December 31, 2004
5/14/04 - RIP
The Friday Five is no more.
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4/16/04 - Friday Five
I haven't done this in awhile so here's the friday five.
1. What do you do for a living?Full time mama and part time webmaster of RoL.
2. What do you like most about your job?Yesterday afternoon Bella and I were leaving the house to go somewhere and Bella waited for me to lock the door then she took my hand and said, "Mama's my friend." My heart completely melted. (I'll remind her of that when she's a teen!)
3. What do you like least about your job?Not enough hours in the day to get everything I want done.
4. When you have a bad day at work it's usually because _____...I'm acting like an idiot - cranky and impatient with everything - usually the result of not preparing spiritually for my day.
5. What other career(s) are you interested in?Unless God tells me otherwise, this is it.
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3/19/04 - The Friday Five
I only come around here 2 or 3 times a week but it seems like Fridays are always one of those days so here are today's friday five: If you...
1. ...owned a restaurant, what kind of food would you serve? Mexican, hombre.
2. ...owned a small store, what kind of merchandise would you sell? That's easy since it's been Brian's pet dream - a Catholic bookstore/ coffee shop.
3. ...wrote a book, what genre would it be? A non-fiction book relating all the funny stories of growing up in a household of 11. Although some book stores may mistake it for science fiction.
4. ...ran a school, what would you teach? It's a tie. One would be for Preschoolers. They are so great at this age and (usually) still have their innocence and take in all you have to teach like a sponge. The second would be a School of Parenting, teaching Catholic parents the incredible responsibility of their job. Lessons could include everything from how to change a diaper for the first time to how to make your home a domestic church or how to grow in holiness as a parent and spouse.
5. ...recorded an album, what kind of music would be on it? Okay, supposing I actually had a voice worthy of a place other than the shower or the car I'd record an album with soul searching lyrics and "alternative" feel. Not a fluffy pop hit nor screaming angst and anger, just the right blend of "edge" and beauty.
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3/12/04 - Friday Five
Man, it has been such a hective day. I just finished my online banking and I need five minutes of drivel to clear my mind so how 'bout a quick friday five!
1. What was the last song you heard? "Treason" by Kutless was the last I heard on purpose. The last I heard by force (have you seen the power of a begging 2 year old??) was VeggieTales "The Song of the Cebu."
2. What were the last two movies you saw? The Mayor of Casterbridge (the full CD edition not the cut TV version - and I still cried at the end) and Suspicion with Cary Grant and Joan Fontaine.
3. What were the last three things you purchased? Groceries, beach toys for Bella (the sun has arrived!) and the soundtrack for the Passion.
4. What four things do you need to do this weekend?Attend my monthly women's "mini-retreat" in San Jose, wash my car, go on a (promised) picnic with Brian and Bella, and try to ignore the FULL inbox until Monday.
5. Who are the last five people you talked to? Bella, Brian, new friends Allison & Cindy (who will join me to San Jose) and the checker at Costco, where a milk run turned into a $50 receipt.
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3/5/04 - Friday Five
Time for the friday five. What was...
1. ...your first grade teacher's name? That took awhile to remember but I think it was Ms. Hunt.
2. ...your favorite Saturday morning cartoon? Scooby Doo on Saturdays and Popeye on Sundays (with Super Chicken, Tom Slick and George of the Jungle.)
3. ...the name of your very first best friend? Man, I'm drawing a blank. I can't think of a first friend although I loved playing with my neighbors Kevey & Elizabeth and I was going to marry John Schmidt in kindergarden so I guess they'll have to do.
4. ...your favorite breakfast cereal? The "special day" sugary kind like Trix or Coco Puffs. I also liked when my mom got the REAL Cheerios, not those cheap store brands. I don't care what she said, they did not taste the same.
5. ...your favorite thing to do after school? Rollerskate and bike outside or if I was inside play "store" or "bank". Ahh, the memories of innocent bliss. (Now I enjoy the days when I can avoid the grocery store and the bank.)
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2/13/04 - Alternative Friday Five
When I checked out the usual Friday Five I decided to skip it since it was about astrology and such. Thankfully Terry at Summa Mamas provided us with an alternative F.F. so here it goes. (Thanks, Terry!)
1. What did you have for breakfast this morning? If you didn't have breakfast, why not?An egg and piece of toast. (Unusual for me but my sisters were visiting so I skipped the cold cereal.)
2. What's your favorite cereal? Cheerios.
3. How often do you eat out? Do you want that to change? About twice a week. Want to change? - No. The first eat out is as a family treat; the second eat out (or take in) is usually when I'm working all day on the new/old house or helping Brian's elderly aunt, in which case not cooking is for my sanity.
4. What do you plan on having for dinner tonight? Got a recipe for that?Usually I'd make a Mexican or Italian dish on a Friday night but tonight we're taking out my visiting sisters for BC's birthday.
5. What's your favorite restaurant? Why?Hmm...we have a lot of favorites but we went to a new one tonight, which I'd recommend if you're ever in town. It's the Chart House in Monterey, CA. (There are a number of them in the U.S.) The food was excellent (known for their fresh fish and steaks) and the view was beautiful - we had a window table looking across the bay. It's a little too pricey for us to visit often but great for those special occasions. I actually wouldn't have known about it if it weren't for my father-in-law who gave us a gift certificate for Valentine's Day. Thanks, pop!
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1/23/04 - the friday five
Sorry I haven't been around in awhile but I had "computer overload" and was burning out so I needed to stay away from the computer for a bit. But I always know time is up when I start getting emails asking "where are you?" and "is anything wrong?" I'm touched that you care and I'm a little amazed that anyone even notices. Well anyway, I'm back and it's time to post here, update RoL and answer emails again but before I start... let's have a moment of fun with the friday five. If you don't have a weblog but want to answer, feel free to add your own answers in the comment box!
The friday five: At this moment, what is your favorite...
1. ...song? Breathe by Jennifer Knapp. I've only heard of her recently and just bought her newest CD A Diamond in the Rough: The Jennifer Knapp Collection and I'm really enjoying it.
2. ...food? Hmmm...the spicy chicken platter at our favorite local Mex restaurant.
3. ...tv show? Hard one since I don't watch TV shows per se - but we're old movie addicts (thanks to TCM channel) and I've been on a A&E binge. I just saw Daniel Deronda and am now reading the book. And I'm almost done with my "favorite literary adaptations" list.
4. ...scent? LizSport by Liz Claiborne - has a "clean" smell without being too "foofee". But the bottles almost empty so I may try something new.
5. ...quote? "If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world ablaze." - St. Catherine of Sienna. It's something I need to remind myself of often!
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December 31, 2003
9/12/03 - Friday Five
A lot has been going on lately so I need something lighthearted to post today. It's been awhile since I've done the friday five so its a perfect morning diversion. I also found it funny that the topic was about names and today's the feast of Mary's name! Very appropriate.
1. Is the name you have now the same name that's on your birth certificate? If not, what's changed? My first and middle name - Bobbi Ann - are the same but the last name changed 3 1/2 years ago.
2. If you could change your name (first, middle and/or last), what would it be? Four years ago I was fervently praying that my last name would be changed and God answered my prayers! haha! The rest of my name I'd like although I prefer Ann spelled with an "e" (Anne).
3. Why were you named what you were? (Is there a story behind it? Who specifically was responsible for naming you?) The first born of our family, whether male or female, was to be named after my dad Robert, known as Bob. Hence came my name "Bobbi". My parents weren't practicing Catholics then but they did think I should have at least a saint's name along with my first so they combined it to "Bobbi Ann".
4. Are there any names you really hate or love? What are they and why? I am so glad I was not named Roberta. For some reason I just don't like that name (on me). My daughter took a name I've always loved -Isabella.
5. Is the analysis of your name at kabalarians.com accurate? How or how isn't it? Is this like a horoscope things? I hope not. Well, I'm not into these general analysis but for the sake of the fun I'll let you know what they said and make my comments:
Your first name of Bobbi has given you a responsible, expressive, inspirational, and friendly personality. (My responsibility came from being the oldest of 9 children. I am expressive. I hope to be inspirational, even if its "don't let this happen to you" at times. I think I'm pretty friendly, as long as you're not bugging me at the moment.)Expression comes naturally to you and you are rarely at a loss for words (I never have the words at the instant. I am not good at spur of the moment debates. I need to think and ponder. I express myself best in the written word.).
In fact, you have to put forth effort at times to curb an over-active tongue. (It depends on who I am with. I'm sure Brian would sometimes appreciate a little less chatter form me.)
Self-confidence has made it easy for you to meet people and you are well-liked for your spontaneous, happy ways. (I never really thought of myself that way but the other day someone told me that this is just what they thought of me. It was nice to hear. I hope I can be that way.)
You sincerely like people (true) and do not often experience loneliness (except when I'm tired of deciphering Bella's toddlerese and desire some adult conversation.) ; your work and home-life are likely filled with association. (Yes)
You enjoy music (true) and could have a fine singing voice (Define "fine" or define "voice" for that matter!) however, the study could be somewhat difficult because you do not find it easy to apply yourself to concentrated study for long periods. (Hmm...I'd probably agree more than disagree.)
In this respect, this name is not altogether constructive (Gee, thanks.).
It creates a somewhat scattering (Scattering?) influence which makes it difficult for you to finish what you start. (I thought that was laziness. Well, I'm not to blame! I am just a victim to my name!)
This name brings disappointments and emotional involvements through being too sympathetic and easily influenced. (hahaha! Okay I couldn't even get through the last line without laughing. Whatever. Personally, I like my name and if there have been any misdeeds in my behavior I take full responsibility. I place no blame on my parents for not naming me the much more respectable "Roberta".)
Well, that was good for a laugh. Have a blessed weekend! Keep praying, bobbi.
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8/22/03 - friday five
the friday five
1. When was the last time you laughed? Last night with Brian. It doesn't take much to get me laughing.
2. Who was the last person you had an argument with? Myself. Sometimes I am just sooo exasperating.
3. Who was the last person you emailed? My sister Bridgette.
4. When was the last time you bathed? About an hour ago. (I assume showers count. Actual sit-in-the-tub bathing?...who knows. A little thing called reality prevents that.
5. What was the last thing you ate? The last bite of Bella's banana that she was about to throw on the floor. (No, I wouldn't have eatten it if it actually hit the floor.)
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8/1/03 - friday five
First day of August? Incredible! The summer will be over before you know it! Although the way the weather has been lately, I think we're going to have an early autumn. I'm keeping this post short since I've got a lot to do around the house. But here's one question for you moms of toddlers out there - how do you keep your kids from climbing the furniture? Bella is climbing everything - from chairs to the kitchen table. It's gotten to the point where I have tipped all the kitchen chairs over so she can't use then as ladders but this is so inconvenient (not to mention sloppy looking). She has her own mini table and chairs but lately she's been using those as ladders as well. She'll climb anything that will hold her and I don't know what to do! I'd be happy for any advice! Thanks so much. Have a great weekend! love, b.
1. What time do you wake up on weekday mornings?If I went to bed by midnight, 7am. If up later, then by 8am. (I'm a night owl and it's hard for me to get to bed early.)
2. Do you sleep in on the weekends? How late? On Saturday I'll sleep in until 8:30 unless we have an early outting planned. Sundays I wake up earlier to go to 8am Mass.
3. Aside from waking up, what is the first thing you do in the morning?Say my morning prayers.
4. How long does it take to get ready for your day?About half an hour.
5. When possible, what is your favorite place to go for breakfast? A little cafe in Carmel called Em Le's. They have the most delicious breakfasts there! We used to go there all the time but we go less frequently with Bella, although she's getting better and better at restaurants! Hey, if the locals can bring their dogs I can certainly bring my baby!
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6/27/03 - friday five
1. How are you planning to spend the summer [winter]? We leave next week for a trip south (So. CA). The rest of the summer we'll be here. Since we live in a tourist town it gets hectic so we like to go to the out of the way places or walk downtown in the eve when all the shops are closed. I hope to enjoy the beach more. We went last weekend and it was so beautiful. It's warm enough to wear shorts but the water's too cold for swimming so no bikinis in sight (except for a few hardcore Europens not exactly built like models. egads.)
2. What was your first summer job? Hmm...did I have one? I was probably babysitting. I was always babysitting...mostly my many siblings!
3. If you could go anywhere this summer [winter], where would you go? I desperately want to go camping in the redwoods in No. Calif like we used to when I was growing up. I loved camping! However, Brian has never been camping (I cannot imagine my mother in law going anywhere where you couldn't call down to the front desk for something!) So I'm slowly talking Brian into the idea. Next year he gets an extra week of vacation so I'm hoping we can do it!
4. What was your worst vacation ever? One doesn't come to mind...perhaps when I was a kid I used to get car sick on curvey roads. Even today I can't read in the car or move around while its moving. If Bella is really fussing in the backseat Brian needs to let me drive and he sit back there with her. I get a headache reading the map and he could write a novel in the car without the slightest bother. Go figure.
5. What was your best vacation ever?I would say the time my whole family (all 11 of us) went camping across country with nothing more than a 11 passenger van and a huge 3 bedroom tent that slept 12. It was hillarious. Man, I really should write all these memories down before they fade away! Now I am looking forward to making new vacation memories with Brian and Bella!
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6/6/03 - friday five
I better get going though, my time is almost up. I only have 5 minutes left to bring you the Friday Five.
the friday five
1. How many times have you truly been in love?Only once to the man I married. The previous were infatuations - something I didn't realize until I tasted true love.
2. What was/is so great about the person you love(d) the most?That I know with all my heart that he is the one God chose for me before I even existed. There was always a "hole" in my heart as I prayed for my future spouse but after meeting Brian it became a "whole". He is God-loving, spiritually strong, tenderhearted, funny and handsome to boot. What more could I want?
3. What qualities should a significant other have?I believe the most important quality is that he/she should be a prayerful man/woman of God who lives his/her faith each day. Right there you eliminate some major vices/problems. You should have some things in common and be best friends with them. Although some “chemistry” is good, looks are subjective and when you fall in love they become very attractive in your eyes.
4. Have you ever broken someone's heart?Um, I think I’d have to say yes. In my BC (before Christ) days, I drove one guy to the bottle and another became a crazed ex (complete with stalking and vandalizing my car.) Man, does that seem like a lifetime ago! Thank God for his mercy.
5. If there was one thing you could teach people about love, what would it be?That love does not equal emotion/feelings nor sex. Love is a decision and you can still love even when you don’t “feel” it. Love should draw you closer to God and two people in love should be working together towards heaven and eternity with God. Love is the cross, it takes sacrifice and self-giving to work, but the payoff is a “glorious resurrection” in that, mutual love is the closest happiness we will ever experience this side of heaven.
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5/16/03 - friday five
Congratulations to my little sis Elena who is graduating from Christendon College tomorrow! Brian and I are so proud of you Elena! We're sorry we couldn't be there with you but we look forward to your visit to California next month! Bella also sends kisses to her "auntie nena"!
Time for the friday five:
1. What drinking water do you prefer -- tap, bottle, purifier, etc.? Didn't I just answer this? Bottled.
2. What are your favorite flavor of chips? I used to love fritos and doritos but now I stick to low fat tortilla chips. sigh.
3. Of all the things you can cook, what dish do you like the most? Hmm...I love Mexican and Italian so maybe tacos and spanish rice or else pasta and italian veggies.
4. How do you have your eggs? Scrambled. I can't stand "fried" eggs.
5. Who was the last person who cooked you a meal? How did it turn out? Does dessert count? Brian made me a chocolate cake for Mother's Day and it was sooo good. Well, that's it for now! Have a great weekend. Love, b. :)
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4/25/03 - friday five
Hey guys, I only have a few minutes so I�ll keep this short. I heard about a cool new blog called Fonticulus Fides from Two Sleepy Mommies. Sparki is a mama of two and she and her husband just joined the Catholic Church this Easter. I was only able to read a few posts so I will finish checking it out this weekend when I have more time. In the meantime I�ll close with the Friday Five.
1. What was the last TV show you watched? Last night I watched an old X Files.
2. What was the last thing you complained about and what was the problem? I complained to myself �What the heck am I doing on the computer?! I have to get the house ready for Jen and the kids coming over this afternoon!� But Bella was sleeping, prayers were said, and emails were beckoning so I did this.
3. Who was the last person you complimented and what did you say? Last night before going to bed I kissed Brian and told him just how wonderful he is and how much I love him.
4. What was the last thing you threw away? (Bella just woke up�gotta cut this short.) Bella�s dirty diaper. How can something so small and cute make such a big mess??? One of the wonders of the world.
5. What was the last website (besides this one) that you visited? Amazon, I ordered some books that I�ll tell you about later! Have a great day! Love, b.
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4/11/03 - friday five
Is it Friday already? Man, my life is flashing before my very eyes! So what am I doing sitting in front of the computer? Okay I'll make this last post then take Bella outdoors to get a little sunshine. If it's warm this weekend we will take her to the beach for the first time! Where's the camera?
Okay since it's Friday, it's time for the Friday Five:
1. What was the first band you saw in concert? Let�s see, years back it was a big Rock for Life concert in Orange County, CA. I think that first really got me into Christian alternative/hardcore music. But one of the first concerts I most vividly remember was when I drove to Santa Barbara, CA to see the hardcore band Focused. Oh, those guys were so awesome and so in love with God. They were the first band I ever interviewed (for the underground music zine I used to do.) Ah�such memories!
2. Who is your favorite artist/band now? Okay, you can tell I am a mommy now because at the moment I am listening to �Wags the Dog� by the Wiggles. (It is Bella�s Wiggle�s hour; that is the only time I am guaranteed some uninterrupted computer time!) But as far as I�m concerned, I have been listening to a lot of Jeremy Camp, Kutless, and Sixpense None the Richer. But I must say that I also love classical and good old classics like Dean Martin (reminds me of our honeymoon. Sigh.)
3. What's your favorite song? This is a tough one. I don�t think I have a number one favorite although whenever I get nostalgic I pop in my Cranberries CD�s.
4. If you could play any instrument, what would it be? Um, I always wished I could play the guitar, write my own music and sing my own songs. I may be able to get away with writing lyrics but the only instrument I can play is the Fisher-Price toddler drum set and my voice it not fit for anyplace other than the car while driving or perhaps in church if the choir sings real loud and drowns me out.
5. If you could meet any musical icon (past or present), who would it be and why? Back in my teen days I may have said someone like Morrissey (who I was in love with) but now I just see musical �icons� as regular joes and can�t think of one in particular that I�d single out. So I�ll have to think about that one.
Have a great weekend guys! See you Monday. Keep praying, b.