Wednesday Wickedness - Marilyn Monroe

I love this weekly post that I recently found. It is a great meme sponsored by Janera at Wednesday Wickedness. Each week, she posts quotes from a well-known celebrity, and then poses questions to the reader following the quotes. This week's guest is Marilyn Monroe! I hope you enjoy her quotes and my slightly different responses!

Here we go!

1. "I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best." When are you are at you’re best?

I'm at my best when I'm selfish, impatient and insecure. That is the best me! Actually, I think I'm at my best when I can elicit a response (good or bad) from another person to something I have said or written. A simple smile can make my whole day!


2. "Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring." Do you ever think that you are boring?


When I'm in my selfish state, I never want to do anything that I am supposed to do. I end up wasting time doing nothing. That's is boring to me. Also, I feel that I am boring if I cannot hold a conversation with someone for more than a few minutes. However, that may be the case if someone else is boring....not me.


3. "A wise girl kisses but doesn't love, listens but doesn't believe, and leaves before she is left." Did you ever break off a relationship because you wanted to be the one to do it?`

I'm selfish, but I am not that selfish! I have broken off a relationship because I found someone better, or because I found my significant other "expanding his horizons!"


4. "It's better to be unhappy alone than unhappy with someone." Do you feel that she is correct?

It's better not to be unhappy. I think it's easier to change an unhappy situation if you are alone. If the unhappy situation is because of the someone with whom you are together, then that someone will be unhappy. (?)


5. "Ever notice how 'What the hell' is always the right answer?" What was the last thing that you didn’t plan on doing but then thought, “What the hell!”?

Well, I was thinking of that quote in a different context, and then replacing "hell" with a more colorful word. The last thing I hadn't planned on doing but then thought "what the hell" was putting the family vacation to California on the Visa!


6. "We should all start to live before we get too old. Fear is stupid. So are regrets." Do you have any major regrets?



Marilyn, I don't think you have one regret. You did it all! As far as my regrets are concerned, don't get me started....


7. "What do I wear in bed? Why, Chanel No. 5, of course." What do you wear to bed?

I wear granny panties, a cami, and eau de baby powder to bed.


8. "It’s better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what your not." Have you ever pretended to be someone you are not because it was easier?

All the time! How do you think I got this cushy job as a school secretary? I pretended I knew how to type and make coffee!


9. "I am invariably late for appointments - sometimes as much as two hours. I've tried to change my ways but the things that make me late are too strong, and too pleasing." Are you usually on time for events or appointments?

Marilyn, I think we may be twins separated at birth! I, however, am only one hour late to appointments! I manage to handle the "things that make me late", no matter how pleasing, in a more expedited manner.


10. "Keep smiling, because life is a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about." What makes you smile?

Babies make me smile; losing weight makes me smile; watching my kids while they sleep makes me smile; In N Out burgers make me smile (and groan ecstatically)!


Thanks for stopping by today! Please pop over to Wicked and say hello! Just click on the logo for Wednesday Wickedness below!






Have a great Wednesday!

Wednesday Wickedness - AJ Style

I recently found this great meme sponsored by Janera at Wednesday Wickedness. Each week, she posts quotes from a well-known celebrity, and then poses questions to the reader following the quotes. Angelina Jolie is this week's guest. I hope you enjoy her quotes and my sometimes quirky responses!

1. “All women do have a different sense of sexuality, or sense of fun, or sense of like what's sexy or cool or tough.” What do you do to feel sexy?

I look at pictures of me when I was 25.


2. “I don't think the money people in Hollywood have ever thought I was normal, but I am dedicated to my work and that's what counts.” Do you think people think you are normal?

Not in the least! I can back that up with testimony.


3. “If you ask people what they've always wanted to do, most people haven't done it. That breaks my heart.” What have you always wanted to do?

Brad Pitt. Actually, I really would love to learn the Tango, and then dance it with Brad Pitt.


4. “There's something about death that is comforting. The thought that you could die tomorrow frees you to appreciate your life now.” What do you appreciate the most about your life at this time?

Waking up at 5:00am every day and not finding any toe tags on me. Actually, I appreciate everything about my life; family, friends, sight, hearing and God's grace.


5. “Where ever I am I always find myself looking out the window wishing I was somewhere else.” If you could be somewhere else, where would you be and why?

I would be living in a modest cottage on the beach somewhere with warm weather so I could leave my windows open and listen to the waves. Ideally, Brad would be there, too!


6. “I need more sex, OK? Before I die I wanna taste everyone in the world.” Have you ever felt that you need more sex to be happier?

Not, at all. I think the message that we need more sex to be happy is overrated, overly advertised, and totally unfounded. A good book, a good movie, the perfect mate, or a night out with my peeps can bring more, and longer lasting happiness than any shag could.


7. “If I make a fool of myself, who cares? I'm not frightened by anyone's perception of me.” Have you ever made a fool of yourself? If yes, spill.

At least once a day! Spill? Not on your life!


8. “I don't believe in guilt, I believe in living on impulse as long as you never intentionally hurt another person, and don't judge people in your life. I think you should live completely free.” How often do you feel guilty?

Angie, look where "living on impulse" has gotten you! Brad will have to build a shoe for all of the kids you have! And, someday you will be that old woman, and although you may not feel guilty, you may also not feel free. I feel guilty about not being better at life when I have so many opportunities to become better. I think it is a common feeling that is shared by many.


9. “I never like being touched, ever. People used to say I held my breath when they were hugging me. I still do.” Are you ever uncomfortable being touched?

Not in the least! Bring the touching on! I love the exchange of electricity I get when touched by my kids or good friends.


10. “Oh, God, I struggle with low self-esteem all the time! I think everyone does. I have so much wrong with me, it's unbelievable!” Give us an example of what you’ve done when feeling low self-esteem.

Eat until I pass out; max out the Visa; and hit a Starbucks with my BFFs.


Thanks for hanging out with me for a little while. Please pop over to Wicked and say hello! Just click on the logo for Wednesday Wickedness below!





Have a terrific Wednesday!

Sundays in My City - Wedding Road Trip

If I can't be at the beach, I guess I will go for the lake! That's exactly where we were this weekend, a whirling 36 hour trip to Diamond Lake, Michigan. I had to google the directions twice as I had no idea where this place was located. We drove six hours to South Bend, IN, waved at all the Notre Dame Freshmen moving into their dorms, took a one-half hour nap at the hotel, dressed in "the wedding clothes" and drove another 45 minutes to what I thought was going to be a traditional church wedding with all the "fixin's".

We were detoured through some interesting "rural" neighborhoods, but eventually arrived at the last road listed on the google map. As we drove past a house with cars parked neatly on the front lawn, we thought that someone else was having a party. When we came to the end of the street, we realized there was no church in sight. We turned around and went back to crash the party with the cars all over the front lawn. It turns out, the lawn, the house and the backyard that ended at the lake, was our intended destination!

As guests were arriving and slowing becoming inebriated due to the excellent service of the caterers, we ooooe'd and awe'd at the architecture of the spectacular home of the bride's mother. As I strolled from room to room on the bottom floor, I giggled thinking that Martha Stewart would either be proud or filled with envy. (Actually, my DH said that MS would hang herself with envy if she were here!) Every inch of every room was such a calming and pleasurable journey for the eyes! Out of respect, I left my camera outside. I actually thought about asking if she needed a housekeeper! Here is a daytime shot of the back of the house.



As soon as the guests were properly watered... it was time for the wedding to begin. The mother of the bride, and the bride descended from the porch steps and followed the walkway to the edge of the water. The groom then took the bride's hands and they faced each other as the official began the ceremony. The three of them were within a few feet of the lake. We were taking bets on the Court official falling in (she was literally less than a foot from the water).



There was a strong breeze that kept the bugs away (thank you Lord) and gave the lake a rippling effect. Bets were still going as the ceremony ended, with everyone still standing on land. The newlyweds hugged each other and the roar of clapping and laughter filled the air. It was now time to mingle, munch and drink some more beverages that would bring smiles to everyone!


The caterers were now put to the test. The hors d'oeuvres were just as beautiful to look at as they were tasty. Then, the buffet (boo-fay) was announced and slowly, everyone climbed the stairs to the house and made their way through the line in the kitchen (which also would have made Martha squirm with envy!). Everything on my plate seemed to melt in my mouth. I even ate the asparagus(and I hate asparagus)!

The insincerity of the DJ could be heard everywhere, but the music was great. There were songs played from as far back as the 40's. Some danced, some were still eating (ahem..) and some were making new friends as the bride and groom ascended to the back porch to cut the cake. Grandpa John sang his rendition of "Making Whoopee" (sp?). The forty-something cameras flashed continuously as everyone watched the bride and groom cut each other a piece of cake. And, yes, the redhead behaved himself and did not get any cake on his new bride's stunning wedding dress!



We slowly dragged our sorry buns to the car, and our driver, Rock, agreed to steer our carriage back to the hotel. As an Eagle Scout who has done his share of camping and hiking, he knew exactly where to drive, even the detours, and, in the dark!

The following morning we dressed, checked out of the humble cottage that provided us with "to-die-for" slumber the night before, and returned to the carriage, not speaking a word to anyone.

"Do you know where we are going" asked my DH.

"Yes," I replied in most kindest tone, "it's just down the street from the house." Well, moi had inadvertently forgotten to get precise directions, so, we turned around when the street came to a dead end. We made a call to the brother-in-law and within minutes, we arrived at the Yacht Club for brunch. Again, we were offered beverages that made us smile, and then a meal fit for anyone who belongs to a yacht club. It all melted easily and I didn't have to consume mass quantities knowing we would be driving straight through to our castle back home.

My weekend in a new time zone was filled with wonderful company, exquisite meals and a new appreciation for lakes and the generosity of the people who live near them.





Have you heard of Unknown Mami? She has a delightful blog where she shares photos of her city on Sundays. She invites the rest of us to link up with her and share some of our own city's photos. Click on the logo to visit Sundays in My City!

I live in St. Louis, Missouri, but I visited Michigan this weekend! Welcome to my city!

I Heart Faces Challenge - Made in the Shades!

Let me introduce you to the Cuckoo Sisters! They both provide non-stop entertainment no matter where they are. They love life, and live it to the fullest!This was taken on the beach at Del Coronado, California!

Each week I Heart Faces sponsors photo challenges that are answered by the novice through professional photographers. It doesn't matter where you are in your photography adventure, all are welcome! Please click on the I Heart Faces logo and you will be instantly transported to the home page where you are invited to check out some amazing shots taken by everyone who is answering the challenge. Enjoy!






I used a Nikon Coolpix 380 camera that belongs to my husband. I am a novice, so I just point and shoot! Sometimes, I get really lucky!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great week!

Story About Blue Eyes

I wrote a story about blue eyes on my other blog, bizzymissliz .... just in case you are interested!

Wednesday Wickedness - Oprah!

I recently found this great meme sponsored by Wednesday Wickedness. Each week, Janera posts quotes from a well-known celebrity, and then poses questions to the reader following the quotes. This week's meme posts quotes from Oprah Winfrey, actress, talk show host, producer and Queen. I hope you enjoy her quotes and my sometimes quirky responses!



1. “I don't think you ever stop giving. I really don't. I think it's an on-going process. And it's not just about being able to write a check. It's being able to touch somebody's life.” What was the last thing that you did to help somebody’s life?

I try to "pay it forward" whenever I can. I never remember what I've done, or for whom. I can barely remember where I set my coffee mug! There was something I did with a teacher at the school where I work about a year ago. One of our Volunteer Transfer Students wanted to try out for the high school freshman cheer squad, but had no transportation to, or home from, the practices. My friend and I made sure that she was at each and every practice, and that she had a ride home every evening. My teacher friend even fed her dinner! We were so excited when we found out that she had made the squad!


2. “Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.” How long have you ever held your breath?

I am an ex-smoker...maybe five or 10 seconds! Actually, I used to practice all the time when I would have nightmares about drowning. I'd hold my breath until someone came to get me, or, since it was a dream, I would just started breathing under water.


3. “As you become more clear about who you really are, you'll be better able to decide what is best for you - the first time around.” At what point do you think that you really decided who your were?

Truthfully, I still have not decided who I am, or want to be. Like many women, I wear various hats. There is no hat that I can wear for everything. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm probably schizophrenic. Besides, I hat hats because they always make my hair flat!


4. “The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” At what time of the year do you think you celebrate your life the most?

I celebrate every time my husband goes out of town...or, when everyone in the house is asleep!


5. “So go ahead. Fall down. The world looks different from the ground.” Are there times when you thought you had fallen down and learned something about yourself?

Once I fell down while I was crossing a street in San Francisco. I had stepped in a small hole and lost my balance. Since that day, I always scrutinize the pavement upon which I walk so that I do not repeat this embarrassing dance. I was checking out the rock and cement pavement at an outdoor mall while shopping, and I found a broken broach on the ground. It looked like "dress-up" jewelry and I thought it was pretty. It turns out that the stones were real diamonds! I think that the metaphorical "falling down" teaches us that it's not the end of the world.


6. “Devote today to something so daring even you can’t believe you’re doing it.” What was the last thing you did where you thought that you could not believe in what you were doing?

I could not believe that I danced to "Soulja Boy"; I could not believe I was capable of birthing four children; I could not believe that I could write...and that what I wrote would be enjoyed by someone else.


7. “Where there is no struggle, there is no strength.” Do you think that you must struggle to become strong?

I wouldn't say that I have to "struggle" to be strong. I would, however, say "work my plus-size butt off" to be strong. I think persistence at any level makes you strong.


8. “Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.” Do you feel that life’s experiences always prepare you for what there is to come?

I believe that if you work hard, learn as much as you can, be in the right place at the right time, and know who to sleep with, you will be prepared for anything!


9. “The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.” Can only a rich person feel this way? What do you think Oprah means by this?

Well, it certainly helps if you are a rich person. I think if you start with the small dreams...like..."I am going to try skim milk in my latte today." From there, you can take it to the next level by asserting yourself at the grocery store when you cut in front of someone in the self check out lane. Before you know it, you will be living the dream of driving the expensive car, moving into the corner office, or walking along a sandy beach with Brad Pitt. What? It could happen! Hey, it's my dream, so shut up!


10. “I do not believe in failure. It is not failure if you enjoyed the process.” Do you believe in failure?

I believe in failure, and I also believe in fairies. Failure can make you depressed; fairies can lift you up. Just like we can learn from our mistakes, I believe that we can learn from our failures if we make sure they don't repeat themselves. Since when would one enjoy the process of failing? The only enjoyment of any failure would be the wonderful foods I would eat after I had failed.

Thanks for hanging out with me for a few minutes. Please pop over to Wicked and say hello! Just click on the logo for Wednesday Wickedness below!





Have a great Wednesday!

Post It Note Tuesday - It's My First Time

I've been wanting to join in the fun of Post It Note Tuesday for quite some time, but my techno-challenged brain just wouldn't let me. So, I offer you here my first set of notes with the theme of somewhere between sarcasm and venting.



























If you are, like, totally bored with me, please stop on by Supah Mommy. She will have you laughing on the floor in no time!

Weekend Reflections - Rainy Day in China

Once again, I would like to show off a photograph taken by my daughter, Katya, while she was on her ambassador trip to China a few weeks ago. It was rainy with grey skies for most of her trip. I am amazed at some of the places and people she managed to capture with the absence of cooperation from Mother Nature.

Every Friday through Sunday, Newtown Area Photo sponsors a meme where a gazillion photographers, amateur through pro, can showcase their work using a "Reflection" theme. I love to see the different points of view that people have, and the truly amazing pictures that they take.

Thank you Newtown Area Photo for sponsoring this meme every weekend, and allowing me to participate. Please visit James at Newtown Area Photo and be prepared to be "wowed!"

Have a wonderful weekend!