Memes | loraleeslooneytunes.com

I’m giving in and posting the New Year’s Meme that is everywhere. (I am weak.)

January 1, 2008 By loralee 24 Comments

1. What did you do in 2007 that youâ€™d never done before?

Completed a 5K, went on my dream trip to Scotland and England, recorded solo in a studio. One of the end products of that is here. I got to record a duet of my favorite song with another Loralee C. who lives in California. She has been a recording artist for years and she found me by Googling her name at 1 am. I adore her. She recorded her part there, I recorded my part here and it was edited together by a fantastic engineer she knows.

WILD, huh?

2. Did you keep your new yearâ€™s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Here they are with the results:

Improve my health:
SORTA I have put on 8-10 lbs of what I lost last year. I still drink too much Diet Coke and need to get back to the gym. However, I eat a lot less junk food than I did last year and still have 12 lbs lost from January 2007, so I am improved somewhat. More can be done and must be if I am going to squeeze my “Magical Boobies” back into this dress before “The Messiah” in March.

Run a race:
YES. I can’t believe it, but I and my muscle tone of headcheese managed to participate in a 5k for organ donation in April. It was fun and I was freaking proud of myself.

Take my dream trip:
YES! It was even better and more magical than I dreamed. I loved every second.

Have a baby:
NOPE. We are still hemming and hawing over this one. Sigh.

Get back into the â€œSingâ€ of things (Oh, that was awful of me, I know):
YUP. I have done quite a bit with the vocal folds this year. I don’t see it letting up any time soon. I have more recording in my future. When I go to BlogHer this year, I will finally be meeting “Thing Two” and there are plans to lay down some new tracks.

Pay off all credit card debt and get more secure financially:
SORTA. We still have credit card debt, but have paid much of it down, started 401k’s and are in a better place financially than we were last year. Still have a lot more we could do, though.

Get a car:
YES. Volkswagon Jetta Wagon, thanks. Although I was very grateful to have any vehicle after having two explode and die ON THE SAME DAY, I would say that this is a much better option than driving around in a station wagon that debuted the same year as E.T.

Draw up plans for our new house:
NO. As there wasn’t any movement or decision on the part of the city as to if a road is going through our land or not, there wasn’t any movement here.

Be more involved and proactive as a mother:
YES. I didn’t get everything done that I would have liked but I have put significantly more effort into my kids this year. It’s been nice. Some things are still a struggle (Like school) but it has been good for everybody.

Stop â€œSurvivingâ€ life and LIVE IT.
YES. I don’t know if this totally happened but compared to last year, I would say that yes. I did.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes. I have another great-niece and great-nephew.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Yes. I lost two beloved aunts this summer.

5. What countries did you visit?

Scotland and England.

6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?

I would like to have more satisfaction in personal areas in my life. I would also like to move into a different house.

7.What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

July 3rd. I found out that the first of my aunts passed away. The other would follow two weeks later.

September 12. Saw my first glimpse of Scotland from the air. My heart almost stopped.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

See #1

9. What was your biggest failure?

I had the most horrible audition known to mankind.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Nothing significant, although there was about 3 weeks in November where I thought I was going to be suffocated and killed by rogue sinus mucous.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

It is a toss up between my electric throw blanket and splurging on a really great cut and color .

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

My sister, Linny. She handled cancer, radiation and my family with grace and strength.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

MINE. Remember the screaming, ranting, raving, psycho, meth”ish”, nipple flinging EXPLOSION that was me at my favorite gas station. It makes me want to weep with shame. Sigh.

14. Where did most of your money go?

See that little icon up in my url address bar? Yes, the winner would be Diet Coke. Although, since going ape shit postal at the gas station I would say that the amount that I spend on it has gone WAY down.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Going to the UK after dreaming about it since I was six years old. Finally getting solo time in a recording studio after doing many group projects.

16. What song will always remind you of 2007?

“For Good” from “Wicked: The Musical”

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:? a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?

Happier, Thinner and Richer.

18. What do you wish youâ€™d done more of?

Improving the things I suck at like: Cleaning, organizing, overseeing my kids schooling and just pulling myself together in and general “Type A” fashion. I am not good at “Type A”. I’m more of a “Type M” or even “Type Q” type of girl.

19. What do you wish youâ€™d done less of?

Living in my head. Living through my TV. Living through my computer.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

With my little family and friends. It was lovely.

21. Did you fall in love in 2007?

Maintained the status quo.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

There are too many to name. I love TV. This would sadly have to do with #19.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didnâ€™t hate this time last year?

Nope.

24. What was the best book you read?

A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius. (ALWAYS my favorite. I reread it about once a year. I heart it so.)

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Regina Spektor, Mika, and Snow Patrol

26. What did you want and get?

I desperately wanted/needed to do something artistic. So…I girded up my loins and stuck fear in the back seat and auditioned for the Mezzo role in “The Messiah”. I got it. I worked very hard and kicked some tale. It was beyond healing to sing in front of an orchestra again.

27. What did you want and not get?

I really wanted a decision made about whether or not they will be putting a road through where my house is standing. We can’t move until they decide and we’ve been waiting FIVE DAMN YEARS. I’m about through with patience.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

I loved the foreign film “The lives of others” and I loved “Stardust” and “Lars and the Real Girl”

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 33 this year. My birthday was really low-key because I went to Europe. I had a great lunch and went to the movies with friends.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Living in more than 1200 sq. feet and having more than one bathroom. Oh, and any kind of storage space would be lovely, thanks.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?

Side swept bangs, bold glasses and skimmers, layers.

32. What kept you sane?

My friends, blogs and being able to to talk to my computer in the wee hours of insomnia.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

I started watching “Grey’s Anatomy” and feel head over heels for Denny. Sigh. I was also very fond of British cell phone salesman turned opera success, Paul Potts.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

How Mormonism is influencing the Presidential election.

35. Who did you miss?

Friends that cannot be here with me.

36. Who was the best new person you met?

I met some really incredible people this year. I hope to meet even more this year. Hopefully at BlogHer 2008!

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.
Going after dreams can be wonderful and frightening as hell. AND…Your life cannot stop just because your heart had been broken.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

From “For Good”

Who can say if I’ve been
Changed for the better?
I do believe I have been
Changed for the better

And because I knew you…

Because I knew you…

Because I knew you…
I have been changed for good…

Filed Under: Every Day, lists, Memes 24 Comments

Because I seem incapable of posting anything original without bitching or saying “Vagina”…

June 27, 2007 By loralee 7 Comments

…A meme. (Thanks to Vanessa.)

1.Whats your name spelled backwards?
“Eelarol” Which might be an improvement, actually.

2. What did you do last night?
I went and got “Delicious beverages” and an ice cream cone from McDonald’s with my friend Karen because it was her actual birthday. We tried to find her some sterling silver bangles, but somehow ended up buying naughty clothing and underthings for me. Odd.

3. The last thing you downloaded onto your computer?
Porn. Kidding. Photos from my trip to California.

4. Have you ever licked a 9 volt battery?
Yes, when my brother convinced my that I would get Lyme disease if I didn’t. (I’m so gullible.)
5. Last time you swam in a pool?
You know? I can’t even remember.

6. What are you wearing?
Oh, dear. Well, If you want a perfectly honest answer: Currently I am sitting here blogging in one of my purchases made with Karen. A very tiny “School Girl” outfit complete with knee socks, pigtails and Mary Janes, waiting to surprise my husband when he gets home from the store. I feel and look ridiculous. (Hey, I had to apologize for being such a wench lately SOMEHOW.) Normally the answer would be “Pajamas”.

7. How many cars have you owned?
Seven.

8. Type of music you dislike most?
It’s a tie between Rap, Metal Bands (aka “Butt Rock”) and R&B

9. Are you registered to vote?
YES!

10. Do you have cable?
Absolutely.

11. What kind of computer do you use?
Something Jonathan built for me. A PC and that’s all I know. I also know that it’s not a super pretty Mac Ibook and never will be as long as Jon is breathing. Sniff. Sniff. Sniff.

12. Ever made a prank phone call?
Sadly, yes. I used to flip through the phone book with my friends and call and tell people I was from the Albertson’s film lab and that we had a package of photos that had been there for months that was over looked and that they needed to get down to the store to pick up their photos or they would be destoryed. (I know.)

13. You like anyone right now?
No. Everyone can fuck off and die. (Dude. I think I still may be hormonal. That was bitchy, wasn’t it? Sigh. At least I didn’t say, “Vagina”. Oh, crap. I said it. I said, “Vagina”. SEE?! I SAID IT AGAIN! Hell, I might as well just keep saying it now that I’ve gone and ruined it. Vagina! Vagina, vagina, VAGINA!!! I need help.)

14. Would you go bungee jumping or sky diving?
Done both THANK YOU very much!

15. Furthest place you ever travelled?
SOON TO BE SCOTLAND AND ENGLAND!!! YAY!
16. Do you have a garden?
Yes, though by the end of the summer it usually puts up picket lines and is repeatedly overheard to be saying “Why, God? Why me? Why did you send me to a woman with a totally black thumb? WHY?!!! What did I ever do to you????”

17. Whatâ€™s your favorite comic strip?
Calvin and Hobbes.

18. Do you know all the words to the national anthem?
Sure do! I’ve sung it enough at sporting events.

19. Shower, morning or night?
I feel super awesome if I squeeze one in at all.

20. Best movie youâ€™ve seen in the past month?
The Waitress. I loved it. I love Andy Griffith. And Pie. And Mal from “Firefly”. It was a win/win.

21. Favorite pizza toppings?
I’m weird. I am either plain cheese or THE WORKS. It wouldn’t be my extreme nature rearing it’s ugly head or anything.

22. Chips or popcorn?
Chips. Just say “No” to popcorn unless it is Kettle Corn. Then it is both acceptable and yummy.

23. What cell phone provider do you have?
Sprint

24. Have you ever smoked peanut shells?
Now, what the freak kind of question is this? NO. I am not that big of a loser. Close, but not quite.

25. Have you ever been in a beauty pageant?
Um, that would have to be a big, fat, freaking, NO. I tried out for cheer leader once in the 8th grade and that was hell enough, thank you.

26. Orange Juice or apple?
Depends. I like both.

27. Who were the last people you sat at lunch with?
My sister, Melly at Chili’s today. (I have a major jones for their guiltless chicken platter lately)

28. Favorite chocolate bar?
Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups

29. Who is your longest friend and how long?
Oh, freak. Um…Susie. I met her in the first grade and Erin (Known here as “MacPiper Girl”), who I met in the 2nd grade by her telling me she had a guy’s name while we were playing on the jungle gym.

30. Last time you ate a home-grown tomato?
Last week.

31. Have you ever won a trophy?
Yup. I placed 2nd in my tennis tournament when I was in the 5th grade. Yippee skippee.

32. Favorite artist?
I’ll go a bit more obscure here and say Winterhalter is one of many favorites. He was Queen Victoria’s portrait artist and I dig what he could do when painting fabric.

33. Favourite computer game?
Age of Empires. I love building and foraging. It’s the only game I can play with my husband.

34. Ever ordered from an infomercial?
No, although I have always thought that the Flobee would be an AWESOME white elephant gift for someone.

35. Sprite or 7-UP?
Sprite, if I must.

36. Have you ever had to wear a uniform to school/work?
Yes to work, no to school.

37. Last thing you bought at a store?
The naughty schoolgirl outfit I’m wearing right now.

38. Ever thrown up in public?
Unfortunately.

39. Would you prefer being a millionaire or finding true love?
Love. No question.

40. Do you believe in love at first sight?
No. I believe in passion at first sight.

41.Can exes just be friends?
Sometimes.

42. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital?
My SIL after her daughter was born last August.

43. Did you have long hair as a young kid?
Yes. Thick, gorgeous, wheaty blond hair that went to my butt. It used to be gorgeous.

44. What message is on your voicemail machine?
“Hey, It’s Loralee. I can’t get to my phone right now. Nah, that’s a lie. I’m screening your call because you suck. Beep.” Kidding. It’s just a plain, boring message and I sound like a man.

45. Where would you like to go right now?
To my happy place.

46. What was the name of your first pet?
The first I really remember were two hamsters named Camilla and Max Herman. Which I killed by throwing them against the air vent. I was really small and didn’t know better. THAT was a BITCH of a flashback to deal with later, though.

47. What kind of backpack do you have, and whatâ€™s in it?
I have a military green Army backpack and I heart it. It’s currently full of my niece’s college books as I lent it to her to go to school.

48. Last incoming/outgoing call on your phone?
To my friend, Erin, in Idaho! (We talked for like five hours. It was awesome.)

49. What is one thing you are grateful for today?
My loved ones.

50. What do you think about most?
Oh, we are so not going there.

Filed Under: Memes 7 Comments

Mother’s Day Meme

May 13, 2007 By loralee 14 Comments

I have been double-tagged by Natasha and Martha to participate in “8 random things about me” meme. Since I didn’t really feel like trying to write a cohesive post about my day today, a meme suits my needs perfectly. I did tweak it to be more about the day I’m having than just random things about me, though.

1. I was going to get a car stereo that works for Mother’s Day, but Jonathan and I decided that since we are having to scrape together funds to go to my niece’s wedding and take the kiddies to Disneyland so quickly, we would forgo Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Jonathan’s birthday gifts. Jon did buy me 2,000 ladybugs to release. It was both sentimental and practical: Ladybugs remind me of Matthew and our snowball tree has an aphid problem. It was really sweet of him.
Christopher and James both made me the sweetest gifts at school. James gave me a paper tulip Christopher’s gift was a really cute bag of various photos and drawings from. Christopher has been the sweetest about this holiday. He has been telling me for weeks about how hard he worked on my gift. Last night he slept over at Grandma’s and he had her bring him home very early in the morning because “It’s Mother’s Day and my momma is probably missing me!”.

I think my favorite gift was from Christopher. It is a fill in the blank list of things about me. I have to share a few (I know, just suck it up and deal.)

My mother’s name is: Lorily

Her hair is styled: Down and long. It is soft and pretty and she looks like a princess.

I know she loves me: Because she is my momma and gives me adorable huggies and kissies.

She knows I love her: Because I do.

Her favorite place in the world to go is: To me.

My friend, Karen gave me a framed photo of my kids she took with her new camera and some action shots of them jumping on our trampoline. They rock. It was really sweet because while I have hundreds of photos on my computer, I rarely print them off.

2. Did you know that keeping your salt and sugar next to each other in similar Tupperware containers may not be the best idea? Otherwise you may get a really, really, REALLY hideous surprise when you start drinking your coffee. Especially when you put in 6 teaspoonfuls. BARF BARF BARF.

3. I purchased all of my plants for my garden and flower beds: Rosemary, thyme, cilantro, basil, parsley, peas, sweet peas, chrysanthemums, dahlias, marigolds, lavender, butterfly buttons, geraniums, impatiens, daisies, and a whole bunch more that I can’t remember off the top of my head, I’m going to plant them later today. I love gardening. I am not really great at it and don’t pull off elaborate things, but I love the smell of the earth and herbs and flowers mingling with cut grass and the smell of our fire pit in the summer. MMM… While I was at it, I bought my mom a creeping apple blossom plant for her Mother’s Day gift. She’ll love it.

4. I finally watched this week’s episode of “Lost” HOLY FREAKING MOO-COW!!!!!!!!!! Is all I can really say.

5. We’re eating at my in law’s house for lunch and I am bringing the main dish. It’s a porkroast with an Apricot/soy/rosemary glaze. I don’t really know why, but I make awesome pork roasts. I’ve never had one turn out anything other that spectacular. I wish I could say the same for my cookie-making ability, but hey, you take what you can get, right?

6. I am eating one of my favorite food obsessions right now: Dole Sliced Peaches. OMGOSH…HEAVEN!!!! My MIL turned me on to them and they are DIVINE. I prefer them to homemade bottled peaches which, if you knew me says a lot. I love keeping a couple of bottles in the fridge and eating them in the morning with toast.

7. Jonathan and I are having separate gatherings this evening. He is having friends over to watch the Jazz game in the playoffs, and I am having friends over to do anything BUT WATCH BASKETBALL.

8. Mother’s Day is a pretty bittersweet day. There are three times of the year that are extra hard…Christmas, September (The anniversary) and this next period is one I have come to call “The Triumvirate” in my head: Mother’s Day is followed by Memorial Day, which is followed by Bug’s Birthday on June 7th. This month still hurts and is hard, but it is getting easier. Last year I consciously decided to focus more on the joy he brought to our lives during this stretch of celebrations. I don’t want Mother’s Day and his birthday to just be about grief and loss. I loved him and he brought me such happiness so I’m trying to just focus on that. I’m going to go to the cemetery today to plant an orange flower and to tell my son I’m so glad I was his mom.