Wednesday, November 14, 2007

7 Things About Me and a New Award

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at PhotobucketFirst I need to thank Joy from The Joy of who gave me this award. It is such an honor for me especially coming from her. She is such a sweet and genuine person; a great friend and wife, a caring mother and honest businesswoman - Joy's name is the perfect description for her.

I want to pass this award on to Barb at The Life and Times of a SuperMom, Rosemary at Rosemary's Attic and Angela at The Voluptuary. All three women are super sweet but so genuine about everything. I don't think a fake bone exists in their bodies. And I love that about them!

Now on to the Seven Things About Me. I was named by Nancy at Knitting Paths of Life a while back and just recently by Anita at Prairie Dreams. It's hard for me to do this type of meme because I rarely hold anything back. I tell you all everything whether you asked for it or not. Because I ramble on and on you would think it would be easy. Well it's not. So here goes nothing:

1. I have slight touch of OCD when it comes to this one thing. If something touches my right side, something must
then have to touch my left. Freak, I know. But seriously, say you tap me on my right shoulder, tap tap tap. I swear it leaves an impression, an indentation of sorts until I touch my left shoulder, tap tap tap. It's a feeling of being balanced. I can't explain it. But that would be the fastest and least messy way of driving me insane. Touch one side of me and then don't allow me to touch the other side. Yep - HUGE FREAK. I know. Can't help it.

2. I am notorious for getting my finger or thumb stuck in something. For instance, a pop bottle, a roll of tape, a bowling ball! Yep, you read that right. Holly and I went bowling years ago. And when I was picking out a ball, I found this little, teeny tiny 6 pounder. My thought was I could hurl it down the lane. WRONG! I tried it out and my thumb got stuck in the hole. I tried to hide it from her but alas I couldn't it get it off. I plopped this ball and thumb down on the desk and asked the attendant if he could help me. Once he stopped laughing, he found some lotion or baby powder (I can't remember anymore it's been so long) and that worked. POP! My thumb popped out and I ended up having to bowl with a 10 pounder (common size for me now but not back then) because my thumb had swelled so much.

3. I love the beach. I know that you probably already know that but to what degree? I adore the water. It might be because I'm a Pisces. Or it might be that I live in western PA where the closest body of water is Lake Erie and that's 2+ hours away. I don't know. But I NEED to live by the water. It is my dream to someday be able to look out my bedroom balcony at the ocean. And not just for a week on vacation. There is something about the ocean that I can't describe. But I have to be near it.

4. I'm allergic to cats. Yes, I know. I have 6 of them. But, if you get a kitten, when they have no dander, by the time they develop it, you're immune to it. Now if I walk into your house with cats, new dander so to speak, I'm terribly allergic. Hives, itching, sneezing, the whole nine yards. And even if I got a long-haired cat as a kitten I would still be allergic. Long haired cats mess with me big time!

5. I'm afraid of heights. Not in the way you're thinking though. I can (and have) stand at the top of the Empire State Building and look down and think nothing of it. I have looked out the crown of the Statue of Liberty (which is no longer an option in the wake of 9/11) with no problem. I have no problem climbing up anything, but don't ask me to climb back down. A few years ago my cousins and I went to McConnell's Mills. We trekked up this rocky hill and picnicked on this plateau overlooking the falls. It was beautiful. Until I had to climb back down. I was completely frozen in fear and my cousin John had to put my arms around his neck while I leaned into his back to lead me back down the hill.

6. I'm a smoker. Terrible, yes. Expensive, you're telling me. Harmful to myself and others, I know. But it is a habit that I can't break. And the reason why you ask? Because I don't want to. Now how sad is that? But I like to smoke. I like holding the cigarette. I like the cool 'hit' I get when I inhale (I smoke menthol.) IT'S A TERRIBLE HABIT. So I pray for the desire to quit. That's first. If you don't want to quit, you won't. So, say a prayer for me that I'll have the desire to quit. Then once I have the desire, I'll pray for the will power to do it.

7. I have a tattoo and a half. Don't laugh, it's possible! My first tattoo was a flower toe ring. It was adorable! It was a yellow flower with purple accents and green ivy to make the 'ring.' The man told me to keep it moist for the first few days. I put Neosporin on it. Logical, right? Wrong. Neosporin is an antibiotic. It pulls out everything foreign in your body. Including your brand new tattoo ink. So it's very faded now, barely noticeable in fact. So when I went to get the one on my back (my cousin Sherry drew me a beautiful dragonfly that ended up looking like a butterfly when he was done) the guy told me - Keep this moist for a few days. I said ok, like with Neosporin. His head almost snapped off. 'No, that...did you put that on your toe??' Yeah why, I asked. And then he told me. I guess he meant like A&D ointment or Vaseline. Well I wasn't taking any chances the second time around so I bought the Tattoo Goo at a ridiculously high cost just to be sure! I'm proud to say that the Butterdragonfly on my back is still there and it's not faded!

Now, I'm not going to assign this meme to anyone. But please, if anyone hasn't done this, it can be really fun. Not just for the reader but for the writer. Unless you're an open book like me and can't come up with anything new.

Blessing of the day: I'm blessed to have friends like Holly in my life. She sent Bill to work (Kenny's BF who works with him) with a package of pie weights for me, The Bible on cassette and The World's Bible Handbook by Robert Boyd. Little things that she had or found while shopping that she knew I would like. She's my best friend and I love her!

44 comments:

Elle Jay Bee said...

I laughed at your need to be "balanced". It made me think of my daughter when she was a toddler. She'd stick out her hand to receive a cookie, and then once it was in her hand she'd stick out the other, exclaiming, "Two-ie"...she had to have two!! It didn't matter is we broke the same cookie in half and placed each piece in her hand, as long as she had "two-ie", she was happy (and balanced, like you!!).

Although it wasn't your intention to send me down memory lane, thank you...

Linda

Kristen said...

Thanks for sharing! I too was a smoker and quit about 7 years ago when my daughter came home from school crying because she couldn't understand why I would smoke when I knew what it would do to my body. She said, "don't you want to be here when I am old, Mom?" That did it. I just didn't want the cigarette as badly as I wanted to enjoy my children later in life, and I just couldn't bear to see her that upset. You did a good job of sharing new bits of info! :)

Mary said...

Love the story about the bowling ball -- too funny! I can't imagine ever getting a tatoo -- I'm a total coward about pain. LOL
Loved learning more about you, and congratulations on the awards!
xoxo,
Mary

Alice said...

That was so much fun to read. I had to giggle at a few of them and I could totally identify with others. Although when it comes to heights, I'm the opposite, I can't go up but I can come back down....unless there are open stairs. Then just forget the whole thing. :)

Bethany said...

You are super sweet...you deserve that award!!!
You also taught me something new about cat allergies! I don't have them, but then I think you may have answered why I don't. And I'm afraid of heights too!!--I used to say that's why God made me so tall-- I don't need to be any higher!! My stepfather is just like you with smoking too. He started young and just can't give it up. He's gone through battling throat cancer and still went back. We all have our vices but you're right about the fact that YOU have to want to change or you won't. I guess it comes down to the question of how you see yourself and who you want to be. You obviously want to be a smoker so you'll just have to take the consequences with that decision. I want to eat Pumpkin Pie until my stomach aches, so I'll just accept that my jeans won't fit for two or more weeks!!!! :))

lori said...

FUNNY story....
YEARS ago we went to McConnell's Mills ~ I was in maybe middle school...
DAD FELL IN~ ALL THE WAY IN...off the rocks..goofing around like he was going to DIVE in well, he slipped and SPLASH~ When I read about that McConnell's Mill in your post I LAUGHED OUTLOUD...
you brought back a memory...

I loved reading about those 7 things..feel like I know you even better now!

BORROW, TAKE, STEAL the prayer, I wrote it so it's not very eloquent...
HA...far more eloquent writers out there..
what's mine is yours~~

OH and I would NEVER get a tatoo...I'd never make it in...terrified of needles...I'd pass out in the parking lot...

:) you made me laugh!! gotta call dad right now and see if HE remembers that slip into the creek..
I remember he had to drive home with just a blanket wrapped around him...we girls had to 'close our eyes!' So much for the family outing at the mill!

hugs,
lori

BittersweetPunkin said...

Hi Julie!! I'm a Beach Bum too!!
I don't have any tattoos...my other 3 sisters each have one and I guess I just want to be different..LOL!
Love,
Robin

Anonymous said...

You are such a fun and lively little lovey noodle. Just love coming to visit.
Alexandra

Anonymous said...

LOL I have to agree with Alexandra...you are a noodle!

HUGS BLESSINGS LOVE

Anonymous said...

oh shoot goofed again

Webmaster said...

A toe tattoo. Wow. Julie, I am so mortally afraid of needles, and that just seems like such a sensitive area! Did it hurt?

(thanks for sharing your meme, by the way. ... I may do that on my blog)

bj said...

You are such a hoot, girl !! I loved reading your 7 things.
I was a smoker for 40 years, loving every single minute of it. I was MORE than certain that NOBODY, NO....BODY, loved them more or had such a tight addiction than ME ! Well, I went on a 3 day Walk to Emmas and just prayed for HIM to take the desire away, only for those 3 days, so that I could spend my time with HIM, not having to worry about "when can I get a smoke"...Well, HE took that desire away, for the 3 days and then some.
It has been 5 yrs now and I've NEVER even THOUGHT about wanting a smoke. Isn't that just the most awesome thing you've ever heard? I thank HIM every day. I will pray for you, too!
hugs, bj
OH, P.S. If I can screw up enuf backbone, I would LOVE to have a toe ring tatoo..wonder how it would look on a 69 year old toe???haha

Nan said...

Loved hearing all your things, especially the tattoo story. LOL
Nan

Anonymous said...

Wowzers! Thank you so much for my award! Can't think how I earned it, but I accept! Also, (guilt guilt guilt) I am a smoker too. Le sigh, le hack, le cough.

Dena said...

Hi Julie,

You are always so open and I just love that about you! I am slightly OCD too, but it creeps on me more heavily when I'm stressed...I'll fold a towel three times over because I have to have it completely even and the tag has to be on the inside. Hummm. I should cut the tags...

Hugs,
D

Kari (GrannySkywalker) said...

So you're a tattoo'd smoker, eh? Who would have thunk? lol

I quit smoking in February, after about 25 years. I'm really, really glad I quit. But that doesn't mean I don't "lean into" someone else's second hand smoke when I walk by them. Ahhhhhhh. lol

I was thinking that I don't have any OCD leanings ('cause I'm just so darn cool, you know) when I started reading the comments left for this post. Then I realized that I may have a bit of an issue, too. I cannot stand for the tags to show on my dishtowels or bath towels or throw pillows or anything else like that. It positively makes me nuts!! Is that OCD? Naaaaahhhhh. What? It is? Are you sure?? lol

Anonymous said...

I too was tagged but yours is far more interesting...love that tatoo story LOL!
Mary

Karen H. said...

Good Afternoon Julie,
I have been here before when you was giving away the crystal Christmas Tree. But I am coming today by way of Tammy from My Gentle Retreat. Congratulations on your Community Blogger Award. Tammy is such a sweetie. I love reading her blog everyday. I enjoyed reading your meme. I have to say that I'm a smoker also. I know I need to quit too, but it is very hard to do. It is quiet expensive since me and hubby smoke. I don't have a tattoo, but have always wanted one. Hubby has one on his arm. He won't let me get one tho. I have my own blog called Karen's Korner. I think you have been by there before also. I am out visiting those that Tammy posted on her blog this morning. I do hope you will come back and visit when you have time. Take care my friend and God Bless You.

Hugs,
Karen H.

From the Doghouse said...

I'm the same way about being balanced. It's weird but it's me.

Talk..to..Grams said...

Hi, What a beautiful blog you have!! I am here by the way of Tammy's blog list, too!! It is a lot fun making new friends! Come by and visit me anytime you can! Blessings Grams

PAT said...

Hi Julie, I'll be back this evening to read your post. Busy with the Bride this afternoon. I did want to stop by and let you know, I've added a link on today's post at the back porch. It will take you to my 2006 Christmas Album at Photobucket!

Thanks! Pat

R17 said...

thank you for visiting my blog!

Emily said...

Julie- If someone touches a certain spot on my back, I jump. It never fails.

I hope you get your house by the sea, someday.

I hope you can quit smoking, soon. I know it must be hard. My grandpa quit through hypnotism. Maybe that could be an option.

rosemary said...

OK>>>>>second try.

Thank you Julie for the wonderful award. I am honored. As for the sweet thing....maybe as sauce for my pasta....faux? Nope, too old for that stuff. Thank you.

Cottage Contessa said...

Julie, love it! I was reading and smiling away thinking "yay, I'm not the only (shall we say) "special" person in the world"! lol And I am exactly the same about loving the water and nearing to be near it. The home we have now is near the beach, and we put in a pool just so I could have water, water, water! Thanks for sharing, you are such a sweetheart.
Amanda (aka Cottage Contessa)

Cindy said...

Those were great to read! I stopped smoking 3 years ago this month. I really enjoyed smoking too but some guy (a friend of a friend) told me he would give me $1,000 in one year if I stopped. He never paid up but it was the motivation I needed and I've never regretted quitting!

Anonymous said...

I loved reading that post. I hate heights too!

Rose of Sharon said...

What fun things to know about you! I am not happy that you are a smoker though! BAD, BAD, BAD! I only know you from blogging, but I already love you and I don't want you off the planet sooner than your scheduled to be, so you need to stop! I work for cardiac surgeons and smoking is not good at all for you!

Other than that, your info is fun. Too bad about your cute toe ring fading, that is a bummer!

Hugs, Sharon
P.S. Stop smoking!!! :0)

Distant Timbers Echo said...

Haha! You know, regarding your first one... I used to be like that also! I would have to finish the line of a song if someone started it and EVERYTHING had to be balanced. If one eye brow raised up, the other would have to follow.

On a side note, I always love coming to your blog!

savvycityfarmer said...

I think we should go looking for the guy that still owes Cindy 1000.00

Sweet Remembrance said...

I will remember to always tap you on the left side...
You are also in my prayers to want to stop smoking! I have never smoked but my oldest son did and he quit at the first of the year and still struggles, so I know how difficult it is to quit!
My tat on my toe has faded and looks terrible...I was told it would fade fast because the skin is more poreous and is exposed to sun more???
Anyway...my toe ring looks like dirt!
Priscilla

Donna said...

Julie, you make me laugh! I loved the bowling ball story. Congrats on the award!
Donna

bj said...

Julie, I am pretty sure that, with you, what you see is what you get..no airs, just plain honesty..I just LOVE that about you!
I don't have a cat but if I did, he would be welcome on my table, too!! :)
hugs, bj

Supermom said...

Julie... I love your sincereity, your realness, your sweetnes, your honesty, your frienship, your honesty, your .... well, everything....

I am new to these 'awards' so I have to learn what to do with them. Since I am on limited online time being out of the office... it might take a few days.

I just didn't want you to think I didn't appreciate your kudos...I do... I just need to figure out what to do with the honor (putting them on my site, etc.)

(((((JULIE))))))

Unknown said...

Congrats on your award! And I loved the 7 things about you. I too am a big time beach lover and want so bad to live (at least part of the year) someday by the beach. I mean the ocean, which I could look at all day. And I love cats too. But I just have one, that is totally spoiled rotten.

Susie said...

Hi Julie,
I'm here from Tammy's to say "hi" I enjoyed reading through your list of 7 things.
You and I share a love of the ocean, but I can pop over to the Pacific fairly quickly from where I live.
We'll be going to the beach very soon, and I'll share pictures!!
:)

Nancy said...

To answer your question Julie, I cannot say I am a football fan at all, but I do like the Brown's over Steelers, Sorry. To big a rivalry there. Kristen is our big
football fan.
I am a pisces too, I love sitting on a balcony looking over the ocean. I am very superstitious.

Anonymous said...

Julie I guess I hold you up so high that no matter what you do Id love you. You know as didn't know that Paula Deen is a smoker until her last book. I like you have smoked. I have laid it down for up to nine years. Now when I get uptight I could chew one lol.

Sling said...

I took the national smoker's test,and discovered that I smoke because I need something to do with my hands..Plus,it makes me look grown up.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Hi Julie,
Fun to get to know a little more about you! Do you want one more smokers story? Probably not! I remember when I smoked (2 packs a day for 25 years) I really didn't want to listen to stories on how to quit. I too loved smoking. but that is the addiction part.

My husband had a heart attack. He smoked 2 packs a day too. The doctor told him he would die if he kept smoking. He quit. I quit, so he wouldn't start up again. Love (and wanting to keep the one I love) is a strong thing. Stronger than a nicotine addiction. That was 8 years ago. Don't miss it a bit.
Penny

Rosemary said...

Hi Julie,
You are so funny!
I love your list! You really do need to quit the smoking,
but you already know that. I get the balance thing.

Rosemary

kari and kijsa said...

Congratulations on your award....you really deserve.....it couldn't go to a nicer person!

Have a very blessed day!

smiles, kari and kijsa

Kim @ Home Is Where The Heart Is said...

Dear Julie,
I have finally gotten around to visiting! I loved reading your list!
Love, Kim

Debra from Bungalow said...

Congrats on the award! You sure deserve it!.
I loved reading those things about you....don't you think we're all a bit OCD about some things?
Girl, you need to rethink the smoking thing. I quit about 12 yrs ago after smoking for a long long long time.....I enjoyed every puff!