2010 - the year in retrospect

1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?
Gathered technical knowledge like a madwoman and furnished our home.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I didn’t have any but they may as well have been to get done with the house and not lose my mind over it.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Not that I am aware of.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Hubby’s grandma, shortly after her birthday and our anniversary. Major sads.

5. What countries did you visit?
Portugal, Italy, Austria and Switzerland

6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you didn’t have in 2010?
A vacation somewhere new to us.

7. What dates from 2010 will be etched upon your memory, and why?
January 20th , the funeral of hubby’s grandma, in the midst of all the renovation….it almost made our hearts break.
January 23rd, when we moved into our house in what had to be the most chaotic move in the history of moving.
August 12th, when I finally got to meet Melisa with one S and her awesome family face to face.
September 25th, an amazing birthday/housewarming party with almost all of our closest friends. Awesome!

8. What were your biggest achievements of this year?
Unexpectedly won recognition and an award for my good work, which made me cry like a baby when I was alone.
Tracked our personal finances.
Renovating and decorating our first (and hopefully last) home.

9. What was your biggest failure?
That I did not improve my fitness.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Luckily no.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
A new bed for the hubby and I (but only because we purchased the house the previous year)

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My hubby and my parents, who worked like “mules” to fix up my house.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Some so-called friends. I will not go into details but suffice to say they are friends no longer.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Most of our spending went to our house, renovations, furniture and the likes. Ouch.

15. What did you get really excited about?
My (not so) evil American twin’s visit in August.
Re-connecting with my host family from my Au-Pair stay in 1996.

16. What song will always remind you of 2010?
Probably anything by Lady Gaga (gag) can’t stand her (sorry Melisa).

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
Happier: Most definitely.
Thinner: but not by much.
Richer: Not at all but happier.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Exercise. Getting out of the house and doing things. Cooking instead of ordering takeout.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Watch TV.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
With my in-laws and the entire family until Christmas day, then snowed in at my parent’s house. A great Christmas.

21. Did you fall in love in 2010?
I am still in love with my husband. Apart from that I fell in love with a new DSLR that I’m just going to “have to buy” the minute I got enough money saved up.

22. What was your favorite TV program?
Surprisingly nothing. Most of the time the TV is just on for background noise.

23. What was the best book you read?
I love to read and have read quite a few books in 2010. As I tend to forget the bad ones, Iautomatically know that the ones I remember were worth the time. So I would have to say Things My Girlfriend and I have Argued About and Eating Animals

24. What was your greatest musical discovery?
That I still love the music of the early noughties - alternative rock. Played loud and hard!!!

25. What did you want and get?
Visits from great friends. Lots of home furnishing.

26. What did you want and not get?
A new iPhone, magic weight loss, a lottery win...

27. What was your favorite film of 2010?
As with books it is only the good movies that remain in my memory. Among them Kick-Ass (which came as a total surprise) and Inception.

28. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Turned 34 in 2010, and I can’t actually remember what I did on the day itself. I do however remember the great party the day after. BAM!

29. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A daily newspaper.

30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept of 2010?
Dark pants, V-neck sweaters and long necklaces

31. What kept you sane?
My husband, family and friends.

32. What political issue stirred you the most?
Our politician’s inability to lead a country instead of arguing among themselves and NOT getting ANYTHING done in the process.

33. Who did you miss?
My family and far-away friends.

34. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.
Accept that life is not always a picnic or as we say in Germany Das Leben ist kein Ponyhof.

35. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Our house in the middle of the street by Madness

Meme Mama Momo

1) Favorite object in your room?
The very comfortable lounger (Karlskrona) from IKEA and in which I don’t sit nearly enough.

2) Do you smoke?
Nope. Only fuming when angry.

3) Do you own guns?
No and I think nobody else should own any either.

4) What flavor do you add to your drink at sonic?
Good question to which I have no answer.

5) Do you get nervous at the doctors?
Always. I go in thinking the worst and come out relieved most of the time.

6) What do you think of when you hear hot dogs?
Paris Hilton’s Chihuahua. “That’s hot”...ok not really. Thinking of this vendor near the WTC in New York who had the best hot dog I ever had.

7) Favorite song?
Can’t think of a single one right now.

8.) What do you prefer to drink in the morning?
Coffee.

9) Can you do push ups?
No and I never could either. I could do two when I was younger. To this day the hubby makes fun of me because of it.

10) Can you do a chin up?
I probably could do one.

11) What’s your favorite piece of jewelry?
A bracelet the hubby gave me during our first year together and a pair of delicate earrings Melisa got me.

12) Your pet peeves are?
Too numerous to put all of them down here. People stopping dead in the middle of the aisle in the supermarket, a car blocking two spaces, people with headphones whistling, bad manners….the list is endless

13) Ever been in a car wreck?
Luckily not.

14) Do you like to work on your Birthday?
Yep, it is no different than any other day except with flowers and cake and champagne from the colleagues…

15) What’s one trait that you hate about yourself?
Character – I’d like to be a bit more decisive otherwise– I could do with less weight.

16) Are you named after anyone?
Indeed, was named after my mom’s friend Kat.

17) Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment.
I need to pee.
Shit I still gotta change the date on the presentation.
If I get home on time tonight will this be enough to hang up the laundry so it is dry tomorrow?

19) Name 3 drinks you drink regularly.
Water, coffee, and apple spritzer

20)What’s your job?
To do with computers and software.

21) Current hate right now?
The never ending winter.

23) Do your friends love you?
I’d be the wrong person to ask.

23) How did you bring in the New Year?
We threw a dinner/cocktail party with friends and picked up some new ones along the way.

24) Where would you like to be right now?
On a sun lounger on the beach or on Karlskrona (see # 1) with a good book.

25) Name three people who will complete this.
No idea.

26) Are you one of those people that thinks and talks about their life being unfair?
No, I consider myself pretty lucky. In Germany we’d call this “landing your assl into a barrel of butter”

27) What shirt are you wearing?
A petrol colored shirt from H&M.

28) Do you like sleeping on satin sheets?
No, too slippery.

29) Can you whistle?
Yes I can to the annoyance of our cats.

32) What songs do you sing in the shower?
I make up songs about the cats who watch me shower every single morning.

33) Favorite girl’s name?
Linda

34) Favorite boy’s name?
dunno

35) What’s in your pocket?
My id badge for work.

36) Last person that made you laugh?
My colleague a mere minute ago.

37) Best toy as a child?
The doll house my Dad built when I was six.

39) Do you love where you live?
LOVE it.

40) Do you give good advice?
I hope so.

41) Who is your loudest friend?
My friend Kat. She talks loud a lot and her laugh is ear piercing. I ♥ her.

43) Does someone have a crush on you?
Apart from my husband (hopefully)? I don’t think anybody.

44) Favorite part about your weekend?
Looong breakfast with the hubby and cats and a paper.

45) What are you gonna do for your next birthday?
Have a few drinks with my team.

46) Favorite sports team?
Don’t have any.

48) Where is the next place you want to travel to?
Thailand. And I will in less than two weeks.

49) What were you doing 12 AM this morning?
Arguing with the hubby to return my book so I can go on reading. Didn’t work.

50) What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up?
Shit, it’s snowing again.

I Write Sins Not Tragedies

RULES:

1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.
4. Tag 5 friends (make me #6 so I can see your results).
5. Everyone tagged has to do the same thing.
6. Have Fun!

IF SOMEONE SAYS ‘ARE YOU OKAY’ YOU SAY?
Chope Suey! - System of a Down

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Lightning Crashes - Live

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Hotel California (Spanish Mix) - Gipsy Kings

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Wake Up Call – Maroon 5

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?
Mercy-Duffy

WHAT’S YOUR MOTTO?
Denkmal- Wir sind Helden (Which is funny because it is true. Apart from the coffee motto this is my second favourite: Denkmal ist für mich ein lebenslanger Imperativ. Only funny in German though)

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Beverly Hills - Weezer

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Where Did You Sleep Last Night - Nirvana Unplugged (Haha – they never had to ask that question, good girl that I was)

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Einfach sein (Simply be) – Fanta 4

WHAT IS 2 + 2?
Crazy – Unplugged Gnarls Barkley

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Breakdown – Jack Johnson

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Given Up – Linkin’ Park (not sure I like that and sure hope it isn’t true)

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
I saw – Matt Nathanson

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Cold Shoulder – Adele (this couldn’t be funnier if I tried)

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
This is the Life – Amy MacDonald

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
I’m Yours - Jason Mraz

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Another Way to Die – Jack White and Alicia Keys

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
A Little Respect - Wheatus

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Overload - Sugababes

WHAT DO YOU WANT RIGHT NOW?
Foxtrott Uniform Charly Kilo – Bloodhound Gang

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
You’re Gonna Go Far Kid- The Offspring

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
I Write Sins Not Tragedies – Panic! At the Disco

Christmas Meme

Jesus, Mary and the carpenter...I haven't blogged in a while. Carpal tunnel has prevented it. Still suffering from it but I found that lovely Christmas meme and because it is only two more days until I can go on my much deserved vacation, I will just do it.

Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Hot chocolate. Oh so yummy.

Does Santa wrap presents or set them under the tree?
Santa wraps 'em and sets them under that tree.

Colored lights on tree or white?
White as I am a big fan of a classy looking Christmas tree.

When do you put your decorations up?
On the first Advent. The fourth Sunday before December 25th.

What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
Dumplings, duck and red cabbage. As traditional as Turkey for Thanksgiving.

Favorite Holiday memory as a child:
I have a few…for some reason the first Christmas we spent at our log house stands out.

When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
I actually can't remember exactly when it was but my interest in where the presents came from just faded and I could tell from the look on my parent's face that they were "Santa"

Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
We open all of our gifts on Christmas Eve as we celebrate Christmas on the evening of the 24th of December in Germany

Snow! Love it or Dread it?
Love it! Love it! Love it! To this day I am still dreaming about jumping from our third story window into a humongous pile of snow.

Can you ice skate?
Yes, yes and yes and I love it. Did I ever mention that I wanted to become a figure skater? We didn't have a skating rink though, which sucked so I ran about in my grandma's garden, in the snow with my best friend, pretending we were Katarina Witt and Debbie Thomas :)

Do you remember your favorite gift?
There were so many that I can't possibly name just one.

What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
spending time with my loved ones.

What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?
As I am not a big fan of dessert I trade it for one more dumpling with duck and sauce etc.

What is your favorite tradition?
Christmas Dinner with the family, carols playing in the background. Gosh I ♥ it.

Which do you prefer, Giving or Receiving?
Both. Maybe I like to give a teeny tiny tad more than I like receiving a gift just because seeing someone's face light up makes my day.

What is your favorite Christmas Song?
Fairytale of New York by The Pogues....My all time favorite

Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum?
Yuck, spit, barf.

Ever recycled a Christmas present?
Never. Simply because I never got anything that I didn't like. I know I am blessed :)

The Book Meme

+++INTRODUCTIONS+++
1. What’s your name?
Kat
2. Do you read a lot?
Pre-stressful job I did. Now I went from read a book in one day to read a book in one week or more..
3. What’s your favorite genre?
Non-fiction. No contemporary fiction. No non-fiction. I can’t decide
+++FANTASY AND SCI-FI+++
4. Do you prefer fantasy or science fiction?
Not a fan of either but if I have to chose between one or the other it’s going to be fantasy.
5. What’s your favorite fantasy book/series?
Lord of the Rings
6. Who’s your favorite fantasy author?
J.R.R. Tolkien.
7. What’s your favorite science fiction book/series?
I don’t read sci-fi. At all.
8. Favorite sci-fi author?
Given my answer to the previous question, I can’t even name one.
+++MYSTERY, HORROR, AND THRILLERS+++
9. Which do you prefer: a puzzling mystery, or a terrifying thriller?
A terrifying thriller
10. Do you have a favorite mystery novel?
Nope
11. A favorite horror novel?
I used to read a lot of Stephen King when I was a teenager, but haven’t really since then. My favorite book back then was The Shining.
+++ROMANCE+++
12. Do you read romance novels?
If this means chicklit yes, if it means penny novel material then no. Not into the whole big hunk, sexy helpless woman kind of stories.
13. How about gay romance novels?
I have yet to come across gay romance novels.
14. What’s your favorite?
P.S. I love you
+++CHILDREN’S AND YA+++
15. What’s your favorite children’s book?
The Cat in the Hat.
16. Is it the same book that was your favorite when you were a kid?
Nope, I don’t think that was even available in East Germany.
17. What’s your favorite YA book?
The Wave
18. Did you actually read it as a YA?
Sure did
19. In general, do you prefer children’s books over grown-up books?
No, I prefer grown-up books.
+++CLASSICS AND GENERAL FICTION+++
20. What’s your favorite classic novel?
Breakfast at Tiffany‘s
21. What about general fiction?
The Swarm. A Novel of the Deep
22. What classic novel do you just not *get*?
Ulysses
23. Do you have a favorite play or drama?
Faust
24. What do you think of Shakespeare?
Only learned to appreciated the old man's stuff in my twenties
+++POETRY+++
25. Could you pick a favorite poem?
No, not a big fan of poems
26. What about a favorite poetry collection?
See previous answer.
27. Who’s your favorite poet?
I don’t know.
+++COMICS AND GRAPHIC NOVELS+++
28. Do you read comics or graphic novels?
No, reading them is too stressful. I need structure :)
29. Do you have a favorite series?
No.
30. A favorite book?
No.
+++SHORT STORIES AND NOVELLAS+++
31. Do you prefer short stories (or short novels) over full-length novels?
Full length novels, definitely
32. What’s your favorite short story?
Royal Jelly by Roald Dahl
33. Favorite short story collection?
Kiss Kiss by Roald Dahl
34. Do you have a favorite short story author?
See #32 and #33.
+++NONFICTION+++
35. What kind of nonfiction do you usually read?
History, science, politics, life . Though not necessarily in this order.
36. Do you have a favorite nonfiction book?
Bright Lights, Big Ass
37. Read any interesting biographies?
Living History. Hillary Clinton38. History books?Dreams from my Father
39. Politics?
The Best Democracy Money can buy
40. Religious texts?
/
41. How about books on mythology, fairy-tales, or other cultural stories?
/
+++ELEMENTS OF FICTION+++
42. What’s the most important element of a novel? Plot? Characterization? Style? Themes? Happy ending?
Characterization is really important to me and a suspenseful plot. I am not really into a long drawn explanation of this flower or that taste/smell. Just give it to me straight.
43. What kind of plot interests you the most?
Suspense, not knowing what happens next. I am always delighted when I figure I know what‘s next and am then surprised when something totally different happens.
44. What kind of characters usually appeal to you?
People I could relate to in real life, with flaws and all.
45. What is your favorite book overall?
Buddenbrooks. The Decline of a Family
+++PASS IT ON+++
46. What’s the last book you read?
We Thought You Would Be Prettier
47. What are you reading now?
Not Buying It. My Year Without Shopping.
48. What are you going to read next?
Mr. S and The Secrets of Andorra’s Box
49. Is there a book you would recommend to everyone on your friends list?
The Kite Runner – beautiful book really or A Short History of Nearly Everything if you’re more into that science stuff.
50. Tag five people to fill out this meme:
I’m not going to tag anyone. If you want to do this meme grab it and let me know when you’ve done it. I will link it here and of course I am curious to see what your favorite books are.

99 Things Meme

Here's a meme that I stole from Mags from Ms Maggie Moo Talks 2 U. As I love learning new things about my favorite bloggers it would be nice if you could let me know when you decide to do that meme. Yes I am curious like that :)

The things I have done so far are in bold
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

One Word Meme

My not so "evil" twin sister Melisa from Suburban Scrawl tagged me with this meme. Memes are always welcome, especially during NaBloPoMo. It spares me from having to dig deep in my mind to find a suitable blog topic. So here it is:

The rules?Answer the following questions in one word and then pass it on to seven others.

Where is your cell phone? Desk
Where is your significant other? Office
Your hair color? Brown
Your mother? Beautiful
Your father? Funny
Your favorite thing? Purse
Your dream last night? Naughty
Your dream/goal? House
The room you’re in? Office
Your hobby? Reading
Your fear? Failing
Where do you want to be in 6 years? Successful
Where were you last night? Car
What you’re not? Extroverted.
One of your wish-list items? Book
Where you grew up? Germany
Last thing you did? Emailed
What are you wearing? Clothes
Your TV? Off
Your pet? Cuddely
Your computer? Non-Mac
Your mood? Stressed
Missing someone? Yes
Your car? Brandnew
Something you’re not wearing? Watch
Favorite store? H&M
Your summer? Short
Love someone? Madly
Your favorite color? Red
When is the last time you laughed? Lunch
Last time you cried? October

Now I got to tag seven fellow bloggers. All of which I hope haven't been tagged already. So here it goes whether you like it or not :)

1. Michelle from Paper Propaganda
2. Pocklock
3. Cass Just Curious
4. Mags from Ms Maggie Moo Talks 2 U
5. Steph from My Daily Happenings
6. Melissa from Hope Floats and Good Intentions
7. Patty from Just A NYC Girl

Six Secrets Meme

I was tagged for a meme in which you have to reveal six secrets about yourself.

1. I haven't showered alone in over a year unless on weekends away or on vacation. The cats insist on sitting in the bathroom with me while I shower.
2. Right now my legs aren't shaved and they haven't been in two weeks. I know!
3. I said I would stop watching the news or reading news papers because it upset me but I cheat.
4. Sometimes I fantasize about being Queen of the World and what I would change then.
5. I must smell a book before reading it. If the pages reek I won't finish reading it.
6. I am painfully shy around new people and I act like a total moron because I want them to like me.

I am not going to tag anyone but if you feel like revealing six things about yourself go ahead and please leave a comment. We all love reading other people’s secrets!

The MeMe of Us (shouldn’t it be called the UsUs then?)

How long have you been together?
2 years and 3 months and one week to the day? Married for 1 year and 3 month.

How long did you date?
Hmm can we call that dating? About one and a half month.

How old is he?
He is 11months and one day younger than me. Which means we will both be 31 years old for exactly 31 days until I hit the dreaded 32!

Who said ‘I love you’ first?
That would have been me!

Who is taller?
He is, which makes him the first guy that was way taller than me.

Who is smarter?
I think we’re equally smart and we each have our own area of expertise.

Who does the laundry?
I do because nobody touches our laundry except me. Yes I am a controll freak.

Who does the dishes?
Mostly me but then again I am a control freak like that. The dishwasher’s got to be stacked my way.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed?
If we’re laying down -he does.

Who pays the bills?
We are DINKs Double Income No Kids and have a joint checking account as well as an account each.

Who mows the lawn?
Thanks to the joys of apartment living we have somebody who does it for us.

Who cooks dinner?
While I cook most of our dinners my husband makes THE best sandwiches in the world. In fact I would kill for one right now.

Who is more stubborn?
That depends. I don’t think this is a win-win question.

Who kissed who first?
He kissed me first after sweetly asking my permission. I still have very vivid memories of that very first kiss.

Who asked who out?
He asked me out for a cup of coffee. I only later learned that he doesn’t even drink coffee. Yep he’s smart.

Who proposed?
The hubby did after we had talked about it so much I thought it wasn’t even going to be a surprise anymore but he managed to propose to me in a lovely pub in a remote corner of Ireland. It was hugely romantic and two days before my 30th birthday :)

Who is more sensitive?
Yep that’d be me. Though he can be sensitive in some regards too.

Now I am curious about your MeMe or UsUs or whatever you prefer to call it. Let me hear how, when and why you met. I tag Danielle, Melisa, Corey~living and loving, Pocklock, Melissa and Uncommon Blonde.

Book Meme

As weekends are usally slow in bloggerland or I am slow (read lazy) a meme is just the right thing. I found this book meme on Mags Blog

Here are the Rules:

1. Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages).

2. Open the book to page 123.

3. Find the fifth sentence.

4. Post the next three sentences.

5. Tag five people & post a comment here once you post it to your blog, so I can come see.

My book: That's B*ll*cks! by Albert Jack. Urban Legends, Conspiracy Theories and Old Wives' Tales


"He then got into the driver's seat, jerked the car into gear and kangarooed across the car park towards the exit. Having seen enough, the policeman drove forwards to block the exit, his blue lights flashing. Opening the car door, the driver crashed to the ground, and was promptly arrested and taken off to the local police station."



I tag Melisa, Lindz, Jen, Uncommon Blonde and Sita.

Who's a Book Nerd?

1. One book that changed your life.
Fast Food Nation. While its facts about the fast food industry did not turn me into a Vegetarian, I hardly ever eat fast food anymore.

2. One book that you have read more than once.
Pope Joan. A great (historical)novel about one of the most controversial women in history

3. One book you would want on a desert island.
I could say something really smart and funny and entertaining but to be honest it would probably be the Survival Handbook: How to Survice in the Wild, in Any Climate on Land or at Sea for fear somebody would forget me on that stupid deserted island.

4. Two books that made you laugh.
Millionär by Tommy Jaud. A really hilarious German book and PS, I scored the Bridesmaids by Ross O'Carroll Kelly aka Tom Howard.

5. One book that made you cry.
Malcolm and Me: Life in the Litterbox. The story about a guy and his cat that very much reminded me of the first cat I ever had. I bawled my eyes out over this because Malcolm's death was just as horrible as my cat's death.

6. One book you wish you’d written.
The Best Democracy Money can buy or Fast Food Nation...I don't know. I just can't decide. Both are revealing dirty little secrets in politics and I love them.

7. One book you wish had never been written.
The History of Danish Dreams by Peter Hoeg. This is seriously the first book I started reading and did not finish. Over the years I have put myself through reading really awful stuff and have always prouded myself for finishing whatever I had started to read but this was the worst.

8. Two books you are currently reading.
Dreams from my Father by Barack Obama and Washingtonienne to see what all the hype is about (so far it is just sex, sex and more sex)

9. Two books you’ve been meaning to read.
Remembering Ruby but the hubby and I have an agreement that I can't buy any more books before I am not down to one book on my pile of eight books currently on my nightstand. I've also been meaning to read The Kite Runner.

As I said before I love books and I have tons of them but can't purchase any more unless I read all of the books on my nightstand. Which proves to be challenging because some of them are 1000 pages and more plus I still got my magazine subscriptions for three magazines. Sometimes I wish my day had 36 hours just to cram in all my reading.

Your turn to share what books you love and hate. Send me a link or leave me a comment so I can go and check them out.

It is all Greek to me

Yep it is Friday once again and quite frankly I seem to have lost the track of time. With the Christmas holidays and New Year's Eve and people coming to visit I am a bit confused. I got up this morning thinking it was Tuesday.

After our last guest left yesterday morning we picked up my friend last night. We used to be roommates for quite a while and all I can say about her is that she rocks. We went out to dinner with the hubby and another friend, both of whom were smitten with her.

We went to our favorite Greek restaurant where the hubby ordered the Sokrates platter as he always does. In the middle of dinner he urged me to get up and let him out, his lips pressed tightly together. I thought he was joking. He wasn't.
He emerged from the men's a short while later and resumed dinner. When we got the following conversation ensued:

Me: Are you okay? What was wrong with you at the restaurant?
Him: "It is so weird but every time I eat this dish I feel like I need to puke."
Me: (frowning and probably having questionmarks in my eyes) Did you actually puke?
Him: "No, not really"
Me: Why did you go to the men's then?
Him: "I thought I was going to puke"
Me: Why did you stay so long then?
Him: "Oh I just burped and tried to not puke"
Me: Has it ever occured to you not to eat that dish anymore if it doesn't agree with your stomach?
Him: "Yes but it is so delicious I can't help it."
Me: ???

I was speechless. That man loves himself the Sokrates platter so he shall have it. Next time I am going to let him sit near the loos though.

On another note. Here goes another meme. Everybody on my Blogroll is encouraged to do it :) I promise this one is way easier than the last.

1. What is your favourite word? Sucker
2. What is your least favourite word? Like. People over use it. It's like so annoying like.
3. What turns you on? Kindness.
4. What turns you off? Rudeness.
5. What sound or noise do you love? Laughter.
6. What sound or noise do you hate? Loud live concert music or real bad Karaoke.
7. What is your favourite curse word? c**ksucking sh** f**k crap. Ok these are four words but uttered as one. I sound like I have Tourettes when I am pissed off.
8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? I’d love to be a chef. Not going to happen though.
9. What profession would you not like to do? Anything on Dirty Jobs or being a Doctor. Broken bones make me want to lose my breakfast.
10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? ‘Come right through to cloud number nine, we were just getting comfy.’

This is Your Month - Meme

I was just tagged by Melisa from Suburban Scrawl to do this "Your Month" meme, so here goes.

1. Mention the person who tagged you and create a link back to them.
2. Copy-paste the traits for all the twelve months (see below).
3. Pick your month of birth (see below).
4. Highlight the traits that apply to you.
5. Tag 12 people and let them know by visiting their blogs and leaving a comment for them.
6. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve done it!

My birthday is September 24.

1. Suave and compromising -Compromising? Sure, how else could we make this marriage work? Hehe

2. Careful, cautious and organized- well this is so me. Cannot be careful enough.

3. Likes to criticize - how else can you make others aware?

4. Stubborn - people that know me well fear my stubborness.

5. Quiet but able to talk well -I am usually scared shitless when I have to speak publicly but when I am up there I can talk as if I have never done anything else in my life. It is weird.

6. Kind and sympathetic - I would like to think so and believe these are some of my stronger traits.

7. Loyal but not always honest-Loyal? Yes! Not always honest? Screw you I am honest to the bone. Okay I may have been dishonest in answering a question after my well-being with "great" when I really felt like shit. Hehe

8. Does work well -I so do and I so hope my boss reads this *LMAO*

9. Very confident- not really but I do like to pretend I am .

10. Sensitive - see previous answer.

11. Good memory -this is why my hubby can't get away with a lot and also why I am sucha good liar (see #7) ROFL ;=)

12. Clever and knowledgeable - who wouldn't want to be Little Miss Know it All?

13. Loves to look for information - and I really enjoy finding it too. I like to think I have a knack for finding information.

14. Must control oneself when criticizing-err hello? I can take criticism and I like to dish out when I am really sure about it but I would never ever hurt anyone deliberately.

15. Able to motivate oneself - yep that is partially true.

17. Understanding -sure

18. Fun to be around- I hope my friends agree on that.

19. Loves leisure and traveling - Love, love, love it and the sole reason I miss working for an airline.

20. Hardly shows emotions- used to hide my emotions but since I got married it is as if a dam broke.

21. Tends to bottle up feelings-my my, that may be true.

22. Very choosy, especially in relationships. Yep now this sounds just like me. That may be the reason why I had to turn 30 before I was sure I had found the right person to marry and settle down with.

I think I am going to pass on tagging people as all the bloggers I checked out were already tagged. So if you read this feel free to do this meme on your blog.

All Months:

JANUARY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Ambitious and serious. Loves to teach and be taught. Always looking at people’s flaws and weaknesses. Likes to criticize. Hardworking and productive. Smart, neat and organized. Sensitive and has deep thoughts. Knows how to make others happy. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Rather reserved. Highly attentive. Resistant to illnesses but prone to colds. Romantic but has difficulties expressing love. Loves children. Loyal. Has great social abilities yet easily jealous. Very stubborn and money cautious.

FEBRUARY: Abstract thoughts. Loves reality and abstract. Intelligent and clever. Changing personality. Attractive. Sexy. Temperamental. Quiet, shy and humble. Honest and loyal. Determined to reach goals. Loves freedom. Rebellious when restricted. Loves aggressiveness. Too sensitive and easily hurt. Gets angry really easily but does not show it. Dislikes unnecessary things. Loves making friends but rarely shows it. Daring and stubborn. Ambitious. Realizes dreams and hopes. Sharp. Loves entertainment and leisure. Romantic on the inside not outside. Superstitious and ludicrous. Spendthrift. Tries to learn to show emotions.

MARCH: Attractive personality. Sexy. Affectionate. Shy and reserved. Secretive. Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic. Loves peace and serenity. Sensitive to others. Loves to serve others. Easily angered. Trustworthy. Appreciative and returns kindness. Observant and assesses others. Revengeful. Loves to dream and fantasize. Loves traveling. Loves attention. Hasty decisions in choosing partners. Loves home decors. Musically talented. Loves special things. Moody.

APRIL: Active and dynamic. Decisive and hasty but tends to regret. Attractive and affectionate to oneself. Strong mentality. Loves attention. Diplomatic. Consoling, friendly and solves people’s problems. Brave and fearless. Adventurous. Loving and caring. Suave and generous. Emotional. Aggressive. Hasty. Good memory. Moving. Motivates oneself and others. Sickness usually of the head and chest. Sexy in a way that only their lover can see.

MAY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharp thoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deep feelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm Standpoint. Needs no motivation. Easily consoled. Systematic (left brain). Loves to dream. Strong clairvoyance. Understanding. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Good imagination. Good physical. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts. Loves traveling. Dislike being at home. Restless. Not having many children. Hardworking. High spirited. Spendthrift.

JUNE: Thinks far with vision. Easily influenced by kindness. Polite and soft-spoken. Having ideas. Sensitive. Active mind. Hesitating, tends to delay. Choosy and always wants the best. Temperamental. Funny and humorous. Loves to joke. Good debating skills. Talkative. Daydreamer. Friendly. Knows how to make friends. Able to show character. Easily hurt. Prone to getting colds. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takes time to recover when hurt. Brand conscious. Executive. Stubborn.

JULY: Fun to be with. Secretive. Difficult to fathom and to be understood. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Takes pride in oneself. Has reputation. Easily consoled. Honest. Concerned about people’s feelings. Tactful. Friendly. Approachable. Emotional temperamental and unpredictable. Moody and easily hurt. Witty and sparkly. Not revengeful. Forgiving but never forgets. Dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. Guides others physically and mentally. Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. Caring and loving. Treats others equally. Strong sense of sympathy. Wary and sharp. Judges people through observations. Hardworking. No difficulties in studying. Loves to be alone. Always broods about the past and the old friends. Likes to be quiet. Homely person. Waits for friends. Never looks for friends. Not aggressive unless provoked. Prone to having stomach and dieting problems. Loves to be loved. Easily hurt but takes long to recover.

AUGUST: Loves to joke. Attractive. Suave and caring. Brave and fearless. Firm and has leadership qualities. Knows how to console others. Too generous and egoistic. Takes high pride in oneself. Thirsty for praises. Extraordinary spirit. Easily angered. Angry when provoked. Easily jealous. Observant. Careful and cautious. Thinks quickly. Independent thoughts. Loves to lead and to be led. Loves to dream. Talented in the arts, music and defense. Sensitive but not petty. Poor resistance against illnesses. Learns to relax. Hasty and trusty. Romantic. Loving and caring. Loves to make friends.

SEPTEMBER: Suave and compromising. Careful, cautious and organized. Likes to point out people’s mistakes. Likes to criticize. Stubborn. Quiet but able to talk well. Calm and cool. Kind and sympathetic. Concerned and detailed. Loyal but not always honest. Does work well. Very confident. Sensitive. Good memory. Clever and knowledgeable. Loves to look for information. Must control oneself when criticizing. Able to motivate oneself. Understanding. Fun to be around. Secretive. Loves leisure and traveling. Hardly shows emotions. Tends to bottle up feelings. Very choosy, especially in relationships. Systematic.

OCTOBER: Loves to chat. Loves those who loves them. Loves to take things at the center. Inner and physical beauty. Lies but doesn’t pretend. Gets angry often. Treats friends importantly. Always making friends. Easily hurt but recovers easily. Daydreamer. Opinionated. Does not care of what others think. Emotional. Decisive. Strong clairvoyance. Loves to travel, the arts and literature. Touchy and easily jealous. Concerned. Loves outdoors. Just and fair. Spendthrift. Easily influenced. Easily loses confidence. Loves children.

NOVEMBER: Has a lot of ideas. Difficult to fathom. Thinks forward. Unique and brilliant. Extraordinary ideas. Sharp thinking. Fine and strong clairvoyance. Can become good doctors. Dynamic in personality. Secretive. Inquisitive. Knows how to dig secrets. Always thinking. Less talkative but amiable. Brave and generous. Patient. Stubborn and hard-hearted. If there is a will, there is a way. Determined. Never give up. Hardly becomes angry unless provoked. Loves to be alone. Thinks differently from others. Sharp-minded. Motivates oneself. Does not appreciate praises. High-spirited. Well-built and tough. Deep love and emotions. Romantic. Uncertain in relationships. Homely. Hardworking. High abilities. Trustworthy. Honest and keeps secrets. Not able to control emotions. Unpredictable.

DECEMBER: Loyal and generous. Sexy. Patriotic. Active in games and interactions. Impatient and hasty. Ambitious. Influential in organizations. Fun to be with. Loves to socialize. Loves praises. Loves attention. Loves to be loved. Honest and trustworthy. Not pretending. Short tempered. Changing personality. Not egotistic. Take high pride in oneself. Hates restrictions. Loves to joke. Good sense of humor. Logical.

Me in Pictures

I found this nice meme on Katies blog Made in Melbourne and on Patty's blog Just a NYC Girl.

All you have to do is type the answer to each question into Google Search, and choose a photograph representing it from the first page of answers. Et voilá!


1) AGE AT NEXT BIRTHDAY:



2) PLACE OF BIRTH:



3) PLACE I WANT TO VISIT:



4) NICKNAME:



5) FAVORITE PLACE:



6) MY FAVORITE THINGS:





7) FAVORITE FOOD:



8) FAVORITE COLOR:

Five Firsts

1. First pet. A little zebra finch. It died on my birthday.

2. First day on the job in a call centre I lost my voice due to an infection.

3. First “love.” Eighth-grader. Ronny something or another. I had a huge crush on this guy until I found out I was not his only “girlfriend”.

4. First day of school I found out I wore the same sweater as one of the guys in class. (It was one of my male cousin’s hand me downs). The poor guy refused to wear it. He said it was girly and a girl in his class was wearing it. I in turn refused to wear it cause I thought it was a guys sweater…Go figure.

5. First time in a theatre. Was there with my school and had a laughing fit. I had to leave my seat and was only allowed back in after intermission.

Your firsts can be anything. First day of school. First rejection. First taste of octopus. First child. First meal of the day. First talent show performance. First thing I did today. First ride on a big wheel. First night in ... First Friday of the month. First big break. First pregnancy. First whatever.

The infamous "Four Meme"

Patty tagged me for this meme.

4 Dishes I "Like" to "Cook":
1. Thai Red Chicken Curry
2. Penne with Gorgonzola and Spinach
3. Goulash
4. Chili con Carne

4 Qualities I Love in People:
1. Sense of Humor
2. Positivity
3. Loyalty
4. Integrity

4 Places I Have Been:
1. Sweden
2. Mexico
3. Spain
4. Italy

4 Things In My Room:
1. Fluffy blankets
2. Candles in a wide variety
3. A collection of Silver framed pics of Friends and Family
4. Lots of Books and Magazines everywhere

4 Dirty Words I Like:
1. Feckin’ Eejit
2. Dipstick
3. Dumbass
4. Bitch

And With that I Am Tagging:
1. Mags of Ms Maggie Moo Talks 2U
2. Melisa of Suburban Scrawl
3. J of Once Crazy Bride to Be
4. Danielle of Danielle’s Blog