavenly.

Dessert

Make up a dessert, tell us its ingredients, and give it a name.

This one is real, Burnt Sugar Cake. My great-aunt was famous for it. One would go for 200 smacks at her church auction, a cake! It sounds odd but the way she made it was so fabulous. It was easily my favorite dessert.

FF 179

Appetizer

Name one thing that is unique about you.

My family, especially my father. Aliens, Nazis, lawsuits, suspenders, cross-dressing, name anything and I most likely have a story involving it and my father in some way that everyone BUT his daughter finds humorous.

Soup

Fill in the blank: My favorite _________ is __________ but I like _________ too.

My favorite beer is Coors Light but I like Kokanee too.

Salad

What type of wood do you have for your home’s furnishings?

Walnut, hands down. I love it! Dark wood tones can be found throughout our house.

Main Course

Who do you talk to most often on the phone?

Farmer Ted.

Dessert

What level of responsibility do you have in your job?

Level? Responsibility? Have? I wish it were very minimal, but alas Montessori education involves a variety of levels of responsibility. Safety for the children and the maintenance of a peaceful community are probably the most difficult day to day.

Friday's Feast #137

Since Friday's Feast is down for the week I found an old one I had not done.

Appetizer
When you travel, which mode of transportation do you prefer?

Tube, train or subway. I find it relaxing and fun since you can do a lot of people watching. That is unless you're in Tokyo right after an earthquake and stranded at a station. I have many strange stories of the three too but I would still consider "rail" my preferred method of transport.

Soup

Have you ever met a blogging friend in person?

No, I haven't. But I don't think I would mind if I did.

Salad

When was the last time you were really, really tired?

Over winter holidays when I drank bad water. All Farmer Ted and I could do was sleep.

Main Course

If you could have dinner with any one fictional character from a book or movie, who would it be?

Hmm...Dory from Finding Nemo. I think it would be extremely entertaining. And if fish don't count then Samantha Baker from Sixteen Candles. I imagine us discussing how hot Jake Ryan is and how embarrassing our families can be.

Dessert

Fill in the blank:

One day, I hope to see _________.

I would love to see my dear friend Delia again and spend an afternoon with a good pot of tea. But at the moment this would require traveling to Manila again or wherever she is at the moment. I can never keep up with her.

FF 178

Appetizer
What is your favorite kind of cereal?

Captain Crunch although I believe you spell it Captn, but that just doesn't look right.

Soup
When was the last time you purchased something for your home, what was it, and in which room did it go?

Well, we purchased a lot of things due to a very large gift certificate from BBB. New silverware, duvet cover, guest room bedding, steak knives, cutting board, wine glasses -(weird unbreakable ones due to some of our friends), etc. I guess before that it would be our new LCD TV for our bedroom.

Salad
What is the funniest commercial you’ve ever seen?

This one would have to be up there:

Main Course
Make up a name for a company by using a spice and an animal (example: Cinnamon Monkey).

Uh, Turkey Thyme?

Dessert
Fill in the blank: I haven’t ______ since ______.

I haven't read anything decent since September.

I'm craving a really good nonfiction book right now.

Friday's Feast 177

Appetizer
How many times per day do you usually laugh?
Depends on what we did at school. I would say at least three good laughs a day.

Soup
What do your sunglasses look like?
Green and over-sized. I liked to pretend that they made me invisible when I lived in Tokyo.

Salad
You win a free trip to anywhere on your continent, but you have to travel by train. Where do you go?
Copper Canyon Train ride. I hear its better than the Grand Canyon.

Main Course
Name one thing you consider a great quality about living in your town/city.
It has decent sushi.

Dessert
If the sky could be another color, what color do you think would look best?
I always enjoy deep orange sunsets. Maybe purple or violet would enhance those sunsets.

Friday's Feast 176

Appetizer
What is your favorite beverage?

Hot Tea: Earl Gray, Jasmine, or Green Tea

Soup
Name 3 things that are on your computer desk at home or work.

Playdoh, Bobbing turtles, Aleve

Salad
On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being highest), how honest do you think you are?

9

Main Course
If you could change the name of one city in the world, what would you rename it and why?

Washington D.C. When asked where I was from abroad I would say Washington State and people always equated that with Washington D.C. I think either the state name or city name should change so that I don't have to further explain the difference in a conversation that usually ends with "you know, nevermind."

Dessert
What stresses you out? What calms you down?

Stresses me out: my graduate work

Calms me down: Tea, reading, sleeping, sleeping with my dogs

Friday's Feast 175

Appetizer
What is your middle name? Would you change any of your names if you could? If so, what would you like to be called?

Elizabeth, also my grandmother's middle name. No, I wouldn't change any of my names and am the type of woman who will keep my maiden name if ever married. When I was 13 I told everyone to start calling me 9. I wanted a number for a name because I thought it was cool.

Soup
If you were a fashion designer, which fabrics, colors, and styles would you probably use the most?

Wool, cashmere, tartans, and bold colors. Why be drab?

Salad
What is your least favorite chore, and why?

Cleaning the bathtub.

Main Course
What is something that really frightens you, and can you trace it back to an event in your life?

For awhile there driving scared me and I was able to trace it back to my brother's horrible car accident.

Dessert
Where are you sitting right now? Name 3 things you can see at this moment.

At the computer. Cup of heavenly tea, playdoh, and a poster of the Breakfast Club.

Friday's Feast 174

Appetizer
When was the last time you received a surprise in the mail, and what was it?

December--A gift card to B&N. You can never have too many books.

Soup
If you could have a summer and/or winter home, where would you want it to be?

Summer Home: San Juan Islands, with a kayak, view of the ocean and plenty of books.

Winter Home: Tokyo--for its urban beauty, lights and sprinkles of snow every once in awhile.

Salad
Pick one: pineapple, orange, banana, apple, cherry.

Pineapple--hands down. Its a must have on ANY pizza.

Main Course
Describe the nicest piece of clothing that you own.

Hmm....Probably a small collection of Marc Jacobs sweaters and shoes.

Dessert
If you could forget one whole day from your life, which day would you choose to wipe from your memory?

Just one? Christmas 2006, easily.