A meme for 2010

Funny how I recieved two of these this week, from the same person! Even funnier is that three of my four brothers have already responded. I guess we should include them more often, huh? You are under no obligation to do this, but if you do let me know so I can go read!

Welome to the new 2010 edition of getting to know your family and friends. Here is what you are supposed to do, Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Have fun and be truthful! I'd love to see your answers!

1. What is your occupation right now? spacecraft engineer
2. What color are your socks right now? black
3. What are you listening to right now? telecon (it's on mute, and I just have to listen)
4. What was the last thing that you ate? Thai broccoli stir fry (7 points, but I think I need to double-check that)
5. Can you drive a stick shift? Yes
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Gene
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? She's my favorite!
8. How old are you today? 42
9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? Not applicable
10. What is your favorite drink? water
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? Yes, usually red
12. Favorite food? Edible
13. What is the last movie you watched? Avatar
14. Favorite day of the year? Christmas
15. How do you vent anger? Throw things, but only when no one is watching
16. What was your favorite toy as a child? mousie (I still have her)
17. Favorite season? Fall
18. Cherries or Blueberries? Blueberries
19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? Of course!
20. Who is the most likely to respond? N/A for blog (Glen was actually first)
21. Who is least likely to respond? N/A for blog
22. Living arrangements? townhouse with a cat
23. When was the last time you cried? Last Sunday Night (emotional meltdown)
24. What is on the floor of your closet? Shoes, laundry basket
25. What did you do last night? Finished up the last costume for my friend's daughter's play
26. What are you most afraid of? dying alone and no one finding me for days (or worse, weeks)
27. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? Yes
28. Favorite dog breed? Shi-Tzu
29. Favorite day of the week? Friday
30. How many states have you lived in? 6 (California, Idaho, Utah, Iowa, Georgia, and Maryland)
31. Diamonds or pearls? Pearls
32. What is your favorite flower? Pink Roses

I, I, I...

Tagged by Jen

I am - a rocket scientist with aspirations of becoming a writer.

I want - to return to Europe for another trip

I hear - trucks outside, backing up with that annoying beeping noise, and my office neighbors talking (the walls are paper-thin in the trailer where I work)

I never - want to go sky-diving

I wonder - why the stars are where they are, making the patterns that they make. And just how do they get the creame filling in twinkies, anyway?

I always - head for the Star Wars toys in any store that happens to have toys in it.

I usually - manage to get myself where I need to be about 10 minutes before I need to be there.

I search - for the tape. Seriously. It's Wrapping Time, right before Christmas. I know I have scads of tape, but can I find it? No.

I am not - particulalry clever, but my Mom always believed in me, so I got a lot farther than I would have otherwise.

I dance - like a crazy person from the 80's with some 60's mixed in for flavor

I sing - as often and as much as possible. I must know literally thousands of songs, and used to drive my roommates crazy by singing back to them whatever they had just said--from a song that they recognized.

I wish - for a husband and children, though the longing is slowly fading into acceptance that being single is my fate.

I dislike - dealing with rude people. Whereever they may show up.

I rarely - tell anyone what I'm thinking. It's my own personal secret and I don't have to share.

I cry - at sad movies, and sometimes when they're really happy. If they touch my heart, I cry.

I am not always - a good friend. I seem to have lost that ability to make friends and keep them.

I lose - when playing games. Someone has to, right?

I fear - my older nieces and nephews will end up like me--sad and alone

I'm confused - by the other drivers on the road. Do they really, really have to pass me when I'm trying to merge? Seriously?? and just where is the fire they're driving to so madly??

I need - a swift kick to the head sometimes, or maybe just a sanity check. Thankfully my sister Beckie can provide both.

I should - be working on something. Exactly what that is escapes me at the moment...

I dream - of traveling to Denmark someday

I have - a great little house, a cat that seems to like me, and a berry-red car that takes me where I want to go.

I love - my family. And stars.

I tag - anyone who's made it this far!

got tagged on LJ

Tagged by isabelladeangelo

A) People who have been tagged must write their answers on their blogs & replace any question that they dislike with a new question formulated by themselves.

B) Tag 6 people to do this quiz. These people must state who they were tagged by & cannot tag the person whom they were tagged by. Continue this game by sending it to other people.

01. What is your favorite show on TV?Oh jeepers. I have many. I like Terminator: the Sarah Connor Chronicles, the Mentalist, Life on Mars, Life, and Sanctuary--but that's just my favorite for each night of the week (Saturday and Sunday don't have anything interesting to me on, except Legend of the Seeker... I forgot about that one...)
02. What are you wearing at the moment? Warm clothing. My office is FREEZIING!!
03. What was the best part of your day? Having Kitty come ask for scritches when i kneel down to pray. She likes that part too. I think. She did try to bite me the other day, though...
04. What is your favorite scent? when the wind blows fresh cool air off the mountains.
05. What is your favorite drink? Water. Ok, so I'm boring, but I really do like water. Flavored I would have to go with Ginger Ale
06. What do you drink the most? Water.
07. What is your favorite restaurant? Hunan Manor. And Berttucci's. And there are probably more...
08. What will you be doing after finishing this? go home from work
09. What did you want to be when you grew up? Would you believe some sort of law enforcement officer in outer space? Talk about mixing my genres! Ok, I also wanted to be a rock star (but then, who didn't?)
10. Your favorite romantic movie? Hmmm. Casablanca comes to the top of my mind, but then, so does The Lake House and 27 Dresses. Again with the having to pick just one!
11. What kind of person do you think the person who tagged you is? Creative, talented, and a fun person to be around.
12. What are you afraid of? Losing everyone and everything I love
13. What's your favorite item of clothing? My comfy shirt my friend gave me 10 years ago.
14. What time do you usually go to bed? Around 11:00 pm, unless I stay up late reading.
15. What's on your mind? My church meeting tonight. Gotta whip the SA committee into shape again. And I only have an hour to do it. Yuck.

I hereby tag everyone who made it to the bottom of this list (yes, this means you!)

8 things first

.. because my niece tagged me

8 shows I watch
1. Chuck
2. Heroes
3. The Sarah Connor Chronicles
4. My Own Worst Enemy
5. The Mentalist
6. Eli Stone
7. the Biggest Loser
8. Knight Rider
(and that's just mon/tues/wed, can you believe it!?)

8 restaurants I like
1. Red Hot, and Blue
2. Mandarin House
3. Hunan House
4. Hunan Manor
5. Applebees
6. TGI Fridays
7. El Azteca
8. Panera Bread

8 things that happened yesterday
1. my cat attacked me
2. Threw said cat out of the house.
3. Let cat back into house, but closed bedroom door so she couldn't pounce on me in the middle of the night
4. Went to a friend's book club
5. Ate a whole pan of Kauli's General Tso's Chicken. (yeah, I can't believe it either. I was hungry, and it tasted soooo goooodddd....)
6. Played Solitaire on the computer until my hand hurt
7. Watched Eli Stone, recorded from the night before
8. thought about the Rat Patrol story in my head (a WWII 1/2 hour drama from the 60's, not a show about seeking out rats and destroying them. Although, in a way, it's that too...)

8 things I am looking forward to
1. Seeing my sister and her family at Christmas
2. Seeing "Quantum of Solace" with my friend from VA
3. Seeing "Harry Potter VI" next year
4. My satellites getting launched into orbit (in 2011)
5. returning to Europe
6. Visiting Denmark
7. meeting the niece and grand-niece I haven't met yet
8. Seeing my mom again (in heaven)

8 things I love about fall
1. Cool but not cold
2. all the trees change color
3. warm sweaters
4. the colors--especially cranberry
5. Thanksgiving
6. Pumpkins
7. Comfy coats
8. the way the fresh air smells

8 things on my wish list
1. to see the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany
2. to get married
3. to have children
4. A big--really really big--hdtv with sound system
5. a new computer
6. an ipod
7. a new printer for new computer
8. a Kindle (from Amazon.com)

8 people I tag
1. Dustie
2. Lori
3. Mike
4. Dad
5. Daely
6. Danja
7. D'Kota
8. Kris
(all my local friends were already tagged, I think)

Meme...

I don't know about this, but thanks to Scarlett at least I can do my makeup like her!

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are an Audrey!

You are an Audrey -- "I am at peace"

Audreys are receptive, good-natured, and supportive. They seek union with others and the world around them.

How to Get Along with Me

• * If you want me to do something, how you ask is important. I especially don't like expectations or pressure


• * I like to listen and to be of service, but don't take advantage of this


• * Listen until I finish speaking, even though I meander a bit


• * Give me time to finish things and make decisions. It's OK to nudge me gently and nonjudgmentally


• * Ask me questions to help me get clear


• * Tell me when you like how I look. I'm not averse to flattery


• * Hug me, show physical affection. It opens me up to my feelings


• * I like a good discussion but not a confrontation


• * Let me know you like what I've done or said


• * Laugh with me and share in my enjoyment of life

What I Like About Being an Audrey

• * being nonjudgmental and accepting


• * caring for and being concerned about others


• * being able to relax and have a good time


• * knowing that most people enjoy my company; I'm easy to be around


• * my ability to see many different sides of an issue and to be a good mediator and facilitator


• * my heightened awareness of sensations, aesthetics, and the here and now


• * being able to go with the flow and feel one with the universe

What's Hard About Being an Audrey

• * being judged and misunderstood for being placid and/or indecisive


• * being critical of myself for lacking initiative and discipline


• * being too sensitive to criticism; taking every raised eyebrow and twitch of the mouth personally


• * being confused about what I really want


• * caring too much about what others will think of me


• * not being listened to or taken seriously

Audreys as Children Often

• * feel ignored and that their wants, opinions, and feelings are unimportant


• * tune out a lot, especially when others argue


• * are "good" children: deny anger or keep it to themselves

Audreys as Parents

• * are supportive, kind, and warm


• * are sometimes overly permissive or nondirective

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

I got a 'D' from LJ!

1. Comment on this post.
2. I will give you a letter.
3. Think of 5 fictional characters and post their names and your comments on these characters in your LJ.

1) Dash Rippington! Ok, so I'm not sure Dash is actually fictional, but you only get to see him at MDRF 9 weekends of the year, so I'm thinking he might be. Or maybe like Superman, wears glasses the rest of the time so we don't recognize him.

2) Darcy, as in Mr. Colin Firth is the cutest by far. Love the scene at Pemberly when he comes up from the lake... Can't say I care for the book, but I really do like the miniseries.

3) David of "David and Goliath" No, not the ones from the Bible, the ones from the TV show I watched when I was little. I think it was claymation, or maybe some other form of animation, David was the little boy and Goliath was his dog. they usually ended up at church singing, "A Mighty Fortress is our God," or maybe that's all I remember from it.

4) Deitrich, Hans, from The Rat Patrol (60's TV show about the Long Range Desert Group during WWII). Ok, so he was the German they had to defeat every other week, but for a bad guy he was surprisingly principled--and smart. He even managed to out-smart the Rat Patrol sometimes, but them being 4-1 they still managed to blow up whatever facility or convoy Deitrich was in charge of that week. Poor guy got moved around a lot.

5) Dora the Explora (don't shoot me for this). My friend tells of how one evening, after an open house for a friend who was moving away, she went downstairs to find three Dora's hung by their necks. CSI: Home Edition is still working on the case. They currently have no suspects, but her two older children remain "people of interest."

Memory Game

From Kristen's blog:

Some of my fellow bloggers are playing this memory game. You choose your favorite memory with them and post it on their blog. Well all of my blogger friends and I haven't known each other very long so there may not be any fun memories to reflect on, but if you have one of me please tell...I would love to hear it.

(I tried this a month ago and only got two posts, so let's see if anyone will post this time. Or maybe I'm just not that memorable...)

Another meme from LJ...

You know how sometimes people on your friend's list post about stuff going on in their life, and all of a sudden you think "Wait a minute? Since when are they working THERE? Since when are they dating HIM/HER? since when???" And then you wonder how you could have missed all that seemingly pretty standard information, but somehow you feel too ashamed to ask for clarification because it seems like info you *should* already know? It happens to all of us sometimes.

Please copy mine below, erase my answers putting yours in their place then post it in your journal! Please elaborate on the questions that would benefit from elaboration! One-word answers seldom help anyone out. :)

1. First Name: Julia

2. Age: 40 (not as bad as I thought it would be)

3. Location: Laurel, Maryland

4. Occupation: Satellite Analyst. Yup, and I can sing, too ;)

5. Partner: None (I assume the cat doesn't count)

6. Kids: Other people's--and I can give them back when I'm done.

7. Brothers/Sisters: 4 of each:

• Blaine: wise older brother who's always there for a hug or a calm perspective in a crazy world
• Kathy: older sister, almost mom-like in the way she'd boss the rest of us, but mellowing a lot as she gets older
• Mike: older brother with Cliff Claven-like tendencies (sorry, mike!)
• David: the car guy in the family. Fun-loving, and family loving.
• Debi: the older sister I used to do everything with.
• Glen: the older brother I used to fight with (we get along ok now, though)
• Beckie: the younger sister I was able to visit a lot when she lived north of me (not so much anymore now that she lives more than 8 hours away by car)
• Dustie: the younger sister with a strong, independent spirit

8. Pets:Padme-Kitty; orange tabby who decided she lived in my house long before I agreed to it. Persistance pays off, though.

9. List the 3-5 biggest things going on in your life:

1. Getting ready for my trip to Europe (Austria and Germany) next week
2. Being in charge of the Single Adults in my church--not an easy task, especially since few people want to help out, and some of those that say they will don't.
3. Getting ready for Shore Leave, MDRF, and any other escapist place where I don't have to face reality
4. finishing off the never-ending project of requirements at work.

10. Where and for what did you go to school for?:

• Ricks College: to figure out what I wanted to do
• Utah State University: to get a degree in Physics so I could be an Astronomer
• University of Iowa: to get a Masger's degree in Astrophysics so I could become...a spacecraft analyst? Wait... but since the satellites I work on are astronomical in nature, it works for me.

11. Parents:

• Mom, Jeanette, passed away in 2000 of liver complications brought on by the pain medication she'd been taking for close to 20 years.
• Dad, Dave, 78, remarried to Nancy about 3 years ago, still playing his clarinet for three different bands and taking lots of trips.

12. Who are some of your closest friends?: Beckie, Dustie, Daely, Danja--oh, did you mean non-family friends? How about Autumn (5), Bonnie(8), Malena (5), Teralyn(8ish), Sheeyly (8), and loads of other kids I know? You want older people? Try Helen, Dina, Tess, Shannon, Clare, Mendy, Cami, Jenni, Corrine, Jim, Russ, Tim, Steve, Mike, Dash... I know if I keep going I'm going to forget someone. If you're reading this, you're most likely a friend of mine. *hugs*

taken from a friend on LJ...

If you read this, if your eyes are passing over this right now, even if we don't speak often, please post a comment with a memory of you and me. It can be anything you want -- good or bad. When you're finished, if you so desire, post this little paragraph on your blog and be surprised (or mortified) about what people remember about you.

I'm IT!

Brenda tagged me, so here I am. I tag Kellie, Lindsay, and Felicity, but only if you haven't done it yet.

What time did you get up this morning?
7:30 am I'm supposed to get up earlier, but as long as I'm to work around 8:30 I don't worry about it.
Diamonds or pearls?
Pearls
What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
Mad Money. I quite liked it.
What is your favorite TV show?
I have to pick one? How about three? Lost, Medium, and I've really gotten into Torchwood lately. Gilmore Girls is no longer on the air, but it was my favorite too. And Babylon 5. I guess that's five, now, huh?
What do you usually have for breakfast?
Typically yogurt, but instant oatmeal is making a comeback.
What food do you dislike?
I still hate Lima beans. I keep thinking I'll grow out of it and try them again, but nope, still don't like them.
What is your favorite CD at the moment?
Anna Nalick (I've been 'in' to female artists for the last little while)
What kind of car do you drive?
Saturn ION. It's a great little red car!
Favorite Sandwich
Hmmm. Probably ham, cheese, and tomato with lettuce and mustard on wheat bread or in a wrap.
Favorite item of clothing?
Dresses. Pretty ones that make me look beautiful
If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go?
Denmark. A cruise of the Baltic Sea that includes Denmark.
Favorite Brand of clothing
Just My Size (they are so comfortable!)
Where would you retire to?
St George, Utah. Preferably close enough to the temple I could walk.
What is your most recent memorable birthday?
I think this is a trick question. What if my most memorable birthday wasn't a recent one? One of my favorites was going to see my sister in Cincinatti when she was there for work. We saw a show on a steamboat and had Jambalaya. Not at the same time, though.
Favorite sport to watch
Baseball, but I prefer to be at the game. Watching on TV does nothing for me.
When is your birthday?
September 25
Are you a morning person or a night person?
Night, but I'm usually unable to stay up late. I do like mornings too, though.
What is your shoe size?
6 1/2. I like having small feet :)
Pets?
Yes. I had dogs, but they were too much for me, so now I have a cat. Padme Kitty. She follows me around a lot.
Any new and exciting news you'd like to share?
Did I mention I have a new grand-niece? She was born in January, and is very, very cute.
What did you want to be when you were little?
An Astronaut
How are you today?
Fair to middle'n, as my Dad says.
What is your favorite candy?
I like Three Musketeers. And Lemon Drops. But not together.
What is your favorite flower?
Pink Roses
What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to?
February 29 (I get to go to South Carolina to see my newest nevvy be blessed)
What are you listening to right now?
Hallway conversations at work. I'm telling you, working in a trailer is really noisy.
What is the last thing you ate?
Strawberry Yogurt
Do you wish on stars?
Yes
If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
Cornflower Blue
How is the weather right now?
Cloudy and cold. They say it may rain. Kitty wanted to go outside this morning, but was out for all of two seconds before she darted back inside.
Last person you spoke to on the phone.
My Dad.
Favorite Soft Drink
I don't drink a lot of soda, but I tend to go for either Sprite or Rootbeer when I do. I prefer Lemonade when I'm not drinking water.
Favorite Resturant
Again with the having to chose just one! I like Applebees, Ruby Tuesdays, and Hunan Manor. And several more I can't think of right now. I'm not sure I have an absolute favorite, although I really liked a little Vietnamese restaurant in Iowa City when I was there. And Breugger's Bagels. And--I should stop now, huh?
Hair Color
Blonde, and getting lighter all the time (I hope it just goes white eventually)
What was your favorite toy as a child?
The doll my mom made for me.
Summer or winter
Neither. I like Fall
Hugs or kisses
Hugs
Chocolate or vanilla
Is this a trick question?
When was the last time you cried?
Last Friday morning. I was having a meltdown at work. Unrelated to work, but a meltdown just the same.
What is under your bed?
My suitcases, a box full of empty doll boxes, and a box of clothes I can't fit into right now but don't want to get rid of.
What did you do last night?
Went to a surprise birthday party for a friend. It was really fun.
What are you afraid of?
Dying and no one finding my body for days.
Salty or sweet
Salty. I can't stay out of the potato chips, so I'm not allowed to buy them anymore.
Favorite day of the week?
Friday.
How many towns have you lived in?
Hmm, let me think. Fontana CA, Rexburg ID, Logan UT, Athens GA, Iowa City IA, Mesa AZ, Greenbelt MD, Jessup MD, Laurel MD. 9. Thought it might be more, but I guess not.
Do you make friends easily?
Nope.

youyou not a meme

1. Name:
2. Birthday:
3. Place of Residence:
4. What makes you happy:
5. What are you listening to now/have listened to last:
7. What is particularly good/bad about my LJ:
8. An interesting fact about you:
9. Are you in love/have a crush at the moment:
10. Favourite place to be:
11. Favourite lyric:
12. Best time of the year:
13. Weirdest food you like:

RECOMMEND
1. A film:
2. A book:
3. A song:
4: A band:

PLUS
1. One thing you like about me:
2. Two things you like about yourself:
3. Put this in your blog so i can tell you what I think of you.
4. POST A PICTURE OF YOU! (Optional)

Ancient History meme...

This seems like a good year for me to do this (thanks to my friend on LJ for this!)

40 years ago (1967): I was born!!!

35 years ago (1972): My sister Beckie was born! I finally forgave her for usurping my position as the baby in the family a few years ago (JK!)

30 years ago (1977): Star Wars came out! My dad worked as the projectionist at a drive-in theater, so if we went in with him we got in free. We were also allowed free popcorn and free drinks (in very small cups). My brother saw it 20 times!

25 years ago (1982): Jr High school over, High school begun. From the top of the heap to the bottom in 3 easy months. 'nuff said.

20 years ago (1987): Just graduated from Ricks College, was on my way to Utah State University. I wanted to be an astronaut. I got to be an astronomer. Safer, some would say...

15 years ago (1992): I was at the University of Iowa, going to smokey bars to hear great alternative bands (Trip Shakespeare, anyone?). Really liked the long-haired fellow astronomy grad student, but he had a girlfriend. Got into watching Dr Who at midnight with other fellow astronomy and physics students. Oh, and I was in the Physics Band. I do a mean cover of the B-52's 'Roam'.

10 years ago (1997): Was firmly installed in Maryland, considering a job change from the X-Ray Timing Explorer satellite to the Far Ultraviolet Explorer.

5 years ago (2002): Still working at FUSE, spent most of my time hanging out with my friend Becky, having fun with my on-line fellow Star Wars friends, went to Star Wars Celebration II in Indianapolis and got to see Carrie Fisher.

2 years ago (2005): Still working at FUSE, went to Star Wars Celebration III, still in Indianapolis, and got run off the road by a truck on the way home. Have I mentioned that I hate trucks? The big, rude, 18-wheelers that think running over small cars is fun.

1 year ago (2006): Start work at APL as a contractor, for the Radiation Belt Storm Probes mission. Joined a book club with church women that have since become some of my favorite people to hang around with. Bought my first house.

Now (2007): Finally made APL staff, keep busy hanging out with friends from many different walks of life (renaissance festivals, church groups, work groups--you have no idea how diverse these people are, and I love them all!)

Savings and splurgings

I've seen this on several friends' blogs, and thought I would give it a shot. I don't think I can come up with 10, but let's see...

Ways I save:
1) I have an amount from my paycheck go directly to my savings account (do not pass Go, do collect 200 dollars). I would never do it on my own, and this way I don't have to think about it

2) I have three grocery store cards, and use them religiously

3) I try to shop sales (not very successful with this one, see number 3 on splurges list)

4) I only allow myself to eat out once a month or when under undue stress (unfortunately the stress thing has been happening a lot lately, time to recommit!)

5) participating in the Meal Swap group (if the meals are already made, I'm more likely to go home and have a decent dinner)

6) Use my AAA credit card for gas (5% back on every purchase at the pump!) I also have to pay this card off every month or I'm not allowed to keep it.

7) Buy in bulk. I love my BJ's membership, even if I only really shop there about once every 3 months. I also buy birthday cards in bulk, so I don't go broke trying to send a (typically late) birthday card to everyone in my family.

8) Make my own clothes. Haven't done this a whole lot lately, but whenever I want something unique, like a vest, I make it myself.

9) Taking care of my house and yard myself (I may be splurging on Merry Maids soon, though)

10) blockbuster online membership. I love to watch movies, and this way is so much cheaper than actually going to the movies. I get to watch lots of movies that are cute but not really worth the nearly $20 experience at the movie theater.


Ways I splurge:
1) Take the sister missionaries out to dinner once a month (sometimes twice if they're good *g*). I love to go out to eat, and I love their company.

2) I collect things. Dolls, Star Wars toys, other themes, movies (I must have a thousand dollars in DVD's alone!). Most of the time I look for sales and such, but if I really want it, I get it.

3) Impulse buys. I love to buy stuff, and don't really care that I don't need it until I go through my finances and realize that I couldn't afford it.

4) Renaissance Festival. I love to go, I love to buy stuff, but most of all, I love Fight School!

5) I go to the movies. I spend about $20 for admission and treats. Sometimes I have dinner beforehand too. It's a whole experience that I have always loved. And yes, most of the time I go by myself, but going with friends is also way fun.

6) Hair cuts. I get my hair professionally cut (and sometimes permed) every 6 weeks or so. I get the way expensive shampoo that makes my hair thicker and keeps it from falling out. So I'm vain, sue me ;)

7) Travel. I love to take trips. Used to go on long road trips to see historical sites, have a trip to Europe planned for next year. I love to go places and see things.

8) Science Fiction conventions. I love to go see in person the actors and authors of my favorite Sci-Fi and Fantasy shows or books. The artists too. This is a real splurge because there's always a dealers room where I can find things that aren't to be found anywhere else.

9) Costuming. I love to make costumes, and sometimes the materials get rather expensive. Most of these costumes are for the Renaissance Festival, but Halloween also figures prominently in my costuming plans.

10) Pets. I splurged on my dogs, and now I'm thinking about getting a cat...

Something to get your mind going

a friend emailed this to me, and I though it was good enough to share... and I hereby tag everyone who reads this! :D

SCATTERGORIES...it's harder than it looks! Copy and paste into a new email.
When you are done, send it on, including to the person who sent it to you.
*Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following... *they
have to be real places, names, things...nothing made up!
Try to use different answers if the person in front of you had the same 1st
initial. You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question.

What is your name? Julia

4 letter word: Just

Vehicle: Jaguar

TV Show: Just shoot me

City: Jacksonville

Boy Name: Jude

Girl Name: Jamilla

Alcoholic drink: Jallepeno Schnops (I have a friend who drinks it--ugh!)

Occupation: Jet fighter pilot

Something you wear: jacket

Celebrity: Julia Roberts (that was too easy!)

Food: jicama

Something found in a bathroom: jackets on the floor

Reason for Being Late: just took one little shortcut...

Cartoon Character: Jane Jetson

Something You Shout: Just you wait!!

Tagged by three freinds on LJ...

A. List seven habits/quirks/facts about yourself.
B. Tag seven people to do the same.
C. Do not tag the person who tagged you or say that you tag "whoever wants to do it.

1)I like to watch Dr Who. Yes, even the one at 12:00 midnight on PBS.

2) I love being a 'fan'. Witness my Star Wars, Harry Potter, Firefly, and other fascinations. I'm not obsessed, I'm focused.

3) I love to dress up--Halloween is the only day I could get away with it before I discovered Renaissance Faires.

4)(this may be in the TMI category, be warned) Having been an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints all my life, and never married, yes, I am still a virgin. No, that's not a plea for someone to change my status.

5)I never served a mission for my church. It's amazing how many people think I have just because I not married (since I didn't marry, I must have served a mission? Oh brother).

6)I have a Master's degree in Astrophysics. I believe this is one of two reasons why I'm not married (see number 4 for the other reason--science and religion don't mix well in the minds of possible suitors).

7) I have a lot of dolls. Including several Star Wars 12-inch dolls, and several Barbie Princess dolls. My latest aquisition is a baby doll with a breathing mechanism in it. I love to hold my breathing doll. I know, I know, TMI.

As for who to tag... hmmm, I tagged three people on LJ, so here I'm going to tag Joni, Mendy, Kellie, and Cami (had to leave them all someone to tag!)

From Jann's blog...

HowManyOfMe.com

There are 40 people with my name in the U.S.A.

The funny part is that there was one in Iowa City when I was going to school there...

Pay it Forward

found this on Mendy's blog, and could NOT resist! :D

I will send a handmade gift to the first three (3) people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. You may not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you will receive it within 365 days! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog. (So, you must have a blog to participate.)

How fun! Now let's all pay it forward, give each other gifts just for the heckuvit, and comment away!

If you are one of the three, I'll contact you to get your mailing info (if I don't already have it.) If you're not one of the three, hurry and click over to the winners' blogs to see if you can make it!

All right, I give!

have to make sure it's a good bandwagon before I jump on...
Remember, one-word answers.

1. Where is your mobile phone? purse
2. Relationship? nonexistant
3. Your hair? curly
4. Work? slow
5. Your sister(s)? friends
6. Your favorite thing? dolls
7. Your dream last night? odd
8. Your favorite drink? water
9. Your dream car? Mustang
10. The room you're in? office
11. Your shoes? on
12. Your fears? dying-alone
13. What do you want to be in 10 years? content
14. Who did you hang out with this weekend? shannon
15. What are you not good at? Relationships
16. Muffin? oatbranwithraisons
17. Wish list item? books
18. Where you grew up? california
19. The last thing you did? lunch
20. What are you wearing? clothes
21. What are you not wearing? renaissance-garb
22. Your pet? adopted
23. Your computer? slow
24. Your life? crazy
25. Your mood? even
26. Missing? home
27. What are you thinking about? requirements
28. Your car? red
29. Your kitchen? small
30. Your summer? insane
31. Your favorite color? purple
32. Last time you laughed? yesterday
33. Last time you cried? lastweek
34. School? over
35. Love? family

My life as a movie...

Complete this sentence: If my life were a movie . . .
Our heroine would be a smart, strong, capable woman who has to save the world by being smart, strong, and capable.
It would most definitley NOT be a love story
It would most likely be either sci-fi or fanstasy.

There would be dragons. Lots of dragons to fight and overcome. And everytime the heroine thinks she's getting close to her goal, turns out there are more dragons.

In the end she does reach her goal, right before she dies. From saving the world. Again.

If my life movie had a sountrack, the songs would include (20 song maximum):
California Girls (Beach boys--this is my theme song)
Walking on sunshine (katrina and the waves)
Everybody Hurts (R.E.M.)
Shiny Happy People (R.E.M)
Here I stand and face the rain (A-Ha)
Changes (David Bowie)
Heavenly Father Loves me (no particular artist)
Wild Wild West (The Escape Club)
I'll Walk with God (from "The Student Prince")
Don't Cry Out Loud (can't remember the artist, mostly I just play this one on the piano)
I think it's going to rain today (Bette Middler, "Beaches" soundtrack)

The actors who would play the roles in my life would be:
Me: Barbara Stanwyck (from the 30's--hey, the rules don't state that they have to still be living!)
Parents: Rosalin Russel and Danny Kaye
Siblings: David Cassidy, Susan Dey, Danny Bonaduci, Greg from the Brady Bunch, Marsha from the Brady Bunch, Bobby from the Brady bunch, Cindy from the Brady Bunch, and the little girl from the Partridge Family (Tina?)--and yes, this is in order, leaving me out because I'm being played by Barbary Stanwyck.
Friends: you can be played by whoever you prefer, leave me a comment!
Love interest: Robert Urich (from Spencer for Hire, not SWAT)

From Mendy and Jann...

...and Corrine...

For hours and hours I could...
Watch TV
Read
Sing

I feel best about myself...
When I am helping others
When I exercise

I absolutely cannot stand...
Cleaning the toilet.
Bugs.

I am afraid of...
Dying and no one finding me for a week

I love to splurge by...
Buying movies and tv shows and books and office supplies
Adding to my doll collection, specifically Specialty Barbies and 12-inch dolls from my favorite movies (Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Wizard of Oz, etc)

I save by...
Recycling (and someday hope to have a compost heap)
Having three grocery store cards (although sometimes it doesn't seem like I'm saving very much)

I am trying to work on...
my addiction to food

In high school...
I was a part of the top singing group in the school, Madrigals.
Took all the college prep courses

In college...
I went as far away from home as I though I could get away with (Idaho, Utah, Iowa)
Studied Physics and Astronomy (is it any wonder I never had any dates?)

I feel I'm a good aunt (was 'mom') when...
I send my nieces and nephews birthday cards *before* the birthday happens
I can play with any or all of my nieces and nephews

I regret...
Not spending more time socializing while in college
All the time I spend on the couch when I could be out with people

I could never have too many...
books, movies, and dolls.

What about you?