Ten on Tuesday (18)

Ten on Tuesday (18)

I hope everyone had a great long weekend! I did! I am sure I should be compiling a very interesting post about it, but this week at work is a busy one since it is actually TWO days shorter than normal. We usually work 6 days a week, including Saturday. So. In order to preserve my brain for more lucrative things, I am linking up with Chelsea at Roots and Rings for a fun ToT list! Hopefully I will be more coherent tomorrow!

1. What temperature do you keep your thermostat on during the day?
I usually keep it around 74. I get cold pretty easily. Sometimes I put it down to 72 or 73 and then turn it off for a while after the room gets chilly. 

2. What temperature do you keep your thermostat on at night?
Pretty much the same as above: 72-74 degrees. 

3. In a canister of mixed nuts, do you pick out certain varieties and leave the others?
I don't really like hazelnuts, macadamia nuts or brazil nuts as much as some of the others. I prefer gorp (or trail mix, as it is called by some), where you have mixed nuts, raisins, craisins and m&ms. I like to have a perfect mix of everything! NO CHERRY PICKING!

4. What is your favorite kind of M&M?
Almonds. But I don't really eat candy or sweets. 

5. How do you buy books? (Amazon, bookstore, new, used, electronic, etc)
Goodwill/Thrift Store or Amazon (free classics mostly) OR borrowed from the local library

6. How do you like your eggs cooked?
Fried DEAD Hard with NO runny yolk or scrambled. Scrambled is usually safer because for some reason some people don't understand what NO RUNNY YOLK means.

7. Can you whistle?
Of course. I can do a wolf whistle or a regular whistle. I can whistle blowing out or in. I can be on your team when we play Cranium and you have to whistle songs and guess what they are. 

8. What common word do you always misspell?
Because. Not because I don't know HOW to spell it but because my fingers go to fast and I end up getting "becuase" instead. 

9. Are you afraid of flying?
Haha. No, thank goodness, because I would be a Very, Very nervous individual right now. 

10. How often do you go shopping?
I go to the grocery store roughly once a week. I go clothes shopping roughly once a year. I go book shopping roughly once a month. I shop for flights and cars and hotels more than anything else!


Your turn! Answer one (or more) of these Qs in the comments or go over to Roots and Rings to link up!
Ten on Tuesday (17)

Ten on Tuesday (17)

These questions were hosted by Chelsea and brought to you by...yours truly!

1. When you are on a plane and the kid behind you is kicking your seat, what do you do?
I WANT to turn around and yell at the mother to pay attention because her kid is being rude and annoying but usually I do nothing. If it goes on for a while I will turn around and give them both the stink eye. That's the most confrontational I get.

2. What food that you KNOW is bad for you and you shouldn't have, but you love/eat it anyway?
I love a Starbucks coffee. I try to only indulge once in a while. It's as many calories as a meal!

3. What is your favorite book of all time?
A Tree Grows In Brooklyn. I also loved The Hobbit.

4. If I came to visit you in your town, where would we eat?
If you came to San Francisco, we would have a snackapalooza and go to Turkish food, Peruvian food and Mexican food (Ala Turka, Limon & Pancho Villa) and maybe to Michells ice cream for desert.

5. You have 500 dollars and 40 minutes to spend it at any store you want. Where do you go?
REI. And I could probably spend it in about 4 minutes!

6. What blog do you read every day/the most often?
S&R, Lisa's Yarns, A Little Light Reading, KTs Refinishing School, Dude & Sweeties, Yep They Are All Mine.... There are a few more, but since the questions says what "blog" I guess I will stop now.

7. What's the longest you've ever been stuck at an airport?
Well, one weekend I flew Back East from New Orleans and I didn't get there until about 3 am. Then on Sunday when I went to fly home, it was the same thing...so...maybe 10 hours the first day, 8 the second. That weekend was way more airport/plane time than fun time, that is for sure!

8. What's your daily makeup/face/cleansing routine?
Nothing. I take a shower at night after I run. If I am going out, I may put on makeup, but every day, nada.

9. Where is your farthest away friend?
Really GOOD friend -- probably CA or MA (from where I am now!) but I have friends in many places around the world. Probably Australia would be the farthest.

10. Where is your favorite place to go hiking (or to enjoy nature)?
Sierra Nevada Mountains! Represent! 
Ten on Tuesday (16)

Ten on Tuesday (16)


1. What do you traditionally do for 4th of July?
We used to have water balloon fights and then (illegally) set off fireworks. Nowadays, there is no “tradition”. It’s about hanging with family and friends (and illegally setting off fireworks).

2. Did you follow your tradition this year? How did you celebrate yesterday?
We played volleyball, ate too much and illegally…okay, see above.

3. What’s the best fireworks show you’ve ever seen?
Probably over the Sydney harbor. Maybe it was the setting more than the actual incendiary devices.

4. Have you ever been injured by a firecracker?
I once didn’t throw it fast enough and I was deaf for a few hours!

5. Burger, Brat, or Hot Dog?
I am not a hot dog fan. I would go for the brat or burger; depends on my mood. I do love me some spicy sausage!

6. Do you sport red, white and blue on our Independence Day?
Nope. I am not an elementary school teacher.

7. If you had to be from any country other than the USA, what country would it be?
Switzerland. Or one of the Scandinavian ones. They have good health care.

8. Charcoal or gas?
Whatever the cook wants. I will eat from either one!

9. What’s your favorite thing about this fair country of ours?
It is really nice to have clean drinkable water. And RIGHTS. We have it pretty easy compared to some of the other countries I’ve been to.

10. God Bless the USA, My Country Tis of Thee, or the Star Spangled Banner?
I would have to say the Star Spangled Banner. There is just something so great about singing, “what so PrOOOOOUUUDLY we hailed…”

Thanks to Chelsea for hosting! 
Ten on Tuesday (15)

Ten on Tuesday (15)

1. What’s the recipe for your favorite drink? (Smoothie, alchoholic, coffee, whatever.)
I used to get this Java Freeze thing at one of my favorite restaurants. I found out later what it was make of: vanilla ice cream and a couple of shots of espresso. YUM!

2. What kind of razor do you use?
Gillette Mach III.

3. Who is your favorite Sesame Street character?
Oscar. I never really watched Sesame Street so I am not really sure but he is green and grumpy.  Perfect.

4. What makes the perfect salad? (Lettuce type, toppings, dressing, etc.)
There are so many perfect salads. I love a good spinach, strawberry, walnut, goat cheese with a raspberry vin. Also, a good greek salad - no lettuce! I guess my answer is -- GOOD lettuce/greens or none. And I like LOTS of veggies (non lettuce veggies).

5. What was your favorite subject in school?
Gym. haha. Just kidding. I loved Physics! And English! And Math. Anything but History... But now I like History. And kind of don't like Physics. I still like English and Math.

6. What’s your favorite summer tradition?
I don't really have a summer tradition. Every year I am basically somewhere different. I do love going to the beach, but that's such a formula answer!

7. Do you suffer from season allergies? How do you combat them?
NOPE! Yay!

8. How often do you have to charge your cell phone?
I just do it every night, but I guess if I left it, it would be maybe a day and a half. It depends on what I use it for. If I go online, it dies FAST.

9. Do you have a bucket list?
I have a Life To Do list.

10. Do you have any desire to go back to school?
Yes. Oh wait. No. I mean.....um....maybe. Okay...YES. Oh crap, I don't know. I think so.

Thanks to Chelsea at Roots and Rings for hosting! 
Ten on Tuesday (14)

Ten on Tuesday (14)

Wow, I haven't done one of these in AGES. Thanks to Lisa for providing the Qs and to Chelsea for hosting! **by the way Lisa, for someone who is studying all the time, oh AND moving, HOW do you find the time to get these Q's in too!???**

1. How do you pronounce the word aunt? Does your pronunciation rhyme with ‘haunt’ or ‘can’t'?
HAUNT. My Mom's family is from Back East and so it was always drilled into me (H)AUNT, (H)AUNT. I like it better anyway, it's not so nasal nor is the name of a bug that makes me swell up when it bites me.


2. Do most of the people in your life know you blog? Or are you partially or totally anonymous?
Oooh good one. Actually I started my blog for my family and friends. Later I ended up going more towards the public. I still have to watch what I say becuase a lot of my coworkers etc DO read this blog. (or maybe I am just kidding myself)

3. When you grocery shop, do you prefer to bag your own groceries or do you like it when the store bags them for you? Paper, plastic, or reusable bags?
I totally like to bag them myself. Also, I arrange the groceries on the conveyor "just so" so they will arrive in the right order to bag them. Okay, so I am a little bit controlling. Whatev. Also, I have the reusable bags but forget them 80 percent of the time. I know, bad Green girl! So paper it is.

4. Do you have a green thumb?
Actually I do, but I have never had a garden. I can't wait until I have my flat in San Francisco WITH a backyard, so I can garden my little heart out.

5. If you watch the Food Network, which chef/show host is your favorite?
Oh gosh. I don't know which show is on which network. Is Top Chef on that one? Or Hells Kitchen? How about Anthony Bordain? Well, whatever, I will watch pretty much any cooking show anyway.

6. Do you like to take baths? Do you take them very often?
Nope! I LOVE to take baths! If I COULD take them more often, I would. But who has a half an hour to fill the tub and a half an hour to soak? Usually...not me. However, a nice bath, a glass of wine and a trashy girly magazine and I am in heaven.

7. What color are the walls in your kitchen?
Hahah. MY kitchen? I am currently homeless and staying with my parents (sigh). THEIR kitchen is..bone or off white or some such.

8. Do you prefer to dine outdoors or indoors?
Depends on the weather. I get cold easily but if the weather is right, outside all the way.

9. Describe your ideal weather.
Oh. See number 8. I would say 73 degrees and sunny. With a cold beer in one hand.

10. If you could learn any foreign language, which would you choose to learn?
Well, let's see...I took French for a year, n'est pas? And then Spanish for about a year and a half, si? Mr Lovely speaks Portuguese, therefore I have picked up all the bad words. Um...I would like to perfect at least one of those. Right now its so so in all, some better than others. However, if I could just "out of the blue" learn ANYTHING, I would say...maybe Chinese...or Swedish...or Gaelic. Obviously, this is a very hard question. for me.  
Ten on Tuesday (13)

Ten on Tuesday (13)

Okay so I really don't have time for this week's ToT, but Lisa from LisasYarns, who I totally think is cool, posted these Q's to Chelsea at Roots and Rings, so I am going to do it, for Lisa's sake. Dude, she runs, she travels, she travels to run, she is a finance whiz. She's cool. I relate to her. So...now to the Qs. 

1. If you work, do you drive to work or take public transportation?
I don't work! But once I get a job, I will probably drive, although I would rather walk, ride my bike, or take pub tran. In SF, I took the Muni (public tran) or walked. I loved it. I think it is the way to go. All these singles in cars really drive me crazy!

2. How often do you get your haircut? Do you go to the same person every time?
Wow. That is an interesting question. I used to ALWAYS go to Karen at Hairplay in San Francisco. She is awesome. Plus she has hair similar (thin) to mine. So she knows. BUT I have not "lived" in the city for about (it PAINS me to say it)...7 years -- Since 2004. So, basically here is my hair routine. No haircut. Then I lived in Florida in 2005. A gay guy cut my hair there. I loved it. Then I went for about 3 years without a cut. In 2008 my friend Chris cut it (you can read THAT story HERE) so I could send it to Locks of Love. Then I didn't cut it again. Until about 2 months ago. Remember I asked you guys if you thought I should cut it? And then I did? So there is a really long answer to a short Q.

3. Do you read the newspaper? If so, a hardcopy or the online version?
I usually just watch the CNN summary. I also listen to NPR. I don't really read the newspaper.

4. What is the best book you have read this year?
Wow, this year hasn't been too long yet. I just read the Girl Who Played With Fire. That was good. Otherwise, I am having a hard time "loving" books this year. I seem to find fault with each one. Around Africa on My Bicycle was good.

5. What is the best movie you have seen this year?
I haven't really seen any.

6. Do you tend to crave sweet or salty foods?
Salty.

7. Do you eat breakfast every day? If so, what do you have?
Most days, yes. Cereal or fruit. Definitely coffee. Every day, coffee.

8. If you celebrate Easter, what Easter treat/candy are you most looking forward to?
I do celebrate, but I am missing the family fun this year. I miss the homemade ice cream.

9. How late is “sleeping in” to you?
8 o'clock

10. Where are you going on your next vacation?
Well, that is a great question. I think maybe Sweden, or Czech Republic. Or maybe Romania. Or Morocco. Who knows. 

Thanks Chelsea and Lisa! What a fun list!
Ten on Tuesday (12)

Ten on Tuesday (12)

1. What is a food that you never thought you would try, but then tried and liked?
Beef hearts. Yuck. But actually...they are not really that bad!

2. Do you subscribe to any foodie publications? If so, which ones?
Nope. I eat a lot and love to make new things, but I usually just use Joy of Cooking or the internet.

3. What ingredient do you find yourself reaching for the most when you cook?
Chili peppers, salt, pepper, olive oil, garlic, onion. Or if it's sweet -- BUTTER.

4. Are there any foods that you hated as a child, but then learned to like as an adult?
I hated tomatoes. I used to have to close my eyes or drink them with water. love them now!

5. What do you like to eat that others may consider weird?
I guess see number one. Also, I love fried peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, apples with cheese, cucumber sandwiches and top ramen with an raw egg put inside.

6. What is the weirdest ingredient you’ve ever cooked with?
Okra. It's slimy and weird.

7. Do you have any major food allergies?
Nope. None.

8. Is there an ingredient that you would like to cook with, but are intimidated to try?
No. I will pretty much try anything. I just haven't heard about it yet.

9. Do you bake?
Oh man. Does a bear S in the woods? ooooh. Sorry! Yes,  I LOVE to bake. I haven't met a baked good I couldn't make.

10. If you could go on any “foodie” show to compete, which one would it be, and why?
Top Chef. I love that show. It has a lot of drama, but I don't care. Besides the first one was in the bay area and my brother's friend bought the building. I went there. They still have the Kenmore Kitchen.

Questions brought to you by Chelsea at Roots and Rings.  
Ten on Tuesday (11)

Ten on Tuesday (11)

Brought to you by Chelsea at RootsandRings.com.


1.  What condiments are always, always in your fridge?
Mayo, ranch dressing, sriracha (sp?)

2.   How do you like your steak cooked?  Your burgers?
Medium, although that usually gets me medium well. But I am afraid to ask for medium rare in case I actually get it.

3.  What’s your favorite use for fresh tomatoes?
Caprese Salad or just eat them with salt. Yum.

4.  What’s your go-to dinner when you haven’t planned anything in advance and you don’t feel like going out?
Sausages and Brussel Sprouts. I always have some in the freezer.

5.  What’s your favorite snack food lately?
I like fruit. I am not really into sweet stuff, but sometimes I like me some Cheese-its.

6.  What’s your favorite weekend breakfast to make at home? 
French Toast! It's my favorite but I don't have it very often.

7.  What’s your favorite thing to grill?  How do you do it? 
Hamburgers. Easy and good.

8.  What’s your favorite wine for under $10? If you’re not a wine person, what brand of beer is your favorite?
I don't mind Yellow Tail actually. Also Pepperwood Grove (at TJ) is good!


9.  Give us your most delicious cocktail recipe.
I am a vodka tonic girl. I don't like all those foo foo drinks. So: Ice, Grey Goose vodka, splash of tonic, lime. The end.

10.  How do you like your eggs?
Scrambled or fried, hard. Yolk = GROSS.
Ten on Tuesday (10)

Ten on Tuesday (10)

1. What is your cleaning style like?
I am a tiny bit of an obsessive compulsive control freak anal clean person. Sometimes. I like things in order, I clean while I cook. I never leave the dishes for "tomorrow". I don't really dust that much though. But I do fold my underwear. 

2. What is your favorite thing to add to an outfit to take it from casual to classy?
Really sometimes all you need is a little mascara and a nice pair of shoes.

3. Do you like stormy weather?
Yes, it has a certain romantic feeling. I also LOVE the sound of rain on the roof.

4. What is your favorite cold treat on a hot day?
A coconut shake, naturally!

5. What is your favorite warm treat on a cold day?
Hot cocoa with whipped cream, or in my family, whipped cream with hot cocoa!!

6. Who is your favorite animated character?
I was a bugs bunny fan as a child -- kill the wabbit, kill the wabbit...there's nothing better than that. However, I really loved Finding Nemo.

7. What do you keep your jewelry in?
I barely have any, but I keep it in old prescription medicine bottles and a little plastic organizer.

8. Do any of the rooms in your house have a theme?
I don't have a house, or rooms, or even very much furniture. I am not very materialistic. So, no, no themes.

9. Do you watch any interior design TV shows – if so, what is your favorite?
No. I sometimes watch HGTV but usually the home buying ones not the decorating ones.

10. When was the last time you did something risk-taking?
Hahahah. I can't say online. My mom would be mad. JUST KIDDING MOM! I think it was scuba diving or climbing in the Himalayas. Or riding in any moving vehicle in Vietnam.

Thanks to Chelsea at Roots and Rings for hosting this!
Ten on Tuesday (9)

Ten on Tuesday (9)

Brought to you by Chelsea at rootsandrings.com.

1. How did your parents decide on your name?
My mom found it in a bodice ripper. It means "my lady" (ie senora,
Madame) in Greek. So if my name was Greek it would still be the same.

2. Do your initials (First, Middle, Last) spell out anything fun/funny?
My initials are KLNW. I used to say my middle name was Ellen. (LN) But
no, all consonants don't really spell anything. If I was a gov't
entity I could probably work out a great acronym.

3. Did you take your middle name from childhood or did you take your
maiden name as your middle name? (If unmarried, what do you plan to do?)
I am unmarried and don't plan on becomming so soon. I will cross that
bridge if I come to it.

4. Are you or will you name your children thematically (ie. same first
letter, all of same origin?
No. I don't have kids but I think it's super cheesy to name them
Kristy, Kyle, Karla, and Ken. Super cheesy. Twins called Kevin and
Devin are ever worse. Please don't do that. Imagine the taunts. And
confusion.

5. Did you decide on baby names as a little girl? Did you stick to
them or change your mind?
I was going to have eight kids. Then I realized that I like life
without them ( sorry mom). But I actually, despite the last comment,
like the name Devin. And Freyja for a girl. My cousin us Fransje and I
think that is the most beautiful name ever. If I have kids they
probably won't have normal names. However, my boyfriend is Portuguese,
so they will probably be called Maria(Mary) and Joao (John).

6. Does your family have any names that have been passed down through
generations?
Yes. On my Moms side we are a Mayflower family. So there are tons of
Peters and Charles and Johns. And it's common to take someone in your
family's first name as your middle name.

7. Do you look at the meaning of the name or just the name itself?
I like both. Freyja for example is the Norse goddess of love, beauty
and war. But I just like the name.

8. Do you name pets with human names (Sally, Henry) or with pet names
(Fluffy, Mr. Bo Bo)?
I am a very unoriginal pet namer. My favorite cats were Whiskers,
Blackie, Callie and Jasmine (I think my mom named that one). I haven't
had a pet in about ten years.

9. Are there any names that you have an affinity or dislike for based
on a childhood experience/someone you once knew?
Definetely. Mellissa is a girl who cheated on my best friend. Hate it.
Valerie is a bitch I had as a boss. Hate it. Etc.

10. What are some of your favorite names? Why?
I like Celtic names, Greek names and Norse names. Gods I guess. Why -
they are different and powerful.