You might be wondering, “So what in tarnation is this Monday Poll thing anyway!?”
Well, it isn’t exactly a poll. It’s more of a constantly evolving (devolving?), somewhat random list of questions I’ve been putting out to readers every Monday morning for the past seven years. (It’s like a kickstart for your brain.) I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.
- Where were you in 1999, and what were you doing?
Gurl, I think I was living at home again. I’d just finished college and moved back home with my parents, partially because I missed them, and partially because I wanted to save some money while I looked for a job.Ugh! — it was a rough transition, but we worked it out. Essentially, I went from living on my own for four or five years to living under my parents’ rules and roof.
That’s not usually easy.
- Have you ever ridden a Razor scooter?
The funny thing is, I can totally picture myself on one of those things (and falling off, of course), but I’ve never ridden one before. - Do you rock climb?
Again, I can see myself doing it, but I never got around to learning.I guess it’s never too late to give it a try.
- What’s on your keychain?
I have my house keys, my car keys, and a fun little toy camera charm that I got from a museum store. When you press the little shutter button, it makes a “CLICK!” sound, and you can see the flash. 🙂 - What’s your biggest nail polish pet peeve?
Oh, boy. Well, most of the time I do my own fingers and toes, but every once in a while I’ll actually spend the money to go get a pedicure, and when I do, inevitably, I’ll do something weird to mess up the polish literally, like, seconds after I leave the salon.This has happened on many occasions… You’d think that it would teach me a lesson to not get pedicures at all, or maybe I should call somebody to pick me up and just carry me home or something, but nooo.
Your turn. 🙂 Just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em!
1. Where were you in 1999, and what were you doing?
2. Have you ever ridden a Razor scooter?
3. Do you rock climb?
4. What’s on your keychain?
5. What’s your biggest nail polish pet peeve?
Happy Monday, my friend! 🙂 I hope your week got off to a great start. I’m just chugging along out here in Novato…
I have some catching up to do this week. I didn’t do any housecleaning last week whatsoever, or any, like, basic life necessity chores.
You know how it is sometimes…
In tastier news, though, I’m very excited because last night between dinner and The Walking Dead finale (OMG! One of my fave episodes EVER!), I prepped some noms for the week to make me less likely to eat junk food. I made cauliflower soup and crispy quinoa cakes (better than high-sodium processed food). I also made a pitcher of fruit-infused water, because I notice that when I have one in the fridge, I drink more agua.
How are things going with you?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
jaclyn says
1. Where were you in 1999, and what were you doing?
In highschool, making out with my boyfriend.
2. Have you ever ridden a Razor scooter?
Yes and I think they are stupid.
3. Do you rock climb?
Occasionally and I love it! Such a rush.
4. What’s on your keychain?
Other than keys a few loyalty cards and a sparkly “J” for my name.
5. What’s your biggest nail polish pet peeve?
Painting your ring finger a different color. I’m over it.
Ann says
Can you share your cauliflower soup and quinoa recipes? 🙂
Karen says
Hi Ann,
Sure! Here ya go:
Crispy Quinoa Cakes (Vegan and Gluten Free) from ohsheglows.com
Dad’s Creamy Cauliflower Soup from skinnytaste.com
I had leftover quinoa this morning so I made this for breakfast: Summer Breakfast Quinoa Bowls.
Happy cooking!
Linda says
Dang, that just sounds delish! I was checking her to ask for the recipes too!
Casey says
1. Where were you in 1999, and what were you doing?- I had just moved to Hawaii for college…it was so much fun!
2. Have you ever ridden a Razor scooter? – Oddly, this weekend. I am trying to teach my daughter how to ride one.
3. Do you rock climb?Indoors, and with a lot of help 😉
4. What’s on your keychain? Pretty basic – car and home keys with a well-worn Coach keychain.
5. What’s your biggest nail polish pet peeve? Chips! I can’t stand it when my polish chips. I think that’s why I tend to only use clear on my fingers!
Erin says
1. Where were you in 1999, and what were you doing?
Working for Apple computer!
2. Have you ever ridden a Razor scooter?
Frack, no.
3. Do you rock climb?
I have! I’ve even scaled waterfalls in Yosemite! I was quite the daredevil before injuries!
4. What’s on your keychain?
Keys to my Passat, house, mail key and my husband’s hybrid. That’s it.
5. What’s your biggest nail polish pet peeve?
Hmmmm, super thick formulas that take forever to dry. Stained nail beds regardless of the amount of base coat you put on.
LindaLibraLoca says
1. Where were you in 1999, and what were you doing?
I had moved in with my then-boyfriend, was at my second year of uni and got into watching “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”
2. Have you ever ridden a Razor scooter?
No.
3. Do you rock climb?
Yes.
I do ice climbing, too.
Great fun, but horrible for your nails…
4. What’s on your keychain?
A heart-shaped strawberry my first employer gave me as goodbye present. It is made from leather and she got it in Africa.
5. What’s your biggest nail polish pet peeve?
I guess I don’t have one. I usually don’t pay too much attention to my nails except that I want some color whenever possible.
Fancie says
1. Where were you in 1999, and what were you doing?
Well I was only 9 so I was like in school or outside on my bike lol
2. Have you ever ridden a Razor scooter?
No. I might be open to riding one. Maybe.
3. Do you rock climb?
Nah. Unless it’s indoor. That’s always fun!
4. What’s on your keychain?
My house key, mailbox key, car keys, a Michael Kors ID lanyard and Coach coin pouch.
5. What’s your biggest nail polish pet peeve?
The same as yours! It doesn’t matter how long I make myself wait I ALWAYS smudge my nails after leaving the shop. It never fails lol. I’ve resorted to taking quick dry drops or polish with me
Twyla Munden says
1. Where were you in 1999, and what were you doing? 1999 I was finishing up my 1 year contract with the Construction Company I currently work with in Ontario, my 1st year living 3 provinces away from family. That 1yr got extended… to eternity.. lol (17yrs+)
2. Have you ever ridden a Razor scooter? No…. never… no… Not a chance.. lol
3. Do you rock climb? There’s a huge difference b/w Rock Climbing and Climbing Rocks.. I don’t do the first (heights fear me lol) but I do Climb over Rocks all the time thanks to living on the CoastLine..
4. What’s on your keychain? 2 housekeys, 1 car key, 1 mailbox key w/ Mexican Keycharm – connected to workkeys on a work keychain… I collect wooden keychains from my travels, they all hang from the mirror of my car… its my thing.. lol
5. What’s your biggest nail polish pet peeve? when I wait the allotted time for coats to dry only to wake in the AM and have them smudged or hair lines in them… AND when I get a pedicure done, they ALWAYS cut my toenails round and short.. looks so bad on my extra long ‘ET Fingers’ toes.. even when I say Square!!
The Calendar says it is spring. I want to wear mys Spring shoes, coats & capris… but in Halifax NS Canada – we had another 25cms of snow on Saturday night.. We will be a white winter wonderland til July I fear…
Lulle says
1. Where were you in 1999, and what were you doing?
I was in my home town, Lyon in France, and I was doing my Master’s. Not the most fun time of my life actually.
2. Have you ever ridden a Razor scooter?
I haven’t, but they were super popular in France in the 2000’s – like grown ups would actually ride them to work.
3. Do you rock climb?
I tried once, it was a challenging and fun experience, but I haven’t really had the opportunity to do it again.
4. What’s on your keychain?
I don’t have my own set of keys, we switch cars all the time with hubby so they’re shared. The one that’s mine most of the time has a ribbon with the logo of ski resorts in France. The one that’s my hubby’s most often has a bottle opener, lol!
5. What’s your biggest nail polish pet peeve?
I hate to damage a nail right after finishing everything, but the biggest annoyance for me is that in the summer, my house gets so hot that I can’t use nail polish: the heat makes it thick and goopy, even if it’s a great formula to start with. I’d have to paint my nails outside in the yard in the middle of the night…
Tatiana says
1. Where were you in 1999, and what were you doing?
Trying to get into Grad School and driving my kid to and from first grade.
2. Have you ever ridden a Razor scooter?
Nope. That would be a recipe for a broken bone if I tried.
3. Do you rock climb?
Nope. Afraid of open heights.
4. What’s on your keychain?
Car key and remote, house key and miniature D-ring horse bit.
5. What’s your biggest nail polish pet peeve?
That except for two or three brands, it usually chips in less than 24 hours on my nails. Also if I wear it for more than a week in a row, my nails start to peel.
Linnea says
1. Where were you in 1999, and what were you doing? umm.. I was an awkward age 11.. just moved to a new school and making new friends (or at least thats how I remember it)
2. Have you ever ridden a Razor scooter? Yes. Not as awesome as initially thought.. super awkward and as I was an adult at the time, felt too flimsy to handle me.
3. Do you rock climb? I have! Its challenging to someone with little upper body strength, but I wish I did it more often.
4. What’s on your keychain? Keys? No cute keychain.. I should work on that.
5. What’s your biggest nail polish pet peeve? Smudging! I cannot get or do a manicure on my own nails without smudging them. It drives me mental. I’m not sure what happens, but it seems like as soon as I paint my nails or get someone else to do them.. I immediately need to do something that is going to screw them up.
Brittany says
1. Where were you in 1999, and what were you doing?
I was in the 5th grade with no worries, dressing like a boy and do boy-ish stuff.
2. Have you ever ridden a Razor scooter?
NO! but I’ve always wanted one! I feel like I’ve been robbed of my childhood. 🙁
3. Do you rock climb?
Once and I have a melt down half way up. Never ever again.
4. What’s on your keychain?
A million keys to everyone’s house and a teddy bear missing a arm and both legs. Poor Teddy 🙁
5. What’s your biggest nail polish pet peeve?
Chipped Nails!!!
Suzanne says
1. Where were you in 1999, and what were you doing?
Getting into senior college in India. Yayy, English literature, anthropology and mass communication!
2. Have you ever ridden a Razor scooter?
Nope, and given how I trip on flat ground, I think I’ll spare the universe this one disaster
3. Do you rock climb?
No, and the mountains bore me.
4. What’s on your keychain?
Spongebob Squarepants charm that’s 7 years old. Keys to two house doors and one gate.
5. What’s your biggest nail polish pet peeve?
Being bored with the bottle before it’s even halfway over.
Trude says
I should really get on the infused water train – what’s your fave combo?
1. Where were you in 1999, and what were you doing?
I was here in the OC, going from sophomore to junior year of high school. 🙂
2. Have you ever ridden a Razor scooter?
No, they came along after I was grown and I always felt like I was too tall to really balance! (Not that I’m that tall, but still…)
3. Do you rock climb?
Lord no. It makes my hands clammy just thinking about doing it.
4. What’s on your keychain?
A big ol’ “remove before flight” stitched warning label. 😉 Hilarious and easy to find in my purse! Also a Lego Yoda minifig.
5. What’s your biggest nail polish pet peeve?
I can’t stand it when I get a mani and they leave a ton of space around my cuticles. Which is why I almost never get them (although a pedi once a month makes me feel fabulous). My OCD is much more satisfied if I do them myself, even though I always go onto the cuticle somewhere, because it just comes off in the shower anyway.
Karen says
Hi Trude!
I love cucumber and lemon. Lemon and basil is another fave. If I’m feeling like something sweet, then something I like to call the triple berry: pomegranate (I get the prepackaged ones from Trader Joe’s), frozen raspberries and frozen blueberries. 🙂
Shannon says
1. Where were you in 1999, and what were you doing?
Oh gosh… I was all of 11, and started out the year in Germany! My family was on a 3-month music tour in Europe, and 1999 makes me think of celebrating “Sylvester” (the New Year) in Deutschland, and then making the epic and terrifying (for an 11-year-old) trip into the Ukraine via train – the last leg of our trip.
2. Have you ever ridden a Razor scooter?
oh man, back in the day – for sure! I never had one, but had lots of friends who did when they totally exploded.
3. Do you rock climb?
This is the one workout I DESPERATELY want to get into. I did it a couple times in high school, and I just love climbing things. I’d be up in trees all the time if I didn’t have to like, keep my clothes from getting dirty and/or holes in them.
4. What’s on your keychain?
Just keys! Pretty spare these days.
5. What’s your biggest nail polish pet peeve?
Hmm… maybe when it’s in the mostly-chipped-off-phase, especially when it’s a garish color or shades of blue/green. When I see it on other people, I think “JUST TAKE IT OFF ALREADY” – and have the same reaction when my own nails are in that state, lol! I often let that look linger for far too long.
Meghan says
1. Where were you in 1999, and what were you doing? I was in grade 7! 😀
2. Have you ever ridden a Razor scooter? Yes, probably in grade 7!
3. Do you rock climb? No, but I’m sure it’s fun/ difficult!
4. What’s on your keychain? Keys & command start for my SUV (I live in the Arctic!), house/ mail/ work keys. And a lil keyring charm of an ‘eskimo’ by Coach that my bf gave to me our first Christmas together 5 years ago! I’m Inuk (Canadian eskimo 🙂 )
5. What’s your biggest nail polish pet peeve? When my polish chips after a day or two!
Marina (Makeup4all) says
1. Where were you in 1999, and what were you doing? Oh gosh, I was still at school.
2. Have you ever ridden a Razor scooter? No.
3. Do you rock climb? I wish!
4. What’s on your keychain? It’s easier to say what’s no on it 😀
5. What’s your biggest nail polish pet peeve? I don’t like most nail art.
Amy says
1. Where were you in 1999, and what were you doing?
Just moved from Seattle to Boston, working as a technical writer.
2. Have you ever ridden a Razor scooter?
All the time! My parents used them to get to work in…1999. (In Boston!) Now my son has one. He goes to the park, the Y, and downtown on it. So I tag along on mine. I didn’t realize this was odd at first, but I’ve gotten raised eyebrows from plenty of parents and kids alike! (They seem to think it’s crazy and cool.) I really enjoy the feeling of freedom and the fresh air.
3. Do you rock climb?
I have a little bit, several years ago, but never my strong suit.
4. What’s on your keychain?
House, car, church keys. A few mystery keys (I’ve moved a lot and somehow always seem to have one of these at least, isn’t that silly?!). Mailbox keys to an unknown mailbox. Library mini card. YMCA card key. All on a brass keychain with a cast fish from a gallery on Arrow St. in Cambridge, MA my sister worked at several years ago.
5. What’s your biggest nail polish pet peeve?
When it slops too much onto my cuticles or, of course, chips in a hot minute!
Allison C says
1. Where were you in 1999, and what were you doing? I was primarily living with my boyfriend in Portsmouth NH and commuting occasionally to my old apt in NYC
2. Have you ever ridden a Razor scooter? yes if you mean the one you push with your foot
3. Do you rock climb? NO, I’m afraid of falling but when I was a kid I did when necessary when we were exploring in the woods
4. What’s on your keychain? 3 keys and a heart
5. What’s your biggest nail polish pet peeve? polish that chips the day after I put it on
Efrain says
1. Where were you in 1999, and what were you doing?
I was 5, so I was in kindergarten, I remember loving drawing and playing with modelling clay.
2. Have you ever ridden a Razor scooter?
Oh yes, I was like 8 when they were really on fashion; I didn’t know how to ride a bike but I had my scooter.
3. Do you rock climb?
Apart from the times in junior high that my friends and I climbed the hill near the school, no.
4. What’s on your keychain?
Keys and a little Swiss Army knife, yes I’m really bored.
5. What’s your biggest nail polish pet peeve?
I’ve only tried a few times but I always end with smudged nail polish in at least one nail.
I’m having vacations this week so you will heard more about me.
Rachel R. says
1. Where were you in 1999, and what were you doing?
I was living in an apartment a couple of towns over, trying to raise a 2-yr-old and a 4-yr-old. My older son was already showing signs of psychiatric problems, and my husband was suffering from a brain tumor and seizures. We were dead broke. My kids were awfully cute, but I don’t miss those days at all.
2. Have you ever ridden a Razor scooter?
No
3. Do you rock climb?
No way! I’m afraid of heights.
4. What’s on your keychain?
Too many keys, my car remote, a Stewie Griffin fob, a fob in shape of an S-shield that says “SuperMom,” a beaded fob, and various store membership mini-cards.
5. What’s your biggest nail polish pet peeve?
Crappy brushes and having to fish for chunky glitter.
Niki says
1. Where were you in 1999, and what were you doing?
Finishing Elementry school/starting junior hight
2. Have you ever ridden a Razor scooter?
Yes, I use to work at a place where we had to park really far away. Anyway one of the kids I worked with would give me a ride back and forth to my car on the razor scooter he’d bring to work.
3. Do you rock climb?
No, but I would like to try
4. What’s on your keychain?
Keys obvi, A Paul Frank Julius monkey chapstick holder and a jump drive
5. What’s your biggest nail polish pet peeve
Don’t do my nails so I don’t have one.
Vanessa says
1. Where were you in 1999, and what were you doing?
I was 10 years old and had just moved from CA to OH not long ago. I did not like it one bit.
2. Have you ever ridden a Razor scooter?
I don’t think so!
3. Do you rock climb?
*Shame face*… it’s been my biggest hobby for the past 7 years.
I do it several times a week.
4. What’s on your keychain?
a carabiner
5. What’s your biggest nail polish pet peeve?
I can’t paint — see question 3 😉
Stephanie Smith says
1. Where were you in 1999, and what were you doing? I had been married for three years, I was working at an orange packing house.
2. Have you ever ridden a Razor scooter? Yes! My 9 year old has one and I ride it occasionally, but I’m always scared that I’ll fall! It’s fun though. She’s a pro on it!
3. Do you rock climb? No, and I have no desire to.
4. What’s on your keychain? House key, car fob/key, Superman ‘S’.
5. What’s your biggest nail polish pet peeve? Right now it’s that I’ve developed a terrible allergy to gel polish, which I love, so I’m bummed.
Kwmechelle says
1. Where were you in 1999, and what were you doing? Just entered my Junior year in college, the most difficult year for me academically & personally. But I survived. And graduated 🙂
2. Have you ever ridden a Razor scooter? Nope but I’ve ridden a snow mobile. Fun times.
3. Do you rock climb? Nope. No real interest to but I think that folks who do climb are kick butt.
4. What’s on your keychain? House key, car key, gym card, and library card.
5. What’s your biggest nail polish pet peeve? When it chips! I’ve been getting bi-weekly gel manicures & this last visit the nails didn’t hold up as well. Which doubly sucks bc my fragile nails began to break where the polish chipped 🙁
Anastassia says
Where was I in 1999? Studying in Boston for college.
Have I ever ridden a Razor scooter? Nope.
Do I rock climb? Nope but I have done it in past.
What’s in my keychain? House keys and work keys with a little dolphin.
What’s my biggest nail Polish pet peeve? When they start breaking in corners.
Maria says
1. Where were you in 1999, and what were you doing? I was living in Maine where my husband was stationed and feeling lucky to live close to family in Massachusetts.
2. Have you ever ridden a Razor scooter? No, sounds scary!
3. Do you rock climb? Never, afraid of heights.
4. What’s on your keychain? My gym card, a flip flop souvenir from Grand Turk, and keys of course!
5. What’s your biggest nail polish pet peeve? Small brushes which makes it hard to apply
Lili says
1. Where were you in 1999, and what were you doing?- In 1999 … with my newborn daugther at home 🙂
2. Have you ever ridden a Razor scooter? – No, but I would like to!
3. Do you rock climb?- Sometimes yes!
4. What’s on your keychain?- My keys with a “I <3 barcelona" keychain. I really love Barcelona 🙂
5. What’s your biggest nail polish pet peeve? – pfff, the one which starts breaking in the corners after few hours.
Tara says
1. In 1999, I was living in Virginia (still here), working at Outback Steakhouse and going to school full time.
2. I have never ridden a Razor scooter.
3. I do not rock climb, but I’d like to try one of those walls I see at the gym, lol.
4. On my keychain, I have three keys and a small Coach flower keychain.
5. My biggest nail polish pet peeve is the fact that my husband HATES the smell and I can’t paint my nails in the house 🙁 Hence… the mysterious $30 charges to our credit card once a month, lol.
monica says
1. Where were you in 1999, and what were you doing?
I was in my 2nd year of college which were the freewheeling days. I skipped a lot of classes to hang out with friends. My grades were shot and I got in a bit of trouble because of it. I was young and foolish and oh so happy.
2. Have you ever ridden a Razor scooter?
No, but I’d like to try it.
3. Do you rock climb?
I’ve mountainclimbed twice but I don’t think I’ll ever attempt rock-climbing.
4. What’s on your keychain?
I just have a plain ring and my car and house keys. I don’t understand some people who have ten things hanging off of their keychain. It’s added handbag weight that I just don’t need.
5. What’s your biggest nail polish pet peeve?
I’m not a fan of the pointy nail claw look.