The Good, the Bad, the Flying Monkey
Apr 8th 2008
Julia LondonWhen Goddesses Fall To Earth
I’m STILL not done with the manuscript!!! AUGH! Part of the reason is that life keeps handing me these little tasks that seem to take up so much time. But I cannot go past Thursday, so this, too, shall pass.
One of those silly little tasks is that recently, I had to fill out this questionnaire that has to do with my little ward. It asked all the usual stuff: Name, occupation, how much money do you make, are you sure that’s all don’t you own another house or something the government could come after if they wanted, etc. But then, at the end, the questionnaire asked me to name three things I liked about myself and three things about myself I thought could use improvement.
I said to myself, are you freaking KIDDING me? You (you being the questionnaire) honestly expect me to sit here and think of things I like about myself like some touchy-feely earth mother? Okay, here’s one: I like my hair. HA! And I like my taste in flip-flops! And I like that I don’t have drink coffee anymore!
But then I calmed down and started thinking about it. It is hard to sit there and think of things you like about yourself or to admit things you think need improvement. A lot of stuff I thought of fit the flying monkey category. It wasn’t good, it wasn’t bad, it was somewhere in the middle, sort of grotesquely fun.
Anyway, I thought today we should all take a moment to remind ourselves why we are goddesses. I’ll go first:
Three things I like about me:
1. I’m honest.
2. I take care of myself so no one else has to
3. I think I’m fun to be with. I mean, I like being with me, so I figure everyone must, right?
Three things that could stand improvement:
1. I am too vain for my own good.
2. I can be pretty impatient/short/okay, surly/ at times.
3. I could be a better wife if I wanted to be, and what needs improvement is that I really don’t want to be. hahahaha.
Three flying monkey things about me:
1. I love dogs more than a lot of people in my husband’s family.
2. I have more men friends than women.
3. I’ve reached an age where fiber is suddenly the most important thing in my life.
Your turn, Goddesses! Name 1) three things you like about you, 2) three things about you that could stand a little improvement, and 3) three flying monkey things about you
65 Comments »
Judy on 08 Apr 2008 at 2:17 am #
Ooh, I like these…especially if I’m bored and procrastinating…
What I like about myself:
1) My resourcefulness, if I can’t find a way, I make a way
2) I’m honest
3) I’m openminded
Dislikes:
1) I procrastinate
2) I can be self-centered
3) My short temper
Flying Monkey
1) I wish I was adopted
2) I’d rather read a book than hang out with a friend sometimes
3) I play the helpless vitcim when I’m lazy
Kim on 08 Apr 2008 at 6:42 am #
Oh Julia–I really love it when you play with photoshop! lol
What I like about myself:
1. I always give 100% of myself whether its in a relationship or work.
2. To me, honor is the most important value.
3. I’m easy to please
What needs improvement:
1. My assertive-ness
2. My sleeping schedule
3. My temper
Flying Monkey:
1. I love cheap gross food like those Hostess Cherry pies and Jeno’s frozen pizzas.
2. I have the sense of humor of a 16 year old boy.
3. I truly believe in the 50’s family dynamics and think our children would be better off if families could live on one income, dads worked and moms were there when the kidlets got home from school. ***NOTE–this is jmo. Don’t throw rocks:D
amy1242 on 08 Apr 2008 at 7:36 am #
Ohhh, you guys are off to a good start. I have to get my butt to work now, but I will do this when I get home. It’s good to contemplate things like this from time to time. Julia, I like your stark honesty! It reminds me a little of me. Judy and Kim, between you two and Julia, your choices sound like some of my closest friends’ personalities.
Susan K (soon to be Susan M) on 08 Apr 2008 at 7:37 am #
This looks like fun! Hopefully this will make sense. I didn’t get much sleep last night. BUT my To-Do-List for my wedding is complete!
Three Things I Like About Me:
1. I’m dependable & punctual.
2. I’m kind.
3. I’m creative.
Three Things That Could Stand Improvement:
1. I am shy.
2. I am fearful.
3. I procrastinate.
Three Flying Monkey Things About Me:
1. I’d much rather be reading or scrapbooking than anything else (including watching tv).
2. I will ONLY eat Dinty Moore Beef Stew.
3. If I forget my cell phone I will go home and get it.
Wedding Day Countdown: 4 Days!
Karen Rose on 08 Apr 2008 at 7:41 am #
Oh, introspection … and I still do have to drink coffee, but here goes.
Likes:
1) I’m honest (and I stole this from Julia).
2) I’m smart - not just from books. I try not to make the same mistake twice.
3) I care about the people in my life.
Dislikes:
1) I can be impatient, especially when hormones are involved.
2) I procrastinate.
3) I’m a perfectionist (which conflicts with #2).
Flying Monkey:
1) I love cheap, gaudy jewelry.
2) PeeWee Herman still makes me laugh.
3) I get addicted to TV on DVD and will watch a whole season in a week.
I wish I could think of better flying monkey material. I wish I had MY head on a flying monkey’s body.
KariE on 08 Apr 2008 at 7:55 am #
Things I Like About Me:
1. I’ve stuck to my “lifestyle change” and have lost 6 lbs. Yeah me!!
2. I’m dependable
3. I laugh too much.
Things That Could Be Improved:
1. I’m gullible
2. I’m too trusting
3. I get sidetracked too easily
Three Flying Monkeys:
1. I like to travel alone.
2. I hardly ever read the same book twice.
3. I have a hard time throwing things away. i.e. Phone bill from 1999.
elsiehogarth on 08 Apr 2008 at 8:00 am #
Julia, I just love this.
Likes:
1. I’m honest and pratical.
2. I’m dependable, especially in times of crisis or need.
3. I’m a great friend. In my own way.
Dislikes:
1. I have a very dry sort of morbid sense of humor. My Dad says it’s the Brit side of the family.
2. I’m a lazy crafter, kind of creative but very lazy at it.
3. I’m a control freak.
Monkey Madness:
1. I love all Brit sitcoms because I have that kind of sense of humor.
2. I love hot sauce. Since I am right around the corner of “the change” I seem to use it a lot lately.
3. Bread Pudding, Rice Pudding and Molasses Cookies are my Kryptonite.
one more
4. Batman is my favorite superhero. People wonder why I love bats.
Freedom Writer on 08 Apr 2008 at 8:03 am #
What I like about myself:
1. I am intelligent
2. I am honest
3. I can be witty
What needs improvement:
1. My wit has a sharp edge and can some times be sarcastic
2. I procrasitnate
3. I always put others needs before my own. I need to learn to say “no”.
Flying Monkeys:
1. I agree with Kim’s #3 under Flying Monkeys, but it can be reversed with dad at home and mom at work if dad is nurturing enough, and can wield a mean vacuum.
2. I like to eat saltines with butter on them
3. I think Banana Twinkies are the bomb.
Sandy "Snik" White on 08 Apr 2008 at 8:25 am #
What I like about myself:
1. I am funny
2. I am passionate - and put myself all in on relationships, dreams etc.
3. I don’t limit myself or my dreams to what others around me say I can do
What needs improvement:
1. I chew ice compulsively. In spite of my dentists warnings, I cannot stop.
2. I procrastinate like nobody’s business when it comes to house work
3. I need to realize that not everyone finds sarcasm as funny as I do
Flying Monkeys:
1. I talk a lot more than I think people listen
2. I have crooked pinky fingers…as do all my siblings and nieces/nephews and my child. We had my sister convinced when she was 8 that this meant she was an alien. Apparently we all are.
3. I drink coffee more than is good for me, and the truth is, I think it is the reason that my feet get swollen…but like ice, I don’t want to give it up.
Gannon on 08 Apr 2008 at 8:45 am #
What I like about myself:
1. I’m loyal.
2. I love to laugh, and do so quite easily.
3. I’m kind.
What needs improvement:
1. I’m a champion procrastinator.
2. I can be impatient sometimes.
3. I need to learn to say “no” more often.
Flying monkeys:
1. Like Kim, I have the sense of humor of a teenage boy.
2. I will ignore everything (and everyone) when I’m reading.
3. I’m a pack rat.
Sabrina Jeffries on 08 Apr 2008 at 8:48 am #
Things I like:
1) I’m gregarious
2) I am smart
3) I’m a loyal friend
Things I don’t like:
1) I’m a control freak
2) I’m a perfectionist (very bad when combined with the above)
3) I’m easily distractible (ooh, look, shiny!)
Flying Monkeys:
1) I’m a coffee fanatic!! And now I have to give up caffeine, but as long as I can have decaf, I’ll be okay.
2) I have very big feet (size 11, wide). I come from a long line of big-footed people, so I think we should start our own race. We could call ourselves “Bigfoot.” Oh, wait, I think that’s already taken.
3) I love hairy men. REALLY hairy men. Thank goodness, because I’m surrounded by them.
Claudia Dain on 08 Apr 2008 at 8:52 am #
Julia, fellow deadline sufferer, is this really the time to look inward? I guess I can cross being punctual off my “I love this about me” list. *G*
Like:
1. I’m calm and in control in a crisis
2. I’m organized
3. I’m very forgiving
Work on: (these will not surprise you)
1. Organizing my time better
2. Washing the dog more often
3. Cleaning the house better and more often
Flying Monkey:
1. I love expensive, “statement” jewelry
2. I love musicals
3. I take every vitamin and mineral supplement known to mankind, including fiber
SuzyQ on 08 Apr 2008 at 9:12 am #
Likes:
1. I’m creative
2. I love to laugh and have fun
3. I care about people and perform random acts of kindness
Dislikes:
1. If I know I’m right I have to prove it – I really hate this about me, but I’m working on it.
2. Procrastinator
3. Impatient
Flying Monkeys:
1. I love to color with crayons in coloring books.
2. Whenever I hear music I have the urge to get up and dance
3. I love McDonalds food
PS – Freedom – Wow I thought I was the only one who liked saltines with butter!
Julia London on 08 Apr 2008 at 9:24 am #
Kim - I lovegross cheap food, too, which is why I had to go on Weight watchers, LOL
Amy — I’m fun to be with, too (#3, pros for Julia)
K-Ro - flying monkeys aren’t for everyone
Kari - Hoo-ray on the 6 lbs! (Not to one-up you, but I’ve been at it longer and am proud, too — I’ve lost 22 lbs to date).
Elsie — you do not seem like a lazy crafter to me! You are light years ahead of me
Sabrina — Hairy men???? Really????
Claudia, my apologies. Introspection is a cruel thing to do to someone on deadline.
KariE on 08 Apr 2008 at 9:33 am #
Julia-I think the loss of any excessive weight is something to be proud of. What, with so many tempting foods now a days, JUST SAY NO!!! Congrats to you!
Freshechelle on 08 Apr 2008 at 9:42 am #
Like about myself -
1. everything
2. my problem solving skills
3. I’m always right
Dislikes about myself
1. my inability to turn off the problem solving (turn out sometime people just vent, they don’t always want solutions - damn them!).
2. my rather large a**
3. my inability to take “likes” part of this seriously
Flying monkeys -
1. I’m in love with an inanimate object - my projection atomic clock
2. I’ve been to 47 of the 50 states
3. I’m a notary who can’t understand why this doesn’t make irresistible to handsome men.
Sabrina Jeffries on 08 Apr 2008 at 9:44 am #
Yes, Julia, I do love the hairy men. I have never understand why men wax. At all. Well, except that intellectually I know that some woman are grossed out by hair. It’s just not something I understand.
But then, given the choice of paranormal between werewolves and vampires, I’d take a werewolf any day.
Oh, and I TOO have lost 22 pounds. Of course, I have WAY more to lose than you, but it’s a start.
We ought to keep a running total somewhere in the sidebar to motivate us. *G*
SuzyQ–I completely understand the compulsion to prove oneself right. I have that pesky problem myself.
Meg on 08 Apr 2008 at 9:47 am #
I tried to go ahead and tell the likes, dislikes, and flying monkeys about myself, but I just couldn’t do it. This is going to take some time. Hopefully, I can come back later with an answer.
Julia London on 08 Apr 2008 at 9:49 am #
wooo-hooo! Congrats, Sabrina! (and thanks kari). We should do a sidebar, or maybe at the BB — it helps to have to report it.
Fresh, I hear you on taking the “I like” seriously.
Sandy "Snik" White on 08 Apr 2008 at 9:57 am #
Sabrina- I too have abnormally large feet. 12 wide and in a strange and unusual twist, I’m pretty sure my left foot has grown larger than my right…by more than the usual margin. I may have to get a 13 for my left foot soon…its hard being a saskwatch.
Fresh - I am in love with your modesty
Sarah on 08 Apr 2008 at 10:17 am #
Likes
1. I make an effort to be friendly to everyone
2. I’m dependable
3. I go out of my way to do the right thing, even if it is not my job.
Dislikes
1. I have a very strange sense of humor
2. Terribly unorganized
3. Procrastinator
Flying Monkeys
1. I like animals (excepts spiders, snakes and Bees) more than most people in general
2. I have a major flipflop addiction
3. I often wish I was more of a “girly-girl”, but I can only pull it off for a few days before the novelty wears off.
Marie on 08 Apr 2008 at 10:20 am #
Fun!
3 things I like
1.I’m pretty selfless when it comes to people I love.
2. I’m loyal.
3. I’m smart.
3 things that could stand improvement
1.I’m moody, irrational, and let my emotions guide me.
2. I’m not always responsible.
3.I like being spoiled.
Flying Monkeys
1.I eat fast food at least 3 times a week.
2.I’m frank. Things just have a habit of flying out of my mouth.
3.I care more about others than I do myself.
KariE on 08 Apr 2008 at 10:27 am #
Congrats Sabrina!!!
LOL Fresh! Being right all the time should go without saying.
Kim on 08 Apr 2008 at 10:30 am #
We could start a dieting thread in the forum! Everyone who wants to can report in on how they are doing each week. We can call it the Goddess Get Down. And I promise to only serve sugar free nectar-of-the-Gods and low-fat appetizers *g*
Sabrina–have I got the picture for you! *eg*
KariE on 08 Apr 2008 at 10:48 am #
Ohhh, Kim, I like that. The Goddess Get Down!!
I did a SparkPage for all the world to see, so I’m not shy about it.
RachelG on 08 Apr 2008 at 10:57 am #
Likes:
I’m honest
I don’t care what other people think of me
Dislikes:
I’m a horrible procrastinator
I’m horribly impatient
Monkeys:
I live under the delusion that I am very close to being perfect
rachelg
Meg on 08 Apr 2008 at 10:58 am #
OK, now I’m back. And I will say, this was a lot harder than I thought it would be. It’s a lot easier to come up with the dislike than the likes.
Likes:
1- I am dependable
2- I have good manners
3- I love my ability to plan things. I can plan/make a list like a pro! My mom even said that I should do that for a living.
Dislikes:
1- I don’t read as fast as I would like to. So many books , so little time, right?
2- my weight
3- my acne!! Here I am amost 30, and I suffer from it like I were still 16! uugghh!!
Flying Monkeys:
1- I probably spend too much money on myself and my family when I should be saving it.
2- I am really indulgent with my dogs. But they’re my babies!
3- I am in love with a wrestler. Anyone familliar with Triple H? WOW!
Margaret Garland on 08 Apr 2008 at 11:21 am #
Tough day to be introspective when I’m up to my derry-air in alligators. Aka known as doing my taxes. Eeeek! Just shoot me now, please.
Like:
1. I have a big heart. Always room to love one more.
2. I have a warped sense of humor.
3. I can chat with anybody about anything. And listen to the response.
Dislike:
1. I’m too reclusive. Have to blast myself out of the house sometimes.
2. I talk too much. Possibly from spending too much time alone.
3. I spend money on things I don’t need.
Flying Monkeys:
1. I get obsessed in a hobby to the exclusion of all else. Currently, knitting.
2. I watch my DVR stuff at 3am.
3. I don’t wear makeup anymore since I can’t see my face w/o glasses.
Sheridan LA on 08 Apr 2008 at 12:00 pm #
Three things I like about me:
1. I am not afraid to go on adventures and try all sorts of things
2. I am really freakin smart (sounds conceited, but comes in handy. heh)
3. I will go out of my way to help people get started in a career, coach to a goal, etc.
Three things that could stand improvement:
1. I get very impatient with people who might not be so intelligent
2. Getting motivated to get back into cycling, exercise after getting injured
3. My loathing of housework (fed by my “easy to distract” tendencies.
Three flying monkey things about me:
1. I collect hobbies - heaven forbid any of them be inexpensive or require NO new equipment.
2. I see people I know all over the place (including out of town, etc) it has become a joke with one of my friends - who will I see this time?
3. I spend way too much on books - but then donate them to the library.. that is good, right?
Lisa H on 08 Apr 2008 at 12:22 pm #
Three good things:
1. I am very nice to everyone, and would do anything to help anyone.
2. I have a positive outlook on life and have been called an optimist.
3. I am a pretty good mother.
Three things I don’t like about myself:
1. I struggle with having self-control, especially in the eating area
2. I struggle with wanting to take serious revenge against people who have hurt me or those I love.
3. I have a hard time forgiving myself for bad past decisions.
Flying Monkey:
1. I am madly in love with Johnny Depp, I dream about him, fantasize about him and know we would be beautiful together.
2. I love Coke. I would rather drink Coke than eat food. I cannot live without my Coke in the morning.
3. I sometimes have delusions of grandure (See flying monkey #1)
Lisa H on 08 Apr 2008 at 12:27 pm #
Sabrina - you go girl! Wooo Hoo 22lbs is amazing! Also, I love hairy men and have super wide feet…I knew a wasn’t a goddess for nothin’!
Kim - I’m with you on the flying monkey way to structure a family. I know some families need two people working and some families are single parent and that’s okay too, but ideally, what you describe is my feeling exactly.
Fresh - I have a large behind too. Embrace your large rear-end ( or let someone hot and male do it for you) and think JLo!
Lisa H on 08 Apr 2008 at 12:29 pm #
Oh and fiber loving goddesses - Eat Activia yogurt - it really does work!
Julia London on 08 Apr 2008 at 12:49 pm #
Rachel, I envy your ability to not care what people think, I really, honestly do.
Meg, I knew you could do it!! Great list!
Margaret, now you are scaring me. I am vain (see Cons-Julia, #1) and I have been wondering what happens when your own face is blurry!
Sheridan, if you got the brains, flaunt them!
Lisa H, coke is like…nectar to goddesses. unless you prefer Tab.
Margaret Garland on 08 Apr 2008 at 1:19 pm #
Not to worry, Julia. The good thing is that I only see young, beautiful and wrinkle-free when I look in the mirror. Don’t forget I could probably be your mother. Or, possibly, your much older brilliant sister.
A caveat here would be don’t let anyone point a camera in your direction. I allowed this at a rugby game Sunday. When I saw the photo on-line yesterday, I had the shock of my life. Obviously, the photographer was mega jealous of me and put up a picture of some old lady with too big glasses for her face. No way was that me!
Margaret Garland on 08 Apr 2008 at 1:23 pm #
Lisa H, my mother loved Coke way back in the 40’s/50’s. To the point where she carried a bottle beneath the seat of her car. No cans then. We’re talking Houston, TX in the summertime here. One degree short of Hell. But she drank them anyway. Then, there came a day when she had her last Coke and never bought another one. She claimed they just didn’t taste the same any more.
I can relate to that. Any number of things don’t taste as good to me these days. Watermelon comes to mind and I thought I’d never give up watermelon w/o a gun pointed at my head. Who knew?
Tab? Phht!
Suzanne Enoch on 08 Apr 2008 at 1:50 pm #
Can I just skip to the flying monkey things?
1) I love to wear men’s oversized t-shirts more than any dress in my closet
2) I would rather have a strawberry milkshake than jewelry
3) I’m a romance writer who can’t stand watching chick flicks
doglady on 08 Apr 2008 at 1:51 pm #
Three things I like :
1) I am honest. (sometimes brutally so!)
2) I truly don’t care what people think of me. I am what I am. (Too me 40 years to get to that point!)
3) I am creative and intelligent. (makes life interesting!)
I don’t like :
1) I am dependable. I know I should like this, but it means people can take advantage of me. (especially at work!)
2) I have a short temper and frustration point with people.
3) I CANNOT give up the foods I need to give up to lose weight!
Flying Monkey :
1) I like animals far more than the majority of people.
2) I speak 8 languages other than English.
3) I cannot stand the majority of the music they play on the radio.
cail on 08 Apr 2008 at 2:00 pm #
Three things I like about me:
1. i like my figure. even when i’m carrying more weight than i should, it grows proportionally.
2. i am kind
3. i am always up for an adventure
Three things that could stand improvement:
1. i’m slightly selfish
2. the cleanliness of my apartment (although this is more of a current situation type thing, instead of a long standing issue)
3. i’m unemployed
Flying monkey things about me:
1. I love baking, cookies, bread, you name it! I’ve even made bread from the yeast that is left at the bottom of the bucket when the DH makes his home brew!
2. I speak Gaelic and know most of my friends from college bc i wanted to fill an 11am Tues/Thurs slot in my schedule and Irish Language seemed to be the most interesting option
3. i have a short attention span for classes. its a good thing college semesters were only 4 months long, since thats about my limit for how long I can take one class. This has happened repeatedly since college in every new class i take.
Nicole Jordan on 08 Apr 2008 at 2:10 pm #
I think I could fill out the likes and improvements parts, but will someone please explain to me what a flying monkey is, lol.
cail on 08 Apr 2008 at 2:17 pm #
Suzie! you don’t like CHICK FLICKS?????
Julia London on 08 Apr 2008 at 2:22 pm #
Yep, Margaret, photographers are not our friends — unless you do what we do and have yourmake up done and pay some one a lot of dough to make you look really, really good!
Suz — cheater!
Doglady and Cail — how cool you speak foreign languages! I did once. Part of my graduate school was funded by the National Defense Education Act. In exchange for a stipend, I learned a language, and if there was a war, they could call me up. It was Arabic. Fortunately, by the time we started invading Arab-speaking countries, it had been too many years. And I only remember a little bit of it now.
Nicole, you’re too nice. You probably don’t have any flying monkeys. But you know how they were sort of cute and ugly at the same time? That’s a flying monkey — something that’s not good or bad, something that’s kind of cute and ugly at the same time.
ct009ct on 08 Apr 2008 at 2:42 pm #
This was tough! But here goes:
Things I Like:
1) I am loyal, trustworthy and honest. (Is it just me or do I sound like a dog??)
2) I like me (i.e. don’t care what people think) People who don’t like me are missing out on a very good friend.
3) I am an optimist - I really do try to see the best in everyone/thing.
Things I dislike:
1) I am intolerant of blatant stupidity (this occasionally includes my own)
2) I am smack dab in the middle of menopause. And I don’t like it here!
3) I have a hard time delegating.
Flying Monkey things:
1) Because of menopause, my thyroid meds and the weather in OK - I no longer wear make-up as I sweat it off faster then I can put it on.
2) I LOVE to dance - waltz, country, salsa, line, cha-cha-cha, belly dancing. Luckily I married a man who loves it as much as I do (thou he refuses to belly dance). LOL
3) My name is Cathy and I have a big butt.
amy1242 on 08 Apr 2008 at 2:54 pm #
Home from work…here goes:
3 Likes:
I’m open to new things and LOVE adventures.
I actually enjoy doing good deeds.
I’m very layed back and not easily ruffled.
3 Improvements:
I’m impatient, but generally just with idiots.
I tend to put myself last and then get mad about it.
I forget names…a LOT!
3 Flying Monkeys
I enjoy things outside my comfort zone.
Sometimes I’m the only one who “gets” my humor.
I think my feet are pretty after a pedicure and admire them to distraction.
Margaret Garland on 08 Apr 2008 at 3:09 pm #
LOL Cathy. You sound more like a Boy Scout to me. Sympathies on the menopause thing. Somehow I managed to bypass all that and go directly to post-menopause. Probably by inheriting some very good DNA.
So, who do you think should be booted off DWTS tonite? I vote for either Adam the Rude Corolla or Marlee Matlan to hit the road. I’m surprised at how good Priscilla Presley is. Not so for Kristi Yamaguchi. All those years of Olympic training are holding her in good stead even if she has to use her own 2 feet.
I wish this show was on more often. I love watching it. I do admit to DVRing it so I can cut the clutter when I don’t want to listen. And I vote by text messaging. Which I had to learn how to do. LOL My only reality tv.
Claudia Dain on 08 Apr 2008 at 3:22 pm #
Oooh, Margaret, I’m watching DWTS for the first time this season and really enjoying it. I have it DVRed so haven’t watched last night yet, seen the latest dances.
Isn’t Priscilla P amazing?! I want her to win!
As for Kristi Y, she’s always technically perfect, (no real surprise), but her performances, especially in the sexy Latin dances, lack emotion. She’s just moving, you know? Like I don’t feel like I’m watching someone dance and loving every minute of it. But what an athlete’s body she has—it does whatever she tells it. I love that.
The guy I can’t stand is the Latin actor who was in the Air Force. There’s just something about that guy that rubs me the wrong way.
Of course, I’ve never voted, but I do shout my opinions at the TV, which has to count for something.
RachelG on 08 Apr 2008 at 3:40 pm #
Julia,
I do care what my family and friends think of me. I try to treat everyone like I want to be treated, but I’ve learned that some times people just aren’t going to like you. And usually, it’s nothing that you’ve done. So why get all upset over other people’s personal problems.
Nicole Jordan on 08 Apr 2008 at 3:53 pm #
>>>Nicole, you’re too nice. You probably don’t have any flying monkeys. But you know how they were sort of cute and ugly at the same time? That’s a flying monkey — something that’s not good or bad, something that’s kind of cute and ugly at the same time.
Boy, do I have you fooled, Julia! LOL. I guess that would be my top flying monkey thing…. I’ve fooled a lot of people into thinking I’m really nice. But I’m a Scorpio down deep in my heart. I’ve just had a lot of practice socializing. When you’re an Army brat and you move every year, you learn to smooze strangers so that you fit in quickly.
As for improvements, I would love to write faster. And to think nicer thoughts about people I can’t stand.
Judy F on 08 Apr 2008 at 4:56 pm #
Likes:
1) I am a loyal friend
2) can juggle several projects at once.
3) I have a wicked sense of humor
dislikes:
1) not very patient
2) I don’t speak up for myself enough
3) my feelings get hurt easily.
Monkey things:
1) I love the show Dexter
2) I have more books in my TBR pile then I ever could read. (can I take them to the home)
3) I love to sing
Julia London on 08 Apr 2008 at 6:36 pm #
Judy! I wish I’d said that! I love to sing, too. But I don’t sing very well, LOL
Nicole, look at you, coming out with your Bad Flying Monkey self!
Dancing with the Stars — I haven’t seen it as much as I’d like — I don’t think I have seen Priscilla Presley yet. Its hit or miss who I get to see because there are dogs, men, and babies all wanting something at the same time.
Margaret Garland on 08 Apr 2008 at 6:47 pm #
That’s why God made DVR, Julia. I don’t watch it live as I cringe over the mean stuff the judges say. Claudia is correct about Kristi. But they all seem to be chasing her. I find the women on the lackluster side this season. Layla Ali was totally amazing last season.
I haven’t made up my mind about Christien, Claudia. Priscilla’s waltz last night was the best dance all night. I choose her and Jason, the football player. I’d never seen Adam Corolla in anything but don’t care for what I’ve seen on DWTS. I don’t like mean humor.
I’m sure your yelling counts, Claudia. I never voted until I found I could do it by texting. I would get so frustrated with the phone lines all tied up till they closed. Now, I’m a happy texter.
ladydawgfan on 08 Apr 2008 at 6:55 pm #
Likes:
1) I always give 110% at work and feel like I’ve cheated the company and myself if I don’t.
2) I am a loyal friend and will defend my friends in their absence.
3) I am generous to a fault (this is also a dislike, since I spend more than I should at Christmas time.).
Dislikes:
1) I am horrible at communicating with others. I didn’t have many friends growing up and never learned the fine art of writing newsy letters or initiating a phone call to chat “just because.” I don’t know what to talk about.
2) I am a packrat and a slob, and I hate housework. So shoot me!!
3) I procrastinate waaay too much. I’ll probably work on this one later.
ladydawgfan on 08 Apr 2008 at 6:57 pm #
Flying Monkeys:
1) I’ve never had a boyfriend and I’ve only been on a grand total of 5 dates in my entire life. And not through lack of trying either.
2) I like watching the old Three Stooges shorts, but only with the original Curly.
3) I’ve dropped 4 pants sizes since last summer. I don’t know how much weight that is, since I don’t get on scales any more. But I’m still pretty excited by it since I’ve had a weight problem my whole life and it seems to be correcting itself, FINALLY!!
Kay on 08 Apr 2008 at 8:10 pm #
Likes
1) I think I’m a pretty good mom (don’t ask my kids’ their opinion, though)
2) My friends are as important to me as family
3) I’m a good cook
Dislikes
1) I take politics WAAAAY too seriously
2) I judge people too quickly
3) I’m too impatient
Flying monkeys
1) I have a green thumb
2) As I get older, I am more willing to try new things
3) I’m a packrat married to a packrat
Sabrina Jeffries on 08 Apr 2008 at 8:37 pm #
Judy F, isn’t Dexter great? I just got hooked on it. Slowly making my way through the first season on DVD.
Lisa H, my brother starts each day with a Big Gulp (although I think it’s Diet Coke). So you are not alone.
I have to have coffee, but I do drink my share of diet Coke as well. When he comes to visit, it’s a regular diet coke fest.
Gannon on 08 Apr 2008 at 8:38 pm #
Julia, my dh took Arabic at the Defense Language Institute when he was earning his master’s degree at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey. I don’t think he remembers a lot either, and as far as I’m concerned that’s okay. I wouldn’t want his knowledge of Arabic to be well known–don’t want him sent to the Middle East again!
Sabrina Jeffries on 08 Apr 2008 at 8:38 pm #
Congrats, Ladydawgfan! I’m so big that my weight loss hasn’t dropped me a whole size yet, but I AM getting into some clothes I couldn’t get into before. It’s a great feeling, isn’t it?
Kay, I too am a packrat married to a packrat. It’s a curse.
Julia London on 08 Apr 2008 at 8:57 pm #
Kay, you and my husband could be roomies and talk politics until you both lose your voice. You’d be doing me a huge favor.
ladydawg, what’s your secret? That is so cool you lost FOUR pant sizes!
Gannon, he and I might be contemporaries,
… it was th hot language to learn Back in the Day. I actually ended up taking four years of it, and went to the Middle East on an exchange program and spoke it, like, EVERY DAY. Now, I can still write my name, and I can still sound it out, and I remember some the of the Lebanese colloquial, but that was a huge waste of the government’s money, LOLOL
ladydawgfan on 08 Apr 2008 at 9:13 pm #
Julia,
It all came about late last summer when I had a severe gall bladder attack that landed me in the ER. I was told by my doctor that although I would eventually need surgery due to the size and number of the stones they found, I could probably put it off until after the holidays if I went on a low fat/ no fat diet. So I did. And this is my “big secret.” I don’t count calories, I count fat grams. As a result, I am no longer eating things like pizza (all I see now in those PH ads is GREEEEAAASE!!), Mickie D’s, or fatty snacks like potato chips or things along those lines. I’ve rediscovered my taste for fresh fruit, and I read labels religiously looking for fat grams even on loaves of bread (yes, there ARE fatty breads!).
I’m not saying that this would work for everyone, but for me, the results have been just short of miraculous!!
ladydawgfan on 08 Apr 2008 at 9:31 pm #
Sabrina,
Yes, it feels amazing!! What is even more amazing to me is how fast it is coming off. I went shopping for work slacks about a month and a half ago and bought 4 pair that at that time fit perfectly. They are now feeling loose in the waist and seat, and this past weekend, on another shopping trip, I actually fit into a size smaller (if anyone had seen me dancing around the fitting room . . .).
BTW, you mentioned feet size before. Ironically, this is where I lost weight first. And I dropped from an 8w to a 6.5/7m/w (depending on the shoe). This happened the last time I lost a lot of weight, so it isn’t an anomaly, just weird.
Julia London on 08 Apr 2008 at 10:19 pm #
ladydawg, that’s why I like Weight watchers — it really does promote low fat high fiber. I feel so much better!
Vickie on 08 Apr 2008 at 11:59 pm #
Things I Like:
- I’m a very loyal friend
- Am organized
- Am openminded
Things Dislike
- Impatient
- Can be a bit stuck up
- i always procrastinate
Flying monkey!
- Although I love dogs and have a dog myself, I have a slight fear of them.
- i always panic when it comes to commitments, even though I do date.
- I always get the fatty milk instead of the skim milk.
Karen Hawkins on 09 Apr 2008 at 8:42 am #
I’m late! I’ve been visiting a friend in the hospital and didn’t get to read the blog FOR AN ENTIRE DAY. Made my hands shake.
Anyway, here I go:
Things I like:
- I love to learn and plan to never stop
- I am a great listener
- I have a huge capacity to care for people
Things I dislike:
- I am impatient
- I am sometimes too trusting
- I procrastinate like a pro
Flying Monkey!
- I’m a political junkie.
- I am trying to lose weight, but have only lost 5 lbs . . . and that’s it. It could be the glass of wine I have every night before bed. Or, it could be the small tin of chocolate morsels that I keep filled on the baker’s rack. Or it could just be that i have no self control whatsoever and need a 24 hr keeper in order to obtain REALLY good results.
- I love Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday in Tombstone. I mention this because I watched it yet again yesterday and he was just brilliant in that role.
Karen Hawkins on 09 Apr 2008 at 8:46 am #
PS All of your dieting success stories are very inspiring to me! Thanks to Kari, Elsie, ladydawgfan, Julia, Sabrina, et al for sharing!
Lorena on 09 Apr 2008 at 10:02 am #
Likes:
1. I’m smart. Not as smart as KarenR, but I try LOL (Can’t write like her either, but I keep trying there, too!) Especially the puzzle kind of smart, not just the memorize stuff kind of smart.
2. I can talk to anybody about anything. Granted, if the subject is nuclear physics, my part in the conversation will consist of lots of questions and nodding.
3. I am inveterately curious. And I like to use big words LOL I like all these things about myself because I never find myself boring …(even if other people do)
Dislikes:
1. Per Rachel’s list–I WISH I didn’t care what people think. In fact, it’s a life-long wish and I’ve never been secure enough to tell people to take a leap.
2. I’m a scaredy-cat. I hate to try new things and must be poked and prodded into them.
3. I have a hard time doing things that are good for me.
Flying monkeys:
1. I can’t watch Jack Nicholson. He makes me physically ill.
2. I can cook anything.
3. Except okra.
Lorena
Julia London on 09 Apr 2008 at 10:56 pm #
Ick, okra! I’m with you, Lorena!