I think I got this once upon a time off of a social networking site called Sisterwoman.  The site itself is a wee bit on the “girly sisterpower” side for me, but the quiz suits my cheerful-but-shallow mood.  I just don’t feel like deep thinking – all my really complex thoughts are going into my work right now.

And besides – I like those little glimpses into the everyday minutae of my bloggy-friends, don’t you? 

1. What time do you get up?

As late as my 2-year-old will let me get away with.  Which usually means around 7:30 am.  I absolutely will not set an alarm.  I already have one with two legs and no snooze button.

2.  If you could eat lunch with one person, who would it be?

Right now?  It’s a toss up between Barak Obama, my best friend and my husband.  The first, because he is the presidential candidate that intrigues me the most right now, and the last two because I don’t get to spend enough quality time with them.

3.  Gold or silver?

Both.  I know I am going to take a round of hell for this, but I have skin so acid it can strip costume jewelry down to the base metal within hours, so anything worn against my skin has to be a precious metal.  I have a lot of silver for affordability, but gold looks better with my coloring.

4. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?

We saw “The Bee Movie” at the dollar theater with my son.  “Cinema” is way, way too fancy a name for the experience, but the movie was cute, and the company was stellar.

5. What is/are your favorite TV show?

That’s a toughie, because it depends on my mood.  Here’s a short list of what’s on Tivo on any given night, in no particular order – Monk, Psych, House, Cold Case, Eureka, Survivorman, Heroes, CSI – New York, Without a Trace.  And I know I am forgetting things that I will think of later.

6. What did you have for breakfast? 

A glass of milk and a Special-K protein bar. 

7. Who would you hate to be stuck in a room with?

George W. Bush.  I don’t think I could trust myself not to come out arrested.

8. What inspires you?

Lots of things. It’s hard to point to a single thing. My son has been my latest inspiration – his sense of wonder is so pure that it has really given me fresh eyes to see the world and how vast and amazing it is.

9. What is your middle name? 

Lynn.  I have no idea why. 

10. Favorite ice cream?  

I’ll take all of it.  In a bucket.  With Hot Fudge.

11. Butter, plain or salted popcorn? 

Salted.  I can live without sugar and fat, but if they ever tell me I have high blood pressure, my head will just have to explode before I will give up salt.
  
12. Favorite color? 

Deep, rich, purple.

13. What kind of car do you drive?  

A Toyota Sienna minivan.  At 40 I finally gave in to being a soccer mom.  But I really want a Saturn Sky Redline

14. Favorite sandwich?

Chicken salad made with shredded chicken breast, halved grapes and walnuts on a crusty baguette with tomatoes and green leaf lettuce.  They make these at a little deli in Columbia, MO, and they are to DIE for. 

15. What characteristic do you despise? 

Condescension.  When I feel like someone is acting like their life somehow has more inherent value than another person’s life, it sets my teeth completely on edge.  It bothers me as much to see it done to someone else as it does to have it done to me.  I also despise when people confuse ignorance with stupidity and act like somehow a superior education makes them a superior being.  I am flushing red just thinking about it.

16. Favorite flower? 

Two tied for first place – Lilies and Carnations.  I LOVE the smell of carnations.  They are spicy instead of sweet, and they are one of the few “hothoused” flowers that keep their scent.  Lilies are just elegant and dignified.

17. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go?

Oooh.  Hard question.  There are too many places.  But I have always wanted to go to Africa.  And Rome.

18. What color is your bathroom?

Both are a kind of pale beige.  I haven’t gotten to painting them yet.

19. Where would you retire to? 

Hmmm.  Good question.  I have no idea.  I like the concept of Hawaii, but I think being so far away from everyone would get old quick.  Ask me again in 20 years.

20. Favorite day of the week? 

Sunday.  It’s the day I don’t force myself to do anything.  I happen to like going to church.  I like reading the Sunday paper with coffee.   It’s one of those small pleasure days.

21. What did you do for your last birthday? 

My husband and I went out to dinner and then to Barnes and Noble.  It was also our anniversary.

22. Where were you born?

Rochester, NY.  In a hospital.  I can’t remember which one. 

23. Favorite sport to watch?

College Basketball.  Or sometimes College Football.  And I will admit to being mesmerized by sheep herding trials on ESPN 3.

24. What fabric detergent do you use? 

I like Tide with Bleach and I used to be a near-fanatic about it.  Now I occasionally use All – Small and Mighty, because I like to economize. 

25. Coke or Pepsi? 

I am a Diet Coke addict.  Seriously.

26. Are you a morning person or a night owl? 

Neither really.  I usually go to bed around midnight and get up at 7:30.  I tend to crap out at anything past 2am even when I am partying, but LORD I hate to get moving in the morning.  I am a mid-afternoon person. 

27. What is your shoe size? 

Most of the time, a 7.  The rest of the time, it’s 6.5

28. Do you have any pets?

Three dogs, all purebreeds and all rescues.  A Vizsla, a Greyhound and a completely insane Jack Russell Terrier.

29. What is your favorite season? 

Autumn.  Thats a throwover from my New England childhood.  I love the color of fall leaves, the smell of woodfires, the tang of new cider, the feeling of holiday anticipation, Halloween, and the color orange.  I love everything about it.

30. Tea or coffee and what kind? 

Both.  One to wake me up. One to calm me down.  I like a variety of single-origin coffees.  My favorite coffee vendor, however, is Baby’s Coffee.  Try their Voodoo Queen.  It’s the bomb. 

I drink all kinds of tea, but my most favorite are Lavender Earl Gray, which I have recommended to the world as an anti-stress agent, Oolong, and Ginger Peach Black Tea.  I prefer Revolution Teas.

31. What color pants are you wearing right now? 

Blue.  And it’s a good bet at any given time that will be the answer.  I am a blue-jeans kinda gal.