This week's questions come from one of our faithful participants, Jan (that's me). I thought of these questions on my way home from class last Friday evening. My Friday evening drive is the worst one I have; mostly I go against the grain (imagine that.)

1. Describe what you believe is a "good" driver. In my opinion, a good driver is one who obeys the traffic laws, but that is not enough. You must also not be timid, usually drive 5-10 miles over the speed limit depending on the dynamic of the area in which you are driving, and totally be aware of your surroundings. Do not compete with the drivers around you even if you are in a hurry or you know they are stupid. Competing on the highway is like target practice in a crowded room; you are bound to hurt someone and guess what? you just may not make it to your destination.

2. Describe a "bad" driver (your opinion of course). I now realize this was a crazy question to some because they will probably just say, "the opposite of my first answer," but for those who like to be heard, you can get creative and not be so boring as that. In my opinion, the worst driver is self absorbed, therefore he/she is not aware of anything or anyone around them; on the highway or any road for that matter, this is totally unacceptable.

3. Which category do you fit in? Please back up your answer. Feel free to use examples! I'm a good driver which sometimes people perceive as timid. I tend to drive with the 3 second rule of distance between cars which usually causes me to slow down a bit every time someone invades the space in front of me. I am very seldom late to my destination as a result of this, so I will continue to do it. I am very aware of my surroundings in all situations in life, so it is no different on the road.

Since we're on the subject, I would like to share that in my opinion, the driver's in S. CA are the worst drivers I've ever shared the road with. Susan has informed me that usually when I say they are all "stupid," that it's not that simple. They are so self absorbed that they are all that matters. Interesting thought don't you think; these people are the polar opposite of the people I lived with and around in Georgia. If you know me, you know where I stand on this topic.

Bravo and I were just leaving the neighborhood on our second walk for the day and this lady pulls up. She rolled down her window and I said to her, "you just messed up the pavement and maybe your car" to which she asked, "how am I supposed to get out of here?" "You're not, " I said. She asked, "how was I supposed to know?" I responded, "well the tar is wet and the road is blocked."

Bravo looked at me with an expression that said, "Mommy, are humans really that stupid?" I smiled and we walked on.

I'm all for helping a damsel in distress, but this lady was just stupid! Besides the fact that I was angry with her for messing up the road! I'm sure it's not over; tonight someone will move the orange cones so they can get to their garage. Do these people not realize that they paid for this and it isn't cheap?

From Otto's Monday Madness once again..... I can't believe I hadn't blogged since last Monday!

1. What was your favorite TV show as a child? The most memorable of my favorites is -"the courtship of Eddie's Father." It was just a good wholesome, sweet show.

2. What show did you hate? who knows? If I hated it, I'm sure I just let go and moved on.

3. What show did your family gather around the TV to watch? I don't remember specific weekly shows, but I think I remember gathering around to watch The Sound of Music and various other movie musicals and Disney movies which used to be on Sunday at 7pm I believe.

4. What show is currently your favorite? Survivor - even though this season is the worst one yet.

5. What show do you hate now? You know what Otto? I think you had a Monday Madness like this set not too long ago - hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm - I don't really hate any shows because if they don't please me during my first viewing, I just don't go back; therefore, I don't develop any type of relationship with it.

From Monday Madness....


1. What is your solution for cabin fever - you know that feeling of being penned in the house all winter? That hasn't been a problem for the past 14 years - the most recent two being in SD CA and the 12 before that being in southeast Georgia. If it were a problem, I guess I would get out of the house!

2. Who are the people in your neighbourhood...in your neighbourhood, in your neighbourhood.....? what? I'll take a stab at this based on what i think is meant (not literally my neighborhood, right?) My seeesters, Mom, Dad, Susan, Bravo and some friends from school

3. What's the best thing about spring? the positive energy that it brings

4. Any Easter traditions? not yet

5. How old were you believing in the Easter bunny? I don't recall, but I know I held on to Santa Clause for a good while.

I'm attending Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. This school is primarily for acupunturists, but they also have a program for massage therapists. I'm training to be a massage therapist.

Oriental Medicine is very interesting; for that reason, I don't regret having chosen this school. I will probably take some massage classes elsewhere too though in order to get a strong background in massage. I along with many other massage students feel we are looked at as "future acupuncurists" rather than massage therapist students; therefore we feel as though we are being treated as secondary to the acupuncture students.

I recently spoke with the president of PCOM about my anatomy II instructor. This instructor always complained about being tired because he is working 12 hour days. He often would be corrected by other students and he is somewhat difficult to understand. I also showed some quizzes and specific questions to the president. He totally agreed with me that they were terribly written and just "not good test questions."

In the same meeting that I spoke about him, I complimented my Shiatsu instructor. I believe in telling about good experiences as well as the bad.

Guess what? Next semester, my Shiatsu instructor will be teaching Anatomy II. Coincidence? I don't think so. Do I feel great about the result of my meeting? No, I feel cheated and want my money back. Since It is not target or Wal-mart, I guess I'll just have to settle for being content knowing that I helped affect change for the better.

From Otto's Monday Madness - continuing to keep it interesting ---- Otto presents!!!!!!!

Think of words beginning with each letter of your name (I chose screen name) to describe yourself...
Bad to the bone --- he he he he
Uncompromising when necessary
Good when I want to be good

*And as a bonus question, using the same letters, make a list of things you would like to do before this calendar year is over.
Be in better physical shape
Unionize some photos into a book
Give away some of Susan's clothes that she no longer wears

I got a phone call the other day. It was a call from far far away from people I love and who also love me. It was a call "just cause." you know --- no tragedy, no profound happenings --- just cause

How many calls do you make just to say, "hi?" I try to make them too, but I'm pretty sure we could all do it more often.

It's a good thing.

Love you Mom and Dad!

From Lulu's Lines......

I can't think!!!!!!!!! period. the end. what else is there to say? JUst KIDDING! In fact, it is difficult to think of a sentence that begins that way; therefore, I can't think of anything else to say about it.

On a different note, I now fear that my paper will be too long. I'll keep you posted.

This week's Monday Madness presents.......................

How many hours do you spend per week doing the following things?

1. Watching television -----------------more than I should, but I'll admit to 15

2. Sitting at the computer -------------once again, more than I should and I will admit to 15

3. Reading a book-----------------------I haven't read a novel in ages, but I read reference material regularly but still less than I should; probably about 8

4. House work----------------I'm pretty good at this one; at least 10, but it depends on what needs more than just regular maintenance. On a day off from school, it could be 3 or 4 hours in one day depending on the project.

5. Cooking--------------ha, ha, ha... actual cooking? maybe one hour, but I "fix" things to eat.

6. Eating---------It's difficult to say since I'm a "grazer." 6? who knows; it depends on how hungry I am.

7. Driving--------at least 6, but sometimes more; on friday's, I don't really drive, I coast in heavy traffic and it takes anywhere from 40-60 minutes to return home.

8. Working outside of your home. ZERO!

9. Blogging ------1 or 2

10. Sleeping-------------on average, 6 hours/night which comes to 42. I'd say that's pretty good.