This time, I’ve been tagged by Lily in Canada, quite a funny chica.

Rules

1. You must post the rules.

2. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post and the create 11 new questions to ask the people you’ve tagged.

3. Tag 11 people and link them on your post.

4. Let them know you’ve tagged them!

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1. If you could live in a different country for a year, where would you live?

Just a year? A Spanish-speaking country. I’d love to be immersed in the culture, and improve my conversational Spanish. I can read and write in Spanish like a pro – well, as far as my vocabulary will allow – but speaking doesn’t come as naturally to me. I have to think a bit harder. And I’m a bit slower. Particularly in the listening part. I’d love to experience life in Cuba. Or Mexico, or Argentina.

2. What would you do if you were the opposite sex?

Aside from be a man? Ummm… I’d grab my business and shift it around – purely experimental. I’d like to see what it’s all about. What’s the hype? I’d also lean forward and see if I could – No, never mind.

3. If there was a fire in your house and you could only save 3 things, what would they be? (Family and pets would be safe!)

Treasure chest, computer, cell phone.

4. What is your favorite sport and why?

Hmmm… Cycling. I get to power a machine! Hellooo! POWER. And I don’t need other people to do it. Just me. Flyin’ Ridin’ solo.

5. What is a TV show that you hate to miss?

We don’t watch tv at our place. We don’t have cable. The show I hate that I’m missing is Chopped. SO good.

6. If you could be fluent in another language, which would you choose?

Spanish!

7. Which actor or actress makes you mad?

I don’t know if any make me mad. I really don’t pay attention to celebrities. I don’t care much about what/who they do. Hmmm… I don’t like Matt Damon’s face though. I find it hard to watch movies that he’s in. His face is just… Offensive? No, not offensive. I just don’t like. I’m uncomfortable looking at it. I would be more comfortable looking at disfigurement. Weird? Maybe. I just don’t like his face.

8. What is your favorite vacation spot?

The beach? I’ve never really had a REAL vacation. My parents (and other guardians) used to take me to Florida a lot. All we did was shop. And eat out. Nothing else. What kind of vacation is that?! I want to have a REAL vacation, where I visit somewhere new, do tours, eat new food, hang out at the tourist spot, see where the locals spend their spare time, get a good feel for the culture… All that fun stuff.

9. What is the first thing you would do if you were president, prime minister, etc?

Of this silly country I live in? I would put a LOT of major issues/questions to a referendum. Let the people make a decision for once and for all.

10. Favorite thing to drink?

Coca-Cola! I also like strawberry/mango daiquiris from Twin Brothers.

11. Do you prefer baths or showers? Why?

Showers. Baths seem kinda gross. Like you’re just sitting in the dirt that you’re trying to wash away. Make sense? No. Not at all. Stand up, and let the water wash it at all away… Downnn the draaain. And bath water goes cold. *shivers*

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Want to see the questions Lily was asked, and read her answers? Click here.

Now I get to tag peeps (peeps? Let’s blame it on Soulja Boy’s Turn My Swag On playing right now, making me feel gangsta or something) and ask them 11 questions.

My 11 taggees are:

Here we go, one thing for every finger:

• Awesome friends (and cousins) who step in whenever they’re needed
• Last night’s dinner (Which reminds me that I was supposed to have leftovers for breakfast. Oh, well. Appetizer tonight.)
• New running tanks (They feel SO GOOD!)
• Weekend fun coming right up!
• My new nook cover
  

  Liiiiime spankin' green! <3

• Great writing resources online, including blogs and writing/critique groups
• Babe’s support
• Neo2 on the way, and should be here by Tuesday! WOO!
• Chocolate cake (which I reeeally hope they have today)
• Lots of work to keep me busy

What are you thankful for today?

Ryan - driving in the game room.

Ryan - In drawing and colouring "school." I think children should be allowed to express themselves and their own creativity. Babe seems to think they should be instructed on exactly how to draw and colour things. *sighs* Buuut, this is only my observation in one instance. *shrugs*

This represents money that I threw away. Babe didn't eat these delectable, delicious treats. *sighs* I always kick myself after I save or purchase treats for her for them to go in the garbage, or to some random visitor. Maybe I should ask for a list of things she likes and would accept/use/eat? I obviously don't know these thing, y'all.

I’m a in really good mood today. I have idea why. There is no logical reason. But me?! Worry?! Never!

This song played just as I parked at work this morning, and I sat in the car to sing it loudly. With the windows down. I’m bad like that. I kinda feel like that… Toniii-iii-iiii-iiiight, we are youuu-oooung, so let’s set the world on fiii-yaaah, we can briii-iighter, than the suuu-oh-uuuh-uuun! WOO!

Talk about energy! Of the positive kind. I’m going to get a lot done today. I’m going to work like I have the day off tomorrow. I’m going to make progress with my novel. I’m going to do something physical when I get home (which probably won’t be running, and DANG IT, I forgot to toss running clothes in the car… Got thrown off when I had to switch cars with my mom this morning so she could take the one I’ve been driving to be licensed.)… Jump on the trampoline, jog on it a little, jump rope… Something. ‘Cause guess what! Toniii-iii-iii-iiight, weee are yooouuung! Hahaha.

Ok. So play that song. Feel the energy. Get yourself in an awesome mood. Make 3 goals for yourself today. And GO AT THEM like the man who stole your grandmother’s wallet on the bus. CONQUER them. Because you can.

I have two meetings today. Maybe three. Lots of opportunity for people to say and do things that could bring me down. IFFF I allow it. And I won’t. I just decided, so it’s a done deal. I will be happy. I will be positive. I will use all energy, whether positive or negative, for good. I will do my best. I will be satisfied. I will enjoy and live in every moment of this day.

When I checked my email this morning, I saw a great post. I read it, and it resonated with me. Being the awesome person that I am, I’m sharing it with you. Be sure to take a few minutes to read The Magnificent Self-Made Person over at CreatingReciprocity.

Two quotes for you today. One from the post linked above:

Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.   -Khalil Gibran

And one that I just love:

Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be.   – Karen Ravn

Go forth, then, blog buddies, and be great. Be great instead of, in spite of, and because of.

Let me know how you’re feeling today. What are your goals for today?

On Saturday, I did (what is now) the usual run and yoga. I left a bit later than usual, so I did a 10 minute run instead of the usual 15 or 20 minutes. I checked my pace about halfway in, and was rather surprised. It was somewhere around 8’30″. That’s pretty fast for me. Anyway, I kept going. At the end, Tiger Woods’ voice told me that I clocked my fastest mile. WHAT?! I did WHAT?! I just did that two weeks go. I’m FASTER?! AGAIN?! I went to the history section of my Nike Fitness on my iPod and, sure enough, I’d run a 7’17″ mile! This is HUGE. Just two weeks before, I ran 15 minutes without stopping for the first time. I was used to running 3″ and walking 1″. All of a sudden, I could just keep going. I am SUPER PUMPED and pleased with myself. Even though I’m not running as much as I should, I’m making progress. I feel encouraged to do more. I’m definitely going to toss all my running clothes in the car tomorrow (so I don’t have to keep doing it every day), and stop for my run on the way home. I think I should be able to do 15 minutes for the next or so, and see when I can increase to 20 minutes. Today, I shall treat myself to a giant slice of chocolate cake.

Yoga class went really well. I felt the right amount of challenge, and the right amount of ease and relaxation. I think I may actually be gaining a lot from it. Muscle strength, self/body-awareness, relaxation… I love it. My mum told me on Friday that she’d be there, no matter what time she had to work. I’m not sure how well it worked out for her because she’s very conscientious about work and getting there on time. I think she spent a lot of time wondering what time it was, and she left before we finished the final relaxation. Hopefully, she get Saturdays off. I think I’ll call her scheduling manager and talk to her about it. I know her well, and she’s one of the sweetest people ever.

After yoga, I went to pick up my 4 year old cousin, Ryan. He’s HILARIOUS. He lives on another island with his mother, but she came for a funeral. His dad went to the funeral too, so I became the babysitter. Here are a few funny moments:

• Randomly, in the car, he said, “Aliciaaaaa.” I said, “Yeah?” He said, “Your shoes are silly!” I had to laugh. He was talking about my Vibrams. I guess they look kinda weird. Hahaha. I didn’t know he noticed them, but didn’t comment. He must’ve known what I was thinking, because he said, “I saw them when you picked me up.” Hahahaha.
• We passed a big parking lot where about 50 males were in line, standing at attention. They were wearing camouflage pants and black shirts. I figured they were in training to join the Defense Force (our version of marines/military). I said, “Look, Ryan! All those men are lined up. They must be practicing for something.” Ryan: “They practicing for the national anthem.” Me: “You think so?” Ryan: “Yeah. That’s how ya do it!”
• Out of nowhere, he said, “Ma is not in charge. My daddy and me in charge.” I laughed a little. Ma is my 92 year old great-grandmother, and she is very much in charge. Of EVERYthing. She runs the show. Me: “Who told you that?” Ryan: No one. Ma is OLD. She can’t do NUTTIN.” Ahahahaha. I was glad to be on a red light, because it took me a while to stop laughing and focus on the road. Ma can do EVERYthing. She cooks, drives, cleans, travels… Hell. She just stopped working a little over a year ago! When I told his dad what he said, the response was, “Yeah, he just got here. He has no idea.” Hahahaha.
• When I asked him what he wanted for lunch, he said, “Crabby patty, no cheese.” I asked where we get it from, and he had no answer. I asked him if Spongebob and Mr. Crab have them. He said, “Yes, but not in the BAHAMASSSSS!” Silly me.
• He told me that he doesn’t like juice. I asked him what he likes to drink. “Root beer. It’s a soda.” Well, Ryan, thanks for clearing that up. I was worried.

On Sunday, I went to the FamJam, as usual. My good friend Vanessa was in the area, and stopped by for a minute to collect some cash. We are working on a secret project that I won’t be able to reveal to you until the upcoming weekend has passed. It’s our (Babe+me, not Vanessa… Lol) one-year anniverary weekennnnnd! Ryan entertained me while we waited for everyone else to arrive and have lunch. The child is HILARIOUS. I don’t know how else to describe him.

What are your highlights from the weekend? Do you have any super-funny children in your life? Any one-liners you’d like to share?

I usually have a nice little list of things I’m thankful for. Not this week. And it’s not because I’m not thankful. I AM. For SO much. But it’s the week of looooove. I’m in love with the most amazing person in the world, and I’m sharing the short version of the story of us. To read the story, show some love to Victoria over at Victoria Writes. She’s a blog buddy of mine. We follow and comment on each other’s blog posts. And we’re both writers. She’s REALLY good. So when you hop over there to read my guest post, be sure to check out some of her posts. Spread the (blog) looooove!

To my regular blog readers: There’s a little (or big) surprise at the end of the guest post. I’ve been keeping the secret since Christmas day, and decided to unleash it and let it run free, but that’s where you have to go to find out the big (or little?) awesome secret!

Vix, thanks a mil for the opportunity to guest post. I know it’s not always easy to let someone else cook in your kitchen. I appreciate it. Much blog love to ya!

From Miami. Ma brought me two pairs of jeans and a pretty dress. Dad brought my requested 2 runner tanks and fitted athletic pants, toothpaste, and a devotional I'd ordered some time last year.

Writing + reading supplies - Notebook/Journal, pen, post-its, planner, multi-colour pen, whiteboard, dry erase markers, simple touch nook

Valentine's Day Dinner - Mushroom+cabbage topped steak, sweet potato mash, carrots, asparagus, and zucchini-squash medley

I was dating someone, but he was on his way out. I was no longer interested. I’d lost interest shortly after Christmas. For some reason, I was very lazy about getting out of the relationship. I just made myself unavailable and become almost comatose. Unresponsive. He was just not the right person for me. He was nice enough, but it just didn’t work. We just didn’t click. He was quite happy, but me? No. He was busy. He worked, worked, worked. He had a child. I wasn’t really interested in step-mothering. His values were not in line with mine. Above all else was money. Becoming a millionaire. Like an obsession. I was appalled.

I met someone. I met her months before things started to really break down. She was a friend. Then, she became a really good friend. Soon enough, I was enamored. Now, don’t get the wrong idea. There was no rebound. There was no stealing. There was no plan. One thing just fell apart, and another came together.

One of the ladies in the front office came to my office carrying a little gift bag. In it was a bottle of tequila (*swoons*), two cupcakes, and a card. They were from her. It was Valentine’s Day. And she thought of me. Enough to pick out some of my favourite things. For me. I didn’t even want to eat the cupcakes. They were so pretty. And so special. She was so special. And she still is.

Later that night, he called.

“You ain’ even mention the flowers and shits what I sent you.”

I held the phone to my ear, waiting for the punchline.

Silence.

“What?”

“The shits what I send you. You ain’ say thanks or nuttin.”

“First of all, don’t swear at me. Secondly, what are you talking about? I got nothing from you.”

He seemed pretty surprise. Shocked, really. That I didn’t get “the shits” that he sent. It did not take long to realize what had happened.

“Stop jokin’! You ain’ get the stuff what I sen’? I sen’ it to Donald’s Furniture!”

“Um…” I stifled my laughter before saying, “I don’t work at Donald’s Furniture. I work at Roberts…”

I hope the “Alicia” at Donald’s Furniture enjoyed the flowers “and shits” sent by a man who was too busy trying to be a millionaire to pay attention to where THIS Alicia worked. I thoroughly enjoyed my cupcakes, loved the card, and still smile when I see the bottle of tequila in our kitchen that she and I only open for very special occasions. In ten days, we’ll be celebrating our first year together, so we’ll welcome Jose Cuervo – the only man allowed to live with us – to join us.

Happy Valentine’s Day, y’all! Wishing you lots of pretty flowers, yummy chocolate, presents in tiny boxes, and looove.

Got any good Valentine’s Day stories? Do tell!

Vix wrote and shared a good V-Day short story in this post. She has a V-Day theme going on this week, so keep checking it out. Especially on Thursday for my guest post with a surpriiiiise for yooou.