One Hundred Things

Thursday, December 9, 2010

One Hundred Things .... Josh

1. I have regrets, but nothing I cannot change or live with.

2. I am comfortable being alone; sometimes it is preferred, although there is something to be said for people on occasion.

3. I speak French, not a lot, but enough.

4. I like good jazz, specifically Miles Davis and Billie Holiday.

5. I am a decent poker player. Not great, but good enough to make some money from time to time.

6. I lie better than people give me credit for, hence the poker skills.

7. There is a list of places that I want to see before I am gone, and I will.

8. My temper has a long fuse, takes quite a while for me to finally blow, but when I do it can be bad.

9. Montecristo cigars, nuff said.

10. I am no longer a planner.

11. I have had crushes on girls 3 times in my life, Elementary school, Middle school through High school, and in college… sorry no names will be mentioned.

12. I love quotes.

13. Coffee will pick my mood up, not just my energy.

14. Do not ask me a question if you do not want the truth.

15. I am a Kiwanian.

16. I do not want kids of my own. Never have.

17. Ignorance bugs me, willful ignorance even more.

18. Tell me I am not able to do something and chances are I will try just because.

19. I have been to a strip club.

20. George Carlin makes me laugh my ass off.

21. I made it to 20 before being intoxicated.

22. I did not get my driver’s license until I was 25.

23. Gut feelings should be listened to.

24. I have done some things I am not proud of, but I think I have learned a great deal from most of them and will not be repeating.

25. I carry a knife on me at all times, the few moments I do not have one are the times when it is most needed.

26. Pocket watch, not wrist watch.

27. Humphrey Bogart is cool personified.

28. I was once taught to reggae dance by three beautiful girls from Jamaica.

29. I am not a phone person. Anyone I have had a conversation with on the phone for more than 2 minutes can consider themselves one of the chosen few.

30. Being single on Valentine’s Day has never bothered me, New Years does. Go figure.

31. I am right handed, the only thing I can do with my left is shoot pool, kind of strange, but true.

32. I would rather spend my money on experiences than things.

33. I had one straight A year in college.

34. Libraries are some of my favorite buildings to be in.

35. I hit the snooze button every time my alarm goes off.

36. I save everything. Pack rat I am.

37. Useless knowledge is something I possess.

38. I have read every Sherlock Holmes story by A.C. Doyle.

39. There is no music I will not give a try. My IPod has everything on it, shake it up and be surprised.

40. Looking into the past is something I do too often. I am trying to get away from it, but dammit it is hard.

41. I am beginning to understand forgiveness. Things I use to think were unforgiveable I am now seeing in a different light for certain reasons.

42. My way of dealing with some problems is to ignore them until I can’t.

43. When I was a child I joined a tap dancing class. I went there to see if I liked it and a girl I had a crush on was in the class. Decision made.

44. I can handle my drinks, although one good gin and tonic will jump start the buzzing faster than a few of anything else.

45. I have seen two oceans.

46. According to the Mensa sample test my IQ is 187.

47. Only started one physical altercation in my life, and would do it again. Some things I just cannot stand by and let happen.

48. I can cook a pretty good meal. Pan fried steak being my specialty.

49. For good or bad I think knowing is always better than not knowing.

50. Procrastination is my life. I always get my work done, but usually at the last minute. Packing is the one exception; I tend to be packed for a trip the night before at least.

51. I can’t stand gardening, other outdoor chores not so much of a problem, but no gardening for this boy.

52. Sent my first text message earlier this year. Behind the times perhaps, but seemed to survive without it.

53. Hard to find writing more beautiful than Shakespeare.

54. I do not like to fly, but will for the right reasons.

55. I have discovered that the anticipation of something can be worse than the actual event, the mind can run the wrong direction sometimes.

56. I have miraculously manage to keep track of my Zippo lighter for 6 years, not many things make it that long with me.

57. I have faith in people, I have seen the good they are capable of.

58. I have tried steer wrestling.

59. Dumb pride has gotten me in trouble in the past, still hard to let go of it.

60. Air conditioning is a must.

61. Somewhere along the line I became the reactionary of the family… not sure when that happened.

62. I will not give up red meat.

63. You can keep your Angelina Jolies and Nicole Kidmans give me a flirty look from Marilyn Monroe or a young Lauren Bacall asking for a match anytime.

64. When it comes to junk food it is salty not sweet for me.

65. I once held a girl in the pouring rain while she cried on my shoulder.

66. Even if the destination is a bad one road trips can still be fun.

67. I have some of the best friends that anyone could ask for and I am thankful for all of them.

68. I was once engaged, didn’t work out but I learned a lot.

69. I will someday know what the air smells like while watching the sunrise in Africa.

70. I am a romantic.

71. These new math techniques taught in schools bug me.

72. Cold doesn’t bother me. No jacket all winter long that’s me.

73. I do not watch any new tv program. A few reruns of things and an occasional new show, but no weekly program that I need to tune into.

74. I collect classic books, my best one being an 1887 copy of Les Miserables

75. Every year around Christmas I get the flu. Doesn’t matter what I do it always shows up, the Christmas break from school was oh so much fun.

76. I buy bottled water, not because I think it is better than tap but because I am at the gas station and want something to drink besides soda.

77. Biggest celebrity that I got to actually meet was Kirby Puckett. He said hello and I got to shake his hand when he visited our school. I wasn’t supposed to be in the entry way that they were walking through but class just wasn’t that exciting, was at the right place at the right time.

78. I get very quiet around people I do not know. Not being rude, just quiet.

79. My cowboy boots are my favorite piece of footwear, will be sad when I have to retire them, although it does make room for getting a new pair.

80. Did not have internet until my first year in college. I still got all my research done in high school… they are called books.

81. I sleep on average about 3 hours a night. I seem to get by on that without too much trouble, but then again my daily dose of coffee probably helps.

82. I have kissed first.

83. My junior year in high school I saw every production and event at the local performing arts center, and for free. Just required a little volunteer work It was a great year.

84. I sprained my knee and was on crutches for 5 months, golf is a rough sport.

85. I have been skinny dipping.

86. Pac Man is the best video game ever invented.

87. I broke my first bone in 2010, my big toe.

88. I have a terrible memory for names of people I meet. I once talked with a girl for two hours about all the things we had done since graduation and I still do not know who she was.

89. For as much reading as I do I have yet to sit down with the Harry Potter or Twilight series.

90. I still remember the first time I watched a John Wayne movie with my grandfather; I would have been about 5 at the time. A good memory.

91. I have been taken advantage of by people more than I would like to remember, monetarily, emotionally, etc, but I still keep that faith (see #57).

92. I consider myself a decent dancer, but in the long run I don’t care, I just think it’s fun.

93. I like to be a regular at places in town. I go to the same branch of my bank every week, the same coffee shop, the same restaurant, etc. I like the fact that the people know me.

94. Fresh tomatoes are horrible. Keep them off my plate!

95. Driving fast with the windows open is the best way.

96. Guinness. I like a beer I can sink my teeth into.

97. One of my most important goals in life is to be a good friend.

98. I still do not understand bullying.

99. I like the smell of bleach. Smells clean to me.

100. I will not make an argument that I cannot back up. Debate anyone?

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

One Hundred Things .... Becca

A collection of lists. Take the challenge. 100 things about yourself. Streaming flow of consciousness, as personal or as general as you care to make it...but make it count. You might learn something about yourself and I promise it's better than 20 questions!

1. I live on the coast in Georgia
2. I love walking out my front door being able to smell weather the tide is high or low
3. My mom is my best friend. I would choose her even if she wasn’t my mom.
4. I don’t know everyone on my facebook page because my husband tells his friends to add me since he doesn’t have a page of his own.
5. I love to write
6. I find cleaning therapeutic, when I am upset I have to clean something
7. This Christmas will be the first year my immediate family has all been together for the holidays since I was 17
8. I love to read books before I see the theatrical version even though I am disappointed by the silver screen adaptation nearly every time.
9. I am a geek for history, particularly WWII era.
10. Nonfiction human interest is my favorite genre for both books and movies.
11. I told my mom I was 5 I wanted to marry a boy from YMCA day camp. He was 11.I started dating that boy 13 years later. I married that man 2 1/2 years ago.
12. I love my husband more each day that passes.
13. The smell of fresh cut grass makes me incredibly happy.
14. When I went to my first civil war era reenactment in GA I was secretly terrified because I was a Yankee south of the Mason-Dixon. They take reenacting very seriously around these parts.
15. I love fishing.
16. I feel stronger for all the crap I have endured over the past several years of my life. It’s been a growing experience.
17. I am a Christian.
18. Getting hand written letters and cards in the mail makes my day, especially in today’s fast paced, instant gratification world. Someone took the time to write, stamp, address, and mail that piece of paper to me, I appreciate that.
19. I am a very nostalgic person.
20. I have been told by many people I have an old soul in a young body. I like to think I have an understanding of how history affects the present and future.
21. I love to sing and have a very musical background. I can read music and sing soprano. I have sung dozens of solos and performed in countless choirs. And yet, the idea of singing in a church choir still freaks me out.
22. I think my dad put it best when he told me “home is where your stuff is”
23. I hate shopping for jeans. Seriously, loath it. I have a 29 inch inseam. Even “petite” pants have a standard inseam of 30 inches.
24. I love the breath the moment just before a passion filled kiss. It’s slow, its tender, it’s a rush.
25. Rain boots make me happy. Yes, rain boots. They are so colorful and fun!
26. Cheese is pretty much the best food ever invented. I begged for The Cheese Bible for my birthday one year. My mom and dad found it for me even though it was and is out of print.
27. I was devastated when I realized I had to let go of my 1940’s Philco Radio/Record player console. There is NO sound in the world like a vinyl record being played. So many memories of sitting around the kitchen table with the radio turned on to the local AM oldies channel.
28. I think today’s generation of kids are completely spoiled and have zero work ethic. My children will hate me because they will know what work is and the value of a dollar.
29. As badly as I want to be a mother, I am secretly scared to death I will be a terrible parent and my kids will end up screwed up.
30. Too many people miss the music of nature. The ocean’s rhythm as it rolls in and out sooths my very soul. The sound of crickets at night, it’s like a mini symphony that often goes unnoticed.
31. A piece of my heart will always belong to Poland.
32. I get so frustrated because I have been unable to locate a bread that even remotely resembles the bread I had in Poland. I hear this is a common complaint from anyone who has ever visited the country.
33. Lion Bars are my favorite candy in the entire universe.
34. I love to quilt. I think it preserves a tiny sliver of history. The love and care that goes into each stitch is undeniable.
35. I am going to have to learn how to do container gardening this year as I no longer have a garden plot. But, I am very excited because I have a back yard and a patio that I can turn into my own personal garden jungle.
36. I am a totally sucker for romantic movies- The Notebook. I will watch it and cry time and time again. The Time Traveler’s Wife, same thing.
37. In January my husband and I visited GA. 10 months later we moved here from MN.
38. I find nature documentaries incredibly intriguing. The Planet Earth series were fascinating.
39. I have a house full of clocks. When I moved it was the one thing I absolutely, unequivocally refused to downsize. I have fond memories of my Great Uncle and his vast collection of clocks. Many of which he made himself or with the help of his wife.
40. I have two individual possessions I treasure above all others- a music box I got from my Grandma S.- my Grandpa S. gave it to her. She passed it on to me when he passed away. The other item is a silver dancing ballerina. My Grandma Z gave it to my Grandpa Z for Valentine’s Day in the late 1960’s/early 1970’s. They gave it to me just before we moved.
41. I cried harder than I have in years when I said goodbye to my grandparents before moving. It’s the first time I’ve lived more than 10 miles away from them in 22 years.
42. I find water to be very healing on many levels.
43. The most beautiful place I have ever stayed was at a resort in Mexico. And I am not talking about Cancun. My husband and I honeymooned deep into southern Mexico. The waters there are breathtaking. They are a color of teal I have never seen before. Life oozes from that place.
44. I love shared space. No conversation is needed, just a companion in a common area.
45. I sometimes wish I could play my thoughts on a screen.
46. I wish I could play my memories like a movie for others to see. I often wonder what details others would remember from the same events.
47. I sometimes feel like I was born in the wrong era.
48. It’s funny how making major life changes lets you know who your true friends are. Some will be supportive, others will completely cut you out of their life.
49. I have arthritis in both of my collar bones because I was so accident prone as a kid. I broke both my collar bones multiple times just being a kid- falling out of trees, diving out of carts, falling down stairs, sliding down the stairs in a laundry basket, and falling off the railing of the deck(for the record, I have much better balance on balance beams now).
50. I was convinced my birthday was cursed for years as a kid. Something bad often happened on my big day- one year I held my hand up high and told my brother to try and kick my hand, he did and broke my fingers. Another year I was swinging, jumped off and turned around- took the swing right in my eye. I had an awesome shiner for about a week. Another year, I went to my neighbors house to play catch- I missed the ball with my glove and caught it with my face. I had the worst bloody nose, thankfully it wasn’t broken.
51. Loose teeth freak me out to no end.
52. I don’t like to watch the local news- not because I don’t like to be informed, but because I don’t want to know about all the horrible things happening locally. Nationally I can deal with; I just don’t want to know if someone got shot a few blocks away.
53. Morgan Freeman makes me giddy. My husband makes fun of me to end because Morgan is old enough to be my grandfather.
54. Eric Bana also makes me happy. I tell my husband not worry, it’s just because he’s pretty. We have an agreement, I can find him attractive as long as I promise not to pursue him. I don’t foresee that being a problem…
55. I work in a craft store, I think it’s pretty much one of the best jobs on the face of the earth.
56. I am a total science geek. I like to know how things work. I am constantly amazed at the great things that God has made.
57. My wedding song was Etta James’s “At Last”
58. To my cat’s great dismay, I make my bed every single morning after I get up. He would prefer I leave it all jumbled up so he can make a cat nest in the covers.
59. My engagement ring was purchased with our winnings from pull tabs at a local pub. It was a good night for pull tabs my friends.
60. Going up into attics freaks me out because when I was a kid I wasn’t allowed in the attic because it was unfinished.
61. I want to go shrimping some day.
62. When I was a little girl I wanted to be a gymnast.
63. Thanks to my husband I dig movies from the 1980’s.
64. Gone with the Wind and Singing in the Rain are two of my favorite classic films.
65. I love my friends like family. I will defend them to the ends of the earth and expect the same in return.
66. I prefer carnations over roses every time.
67. I loath shoes. They are super cute, and I own many pairs. I just think they suck.
68. Southern Soul BBQ is my favorite Q joint hands down.
69. I have a physically demanding job pulling freight off the semi trucks. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
70. I am by nature an introvert. I have to make a conscious decision to be social most days. I have accepted this about myself.
71. I love to read. I don’t do it nearly as often as I’d like to.
72. I played the trumpet for 7 years in band. I loved it.
73. Sometimes I feel like a 12 year old girl trapped the body of a 25 year old woman.
74. I don’t actually think I am interesting enough for anyone to honestly care about my list of 100 random things about me. Seriously. I am so random.
75. I have been around so much glitter in the last 3 days at work I may be made up of 4% glitter now. Even after I shower I find glitter on my person.
76. I secretly find it charming when men stumble over words when they find me attractive. Who doesn’t enjoy a little flattery once in a while?
77. I love the idea of being caught in the rain during a summer rain. In reality, it sucks. It’s cold and wet. It leaves you feeling like a wet dog.
78. I wish my brain was wired to understand math better.
79. When I smell drying onion skins I associate it with the root cellar in my grandparents old house.
80. As an adult I appreciate my dad’s witty sense of humor far more than I did as a kid/teen.
81. I find it comforting to hear trains off in the distance. I’ve always lived close enough to hear the horns blow, it would be weird to not hear them anymore.
82. I can’t express how proud of my family members (inlaws included) who serve or have served our country.
83. As much as I appreciate the men and women who fight/fought for my freedom, I am very relieved my husband is not in the military. Military wives and husbands are stronger than anyone ever gives them credit for.
84. There is always time for one last grand adventure. Always.
85. I am super excited to make a 7 layer jello salad. I have never done it before, it looks like fun so I am gonna give it a whirl.
86. For years I’ve wanted to take a cake decorating course. I look longingly at the Wilton starter kits every time I go into work.
87. Some day I want to pick a cookbook and cook every single recipe in it.
88. I could beach comb every single day of my life and be content.
89. This summer my husband and I are going to rent metal detectors and play on the beach.
90. Right before Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 came out I watched movies 1-6 back to back. Greatest weekend ever.
91. Glee is my new guilty pleasure.
92. I very much want to see the Nutcracker ballet performed in the theater again. The last time I saw it I was about 13 years old.
93. I love hosting big, family holiday meals at my house.
94. I graduated summa cum laude and was 11th in my class of almost 200.
95. My husband used to call me Oscar when I was cranky.
96. When someone in our house needs and attitude change, we say they need to change their pants. This came from the terms “cranky pants” and “pissy pants”. If we are in public we simply say “pants.”
97. I know my husband looks like my dad, I don’t need to be reminded at every family function. Besides, I will still deny it to be true.
98. I desperately want a telescope so I can star gaze on a new level.
99. I think it’s sweet my cat thinks he’s a person. Not just a person, a nurse. Whenever we are sick he stays right with us until we are better.
100. I have been blessed beyond words by God who loves me and died for me.

One Hundred Things .... Paul

I found the love of bonsai during one of my trips to Japan. That was 1987 and 23 years ago. I teach, collect and find friendships worldwide because of this artform.
I work with children who for many circumstances have made decisions that have impacted their own lives and the lives of others in some occassions. I truly believe these are good kids making very poor choices.
Throughout my life I have worked with various human services, either by volunteering or working directly.
I stuck a short Navy career in the middle of my life. I will never forget the men and women I had met in those 8 wonderfully experienced years.
I stole a squad car when I was 16. Borrowed without permission won't cut it anymore...
Stole a car and a motorcycle too.
I was an altar boy growing up. I put “Hi Mom” on the bottoms of my shoes so that they faced the congregation while I kneeled at the altar.
I was raised in the Catholic faith. I remain grounded by this upbringing but have traveled the world and continue a spiritual path not nessarily away from the Catholic faith, but along side it.
I believe in God as the creator of all. I believe that Buddha and Jesus are brothers...spiritually speaking, not biologically....duh. I am in awe of Native American spirituality as well.
I have travelled around this globe. Actually all the way around the earth by the time I was 21.
I was born in Wiesbaden Germany in 1966.
From Germany we headed west back to the states.
I have lived in Virginia (state), Florida, Texas and Minnesota. Minnesota is my home.
I love Lake Superior for all its power and beauty.
My journey continued west through my life. I ended up in Central Africa in 1989, almost directly below Wiesbaden Germany (longitude-wise).
I crossed the equator 6 times.
South of the equator, I had to make sure I flushed a toilet to prove the water circles opposite.
I have seen the Southern Cross.
I have stood in the pouring rain and winds of both hurricanes and typhoons. Trust me, they are the same thing.
My kryptonite is pine nuts.
Pine nuts have almost killed me on 3 occassions.
I walked away from death on 9 occassions, which is weird because I am a Leo.
Not looking forward to the 10^th time.
I have witnessed both the miracle of birth and death first hand.
I believe in ghosts.
I am a tattoo enthusiast. Full right arm sleeve, back and chest piece and a start to a left sleeve in the works.
The brevity of man is the theme of my right arm. Tempus Fugit Memento Mori. (Time Flies Remember Death)
My daughter designed the chest piece tattoo. She is 7.
I play guitar. I picked it up in high school in 1983. I am still a student. If I practiced, I might be pretty good some day.
I ran a rescue farm for domestic and farm critters for a decade.
I owned a Scottish Highland Cow named “Bubbles”.
Animals have taught me many things about values and my own existence.
Thomas Merton, C.S. Lewis and Thich Nhat Hanh are my favorite reads.
I like to write. Whether poetry, songs or stories....I find written word an excellent way to vent.
I draw too. Sometimes I put my written word to a drawing.
I dabbled in smoking marijuana for many years. I get it. But understand lack of control and how life can be wasted.
I was married for 7 years, and divorced.
The day of the divorce I went sober. I didnt have a problem, just wanted to live my life chemical free.
I discovered wine making, and decided chemical free sucked ass.
I love wine.
I couldn't tell you what wine to drink with fish or venison, but I can tell you how buzzed I can get on a great bottle of Merlot or Shiraz....
10 years ago, I would never had known what the hell Shiraz was. I would have guessed it was some new latin female singer.
Speaking of....Shiraz makes me want to dance.
I was told once that my daughter is a Rainbow Child. You are gonna have to look that one up....I did.
I dated a girl once that introduced me to the Tamarack Dance Association. They meet once a month and do square and line dancing with a live band and callers. Was the most fun I have had in a long time. I miss the dancing, not her.
I actually do miss her, but not in the loved loss sort of way. She was good people.
I used to polka with my mom.
I miss her bunches. She passed on almost a year ago this coming February to cancer.
Cancer sucks ass.
My pops died of cancer too.
Cancer sucks ass times two.
I have two brothers.
One brother is a police detective in Florida. He didn't know I stole a squad car til just this year.
My other brother is a brilliant man full of math facts and stats that blow my mind.
I am completely and utterly math stupid.
He has Cerebral Palsy, but that doesn't define him.
My only sister is a giver. She has sacrificed much of her life these past three or four years to the care of both my parents until they passed. She is our angel.
My parents celebrated 50 years of marriage. You don't see that too often anymore.
Dear Cancer, you can suck it. Sincerely. Paul.
When I was 18, I had a tortion of the left testical. Which by the way is equivelant to an elephant standing on your testical....pain wise.
I no longer have a left testical.
I believe in Karma. That said, I still have no idea what I did to deserve the pain of an elephant standing on a testical. Oh wait..... I think I know....see #5 and 6.
I lived in the Phillippines where I had a housemaid that put a curse on me. I am kinda weirded out by that still.
Life goes on curse and all.
I think I have the answers to all life's questions. That is probably why I don't ask questions....I just do.
I passed that knowledge on to my daughter....she has the answers to everything. At least she thinks she does.
I am in trouble in 8 years....probably sooner.
I kind of feel sorry for any suitor that may come her way. I am a guy. I know how guy's think.
I own guns.
I am a pretty good shot too.
My daughter has two uncles and a boatload of serbian kin that are pretty good shots too.
Speaking of.... I am ¼ each of Serbian, Croatian, Slovenian and Hungarian.
My daughter is 1/6 of each including Polish and Irish.
I guess I really shouldn't worry about any suitor my daughter may have. She is gonna be able to defend herself without a doubt.
Twenty-five more to go!!!!
:) I know these last two were cheap adds on this list.
I have a Gordon Setter named Fas. (Foss). Or as my daughter calls him Fozz or Fozzy. Fas is latin for “fate”.
I really enjoy the companionship that dogs give. Unconditional loyalty and love. They see you at your worst and and at your best.
I live like that too. Giving my all for my friends and family. Unconditionally.
I am a night owl. My mom was too. We would stay up late just talking or playing cards til the wee hours of the morning. Good times.
I know that sleep is needed, but find that I function well on the sleep I do get. In spite of knowing that it is healthier to get more sleep. I could argue with myself about this all night.
Coffee helps me get through this argument in the mornings.
Mornings are always the best times to drink coffee.
The worst time to drink coffee is in a jeep on a really rough road. Not cool.
I like tea too. Chai mostly, but I can enjoy a good black tea. I doll it up nicely with loads of honey, sugar or creams.... so it tastes like coffee.
I am in my office right now, thinking I started this some hour or so ago. I liked the concept of this 100 list, and am grateful for my new friend to challenge me with the task.
I find her to be a mystery right now, but she is like the first sip of a morning cup of coffee. Awakening the senses that have slept through the night.
I am looking forward to sleep in about 10 more minutes.
That leaves me about 1 minute for the remaining ten items on my list.
I plan on changing jobs soon. Not that I do not like the one I have. I am a person that doesn't stay too long in one spot.
I enjoy variety and diversity. With that comes new experiences and connections.
I enjoy being connected to people \....and once connected, always connected.
The spiritual journey I am on is filled with these connections. For these, I am truly blessed.
I strive to be the man that God intended me to be. A good father, a good family man, a good friend. God is love.
I hope that through my connections, I can give more than I have received from them. I learn much about myself and this great world with every breath.
I am a student of life and love, laughter and understanding.
My brother has taught me that life is about accepting and appreciating all that I have.
I am a better man because of all my family, friends and the love that I have shared with all who I have met through the years.
I look forward to the years to come, so that I may become closer to who I am supposed to be.
Thank you Kathleen for the opportunity to share this with you.