So I know that I posted a quiz only a few short months ago, but I though I'd lift this from my friend Lisa's blog anyway.
1. What time did you get up this morning? 5:22, because life is unfair.
2. Diamonds or pearls? Both. In a crown.
3. Last movie you saw in the theater? I think "One Missed Call" which WASN'T EVEN GOOD ENOUGH TO RENT.
4. Most embarrassing moment? Throwing up in front of my whole tech arts class on the third day of 7th grade when I was still trying to impress my classmates.
5. What do you usually have for breakfast? Juice and cereal. And coffee, most importantly.
6. What is your middle name? Legally it's Evelyn Dalton because I didn't want to drop anything when I got married. But usually I just sign things with Dalton.
7. What food do you dislike? This is difficult because I'm not a very picky eater but I think beef stroganoff looks and smells like throw up.
8. What is your favorite CD at the moment? I'm loving Rilo Kiley's "Under the Blacklight" and the Juno soundtrack.
9. What kind of car do you drive? I mostly drive our new car, a Prius, and Kent usually drives the Honda, which I've had since high school.
10. Favorite sandwich? Bologna. Laugh if you want.
11. What characteristics do you despise? Anyone who acts like their time is more valuable than yours (I see this trait in bosses quit often.)
12. Favorite item of clothing? Hm...actually if I'm fully honest a good fitting bra.
13. If you could go anywhere in the world for a vacation, where would you go? Israel and Egypt.
14. What color is your bathroom? Off white.
15. Favorite brand of clothing? I love H & M and am so sad that I don't live anywhere near one and they don't sell online. Boohoo!
16. Where would you retire? Near my family and friend.
17. Most memorable birthday? Probably my 18th...I was in Germany with my exchange sister and it was awesome.
18. Favorite sport to watch? Men's tennis. I'm sure that some of you will scream but I like men's better than women's because I think the men tend to play better and the games are more exciting.
19 - 21. I'm skipping these since they're all asking who's going to respond first or similar.
22. Favorite saying? The road to hell is paved in good intentions.
23. When is your birthday? July 20
24. Are you a morning person or a night person? I really want to be a morning person but honestly I'm much more a night person. Oh well.
25. What is your shoe size? A 6 or 6.5.
26. Pets? A dog and cat.
27. Favorite movie? This is difficult! Forrest Gump, The Shawshank Redemption (seriously, if you don't like this movie we can't be friends), Braveheart, The 25th Hour, Crooklyn, The Princess Bride...ahh...that's only the beginning!
28. What are you doing today? Working. On this quiz, mostly.
29. What is your favorite candy? I can't really eat candy because I get migraines from it. Life is so unfair.
30. Your favorite flower? If someone wants to give me flowers I'm not picky!
31. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? This weekend because we're going to the beach in Corpus Christi!
32. What church/synagogue do you attend? None at the moment. Maybe someday we'll find the right one.
33. What are you listening to right now? My iPod.
34. What was the last thing you ate? Cottage cheese and a banana.
35. Do you wish on stars? Yes but mostly out of superstition.
37. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Red or purple.
38. What is your pet peeve? Celebrities that pimp their baby's pictures for millions of dollars.
39. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Probably Kent.
40. Do you like the person/people you are sending this to? Of course I like you. You're reading my blog!
41. Favorite drink? Usually just water.
42. Favorite restaurant? This Mexican restaurant by Kent's work. Yum.
43. Hair Color? Dark blonde.
45. Favorite day of the year? Christmas Eve!
46. What was your favorite toy as a child? Cabbage Patch baby.
47. Summer or winter? Given that it's unholy hot out right now makes me love winter. Usually I prefer whichever season I'm not experiencing at that moment.
48. Hugs or kisses? Both!
49. Chocolate or vanilla? Vanilla
50. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? I always want to hear from my friends!
51. When was the last time you cried? Last week when Molly the Dog died.
52. What is under your bed? Skittle Bowl!
53. Who is the friend you've had the longest? Of my blog friends it's Hanna and Lisa.
54. What did you do last night? Watched American Idol and baked cookies.
55. Favorite smell? Only good ones.
56. What are you afraid of? Bikes <-- this is Lisa's answer but I second it.
57. How many keys on your key ring? 4, because I have both mailbox keys for some reason.
59. Favorite day of the week? Friday!
60. How many towns have you lived in? 5
61. Do you make friends easily? I always thought I did until I moved to San Antonio and haven't made one friend yet.
62. How many folks will you send this to? Everyone that reads my blog.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
Maybe I should number my posts
Maybe I should number my posts so I don't have to think of a clever title. Hm...
Sorry for the lack of posting. The last week was really hard. My parents had to put our old dog, Molly, to sleep. She was getting old and really skinny and when the vet did an x-ray he found two big tumors in her belly. She went downhill progressively so my mom and dad decided they should put her down. We had one other dog that died when I was 13 and then we got Molly shortly after. She'd been our dog for a long time. I really loved her and I'm going to miss seeing her.
In other news I've decided that I'm going to run the Boulder Backroads Half-Marathon this year in September. I've wanted to do it for a long time and I'm going to drop the talk and take some action. It's not for six months so I think I've got ample time to prepare. To that end I've started running on a more regular basis. I used to run pretty often before I got married and it seems every year it's gotten less and less. Luckily I haven't seen too many changes in my figure other than some general wimpiness. Most of my clothes still fit though so I'm pretty lucky.
There's a quarter mile track at my work so I've been going there to run. Normally I hate tracks almost as much as I hate treadmills but since I haven't done a lot of running in the past two years I think track running is pretty helpful. It's easier to track mileage and time and since it's a nice, flat surface I can work on building strength and running properly and not have to worry about going up and down hills at the same time.
Since I've started running again I've been working really hard on having good form so that my stride is more efficient, which is not something I've spent much time on in the past. I know that I've had a tendency to take really short steps and hunch over. Hopefully I'll get better at not doing those things and increase my performance.
So that's what's been going on this past week. Last weekend we went to the Natural Bridge caverns and if I can ever remember to bring my camera to work I'll be posting pictures of that. This weekend we're going to Corpus Christi to hang out at the beach and we're really looking forward to that!
Sorry for the lack of posting. The last week was really hard. My parents had to put our old dog, Molly, to sleep. She was getting old and really skinny and when the vet did an x-ray he found two big tumors in her belly. She went downhill progressively so my mom and dad decided they should put her down. We had one other dog that died when I was 13 and then we got Molly shortly after. She'd been our dog for a long time. I really loved her and I'm going to miss seeing her.
In other news I've decided that I'm going to run the Boulder Backroads Half-Marathon this year in September. I've wanted to do it for a long time and I'm going to drop the talk and take some action. It's not for six months so I think I've got ample time to prepare. To that end I've started running on a more regular basis. I used to run pretty often before I got married and it seems every year it's gotten less and less. Luckily I haven't seen too many changes in my figure other than some general wimpiness. Most of my clothes still fit though so I'm pretty lucky.
There's a quarter mile track at my work so I've been going there to run. Normally I hate tracks almost as much as I hate treadmills but since I haven't done a lot of running in the past two years I think track running is pretty helpful. It's easier to track mileage and time and since it's a nice, flat surface I can work on building strength and running properly and not have to worry about going up and down hills at the same time.
Since I've started running again I've been working really hard on having good form so that my stride is more efficient, which is not something I've spent much time on in the past. I know that I've had a tendency to take really short steps and hunch over. Hopefully I'll get better at not doing those things and increase my performance.
So that's what's been going on this past week. Last weekend we went to the Natural Bridge caverns and if I can ever remember to bring my camera to work I'll be posting pictures of that. This weekend we're going to Corpus Christi to hang out at the beach and we're really looking forward to that!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Luck o' the Irish
This is one of the best stories I've read in months. It will definitely make you smile.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Elliott Spitzer - full of shitzer?
If you have a pulse you have most likely heard about the involvement of now-disgraced former New York governor Elliott Spitzer in a prostitution ring. Here is the text of his resignation speech as transcribed by the New York Times:
In the past few days I have begun to atone for my private failings with my wife, Silda, my children, and my entire family. The remorse I feel will always be with me. Words cannot describe how grateful I am for the love and compassion they have shown me. From those to whom much is given, much is expected. I have been given much: the love of my family, the faith and trust of the people of New York, and the chance to lead this state. I am deeply sorry that I did not live up to what was expected of me. To every New Yorker, and to all those who believed in what I tried to stand for, I sincerely apologize.
I look at my time as governor with a sense of what might have been, but I also know that as a public servant I, and the remarkable people with whom I worked, have accomplished a great deal. There is much more to be done, and I cannot allow my private failings to disrupt the people’s work. Over the course of my public life, I have insisted, I believe correctly, that people, regardless of their position or power, take responsibility for their conduct. I can and will ask no less of myself [emphasis added]. For this reason, I am resigning from the office of governor. At Lt. Gov. Paterson’s request, the resignation will be effective Monday, March 17, a date that he believes will permit an orderly transition.
I go forward with the belief, as others have said, that as human beings, our greatest glory consists not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. As I leave public life, I will first do what I need to do to help and heal myself and my family. Then I will try once again, outside of politics, to serve the common good and to move toward the ideals and solutions which I believe can build a future of hope and opportunity for us and for our children. I hope all of New York will join my prayers for my friend, David Paterson, as he embarks on his new mission, and I thank the public once again for the privilege of service.
Dear Elliott Spitzer:
Let me first say that you are lucky man to be married to someone like your wife. If you had been my husband and involved with numerous prostitutes you wouldn't get a chance to publicly apologize. You would buried in a shallow grave in the backyard. Second, the whole text of your speech just makes me laugh. Did anyone really buy that bullshit? Seriously? Because here's the thing. I think you're mostly sorry that you were caught. I think that you're really sorry that you lost your job and that you had to face your wife.
You're trying to act like it's so righteous that you're resigning now and, how did you put it? "Taking responsibility for my actions"? Wow. Good for you. See, the thing is I don't think your conscience would have ever made you feel bad enough to admit your shortcomings. That's partly what makes me so mad. Your mea culpa is ridiculous, and I'm not even one of your constituents! You broke the law because you're an egoist that thought he wouldn't get caught. I have an idea! How about a leader that not only enforces the law but lives by them! I hope your career is ruined and that your wife leaves you. Because that's what would happen to most men. And really, why should you get anything less?
Sincerely,
Maggie
In the past few days I have begun to atone for my private failings with my wife, Silda, my children, and my entire family. The remorse I feel will always be with me. Words cannot describe how grateful I am for the love and compassion they have shown me. From those to whom much is given, much is expected. I have been given much: the love of my family, the faith and trust of the people of New York, and the chance to lead this state. I am deeply sorry that I did not live up to what was expected of me. To every New Yorker, and to all those who believed in what I tried to stand for, I sincerely apologize.
I look at my time as governor with a sense of what might have been, but I also know that as a public servant I, and the remarkable people with whom I worked, have accomplished a great deal. There is much more to be done, and I cannot allow my private failings to disrupt the people’s work. Over the course of my public life, I have insisted, I believe correctly, that people, regardless of their position or power, take responsibility for their conduct. I can and will ask no less of myself [emphasis added]. For this reason, I am resigning from the office of governor. At Lt. Gov. Paterson’s request, the resignation will be effective Monday, March 17, a date that he believes will permit an orderly transition.
I go forward with the belief, as others have said, that as human beings, our greatest glory consists not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. As I leave public life, I will first do what I need to do to help and heal myself and my family. Then I will try once again, outside of politics, to serve the common good and to move toward the ideals and solutions which I believe can build a future of hope and opportunity for us and for our children. I hope all of New York will join my prayers for my friend, David Paterson, as he embarks on his new mission, and I thank the public once again for the privilege of service.
Dear Elliott Spitzer:
Let me first say that you are lucky man to be married to someone like your wife. If you had been my husband and involved with numerous prostitutes you wouldn't get a chance to publicly apologize. You would buried in a shallow grave in the backyard. Second, the whole text of your speech just makes me laugh. Did anyone really buy that bullshit? Seriously? Because here's the thing. I think you're mostly sorry that you were caught. I think that you're really sorry that you lost your job and that you had to face your wife.
You're trying to act like it's so righteous that you're resigning now and, how did you put it? "Taking responsibility for my actions"? Wow. Good for you. See, the thing is I don't think your conscience would have ever made you feel bad enough to admit your shortcomings. That's partly what makes me so mad. Your mea culpa is ridiculous, and I'm not even one of your constituents! You broke the law because you're an egoist that thought he wouldn't get caught. I have an idea! How about a leader that not only enforces the law but lives by them! I hope your career is ruined and that your wife leaves you. Because that's what would happen to most men. And really, why should you get anything less?
Sincerely,
Maggie
Friday, March 14, 2008
11 interesting facts
1. Abraham Lincoln had six toes on his left foot.
2. It's illegal to give your dog a human name in North Dakota and Idaho.
3. Whales were the first mammals.
4. In a 2003 study, it was found that Dr. Pepper increased a woman's fertility by 13%.
5. Comet was first invented as a laxative.
6. Early tattoo ink was linked to a rise in schizophrenia.
7. A duck's quack doesn't echo and no one knows why.
8. There are more dust mites in the average pillow then there are people in the world.
9. Salamanders are able to reproduce asexually when no mate is available.
10. Humans are the only species that achieve REM sleep.
11. A homeless person dies every 20 minutes.
2. It's illegal to give your dog a human name in North Dakota and Idaho.
3. Whales were the first mammals.
4. In a 2003 study, it was found that Dr. Pepper increased a woman's fertility by 13%.
5. Comet was first invented as a laxative.
6. Early tattoo ink was linked to a rise in schizophrenia.
7. A duck's quack doesn't echo and no one knows why.
8. There are more dust mites in the average pillow then there are people in the world.
9. Salamanders are able to reproduce asexually when no mate is available.
10. Humans are the only species that achieve REM sleep.
11. A homeless person dies every 20 minutes.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Animal minds
Normally I avoid getting heavy-handed here. For one, I love being snarky and sarcastic and I think other people like it too. Also, I'm not looking to write a political blog or a blog that makes sweeping social generalizations. I want people to read and know that they won't have to read about my politics or views on abortion.
But, with that being said, I am going to blog about something that won't be very snarky. I just finished a great article in National Geographic and I'm going to share it with you all. It was called "Animal Minds" and you can find the full text of the article here. I'm also going to shamelessly plug National Geographic right now. If you don't get it you should. It costs $15 a year and is worth every single penny. Between the articles and the pictures you'll never want to throw them away and you'll be able to enjoy them forever.
Anyway, back to the article I was talking about. It's an article about cognitive research that's been conducted on various species. The studies are not related but they've all found that animals as varied as octopi to scrub jays have the ability to learn, reason and use language. I really wish that I could post the pictures and blurbs from the animals referenced in the study but I can't, so I really hope you'll take the time to look on the website.
Obviously the article only references studies where there were results that showed how animal are able to reason and no studies where cognitive ability wasn't found, but never mind that. I think most people know that animals have some ability to understand. If you've ever owned a pet you probably believe that it is able to understand you. You also probably think that it's capable of learning, at least simple tasks, and of recognizing its name. So doubt the veracity of these studies if you want, but don't ignore what you've experienced.
In relation to reading about the intellectual capabilities of animals I'm forced to think about how we, as a society, and how I, as an individual, view animals. I think most of us take for granted the hamburger we eat or the research that's done on animals. We don't have to think about it and we don't. We lead busy lives and frankly, who wants to think about how the cow died when it might impede our ability to enjoy our meal? However, since we (by "we" I mean we as a society) raise millions of animals for the purpose of consumption and since I can think of no other species that does that I have to wonder what obligation we have to the animals we slaughter. Now I'm no PETA activist, I don't think we should all be vegans or even vegetarians. I simply think that we should be appreciative towards the animals we raise and eat. I think that we all ought to question the morality of keeping animals in pens, unable to move around and in such close quarters that feeding them antibiotics is necessary to ward off inevitable infection. Not only does it make the animal unhealthy, by extension we become more unhealthy as well.
I'm not trying to convert anyone and I'm certainly not saying we should all give up meat or anything like that. I only want to encourage people to give a little more thought to where our meat starts. So I'm going to step down off my soapbox, thanks for listening.
But, with that being said, I am going to blog about something that won't be very snarky. I just finished a great article in National Geographic and I'm going to share it with you all. It was called "Animal Minds" and you can find the full text of the article here. I'm also going to shamelessly plug National Geographic right now. If you don't get it you should. It costs $15 a year and is worth every single penny. Between the articles and the pictures you'll never want to throw them away and you'll be able to enjoy them forever.
Anyway, back to the article I was talking about. It's an article about cognitive research that's been conducted on various species. The studies are not related but they've all found that animals as varied as octopi to scrub jays have the ability to learn, reason and use language. I really wish that I could post the pictures and blurbs from the animals referenced in the study but I can't, so I really hope you'll take the time to look on the website.
Obviously the article only references studies where there were results that showed how animal are able to reason and no studies where cognitive ability wasn't found, but never mind that. I think most people know that animals have some ability to understand. If you've ever owned a pet you probably believe that it is able to understand you. You also probably think that it's capable of learning, at least simple tasks, and of recognizing its name. So doubt the veracity of these studies if you want, but don't ignore what you've experienced.
In relation to reading about the intellectual capabilities of animals I'm forced to think about how we, as a society, and how I, as an individual, view animals. I think most of us take for granted the hamburger we eat or the research that's done on animals. We don't have to think about it and we don't. We lead busy lives and frankly, who wants to think about how the cow died when it might impede our ability to enjoy our meal? However, since we (by "we" I mean we as a society) raise millions of animals for the purpose of consumption and since I can think of no other species that does that I have to wonder what obligation we have to the animals we slaughter. Now I'm no PETA activist, I don't think we should all be vegans or even vegetarians. I simply think that we should be appreciative towards the animals we raise and eat. I think that we all ought to question the morality of keeping animals in pens, unable to move around and in such close quarters that feeding them antibiotics is necessary to ward off inevitable infection. Not only does it make the animal unhealthy, by extension we become more unhealthy as well.
I'm not trying to convert anyone and I'm certainly not saying we should all give up meat or anything like that. I only want to encourage people to give a little more thought to where our meat starts. So I'm going to step down off my soapbox, thanks for listening.
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