The Nook of Oz

Our interviewee today, Kaylee, is a young lady who has some tough challenges in her life. From what I see she faces them with courage and acceptance. No more. no less.

Given her circumstances, I’m sure all of you will agree that her maturity belies her years.

When I realised her circumstances my immediate thought was WOW! Nothing else. Just WOW!

Now, I know Kaylee was concerned because her answers were not as detailed as some, but I have assured her that giving the longest answers possible was not the purpose here. It was to answer the questions posed in whatever way you were most comfortable with, and that’s what you’ve done. I would hope others concur on that point. For what it’s worth, I think you did great and shouldn’t let it worry you at all.

I now leave you with Kaylee

1. When, and why, did you start blogging?

I started blogging in may of 2007.The reason I started blogging was because I felt it was a good way to let out my thoughts and ideas that i didnt want to share with people that are close to me like my family and close friends.

2. Where does inspiration come from when you want to post?

Usually from other blogs or sometimes they are just thoughts that I feel I need to let out

3. You write short stories. What kind?

I write fiction stories usually but, I dont put them on my blog.

4. Your favourite author and why?

I dont really have one. I like to read all kind of books.

5. You’re fighting a very public battle with cancer. What do you find helps you cope?

I find that just talking to other people that have dealt with the same thing IS helpful.

6. I was most impressed here…Kaylee declined to answer this question, and for that I applaud her as you all should. It’s never easy to say no, and I take a perverse pleasure in being told no now and then. Well done young lady. This really made me smile, thus the reason I didn’t send a replacement question

7. What do you like to watch on TV?

I watch lots of sports on Tv am A HUGE RED SOX FAN!

8. Your favourite music, artist and why?

I love all different artists. I will go sit in my room for hours and just listen to music.

9. Other than writing, what do you enjoy doing when you have some free time at home.

I love to write poems.

10. What type of person do you think others see you as?

A very brave and couragous person.

Kaylee, my thanks for giving us this small insight to your life, and also for stepping up to start with. It’ been great getting to know you a little better

Tags: blogging, links // 4 Comments »

Our latest interview subject, Peter Parkour, is quite the contradiction. He has a URL that belies the actual content. This guy has a great sense of humor and will take the piss out of anything and everything. I love it! We Aussie love taking the piss just as much, if not more!

I haven’t “known” Peter all that long, but what I’ve seen I like. He makes me smile and laugh and you all know how much I love to do that, right? He will, more than likely, be the next additon to my blogroll. Anyone that can make me laugh as often as he does is can only be good to have around!

I won’t go on any more, I’ll leave you with Peter.

1. Where in the name of all that’s fucking holy did the inspiration for your blog name come from?

Once upon a time (late October, 2007) I decided to start a blog. First order of business: come up with a name for said blog. Something eye catching, something thought provoking, something that I could relate to on a personal level. I put a lot of time and thought into it and finally settled on HATE & ANGER. I’ve been battling a sickness for most of my life, and that’s where the inspiration came from. Every minute of every day I’m filled with a terrible feeling I only know how to describe as ‘hate and anger’. It wasn’t until after marrying my wife, my angel, did I gain some balance in my life. The monster is still within, but stays out of sight for the most part… lurking… waiting…

2. You say you don’t drink a lot. What’s the choice when you do?

Actually I said I don’t drink often, but when I drink I make up for lost time. When I do drink, my choice of alcoholic beverage is peppermint schnapps. I always kid that “I can get fucked up and still have minty fresh breath”. My wife assures me this is not the case.

3. Favourite position for sex and why?

Let me just preface with answer with the fact that they’re all pretty good, and I try not to show favoritism, giving them all some time on the court. But when it comes right down to it, I’m a missionary man. Guys are visual creatures and the missionary position gives me a front row seat to the show. I love the face to face aspect for two (main) reasons: 1. I love to kiss (sloppy as all hell don’tcha know). 2. I love the look of pleasure on my lover’s face. Bottom line, it works for me, and it does the trick for her.

4. Where, and when did you lose your virginity, and do you remember who it was with?

I lost my virginity at home, in my bedroom, on my bed. I had just turned 15 years old. Yeah, I remember who she was, and no matter how hard I try I can’t forget. The only thing good that came out of that relationship was the fact that ’she’ introduced me to my wife.

5. Pizza is your favourite food. If you could only ever have one type of pizza from now until eternity, what would it be?

As far as brand goes I’d have to go with a locally owned place close to where I live. As for toppings I’d have to go with pepperoni and mushroom (my regular order), but since these will be the toppings for all eternity I’d also add: chicken, ground beef, bacon, black olives and extra sauce. If at any time during eternity I were to get bored with the toppings I could pick some off to mix it up a bit. The black olives would be the first to go.

6. The world is ending tomorrow, what are you doing today?

Taco night at my mom’s house and all of my and my wife’s friends and family are invited. Taco night usually takes place on Fridays, but we’d bend the rules just this once. I think we’d turn it into an all day event too. I’m not usually big on dessert, but I think there are exceptions to every rule. Why not, right?

7. Who would you turn gay for {no copping out, you have to pick someone!}

I love it when women are asked this question, but when it’s asked of me… not so much. I don’t have a gay bone in my body and I want to keep it that way, (wink-wink) if you know what I mean? HA! So let me answer it more like this: Who do I think is the sexiest man in the world, dead or alive? See, even now I’m having a hard time coming up with a legitimate answer. Hmmm… thinking… thinking…??? I always thought Jean-Claud Van Dam was a good looking guy, and he kicks ass, or at least he did back in the day. On the other hand my wife thinks Brad Pitt is sexy, and I can’t argue that he’s a nice looking chap. Ok, now my head is starting to hurt. I can’t put any more thought into this. I’ll say it would have to be a toss up between the two of them. Read that how you like. Sorry I had to bend the rules A-Mum. I’m sooo unqualified to answer this question.

8. What attracted you to Mrs. Spider-Man?

What attracted me to her was her face, followed by her shapely figure. What kept me was her honesty, her huge loving heart, her small town innocence, her family values, and her super sexy ass. I love her, trust her, admire her, respect her and lust her to this day. I don’t ever see that changing.

9. Your preferred music?

I like a little bit of everything but I’m not a music junky. I don’t own a bunch of CD’s and I’ve only been to two concerts in my life, the second of which I didn’t even want to go. The first concert consisted of: Midnight Star, Shalamar and Climax. I was in the 6th grade at the time. The second concert consisted of: Ratt, Poison and one or two other bands. I was 15 or 16 at that time. Rock wasn’t my thing in high school. Here is a list of CD’s I have owned and was pleased with: Whodini - Escape, TLC - Ooooooohhh…. On The TLC Tip, Red Hot Chili Peppers - Blood Sugar Sex Magik, Erykah Badu - Baduizm, Eazy-E - Eazy Duz It, Too Short - Born To Mack, Pulp Fiction - Soundtrack , John Denver - Back Home Again (had the album, want the CD), Run DMC - Raising Hell, Metallica - Metallica (the black album/cd), Pantera - Cowboys From Hell, Pink Floyd - The Wall, Eagles - Eagles Greatest Hits (Vol. 1 & 2), DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince - Rock The House, LL Cool J - Bigger And Deffer… There were a handful of others, but this is just about every CD I ever owned. At this time in life I mostly listen to old school rap, classic rock and classic country, but I still like a little bit of everything.

10. Name the one thing that pisses you off the most in todays world.

The fact that we can’t all just get along really pisses me off. Be it race, religion, sexual orientation, politics or money, I hate the fact that these things come between people. People are always going to have issues with one another, and chances are they will always be for the reasons listed above, but why do people have to hate each other for these reasons? Why can’t we just agree to disagree? Most of my life has been filled with hate and anger (a terrible feeling), but none of it has been fueled by race, religion, sexual orientation, politics or money. There are far too many truly bad and evil things in this world to hate one another over such simple differences. This was my favorite question A-Mum. I hope everyone liked my answers.

Peter, thank you for letting us into your world. This has been a hoot and I’ve enjoyed it no end

Tags: blogging, blogroll, interviews, links, questions & answers // 22 Comments »

For a couple of weeks I’ve been restless about my theme. I have my favourites, yes, but they’re getting old if that makes sense?

I have a need for fresh blood around the place.

This site has 301 pages, @ 10 a page, that’s over 3000 themes, and after 156 pages I’ve found 3, yes 3 themes, that have grabbed me!

Holy crap, how fucking fussy am I getting???

So. I’ve had a brainwave. If anyone has a favourite theme they think is the ducks guts, let me know! Either with a link, the name of it or an email via my contact form.

Now. I need to let you know a couple of things first. There are things I MUST have, so here’s an idea of what I like.

3 columns. I have LOTS of widgets and things, so I need the room. Preferably it needs to be widget ready, however I can widgetise if needs be. It’s ony one PHP file when all is said and done, so maybe I’m getting lazy as well as fussy!!

Whilst I ordinarily lean towards dark themes, I’m finding with my signature {one of my favourite plugins} that the darker themes can be quite limiting in the colours that look ok on the dark background, so I’m quite open to lighter themes.

It MUST have a customisable header, that’s not negotiable. I may never change the pic, but I’m all about choice and don’t like to be limited in that repsect.

If there is no water involved, as with my current theme, I don’t like blue. I’m not much into bright and fluffy either just quietly!

Nor am I into frilly and girly! Yes, I’m certainly feminine when it takes my fancy, but I don’t want that on my blog.

So there you have a mission for the week, should you choose to accept it!

There will be an interview going up tomorrow night {Sunday night here in Oz} and then one a day from then on in. We need to get them done I think. I’ve been trying to break them up a little the last week cos I had things I wanted to post, but other than one little one still in draft form, that’s it for now.

Hope your weekend is treating you well.

Tags: blogging, new themes // 7 Comments »

A little while ago, ~m at Smoke and Mirrors bestowed an award on me. I’m still shaking my head and thank you doesn’t seem adequate, yet still I say it.

Thank you ~m

On coming back to this in order to finish off and publish, I need to add another link because I’ve had it given to me again! Yep, twice in 10 days, so I’m quite the lucky girl aren’t I.

The 2nd person I received it from is one Peter Parkour. He’s a reasonably new visitor here, and is in fact the next up in my interview series on Monday morning {it was meant to be today, then I realised this post hadn’t been donem and I didn’t want the guys to think I was ignoring them} He’s well worth a read too by the way. Some great stuff happens over there let me say. Another little secret…he’s probably going to be the next addition to my blogroll before too long. I just need to be convinced I can get there everyday is the big thing for me, as you all know.

Peter I thank you for the honour you have afforded me.

So…onwards.

These are the rules:

1) You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award; creativity, design, interesting material, and also a contributer to the blogger community, no matter of language.

2) Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.

3) Each award-winning blog, has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself.

4) Award-winning blog and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of Arte y pico so everyone will know the origin of this award {not in English btw}

5) To show these rules.

It was a hard choice, but these are my 5 selected recipients:

Sarah Flanigan

Gemisht

Bettina

Jennifer

Cowgalutah

I’m not going to do a spiel on each of them. I would think it’s obvious to all and sundry that by giving them this award, exactly what I think of them. I may not comment a lot in a couple of cases, but I do ALWAYS read. Time is my enemy these days.
Wander over and tell them all congratulations now won’t you?

Finally, have a great weekend

Tags: awards, bling, blogging // 10 Comments »

Tonight I have for you another blogger I know little about. Again, that is slowly changing. All I can say is thank the stars for informative “about” pages! Something everyone should have I think {it’s saved my bacon a few times during this series let me say!!}

I’ve seen Teeni all over the place if I was honest, but as per usual, that mundane little thing called life more often than not gets in the way dammit! Same old same old as I’m sure many of you can relate to. Her blog name, The Vaguetarian Tea Room is quite the little play on words as you will find once you’ve read this.

Teeni has been the same as everyone else. Embraced the questions and taken them for what they are. Me being a sticky beak!!

This is quite the intriguing young lady I have to say, and we have one major thing in common. We’re both cancer surviviors, so I can hear the tone of her voice here when she speaks about it briefly. Good on you girl! I’m always proud to say I “know” others who have had similar experiences to myself. She also has an attitude many could do well to adopt. It’s simliar to mine as well.

She’s quite the blogger too I’ll say, however don’t be fooled by her quiet ways and tone now will you??? There is somewhat of a devil inside this one! But then we all have the devil somewhere inside us don’t you think?

Now, it is with great pleasure that I give you….Teeni

1. What motivated you to go close to being vegetarian?

I’m feeling more comfortable talking about this stuff than I originally was and I don’t talk much about it on my blog so hopefully this isn’t TMI for everyone. Anyway, here goes. When I was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer back in 2006, I decided I would do all I could to try and save myself. Because I was so young when I got it (premenopausal) and because my cancer was hormone-fueled, I tried to eliminate most animal products (they’re full of hormones, just like we are, even if they are organic) and I turned to a more plant-based diet, just avoiding soy and flax because those are both very high in the phyto-estrogens. I still eat some dairy and some meat, but no way near what I used to, and when I do eat them, I try to get organic and uncured, minimally processed foods. I am now what they call showing NED (No Evidence of Disease). I am on pharmaceutical medication as well and am not making any claims here except that in the beginning, I felt fantastic, lost weight easily, and had more energy than ever in my life - I think that was due to the intake of lots of raw foods and the surgery to remove a mass of cancerous cells that my body had probably been trying to fight for who knows how long. Over time, I’ve gotten away from so much raw food and am trying to return to it. Anyway, I asked the doctors to do all they could for me as I was going to do all I could for me also, in order to “help them help me.” I quit smoking and changed my diet and am still struggling with getting more exercise. But I think the veggies are helping me to make my body as healthy as I can so it can fight as much as it can for itself.

2. Has your blog always been what is now or did you have another one before it?

My blog has evolved a bit as I try new things but it is my first blog and I think I just was very fortunate to run into such wonderful people right away that kept me interested and learning new things, because I think that kept me inspired to continue and to grow as well. I think the Tea Room will continue to be an ever-changing and social blog. I love the interaction and a Tea Room allows me to be really flexible with my subject matter.

3. You have a family friendly site. DO you have another one that isn’t a family site. If so, share please?

LOL. Ahh, so you suspect I may not be as innocent as I let on? You would be right about that but no, so far there is no other site. However, I’ve been entertaining ideas … ask me again sometime in the future.

4. How do you like to think people will remember you when you’re gone?

I hate to think about that kind of stuff, but it is worse to think that you might NOT be remembered! I would like to think people would remember me as being a nice person; one who had to fight her own mental, emotional, and physical demons, just like everyone does. And I would like to think that I would be forgiven for any harm I may have done to anyone, whether intentional or not, because I truly feel I’ve gotten to a point in my life where I forgive anyone else for pain they may have caused me, intentional or not. It’s not always immediate, and that’s not to say I am not angry/upset when it happens, but in time I do get to that level of consciousness of forgiving that brings me peace. Life is too short to spend it mad at everyone because we are all human and are bound to cause pain to someone else at some point or another. Boy, do I blabber on! You may regret doing this interview. Thankfully the internet doesn’t run out of “paper” for me to write on. To sum it up, I guess the best thing would be for people to remember me as being happy, making the most of life, and having the most awesome life anyone could possibly have. See? I’m still greedy like that. Oh yeah, and I love games. I bet most people would remember THAT.

5. Do you have any body piercings, other than your ears?

No - just my ears and how did you KNOW that? You’re freaking me out, Mum!

6. Who would you turn gay for?

Hmm. I really don’t have any desire for any other females but I will say if I had to choose one it would be a model I remember seeing when I was a teenager. Her name was Marjorie Andrade and I thought she was the most beautiful creature on this earth. So I guess if I couldn’t BE her then maybe I could go gay for her. That’s kinda close. Sorta.

7. Other than your parents, who has had the most influence in creating the person you are today?

I think my sisters have influenced me a lot - both in learning what I want to be like and what I don’t want to be like. I also realized as a late teen that I could be whatever kind of person I wanted to be. Nobody could force me into a mold. I could find people I admired for their beliefs and how they lived their lives and emulate them. I didn’t choose famous people, but people I met in daily life. People who I actually got to know on a day-to-day basis, like my friend, D who is always getting up and going and learning new things and has more energy than me even though she is has twenty years on me, or people like my friends E&D, who are the most accepting, caring, thoughtful and fun friends I’ve ever met. I like to try to impart that knowledge to my nieces and nephews now. They should know that their environment and upbringing should not be all that shapes them - they also have choices in how they behave and there are also responsibilities and reactions to how they choose to behave. But the ultimate type of person they want to be is totally up to them.

8. Why is your T’n'T page password protected?

That page is protected because it links to a family newsletter that I ran for six years, most times it was four issues a year. It was a fun, sarcastic, family newsletter that sort of “roasted” family members. It also contained pictures of family members and identifying information that I do not have permission to share here and I feel that I do not have the right to publish other people’s info without their permission, as I would probably not appreciate my family members doing the same with my information. So the password only goes to family members. However, I have not updated the newsletter for the past year. In addition to the online one, I had to print a number of copies for people in the family who did not have computers and it takes a lot of time to format those and a LOT of money for ink/paper/postage to send those so I have kind of let it slip. I just don’t have the ambition to keep up with that when blogging is so much easier. I may end up creating a separate blog for that with password protected posts that I just print and mail every so often to the family members who don’t have a computer. I’m open for suggestions on that if anyone else has experience with a newsletter.

9. What type of cancer did you beat? {I ask because I too beat the mongrel thing}

Does anyone really ever “beat” it? I’m in the very, very high risk category for recurrence. I am always so afraid of talking about it too much or acting cocky about it by saying I’ve beaten it as if by doing so, I will wake it from its sleep. I’ve only done one post on my blog about it and that was during National Breast Cancer Month. I just blurted it out then with no editing or anything. LOL. I feel a little more comfortable talking about it now and have since referred to having “chemo fog brain” several times on my blog and in comments around the blogosphere. But still, even the word “cancer” sends an icicle through my heart to this day. Perhaps you understand what I mean since you have had it yourself (I’d love to hear your story, by the way)? The cancer I had was breast cancer. I went through a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation. I have not been reconstructed yet and am starting to look into that this year. Maybe I’m getting comfortable enough to start talking normally about it on my blog. I just never wanted my blog to become a “cancer blog.” It’s my happy place. I’ve come to realize that none of us know how long we have so we have to make the most of each day - being extremely grateful for what we do have. I’m pain-free, mobile, able to function normally, (most people don’t even know I was sick if I don’t tell them), have a wonderful husband, a house that is always in construction, and wonderful people (and bloggers) in my life. My family and friends are not perfect, but I love them, as they love me. So I’ve tried to find some peace and happiness and make the most of each day in that way. So maybe I HAVE beaten it, in a sense.

10. Do you like yourself, and why? If not, why not?

Awesome question. I like who I’m becoming.

I used to think I liked myself. I used to be pretty vain, both mentally and physically. In this life, you don’t get to choose your looks, your ethnicity, your family’s income, your nationality, or religion in many cases. But you can choose what type of person you want to be. The older and wiser I get, the more I realize that I am a work in progress and although I always knew I could be whatever type of person I wanted to be, I used to think it was a thing you just chose and you worked for it and achieved it. But that is not the case. Every day you have to continue to work to be the type of person you want to be. That work doesn’t end as long as you are alive. I look back now and there are times I didn’t like myself, either the way I behaved or looked or the decisions I made. Like most people, I made some bad choices. Sometimes I was just a real biotch. Some of this might have been influenced by certain other medical conditions, I now know, but that is no excuse. I ‘fess up to it and now realize I could have handled things differently, I just didn’t see it then. But I like to LEARN from my past and not DWELL on it. I live in the HERE and NOW so that is the only thing I can control or influence. And I like the decisions and choices I’ve been making. And I like who I’m becoming.

Teeni
My thanks for your oh so candid answers. All the interviews have been great, don’t get me wrong, but your love of life and bright cheery attitude shine through brilliantly here. Know I’m so pleased you stepped up to the plate sweetie
Maureen

Tags: blogging, friends, interviews, questions & answers // 20 Comments »

Our latest interviewee is not only another Aussie {like me} he’s an Aussie with talent {unlike me!} Quite a bit of talent in fact. He has a way with words I envy, and a turn of phrase that makes me all warm and fuzzy inside {sad huh??}
Another blog buddy of mine is quite impressed with our Paul Squires too. Sarah Flanigan thought enough of him to write a poem for him. {Here’s a small portion of it, just click Sarah’s link for the the rest}

There was a minstrel squire
who swoon-ded all the dames
And set their hearts afire
though he never named a name

A fascinating fellow
who used his words to cure
the lack of modern mellow
whilst dancing out the door……

He was a fascinating subject let me add. Very interesting answers to say the least.

Now, I leave you with, Paul Squires.

1. What is the name of your blog in reference to?

gingaTao is a word I made up, a composite of ginga which is a Brazilian word meaning the spirit of the samba, the energy of life and Tao which is the idea behind the Taoist religeon.

2. You write some beautiful poetry. What inspires your words?

Thankyou, my poetry is inspired by my gratitude for the miracle of being alive.

3. Do you aspire to being published? Or have you been already?

I have been published in several journals and I am negotiating the publishing of my first book at the moment.

4. Perfect woman. Description please, we want all the little details!!

My perfect woman is one who not only tolerates my many flaws but finds them endearing as well.

5. A perfect day and evening?

My perfect day is one in which there is nothing that needs to be done and my perfect evening involves wonderful food and drink and company.

6. Who would you turn gay for?

I fall in love with people not rude bits. I would turn gay for any man who could inspire the same affection and gratitude that women inspire in me. I can’t imagine it ever happening though.

7. Have you ever considered writing erotica? Or do you already? {If so, will you share one of your stories!!!}

Amethyst

like the salt sea
and flowers
timelapsed
blooming

8. How close to the person is the blogger?

There is no similarity at all. I have a beating heart, the blog is just words and pictures.

9. What do you want on your headstone?

“Oh well, maybe next time.”

10. Your favourite genre of music and why?

Life is an improvised artform like Jazz

Paul, let me say how much I enjoyed these answers. they were well thought out and delightful to read. I thank you for allowing us a small peek into your life

Tags: aussies, blogging, interviews, questions & answers // 17 Comments »

Today is another blogger I’m not overly familiar with, however that’s changing slowly but surely. Her site is known as I’m Not Really a Housekeeper {which amuses me no end} and she goes by Maddyejames.
This young lady is the mother of 2 young children, is a damned good writer and, from what I’m seeing, a general all round nice person. In her own words she is “a dedicated under achiever” which also amuses me no end. I was much the same for many years
Without further ado, my latest interview subject…Maddeyjames

1. When did you start blogging and why?

I’ve been blogging since November 2006. I started because my family and I had just up and left the Charlotte area to move to DC, and my extended family was a little distraught. I started my other blog (http://boolbus.wordpress.com), to keep the family updated on the babies, their antics, and the crazy funny things they do each day. Once I started that one, I realized I needed more, so I started blogging for myself. I’m a writer, and I need to write, and blogging brings that validation and feedback that all writers crave. Now, I blog because I love the people, the community, and knowing that I have people who read my thoughts and enjoy them.

2. Your children are very close together. How hard has that been to cope with?

Cope? Who said anything about coping?
Sweetie was planned. Dude was an absolute surprise. The first year, it was horrible. Two sets of tears, two different sized diapers, and two people who desperately needed me in different ways. I ended up really depressed, but managed to pull out of it, because they needed me to. After the first year, it got better. And now? Well, it’s an absolute blast. They keep each other occupied in ways I didn’t know was possible, and bring me more joy than I can describe. Dude, the surprise kid, has taught me so much about myself that I can’t imagine a different child. Just the other day, he looked at me, and said (in all seriousness): “Mommy, I love my penis.”
The boy just makes me laugh. And Sweetie makes my heart smile.

3 You say you have equal strengths and weaknesses. Name 5 of each

Uh, um, well…geez. Ask the hard ones, why don’t you?
Weaknesses are easier to state, so:
* I’m friggin stubborn. To the point where I don’t usually listen to other people until it’s too late.
* I’m really smart. I know it sounds completely snotty, but I have an IQ over the genius level, and I know it. And I read a lot, so I have a lot of random information in my head, and I rarely forget things. So, I usually think I’m right. And when I’m not right, I make a complete ass out of myself because I’m so sure that I couldn’t possibly be wrong.
*I think all people are pretty much out for themselves. It make me a little cynical, and not always ready to give people the benefit of the doubt.
* I’m dedicated underachiever. I’ve always been good at most everything I’ve put my hand to (except sports…I suck at sports), so I have a tendency to drop something once I’ve started to succeed at it. Made the parents nuts growing up.
* I hold myself to really high standards. So when I don’t meet those standards (which I don’t, often), I get really anxious about it. And I start to examine every aspect of my life. Which leads to more anxiousness. Lovely.

Okay. Strengths:
*I don’t hold grudges.
*I’m not at all prejudiced. I usually accept people right where they’re at, becase I know that life can throw things at you that change the very essence of who you are.
*When I let you in, I love fiercely. And I love unconditionally, and will protect that love with my life.
*I’m a really good friend. I don’t have many friends, because I trust with reservation, but when I accept that friendship into my life, I’m loyal. And understanding. And rarely judgemental.
*Persistent. I rarely give up on anything, once I’ve made the decision to do it. I don’t give up on people, life, or relationships. I’ll keep going, no matter the obstacles.

4. How do you go about being “you” and not a wife and mother?

I don’t let guilt affect my life as a woman. Many moms and wives feel guilty about everything, and worry about how their every action will affect their family. I refuse to do that. I have moments when it tries to creep in, but I push it out. Because once you let that guilt in, your life as a woman becomes about your failures as a wife and mother. I won’t let that into my life. Being a guilt free woman makes me a better wife and mother, because I don’t feel tied to my life. I feel like I chose it.

5. What do you want to achieve in life?

I want my kids to be okay. Healthy, happy, and not too dysfunctional. I want to grow old with my husband, and continue to laugh with him as we do today. I want to grow as a person until the day I die. And I want to be that old lady with interesting stories, the one who’s lucid enough to tell them. I want more education. I love to learn, and at some point I want my PhD in Education. I want to affect the educational system in our country, because as a teacher, I think the one we currently have in place is a detriment and disservice to our children. I want to publish a novel, and have people enjoy it.

6. Who would you turn gay for?

Angelina Jolie. I think she’s fabulous, and though I’ve never found myself attracted to a woman in my life, I’d totally be gay for her. I mean, look at the woman. And I’d get to meet famous people, which would be way cool. Because I’m a dork like that.

7. Describe your “perfect” date.

A day in New York city. I grew up in Jersey, and spent half my life in New York (my parents didn’t really realize how easy it was to take the train…my God, if they only knew…. Huz and I have never been, and to spend an entire day in my favorite city with him would be absolute perfection. Of course, the day would have to end with a show. Because Broadway? Yeah…freaking awesome. Love me a good Broadway show.

8. Your favourite author, and why?

Jennifer Crusie. She’s entertaining, funny, and her characters are people I’d want to hang out with.

9. What do you remember most from your childhood?

Living at the Jersey Shore… Vinegar fries on the boardwalk after spending the day boogie boarding and surfing. Volleyball on the beach until two in the morning. Hitting the diner across the street for breakfast at midnight. Jenkinson’s arcade…beating the ass out of my friends at SkeeBall. Pizza at $1 a slice that you had to fold four times just to be able to hold it with one hand.
God, I miss it.

10. Other than your family, who holds a special place in your heart and why?

I know you said “other than family”, but there is no other. When we moved to DC from Charlotte, we’d lost all the people we counted friends. It was as if they couldn’t deal with our struggles, so they melted away. When we left Charlotte, there was no one to say goodbye to.
That said. The one person who’s always believed in me, the one person who I could always go to, and the one person who has supported me when no one else did is my dad. I hated him for years (another story), but in the last five he’s become that person in my life who’s always cheering me on. I never thought I’d say it, but he’s that person.

Tags: blogging, interviews, questions & answers // 11 Comments »

This is quite the stomach turning little item of interest. Please keep in mind this a government funded magazine as you read.

Yes, this is our tax dollar at work. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!

Have a go at this sickening little article

A small while ago here in Oz, there were pictures siezed from an art gallery, by police. The pics, taken by artist Bill Hensen, were of a naked 13 year old. There was a huge hullabaloo over it. IMHO the police did the right thing however.

The editor of this magazine did this, to “reinstate some dignity to the debate” and to “protest against the treatment of Bill Henson” according to news reports. Because, of course publishing naked pics of a 6 year old adds dignity to any debate doesn’t it, so I can see the reasoning behind it. NOT!

That these pics were taken by the childs mother is the final insult! What the hell is going through a mothers mind to let them be plastered all over the cover of a magazine is the question it raises in my mind. I don’t give a damn if it’s labelled as “art”, it’s downright wrong.

When will the exploitation of children be addressed in this country?

When will people take these things seriously?

Is anyone going to take action against the mother and/or the editor?

I’m feeling quite sick over this. Maybe it’s because I have a 7 year old granddaughter??

I had a quick squiz through the comments on this article and I believe this sums it up perfectly.

Look, the reality is that it isn’t the picture that is the problem. To a mother, this is just a beautiful picture of her child at play being her spontaneous self. To the local pedophile, this is the thing that fantasies are made of. Just because you put a pretty cover on it and call it “Art”; doesn’t make it any more appealing to know that there are sickos out there who are going to let it fuel a potentially twisted mind to action against a child victim. This should be in a box in mom’s closet to embarrass a kid when there 25 and she drags it out at a holiday function. NOT in a publication that can fall into the hands of someone mentally unstable.
Posted by: Barbara of Arizona 4:01am today

These are the happenings that make me fear for the future my grandchildren face.

ETA: Mark has made a very valid point while we were discussing our disgust for this.

However, this is considered “art” that won’t happen here will it?

Tags: acts of lunacy, gagging // 11 Comments »

Yes, we’re halfway through the interviews. Only another 12 to go! I cannot believe how this thing morphed into a life form all of it’s own. I’m still shaking my head about it.

So. I promised once the interviews were done, everyone could ask 1 question each of Mark and I. Now before anyone says “But Maureen, you got to ask all of us 10 each” please remember there are 24 of you! I’ve already answered 20 questions between Annie and Evyl, thus, in total, I’ll have answered 44, so you’d best not be complaining you hear??

The floor is open to ONLY the 12 people who have already been interviwed. One question each {Annie and Evyl included} for Mark and myself. The others will have their turn once the interviews are finished.

It can be about anything you want, there is no question we won’t answer, however. Be prepared for the answers. Particularly from Mark. ANYTHING could come out of his mouth, and I won’t be censoring, nor will I be editing. What he answers will be what you get. Don’t say you weren’t warned. Go back over the questions already asked, cos I don’t like repeating myself. Myself. Myself. Myself *slapping self up side of fucking head*

{Need to be gone to take medication now}

Please post your questions in the comments, not via email, that way you won’t be risking doubling up on someone else’s question.

Ask away my friends, ask away.

Tags: acts of lunacy, aussies, blogging, friends, interviews // 6 Comments »

Interesting name huh? That was my immediate thought the first time I saw it anyway.

QB has been on a small hiatus of late, but got back on the bike with a damned good rant recently, and we all know how I love a good rant???

This is another blogger I don’t know a lot about, but I’m slowly learning the name is perhaps not deserved, not matter what she says. She’s no more outspoken than me really. Hmmm…not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing??? I digress….

I trawled through her blog, but let me say, she has a knack of saying much sometimes, yet most of the time it’s not about her dammit! I did find an about page which gave me a couple of little hints and tips however.

QB has handled her questions as you all did. Took them at face value, accepted them for what they were {me sticking my nose into someone elses’s life} and answered them with honesty and no guile. Most impressive.

Without further ado my friends, I give you…the Queen Bitch

1. When are you going to start posting again? Your public awaits!!

Can I please change your spelling or should I let you fix it?? I think I will start posting when I have thought through everything that I want to change. {tis ok..i changed it! it was pretty atrocious!}

2. How many swear words do you think you can ratttle off? {yes, we do want to know what they are}

As in a sentence? Or how many I know? I think one of my worst habits is answering a question with a question. Anyway.
Fuck, shit, cunt, bugger, fuckwit, asshole, motherfucker, cuntyareswhore, bastard, whore, fucken, you stupid motherfucken sluttycuntwhorearsemotherfucker.{this is a BLINDER!} ß I Said that one last night while packing my things into boxes. I hate packing.

3. Favourite position for sex and why?

Sex??? What is this thing you speak of?? Did you know its been a year since I’ve had sex? Yup a whole year. Isn’t that sad. I generally like being on the bottom with my legs over the guys shoulders so its nice and deep. I’m not so into being on top as the guy just looks up and sees all the things I don’t like!

4. What philosophies get you through tough times?

Theres a reason for everything. Life goes on. Don’t cry over spilt milk. Oh well shit happens. She’ll be right.

5. How close to the blogger is the “real” person?

Well for some reason I actually hide apart of myself on my blog as one of my Real life friends asked me on my old blog not to post about the guys I was seeing and what was going on with that so I stoped. The same friend also mentioned I was too morbid. I do feel my blog is pretty close to the real me. Possibly less annoying though.

6. Have you ever bumped uglies with another woman?

No I have been kissed several times by chicks and one chick has shown me her clit (she had a piercing you see, 10seconds after I met her. It was like “hi I have my clit pierced wanna see?” and then down went the panties!)

7. Do you like yourself? If so, why, if not, why not?

Hmm.. Mostly I do. I like how I’m caring to my friends and how I listen (sometimes) I don’t like how I can be annoying and paranoid about some things. I need more confidence.

8. Have you managed to stick to the New Years resolutions you made?

My what? Hmmm.. Let me go check on those and get back to you

I have kept up with most of them. Would you like a run down? Ok I think you do. {you chose wisely here}

1. Was to go to the gym. I was going but with the price of petrol and the fact that its across town I’m trying to find other ways to get exercise.

2. Be more organised! Hahahaha… well I am more organised at work. Not so much at home. I think I will try to make that a bit smaller than just “be more organised”.

3. Be more like greenie/ emerald. Well I am more assertive at work and with staff. For example I got asked to work last Saturday but I couldn’t because of prior commitments. The old me would have just cancelled plans outside work and gone to work, not this time J

4. Don’t think about the past too much. I think I have done that with the exception of my dreams as I cant control them.

5. Don’t hold any grudges. Well no I haven’t held any grudges as such I still talk to people I have differences.

6. Keep in contact with mates. I have been trying to do that one. One of my closest mates has just had her second baby! I love other people’s babies! But because I’ve been on call at work I haven’t been able to see my friend! But I am working on it!

7. Limit my nosiness! Yes I think I have done remarkably well I have been way less nosey. Wait does this include facebook and bebo stalking? I’m going with no.

8. Find out what I want to do with my life. Hmm.. Next.

9. Talk about my feelings more?? Argh! Well yeah I think I have been. I found out some bad news about a family friend I’ve known forever and I told my flatmate straight away basically and said it didn’t feel real yet. So I think that’s an improvement.

10. Improve blog writing skills. Well I’m not blogging at the moment so… meh.. Lol..

9. Who would you turn gay for?

Well there’s a joke at my work that I’m lesbian for Becky (one of my co-workers) but I work with her so that’d be a bit of a no no and she’s also got a boyfriend. Jessica Alba annnnnnnd… holly or Bridget from girls next door. Or that chick that plays Nicole in home and away. Tessa something. I am totally straight though. Doesn’t mean I can’t have an opinion on whether or not a chick is hot.

10. How do you like to think people will remember you after you’re gone?

As the one that finds something dirty in anything that is said. Seriously it’s a gift.

Or as a near emo girl that hates emos. Honestly, I don’t know. Possibly as the one with the kickarse funeral. When I go back to blogging I’m going to post my funeral songs. Theres some real winners in there.

You’ve done well young lady.Take a bow. My thanks for stepping up too

Tags: blogging, interviews, questions & answers // 11 Comments »