ABC Meme

OK - What exactly is a meme? I've seen them floating around out there but I'm not sure of the real and technical definition. I get the idea that you are answering questions or filling in blanks, but what does "meme" really mean? Let me know if you can help out. Until then, I'm taking the universal tag that Amber put out there to her readers to do this one.

Accent - Oregon? Do we have an accent? Grew up with a mom from England and a dad from Oklahoma so I can slide into a southern twang or sound like a girl from across the pond if I need to. Oh, come on, when do I really NEED to? It's just for fun. Pass the Earl Gray lovey . . .

Booze - No beer or red wine - too bitter for me. (I don't like coffee either and last night at book club we had a discussion about this - some of the gals thought they had heard that if you didn't like beer, you usually weren't a fan of coffee either - hmmmm.) A dry or sweet white wine is preferred, mixed drinks ok but I'm too cheap to pay for them when we're out. I'll usually have them at home or at someone's house if they're mixing.

Chores I hate - Cleaning the bathroom although I love it when it's done.

Dogs/Cats - both. Had an awesome cat named Leonard (huge, gray tabby lover-boy). I cried like a broken-hearted teenager when he died a few years ago. We have a dog, Nicky, who is like a little princess in the body of a butch cattle-dog. She is so sweet with the kids but a very people-needy dog. Sometimes she can drive me nuts following me from room to room.

Essential Electronics - Computer. I could live without everything else pretty much. I like having the security of a cell phone, but I'm not a big fan of using them. When I travel, I always take a flashlight - especially to hotels. I'm always worried if they should loose power and there are no candles or emergency lights, how will I find my way out?

Favorite Pastime - Reading. No question. Second favorite, buying books.

Gold/Silver - both. Depends on the mood and what I'm wearing. When I make jewelry, I tend to make more with silver because it just seems to look better.

Hometown - Born in Omaha, Nebraska. Lived there until my 8th birthday. Literally, we drove into the state of Oregon on my 8th birthday and I spent it in a hotel. My parents felt bad about it but I thought it was great because we got to swim in the hotel pool on my birthday. I've lived in Oregon since then, not much for wandering . . .

Insomnia - Yes, at times. It alternates between great and really horrible. Some nights the peace and quiet and extra energy make for very productive study, writing, reading times. Other times it really sucks and makes life miserable from the lack of good sleep.

Job Title - sore subject. I hate my work one, so I'll tell you what I'd like it to be: "Communications Specialist". There. Now doesn't that sound like a job I'd be good at? I think so too. Now, to just get up the nerve to ask for it . . .

Kids - awesome. Supergirl - almost 12 and Wonderboy, almost 9. Very clever and cute and smart and . . . . yeah, yeah, yeah . . . enough already.

Lies Told - Tough one. Not very good at it and ALWAYS afraid of being caught. One night when I was 16, I went to an under-aged dance place downtown after my parents had told me I couldn't go. I was so paranoid there would be a news crew there filming for the evening news or there would be some friend of a friend there that would tell their mom I was there and word would get back to my mom, that I couldn't even enjoy the evening. I was miserable all night! I'm no goody-goody when it comes to this, I can think of very elaborate stories and tales to tell, I'm just a big scaredy cat when it comes to telling them.

Most Admired Trait - hmmmm. Maybe consistency? Ha - look at that, "MAYBE consistency". HA - maybe not? I hate being left out of things so I think I try really hard to include people - maybe that would be it. Oh, and I'm not afraid of speaking in public. Not sure how great I am, but it doesn't freak me out.

Number of sexual partners - *blush typing the words* - One and only one. Plenty for me (and don't you forget it honey!).

Phobia - Rats. I read a book in college in a "Literature of the Holocaust" class that gave me nightmares for weeks. Soldiers used rats to torture a young woman and I'll just leave it at that . . .

Quote - Indulge me here, "A writer is a person for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people." Thomas Mann

" . . .when we reduce Christian spirituality to math we defile the Holy. I thought that was very beautiful and comforting because I have never been good at math. Many of our attempts to understand the Christian faith have only cheapened it. I can no more understand the totality of God than the pancake I made for breakfast understands the complexity of me." Don Miller, Blue Like Jazz

"In a contagious world, we learn to keep our distance. If we get too close to those who are suffering, we might get infected by their pain. It may not be convenient or comfortable. But only when you get close enough to catch the hurt will they be close enough to catch your love." John Ortberg, Love Beyond Reason

Religion - Follower of the Bible and teachings of Jesus

Siblings - One sister, 4 years younger than me. Different as night and day - she was homecoming princess, dance team, invited to all the cool parties. I was academic, tennis playing, working through high-school, never had a boyfriend, not that popular and awkward. Love her dearly, but in small doses.

Time to wake up - When I have to. Usually by 6:30 am during the week. A bit later on weekends.

Unusual talent - Can figure out the ends of books and movies at about 95% accuracy. Who will die, who will end up together, what will happen, etc. Only been surprised a few times (including The Sixth Sense and I was a mix of pleased and angry at the same time!).

Vegetable I hate - Cauliflower - gag! I can't even stand the smell of it cooking!

Worst habit - Thinking I'm right and adamantly arguing it, when I'm not. Eating too much sugar.

Xrays - once for pneumonia, one for smashing my thumb in my car door, the rest just dental and ultrasounds. Never have broken a bone.

Yummy Dishes I make - I'm not a very enthusiastic cook, I don't love it. I do it because I have to. My family likes my lasagna, mexican meatloaf and anything I bake. I got a recipe from a friend at college for some killer apricot coconut bars that I make at the holidays.

Zodiac - Leo. Though I don't subscribe much to following the zodiac symbols, I'll admit I match up pretty close to the characteristics of a Leo.

There's me! I tag - anyone who wants to do this! Have a great weekend and if you're looking for something to jog you're writing juices, check out this weekend's prompt for Sunday Scribbling!