The Doing Questions Like it's 2003 Meme

There are lots of things I should be doing:

• Ironing
• Study
• Writing
• Getting out the minutes and summons for the Lodge
• Learning my lines
• Packing for New Zealand (going Thursday) 
• Tidying my flat
• Washing the hard floors
• Getting things ready for tomorrow

But no, I'm here doing Sunday Stealing's meme. Decent questions too they are.

Call it a break.

1. Tell us about your pets. If you don’t have one, share why you don’t.

I live on the second floor and I don't have a balcony or a back yard. It wouldn't be fair to the animal. This doesn't stop me borrowing friend's animals or having them over when their owners come on holidays. And I have a lovely relationship with Maow Maow - my best mate's cat. We love each other very much.

2. Name three things that are close to you.

On the table in front of me there is my heart rate monitor, my glasses and a bottle of hand cream.

3. How was the weather for your summer?

We're just going into Summer (as I'm in Australia) Thankfully, last summer wasn't too hot - not too many days over 40 (105 F) but it was a bit humid for my liking.

4. What was the last film you saw? Did you like it?

I saw "Bridget Jones' Baby" on Tuesday night and I really enjoyed it. They got what it's like to be a single woman in your 40s just right. And it was very funny in places.

5. Tell us about the last trip that you took.

I went for a week to Bali in January where I did a lot of yoga, went vegetarian, did a lot of healing and started to mend a broken heart. It worked well. Glad I did it. Love Ubud.

6. Where do you buy groceries? Why?

I go to Coles - a national supermarket chain. It's close by, there is everything I need and I know where to find stuff - though I'm buying more fruit and vegetable from the green grocery near the entrance to the local Coles.

7. Tell us something that you did today. Or will do if you haven’t had your morning coffee yet.

I had a rehearsal for our Mason's ceremony being held in a fortnight. Lots to learn. I also went to a Pump class at the gym and had breakfast with the girls from the gym.

8. Have you pulled an all-nighter?

Not in many years. I don't see the point any more.

9. Can you taste the difference between Pepsi & Coke?

Oh hell yes. And I really don't like Pepsi and go out of my way to avoid it. I'm an occasional Coke Zero drinker. 

10. Tell us about your siblings. How many and what do they do?

I have a sister and a step-sister. My sister is a mum and she works as a classroom assistant at the school where my niece used to go (I still don't know whether to say niece or nieces - still adjusting to losing one at the end of last year)  My step-sister, who I've known for 40 years, runs the family business making gates.  (www.countrygates.com.au)  

11. What’s the oldest thing that you own?

I have the teddy bear my grandfather gave me when I was a day old sitting in the cupboard. I also have my grandmother's old colander. That has to be at least sixty or seventy years old. 

The Martial Arts Meme

Running very late.

Too much on.

Questions thanks to Sunday Stealing.

Who was the last person that you held hands with?

I really cannot remember holding hands with anybody in the last ten years. Seriously.

Are you loud, outgoing or shy?

I'm a strange mix of all three - I'm very shy but rather social.

Who are you looking forward to see?

My friend Geetangeli. Going to New Zealand in a fortnight for a few days.

Are you easy to get along with?

Most of the time.

Have you ever given up on someone, only to let them back into your lives? Why?

Yes. I got hurt again. He's had his last chance.

If you were ill, which TV doctor or nurse would you want to take care of you?

Dr Gregory House - though I would prefer if I was not that sick. Hawkeye from MASH would be good too.

Does talking about sex make you uncomfortable?

Depends on who I'm talking about sex with.

Who was the last person that you had serious conversation with?

My manager on Friday.

What was the last text message you received about?

Telling Blarney I was on my way over to her place.

Do you believe in luck and/or miracles?

To a point. you mostly make your own luck, but miracles  can happen - but they are rare.

What good thing happened this summer?

It's not summer yet. Summer is two months away. Last summer was crap. Dead niece and a break up.

Convince us why we should or should not believe in life on other planets?

Why should we - it's a big universe. Are we really that arrogant as a race?

Who was your first crush on?

Mark Holden. I was five.

Favorite part of daily routine?

My morning coffee. The shower beforehand is pretty good too.

Do you like your neighbours?

I do. My downstairs neighbours are lovely. Quiet but friendly. I look after their cat when they go away. Good people to have downstairs.

What’s your worst feature?

I really don't like my stomach. It's fat. End of story.

Have you ever had trust issues?

Hell, yes.

The Alice Through the Looking Glass Meme

Writing this from a hotel room in Sydney. Once again a lovely break in the sunshine.

Questions, as always, courtesy of Sunday Stealing.


Who is/was the weirdest person in your life?

Does there have to be just one? I know many strange people - the proctologist, the guy who balances oil rigs, the arms dealer, a couple of paragliders, the Porsche enthusiast, the ultra marathon runner. Do I have to choose just one. Oh, and all of these people are lovely - even the arms dealer.

What is a special thing that someone once did for you?

I had an small operation and a friend came and stayed at my place overnight to make sure I was okay. I will never forget that.

If you could erase someone off the planet, who would it be?

I think we'd be better off without Donald Trump and Peter Dutton (Australia's current Immigration Minister).

What’s a big goal that you have?

To write a best selling, award winning novel.

If you could time travel and meet yourself at 16, what would you tell yourself?

Sweetie, you are not fat, you are not stupid, you are not ugly and you have a very bright future. Stop being scared.

If it were the last day of your life, how would you spend it?

Hopefully shagging, while drinking lots of gin and eating Zumbo's desserts.

If you could meet any celebrity, who would it be and why?

I'd love to meet Clive Owen. Why - yeah......

What is one thing that you would never do that others you know have done?

Class A drugs. I've tried a few in my days, but I wouldn't go near them now.

What is one romance depicted in film that you’d love to experience?

I think I'd love to live "The Notebook" from beginning to end. Love it.

Describe yourself in just one sentence.

A simple, yet complex, middle-aged woman with left-leaning tendencies and a love of literature, film and animals.

Who is the most beautiful person on earth?

I don't think beauty is relevant, so I have no idea. My Aunty Marg is up there - she's awesome.

What was the best experience in your life?

Travelling. All of my travels have been excellent.

If you could rule the world, what would you change?

I'd get rid of the rule of corporations and bring back daily meditation as a part of everybody's life.

Where were you when you heard the news of 9/11?

I found out about eight hours after it happened. I was at home in my flat, it was about 6.30 am in the morning (Melbourne)and I couldn't work out why every station was playing the same bad Bruce Willis movie.

The Mad Hatter's Meme

So, I've been to see the writer of my favourite book read this year speak, which was excellent. now I'm waiting from some friends to come out so that they can have a ride in my car. Men are funny like that  - always wanting to see a new car... they really are terrible.

Anyway, now back from the said trip in the car, as well as cooking dinner and sorting out a friend's CV here I am.

Questions, as always, are from Sunday Stealing.

What’s the meaning or inspiration of your blog’s title?

It came from that old saying, "Denial is a big river in Egypt". I am the queen of denial. It fitted, especially as I started the blog thinking could run a marathon. Like yeah. Nah.

What do you consider your biggest strength?

Probably my resilience, kindness and courage.

What do you consider your biggest weakness?

I get bored very, very easily.

Tell us why we should like your favorite band.

Because they are GOD! The Pixies invented the loud-soft-loud sound. The very best of rock.

Who is your favorite model of all-time? Why?

Model of what? Clive Owen has done some modelling.
Models are not something of which I take much notice.

Does it bother you when people talk about their pets? Why?

Not at all. I talk about my best mate's cat and sister's dog all the time.

Tell us about your favorite holiday.

If you're meaning vacation, I had a great time in Bali earlier this year doing a lot of yoga and mending a broken heart. If you mean public holiday (I believe the Americans amongst us call public holidays holidays) I rather like Anzac Day. A day to reflect. It's better than Australia Day - or Invasion Day as I call it under my breath.

What was the last fabulous meal that you ate? Where were you?

We went to Movida, an great quality Spanish restaurant for my birthday. That was a fortnight ago.

What’s your lucky number and why?

64. I like the Beatles' song.

What are five things you hate?

Conservative politicians
Intolerance
Bigotry
Psychological violence in films
Racism

What are five things you love?

Most animals
Vanilla
Open fires
Long walks
Swimming

Tell us a secret (you can because other than us, who’ll read this anyway?)

I'm not wearing a bra at the moment.

What is the favorite body feature of yourself?

I'm rather fond of my ankles and eyes. Both are good and not to be complained about.

Is there a tattoo that you want? If you don’t have one, gun-to-your-head so you have to get one, what would it be?

I have a very small one already, and though I don't want another particularly, I'd probably get the World Wildlife Fund Panda somehere out of sight.



What do you love about yourself?

My kindess and intelligence. I don't know how I could be me without these features.

What do you hate about yourself?

I dislike (not hate) the fact I don't have the patience and fortitude to lose weight and keep it off.

Who is someone you miss?

My friend Reindert who lives in Boston. A great friend, we talk regularly, but he and his wife are awesome people.

Pokemon for Adults Episode One

I admit to being a player of Pokemon Go.

Judge away.

I'm not like one of those kids that can be found getting run over trying to catch rare pokemons in the middle of four lane highways.

I don't Pokemon when I'm driving.

I Pokemon on my way to work or when I'm walking around the place trying not to. My phone stays on put in my pocket most of the time. I'm not overly upset if a Pokemon doesn't get caught.

Of the 150 odd Pokemon, I've caught or evolved around 90.  I've been Pokemonning for about two months. I am not addicted. I just like collecting things. It was the same when I went after the painted elephants a few years ago.

I'm rather fond of catching Pokemon in places I haven't been before. Circular Quay in Sydney is excellent for finding Pokemon. Even Myponga has four Pokestops and a PokeGym.

It's a bit of fun

The on Pikachu in my collection surfaced on my phone when I was in bed one morning when I turned on the app by accident.

One of my workmates was rather taken with my collection. That I have an Onix and a Skyther is great, or so he reckons.

However, Sunday Morning, walking home from the gym, I was a bit taken aback. Coming out of the centre, the phone buzzed. It wasn't one I'd seen before (One of the big enjoyments of Pokemon Go is finding new ones)

This is what I caught.

His name is Lickitung.

Seriously. Lickitung.

It can't be just me. I reckon it looks like a demented sex toy. A demented, but cute sex toy.

Maybe this will be the next spin off from the Pokemon Go craze. Recreational rubber and latex products that do more than give your phone a buzz.

I wonder what Onix does in his other life?

Yeah,, I thought so too.

Right, must prepare my taxes.

Shannon's Moment Meme Part II

I've just had a lovely afternoon sitting in a beer garden with friends discussing all sorts of things. It was the final part of my birthday celebrations.

Now I have to work out what I want to do with my year, other than  stay happily solvent, finish the worst of my Masters, buy a new mattress and think about where I might want to go on holidays.

I'm also polishing a story ready for a competition.  It's all happening around here.

Questions, as always, from Sunday Stealing.


23. Have you ever gone to the “dark side”? 

What, voted Liberal? Never. However I have just purchased a new car which is an automatic. That's about as dark side as I go.

24. What shirt are you wearing right now? 

Dress, leggings, cardigan, underwear. No shoes.

25. What’s important about a bed to you? Like type of sheets, size or whatever. 

I love high thread count cotton sheets. A good mattress is great, but very good sheets are a necessity.

26. Can you sing? 

Yes. Do I wish to inflict my singing on others. No.

27. What is something about you that would surprise us? 

I've never eaten a meat pie in my life. Never. Happy with pasties, sausage rolls and the like, but never eaten a bog standard footy pie. Ever.

28. Have you been a pirate, Renaissance Fair, or other costumed event? If not, would you for the right event or say cause? 

No, thank goodness.

29. What songs do you sing in the shower? 

I'm currently singing a lot of the songs from the musical, Matilda at the moment. I've also been singing a bit of Skyhooks and a lot of songs from the eighties. Oh and a bit of Lily Allen.

30. Favorite girl's name? 

I like fairly traditional names - though if I ever had a daughter she's probably be a Freya or a Sienna. There are some very pretty Indian names out there too - Jayanthi is one of them.

31. Favorite boy's name? 

Again, fairly traditional names like Jonathan and Matthew.

32. What’s in your pocket or purse right now? 

Lots of receipts, not enough money.

33. Last thing that made you laugh? 

The Australian version of Rake. Love Rake.

34. Best toy as a child? 

Lego.

35. Worst injury you have ever had? 

Umm, I'm still recovering from Bruce the Bum Bruise.Tripped over and got the mother of all bruises on my bum. The muscle is still recovering. This was my left bum cheek for a week.

36. Where would you love to live? 

If I had money, I'd love to live in London again.

37. What type of TV do you have? Would you’d like an upgrade? 

I bought a 55" Samsung ultra high definition SMART television about a year ago. I love it. Don't need to upgrade ad it's just been upgraded.

39. How many dogs do you have? 

None. I'd love one but don't have the infrastructure (back yard) to have one.

 40. Do most folks trust you? 

They seem to - they let me sit their children and drive their cars regularly.

41. What book are you reading? 

Currently halfway through the new JK Rowling / Harry Potter play as well as revisiting a couple of Roald Dahl's.

42. What’s your favorite classic TV show? 

I'm still rather fond of Twin Peaks. That can be called classic now?

43. What’s your favorite sports team? 

The Adelaide Crows Australian Rules football team. And they're not doing too bad at the moment.

44. Favorite month and why?

I love April. Not too hot, not too cold, the leaves are falling and there are lots of public holidays.

Shannon's Moment's Meme - Part One

I am supposed to be at the gym. I'm writing instead. It's been a big weekend. It's set to get bigger as we're off to see Matilda tonight after a nice lunch at the Studley Park Boathouse later today. See, it's birthday weekend and there have bee many celebrations. I also have to work out when to finish a CV, do my food shopping, do my ironing  and try and get some rest in. So the gym didn't happen.

I have plans. You will see.

Questions, as always, are from Sunday Stealing.

1. Do you like blue cheese?

Yes. I like blue cheese. However, blue cheese does not like me and more than a taste sends my blood pressure through the roof and my gall bladder screaming, as proved last weekend when we had a Gorgonzola sauce on polenta chips and I suffered for a day. Great stuff, but we have to be sometimes friends.

2. Have you ever smoked cigarettes? If yes, how did you quit?

I'm an ex-smoker. Only ever a social / light smoker thank goodness. I gave up about ten years ago when I started having blood pressure issues and I quit cold turkey. I only miss the social aspect of smoking.

3. Do you own a gun? How are your feelings about gun control/2nd amendment rights? 

Hell no. I'm Australian and we have very strict gun control laws here. I have no problem with farmers, soldiers, cops and gun club members owning guns> I've not too much problem with hunters owning single shot guns. But I also look at America's issues with gun control and shake  my head. Like why do you need so many guns? When the second amendment came through wasn't it so citizens could protect themselves from the British Militia with a single action musket? I don't get America's love of guns. Never have, never will.

4. What is your favorite flavor of water or liquor flavors?

I'm a lemon and vanilla fan. Either or. Love them both.

5. Do you get nervous before a doctor visit? Why?

Yes, but only because I ragged about my weight and blood pressure.

6. How do you like your hot dogs?

Okay, not an Australian thing, but I LOVE getting a hot dog from the Keith Roadhouse on the way to Adelaide. They do them like they used to when I was a kid. Toasted roll, lots of butter and tomato sauce. The Keith Roadhouse is a revelation (and in the middle of nowhere)

7. Although it’s been asked a lot, tell us about a favorite movie that you haven’t shared before.

I saw Sing Street on the plan back and forth from Sydney this week. Loved it.

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

Coffee. Lots of coffee.

9. In a dating situation, have you ever misrepresented yourself to seem cooler or hipper? (Yes we know for most of you it was long ago…)

1) Can't remember being on a date. 2) I can't even pretend to be cool.

10. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry? Why?

I've got a faux Cartier tank watch,. It's a good watch, but it didn't cost me five grand. it looks like a Cartier Tank watch, but it's not. Very fond of my Pandora bracelets too.



11. Favorite hobby? Tell us about it so we understand it.

I'm not sure if writing is a hobby or a vocation.

12. Do you have A.D.D., or have you suspected it?

No, I'm too chilled for that.

13. What’s a thing you dislike or would change about yourself?

I'd love to have a faster metabolism so I could eat a lot and remain slim.

14. Middle name? Like it or not?

Jane. It's boring and very late sixties.

15. Name three random thoughts you might have on this week:

1) I hope I get to see Maow Maow on the weekend.
2) What am I going to do with my screenplay.
3) I hope I don't get a certain tutor next semester.

16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink. Tell us a bit about them.

Gin and tonic. Best drink ever.
Coffee. It's life elixir. Much needed and necessary.
T2 teas. I feel virtuous drinking them.

17. Current worry: 

Staying employed in a job that I love.

18. Current annoyance:

Australia politics and Donald Trump. Both are dangerously annoying.

19. Favorite place to be in the summer? Give us a wee bit more than “the beach”.

Give me a decent beer garden with a glass of Pims. Or if it's over 35 degrees (read 100 Americans) I tend to put myself in a movie theatre.

20. How do you usually ring in the new year? If forced (how we’d do that without Judd coming to your house, if you even know who he was) to do something new, what would it be?

I'm normally in bed and asleep by midnight. Never been big into New Year's Eve.

21. What have you done this summer that’s special? Pictures please.

It's the middle of winter. I bought a new car yesterday.

22. Have you ever walked into a room with just shoes on? 

I'm not a big one for clothes at home, especially as I live alone, but I'm known, in Winter, for shoving on a pair of shoes to go into the kitchen-  as the tiles get really cold.