17 April 2008

Random Quizzilla

1) On a scale of 1-10 how clean do you keep your car?
It’s off the scale, hovering somewhere in the negative numerals. Last week, the Volvo bus was late picking up burds for S.C. because when I removed the booster seats from the backseat, I found several layers of crumbs and random stickiness. An abandoned yo-yo was welded to the seat with lollipop residue. I can’t blame the kids for this as my car has always been an ankle-deep receptacle of clutter. Besides, my other mamas' cars don’t look like this and they easily could. For me, clutter has become a kind of unfortunate lifestyle. I was eyeing an odd collection of crap on the kitchen island last week: A jar of bubbles, a blue Spiderman sock, glitter nail polish, Vito’s leash and paper plate with phone numbers scribbled on it. And I said aloud: “This pile would never occur at the Bags’ residence.” And it wouldn't. It may be time to call in the experts.

2) With skyrocketing gas prices, what are you doing to conserve?
As a rule, if we forget something back at the house, we can’t turn around and go back to get it.

3) On an average, how much fast food do you consume?
Unless there is a dire craving, not too much. Right now, we're trying to detox Paulie off a KFC popcorn chicken addiction so he doesn't end up on a childhood obesity special on Dr. Phil(DB). Damn laptop meals -- a million grams of fat for $3.69.

4) What book are you currently reading, or what was the last one you read?
"Be the Pack Leader" by Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan. I've learned that, contrary to popular belief, Vito is actually quite balanced; he's simply mirroring my own neuroses. Baby steps.
"The Abstinence Teacher" by Tom Perotta
"The Easter Parade" by Richard Yates

5) What are your plans for the long weekend?
Jame is turning 40. Good God, man. Having dinner at Abe & Louies. I'd like to have a little cake in the kitchen on Sunday if the old man can handle it. Will send out word.

7 comments:

Tim Griffin said...

1. Spotless
2. The reason my car is spotless is that I cleaned it, garaged it and now take the bus... to save the PLANET!
3. twice a month, Ezell's Fried Chicken and Roy's Barbecue must be consumed
4. The Brooklyn Follies by Paul Auster
5. T-ball viewing, brunch eating, yard cleaning, dog walking... off course none of the above if it doesn't stop RAINING! ARRRGGGG

Anonymous said...

1. If I'm in charge pretty spotless. If Mike's in charge it's the twice a year detailing visit.

2. Take the T to work and walk a lot. Try to do multiple errands in one trip i.e. save up.

3. Does my Cosi addiction count as fast food? I swear they put crack in that bread.

4. In the middle of "The Worst Hard Time" about the dust bowl and my book group just finished "Infidel" which I highly recommend.

5. Best friends 40th Birthday party Saturday night in Hingham (not James), Sunday and Monday all to myself I hope. I'll see where the wind takes me. Maybe some work in the Garden.

Anonymous said...

1. 7. Road maps, mapquest printouts and travel mug. That's it.
2. Kvetch. Scapegoat. Throw tantrums.
3. Very little. Though, yesterday I went to Carl's Jr and had the two for one Western Burger special and a shake with Captain Crunch blended in. Remarkable.
4. The Revolution of Everyday Life (Vaneigam). I've started a reading list of Lance Hahn's myspace page favorite books. Interesting stuff.
5. I believe the Hopkins/Ganzagieh fight is this weekend. So, that and watch the British Premier league in soccer.

Anonymous said...

1. I'm with KJ on the negative scale. God forbid I have to have customers in my car. I have to spend an hour fetching goldfish and raisins out of all available crevices. It is gross.

2. Biobased plastics, baby. Invest now while the stock price is low.

3. Very very little. Exception: occasional cheeseburger & diet Coke at McD's on serious hangover days.

4. "Power, Faith and Fantasy: America in the Middle East: 1776 to the Present" by Michael Oren. Very readable historic overview. Fascinating. I can't seem to do fiction.

5. Big 40th bday dinner tonite for a friend (not James). Jeff Corwin at the Franklin Park Zoo Sunday. Screaming my lungs out at the marathon Monday! WooHoo!

Side note: We 40 year olds should oil up the walkers and get together for a celebratory, "damn we look good for 40" meal! (early bird special at the 9s?)

Anonymous said...

1) On a scale of 1-10 how clean do you keep your car?
Typically it’s a 7. I tend to let clutter gather in my car sometimes like old mail, napkins on the floor, etc. Then when I fill up I toss everything that can go. I Armor-All the interior once a month.
2) With skyrocketing gas prices, what are you doing to conserve?
I’m not doing anything other than the fact that it’s 1.6 miles from home to work. I fill up my 16 gallon tank twice a month.
3) On an average, how much fast food do you consume?
Astonishingly, not much at all. If you count sub shop meals, I average at least 1 chix parm, potatoe/veg dinner from Josephs in Southie once a week, and 1 chix parm/ziti dinner from McGoo’s once a week. McD’s/BK, etc happen twice a year (usually a hung-over road trip).
4) What book are you currently reading, or what was the last one you read?
The last book I read was “Education of a Coach”, the story of Bill Belichick being raised by a well respected and brilliant scout/coach, also his father, and how he evolved into what he is today from that. I just bought “Covert”, the story of a NBA ref who used to be a NJ State cop who went into DEEP undercover in the NJ mob for 3 years in the 70’s. I can’t wait to read that.
5) What are your plans for the long weekend?
Ay ay ay, this one’s going to be crazy. The GOY and I are doing some shopping tonight (it’s my yearly wardrobe update and I need her help). I’m going to the Sox game Sat night (4th row behind the Sox batter’s box – look for my mug) and hopefully meeting up with the JAX in Back Bay for a drink(s), going to the Celts 1st playoff game Sun night, and then to the Sox game Mon AM and then wherever else that debauchery filled day will take me from there.

Anonymous said...

1-10. Spotless.
2-Started taking the train to work but there were too many people. I tried.
3-Too much.
4-Armageddon in Retrospect-Kurt Vonnegut
5-Sleep.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday James! 10 years older than me...love it!!!

1. 4--lots of empty water bottles (I know very un earth friendly of me), assorted CDs and mapquest directions.

2. As a city girl, I don't drive. Fortunately, I live and work in downtown DC and I can walk to work, which is great. If the weather is bad I take metrobus! Check back with me in July when it's 110 degrees outside and I might wish for an airconditioned car--high gas prices or not!

3. Not really any at all, expect for the occasional sandwich at Wawa on the way to the beach in the summer...who knew a gas station mini mart could make such good sandwiches?!

4. "A New Earth: Awakening to your life's purpose" by Eckhart Tolle. My sister turned me on to the book (no suprise there) and it's been a real gift for me.

Before that I was going through a Jodi Piccoult phase where I read four of her books in a row--I highly recommend her books as well, especially for the folks in New England!

5. No long weekend down here in DC. I'm visiting with a friend who's in town and going for high tea at the Mandarin Oriental to celebrate my friend Kelly's 40th birthday! Lots of birthdays this weekend!