thenerdygirl | Entries tagged with questions

Taken from The Friday Five

1. Have you gotten everything done that you had hoped to do during the first half of 2024?

Unfortunately no. I have completed 3 of my 10 resolutions, I'm halfway through 1, and I have 6 that I haven't even started. That said, I feel confident that I can catch up a little this summer as I feel more energetic in sunny, warmer months.

2. Did anything exciting or unexpected happen to you during the first half of 2024?

Yes, the best of which was that someone I care about went into remission which was such good, uplifting news to hear. I know nothing is guaranteed but she's been doing so well. Other fun things were that I got to see the solar eclipse with my partner, and I was able to see a local production of Heathers, one of my favourite musicals. It was my first time seeing a live musical as well.

3. What big plans do you have for the second half of 2024?

I don't know if I'd call them big plans, they're really big tasks. These are: Fixing my driveway, getting the driveway resealed, cleaning up some overgrown areas around my home, and getting our attic insulation topped up. Sadly, nothing fun but I consider them big because they'll take a lot of effort and will be pricey.

4. Have you taken, or are you planning, a vacation this year?

I've taken vacation time but sadly haven't gone anywhere. I want to travel but I'm intimidated by planning a trip...which I feel a wimp about. I know so many people who travel and I know it's not as big of a deal as I'm making it to be in my head but whenever I sit down to research trips I start feeling anxious & overwhelmed by choice. It almost feels like I need to take time off just to plan.

5. Have you ever wanted to be one of the people writing and posting these questions?

I've submitted questions in the past, no idea if they've ever been picked or were too similar to past questions. I certainly like coming up with questions but never really thought about wanting to be the one posting them on a community like The Friday Five.

Current Mood: tired

Taken from https://thefridayfive.dreamwidth.org/126858.html

1. What is the oldest object you own?

I'm not certain but if I had to guess the compass from my Dad's fishing boat. It looks old, weathered and I believe it was from my grandfather's fishing boat. Alternatively, the oldest object could also be the old metal mold for weights for fishing nets. They're cool artifacts of history but I have to admit I'm not sure what to do with them. They're not antique enough or good enough condition for a museum but they're not things I'm going to use. At some point I might try to clean up the compass and display it somewhere in the house.

2. What object have you owned the longest?

Probably my pink t-shirt from Sparks that reads 'I promise to share & be a friend'. For those who weren't part of the Canadian Girl Guides, Sparks is the girl guide group for 5-6 years that launched in 1988 when I was 5. I stayed in the girl guides from age 5 till I was 13, Sparks to Pathfinders. I still have my sashes with badges too but the t-shirt wins because I've had it for thirty six years now.

Sidebar - Out of curiosity I looked up current girl guide uniforms and I'm so glad they switched to simple t-shirts and I'm glad it's Embers and not Brownies now. I hated that brown dress we used to have to wear. Anytime we had to wear it for school events the shit jokes were inevitable.

3. What is the newest object you own?

The crochet book I ordered that just arrived yesterday: Retro Crochet Style: 15 Beginner-Friendly Patterns to Create Your Vintage-Inspired Closet. I've been getting into granny squares and wanted to make a sweater at some point, this book had a few interesting patterns for constructing clothes out of granny squares.

4. Who is your oldest living relative?

I'm not sure because I'm estranged from all of Dad's crowd and don't really keep touch with Mom's family much anymore either. I think I might be one of my aunt's or my sole living uncle on Dad's side because they should be in their mid to late 70s. Though I wouldn't be surprised to hear there's a great aunt or uncle on Mom's side who's still alive but generally speaking neither side of the family seems to live past 85.

5. Who is your youngest living relative?

No clue, again the joys of estranged family lol. I know a couple of my cousins from Dad's side are grandparents now so I imagine those kids would the youngest relatives I have.

Current Mood: amused
Current Music: Super graphic ultra modern girl - Chappell Roan

Taken from here: The Friday Five: Musical Edition

1. What's your favourite musical?

Ooh, tough. Of all time? Probably Rocky Horror because that’s in regular rotation in my playlists and has been since high school. I still remember the first time I watched the Richard O’Brien & Tim Curry version on MuchMusic back in the day around Halloween. Bought my own VHS copy not long after and played it repeatedly throughout University.

Hamilton & Beetlejuice are also strong contenders. Those two helped me get through the first two years after my parents died & the pandemic began. Sounds dramatic, I know but it is true they helped. Whenever I was feeling in the deep of overwhelm & grief I’d put my headphones on and listen to those albums.

2. Would you rather star in: a musical or movie?

Honestly, a musical because I’d much rather have been in something that has a few bops and is more likely to be a cult classic.

3. Which actor do you think deserves to be in a musical rather than a movie?

There are actors I think would be fun to see in a musical but I don’t really have strong opinions about which actors deserve to be in musicals. Off the top of my head some folks I think would be fun to see in a musical are Idris Elba, Keanu Reeves (imagine John Wick the musical lol), Donald Glover, Iwan Rheon, Evan Rachel Wood, Brie Larson.

4. Which is bigger in your opinion, the Oscars or the Tony Awards?

I suppose the Oscars are bigger but I base that judgement more on what I hear more about in pop culture and everyday conversations. Personally I don’t follow or watch either because award shows don’t really interest me.

5. Should old musicals be shown in cinemas for those who didn't have the chance to catch it?

Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! I would love to see old school musicals on the big screen.

Current Mood: bouncy

Taken from The Friday Five

1. What song do you live for at the moment?

Live for feels a little strong but I do have an earworm and find myself listening to Sad Sweetheart of the Rodeo by Harvey Danger repeatedly. I’m not entirely sure why, it may just be the way the singer sounds in my head or maybe I’m just inherently drawn to escapist energy in the story of Edith wanting to run away to a cowboy dream life. I mean, who doesn’t get excited over the lusty men?

2. Is there a band or artist that you attach to a particular memory? What memory is it?

SO MANY. How do I pick just one?? I can’t so I’m doing four:

AC/DC, particularly Thunderstruck. A memory that is attached to this song is sleeping in a tent on our lawn with my older brother. I was very young, I remember I was dozing when the song started and it scared the living shit out of me. I woke up asking my brother if we were having thunder and did we have to go into the house.

Nora Jones, specifically Sunrise with a particularly romantic moment with my ex.

Alanis Morissette, listening to the Jagged Little Pill album for the first time while I was (ironically) in a tent with cousins at 11 or 12 years old. It was my aunt’s tape, my younger cousins weren’t into it but I remember it feeling like a switch in my brain. I always loved music but it felt like I appreciated it in a different way.

The Arkells with my current partner. He introduced me to them, they were often playing in his car when we met up for dates so listening to them bring up memories of our early months.

3. What's the most beautiful song lyric you've ever heard?

So far, the first song that pops in my mind is I’ve loved you before by Melissa Etheridge. The first part always struck me as lovely:

“When I think of how you know me,
No doubts no thinking twice.
When your smile can be so soothing,
A familiar paradise.”

4. If you could choose any band/artist to cover any song, which combination would you pick?

I have no idea, I love covers but they can be so hit or miss sometimes. Also my brain can become weirdly attached to the first version I’ve heard of a song, be it the original or cover which can ruin other versions for me.

5. What's the best concert you've ever attended?

Tough question because they’ve all generally been pretty good so it’s hard to narrow it down to the best. My first instinct is that it’s a tie between seeing the Arkells with my partner or seeing Leonard Cohen with my ex-bff.

The Arkells were playing the George Street Festival and it was a gorgeous night for an outside concert, a good size crowd but not intense and we had lucked out by snagging a great spot early on. The opening acts Repartee & July Talk were new to me at the time and I fell in love with July Talk. It was one of those concerts were all the acts were fantastic and high energy.

As for Leonard Cohen, he was just an amazing performer and surprisingly lively. It was his last tour I believe and even though I was a fan, seeing him perform was a life goal for my former friend so we went big for the best seats we could get and I’m so happy we did. It was such a great night, he sang almost all the songs we were hoping to hear, and I remember we were buzzing with joy afterwards.

Current Mood: okay
Current Music: Jesus he knows me - Genesis

Taken from HERE

1. Are you prepared for the Zombie Apocalypse (essentially any disaster, natural or otherwise)?

I’m torn between “Probably not” and “In some ways” for my answer but the truth is, unless it’s a definite yes then I’m not prepared. I have the items & documents I need but it could be better organized as I’m sure in an emergency it’s going to be a frantic scrabble to get it all together. So yeah, that might be a Sunday project for me in the near future.

2. What's in your bug-in (stay safe at home) kit?

+ Water, I’ve a few extra liters stored in the garage and if I get a little warning I usually fill up a couple of buckets and our hot water thermos kettles
+ Flashlights
+ Emergency crank radio
+ Batteries & Power banks
+ Candles & matches
+ Canned food, tea bags
+ Tarps
+ First Aid kit

3. What's in your bug-out bag?

I don’t currently have a bug-out bag so yeah, that needs to be put together. As for what’s going in it:
+ Important documents / IDs and photocopies
+ A week’s worth of underwear & socks, sleepwear, & two/three days worth of clothes
+ Notebook & a couple of pencils/pens
+ Cash
+ Power bank & charging cords
+ Tablet
+ Headphones
+A book, depending if I can fit it

4. What's on your 'to get' list?

I might pick up some hand warming packs in the winter for our kit but other than that, I’m not sure. I think we have everything we need, it’s just a matter of getting organized but hey, always open to suggestions if anyone has them.

5. Do you keep gear in your vehicle, if so, what?

I do have a premade emergency kit in my car that has a small first aid kit, emergency blanket, and hazard markers. During the winter I always keep a small shovel & ice scraper/brush in the car as well. Sometimes a bag of rock salt as well, depending on how slippery it is.

Current Mood: contemplative

Original post @

thefridayfive

1. What’s the last thing you got in the mail?

Besides flyers? I think it was a seat cushion I ordered for my office chair at home to try and break myself from the habit of sitting with one of my legs tucked. My brain feels like this is the most comfortable, satisfying position but my left hip is violently disagreeing. I still catch myself doing but I think it's getting better so grateful for that mail delivery.

2. What’s the last thing you sent in the mail?

Shamefully, it was probably last winter when I mailed a knitted shawl to my friend in BC for her birthday. I wish I mailed out stuff more tbh, especially postcards & cards because I love collecting those things but never send them out. I'd like to sign up for a mailing group but every time I've looked it seems like I just miss a sign up and I forget to check back.

3. How many unread emails are in your inbox right now?

Zero unread. I'm one of those people who can't stand the red notification of unread emails. I'd personally would like follow the Inbox Zero routine but I also like being able to search through my emails when I can't remember something.

4. What is your most recent text message about?

My office lottery group and basically how much we all want to win this week's (or any week's) jackpot.

5. Do you have a favorite postage stamp design?

I love the designs put out for Lunar New Year by Canada Post, usually gold and red themed that are so pretty.

Current Mood: full

Taken from the

thefridayfive

1. What is your favorite vegetable?

I love a lot of vegetables but I'm going for the one I eat raw or cooked with no sauce or additives: Peppers. Red, yellow, and orange preferred but I'll happily munch on green peppers too. Close follow-ups are tomatoes (I know, I know fruit discourse) & broccoli.

2. What is your favorite fruit?

Fresh cherries. Growing up, the only cherries I knew were the maraschino cherries that are used for cherry cake or cocktails. I honestly don't ever remember even seeing fresh cherries in person until I was 21 & studying in the UK for the summer. Had them there and was hooked. They're more common in Newfoundland now in the summer months but very pricey so I only indulge once every summer. Second & third place go to apples & strawberries.

3. What is your favorite cheese?

In these lactose-free days it's whatever Monsieur Gustav gouda or whatever lactose free stuff I can find. Previously I would have said old cheddar or blue but I have yet to find any decent lactose free versions of those.

4. What is your favorite dessert?

If there's a Crème brûlée on the menu then I'm absolutely saving space to order dessert but it's tied with the classic chocolate chip cookie. If I was reincarnated as a muppet I would be Sid the Cookie Monster.

5. What is your favorite beverage?

Hot - Tough choice but's probably coffee. I'm a huge tea lover but I am picky about teas. In the meanwhile I can tolerate even the worst coffee as long as it has plant or lactose free cream/milk.

Cold - Ginger Ale. I mean water is better but if I'm feeling any bit low or sick I absolutely indulge in ginger ale.

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Sharing this friending meme I originally saw thanks to

smallrobot in case anyone is looking to add some new journals to their reading page.

1. How many languages do you speak?

I speak English fluently and consider that my only language but I can say & read a few phrases in French & Spanish.

2. What is your mother tongue?

English.

3. What is a language that you would like to learn and why?

French because it is the second language of Canada. I wish I had been a more attentive student back in my elementary days....though, in my defense, I do have issues with pronunciation and had to do extra classes for speech therapy when I was in school.

4. Does it bother you when people speak a language you don't know in front of you? Why or why not?

No, because I assume most times it's not about me and even if there are times when I think it might be about me, it speaks more to their character if they choose to talk about me in that way.

5. Speak to me.

I wasn't going to do this Friday Five at first because I only speak one language but I'm glad I did. While I was answering question 3 I had a revelation about the speech therapy classes I used to do and how they might tie into some issues I've been discussing with my therapist. So, yay for that.

Original post here: Link |

thefridayfive

Current Mood: surprised

1. If you could spend 24 hours locked in a room with anyone, from any time in history (including the present) or a fictional character, who would you choose?

24 hours in a room with anyone sounds awful to be honest. I mean, is there a bathroom? A bed? A kettle? I don’t think I’d be a pleasant person to be around in a room with anyone for a full 24 hours without necessities and when I read this question I just picture a big, blank room with me and one other person.

However, if I had to pick someone it would have to be Mom. The obvious answer to questions like this but it’s the truth. I miss talking to her and there is so much I wish I could ask her. Also, we’d be the best at getting alone in a room for 24 hours since we’ve done it before.

2. Is there anyone question you consistently ask everyone important to you?

What’s the first fun purchase you would make if you ever won the lotto? I generally find most folks answer the question ‘What would you do if you won the lotto?’ with the same answers of bills, debt, home, vehicle, or charity which are incredibly reasonable & what I’d do too but adding the quantifier of ‘fun purchase’ usually makes the answer different. People get more specific in the answer which can be surprising. Plus, it’s fun to discuss their lotto daydreams.

3. If you had to choose one personally important question to never have the answer to, what would it be?

I honestly cannot think of a question I would never want to answer again. I mean, there are questions I hate answering due to past associations & experiences and that can feel frustrating because I don't always have the energy to manage those responses but that's not always a guaranteed experience.

4. If you could change one life-changing event in your life, would you?

Yes, I would.

5. Which household chores do you hate the most, and why?

Mopping the kitchen floor. I generally hate mopping because it never feels clean after the first time, at least to me. After the floor dries I have to go over it again with a broom or vacuum and then mop it again. I prefer chores I don’t have to immediately redo for results. Plus if you accidentally use too much cleaner or the wrong kind of cleaner it can make the floor sticky and I despise sticky floors.