So…what is the Monday Poll?
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 10 (!) 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.
1. Do you prefer matte or shiny liquid liners?
With liquid liners, I like a little bit of shine. I leave the mattes to the gels.
2. Do you swear in front of your parents?
Only when I’m surprised or really angry. And it’s always a little embarrassing, but they don’t even acknowledge it.
3. What’s a movie you quote from?
Oh, The Godfather. “Leave the gun, take the cannoli.”
4. Have you ever felt like the odd person out?
All the time, and lately it seems to be happening a lot. It happens whenever I go to mom group events, but I keep going in the hope that I’ll make it into one of the cliques.
5. What would you shout from the rooftops today?
I’M NOT DONE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING, BUT I’D REALLY LIKE TO BE DONE VERY SOON!!!
Happy Monday
It’s well documented that I’m a grumpy grump in the morning, but I’ve been doing this thing lately where I force myself to smile, even if I’m not feeling 100% and it seems forced and fake, because you know that old saying, “Fake it till you make it”? In some ways that’s very true.
So, I’ll see somebody walking toward me or a stranger or Tabs, because Tabs smiles too, and I’ll flash this big, classic smile, and most of the time I’ll get a great big genuine smile in return.
It’s weird, but I swear it actually works. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Here are the questions to copy and paste:
1. Do you prefer matte or shiny liquid liners?
2. Do you swear in front of your parents?
3. What’s a movie you quote from?
4. Have you ever felt like the odd person out?
5. What would you shout from the rooftops today?
Leah G. says
1. Do you prefer matte or shiny liquid liners? Matte
2. Do you swear in front of your parents? Not often but my Mom swears in front of us (only in recent years).
3. What’s a movie you quote from? Lately it’s been Christmas Vacation (tis the season!)
4. Have you ever felt like the odd person out? Once in a while.
5. What would you shout from the rooftops today? that I’m so excited we got our first snow of the season (8″ on Saturday right when we went out to get our Christmas tree so it was perfect).
Karen says
Hi Leah,
Oh, new snow! I played in the snow last weekend too. Granted it was manufactured snow and it was 66 degrees outside, but it was still fun. I managed to not fall on my butt.
Did ya get the Christmas tree decorated?
Leah G. says
Hi Karen,
The tree is decorated and looking lovely. I got this great photo of the tree and Maximus sleeping all in the same shot. So sweet. 🙂
Karen says
Hi Leah,
So sweet! Does he ever drink out of the water base? Tabs believes that the tree is there solely for his personal amusement, so he laps up water and swats (and eats) the occasional branch. He no longer dries to climb up the trunk, but he does enjoy a nap on my red and green plaid Christmas tree skirt.
Chris25 says
1. Do you prefer matte or shiny liquid liners?: Matte.
2. Do you swear in front of your parents?: Yes. To be fair my biological father taught me to swear, so he shouldn’t be offended.
3. What’s a movie you quote from?: Harry Potter “it takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies….”
4. Have you ever felt like the odd person out?: All the time.
5. What would you shout from the rooftops today?: Doggy cuddles are the best!
Karen says
Doggy cuddles are great! I miss them. 🙂
Erin says
1. Do you prefer matte or shiny liquid liners?
Shine bright like a diamond… (even though diamonds don’t shine… ug)
2. Do you swear in front of your parents?
All the f*cking time!
3. What’s a movie you quote from?
It’s either “inconceivable” from Princess Bride or maybe one of Gandalf’s wise sayings to Frodo. These are far too literary.
4. Have you ever felt like the odd person out?
Every day of my life!
5. What would you shout from the rooftops today?
SHHHHHH, I need a nap 😛
Susan says
*”I do not think it means what you think it means.”
FAVORITE. MOVIE. EVER!
Jaclyn Levy says
First, that gif of you whipping your hair is perfection and I’m stealing that outfit idea.
Second, did you make the Ginger cookies? I must know!
1. Matte all the way! I have a hair stuck in shiny lipstick phobia.
2. Not really, but sometimes it slips out. They don’t seem to care but I always feel weird doing it!
3. Scott Pilgrim Verses The World at least once a week! “That was a test and you passed.”
4. Oh Karen I totally feel you on this one! It’s like being in high school all over again, I get it! Keep shining and it’ll work out.
To answer the question, yes but I’ve embraced it. I have kids but I dress up cute and wear makeup even if the only place I’m going is the preschool pick up line.
5. I just set a new Squat personal record today! 255#, baby! ??
Karen says
Hi Jacklyn,
OK, I bought the molasses yesterday afternoon! I am going to try making them when I get home from the gym tonight if I still have any energy left. I’m really looking forward it. Baking totally relaxes me and I love doing it… WOO HOO!
Jaclyn Levy says
Yay! That is so cool that baking brings you zen. It has the opposite effect for me unfortunately! However, I make the sacrifice for these cookies because they are so worth it! Good luck tonight!
Karen says
GIRL. So we did an inordinate amount of burpies (burpees?) in HITT class today and I can barely lift my arms. No cookies for me tonight. BOO HOO. I will have to ginger snap tomorrow. I was so excited, too, I even bought an extra large cookie drying tray to put them on and wanted to break it in!
Jaclyn Levy says
Wow, that class sounds intense! I hope you aren’t too sore today! Good call getting the extra drying rack. I hope you love the cookies!
Karen says
It’s crazy, but I love it. HIIT is hard, and in the beginning I could barely make it through 15 minutes of an hour-long class. I’m much stronger now and have seen lots of improvement in my running speed, cardio and core! It’s good stuff. Have you tried it before? There are so some really great HIIT classes on Youtube. If you want I can link one for ya!
Jaclyn Levy says
Yes, please! Link me up!
Karen says
Ok, here ya go! Here’s a gal who I like, Christine Salus. She does a lot of HIIT workouts that you can do in a small space without equipment, or with things you’d find around your house. I like to bust out this 20-minute one when I wanna get sweaty but don’t have a ton of time. I’ve also like this 30-minute HIIT workout. I did her 1000 Calorie HIIT workout a while back and it was BRUTAL.
Jenna N. says
1. Do you prefer matte or shiny liquid liners? A little shine is great but honestly I can’t do liquid liners, I’m so much better at doing a straight line with gel.
2. Do you swear in front of your parents? Barely ever, they really ingrained in me as a child that swearing was wrong so I always code-switch when I’m around them. I swear a fair amount otherwise hah.
3. What’s a movie you quote from? I’m more likely to quote from TV shows like Arrested Development.
4. Have you ever felt like the odd person out? Almost always. I’m a 31 year old attorney and am always treated like I’m too young to be one, even though I’ve been doing it for 4 years now and feel like an old hand at it already.
5. What would you shout from the rooftops today? IS IT 5PM YET?
Karen says
Hi Jenna,
I can’t believe that I’ve known you since you were in law school. The time really does fly!
I hope that you’re having a wonderful holiday season so far. 🙂
Laura says
1. Do you prefer matte or shiny liquid liners? Matte.
2. Do you swear in front of your parents? Never.
3. What’s a movie you quote from? I quote from Friends actually, mostly Chandler’s lines.
4. Have you ever felt like the odd person out? Soooo often. But that’s ok cause I end up dazzling everyone. Lol.
5. What would you shout from the rooftops today? I AM FINALLY SINGLE AND GONNA GET SOOO LAID.
??
Karen says
LOL, Laura, your answer to the last questions cracked me up.
GET IT GIRL!!! GET IT!
Efrain says
1. Do you prefer matte or shiny liquid liners?
I think matte liquid liners may be harder to use because of texture, so I’ll say shiny.
2. Do you swear in front of your parents?
Yes, and a lot. Everybody in the family swears, and actually I think the one that does it more is my sister. I also had that phase as a teenager, where I swore for everything.
3. What’s a movie you quote from?
Mean girls it’s the first one I can think about it, also I love a lot of the phrases Yzma from The New Emperor’s Groove says.
4. Have you ever felt like the odd person out?
Yes, it’s something common when you’re with only straight people who doesn’t have LGBT+ friends.
5. What would you shout from the rooftops today?
I’m stronger than yesterday! I think I always need to repeat it to myself.
It’s interesting what you said about smiling, because I believe it’s true.
By the way we have finished our Christmas shopping, but the malls and the city center were so crazy that I’m worried what will happen the week before Christmas.
Karen says
“You go Glen Coco! ”
I have to go to the mall this week during an off hour because there’s NO WAY I’m going on the weekend. It’s too cray! Although I do love the activity. I used to work in retail, usually all the way through the 24th I’d take shifts, and I loved the hustle and bustle of the mall. I don’t love dealing with parking, though… It’s like Thunderdome here where I live.
breyerchic04 says
1. Do you prefer matte or shiny liquid liners?
Matte
2. Do you swear in front of your parents?
I almost never did in front of my dad, I do in front of my mom.
3. What’s a movie you quote from?
I’m also a tv show person and so gilmore girls or buffy the vampire slayer
4. Have you ever felt like the odd person out?
Absolutely, And then i’ve been accused of jumping to new friends.
5. What would you shout from the rooftops today?
JUST BE KIND
Karen says
Hi Breyerchic04,
Yay for the Gilmore Girls! I love that show so, so much. Oy the poodles already!
breyerchic04 says
Copper Boom!
Karen says
Haha! Did you know that there’s an episode where they reference MAC Viva Glam lipstick?!
breyerchic04 says
And there’s sephora references and the time that kirk is selling skincream, the writers fit in with us!
Karen says
Oh gosh, I remember that Kirk story line! He had some hilarious moments.
I kinda sorta wish they’d do another installment of the Year in the Life. I know the last line was supposed to formally close the show for good, but I’d like to see Rory in her new role.
Leah G. says
Karen,
I saw this book and it made me think of you:
‘Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls (and Everything in Between)’ by Lauren Graham. It’s got great reviews. 🙂
Karen says
Thanks, Leah! I’m going to add it to my Christmas list. 🙂 YAY!
Abbey says
1. Definitely matte!
2. Very rarely, and only if it slips out. Its a respect thing—cursing doesn’t bother me, but it does bother them, so I just don’t do it.
3. Definitely cheesy comedies. ‘Tis the season for “Elf” quotes!
4. Every day. I know most of it is my own insecurity, but I always feel I’m on the outside looking in. My goal for next year is to make a new friend. Just one, lol
5. I MADE ALL A’S IN MY FIRST SEMESTER OF SCHOOL IN OVER A DECADE! I’m a little excited (but trying not to brag in “real life”)!
Karen says
Hi Abbey,
That’s SO GREAT! Congrats on getting straight As, I’m sure it was really hard work but YOU DID IT! What subjects did you take?
Abbey says
Thank you! I’m taking prerequisites for nursing school. Nothing too hard yet, but I did have Algebra and Anatomy for the first time since high school!
Karen says
I’m sure you already know this but that’s such a smart job choice. I know a few nurses and they can basically live wherever they want to because the job is SO in demand. Do you have any idea what type of nursing you want to study?
Abbey says
The first couple of years will be very general, but I hope to be accepted into an early-entry master’s program. My dream is to work at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (I’m in the Memphis, TN area).
Karen says
I hope that dream comes true for you. Congrats again on your great grades. Keep it up!
Jane says
1. Do you prefer matte or shiny liquid liners? I have never used a liquid liner.
2. Do you swear in front of your parents? Absolutely, that’s where I learned to swear!
3. What’s a movie you quote from? The Big Lebowski “I don’t roll on Shabbas!”
4. Have you ever felt like the odd person out? Most of the time. I am a bit older than most of the people in my social circle and have a somewhat different view of things.
5. What would you shout from the rooftops today? IMPEACH!
So tomorrow is the first night of Chanukah and I could easily sleep through it! Not feeling it this year!
Be well.
Karen says
Hi Jane,
Aww, I hope you feel better soon. Do you guys cook a lot of food for your Chanukah celebrations? I saw an article on latkes in the December issue of Martha Stewart with recipes and they look so good.
You have a great day!
Ruchita says
1. Do you prefer matte or shiny liquid liners?
I like a little shine with liquid liners.
2. Do you swear in front of your parents?
Not really. It still makes me embarassed. Sometimes my Mom will swear, which is really funny because she seems like this little, sweet lady.
3. What’s a movie you quote from?
Lately Office Space because it feels like my daily life!
4. Have you ever felt like the odd person out?
Yes, all the time! I tend to be quiet in big groups so I’ll spend time pretending to look at something fascinating (cat pictures) on my phone.
5. What would you shout from the rooftops today?
I’m getting stuff done! Just random things like finising up Christmas cards, paying bills, etc. But I feel productive for a Monday. 🙂
Hope you’re having a great day!
Karen says
Hi Ruchita,
It cracks me up when my mom swears, too. She’ll occasionally let an “Oh, sh*t!” out and it’s hilarious coming from this almost-70 year Filipino lady. 🙂
I just finished writing the post for the awesome Revlon cream shadow you recommended! 🙂
Ruchita says
Yay, I’m so happy my reccomendation inspired a blog post!
Your Mom sounds cute! 🙂
Karen says
She’s funny. She’s retired, loves to exercise and is super sassy. She calls Tabs her “grandcat” and always gets him a present for Christmas!
I’m actually wearing the Chocolate shade today along with another one called Espresso. They’re both super pretty. Thank you SO much for the recommendation.
Ruchita says
Aww, I love that your Mom buys gifts for Tabs! I love when people are sweet to my kitties.
I’m so glad the shadow worked for you! I’ve been using it almost daily. I need to grab a couple more colors!
Karen says
Me too. The fastest way to my heart is through my cat. HAHA! It’s so true though. 🙂
I really like those shadows and wish there were more matte shades. If you plan on getting a couple more colors, Target has them online for $5.99 each right now!
Stephanie Smith says
1. Do you prefer matte or shiny liquid liners? Matte, but I usually only tightline (lesson by you), and prefer matte for that.
2. Do you swear in front of your parents? Yes, but it’s never intentional and I always think I’m in trouble. I’m 42 years old.
3. What’s a movie you quote from? “Overkill is underrated” from The A-Team.
4. Have you ever felt like the odd person out? Yes, mostly with the wives of my husband’s co-workers. I just stay friendly and smile a lot, and work for some common ground. Also, Karen, when Connor Claire starts school, you’ll find your tribe. Trust me, my “mom friends” are what keep me sane.
5. What would you shout from the rooftops today? “THIS WEEK IS GONNA KICK MY BOOTY, BUT I WILL FACE IT HEAD ON!”
Karen says
Hi Stephanie,
I hope so. Mom-land feels lonely at times, but I’ve met a couple of nice women with young kids who I’m hoping to become better friends with. I can’t believe she’s almost gonna be two soon. How did the time go by so fast?
Rachel Runyan says
1. Do you prefer matte or shiny liquid liners? Shiny
2. Do you swear in front of your parents? I don’t talk to them at all.
3. What’s a movie you quote from? Anything from Monty Python.
4. Have you ever felt like the odd person out? Every day of my life.
5. What would you shout from the rooftops today? “Yo, Universe! Go pick on somebody else for a change!”
Karen says
Hey Rachel,
Happy Monday. I hope you’re having fun with your new gig as a beauty writer! How many posts are you doing for the site these days?
Rachel Runyan says
I’m having a lot of fun writing! Thanks for asking! I’ve done three larger articles (two beauty, one jewelry), and I’m working on a fourth (fashion). I’ve done three list/round-up articles, and have another publishing tomorrow. Plus I wrote up winter events, but the whole staff contributed. I was just the only one with time to put it together. lol
Alexandra says
1. Do you prefer matte or shiny liquid liners?
Matte, I think.
2. Do you swear in front of your parents?
Yep.
3. What’s a movie you quote from?
The Big Lebowski, and some classic Soviet comedies.
4. Have you ever felt like the odd person out?
Yeah.
5. What would you shout from the rooftops today?
I. WANT. COFFEE!!!
Mondays, eh.
Karen says
Hi Alexandra,
I just drank my second big cup of coffee, YES! Now I’m feeling really good. Do you usually go out to get your drinks or do you make them at home? I like coffee that’s smooth and doesn’t have a lot of bite so I usually make mine at home with Folger’s Simply Smooth. It’s not super fancy but to me it tastes good. I go out to Starbucks maybe once a week as a treat for an espresso drink. Right now I’m all about the Gingerbread Lattes.
Alexandra says
I’m a bit of both! There are some street vendors here that I really like getting my coffee from, but what I brew at home tastes fine for me. And it’s either flat white or lattes for me. With a sprinkle of cinnamon, if I’m feelin’ fanceh.
Karen says
OK, I had no idea what a flat white was so I just Googled it. Ya learn something new every day! 🙂 I’m going to try one next time I go to a shop.
Christine says
1. Do you prefer matte or shiny liquid liners?
Matte!
2. Do you swear in front of your parents?
Yep. I learned from the best.
3. What’s a movie you quote from?
Office Space…a lot. It’s even bled through to gifs I email.
4. Have you ever felt like the odd person out?
That’s like 90% of my life.
5. What would you shout from the rooftops today?
I AM SO TIRED AND THIS VENTI ICED COFFEE DID NOTHING!
(preferably this is shouted from a rooftop somewhere warmer than Chicago, I will not be on any rooftops here!)
Karen says
Hi Christine,
That movie’s hilarious! Damn those TPS reports!
I hope you had a nice Monday. Do you have all of your holiday shopping done? I still have a lot to do, gah!
Christine says
…I actually emailed a gif of the smashing-the-printer scene in reference to the rage I feel for the Coke machine in our office’s kitchen to my boss and our vendor. Also, I desperately need a Jump to Conclusions Mat.
A big ol’ NOPE to finishing shopping. I did several purchases tonight, but I need hit a few neighborhood shops this week still – and figure out what to get the much-younger brother (21…ahh?!). Sigh. Are you close to being done?
Karen says
See, you’re hard core referencing now! I had to look those two up. I know TPS reports and “flair.” LOL
I am nowhere close! I really have to finish in the next two days because there’s no way I’m stepping foot in a mall.
My younger brother always seems to appreciate the crap he needs but never buys for himself: socks, hoodies, skin care from Clinique he’d never buy for himself. Side note on hoodies: I bought a really great hoodie for my hubs from Macy’s on Black Friday and he’s obsessed with it. It has sherpa lining and is super cozy, and the fit is good.
Kate & Zena says
1. Do you prefer matte or shiny liquid liners?
I tend to prefer matte. It photographs better in competitions which is why I use Clinique.
2. Do you swear in front of your parents?
Yes, but I’m not as bad as my brother.
3. What’s a movie you quote from?
Clue. Lots and lots of Clue. It’s such a hard movie not to quote from. “Men are like Kleenex.” LOL.
4. Have you ever felt like the odd person out?
I usually do until I go to the barn. Then I’m like everyone else because everyone is either horse obsessed or has a disability like me. Before I started going to non-profits for people with developmental disabilities (particularly my barn), I never understood why I felt so left out or what I was missing. Now I do!
5. What would you shout from the rooftops today?
“Bree didn’t go potty in my office!” It’s the little things that count in toilet training, okay? My office is, like, the potty zone for her. Last week she had three good days of no accidents and then we had accidents and now we are back to one day of no overnight accidents. YES! Go Bree!
Karen says
Hi Kate,
Do you use the Clinique Pretty Easy Liquid Liner? That one is so good!
Kate & Zena says
I don’t! I tend to find liquid liners dry up so fast (even though I don’t use them much)! I use their brush-on cream liner which has been my go-to since I first started competing. That pot, actually, is three years old. >.< Probably needs replacing, but there's still so much of it left that the "use all of the product" person in me is like, "Replace it? Not yet!" It doesn't smell, the texture hasn't changed or anything, so to me it's still good. XD
Karen says
Ya know, I’m the same way. I figure if it still works and doesn’t smell or look weird it’s fine since I’m the only person using it. I’ve tried that cream liner and it’s good! If you have a black eyeshadow smoke out the edges sometime just for fun. It’s such a pretty effect.
I hope Bree had a good doggy day!
Kate & Zena says
Oh, I put black eyeshadow on top so it stays longer, and occasionally to smoke it out. (Can you tell I competed and did ballet as a kid? Layers!)
Bree had a terrific potty day, but it was definitely a pacing day (aka anxiety day.) A whole bunch of emergency vehicles went screaming by the neighborhood early in the afternoon followed by a news helicopter (still trying to learn what happened) and she didn’t really settle down after that. I have learned a technique to get her out of her pacing habits on a regular day, but this was like, “Nope, nu uh, NOT WORKING!”
Thankfully, the trainer we have been working with (we’ve been working via phone for free) is coming over on Friday to see her in action and make her a formal client so we get a personalized plan for her. Giving her goals will be good.
Karen says
The black eyeshadow is so key! It’s amazing how one pot can change and improve gel liner looks. 🙂
I’m glad that Bree is getting the help she needs. It’ll take some work but soon she’ll learn coping habits and will be able to fully enjoy being part of your family. This is such an exciting time — the getting to know you stage. It’s hard work, too, as you know.
Ericca says
1. Do you prefer matte or shiny liquid liners? I prefer matte or satin lip liners
2. Do you swear in front of your parents? Hell to mf no. My parents are ultra conservative Christians and never have cursed or drank alcohol in front of me in my 33 years. They have sipped wine last year.
3. What’s a movie you quote from? forrest gump
4. Have you ever felt like the odd person out? yes. i grew up with a Panamanian mother and an african american father in a school where i was one in a classroom. Where people didnt know about kiwis and avocados as they do now.
5. What would you shout from the rooftops today? im gonna make it.
Karen says
You’re gonna make it, Ericca! I know you can do it.
Have a great week. 🙂
Tatiana says
1. Do you prefer matte or shiny liquid liners? Neither. I always use a pencil.
2. Do you swear in front of your parents? When they were alive I used to all the time. Well more in front of my mom. It always got a rise out of her.
3. What’s a movie you quote from? Too many to list. We’re a movie going family. Mostly from “The Princess Bride”, “As you wish”, “Have fun storming the castle” or any Marvel movie when my daughter is around.
4. Have you ever felt like the odd person out? My whole life.
5. What would you shout from the rooftops today? OMG! I haven’t started Christmas shopping and I still need to ship things to Kansas!
It’s pretty well known around these parts that I’m grumpy until I’ve had at least two or three cups of coffee for the day. When I lived in NYC I would walk down the street and randomly smile. It was always good for a sidewalk clearing back then. Best to avoid the crazy, young lady who’s smiling.
Karen says
Haha, that’s so funny. It’s much different from smiling at a stranger on the sidewalk here in Novato… I do that all the time and people tell me their life story! Good stuff.
Re: Christmas presents. We should make a pact to start tonight!
Trude says
1. Do you prefer matte or shiny liquid liners?
Kind of in between. I only ever use one from L’Oreal that just won’t die (I think it’s the Lineur Intense with the felt tip?)!
2. Do you swear in front of your parents?
All the time! It’s where I learned it! 😉
3. What’s a movie you quote from?
Oh so many. This month it’ll be a lot of Elf, my BFF and I quote Bedazzled to each other all the time, Princess Bride is a big one in our house…
4. Have you ever felt like the odd person out?
Yup, but I try to trust that they’re not doing it intentionally; people pair up or form groups all the time. It’s bound to happen and changes regularly anyway. I can be a bit of a weirdo and prefer my own company anyway so it works out!
5. What would you shout from the rooftops today?
9 weeks until my due date! OMG!
Karen says
Hi Trude,
OMG! How did the time go by so quickly? You’re probably getting to the stage when it starts to get really uncomfortable. Are you able to sleep at night? I remember that phase being very difficult to get comfortable. In chairs, in my bed… I was miserable everywhere I placed my butt. LOL!
Trude says
YES! It was like I hit 28 weeks and all the 2nd trimester energy just drained away. Now at 31 weeks I have some energetic days and some needs-two-naps days. So weird. Some nights her kicking keeps me up, others I think I’m so tired I sleep right through it. 😉 Time is really flying, especially with all the holiday madness!
Karen says
The last leg of the race is rough! I would fall asleep at 2 and be down for the count until 7 or 8. Hang in there, you’re almost at the end. 🙂
Will you be working up until you give birth?
Trude says
Thanks lady, that makes me feel better. So hard to say no and just have a lie down, isn’t it? 🙂
I’m trying not to work up until the last second, I really want some quiet time at home to get things really ready and focus on all the changes that are coming, but thus far we haven’t found a replacement candidate for me yet. I don’t want to leave them in the lurch, but they’ve had plenty of time to find someone new! I won’t be coming back but I do want to make sure my boss isn’t left high and dry, but there’s only so much I can do, y’know? Did you feel stressed out leading up to your due date, when it’s just you doing everything for the site? I know you had guest writers but were you worried about losing readership?
Karen says
Hi Trude,
It is. Thing is you have to remember once that baby pops out you’re going to be even more tired than you are now. I know it’s tempting to get everything done but seriously, take this time to revel in the quiet. Cause it’s gonna be gone, baby, gone. Sleep as much as you can! It’s so cliche but it’s true.
Yeah, I was kinda worried but ya know… I figured at some point I had to just throw my hands up and things happen. It’s been a change with her in the mix; I’m at home with her full time and it’s a challenge, for sure. I can’t do nearly as much as I used to. But like everyone says, you can only do your best. 🙂
Lulle says
1. Do you prefer matte or shiny liquid liners?
I prefer them matte, or just satin.
2. Do you swear in front of your parents?
Yes, they swear too so that’s not a problem.
3. What’s a movie you quote from?
There are a few French movies that I quoted from a lot, but talking about an English-speaking movie that’s well-known here, The Big Lebowski. This movie is what brought the word “dude” in my vocabulary long before I became mostly fluent in English.
4. Have you ever felt like the odd person out?
Most of my life! I learned to be okay with that though. At some point I realized that people fake a lot in order to be accepted into groups and I have a very hard time doing it. So I’m just awkward!
5. What would you shout from the rooftops today?
I tied for fastest mile at my spin class today!! Look at me, I’m an athlete now!
Hope you have a great week Karen! I’m smiling back through my screen right now 😉
CL says
1. Matte.
2. Yes, but only since my early 30’s, when life experiences just got to be too much for me and I couldn’t hold it in anymore.
3. Usually “The Princess Bride” – “Life is pain. Anyone who tells you different is selling something.” Also, “The Heiress” – “Yes, I can be very cruel. I have been taught by masters.”
4. All the time.
5. I’m still standing!
CL says
I just thought of another answer to #5 (also works for #3.): “I’m mad as hell and I’m not gonna take it anymore!” – from “Network.” I was a kid when that movie came out, and I can tell you, it truly did fit the feeling of the majority of Americans at that time, due to the horrible economy. It fits now for anyone who’s paying attention to what’s happening in the US and abroad.
Susan C. says
1. Do you prefer matte or shiny liquid liners?
No preference — I’m equally inept at applying either.
2. Do you swear in front of your parents?
I try not to. They’ve become more prudish in their old age, and seem to take special offense at even words that I don’t particularly consider swear words. Seriously, if something goes awry one of them will utter some nonsense word like “foodle-de-woo” and I will try to maintain a straight face.
3. What’s a movie you quote from?
Mary Poppins, “practically perfect in every way” (said with complete sarcasm).
4. Have you ever felt like the odd person out?
That’s my normal state of existence.
5. What would you shout from the rooftops today?
LET IT GO, LET IT GO! (Sorry, I just saw “Frozen” for the first time last night. I have mixed feelings about the film, but the ice art was truly magical and boy, is that song an annoying earworm.)
Karen says
Hi Susan C.,
Believe it or not I’ve never seen that movie! I know eventually when Connor gets bigger I’ll get sucked more into the Disney princess machine, sigh.
OK, this might seem random, but I remember you mentioning that you loved homemade cheesy broccoli soup a while back. Well, I’m going to try to make it for the first time today! Wish me luck.
LindaLibraLoca says
1. Do you prefer matte or shiny liquid liners?
Shiny.
2. Do you swear in front of your parents?
Yes, but not more than they swear in front of me.
3. What’s a movie you quote from?
A lot, but in family we mostly go with “Loriot”, which s a complete German thing.
4. Have you ever felt like the odd person out?
Yes, and interestingly enough most often around other moms. It just doesn’t seem to work if you want to talk about other things than kids.
5. What would you shout from the rooftops today?
WHY??? … does one of my kids always get sick when I take the day off work because I have so much stuff that needs to be done?
Karen says
Aww, your poor little one! Hope they feel better soon.
Kim says
Oh, your odd man out answer just broke my heart! Hang in there – the other moms will see how awesome you are. <3 And when Connor starts making friends (which is so easy for kids), you'll have more mom-friends than you want. 🙂