What's in a Day?

I recently stole the idea from this post from MJ, and even though I find the results to be quite accurate - I am troubled. Why? Well, here's a secret: I don't really know my birthday.

It probably should be the subject of a much-longer post, but I'll spare you, and give you the nutshell version. I was found by a gas station attendant on September 10, 1968, in the station's restroom. It was estimated that I was about 4 to 5 days old. I was "clothed appropriately" - according to the "non-identifying information" supplied by my adoption agency. (What? Does that mean I had a shirt on that said "Find me!" or "Take me to your leader?")

Okay - don't feel all sorry for me - I'm TOTALLY okay with my abandonment/adoption deal. BUT...every time I see one of these birthday things - I worry about the accuracy. I'm supposedly a Virgo, and I DO have a lot of those traits. But like Songbird, I have many traits of a Leo. Further complicating matters is the fact that the Emergency Room doctors at the time used my weight to help determine my approximate date of birth. I was 5 pounds, 6 ounces. My daughter was 5 pounds, 10 ounces when she was born - so how can you tell by weight? Maybe I was just a little sprout, like her.

At any rate - here are MY results. And once again, I think most of my friends and family would agree that they are pretty dead-on.

Your Birthdate: September 5

You have many talents, and you are great at sharing those talents with others. Most people would be jealous of your clever intellect, but you're just too likeable to elicit jealousy. Progressive and original, you're usually thinking up cutting edge ideas. Quick witted and fast thinking, you have difficulty finding new challenges. Your strength: Your superhuman brainpower Your weakness: Your susceptibility to boredom Your power color: Tangerine Your power symbol: Ace Your power month: May

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

August in September

I love football - make no mistake about it. But what makes it even better? A bit of August Busch, IV, during the commercial breaks. HAWT.

You know the ones I mean - for Budweiser Select, featuring that song from the Chemical Brothers:Galvanize, which makes me want to be all up in WHATEVER party August is at. He is 40. He is rich. He has style. And he smiles at me, wanting SO MUCH for me to take that Budweiser Select out of his hand.

I've received a lot of birthday gifts during my years on the planet, but last week, Mr. Big sent me one of the best: an autographed photo of August. If I had a scanner right now, I'd be sharing it with you. You can't find it on the 'net - it is rare indeed. Now, August is in my office, where he belongs.
This photo is NOT it, but this is what you'll find if you google August. (Oh...now doesn't that sound FUN!?!?!?) And I admit, I can see the author's point in a recent blog post asserting that he is made of WAX. He is that flawless. His new look (above) is updated, and less corporate. However, there is just something about a rich guy in a suit that I'm a sucker for. Here's to football and beer!

I'm Not a Virgin Anymore!

(Calm down, Mr. Big - don't let the title fool ya!)

I have officially been "tagged" by Julie! I feel like a schoolgirl who has just been invited by the "in-crowd" to sit at their special table during lunch. Here's hoping I don't get ketchup on my blouse during my first outing!

Four jobs I have had in my life:

1. Piano teacher - my youngest student was 5; my oldest was an arthritic 65-year old.
2. Sales girl for Parklane Hosiery chain
3. Bartender
4. Pianist for Mormon and Presbyterian churches (but not at the same time)

Four movies I could watch over and over:

1. Six Degrees of Separation - LOVED Stockard Channing and Will Smith's interaction!
2. The Talented Mr. Ripley, featuring a young, hot, talented Mr. Damon.
3. American Beauty - strangely, I identified closely with Kevin Spacey's character.
4. Titanic, because it haunted me. And I like Leo, even if Songbird thinks he's oily.

Four Places I have lived:

1. Huntington Beach, CA
2. Magnolia, TX
3. College Station, TX
4. Austin, TX

Four things I like to do:

1. Get away from everything and become totally immersed in a book.
2. Listen to new music with my kiddo. She has enlightened me!
3. Dance all night at a club with friends.
4. Watch football - even better if I can attend a game.
(Reading those answers, someone might think I have dual personalities!)

Four of my favorite foods:

1. Cheese enchiladas
2. Spinach/artichoke dip
3. Cheese blintzes
4. Guacamole Salad

Four places I would like to be right now:

1. Sunning myself on a beach in California.
2. Trekking across Europe with my daughter - taking in EVERY important landmark.
3. Investigating the pyramids of Egypt.
4. Shopping in New York City for SHOES!

Four websites I visit daily:

1. dooce
2. The Big Question
3. Go Fug Yourself
4. Stuff on My Cat - What could be funnier?

Four places I have been on vacation:

1. Laguna Beach, CA
2. Chicago, IL
3. South Padre Island, TX
4. Eureka Springs, AR

Four friends I think might respond (this is the part where I "tag" folks, right?):

1. Songbird, I mean, what are best friends for?
2. M J, because she seems really nice.
3. Belinda, because boy, she can WRITE!
4. Karmyn R, because she is a faithful visitor.

Sigh...I survived my first meme, and no blood was shed!
Oh...and as a POSTSCRIPT, I had to post my results from my pirate test, which I stole from Songbird, in honor of Pirate's Day!

My pirate name is:

Captain Jenny Cash

Even though there's no legal rank on a pirate ship, everyone recognizes you're the one in charge. You're musical, and you've got a certain style if not flair. You'll do just fine. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network

More Plush Treats

After reading Susan in Va's comment on the previous post, I thought, "Well, now, there ARE some more yummy little toys that you can give to your favorite child! Here, we introduce the Ebola Virus.

Yes, a virus you can cuddle with, but is resistant to antibiotics. Want something a little more...say...palatable? Try Mad Cow. Favor a more legendary plague? Maybe some Black Death is more your style.

If this is a little too adventurous for you, start with something simple like the common cold. Or maybe not a disease at all - just a small pimple you can squeeze in your sleep. At any rate, explore the Giant Microbes site for more ideas - remember, Christmas is only a few short months away!

Disturbing

I'm not sure how to take this. I definitely utilized the books Everyone Poops and Once Upon a Potty in my attempts to coax my kiddo out of diapers. But THIS is almost TOO weird. I guess the most disturbing part of this web site is that you can order PLUSH DOLLS. And send your loved ones an e-card, featuring "Pee and Poo."

Then again, this isn't as frightening as the vulva puppets that a fellow blogger posted, so I suppose it could be worse!

And...We Have a Winner!

As soon as we arrived at the fair, Amber and I coerced our entourage into checking out the exhibits. She took the blue ribbon in the seascape category for her harbor photo! She was thrilled, and even more excited that she was awarded the 2nd place ribbon for her drawing of a cow skull. (I was genuinely impressed with that placement. The drawing took her about 30 minutes to complete and was a last minute entry.)

I spent the rest of the evening herding a group of teenaged girls and boys (with the help of two other friends) - keeping them from separating and sneaking off. Of course, I rode nearly every ride and am paying for it as we speak. Luckily, everyone behaved, the kids all survived the rides and taunting carnies, and Motrin along with my pride-swollen heart will fix what is ailing me today!

More Creativity Through Genetics

After my last post, I got into a conversation with my dear friend, Mr. Big, about our children's creativity levels. He has a daughter the same age as my Amber, so we routinely share notes. I came across these other photos that the sprout has taken, and since he was impressed with them, I decided to share them with you all. Now, this is a child who takes an average of 20 photos a day, so she has plenty of material - mostly self-portraits. She's not a narcissist, but since she doesn't have many willing subjects around the house - she's left with her own mug. She has a "twinkie" camera - her first digital, one of those Kodak Easy Share C310 things. BUT...she has been twiddling with some basic photo software, adding her own touches Now, I'm not fishing for compliments, just sharing. We'll be running off to the fair tonight - so I'll update you on how she did with her entries tomorrow!

The County Fair

Let me preface this by saying, I am NOT a country girl. Dirt, dust, pigs, cows, sheep, etc., are not really my bag, though I've lived in rural Arkansas for 14 years. BUT, I HAVE to attend the local county fair, for two reasons. One, the child usually enters artwork; and two, I will ride carnival terror rides with her friends. I end up being "the parent" with a passle of preteen girls in tow, giggling and screaming right along with them, doing my best not to throw up. I actually entered the crafts exhibit once, winning first place with my handcrafted Victorian Christmas ornament. These fair folks MUST know what they're doing.

This is the child's first year not to enter with a "class" of school kids. She has won in her class a few times, as she is artistically inclined. This year, she is entering a pencil drawing and the photograph you see here. She took this on a whim, during our vacation. She said she didn't even notice the clouds when she took it.

I'm also looking forward to viewing other exhibits, especially since Songbird and her mom usually sweep the cut flower competitions. Plus, I have found a farm animal that I can call "cute." GLITTER SHEEP!! The locals girls spray the sheeps' wool with some sort of glitter that even makes their stench more tolerable (the sheep, not the girls). I'm sure to share more, after my 2006 Polk County Fair experience. Stay tuned.

Quick Apple-Martini Induced Post

Just a quick post tonight, as I've always been told, "Don't drink and blog." Belinda, over at NINJA POODLES! recently had a contest for people to send photos of their kids and dogs. (Please don't submit, as the contest has LONG been over.) Coincidentally, my kid took a photo of herself with our Poo Woo, and it was (IMHO) really good. So I had to share.

Let's say it together, "AAAAWWWW!"

Kinda creepy (just like the kid), but cute (just like the kid).