The Queen's Meme #2......

The Mission Impossible Meme

Okey Dokey here's the second Queen's Meme from Mimi Queen Of Memes, where every Tuesday she will put up a new meme for us serfs to participate in with the threat of being thrown in the dungeon if we don't do it!

1. You are a guest on the space shuttle. You just arrived on the moon and realize you forgot something back home that you can't live without. What is it and how do you convince them to go back and fetch it?

Well I am very organised and I NEVER, EVER forget anything!  Oh wait a minute there was that ONE time. I remember when the kids were young we were on our way to Abersoch, Wales,  we were halfway there, it had been raining for two hours and we stopped for a bathroom break.  It was then I discovered I'd forgotten to put any coats in the car and the petrol tank was leaking!   We didn't have much money and I was convinced that the little we did have would be spent on fixing the petrol tank and buying Kagools because it would be raining for the whole week.   The Universe smiled on us though and the leaking petrol tank was just the floater guage not screwed in right (or something like that, I'm not very technical) and the garage didn't charge us for putting it right.   As we arrived at our destination the sun came out and never went back in again (well apart from at night) for the whole week!  

Anyway where was I before I remembered that one lapse?   Ah yes, if, I say IF, I was to forget somethng it definitely wouldn't be something I couldn't live without, all those items would have been on my list (I'm a great one for lists) and in the suitcase so there would be no need to go back.  Anyway by the time I get to the moon there will be a shopping mall!



2. Pretend you are a teacher in a rough public school for one day. You have been assigned to teach Manners 101. You have the "challenging bad butt kids" class (remember this is a pretend school and anyway I can't say ass on my blog 'cause it's so unQueenly and I might get fined or something).


They are jumping up and down, cursing, and throwing things at you.


What is the first thing you would write on the board?

I work in a school (no I'm not a teacher) and believe me the kids I come into contact with do NOT misbehave with me!    I'm a scary m*********er if they try - you just ask my boys!   One look and they sit down and behave.   If they're good though I'm a pussycat.

3. Someone in your family or a friend has started a blog. They think it is anonymous but you have figured it out. They are saying derogatory things about you. Do you tell them or do you read it for awhile?


How would you handle it?

LOL I would read for a while then drop the BOMBSHELL.    A comment on the lines of...

"I've been reading for a while and I don't like what you're saying!" Akelamalu

would suffice methinks.



4. If you had one dollar left in your pocket, what would you spend it on?

I'd buy a lottery ticket hoping to win.    Hopefully I would never be down to my last dollar because I would be working so there'd be more money coming in.  

5. President Obama and the First Lady are coming over for dinner. What do you serve?

Well they'd be coming for traditional Sunday lunch to my house so they'd get Roast Beef, Yorkshire Pudding, Roast Potatoes, Mashed Potatoes, Carrots, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Green Beans and my famous (well it's famous to all the people that have tasted it) Gravy.  For afters I would give them Apple Crumble and Custard or Cream.   


6. You walk in on your lover. They are trying on your clothes. What do you do?

I'd smack him one - no-one tries my clothes without my permission!



7. Every astronaut must have shots! Choose your vaccination: You only get one and you can't enjoy any of the attributes of the other choices. You choose either: (1) The fountain of eternal youth and sexual vigor but only for 10 years (2) perfect health for a lifetime (3) eternal mind-numbing nirvana and peace of mind (4) unlimited hedonism for one year with no negative consequences

Of course it would have to be #2.

#1 is contradictory - you can't have eternal youth that only lasts for 10 years can you?
#3 what would be the point of mind-numbing nirvana?   You only appreciate the ups in life if you have the downs don't you?
#4 I like a bit of hedonism and if I was blessed with perfect health for a lifetime I could indulge without fear that the second part 'no negative consequences' might not be true!



This is your mission should you choose to accept it. And remember, don't end up in the dungeon.

I accepted the Queen's challenge so I'm not going in the dungeon this week.

If you want to accept the Queen's challenge then go here and put your name on Mr. Linky.


I won't be doing a 55 Flash Fiction or a Wordzzle this week or next, I'm off to Wales on Monday so am busy getting ready.   

I'll post the winner of the Great Imagination Award on Sunday - if you haven't done so already, do go to the previous post and read the entries, then vote for your favourite.    I'll still be visiting you until Sunday then that's me - out of the blogosphere for a week.

The Queen's Meme.....

Mimi Queen Of Memes has started a new blog called The Queen's Meme where every Tuesday she will put up a new meme for us serfs to participate in with the threat of being thrown in the dungeon if we don't do it!

So, without further ado, here is the very first meme out of The Queen's Meme:
The Blog Outside The Box Meme

This meme is all about using your imagination. Free your inner blogginess. Step outside the proverbial blox (that's blog + box for all you non-blog speakers). Answer these ridiculous situational questions and post them on your own blog. Here's the situation for today. We won't tell a soul. And remember:

Don't end up in the dungeon.

1. You are in court. You are in deep doo-doo. What did you do? ('Cause if you want, I might could talk to the judge and get your sentence reduced to Bloggingham dungeon time.)

The only way I would be in court would be as a witness - I'm Miss Goody Two Shoes didn't you know?



2. Your blog just became a best-selling book . What is the title of your book ?

Everything and Nothing - what else would I call it?

3. It is midnight. The phone rings. It is Michael Jackson calling from the Great Beyond.

What would you like to ask him?

Who's the father of your children?



4. You are having your future told. The fortune teller looks in the crystal ball, screams and leaves the room in fright. What did they see?

I don't know but it would scare the s*** out of me!

5. You're blogging along minding your own blusiness (that's blog + oh...you know) when Google unexpectedly puts a Objectionable Content Warning on your blog. Your own mother is afraid to enter! What, pray tell, did you do to warrant it? How did this happen? Do you think you deserve it? Just how objectionable are you? Do tell.

I was probably having a vent about my boss and used some unprintable swear words.

6. You suddenly become God Of The Universe. What would your first Commandment be?

Stop all wars!

7. And finally, what secret would you like to tell the Queen?

Not to worry. What happens in Bloggingham, stays in Bloggingham.

I rang in sick to work, when I wasn't sick at all.  I needed the day off to go see my son get the prize for the best first year law student at University.  I hope no-one at work finds my blog!

65 Questions.....

you've never been asked. That's what Mimi says this meme is called.

Anyway, Mimi tagged everyone that read it and when Mimi tags you, you do it. So here goes.

1. First thing you wash in the shower? My hair


2. What color is your favorite hoodie? It takes me ages to get my hair right, why would I want to put a hood on it????


4. Do you plan outfits?  Like a military campaign.


5. How are you feeling RIGHT now?   Relaxed, as I've just spent two hours reading a book in the sunshine in my garden.


6. What's the closest thing to you that's red?  The cropped trousers I'm wearing.


7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having?    I had a really strange dream in the early hours ofthis morning, it was all about me retiring from work.  I plan to retire in December so it must be on my mind.


8. Did you meet anybody new today? No not today, I've not been anywhere to meet anyone, I've only been in my garden.


9. What are you craving right now?  A nice cup of tea, I'm going to make eyes at MWM in hope he'll make me one!


10. Do you floss?    Of course doesn't everyone?


11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage?   The smell!!


12. Are you emotional?  Yes, I can cry at the drop of a hat!


13. Have you ever counted to 1,000?   No I got fed up when I got to 100.


14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it? Oh lick it definitely, it lasts longer.


15. Do you like your hair?   At the moment yes, but tomorrow maybe not.


16. Do you like yourself?    Yes I'm happy with myself.


17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush?    Why not, if he was paying.


18. What are you listening to right now?   I'm watching Celebrity Mr & Mrs on television.


19. Are your parents strict?  Yes they were strict but never so much that I felt the need to rebel (well not too much )

20. Would you go sky diving?    Do you think I'm stark staring raving mad?????


21. Do you like cottage cheese? I love cottage cheese with chives.  I have it at least twice a week on salad for my lunch.


22. Have you ever met a celebrity?   Yes when MWM and I appeared on The Generation Game on BBC TV in 1981


23. Do you rent movies often? No we watch them on sky or people lend them to us.


24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you’re in?     Yes the crystals I have hanging in the window.


25. How many countries have you visited?  14 countries roughly but many different islands and resorts.


26. Have you made a prank phone call?    No, I couldn't disguise my voice.


27. Ever been on a train? We go on train trips all the time just for fun.

28. Brown or white eggs?  Depends on what colour my son's hens lay - they're my favourites 


29. Do you have a cell-phone? Yes - I text a lot.


30. Do you use chap stick?   Yes, otherwise my lips dry out rapidly and I have to keep them kissable for MWM

 31. Do you own a gun? Absolutely not, it's illegal here anyway.


32. Can you use chopsticks? Yes, I always use chopsticks when we go to a Chinese restaurant.


33.Who are you going to be with tonight?  MyWonderfulMan

 34. Are you too forgiving?  I can be but I never forget.


35. Ever been in love?  I am in love.

 36. What is your best friend(s) doing tomorrow? She has the week off work and will be looking after her grandson tomorrow.


65. Have you ever crawled through a window?   No I don't do crawling, through anything.


If you were reading this thinking I'm not doing this it would take too long, you have now had a pleasant surprise because there's not 65 questions,  so go on have a go if you've nothing better to do, I'm not tagging anyone it's up to you.

Unimportant meme.....

Thom (Thoms Place 4 Well Whatever) tagged me for this meme.

Here is how it works. I mention the person who tagged me, which happened above, list 6 unimportant things that make me happy, to follow, and after that tag 6 more bloggers. So without further ado:

6 unimportant things that make me happy:

1. Gardening, when I have time.

2. Shopping.

3. Looking through old photographs.

4. A good hair day.

5. Listening to music.

6. Watching my favourite TV programmes.

Now I have to tag six other bloggers,so step up if you want to do it:

Ron (Vent)

Julia (A Piece Of My Mind)

Dr. John (Dr. John's Fortress)

Pam (Finding Pam)

Marmie (Twaddle Everyday Rubbish)

Linda (Are We There Yet?)

Another meme......

I saw this at CG's blog (The Compulsive Worrier) and  she offered it out to anyone who cared to take it.  So, as I'm stuck for blogfodder, I took it!   If you’d like to do the meme, here’s how it works.



1. Answer the questions on your blog, replace one question you dislike with a question of your own invention; add a question of your own.


2. You may tag others or leave it open to anyone who feels like giving it a go.



What is your current obsession? Eating Healthily and exercising so I can lose weight.

Good coffee place? I don't go out for coffee but if I did anywhere they sold Cappuccino would do.

Do you nap a lot?  No not at all.

Who was the last person you hugged? MyWonderfulMan

What’s for dinner? Salmon en Croute

What are you listening to right now?  the radio

What is your favourite weather? Sun and more Sun.

What’s on your bedside table? My alarm clock and a sea shell.

Say something to the person/s who tagged you.  I wasn't tagged, I pinched this from another blog!

If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you want it to be?  Juan-les-Pins in the South of France.

What is the last song you listened to? Stoned Love - Diana Ross & The Supremes on the radio

Favourite vacation spot? The Maldives

Name the things you can’t live without.  MWM and my family.

What were the happiest two years of your life?  The last 37 years that MWM and I have been together.

What would you like to get rid of?  This two stone of extra weight I'm carrying

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go? I'd like to visit my friend Queenie.

What did you want to become as a child?   I wanted to be a ballerina.

What do you miss?   My Mum.

What are you reading right now? Endal by Allen and Sandra Parton

What do you fear the most? Losing loved ones.

What designer piece of clothing would you most like to own (new or vintage)?  A pair of Jimmy Choo killer heels - though I doubt I could walk in them.

What did you last watch on television?  Countryfile on BBC 1

If you're stuck for Blodfodder feel free to have a go.

aLpHaBeT aNsWeRs.....

I found this at Trav's Thoughts and pinched borrowed it.

A - Age: 59

B - Bed size: Queen Water Bed

C - Chore You Hate: Cleaning Windows

D – Dad’s Name: Joe

E - Essential Start Your Day Item: Cup of Decaf Tea and Fruit salad

F - Favorite Actor: Julie Walters

G - Gold or Silver: Both

H - Height: 5' 5"

I - Instrument(s) you play:  Piano accordian - No I'm kidding I don't play an instrument.

J - Job Title: Careers Administration Officer

K - Kid(s): Two boys and a husband!

L - Likes: Wine and beer

M - Mom’s Name: Elsie

N - Nickname: Poppet

O - Overnight Hospital Stay Other Than Birth: Tonsilectomy, giving birth (twice), Knee Debride, Emergency urology problem, Hysterectomy, Knee replacement.  Well you did ask!

P - Pet Peeve: Rudeness

Q - Quote that you like: One's life is never in vain, no matter how short, if people remember you. (Akelamalu 2009.)
 R - Righty or Lefty: Righty

S - Siblings: Two brothers, both younger.

T - Time You Wake Up: I wake up regularly through the night but I actually get up at 5.50 a.m.

U - Useful tool: Tweezers

V - Vegetable that you dislike: Butter beans - Bleurgh

W - Weather you dislike:  Snow (There was no W so I just made this up!)

X - X-rays You’ve Had:  knees, ankles, hips, chest, abdominal CT scan

Y - Yummy Foods You Make: Pancakes for MWM - I don't eat them!

Z - Zodiac: Scorpio - watch my sting!


Feel free to have a go if you like.

Silly names........

This looked like fun so I pinched borrowed it from Dr. John's Fortress.  Feel free to have a go.


1.Your rock star name (first pet, current car) - Teddy Peugeot



2.Your gangsta name (favorite ice cream flavor, favorite type of shoe) – Mint Boots



3.Your Native American name (favorite color, favorite animal) – Red Dog


4.Your soap opera name (middle name, city where you were born) – Ruby Manchester


5.Your Star Wars name (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 of your first name) Naype


6.Superhero name (2nd favorite color, favorite drink) – Yellowbrandy


7.NASCAR name (the first names of your grandfathers) – Adam John


8.Dancer name (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy) Tabu Mingle



9.TV weather anchor name (your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter) McCormack Manchester



10.Spy name (your favorite season/holiday, flower) – Summer Gerbera


11.Cartoon name:(favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now) – Kiwi Crops


12.Hippie name (what you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree) – Fruit Willow


13.Movie (or porn) star name (first pet, first street where you lived) – Teddy Brechin

Family feud - The Blog Version........

Linda (Are We There Yet?) posted this meme recently and invited anyone who wanted to have a go to go ahead and take it.   Linda got it from Autmumn's Meadow.   

If you want to play along, copy and paste the questions to a new post, erase my answers, and fill in your answers. Just remember, you can't use any of the answers I've already given or you'll hear a loud annoying buzzer go off in your head! If you want to pass the game along, tag 5 of your friends and don't forget to send it back to me. Remember, you can't use the same answer as the person who sent it to you.


1. Name something you use in the shower. Exfoliator



2. Name a product for men. Palmolive Shaving Soap



3. Name something people hate to find on their windshields. Parking tickets



4. Name something a man might buy before a date. Flowers



5. What is another word for blemish. Spot


6. Something you cook in the microwave. McCain Microwave Chips



7. Name a piece of furniture people need help moving. Wardrobe


8 Name a reason a younger man might like an older woman. We can teach them a lot!



9. Name something a dog does that embarrasses its owner. Humps their leg? LOL



10.. Name a kind of test you cannot study for. Blood test



11. Name something a boy scout gets a badge for. Building fires?  I don't know I've never been a boy scout!



12 Name a phrase with the word home in it. Home Sweet Home



13. Name a sport where players lose teeth. Boxing


14. Name something a teacher can do to ruin a student's day. Give them a detention



15. What is a way you can tell someone has been crying.  Red nose


16. Name a bird you wouldn't want to eat. A sparrow, not enough meat on it!



17. Name something someone would wear with a hole in it. Sock


18.  Name something that gets smaller the more you use it. Soap


I'm not going to tag anyone but do let me know if you decide to play along so I can come by and check out your answers.

The Meme With No Name........

Mimi (Mimi Writes) swiped borrowed this meme from somewhere and tagged the whole blogosphere with it, including me, under pain of imprisonment in her dungeon if we don’t do it. I’m not frightened of Mimi (I lie) but I’m short on blog fodder at the moment so I’m gonna do it.



When was the last time you splurged on a gift for yourself? I’m always buying myself stuff!


Have you ever bought yourself a gift for Christmas, Valentines Day, a birthday or any other occasion and then wrapped it up and pretended it was from someone else?  No - does anyone actually do that?


Have you ever sent yourself flowers, chocolates or anything else to your place of employment so it seemed as if someone else were sending you a gift? That’s more or less the same as the previous question isn’t it? The answer’s no.


How often do you text message? All the time!


Is there someone you'd like to fix things with? I’m on an even keel with everyone I know I think so no need to fix things.


Are there any previous relationships you wish could have lasted longer? They lasted long enough for me to discover they should be over!


When do you blow out the candles? Before the wax melts onto the cake and the fire brigade arrive!


Do you give out second chances too easily? Yep but I don’t forget.


What's the next big life decision you will have to make? How much notice to give my employer that I intend to retire.  Do I give them plenty or just a month which is the statutory requirement?   That depends on how much they piss me off!

If you could cuddle with anyone right now, who would you pick, and why?  That would have to be MWM as he’s sitting right here next to me, oh and I love him!


Who is probably talking a load of crap about you right now? I don’t care. Whilst they’re talking about me they’re leaving someone else alone.


Who was the last person to REALLY piss you off? Someone at work but  I’ve forgotten who it was.


Would you ever want to be a supermodel? No but I wouldn’t mind being 3 dress sizes smaller!


Your motivation for tomorrow? If I don’t go (to work) I don’t get paid!


Do you know what you will wear tomorrow? Well it would have been my grass skirt but Mimi’s borrowed it. I guess something warm as it’s a tad cold here.


What is the last thing you put your lips against? MyWonderfulMan’s


Have you ever gone two or more days without changing your underwear?  Absolutely not, not even one day!


Have you ever accidentally eaten an insect? My mouth sometimes feels as though I have when I wake up in a morning.


What serial killer do you find most disturbing? All serial killers are disturbing but those who kill children are definitely NOT human!


Are you ever purposely irritating? I could be if someone pisses me off.


What was the last thing you used your debit card for? Cash out of the ATM.


Are you cheating on your significant other right now?  Absolutely not and that's not because I know he may read this!

Are you contemplating cheating on your significant other right now?  Definitely not, it would never, ever enter my mind. Unless George Clooney knocked on my front door.


When was the last time you sat down and watched kiddie cartoons?   Last time the grandchildren were here.


Do you sleep with one leg out from under the covers?   Yes, when I get too warm which tends to be most nights because of the blessed hot flushes!


Do you have any text messages that you would be embarrassed to let your mom read?  No, I delete them straight away!


How old do you think you will be when you finally have kids/your next kid?  If I have any more kids there will be a star over my roof and three wise men in the garden!


Have you ever thought about converting to a new religion? My religion is ‘Mrs Do As You Would Be Done By’ that way you don’t have to ask forgiveness.
 
Do you know anyone with the same first name as you?  Not my blogname, it’s a made up name, my real name yes.


When was the last time you went to church?  Probably for a wedding or a funeral but I can’t remember when.


What song plays on your Myspace profile page?  None but I have a playlist on my blog.


Do you know anyone that smokes pot?  Probably but they don’t advertise.


What were you doing the last time you were in the bathroom? Brushing my teeth.


Have you ever had a Razr as a phone? Is a Razr a phone?


Which energy drink is better; Amp or Rockstar? I’ve never heard of either.


Would you rather eat a Milkyway or eat a Twix? Are you trying to tempt me off my diet?


Do you like that new shoe smell?   I love the smell of new shoes. Shoes, shoes, shoes, …. You’ve set me off now!


Do you like the taste of licorice? It’s OK.


Would you ever walk around with a free hugs sign like the dude on youtube? You have to advertise hugs? I give them without advertising.


Did you ever flip out on a teacher and walk out of a class?   You’re joking I was too scared of getting into trouble!


Do you/did you ever have dreams of being a rockstar? I dreamt of being married to a rock star.


If vegetarians think its wrong to eat living things, why do they eat plants?  If God didn’t want us to eat animals why did he make them out of meat?


If you are not one of the millions Mimi tagged please feel free to take the meme and do your stuff!

Things I've done.......

Being short of blogging material I unashamedly swiped this from Saz at Fat,frumpy & 50.

It's dead easy all you have to do is bold the ones on the list that you've done


1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars- no but I've partied under the stars until dawn!
3. Played in a band - I played the triangle once in a music lesson at school.
4. Visited Hawaii - in my dreams and via Cloudia's blog.
5. Watched a meteor shower - I've seen a shooting star!
6. Given more than you can afford to charity - no but I do give some.
7. Been to Disneyland (Disney World) - no and I don't want to.
8. Climbed a mountain - does a very large hill count?
9. Held a praying mantis - do they bite?
10. Sang a solo - I was only 8 at the time and had no shame!
11. Bungee jumped - no, do you think I'm mad?
12. Visited Paris - no but it's on my to do list.
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch - yes caligraphy, that's an art isn't it?
15. Adopted a child - no but a few of my sons' friends adopted me.
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty- no I've not even been to America!  I've been to the top of Blackpool Tower though!
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France - no but I will when I fulfill #12.
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked - frequently when I was young, too dangerous now!
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill - I felt very guilty though.
24. Built a snow fort - no I don't like snow!
25. Held a lamb - it was butchered though, does that count?   OK, ok I know gross!
26. Gone skinny dipping - not quite skinny!
27. Run a Marathon - NO. run? me? LOL
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice - it's on my to do list.
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset - both in the same day!
31. Hit a home run - NO. run? me? LOL
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language - Turkish
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied (in general)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke - LOL
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted - not even a caricature!
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person - on my to do list.
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris - been to the top of Blackpool Tower.
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie - I've been on TV and on a DVD! (Laney asked me to tell - I already did here)
56. Visited the Great Wall of China - if only!
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia - not yet.
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching-porpoises
63. Got flowers for no reason - I asked him what he'd done!
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving - NO. do you think I'm mad?
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter - no too small, I don't like heights.
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt - no but I've made my own clothes.
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job - I've been made redundant but that's not quite the same.
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book - my grandmothers biography.
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating -no if I had to do that I'd become a vegetarian!
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life- given blood
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby - two
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee - then it died, serves it right!
100. Read an entire book in one day

You don't realise just how much you HAVE done until you do this meme - try it and see!

Christmas Meme.......

This is my lovely daughter-in-law Ali all dressed up for Christmas.   

I found this meme at Mother of Invention's blog Spilling Out and just had to copy it.  It's OK I told her what I was doing.   Apparently it came to her via email but she posted it on her blog and I really like it, I've got a blogvoid (can't think of anything to write about) at the moment and it's Christmassy, so here goes.

If you want to copy go ahead and fill in your own answers, just let me know if you're posting it so I can come read yours.


1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial.   We used to have real but I hated it when all the needles fell off!


3. When do you put up the tree?  The second week in December.  Though if it was left to MWM we wouldn't have one at all!   Scrooge!


4. When do you take the tree down? Before the 6th January.   There are conflicting views in our family as to whether it should come down before or after the 6th.


5. Do you like eggnog? I prefer Baileys!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? I got a doll dressed in a wedding dress with a veil and a bouquet.  I played with that to the exclusion of my other doll, Susan, and when I went back to Susan I thought she'd shrunk!

7. Hardest person to buy for? The men in my family.

8. Easiest person to buy for? The grandchildren.


9. Do you have a nativity scene? No, it broke and I never replaced it. Maybe I will this year.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Definitely Christmas Cards - I love sending and receiving them.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A blouse my auntie bought me when I was 18, it was suitable for a 40 year old!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Miracle on 34th Street.    Santa is REAL!!


13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? The January Sales.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? YES, a few times but they were good ones!


15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Christmas Pudding and Brandy Sauce

16. Lights on the tree?  Of course, 3 sets, and lights in other rooms too.


17. Favorite Christmas song? White Christmas - when I hear that on the radio I know it's almost Christmas.


18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Home.   We have only been away at Christmas once for our Silver Wedding Anniversary.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Dancer, Prancer, Donna, Blitzen, , Dasher, Cupid, Vixen, Comet & of course Rudolph.  

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? One on Christmas Eve the rest on Christmas morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? I don't find anything annoying about this time of year.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Gold

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Turkey, Pork and Ham.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Nothing except my family.

26. Who is most likely to respond to this? Anyone who loves Christmas.



So go on, if that's you.

Another Meme (aren't you bored yet?) about me .........

Daisy at Fresh As A Daisy did this meme recently and she left it open to whoever wanted to do it rather that tagging. I took on the challenge as I couldn't think of a damn thing to blog about!

Clothes shop: Kim Mendelson– a Canadian designer but available on QVC – fabulous, timeless clothes. TK Maxx – designer clothes and shoes (I love shoes) for a fraction of the retail price.

Furniture shop: A local furniture shop that imports from Italy

Sweet: I don’t eat much sweet stuff but on the rare occasion I feel the need I would plump for chocolate raisins.

City: I have to say London first (patriotic) but Sydney just blew my mind and Bangkok was just unbelievable.

Drink: A nice cup of tea during the day. If I’m out for the evening I like red wine or brandy and coke or a bloody Mary. If I’m in Greece or Turkey I’ll drink Ouzo or Raki. Basically I’m a lush!

Music: My taste in music is very eclectic. I love to dance, so anything with a dance beat will get me tapping my foot.

TV series: I’m really into Heroes – when I say into it, I thought I had it all figured out but the new series 3 has me stumped again!

Film: Shirley Valentine and The Green Mile – I could watch them both over and over and over again.

Workout: Pilates and occasionally, if I’m feeling energetic, my air stepper – though I don’t do nearly enough of either!

Pastries: I don’t really eat cakes much, preferring savoury, but if I had to choose it would be an Elephant’s Foot - huge Choux Pastry bun filled with fresh cream and coffee icing on the top.

Coffee: I prefer decaf Tea but will have Coffee if it's decaf  with lots of milk or cream and no sugar – I did the Atkins diet a good few years back and started drinking decaf tea and coffee – I had a headache for two weeks as I was detoxing from caffeine and vowed I would never go back to it.

If I keep doing these memes, soon you are going to know as much about me as I do! Once again I’m not tagging anyone but feel free to do it if you like and let me know so I can get to know you more too.

Meme about me.....

Julia at A Piece of My Mind tagged me for the 40 things about me meme. As it involved just answering questions and not me having to think of 40 things about me that would actually interest anyone I’ve gone along with it.

1. Height? 5ft 5inches

2. Have you ever done heroin? Oh good God no, there’s no way I’d inject myself with anything!

3. Do you own a gun? Absolutely not, it’s illegal here anyway and even if it wasn't I wouldn't have one in the house!

4. (for some reason, there was no question 4 - so Julia added one of her own) Did you have a favorite babysitter as a child? Mum and Dad didn’t go out much as there was never any spare money, but I used to stay at my Grandma’s every weekend Friday to Sunday and my favourite Aunt lived there. I enjoyed that.

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Yes, and I rehearse what I need to say because I don’t go until I have a list of complaints!

6. What do you think of hot dogs? I enjoy hotdogs occasionally. I love them on a bread finger with lots of fried onions and mustard, the hotter the better.

7. What's your favorite Christmas song? Definitely White Christmas by Bing Crosby.

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? I have a large cup of decaffeinated tea.

9. Is your bathroom clean? Yes, MWM does a great job on it while I’m at work!

10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry?(or accessory) My wedding, engagement and eternity ring.

11. Do you like painkillers? I wish I didn’t have to take them but I do for all the aches and pains I have now I’m past 50.

12. Do you have A.D.D.? [Attention Deficit Disorder] I don’t ………. Err where was I?

13. What's your name? Akelamalu

14. Middle name? I don't have a middle name.

15. Favorite singer of all time? I don’t have a favourite singer of all time, and there are too many I like to start listing.

16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink: Tea, coffee and water. OK, ok I drink beer, wine and brandy at weekends.

17. Current worry? A health check I have coming up.

18. Current hate? The British Government and Justice System.

19. Favorite place to be? Anywhere with MWM, preferably on holiday somewhere hot and sunny.

20. How did you bring in the New Year? We went to our local civic hall with some friends where we had a few drinks and plenty of dancing.

21. Where would you like to go? On holiday, I love travelling. In fact we have two trips planned – Poland in October and Spain in February.

22. Do you own slippers? Yes they’re fleece lined suede mules.

23. What shirt are you wearing? I’m not wearing a shirt.

24. Favorite color(s)? Oranges and Browns.

25. Would you be a pirate? No but I love to watch swashbuckling films.

26. What songs do you sing in the shower? Whatever is stuck in my head. At the moment it’s ‘I kissed a girl’ by Kate Perry, it’s so catchy!


I kissed a girl and I liked it
The taste of her cherry chapstick
I kissed a girl just to try it
I hope my boyfriend don't mind it
It felt so wrong
It felt so right
Don't mean I'm in love tonight
I kissed a girl and I liked it
I liked it


27. What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child? I used to have bad nightmares, I was afraid of the dark. I still don’t like it much now.

28. Best bed sheets as a child? Winceyette (soft cotton flannelette material with a raised brushed surface (a nap), on both sides.) So warm in winter – we didn’t have central heating so the bedrooms were icy cold in winter. Brrrrrrr.

29. Worst injury you've ever had? When I was 13 I was doing high jump at school and I landed awkwardly and ripped my cruciate ligaments. I was in agony with my knee and even when it healed it would still give way occasionally. It went steadily worse and I had to have the joint cleaned out when I was 39 then I had a total knee replacement in February 2007. It’s wonderful now.

30. How many TVs do you have in your house? Five – ridiculous isn’t it? We have one in every room except the bathroom!

31. Who is your loudest friend? My schoolfriend who happens to be MWM’s cousin. She finds it impossible to speak quietly.

32. Who is your most silent friend? I don’t think any of my friends are silent.

33. Does someone have a crush on you? MWM says he does.

34. Do you wish on shooting stars? Definitely, doesn’t everybody?

35. What is your favorite book? I have read so many books I’m not sure I could choose one as a favourite, some do stick in my mind though

Sara Dane by Catherine


The Thornbirds – Colleen McCulloch


Anything by Catherine Cookson, Nelson De Mille, Tess Gerritson, Martina Cole, Karin Slaughter, Patricia Cornwell – I could go on and on!

36. What is your favorite candy? I’m not a huge fan of candy I prefer a lump of cheese.

37. What song do/did you want played at your wedding? We married in a Registry Office and didn’t have any special music playing. We were ecstatically happy to be getting married so the music wasn’t an issue.

38. What song do you want played at your funeral? Something upbeat like Ricky Martin’s ‘She bangs’. No I’m joking but nothing dismal and serious.

39. What were you doing @ 12 AM last night? I was asleep.

40. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? What shall I wear for work.

I'm not tagging anyone but if you fancy doing it please go ahead and let me know so I can come and read your answers.

A to F.....

Suburbia (Moments from Suburbia) tagged me for this short meme and it doesn't take all night so I'll give it a go.  I hope my tagees will play along and anyone else who would care to have a go.

So here are the instructions:
Copy/paste, type in your answers and tag four people in your lists! Don't forget to change my answers to the questions with that of your own.




(A) Four places I go over and over: Work, Shopping, Home and the pub.



(B) Four people who e-mail me regularly:  Friends, other bloggers, facebook and ebay.


(C) Four of my favourite places to eat: Anywhere abroad where it's warm and sunny, my favourite Chinese restaurant, my favourite Indian restaurant and home with MWM.



(D) Four places you'd rather be: Anywhere warm and sunny, playing with my grandchildren, in the company of friends, shopping.



(E) Four TV shows I could watch over and over: The Royle Family, Early Doors, Life on Mars and Heroes.  For those of you who have no idea what these TV shows are I've added links.



(F) Four people I think will respond: Julia (A Piece of My Mind) said she loves memes so I think she will do this one, Ron (Vent) is always up for a laugh, Buffalodick (Opinions & Rectums) because I always take part in his mini memes so he owes me and Ciara (Ramblings & Whatnot) 'cause she's a good mate! 
 
Don't you lot let me down now, y'hear. x

The Purse Meme & Awards.........

Mimi Queen of Memes (Mimi Writes) has started this new meme and tagged me. As you may know when you get tagged by Mimi you refuse to do it under pain of being locked in her dungeon. Now I don't like dark places where things like rats etc might lurk so I'm doing the meme - my name's craft not daft!

Here are the rules. Find a safe quiet place free of significant others, nosey meme makers, priests, nuns, all things religious and men in general. (If you're a guy just reverse this process to female and tell us about your wallet, tool box, briefcase or metro sexual accessory.)

1.. Dump the contents of your purse in a pile
2. Take a photo of your purse and the contents
3. Be brave and 'splain to your fellow bloggers what lurks inside the purse.


There is a method to my madness.


I dare you to find a story in the pile.


4. Tag others who might want to embarrass themselves

5. Answer these questions:
Describe the contents of your purse.
What's the most important thing in your purse?
What's the most embarrassing thing in your purse?
What's the smallest thing in your purse?
Is there anything illegal in your purse?

(end of rules)

First off I have to tell Mimi that what she calls a purse is called a handbag here! A purse is something we keep in the handbag containing money and (credit) cards.

So here's my current handbag. I say current because I have a LOT of handbags and I change them frequently.

and here are the contents.

Describe the contents of your purse.
You will see my cheque book, my purse (the thing with the money in, but there's not much money in there ever!), my new Kangol sunglasses and case, three pens, a packet of tissues, my address book, a little mirror that looks like an envelope, emery board, lip liner, lipstick, eyeliner pen, lip plumper, pencil sharpener and mobile phone. No rubbish!

What's the most important thing in your purse?
Ah that's easy. The most important thing in my purse is my purse. Sorry to confuse things but as I already explained a purse is a handbag here. My purse contains my credit cards, money (remember not much) and drivers licence. I always carry my drivers licence, though it's not compulsory here, just in case anyone asks if I'm over 21 so I can prove it. What you sniggering at??


What's the most embarrassing thing in your purse?
Probably some of the text messages on my phone!

What's the smallest thing in your purse?
The pencil sharpener is the smallest thing, but the eyeliner and lip liner will soon be smaller if I keep sharpening them.

Is there anything illegal in your purse?
Oooh no, would I do anything illegal?

Mimi said find a story about something in your purse:

I found three!

The little mirror was bought for me a good few Christmases ago by my son and is engraved on the back - it says

Merry Christmas

All our love

Nick, Ali and Sam

It's one of my most treasured possessions and I use it every day.

You see the black pen, MWM bought me that. It has a little silver heart on it and obviously that's another treasured possesion.

The sunglasses were a bargain, I got them for £9.99 from an offer in a daily newspaper.

My handbag usually contains an umbrella too but it was drying out in the hall at the time I took the photo - I like to be prepared.


Well that's the contents of my handbag, so come on let's see yours

Queenie

Miss U

Ciara

Jo Beaufoix

Catch

Julia

Girl with the Mask

Storyteller

And if any of you GUYS reading want to disclose the contents of your wallet please feel free.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Now for the AWARDS!


I have to tell you I got an award from the lovely Mimi. She passed this on to everyone who joined in her Blogblast for Peace 2008.

If you missed Mimi's post but you joined in her Blogblast for Peace 2008 please take the award.

The lovely Mimi, Sandi (Holding Patterns) and Ciara (Ramblings & Whatnot) also gave me this beauty. 

I'd like to pass this on to some lovely people who have been reading my drivel for a long time, in alphabetical order so as not to upset anyone:

Bee, Bella, Catch,  CG, Linda, Marmie, Miss Understood, Queenie,




Apart from the friendship award above, Ciara (Ramblings and Whatnot) passed the following award on to me personally as well.   She passed on a whole lot more to all her readers, which I have taken and keep in my heart.   These two were quite specific though.


She gave this one to her 'Flash 55 Fiction' blogging buddies.   It's better than an Oscar!  

Ciara didn't say anything about passing it on but I'm going to pass it on to fellow WORDZZLERS because I think you all deserve an Oscar.   So take a walk up the red carpet

Raven, Dianne, Mommywizdom, smm, Jeff, Jay Simser, Carletta, Rich, Diva Jood, Jay (Cynical Bastard), Kimmie, Clarence, Kim, Melli,


I hope I've not missed anyone off but if I have please let me know and you'll be on there in a flash!

Thankyou to Mimi, Sandi and Ciara for thinking me worthy of these prestigious awards, I'm honoured. x

The Me Mosaic......

Nick (Nick's Bytes) asked me if I'd have a go at this meme, so here's my mosaic.

Here’s how it works . . .

• Answer each of the questions below.

• Surf over to Flickr (set up an account if you don’t have one–it’s quick and easy (AND I DON'T THINK YOU ACTUALLY HAVE TO DO THIS - SET UP AN ACCOUNT) and type your answers (one at a time) into the search bar.

• From the choice of pictures shown only on the front page, click on the one that moves you.

• Once the page with your picture opens, copy the URL.

• Surf over to the Mosaic Maker, set up your mosaic, and paste your URLs.

• Click “Create!”

The Questions:

1. What is your first name?

2. What is your favorite food?

3. What high school did you attend?

4. What is your favorite color?

5. Who is your celebrity crush?

6. What is your favorite drink?

7. Where would you go on your dream vacation?

8. What is your favorite dessert?

9. What do you want to be when you grow up?

10. What do you love most in life?

11. Choose one word to describe you?

12. Your Flickr name? (Substitute a nickname if you don't have an account.)



Can you figure out my answers to the questions from the pictures without referring to the photo credits?



It was fun to do so go ahead and do it if you want to, then let me know so I can come and check it out.







Photo credits:

1. Pearls Inside: Spheres57  2. White Lamb: Mountain Mike 3. Houses and Moss: RobinLynne 4.California Oranges: Scandblue 5.  Mel Gibson: Mellow-coton 6. Rose Wine: Danichro 7.Pathway to Heaven: Mode 8.Strawberry Mouth 2 : Sleepydays 9. Graceful:atsjebosma 10. The Man in My Dreams: Anaya's Art 11.Passion: LJ  12.Doodle Akelamalu: crpitt