Dear flist,
this is where you confirm that I am not a sad loner by filling out the following meme:

- Who are you?
- Are we friends?
- When and how did we meet?
- Would you kiss me?
- Give me a nickname and explain why?
- Describe me in one word!
- What was your first impression of me?
- Do you still think the same?
- What reminds you of me?
- If you could give me anything what would it be?
- How well do you know me?
- Are you going to put this on your journal and see what I say about you?
- Would you ever meet up with me?

(note: I'm leaving all the texting questions blank, because I don't like the way texting is structured in US cell phone providers)

Who was the last person to text you?

This time last year, what was your relationship status?
- Single and glad for it.

Does someone like you right now?
- I hope so.

What does the 15th message in your inbox say?
- Some random person on Twitter followed me. I don't know them in real life.

Have you ever gone up to a car thinking it was yours, and almost got in?
- How could I "almost get in" when I don't have the keys? But yes, I have mistaken someone else's car for mine before. Many times.

How many radio stations do you listen to?
- 2. NPR/PRI and the traffic one.

When was the last time you were in a car with someone besides family?
- Dude, I can't even remember the last time I was in a car with anyone, period. That is so sad on so many levels.

What are your plans for the weekend?
- Paper writing, running P.E. games at the harvest carnival, selling carnival food, teaching Sunday school, sleeping. Debating on whether or not to get an oil change, I can wait another week though.

Is your current hair color mostly your natural hair color?
- It is ALL natural.

What would your name be without the first three letters?
-Nie. Hm, that's not too bad, actually.

Do you want to see somebody right now?
- Of course.

Who sits next to you in math class?
- The kid who likes to bounce up and down in his seat, then sometimes fall off the chair if he's too enthusiastic. The kid who likes to take passive mind vacations. The kid who likes to mutter things but I can never seem to catch him in the act.

Where was the last place you fell asleep other than your bed?
- Behind the wheel. That is bad too.

Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
- Janet!

Think to the last person you kissed, have you ever kissed them in a car?
- I'm sure I've kissed my mom on the cheek while she was in the car when she was dropping me off in elementary school. I haven't kissed my mom since I was twelve though.

Have you ever slept in the same bed as your friends?
- Yes. At slumber parties, the floor was our bed.

What are you listening to?
- NBC Nightly News. Brian is in Kabul.

Do you think you can last in a relationship for 3 months?
- I'll let you know at our 3 month anniversary.

Do you think someone is thinking about you right now?
- Probably.

Who was the last male you talked to?
- My CT.

Is the last person of the opposite sex you texted single?


Name one person you wish you could fix things with, and why haven’t you?
- None. The people I haven't fixed things with, I don't really want to. So it's fine by me that I haven't fixed things with them.

Having sex ruins relationships, right?
- If you think sex ruined the relationship, then it wasn't a relationship in the first place.

What does your last text message say?


You're single right?
- And happy. But it wouldn't hurt for me to be a little more social.

How have you felt today?
- Tired but calm.

Are you nice to people you dislike?
- I'm civil if they are.

What are you doing tomorrow?
- Ant hunting, driving, going on a field trip with my students, teaching, coming home and relaxing.

Was this summer a good one?
- Yes.

Do you honestly miss someone?
- I miss a lot of people at different times.

Would you rather get a new puppy or a new car?
- Puppy. I'm satisfied with my car.

Would it be hard seeing someone else kiss the person you like?
- No, to me, it'll probably be very easy to see. As in it being the first and only thing I see for a while.

You receive $50 without any reason, what do you spend it on?
- Probably groceries or gas. Those seem to be the only two things I've bought in the past two months.

Have you had any beer this week?
- No. Beer is gross.

Would you be someone's girlfriend/boyfriend right now if they asked?
- Hmmmmmm.

Do you believe your first love can be the only love in your life?
- I love many things.

Would you ever dye your hair black?
- Too late, already have.

Have you ever received a call that made you cry?
- No.

How many times have you cried this week?
- Zero.

Do you like your school?
- I love GE so far. CSUS is ok, although I can live without it too.

Do you love coffee?
- YUS.

After taking a shower, do you change in the bathroom or in your bedroom?
- Bath.

Has anyone ever made a piece of clothing for you? What was it?
- Yes. My mom used to sew all my clothes, up through the age of five, or thereabouts.

What is the last handmade thing you crafted?
- Lunch. It will soon be dinner.

Did you collect anything while growing up? What was it?
- Stamps, stuffed animals, books, rocks, beads. Wow, I do like to hoard.

If you rented an apartment, would you rather be on the top or bottom floor.
- Top.

Take a guess on how many books you have.
- Hm, 100.

What's going on with you and the person you last kissed?
- You mean my mom? We have an understanding.

Is there anyone you really want to see right now?
- It seems like this question is being asked multiple times in different ways.

Do you forget to flip the page of your calendar at the start of each month?
- No.

How many people could fit comfortably to sleep in the room you're in?
- This is a run-on sentence. Got a problem with this grammar girl? Well too bad, I've been correcting essays all day.

What's the last thing you searched for on Google?
- Galileo Galilei.

How would you react if your mom got a lip piercing?
- Eh, it's her lip.

If you had to own a rodent as a pet, what would you pick?
- I've had a hamster, and rabbits are technically rodents too. Other than those, I would like a guinea pig.

If I looked on your bedroom floor right now, what would I find?
- Carpet. Maybe a stray dead ant from my war with them.

If I went through your purse what would I find?
- My favorite Muji pens and pencils, my wallet, some articles I'm reading, my light rail pass, a mini flashlight, keys, phone, camera, and lesson plan book.

What has been the one experience that has changed your life the most and why?
I would have to say my China year. Although living at home is starting to be a life-changing experience as well. Also, that phase III failure ranks up there too.

China was awesome and terrible at the same time. I learned that I enjoy being in the classroom, that I'm talented at teaching, and that I want to learn more about teaching and education. Hence, my career choice. I outgrew quite a few of my childhood social ineptitudes, discovered a confidence in myself I had never had previously, and solidified my beliefs, especially in terms of religion.

While living at home, I've learned patience for old people, grew even more comfortable in my own skin (which started in the above experience), and opened my horizons about domestic bliss - whether single or (potentially) with a sigoth.

Phase III. I learned to speak up, assert myself and my needs, and grew a pair of determined ones. 'Nuff said about that. It's still a tender subject, even seven months later and well into a successful phase III take 2.

Life is still changing for me, which is a good thing from my point of view. So I'm sure this will end up changing sooner or later.

What are the most important qualities you look for in friends?
A sense of humor, easy for me to get along with, easy to talk to, and generally is a comfortable presence. Hard workers, honesty, transparency/straightforwardness, a sense of adventure, and little to no whining are also nice friend-makers.

What is the first thing you do in the morning?
1) Clean Mo's cage and feed&water him.
2) Load everything I need for the day in my car, checking them off a list - either on paper, or just mental
3) Eat breakfast. I must have breakfast. Things do not go well otherwise.
4) Clean at least one corner of the house. This helps me to organize my mind for the day.

Where would you most like to travel to next?
Wow, where do I NOT want to travel to would be the shorter list. I DO want to go to: Copenhagen, London, Peru, Korea, Cambodia, Australia, Moscow. Those are at the top of the list

If you could be anyone of any age/gender for a day, who would it be and what would you do as them?
Alexis Chung. I would just go about her day like she does. Her life is just so completely different and opposite of mine that I would do it just for the learning experience.

What's the most beautiful thing you've ever seen?
People who are happy in the face of unhappy situations.

How you get inspiration for your blog posts? Do you think of topics in advance and write them down?
Daily life, teaching, educational news, friends, family, Momiji.

How has writing this blog changed your life?
I spend a lot more time online with blogs.

What made you start blogging? What inspires you to keep it up?
It seemed so fun! I like to write, and blogging is a form of publishing where I can control the content completely.

Other blogs, especially fashion and photography ones. The fact that owning a little piece of cyberspace is a good idea in terms of my future work.

1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?

I'm not sure I've actually looked at myself in the mirror today yet. The mirror was there when I was brushing my teeth and washing my face, but I wasn't fully present on this side of consciousness yet. But for the sake of the question, I'll go look now.

.....

Hm, Saturday bed-head surprises me with its creativity.

2. How much cash do you have on you?

It's not a very smart thing to have cash stuck to your body is it? There's about $80 in my wallet, however.

3. What’s a word that rhymes with DOOR?

Floor.

4. Favorite planet?

The undiscovered ones.

5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone?

My boss.

6. What is your favorite ring tone on your phone?

"Tomorrow" by Mikuni Shimokawa

7. What shirt are you wearing?

Black tissue weight henley with ruched cap sleeves. It's still so freaking hot!

8. Do you label yourself?

Yes and here they are: I'm a girl, a teacher, a student, a daughter, a sister, a friend, an aunt. I'm athletic and clumsy, intellectual and forgetful, practical, logical, and sometimes not a very good decision maker, among other things.

9. Name the brand of the shoes you’re currently wearing?

I'm not wearing shoes right now. And I don't really stick to just one brand of shoe either. Just like with clothes, I have to try it before I'll buy the shoes, so just because its from a brand that has worked for me before doesn't mean I'll buy it again.

10. Bright or Dark Room?

Middle.

11. What do you think about the person who took this survey before you?

I don't know him, I just stole the meme.

12. What does your watch look like?

My watch looks like my cell phone. Because it is.

13. What were you doing at midnight last night?

Sleeping.

14. What did your last text message you received on your cell say?

That there are still rooms available in the _________'s discounted group rate for a teacher friend's wedding.

15. Where is your nearest 7-11?

Less than a mile from my house.

16. What's a word that you say a lot?

Sad day.

17. Who told you he/she loved you last?

My parents, I suppose, but they didn't really say it verbally. My rabbit also cannot communicate verbally but I know he loves me because he jumps up to greet me and sometimes he runs around me in circles. =)

18. Last furry thing you touched?

Momiji!

19. How many drugs have you done in the last three days?

Caffeine. I would say between 6-8 doses.

20. How many rolls of film do you need developed?

Dude, unless you are lo-mo, who develops film anymore?

21. Favorite age you have been so far?

26 - I'm pretty lucky that my life has turned out to be better and better as I get older.

22. Your worst enemy?

Open Court.

23. What is your current desktop picture?



24. What was the last thing you said to someone?

"I don't think my sense are good enough to detect the 'fishy' smell of fish, unless it's a fish that's been sitting out and rotting for way too long."

25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly what would it be?

The money. Because I can manage to fly in other ways, so this way I'll have both.

26. Do you like someone?

Yes.

27. The last song you listened to?

"Dance" by Clazziquai

28. What time of day were you born?

1:30 PM

29. What’s your favorite number?

2

30. Where did you live in 1987?

Hong Kong for the first half of that year. Stockton for the second half.

31. Are you jealous of anyone?

Yes.

32. Is anyone jealous of you?

I think so, but in the good "I admire you way," not the "I want to kill you way." And I only know this because we're friends and she told me, which was really flattering.

33. Where were you when 9/11 happened?

At home.

34. What do you do when vending machines steal your money?

Go to the authorities and get my money or my product.

35. Do you consider yourself kind?

Yes. But I've also been told that I'm blunt. I suppose your level of kindness depends on the sensitivity of the other person. Although shouldn't there be some sort of absolute value in kindness?

36. If you had to get a tattoo, where would it be?

Lower back, probably one of those colored ones. It's a tattoo, might as well make it flamboyant. Although I probably wouldn't last through the whole process. I don't like pain and my skin is highly sensitive.

37. If you could be fluent in any other language, what would it be?

Spanish. This would be so helpful with teaching.

38. Would you move for the person you loved?

Depends, but probably yes. I'm also lucky that I can find a job in nearly any place on the planet with my skill set.

39. Are you touchy feely?

No.

40. What’s your life motto?

(See my desktop photo)

41. Name three things that you have on you at all times?

Glasses, underwear, chapstick. I'm guessing being in the shower and such doesn't count.

42. What’s your favourite town/city?

HK

43. What was the last thing you paid for with cash?

Tortillas and salami from Food 4 Less.

44. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it?

Yesterday!

45. Can you change the oil on a car?

Theoretically, yes. But my dad makes me take it to the dealer to keep the warranty viable.

46. Your first love: what is the last thing you heard about him/her?

That he moved away. This was in the fifth grade, I think.

47. How far back do you know about your ancestry?

I know my great-grandmother on my dad's dad side was called "Ah Bak" for her white skin ("bak" in cantonese is white, like "bai" is white in mandarin). She also took care of the entire family while her husband was in Mexico doing import/exports, and she also knew how to handle a rifle and once shot a raccoon from off the roof of the house. The raccoon was stealing food.

48. The last time you dressed fancy, what did you wear and why did you dress fancy?

A purple and black one piece Nine West social dress from Marshalls (only $17! originally $75!) and wedge heels from H&M for a wedding. I've been to two weddings this year in this outfit, and I've got two more weddings to attend. This has turned out to officially be my 2009 wedding attendee outfit.

49. Does anything hurt on your body right now?

No, thankfully. I have noticed that it takes me longer to warm up pre-workout now than just two years ago when I started working out regularly. Warm-ups and cool-downs make for a more efficient and injury-less exercise session!

50. Have you been burned by love?

No. But it doesn't take as much as love to get burned in this world.

Starting time: 19:24:41

Name:
--- Ms. N

Sisters:
--- 0

Brothers:
--- 1

Eye Color:
--- Dark brown

Shoe size:
--- 7.5

Height:
--- 5'5"

What are you wearing rite now?
--- Blue Nine West tank, light blue H&M ruffled button up, b&w no-name checked bermudas

Where do you live?
--- Boring Town

Favorite Number:
--- 2

Favorite Drink:
--- Coffee, because I function poorly without it

Favorite Month:
--- December-January

Favorite breakfast:
--- Anything that keeps me full from 5 AM through noon.

Have You Ever

Love/Liked someone so much it made you cry?
--- N

Been in a police car?
--- N

Been on a plane?
--- Y

Been in a hot tub?
--- Y

Fallen asleep in school?
--- Y

Broken someone's heart?
--- ?

Cried when someone died?
--- N

Sat by the phone all night waiting for someone to call?
--- N

Saved e-mails?
--- Y

Been cheated on?
--- N

Ever Had

Chicken pox?
--- Y

Sore throat?
--- Y

Stitches?
--- Y

Broken nose?
--- N

Do You

Believe in love at first sight?
--- ?

Like picnics?
--- Y

Like school?
--- Y

Final Questions

What are you listening to?
--- HK news radio

What did you do today?
--- Teach. Drive. Play with rabbit.

Hated someone in your family?
--- Y

What car do you wish to have?
--- If I could go about on a daily basis without a car, I would.

Diamond or pearl?
--- Diamond

Are you oldest?
--- Out of what?

Indoors or outdoors?
--- Both

Today did you

Yawn?
--- Y

Get sick?
--- N

Sing?
--- Y

Miss someone?
--- N

Last person who

Was in your bed?
--- Me

You talked to on the phone?
--- Boss

Drove in the car with you?
--- Parents

Went to the movies with you?
--- Cousin

You went to the mall with?
--- Cousin

Have you

Been to Mexico?
--- N

Been to Africa?
--- N

Been to California?
--- I live here

Been in a fight?
--- Y

Random

Do you have a crush on someone?
--- N

What books are you reading right now?
--- Must I list them all?

Future kids names:
--- I've recently began to like Irina (pronounced the Russian way, "EE-rina" rather than "I-rina") and Thomas.

What's under your bed?
--- Carpet

Favorite sport to watch?
--- Tennis

Favorite location?
--- Home

Who do you really hate?
--- Obnoxious people

Do you have a job?
--- Y

Ever liked someone you didn't have a chance with?
--- N

Are you lonely right now?
--- N

Time Finished: 19:36:00

1) What author do you own the most books by? Joan Aiken. No, wait, if I count manga then it's Natsuki Takaya.

2) What book do you own the most copies of? For some reason, I have a hardcover and a paperback of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

3) Did it bother you that both those questions ended with prepositions? Not particularly, I'm flexible with my English grammar. I'm an EL learner too.

5) What book have you read the most times in your life? Probably Little Women. I read that at least twice a year between the ages of 8 through 14.

6) What was your favorite book when you were ten years old? Anne of Green Gables.

7) What is the worst book you’ve read in the past year? City of Ember.

8 ) What is the best book you’ve read in the past year? City of Ember.

9) If you could force everyone you tagged to read one book, what would it be? The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi.

11) What book would you most like to see made into a movie? Hm, there are way too many as it is.....

12) What book would you least like to see made into a movie? Many of the ones that are already done - poorly - in film

13) What is the most lowbrow book you’ve read as an adult? Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events.

14) What is the most difficult book you’ve ever read? The Shame of the Nation by Jonathan Kozol. But I think I'm taking "difficult" to mean something else than what the question is intending.....

15) Do you prefer the French or the Russians? The French

16) Roth or Updike? I haven't really read either.....

17) David Sedaris or Dave Eggers? Don't know who Eggers is, and I only like the Elf-land essays by Davis Sedaris.

18) Shakespeare, Milton, or Chaucer? Not Shakespeare. I like Milton for the depth, Chaucer for the humor.

19) Austen or Eliot? Don't know who Eliot is.....

20) What is the biggest or most embarrassing gap in your reading? The fact that I read a very limited range of genres

21) What is your favorite novel? Too many.....The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman, The Dragon's Village by Yuan-Tsung Chen, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle, The Awakening by Kate Chopin, Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami, Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, The Age of Innocence by Edith Warton.....the list goes on and on and on.

22) Essay? Does David Foster Wallace's graduation speech about the fish in the water count? If not, then pretty much anything by Dave Barry.

23) Work of nonfiction? Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller.

24) Who is your favorite writer? I don't particularly follow authors as much as I do the books themselves. Each writer has their own strengths and weaknesses, and there is a wide range that shows in each individual's body of work. John Steinbeck, for example, wrote some wonderful things and some pretty awful things at the same time. I like the way Ernest Hemingway writes, but none of his works really appealed to me.

25) What is your desert island book? Is this question asking for books ABOUT desert islands, or books you would take with you to a desert island?

26) What are you reading right now? Coraline and The Graveyard Book both by Neil Gaiman, The Shame of the Nation by Jonathan Kozol, The People of Sparks by Joanne Deprau, and A Wild Sheep Chase by Haruki Murakami. Lately I've been having ADHD when it comes to reading.

27) What fictional character are you secretly in love with? Simon from Joan Aiken's Wolves' Chronicles and Shigure from Fruits Basket. Hahaha.

28 ) Who deserves to win the next Nobel Prize for Literature? Just because a book wins an award doesn't mean it's worth reading.

29) Describe your weirdest dream involving a writer, book, or literary character. The one that's a cross between Through the Looking Glass and Full Metal Panic

30) What is the most obscure Shakespeare play you’ve seen? I haven't seen any.

31) Favorite Poem? The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

32) Favorite Short story? The Sage of Theare by Diana Wynne Jones

33) Who is the most overrated writer alive today? Stephen King

Because it's always nice to finish the things you start.


1. My ex … is non-existent, so it's pretty much a moot point to talk about him.

2. Maybe I should...not be such a smarty-pants so much.

3. I love…my rabbit.

4. People would say that I'm...random, humorous, mature, a person who makes the most out of bad situations. All these things I've actually heard people say I am. What WOULD people say behind my back can be anything.

5. I don't understand...why a teacher would recommend the movie Watchmen to his 10-11-year-old students.

6. When I wake up in the morning...I fall right back asleep again.

7. I lost…many things. Luckily, I've gained a whole lot more.

8. Life is full of...repetition - good thing it's only boring when you let it be.

9. My past is...fuzzy in my memories.

10. I get annoyed when...my father nags, or when my mother clings.

11. Parties are...a lot of work to plan and prep and clean up after sometimes, but can also be worth it too.

12. I wish...I had my own classroom already.

13. Dogs...are the best pets ever.

14. Cats...purring makes me happy.

15. Tomorrow...has yet to fail me.

16. I have low tolerance...for inconsiderate people.

17. If I had a million dollars...I would still work.

18. I'm totally terrified...that I'll fail this semester of student teaching as well.

19. My mission is...to walk a path that I can accept.

20. When I die...I'll look forward to it.

I've bolded the ones I've read


Acceleration by Graham McNamee
Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce
All Things Bright and Beautiful by James Herriot
American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang
Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Beauty by Robin McKinley
Black and White by Paul Volponi
Blizzard! The Storm that Changed America by Jim Murphy
Bone series by Jeff Smith
The Book Thief by Mark Zusak
Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
The Chosen by Chaim Potok
The Diary of a Young Girl: The Definitive Edition by Anne Frank - I haven't actually read the "difinitive edition" but I've read it, so I'm counting it.
Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers
Fat Kid Rules the World by K.L. Going
Feed by M.T. Anderson
Fruits Basket series by Natsuki Takaya
The First Part Last by Angela Johnson
The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
The Guinness Book of World Records
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
I Know What You Did Last Summer by Lois Duncan
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
If You Come Softly by Jacqueline Woodson
The Killer’s Cousin by Nancy Werlin
Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen
Looking for Alaska by John Green
Make Lemonade by Virginia Euwer Wolff
My Heartbeat by Garret Freymann-Weyr
A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi
The Pigman by Paul Zindel
The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
Rules of the Road by Joan Bauer
Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta
Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie by David Lubar
Son of the Mob by Gordon Korman
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes by Chris Crutcher
Stuck in Neutral by Terry Trueman
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett
Weetzie Bat by Francesca Lia Block


Wow.....have I been sticking to too many kid's lit and not enough YA lit?

I stole this from a fellow teacher and fashion follower, http://bohomarket.blogspot.com/


My personal style: I like to think I'm a mix of professional feminine, rock and roll, and with some randomness thrown in. In reality, what I really like to wear are pajamas.

My relationship with clothes and accessories is: Clothes are awesome, but I'm very picky. Same with accessories, but I'm actually not a big fan of jewelry/hats/scarves/etc. It has to be really awesome for me to buy into that look. But I do love my shoes.

My favorite store: H&M, Zara, random boutiques.

I'd pay anything for: A consistently healthy body image.

I'd never wear: Monkey fur - that's just gross.

The most expensive thing in my closet: Um, I guess the bridesmaid dress I wore in a friend's wedding party? Or my collection of platinum rings? Honestly, I don't recall any single item in my closet costing more than US$30. Even shoes.

I'd never wear again: A thong. I just don't think my bottom is cut out for stuff like that.

My closet is: Half full - max. Literally I mean, it's way too big for the amount of stuff I have. And I prefer to keep it like that. I get lured in to look & feel many things in stores, but when it comes down to it, only the things I truly love are worthy to join the elite group that is in my closet. Some would say this is not elite, considering how cheap-o my possessions are. Maybe a more accurate word is selective?

My Style Icons: Susie Bubble.

What kind of music define your style? I have yet to understand the deep and complexly intertwined relationship many people have in fashion x music. I just don't get it. When it comes to style, I'm more moved by the visual rather than the audio. Specifically architecture.

Heels or flats? Flats. But I'm training myself to deal with heels. Wedges are nice.

What does your hubby like you to wear? As I'm not married, this will have to be imaginary. I would hope my guy would be satisfied with whatever I like to wear myself. But I also hope he would have good taste as well, and want me to be thoughtfully dressed.

Where do you buy your accessories? Um, no where. The rare accessories I wear come from a hodge-podge mix of places: street vendors and bazaars, cutesy hello kitty type stores, stationary stores, gifts (i.e. the expensive items like those rings) and my own hand-made DIYs.

Your perfume is: Miss Dior Cherie by Christian Dior

I have plenty of time to do random, probably useless, things.

10 Things I Would Like to Say to 10 People

1. Yes, I am still a child in many ways. But I am a grown person in many other ways too. Just accept that and get off my back. I can make my own decisions, and I can handle my own consequences. Also, you trying to act like my peer/friend is just annoying, so stop it. Be your own person. Quit relying on me as the only way to form your identity. Also, I have not worked so hard, and for so long, to earn my independence from you just to be chained to you for the rest of my life. I won't be around all the time for you, just like you aren't around all the time for me. So I'm doing you the favor you did for me: earn your own independence too. We'll all be happier for it.

2. If you really are my friends, then you would care about my well-being more and not be so complacent about our friendship. This is why I no longer take the initiative to deal with you anymore. (This one goes to multiple people)

3. Thank you for being my true friends. Your loyalty, your companionship, and your always welcoming faces makes my day, any day. Thank you for letting me know where I stand with you. It makes me happy to know that you can be honest and transparent with me. It also makes me comfortable enough to be honest and transparent with you. [This one also goes out to multiple people - and yes, they know it already =) ]

4. You are a sleazy, manipulative, lazy bastard. Yet, I'm glad I got to know you because now I've got another example of the type of teacher I DON'T want to be. I don't wish you bad - I also don't wish to see you again. I do wish you'll be humbled, and soon, for the sake of your students.

5. Do your job please. I'll be on your ass if you don't. You think I'm an annoying little twit? Honey, you have yet to experience how truly annoying I can be. Also, no one cares that you are "three-quarters co-coordinator" of the program. Seriously, no one.

6. Dude, take better care of your rabbits. They are only rabbits, but they are still living things.

7. Your life is an inspiration and your photos are some of the loveliest things I've come across. Keep it up! I don't know you in person now, but maybe some day we can be analog-friends. (Multi-persons as well)

8. You may only be an imaginary character, but you have shaped my life like no real person has yet to do. I study you so that I can learn more about myself. (This technically goes to more than one character too - I can only think of a handful right now, but I'm sure there are more)

9. You are boring. Stop talking please.

10. You are a fake. Plain and simple. But I guess that's just what you are. Know that I don't want to ever be like that, nor do I ever want to be around people like that, and thus we stay acquaintances only. Understand this quickly, because your clinginess is getting old.


Wow, that felt nice. Maybe I should do this again sometime.

Things I used to like but now don't:

1. Bananas
2. Oranges
3. Any and all melons
4. ::insert certain people's names here::
5. Flying on airplanes
6. Christian conferences
7. Church in reality (still like the idea of church - what it is supposed to be though, because in real life it can suck)

Things I used to not like but now do:

1. The idea of marriage (for myself, I've always been behind marriage for other people - yeah, that's right, ALL people)
2. The idea of dating (also for myself)
3. The idea of having kids of my own
4. Being a teacher
5. ::insert certain people's names here::
6. Domestic stuff like the kind you would find in Real Simple or on Apartment Therapy
7. Trying new sports/forms of exercise

Things I have liked from the beginning:

1. Reading
2. Traveling
3. Napping
4. Writing
5. Baking
6. HK
7. Zoos and museums

Things I have NOT liked from the beginning (and probably never will):

1. Obnoxious people
2. Sleazy people
3. Fake people
4. STKN
5. And pretty much all of central CA
6. Bitter melon
7. Being stuck in traffic

=p

Firsts

1. Who was your first prom date?
Never went to prom. Never really regretted it either.

2. Do you still talk to your first love?
Sure, if you consider my first love being sushi.

3. What was your first alcoholic drink?
Beer. At the age of six. My mom was trying to make me hate it, I think. She did a good job - I don't drink anything except cocktails now. Beer and wine still taste a little off putting to me.

4. What was your first job?
Art studio assistant, to pay for art lessons. I washed brushes, filled paint pots, checked charcoal pencils, and cleaned. I was twelve.

5. What was your first car?
1990 or thereabouts maroon Honda Accord station wagon. This year marks my 10th year on the road. =) Still ticketless, still accident-less. Won't they lower my insurance rate already?

6. Who was the first person to text you today?
NO TEXT PLEASE. Although I used it frequently in HK...AND LOVED IT TO BITS.

7. Who is the first person you thought of this morning?
Me, of course.

8. Who was your first grade teacher?
Mrs. Augusto, Commodore Stockton Skills School. She was an older Asian/Pacific Islander lady who showed WAY more cleavage than I would be comfortable with while teaching.

9. Where did you go on your first ride on an airplane?
USA

10. Who was your first best friend and are you still friends with him/her?
I still reserve the title of "best friend" for my significant other whom I have yet to meet. But my closest friend is Janet. Followed closely by Alex, Liv, and Team Taiyuan.

11. What was your first sport played?
Swimming.

12. Where was your first sleepover?
My cousins Shirley and Kitty's place.

13. Who was the first person you talked to today?
My dad.

14. Whose wedding were you in the first time?
Cousin Shirley's. It was a traditional Chinese wedding complete with games and tea ceremony. I was ten, and it was awesome.

15. What was the first thing you did this morning?
Write. There isn't much else to do at 2 AM.

16. What was the first concert you ever went to?
Does SYC count? And does that make me a loser in the music world?

17. First tattoo or piercing?
Ears. I was six. They haven't existed for a long time now. But not for long if I have anything to say about it! REM: this time, stick with stainless steel studs. Nickel allergies are killer.

18. First foreign country you went to?
USA.

19. What was your first run in with the law?
Shouldn't the question be phrased "run against the law?" If you run in WITH the law, doesn't that mean you are following it?

20. When was your first detention?
Never had detention. I did stand outside the door in sixth grade for "pencil fencing." It wasn't my fault! My desk mate kept waving his pencil in my face and the teacher saw me just as I blocked it. Mrs. Melton was probably having a bad teacher day, now that I've been on the other side.

21. What was the first state you lived in?
A state of confusion.

22. Who was the first person to break your heart?
The plight of my students. Weirdly, they don't see it as a plight. Which is good, because it really should be considered an advantage.

23. Who was your first roommate?
My brother. He used to make me stand outside the door when he went to the bathroom at night. I fell asleep. He never woke me up. My mom would find me sprawled across the hall in the morning.

24. Where did you go on your first limo ride?
Never been. I'm cool with that.

Fourth AM wake up. Which is kind of nice, except for the fact that I tend to be a zombie during the daylight hours.

HOW MUCH HAVE YOU CHANGED IN FOUR YEARS?

Four years ago:

1) How old were you?
21

2) Where did you go to school and/or work?
UC Davis. At the moo lab.

3) Where did you live?
The Colleges at UCD, Lady Ho Tung Hall at HKU, home in STKN.

4) Where did you hang out?
Home, other people's homes, the library, the arboretum.

5) What did you do for fun?
Watch anime, read, write, bike.

6) What did you look like?
Shoulder length hair, cut in layers. It was the beginning of my style revolution from jeans and t-shirts, so I was probably throwing in some skirts and fun tops every so often. Definitely heavier than I am now. Glasses, constantly.

7) What was your favorite album?
First Contact by Orange Range, I think.

8) What was your favorite food/drink?
Lemon tea. Ramen with veggies and egg.

9) Who did you hang out with?
Family mostly. Church people second mostly.

10) How often did you go out?
Um, every day? I had school and work, so I had to go out. I didn't party, never did, but I liked taking short day trips.

11) Single or taken?
Single

12) Where did you see yourself in four years?
Working, in my own place, far far away from STKN. Probably I was beginning to want to teach abroad then.

Today

1) How old are you?
25

2) Where do you go to school and/or work?
CSUS. Young Rembrandts. Sac City Unified School District.

3) Where do you live?
At home with parents. There are good things and bad things about it.

4) Where do you hang out?
Home, other people's homes, library, any bookstore, Target.

5) What do you do for fun?
Crochet, fold paper stars, watch random things on hulu, make lists.

6) What do you look like?
Long, layered hair. I live in flip flops. Glasses most of the time, contacts for sports and social occasions. At my lowest adult weight. =) No more watches. Cell phone constantly on hand. Less spotty, careful skin care, light make-up, better wardrobe.

7) What is your favorite album?
Anything by Edith Piaf.

8) What is your favorite food/drink?
Korean tofu pot. Citron tea.

9) Who do you hang out with?
Family mostly. Old friends second mostly. Church people third mostly. Long distance correspondence most of all. =\

10) How often do you go out?
Still every day. I like free museum days, walks in the park, long bike rides, and of course Target runs.

11) Single or taken?
Single

12) Where do you see yourself in four years?
Teaching in my own classroom, perhaps on my way to a Ph.d or law degree, far far away from STKN. And if I'm reading the signs right, probably in a relationship. Maybe. My outlook in this area has changed so much in just the past two years alone.

1. What color is your toothbrush? Purple and silver

2. Name one person who made you smile today: My student who told me I am a fun teacher, the little brown noser. =)

3. What were you doing at 8 am this morning: Journaling

4. What were you doing 45 minutes ago? Folding laundry

5. What is your favorite candy bar? Not exactly a bar shape, but I like Kinder Eggs

6. Have you ever been to a strip club? No

7. What is the last thing you said aloud? Asked my dad about his day

8. What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Haagen Daz coffee

9. What was the last thing you had to drink? Water

10. Do you like your wallet? I like it for holding my cash and cards

11. What was the last thing you ate? Corn on the cob

12. Have you bought any new clothing items this week? No

13. The last sporting event you watched? Tennis

14. What is your favorite flavor of popcorn? salt and pepper, chocolate

15. Who is the last person you sent a text message to? NO TEXTS PLEASE

16. Ever go camping? Several times. In the mountains, on a beach, in my garage, by a lake

17. Do you take vitamins daily? No

18. Do you go to church every Sunday? No

19. Do you have a tan? Yes

20. Do you prefer Chinese food over pizza? Depends

21. Do you drink your soda with a straw? Not when there is something else to drink, which there usually is

22. What did your last text message say? STOP SENDING ME TEXT MESSAGES

23. What are you doing tomorrow? Playing tennis, teaching in Walnut Creek, work on TCLB, perhaps start planning and packing for HK

24. What sounds are you listening to now? The Chinese radio

25. Look to your left, what do you see? Couch, folded laundry I haven't put away yet, magazine basket, piano, curtains, window, side table, framed photo of Team Taiyuan, carved soap box, glass Totoro, Eric's pencil drawing of his broken wrist, candles, glass candy dish holding dried rosemary, dvd shelving, music books

26. What color is your watch? I have not worn a watch in 2 years. But I have 2 pink, 2 silver, 1 white, all with no batteries

27. What do you think of when you hear Australia? Kangaroos

28. What is your birthstone? Peridot

29 Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive thru? Depends

30. What is your favorite number? 2

31. Who's the last person you talked to on the phone? The Citicard people

32. Any plans today? It's evening now and I already ran, taught in Isleton, cleaned my desk (a little), working on TCLB, and uploaded some photos to flickr. I plan to play with the SLR a little, read, then sleep.

33. How many states have you lived in? I've lived in a state of panic, a state of grace, a state of peace, a state of frustration, a state of resignation, a state of productivity, a state of humility, a state of pride, a state of hope, a state of stagnation, and a state of expectation in the past 2-3 months or so

34. Biggest annoyance right now? The heat

35. Last song listened to? Rehab by Amy Winehouse. She's actually sounds ok

36. Can you say the alphabet backwards? Why would I want to go backwards?

37. Do you have a maid service clean your house? Yes, me. Or my dad

38. Favorite pair of shoes you like to wear all the time? Green canvas flats, which are getting pretty ratty

39. Are you jealous of anyone? Yes

40. Is anyone jealous of you? Not that I know of. I don't think I incite much jealousy anyway...

41. Do you love anyone? Yes

42. Do any of your friends have children? There's Squishy, and Wheezy, and Weird Girl, and Pigtails, and Cool Guy, and Billigoat, and some others I haven't met face to face yet so I haven't given them a nickname yet. XD

43. What do you usually do during the day? Teach, work on TCLB, take photos, clean

44. Do you hate anyone that you know right now? Yes

45. Do you use the word 'hello' daily? Yes

46. What color is your car? Sandy

47. Do you like cats? Yes

48. Are you thinking about someone right now? No

49. Have you ever been to Six Flags? Um.....I don't remember.....I might have, but I might be confusing it with another amusement park. They all seem the same to me.....

50. How did you get your worst scar? My brother pushed me into a fish tank

100 Truths Share
Post as 100 truths and tag 10 people.

001. Real name→ Bonnie Shuk Ting Ng
002. Nickname(s)→ Ah Mui, Bon, Bonbon
003.Zodiac Sign---Virgo
003-B. Where were you born→Hong Kong, Hong Kong
003-C. What cities have you lived in→Hong Kong, Stockton, Davis, Taiyuan
004. Male or female→ FEMALE
005. Elementary→ Commodore Stockton Skills
006. Middle School→ Sierra
007. High School→Lincoln
008. Hair color→ Dark brown
009. Long or short→ Long hair, short temper
010. Loud or Quiet→ Loud eyes, quiet mouth
011. Sweats or Jeans→ Neither
012. Phone or Camera→ Camera phone!
013. Health freak→ Most of the time, yes
014. Drink or Smoke?→ Always up for a margarita
015. Do you have a crush on someone?→ "crushes are for high school"
016. Eat or Drink→ Um, both
017. Piercings→ None right now, but it's on my list!
018. Tattoos→ No

Have you ever:
019. Been in an airplane→ Yes
021. Been in a car accident→ Yes
022. Been in a fist fight→ No

Firsts:
023. First piercing→ Ears, now closed due to nickel allergies
024. First best friend→ Position still open
025. First award→ I grew up in the generation that invented giving awards for every little thing, so awards don't really mean a whole lot to me.
026. First crush→ Michael in 5th grade
027. First sport→ Swimming
028. First big vacation→ America

Lasts:
029. Last person you talked to→ My dad
030. Last person you texted→ No texts please
031. Last person you watched a movie with→ ::when was the last time I watched a movie?::
032. Last food you ate→ Lyonburger
033. Last movie you watched→ ::seriously?! when??::
034. Last flavor of ice cream you ate→ Chocolate fudge brownie
035. Last thing you bought→ Papa Murphy's pizza for dinner tonight
036. Last person you hugged→ my students

Faves Favorites:
037. Food→ Korean, Italian
038. Drinks→ Tea
039. Clothing→ Skorts, henley shirts, sandals
040. Flower→ Magnolias
041. Where'd it go?→ In the dryer
042. Color→ Green
043. Movie(s)→ My Neighbor Totoro
044. Subjects→ Math

In 2008 I....
045. [X] kissed someone.
046. [X] celebrated Halloween.
047. [] had my heart broken.
048. [ ]went over the minutes on my cell phone. many times
049. [X] questioned someone's sexual orientation.
050. [ ] came out of the closet.
051. [X] wished for something I couldn't have.
052. [X] did something stupid and didn't care.
053. [X] did something I regretted.
054. [] broke a promise.
055. [X] hid a secret.
056. [] pretended to be happy.
057. [] met someone who changed my life.
058. [] pretended to be sick.
059. [] left the country.
060. [X] tried something I normally wouldn't try and liked it.
061. [] cried over the silliest thing.
062. [X] ran a mile.
063. [X] went to the beach with my best friend(s).
064. [] got into an argument with a friend.
065. [X] hated someone.
066. [] went to Disney World.

Currently:
067. Eating→ I'm full, thanks
068. Drinking→ Water
069. I'm about to→ Read my favorite blogs
070. Listening to→ Some random carpentry show on PBS
071. Plans for today→ Make lists, check stuff off of lists
072. Waiting for→ December

Your future:
073. Want kids?→ No
074. Want to get married?→ Yes
075. Careers in mind→ Secretary of Education, political activist, NET, writer

Which is better with a girl/boy?
076. Lips or eyes→ Depends
077. Shorter or taller?→ Depends
078. Romantic or spontaneous→ Both
079. Nice stomach or nice arms→ Both
080. Sensitive or loud→ Sensitive
081. Hook-up or relationship→ Relationship
082. Trouble-maker or hesitant→ Trouble-maker

Have you ever:
083. Lost glasses/contacts--No
084. Ran away from home→ Yes
085. Held a gun/knife for self defense---No
086. Killed somebody→ No
087. Broken someone's heart→ No?
088. Slapped someone→ No
089. Cried when someone died→ Only pets

Do you believe in:
090. Yourself - Yes
091. Miracles→ No
092. Love at first sight→ No
093. Heaven→ Yes
094. Santa Claus→ Yes
095. Sex on the first date→ No
096. Kiss on the first date→ No

Answer Truthfully:
097. Is there one person you want to be with right now?→ Yes
098. Are you seriously happy with where you are in life?→ Happy, no. Content, yes.
099. Do you believe in God→ Yes
100. Did you like doing this?→ Yes!

[x] Both of your parents are from Asia
[x] You were born in Asia
[ ]You use/used the term "Azn"
[x] You think DDR is cool
[x] You watch anime
[x] You like Korean dramas
[ ] You have stuff hanging on your phone
[x] Your parents want you to marry within your own race
[x] You eat rice almost everyday
[x] You drink lemon tea

X's so far: 8/10

[ (dude, I barely have time to brush my teeth in the morning) ]You style your hair
[x] You have a xanga/bebo/myspace/friendster
[x] You speak languages other than English
[ (what are REALLY asian parents?) ] Your parents are strict compared to other REALLY asian parents
[ (what are "high" expectations?) ] Your parents have high expectations of you
[x (straight A record in grad school!) ] You always get A's/B's on your report
[x (I actually think doing taxes are pretty easy) ] You do Chemistry/Biology/Physics/Accounting
[x] You know your multiplication table
[ ] You play badminton or table tennis
[ ] You've seen the Asian version The Ring/The Grudge

X's so far: 13/20

[ (gap years are awesome) ] You go/want to go to a university and would NEVER consider an apprenticeship
[x]you own an Asian car (Honda, Toyota, etc)
[x] You're not the only child
[x] You've gotten little red envelopes around February
[x] You know the difference between kung fu, karate and tae kwon do
[ ] If you're a girl, you prefer white guys over asian guys, or if you're a guy you prefer asian girls
[x] Your mother tries to bargain even though the product is already discounted
[ ] You can do the rubiks cube
[x] You have a box of noodles somewhere in your house
[x] You play video games

X's so far: 20/30

[x (this happens even when I'm not living with them) ] Everytime you're going out your parents ask you where you're going and what time you'll be home
[ ] You have karaoke at home
[x] You have have heard of BoA, Gazette, Ayumi Hamasaki, Gackt, Jay Chou, Twins, or DBSK
[] You've been to a LAN party more than 3 times
[x] You have incense sticks/moth balls in your house
[x] You own a gaming console
[x] You play a musical instrument
[x] You don't wear shoes in your house
[x] You can use chopsticks well
[ (duh, I get an education) ] You get nothing if you do well in school

X's so far: 27/40

[ (now, it seems like I don't go out UNLESS I'm going to school...::sigh:: so tired, just want to stay home and sleep) ] Your parents won't let you go out if you have school the next day
[x] You have Asian songs on your computer/iPod
[x] You don't like football
[ ] You have a curfew
[ (tb here probably doesn't mean tuberculosis) ] You know what ulzzang/tb means
[ ] You know what purikura is
[x] You like bubble tea
[x] Your parents bought you clothes many sizes too big so you can "grow into it" and wear it for years to come
[x] You've played final fantasy
[x (after BB's epiphany, yes) ] You believe in fortune cookies

X's so far: 33/50

[x] You know what bok choy is
[ ] You've heard the song "Got rice?"
[x] You have/had/were a tutor
[x] You've had pocky/yan yan before
[ (in general, I try not to seek my mother's advice as it tends to not be very sound) ] When you seek for your mother's permission/advice she replies "Ask your dad"
[ ] You like to save things in case you need them later, even if you never use it
[x] You have tasted durian
[ (right now, I just hope to be employed. period.) ] You hope to be employed in something practical, like medicine, law, accounting, or engineering
[ ] You have eaten dog or snake
[x] Everyone thinks you're at least a year younger than you actually are

X's so far: 38/60

[x] You call your adult family friends "Auntie" or "Uncle"
[x (twice) ] You have or have had a bowl cut
[x] Your parents enjoy(ed) comparing you to their friends' kids
[x] You eat everything with chopsticks
[x] You hang your clothes out to dry on a line rather than using the dryer
[x (Columbia Teacher's College!) ] You are applying to an ivy league college
[x] Your parents or relatives have tried setting you up with someone
[x] You eat for breakfast what is considered food unfit for breakfast
[x]You scored higher on the math than you did on the verbal on the SAT
[ ] You always cheer for the Asian athlete on TV

X's so far: 47/70

[ ] You love shopping at Costco because everything's cheaper when buying in bulk, even if you don't need so much
[ ] You buy rice in 50lb sacks at least
[x] You have had to wear hand-me-downs
[x] You get two of the same thing but one is better because it's free
[ (used to, not any more) ] You fight for the bill because of face, even though you don't actually want to pay for such an expensive meal
[x] You make things yourself because it's cheaper, even though it takes more time
[x] You own a huge butcher knife but it's actually called a "vegetable knife"
[ ] You own a lot of Tommy Hilfiger or Calvin Klein
[x] You can down cups of tea like water and not feel the caffeine effects because you're used to it
[x] You love hot pot

X's so far: 53/80

[x] You make your rice without butter, spices, or salts
[x] Your parents are especially loud on the phone
[x] You always take home the leftovers from a restaurant
[ (asking once is enough) ] You try to coerce others into taking the leftovers if you're eating with company
[ ] You give fruits as gifts
[ ] You will waste extra gas to find cheaper gas/other things
[ ] You are smaller in size compared to the Caucasian population
[x] You have relatives in Canada
[ ] The number 8 is an extremely lucky and important number to you
[ ] The number 4 is an extremely unlucky number to you

X's so far: 57/90

[x] Every big event revolves around food
[x] You have gotten used to the smells of herbal medicines
[] You are stick thin and want to keep it that way
[x] You try to save money on everything you buy
[ ] You eat a lot but it doesn't add much to your weight
[ ] You care a lot about staying in fashion with the rest of Asia
[ ] School is always the number one priority in your family
[x] You care a lot about honor and saving face
[x] Your parents expect you to do everything right
[x] You mix languages up constantly while thinking and speaking

63/100

If I were to take this survey even just a couple years ago, I would have scored in the high 80s, low 90s range. It's hilarious how I've grown less "Asian." Many "Asian" habits are pretty annoying to me (i.e. talking loudly, bragging/comparing kids, nagging, expectations, status boosts, pack-rat-ing) so I tend not to do it myself.

Over a month late. So sue me. =p

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Entered grad school. Went to Florida and Denver. Regularly begin using "damn" and "hell" in my written and internal conversations (hey, they are both found in the Bible). Seriously considered the path towards a Ph.D.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I kept about 75% of my 2008 resolutions. Yep, I've made more.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Squishy was born into the Year of the Rat! =) Some other people I know gave birth too, but I don't think they are "close." Not that I'm not happy for them, just answering the question as worded.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No one close.

5. What countries did you visit?
2008 was all about domestic travel.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
In terms of stuff, I would really really like a nintendo DS and Animal Crossing Wild World. Perhaps a Wii as well with Animal Crossing Revolution. Also some nice clothes for both work and play. Otherwise, I was pretty content with what I had in 2008.

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
The dates of Denver, Seattle, and Florida. =)

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Surviving the first part of grad school.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Surviving the first part of grad school.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing big.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
My first MacBook. A new cell phone that records video and changes songs in the mp3 player by just shaking it. The entire Wolves Chronicles children's books series by Joan Aiken.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My first graders. XD

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
My mother's.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Grad school. Gas.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Seeing Team Taiyuan!

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
That insipid "Hearts all over the world tonight" song. 2008 was kind of an annoying drag. Just like the song.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c) richer or poorer?
(a) hmm, hard to tell. In general, probably sadder. But I'm ok with it because I'm looking forward to the future.
(b) thinner
(c) poorer (see #14)

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Travel. Visiting friends. Reading. Tennis. Biking. Swimming. Volleyball. I can do these last three all day long.

19. What do you wish you’d spent less time doing?
Being around unlikeable people.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
Quietly.

21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
No.

22. What was your favorite TV program?
Lost, Grey's Anatomy, Weeds, Dexter, Death Note, Shikabane Hime,...I watch too much tv online.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Yes.

24. What was the best book you read?
The Witch of Clatteringshaws and Midwinter Nightingale together.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Yui

26. What did you want and get?
Getting into grad school.
A new laptop.
Enough money to sufficiently see me through this round of grad school without having to worry or take on a night-shift job.

27. What did you want and not get?
Spiritual peace.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
I liked Batman Begins but that's not a 2008 film. I would probably have liked The Dark Knight if I had taken the time to watch it.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Turned a quarter-century, also quietly. Went to phase II orientation. Did some errands on campus. Went home. Received my gift to myself from shopping online. Got a couple phone calls and cards. Ate cake.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Living in my own place with nice roommates.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Discovering layering and hi-low have turned my fashion world upside down.

8 things I am passionate about:

1. education 2. health, nutrition, and fitness (lumped into one) 3. child advocacy 4. cleaning and organizing 5. stories 6. logic 7. personal style 8. consideration


8 things I want to do before I die:

1. have a best friend 2. show my parents I appreciate them 3. change the ineffectiveness of the NCLB law 4. keep a plant that doesn't die within a year 5. publish something 6. give in to spontaneity 7. own a "green" home and car 8. win a tennis tournament


8 books I have read lately:

1. 2008 Job Search Handbook for Educators published by AAEE 2. Social Studies Alive! 3. Elementary and Middle School Mathematics: Teaching Developmentally 4. Literacy for a Changing Population 5. Principles of Classroom Management: A Professional Decision-Making Model 6. For the Love of Language 7. Stop Faking It!: Light 8. Norwegian Wood


8 songs I can listen to over and over again:

1. Life is Like a Boat by Rie Fu 2. Tokyo by Yui 3. Maria by Blondie 4. Tonight, Tonight, Tonight by Beat Crusaders 5. Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen 6. The Totoro theme 7. Hanabirano by Orange Range 8. That's Not My Name by The Ting Tings


8 things that attract me to my friends

1. honesty 2. humor 3. vulnerability 4. compassion 5. consideration 6. dedication 7. randomness 8. caring

. If you're on my friends list, I want to know 35 things about you. I don't care if we never talk, or if we already know everything about each other. Short and sweet is fine ... you're on my list, so I want to know you better.

2. Comment here with your answers and repost the questionnaire on your own journal, for your friends to fill out. :)

01) Are you currently in a serious relationship?
02) What was your dream growing up?
03) What talent do you wish you had?
04) If I bought you a drink what would it be?
05) Favorite vegetable?
06) What was the last book you read?
07) What zodiac sign are you?
08) Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? Explain where.
09) Worst Habit?
10) If you saw me walking down the street would you offer me a ride?
11) What is your favorite sport?
12) Do you have a Pessimistic or Optimistic attitude?
13) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?
14) Worst thing to ever happen to you?
15) Tell me one weird fact about you.
16) Do you have any pets?
17) What if I showed up at your house unexpectedly?
18) What was your first impression of me?
19) Do you think clowns are cute or scary?
20) If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?
21) Would you be my crime partner or my conscience?
22) What color eyes do you have?
23) Ever been arrested?
24) Bottle or can soda?
25) If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it?
26) What's your favorite place to hang out at?
27) Do you believe in ghosts?
28) Favorite thing to do in your spare time?
29) Do you swear a lot?
30) Biggest pet peeve?
31) In one word, how would you describe yourself?
32) Do you believe/appreciate romance?
33) Favourite and least favourite food?
34) Do you believe in God?
35) Will you repost this so I can fill it out and do the same for you?