Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Random Things

Mary Ellen at Bad Habit has tagged me for a meme. I don't usually do memes, but I rather like this one, even though I don't like talking about myself. There's not much to say... In any case, the object of the meme is to discuss six random things about ... me ... So, here in no particular order, are six really boring random things about myself.

1. I love yellow. Henry Ford once said about his Model T Ford, "The customer can have any color he wants so long as it's black". Well, I feel that way about yellow. I will wear any color, as long as it's yellow. To me, yellow is the color of sunshine. I feel happy when I wear yellow. Kind of sappy, I know, but ... Vancouver can tend to be grey, grey, grey, so my raincoat is yellow, my rain slickers are yellow, my umbrella is yellow with blue flowers on it ... I think you get the idea.

2. I don’t like ostentatious things. I would love to live in a simple cottage with hollyhocks around the door. In fact, I would love to live in a log cabin with a rustic stone fireplace, real hardwood floors with area rugs, lots of windows, perhaps on a lake, with a rowboat and a canoe parked next to the dock. I would spend my summers swimming in the lake, or puttering around in my canoe, and for the rest of the year I would go for meandering walks through the woods.

3. I have OCD and everything in my cupboards is all lined up, with the labels facing out. In my refrigerator, the milk, eggs, cheese, fruit, vegetables, mayonnaise, salad dressings, etc., all have their own place, and it never varies. In my linen cupboard all my sheets and towels are color coordinated. People laugh at me when they see it, but I am more comfortable that way.

4. I have the same thing for breakfast every day, and whenever I vary from it, I don't enjoy breakfast, and I go back to the same thing the next day. I always have one scrambled egg, done with a bit of olive oil, onion, and a tiny bit of cheese. And strong Melitta coffee.

5. I feel bad when I type a post that offends or upsets anyone. I want everyone to be happy. I can tend sometimes to be outspoken, unfortunately. So to all the people, past, present and future who may be upset or annoyed with any of my posts, I do apologize, but I am probably never going to change. I’m worse in real life, trust me... I love you all, and it’s not meant personally.

6. I have a very good friend named Bailey. Bailey and I have telephone conversations sometimes, and we have had rather long, intelligent conversations. He has a bit of a British accent, and speaks very properly, with clipped tones. I think he must have a bit of Scottish in him, because he has red hair and freckles. Bailey likes me and he enjoys our conversations. He's quite delightful. Bailey is a dog and lives in Iowa with his owner, Russell. Bailey doesn't know he's a dog, however, and we don't have the heart to tell him.

7. Here is a seventh random thing, just because the first six are so -- boring. I don't own a car or a cell phone. I walk everywhere or I use public transit, and if I need to talk on the phone, I use my land line. I don't feel the need to be in constant contact with people all the time. The other day I was on the bus, and everyone was on the phone. It was surreal to hear everyone on the bus talking on the phone, and no one was talking to each other.

So there you have it. Nothing exciting in my little corner of the world. I'm not going to tag anyone, but if you play along, I would love to read some random things about you.

40 comments:

Ruth L.~ said...

Not boring at all. Just real, and as one who hates "fake" I always appreciate your honesty. I'm with you on the cabin and walks in the woods.

Shaista said...

Dear Jo, I am glad you wear yellow so everyone on the buses you ride on are warmed by that sunshine, and maybe they remember they are alive, here and now.
Here is a sunny poem for you:

Who can blame the Sun
for its passion?
The green that soothes my eye
and scents that ease my pain,
would be gravel, dry earth
and the white butterflies
would cease their abandon.

I hope you like it. Thank you for writing to me, and for sharing your pocket of beauty with so many people.
Shaista

Nicole said...

That is a great picture of you and you look beautiful in yellow! I love to read your blog and am so glad to have found it (although it was staring me in the face as a "blog of note"). It is a ray of sunshine on each day.

Patsy said...

Jo that's fun! A good game because people learn about other people -- personal things that they may not otherwise ever learn. Thank, Ms. Canary Yellow!

-Lorna

Joss Albért said...

I was part of the same 'tag' - feel free to have a browse.

http://thelaypreacher.blogspot.com/2009/01/meme-via-nunly-for-all-and-sundry.html

I would like to add 8. - You tend towards self-depreciation (as you certainly ARE a writer and are NOT boring; you write almost everyday, with every post having a new interesting story or query). Are you as modest in real life?

Yellow is a wonderful colour. My favourite T-shirt is yellow.

Anonymous said...

hehe! Yellow makes me think of those little rain hats that the likes of Christopher Robin wear!

I often wish I didn't have a mobile, when people keep texting me and I don't want to talk to anyone. I moaned at my mum about it once and she just said "Why don't you turn it off then?" It had genuinely never occurred to me to do that before!

Tess Kincaid said...

I'm afraid I would drive you crazy with my messiness. I'm good if I get the spices back in the cabinet! And oh, dear, I couldn't live without my car and cell.

You look fabulous in yellow! I look quite dead in it.

Deedee said...

I think you sound pretty cool. I too would prefer the little cabin to the fancy digs. You do look great in yellow.

A.M. said...

Can you please wear yellow everyday? The office is gloomy and you're the only positive, smart and uplifting person there (besides me,ha ha) I shall try this sunshine approach to my next shopping trip.

Kilimanjaro said...

Technology! It's such a strange thing and somewhat of a parasite I feel. I will admit I am one who will freak out if I do not have my cellular device, or my Zune.

Someone goes out, and they HAVE to be talking on their cell phone or texting. Or, maybe they are on their laptop checking their email, blogs, myspace, facebook what have you. It's making everyone loose their communication skills.

It's mandatory for people to interact with one another in person.

MrMag said...

I don't think I've ever known (online or otherwise) someone who preferred yellow clothing... hmm.

The cell phone thing is a new phenomenon, and I'm willing to bet that if you got one, you might just take it everywhere you went ;) (OK, or maybe not, but ya never know)

Russell said...

Wow! I just saw this and wanted to tell Bailey he got his picture on your blog!!

After looking around for him, I finally called him on his cell phone. He was driving his car into town to get some more dog biscuits and could only talk to me for a moment as he had someone on call waiting. He promised to call me back but never did!

What are you going to do with these dogs these days?!? When he came home tonight he lost 2 out of 3 games of cards we played. And he thinks he so smart!! Heh!! (But he IS better than me in backgammon!!)

Ruby Isabella said...

I'm sure Bailey would be thrilled to learn that he is a dog. Wouldn't you?

Anonymous said...

San the peskie eskie doesn't know she's a dog either. She thinks she's "Momma's Baby." We're growing old together. ~Liz

Scoobyloves2004 said...

Jo-
My Grandparents had a dog a lot like Bailey. His name was Mr. Duddly and he too, thought he was "people". Mr. Duddly loved his breakfast with Grandpa and tea in the afternoon with Grandma. He was a great listener as well. He could keep a secret like no other! Sadly he died of cancer in 88.

My husband works for a large cell phone company. We are both members of the G1 club. I have to admit, it has become an extention of my body since I got it. It has anything and everything I need. We don't own a land line and we don't have internet on our computer. Our G1's have both of those and so much more. (In fact, I'm using it to type this blog.) So why waste the money. I think I would be completely lost without it. Yes, I know I'm a loser, but at least I am always in touch with the world. If it were not for my G1, I would never have found your wonderful blog that I enjoy reading everyday!

Britt said...

Yellow is one of my favorite colors! I appreciate it for being a riotous, joyful, and less frequented than other bright, lively colors.

i also truly love soft, earthy greens. i have ivy wallpaper, green sheets, a green car, a green purse etc...it's a wonderful, life giving color with so many different meanings in society.

Firefly the Travel Guy said...

1. Is your fav song "Yellow submarine"?
2. Can I move into the rustic cabin next to yours? It sounds just what I need.
3. My days of being a perfectionist is long past. That went out the door with the arrival of the Rugrats.
4. If I ever visit Vancouver, and I hope I do, you must invite me for breakfast.
5. The nice one about this is that it is your blog and you can do what you want to. If people feel offended they must just not read your blog. But they do and that tell me they enjoy your writing.
6. I once talked to a duck. I was on tour with some British people and we visited a bird park. There was a duck sitting on the path's railing and I started talking to him in the way Donald Duck talks. The duck actually talked back and the people nearly cracked themselves laughing at this whole thing.
7. Our public transport isn't nearly good enough for me to be able to use it, but I much rather prefer riding my scooter than my car. As far as cell phones go... oops gotta go, my cell is ringing.
See ya.

The Pink Cowboy said...

Lovely photo,I must say. Yellow becomes you. In my case I look dreadful and sallow in it... but then again I'm the PINK Cowboy, mind you ;-)

HAPPY IN NEVADA said...

I remember the last time I succumbed to a 'me-me'; not my style.

You remind me of my mother; she has never been without a yellow kitchen - yellow is her favorite color as well.

You can imagine since purple is my favorite color, how I irritated her when I had my first home and started to decorate in blues/purple/burgundy, and she went absolutely 'nuts'.

However, I also organize like you do; when my husband worked, every 'outfit' was color-coordinated; hung on the same hanger so he didn't have to 'think' (including sock), and covered with clear plastic bags to keep them fresh. I ironed the socks - nearly everything; I needed to have things clean; crisp and beautiful for my family and 5 children.

Still being a 'nut' for labeling; letting up on the ironing so my current husband (who is my 6th one) won't go completely bonkers with my organizational demands.

I allow 'one room' to be less than organized or completely clean and tidy; this is where my husband and I keep our computers; stick up posters and notes on the wall at random, and shelves allow us to put our books and other 'stuff' where it's handy; this keeps the rest of the home quite lovely, and I can live with that because I can close the door when I have guests.

I can remember sorting rubber bands according to size; still the only paper clips allowed are the 'big colorful kind', so I can clip 'by color' which means 'by topic'.

I must always have my fragrant candles; incense - colognes and creams, so I use my gambling winnings to 'stock the closet', and must always have gifts in my other gift closet for unexpected visitors.

I know most of my friends (and family) think I'm a bit looney, but they never complain when I'm ready with a fine meal; a fresh-baked dessert, and a small gift to greet them with when they visit, so it works for me.

All-in-all, don't you think we're all very fortunate to have these little 'me-me' habits when millions in this world would rejoice if they just had enough food and a decent shelter for the night?

So, part of my constant commitment are my charities; for 46 years now I keep them active and never miss a chance to add more - this is also part of my obsession, and that comes not from a majority of two, but a majority of one - even one, shall be called a gathering as I see it.

I enjoy your posts - they are refreshing...

The Pink Cowboy said...

Jo I just discovered your post on synesthesia, I know is an old post but I would love it if you read my comment. Thank you.

Muznah said...

you're posts are always such a treat to read, great style of writing and well grounded thoughts

Leslie: said...

Josie, did you know that you'll be right in fashion this spring as yellow is THE colour of the season!

BioniKat said...

I'm with you on the cellphone issue. I hate having to carry one with me all the time but do so in order that my children and myself can be in contact. However one of my pet hates is when you are having a face to face conversation with someone, the person calling on the cellphone will take priority and even though you are standing right there you will have to wait. It's really rude!

Sammi said...

My dog is a very small dog. We don't have the heart to tell him he is a small dog, especially since his girlfriend is an Alsatian.

Hilary said...

I own neither a car nor a cell phone too. And I agree about how odd it is to hear everyone yakking away on their cells while riding the bus. They're always much louder than in general conversation with someone beside them.

CJ Kennedy said...

Your picture is pure sunshine. I'm a new reader and have been enjoying your blog

Helen Mac said...

That's not OCD, that just sensible!

Laura Doyle said...

Your simple cottage sounds so lovely, Jo. I plan to build one for myself someday and ensure that it is passed on to my descendants so they'll have the opportunity to enjoy it as well, without the noose of a mortgage, if they want.

And I couldn't agree with your #7 more. How strange.

Anonymous said...

Interesting! Thanks for sharing. I like learning more about you. And you do look wonderful in yellow.

BTW, I do have a car, but I've never had a cell phone either. Don't want one.

simply_me! said...

Hey! You look pretty in yellow!! :) I am 1 day old on blogger...and i happen to start it by reading your blog first...i am happy i came across your blog.. :)

uought2b.a.dog said...

I like your posts..definitely not boring!

Mary Ellen said...

Great job on the meme! I'm glad you decided to do it. I love hearing about the lives of other people, no matter how random or boring you think the facts are, they are fascinating to all of us who have never had the pleasure of meeting you!

Like you...I love yellow, but for some reason, I hardly have any yellow clothes. I'll have to remember that next time I go shopping. I'm sure there is some study out there about the colors we choose to wear and what it says about our personalities.

And...you could never be offensive to anyone, it's not in your nature....it is in mine. :-(

lovelyprism said...

LOL, I do the same things with the OCD. Refrigerator and pantry are exceptionally organized. No messy closets here either! It makes me happy, so I don't care if it makes other people laugh. Actually, I quite enjoy making other people laugh. So there! I am quite envious of people who live where they don't absolutely need a car, I wish my town was like that.

Country Girl said...

Your posts never upset me or make me mad!! And I love that you wear yellow. Besides, it looks lovely on you with your blonde hair.

I secretly suspected that you and Bailey were good friends. He's really a lovely dog and I enjoy when Russel posts about him!

Mariamellie said...

Dear Jo!

You look so sweet and stunning in Yellow.. I love your smile, and I love your writings.

Greetings all the way from East Borneo, Indonesia

nahwhack said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
nahwhack said...

I'm not going to lie, I'm right up there with you on 5, 6 made me laugh a good and hearty laugh, and 7 made me think for a while, and it takes a good idea to get me thinking for a while. I didn't find any of those posts boring, although all of my posts are pretty much like that too, so I guess I can see why I agree with you on those hahaha

Andrevs said...

I liked the paragraph about the dog...I had to read it twice...no, thrice to figure it all out!
drewcaine

Unknown said...

I so enjoyed reading this post. It has taken me a long time to get into the 21st century - I resisted computers for four or five years after high-school (that was back in the 80's so computers were not on everyone's desktop then. Now I have embraced the computer age and enjoy digital scrapbooking and photography. But I have not gotten a cell phone and have no desire for one. I'll take that mountain lake and forests any day.

jaja said...

I enjoyed your post a lot and I'm accepting your tag right after I finish this comment :D

I love yellow too! Most of my friends refer to me almost instantly whenever they encounter the color lol.

I was also moved by your insight on cellphones. That was really something that I haven't thought of before. Thank you for that :)