Saturday, May 31, 2008

QA: Oceans of Experience

5,000 Questions... My answers so far...

 

301. List 5 things you have not experienced that you would like to experience before you die.

A. experience the incredible
B. walk on a beach
C. see my byline on a book
D. a tour of a castle

E. climb a pyramid (Egyptian or Mesoamerican)


302. Will you try to accomplish any of these things within the next year? I will work toward 'C'. 'B', 'D', and 'E' require money which I do not have, and 'A' is something harder to plan on.


303. What do you feel controlled by? Money. Shortcomings.


304. If Jesus appeared to you and told you that the moon was made of green cheese would you believe him? No. Even Jesus can make a joke, right?


305. What is one thing you are sure of? My family loves me.


306. At what part of the day do you feel the most alert? Usually late afternoon.


307. Have you ever played in a band? No


308. Have you ever stared into the ocean thinking 'early creatures crawled outta that'? No.


309. If not, what do you think of when you are staring into the ocean? I've only had the opportunity to stare into the ocean a couple of times, and my thoughts weren't on early life, but rather how wonderful it was living in that moment. Wondering if I would see a dolphin, wishing I could touch the water, and watching the light play on the water.

Friday, May 30, 2008

Incredible

5,000 Questions... My answers so far...

 

In a previous entry I skipped a question and promised to return to it.

 

289. What's the most incredible experience you ever had?

 

Webster's dictionary has the following definition for incredible:

1: too extraordinary and improbable to be believed

2: Amazing, Extraordinary

 

I've written about some incredible phenomena, but haven't experienced any of them myself. And I don't think watching documentaries, YouTube, and reading books about the incredible actually counts as experiencing it. I'm sure I've used the word to describe something but didn't mean it in the true sense of the word. It's hard to remember times I've really felt that awe of "wow, is this really happening?" (at least in the amazing, not the horrifying, kind of way). I want to feel that more. I want to see a UFO, defy gravity, have a panther for a pet.

 

One incredible experience does come to mind. I think it stands out in my memory because the rest of that day was anything but. My first date was for a school dance. I asked out a guy I'd had a crush on for a while. For the day date, we grouped up with my cousin and her date. We went to the canyon, had a picnic, and hiked up to Bridal Veil Falls. It was March, and the falls were still frozen. We climbed right next to the waterfall, and it truly was incredible. The outer shell was ice, but you could see the water flowing beneath. Absolutely beautiful.

 

Sadly, the date went downhill from there. At the top of the mountain my date carved another girls name into the rock; at dinner, he made fun of my eldest brother; then at the dance he taped a paper to his shirt for some of the photos (don't ask) and hardly wanted to dance at all. Needless to say, neither did I at that point. I seem to remember leaving early. Not the best first date, but at least I did have that one incredible experience to take out of it.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

This Fantastic World

"To see the world for a moment as something rich and strange is the private reward of many a discovery."
~ Edward M. Purcell


"We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open."
~Jawaharlal Nehru


"The world is full of strange phenomena that cannot be explained by the laws of logic or science."
~Dave Barry

 

 

This world is an amazing place. There are many natural phenomena that could almost come from a fantasy novel. I'm going to describe some of these for you, focusing on the 'wow' factor rather than the science behind them. Links provided show pictures and more info. Most of these can also be seen on YouTube if you search. Perhaps some of these wonders can inspire you.


The Auroras (Northern and Southern Lights): This effect is probably the most well-known of those I'm going to mention. Glorious light shows in the sky, green and red curtains of light above the horizon. Known by the Cree as the Dance of the Spirits.
http://www.exploratorium.edu/learning_studio/auroras/


Broken spectre: A rainbow halo surrounding a shadowy figure. Also known as a Glory Ring or Brocken Bow. An effect of light and fog. It seems as if a ghost comes through a tunnel of light.
http://www.atoptics.co.uk/droplets/globrock.htm


Ball lightning: Balls of light, traveling through the sky. Wrath of a thunder god? Or chariots of fire? No short lived streak of light, but a life determined to continue.
http://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/B/ball_lightning.html


Fire rainbow: The sky on fire, wisps of cloud as flame and smoke. A wide rainbow band.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/06/060619-rainbow-fire.html


"Relámpago del Catatumbo" (Catatumbo lightning): " Arcs of light in the sky, messages between the clouds, never-ending storm. This almost permanent storm has been used as light for ship navigation, giving it another name - Maracaibo Beacon. The lightning has no thunder, as if you were watching a window into another world.
http://fogonazos.blogspot.com/2007/06/catatumbo-everlasting-storm.html


The Rain of Fishes: In Honduras, the Lluvia de Peces, or Rain of Fishes, occurs a couple times each year. A huge storm blesses the people with living fish, inspiring a yearly festival to celebrate the phenomena. A modern manna from the heavens.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lluvia_de_Peces


Pink lake: This is one that inspired a location in my own story, a blushing lake filled with a goddess' tears. Shallow waters, filled with salt, shimmering shades of pink and purple.
http://www.galenfrysinger.com/senegal_pink_lake.htm


Some say that magic is merely science that has yet to be explained. But even those with solid science explanations retain their awe, there magic. Let a little of this world's magic influence your own.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Holiday weekend and Tuesday Tally

EotF Update

total words to date: 89,234

pages: 396

chapters revised: 20.5/23 (draft 4)

 

T.C. Status

word count: 1471

 

Previous Goals:

  • finish editing current chapter of EotF
  • figure out what to get my husband for his birthday! - decided, ordered, and shipping today! 

 

New Goals:

  • Fantasy newsletter
  • EotF website mailing (been putting this off, but now I have something to say)
  • finish EotF draft 4

 

Last Saturday my husband surprised me by taking me to see Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Yay! He had previously arranged with his mom to watch B, and had even ordered tickets online. When does he do these things if I'm always around? Loved the movie. The actors all did a great job. They did well with the aging Indiana Jones, creating some humorous moments. I can totally see Shia as the next-gen Indy. I hope they do more movies. Lots of great action, intriguing story, and even connections to the previous movies. I wish Sean Connery had agreed to be in the film, but they worked it without him. Now I want to go back and watch the first three again! Been way too long.

 

Yesterday we celebrated the holiday by joining a barbeque at my in-laws. It rained on and off during the day, so we ate inside. It was still nice. B actually ate a lot of food, which is normal but unusual for family gatherings (too many distractions). We didn't stay a long time, never do. Neither of us do well with big crowds. Not our thing. I enjoy them, but get worn out much quicker than extroverts who feed off socializing.

 

My husband's birthday is coming up. It took me a long time to find something to get him. Usually I go for movies or music, but I wanted to go out of the norm. We haven't been getting trinket/display type items as they'd just go in storage until we get a house, clothing usually needs to be tried on, and we already have plenty of board and video games we haven't even played. So it was a difficult decision. I found something, but now I have that niggling worry that he won't like it, because it's not one of those guaranteed thumbs-up. *sigh* On the plus side, I didn't also have to think of answers to my mom and mother-in-law for birthday present suggestions, as for once I wasn't asked. I hope his present gets here in time. And that he likes it. *crosses fingers*

 

B. seems to be all done with napping. He has gone almost a week without a full nap. The most we've gotten is him in his bed (or tent) "resting", maybe dozing off and being quiet for 15 minutes, before hearing him talking to himself. At least he's willing to have rest time for about an hour every few days, even if a longer nap is no longer doable. I'm glad he's good at playing by himself and isn't high maintenance during those hours he used to nap. With only two days left of school (tomorrow and next Monday), I'll have to find other ways to get personal time. Hubby may be encouraged to take B down to the playground once a week.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Tuesday Tally and B Update

EotF Update

total words to date: 89,064

pages: 396

chapters revised: 19.5/23 (draft 4)

 

T.C. Status

word count: 1471

 

Previous Goals:

  • revise four chapters of EotF
  • read at least a poem a day - didn't keep close track of this one. know I missed a few days.
  • outline my next newsletter - have notes, but not actual outline
  • get up to 300 on 5k Q's - minus one which I will get back to. does that count?

 

New Goals:

  • finish editing current chapter of EotF
  • figure out what to get my husband for his birthday! 

 

My husband took this entire week off work - had vacation days that he would lose if he didn't use them. Age of Conan (MMO video game) is also officially out. And next Monday is a holiday. I think I will be playing lots and not getting much else done. Thus the minimal goals.

 

Next draft I will be adding four completely new (though short) chapters. It will be a lot of work, but worth it. The additions will all be in the antagonist's point of view, whereas the current story is all from the heroine and hero's side. It was my husband's suggestion, and I agree that it will strengthen the story and add to the conflict. The events are mostly in the plot already, but more in the background and how they affect the main characters. This will bring them more to the forefront.

 

B is using sentences more, and his communication is improving. I can understand him most of the time. Between school and home, he's been working on his alphabet. He loves letters. He'll even point them out while watching Super Why (PBS show). To help with both his alphabet and computer skills (and to ensure some uninterrupted writing time for myself after), if I open Microsoft Word to work on my story I will first open a blank page and have him sit on my lap. Then I quiz him on the alphabet: tell him a letter, he finds and presses the key. When we first started a few weeks ago, he could only identify 10 letters. Now he only needs help with five. It's very exciting. I'm proud of him, and make sure to let him know that.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

300 (minus 1): words and honesty

5,000 Questions... My answers so far...

 

 

283. Are you very precise about what words you use to describe your feelings and thoughts? Sometimes. I should strive to be more precise. I know I have a lot of room for growth as a writer.


284. What do you feel the most guilty about? I'm too guilty to say. Though close to the top is the times I've snapped and swore at my son…


285. Do you meditate? I like the concept, but haven't had the patience. *makes a note to try it sometime*


286. Can dreams be visions, or do you feel they are always random images? Sometimes they can be visions, though not always in a literal way. There are certainly moments in life of déjà vu and reliving a dream, but dreams can also give insight into our subconscious.


287. Do you try to write/say what you are feeling in a true and simple way? Judging by my rambling, I'd say not as often as I should. I even admit to sliding around the 'true' part. No blatant lies, but definitely portraying things in a certain light or only admitting certain things. Don't we all do that?


288. The thief _______ that everyone steals.
What verb would you fill in the blank with? "believes". A matter of projection and justification.


289. What's the most incredible experience you ever had? I am going to ponder this and dedicate an entire post on the matter at some future time.


290. Are you ever afraid to write/say/think how you feel? Yes. Thus my convoluted answer to 287.


291. Do you write/say/think it anyway or become intimidated and try to avoid it? It won't stop me from thinking it, but I have avoided sharing my true feelings. Intimated at being offensive, or hurting someone's feelings, to name a few reasons.


292. What is one thing you can't do? whistle


293. Do you like movies starring Charleton Heston? In general, yes. Not because he's in them though. I don't like or dislike movies based on actors. I will watch a movie because a certain actor is in it, and may be more open to liking it, but won't judge my opinion on that alone. And Charleton Heston isn't one of my favorite actors, so that doesn't apply anyway.


294. Are you gentle? Yes. At least I try to be. My clumsiness can get in the way sometimes.


295. When do you feel the most raw and vulnerable? After doing something stupid. I beat myself up, and I'm so much more sensitive to all my flaws and anything said to me. Actually, there is a time I've been more raw and vulnerable. Rejection – the personal kind, as in "friend no longer keeps in touch" or "I've been forgotten" or "boyfriend breaks up with me" (the latter thankfully not something I have to deal with. Yay for being out of the dating stage.).


296. Are you trying to find yourself? Always. I think that's a big reason for blogging – self discovery.


297. Where are you looking? Everywhere. In my poetry and writing, my friends, quizzes, personality profiles, psychology, nature, religion. My sister has written an article on Psychology and Personality Testing.

 

298. Are you sometimes afraid of being honest because you are afraid of hurting people's feelings? Absolutely.


299. What would make you a stronger person? Feeling less insecure, more assertive. Knowing how to deal with people.


300. What book would you like to read sometime soon? "Lady of Light and Shadows" by C. L. Wilson. It's the sequel to "Lord of the Fading Lands", a paranormal romance I read recently. Loved the book. As soon as I get my next Barnes and Noble gift card in the mail I'll be buying book two. Thank you to Manuscript Mavens for hosting the drawing that won me the first one. :-)

Friday, May 16, 2008

Entertainment + other misc. QA

5,000 Questions... My answers so far...

 

Short(er) batch this time. There are a lot of related questions coming up and I want to keep them together.

 

274. Do you believe celebrities when they are endorsing a product? I consider them models or actors in the situation, paid to promote or use a product. I tend to look more at the product and user reviews than who is promoting it.


275. What kind of movies do you wish were made more often? Movies that give closure to canceled television shows. There are a lot of tv shows I've heard are great and would get from Netflix (or even buy if they're good enough), but don't want to try out because of the plots left open ended, sometimes with big revelations that open up many questions. Like "John Doe". So many questions that need answering! And if you saw the season finale, all the last minute did was show you how much you didn't know. No closure whatsoever, just flipping everything on its head.


276. Does fashion matter to you? Comfort and price trump fashion.


277. Should politicians be held to the same legal standards as everyone else? Absolutely. Same legal and moral standards.


278. What do you get in trouble for the most? Not thinking.


279. Should parents spank their kids? It's a parenting technique that works for some and not for others. I don't judge. For serious matters, we do spank our son. For example, this week he went outside by himself for the first time. To emphasize our displeasure and the seriousness of the situation, he got a major spanking and got sent to his room until dinner. He doesn't understand the reasoning behind the rule yet, so we have to have some other deterrent (spanking).


280. What is your worst daily habit? Sucking on my teeth. I hate my teeth…


281. If you had your choice which one TV show would you have canceled? Monk. Watched the first three episodes when it came to network TV, thought the character was way over the top, annoying and not funny. Actually, I realized that's why I don't like House – the over the top character, to the other extreme. A doctor that hates his patients, will refuse to treat some, yet will kidnap others to "save their life"??? His arrogance is too much for me. But just because I don't like these shows, doesn't mean anyone who does like them is stupid. Just different tastes. Which is why I am not in charge of these decisions. I can also accept that not everyone liked Firefly. Though I do not understand them, it is their opinion.


282. Do you like the taste of sweet or salt? Both. But not together. In Kingdom Hearts II (video game) there is Sea Salt Ice Cream – salty sweet. The thought is just 'eww'. *shudder* Also, too much of one or the other is not good. Eat too much candy, and some salty potato chips will taste like heaven.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Art, Philosophy, Romance, Expression

5,000 Questions... My answers so far...

 

259. What ancient civilization would you most like to visit? If it really existed, I'd love to visit Atlantis. If it truly is only a myth, then I'd have to say the Celts.


260. What would make a great new Crayola color? Super Mario Red


261. If an art project is created with the intent of getting rich and famous, does that cast doubt over its significance as a work of art? Art is too subjective to get guaranteed rich and famous (or everyone would be doing it). Some people create with money in mind. Others create from the soul. But the two don't have to be exclusive. I think it's foolish to create art with the only goal being money, but that does not take away its significance, its meaning.


262. If you became president, whom would you invite to sing at your inauguration? Trace Adkins


263. Who is the greatest philosopher of your country? I will admit to ignorance in philosophy. One that does come to mind is Abraham Maslow. His philosophies were on basic human needs and motivation. Maslow's hierarchy of needs is well known. One of his quotes is a favorite of mine: "Musicians must make music, artists must paint, poets must write if they are to be ultimately at peace with themselves. What humans can be, they must be. They must be true to their own nature."

 

264. If all the nations in the world are in debt, where did all the money go? Inflation. The same amount of money isn't worth as much.


265. Is it as easy to make you happy now as it was when you were a child? No. I'm much harder on myself. I shouldn't be.


266. Who knows more...you, or your parents? In general, I'd say my parents – more schooling, more life experience. But there are subjects that I know more than them. Is there really any point in comparing knowledge? Unless we're going on a quiz show, what we know will serve us in different ways. Yes, it is good to learn and expand our knowledge, but it is impossible to compare between persons. We should strive to know more than ourselves, not others.


267. What instrument would you like to be famous for playing? Well, you see, the downside to being famous for playing an instrument is being expected to perform it… And I don't do too well at that. If that were to change, and I were proficient enough at the instrument, I'd like to be famous for playing the harp. Of course, I've never even touched a harp, and those string instruments seem so much more complicated than the piano… But it would be so much cooler than being a famous pianist (no offense to those that are, there are just so many of them).


268. Children fill their lungs completely with air. Adults breathe in a more shallow way, not filling their lungs completely. Why the change? We grew hectic and impatient. Slow down! Breathe! Choir taught me to be more aware of my breathing. :-)


269. Would you have sex with a stranger for one million dollars? Umm, can I see the stranger first? LOL. And have him (better be a him) take STD tests first? Even then, well, I'd have to clear it with my husband, and I'm pretty sure it would be a no go. Relationships are more important than money.


270. Are you completely in control of your body? No. If I was, I wouldn't be nearly so clumsy.

Are you completely in control of your mind? No. That can be a good and a bad thing. Great for imagining stories, not so great for getting caught up in personal life "what if's".


271. Which is more romantic: an expensive, glittering bouquet OR flowers that were hand picked as they grew beside the parkway? If they are pretty, the latter. (Weeds can be pretty too.) It's the gesture that counts.


272. Do you know yourself well enough to understand why you feel the way you do? Sometimes. At other times I sure can confuse myself.


273. Which do you do more often: let movies, songs and books put your feelings into words for you or put your feelings into words by yourself? I do both. As a writer/poet, I express myself in words. But sometimes it's easier to rely on another's words, saying something in a way I had not thought to. And sometimes other's words are more universal than my own. Or more anonymous. There are times and purposes for both.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Frog versus Pig

Recently we acquired a new stuffed animal for B - a Webkinz pig (special at the store - buy a certain dollar amount of stuff and get a free Webkinz). Since then, Mr. Frog, his loyal companion since birth, has been slowly replaced. Frog still sleeps with him and gets goodnight kisses, but Piggy is right there on the other side of the pillow getting the same treatment. Other than that, poor Mr. Frog is neglected! B carries Piggy everywhere. If my husband or are caught holding the frog, it is snatched, thrown across the room, and replaced by the pig. It's entertaining. B has gotten other new stuffed animals in the past, but never attached to one like he has the pig. I guess we made a good choice on which animal to get him.

 

Frog and Pig

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Tuesday Tally - almost halfway through May

EotF Update

total words to date: 89,664

pages: 399

chapters revised: 15/23 (draft 4)

 

T.C. Status

word count: 1471

 

Previous Goals:

  • update EotF website 
  • submit second batch of poetry
  • revise five more chapters of EotF - 4 of 5. lots of big changes made, adding almost 1k new words. another chapter split in two due to length.

 

New Goals:

  • revise four chapters of EotF
  • read at least a poem a day 
  • outline my next newsletter
  • get up to 300 on 5k Q's

 

I submitted three poems yesterday to OCEAN Magazine. I don't know how much they pay, or what their response time is, but I love the website. The ocean fascinates me. There are some wonderful tributes on the subject in the magazine. Check out the site. Hopefully I will get to see more of the ocean in person someday.  

Monday, May 12, 2008

Remembering Mothers' Day

Saturday, my husband 'interrupted' my dinner plans by offering to take me out to Chili's. I certainly didn't complain about not having to cook dinner. :-) As he knew his parents were also celebrating by eating out, he invited them to meet us somewhere. B was very excited when he got to see 'amma and 'ampapa. It was a very nice outing.

 

Sunday morning, my husband cooked french toast and bacon (says a lot, as he doesn't like french toast) for breakfast. He also took care of dinner - yummy pork chops. The surprise came when he pulled out a wrapped gift. I expected the meals to be my gift, which was fine with me. He bought me the soundtrack to "August Rush"! We saw the movie recently and I commented on how I loved the music. He listened to me. :-) I am loved. It was a very good Mother's Day.

 

I hope all mothers had a wonderful day yesterday. We have an important role in this world.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

B - the new gamer

Lately we've been expanding B's options for educational gaming. He's had access to Starfall.com for a while, but he was doing so well with the mouse that we've gotten him some games of his own. We had Teddy Factory on the old system, but haven't installed on this one. That one was more of a "Mommy play, B watch" game anyway. He enjoys (and is very good at) playing the Purble Place games that came with Vista. We bought him Sky Heroes to the Rescue - a computer game with letters, nature, and other educational activities. And most recently we bought him his first console video game - Cosmic Family. He was hyper excited to hold the Wii remote for the first time (he's always enjoyed watching Mommy and Daddy play games and mimics our motions). Learning to control the remote and hold it while pressing the button has been a challenge for him, but he's getting the hang of it; good for his motor skills.

 

Initially introducing him to games was frustrating - that's all he wanted to do! He'd try and sit in my computer chair if I moved, would point to the browser (he knows exactly what I do to go to Starfall) or his new star-icon folder with his name just for his games. But after a couple times of introducing a one hour timer for his gaming, he's been great at closing everything when it goes off. No more pestering me if he's already had his session for the day. The other rule we have is no video games on school days (Monday and Wednesday), as he does so many educational activities there, and I know they even have a computer for the class (don't know if they use it; must remember to ask).

 

Do you know of any other good video games for a four year old? We're just a gaming family. :-)

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Short Post

5,000 Questions... My answers so far...

 

 

253. What is the coolest web site you know of? http://www.oddee.com/


254. Which cartoon would you most like to see turned into a movie? Viva Piñata


255. Of the following, which word best describes you: enthusiastic, fair minded, generous, helpful. fair minded


256. Can you eat with chopsticks? Nope, not enough coordination


257. Could you tell real money from counterfeit? Probably not


258. What do you think about school uniforms? I think it's a great idea. Then again, I always dressed for convenience and comfort over looks. It does take away a lot of the judging over clothes and money.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Tuesday Tally

EotF Update

total words to date: 88,806

pages: 395

chapters revised: 11/22 (draft 4)

 

T.C. Status

word count: 1471

 

Previous Goals:

  • send poetry submissions  (2 batches) - one batch sent
  • revise at least five chapters of EotF
  • Fantasy newsletter

 

New Goals:

  • update EotF website
  • submit second batch of poetry
  • revise five more chapters of EotF

 

I split one chapter in EotF (too many longer chapters in a row, needed a break in pace), so there are now 22 chapters (including epilogue). There's one other chapter that may get split later. We'll have to see how the pace is.

 

I submitted three poems to Coyote Wild Magazine. It's a newer online publication, free to read, check it out! All speculative fiction. The editors have good taste. I'll be catching up on back issues myself. :-)

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Money, Music, and More

5,000 Questions... My answers so far...

 

227. Why do some people want to get more money than they could ever spend? For some – fear, dependency, image. For others – a chance to share with those that don't have.


228. Have you ever won a carnival fish? No.


229. Did it live more than a week? Not applicable. Though goldfish as a rule didn't live very long…


230. What's the best sounding accent a person can have? Two words: Jude Law


231. What's the most boring thing you've ever read? The book of Leviticus in the bible. Most boring because I don't understand half of it.


232. Do you prefer buttons or touch screens? Buttons. I hate smudging screens.


233. Do you think there is a lot of similarity between the Harry Potter books and the Lord of the Rings series? I couldn't say, having read neither. Though I don't see much similarity between the movies.


234. Would you consider yourself to be naive? Yes. Sadly.


235. Which of your friends is most likely to go to jail? I don't know if any of my few friends could do anything jail worthy.


236. What is the smallest amount of money that could be in a public toilet that would make you reach in and grab it? None. Even if it looked like a lot of money, I wouldn't want to risk fetching it to find it fake.


237. Would you ever wear real fur? Possibly, if I needed something to keep me warm in extreme cold, not at all for looks.


238. Arachnophobia or Eight Legged Freaks? I've only seen the latter, but don't remember much if I liked it or not, so apparently wasn't impressionable.


239. What are your feelings about police officers? They've got a tough job to do. I don't envy them, and I'm glad my husband isn't one. I applaud their valuable role in society.


240. what is your favorite line from a song? "for the good of all of us…. except for the ones who are dead" – from Portal's credit song, "Still Alive"


241. Is fifty dollars a lot of money? It used to be. Now it doesn't go nearly far enough.


242. Do you like the band Front 242? After looking them up, listening to some of their music, I can honestly say: No, I don't like them. Music gives me a headache.


243. Would you rather have fame, money, or self-satisfaction? Self-satisfaction. The other two are merely burdens without it.


244. What's your middle name? No middle name


245. What is the absolute limit, the craziest thing you would do for a million dollars? I'm sure there's something crazy that I can't think of but that if proposed I would be willing to do for that amount. But my creativity does not lean in the direction of crazy (or so I'd like to think. LOL), so I have a hard time answering this without a list of options.


246. Are you good, evil or neutral? Good with occasional evil streaks. Though my definition of evil may not coincide with others, and my particular evils are not extreme obvious EVIL evils. Does that even make sense?


247. Should ebonics be considered a language? No. There are enough language and dialect labels as it is. Why complicate things further?


248. What color is your bedroom? White
What color would you like it to be? I'd like a bedroom with green and purple themes, but it won't happen while we're living in an apartment.


249. When are you planning to move to a new home? I'd love to say this year, but that's highly improbable. I doubt the housing market has changed much in one year. We'll continue saving.


250. If you added up the cost of everything in the room with you, approximately what would it come out to be? $5,000? I could be way off on that. But we have our bedroom furniture, brand new computers, HDTV, tons of CDs, DVDs, and video games. I have no idea if my guesstimate is over or under. My hubby is much better with pricing. :-)


251. Do you blow your nose in public? Only if my nose refuses to be ignored. I'm embarrassed by my foghorn nose blowing…


252. Do you want to follow in your parent's footsteps? No. I am not my parents. Their path wasn't wrong, but it isn't mine. I have my own goals and interests.