Joanne's QOTD blog

If you believe in Heaven, what do you think it will be like?

2008-12-11T09:57:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
I hope there is a heaven and I have no clue what it might be like. IF I get to go there, I hope they have canolis. And fast internet access.

Joanne's answer:
I think I believe in some sort of heaven, but damned if I have any idea what it would be like (pun intended!). Lots of angels running around playing the harp, I guess? No but seriously, I guess I expect that we will be reunited with loved ones who have died and I think that maybe, at all times, we will feel that feeling that you feel when you know someone loves you so much and you love them back just as much.

And the other answers!

Two words: OFFICE. MAX.

No Liberals.

Yes, I believe in an afterlife (Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory), but I also don't believe any man, woman, or child will know what the afore mentioned arenas are like until we get there. Hope to see you before we get there. LOL

It is more beautiful than any of us can imagine

I definitely believe in heaven and I think it is going to be awesome! It has to be because I need something to make up for the difficulty level of this life! I certainly don't believe in the whole 'we'll all be angels floating on fluffy white clouds and playing harps' thing. I think we'll be who we are and like what we like and we will get to be with our family and friends and, who knows, there might even be work for us to do there like here, but it has got to be better! In so many ways!

Whatever anyone imagines is the best thing in the world is what it will be like. It would be different for me as it would be for you.

Angel Stadium in October of 2002... ah, the glory days...

I do believe in heaven. However, I’m clearly not headed there. I do have big plans for how I’ll set up the (far) south wing of hell though… My suite is going to be pimped out, AC and all!! Most of my friends will be my neighbors. We’re tight with Satan.

5 Patriots Superbowl victories in a row!

I do believe in heaven - or at least another dimension. I can't even think what it might be like except that I expect to see those who have gone before me. And that I will see everything that goes on here in this dimension. The closest I can come to telling you want I think it will be like, is to have you watch the movie "What Dreams May Come" with Robin Williams. Someone else must have my idea of "the after-life" to come up with that movie.

First of all if there was a heaven; I would always be at my ideal weight. I would always have an endless supply of champagne, fried chicken and lemon tart. Other than that a girl could get by with some winged cabana boys and call it a day.

On a sail boat in Hawaii.

I do not believe in a "heaven" per se.

What would you try if you had no fear?

2008-12-10T08:06:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
Surfing! Screw you, sharks!

Joanne's answer:
I would go horseback riding! I've always wanted to do it, but the knowledge that I'm bound to fall off at some point is too scary.

And the other answers!

If I had no fear? This is an easy one - EVERYTHING!

My grandmother's cooking if she was still around to make it.

I would love to try parachuting - I have a huge fear of heights. I totally feel that would be the only way of getting rid of that fear---by jumping in to it!!!

Ummm, robbing a bank? Nah, I would climb Mount Everest!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttz5oPpF1Js . Enough said.

I would put the "no fear" sticker on the back of my truck.

If I had no fear I would invent a line of t-shirts called "No Fear" with cool designs that people would love! It would be awesome!

Asking out Milla Jovovich.

I tried SCUBA diving even though I'm claustraphobic and I had a GIANT panic attack ten feet underwater. I think I'm done testing my limits.

Hang gliding, a giant roller coaster, a very big ferris wheel - just about anything that took me very high with a quick fall without the hard, quick stop at the end.

Have a 2nd child???

Something from the air to the ground.

If by no fear you also mean no desire for income or a roof over my head, I would move to New York and try to have a career as a Broadway singer.

What's the worst gift you've ever received and ever given?

2008-12-09T08:36:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
Given - I once started dating a girl about a month before Christmas but due to her work schedule, we were only hanging out once a week. Not knowing her all that well, and not having spent all that much time together, I was stumped on what to get her for Christmas, if anything at all. One day wandering through the mall, I ran into a friend of hers that I only met once, and for only 10 or so minutes. Thankfully, she remembered me and I asked her what I should get her friend for Christmas. She told me that she liked frogs, anything frogs... So I went to a store and bought a collection of little porcelain frogs. What the hell do I know? I wrapped them up, got a card, and was quite proud of myself. I gave it to said girlfriend on Christmas Eve and she freaked out. Not only did she not like the present, but it turned out that she was somewhat deathly afraid of frogs. The friend had set me up. I told her that I ran into her friend and she told me to get them, the friend denied it, so I looked like the idiot. I think it goes without saying that we did not date for much longer after that.
Received - Anything from my sister. Ever.

Joanne's answer:
To be honest, I love getting gifts and just the fact that someone has gotten me something is very exciting in and of itself, and I really can't recall a time that I was markedly disappointed with any gift I've received. That being said, if I MUST pick something, the one thing that does come to mind is when I was in highschool, my boyfriend at the time (Scott) bought me (among other things) a t-shirt with an airbrushed picture of some cartoon character on it. The thing that made it a weird gift was that the character was from a show I totally didn't watch and had never talked about before (and basically, just had zero opinion about)...it just seemed like such a weird gift and didn't at all reflect my interests. Thumbs down on that one, Scott! And the worst gift I've ever given? I think that must be a set of cat PJ's that I bought for Rene for her bday one year. I thought this would be the most fabulous gift because she loves cats to a totally unhealthy degree...but as it turns out, she does not love PJs nor does she love any clothing with cats on it (due to her desire to hide her cat craziness, I guess!). She never once wore them. Ever. Damn her!

And the other answers:

I fancy myself a good gift giver. I am pretty certain I have never regifted anything! However, I always seem to get screwed over on those white elephant parties. Last year I got a $10 gift card to Blockbuster, and when I went to redeem it, there was nothing on it! So that really sucked, esp. since I had brought a nice gift to give! And movie rentals are now $5! No more of those parties for me!

The worst gift I ever got was from a Yankess swap, at a school Christmas party. I opened it and it was a Donald Duck Chia Pet. I turned around and gave it to Peter that same year as a gag gift. He then sold it to my dad to for 10 dollars and my dad wrapped it for our family yankee swap. However, charma came back to get my dad b/c he won it back in the Yankee swap! It did return the following year...my dad rewrapped it the next year for our Family Yankee swap. So...needless to say it was many people's worse gift! :-)

Worst received, a chair for my 15th birthday from my mom. (http://us.st12.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/comfortstore_2028_28774436). I don't give bad gifts.

If it came from the heart, then it can't be a bad gift, right? However, one year I told my husband I wanted flowers for Christmas. What does he come home with? A POINSETTA! In my mind, a poinsetta was certainly not a flower and didn't count. Needless to say I wasn't very excited about it and, of course, my husband was completely offended. We got into a huge argument about it, and it was many years (3-4!) before I got any flowers from him. Now we laugh about it anytime we see a poinsetta. I guess all women have a certain flower they dislike - kind of like Charlotte's disdain for carnations on Sex and the City.

The worst gift that I ever gave or received was nothing. I felt like I was telling the person that they meant so little to me that they weren't even worth a little bobble or trinket. I felt the same way with the receiving at times also. These days, I at least send a card.

Nothing comes directly to mind but I'm sure if I had hours to think about this I would come up with something. And I'm sure whatever it was, I turned around and "re-gifted" it as quickly as possible so that would answer the second part of the question.

Herpes

I had this boyfriend who was an A$$ - lets just get that out of the way. He was an avid golfer. I would often find his tournament prizes under the Christmas tree as MY presents.

This included but was not limited to: A purple velour golf sweater that was a mens XXL. A cheap gold putter even though I owned a $200 ping putter. And I won't get started on the used engagement ring he bought from a friend who's relationship ended for $50 bucks and tried to pass it off as an "antique". He is one of the many reason why I don't celebrate my birthday or ask for gifts of any kind for those uncelebrated birthdays and christmas.

I can’t say that I have ever received a bad enough gift to warrant mentioning on the QOTD. But, my husband has received some pretty bad ones from his brother. He once got a Mr. Potato head and a “Legends of Zelda” t-shirt. Those aren’t necessarily bad gifts – for a child. Too bad my husband was in his 20s. His brother also gave him this bendy magnet thing one year. It was actually a pretty cool gift. Too bad that they both got the same thing a year before…from their mom. Yup, his bro re-gifted. It was pretty bad considering that his family, including his mom, was there when he opened it. So, his brother offended my husband and his mom by re-gifting. A little piece of advice for those that want to re-gift…make sure you don’t re-gift to someone who would know that it was a re-gift. By the way, we no longer exchange gifts with my husband’s brother and his wife.

What do you miss most about your childhood?

2008-12-08T09:03:00.001-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
It's hard to pick just one thing I can think of so many things I miss. I miss eating whatever I wanted and gaining height to account for my weight. I miss my healthy body, knees, shoulders and elbows that never ached unless I had fallen off my bike. I think what I miss most are my childhood friends, hanging out at one of our houses, going to the mall, the movies, skating, swimming, and dreaming of being adults so that we can do what ever we want. And now that I am 45, I now realize what I miss most about my childhood is being able to do what ever I want.

Joanne's answer:
You mean I'm not still a child? Okay but seriously, I miss getting lots and lots of presents on my birthday! =)

And the other answers!

I miss my mom taking care of me when I'm sick! And, of course, I miss summers off from school!

My foreskin....and the ability to run around naked without being labeled as a social deviant.

Telling my mom I was sick and didn't want to go to school - when all I really wanted to do was eat cold pizza and watch The Price is Right. I would love to try that out on my students - "why didn't you teach today?" they would ask, I would say "bro - The the game show network is having a Price is Right marathon, I have some two day old Pizza Hut in the fridge; you really wanted me to prep and lecture with that option on the table?!?"

Innocence

Not having a care in the world. That and the 66 mustang I used to have.

What do I miss about childhood? All the things I hated about childhood when I was child! Not having any responsibilities, not having to make any important decisions, not getting to do "what I wanted to do" all of the time, having to take directions from my parents and other adults, and so on. All of the things that I really couldn't wait for as an adult are all of the things that are now relatively difficult about adulthood -- adults are rarely able to "do what we want to do" and we still take directions from other people, but now they are now our employers instead of our parents! Ah, childhood... that was the life!

Wow - I really don't miss much about my childhood. I liked playing puff, push-a-petal, olympic balance beam around Dad's bed, and the choreography and songs we used to do together. I liked sitting close by the fireplace at night. I liked Christmas. I think back very fondly on some things - but, I don't miss childhood one bit.

Being a child!!!

I miss the relationship I had with my sister. Nothing else. My childhood was a nightmare. Only Jesus and my sister made it bearable.

So many things - not having any real responsibilities is probably at the top of the list though. Also being able to spend time with my siblings every day. And being naturally skinny no matter what I ate!

My Grandparents. And...the innocence that goes along with childhood. It was a lot simpler when the toughest decision to make was - "Do I go play in the sandbox or jump in the pool?" Transitioning from childhood to teen years... That's an entire chapter all by itself!

The innocence of it all.

More than anything I miss being able to run with wild abandon. Now I have to worry about my knees, my back, my breath, keeping pace and looking stupid. I never worried about looking stupid when I was young. And I miss wonder woman.

Not worrying about things. Oh wait... I worried as a child too, but about less substantial issues.

Lack of responsibility

I still have my old diaries from grade school and when I read them I'm amazed at how much attention and analysis was devoted to my crushes. One in particular, which last for 4 years or so. I was so devoted to him, despite the fact that my love was totally unrequited. This seems like a weird thing to be nostalgic for...it was painful at the time. But I do wonder when I shifted from having obsessive crushes to having very little interest at all in anyone. I have thought that my life would be more fun with crushes, but somehow I just never seem to find any, which is why I often just want to go to work in sweats!

Free room and board!!! :)

i had so much more energy back then...playing and being a dork (much like today) just without the pep.....

Pissing the bed. It was so nice and warm for the first couple of minutes. Oh, and eating boogers.

Having an excuse for being immature.

Not having to worry about anything substantial. Then again, when we were kids, we thought they were pretty substantial, so the worry was probably the same. So....I'll have to go with, "Not having to pay bills, for $200, Joanne!"

Thinking George Lucas was cool.

I miss the lack of existential angst. Also soccer, playing outside, snow days, and living with my siblings.

Do you enjoy a good debate or do you prefer keeping the peace?

2008-12-01T09:43:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
A good disareeement is better than contemplating your navel any day.Talking with someone who agrees with all the time is the quickest way to learn nothing.

Joanne's answer:
Hmmmm, I guess it really depends. I do like hearing other people's opinions of things (with the possible exception of their opinion of the decisions I make in my life!) and I do tend to find it difficult to keep my own opinions to myself...but the term "debate" almost necessarily implies "conflict" and "an attempt to change the mind of others" and I'm not sure I love doing those things. Well, actually, who am I kidding? I love to debate! Rene and I spend hours debating the most inane things, from the pros and cons of generic drugs to what kind of job/commuting behaviors we think are best for people that we barely even know to the true meaning of an "interaction"! We constantly find ourselves saying - after hours of ridiculous conversation - "Why are we even arguing about this?!". Ya, good times. =)

And the other answers!

As long as I win it doesn't matter.

I’m definitely a pacifist and, therefore, prefer keeping the peace. I find that much like many of my fellow liberals, I don’t know the specifics of the stance I take on things and am prone to slightly alter my views when I feel so inclined… That being said, when I do engage in a debate, particularly with conservatives, I rely upon human rights as my argument to make up for my lack of knowledge of the details of either side… I find I usually win based on passionately proving the lack of compassion and civility those damn conservatives demonstrate in their arguments! And by so clearly being right all the time, no further debate is necessary and I, therefore, am back to keeping the peace.

I am a liberal Democrat married to a Republican - of course I love a good debate. But, only when the person is well informed, or at least open-minded (my husband fits both of those categories). Otherwise, it is like talking to a brick wall and is a huge waste of time and energy. In those cases, I just like to smile and nod. I have to do this quite often with some of my in-laws who think that most issues are black-and-white. With them, and others like them, there is no use in debating. So, I just try and bite my tongue and keep the peace.

If its something im strongly opinionated about,i like a good debate....not to the point of a full on riot,i try to keep it peaceful..but i like to express my opinions when needed...

I love to debate. I know I’m always right.

A "good" debate would be enjoyable but most debates are not "good" and not fun so therefore I'd rather keep the peace and walk away. That is not to say that I won't get into a heated debate if I find the cause is right and I think I know what I'm talking about.

Keeping peace at all costs. There's enough debate in the world to create a 'hazardous noise area'.

Peace! I become a crybaby with any form of debate, argument, or confrontation.

A good debate *includes* keeping the peace. If someone thinks that debating means raising their voices and slamming doors then they are sadly misinformed.

I'm much more of a "Keep the Peace" person. I find that debates almost never succeed in changing anyone's mind, and instead serve only to deepen tensions. The exception to that is my husband - he has managed to change my mind about some things through debate and vice versa.

I enjoy a good debate.

I don’t mind a debate unless the individual I am debating with only speaks up to have a debate. In that case… always debating can be very annoying. A good healthy debate shouldn’t be every conversation that is struck up.

I love a good debate! I get a bit of a thrill out of trampling another person's argument into the ground. I can usually talk in circles around anyone and make them feel as if they aren't even sure what their original position was. It is a special skill (and my husband HATES it!).

DEBATE!

In what situations are you most likely to procrastinate?

2008-11-19T08:15:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
I think the real question is, in what situations are you most likely NOT to procrastinate… In which case, my answer would be far shorter. Procrastinating is fun! Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow? Or better yet, a month from now!! I procrastinated responding to this e-mail. Now I’m procrastinating tasks I don’t feel like completing at work in order to answer the question at hand. I even took a break just now to go grab food. I’ve been awake for over 4 hours and hadn’t gotten around to eating yet. Of course before I put forth the effort to walk to get food, I had to decide exactly what to get and if it was worth the walk… Then I “reflected” on my choices once there. Have I procrastinated in answering the question long enough? Wait. I must reread it first… Hmmm… There are NO situations in which I’m likely to NOT procrastinate. Or I guess to answer the original question, I am likely to procrastinate in every situation I’m allowed to… or I can get away with… I wonder what is going on in the world of facebook? Work can wait.

Joanne's answer:
Much like my favorite answer, I agree that the question is more like what do I NOT procrastinate on? I still haven't finished writing my lecture for this afternoon, I've never returned a movie on time in my life, my mailbox got too full so many times that the mailman literally stopped delivering our mail in the last apartment I lived in, and I procrastinated going to the gym for so long on Sunday that by the time I got there, they were closing in 20 minutes! I guess that one thing I DON'T procrastinate on is anything related to dating...well, except for the breaking up part - I procrastinate on that one probably worse than all others!

And the other answers!

Anything that involves paperwork...its way too annoying!!

I thought about replying later...

Most likely any situation that doesn't include sleeping -- laundry, dishes, vacuuming, working, homework, etc. My procrastination technique IS usually sleeping, actually.

None, Procrastination is bad, very very bad. The early bird catches the worm.

When time comes to go on a diet

Apparently, I procrastinate in situations where my hair is growing too long. Still haven't gotten that (sorely needed) haircut!

Starting a diet.

In any situation involving a deadline my procrastination will vary depending on how much I dislike what has to be done. The more tedious, boring or annoying the task, the longer I will procrastinate doing it. Dusting my home, for example, is high up there on my procrastination list!

Blow drying this hair… takes WAY too long.

Basically whenever there's something that I don't freakin' feel like doing! Or... if I WANT to do it, but deem it too difficult.

I'll get around to answering this latest question later, ok?

I procrastinate regularly. I don't get my haircut until it looks like a bad wig. I've never paid a bill on time in my life. I recently started showing up to work on time but that's because I finally found something I like to do. I even procrastinate thinking about things. I guess you can call me Scarlett O'Hara.

I don't think of myself as a procrastinator, but in reality I tend to procrastinate in situations that I think will be too difficult or on tasks that I don't think I understand. Basically - anything that is overwhelming!

Whenever there is a challenging task, or one that I don't want to do. Kinda explains why I am attempting to finish my dissertation in one quarter.

when it comes to cleaning my house, especially my office. but after 3 1/2 years I think it will be cleaned by Christmas. =)

How many days would you last in solitary confinement? How would you do it?

2008-11-18T08:11:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
Indefinitely! Are you kidding? I have four kids! Solitary confinement sounds awesome! Alone time to think and not hear, "Mom, Mom, Mom" over and over all day long - no problem!

Joanne's answer:
What an odd question. If I am in solitary confinement, it is certainly not of my own free will, which means its really not up to me how long I would "last". I mean, I would last until someone let me out...what is my alternative? But to ask it another way, how long would I last before I wanted to gauge my eyes out and wish for death? Well, we are all a lot more resilient than we think we are, so that's really hard to say...but I suspect I would not last nearly as long as some people. Even more than a couple of days is starting to sound unbearable. I remember once, in college, taking a bus ride (by myself) from Boston to upstate New York to visit my friend Isaac, and I remember thinking by the end of the trip, "OMG I haven't spoke to another person in like 8 hours" and thinking how I could hardly go on without talking to someone soon! But I digress....to finish answering the question...How would I do it? A lot of singing to myself would be involved...and surely talking to myself...and I'd sleep as much as possible...and maybe try to do some exercise, like push ups or something. If I could actually do a push up.

And the other answers!

SOLITARY CONFINEMENT!!!!!!!!!!! Yikes..............that would be like being in jail!!! Nope.......I LOVE people...........confinement is NOT for me!!!!!!

"Last" as in live? Or "last" as in be sane. I think I could be sane for maybe a week, but if they keep feeding me I could live for years. I guess that's why it sucks!!

Since I have never been in a true solitary confinement I couldn't begin to tell you how long I would "last" or what I'd do. It's a scary thing to think hard about. But I have been in a sort of solitary confinement and it lasted over six years. And what got me thru it was my faith. The Lord was with me the whole time and a great companion He is.

I could go till death. If you could pleasure yourself to death.

I would last until they let me out. What other choice would I have?

I could probably make it for a good chunk of time...im a simple creature and therefore pretty good at amusing myself,and im sadly really good at isolating, so im thinking it may be easy....as long as i have some books or my ipod, im good to go....

Solitary confinement - never happen!!!! (who would I talk to) (better yet - who would listen)????

I could do without people (and the talking that comes with the people) for a good two weeks before the absence of people (and the physical contact that comes with the people) would start to cause me real concern. Severe distress would probably set in at a month or two. How would I cope? I think I would do a lot of sleeping. As someone who has had exactly one good nights sleep in the last seven or eight months, I might not even notice the time passing for the first week or so as I caught up on sleep. If I had pen and paper in this solitary confinement, I would spend my time working on the creative writing projects I never have the time or the brain space for. I would meditate. I would sing. Wait...where can I get my hands on some of this solitary confinement that you speak of?

None. I would have bounced off the walls too many times that even the prison system would want to let me out.

Days? I would say indefinately.Being alone is a learned skill, and unfortunately I was conditioned at a young age for solitude.So much so that I NEED solitary time now and then or I start getting anxious and get in a general bad mood.

That would have to be zero days! I like to read, email, watch TV, and talk way too much! I could maybe last a half a day or so. And, the only way I'd survive that would be to sleep the whole time.

I could last forever in there, as I am a very solitary person. Also, my mind is a beautiful place to escape to. Sometimes OCD has it's advantages.

I would probably do very well in solitary confinement. Deep down I do think I'm my own best company, I'm funnier than anyone else and everyone else is stupid. I wouldn't fair too well once released because, I've put myself in solitary confinement before and could barely open the door without blowing away the pizza guy.

I could last in solitary confinement pretty long with a stack of good books. With 50 books, I could probably last 50 to 100 days...

Solitary confinement, um...I could prob last awhile. Just give me a bunch of books or even my steno machine! I don't altogether mind being alone, but I will prob get claustrophobic at some point.

I already work in a cubicle. Same diff.

What mood are you usually in? Explain why.

2008-11-17T07:19:00.001-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
Annoyed. Because 6.7199999999 out of 6.72 billion people on earth are stupid. =)

Joanne's answer:
I think anyone would say that I am usually in a good mood! Social/cognitive psychologists would say that this is due to the way I am able to (rather automatically) put a positive spin on my perception of the world....e.g., when something happens that could be interpreted either positively or negatively, I will overwhelmingly perceive it to mean the positive thing. This may not always be in line with reality (and often ventures into the "hearing what I want to hear" land of denial), but it helps for maintaining a positive mood most of the time! =)

And the other answers!

My mood is usually one of happy but anticipating disaster at all times.

Not sure what mood I'm usually in. It ranges from placid to PISSED.

My mood is generally positive. I went thru a long time when I was bummed, or upset about something or lost in a fog but I decided one day that that was not happening any more. So I put The Lord in my back pocket and He guides me to be as positive as I can about things.

My moods change from day to day...................no mostlys about it. It very much depends how I am confronted at the moment and who it is and why. Actually, "MOODS CHANGE FOR REASONS" I believe. So have a GOOD moody day!

I have many moods... Bleh - when I'm writing papers; Ugh - during faculty meeting on Friday afternoon; Duh - when grading students' exams and papers; Poof - when I choose not to meet this "match" on an online dating website but he insists on meeting in person; Wtf - when I can't sleep and replying to your QOTD --I had this "tea latte" at noon the day before to stay awake for the aforementioned faculty meeting; Proud - when I *know* you're going to pick me as your FAVORITE answer tomorrow.

Reflective

Im usually in a good mood...i have a lot of things to be thankful for, so i think of that stuff and am therefore happy..that is until someone pisses me off, then it's like a scene from the incredible hulk, except in my case, the hulk sounds like he has tourettes (i can swear with the best of them)....

I am a "glass half empty" kind of girl. It usually bothers other people more than it bothers me. I found the saying I like: "The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds; and the pessimist fears this is true. ~James Branch Cabell, The Silver Stallion, 1926". Anyway, I only bring that up because my general mood is neutral, kind of even. It just SOUNDS a lot like doom and gloom! Yeah, I'm a laugh riot!

I'm as moody as The Mt. Everest weather pattern, people love me for my quirks its cute.

Happy. Just because.

In an emergency, which friends would you feel the freedom to call in the middle of the night?

2008-11-14T07:20:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
I would totally call my great friend Joanne Frattaroli - who I know would not only wake-up at 3:00 AM to take my phone call, but would also drive all the way up to SF on a seconds notice...because that is the type of friend she is. Even if she was super bummed out about it, after I called her she would think to herself "Neat!" and get right out of bed.

Joanne's answer:
I suppose that I would call almost any of my friends in the middle of the night if it were really an emergency...but whether they would actually answer or be of any help is another matter! Which actually remind me of a funny story when I was on the job market a couple of years ago. I was interviewing for a job on the East Coast and I had been watching DVDs of the show LOST while I was travelling and while I was in the hotel room. That show is a little bit scary for me for some reason, and the combination of the scary show + having a (scary) interview the next day caused me to have a nightmare. I woke up in the middle of the night from this super scary dream, and cognitively, I know it was just a dream and all, but my autonomic nervous system does not know it was just a dream, meaning that my heart was racing and bascially I was freaked. So I call up my friend Brian - it was 2am where I was but only 11pm where he was - and I start telling him how I had a bad dream and what happened in the dream, etc., and he interrupts me and says, "Wait a minute, you called me at eleven o'clock at night to tell me about something that DIDN'T actually happen?! Dude, I gotta get to bed - goodbye!". And I thought to myself, "Ugh! How rude!" and I proceeded to call my friend Rene. So I'm telling Rene about my scary dream and she appears to be reacting appropriately, letting me talk about it and (seemingly) understanding why it was upsetting...until I say to her, "Can you believe that I just called Brian to tell him about this dream and he totally blew me off and said he didn't know why I was calling to tell him about something that didn't actually happen!?", to which Rene replied, "Oh my God, that's exactly what I was thinking! Why are you calling to tell me about a DREAM?! I need to get to sleep! I'll talk to you later.". Damn those two! =P You would never guess that they don't get along with each other.

And the other answers!

If I had to make that 3am phone call, it would surely be to obama (thank god!):)

The ones that work the night shift ! :)

Does calling [my husband] count? Although hopefully he is already with me in the middle of the night! I would also include my good friend, who is dating my brother (which kind of makes her my sister, right?).

I would call Joanne in the middle of the night even if it wasn't an emergency. Don't say you weren't warned.

The good ones. definitely not the bad ones, those guys suck.

All of them, that's why they are my friends

My friend Doug.

In an emergency where I needed actual immediate physical help - my friends would not be handy. Most of them live at least half an hour away. For that, I would call one of my various in-laws who live reasonably close. For an emotional emergency - I think there are only two friends that would willingly shake off sleep to talk me down. Of course, I could always call you and - between the time difference and your night owl tendencies - you'd probably still be up!

All of them.

Sadly,there are a couple of people i would burden with a 2am phone call...if its something major,i'd want them to call me,so i know i can call them....

Joanne, I actually think I would call you! Unless it required someone come over *immediately*...then....shoot. I don't know! I better figure something out.

Friends in Germany since they would be up anyway (it is 6 hrs later there). Yeahhh!!! My first response EVER to Joanne's question of the day! I am gonna go now and have a glass of champaign by myself.

Until last January, I could have called my childhood friend any time, day or night and she would come to me or talk to me or whatever I wanted. But, alas, I do not have that luxury any more. My friend died suddenly last January and I miss her very much. I have a sister I could call anytime but family is different. So to answer your question, I don't have a "friend" I could call in the middle of the night.

I used to have friends that I would call in the middle of the night on a regular basis - we called that drunk dialing - in all seriuosness one friend actually offered to get on a plane from Ireland immediately to comfort me. Now we need more sleep because we're getting so old. Now I only call family members; they're almost legally required to take my calls.

Do you believe that the human soul is eternal?

2008-11-13T11:49:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
Of course. That's the only way grandma's plan to live forever would work out.

Joanne's answer:
That's a tough one. I'm inclined to say that I just don't know...BUT I do totally believe in ghosts, so I think that I means that I believe the answer to be yes!

And the other answers!

I am having trying hard to come up a cool answer to be your favorite answer - but all I got is hell yeah.

I do actually...no proof on this but..i do believe it remains..

Only if you believe humans have a soul.

It goes against my nature to believe in things for which there exists no supporting evidence. But I do kinda believe in souls *only* because I believe I've seen ghosts. As for eternal? No, but perhaps extremely long-lived (pun intended).

I do believe that the human soul is eternal.

Really? this is what passes as a QOTD nowadays? the hiatus has left things a bit rusty....well, it depends on if we are talking metaphorically or literally. Metaphorically speaking I like to think that the essence of humanity is eternal enough given the limitations on the life of the planet, universe, etc... as we have proven to be an extremely adaptable species so far. Literally, hell no. there is no soul and when a person dies, they die. simple as that. Oh, and boobs.

Yup!

Only if someone else is around to remember it! Sort of the same as a tree falling in the forest.

I am of two minds on this. On the one hand - science would suggest that there is no "soul", and I do believe in science. On the other hand - ever since I can remember I have felt like I have come from some place before this and that I will go back to that place when I'm done. And, I have had experiences that I doubt science could explain. My gut says: "The soul is eternal."
My brain says: "I just don't know." One last thought - my gut has usually been right.

Nope.

Absolutely!

If you could do something very daring without fear, what would you do?

2008-11-12T07:53:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:

Ask (Joanne's friend who I don't at all get along with) to marry me.

Joanne's answer:

I always thought hang gliding would be awesome (if I didn't have that whole fear of falling thing).

And the other answers!

Have another baby. At 60 years old THAT would be VERY daring.

Quit my job and open my own store.

Skydiving!!!

Take a ride on the outside of a rocket. Not sure where this one came from.

I would say &*@& the job market, leave academia, buy an RV, and drive around the country (Actually, I DO plan to do this one day, but I hope to call it "retirement")

Leave academia and become a waitress.

Tell my step-daughter's mother what I think about her parenting style.

Bungee jumping

I think I'd write a childrens book, titled: Dad's New Wife, Roger

Ha haha Hahaha HahaHa Get married?

If I were given the opportunity to do something daring I would take it if I know that I am not doing it alone and if I know that won't hurt myself badly but I would be scared regardless. I may or may not pee in my pants in the process. :)

I would be the lead singer of a rock band. I'm have stage fright, can't sing a note and play no instruments. I think have more than fear to overcome on that one. :)

Skydiving! Or maybe get a tattoo. I still wish I had gotten one when we were in Hawaii!

I would skydive and base jump. That and maybe some fire/chainsaw juggling also.

Probably something from the air to the ground like bungee jump or something like that.

What's something you've done that surprised even you?

2008-11-11T07:53:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:

Something I've done that's surprised even me: I can't believe that I spentalmost all of the time since receiving your email (almost two hours now)reading people's responses to all of the PREVIOUS questions of the day.

Joanne's answer:

I've surprised myself by losing 16 pounds since the beginning of August!

And the other answers!

When I was in Italy, I went to this really cute little restaurant to have lunch by myself. Before I knew it, I was having lunch with a perfect stranger who happened to see me eating alone and sat down at my table to join me. He was talking to me in Italian and I was talking to him in Spanish. I can't remember what we talked about, but it was the best conversation ever. It was a little awkward at first, but I quickly became at ease. I don't typically have lunch with strangers just like that, but it was well worth the experience.

Well, let’s just say that THAT is better left in my brain and ONLY my brain. LOL

Moved to california

Stayed married for 23 years!

I would say, the first thing that comes to mind is asking a man to marry me.

I went to church. Pretty sure it was Catholic service. Tho it was the non-denominational church at BU. For me, that's about as surprising as finding a carp that can sing opera.

I've gotta continue with the theme. Grabbed Joanne's boobs.

Are you a traveler or a homebody? Explain

2007-10-04T10:30:00.000-07:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
Depends on where there's more boobs.

Joanne's answer:
I'd like to call myself a traveller, as I probably have travelled more than the average person...though I'm embarrassed to say that I don't even have a passport!! But that will change soon, especially with my new job, now that I'll have the opportuntity to earn extra money teaching a summer class in one half of the summer and then still get at least 5 weeks of vacation in the other half of the summer. The summer class $$ should hopefully be my funding for many-a-fabulous summer trips. Summer '08, I am thinking Maui....wanna come? =)

And the other answers!

I like my warm safe home with my creature comforts and my family.

I'm very split on this one. I do love to travel, even if it's just around Berkshire County. I love seeing new places even if it's only a new street in town. But I'm also a bit of a homebody. I'm very domestic. I enjoy a nice home after I've cleaned it. I enjoy cooking. I enjoy visiting with friends at home. So I guess I'm both. At this time in my life, money is what keeps me more a homebody than a traveler.

Well....i'm someone who can't sit still, so i like to get out and do stuff...sadly though, financially speaking, i haven't been able to travel as much as i'd like..although we did just back from Vegas!!! smell the irony??

I'm definitely a traveler...but for 2.5 - 3 weeks tops. i cannot stand living out of a suitcase (way too high maintenance if i am going to be perfectly honest), and i need to be home and comfortable after that amount of time. or i will start biting people's heads off!!:)

Both!! I like to travel but I also like to be at home.

I'm definitely a traveler - especially when I'm not a homebody. It seems if I'm at home I love it but can't wait for the next trip and when I'm on the next trip I love it but can't wait to get home.

I think I'm both. Being home for awhile makes me really want to hit the road. And after traveling, I love coming home to all the comforts. So, I appreciate one by doing the other!

I am a mix of the two. Somedays I like to stay home, and somedays I like to travel far and abroad. I am not always spontaneous, but sometimes the mood just grabs me and I go.

I'm definitely a traveler. If I didn't have to work all the time and I had the money, I would be all over the world.

totally traveler!! I am so planning on a trip down south as I love jazz and Blues and want to feel the soul of that music...in a weird sense I guess this would sort of amake me a "blues traveler"...LOL...ok I heard you groan!

I'm a wanna be traveler. I am at my happiest visiting far away cities.but I can never afford to go.

Well, I've pretty much always been a homebody, but the balance is starting to shift about over the last year or so. I'm much more interested in going out and doing things and more interested in putting plans in place to travel abroad (which I've always wanted to do...someday)

I am a homebody no question! My favorite vacation spot is my home! We hardly travel on vacation. It's much more enjoyable to us to sit home and let the day creep by.

Are you a creature of habit? Explain your answer

2007-10-01T07:56:00.001-07:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
I'll sum it up this way....I have OCD, so habit is my friend, my very close friend.

Joanne's answer:
Definitely! I eat lunch at the same place practically every single day, I listen to the same CD every morning for weeks (or sometimes months!) before I switch to a new one...and I even tend to date guys that all look the same!! That being said, I do welcome being pushed into trying something new every once in a while....

And the other answers!

Yes.

That's hard to say. I am in somethings and not in others. I guess my 'habit' of mothering every one in the world, whether they want it or not, yes, I'm a creature of habit. hahaha I get ready for work the same way Monday thru Friday, practically down to the second. but what I do consistantly out of habit feels good, it's kind of safe.

Anteater. You tell me (Wink).

What animal are you most like? Why?

2007-09-28T12:37:00.000-07:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
Animal. The Muppet drummer for The Electric Mayhem. I think the two of us see eye-to-eye on many things ranging from philosophy and politics to culinary arts and even our taste in women. The physical resemblance is hard to overlook too.

Joanne's answer:
I think I'm most like a dog. Cute, loving, loyal, sociable, fun...but also messy, loud, demanding of attention, and somewhat of a handful. =)

And the other answers!

I would say a Killer Whale.Only slightly more intelligent. Most killer whales are just 20 tons of dufis dressed up like a police car. Maybe a dolphin would be "cooler", but killer whales are more, well, predatory. Like a killer whale (and most cetaceans), if left to my own devices I would just play, have sex, and eat all day.

Anteater.....you tell me..(wink).

According to recent studies, I believe that I am most like a chimpanzee...Actually, I think maybe I'm most like an elephant. Um...obviously not in size but... gentle, powerful, matriarchal, excellent memory...

A cat because sometimes I can sleep all day and stay up all night.

The Bothrops Asper, or Fer De Lance (????'s....look it up). Basically, you leave me alone, and I won't have to attack you, leaving you to die a horrible and agonizing death. I am very calm given my own space, but lately I have been a little on edge, could be upcoming midterms.

I am really not like any animal to be honest. I am an animal of my own kind.

I don't know what animal I'm most like, but I did have a dream that my spirit animal (in Native American terms) was a fox. I thought that was pretty rad.

Cat – very independent.

Seth would say the answer for me is a golden retriever... because I am vacant-eyed, but extremely loyal...

What is something that always brings a smile to your face?

2007-09-26T08:58:00.000-07:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
October 27, 2004

Joanne's answer:
Receiving answers to the QOTD!

And the other answers!

There are many things that always bring a smile to my face. A visit from my daughters. A visit from my granddaughter. An email from my niece, or my uncle or my aunt or someone else I haven't heard from in a long time. A hug from my husband (we hug a lot). Unexpected money in the mail. And when I'm the favorite answer of QOTD. :-)

Thoughts of the 2002 Playoffs and World Series... I even have a bottle opener that plays the final call of Game 7 (which I was at) with Kenny Lofton flying out weakly to Erstad... "AND THE ANAHEIM ANGELS ARE THECHAMPIONS OF BASEBALL!" Brings a smile to the face every time, just like the end of the movie The Natural brings a tear to my eye every single damn time I watch it... of course my adorable daughter brings a smile to my face every time I see her too, but that goes without saying...

Well, Friday it was when my parents flew into town to visit me for the weekend. Monday it was when my kickball team won our first ever playoff game and Tuesday it was when my aforementioned team voted me as the female team All-Star!

Babies always bring a smile to my face. even if they are poo-ing and/or crying:) i love, love, love them. even ones that belong to complete strangers! my uterus feels little pains every time i pass one in the grocery store...seriously :)

The one thing that never fails to bring a smile to my face is when my husband laughs. Not one of those little chuckles or giggles, but a full out, uncontrollable laugh. It always makes me smile and often makes me break into uncontrollable laughter as well.

Simple: my son.

My daughter. Of course, she's the one who also brings frowns, angry eyebrows, pointed index fingers, and grey hair...

The company of good friends. Oh and money. Lots of money. Tits don'thurt either.

Seeing tress blow in the wind always puts me at ease. The sound ofMatt's voice when he's impersonating people makes me laugh. Andfinding a pair of shoes that fit my chubby wide feet always makes fora good day!!

Nitrous oxide

Roger S. Wigglebottom, my almost 2 year old Boston Terrier.

What bad habit have you broken?

2007-09-25T09:30:00.000-07:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
After 50 years, that's a half century (no exaggeration), smoking. I'm in my 9th week smoke free. Say a pray that I stay strong in my resolve to "make smoking history".

Joanne's answer:
I'm not so good at breaking bad habits...that requires a special skill that I lack called BEHAVIORAL REGULATION!! However, there are two somewhat bad habits that seemed to have been broken not even totally on purpose, just from various other changes in my life/environment....and those are no longer being addicted to diet coke (I used to drink 2-3 cans at school every day, not to mention whatever I would drink when I went out to lunch or dinner!) and no longer watching hours and hours of TV every day (I used to - at the very least - watch TV from 8pm - 11pm every night). Now I drink water and iced-tea during the day...and hang out at the sports bar with my laptop at night! (I don't really know if that's much better, but....). But really, I'm more excited about the GOOD habit I have added to my repetoire of late, which is going to the gym all the time. I've been to the gym pretty much either every day or every other day for the entire month of September, and I've lost 9 pounds since moving to SoCal!! =)

And the other answers!

In the last 3 months I have broken the bad habits of bad eating. A HORRIBLE cholesterol test motivated me to cut out all fast food and soda (and really all trans-fats, almost all saturated fats, and a greatdeal of sugar) from my diet. As a result, in concert with a regular cardio workout, I've lost 15 pounds since July. (I'm still working on the bad habit of eating more than one serving size at meals... ah the American diet... it really seems sometimes like everyone wants us to be unhealthy...)

Smoking - going on 14 years

Spending 2 hours a day to answer joanne's QOTD!

Bad habits have to be broken?

I quit smoking 3 months ago!!! Woohoo!!

I don't think I have ever successfully broken a habit. I do wish I would drop one though, the one where I complete other people's sentences for them. It is very annoying!

Thankfully, I stopped dating psychos . . . .

Drinking heavily and often....now it's just heavily....RIGHT ON FOR PROGRESS!!!

Dieting!

What is the ideal age to get married? Why?

2007-09-24T09:18:00.000-07:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
When the test turns blue. :)

Joanne's answer:
Really? This is the question I am supposed to answer? You are asking 32-year-old Dr. Frattaroli, who, at 16, was disgusted with her mother for stating that her daughter's name would be "Dr. Frattaroli" after getting her Ph.D....to which she responded, with a disgusted look on her face, "MOTHER, I should HOPE that I would be Dr. something-else by THEN!!"? Dr. Frattaroli is unqualified to answer this question. Next question, please!

And the other answers!

I think its 29. Why? Because I'm 29 and just met my husband!

It depends on how much money she has and if she'll skip the prenup.

The "ideal" age to get married would whatever "age" you are at when you have decided that having a mate in life is a good thing, in spite of all the work it will require to maintain that relationship under one roof. Marriage is day to day, every day, give and take, compromise, ups and downs, happy and sad, mad and joyous. It's work, every day, in some capacity. You give in sometimes and the other one gives in sometimes. Sometimes you agree to disagree but you continue to respect the others point of view and allow them to have it, even if it's different from yours. Different isn't wrong, or right. It's just different. Love in your heart and in the middle of your bones will keep you together and allow you to apologize and forgive, whatever the case may be. Some people can do this at 18 and yet others can't do this at 60. So the ideal "age" has nothing to do with numbers.

My ideal age would have to be the middle Ages during the Renaissance of art, literature, music, philosophy, history, religion and science. And the reason why is because the women obeyed their husbands what I would call the good old day's :)

At 16 because you're pregnant or got someone pregnant accidentally. Sure there are arguments for waiting, must of us have done so. but waiting only introduces more longevity obstacles into the equation; making compatible partners harder to find. I'd never recomend marriage, but if you must, do it when you're young, stupid and fresh.

Age 90. That way you won’t be miserable for that long.

Easy, when I'm sick and tired of having Balls and wish them to be lopped off and placed in a jar.

Never. Men suck!

25. You are old enough to know what you want from your life and have experience enough to pick a spouse who is able to help you get it. Plus, you're young enough to be able to share a lifetime of firsts and live long enough to look back on all of them at your 50th wedding anniversary. I missed this ideal age by a couple of years, but I think I did pretty well for myself. :)

I believe it is important to protect traditional marriage from tehonslaught it is up against today. To that end, I suggest we return tothe way it always was. The man should be between 25 and 50, and the woman should be between 13 and 18 (and a virgin).

I don't think there is any real good answer to that...........

For boys, 23...and for girls, 22. Why? Beucase that is when my husband and I did. Hehe :-)

46. I'm 23 and feel about half grown. Only adults should get married.

If you could visit with any one person from history, who would it be and why?

2007-09-21T09:58:00.000-07:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:

I would visit my dad. I would let him know his Red Sox finally won the world series.

Joanne's answer:

I feel like it would be cool to get some psychoanalysis from Sigmund Freud!!!

And the other answers!

Conan the Barbarian... rape and pillage baby!!!

I would like to visit with some of my ancestors, to see what they were like.

If I believe that there is life after death and also if we were born at a very earlier time at one time then I would want to meet all myselves. Man it would really be interesting to meet all of me's ..................................can you just imagine?

I would go back to week one of the football season and tell the member of the patriots staff to hide his camera before he costs us a 1st round draft pick!!!

While most responses are going to be someone importantor influencial (your Jesuses, or MLKs or Lincolns), tome most of those people seem pretty stuffy and if Iwas going to visit, I'd want to have a good time... so I'd probably pick someone like Frank Sinatra, or Billy Wilder... maybe even Oscar Wilde...

I'd visit Jesus Christ and end this whole debate. He'd be a black woman, of course, but would only speak Hebrew or something and I'd be screwed (because I'm a very bad Jew). Nevertheless, I'd love to find out if She really was the daughter of the Almighty - and more importantly - if we could start a mutually profitable catering business using nothing but water and a few loaves of bread as our start-up costs. But I'll bet EVERYONE is going to say that.

Jesus. To ask him if there really truly is a heaven.

Osama's Mom..and tell her "Close your damn legs!"

I would want to meet JFK a few days before he was killed and be able to ask him any questions about any topics. How was Marilyn? What's the most amount of women you have been with in the Oval Office? You know, important stuff....

It would have to be Eve - to see how she got Adam though take a bite from that "apple".

this is easy...marlon brando in streetcar named desire (the scene where he comes home from work) so i could have sex with him, of course. that is all :)

What is your favorite scent? Why do you like it?

2007-09-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
The new CD from fifty scent!!!

Joanne's answer:
OMG I totally love the smell of men's cologne.....ESPECIALLY Obsession for Men Cologne. One of my first boyfriends from high school used to wear it and - not give you way too much information but - we had really good "chemistry". I don't necessarily think the scent remind of me the GUY per se - but due the fabulous magic of classical conditioning, it does definitely produce somewhat of a physiological response!! I can barely concentrate when I am anywhere near anyone who is wearing it!

And the other answers!

Turkey as it cooks in the oven is my favorite. And I like it because I know I am about to have a feast and then have my self a nice nap.

I looooove the smell of breasts in my face.

My favorite scents are garlic frying in olive oil and freshly cooked "sticky" rice. They remind me of my what my mom's cooking. So, whenever I smell those things it brings me back to that. I also live the smell of jasmine. And, you gotta love the "baby smell" ...no, not the bad one, the good one - the fresh baby powder one.

The scent of the ocean - it completes me!

I have more than one favorite scent, but since the question is originating from Southern California, I will name one from that area. Every spring the orange blossoms bloom, and I am overwhelmed by the intensity of that smell. For some, the smell is overpowering, but I really like it. There used to be more orange groves in Riverside and the smell would travel for miles, but now there aren't that many groves and you have to drive down the 91 towards the Magnolia exit to get close to the trees when they are in bloom. I still love that smell though.

I like the smell of the forest. I always used to play in the leaves and among the trees as a kid. I always felt so good in the muted sound of the dark shadows of the trees. I love to hike and walk in the woods. Funny thing is, with the diseases mosquitoes and ticks can give you these days the forest isn't even safe anymore unless the predominant smell is "deep woods off". Sad world we live in....

The ocean... and i don't mean the smell of rottingfish or stale seaweed, but the subtly salty, moist airthat is cool on your face. I love living close to the beach so I can get the seabreezes (which is why I never even once considered moving to Riverside whileat school there...) and the refreshing scent. It caninstantly relax me... that and the smell of an In-N-Out Burger... mmmmmm, In-N-Out burgers......

Hmmm…….I am really funny about scents. They end up way to the back of my nose and down my throat. So about this time the strength of them about makes me want to vomit despite any type of nice fragrance they might have about themselves. I would have to say the scent that is the LEAST offensive to me must be the smell of my own body. NOT my own body odor – anyone’s would be offensive – good Lord have you been on some of those French flights?!?! I mean the scent of my own body – the scent that is unique to each of us. It must be the least offensive to me as I don’t seem to want to vomit and I must be smelling it all the time as it is always there. Other than that – fresh baked bread is good even those soft garlic, sticks from Olive Garden. Dip one of those in some Alfredo sauce. YUM! The smell of summer is always pleasant. Then of course lobster is a given – just to know that any moment a savory taste of it will be in your mouth. Steamers are fabulous too – course that reason is the same as lobster.
But I would have to say the best smell: When my son was a baby and after washing him in the tub the smell of his hair after washing it with Johnson and Johnson lavender baby wash. Squeeeeeeeeky clean!

My favorite scent is the smell a dryer makes while doing its job. It just seems so clean and fresh (unlike the clothes before they make it to the washer and dryer).

How many bones have you broken? Share the details.

2007-09-19T11:54:00.000-07:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
I have broken one bone - a small bone in my right foot.This unfortunate injury was sustained as I tried to depart the apartment of my ex-boyfriend's mother. She and I were both struggling with the news that the ex in question was gay. As I left her apartment and was heading down the stairs she said, "I always thought you'd be my daughter." I told her that I always would be, put on a brave face, and tried to exit with a hopeful bounce in my step. I took this a bit too far and fell down the remaining three steps. Two days away from a dance concert that I was supposed to be in, I told myself that everything was fine. I went to work as a cashier at a grocery store and attempted to force myself through a dance class before someone finally insisted that I go to the hospital. I asked the doctor how much dancing I would be able to do with the break and he asked me how much dancing I thought I could do with a cast and crutches. Obviously, none. I was not okay. This was not a fine ride.Ah, but bones and hearts can heal...

Joanne's answer:
Thankfully, I have never broken a bone...which is quite impressive given how clumsy I am and how often I fall down! Guess that extra padding is good for something after all...well, that, and being a human buoy!

And the other answers!

Never broke a bone in my life, no matter what trauma I sustained. Lets hear it for MILK!

The only bone i have ever broken was my left ring finger. 2 weeks ago. Playing football. One of my RAs told me i was the only "chick" he knows who has broken a bone playing football. The ball jammed my finger and I went a few days before going to the doc. I didn't want a crooked left ring finger on the off chance i will actually get married (no, not bitter!!) and would have to look at weird close-up photos of my hand in my wedding album. I can't lift weights for 6 weeks. 6 weeks for a stupid finger!!!

Hair line fracture in my right foot...car ran over it...though it hurt I didn't think it was broken and thus didn't go to the doc until 5 months later when it got colder and it really started hurting....too late to do anything about it...this was when I was around 16 or so...to this day..if it's too cold it starts hurting...

Only bone I've broken is my ankle. I was sledding and flipped off my sled, did a flip in the air, and sat on my ankle, breaking the bone that holds the attachment point of tibia to the ankle. It instantly swelled up to the size of a softball, but I couldn't feel it or tell how painful it was, because I hadn't put any weight on it yet. That and before I could get up, here comes my brother on his sled behind me and he runs me over, literally, knocking me up into the air again and coming down in a pile. After that, I tried to get up, but just laid there and waited for the world to stop spinning. He checked on me and I told him I was alright, so he went back up the hill and came down again. I just laid there. He helped me up and I really didn't feel any pain, so I walked back up the hill. He said he was going back home, but I wanted to go down the hill one more time. So he left me. I went down the hill no problem, but when I tried to get up the second time, it hit me and I crumbled to the ground in pain. I couldn't put any weight on it, so I crawled up the hill and back to our house on my hands and knees, about a quarter mile. When I got there I took off my boots and that is when I saw it, huge, black and blue, and painful. I got a cast, it healed and I haven't had any problems since.

I dated a guy when I was 19 who made me feel amazinglybeautiful and sexy at first and it was intoxicating. Eventually, he started controlling me - mentally andthen physically and became emotionally abusive. Ithought I could make things better between us byunderstanding the root of his need to control me andall the other things women believe when they are inabusive relationships. Nothing worked, and thingskept getting worse and worse. I began having bruisesaround my neck and wrists from where he would grab meif I tried to leave his house. There were otherincidents, but nothing really was as bad as the mentalfuck that happened every time I tried to talk to himabout things. Anyway, one night I went over to hishouse, and he was being a royal shithead, and Idecided I had had enough. I was going to leave hishouse not his girlfriend no matter what it took. Iknew it was going to end with physical pain, and I wasready to accept it, whatever it would be. As Iexplained to him that I was no longer going to be hisgirlfriend, he tried to argue with me, but eventuallyit became clear that I had made up my mind. At thatpoint, he became completely evil and strange. I gotreally scared. He had never been so completely insanebefore and he was saying the most awful things I hadever heard in my life (and still to this day, no onehas ever said such horrible things to me). My bodywent into complete Fight or Flight response, and I ranpast him, out of his room and out the front door ofthe house. I decided I would run home and not lookback. But, he chased me. He was chasing after medown this busy street, trying to grab my shoulder,telling me we weren't done yet, we still needed totalk about things. I kept screaming for him to leaveme alone, but he wouldn't so eventually, I stopped,and punched him in the face. He was standing behindme, so I punched him at a really weird angle. When Ihit him, I sort of hit him with the edge of my thumbrather than the true front part of my fist. And, Ibroke my thumb. I could hear it crack as it hit himin the mouth. It was totally like in the movies whereeverything was in super slow motion. It really pissedhim off, and he grabbed me and threw me to the ground.I tried to catch myself on my hands which probablydidn't help my broken thumb and they got all scrapedup and bloody as did my knees. More stuff happenedthat night, but eventually, my roommates rescued meand by the time I got home, my hand was already reallyswollen. In the days after, it became many nastyshades of purple, blue, green and yellow. It was myright hand, so it made my finals very difficult, but Istill managed to get 2 As and 2 Bs that semester. And, I started therapy that week it happened, andlearned a lot about relationships, communication andtrue intimacy. I am actually extremely thankful thatthat relationship happened because I am afraid Iwouldn't have learned those things had I not hitrock-bottom with Fuckhead Tyler (which is what I callhim now because he doesn't deserve to be called by his real name).

I have only broken one bone - my pelvis.I was in this tree that had a swing. You had to climb to the top, grabthe swing, and jump. Well the tree was at least two stories high andfire ants were crawling all over it. As I made my way to the top, myfear kept growing. The ants were big and yucky. When I got to the top,I looked down, thought "shit, thats a long way down" and the nextthing I remember was being in the hopsital. Apparently, my friendssaid that I passed out and fell directly from the tree. I onlyremember waking up and thinking I was 12 (but I was 16), I thoughtthat JFK was president, and I could not identify who I later learnedwas my mom and step-dad -- I also could not figure out why I was in somuch pain.Eventually (within hours) I remembered everything (except falling fromthe tree). I had a severe concussion and a broken pelvic bone. I had to spend that whole summer in bed. It freakin sucked.

Would multiple breaks of one bone count as more than one broken bone? Zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture w/orbital floor fracture...basically I bobbed when I should have weaved and ran into the brass knuckled fist of a Crip in Tacoma, WA.

I think I broke my funnybone. It was crushed by the"system" somewhere between childhood and entering the"real" world. Anyone know a good doctor?

I have never broken a bone, I have never had a sling or crutches or anything exciting like that. I think they know I would milk it too much!

Who is your favorite talk show host?

2007-09-18T09:42:00.000-07:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
Tina Faye of the Weekend Update in SNL. Too bad she's no longer on SNL! She was by far the best!!! Momo (my kitty) would say: "That weather lady on the Bay News 9 (local Tampa Bay area stuff) who keeps moving the arrows back and forth on the screen!" Because of the hurricaine season, the local news has a bunch of info on where each hurricane originates,how big they are, how fast they're moving, and where it will land (if it ever will), and will give you the precise predictions based on "the pinpoint doppler" and everything! She loves chasing the "spaghetti plot" of where each hurricane is headed to, and the moving arrows pointing to the direction of the hurricane paths!! Wait, you said Talk Show hosts - does the weather lady count? I figure it does since I wrote on and on about my kitty. You better give me your favorite answer!! Puurrrrrrr.

Joanne's answer:
Jimmy Kimmel! Oh how I wish I had gotten to see him live that night when my friend Jason Mackey came to visit. WHY did I insist on us going to Killer Shrimp, hence getting caught in traffic, showing up late, and being just one person away from being admitted before they closed the doors? WHY? JIMMY!!!!!!

And the other answers!

Oprah "You're all getting a car" Winfrey.

Jerry Springer. Because he decided to move up to a more noble position in society.

Jon Stewart, if he can be considered a talk show host.

Gag if you want to, but my favorite talk show host is Dr. Phil. :-) I tape him so I can watch it at night. Even my husband has watch him and learned from him. He's an educated "Good 'ol boy" and I like his style and show content.

Don't really have one. Most of them just have really bad topics, so I don't watch them.

Johnny Carson is my all time favorite.

This is the only answer that can't be trumped: 9/11

Answer #1) Adam Carolla, LoveLine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Carolla#Loveline) where he taught me everything I know. ;-) Answer #2) I guess I have no #2

Born in London, raised in NYC, educated in New Orleans...Attorney, Politician, news anchor, talkshow host, movie star,recording artist and author...With such a varied and interesting career, I gotta say Jerry Springer is seriously one of my idols...plus he gets to see a lot of boobs.

I like watching ELLEN dance

To what degree are you patriotic? How do you express your patriotism?

2007-09-14T10:57:00.000-07:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
Do you mean the New England Patriots???

Joanne's answer:
I'd say I'm pretty patriotic. I love my country, I love to sing the national anthem (even if I do almost *always* get to baseball games too late to sing along), I feel pride whenever I see our flag, and I don't like it when people talk shit about the US. How do I express it? I probably don't do all that much....other than wearing red, white & blue on the 4th of July. Oh, and I vote in every election. AND I won an essay contest in 6th grade for an essay about "What it means to be an American"! I won $50, even!! =)

And the other answers!

I feel that I am patriotic. To what degree?, I would have to say above average. I know that there are many people out there who could say that they are more patriotic than me, but I feel that I stand up for those fighting for us, and I support them, even if I don't always believe 100% in why they are fighting. To me it does not matter why they are there, or how they got there, once our soldiers are placed in danger. What matters to me is getting every one of them back safely home. I know that is not possible, but that is how I feel. I salute the flag, I remember those that died so I could live in a free country, and I pray for their safe return and the hope of peace. I also stand up for the right of everyone to be able to say openly how they feel about what is happening, no matter how they feel. Remember, that is one of our rights. To me, all of this is what makes me patriotic.

Degree??? I'm a Patriot, I know that. I've lived around this country and in a foreign country and I can tell you that we live in THE best country in the world! When I came back from 2 years in Japan I spoke to everyone I knew, and even some I didn't, about how lucky we are here in US. I express my Patriotism by talking about it.

I go to Indians Casinos and try to win big!!

I am very patriotic. I express it by voting republican of course.

I don't really express patriotism unless someone gets me going bysaying something unpatriotic that I disagree with. Not too exciting.

Which do you do more often: hum or whistle?

2007-09-13T09:46:00.000-07:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
I whistle through my teeth all the time. And most of the time I don't even realize I am doing it. Unfortunately it's a crappy song like Bizmarkie's "Just A Friend" or Tone Loc's "Wild Thing." Oy vey.

Joanne's answer:
Neither - I sing. I might be singing really quietly or under my breath, but I definitely think I always sing and almost never hum or whistle. Lately, its been "Oh Marie" by Sheryl Crow.

And the other answers!

I give hummers more often... oops...misread thequestion.. i hum more often.

Whistle.

I hum more than whistle. Whistling takes too much effort.

Neither - in order to hum you have to be able to carry a tune which I can't. I also apparently do not have the anatomic capability to whistle. Nothing comes out so I am a two time loser.

I am sitting here whistling away, while this girl I just met is giving me a hummer. Oh yeah, that's it, right there, put some bass into it. Mmmmmmmmm.....I just love it when they go for the low tones....Mmmmmm Mmmmmmm. Wait, what was the question again? I think that I misunderstood you. Oh, I see. Sorry. To answer your question....whistling. Well, got to go, this girl is putting out more bass than a 20-inch sub-woofer.

Hum.

I guess hum. In fact, I was just humming along to "Boogie On Reggae Woman" by Stevie Wonder with the door open in my new office on the first day of school. What they must think of me!

Whistle.

Definitely whistle. i think [my co-worker] is going to record my bird noises soon too!

I can't whistle worth a damn. I'd have to go with humming.

What stresses you out?

2007-09-04T12:53:00.000-07:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answers (a tie!):
1. Can it be true that my daughter sometimes defend George Bush? I thought you were a left wing commie.
2. I have stress learning my step-daughter defends Republicans??? I am too stressed to finish answering this question!!!!

Joanne's answer:
It stressed me out when punk kids in my class ask me hard questions that I clearly don't know the answer to, hence exposing me for the poser that I truly am!!

And the other answers:

My boss.

I can't help myself....Psychologists!!!!!!!

Right now what stresses me out is that fact that classes start Tuesday, I'm not ready, and my cousin just told me that she's comingto stay with me for the weekend! Ill timed!!

Listening to idioic ramblings of democrats like those in your favorite answer yesterday. Any person that thinks a president (irregardless of what party they are from) can put us in any situation all by himself/herself apparently has no idea we have a congress and that they do that (QUITE well I might add).

When my daughters come home and don't clean up after themselves, don't make their beds, don't offer to help me around the house and they leave the lights on all over the house.

My job, my lack of money, my man, my cats.....god bless Xanax!!!!!!

QUESTIONS!!!!!!!! AAAAAAAGGGGHHHHHH!

EVERYTHING

Trying to think up witty answers to these questions.

When have you had to agree to disagree? Explain.

2007-08-31T12:20:00.000-07:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
Many, many times when discussing politics with Joanne. I try to get her to see the errors of her ways when she defends the Republicans, but to no avail. I have tried to get her to see how Bush has put us in one hot spot after another, but she will not listen. Joanne even gets violent sometimes because her arguments are so weak that lashing out is her only defense once you prove her wrong on a subject. It has gotten to the point that I have had to join the witness protection program, relocate to Greenland(um....scratch that, I'm in France, yeah...France), and learn to herd seals(uh, I mean milk goats, yeah...I'm a goat milker...in France). So, now we just agree to disagree and I don't have to worry about her trying to run me over with her car anymore. Sorry, these flashbacks just come out of nowhere sometimes. Post traumatic stress disorder is what they call it, I think. Isn't that right Joanne?

Joanne's answer:
Almost anytime that I explain my voting practices to people. You see, in my quest for gender equality in politics, I have decided to, whenever possible, vote for the woman candidate. Regardless of whether she is a democrat or republican. And regardless of her position on issues. This policy seems to enrage most people, as they unendingly try to argue points such as, "But what if you disagree with this particular woman's views?" or "What is this particular woman will do more harm than good?". While I appreciate such concerns, my most important political agenda at this time is gender equality, and I think the most effective way to get that is to have more women in politics - not because of their views or what they might do in terms of policy change while in office, but because the simple fact that they are in office is having a profound effect on our society. The fact that they are elected into office makes it more likely that the idea of a woman in positions of power/non-traditional roles will be accepted by society at large, hence breaking down the barriers that women face. See...societal change through action/example, not through policy. Anyway, I didn't expect you to understand. No one else does. So, let's just agree to disagree!

And the rest of the answers!

My husband and I agree to disagree about whether ornot we should keep a gun in the house. We currentlylive in university housing where guns are prohibited,so the argument can remain at a standstill until wegraduate. When we finally get our own place, however,we will have to revisit the discussion and come to aconclusion...

I am a democrat married to a republican - there have been many times that I have had to agree to disagree :-)

When???? Most of the time when it comes to livingwith my husband. He does what he wants and I do whatI want but that doesn't mean we agree on what is done.We decided long ago to agree to disagree. He hatesmost of what I like and I dislike most of what helikes. It's just become a way of life. "Serenity forthe things I can not change........."

My father and I used to agree to disagree on politicsall the time... he a midwest born Republican, and me ahippie liberal Californian, would CONSTANTLY disagreeon how government should operate and how we shouldspend money. I, being young, would typically getemotionally involved in the arguments while he wouldalways stay calm. Every single conversation alwaysended with the idea that once a democrat took officethen all the republican agenda would be reversed and adem agenda would replace it. The last time I arguedwith him about politics, it was about the war in Iraq.He knew he was going to disagree with me so he wentstraight for the "vote in a democrat and things willchange, and all politics are cyclical" but I thoughtthat wasn't enough this time because people were dyingright then, and waiting for a change in leadershipwould mean thousands more would die before thathappened (and they have). I wasn't going to agree todisagree as we had done dozens of times before. Ispent a great deal of energy trying to show him whythe war was wrong and why the republicans have it allwrong (unless you personally are a profiteer makingmillions/billions off of the war). He died before wecould formally resolve this discussion, and Isometimes regret that this was the last majordiscussion I had with my father.

I'm married - that means everyday.

Every day. I am married to a man.

Well, basically anytime I'm right (which, let's face it, is ALWAYS!) and I fail in my attempt to persuade the other party to see it my way!

Why do you think divorce is so prevalent?

2007-08-29T12:39:00.000-07:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
Divorce is prevalent because women have rights. In the olden days,women had to suffer through their husband's infidelity. And women whocheated were beaten by their husbands (or killed). As you know theterm "rule of thumb" was coined in regards to the thickness of thestick you were legally allowed to beat your wife with. Now, women mayleave. And men may not legally beat them. So instead we see divorce.

Joanne's answer:
Probably one of the biggest reasons is that the gender roles (especially for women) have changed quite a bit - women can now have opinions, women can now have jobs...and women can now support themselves without the help of a man! Also, for the most part, because traditions of society have loosened a bit, both women and men now have more CHOICES in their life - if they are in a bad marriage, they are allowed to leave. They don't have to stay in a situation that makes them unhappy. While I certainly think some people give up on marriages too easily, I would venture to say that most people who get divorced are better off. Unhappy marriages are way worse for your psychological health than being single. And they are a lot less fun, too!

And the other answers!

I don't know why people get divorced, but I think I know one thing. Research has shown that the older you are when you first get married, the less likely you will get divorced. Well, let me tell you something. The older you get, the lower the chance becomes that you'll get married in the first place. So, of course, those older folks who successfully got married at an old age are less likely to get divorced, because of the "self-selection" effect!! --31-year-old female, obviously not married

I sincerely believe that divorce is so prevalent because the two people going into the marriage don't really look at it as a life time commitment. It's all fun and romantic and the bride gets to be center stage for a day and treated like a princess for the duration of the honeymoon. Then real life begins to set in. Living with someone else day in and day out is work. You have to consider the other person's feelings, needs and wants every day. If you don't there is hell to pay. And if you don't consider the other person's feelings, needs and wants long enough, then one of you is going to stray or move out. People today don't want to work at making the union work. And, don't be deceived, marriage is work. Just like keep your home clean and your property in order, it's work but when you sit down at the end of the day it's a nice feeling to know the home, this property, this mate in life, is yours to have and to hold. Maybe too, it's too easy to get married. If it took more paperwork to get married maybe more people would think about it longer before making that big step.

Psychologists.

Because registering for a wedding is awesome! When else do you get to request tons of things from your friends and family members? Who wants to be only able to do that once?

I think divorce is so prevalant because it is allowed and not looked down upon like it was earlier in the century (the last century -- ha ha!). Also, I believe people just have a more conventional way of thinking nowadays and are going after what makes THEM happy and to hell with whoever stands in their way. If they aren't satisfied in their marriage they see no problem with ending it instead of trying to fix what is wrong and compromising. I realize that may not always be an option, but people seem to give up more easily today if something is not going their way. Also, what you said yesterday about that guy who got divorced from his barren wife and then she couldn't deal with his cancer. Well, the vows say "in sickness and in health," do they not? Or did they leave that clause out? Our culture is prevalant in teaching people that they have a sense of entitlement. People are just selfish. I think that is what it boils down to.

Being the child of divorced parents, I think I have a little insight into this one. This isn't why my parents divorced, but I think the reason today is mainly that people don't take that "for worse" part seriously enough. Sure I'll take you for better, but if you do something that I don't like, then I'm out of here. Make sure you know how far your "significant other" is willing to go on the "worse" part. Now, I'm not married, so I can't say that I know the real angle of marriage, but you can bet if I am going to spend the time and energy to get to know someone, date them and marry them, then I am going to stick it out, unless it can't be fixed ever (i.e. infidelity, she attempts to kill me, she has someone else attempt to kill me, etc., etc., etc., etc.). I just believe that there are going to be some really rough times, and you have to expect that and do your best to deal with it.

[My husband] and I talk about this a lot and here are some of our ideas:
- People get married when they are too young to know who they are, what they want in life, and what type of person is best for him/her.
- People forget that a good marraige requires work (like everything worthwhile in life) and they get lazy and stop trying to be a good partner.
- People give up too quickly because divorce is more socially acceptable nowadays.
- A really, really unfortunate number of marraiges seem to end because of infidelity -- which is totally controllable on the part of the cheater. This gets into the selfish factor -- some people who get married aren't really in it to take care of the other person or don't take that part of the marraige seriously -- another reason why divorce is prevalent.
- Couples forget that they should keep going on dates and do courting type stuff to remind themselves of how they felt before they got married and to keep romance alive.
- Some people stop taking time out for themselves and loose themselves and blame it on the marraige.

Cause people don't have enough self-restraint to keep their pants on.

I think that there are a few reasons that divorce is so prevalent. For one thing, society does not support long-term, stable marriages. The media and society in general promotes - not just infidelity - but, the idea that if you're not experiencing a constant rush, constant gratification, then you are missing out on something that everyone else has the sense to make sure that they get. The other thing is that marriages these days can mean a lot of different things. If a husband and wife don't have the same idea of what marriage and their lives together are supposed be like, then it's not going to work. Also, I think more people are marrying for "love" (translate: passion) instead of finding a good friend that will make a good life partner. When the passion people fizzle out, there's not really anything left to hold them together. When well-suited life partners go through rough spots, their respect and genuine affection for eachother can see them through.

Because we have all learned from the O J mess, unless you have great lawyers, you can't kill them.

Because people are fucking stupid and marry the wrong people for the wrong reasons like because its the cool thing to do or becasue they want to look good in a white dress. Its fucking dumb. But I'm not bitter or anything...

Because women don't know how to listen.

What's your most memorable (good or bad) airplane flight?

2007-08-15T09:22:00.001-07:00

Joanne's FAVORITE (non-fiction) answer:
OH MAN, you are going to be sorry you asked this one. Here is the scenario: flying with my brother as teenagers going from the West coast to the Midwest to visit our dad, we get to the part when they serve lunch (remember when they actually served a meal? Tells you how old I am) and he goes to put down his tray table, and there stuck to the middle of the tray table is a maxi pad....A USED MAXI PAD. Huge blood clots and funky drainage and all types of other stuff that a teen just doesn't want to think about. He and I looked at each other, looked at the pad, then he just slowly put the tray table back up. We didn't speak to each other for the rest of the trip....like it never happened. To this day, when I fly with him, I can still get a reaction out of him by asking if he thinks this flight will serve tomato soup and ketchup sandwiches (that's the code we use for it, so no one else gets offended....it really was that gross....HUGE CLOTS...you would have had to see them to believe them). We can only imagine how bad the flight was for that lady, to do that in public, in a closed space, that takes guts. Also, once I really thought about it, the cleaning crew really missed that one or they saw it and did like we did.....like it never happened. I'm hungry now....off to make some tomato soup.

Joanne's FAVORITE (fiction) answer:
When I was a kid I remember flying across the Atlantic a few times with my parents. Usually it was no big deal, but one trip went freakishly wrong. I was flying back to the states for Christmas with my little sister as a couple of unaccompanied minors. Apparently in the cargo hold there was a crate of live reptiles on the way to a zoo or something because a bunch of the snakes escaped. Most of them were poisonous and nobody on the plane even noticed them until they started creeping out from under seats or dropping down from the overhead compartments. It got really crazy, I remember the man next to us got bit first, right in the nads. Then, a stewardess had one dangling from her breasts. I swear, for some reason the snakes seemed to prefer biting genitals and boobs. I held onto my 12-year old weener with both hands, although this only required the movement of one additional hand. my little sister, having neither boobs nor external genitals, hystericaly ran about the cabin as passengers were dropping left and right from poisonous snake bites. It was insane. I think she peed her pants. Anyway, there we were: me clutching my junk for dear life and lil' betsy wetsy spazzing out. I don't remember much of what happenedfor the rest of the flight, but a very nice black man started killing all the snakes on the plane. Eventually he grabbed us and moved us to a safer part of the plane, basically saving our lives. Which at thetime was very bittersweet considering I hated black people. Oh and Christmas sucked that year.

Joanne's answer:
One of my worst flights was going from NYC to SoCal, on my way to interview for the job at UC Irvine (which I now work at!). Because my flight had been booked by a travel agent (who did not ask about my seat preferences), I ended up with a window seat instead of an isle seat. Now, while I certainly recognize that a window seat is better than the middle seat, I still really don't like it because it makes me feel really claustrophic. I like the knowledge that I can get up and stretch my legs whenever I want (without having to inconvenience 2 other people to do it). The flight was completely packed, and we were delayed on the runway for a quite a while, making the total time that we were on the plane a good 8 hours, easily. The batteries on my laptop were about dead, I didn't have a book to read, and for one reason or another, I did not watch the movie on the flight. I had been interviewing non-stop for about a week (an interview in Florida on Friday, an interview in upstate New York on Tuesday, and an interview in Manhattan on Wednesday) - and I had one more interview to go - and I was just SPENT. But of course, I couldn't sleep and I was horribly uncomfortable. The guys sitting to my right were middle-aged business men types - the one right next to me was a VP of some sort - and I tried chatting it up with them, but they weren't too interested. About halfway through the flight, I about couldn't go on, so I basically forced VP to talk to me - and he at least admitted to also being about ready to have a meltdown, he just wanted to be done with this plane ride. We were both unspeakably bored. So basically, the only thing I could think to do was to play my very favorite road-trip game, "The Celebrity Name Game". For those of you who don't know this game -- one person says the name of a celebrity (e.g., Jane Fonda) and then next person has to say the name of a celebrity whose first name begins with the first letter of the other celebrity's last name (e..g, Frank Sinatra). Now, I find this game to be highly entertaining, but it seems that I might be the only person in the world that thinks that way, as I can never get anyone to play with me! At any rate, this poor VP guy was so desperately bored and I was so desperately insistant that he play with me that I roped him right in! You could tell he was hating every second of it but come on, I was desperate here! As soon as he figured out which letter I was having trouble with, he went out of his way to keep throwing me that letter so the game could end...which, of course, it finally did. As did the plane ride. A good 4 hours later.

And the other answers!

Most memorable was when I was returning from Germany and the plane did an in-air refueling. Pilots were getting trained. Bad because of the smell and the back and forth action but good since it was successful. Don't think it would have been fun had they missed the hook-up.

Most memorable airplane trip... well its a toss up between sitting next to a guy with an open wound trying out his best pick up lines or sitting next to a pierced, tatted industrial rock/sex artist with a Ph.D for 11+ hours from LA to Bulgaria.

My first time on an airplane i was in the window seat and told the others they would have to watch out for me since it was my first time...in the middle was a pregnant girl with her cat!!! and the guy on the end was pretty cool..we took our bathroom breaks together (the 3 of us) and me and the guy got nice and drunk...it was a good first time.

Sorry I can't answer that one, I keep my two feet on the ground. Never been on a plane and don't intend to..

Well, I have tons of these as I was a flight attendant way back in the day…

But…I suppose if I had to pick one…. YAH RIGHT….

Holding a line out of NY’s LaGuardia doing West Palm turn arounds. Course at that time full course meals were being served on the plane and those that were of a different faith would order “special” meals to have on the plane with them. I, being the L3 Galley person was responsible for counting the meals in the cart to insure we had enough “meals” to supply the passengers… Catering came, unloaded, shut the doors and left. I counted the meals and realized we were ONE “special” meal short. Unfortunately, the plane had pulled away from the gate and getting one more “special” meal was not going to happen. Wouldn’t look quite right on my record to have a delay for a seafood salad plate. So… off we went. Now 30,000 feet in the air, it is time to pass out the meals. As I am feeding coach I get to the very back of the plane to one last lonely man sitting with his wife. As I go to pull out his meal, the man’s wife says to me, “Daaahling, my husband ordid a special meal, do you have it awn booward” I explain to him that we were short one meal and unfortunately I did not have his seafood salad plate. Well, he didn’t like this AT ALL. He stood up started yelling at me. As I turned to head to the cockpit to get the captain, he got out of his seat and started chasing me down the isle yelling… I ordid a special meal and I want it. Whew… what a flight. Then of course there was the time…
Working the L1011 – these are the planes with the little elevators in them… the galley is below the plane.. yah.. I don’t think they fly these anymore. Well… for those that didn’t know… there is a small opening in the cockpit that you can open and find yourself infront of the galley but under the cockpit.Ever heard of the “mile-high club”. Well it really does exist… My flight attendant friend was caught exiting that small opening under the cockpit and we all know what SHE was doing. HAHAHAHA. And now that I think about it…I was chartering a flight from NY to Miami – deadheading it from Miami to Scranton, PA to pick up a football team. The night we landed in Miami, the Captain told us to meet in the lobby at 5AM for a check in. Me and the flight service manager (Artie) decided to go out… well…. We didn’t quite make that 5am check in. The captain called my room and Artie answered. Hmmmm…. Captain then said to meet him at the hangar for check in and the bus was leaving in 5 min. Oh boy… talk about packing fast. Well since noone was going to be on the plane (passengers) the captain allowed me in the cockpit for take off and landing. WAY cool! Well… not with a hang over. J Artie asked if I wanted any tea for my take off… Sure I said. I sat behind the captain and waited now for the take off roll… Here we go says the captain… bump, bump bump… over the runway… since the tea looked like it was going to spill… I decided to take a sip… bad move… it was WAY too hot… I ended up spitting it out all over the back of the captains neck. Well once the plane was airborne… that captain sent me to the back of the plane to “take a nap”. Trying taking a sponge bath in the airplane bathroom. Ewwwwwwwwwwwwww. Then lets to go when I was a passenger… My boss and I are heading from Boston to Portland, OR to see a customer… I am meeting my boss who is flying on a different flight – flight out goes pretty good… no problems…
BUT… the bad luck boss strikes and it is a catastrophic series of events for the flight back.
First… we are late getting to the plane. The “boss” drops me off because my flight is leaving before his and there is not time to return the rental… I rush in… rush to the counter. I am told that the counter I am at requires me to insert my credit card. Sorry… that is packed. I understood my drivers license was enough. Then, the luggage is scanned and found to have “explosives”. WHAT???? I ask. Explosives. I am sorry Miss… we have to take your luggage and you need to sign a paper. Ummm… hello… I plane is about to leave. Now standing in line waiting for my luggage, my boss walks by on the phone giving me the “strange” look… what are you still doing here?. I say, Hello… help… they say my luggage has explosives in it… he quickens his steps and moves further away from me. A lot of good HE is. Well I finally make it to my gate and the plane is just about finished boarding… Whew I make it. Quick phone call from Brookstone… problem with shipment and away we go. Lucky me, I get to sit between a man who is all up in my face space snoring and a man that cannot speak any English. Drink time… Well, isn’t that nice… my good suit soaking wet with coke. Yippie. We land in Chicago – thank God… but no food since 5am that morning. I am soo hungry. Well, I will step outside for a smoke and then head back in for a bite to eat before my next flight. Oh noooooooooooooooo…. Low blood sugar attack… I get the sweats and my suit is not only wet with coke but sweat now too.Panic… the line to recheck ID’s is not moving… noone is there – I am about to faint… I need fooooooooooooood…..Ok, relax… the line is moving some… 20 min later…my turn. Put my luggage thru… Oh no…. not again…”I am sorry we have to check your luggage” Well about this time I freak on the security people. I tell them I am about to faint and to give me my f’n luggage. Course they don’t and sit me down in a chair and get me some sugar packets. Finally I get to leave. I head over to get something to eat, but I cannot find my cell phone. Shit.. I bet security has it. I head back over to security and tell them they have my cell phone. They look all over but cannot find it. Well the ring on it is a meow only security does not know that. I ask them to call the number but they won’t because it is long distance. All of a sudden I hear a meow, meow. I said to them, do you hear that? That is my phone it is ringing. They politely say to me, “Ahh.. miss, that is a cat getting ready to go thru security”. I look up and sure enough there is the cat. Oh boy well where is my phone. Searching searching more… low and behold I find it… in my pocketbook. Eeeks. Silly me.Now it is time to head to my gate. As I am leisurely walking and eating my pizza and talking to my husband on the phone, I look up at the clock on the way up the escalator… ahhhh…. Honey… what time does my flight leave? 4:00 he says. Ummm… what time is it here? Ummm… 3:55 he says. SHIT! Now back into panic mode… Running and Running to my gate. Not thinking I am going to make it. I get to the gate yelling across the seating area.. “helloooooo” I need to get on this flight.” The gate people are just looking at me. Again I yell…”hellooooooooooooooooooooo, I need some help. I have to get on this flight.” Well… lucky me – they open the doors and walk me down. YAH!!!!!! Back to the back of the plane…and I get to sit next to some chick that is drunk off her ass. She says to me, “What the hell took you so long. We have been waiting for you.” Then proceeded to fall asleep and kick me with her feet the entire flight from Chicago to Providence – even the flight attendant tried to wake the woman then realize she was drunk. Then when we land, now remember we are at the BACK of the plane, the VERY back… she says to me to move she has to get out first. I told her she was not going anywhere and to just sit down. (course in a nice way) When the plane begins to deplane, I make my way to the front and this chick starts in on my tell me to move it – Well after ALL I had been thru, I turned around and said to her , “WOULD YOU SHUT THE FUCK UP” The captain looked at me and smiled and off I went. Finally to arrive in Marion, MA at about 2AM.

The one I tell people about most is the flight to London for a semester abroad, on that flight I ate what was to be the last meat I have eaten in 12 years. I should have gone out better than with airplane chicken. Should have been popcorn chicken or something that looks yummy like that...

My worst was when Paul and I were coming back from Europe. After three weeks away, we were feeling homesick and couldn't wait to get back. Of course, that is when everything went wrong. We were flying out of Paris and were ready to board the plane when some guy apparently got through security, or something. So, we all had to wait in the terminal for hours until they figured it out. Unlike our airports here in the US (we are so spoiled!!!) there wasn't anything to do because their terminals are separated from the shops and restaurants. But, we kept out spirits up and had a nice, long, conversation with an older copuple from S.F. When we got on the plan, the flight to Philadelphia (our connecting) was pretty good. Just a bit of turbulence. So, that didn't really qualify as a bad flight...yet! When we landed in Philly, we were three hours late and missed our connecting. They said it would be fine and we would be put on the next plane out. But, when we got to that gate, they said that we couldn't get a seat. After some persistence, we were able to get on the flight. Except, once we were on the plane, we had to sit on the runway for a few hours because of wetaher and runway congestion. I was so antsy at this pont. And, they woudn't even let us get up and move around. We were just trapped on teh flight for three horus with nothing to do. The whole time I kept thinking, "I'm never going to get home!" When we finally arrived home to Ontario and I saw my in-laws, I gave them the biggest hug. And, when we got to our apartment, I actually gave the door a big hug. After all the stuff with people being stuck on airplanes and in terminals recently, I can certainly relate. And, I can also recognize that in comparison, my experience wasn't horrible. But, it was still pretty bad.

I was bumped from a flight from Madrid to NY a few years ago. I got another night in Spain, free hotel and food, AND a first-class ticketfor going home a day later. First class was amazing! Champagne as soon as we sat down, good food, fresh baked cookies, a constant flow of booze, and my own little TV with a lot of movies to choose from. It was heavenly, and ruined coach for me forever.

What's your favorite board game? Do you usually win?

2007-08-14T09:37:00.000-07:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
RISK!!! - bit I almost never win. I talk too much shit at the beginning of the game and no one trusts my alliances by the end. Plus the game takes like three hours, just enough time for me to be too drunk by the end to have a chance at winning...

Joanne's answer:
Man, its been forever since I've played a boardgame, so kind of hard for me to answer this question! I guess I'm gonna have to go with the old standby of "Monopoly" - I used to play that game with my sister literally every day in the summer - and I seriously don't think I won, even once! See...its good that I didn't follow my father's advice and became an academic instead of a businesswoman. =)

And the other answers!

Monopoly would be mine.

I used to play the game SORRY. I haven't played that in awhile, but I used to always win. I think that is mainly because my dad always let me win. He is just cool that way.

Balderdash. Except we don't play to win, we play to see who can give the raunchiest and most inane answers. So by that measure, yes I usually win.

Scatagories. Its just fun. I don't care who wins anymore ( I used to have a problem with this).

Parcheesi – and yes I usually do.

Probably Monopoly, although I never win. These days, however, I'm more likely to be found playing Candy Land.

I like monopoly. My performance varies, but every once in awhile I kick serious ass!

This is a good one "Sesame Street Match Game".... Did I win?, NO [my son] always did...Sorry, we don't play board games. But I do remember that...

What goals have you recently set for yourself, and how are you doing on them so far?

2007-08-13T08:56:00.000-07:00

Joanne's favorite answer:
To be and remain unemployed until I can no longer afford rent and I'm reduced to wandering the streets--unshowered, talking to myself, and asking for spare change and hits of pot from strangers. ...So far, I'm right on track!

Joanne's answer:
I don't know that I've set explicitly set too many goals for myself lately, especially after having just obtained huge goal of the dream job and all....but I have been really thinking that its about time to have a real boyfriend after not having had one for like 7 years...I don't know if you can really consider it a "goal" - but I do have a date this week so perhaps that is progress!! (Of course, if history is any predictor of the future, "progress" may not quite be the right word, but oh well!)

And the other answers!

Lose weight. Not so good lately, but I'm still down a couple pounds from the beginning of the year.

My most recent goal is to finish setting up my attic. It continues to take a great deal of organization to store everything I have to store. Then I have to unpack, and repack every single box so the mice can't get in them and make a home for the winter. How am I doing? Pretty well, I do believe. But I only have a few more days to work at it before I am to be operated on and then I have to sit still for 4 to 6 weeks before a can get back to it.

The goals that I did set (windows etc.) never came about. I will now leave them for Fall cleaning.

My goals right now are getting through nursing school and getting on with my life. So far, things are going very well. School starts again in a couple weeks, which is hard to believe, but that is the only way to keep moving forward. Like they say, time waits for no one. That, and I am very much looking forward to my new career, so I really do want things to keep moving along so I can get there.

Well, just this morning I thought that I should set the goal of beingout of debt by age 30. That seemed sufficiently far away. Maybe a minute later, it hit me that I'll be 30 in about six months. Crap! The goal was amended...out of debt by 31. MAYBE 32. (I'm so screwed.)

Goals? I've got one big one - get a job! So far, who knows? Still waiting to hear back on a bunch of stuff. I think that the summer is kind of a hard time.

To LEAVE the company I work for…mmmmm… not so hot.

What do you do if you can't sleep at night? Do you count sheep, toss and turn, or get up and try to do something productive?

2007-08-08T08:15:00.000-07:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
Masterbati..... err... exercise! it always helps me sleep!

Joanne's answer:
I'm afraid I can't take the advice of my favorite answer, because this is most definitely already done before even attempting to go to sleep! This, of course, means that I very rarely have trouble falling asleep...but in the event that I do, I will mostly just toss and turn, keep my eyes closed, and "pretend" to be sleeping in the hopes that I will trick myself into the real thing! If I am really desperate/it is really taking a long time, I'll give up and move to the livingroom (sometimes turn on the TV), at which point I do usually fall asleep. I'd also usually like to call someone, but its usually too late...unless I'm on the east coast, in which case I have 3 hours to call people in CA (which I did quite a bit when I was interviewing and couldn't sleep!).

And the other answers!

If I have trouble falling asleep I pray. I say the prayers I know in my head, over and over and then if all else fails, I talk to God, my mother, my sister, sometimes my Dad and my grandmother.

Actually MOST night I cannot sleep. I have been known to do all the things you mentioned and then some. Like EAT! I mostly read with hopes that it will make me tired and sleepy. But before I leave the bed I count sheep, or count backwards! Maybe what I should have is SEX!

I just tell her to turn over and then she stops snoring.

If I have probs sleeping I toss and turn for awhile, then maybe play online or watch TV. Or reading, too, puts me to sleep.

I would bet that masturbate is a lot of people's honest answer, although whether they'll cop to it in your QOTD I don't know. Does that count as productive?

I, unfortunately, toss and turn. I will not give up the fight, nor let insomnia win. I will stay in bed until I fall asleep. Many hours have been lost on this futile effort. I should have gotten up and done something all those times, but it was the principle of the matter.

I take a couple of Tylenol PM, make a stiff drink, and turn on the TV right after I check my emails.

i know exactly what i do when i cant sleep,seeing as how i havent slept well in the past 4 nights..i toss and turn,or just lie there for about an a half hour then if im still up, i'll get up and watch t.v. or read my book...something quiet (as hard as that is for me to do!!!!!) then if all else fails...masturbation. hahaha..works like a charm.

I freakin HATE it when I can't sleep at night. Usually I'll lay there for at least an hour. Then I'll get up and start watching TV. Then I'll start wondering if there are other people who are up too and wish that I could talk to them. If I don't fall asleep during this time,I'll eat something really heavy (like turkey) and that usually puts meto sleep.

Pull the pud while thinking of you.

Can't sleep at night...? What does THAT mean??

I do have "sleepless" nights often. I do get up and pick up a book I am reading or do a crossword puzzle. It takes about one half hour to get me ready to go back to bed.

I'll start by tossing and turning...with my eye on the clock the whole time saying, "If I fall asleep now, I'll get 4 hours of sleep...if I fall asleep now, I'll get three hours...etc." Obviously, that is never really helpful and it just keeps me up longer. So, I'll usually go lay on the couch and watch TV in the living room. If school worries is what is keeping me up, I'll write down a game plan for myself. That usually calms me a bit.

Mostly I just lay there and try not to toss and turn too much and wake the husband. I almost never leave the bed if I can't sleep. I don't want to be productive, I want to sleep!

If I can't sleep I usually do the least helpful thing - either toss and turn or take the opportunity to think about things that are troubling me (but, usually, only the one's about which I can do absolutely nothing)!

How do you handle anger?

2007-08-07T07:45:00.002-07:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
Apparently, when I get angry I kick holes in my wall. If anyone knows how to patch up a one-foot square hole, let me know!

Joanne's answer:
I don't think I get angry all that much, I mean I think I'm a pretty low-key, tolerant person...though I do often expect a lot of people and I can sometimes get mad when my expectations are not met...plus, of course, if someone gets mad at me and I don't think its justified, I'll be mad at them for getting mad at me. How do I handle it? Hmmmmm...a popular response is it to get really quiet/silent and/or avoid the person all together, almost like I am punishing them by taking away my attention. And I have sometimes been known to say bitchy things in the heat of the moment...and will often use passivie-aggressive sarcasm after the fight is over if I still have some lingering anger that is pushing to be expressed. And then there is the standby of writing a super nasty email note...which should probably never be sent but sometimes is! Oh and of course, I will call everyone I know and tell them about how mad am I...and heaven forbid they don't totally take my side 100%!!!

And the other answers!

I handle anger MOSTLY: I think I start as anyone does by NOT seeing the other person's reasoning. Then gradually ( after taking very deep breaths) I realize its better to see all sides of an argument or disagreement and before you know it anger has really gone. Sometimes disappointment sets in but now thats another question, yes?

By not getting mad!

I handle anger in different ways, but mainly I try to take the extra energy to the gym with me. Sometimes that works, sometimes it doesn't. I try not to let it get me too worked up though.

I handle different anger different ways. But if I'm angry at someone, I may stew about it for a while but sooner or later, I go to them and tell them I'm angry and what I'm angry about. Now, if the person doesn't acknowledge my anger as a real thing and takes steps to apologize for making me angry, then I'm just going to get more angry and then I just shut down. I sizzle inside until it goes away. And then whatever relationship I had for that person is diminished a little by the sizzle that took place inside me. The relationship is forever scared and will have difficulty growing. Not that it's can't grow, it will just have difficulty. Now, if the person I'm mad at does apologize for making me angry, then it might take a while, depending on the intensity of the anger, but eventually, it goes away and life can continue the way it was and my relationship with the person can continue to grow. Life goes on. For many other things I'm angry at, I pray for serenity for the things I can not change and I pray for patience to get me through whatever it is that is making me angry. I leave a lot of that in God's hands.

My funny answer- I try to keep my distance from her!! But seriously, I turn into a total jack ass a complete fouled mouthed, Veins bulging out of my face moron. After 40 years of life I have finally realized what a waste of energy that is. The last time I was angry I took all the energy and cleaned my kitchen till 2 am. I woke up the next day and instead of broken hand I had a clean kitchen and a great feeling about taking negative energy and turning it into a positive. If only I had learned this in my younger years life would have been easier and cleaner!!

if its someone elses anger..depending on who it is,ieither laugh(quietly),or i try to calm them down andtalk it out.if its my own anger i usually try to calmmyself a bit before i talk about it...learning fromthe past i tend to say "very bitchy things" if i donthave a chance to relax first.

By getting mad and kicking ass.

Not well. I usually try to swallow it, but that rarely works. So I endup saying something mean and giving the cold shoulder -- and all toooften I do this to someone other than the one who pissed me off in thefirst place. Yeah, me and anger are not good friends.

Like an adult. I get pissed off right back.

Call me an idealist, but i still abide by the bundle-it-up-inside-and-ignore-it technique.

I generally dismiss it, as it is normally counter productive. I dismiss it by focusing on what is important to me: God and family, all else has little effect on my well being.

Tell me about the person who has most influenced your life.

2007-08-06T08:59:00.000-07:00

Joanne's favorite answer:
I can't narrow it down to one person - the persons that have had the biggest influence in my life would be my wife and two stepdaughters. My wife has been a consistently positive influence in my life. Each of my stepdaughters worked extremely hard in and out of college to earn degrees in their respected fields. I was able to watch them make their dreams a reality and that has been a major influence in my life. And the best part is all three are still a continuing influence in my life.

Joanne's answer:
Wow, this is a hard one! Glossing over the most obvious answer of my immediate family (who any psychologist would argue has an extraordinary influence on all of us!), I'm going to have to go with my friend Jen. Before I met Jen, I was often worried that new people did not like me, I would never have have been able to go up to a guy in a bar and just start talking to him, and I was living a best-friend-less existance at college. After meeting her, I became much more confident, started picking up boys left and right, and got the best friend any college girl could ask for. Even more than that, without her, I would never have moved in California, possibly may not even have gone to grad school, and most certainly wouldn't, today, be going to the first day of my dream job as a professor who lives near the beach!

And the other answers!

My grandma has influenced me the most. She's the kindest, most lovingperson and she really listens to me. She's my mom, my dad, and mygrandma. My life would have amounted to nothing without her. Seriously.

I'd say it's a toss-up between Maude and Rhoda. As a kid I watched a LOT of TV and those two TV icons really shaped my idea of an independent strong woman. Maude's downfall, of course, were those weird flowy MUMU's. But she knew how to strut and be sarcastic. Rhoda's? I'm not sure. Her mom was kind of a pain in the ass. Plus, she was a seamstress. As a kid, that's not so impressive because it's just sewing (it is now, of course). But then she had great fashion sense and she was funny and she knew how to take care of business and she divorced stupid Joe (even though he was HOT). Thank god for the 70s - the golden age of entertainment in America.

There you go again - most - that limits me to one. My life, and who I am and what I'm about is far too complicated to limit to one person. I was greatly influenced by my mother, although I didn't realize it until I was an adult. She taught me organization and that one side of the coin was freedom but the other side of that coin was responsibility. The bigger the coin, the more freedom you had but the more responsibility you had to accept as well. I was influenced by the lady who came to clean our house who turned out to be my mother's best friend. There was a woman who taught me that you didn't have to be intellectual to be brave and enjoy life to the fullest, you just needed to give love and accept love in return. She taught me that when someone pays you a compliment, even if you don't agree with it, you just say "thank you" and accept it. I continue to be influenced by Jesus and all He stands for. I'm influenced still by the many different kinds of music I listen to. I can't say that one person influenced my life more than someone else. I'm a real individual, a singular human being who has always marched and danced to my own drummer and music.

Is your position more of a career or a job? How many hours a week do you work?

2007-07-25T08:47:00.000-07:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:

Got the poly-blend shirt with the pocket protector.
I don't care, I'll dial zero. fuck inspecta collector.
Everyday at my desk from nine to five.
Another hour goes by, another cool six fifty-five.
Yeah that's right, I clock the mad green.
You jealous? Damn straight. Now buff my car clean.

Joanne's answer:

RIGHT now, I'm working a job. Two of them. With a grand total of 8 students. Completely futile. At least I'm only working less than 20 hours week....which means I can go to Catalina on a random Wednesday (like today!). But, my next position - which starts August 6th - is definitely a career. Hopefully I don't work too much, I'm shooting for under 40 hours/week.....

And the other answers:

Career. Maybe 5 hours a week. I'm there for 40 though.

That depends on which area of responsibility we're talking about. When I teach, it feels like a career, but when I TA, it feels like a job. When I write a paper, it really feels like a career, but when I make a poster, it feels like a job. When I do my own research, it feels like acareer, but when I'm carrying out someone else's research, it feels like a job.

I would like to think that I have a career; I can't just do a job. If I can't put my heart and soul into it than it's not worth doing.

Since I'm retired, I would have to say the "job" is a career with ZERO working hours. Just love the job and highly recommend it.

Right now I have a job, but I am working on my career. I work about 32 hours a week and attend two classes during the week.

I go to work to do my job. My career was/is being a mother, a parent (they really are two different things), a wife, and a homemaker. I dreamed of nothing else growing up and I wouldn't trade it for any thing in the world. My children are why I'm still alive. If not for them, I would have ended my life back in my 30's. They saved me and it's possible they don't even know it. The love we share, although tough at times, is the most precious thing in the world to me. I work 40 hours a week at my job and every minute of every day of every week of every year at my career.

My job is a job and I'm now going to school for my "career." I work about 25 hours a week and then go to school another 25 a week.

c'mon... I'm a teacher... of course its a career... in the fall, I have 6 classes so I will be in class teaching for 20 hours per week, but that says nothing of everything else involved (including prepping for a class I've never taught before) which I'm estimating to be between 20 to 40 additional hours of "working".

Definitely a career at this point. Theres no way i would put up with this if it was just a job!

My position is neither a job nor a career. I work 0 hours per week. On the up side, I have an interview for a copywriting position with Macy's Home Stores tomorrow.

oh goodness. Well, since they have me working 65 hours this week, I better dang well consider this my career!

Career…I work morning noon and night… Well over 75 hrs per week. I work weekends and holidays… I don’t even get sick time, personal time or vacation. This stupid laptop is stuck to my side like a bad habit.

Hmmm...in my first year as a grad student, I'd probably say it was a career, even though it is short-term. But, now, I think I would consider more of a job. Long hours, little motivation, crappy wages...yup, definitely a job.

I suppose its a career, if only because I can't answer the second part of the question. I'm not really sure where "job" stops and "hobby" begins.

Right now I have a job. I think you have to want to continue to do it for a while if you call it a career. I know what I want my career to be, I just can't find it in Portland. I work about 45+ hours per week. Sometimes a lot more, sometimes a little less.

If you were a comic book character, what superpower would you possess? Why?

2007-07-24T11:53:00.000-07:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:

I would have x ray vision and would be able to see through mens clothes. That way, I would stop wasting my time.

Joanne's answer:

Well, I'm already super smart and super funny and super pretty and....just kidding!! I think Id like to go with flying faster than a speeding bullet like superman...that way, I'd never be late for anything, never have to pay airfare, and never have to sit in traffic!

And the other answers!

I would like to have the power to be invisible! That way I could Ihave an accurate picture of what is going on in many ways. For example, who are the best people to ask for letters of rec, who are my real friends, what is Bush really trying to accomplish with the war, what is really in my food at Del Taco, etc.

The ability to teleport myself and anyone touching me. Travelling really sucks sometimes.

I would want the power of time. To be able to go forward or backward through time, and to be able to stop and start it at will.

I think I would LOVE to have the comic character of being able to give money, at will, to those I come across that are in desperate need. The stories could be a traveling character who bumps into problems along the way. Sees the others need and is able to help financially. This might be a positive for young people to read instead of the crap they do read in the comics today maybe.

None… who wants to be a comic book character?

The power to assuage needless suffering.

I would have the power to understand what people were really trying to say to me when they were speaking. That way I'd be able to respond to them with as much sensitivity as possible.

Describe the best vacation you've taken.

2007-07-23T10:39:00.000-07:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:

I've been sooo many places its really hard to pick a favorite. I love the backpacking-through-Europe vacations and I also love the lay-on-the-beach-in-a-tropical-destination vacations. If I had to pick one ,though, I would say it was my trip to Jamacia with my two best guy friends. We were two guys and girl traveling all over Jamaica's honeymoon spots, making other vacationers wonder what type of marriage we had!! LOL

Joanne's answer:

My favorite vacation was definitely my trip to Hawaii with Rene, Kay, Sean, Chris & Michiko. It was the most beautiful place I had ever seen, I didn't do any work (save one hour standing next to my poster at a conference) for the entire week, we went to a different beach every day (sometimes 2 in one day), I discovered my favorite activity ever (snorkling!), I saw not one but THREE sea turtles, I got awesome sunset pictures...and most of it was paid for by UCR's grad student conference travel grant!

And the other answers:

Puerto Rico. yeah, that's it.

I took a week following my mother's death to St. Thomas. It had been scheduled and my Dad wanted me to still take it and I can only say that it was the best thing for me. I know most would not think so but it helped me tremendously and I can only advise others to do the same! Remember as you read this my mother was my right arm AND leg! I was so very close to her. She still is missed today!

The best vacation I had was 3 years ago when I went to the Dominican and stayed at the villa owned by the CEO of tmpw (Monster.com)

My wife and I went to Hawaii for 3 weeks and while I was there the Red Sox won the World Series.

Best? That would limit me to one. The fanciest vacation was one I won to the Dominican Republic. I got to take my husband (no personal space that time). We stayed at a private villa right on the Caribbean and we were treated like royalty. All the food and drink you could put down with people to wait on your every need. Just beautiful. But one of my most memorable was a trip I took to L.A. to be with my daughter for a week. We went to the ocean, to Disneyland, to the Hotel Del Coronado. I saw lemons actually growing on the trees outside the window of a room we stayed in. I went to Grumman's Chinese theater and saw the stars on the Hollywood walk of fame. I got to spend some quality time with my daughter, and that is something I don't get nearly enough of.

I've had a lot of great vacations, but you really can't beat a Honeymoon in Tahiti.
http://flickr.com/photos/91512327@N00/777539128/in/set-72157600762800903/

I was drunk for three days on free drinks that men bought me, I didn't sleep, I hooked up with a hot marine, I won $250 gambling on craps which I had no idea how to play, I had a bartender stand on the bar and pour liquor down my throat straight from a bottle, i almost missed my plane because we stole pizza from the airport pizza hut and came home with a new free windbreaker that some random dude gave me. This vacation is living proof that the oh so famous tag line: "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" because I would never do any of those things in Boston. Wait....

Nudie Australian Vacation, Baby!!!!!!! Beach, Snorkeling, Booze and Nudie Swims!

All I can say is: Sun, Surf, Sex….

Would have to be my Hawaiian honeymoon.

Hard to tell which was my best. Our trip to Ireland and Scotland (one week in each country) or the two week trip trip to Scotland some 5 years later. Food was wonderful and people were just fantastically friendly as well as gorgeous scenery. Kissed the blarney stone on the first trip and visited by ancestral castle on the second so both outstanding trips.

At this point, any vacation away from my freakin' job is the best ever. But, then again, it is tainted by the fact that all my works sits and waits for me while I am away, so that I have to work overtime and weekends for a week just to catch up on the few days I was out. So, generally, I am a bit screwed either way :)

My honeymoon in Maui, for two reasons. First, and obviously, I just got married. Second, it was before grad school started. Ahh...before grad school - those were good times.

3 Suitcases or 1 Carry-on?

2007-07-19T11:07:00.000-07:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
One carry on. If I traveled. But my wife travels the country while I stay home so we can have personal space.

Joanne's answer:
Anyone who has every seen me when I come home for Christmas knows that I'm more of a "3 suitcases" kind of girl!

And the other answers!

Carry-on if at all possible.

Traditionally I overpack... but I'm trying not to do that any more...

One carry-on. The way the airlines are going, they would probably lose my three suitcases. Also, I can always buy anything else I need that didn't get packed.

I would have to do all four, depending where I was off to. I do require a lot of changes of clothing. Couldn't put enough in a "carry-on".

Three suitcases. I always over pack, u never know what I will want to wear.

Checked luggage is for suckers.

Three suitcases definitely. I can't reach the overhead bins to store a carryon.

That depends on where I'm going and for how long. A single carry-on is good for a weekend but if I'm going more than that I generally have one suitcase to check in and one carry-on, then there is my purse and usually some sort of bag of stuff, so I guess that qualifies for two containers being carried on. But 3 suitcases????!!!! When I sent to Japan to live for 2 years I only have 2 suitcases and one of those was just for my records albums (remember it was back in 1967), the other one was for clothes. 3!!?? Who takes 3 suitcases???!!!! Unless you're Paris Hilton!

How about one suitcase. I used to only carry-on, but since the days of the liquids in a baggy, I hate carrying on. I'll sacrifice my time at the baggage claim and check-in to not have to deal with buying little baggies and travel size amenities.

Three suitcases: one for clothes, one for shoes, and one for makeup/personal care products/jewelry/bellydance costumes!

I woud never go over one suitcase and one carry on. Why would you ever need three? How much crap do you really want to deal with while you are traveling?

One carry on.

How much personal space do you need in a relationship?

2007-07-18T10:05:00.000-07:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:

Personal space - what's that?

Joanne's answer:

Hmmmmm....well, I definitely would like MORE than I got with my high school boyfriend (Scott) who would practically have a panic attack if we went more than 18 hours without seeing each other, and I would definitely like LESS than I got with my boyfriend in L.A. (Greg) who was addicted to online roleplaying games and would sometimes go whole weekends without calling me! I think I probably don't need all that much space - maybe one or two nights a week to do laundry, catch up on stuff, and/or hang out with friends. I don't definitely dont like TOO much personal space....JoJo needs a lot of attention most of the time. =P

And the other answers:

I need enough "personal" space to have time to myself. My husband and I live in the middle of nowhere. We ride to work together and are on our property together with no outside distractions or influences 98% of the time. So I need to be able to go off to my computer or out on the porch or deck and just have time for me. It is not unusual for me to go an extended vacation around the country by myself. It gives him time at home to have his space and time for me to have mine and visit with friends and family and not have to be concerned if he's having a good time. That extended space gives him time to miss me. It's a good balance. He allows me what I need and is he there for me if I need company. "Personal space" it's a good thing.

I don't need much personal space, just a few nights a month with the guys and a few nights for myself. The rest of the time I can be with someone else. If I need more time than that, I will just tell the other person(s). I think that is what makes it work, to speak your mind and not be afraid of the other person's reaction. If it is a good relationship, friend or more, then the other person understands the give and take.

Let's put it this way. If I ever get married, I fear I may need my own bedroom. And my own vacations.

I don't think I need that much, just a reasonable amount. But, I am not sure that my husband agrees. I don't think he needs much at all, so the little I need can seem huge to him. Marriage is fun, really. It is not constant work at all. Really.

That is hard to gauge since I'm never in a relationship. Maybe 2 night a week or something as I'm tired of sitting home alone most nights at this point.

A lot… like the entire US of A.

It depends. Physically I need very little. I'm a toucher. Mentally, I definitely need some space to process the world around me. Usually that means a good chunk of quiet time or alone time.

Not all that much. I don't want someone to try to control my mind or watch me poop - but, that doesn't seem like too much to ask.

Every damn ounce I can get!

3 or 4 inches at least.Wow, does it depend on the relationship. I am definitely someone who needs a bit of alone time regularly, when I feel like I am accomplishing things I want to do for me. (A requirement that gets all the more difficult when there are kids in the picture too.) Otherwise, I am a pretty let's-do-things-together kind of guy.

I like quite a bit ofpersonal space. Like all the way from Pittsburgh toMadison, yeah, that's about right. But seriously, Ilike to be able to go out with friends without mypartner or have coffee and read a book by myself or goshopping for an afternoon by myself. I like to dothose things with my guy too, but I need to feelautonomous and that I can satisfy certain things in mylife on my own. Some couples just don't understandthat.

What is your favorite sport to watch? To play?

2007-07-17T09:03:00.000-07:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
To watch: Female mud wrestling.
To play: I imagine it'd also be female mud wrestling

Joanne's answer:
To watch: Definitely football. Watching hot, testosterone-filled huskeyboys on TV while sitting in a bar with hot, testosterone-filled spectators...who could ask for more? =)
To play: I'm not really so good at the sports-playing, but I do like to play tennis sometimes and have even taken a lesson or two. Maybe I take some more lessons in the OC!

And the other answers!

1. I enjoy watching football and baseball but I like football the best. It's fast and very exciting, I find. Hockey is fast and exciting but the puck goes too fast and I can't keep track of all the rules. So, I'm a football watcher. I don't play any sports any more but when I was younger, I did enjoy playing softball. But now I'm just a spectator.

2. Sex. To watch and play.

3. Football And the patriots are favored to win the super bowl.

4. Football to watch but too old to play ANYTHING.

5. Soccer. Sloshball with a keg at 2nd base, for sure. (but soccer is a close second!)

6. FOOTBALL! To watch – all those dirty sweaty FINE men. Baseball to play. To play – great thinking game that give a good work out too.

7. To watch...Football. Every game means so much - I can actually get stressed out during a good game. Lame I know. To play, basketball - because you can still play it no matter how many people are around.

8. As for sports - I love watching baseball and football, but am not so great at playing either of those. I think the only sport that I could claim to have tried to play in the last couple of years is volleyball - and that is certainly fun. I am good at serving. :)

9. Definitely football. There's just something about the changing of the seasons, the way night falls a little earlier, the excitement of there only being 16 games -- not to mention the cutey-petuty Pats quarterback :-) As far as playing sports, I don't do much. But tossing a football is pretty fun -- especially during half-time when the Pats are up by twenty and their cutey-petuty quarterback has thrown four touchdowns on four consecutive possessions.

10. Without a doubt, my favorite sport to watch is ROLLER DERBY. So exciting, so inspiring, so fast paced! Plus, beer can be had by all. My favorite sport to play is KICKBALL. So goofy, but fun to really try to kick the ball. Plus, beer!

11. To watch: None if I can possibly help it, but I think I married the wrong person as he will watch anything sporty, so I see more than I want to. If I am at a game it is not too bad, as you can do things like eat peanuts and throw the shells on the ground. If I am forced to watch a sport on TV, I prefer those wierd lumberjack competitions or strong man competitions. To play: Kickball. Playing a elementary school sport with a bunch of 30-somethings is the way to go. Especially since it is always followed by beer.

12.

How far in advance do you prefer to plan? Why?

2007-04-10T09:41:00.000-07:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
At not more than 5 minutes. None of my long term plans seem to have worked out, so screw it, why bother.

Joanne's answer:
It depends on the event, I suppose. If we are talking plans for the weekend or just regular hanging out, I really don't need to plan in advance at all. I typically don't make any effort to plan my weekend in advance (with the exception of special events, like going to a baseball game or something)...but I'm totally fine to have things planned (i.e., I don't need things to be spontaneous and I'm not a "well let's see if anything better comes along before I commit" type of person). However, if someone is coming to visit me, I do like to plan several days (if not a week) in advance re: things we will do, but that's more because I want to make sure I plan activities that my guests will like and less because I have a huge desire to plan per se. Also, if we are talking about trips of any kind, there are some details that I would like planned at least a week ahead of time, like where I am staying and some general possibilities of what I might do when I get there (mostly so I can know how to pack...not that I don't just end up packing my entire closet anyway...but that's besides the point!). Then again, I do think I'm spontaneous enough to just take off for a weekend trip without more than a couple of hours notice...though to be honest, I don't think I've ever been presented with that opportunity.

And the other answers!

1. I usually don't plan out anything more than a couple of months in advance - unless it's arrangements for a big event. I just tend to get wrapped up in taking care of stuff that needs to get taken care of today or this week and don't seem to be able to project out all that far. Although, my building up of my freelance business so that I can be working primarily from home by the time [my daughter] starts school is a notable exception to that.

2. I am bad about planning in advance. This really is bad because I don't like surprises most of the time. If I had to give it a time frame, I would say I like to plan things a week in advance, but I usually get around to planning maybe hours in advance.

3. I am an ENTJ...the J means [I] don't plan.

4. If its a vacation of some kind, I like to plan it in advance, because there's so much added enjoyment that comes from anticipation!

5. I love last minute plans! They seem far more pleasing although in this day and age you do have to make plans for so much.

6. Oh I am a big fan of planning ahead. I don't know how else you could possibly keep control over your life, you know? So yeah, on a regularday I'd make plans anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes in advance (15 if I'mfeeling frisky). Of course, anything more than that and you're just setting yourself up for failure.

7. About a week. I used to be much more spontaneous...sometimes not having any plan for a particular day until the day came along. But, getting into your 30s and living in San Francisco, you start to learn that you need to make plans ahead of time or be left in the dust as everyone pursues their already-established-a-week-or-more-before plans. It actually sucks, really.

8. I generally like to only plan a few hours in advance. Not always is that possible such as family gatherings.Why? For 2 reasons: 1. no preconceived ideas 2. never know what my mood will be like from hour to hour.

9. Depends on what I am planning for, however, I do like to plan at least a week in advance for nearly everything, I need to mentally prepare for things.

Are you usually late, early, or on time? Why?

2007-04-09T09:36:00.000-07:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
I'm usually about 5-10 minutes late. It's definitely a control issue. But i think tonight I'll be about an hour late picking you up from the airport, because I won't kiss your ass for the QOTD or any other time!

Joanne's answer:
I am usually late. Not super late, but habitually 5-10 minutes or so. I'm late to work every day because 1) I don't really like going there, 2) no one seems to notice/care, and 3) I always spend too long in bed and/or on the computer in the morning. I'm a little late to everything else because I invariably underestimate the time it will take me to get ready and/or get to my destination....especially if I'm going somewhere new seeing as I am bound to get lost on my way there!!

And the other answers!

1. Late. It is the only way to go. Fashionably or just plain, doesn't matter.

2. Well, before I moved to LA I used to be chronically early. A therapist told me once that I am a "people pleaser" and that probably explains it. But after 8 months or so in LA, I still have not learned just how long it takes to get anywhere. So, now I tend to be on time or a little late. Must change this!

3. Always 10-15 minutes late... I like to blame it on having a kid, but I'm just always late to leave...

4. I am usually early because I am paranoid about being late to things. I would say that, on average, I usually show up things about 10 minutes early.

5. I seem to always be late these days, and when I get there,the people I meet are even later. What's up with that? I guess it's a sign of the times.

6. Late, late, late. It is my MO.

7. Oh my gawd, I am always late. If you want me to be somewhere on time, tell me its 10 minutes earlier than it actually is. Apparently distance is correlated with lateness in my case, thus, if I was going to San Francisco for something, I could be as much as an hour late, where usually 10 minutes is de riguer for local events. Then there was the time [my husband] and I were late for a Murder Mystery party in which both of us apparently had main parts! ooops....

8. I am always early, not too good, I usually have to wait if it's an appointment. Haven't thought about on time for those. Should let the MD wait for a change.

9. Early if you are talking normal time - I'm early; if you are talking military time I'm on time. Since I spent so long in the military if I'm not at an appointed place 15 minutes early I'm late and I DO STRESS if I think I'm late.

10. I'm almost always early. It's just polite and shows respect for other's time and feelings. It's also very professional.

11. Obsessively early for things like work, classes, planes, etc. I just want to get there, get a good spot, and not feel like I have to rush. I do try to show up later to social things, especially parties. I want to make sure at least some people I know are already there (unless a close friend is hosting, and then I might go early).

How often do you doodle? What do your doodles usually look like?

2007-04-06T12:13:00.000-07:00

Joanne's answer:
I'm not a very good artist, so I don't doodle very often....pretty much only in meetings or in class. Doodles usually consist of faces, flowers, sometimes Christmas trees, and sometimes shapes where I will proceed to fill in the shapes with polka dots and lines. Sometimes I make hearts and block letters and stuff like that. Actually funny story, one time I was on a 4 hour conference call and I was mindlessly doodling and I wrote my name out as "Mrs. Joanne [fill in the name of the guy I was into at the time]". Later that night, said guy came to visit me at my office and he saw my doodle (I had forgotten all about it by then) and I just about died of embarrassment!!!

Joanne' FAVORITE answer:
When I doodle, I check my hotmail account and see if I got QOTD from JoJo. It happens during lunchtime and onward, like 3 times a day until I confirm that there isn't one for the day.

And the other answers!

1. My doodles are usually flowers and swiggly lines that intersect. The flowers look like something from kindergarten and the swiggly lines are incomprehensible. Sometimes I also try to do block letters, and I add shading when I want to be really sophisticated.:)

2. Rarely, because they look like a mess most of the time.

3. I don't.

4. well I regularly draw with [my daughter] (the near-2 year oldwho loves to color) so its pretty much daily...sometimes in washable markers and sometimes withcrayons... Usually its something swirly, but we often draw triangles or squares or kites or trees or mickeymouses or ice cream cones or kittys or birds orbaseballs or wedges of cheese or hippos or......

5. So, I doodle every time I'm in a boring meeting. Unfortunately, boring meetings happen way too often. My doodles get more violent the more bored I am. For example, I'm I'm just a little bored, my doodles willbe hearts or moons or lucky stars. If I'm bored, my doodles take the form of symmetrical lines connecting lines on the paper or coloring in every circle in aprinted text. When I'm REALLY bored, they take theform of skulls and crossbones or knives with blood on them. Weird, huh? You should see my notes from Bob's stats classes. Whoa! I could be committed.

6. All the time, and boobs. nothing but boobs. sometime the boobs are smiling, and sometimes they are playing checkers, but mostly just boobs being boobs...

7. Constantly doodling while at work…….martians!

8. Rarely ever. Mosaic looking.

9. My doodles are either usually some sort of mandala thingee where I start with some random shape in the middle then work outward. Either that, or female profiles.

10. I used to doodle in college a lot. In class. They were very swoopy, viney doodles I thought could turn into real art. I even got one tattooed on my back. Something I regretted within about 6 months. Very embarassing...

11. I don't doodle.

12. I rarely doodle, and am more prone to draw facial hair on pictures in magazines than to just free draw. But, when I do, it goes one of two ways: spirals or rudimentary (but somehow creepy-looking) trees.

13. I doodle frequently and poorly. Generally they are geometric oddities which start off as simple shapes or spirals before getting divided and sub-divided until they are more line than space. Or sometimes they start off as letters or Chinese characters that get ossified into strange conglomerations of curves and angles.

14. I don't doodle much any more. I don't have time. But when I did, I would make triangles and connect them together. I have no idea why that is what my doodling would be but there you have it.

14. Hooray! And, you started me off with an easy one - I never doodle at any time. I am not a doodler.

15. I'd say I doodle about once a week, maybe less. I pretty much only doodle during research meetings while biting my lip, trying desperately not to fall asleep.

In your opinion, what is the moral condition of this world?

2007-01-15T10:13:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
Complete crap. I could explain, but it would take anight of chatting over beer to numb the pain.

Joanne's answer:
Oh man, who can really know? Is the moral "condition" really any better or worse than 10, 50, 200 years ago? I suspect probably not. People are basically good, but they can easily be influenced to do bad if placed in the right situation. We don't live in total chaos, most people can be trusted, and I'm getting a free flight to Phoenix and LA in the next week. I figure it could be a hell of a lot worse.

And the other answers:

1. Right in the crapper!!

2. The moral condition of the world today is a reflection of where the majority of people's minds are today, in the gutter. It's sad, but not surprising.

3. I think the moral condition of the U.S. is poor. I don't know about the world because when things happen to the U.S. people around the world react to it so they must care about people other than themselves. We hardly know what is going on because we are self consumed.

4. Morality is what keeps the world from falling into chaos even though the leaders of the world are mostly morally bankrupt... the globe isn't in total chaos, so we must all be continuing to cave under the pressure of morality.

5. Bankrupt!

6. "Frazzled"

7. Hypocracy

8. The morals and ethics in this world are terrible! Just to touch on a few…When you have law enforcements spending outrageous dollars on pedophiles – that ‘s a problem. When you have kids killing parent and parents killing kids – that’s a problemWhen you see teenage girls running around half naked – that’s a problemWhen you see 12 and 13 year old girls holding hands walking through the mall and kissing saying they are lesbians – hello… they don’t even know what that IS! - that’s a problem.When ½ the kids cannot graduate from school – again… that’s a problem.The morals and ethics in this world are TERRIBLE.

If you could play any instrument, what would you choose? Why?

2007-01-11T11:47:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
Thats easy, the sitar. Everyone knows chicks dig psychadelic sitar players!

Joanne's answer:
I've always wanted to learn to play the piano, because I love the sound of a piano - and because I have such a hard time learning music for singing (because I don't know how to sight read) that I could teach myself how to sing anything by plunking out the notes on the piano. I've taken a few months of lessons here and there, but then promptly forgot everything I learned. It's definitely something I see myself learning someday, in my "best possible self" future...you know, in between being a professor, having a happy marriage, raising some cute kids, taking tennis lessons, singing in a community chorus, working out regularly, and growing tomatoes in the back yard! Good ole' American Dream!

And the other answers!

1. Guitar is my instrument of choice. And the reason why is to justify the money I have spent in guitars and all the other equipment I have bought over the last 20 years. I am starting to think lessons may be a good idea!

2. I played the flute in the 5th or 6th grade for about a month before I decided that I'm a dancer, not a musician. But if I had the time, I'd like to play the piano just because it looks like something I'd like to do. I think the piano is something I could actually do, given the time.

3. I would play the piano cuz I want to learn the Bohemian Rhapsody.

4. I so wanted to learn the piano when I was a child but my mother would not let me. Hence: I STILL would love to play that instrument but I could never afford one so I will figure, maybe in my next life.

5. I would want to play the accoustic guitar or the piano. Very good basic instruments that have wonderful full, mellow sounds and go well with the human voice. Ever since I can remember I've loved putting my hand on one of those instruments while someone was playing them to feel the vibrations.

When have you experienced poor customer service? How did you react?

2007-01-10T10:31:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
When a Chysler Lease employee called to tell me I was late on a payment. The phone call woke me up so I already wasn't in the greatest mood. I told her I'd get them their money like I always do plus the $20 late fee, not to worry. I guess she didn't like my annoyed tone and thought I should be more scared, so she threatened to ding my credit report. I went off on her about how it was inappropriate to threaten loyal customers that occasionally give them extra revenue in late fees, to which she replied by stating that she was in fact going to report my tardiness to the credit bureaus. I blew her off and then sent an email to them describing my experience and recieved a nice apology, assurances that my credit would remain untouched and that this instance would be addressed with the employee. Don't mess with me.

Joanne's answer:
One time that I experienced poor customer service was at H&R Block during my first year of grad school. I had always done my taxes myself, but that year, because I was a student, had a fellowship, and had used my car for work during the past year, I wasn't 100% sure how the tax paperwork was supposed to go. I went to H&R bloc...and the woman who was gonna do my taxes had no freakin' idea what she was doing. She had me signed up for an education credit that I wasn't eligible for, filled out forms stating that I was running my own business (which I obviously was not), and was insistent that I get a copy of the "W-2" for my fellowship (even though you don't get W-2's for fellowship money). After I paid and thought about it for half a day or so, I went back to H&R block, asked to speak with the manager, told her that the woman did not seem to know what she was doing, that I didn't trust it had been done right, and asked for my money back. I got my money back, and I did my taxes myself, like I've done every year before and since.

And the other answers!

1. I have experienced a low quality of customer service more here in the western part of the state, far more. I generally just keep my mouth shut and go about the rest of my business. No good story here. :-(

2. I recently had my Xbox 360 break down. check out how many people are having problems my screen name is Dead360MSB#@$ http://forums.xbox.com/227/943579/ShowPost.aspx#943579 I filled a complaint with the state of Washington BBB and I Signed up for a class action suit at http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/articles/xbox-customers.html

3. Oh I could go on for days about this . . . I can not stand poor customer service whatsoever. When I was 13 and first learned how to use a cash register, I was taught to count the change back and don't bother looking at the screen, so I did that. Now the kids behind the counter need a graphing calculator to tell them what end is up, let alone how much change to give me. Morons. This is just the cliff notes version. I really could share some stories.

4. Honestly can't respond to this one. Tons of bad service experiences, but I don't tend to remember them...even the worst of them.

5. I experience poor customer service ALL the time. Does not matter if you are calling the local town hall, or the cable company or the phone company or the darn shoe store. Kids these days have NO clue how to treat a customer not to mention that you have to get thru all the automated systems to find a live person and then when you get them they are as dumb as door knobs because they don’t have a script written for them.A simple call to the BANK… 3 different phone numbers to call, and 2 days later they still couldn’t associate my 2 accounts together on line. REACT…. I blew up. If I have to tell my story one more time to another person I am going to pull out ALL of my accounts and give them to some company that CAN do the job.

What's your preference: plane, train, boat, automobile, horse, or camel?

2007-01-05T09:21:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
I've been spit on by a camel, had a horse shoot across a busy road when it saw a field of alfalfa, get sea sick on a boat, had to stand on the purple train to and from fenway park, and I was stuck in Puerto Rico on a over booked flight. I'm going to say I prefer an automobile.

Joanne's answer:
If its not TOO far away (e.g., less than an 7-8 hour drive), I definitely prefer driving. Especially the way most of my road trips have been lately, where Brian drives and I get to chill in the passenger seat (although there is something to be said for driving by myself with my cheesy top 40 music cranked up really loud and/or talking for hours on my cell phone). If its much more than a 7-8 hour drive, though, I'd go with flying...even though I really kind of hate flying, it is a whole lot faster when you are going from San Francisco to Boston! Boats are cool for little ferry rides or spending an afternoon sailing, but I do get the motion sickness sometimes....and I've never been on a horse or a camel, though I really do want to try horseback riding someday.

And the other answers!

1. Automobiles...i love road trips...very calming and no security checks..not that i mind getting frisked, but those gloves are cold when they do the body cavity searches..eeeeck.

2. Train - without hesitation. Riding in my car is nice because I can listen to the music I want as loud or soft as I want and I haven't spent much time on a boat, although one day I do hope to take a cruise somewhere. But I think I lived at least one other life because trains have a certain pull to me. I just love riding on a train, the few times I have. And to hear the whistle blow sends a warm feeling all through me.

3. Camel. I enjoy two humps every time I travel.

4. Sorry I think I would walk before I took any other way to get where I want to go. You can tell I am not a traveler...

5. It depends on how far I'm traveling. For going across town, I prefer a car. For going across the country, I prefer a plane. I try to avoid boats, unless it's a cute little sightseeing tour. Trains are cool, but take a long time and only go certain places. I hate riding horseback, and to ride a camel I'd probably have to be hot and thirsty in the Arabian desert somewhere --not my idea of fun. Really, though, I prefer virtual travel where I don't have to leave the comfort of my home and can be true to my INFJ-ness (or to my introverted-closed-to-experience-disagreeable-conscientious-neurotic self ... for those of you who prefer the BFI).

6. Definitely a race between plane and automobile. i like to fly because it's fascinating and i used to be afraid of flying (but i'm slowly getting over it). And i love being in my car... i just got a new one, a 2007 RAV4. So it's a race between the two. :)

7. To be fair, I haven't tried a horse or camel, but... I think I like the train best.

8. Camel, for sure! I was just in Israel and actually went on a camel ride while I was there in the Negev desert - what an amazing experience! I have to say it is pretty damn cool sitting on top of this massive animal that can literally walk for 21 days without water in the hot desert!

9. Depends…

Would you describe yourself as more of a feeler or a thinker? Why?

2007-01-04T09:04:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
Feeler...because Myers-Briggs told me so.

Joanne's answer:
I'd say that I'm a feeler (this observation, much like my favorite answer, has also been confirmed by Myers-Briggs...ENFJ). A thinker would never have sex with an ex, would never tell someone they loved them when there was a good chance the person would not say it back, and would certainly not go to Vegas for New Years when they had not yet done any practicing on the job talk they are going to have to give in a just a few days for a very important job interview!!

And the other answers!

I am both. In my professsional life I try to be more of a thinker, although the feeler gets the best of me sometimes. In my personal life, I am more of a feeler, although the thinker gets me into trouble too.

All my life, growing up I was a feeler first and a thinker second. Now I think I'm more of a thinker first. Mostly because I have so much time to think. I don't have any friends out here where I live now and my internet access is so very slow that I can't let my feelings take over. So I think - and read.

INTP. Thinker.

Thinker…A thinker and a doer…Why? Feelers tend to get hurt more often… thinkers get the job done.

A feeler. I think WAY too much--obsessively overthinking at times--but, when the chips are down, my heart will almost always be what leads me. Even if my mind tells me I'm an idiot for following my heart.

What room in your home best describes your personality? Explain why.

2006-12-21T09:25:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
My living room. Because it's big, smells funky at times, is frequently disheveled...and recently a lot of people have looked at in and gone "naw...I think I'd rather go elsewhere."

Joanne's answer:
My bedroom, I suppose. I share a 2-bedroom apartment with a roommate, so the livingroom, kitchen, laundryroom, and dining room all have "shared" stuff...most of which was actually purchased from my prior roommate, and we don't have many decorations or anything...so I'd say those rooms are more functional than reflective of my personality. So that leaves my bedroom, which has a ton of pictures hung up in it (all of which are some sort of flower picture, incidently - apparently, I really like pictures of flowers!), lots of framed pictures of me and my friends/family, my cookbooks, school books, and journals in a bookshelf...and its usually in some degree of disarray! I'd say that pretty much reflects my personality - cheery (like flowers), extroverted & loving (as shown in the pictures of friends & family), nerdily expressive (the books), and very laid back (hence the mess!). =) P.S. On a super nerdy note, did you know that some personality psychologists at the University of Texas Austin did a study in which they found out that people who score high on "conscientiousness" on tests of personality tend to have nicely made beds in their bedrooms and people who score high on "openness to experience" tend to have more books in their apartments? Good stuff!

And the other answers!

1. My reading room. Reading puts me to sleep really quickly. I really love that room, mainly because I love to sleep.

2. My sitting room. TV – reading material – comfortable couch and a comfortable chair - chair to read, couch to sleep.

3. The room in my house that most represents me is my craft room. Luckily [my husband] and I have the luxury of each having a room of our own still so we each have a section of the house that is "ours". I have my craft table so I can do my scrap booking, I have all my books and a couch to read on. I have my work clothes there too because I shower right across the hall. I also have a shelf with some notable quotes and things that reflect me.

Describe a time when you lost something very valuable. How did you feel when you finally found it or when you realized it would never be found?

2006-12-20T08:09:00.000-08:00

Joanne's SADDEST answer:
I lost a video of my friend on my computer. I was very upset that the only moving picture I had of my friend was gone and that I lost my only fragment of her voice and her laugh. When someone passes away you want to hold on to everything you have because that was the last note, the last picture, the last laugh you will ever share.

Joanne's answer:
When I was in 8th grade, my boyfriend gave me a necklace and matching earrings for my birthday. I knew that they didn't cost a whole heck of a lot, given that we were in 8th grade, but it was the most romantic gift I had ever gotten from a boy up until that point. That same summer, I was on the swimteam (actually, that's how the boyfriend & I met - swimteam) and I used to take off my jewelry at the beach before going swimming. One day, the necklace got lost in the sand. I was disappointed...but more worried that my boyfriend would notice me not wearing his necklace - so I found out where he bought it and I bought another one! In an interesting turn of fate, the boyfriend and I broke up shortly afterwards...but still hung out and sort of talked about getting back together. One afternoon, I was walking with him and some of my friends to a friend's house, and we got into some sort of fight - I don't remember the details except that he was being a jerk....so to get back at him, I took off the necklace and threw it in the bushes, as if to say, "I don't want your stinking necklace". Shortly aftwards (after we made up), I went back to get it and it was nowhere to be found. Then I felt just awful.....until a MONTH later, when I was walking by that same bush with the ex-boyfriend, we decided to look for it one more time - and there it was - my necklace still still on the ground where I had thrown it 4 weeks prior! I was so happy to have it back....though I'm sorry to say that the relationship - and the friendship - with the guy deteriorated a very short time after. Though I did just recently look him up on myspace....he's a lawyer now, married and living in Florida. =P

And the other answers!

1. My mind...it's lost and found so often, I don't worry!

2. I try not to get too attached to stuff. I can't think of losing anything that valuable, but I remember walking out to my car one morning and seeing that someone had stolen my mountain bike that was locked to the bike rack by destroying the bike rack. That was a little depressing, but I basically shrugged it off as one of life's lessons: you never really own anything.

3. Frantic – sick to my stomach.

4. I woke up one morning and had a notion to wear a different ring so I went to my jewelry box and it was gone!! The whole box was just gone. Someone had come into my house when I was at work, went to my bedroom, went behind my little t.v. and just took the whole box. I was absolutely devastated!!! I finally knew what it meant to feel violated. My rings meant the world to me. One of my rings had belonged to my grandmother. It was a platinum ring with two sapphires and a diamond. I used to wear it every time I went to her house. She finally gave it to me when I graduated high school but my mother wouldn't let me have it until I was 21. I had a ring in that box that I designed myself. My graduation ring was in that box. That happened almost 30 years ago and my heart still weeps when I speak of it. I'll never get it back nor the rings in it. It's events like that in my life that I must lean of my faith in the Lord for only He knows who took it and why. And the good book tells us, "Vengeance is mine, sayeth the Lord" so in other words, God will get them for that. And I must be at peace with that for all I CAN do is pray for serenity for the things I can not change and get on with my life. For I will not cry because they are gone, I will smile because I had them.

When is it okay to lie?

2006-12-19T09:26:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
I think it's okay to lie when it's all in good fun, and you're trying to set up a good joke or make someone bite on something. For example:
Me: Hey, did you know that PF Chang's is really owned byPeter Frampton? After his music career, he decided to pursue one of his life-long goals of having an up-scale, healthy, fresh chain of Chinese restaurants. However, he knew that no one would ever be interested in Peter Frampton's Chinese Food because, well, he's not Chinese, so, he named it PF Chang's.
Joanne: No, I didn't know that about PF Changs -- how random!!
Me:So, in my true "jokester" form, I made that whole PFChang's thing up. I told my mom this at Christmas, and she totally bit on it. It was hilarious. I didn't tell her the truth, and later she was telling my aunt the story. My aunt started to bite on it too, but I started laughing. Just recently, I told [our mutual friend], and she totally fell for it. Looks like you did too. HeeHee!!!!!
Joanne:I will kill you!!!!! I was wondering why you weretelling me something so random with your "jokester"answer - now it makes sense!Hee Hee!

Joanne's answer:
Anytime it can help you avoid unnecessarily hurting someone's feelings...or anytime it can help you avoid getting in some sort of trouble! No, but seriously, you usually shouldn't lie...especially to people whose friendship you care a lot about.

And the other answers!

1. When my wife asks me if I think the Victoria Secret models are hot.

2. I do not like lies. Never did. Maybe and I mean maybe....when the lie can only help a needy person.

3. When you are on the job market and nobody is suppose to know. Then a colleague asks you "are you on the job market?"

4. I think it's okay to lie when it's all in good fun,and you're trying to set up a good joke or makesomeone bite on something. For example:
Me:Hey, did you know that PF Chang's is really owned byPeter Frampton? After his music career, he decided topursue one of his life-long goals of having anup-scale, healthy, fresh chain of Chinese restaurants.However, he knew that no one would ever be interestedin Peter Frampton's Chinese Food because, well, he'snot Chinese, so, he named it PF Chang's.
Joanne: No, I didn't know that about PF Changs -- how random!!
Me:So, in my true "jokester" form, I made that whole PFChang's thing up. I told my mom this at Christmas, andshe totally bit on it. It was hilarious. I didn't tellher the truth, and later she was telling my aunt thestory. My aunt started to bite on it too, but Istarted laughing. Just recently, I told [our mutual friend], and shetotally fell for it. Looks like you did too. HeeHee!!!!!
Joanne:I will kill you!!!!! I was wondering why you weretelling me something so random with your "jokester"answer - now it makes sense!Hee Hee!

4. Tuesdays and bank holidays.

5. When the truth serves no purpose or is meaningless. Or, when you're trying to keep a surprise party a surprise.

6. Whenever it makes your life better.

7. There are times when it's okay to lie. To spare someone's feeling is a time when it is ok. Unless they truly want your honest input, then it's wrong to lie. It's okay to lie when it comes to keeping a secret for a surprise party kind of thing. It all comes out in the end and the lie is forgiven. Life is not all black or white, right or wrong, up or down, yes or no. Life is full of varying amounts of gray in all areas. You are the only one at the very moment of decission whether to tell the complete truth, a complete lie or something in a grayish color.

How would you describe the perfect day?

2006-12-18T09:43:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
What a coincidence that you should ask this. Earlier today it had occurred to me that I was actually HAVING the perfect day! I woke up with a lovely person, had a great conversation over tea, took an early walk on Venice Beach, and played a few hours of tennis in beautiful sunny weather. I drove home thinking about the fact that my number 1 school is having their meeting today, and I will maybe hear something soon. I have a great trip coming up, and lots to look forward to this weekend. So, there are all the pieces of my happiness puzzle: good people, hope for the future, sunshine, exercise....Of course, now I'm about to call Dell tech support, so its all shot to hell :)

Joanne's answer:
I think some version of a perfect day might go something like this: spend the night in a cute bed-and-breakfast on the waterfront, wake up to a beautiful warm day and head out to the beach. This particular beach should be somewhere tropical, where I can snorkle and see some really cool fish. And my friends should be with me on the beach - a bunch of us, like a big party. We BBQ for lunch on the beach, snorkle, play in the waves, chill...then go back to the hotel, get cleaned up (and dressed up)...and then my friends go off and do their own thing while me and the guy I'm with (we're in love, of course) go to a fancy dinner and then to a really great musical that I've been dying to see. We have some champagne after the play, then go back to the B&B and have lots of awesome sex. =)

And the other answers!

1. A QUIET day with no plans and I can do whatever I want...I want...I want...I want...I want...for me!!

2. I had at least one perfect day. I woke up on the morning of my 48th birthday in South Dakota and celebrated with my son, daughter-in-law and my grandson, had a wonderful picnic and then flew home to Mass and had dinner with my husband and two daughters. It will forever be in my memory as a truly perfect day for me.

3. This is my perfect ENDING to the day:
Laying out a blanket on the soft white sand…Watching the sun set peacefully into the darkness of the land…
A glass of wine in my withering hand…
And soft music on the radio of a traveling band…
My head resting gently on my lover’s chest…
While glancing as the moon reveals its monthly’s last crest…
A seagull’s call from far out west…
And the lapping sound of the ocean at rest.

4. The perfect day would involve me sleeping completely undisturbed until I naturally woke up on my own. (I don't think that this has happened since I went to stay with you for your Graduation.) I would play with [my daughter] for an hour or two as someone else made, served, and cleaned up breakfast. Then, [my daughter] would go away. Everyone would go away and leave me the heck alone. I would crank my own music and take my sweet-ass time taking a shower, getting dressed, and sipping coffee. I would proceed to spend most of the rest of the day writing (well) in a perfectly clean office as I munched grapes and expensive nuts. As evening approached, I would put on makeup, sip wine, and eat cheese (which would NOT on this perfect day make me incredibly constipated) as I cranked more of my favorite music. THEN, I would go OUT of the house. I would see a movie, um..... AND a play - yeah, AND I would go dancing at an 80s dance club and then go to a big dancehall where a big band was playing swing music and [my husband] and I would know how to swing dance (well), or maybe we would go square dancing and he would just be willing to give it a go and have a good time. At home, he would rub my feet as I sipped amaretto or sambuca and listened to more awesome music. I would not be too tired to have sex and could fall asleep knowing that the next day I would once again be allowed to sleep as long as I damn well pleased. Wait, I'm pretty sure that a delicious dinner is supposed to be in there somewhere...

5. I would wake up about 10:30 in the morning to find Pamela Anderson on one side and Carmen Electra on the other. I would then call the lottery and find that I had just won 367 million dollars. Aah life is good!!!

If you had an unlimited shopping spree at only one store, which one would you choose? Why?

2006-12-15T09:33:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
Seriously unlimited?!???? OMG. It would be a tough choice between two: a store that sold pianos and keyboards, new, used, vintage and antique. I would simply buy everything in the store. Then I would sell one or two of them in order to afford a small space to keep it all in, and an insurance policy on all of it. Second option would be Frye's electronics. I would literally just purchase every product in the store, keep a lot of the computers, movies and electronics, and sell the rest on Ebay, invest all the profits and never worry about money again.

Joanne's answer:
Well, I feel like my favorite thing to buy is clothes...I usually shop at Lane Bryant or Torrid...but the only problem with picking either of those stores is that at any given time, there is probably only up to a $1000 worth of stuff that I would actually want to buy. It seems like if I have an unlimited shopping spree, I should choose somewhere where I could spend more money. So in that case, maybe I would go with something like Robinson's May (one of the really big ones that sell furnature), then I could buy new furnature, clothes, shoes, make-up, jewelery, perfume, kitchen stuff, linens...and gifts for people. Although honestly, I don't even need/care about most of that stuff. I'd really just rather someone pay off my credit card.

And the other answers!

1. As "consumery" as it sounds, I'd probably pick Costco... So I could upgrade all the electronics in my house (new big screen, sound system, computer, laptop, cameras, etc. etc. etc.), outfit my daughter with a bunch of new toys and clothes, get some wine for the wife (plus they carry Dom!), get new bikes...maybe try on some golf clubs (not that I'm a golfer,but hey, free clubs!), and best of all... you can buya car through Costco... so I'd pick myself up a MiniCooper too... okay, so maybe it's just a car-buying service... but it's MY DREAM DAMNIT! At the very least I could get some new tires and get my alignment fixed...

2. I would pick Target because that is pretty much a one-stop shop all around.

3. The biggest and most expensive jewelry store I could find.

4. I have just one word - Bloomingdale's!!! I could totally live in that store, they have the best of everything and it isn't too outrageously priced.

5. Vickie Secret of course! Just cuz I like their clothes.

6. I think Costco, because I could get food, clothes, electronics, new eye glasses AND jewlery!

As a child, what was your idea of fun?

2006-12-14T09:23:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
I had two favorite things my sister and I would play. The first was "school". I was always the teacher, andI would make elaborate rollsheets and homeworks for my sister and friends to do. I would grade them and keep their scores in a record book. It was very organized. I think it's safe to say, I was the only one who enjoyed "school". Is it a suprise to anyone that the older I get the more anal I become? The second favorite thing we would play was "bar". When we stayed at my grandma's house, we would play"bar" at the bar my grandparents had built in the downstairs room of the house. It was large enough that it could fit 6 large barstools, and they always had it stocked with tons of liqour and mixers. One of us would be the bartender, and the other would be the guy at the bar who started out normal but always got really drunk and had to be thrown out of the bar. It was our favorite game. Is anyone suprised that I have a tendency towards being a drunk?

Joanne's answer:
As a kid, I looooved swimming in my neighbor's/babysitter's pool in the summer, just doing laps or playing Marco-Polo or pretending I was a water-ballerina. Also, when I was a little older and my dad moved into a house with a basement, my sister and I would spend hours every other weekend putting on singing performances for each other. And who could possibly forget the chinese jumprope...either played conventionally (by jumping on it) or unconventionally (by doing some sort of wrapping-it-in-your-hands thing that I can't seem to be able to explain)!

And the other answers!

1. When I was ten and young I lived in California and while Dad was builing a house ( for us) we decided to utilize the type of dirt we had. Actually in the yard it is not dirt but clay. We had more FUN wetting it and shaping into cups and saucers and letting them dry in the sun and they would become hard and usable if we had wanted them to. We made all sorts of things and it would keep us busy all day!

2. Having sleepovers with my constantly changing best friend(s), eating Doritos, watching movies, talking about boys, and writing in slam books (a dangerous game when your best friends can become enemies overnight).

3. There was in amusement park several towns away from me that my mother would take me to on my birthday as my birthday is in August. Norumbega Park in Newton, Ma was the ultimate day of fun. My siblings would come too and it was the most fun. I also went to a day camp for 4 weeks in the summer and I got to sit on a horse and swim in a pool. I learned to shoot with a bow and arrows as well as a .22 rifle. I had my marksman medal by the time I was 12. I had a best friend at camp. I saw her every year until I was 12. I never spoke to her during the school year but we'd be back best friends come summer at camp.

4. Playing Baseball.

5. From what I'm told, I'm a child now! So can I say "Strip Clubs"?

6. As a child, my idea of fun was when my family would pack a picnic and go to this playground that had backhoes that you could dig into the sand. It was really cool to meneuver the backhoe. Really, I had a lot of ideas of fun and most involved playparks - I especially liked the ones with the swirly slides that were near my grandparents!

7. As a child I loved pretend play. I was either a very rich Victorian lady or a poor destitute mother of seven. I also like to ride my bike around town.

8. When I was young I used to live near a park that a creek ran through. My friends and I would catch crawdads in the summer and play games in the park. One day we realized that all the storm drains led to the creek (they were like 4 ft tall). Of course as kids, these looked like caves from the Goonies, full of adventure. So we did what any kid would do. We wrapped the end of a stick with a rag soaked in oil, lit the frickin thing on fire, and pretended we were Indiana Jones while we explored the drains! I spent an entire summer doing that in elementary school. We did manage to find bats and a few tarantulas, but we never found that gold...

9. Rollerskating, baby!!

10. Climbing trees and playing in the sand box

Are you more of dog person or a cat person? Why?

2006-12-13T09:44:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
OBO. ME LOVE OBO.

Joanne's answer:
While I like them both, I do have to say I am more of a cat person. Probably because I grew up with cats - but also because they are so much easier to take care of, are not nearly as aggressive with demanding your attention/jumping up on you, and don't bark/make a ton of noise like dogs do. People complain that cats are the type of animal who is elusive and doesn't pay attention to you - but what I don't think they realize is that if YOU are the cat's OWNER, they are often just as loyal and attentive as dogs. Every day when I come home, my two kitties are waiting for me at the door and meow until I pat them for a little while...and for the most part, they follow me around the apartment everywhere I go - even to the bathroom!! I love my kitties. =)

And the other answers!

1. People always divide themselves up into categories: white wine or red wine, apples or oranges, chocolate cake or apple pie. Deciding if I'm a dog or a cat person - is much like the difference between apples or oranges. Cats are like oranges. They're hard to predict. One can't always tell from the outside of an orange if it will be sour or sweet. Even with a softer orange, it's not unusual to have a sudden burst of acidity fill one's mouth unpleasanty, as if one accidentally put salt instead of sugar in hot chocolate. Yet, when an orange is good, it's very good, incredible, amazing even, like a bite of sunlight. So it was that for years I didn't like cats, until I met The-Best-Cat-In-The-World, with whom I had the priviledge of sharing my room with for a time. Our parting was truly sad. Dogs are like apples. I know pretty much what an apple will taste like depending on its color, likewise depending on the breed, a dog's temperament is much easier to predict than a cat's. You can depend on a dog to be at least somewhat affectionate, if its owner is decent, just like you can depend on a Fuji apple to be sweet, or a Granny Smith to be agreeably tart. Our family has a Border Terrier - who acts the same every time I see her. I can depend on her to sit in my lap and follow me around, and I love her, but there is something to be said for the elusiveness of the cat.

2. I'm a cat person for sure. Cats are live decorations who pretty much take care of themselves. Dogs on the other hand, are 4 legged children that never grow older than six. With a cat you can go away for 2 or 3 days and they are fine. A dog on the other hand needs to be taken out for walk at least twice a day. That's in the cold or rain or snow or wind - you name it. You gotta take the dog out or let it out and then they bark and won't shut up, etc. Nope, I'll take my kitties anyday. You can have your dog.

3. You know that I am a "cat lover"... Still have four.....But I have go to tell you that [my son] has a 103 pound Rottie, and he is the light of our lives. Rob is working in Natick and we have doggie day care here at our house. He is dropped off at 8:00 AM and picked up any time after 5:15 PM. Sometimes it is much later and doggie is not happy atall. Oh, by the way his name is ROSCO.....

4. Well, I have a dog and not a cat. So, I guess I am a dog person! And let me use this opportunity to show off my cute dog: http://www.dogster.com/pet_page.php?j=t&i=219688

5. I've always been more of a dog person, although I like both. Cats are like women - cool and aloof! Dogs are like men - slobby and overeager! I take my overgeneralizations where I can get them.

6. Well, I have to say that I'm more of a cat person. I always lived with one or more cats except since I have been married to a man who is allergic to them. :( In recent years, I have become more fond of dogs and would consider getting one when I can handle the idea of how much work they are.

7. Ok, to answer my very first question, I am going with option D, none of the above (assuming C would be Both/ all of the above)! I'm not really an animal lover. I tried very hard to like [my fiance's] cats but it was just too difficult, with all the smells and shedding hair! Now, if you have giraffe on the list of options, that would be my first choice!

8. I prefer dogs, but I really love pussies too. HeeHee.

9. I am definitely a DOG person. I have had many cats and I have realized I hate the damage they do to the house. If you train most dogs they will NOT do that , where you have to have a lot of patience with cats you do not have to have as much with dogs. AND...a big plus is most dogs (when trained correctly) will obey what you ask of them. Some even want you to talk to them and they will try to talk back where a cat will be and is a snob except when they want something from you!

10. I have to say I like dogs because they pay attention to you all the time. My dogs are excited to see me everyday and love to have me pet them and snuggle with them. Cats couldn't be less interested, but I like it when cats purr.

11. Most definately a dog person because I chase after skate boards for no apparent reason sometimes...though i must confess i have the moods of a cat.

Would you describe yourself as an introvert or an extrovert? Give an example.

2006-12-08T10:12:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
I'm an introvert. I get rather exhausted after I meet a large crowd (e.g., a holiday party, meeting with a bunch of in-laws, etc.). My cheek gets all stiff for all those wasted smiling, when your internal voice is saying "son of a b*otch, could you let me outta this?" I have this thing called magic number 5 - basically, I can't handle anything beyond 5 people. The Thanksgiving was fun for me, because my friends came to visit me but there were only 5 of us (RD, LH, JW, my boyfriend CT, and me). No doubt I would have exploded if there were one more person in our apartment. Also, extroverts like JF often scare the crap out of me, because once JF starts talking, it's like having 50 people talking at the same time. It is a daunting task, but I must cope, because JF is my friend. P.S. Just kidding!!! but I think I'm an introvert. I like thinking about funny stuff on my own and laughing by myself when I'm bored at work.

Joanne's answer:
As my favorite answer implies, I am definitely an extrovert, tending to score somewhere in the 90th percentile on tests of extraversion. I love to talk, I'm loud, I love being the center of attention, I have lots of positive affect, I'm enthusiastic, and I have no problem going up to cute boys in bars and saying, "Hi! What's your name?".

And the other answers!

1. I think in at my core, I'm more introverted thanextraverted, but I can be extraverted if the situationdemands... if you ever saw me teach, you'd guess I wasvery extraverted... I'm talking loudly, I'mpractically acting out my lecture with lots of "loud"body language (not unlike Italian soccer players...) But I'd honestly rather spend a quiet evening at homethan be at a noisy, crowded party.

2. Definitely an extrovert. Anyone who is on my "frequent contacts" email list can attest to the fact that I can't NOT be in constant email contact.

3. Extrovert. Ummm… I am a sales person. That a good enough example?

4. Definitely an extrovert. I am accused of having mania more often than I care to remember, I talk with my hands, my stories are always long-winded, and I am usually very high energy. That is the scenario when I am calm. My actions when I am excited about something....straight jacket.

5. I'm more of an introvert. One of the happiest times of my life was driving across the country visiting various national parks all by myself. Being extroverted is just too much work.

6. Most people who have known me for years would say I am an extrovert. For most of my life I most certainly lived outside of my skin but I guess that's the Leo in me. As I grow older I'm a little more reserved until I feel very comfortable with my surroundings and then I come back outside my skin again and really have a good time doing it. But if I'm uncomfortable or unsure then I guess I hold it in, introverted style. As an example, if I'm comfortable, I'm usually the first one on the dance floor, with or without a partner. If I'm comfortable and I like the music I'll just go on the dance floor by myself if I can't drag someone with me and just go with the flow.

What books on your shelf are begging to be read?

2006-12-06T09:38:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
Oh don't even get me started. Right now, just within sight, I have "Glencoe" by John Prebble, "TheRunaway Jury" by John Grishom, "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood, "Spindle's End" by Robin McKinley, "Winning Modern Wars" byGen. Wesley Clark, "Khublai Khan" by Rossabi, "Fierce Invalids HomeFrom Hot Climates" by Tom Robbins, "The Deluxe Transitive Vampire: AHandbook of Grammar for the Innocent, the Eager and the Doomed" byKaren Elizabeth Gordon, "The Silent War" by Ben Bova, "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, "Common Sense" by Thomas Paine, and"Eternity Road" by Jack McDevitt. And I've gotta go by the bookstore to get an Xmas present so I *know*I'm gonna find myself something else I've been wanting to read.

Joanne's answer:
I've been meaning to finish reading Brian's brother's book, "Seven Months Deep" by Jon King. I read the first 40 pages or so back in September and really liked it, but then have just been too busy to finish it. By the way, if you are looking for a new book to read, I strongly recommend Brian's book, "Frozen Coffee Melting"(http://www.amazon.com/Frozen-Coffee-Melting-Brian-King/dp/0595169929/sr=11-1/qid=1165427238/ref=sr_11_1/104-5299467-2383946) ... I may be a little biased because he is my friend, but it is definitely one of the best books I have ever read!

And the other answers!

1. Leigh Montville's "BIG BAM". It's another biography about the greatest baseball player of the 20th century and maybe the second greatest influential athlete ever (behind Ali). Montville wrote the defining biography on Teddy Ballgame a few years back and I enjoyed it so much, I read it three times. I am sure this one will be much of the same...

2. Considering that when I finish reading a book I put it elsewhere I must say that ALL the books on my shelf are calling to be read. And...that my dear is alot of books. I love to read however, I buy them and cannot read them all as soon as I buy them. So...there usually is an abundance of books already for me to read!

3. All the books on my shelf have been read but there was one I found in the boxes that I am reading again "Love" by Leo Buscaglia

4. I guess I'll have to wait for Christmas because I have read them all and the shelves are empty.

5. Actually, none. I've read pretty much everything in the house that I'm interested in. Although, the next book that I will probably try to take out of the library is Jonathan Safron Foer's Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.

6. I'm down to the last of the Chronicles of Narnia: "The Last Battle".

7. Nora Roberts – anything Nora Roberts… well and JD Robb too.

If you were to submit a question to a relationship/love/dating/sex advice column, what question would you ask?

2006-12-05T09:41:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
Well Dr. X, if you must have a question, here you go. Last night my wife clearly wanted some sweet lovin down by the fire, but she wouldn't just say it... I, of course, had lots of work to do and was about to go write a test while she was going to go to bed early, but she looked at me with the googly eyes and angled her body in ways suggesting that something was maybe, but not definitely, desired. Now of course she didn't just ask me if I was interested in any way, but waited for me to ask... if she wants some nookie, why can't she just say so? Why the hell am I expected to have to read her body language and infer what she is thinking (read: read her mind)? She's a very independent and modern woman who never has problems speaking her mind, but she has a major problem committing to the invitation or request for the love-making... is it just a fear of rejection? (Because that is just silly... as her husband I've NEVER rejected her, and she really has nothing to fear in the rejection region (p<.05...)) And she says *I*have the communication problem! P.S. Damn stat humor... I'm a total geek...

Joanne's answer:
Dear Dr. G: I am a fun, educated, and successful single woman who has been doing the internet dating scene for quite some time now. I have moderate success on the dates I go on - and by that, I mean that the guy and I usually have a fun time, it usually ends with some degree of making out, and there is usually a 2nd date (or at least a couple of post-first-date phone conversations). Now, because I am a pretty independent and assertive person by nature, I do tend to be somewhat of the "aggressor" in the dating scene - I usually send the first email, I usally offer up my phone number first, and I have no problem suggesting that we meet up for the 2nd date. I must say, I'm very comfortable in the this role and its just part of my personality to go after things that I'm interested in and not sit around and wait for others to take action. Now, like most females, I am not adverse to the idea of having a "serious relationship" with someone -- but somewhat unlike most females...because I'm new to the city (with the possibility of moving to a new city within the year)...I'm also perfectly open to the possibility of keeping the dating/the relationship on the casual side or even just hanging out as friends. However, almost every guy I go out with seems to be concerned that I am wanting/expecting something very 'serious' or 'long term' and gets scared off by this...even though I often explicitly tell them otherwise. So, my question is this: how do I communicate to these guys that I'm not looking to marry them after only the first or second date? Should I be less assertive/"play hard to get"...even though I don't enjoy doing that and it is really not who I am?

And the other answers:

1. So why are Men from Mars and Women from Venus?

2. The question that always is in the back of my mind when I read advice columns is, "Why are *you* qualified to give *me* advice?"

3. How do I get my partner to see things my way?

If you had to locate the feeling of "longing" or "yearning" your body, where would you say it was?

2006-12-04T09:46:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
I'd say that yearning is in my head. longing for this frickin headache to go away. Yearning to get over this blasted hangover. Half a bottle of tequilla on a worknight is no way to live life...

Joanne's answer:
When I am yearning/longing for someone who I can not (or can no longer) have, I'd say that I feel it the most in the pit of my stomach. They don't call it "lovesick" for nothing!

And the other answers!

I know it is from the brain as the doctor on Oprah said however, it seems to me that those words could and should be found in the HEART!

In my taste buds. I 'long' and 'yearn' for ohhhhhhhhhh so much to satisfy them that it must be there.

Longing, yearning is in the same company as pinning and I can tell you from experience that that emotion is all through your body. It's in your arms, your chest, your stomach, your legs - it's just everywhere. It hurts, it drains and it depletes you of everything. The deeper the want, the worse the longing/yearning/pinning. It isn't just one place. It everywhere your blood flows.

Loins. Its all about the loins. (Have I read too many Harlequin romances? And does anyone know exactly where loins are on a human?)

My spleen.

The crotch region?

What an intersting question! I certainly don't mean to be dodging it, but I think I have to say that it depends on who or what I am longing for. I have, in my life, felt longing in my chest, my gut, my arms, my eyes, and a few other places I'd rather not mention...

Definitely my liver. Definitely.

uh... my junk.

Well… depends on what you are longing or yearning for… =) I would say the heart – well because I am female – Now a man would say his head and it would not be the head on the top of his body.

What's one conviction you hold that you would be willing to die for?

2006-12-01T11:10:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
I would be willing to die for my conviction that people should not be willing to die for something so silly as a conviction.

Joanne's answer:
I enjoy life waaay too much to die for any sort of conviction!

And the other answers:

1. I don't know that I would be willing to die for a conviction - unless that conviction was something like "my child should have the right to live" or something like that. I would be willing to die for my kid, but probably not for an idea. But, then, I am lucky enough to live in the United States where I have grown up being able to take for granted the ability to stand up for my convictions without being subject to life or death consequences.

2. I cannot think of anything that I would die for excect....for any of my three children!!!

3. There are none.

4. No conviction – however there is only one “thing” I would be willing to die for – my son.

5. I would be willing to die for my right to live.

6. Well I would certainly be willing to die for the precept that no one should be allowed to kill me.Or is that too much of a paradox?

What new law is needed to make the world a better place to live?

2006-11-30T09:26:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
No undesirables allowed in specified parts of each city.

Joanne's answer:
I always thought it would be a good idea to make donating your TIME a tax-deductible donation. A lot of non-profit or charitable organizations need people to help them do stuff - be it unskilled tasks (e.g., filing) or highly skilled advice (e.g., lawyer stuff) - and I feel like a lot of people may be more willing to donate their time than their money (especially people who have very little money)....so if we could somehow figure out a "price per hour" that a particular volunteer job was worth and then allow that amount of money to be a tax-deduction, it would be an insentive for people to donate their time (just like s tax-deduction on money donations is an insentive for people to donate their money). May not make a huge difference but it seems like it might help a little.

And the other answers:

1. Before we can think about new laws, we need to enforce the ones we already have. I'll reassess the situation after that happens.

2. Accept gay marriage amendments. It hurts NO ONE, is based on love and commitment, and any law against it - which is the result of fear and ignorance - is bad news. (ok, climbing off soapbox now).

3. While I don't necessarily think the world needs MORE laws than we already have, if I got the power to put one law on the books, believe it or not, it would be a tax law... I'm totally okay with paying taxes (any politician's promises to lower my taxes means nothingto me and is not a good reason for me to vote for them...) HOWEVER, I HATE not being able to control what my tax money is spent on. I personally think it is beyond ridiculous that the United States spends roughly $400 BILLION per year on the military (not counting the current costs of the Iraq War which is goingat a rate of $8 billion per MONTH...) while only finding about $13 billion per year to spend on education... To me that is just a colossal misordering of priorities... SO, my new law would keep the tax rate the same, but allow each individual taxpayer to decide what aspect of the government/infrastructure of the country they wish their money to go towards... so if you love the military, by all means have your money go to them,while those who value education can put more there, or spread your taxmoney out equally among health care, police, fire, and roads... whatever you want! Then we will truly see what the American taxpayer values and wants out of their society. Government of the people, by the people, and for the people! [Last name] for President in 2008!Vote For Me and I'll Set You Free!

4. Free porn!!!! hahhaa

5. Mandatory health care for all children.

6. Term limits for all politicians.

7. There can be such a law?????

8. Wouldn't it be grand if it was a new law that was going to fix the world? I think it's a new attitude we need to have. We are so very disconnected from our lives we need to reconnect with things that make the world better instead of putting so much energy towards things that rip it apart.

9. Alcohol should be permitted on every beach! Pittsburgh specificly, alcohol should be permitted at grocery stores!

10. 25% of all sports or entertainment contracts for more than 10 million dollars should be taken off the top and poured directly into education - for toddlers, school kids, college kids, and adults who need to learn a trade.

If you had the opportunity to travel into space, would you go? Why or why not?

2006-11-29T09:27:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
I've always dreamed of it, ever since I was a kid. And then I think of looking back at the Earth behind me and realizing that everything I know - my brother and sister, my friends, McDonald's, the beach, EVERYTHING - is on that little distant sphere. And THEN I realize that I'm terrified of flying in an airplane, let alone a SPACE SHUTTLE. AND THEN I curl up into a ball and take a handful of Xanax. So no. Probably not. But I'd definitely take the video tour.

Joanne's answer:
It definitely seems like an opportunity that shouldn't be passed up, if only because it is so extreme and so few people have done it...BUT I get major motion sickness, it sounds terrifying, and honestly, its not really something I've ever had an interest in doing. However, I feel like I would have a really hard time saying no, mostly because I wouldn't be able to get Brian King's voice out of my head, yelling at me about how I absolutely must do it and that I might get hit by a bus tomorrow...so maybe I would TRY, but ultimately once it got to the training part where your motion sickness is tested, I'm pretty sure I would not be able to go on.

And the other answers!

1. I would not go into space, it is just not my thing.

2. No I would not want to travel in space, I barely leave New England never mind the planet!

3. I wouldn't go but [my husband] sure would. It is his dream to spend the last days of his life in space. If that meant he could go now he would.

4. I think I will leave going into space for the younger people. My days of needing that much adventure are behind me. You go and tell me all about it when you get back. okay?

5. I'm there. My head has always been in the clouds anyway.

6. Space. I like Space. If I could go anywhere at all I would go to space.

7. Sure – nice adventure – see the world from the “other side”.

8. Ohmigod. No. NO WAY. You couldn't pay me enough. I don't like enclosed spaces. I like fresh air that I can inhale. And I doubt I'd be able to check my email or myspace in space, and that is unacceptable to me.

9. I would not go. Because I would be terrified. Or, some other word that means more than terrified, as I am already terrified when traveling on a standard issue domestic non-space commercial aircraft.

10. I absolutely would go! I love to travel, as you know, and how cool would it be to brag about having gone into space? How many other people can say that? Think of the amazing pictures that trip would yield!

11. How could anyone say no?!

When was the last time you played hookey? Explain the situation.

2006-11-28T10:36:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
The last time I played hookey was this past summer, when I was teaching summer session. I had been up partying all night the night before, and was a total waste of space, so I emailed my class and told them I was sick and class was cancelled. I tried to nap but just couldn't, so when my friends called and invited me to a movie, I went. And who is the first person I see as I walk into the theatre? One of my students! Oh, and may I add that the movie was showing during my scheduled class time! I was mortified.

Joanne's answer:
The last time I played hookey was over the summer, it was in the middle of August. I had been spending a lot of time talking on the phone with a new guy from the internet ("sweatpants boy", as he would later be called) and we were up really, really late talking one night - so the next morning, I was just waaaay to tired to go to work and called in sick. Brian had a job interview that day, so I drove into the city, met him for lunch, dropped him off at his interview, and went to Mission Dolores and then Dolores park while waiting for his interview to be over. While at Mission Dolores, I called sweatpants boy and we ended up meeting in person that night (and ended up having a *really* nice little make-out session!). Definitely a good day of hookey....and nookie, as the case may be. =)

And the other answers!

1. Strange as it may sound, I NEVER played hookey from school - not once!!! Now, played hookey from work? Like called in sick when I wasn't? I guess it was so long ago - more than 10 years ago now - that I really can't remember what the circumstances were. I had so many personal, sick and vacation days where I was for so many years that I didn't have to pretend. I just took a person/sick/vacation day whenever I wanted to. But since I was the only one who did what I did, I didn't call out too often. All that did was make my work load heavier.

2. I don't remember the last time I played hookie... how sad is that... I guess I'm way to conscientious for that...

3. I am playing hookie next Monday....I'll be in Vegas!!!

4. I've been playing hookey for almost 3 months now.

5. This morning. I didn't make it into work until after noon. I'm driving 7 hours today to get to Detorit for work ( I should have left an hour ago- it's now 3:30 pm ), so I figured I'd take some time this morning before I leave the wife and child for the week. The only reason I consider it "hooke" is because I didn't tell anyone.

6. Ha...I am playing hookey today. Actually, I play hookey every Monday. It is the only day where I don't have anything school-related. Sure, there are the weekends, but Monday is much better than weekends because my hubby is out of the house (no distractions) and the stores are empty. I use Mondays as my "catch-up, run errands, clean the house, return phone calls, and relax" day.

7. I can't exactly remember the last time I played hookey. It was probably before [my daughter] was born, because now-a-days I tend to save my vacation and sick time in case she gets something contagious and the daycare won't take her! Of course, when she gets older, I will deny that I ever did such a thing as play hookey!!

8. Hooky – hmmmm…True hooky is in school – I don’t really think you can play hooky from a job where you are paid 100% commission. You only play hooky on yourself in that case. And with work you only short yourself. So 1988. The year I graduated. Eiks that is a long time ago!

9. I used to play hookey all the time, random Tuesdays and such. But now I am too darn busy and I actually have consequences when I am not in because no one else does what I do so there is no back up. I could use a day though!

Do you prefer that people shoot straight with you or carefully temper their words? Why?

2006-11-27T10:15:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
I prefer the carefully chosen words because I am a weak-spined little nancyboy who get's all sensitive when people are too aggressive in their style ofcriticism... my panties get all bunched up... especially the lacy ones. they go up my ass...

Joanne's answer:
As emotionally stable as I am, I do think I'm pretty sensitive to criticism...so ya, for the most part, I'm gonna need people to temper their words. Even better, if someone has something to say that is going to spoil one of my well-constructed positive illusions, I'd really prefer they just don't say anything at all - especially because most likely, I did not even ask for their opinion! That being said - in the rare case that I *do* actually ask for someone's opinion, or someone has something to say that directly affects our friendship/relationship, I don't want to hear bullshit. I want you to shoot straight...with maybe only a *little* sugar coating. =)

And the other answers!

1. I'd much rather people shoot straight with me because no matter how awful the news is, I rather know the truth than be led to know and believe something else. Welcome, by the way, to some of my relationships. If someone doesn't like me and fakes it just because they don't want to hurt my feelings - then that pisses me off even more. It makes me feel that they weren't truthful with me about ANYTHING. Hell, if you can't be honest about that, what can you be honest about? Ok, I answered too much. Sorry.

2. As much as shooting straight can hurt at times, I would much rather deal with what is rather than what isn't real. Shoot straight w/me or not at all. Feelings be damned.

3. I like to be talked to straight! When one gets that you can believe that it is the truth. At least most of the time. When softening it up sometimes its borderline truth and I cannot deal with prefabrications and exaggerations.

4. I prefer that people shoot straight with me. I prefer this because of the fact that I will shoot straight with people. Sometimes even to the point of being called "aggressive". Those of you that have seen that side of me need no further comment. I am the type of person, at times, that if you don't want to hear my opinion, because you know that you won't like it, then just don't ask me. I will make your worries come true, you won't like my answer. Also, if I think that you knew how I would respond before you even asked me, then I will give my answer in an even more aggressive way. Once again, those of you who know me....enough said. In all fairness though, I give what I expect in return. If I ask you a dumb question, then I expect a dumb answer. If I ask you a smart remark question, then I expect a smart remark answer. It is only fair.

5. I'm a straight shooter (with tact), and prefer folks to be the same with me.

6. Definitely straight shooter - no room for interpretation and I much prefer to KNOW the truth rather than THINK I do.

7. I like people to shoot straight with me. Of course, I would rather not have someone be unnecessarily harsh with me - but, I don't like it if I can sense that someone is "managing" me, or if people are condescending to me. I'm an intelligent adult. Let's not waste a lot of time beating about the bush.

8. Most of my friends would probably say that they feel the need to temper a little bit with me because I have a slightly thin skin. I get ego-bruised and when I do i think I'm very transparent about it. But really I'd prefer people to shoot straight and I'll just deal with my reaction myself. I don't know why other people feel so responsible for what other people's totally subjective/unpredictable reaction will be to what they say. As long as your intent is not malicious, just give it to me straight.

9. Shoot straight. If I ask for a straight answer that is what I expect. Easier to deal with it head on.

Are you more of a rule breaker or a rule keeper? Why?

2006-11-22T09:40:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
I LOVE breaking rules...my college days as you well remember where chock full of breaking rules: drinking during class, asking our men in the middle of the quad, getting fired from my library workstudy for bowling with microfiche, the list goes on and on...

Joanne's answer:
In the grand scheme of things, I'm sure I would be considered mostly a rule-keeper...BUT I do feel like I break more than my share of rules...what with the speeding, rarely wearing a seat-belt, coming in about 10 minutes late to work every day (and then working on the QOTD for about an hour once I get here!!), having unauthorized pets in my apartment, jumping fenses to get into concerts...once, when I worked at an afterschool daycare (as a daycare teacher), I let the kids have a snowball fight (even though it was not allowed) and actually stood on "teacher duty" to warn them if any other teachers were coming so we wouldn't get in trouble! Ya, I'm a rebel alright!!! =)

And the other answers!

1. I am a rule breaker. I can't help it. It makes my life better.

2. I'm a rule breaker, but in a pretty uncontroversial way. I do slightly unsensible things like auditioning for musicals when I really need to focus on making a career, or constantly falling for men who are close to 20 years older than me. I find my way around silly rules like needing to buy a parking permit to park at school. I also have been known to forget to pay (or refuse to pay) certain bills and fines.

3. I'm definitely a rule keeper (except when it suits my purpose to be a rule breaker)

4. I'm definitely a rule breaker. I have a strong internal derision for authority which has led me to do a number of stupid things. Consider the following: a) at a mall after hours, a mall security guard yelled at me for lying on a bed that people had been lying on all day as a model. Instead of getting off like he asked, I purposely lay there for about 15 minutes, despite threats to call the rest of security to escort me out. I hate rent-a-cops. b) at a DUI CHECK FOR GOD'S SAKE, I got out of the car and moved aside one of the cones so my girlfriend and I could turn around and go home (neither of us had had so much as a sip that evening, and didn't want to waste an hour in the line). When the officer harangued me, I told him I was intoxicated just to irritate him (I wasn't the one driving) and when he asked me if I was carrying any illicit drugs, I asked him snarkily if Ricola counted (I was recovering from a cold).... It's a wonder I've never told my academic advisor to go suck an egg for no good reason. This doesn't even count all the fences I've hopped, notepads I've stolen, and rules I've let slide when I worked in the "real" world. I think I'm a danger to society and should be stopped.

5. For the most part, I'm a rule keeper. I guess it's partly because I more-or-less feel that most rules make sense and are good - and, partly because I'm a "Pleaser". But, if I feel strongly that a rule is stupid, immoral, or easy to break without getting caught...

6. More of a rule keeper. It just so happens that I agree with most ofthe rules. And I find that rules I disagree with can often be changedif one is willing to set one's mind to it.

7. Even better. I'm a rule maker!

8. Rule keeper, but I will push it when I feel I can. Much easier to find the guidelines and know where you are supposed to be so you can know where to push it when you have to.

9. I am a RULE KEEPER!!!! I don't know what it is I like to follow the rules, always have always will. I like things in an expected order. I would stop at a stop sign if the world ended and I was the last person on earth!

10. Rule keeper, it is much easier that way.

11. I break some and keep some. but mostly I'm a keeperor the rules. Why? I can't answer that in 25 words orless. :-)

Who is the closest friend you've ever had? Describe that relationship.

2006-11-21T09:47:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
My closest friend is my current closest friend who hasalso been my closest friend for roughly 30 years (andI'm 35, so that is saying quite a bit...) What makeshim my closest friend is most likely simply our sharedexperiences and our enjoyment of each other's company. Like most men, neither of us are big disclosers ofour feelings (although he does listen to me bitchabout things a lot) but we've done so many thingstogether over the years that we have nearly livedparallel lives... in the end we were each other'sbest man at each of our weddings, and continue totalk/see each other several times each week. The bondthat forms between two boys who got kicked out ofChuck-E-Cheeses for pulling on the tail of the poorsod in the Chuck-E suit is indeed quite a strongbond...

Joanne's answer:
The closest friend I ever had was my best friend in college, Jen. We hung out every day at school (or emailed all day long if we were on co-op/working), talked on the phone every night (sometimes even in between TV shows, to discuss what we liked and disliked about them), and went out every weekend (often using fake names and personas when meeting guys at bars, just for the fun of it). We knew every detail of each other's lives, and constantly laughed about the stupidest things. We composed epic tales of dating extravaganzas/fantasies, wrote poems and top ten lists, participanted in a kissing bet, and even made up a song or two. We thought of each other as the smartest, most beautiful girls in the world. Unfortunately, ur friendship went sour after college, when we moved in L.A. together....we actually were not friends for a really long time, 6 years or so...but I'm happy to report that we have made up and even though she lives in Boston now and I in San Francisco, we see each other when I come home for holidays and its always as if no time has passed.

And the other answers!

My sister but I couldn't possibly describe it as I'm not that good with words. It just has about every emotion you can think of. I just know that no matter what she's there.

So sad – never had a close friend before.

What in this world breaks your heart?

2006-11-20T09:35:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
Shoot, I'm a bleeding heart liberal. It might be quicker to tell you what doesn't.

Joanne's answer:
Unrequited affection.

And the other answers!

To have my daughters live so far away that I can't bepart of their daily lives.

That at 61 I haven't become a millionaire yet.

Innocent children being mistreated or neglected. Cruelty to animals. My hubby makes fun of me because when we watch movies like Braveheart, I could care less when the people are brutally killed, but it breaks my heart when the horses are harmed.

It breaks my heart to see and know that [my daughter] smokes!! Really!!

Seeing people cry..it kills me. im a very empathetic person,so i see this stuff more than i'd like to...

Disappointing my family

That boys are stupid and we have to play games with them to get them to like us. =( Ok, so maybe I'm just feeling a TAD bit jaded...

One must have a heart in order to break it.

Love

My weight.

What insults your intelligence?

2006-11-17T09:40:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
What kind of QOTD is this? You're supposed to be a scientist.

Joanne's answer:
It definitely insults my intelligence when students try to turn in blatently plagarized work. I have had cases where two (or more!) students will turn in the EXACT SAME paper/homework assignment/sections of a paper and think I will not notice. Do I not have a Ph.D., people? How am I *not* going to notice that? WTF!?

And the other answers!

1. The QOTD.

2. Stupid sensasionalistic phrases used to try evoke a false emotional reaction rather than a logical reponse delivered by idiots who think you are as stupid as they are (AKA anyone in marketing). And a little off topic: I just generally get anoyed at the ads for the news.If there is really a horrible danger to (Pick one: a. Child b. Myself c. Furry woodland creatures d. Oprah)
lurking in the (Pick one: a.drinking water b.car c.popular tv show d.Oprah). Why the fuck are they making me wait until 10 pm to tell me what it is???

3. This is more of a pet peeve, but when i say something that someone may disagree with or something, i HATE, HATE, HATE IT when they pat me on the head. it totally insults my intelligence, as if they're patting a dog, or a little stupid child that doesn't know anything. The other thing that completely insults my intelligence is when I give my opinion about something serious, and a person laughs out loud or snickers.

4. When I was young I could have it...then I couldn't...now I can what dairy...no chocolate...

5. The way my husband talks down to me, or makes believe he doesn't hear me. Like I'm not worth listening too or talked with. Everybody has a different degree of intelligence as everyone has a different degree of common sense. Some have more of one than the other. Each person however should always respect the other person no matter what his or her case may be. Some people however really do feel they are better than others or smarter than others and the problem is sad since others can always tell when that is happening! One should NEVER degrade someone else ( or wife), NEVER!!!! Lying is also an insult to the other person. Lying is SO unecessary! Yet chronic liars never stop do they?

6. Men in the military who assume I have what I have because I'm female and don't really know anything. I probably have forgotten more about my chosen field then they will ever know because they are soooooo chauvanistic.

7. Other people.

8. A degrading tone.

9. Deception and the act of it toward me.

10. People assuming that because I'm Christian that I'm a Republican. Puh-lease!! Have you read the Bible???

11. When they put a disclaimer on the side of a child'spool that states "This is not a life saving device".

Why do you think people live in denial?

2006-11-16T09:45:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:
Because they mistook it for a river in Egypt?

Joanne's answer:
Good ole' Freud and his defense mechanisms. Of course, people live in denial when they are presented with information that is too threatening for them to handle. By the way, I prefer the term "positive illusions" to "denial"!!

And the other answers!

1. The truth is sometimes very hard to digest. To have to accept things that are not happy or complimentary is hard to digest. And those who live in denial have a very sensitive digestive system. So, rather than to get emotional heart burn, they would rather not look at it. If you don't look at it, it's not there. Just as if no one sees you eat it, you didn't take in those extra calories.

2. Denial is much more fun than nial...nial has some good bars...but mostly is a terrible place to live...

3. It is better than facing reality for some people.

4. Mainly because we want to be more like Joanne (only kidding). Really I think that people live in denial because it is just easier to accept than reality sometimes.

5. To stay sane.

6. Low property tax. Good school systems. And no laws against womengoing topless in town.

7. Because there are things that they don't want to know. Because knowing those things would mean some kind of change - either a change in their perception of the world as they now know it, or that they would be required to make some kind of personal or behavioral change - that they are not willing to make. Did I get it right, Doc?

8. It's a great place to live - no responsibiltiy or taxes.

9. In my opinion we are all subjective observers of an objective environment, one whose harsh realities are often wisely avoided through the use of vital defense mechanisms. One of the most adaptive and important defenses, denial allows us to live on happily (despite the fact that the mortality rate remains firmly at 100%), allows some gay men to marry women and have children (securing their spot in heaven, no doubt), and most importantly: denial gives us hope that our freedoms and successes are not being slowly stripped away by neoconservatives who are running our country into the ground. Frighteningly, denial can sometimes reach delusional, even flagrantly psychotic proportions, and can also be fatal. The American Heart Association cites denial as a primary factor in the delay of treatment in the event of a heart attack. (Joanne, just because you're going back to teaching, you can't make me cite that. Look it up yourself.) Finally, denial allows me to relish in my unshakeable conviction that I am the smartest person I know.

10. Are you kidding! It is so much more self serving to live without flaw than to actually face that you may have a part in your own misery. If we didn't have denial we would have to take emotional stock in everything we did, how exhausting would that be!

11. Just a simple coping mechanism.

12. I don't believe that people live in denial.

13. The tasteful drapery??

If you could spend one hour doing absolutely anything, what would you do?

2006-11-15T09:31:00.000-08:00

Joanne's FAVORITE answer:

I am going to assume this is a "free" hour...and I will live in a fantasy world where I might actually do what I would want to do with my "free" hour (and not what I would likely do which is either sleep, read the sports page, or try for an entire hour to come up with such a freaking awesome answer to QOTD that JoJo might select mine answer as her "favorite" - which would not only bring me enormously high levels of PA, but would also give me bragging rights among my friends)...where was I...oh...I would paint.

[By the way, "PA" stands for "positive affect", which is a fancy term for "good mood"...for all you non-psychologist-nerds out there]

Joanne's answer:

I'd love to spend an hour snorkling in the ocean off the coast of Hawaii!! Ahhh, beautiful Hawaii.

And the other answers!

1. I'd like to go on a shopping spree with no price limit for an hour atNordstrom!!

2. Read a good book

3. If I had an hour, I would definitely go running with my new iPOD shuffle!!

4. A full, one hour, video-rental-like, hardcore sex.

5. Hmmm. That's a tough one. I'll give you my top five: Eating something delicious; Getting a massage; Writing (fiction or journal - not to be confused with work); Dancing (in a class - not to be confused with excersize); Doing something fun with my kid. Wait... I feel like sleeping should be in there somewhere...

6. Sexin up the wife... they don't call me the 60-minuteman for nothin... ;)

7. My hour would involve me onstage in a fabulous gown, giving a concert of my favorite Broadway songs. These would include "Tell Me on a Sunday," "Til There Was You," "My Ship," a medley from Ragtime, and some various Sondheim. And maybe some jazz standards. It would go off without a hitch. Then, we would have a giant reception with lots of desserts and wine, and all of my friends would be there. Oh, and so would the guy who plays Dr. McSteamy. And he would be very taken with me due to the concert and the fabulous gown, so at some point I would sneak off to the coatroom to make out with him.

8. Sleep

9. Is Pamela Anderson Busy?

10. I'd count backwards from 10 million, see how far I could get.

11. Just laying down next to my son resting with him. =)

12. That would depend on the day, today I would like to soak in a hot tub!

What one word sums up your high school experience?

2006-11-14T11:11:00.000-08:00

Most POPULAR answer:
"Entertaining"

Joanne's answer:
I think I would have to say, "Nerdy". I was kind of a nerd in high school - you know, in two choruses, on the speech/debate team, did the morning annoucements over the intercom (which I sooo totally loved!!), in all honors classes...but hey, it paid off, I got a full scholarship to Northeastern! I did actually have a pretty good time in high school - good friends (Hannah, Peri, my sis), interesting boy drama (out-of-towners, Bill, Mike, Scott, Paul), fun part-time job (Brighams)...had a little adolscence-induced depression freshman year, but for the most part, very little teenage angst...although I'm sure it seems less stressful looking back on it than it actually felt at the time.

And the other answers:

1. I would say "blur." it feels so long ago, and HS wasn't all that exciting for me. it definitely went by too fast.
2. ego-shattering
3. inconspicuous
4. My high school experience was not too interesting. Sad to say my Mother was very very strict and I had to be home everyday to help with the younger siblings. I would LOVE to be able to say I had a great high school life but most of my life then took place in the house teaching and cleaning. I was 16 when the last two siblings were born so as you can see I was an artificial MOMMY. It did help me to bring up my children in a mature fashion. So I guess it was not all bad. As a matter of fact I designed a cat statue there then and I drew most of the pictures by the sides of the faces in our year book. ( This I was very proud of) I was asked to join the "PEP SQUAD" which would have allowed me to be a cheerleader in the next year but my mother said I'd have to say no. Boy did I cry! However, I did graduate and went on to Boston to school and there met my husband!
5. No pun intended, but the word would have to be educational. So much happened in my high school years that no other word really fits quite as well.
6. Boyfriendless
7. Phantasmagorical
8. Fun-long-scary-informative-etc
9. "Duh" is the word that summarizes my high school experience quite nicely. After a year in girly preppy private school in Tokyo, I got quite fed up of not having boys around (and the commute was an hour and 45 minutes - including running fast from my house to the bus stop - a bit too long for a 15-year-old). Then I studied abroad for 2 years instead of continuing with the boyless school - went to a high school in castle (http://www.atlanticcollege.org/) which was established based on a truly idealistic goal - to promote international understanding, to promote peace globally, and yeah, I totally thought that was cool, but unlike what the school advocates, I realized that I didn't go through that much of a transformation at all after those turbulent two years of not understanding what the hell people are saying in English (with varying accents), getting stuck in a sleepy welsh villege, having to put up with a nasty roommate for two years who borrows stuff from me and either forget to return them or sh*t 'em up, and gaining almost 20 pounds for eating dorm food that tasted like crap (mostly fish and chips). People, why didn't you tell me that personality does not change and that happiness is a trait (not changeable)?? Certainly I learned that changing your environment does not make you happier, smarter, or prettier.Therefore, it's a "duh." Oh, and one more point - adolescence is life's suckiest time for a large majority of people according to the life-course perspective (remember, I'm a pseudo-developmental psychologist). People get happier/the happiest during young adulthood (18-30ish) and that turned out to be quite true for me as well:)
10. shazam
11. doubleplusungood
12. It was an easy fun ride.
13. Hmmm. An interesting question to ponder as I approach the 15 year mark...
A few words come to mind: 1.) Better (as in, better than the elementary school or middle school experience); 2.) Boys (as in, started to go on real dates, have real boyfriends); 3.) Dyer (as in, Mr. Dyer, the fearless leader of school dramatics and speech tournaments, who made my life difficult and who cultivated the first environment outside of my house that I considered "home")
14. "Over"
15. The suckiest bunch of sucks that ever sucked. Well, except for [my best friend]. Ok, so that was like 3 words.
16. Graduated
17. Let's see, my high school experience in one word; emotional. I had my first love, my first (and last) out of school suspension, my first hang over, my first porn film and lots and lots of diary pages about the angst of being a teenager!
18. Necessary
19. OUTRAGEOUS!!
20. In a word, I remember high school = perfectionism. I wanted to be awesome at everything - school, sports, singing. I wanted to also be super-skinny and everyone's best friend. To achieve this awesomeness, the days had to start at 5 am and end around 11 pm. Good lord...if only I could find that energy and drive now!

Are you a leader or a follower? How do you know?

2006-09-15T09:32:00.000-07:00

Joanne's favorite answer:
In response to the QOTD, I've always thought I was a leader... I'm bossy, I like having people do my bidding, I chafe under authority... heck, I've been teaching karate since I was 15 and now I teach undergrads! But you know what? I think I make a better follower. I get paralyzed making decisions that require selecting from among more than 2 choices (don't ever ask me what I want to eat for dinner!) and as long as the person telling me what to do is competent, I'm great at getting tasks done for them. So what does that make me? A mid-level executive, I guess. A lieutenant. Not the commander-in-chief, but not a grunt worker. Just don't tell [my ex-girlfriend], or she'll try to start running me again.

Joanne's answer:
Like a lot of other people have been saying, I think it depends on the situation. I like leading in the respect that it means I am going to be getting lots of extra attention, but I do somewhat dislike the added responsiblity that being the leader entails. In a lot of social situations, I definitely prefer for someone else to lead - to decide where to go, what to do, etc. - mostly because I tend to be a little low on openness (adventurousness) when left to my own devices, but get much more open when someone else is leading me towards adventurous activites (like camping in the desert!). At school/work, I tend to take the leader role a bit more often...I don't necessarily like being the leader in the sense that I am the BOSS of someone, but I do really LOVE teaching, which I do think would fall into a "leader" category. So ya, it depends.

And the other answers!

1. I'm a leader... the "Senior Patrol Leader" patch on the sleeve of my old boy scout uniform told me so... I don't remember patrolling old people so I think I was supposed to be in charge of our troop... I think...

2. I am most definitely a leader. How do I know? Why just refer to my answer yesterday - I can't stand it when anyone is in front of me. The truth is I know because when I see somethomg ( a new project perhaps) everyone seems to back off and see what I ideas and plan of attack I come up with. I would like to take total credit for this but it goes back to the way I was raised and my military training (being a woman in a man's world you learn fast))

3. As far as being a leader or a follower - I'm more of a leader than a follower because I tend to have strong views on most things that I deal with in life. But, part of being a good leader is not trying to be in charge ALL the time. You can't dictate everything to people, but you can help direct them.

4. Well I'm not following anyone, so if I had to pick, I guess I'd say I'm a leader.

5. I'm neither. Never have been. I have been "doin' my own thing" since long before it was fashionable. Yup - I'm that old. I do what I like, and go where I like and someone else wants to come along, that's okay. If they don't, I'm goin' anyway 'cause it's MY thing.

6. I'm both a leader and a follower,depends on the situation. a leader at work,i dont trust people too much,so i usually like to be in charge.in social situations i'm both,.i follow people along if the ideais theirs,but i ususally stand out because i'm loud.hahhaha!

7. As a personality psychologist, it pains me to say that I am very situation specific when it comes to leading vs. following. I have no consistency here. In a situation where no one else is stepping up orwhen I have a strong opinioin about whats going on, then I will try to lead. But when someone else is fighting for leadership and I have no opinion about whats going on, then I will usually follow. I have no internal desire to be one or the other, it just depends on the situation.

8. I've been thinking about this lately. I am not necessarily a leader all the time but sometimes I am and I am a pretty good follower but for the most part I think I am a leader without followers! HA HA!

9. I'm a follower if there's already a designated leader. But if no one is leading, I tend to step up and take the role. I know because I hear myself telling people what to do and they do it without questioning my authority. I don't really like leading because it's hard work -you have to be responsible and stuff. But I'd rather take the job then be part of unproductive chaos. My time is too valuable for that.

10. I do not believe that I am consistently one or the other. Each situation is different. Therefore, my decision to either lead or follow is determined with each separate situation.

What's something that people do in traffic that really bothers you?

2006-09-14T08:46:00.000-07:00

Joanne's favorite answer:
The fact that anyone feels the need to be on the road besides me bothers me!

Joanne's answer:
As long as I'm able to talk on the phone while stuck in traffic (yes, I'm one of those!!), I don't tend to get bothered by very much of anything - except (like a lot of the answers I got), I do really hate when someone is following me to closely - first, because I feel like I already drive pretty damn fast so I am just shocked that someone is wanting me to drive faster, and second, because of course I'm afraid they are gonna rear-end me!

And the other answers!

1. Talk on their dumb cell phones and go through "STOP" signs on back streets.

2. I believe the word would be tailgating. Traffic is barely moving and the person behind me is almost in my trunk!!! Then traffic picks up and the person is still attached to my trunk. I'm afraid that when the traffic slows down again too quickly, that this person will become part of my back seat. People following too close, yup, that's what bothers me in traffic.

3. Stop...really creates a lot of traffic.

4. Traffic...I HATE: 1, Weavers; 2, People who are being nice but at the same time should not! Do u know what I mean? They could cause an accident because they might be letting you first or stopping when they shouldn't to let you go etc; 3, People who rush to be first but could cause an accident; 4, Those who drive 40 mph on the highway!!!!; 5, Elders who think they are doing right when they are not!!!; 6, and...youngsters who see a cat in the road and try to kill it!!! (This happened to MY cat!!!!); etc!!!!

5. Not get out of the way when they don't want to go as fast as I do.

6. I'm a huge believer in using your blinker,so i hate it when others just cut in front of you without the advanced notice of the turn signal.

7. Tailgating is the most aggravating thing to me. When someone is tailgating me, I then continue to look in the rear view mirror. In essence, this is causing me to not pay attention to what I am doing because I am worried about them riding up my *ss.

8. Here are my top six: 6.) Not knowing who has the right of way - if you have the right of way, just go, and for heaven's sake don't wave me on to go in front of you as if you are doing me a favor! if you do not have the right of way - stop, or yeild as needed 5.) Changing lanes without signaling. 4.) Following too closely 3.) Weaving in and out of lanes to drive as fast as possible in a traffic situation where no matter what they do they will not be able to go the least bit faster. (Note: I feel extreme, unhealthy satisfaction when the natural flow of traffic allows me to pass these people.) 2.) Blocking intersections by failing to yield at a green or yellow light when it is perfectly clear that traffic on the other side of the light isn't moving and there is no where for your vehicle to go except right in the middle of the damn intersection. 1.) NOT LOOKING!

9. Three things: 1) When people go the actual speed limit in the fast lane. 2) When people ride the shoulders or exit lanes and cut in at the last possible moment. 3) When I see people weave in and out of traffic, which makes traffic back up even more, only to end up seeing that same car in the same place as you five minute later. So, basically, they made traffic worse, increased their own blood pressure, and didn't even get any farther. It is frustrating me just talking about it....

10. I have to say I get annoyed driving with [my husband] in traffic because he swerves towards people, cuts people off and is generally scary when his road rage sets in. I get so embarrassed that I want to crouch in my seat. Also, when I was the younger and prettier version of myself I found men licking their lips at me annoying...because in traffic you have nowhere to go...although that is how I met that guy I dated for a couple months....HA!! And pretty much how we met [my husband] isn't it????

11. Taxes

Have you ever been overwhelmed with compassion or overcome with pity? How were you transformed by the experience?

2006-09-13T09:54:00.000-07:00

Joanne's favorite (most timely) answer:
I am overwhelmed with compassion every time I see the smoke coming from the towers in NYC on 9-11. Over the last 5 years it has effected me. No wonder so many can't recover from their loss, the t.v. keeps showing those towers. Enough already!! Let the people heal!! I don't know that I have been "transformed" by my compassion for this event but I do change the channel on the t.v. if I even suspect that it will be a 9-11 story that will involve showing those towers.

Joanne's answer:
In Spring of 2005, when I was teaching at the University of Redlands, I had one male student in my class (the only male in the whole class!). He was a pretty shy, quiet kid, but very sweet and just adorable - a really good kid. He missed class for about a week and a half and then came to talk to me after class to explain why - turns out that his father had unexpectedly committed suicide. The dad had been suffering from depression but they thought he was doing okay - and this student was so competely beside himself as he was talking to me, he was so devistated and sad and he couldn't hold back the tears. I felt so very sad for him, I couldn't shake it even hours after we talked. I don't think I was really *transformed* by the experience in any way, however...

And the other answers!

1. Those are two emotions that i wasnt programmed with.makes me a fair and partial nurse...nah,i'm very compassionate,but nothing is standing out at this moment at a "transforming" level.

2. Oh, my gosh, yes. I have the gift/curse of being an extremely empathetic person and suffering of any kind really affects me. It's been this way since I was little, so I can't really say that I have had a single transformative experience in this area.

How would you like to die - quickly without warning or slowly over time?

2006-09-12T13:12:00.000-07:00

Joanne's favorite answer:
JoJo...you gone crazy in the head...oh yes sign me up for the "dying slowing over time...can I have the especially painful slow death while we are at it?"...ummm...I will take the fast without warning death please.

Joanne's answer:
I'm gonna have to go with my favorite answer on this one - quickly without warning for me, please! I always tell people how much they mean to me and I already do my best to "carpe diem" and all that crap - I don't think I need an impending slow death to motivate me (although the threat of getting hit by a bus can sometimes motivate a person...)

And the other answers!

1. I would rather skip the whole thing , thank you very much.Yup, no death needed here, thank you.

2. doesn't really matter as long as my friends and family know i love them,and that they were my reason for living.

3. Well I wouldn't like to DIE!!! However, I do know what you are asking..I would rather not be a burden to any of my loved ones so I would rather die very very quickly

4. Quickly without notice for sure. There are WAY too many things concerning the after-death preparations that I really wouldn't care to deal with. If I go quickly I won't have to.

5. Oh, Lord, make it quick! I don't want to have that time to dwell on what I haven't done in my life yet or crying the whole time knowing I'll never get to do this or that or see so and so again...And you know how us Tauruses cry! ;)

6. definitely quickly; in some freak accident that i was not expecting and had almost no time to experience the fear, anxiousness or regret commonly associated with knowing that it's all coming to an end. Also,i'd like it to be over fast, to minimize the pain experienced. Hmmm...maybe something like getting hit by a bus...

7. If I can choose, I would choose quickly without warning, but those quick deaths are usually very painful (e.g., accidents). Can I pick one without pain?? By the way we are all dying slowly over time. Yesterday, my left knee died. Tomorrow, my right knee will. And then I need to run 11 miles this weekend for the half-marathon training, and I die a little afterwards.

8. I think I'll pass on dying thank you.

9. It depends on how and how much pain is involved - and how old I am. Assuming that I'm at an age where I am comfortable with the idea of moving on, I would like the time to get my affairs in order and say goodbye to everyone properly. However, if that meant horrible physical pain and/or unbearable depression for an extended period of time, then I'd rather just go down in a flash not knowing what was coming or what hit me. I remember [my step-mother] saying, after she got hit in the back of the head with the boom from the sailboat that it wouldn't be a bad way to die. She had no idea what happened and she didn't feel a thing - just blacked out. All other things being equal, I vote for slipping painlessly away in my sleep at a ripe old age.

Beauty

2006-09-07T15:19:00.000-07:00

SF joanne 3
Originally uploaded by DrBrian.

Here's a good example of that beauty thing we were talking about last question....

What is beauty?

2006-09-07T09:42:00.000-07:00

Joanne's favorite answer:
Beauty is me. Enough said. Good luck with the chorus, i know you'll do great, you have a beautiful voice!! I was telling [my boyfriend] how you sang at [our friend's] wedding and how it was so amazing that I cried. Seriously. Ok wait, I change my answer, seeing as how it was bullshit. I say that your voice is beauty!!!!

Joanne's answer:
Beauty is anything that causes you to stop what you are doing and to just admire for a moment. Anything that inspires you. Anything that brings you joy.

And the other answers!

1. Beauty is that which moves you, inspires you, attracts you, makes you believe in a higher power, makes you believe in love. Really, beauty is not so much what a thing is as what it does.

2. To me Everything. I agree with the old saying Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

3. Beauty is something that when in it's presents it is an emotional message for your eyes, it will warm your soul and soothe your entire being. Beauty lifts your spirit and lighten your day. Beauty is one of God's gifts to us. So take time every day to just stand still and look at the beauty.

4. I like this question. Beauty to me is an intangible thing. Its when we can feel and sense something perfect happening to us in any given moment. To me the perfect definition of beauty is looking into the eyes of someone you love wholey and completely. So cheesy but I had to write it.

5. Pamela Anderson's Boobs.

6. No question ...its what wonderful anything comes out of a person. Or maybe what pretty thing you see.

7. Geez, thats tough. There are deinfitely two kinds of beauty... the kind from within and from the outside. The outside kind is obvious...everyone knows it when they see it. But the within kind can completely over-shadow the outside kind. It can make a physically beautiful person seem ugly or a physically ugly person seem beautiful.Its hard to describe inner beauty though. Its someone who listens and cares when you talk. Its somene who you feel happy and confident around. Its someone who is happy with themself and is engaged in life.Someone who takes pride in what they do and sees meaning in what theydo.A person with these qualities, no matter how they look, will be beautiful, to me.

8. Beauty is what radiates from someone or something from within. A beautiful soul.

9. Beauty is a lie, everything is beautiful in some way

10. A naked redhead holding a steak and cheese sub.

If you could go anywhere for a one-day visit, where would you visit? Why?

2006-09-06T09:47:00.000-07:00

Joanne's favorite answer:
Do you even have to ask?! Clearly, I would go to Sausalito :-)

Joanne's answer:
I'd have to say that I would fly somewhere I have never been before. It would have to be somewhere not too far away because I wouldn't want to be tired from too much traveling, maybe Seattle, I have always wanted to check that place out. Of course I would bring as many friends as I could round up and we would have a fancy dinner and I guess I'd have to research more about Seattle to figure out what we'd do next but I assure you, we would have fun.

And the other answers!

1. The other side.

2. I would want to go to another planet, prefferably with a human friendly atmosphere and some super advance aliens. Who are smoking hot. And they are all female. And the trees are made of delicious bacon and ham.So I guees I would want a sort of Star Trek meets Bangkok meets Emeril.

3. Burma...[says in contemplative voice] "[Name], why Burma?"...why?...why indeed...

4. I would visit GOD to see if he really existed. Then I would know if I could screw off and do anything I want with no repercussions or have to be a good little boy.

5. If the expense was taken care of, I would want to take my children and my husband to Tachikawa, Japan so they could see where I spent 2 years of my life in my very early 20's. It's a place you must see to appreciate.

6. Barcelona... to see a Barca vs. Real Madrid game atNou Camp... I've been to the city before so I'd be okay with just 1-day there.

7. I'd visit my family &friends in Mass,and drive up toPortland,Maine. any chance i could get i'd take it to see them.i'm quite homesick.

8. well, that's hard, because 1 day trips are easy to do, and thus i do them....and i don't want to say something silly like new zealand or mars, both sadly beyond our and my day trip abilities.so how about..."Pt. Reyes, my favorite Bay Area spot, even though it doesn't allow dogs on its hiking trails."

9. This is a very good question. I would go back to the Philippines in a heartbeat, even just for one day. I haven't been back there since i was 11. I didn't get to see my grandmother who raised me before her death, so i would like to visit her grave. Then i would see all my cousins and relatives who are all 16 years older now than when i last saw them. Then i'm going to the old province where i would go during summer vacations, try to remember the smells, sounds and sights, and i'm going to eat lots and lots of mangos, pineapples, and coconuts. I would go to the street markets where my grandma and I used to shop with all the shady people and the street food. Then i'd gather all of my relatives and have an evening of drinking filipino beer (San Miguel) while listening to banjo playing and people singing folk songs. Then i think i would cry myself to sleep because I know that the next day i would be back to America, without all of the things that I have missed all these years.

10. If I can take my wife: Ta'haa Private Island Resort in Tahiti. If I can't take my wife: The Playboy Mansion!

11. Where would I go for a one day visit anywhere? No trouble with that one my dear! If you really mean anywheres I would go to Heaven. Why? Can you guess?/???? I would just love to see my deceased loved ones for sure! If there is such a place! Seeing my mother (happy) and seeing my sister and grandparents etc would be the best visit I could have!!! Even if it meant for only one day...............you see then I would know what to also expect and know that I WOULD see them eventually!

12. ONE DAY ONLY? I would like to see Alaska........but for more than one day.

Was there ever a time when it turns out you were right, in spite of many others who thought otherwise? Explain the situation.

2006-09-01T09:56:00.000-07:00

Joanne's favorite answer:
When I was growing up my parents and my teachers thought I was a shit head. As it turned out they were wrong. There is nothing in there at all.

Joanne's answer:
Well, there was that time that Tim Burwell wrote me a poem and I *knew* that it meant that he really liked me, even though everyone else insisted that he just wanted to be friends. Then there was that time that I chased after Mica Stanfield for over a year, just *knowing* we would be together eventually, even though all my friends were convinced that he would never actually agree to be my boyfriend. Oh wait, I think I'm supposed to be talking about times when I was *right* and everyone else was *wrong*?! Ya, there aren't too many of those! Actually, one time that I do have is when I was working on my dissertation, everyone said it was totally unrealistic for me to write the whole thing in under 6 weeks -- but write it I did, and even got it published in Psych Bulletin!! That definitely makes up for all the Tim Burwells and Mica Stanfields that are thrown my way! =)

And the other answers!

1. I'm never right. i accept it and move on. or, in the slim case i am right, no one else admits it.

2. Yup happens all the time. Not that you can get anyone else to admit it.

3. It certainly happened more times than I can count. I was after all a woman in a man's world for the 21 years I was in the military (not to mention my spouse and the times I was right - but did I ever get proper acknowledgement? Don't think so.

4. Everyone I knew, including my children, thought I was losing my mind when I chose to marry a man 15 years younger than I, that I had only known for 4 months. This November we will celebrate our 21st anniversary. I guess I was right to say "yes" when he asked me to marry him.

5. Every...single...day.

6. No comment.

7. Every waking moment of every day.

Do you read or study best in silence or in a place with background noise? Why?

2006-08-27T21:55:00.000-07:00

Joanne's favorite answer:
I have two dogs, a cat, a wife(just one , at least until I can convince her to go mormon :) ) and an 18 mnth old. I live in the second biggest city in NE. There is almost ALWAYS background noise. On the few occasions it's totally quiet I just fall asleep.

Joanne's answer:
I do usually like to have music playing in the background while I'm doing work. The volume of the music depends on how much I need to really concentrate on what I'm doing - if its a somewhat mindless task (like data entry), I can (and pretty much need) it to be pretty loud so I don't get bored. But if the task is more complicated - or if I have to do it in a rush - I need it to be quiet or with no music at all so I can really concentrate. I guess to strictly answer the question of READING or STUDYING, those two things do need to be done in silence (or with the most quiet music) - but for all other work, I gotta have my Rhapsody account playing. Just ask my ex-labmate, Rene - she loves to complain about the Brittney Spears song on my playlist!

And the other answers!

1. I need a certain degree of background noise. Not so much that I get distracted. But, enough so my mind doesn't wander.

2. I study best in complete silence or quiet noise. (Rarely can I even fall asleep with the TV or radio on.) My mind is always going in a million different directions and if I have to focus on one particular thing I need there to be no other distractions.

3. I don't read very well, although I read whenever I can and my reading is getting better. As a result, I need it to be quite for I can concentrate on what it is I'm reading.

4. i used to study with the tv or radio on in college. ifelt it helped me concentrate more in that i had to drown out the other noise to focus on what i HAD todo. does that even make sense? i guess i just hate quiet..really eerie.

5. Silence, with no one around.

6. If I'm doing math or stats, I'm okay with background noise. If I'm writing, I prefer complete silence.

7. Absolutely silence is the answer. I guess I'm too easily distracted (or nosy however you want to put it). If something else is going on I want to see what it is or listen to what it is.

8. I prefer a little background noise, but nothing too distracting. I used to study to classical music because there were no words to get stuck in my head. I find that studying in silence only accentuates the distraction, absolute silence is foreign and uncomfortable to me, and then near silence just makes the occosaional noise that much more of a disctaction. As you can see, I don't like disctractions. So why do I keep checking my email for the QOTD?

9. Must have silence... I'm Captain Easily-Distracted! OOh, look at that bright, shiny object!

10. Silence. And I sleep better in silence as well. I don't like noise.

11. I like to read or study in quiet. I don't mind a little soft classical music or jazz - or even the sound of rustling, dishes being done, or tv being watched (softly) from another room. White noise like that is okay, but the quieter the better.

12.

If he had been born in a different generation, would Jack Kerouac have a blog?

2006-08-25T09:24:00.000-07:00

Joanne's favorite answer:
Yeah he would. And it'd be just as boring as his book.

Joanne's answer:
Naw, he wouldn't have a blog...but he would have a website in which he would run a monthly advice column, post random essays and stories, and feature a new picture of a beautiful girl every month on the homepage. He might even call the website www.thesiphon.com!

And the other answers!

1. Couldn't say. Don't know who he is.

2. All artsy, poet, writer types probably love to blog so i would say yes. In reply to this question .. Who cares?

3. Y not :-)

4. I'm leaning no. He wrote "On The Road" on one long scroll. That's too anti-tech to think he would go the blog route.

5. Don't know, but if he had been, I might know who the hell he is. Jack Kerouac??

6. Would Jack Kerouac have a blog - you bet your ass he would. Of course, he'd go through stretches where he'd keep up with it all the time and then wouldn't post for months at a time. But, he would absolutely have a blog.

Have you ever had any mystical/magical/unexplainable experiences? If so, what were they?

2006-08-24T09:35:00.000-07:00

Joanne's favorite answer:
The only thing that comes to mind right now is that when I went to do a season of summer stock many years ago, I had a pretty unexplainable experience. I hit it off really well with my roommate, and that first night I had an incredibly vivid dream. It was a house, and a heavy set blonde woman was coming out of the house... When I woke up, I told my new roommate about the dream and described everything. She said, "Oh, my god - that's my house and that's my mother." I thought that was pretty weird, but things got even stanger. She then told me that she had had a dream about me - about a man who was too attached to me and what he was like. Her descriptions of the man and the situation were very accurate. I must note, at this point, that we had discussed none of this the previous day. Also, speaking of dreams, I once had a dream that an older co-worker (that I had a big crush on) was inconsolably sad...something had happened...something about his father. I told my co-worker about this the next day at work and he looked completely stricken. He told me that it was the anniversary of his father's death.

Joanne's answer:
As much as I totally believe in (and am petrified by) ghosts and the like, I've never really had any super mysterious things happen to me. The closest I've come was in Jr. High, my friend Hannah & I used to play with the Ouija board...I swear that I did not move it and she swears she didn't, but damn if it didn't move!! One morning, we were playing with it in her living room for a good long time - probably at least an hour - and there was no clock in the livingroom. We asked the Ouija board what time it was, and it answered, "11:14". Right away, we put the board down, ran into Hannah's room, and looked at her digital clock....which read none other than...11:14!!! That was pretty creepy.

And the other answers!

1. One "unexplainable" experience I had was when I lived in Japan with my husband who was in the Air Force at the time.. I will tell you up front that I truly believe I had a ghost that followed me around. But you be the decider of that. Here is one of my "ghost" stories: The car I had in Japan was a standard transmission. There was something wrong with the gears. Every now and then, you just never knew when it was going to happen, the gears would just go into neutral when shifting from 1st to 2nd and lock there. We, my husband and myself, would have to pull over to the side of the road so my husband could get under the hood and wiggle something and get it back into where it needed to be. Now when he did this, I could watch the gear shift lever moved up and down and listen to it click back into position. One day he was going to take me on a trip, it was to be a surprise. We went to the base to gas up and on our way out he was getting ready to pull over at the gate to get out of the car to ask directions so I couldn't hear where we were headed. He was slowing down at the gate when the gears slipped again. Since my husband was pulling over anyway, it was no big deal, he'd fix it when he got back to the car. Well, while he was gone I heard a clicking sound and watched the gear shift lever move up and down and click into place while my husband was across the street getting directions. When he returned, his mind was on the directions he has just received and completely forgot all about the gears locking. He just got in the car, put it in gear and off we went. I knew that the ghost was with us that day and had unlocked the gears when my husband was out of the car. I watched the lever move. That is only `1 ghost story in one place. I believe I've lived with two other ghosts at other times in my life and I have story after story.

2. Over the years Joanne ( as I grew up ) I can say there hasn't been any mystical happenings. I wish there had been..However for [my daughter's] wedding I wanted a particular dress for the Mother-of-the-Bride and I went to every store imaginable!!! You see for [my son's] wedding I had no choice in color and the Bride's mother wanted me to wear sequins on my dress. I found a dress that I had saved a picture of 5 years ago. I was elated to have found this dress. I was happy! Now comes [my daughter's] wedding and I do not want sequins this time! I wanted English soft Lace. I could not find any dress with that type of lace. I tried ever so hard. It was making me dream about it and in color too. I could actually see this dress! I drove to many different towns to go to many different Bridal Salons. No luck! Then one day I entered the very last store I could go into! Really! They had nothing...the lady there was soooo nice and offered me her books to look into. I looked with no ecpectations at all. After 3 pages I turned only to find myself looking at the very dress I saw in my dreams! Color and all!!!!! And I mean the VERY dress!!! I ordered it and it and wore it to [my daughter's] wedding and it hangs in my closet to this day. If I never wear it again I don't care. Let them put it on me when I die!!! Oh how I loved both dresses!

3. Three years ago when [my wife's] dad died I was at the funeral home before everyone else got there. I went over to see [my father-in-law] in his coffin and said a few prayers for him.When I got up to leave the coffin, I touched him on the shoulder to say goodbye and his shoulder seemed to move. It freaked me out, but I didn't say anything to [my wife] because of the circumstances.A few months later [my wife] and I were talking and I brought it up in the conversation. The real freaky part of the story is that the exact same thing happened to [my wife] when she touched her dad's shoulder a few minutes after me.

4. i sadly haven't had anything "unexplainable" happen inthe sense that you're referring to, but the nearest thing to magical/mystical was that even though [my boyfriend] and i were involved(not seriously in any sense of theword) with others,we both found that we were really into each other and have been together for close to a year now. i guess thats more like fate,or simple mutual attraction, but hey, its magical and mystical to me.

5. I woke up one night and there was a gray mist at the end of my bed. I knew it was my Dad. I said 'Hi Dad' I got a warm feeling and the mist disappeared. In another similar instance, this time a dream, my mother passed away while I was away from home and I hadn't had a chance to say good-bye. In the dream she came to me and kissed my cheek and said everything was OK. I woke up and the spot on my cheek where she has kissed me was warm.

What's something about yourself that you hope will never change?

2006-08-23T09:31:00.000-07:00

Joanne's favorite answer:
Another fab question. I hope that my integrity, good memory, and ability to see the heart of most things does not change.I must give myself a little "wha-wha" (kudos) here... I used to have a hard time coming up with one thing I liked and didn't want to change about myself, but now I can't just name one... I've got three. Wahoo!!

Joanne's answer:
I hope that my "joie de vivre" - my enthusiasm about life/optimism/resilience - never changes.

And the other answers:

1. My heart beating 60 or 70 times a minute.

2. I was brought up to not lie....all lies get eventually found out anyway. I would never want to change my honesty! This is not a memorable favorite answer for you but its an HONEST one. lol

3. My sense of humor/hyperness, or as others call it"insanity" . It keeps me ignorant to all the shit going on in the world and allows things to never reallyaffect me. good times.

4. My faith in the Lord. I can't see how it could but I hope I never find out.

5. My witty charm...

6. I hope my curiosity never changes.

7. My hair color. I hope it doesn't turn gray. I haven'tdyed my hair yet, and I hope I don't have to. If myDad's hair (also red) is any indication, I might getthrough without any gray.

Using only one word per person, what was your first impression of each person you saw yesterday?

2006-08-22T10:08:00.000-07:00

Joanne's favorite answer:
I will list the people I met as well since I am fairly sure that my tinfoil hat is blocking any telepathy you might try and employ. I will try and list them in chronological order.
[my wife] - naked
[my daughter] - adorable
Me- Poppinesque (practically perfect in every way)
Lady at tsougas farms who showed us how to tell if we were picking ripe peaches) - way too excited about peaches (I tried for a single word here, but I guess there isn't enough of a call for a single word to express that feeling. Which is kind of odd when you think about it, since according to all the random people we met there [who will be ignored by this list] peaches can be very exciting indeed.)
Mother in law- contented
Brother in law - bored
Father in law - idiot
brother-in-law's friend - stoned
Various people at our farm share - Hippuppies (hippy yuppy hybrid)
another brother-in-law - self-absorbed
cashier at Stop and P - victim
Of course these are only my impressions, they may be wildly inacurrate since I have neither a PhD in psychology nor did I stay in a Holiday Inn last night.

Joanne's answer:
Steven (roommate): qualified
Loren (assistant at work): cool
Colleen (manager): warm
Bryce (CEO): business-like
Angela (co-worker): odd

And the other answers!

1. I can't remember yesterday...so I will do today....so...happy; angry; bitter; wet; angry; goofy; tired (all the people at the gym)....back home...

2. strong (my husband); naked (my granddaughter); thin (my granddaughter); short (my daughter); busy (my son-in-law); clueless (the lady behind the desk at the hotel we stayed at)

3. first impression ofwho i saw yesterday...hmm..[my boyfriend] :love; bartender at the bar we went to to watchthe 49'ersgame:full of himself/full of shit; bar patrons:white-trash drunks(but we all wer ethere,so it's no insult,just an impression.); waiter at Boardwalk where we went after the game for quesedillas and buffalo wings:nice guy who couldnt wait to get outta work and get home.

4. Cute, The Mother, Prodigy, and The Father. I went and saw [my granddaughter], [my step-daughter], [my granddaughter] and [my son-in-law].

5. hard working: my dad; funny: my brother; cool: my other brother; loud : my sister May; adorable: my boyfriend; inspiring: [my boyfriend]'s dad; laid back: some guy at Living Spaces that talked to us; cute: my doggie; voracious: me!

6. Love - Husband; Happy - a friend doing a triathalon; Relief - her boyfriend, brother & dog;
nothing - All the strangers at the event and the shopping afterward. - to many people to name

7. Ted: hardworking; Stacey: well intended; Jamesa: disrespectful; Ibrahim: privledged; Yolcie: dependable

What or who inspires you to be all that you can be?

2006-08-21T09:25:00.000-07:00

Joanne's favorite answer:
My mom. She's a fantastic woman who taught me to fight and overcome hardships and forgive others. She's the most amazing woman I know.

Joanne's answer:
When I see other people accomplishing goals that I would like to accomplish, I become inspired - such as when my (now ex-)roommate started going to the gym almost every day, I became motivated to go more often. Also, having an un-moveable deadline definitely inspires me, like having to write my dissertation in 5 weeks in order to defend by the time my sister & mom came out for graduation last year. And finally, people believing in my ability to do something a bit more than I believe in myself - and will not let me give up too easily - tends to inspire me to do things I would never normally do....like jumping a fence to go see an 'at capacity' latin rock concert!!

And the other answers!

1. My height. Since I a spent 60+ years vertically challenged I realized early I had to do more to be equal. Kind of got used to that and it's second nature now. I just want all vertically challenged folks to know you can 'be all that you can be' - Gee you would think I had been in the Army and not the Air Force. Now that I think about it it could have been being a woman making it in a man's world. That to has made me be all that I can be but I guess the bottom line of it is my Mother and Father - through whatever means and I guarantee I don't know what they were - inspired me to do and be my best - not perfect - just my best.

2. A lot of things inspire me. My parents were very smart, educated people and I am inspired by them even though they are no longer with me. My need to live above the poverty line inspires me to get up and go to work every day. My need not to live in a dump inspires me to clean on the weekends. My faith in The Lord inspires me to be a good Christian. I lived the first almost 30 years leaving it up to other people to take care of me and that made me weak of character. Once I learned to stand on my own two feet and earn a good living working hard I got proud of me, something I hadn't been. So now I stand straight and like who I am and I have my parents, siblings and The Lord to thank for that.

3. The Army...

4. I'm not.

5. G.I. J.O.E. Think about it, that cartoon covered all of the military branches and almost every little boy, and some girls, played with GI JOE. The military is always daring you to be all that you can be, and GI JOE started working on people while they were kids.

6. Great question! I get inspired by passionate people. God inspires me as well to be the best i can be, and to be content with my life. My family is also always an inspiration to me... i would feel lost without them. And my doggie always inspires me to smile and be thankful for all that i am and all that i have. :)

7. As far as people go, there are really only two people in my adult life who have ever caused me to reach for something more - you and [my ex-boyfriend]. When you graduated from college, it inspired me to go back and get my degree. But, on an on going basis, [my ex-boyfriend] has the ability to stir the right mix of confidence, insecurity, ambition, fear, enthusiasm, and that je ne sais quoi to get my ass back in front of the blank page. He is truly a fan of my writing and seems to feel not just disappointed, but totally ripped off, if I'm not working. He actually gets upset. Not to mention that he knows how to push all of my buttons, and no doubt takes great pleasure in doing so. In a sense, [my daughter] inspires me as well. I would never want her to be any less than everything she could be, and I don't want her to grow up and be disappointed in me. I want her, as a woman, to look at me and feel that I am a vibrant, intelligent, fun, caring and generous person. I want her, above all others, to be proud of me. So, that is motivation. Of course, for all of this, you need support. And, although [my husband] is not always big on the cheerleading, he would never tell me that I couldn't do something and would always work to find a way to support anything that he knew was important to me. Like - he stays home with [my daughter] while I dance or meet with [my ex-boyfriend]. And, when I volunteered to read/record a book for the blind, it is/was [my husband] who sets me up every night with his computer and mic set up.

How are you different now than you were before September 11, 2001?

2006-08-18T10:20:00.000-07:00

Joanne's favorite answer:
Well, let's see.... Since then, I moved to Iowa, switched careers, got married, bought a house, and had a child. Not much has changed really.

Joanne's answer:
Well, in the spirit of my favorite answer...since then, I have taught college classes, gotten a Ph.D., fallen in and out of love, visited Hawaii, became an aunt, moved to Northern California, and watched the Red Sox win the world series. But of course, the question really seems to be asking how 9/11 has affected me...and I'm sort of sad to say that it hasn't really changed me a whole heck of a lot. At first, I feel like people were brought closer together - there was a lot more patriotism, people were friendlier to each other...but that sort of thing wore off after a while. I may be slightly more aware/distrustful of people from the middle east, although not really even much. I do get a little more nervous when I see a low-flying plane post-9/11 (whereas before I never would have thought much of it), and I suppose I'm a little less naive about the realities of war and the possibilities of violence...but really, that's about it.

And the other answers!

1. I don't know that I am very different - just angry. I Don't know how to stop the insanity but sure wish someone could figure out how.

2. I'm different in the way of think of life - the safe life - here in the United States. Terrorism was something that other countries lived with, day in and day out, but we were always safe from that sort of thing here. Now we know we too can be blown up without notice. Outside forces caught us sleeping - literally - at Pearl Harbor and history, if not learned from will repeat itself and, sure enough, "they" caught us sleeping again. And if we don't stay alert and fall asleep it will happen again. I pray a lot more for the safety and well being of loved ones than I did before.

3. i'm even more aware how messed up people are in this world. regardless of their "motives"',it ultimatley resulted in many deaths and thats just fucked. and i've learned to live life now,because i may not be able to in the future.i moved out to Cali and i'm loving it out here. i'm allowing myself to be happy in the decisions i make,and very appreciative of God for allowing me to have what i do have. i don't take as many things for granted anymore, it's made me more aware of how lucky i am in life.

4. I am WAY more suspicious of our govenment and WAY more distrustful of the current administration. My feelings towards them have changed much more than my feelings towards terrorism.

5. Before 9/11: I was an international student from Japan. After 9/11: I am a non-resident alien who has an equal chance of being a terrorist or stealing someone else's job in the U.S.

6. I now have a distrust for most if not all Muslims, even though I know that is irrational. Then again, many Muslims are hell bent on destroying western civilization, and hate all Christians and Jews. I never thought about that before 9/11. I also hate the way many of our freedoms have eroded with the Patriot Act, although without it, there would have been many more attacks on our country. The recent capture of potential plane bombers from London was a direct result of the (potentially illegal)wiretaps by our government.

7. i'm a few years older

8. I am more disgusted with our government than ever before.

Are people trustworthy? Explain your answer.

2006-08-16T09:21:00.000-07:00

Most "in-depth" answer:
Thats unanswerable!! Everyone is different! Individual Differences in the person to be trusted: In general, I think you can trust that most peope are not going to try to bring physical harm to you or go out of their way to screw you over.However, most people will do something to negatively affect you if it brings them ENOUGH benefit. The benefit factor is the crux. Also, most people will only do something to negatively affect you if they think you will never find out about it. If they think you'll find out,usually the benefit has to be pretty darn high for them to follow through with the "bad deed." Properties of behaviors that break trust: Usually people can be trusted to not do things that will bring you visible harm. i.e. blackeyes, trip you, or "pants" you (remember that from middle school?). But they will do things to bring you non-visible pain... again, only if there is enough benefit and you won't find out. For example, people will say bad things about you behind your back to make themselves look better or to make themsleves look interesting... but only if theythink you won't find out. Individual differences in the person doing the trusting: some people trust everyone, while others don't trust anyone. Usually both these extremes attract the least trustworthy people, for reasons that I don't understand.

Joanne's answer:
I think that most people are pretty trustworthy, given the right situation. For example, studies have shown that if you ask a stranger to watch your bag or your purse for a few minutes while you go do something, in most cases, that stranger will not only NOT steal your bag but will actively pursue/say something/chase down anyone who DOES try to steal it! Of course, the flip side of that is if you put most people in a situation where they are very motivated to break your trust (i.e., if they don't steal your purse, they won't have enough money to take the bus home) and you give them at least some sense of security that they will not be caught, I would bet that most people would go ahead and steal. Never underestimate the power of the situation, my friends!

And the other answers:

1. Some are. sadly it takes a while to determine the depth of the info you can trust with someone. i usually keep things superficial at work. no one needs to know mybusiness. as for those i keep as friends, i believe and trust in them all.

2. I think that people are inherently trustworthy. While there are obviously deceitful people, I think that they are more of the exception than the rule. Of course, I get burned quite often (not so much anymore, but in the past), so...either my philosophy is way off, or I have just met many of those few exceptions.

3. Some are and some are not. It's as simple as that.

4. Not entirely. I trust people to a certain extent, but I don't handout keys to my house.

5. I think they want to be for the most part but it's becomes such "it's-all-about-me" that I don't think so anymore. Used to be a handshake was all that was needed - now you have to have an office full of lawyers just to be sure you are covered.

6. I feel most people are trustworthy most of the time, and everyone is untrustworthy some of the time.

7. Well, that kind of depends on how you mean "trustworthy". I know people who can be trusted with a life, or just a secret, or people who can be trusted simply to look after their own moment-to-moment interests. I think that trust has a lot to do with expectations. As far as trusting people to do what they SAY they are going to do - I would say that most people would be trustworthy around 75% of the time. I say that because I believe that most people have more-or-less good intentions (at least as far as they see things). But, some people are more successful than others when it comes to acting on those intentions. Even the best of us fall short sometimes.

If you could go back in time, what year would you visit? Why?

2006-08-15T09:48:00.000-07:00

Joanne's favorite answer:
1984: to kill Sarah Connor

Joanne's answer:
I would go back to whatever year had the largest lottery prize and buy a ticket with the winning numbers! Why? So I could have more than -$600 in my checking account!!

And the other answers!

1. Since the year is strictly a visit...I would love to go back in the years of the 1800's. However I would NOT want to be poor. My visit would also have to be a person who is comfortable and in a castle with servants....Life was very tough for those who had nothing and I surely having read about them would NEVER want to be one of them. Being wealthy then, you would have a very interesting life. It was so pretty and the clothes were soooooooooo beautiful! So...oops excuse me...my buggy ride is awaiting...just leave your card and my courier will bring you my answer in the afternoon...about the "BALL". that is.

2. There are lots of years I'd like to visit:
1923 - in the middle of the time of the flapper, Al Capone, Bonnie and Clyde, bath tub gin to see what life was really like back then. I tend to be a romantic of that time
1930 - at the beginning of the depression to see life then as it was. Although my time in the Japaneese rice patties must have been close to it.
1948 - to visit the year I was born
1974 - the year I was in my first house with my first daughter it was a wonderful time
1976 - I was in my second house with two daughters now and I felt like I was in the middle of my universe.
Life since then has been a series of ups and downs - very high up and horribly down that I couldn't pick out just one year - a day here or there maybe but a whole year? maybe not.

3. 33 A.D. I'd try and catch the Sermon on the Mount. That would be sooo cool.

4. I will definitely go back to 1985, or any year between 1983 to 1987. I wanna experience the height of the whole 80s culture, and when new wave and one-hit wonders ruled the airwaves; when fashion was crazy, glamorous and colorful; when i was still a kid with the fanned bangs and a really high pony tail. :)

5. I would go back to anywhere between 2000-2005, when I had awesome friends in Riverside to hang out with. But wait, I would avoid going back to the year when we had to take quals. Back then, life seemed pretty busy with school and all back in Riverside, but when I started working, I realized that grad school was a piece of cake; And now that I'm so far away from those people I enjoyed hanging out with back in Riverside, I am deeply appreciative of the fact that it wouldn't have been a piece of cake if it weren't for great friends like you, JoJo!

6. I would like to JUST VISIT the Victorian age.....

What photos do you cherish from the past? Where do you keep them now?

2006-08-14T09:49:00.000-07:00

Joanne's favorite answer:
I am not a big photo guy...but there is a picture of me and [my wife] taken about a month after we started dating. To my knowledge it is the first picture taken of us (or at least the first that we kept...maybe that was because we looked soooo goooood). The picture was framed and we keep it by the coffee pot. That way I can look at it each morning and think "wow I was pretty hot 10 years ago...what happened? Oh well...I am going to grab some coffee and a donut..."

Joanne's answer:
I don't really know if there are *particular* photos that I cherish - but in general, the ones that I care about the most are pictures in which it is just me with one other person - be it a relative, a friend, a boyfriend, whatever - where I look really happy to be with that person (and where we both look good, of course!!). I feel like pictures like this sort of capture the joy that I get (or got) from that particular friendship/relationship, especially when you can see in my face how happy I am to be with the person. I do have quite a few pictures like this...a lot of them are in frames in my bedroom, some of them are in frames in the trunk of my car (because they *were* in my office in Riverside and I just have yet to really unpack my office boxes), and the rest are in photo albums in my apartment.

And the other answers!

1. I cherish ALL the old photos of my children...everywhere!!!

2. There would be three sets of photos that I cherish for entirely different reasons. First, I have two pictures of me and my father when I was very young. One was taken at the beach and the other was taken at a house we used to live in. They are the only pictures that I have of my father. And, since I was so young when he passed away, they help me to remember him. That is why I cherish them. Second, are the pictures of me the summer I met [my husband]. No, not because it was the summer I met [my husbad]. Instead, it is because I lost a lot of weight that summer due to a bout with bronchitis and being very active. It is the only time I remember being really satisfied with my body. So, that is why I cherish them. Third, are my wedding pictures. It was such a happy day filled with so many great moments and people we love. Looking at the pictures helps me re-live how great that day was. And, since it is the only wedding I will ever have (at least, I hope), that is why I cherish them. Where do I keep them? The first two are in a small photo album, the second set is separated between an album and a box, and the third set is in my wedding album and online.

3. I have photos all over my house... my family, mydaughter, but the specials ones right now are the onesof me and my dad (who passed away last year). Thereis one of us at an Angels game on Father's Day from afew years ago and I display right by the door so I cansee it every time I leave the house.

4. My college days, they're in a basket in the basement...

5. i have a bunch of photos from high school and collegeand beyond. some are in frames, others are in acollage frame and some on the fridge..those are myfavorites..the others are in a photo album box.

6. I cherish ALL my photos from the past. It's the only way I can hold on to time that has gone and will never return. I keep them all over the place - some on the walls, some in the desk, some in albums I can get to quickly and some in envelopes that are stored away and some in a cedar chest at the foot of my bed.

7. Need I tell you what photos I cherish the most?? Walk into my living room and
you will see them all. From the time [my son] was about one month old until his graduation pictures. And of course, the grandkids!!

8. It's everywhere - check the attachment, is there anything more beautifulthan that? Really, anywhere? [Enclosed is a photo of the author of this answer with the Red Sox World Series trophy].

9. I love photos of all kinds and now I love to scrapbook. I just did one of my "courtship" with [my husband]. I love looking at it. Since I don't have a wedding album I love to look at the pictures of us through the years.

10. Family phots - particularly those that have passed away. If I have a good one it is displayed somewhere (wall, desk, end table).

11. Photos - I like pictures from when I was really small, old pictures of family members who aren't married to eachother - or even alive any more, I like my wedding pictures, pictures from when I was pregnant, all pictures of [my daughter], pictures from when I was performing... I pretty much just like pictures! I have lately been keeping the majority of all my photos on one bookshelf in my house downstairs. Mostly, their all mixed up and out of order, but sifting through them and seeing what kind of photo will be in the pile next is part of the fun for me. :)

Which do you prefer: the hustle and bustle of city life or the quiet and serenity of country life? Why?

2006-08-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

Joanne's favorite answer:
I like the country in the middle of nowhere with a house with a driveway so long that when a city girl gets to a bend in the driveway, she will ask her mother "Which way, left or right?" and the mother replies "Left, Joanne, we are still in the driveway." That's the kind of place I like.

Joanne's answer:
I'm definitely a city girl. I love the energy of the city...the people, the sights, the culture, the excitement. I love the "big-ness" of it - seems to be filled with unending possibilities. The country is a nice place to visit...but I wouldn't want to live there.

And the other answers!

1. I don't like the extreme of each,but the mixture of both.

2. I prefer the beach town I now live in. We have no traffic problems and there is only 1 (Blinking at that) red light in the town.

3. If I HAD to pick just one, it would be the country. I'm really kind of a loner and the country life allows me to spend quiet time with just me or me and my husband. I do like to go spend time in the city but I'm much happier being in the quiet.

4. MUST HAVE LIFE! I'll take a city over the country any and every day of the week. The country is somethingto look at from 30,000 feet while flying to another city...

5. This is an easy one: I'd chuck it all and move up to a small town in the mountains any old day of the week. I wouldn't miss minimalls, gas stations, or Denny's in the slightest (I might miss Starbucks... a little). But you knew that: in my darker grad school hours, I've considered going off to be a forest ranger. Too funny.

6. Country for sure. Hustle and bustle puts too much strain on my remaining nerve.

7. Give me suburbia, the best of both. I like the pace of country living with the culture of the big city. So plant me 45 minutes outside of a major metro area, and I'll be happy.

8. To live - Neither extreme - I'd prefer somewhere in between. Kind of like a cross between NYC and Dover, DE :-)

9. More often than not, I prefer the quiet and serenity of country life. I have always grooved on natural beauty and find that things are clearer in my mind when I do not have the distractions of the city. That's good for someone who wants to write. HOWEVER, I also love New York City. In a way, I feel like I grew up there and I have fond (or at least meaningful) memories in just about every neighborhood. I love that you can't shake a stick without hitting a great place to eat, a cultural institution, or an interesting character. I like walking fast in the city, like the subway, like the energy, and like that feeling that anything could happen at any moment. Ideally, I'd like to live in Upstate New York (Hudson River Valley). That way I could still be reasonable close to everything good from both worlds.

10. City, of course!

11. My idea of "country" is anything outside the Rte 128 circle. Actualcountry life? like with farms an' shit? Goddamn I'd be scared stiff! you know they have chickens and cows that just run around freelyaccosting people? UFOs regularly kidnap people and probe theiranuses... anusi... butts. And you could travel 100 miles in anydirection without coming across a Dunkin Donuts, a movie theatre, oreven an office park! Hell, You can go that far without bumping intoyour next door neighbor!

12. I much prefer the country life. I love trees and woods and grass and water. I couldn't live happily without woods and water around me. I grew up on a lake in the woods of Maine so I think it is in my blood. You can take the girl out of the woods, but you can't take the woods out of the girl. I dislike hustle and bustle as a general rule and crowds make me very uncomfortable. I would rather spend the day with a tree than share a dance floor with throngs of sweating bodies....unlike some folks I know.

13. Duh

14. Depends when you ask me. Right now I’m preferring the quiet and serenity of country life but that’s probably b/c I have no idea what quiet and serenity are!

What's something about yourself that you hope will change, but that probably never will?

2006-08-10T09:31:00.000-07:00

Joanne's favorite answer:
My desire to be rich and thin, and oh ya, live forever.

Joanne's answer:
I guess I would have to go with unrealisticly hoping that "being overweight" will change for me. BUT I have lost 3 whole pounds since moving to NorCal so at least its going in the right direction! =)

And the other answers!

1. My procrastination. Whenever I procrastinate on a particular task and end up doing things at the last minute (which is all the time), I always kick myself and say, "Next time, I am not going to do this." But, I never listen to myself. I am a perpetual procrastinator and don't think that will ever change. I have accepted that about myself.

2. It's a toss up - stop smoking - but probably never will and/or lose 30 pounds but I probably won't to that either.

3. Get a firm reasonable diet, exercise regularly and lose weight.

4. I would like to be able to determine better what is worth worrying about from what is not. I would also like to take better care ofmyself (i.e. what I eat and how I dress). No one should go to school everyday with no make-up and sweats, but I do it anyway.

5. I really hope that I get less really really reallygood looking as I get older... but that probably willnever happen...

6. i would love to be out of debt,but im sure once i even out, i'll get an apartment/house or new vehicle and"hello new debt". but, at least i'd have money on my credit cards and not worry about creditors breaking my fingers,etc.

7. Personality-wise, I would like to be more self-motivated (aka driven to burn the midnight oil to work on my writing, inspired to go and do charity work, etc.). I wish I weren't still somewhat subject to mood swings, wish I were better at making friends. It would also probably be better for me if I weren't still so emotionally attached to [my ex-boyfriend] - he goes from being inspiring to being a disappointment and back again so quickly and so unexpectedly. Physically, I would like a more tone body (as if I weren't in charge of this). Wouldn't mind a better nose and skin that didn't get blotchy at the drop of a hat. Oh, and hair that was an awesome color all by itself that I never had to color! Yeah! And, boobs like I had 10 years ago...

8. I wish I enjoyed working...

9. My sensitive feelings. I wish I didn't take things so personal, but I don't think that will change....plus I wish I didn't blush!

What's something you intended to do yesterday but didn't? Why not?

2006-08-09T09:49:00.000-07:00

Joanne's favorite answer:
Have sex with my wife... no wait... I DID do that! YES!!!!!

Joanne's answer:
I intended to send out checks to the research participants in my Grad School Exam study who recently finished up with the study. Why didn't I do it? Partly because I got roped into watching "Big Brother" with my roommate, and partly because then I ended up on the phone with my ex-roommate for 3 hours after that!

And the other answers!

1. Had a conflict with someone...and then had to make-up.

2. Something I wanted to do yesterday but did not...Hmmmmm...Go to the bank and change the names on who can get into my bank box if something happens to me. I didn't because I ran out of time...

3. Lose 100 pounds in a day.

4. Yesterday I intended to paint some of the mud room where I had taped off the day before but I did not do it. Why? Because the electrician was coming today and by tonight I could paint by the light in the room instead of a flashlight. And now that the lights are in the mud room, I plan on painting in there tonight. :-)

5. Buy a much needed car, but didn't feel like it. Prices are way out of reach for what I want......

6. I intended to work yesterday, honestly I really did. But, when I gotthere I received the news that my position had been eliminated!

7. I kind of intended to write - or at least get an idea in my mind of the next thing I will be writing - but, this was not to be. I will chalk it up to not feeling well. Got a little cold - fogs the brain.

8. well, i woke up with Aaron when he had to get up forwork yesterday(7:30am) which is like a punishment tothe nightshift worker,as i am.i usually go back to bedfor a little bit and then take off,but i was awake at that time and decided to head home because i had a lot of stuff to do at the apartment and the gym.i did all of that and moved my living room around,but what i didnt do was go to the "middleman agency" i work for to sign up for "per diem" work.pretty much,i sign up and this agency will contact me if a neighboring hospital needs an extra nurse for the night and i can go in and make $$$.didnt do that because it takesabout 3-4 hours to fill out the paper work and i was"on call" for my job and wanted to relax in case theyneeded me to work overnight,seeing as how i was up at 730am.

9. I had intended to catch up on all the q's of the day.

What is your most prized or sentimental possession? Explain.

2006-08-08T09:44:00.000-07:00

Joanne's favorite answer:
My most sentimental possession is a tiny pewter heart and key. I got it, along with a bunch of other junk jewlery on my 9th birthday. I thought that it looked romantic and decided that when I grew up I would give it to the man I fell in love with. Well, it was in the possession of two different men at various times in my life. To make a long story short, before I met my husband I learned the unromantic, but still beautiful, lesson that you don't, you can't, give your heart away. It's yours. It's always yours. You just give people room in it. When they leave you, yes, a large part of your heart is empty. But, it's still your heart. It breaks, it heals, it expands, it contracts - but it's always yours. My husband has never been given the heart. When I married him, though, I wore it on my garter under my dress. I had my whole heart with me when I said, "I Do."

Joanne's answer:
I guess I would have to say my photo albums, journals, and valentine's day poems. I don't know if they really count as "sentimental possessions", but they are probably the only things that I own that are truly irreplacable and I would feel sick about if they were lost or destroyed. I have some jewlery that I am a bit sentimental about, like my grandmother's class ring and a ring from my "first love", but I definitely care about my albums/journals/poems more. One funny thing that I have had since the summer that I graduated high school - which has moved with me from Boston to LA to Riverside to San Fran - is this goofy little piece of chainmail from when my friends in Natick used to do NERO (a live role-playing thing). I never much got into NERO myself, but I had this awesome group of friends who did - a lot of the group still hangs out together and I see them when I go home for Christmas and stuff, but the first summer that we were all friends - the summer after I graduated from high school - we all hung out every day and it was such a fun summer .... I have some really good memories of that friend group, and I guess my little piece of chainmail sort of represents that. I still have it in my room, it currently sits on top of my stereo. =)

And the other answers!

1. Probably my Les Paul Guitar. It's so pretty and it sounds good too.

2. My car keys - ESCAPE.

3. My most prized possessions are my grandparents' high school class rings. My g'ma's is from 1930 and my g'pa's is from 1926.

4. My most prized and sentimental possession was stolen from me - my grandmother's ring. It was in a platinum setting with a diamond in the middle of two sapphires. The diamond part of the ring was the stone her father gave her when she graduated high school. When she became engaged to my grandfather she took the diamond her father gave her off, so as not to wear two diamond rings. My grandfather took the ring to the jewelers and had it put in a setting that required two more stones. He said he wanted sapphires because they were blue to match her eyes. (all of the jewelery he got her was diamonds and sapphires). She used to let me wear the ring around the house when I went to visit her and when I graduated high school, she gave it to me. Since the diamond of it was given to her for her graduation, she thought it would be an appropriate time to give me the ring. But it was stolen along with most of my jewelery many years ago and it broke my heart. Since then I find it hard to become attached to anything that can get lost, stolen or destroyed. The closest thing now would be the pictures of my children as they were growing up.

5. My mother's engagement and wedding rings from my father. My father passed away suddenly when I was 6, so they are very special to me. They are actually the only things that I really have to remind me of him. Anyway, I always loved them growing up. Once in a while, my mom would let me put them on my finger and I felt so special (of course, they were way too big for me, but I didn't care). When I graduated HS, my mom gave them to me as a graduation gift. It was the best gift I ever received, and will always cherish them.

6. My cell phone...i'd be lost without it. Its mylifeline.

What's the most serious illness or injury you've ever faced?

2006-08-07T09:29:00.000-07:00

Joanne's favorite answer:
The most serious illness I have had to face is, by far, my husband's thalassemia. In a nutshell, it is a genetic disorder that affects the production of his hemoglobin, the oxygen carrying component of the red blood cell. Because of that, he cannot produce his own red blood cells (or, the ones he does produce are misshapen and can't be used). Therefore, he has had to get blood transfusions since birth - he gets three bags of blood every three weeks, a process which takes about 6 hours in a hospital. With this comes a host of all other problems, such as heart and liver failure due to iron overload. To combat this, he does chelation therapy (to remove the iron from vital organs) religiously (24 hours a day/ 5 days a week). The chlation therapy is similar the insulin therapy of diabetes patients. A few years back, his liver was so damaged it resembled the liver of an alcoholic. But, due to the intensive chelation therapy, his liver is in much better shape. And, luckily, his heart has never been affected. Plus, he is immuno-compromised, which means that a cold is a pretty serious thing. I have had to rush him to emergency care several times because a small "bug" that may have caught from someone turned into a 102 degree fever. Fortunately, he has been incredibly lucky and has not had to deal with many of the things other Thalassemia patients have to face. But, this is the most serious thing I have had to face because it isn't a one-time illness. It is a continuous illness that will affects daily. To find out more info, please visit: www.helpthals.org. It is a website for the non-profit organization that we co-founded for other people affected with Thalassemia. And, please pass it along - the more people that know about this, the better. And, if you have any questions, let us know (mtamburo@hotmail.com) - we are more than happy to discuss Paul's story to inform people.

Joanne's answer:
For me, my most serious injury happened the summer after my first year in grad school - I was living in L.A., down the hall from my boyfriend at the time, Kevin. We were getting ready to do apartment shopping in Riverside and we were running late, so I ran home to take a really fast shower. The tub had a pretty slow drain (which I had not bothered to fix) and so when I showered, the tub would fill up with about an inch or so of soapy water, making the tub pretty slippery. Well, in my hurry to take a fast shower, I slipped backwards and fell down in the tub - but not before hitting - and breaking - the ceramic soapdish with my backside on the way down! I didn't really realize what had happened after I fell - I was pretty sure I had cut myself badly but I was too afraid to look - I was afraid of passing out, actually - so I called Kevin and told him he had to come over right away! He came over, took one look at my cut, and said, as calmly as possibe, "Okay, so, we'll be going to the emergency room now!". I ended up needing about 20 staples in my butt and I looked the bride of frankenstein, it was not pretty!! The worst part was that they insisted on giving me a tentus shot at the hospital....and I don't know if you recall ever having gotten a tentus shot, but they make your arm really sore for a few days, as if someone had punched you really hard in the arm. Well, my cut was on the left side of me, and the nurse put the shot in my right arm...so when I tried to sleep, I couldn't sleep on my left side OR my right side...which pretty much meant I couldn't sleep at all! My little accident happened only a couple of days before 9/11 - so for the whole next week, I would give up on sleeping by about 4 or 5 in the morning, go to the living room, and watch CNN's 9/11 news coverage for hours before getting up and going to work. Not good times!!

And the rest of the answers!

1. I have two injuries that are tied for the worst.One was when I climbed a REALLY high tree and got to the top andpassed out -- I woke up in the hospital with amnesia, a broken pelvicbone, and a concussion. The worst part was the amnesia -- it onlylasted a day but for that day, I kept forgetting that my pelvis wasbroken I would try to get up and walk around only to be reminded bythe pain that I could not walk.The second was when I was constipated for so long that my step dad hadto carry me to the hospital (cuz I couldn't walk). The guy takingx-rays had no sensitivity to the amount of pain I was in and kepttrying to make me stand up, and finally, when he forced me to stand, Ithrew up all over him. I was laying on an emergency room bed for hourscrying and telling the doctor that I wanted to die. It was so scary!Glad those times are passed!

2. I've been ill and I've been injured but nothing I had to "face", nothing life threatening.

3. I guess breaking my collar bone.

4. When was 5 years old I was wrestling with my dad on my bed. I tried to dive on top of him but missed. I went through the second floor window and nearly fell 2 story's to the ground. The only6 thing that saved me is I got stuck on the broken window glass and it held me from following to a certain death on the concrete driveway belowThe doctor said if I wasn't so overweight, my left lung would have been torn open and I would have died for sure.

5. i was sick in the hospital last year with who knows what. got sick saturday night into sunday,went home from work early.couldnt stop throwing and going,then just dry heaving till afternoon sunday.excruciatingpain,went to the ER.more dry heaving.got iv fluids,labs drawn,pain and nausea meds,sent home.crackers andsoup for 3 days.tried to go to work and ended back inthe ER and admitted.more iv fluids and potassium,pain and nausea meds,ultrasound(US) and nothing definitiveon the labs or US.all i know is,i was sick on cinco de mayo and missed seeing Maroon 5 in concert.

6. I've been fortunate enough not to have any really serious illness or injuries in my life. I fell out of a tree when I was 6 and broke my elbow, but the doctors were able to set it straight without having to do surgery. Then when I was a senior in high school I gave blood for the first time and completely passed-out afterwards while I was sitting on the gurney and landed on my neck on the gym floor. They said if I hadn't been so flexible (as a gymnast for 7 years), that I might have broken my neck!!! Yikes! What a different life I'd now be living.

7. Faced? Death. Suffered myself? Knocked unconscious by AdamFernandes' lunchbox.

8. The most serious illness that I have ALMOST faced is when I had two cervical biopsies over the course of six months. I was pretty sure that I was looking at cancer and was afraid that even if I was able to survive it would mean a lot of suffering and that it might mean that I would never be able to have children. I also had a situation where my doctor felt lumps in my breasts and sent me for a breast ultrasound. Turns out that they were just cysts (that apparently don't need to be removed), but that was kind of nerve-wracking, too. Note: This past exam - about a month ago - he considered sending me for a second breast ultrasound as there were more and/or larger lumps, but decided that it could wait until next year. So, it looks like that might be an on-going situation. But, the most serious ACTUAL sickness or injury I've ever faced? I don't know - does childbirth count? If so, I pick that. My broken foot was also pretty sucky.

9. Depression is a common illness looming at my door. But I don't think I have ever had a bad illness or anything.....

Welcome to Joanne's QOTD Blog!

2006-08-07T09:01:00.000-07:00

I've received a couple of requests to post ALL of my answers to the QOTD (not just my favorite). I'll still be keeping the email the same format (sharing my favorite answer and special notes), but I'll also post all of the responses I get up on this blog for those of you who are interested in reading them. You can even vote for YOUR favorite by posting a comment! As with my favorite answer, I'll do my best to keep the author's identify confidential by removing identifying information (e.g., names) -- also, if you have an answer that you don't want shared with everyone, just let me know and I'll be happy to leave it off. Hope you enjoy the blog!