Friday, July 13, 2007

The Slacker is Back with an Eight Random Facts Meme

Lynne, Chris, and Susan tagged me with a meme that’s been around the world at least twice since last week. I’m late to the party but I’ll share a few random facts about me that most people don’t know. This was difficult to compose!

There is probably no one else for me to tag but I’d like to hear some random facts about Julie.

Here are the rules for Eight Random Facts (if you care about rules):

  • Players start with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
  • People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
  • At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
  • Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.


1. Part I - I can’t roller skate or ice skate. I’ve been very jealous of anyone who can do it and my inability has made me feel inferior. Seriously. I tried desperately to skate from childhood up until about four years ago when I laced up Gina’s roller skates (the white boot kind). In the garage, I held onto the perimeter of stuff in it, i.e. lawn mower handle, golf bag, ladder, work bench, etc. It took me about ten minutes to skate fifteen feet. The trip exhausted me. To get back to the garage steps where I could sit and remove the skates, I crawled on my hands and knees instead of skating.


Part II - A related fact: I didn’t walk until I was fifteen months old. Toddlers fall and keep going – not me. My Mother said when I went off balance, my entire body would stiffen, she would wince, and I would fall backwards, straight and hard. Needless to say, the back of my head took a beating until I became a skilled walker. (hmmm…)


2. I steer clear of any discussion regarding politics or religion because most of the time they become heated. Of course I have my own beliefs and opinions but I’d rather not share them with a group. I grew up in a home where political and religious debates were common and I even witnessed my Dad asking his brothers and sisters to get out of the house when they didn’t agree, once on Christmas Day. I was a child of one registered democrat and one republican and they had pleasure in canceling each others’ votes on Election Day. I’ve had enough religion and politics, along with its poo-flinging, thank you.

3. I’m too sentimental (this might not be a surprise if you’ve been reading my blog). Yesterday I heard “Mercy Me” on the radio. I love Marvin Gaye’s version but when Robert Palmer does it, I get all choked up. Silly. I choke up and become teary-eyed about anything, really: Listening to or reading tributes, enjoying live musical productions or a church choir, watching a wedding on TV or attending one, watching old Pepsi commercials, seeing or feeling someone else’s joy, enjoying happy or sad movies, saying Hello or Goodbye, hearing kind words spoken to me… I marvel at anyone who can give a eulogy without choking on his/her words and turning into a trembling, whimpering fool. That would be me. Heck, I’m all choked up now!

4. I’m still young enough to dream about what I want to be when I grow up. But I am old enough to start thinking about what I have and have not done to make a difference during my time here. ~~~ I’ve heard these words a million times before but they are becoming more meaningful to me now.

5. I’ve never been able roll my tongue. So why did I choose to study Spanish for three years? (Refer to Part II in #1 above)

6. I am not judgmental but I can be impatient and harsh with others at times.

7. The Lancôme counter sucks me in every time. I can’t resist spending $25 to get the free gift.

8. I never learned to relax because I prioritize too much. How can I possibly sit in the sunroom and read for two hours when there are dirty dishes in the sink, feeders that need cleaning, or laundry to fold? Household chores should be completed before I open a can of paint to brush on the woodwork! Blogging has helped me to relax but I’m still a work-in-progress. I need to learn to treat myself more often. It’s a new concept.

9. Others’ idiosyncrasies captivate me. I can precisely imitate the way someone walks, as I follow them down the hall laughing all the way. Most victims laugh at me when I say to them, “Hey, I’m not laughing AT you, I’m laughing WITH you!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After a week, I’m still shy about posting. I spent time browsing my archives and enjoyed some of my posts, wondering how in the world I did it being the grasshopper I am. I didn’t intend on posting today or next week because I have not felt inspired - feeling rather blah. Sadly, I nearly forgot how to upload the few photos I took during the past week.

However,

One small thing changed my mind yesterday. One glance at it sent me running for my camera for the first time in many days.

100_5857

See my small surprise in the middle of the pond?


100_5856

I’ve only had white lilies. I’ve never had a graple one before.

10. Doesn’t take much to make me happy.

37 comments:

entoto said...

YEAH! You are back! Your pond is GORGEOUS! What a fabulous retreat in your own backyard.

I am not necessarily an ant my posting, but I really do not feel a need to post everyday. I just do not have the time for that (much as I would like to). I also am not sure that I have enough to say, either.

Julie Zickefoose said...

You just keep hanging out, Mary. Much as I've missed your voice and pictures (Bella and Chloe fixes, lilies, birds...) I have envied your blogging vacation. I liked your random facts. I have the same thing about getting teary and never, ever sitting down. What's reading? It's something I do at 3 AM when I can't sleep, or for 20 minutes before the book falls out of my hand in bed...And I'm an idiot about having to do all the chores before doing anything else. Totally compulsive.
As far as doin' the meme thing, I'm taking a pass. But thanks for asking. Stylistic thing. Can't explain it.
This ol' ant is getting weary, too. Don't feel any pressure to be "back," OK? Rest. Recharge. Or just do everything else...

dguzman said...

Ah, sweet return to bloggerland! And no one says it has to be followed up by daily posts, you know. Do your own thing, lady. That's what life is all about!

Wow--reading about you and the Science Chimp getting your chores done before lounging, playing, etc. is making me feel even more grasshoppery than ever.

nina at Nature Remains. said...

Thrilled with you about your lily. Sometimes it's the simple things that seem to be custom-delivered, just when we need it.
Like a purple flower you weren't expecting.

Dorothy said...

Ahhhhhhhh, you came back. And you show us a purple flower in your pretty pond too! What a happy surprise.
Listen to Julie Mary, she speaks words of wisdom. As much as I love seeing you back, if you're not feeling like a come-back, keep on taking your break. I know of what you speak...I'm the same way. Can't play until all the work is done first. And mine is never finished. PS..I cannot ice or roller skate to save my life!

Mary said...

Trixie, I think I'm letting go of the need to post every day, too. My pond is indeed a retreat on our little lot :o)

Julie, somehow I thought you were able to accomplish reading one good book a day in addition to everything else you do, which is more than I can comprehend. Whew...I feel better now. I know memes aren't your style :o)

Delia, once a grasshopper, always a grasshopper.

Nina, you are right. The purple flower did it.

Dorothy, Yay! I thought I was the only person on earth who never learned to skate!

dmmgmfm said...

It's beautiful, Mary. So glad to see your post. I've missed reading you.

Hugs and much love,
Laurie

NatureWoman said...

I know you're still recharging Mary, but's it's nice to read a post from you, and to see your beautiful graple lily!! I'm with you on steering clear of the religious and political heated debate discussions. And I've become sentimental in the past couple of months. And I'm with you on the 'it doesn't take much to make me happy.' A simple "life is good" t-shirt will do me fine for a while!

RuthieJ said...

Hi Mary,
Glad you took the time to come back to Bloggerland for a visit. I used to not be able to relax much either, but finally realized that the world didn't end if there was dirty stuff sitting around in my house for more than 2 days. (It just makes you appreciate clean that much more when it's done!)

LOVE that purple lily!

KGMom said...

Temporary welcome back--but I know it is short-lived. And that's as it should be. I don't think you are done resting. It's good you have your pond, your dogs, your camera. All these things give you joy--and that renews and refreshes.

thailandchani said...

I'm glad to see you back again. :)

Very little of my blogging is inspired. (DOH! LOL) It's just stuff that passes through my mind, day to day.

I don't understand someone getting so riled up about politics or religion that they would ask someone to leave. Guess I don't need to be "right".. and the opinions of others are too interesting to pass up.

You'd be safe discussing those topics with me. :)

I wish I was more sentimental. It just doesn't seem to be a part of me.

When you studied Spanish, did you find that you spoke with a Spanish accent for a few hours after time in the language lab? I am having that trouble with my Thai lessons. I listen.. repeat.. maybe for a few hours.. and then have an accent for the rest of the day! LOL

That lily is beeeaaaah-ootiful!


Peace,

~Chani

LauraHinNJ said...

Hi Mary!

Thanks for dropping in to share your purple lily - it's lovely! A surprise left by your pond crew, maybe?

Q said...

Dear Mary,
Grape Water Lily is so pretty. Soon frogs will hop onto it and dragonflies will buzz.
The heat and dry can zap a spirit.
September will come, cooler temperatures and the Autumn migration!
If it wasn't for the butterflies I think I would have flown far far away years ago. I have an Island retreat with a cabana boy fantasy that I often go to...it looks very similiar to Bermuda! I would move there in a heart beat but who would care for my plants and birds and butterflies?
I can not roller skate or ice skate either. I always wanted to.
I had a friend in grade school that could do all the jumps and twirls and wore the cute ice skater outfits.
I also am sentimental and a person who treasures. I easily cry with joy or sadness. Heart on the sleeve sort. You bring tears of laughter to me often! I treasure you and your comments that you leave not just on my blog but on many blogs. You are supportive and funny and a joy to know.
You are a kind, giving and beautiful lady.
I enjoy you very much. I like you.
I think we are kindred spirits.
I call you my East Coast friend, named Mary.
Relax and try to enjoy as much of the summer as you can. I am going to Canada, in August, when the heat gets too much for me in K.C. There is a bird sanctuary and a butterfly habitat B&B I am staying at. (Spa treatments are close by.)
I like to be around birds and butterflies, good food and pedicures.
Hugs and pats to Doggies,
Cheers to you.
No worries,
Take a Spa Day!
Put the lime in the coconut...
Love,
Sherry

Anonymous said...

Hi Mary, Glad you didn't stay away too long. I have been checking up on you every day, nice to have you back. I have enjoyed reading your blog and love the pond picture. Your waterlily is perfect.
Cheers
Jenny

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

Purty purple!! Have a wonderful RESTFUL weekend Mary!!

(you slacker, you!!)

Susan Gets Native said...

Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Good to see ya, Mary.

I liked your random things....but take heart. I hear that walking late is a sign of genius.

: )

Alyssa said...

Hi Mary - It's good to read your post. I liked all your random facts. Except for falling backward when you were learning to walk - you sound like a lot of us. I still think you are too hard on yourself - be as nice to yourself as you are to others.

The new pond is so fantastic - I am very jealous! The lily is an excellent pick-me-upper. Flowers can always put me in a good mood.

The pugs and I are happy to hear from you.

Alyssa

Anonymous said...

Hi Mary,
Thank you for visiting my blog and not taking offence to me not liking American Sit-Coms. The other Mary believed that I had upset everyone in the USA!!
I have a few American friends who just don't have the same humour as those shows, so I know it is not how you all behave in real life.
Cheers for now,
Jenny

Chrissie said...

Oh Mary I am glad to see you back :-) As often happens your post made me laugh and cry, I missed you! I think perhaps we have a lot in common but you know how to post with such humour and passion.

Jayne said...

Here is another fellow non-skater Mary. Can't/Don't want to skate to save my life. Take as much time as you need dearest. Post when you feel like it and know that we're all here regardless, sending all love your way. ;c)

Cathy said...

Hey! How'd everybody beat me to your Meme post. Hey!

First: Yea! I'm glad you weren't constrained by arbitrary numbers. I'd have missed the revelation about the mimicry gift. I wonder if you and my hubby are fraternal twins separated at birth. He is a GENIUS at this and creates much merriment. It's a gift.

Second: Mary - sentimental is what we do. It's that part of us that knows we're alive - knows it's not forever - and can't pretend otherwise. It's the soul's reminding us to be awake to the love and beauty around us. If I were compelled to give a eulogy, I'd have to do it from a stretcher.

Third: Sorry about the skating thing. But, you've got compensations. You've a life filled with love and beauty abloom in your pond - so let your heart skate in circles around that - special lady. Hugs,

Cathy

Mary said...

Laurie, gee, I hope you are slacking...

Pam, I saw something yesterday that I'm going to include in an upcoming post - for you.

Ruthie, I'm learning to live with dust - lots of it :o)

Donna, I've seen an ad "Blogging Without Obligation". A good thought!

Chani, the constant bickering was unsettling and made me sour on those two subjects. I don't think I'll ever get over it. As for the Spanish, I spent most of those years speaking and even thinking in the target language. Now I don't remember much. Takes practice.

Laura, they did leave me a nice surprise, didn't they?

Sherry, you'll be away in August? What will I do without you? "Put the lime in the coconut" Another favorite summer tune! LOL!

Jenny, no worries about the sit-com thing. We have a lot of wonderful sitcoms! The ones that get our attention too often are the bad ones unfortunately.

Lynne, Yep - slacker :o)

Susan, me, a genius? Don't make me laugh!

Alyssa, hug those pugs for me!

Chris, I was happy to post yesterday. I missed ya'll!

Jayne, I really tried to skate while my friends were zooming by. LOL! I'm glad you can't skate, either :o)

Cathy, the emotional thing can be a drag sometimes. I couldn't even control myself when I presented special awards to 5 year old swimmers...

sonia a. mascaro said...

Wow! What a gorgeous lily! Just stunning photo. Love your pond!
I will come back soon to reading your Meme.

And thank you so much for your kind and enthusiastic comment! Have a great weekend!

Q said...

Hi Mary,
My husband is getting me a laptop!
My Daughter will teach me how to post from it....
My house sitter could also post if I e-mailed photos.
Worst case scenario my daughter could take over Corner like she did for me in December when I was on a spontaneous road trip. The airports were closed and I was spending Christmas in Portland, Oregon, with my daughter and son-not-in-law. My husband said, "let's just drive there."
We did.
I will have to download photos every day so I will post something I am sure.
Hugs,
LOL five year old swimmers...
Sherry

Mary said...

Sherry, a laptop! Yes! I assume you'll be spending a lot of time away. I always look forward to your posts when I'm at work. I take deep breaths when I read them, as you post several times a day. I enjoy my few minutes breaks away. Like Calgon. Hugs from your East Coast friend...

cat59 said...

Hey, as everyone else says, it's good to hear from you. A purple water lily is a nice surprise! As for things we can't do, I remember being seriously upset as a teenager because I thought that in order to be popular, you had to know how to throw a frisbee and how to dance and I couldn't do either--still can't! (Oh; I can't roller skate or ice skate, either!)

Anonymous said...

all these wonderful comments is proof that you are missed but it is summer and save time for yourself! We will still be here when you have time to work on blogs!

Mary said...

Sonia, you should participate in the Meme. It's fun!

Cathie, Yay! Another non-skater!

Mon@rch, Thanks. I think I'm ready to start gearing up again.

Larry said...

I can't skate either.-actually never even tried.I get choked up at certain songs or movies also.-Not cool for a guy though.
I don't think you will be taking a break for long.-You are too good at expressing yourself to suppress yourself.

Mary said...

Larry, I think you are right about me! And, welcome to the non-skating club :o)

Susie said...

Hi Mary,
Glad to see a post from you..Love that water lily. Mine are pale pink..
I cry at the drop of a hat too, happy or sad..
hugs!

kate said...

Mary - you are an interesting, lovely person ... just needing to learn to be gentle with yourself and let yourself breathe. The dishes can wait, so can the housecleaning - nurture yourself too! And please always keep your interesting and fresh perspectives on the world and share them when you feel like it... but only when you feel like it. We love you. You're a breath of fresh air ...

There's nothing quite like the arrival of a surprise flower to make the world seem like a wonderful place!

Come spend time in the prairies during winter and I bet you'd learn to ice skate!!

Elaine Cougler Author said...

OH, Mary, I'm so glad you posted. And I loved your 8 things. I can really relate and think that everyone has that 'outside' person that the world knows and that 'inside' person we keep hidden.
I am sorry you're feeling blah because your posts are anything but. Hang in there, Mary. We bloggers delight in you!

Elaine Cougler Author said...

BTW, Mary, what is a meme?

smilnsigh said...

Good to see you posting again!!!!!

I've been away from my computer more than I like {not choice, due to my back hurting again-- bahhh humbug!} And it's so nice to find you here. I just came by.

Yes I saw your lovely waterlily! Even in the first picture. I know how exciting it can be to find one. Not many this year in our little bittty pond. But they are lovely.

Mari-Nanci

Beth said...

So, so, SO glad you are back...

Anonymous said...

Mary, your writing is beautiful and evocative. I think I shall have to alot some time to your archives! I'm glad you're back :-)