So…what is the Monday Poll?
Good question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll. It’s just a list of five more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past gazillion years (more than 10!). I love reading your answers, and it helps me get my week off to a great start. ?
1. How are you in terms of driving on curvy mountain roads?
I do OK, but if and only if the following three things are in play: 1) I’m alone, 2) it’s daytime and 3) I know where I’m going. If it’s dark, I’m lost and the peanut gallery is in the backseat, then we’re screwed, LOL!
2. You must choose: Get your hair done at an amazing salon for free for an entire year, or get two front row seats (for you and a friend) to the biggest shows at Paris Fashion Week, along with 5-star accommodations?
YARGH, my practical side says to go with the hair for a year, and that’s what I’d probably end up doing, but I know myself pretty well, and I have a feeling I’d struggle with the decision for weeks and leave it up to the last second to make a final call. There would be a 5% chance up until the very last second of going to Paris!
3. First TV show jingle that pops into your head?
“The Doc is in, and she’ll fix you up. If you’re a toy, then you’re in luck! It’s OK, don’t be afraid, the Doc really knows her stuff.” Side note: props if you know this tune!
4. Last time you got a gel manicure (if ever)?
Two weeks ago and that sucker is still hanging on! I’m getting tired of the color though (a creamy teal by OPI, unfortunately I don’t remember the name), so even though I could get another week’s worth out of it, I’m gonna take it off in the next day or so.
5. Something you think you could be really good at with a little training?
Any of the balancing obstacles on American Ninja Warrior. I couldn’t do any of the other obstacles on that show — nothing that involves climbing, hanging or jumping, so basically almost EVERYTHING — but the ones that call for straight up balance, I know I could totally do.
Happy flowers
I saw these beauties at TJ’s yesterday. Aren’t they pretty? There’s something about yellow flowers that always make me smile, and I hope they bring a smile to your face today, too.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Question time! Here are they are to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to you soon.
1. How are you in terms of driving on curvy mountain roads?
2. You must choose: Get your hair done at an amazing salon for free for an entire year, or get two front row seats (for you and a friend) to the biggest shows at Paris Fashion Week, along with 5-star accommodations?
3. First TV show jingle that pops into your head?
4. Last time you got a gel manicure (if ever)?
5. Something you think you could be really good at with a little training?
Happy Monday!!
1. How are you in terms of driving on curvy mountain roads? Oh, aces. A#1. I love it – particularly if the scenery is gorgeous (Amalfi Coast) and I’m driving a car with manual transmission. 🙂
2. You must choose: Get your hair done at an amazing salon for free for an entire year, or get two front row seats (for you and a friend) to the biggest shows at Paris Fashion Week, along with 5-star accommodations? Hair for sure. The only appeal to me for door #2 is the 5-star accommodations. HAHA!
3. First TV show jingle that pops into your head? Hot dog, hot dog, hot diggity dog (but I think it’s only because you used a kids’ show). Otherwise, I’d have been whistling the Andy Griffith show theme, I think.
4. Last time you got a gel manicure (if ever)? Never.
5. Something you think you could be really good at with a little training? Graphic design, maybe? I get by for the small stuff but I rely heavily on google when I want to photoshop something.
Did you drive the Amalfi Coast in Italy?! Wait… You didn’t tell me this very important part of your trip!
Not the last time I was there. I was just in Bologna for the last trip. My Amalfi drive was in 2012, I believe. Standard shift Mercedes – that’s like the regular rental car in Europe. The drive was so beautiful!! And I only lightly clipped one truck with my mirror. HAHA! No harm done to either vehicle. That was the trip we were able to fly first class because one of our group had an airline connection. That’ll never happen again! We were able to do a lot (Venice, Rome, Tuscany, Amalfi, Pompeii/Vesuvius). I like to drive so I loved it. 🙂
1. How are you in terms of driving on curvy mountain roads?
Not going to happen ever, unless I have no choice, say, I’m alone and Bigfoot is chasing me. I hop in my car and it tries to open the door, so I really have to drive down that mountain road to save my life.
2. You must choose: Get your hair done at an amazing salon for free for an entire year, or get two front row seats (for you and a friend) to the biggest shows at Paris Fashion Week, along with 5-star accommodations?
Tough one, I’m tempted to say the hair just because I’d have nothing to wear to a fashion show!
3. First TV show jingle that pops into your head?
I don’t have a TV at home so nothing really!
4. Last time you got a gel manicure (if ever)?
I only did it once many years ago, when UV gel manicure was rather new, and it was a disaster. The nail tech told me to just pull the gel off to remove it and that’s what I did… Horrible mistake, my nails were destroyed in the process! It took me months to get my nails looking normal again and not this weird peeling brittle mess! So never again for me, although I know the issue was with me pulling them off, but I just did what I was told.
5. Something you think you could be really good at with a little training?
Softball maybe? I’m pretty good at throwing/catching. My hand-eye coordination is good, which is funny because my feet-eye coordination is terrible. I trip all the time.
Hope you have a great week Karen!
Girl… I didn’t even think about what fashion actually ones wear to a premier fashion show in Paris. Just the thought of it is stressing me out (as I sit here in high waisted leggings). HAIR IT IS FOR SURE!
You have a great week too. 🙂
1. I’d say excellent since I do live in East Tennessee. I recently had to navigate mountain roads in the dark when they were wet after a rain and managed to survive! I played Adele to help keep me from freaking out.
2. Paris. Hands down.
3. “Step by step, day by day…” ?
4. Christmas.
5. Event planning.
You are my hero! Wet roads are bad enough as it is… But curvy mountain ones are scary. Were there guard rails? Please say yes!
Yes, thank God! Forgot to mention that I had 1 headlight out at the time which make it even more precarious! Oye.
I couldn’t have done that. Seriously. I would’ve stopped the car and cried until it was over, LOL!
1. How are you in terms of driving on curvy mountain roads? If I’m driving, then I’m fine. If I’m the passenger, then I’m sick unless I take Bonine.
2. You must choose: Get your hair done at an amazing salon for free for an entire year, or get two front row seats (for you and a friend) to the biggest shows at Paris Fashion Week, along with 5-star accommodations? Hair. Hand down. I literally couldn’t care less about fashion, and fashion shows would not be my thing. And my hair is in a weird place right now. I’ve had the same long brown hair with bangs for years, it’s time for a change.
3. First TV show jingle that pops into your head? “If you’ve a structured settlement and you need cash now, call JG Wentworth, 877 CASH NOW”. I’m never calling JG Wentworth.
4. Last time you got a gel manicure (if ever)? It’s been years. I loved them so much that I bought the polishes and the lamp to do them at home. Loved them! Then my fingernails almost fell off because I became allergic to them. Never ever again. It’s too bad too, because I loved them so much. Oh well. I live regular polish too.
5. Something you think you could be really good at with a little training? Teaching. I’m a great motivator, and come from a long line of teachers. But I’m a keeper, I couldn’t say goodbye to my students at the end of the school year. And I hate the politics of teaching.
DUDE, you made me laugh out loud with the JG Wentworth thing, because I read it out loud in my head the exact same way they say it in commercial. HAHAHA! I’m never calling JG either!
1. How are you in terms of driving on curvy mountain roads?
not good. i went to ghana and the mountains roads just terrified me. When I went to costa rica, we stayed in mountainous region and having to take that ride was little scary.I held my travel mates hand
2. You must choose: Get your hair done at an amazing salon for free for an entire year, or get two front row seats (for you and a friend) to the biggest shows at Paris Fashion Week, along with 5-star accommodations?
omg. this is a hard . i never been to Paris so paris.
3. First TV show jingle that pops into your head?
oscar myer weiner song
4. Last time you got a gel manicure (if ever)?
2 months ago
5. Something you think you could be really good at with a little training?
public speaking
Ericca! How did your driving test go? Give me good news, girl!
1. How are you in terms of driving on curvy mountain roads?
Okay, though I definitely prefer if there are guardrails and I don’t love lots of hairpin turns. 🙂
2. You must choose: Get your hair done at an amazing salon for free for an entire year, or get two front row seats (for you and a friend) to the biggest shows at Paris Fashion Week, along with 5-star accommodations?
I mean, if that meant a vacation from my kids for a week, I’d take that. But that seems unlikely, so I’m going to go with the hair. ?
3. First TV show jingle that pops into your head?
Well I read jingle so any brain went to radio ads, call 1800steemer, Stanley Steemer gets your home cleaner!
4. Last time you got a gel manicure (if ever)?
Did one at home once or twice but got the polish on my skin a little at my cuticles so it totally came off after a few days so I didn’t bother trying again since it felt like it took even longer than regular polish to apply ?
5. Something you think you could be really good at with a little training?
I mean, more like a lot of training but editing maybe. Something that leverages my hyperfocus on patterns and such in writing.
I seriously don’t know how you manage with the kids, you are super woman!My ideal vacation right now is going somewhere by myself so I can sleep in and not have to wake up with the Baby Alarm Clock, ha ha! Ideally it would also be somewhere I could spend 24 hours without food/spit/another little person’s bodily fluids on my clothes.
1. How are you in terms of driving on curvy mountain roads? Excellent. I grew up in the hills of Western MA.
2. You must choose: Get your hair done at an amazing salon for free for an entire year, or get two front row seats (for you and a friend) to the biggest shows at Paris Fashion Week, along with 5-star accommodations? I only get a few haircuts per year so I’d go for the Paris trip.
3. First TV show jingle that pops into your head? Enjoy Coke
4. Last time you got a gel manicure (if ever)? For a wedding it wrecked my nails. I’m thinking of getting one for vacation coming up though. Knowing full well it will wreck my nails again.
5. Something you think you could be really good at with a little training? working at a college or university. 🙂 I used to mentor an undergrad student at a local college (I did that several times over 5 years).
Hi Leah,
Oh no, what happened to your nails? Did they become brittle? The teal gel mani that I just did was my first, and I hope that my nails don’t get trashed (I’ve heard so many horror stories). Keeping my fingers crossed. If they turn out OK I’m definitely doing this again next time I go on vacation.
They peeled and just were a mess. They looked good for weeks. Some folks have no issue. I heard that if they ‘rough’ them up before they do the gel that’s worse.
Yargh, I’m afraid mine might do that. They’ve gotten weaker in general since I had the baby, and I’m afraid that’s going to happen (but still keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn’t).
The wear time is incredible, though, right? How long did you have yours on? I’m at the start of week three and mine look good as new.
1. How are you in terms of driving on curvy mountain roads? Have not tried mountain roads but tiny curvy roads with wood around I’m pretty good at.
2. You must choose: Get your hair done at an amazing salon for free for an entire year, or get two front row seats (for you and a friend) to the biggest shows at Paris Fashion Week, along with 5-star accommodations?
No interest in fashion week what so ever so I would go for the hair. Even with 5star accomodation and being super low maintenance in the hair department. Actually just shaved the back of my head (can’t remember what it’s called). Best thing I ever did with my hair!
3. First TV show jingle that pops into your head? Daniel tigers neighbourhood *shoot me please*
4. Last time you got a gel manicure (if ever)? Years ago i tried but it did not last on my nails at all, like any type of polish… fell of 3 nails within 2 hours
5. Something you think you could be really good at with a little training? I hope riding a motorcycle. I was supposed to start learning for real this summer but being preggers got in the way…
Happy monday!!
Happy Monday to you too!
LOL to Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood! I’m not quite there yet with Doc McStuffins.
Re: motorcycles. My friend Alis rides and she says it changed her life for the better so much. She keeps trying to get me on bike but I’m like no… I don’t belong on anything with two wheels on the open road. I know myself way too well! Anywho, when is your due date? Congratulations!
I grew up among bikes and my daugther has been with us in a sidecar since she was about 5 months old (20 months this week).
Thank you!!
Due in the end of october. Already feel like a walrus…
That is so cool! I wish I wasn’t so fearful, as I think it would be amazing feeling to really, REALLY ride on a motorcycle. I do like the thrill of speed, just not on roads, ya know?
You are almost at the home stretch, mama, hang in there. Are you having a boy or a girl? No worries if you are keeping it secret. I’m a nosy noodle, I know. LOL!
I get you 🙂
We are having another girl the ultrasound tells us. And we are quite desperatly looking for another sidecar so baby sister can come along as well.
As for nosy – if you don’t ask questions you’ll never learn anything 😉 worst that happens is that someone don’t want to answer.
1. How are you in terms of driving on curvy mountain roads?
I’ve never actually tried it. Florida is pretty flat and it’s been years since we’ve vacationed in the mountains.
2. You must choose: Get your hair done at an amazing salon for free for an entire year, or get two front row seats (for you and a friend) to the biggest shows at Paris Fashion Week, along with 5-star accommodations?
I can’t fly, so salon.
3. First TV show jingle that pops into your head?
The theme from Friends. Mom and I were just talking about the episode where Phoebe thought the lyrics to Tiny Dancer were “Hold me closer, Tony Danza”, lol.
4. Last time you got a gel manicure (if ever)?
I haven’t tried that yet, but I’m totally up for it.
5. Something you think you could be really good at with a little training?
I do a little basic yoga and really enjoy it. I think I’d be really good at the more advanced moves with the proper training.
Hi Suzanne,
Would you believe that I’ve never seen an episode of Friends? I missed most TV in the ’90s (but am clearly making up for it now).
1. How are you in terms of driving on curvy mountain roads?
I am good but if there is a steep grade/edge with no guard rail, I’m going to white knuckle it.
2. You must choose: Get your hair done at an amazing salon for free for an entire year, or get two front row seats (for you and a friend) to the biggest shows at Paris Fashion Week, along with 5-star accommodations?
I guess it would depend on the length of stay in Paris! If it’s for the whole week, hmmm, I’d probably go fashion week. Mostly because I love Paris. If I was restricted to my hotel and a strict regiment of every show I could possibly attend, I’d probably go for the hair lol.
3. First TV show jingle that pops into your head?
I Dream Of Genie or OITNB those are more theme songs though.
4. Last time you got a gel manicure (if ever)?
July 2016
5. Something you think you could be really good at with a little training?
Is it egotistical that my first thought was anything? As long as it’s not a sport or physically based entirely, I’m sure I can pick up just about anything and do it reasonably well.
Nay, not egotistical at all. It’s cool and confident!
1. How are you in terms of driving on curvy mountain roads? The best! For a while we had the mare up north with only three ways in to see her. I could go all the way around, past her spot to come back down on a level road or take one of two twisty over the mountain roads in. I chose the latter because it was just shorter overall. Got to the point I knew which way the road was gonna curve at any point.
2. You must choose: Get your hair done at an amazing salon for free for an entire year, or get two front row seats (for you and a friend) to the biggest shows at Paris Fashion Week, along with 5-star accommodations? Paris. Didn’t even have to think about it.
3. First TV show jingle that pops into your head? Nada.
4. Last time you got a gel manicure (if ever)? Never got one. Don’t think I will because I hear the removal can be hard on nails and mine are thin, weak and splitting as it is.
5. Something you think you could be really good at with a little training? Flying a plane.
So I read something terrible on this neighborhood chat board that I belong to. Someone is cutting the tails off of blonde horses here in Novato! 🙁 Do you have a horse up here? I can’t remember if you do.
No, we used to keep Lucy north of Pope Valley and I used to drive through Deer Park and Angwin and over Howell Mountain to get there. She passed on to heavenly pastures on July 9th.
That’s really mean and rude. It takes most horses a long time for their tails to grow out. In the mean time they don’t have a tail to swat away flies and other biting bugs.
1. How are you in terms of driving on curvy mountain roads? No problem whatsoever. For years we had a vacation home in the mountains so I got lots of experience. I was also quite the avid snow skier (winter) and hiker (summer) which had me driving mountain roads all over the country.
2. You must choose: Get your hair done at an amazing salon for free for an entire year, or get two front row seats (for you and a friend) to the biggest shows at Paris Fashion Week, along with 5-star accommodations? Well, I haven’t set foot in a salon in about 50 years (!) so I guess I’d be off to Paris. I wouldn’t be interested in the shows, but I’d love roaming around the city and enjoying 5-star accommodations.
3. First TV show jingle that pops into your head? “Renegade” from the Jeep commercial.
4. Last time you got a gel manicure (if ever)? Never
5. Something you think you could be really good at with a little training? Snowboarding since I already ski.
Hi Eileen,
My snowboarding experience is limited — I’ve only done it a couple times — but I have to say it’s SO FUN. I’m not a snow person at all but I would do it again for snowboarding. What type of skiing do you do? Cross country? Downhill?
Downhill! When I was a kid, I was a speed demon and I loved the moguls. Now that I’m »elderly« (lol) I like a well-groomed intermediate slope.
1. How are you in terms of driving on curvy mountain roads?
I’ve never driven them self, but as a kid I was a passenger and fine, but as an adult as a passenger I get really car sick! Had no idea until we were near Sedona, AZ a few years ago and it was so, so rough.
2. You must choose: Get your hair done at an amazing salon for free for an entire year, or get two front row seats (for you and a friend) to the biggest shows at Paris Fashion Week, along with 5-star accommodations?
Get my hair done – as fun as fashion week would be, it’s totally not my scene.
3. First TV show jingle that pops into your head?
Bob’s Burgers….guess what I’ve been watching on Hulu?
4. Last time you got a gel manicure (if ever)?
8 days ago and it still looks awesome! It’s OPI’s Tiramisu For Two (nude pink) topped with one coat of Essie’s A Cut Above (sparse pink/silver glitter).
5. Something you think you could be really good at with a little training?
Hmmm…I feel like I’d be a good baker. I like making things, and I like eating things, and I really like carbs….
Hi Karen! I’m sooooo tired! I had to go to Milwaukee today for my SSI hearing. I had to answer questions for, like, 45 minutes which meant talking and I HATE TALKING. I was so exhausted after I was like, “Do not ask me one more thing. I’m done talking. My throat hurts.” XD
1. How are you in terms of driving on curvy mountain roads?
You know, I have never had to drive curvy mountain roads as we don’t have mountains here, but we do have pin curve turns from hills here. I’m pretty much like you: I can’t have a peanut gallery and I prefer it being during the day.
2. You must choose: Get your hair done at an amazing salon for free for an entire year, or get two front row seats (for you and a friend) to the biggest shows at Paris Fashion Week, along with 5-star accommodations?
THE SALON. Girl, if you knew my fine, baby thin hair woes…you would choose the salon. Let’s not forget my lupus just likes to reap havoc on my hair so I get random bald spots. -______-
3. First TV show jingle that pops into your head?
“Wayfair, you got just what I need.” I watch too much HGTV.
4. Last time you got a gel manicure (if ever)?
Years ago.
5. Something you think you could be really good at with a little training?
Beginner Dressage. I can basically do most of the requirements all ready. However, I really have a heart for jumping. 🙂 I like the adrenaline rush. XD
Haha, you have the theme song to “Doc McStuffins” in your head! When my boys were little, it was the theme song to “Little Bear” and “Franklin” nonstop.
1. How are you in terms of driving on curvy mountain roads? I white knuckle it for fear of driving off a cliff. Driving in certain parts of West Virginia and Virginia gave me a little anxiety.
2. You must choose: Get your hair done at an amazing salon for free for an entire year, or get two front row seats (for you and a friend) to the biggest shows at Paris Fashion Week, along with 5-star accommodations? I adore my stylist and she’s amazing, so I would take my best friend to Paris Fashion Week. Plus I love traveling and this would be such a treat!
3. First TV show jingle that pops into your head? The theme song from “Pretty Little Liars”. I’ve been watching every night on Netflix this summer. It’s so good!
4. Last time you got a gel manicure (if ever)? About 5 years ago. They peel off within a day. I have very moisturized nail beds so nothing stays put for long.
5. Something you think you could be really good at with a little training? A Pure Barre instructor or some sort of Barre teacher. I’ve been doing Pure Barre for almost 6 years, so I feel like I could teach a class after a few training sessions:)
Did curvy mountains in Italy . That was enough .
Def Paris Fashion Week . I do my own hair
?The best part of waking up is Folgers in your cup ?
Gel mani ruins my nails ; I do gel powder now . It’s more expensive , takes longer but my nails are healthy looking !
Happy Monday !
I forget the last one !
Tap Dance ?? I’m still working on it
1. How are you in terms of driving on curvy mountain roads?
No bueno at all! I don’t like hills in general, so curvy mountains? No thanks!
2. You must choose: Get your hair done at an amazing salon for free for an entire year, or get two front row seats (for you and a friend) to the biggest shows at Paris Fashion Week, along with 5-star accommodations?
I only say Paris because of the 5-star accommodations.
3. First TV show jingle that pops into your head?
Fresh Prince!
4. Last time you got a gel manicure (if ever)?
Maybe 5 years ago? I get tired of the color and I don’t like how it thins out my nails.
5. Something you think you could be really good at with a little training?
Ballroom dancing! I pick up steps quickly and I like all the emotions that you have to portray when you ballroom dance.
1. How are you in terms of driving on curvy mountain roads?
I can do it if I have to. I’d have white knuckles the whole way, and have to crank the radio or, conversely, drive in total silence.
2. You must choose: Get your hair done at an amazing salon for free for an entire year, or get two front row seats (for you and a friend) to the biggest shows at Paris Fashion Week, along with 5-star accommodations?
I’d take the free trip to Paris, sell the fashion show seats, then wine, dine and gallivant around the city enjoying the fancy digs.
3. First TV show jingle that pops into your head?
I can’t think of one — for some reason “Original Sin” by INXS is my insistent earworm.
4. Last time you got a gel manicure (if ever)?
Over a year ago, and I didn’t like it! I tired of the color by the next week and felt like my nails couldn’t breathe, so off it came (with difficulty). Never again.
5. Something you think you could be really good at with a little training?
Tap dancing. I grew up watching old Fred Astaire movies; he made it look so easy.
1) I still don’t have a license.
2) Get my hair done at a salon for sure. It’s always in need of professional assistance.
3) “Where Everybody Knows Your Name”
4) I have only ever done the at home gel manicure that includes the special top coat and special polish. For me it’s been a year, because the one I tried (Essie Gel Couture) was horrible and I felt so let down.
5) Maybe acting? I have the funniest facial expressions.