Monday Madness asks................... which one?

1. diamonds or pearls? - funny you should ask, pearls - S and I visited a pearl farm in Tahiti; it is quite fascinating the work required to cultivate these beautiful items. I personally prefer the more natural (less perfect looking) fresh water pearl.

2. paperback or hardcover books? I only own/keep resource materials; therefore, I prefer hardcovers, but I have many paperbacks and that's just fine. The paperbacks are easier to carry around.

3. carpet or hardwood floors? hardwood- but of course i only say this because i do not like carpet - the concept is weird to me because there is no way any vacuum cleaner can get all the dirt and whatever else that gets in the carpet.

4. dogs or cats? Dogs - although they do require more attention than cats, I prefer them for that same reason - I can love on Bravo when I want to not only when he wants it. unconditional love is the love of a dog.

5. fluffy or firm pillow? firm, but I've yet to find the perfect pillow

6. fine point or medium point pens? Fine!

7. clocks a little fast or on time? On time - why mess with my own head? that's foolish

8. mahjong or spider solitaire (or other)? i haven't played mahjong in ages because I think our computer troubles start from the game sites, but I was hooked. now, spider will do for a while.

9. wall calendar or desk calendar? small one on fridge and smaller one in purse

10. 'Survivor' or 'The Amazing Race?' in the past, I prefered Amazing Race, but this season, Survivor wins - the family thing just isn't cutting it.

Monday Madness inquires.....

Which one?

1. Lemonade or Iced Tea? Lemonade, but my new favorite is Crystal light's ruby red grapefruit!

2. DVD or VHS? I'm still with the VHS, but only rent movies from the cable company.

3. Gold or Silver? white gold - I don't do silver well due to the tarnishing, but I'm not fond of the yellow gold on me.

4. Baseball or Tennis? If I must, I will say tennis; the fact is I'm really not into either.

5. Spring or Autumn? Spring! Spring! Spring! 'boing, boing, boing' livening up again!

6. Diet or Regular? usually diet, but I sometimes get a regular for the extra kick of sugar!

7. Hearts or Stars? Stars I guess; never thought about it before

8. Snail Mail or Email? both - they each have their purpose!

9. Shop: Online or In-Store? both are fun to me! when I need to look at the item first, the store it is; otherwise, it's pretty fun having things delivered. I bought many books at amazon and massage stuff from massage warehouse which is in GA!

10. Credit Card or Check? credit card - the airline tickets come in handy (points)

What a relief! There's nothing better than seeing all that garbage go away. I borrowed Mom's alarm and set it for 6:40am. At 6:48, I heard a very faint beep. I thought to myself, hmmm what's that noise? Oh, the alarm - why do I have to get up? The garbage! I put on my sweatshirt and Mom's shoes (thanks Mom.) and immediately walked to the front door - the trash man pulled up just as I was going outside. Cool, I didn't have to wait for him. I hobbled out to the front and realized he was already grabbing all the windows (we had them out all week for vultures), so I quickly modified my plan. Instead of "sweet talking" him into taking everything, I thanked him. I made sure I was visible and said, "hey, I just wanted to thank you for taking all this stuff; you're really helping out a lot." He responded, "no problem." I stayed out there and sure enough he emptied one of the containers that we were trying to get rid of and I told him that can go too, this is the only good one (touching the trash can.) He took 3 custom designed litter boxes, at least 20 buckets and all the little crap we put out there. My day is complete now.

Otto's Monday Madness Presents 5 questions.....

1. Name one productive thing you accomplished this past weekend. Cleaned the bathroom - I've accomplished so much more, but this was my favorite to accomplish not to do.

2. Name two things that you look forward to doing. Sleeping in my own bed and hugging my dog - not at the same time; he doesn't get in the bed.

3. Name three things that gross you out. Other people's puke, baby spit and touching something slimey without being able to see what it is.

4. Name four things that you normally do on a daily basis. straighten the house (as opposed to "cleaning" it) , walk the dog, eat and feed the dog.

5. Name five things that you own that you think you could get rid of and not miss. My books to facilitate learning English (from when I taught.), thinking, thinking - I don't have 5 things I could get rid of 'cause if I could, I probably already did.

From Otto's Monday Madness.............

1. What's on your computer desk? the monitor, keyboard, two speakers, cable modem, mouse, mousepad, two pens, a pen, palm pilot, and two pads of paper which all belong - we also have my itinerary, business cards and AMTA membership card, a rubber mallet, an envelope with three cd's of Tahiti pics (from friends), a small tool set and a towel. hmmm, it doesn't feel cluttered, but it sure sounds that way - I guess I can move some of the things.

2. What does your computer desktop background look like? oh this is easy...... BLUE

3. What's on your agenda for the upcoming week? I had blood drawn today (routine tests), tidied the house and did a massage. Tomorrow I hope to wash my car, drop off some stuff at goodwill, do laundry and pack. Wednesday morn' i head out for Michigan!