5 things about me and so on...

This is a long post but it's not so sad and depressing as the last one. Well that is if you don't mind looking at list about me and my life. Anyway, I got this from another blogger so very long ago and i can't remember who so I'll just give a general thank you to everyone and hopefully one of you will be the one I got this from. Enjoy...

5 jobs I have had:

Bus Boy

Mail Room Clerk

Job Recruiter

Retail Manager

Sexual Health Educator

5 movies I can watch over and over:

Auntie Mame

The Long, Long, Trailer

Happy Texas

Sordid Lives

All About Eve

5 places I have lived:

Grand Rapids, Michigan

New Orleans, Louisiana

Dallas, Texas

Sydney, Australia

Hobart,Tasmania

5 TV shows I love:

Will & Grace

The Golden Girls

Hell's Kitchen

That 70's Show

Judge Judy

5 places I have been on vacation:

Sydney, Australia

Cradle Mountain, Tasmania (Australia)

St. Petersburg, Florida

San Francisco, California

Los Angeles, California

5 types of my favorite foods:

Mexican

Thai

Indian

Italian

Cajun/Creole

5 places I would rather be now:

Touring Europe

Cruising the Greek Islands

Canada

Las Vegas

Japan

5 stores I could not live without:

Old Navy (if I still lived in the states)

Angus & Robertson Bookstore

David Jones Food Hall

Rodd & Gunn

Dick Smith Electronics

5 things I would do if I won the lottery:

Go on a vacation around the world

Put some of it into savings and term deposits (CD'S)

Pay off all my debts

Help my family where I can

Make donations to my favourite charities

5 things I say daily:

I'm alive

I love you, to my hubby

Things have to get better

Where's the cat?

What do you want for dinner?, to hubby

5 things that make my day:

Waking up next to my hubby

A day without pain

Watching the sunrise

Seeing new things starting to grow in my garden

When hubby not only makes dinner but also does the dishes afterwards.

5 things that annoy me:

When my internet connection dropout

Incompetent and rude salespeople

Incompetent people in general

Government inconsistencies

The cat constantly wanting to go in and out. (I would put in a cat door but have o place to put one)

5 things I cannot live without:

My hubby

My family and friends

My books

My iPod

My computer

5 cars I have owned:

Ford Pinto (My first car)

Datsun 1600 Roadster

Ford Fiero

Mazda Miata

Volkswagen Golf

5 of the best concerts I have attended:

Paul McCartney and Wings

Joni Mitchell

Eric Clapton

Led Zeppelin

Elton John (with just him and a piano)

5 favorite restaurants around town I would be seen in:

Marque IV (Modern Australian)

Maldini Cafe (Italian)

Mezethe's Greek Taverna (Greek)

Anapurna (Indian)

Mai Ake (Thai)

5 things I did today:

Checked my emails

Went out for breakfast

Went to the grocery store

Watched some television

Worked on this blog post

5 things in my refrigerator that I cannot live without:

Bottled water (only because I can not drink tap water)

Real milk (it's non-homogenized so the cream floats to the top. Basically straight from the cow)

Salad greens

My home made garlic butter

fresh fruit (currently apples(

5 things in my pantry that I cannot live without:

Cereal

Olive oil

My spices

All of my teas

Chai mix

Am I man enough or how to be a man in 25 easy steps...

One of my blogger friends, Ur -spo, came up with a list of what he believes to be the 25 things that a gentleman should be able to do, accomplish and/or perform. I thought I would see just how much of a man/gentleman that I am. It's a simple list and all you do is bold the items that you can do, accomplish and/or perform. So here are my results:

1. Change a flat tire
2. Tie a bow tie - I don't own one and when I did it was a clip on. (I was five and it was part of my new Easter outfit)
3. Carve a turkey - Let me at that bird. I love carving me some turkey.
   
4. Open a bottle of champagne
5. Change the oil in a car - No that's why God created auto mechanics (As you continue to read my list you will see that this will not be the only thing that I'm grateful to God for creating. Read on and see for your self)
   
6. If asked, you know the name of a good barber - Hubby and I cut each others hair. (There's only so much you can do with a pair of clippers)
7. Have a tailor who knows your measurements - I don't buy that many suits and as for the rest of the clothes they're strictly off the rack. I know that shocks some of you and I apologies but it's just the kind of man I am.
   
8. Tie a bowline, clove hitch, and a square knot - Yes and no, I used to know how when I was a Boy Scout but that was a long, long, long time ago. (Don't pretend you don't know how old I am)
   
9. Chop wood - This is a yes and no. Yes I can but no I don't have to because that's why God built gas fireplaces
   
10. Shoot a rifle - Another yes and no I know how but choose not too as I don't like guns of any kind.
    
11. Make a dry martini - Yes and this knowledge was not good for my health during a certain low period in my life.
12. Keep a checkbook balanced - Once again yes and no, yes I can but no by virtue that I don't have a checking account. (Once again thanking God for creating credit cards)
13. BBQ - Isn't this one a genetics thing? You know all those X and Y chromosomes. If not I'm almost sure that it was chapter 11 or 12 in my "How to Become a Man Handbook" given to me around the 5-6 year old range or as soon as I could read. If I remember correctly there was a picture book version for preschoolers "Baby's First BBQ Handbook"
    
14. Lay a fire - No you say but I thought you were a boy scout. I was but I never said I was good at it.
    
15. Change a fuse
    
16. Polish shoes
17. The ability to read stock quotes in the business section - It should be noted that although I do know this I've never had enough money to invest so while I do know how to do this I'm not sure what ever possessed to me to learn how to do it in the first place Maybe I was bored. Also, I'm just thinking out-loud here, aren't the quotes always in the business section? I mean do they ever put them sometimes next to say the comics? Hmm, maybe that's not such a bad idea. I mean considering recent events. I'm just sayin'...
    
18. Keep score at a baseball game
    
19. Jump-start a car
20. Know how to throw a punch - Only if I have to but I'm not generally a violent person
    
21. Own a tuxedo
    
22. Know how to judge a new wine - I've never been asked to judge a wine but I know a good one when I taste one.
    
23. Do your own taxes at least once in your life - Yes and never again (Thanking God once again this time for creating H & R Block)
    
24. Know how to play poker
25. Carry a handkerchief - Another yes and no, yes I have once and after the experience of carrying a wet, snot laden rage around in my pocket all day pretty well helped me make up my mind that it was not something I would ever be doing again. To be honest I can not for the life of me understand why anyone would carry a handkerchief. I know that it's more environmentally friendly because a tree has to die to make my tissues but I'll take shorter showers to compensate. (Thanking God once more for Kleenex)

I've just read my answers and it sure is good that God is around. I mean look at all the things we wouldn't have without him/her and that's just based on the items I mentioned in the list. I know there's like tons of other stuff he/she has created that we would be lost without. Think about it, microwaves, dishwashers, television. The list could go on and on but I'll leave it there.

Anyway, I got 15 out of a possible 25 which isn't to bad. So I guess I'm a pretty good man when it comes down to it. I definitely know I'm a gentlemen. I mean after all, I did grow up in New Orleans. You learn all about being a gentlemen in the "How to Become a Man Handbook" I mentioned earlier It was in chapters one through five, or was it seven, hang on maybe it was a separate book altogether. Now I'm confused but I know I read it in a book somewhere. All I know for sure is that "Yes Ma'am or No Ma'am" and "Yes Sir or No Sir" are as good as scripture growing up in the south and there can be serious consequences for not using those words. Maybe it's from the "Mind Your Manners Handbook" Southern Edition.

You tell me what to write...

So here's the deal as usual I'm having a huge dose of writers block so I've decide to turn to you my loyal reader, fans, friends, buddies and yes even those of you that occasionally pass this way by accident to tell me what to write about. What do you want to know? For example, would you like to hear about my coming out, my first gay date, or what it was like growing up going to catholic school with old bitter nuns. Maybe you'd like to hear all about the time I had sex in the parking lot (no never mind I forgot my mom reads this too. Sorry mom believe me that sex thing in the pool never happened. Really never, not even once.)

Let's see what else might you want to know. You could maybe ask me about how I met my current husband and ended up here in the land down under, although that could be a really long story that would have to be broken up into several post or I would have to leave out a lot of the juicer parts. Maybe you'd like hear me rant and rave on about what it's been and has been being a jaded cynical old man living with HIV for 22 years (no that one's even to depressing for me). Alternatively you might have a list of odd lot questions you'd like to ask. I'll take those.

Anyway you get the idea. You ask what you want or tell me what/you want and I in return will attempt to give you a nice readable post full of witty prose, edge of your seat stories that will have you asking how did he ever mange his way out of that, or at worst you'll get the answers to a list of things you never knew about me nor ever wanted to know but will have to read anyway because someone else wanted to know and I promised to answer.

Put on your thinking caps or just steal one of the examples I gave earlier and ask away. As I said I'm open for any suggestions, except for the sex in pool thing. You can ask me anything you want. You can leave your suggestions or questions in the comment box or if the question list is too long or if you wish to remain anonymous you can always send me your suggestions via email me at agardner@ozemail.com.au. I'm waiting....

Music makes the people...

(Loud scratching sound) Oh, sorry I was channeling Madonna there for a second. It's no wonder as I've been working very hard on a list of my favourite female singers and their songs. Funny thing is, Madonna didn't make the final list and I honestly do like her in fact I have a lot of her music. Some of her older stuff is really good IMHO, but in the end she just didn't make the list.

Anyway, I saw this list originally over at Spo-reflections who got the list from here. I wasn't sure I was up to the challenge which is to make a mix-tape of your favorite 15 songs (you know mix tapes, those things you used to make for your Girlfriend/Boyfriend or for your next party) . Spo-reflections made a very specific tape of just female singers. I decided to follow his lead but now I'm wondering if maybe I should have jut made the virtual tape of songs in general.

So, I went with the all female tape and it was really tough because when I made my first pass of all the female artist I have in my iTunes I ended up with 38 songs and I loved all of them. So then I had to drop 23 of them. I have to admit in a way it wasn't that hard because there were a few artist that I had several of their songs and to make the tape more interesting I thought it would be better to have only one song per artist. After the second pass I ended up with 26 songs which left me with 11 more to delete.

One more pass and I finalized my choices. I will say that I could probably make at least three mix tapes of just female artist. I hate to think of what it will be like trying to make one with just the male artist or better yet a complete mix up made up from my entire iTunes library. It does however leave me with the option to do just that and end up with at least two more post for later. So here is with out further adieu the 15 songs I have chosen for my first virtual mix tape that I'm calling "The Smokey and Sometimes Bluesy Ladies". Oh and one last thing I also have to tell you why I picked each song. Enjoy...

1. At Last - Cyndi Lauper: I've always liked Cyndi but never knew she had the pipes to carry this off. Apparently she does or at least I think so.
   
2. No More - Diana Ross: This is from the CD "Blue" which was supposed to be the follow up to her "Lady Sings the Blues" soundtrack but it was shelved for a while. Thankfully it finally made it's way into the light of day.
3. If I Can't Take It With Me - Eartha Kitt: Miss Kitt makes being rich fun.
4. Big Spender - Shirley Bassey: No one can sell it like Dame Bassey and even I could be persuaded to buy it from her and have a little fun, fun, fun...
5. Legend In My Living Room - Annie Lennox: That voice is smokin' and powerful and always will be no matter what she sings.
6. Son of a Preacher Man - Dusty Springfield: The original Lady of Blue-eyed soul. When she sings you believe it.
7. Do Yo Wanna Dance - Bette Midler: The Divine Miss M is usually sassy but she can be smooth and mellow when she wants to be.
8. Feeling Good - Nina Simone.: Nina just makes me feel good
9. I Say A Little Prayer - Aretha Franklin: Aretha shows the rest how to add soul to a song
10. Blue - Joni Mitchell: You can feel soul of this song as Joni sings it.
11. Edith and the Kingpin - Herbie Hancock (Featuring Tina Turner): Now I know this is a remix of Joni Mitchell material by Mr. Hancock but the singer is Tina Turner so it counts and Miss Tina does not let me down.
12. Black coffee - k.d. Lang: This is off her "Shadowland" CD which was supposed to be full of country music but this song is as smokey and soulful as they come not to mention that it's sung by a voice that can melt your soul
13. Fever - Grace Knight: Ms. Knight is an Australian artist with a small following. Personally I think she does a pretty good job with this classic.
14. Travlin' Light - Queen Latifah: When Queen Latifah steps away from her Hip-Hop style she takes on a totally different persona and that's one that I really like. You should also try out her other CD The Dana Owens Album (Queen Latifah's real name)
15. Stormy Weather - Billie Holiday: Miss Billie just oozes soul so much that you can feel the humidity

There you have it my first virtual mix tape. Its probably not every ones taste but I think it works.

What did I ever do to you???

I was sitting here minding my own business trying to think about what to write when the next thing I know I get and email saying a comment had been left on one of my post by this lovely man. That comment turned out to be a “Tag” for a meme. I’m not sure if filling out this meme is going to be easier or harder than creating a random post either way I’ve been tagged so like a good little soldier, I do what I got to do.

Here are the rules of the meme:

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

(Note to Bigezbear “I’ll get you my pretty…and your little dog too”)

7 facts about myself, some random and some wired:

1. I’ve never had a broken bone and the closest I’ve come is a sprained ankle
2. I had what is described as juvenile epilepsy, but I’ve been seizure free since about the age of 16-17. Apparently the abnormal brain pattern that let doctors know I have/had epilepsy can still be found today however it’s not active. I was told that when I hit puberty the hormones put the epilepsy in check. So what I’m really telling you is I was a late bloomer.
3. I hate the taste of coffee but love the smell. (I know that’s not very unusual but what the hell it’s true and this meme is about me) PS I love tea
4. I’m allergic, and will die, to intravenous iodine. You know, the type used for contrasting in certain types of x-rays. Nine times out of ten whenever I’m about to have an x-ray that requires views both with and without contrasting I have to argue with the lab technician who wants to inject me with the iodine because someone has forgotten to note the allergy on my chart. The doctor in charge has to be called and I have to explain; then nine time out of ten I’m told I won’t get the best images due to the lack of the iodine and my response is well that’s okay at least I’ll still be alive. Go figure
5. I hate snakes so much I can’t even look at them through the glass displays at the zoo. I will even go so much as to change the channel on television if I come upon a show about them.
6. I didn’t come out until I was 24. (Once again a late bloomer although looking back I have memories of same-sex attractions as far back as age 8)
7. Last but not least I was not always a cat person, in fact for a very long time I hated cats. I thought they were sneaky and just plain creepy. I used to have dogs for pets growing up. It’s not that I don’t like dogs now; it’s just that I’ve found cats easier to maintain. However, if/when something happens to the current cat in residence it will be time to switch sides

Well that wasn’t so hard, although it also wasn’t that enlightening either. I thought about telling you a few really bizarre things but then thought better of it. As I said they were really bizarre and best kept a secret, if you know what I mean.

Now who shall be tagged? I don’t usually tag people but in the spirit of playfulness and what’s good for me is good for a few well chosen others here goes. Please don’t hate me because I’m beautiful merely do so because you were tagged.

Nathan Exposed
Our View on Superior
Zeitzeuge
The Banal Chew
Spirit of Saint Lewis
Spo-reflections
Esoteric Diversions

Enjoy…

More things you don't and shouldn't know about me...

...but I'm going to tell you anyway. This meme has been making the rounds and even though I'm not writing the whole post I'm at least coming up with the answers and that has to count for something. Right? Oh well even if it doesn't I don't mind because it's the best I'm going to do at this point in time. It is either this or another flower of the week, because we got things blooming left right and center, but mostly in the back yard. I will post new flower pictures in the next day or so. I'm sure the anticipation is going to kill you but until then have fun finding out more sordid details of my life. Mom if you're reading this don't believe every answer I've given. I had to make up a few so that my life sounded a bit more interesting for my loyal readers. As for my loyal readers, all two of you okay maybe there's a few more, it's all true every single answer. Enjoy...

1. Taken a picture completely naked? I don't think I was completely naked but they were. Just kidding but I'm positive I wasn't unless you count the time in answer # 41.
2. Made out with a friend on your MySpace/Facebook page? No I don't even have a MySpace/Facebook page.
3. Danced in front of your mirror naked? Sure doesn't everybody?
4. Told a lie? Maybe once, I mean doesn't everybody? Twice now see I did it again.
5. Had feelings for someone who didn’t have them back? Yes but learned to let it go but at least I had sex with them before I let go.
6. Been arrested? Yes, I was young and foolish.
7. Made out with someone of the same sex? You do know I'm gay right?
8. Seen someone die? Yes, one time to many and I loved them both very much
9. Slept in until 5pm? Not unless I was sick. Oh wait there was that time see # 37
10. Had sex at work? I think I'm going to go with "No comment"
11. Fallen asleep at work/school? Yes at work but it was only a little power nap. That's what I told my boss
12. Held a snake? Hell to the no! I can't even watch them on the television.
13. Ran a red light? Not on purpose
14. Been suspended from school? No.
15. Totalled your car in an accident? Yes and this one is not related to #37.
16. Pole danced? No.
17. Smoked? Yes, for way longer than I want to admit but finally stopped. I still get cravings especially when I'm stressed.
18. Been fired from a job? Yes but it wasn't my fault...really!
19. Sang karaoke? I would not do that to my cat so why would I do it in front of people?
20. Done something you told yourself you wouldn’t? Oh please, where would you like me to start?
21. Laughed until a drink came out your nose? Yes and it still isn't funny.
22. Caught a snowflake on your tongue? Yes and thank God it was during a blizzard because I would have never caught the damn thing.
23. Kissed in the rain? Yes and it was very sexy.
24. Sang in the shower? No see # 19.
25. Given your private parts a nickname? If that's what it takes I'll call them what ever you want :) and I probably would anyway because they have been very good to me.
26. Ever gone out without underwear? I did all the time when I was younger but sadly not any more it's just not the same.
27. Sat on a roof top? Not that I can remember
28. Played chicken? No, I've greased up a turkey but that's a different story.
29. Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes on? Yes see # 37.
30. Broken a bone? Nope.
31. Mooned/flashed someone? Does streaking while drunk and foolish count or how about drunk and foolish while trying to pick up a date in a bar? Not that I have done that but just wondering if it counts.
32. Shaved your head? Yes, and I will not make that mistake twice
33. Slept naked? Every night and every night I pray to God there isn't a fire because that would be cruel and unfair to our neighbours.
34. Played a prank on someone? Sure isn't that why we have friends?
35. Had a gym membership? Yes, twice and it felt good saying I had one but no one believed me. I mean you have seen me right?
36. Cried over someone you were in love with? See # 8.
37. Taken more than 10 shots of alcohol? I try to forget that time in my life and surprisingly enough it was pretty easy especially during that period.
38. Had sex today? Not yet.
39. Played strip poker? No.
40. Donated Blood? No and couldn't if someones life depended on it, sorry but it's not my rules
41. Video taped yourself having sex? Once again I was young and foolish and it was during that same period as # 37. I'm sure I destroyed that tape, I think???
42. Eaten alligator meat? Yes and it does taste like chicken but tougher.
43. Ever jump out of an airplane? Why would I do that? Of course it could have happened during that time in # 37.
44. Have you been to more than 10 countries? Lets see, Japan, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Mexico...nope guess not.
45. Ever wanted to have sex with a platonic friend? Yes and it should have stopped right there because let me tell you..oh umm...hmm...never mind.

All television all the time...

I stole this from here. Thanks Nathan. The meme is all about television and ask the question what's your favourite. so without further adieu here are my choices. Enjoy...

• Favourite Comedy: Kath and Kim
• Favourite Drama: Boston Legal
• Favourite Reality: Project Runway
• Favourite Mystery: Prime Suspect
• Favourite Animated: The Family Guy
• Favourite Talk Show: The Ellen Degeneres Show
• Favourite Show That Ended Too Soon: Rome
• Favourite New Show: Pushing Daisies

What are your favourites?

Have you ever...

This is a long meme that I found and I actually modified it a little because it was even longer, but I still think it is fun. Just copy the list and bold the things you've done. So here's mine

Have you ever...

1. Bought everyone in the pub/bar a drink
2. Climbed a mountain
3. Held a tarantula.
4. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
5. Been in love
6. Broken someone's heart
7. Had your heart broken
8. Done a striptease
9. Bungee jumped
10. Watched a lightning storm at sea
11. Stayed up all night long, and watched the sun rise
12. Seen the Northern Lights
13. Gone to a huge sports game
14. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
15. Slept under the stars
16. Changed a baby's diaper
17. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
18. Watched a meteor shower
19. Gotten drunk on champagne
20. Given money to charity
21. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
22. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
23. Had a food fight
24. Bet on a winning horse
25. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
26. Had a snowball fight
27. Photocopied your butt or any other intimate body part
    
28. Held a lamb
29. Gone skinny dipping
30. Taken an ice cold shower
31. Seen a total eclipse
32. Ridden a roller coaster
33. Hit a home run
34. Been arrested
    
35. Visited all 50 states
36. Taken care of someone who was shit faced
37. Stolen a street/highway sign
38. Backpacked in Europe
39. Taken a road-trip
40. Taken a midnight walk on the beach
41. Gone sky diving
42. Milked a cow
43. Alphabetised your records
44. Sung karaoke
45. Lounged around in bed all day
46. Gone scuba diving
47. Danced in the rain
48. Gone to a drive-in theater
49. Started a business
50. Gotten married
51. Been in a movie
52. Crashed a party
53. Gotten divorced
54. Had sex at the office
55. Made cookies from scratch
56. Gotten a tattoo
57. Been on television
58. Had sex a public place
59. Got so drunk you don't remember anything
60. Recorded music
61. Had a one-night stand
62. Bought a house
63. Shaved or waxed your pubic hair off
64. Been on a cruise ship
65. Spoken more than one language fluently
66. Bounced a check
67. Called or written your Congress person
68. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
69. Sang loudly by yourself in the car
    
70. Wrote articles for a large publication
71. Piloted an airplane
72. Helped an animal give birth
73. Been fired or laid off from a job
74. Won money on a T.V. game show
75. Broken a bone
76. Ridden a motorcycle
77. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced
78. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
79. Ridden a horse
80. Had major surgery
81. Had sex on a moving train
82. Slept through an entire flight: takeoff, flight, and landing
83. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
84. Visited all 7 continents
85. Eaten sushi
86. Had your picture in the newspaper
87. Parasailed
88. Changed your name
89. Dyed your hair
90. Been a DJ

I've done 46 out of 90. What have you done? Leave a comment if you were so inclined to do this meme so I can visit. Enjoy.

One word blog...

This is supposed to be a one answer meme and I'll do the best I can, but like the person I pinched this from I can't promise I'll make it through with only one word. Anyway, here's some more mindless tripe about my life.

1. Where is your mobile phone? In the living room
2. Relationship? Yes, working on 9 years
3. Your hair? Short
4. Work? Retired
5. Your sister(s)? None
6. Your favourite thing? Shopping
7. Your dream last night? No
8. Your favourite drink? Chocolate Tea from here
9. Your dream car? Can't drive due to pain medication I have to take daily
10. The room you’re in? Kitchen
11. Your shoes? Brown
12. Your fears? Snakes
13. What do you want to be in 10 years? Alive
14. With whom did you hang out with this weekend? My husband
15. What are you not good at? Not worrying
16. Muffin? Blueberry
17. Wish list item? My mum to come visit my home in Australia
18. Where you grew up? Texas via - New Orleans - via Michigan
19. The last thing you did? Took shower
20. What are you wearing? T-shirt and lounge pants
21. What are you not wearing? Shoes
22. Your pet? Cat
23. Your computer? HP
24. Your life? Good
25. Your mood? Tired
26. Missing? Dad
27. What are you thinking about? Answers for this meme
28. Your car? Volkswagen Golf
29. Your kitchen? Needs remodeling
30. Your summer? Still 5 months away
31. Your favourite colour? Blue
32. Last time you laughed? This morning
33. Last time you cried? Last night
34. School? So long ago
35. Love? James

The human body...

I'm still going through a slow period when it comes to thinking up things to post. Hopefully soon this dry spell will end and I will once again be able to regale you with my brilliant writing skills but until then here are a few fast facts about the human body maybe one or two of the items will be something you did not know. Then again you may not care about any of it. Read what you want....

• The length from your wrist to your elbow is the same as the length of your foot.
• On average, people can hold their breath for one minute. The world record is seven-and-a-half minutes.
• Your heart beats 101,000 times a day. During your lifetime it will beat about 3 billion times and pump about 400 million litres (800 million pints) of blood.
• Your mouth produces 1 litre (1.8 pints) of saliva a day.
• If the amount of water in your body is reduced by just 1%, you'll feel thirsty
• You'll drink about 75,000 litres (20,000 gallons) of water in your lifetime.
• A person remains conscious for eight seconds after being decapitated (this I find very disturbing)
  
• Unless food is mixed with saliva you cannot taste it
• Our eyes are always the same size from birth.
• On average, you speak almost 5,000 words a day - although almost 80% of what you say is to yourself. (that explains a lot)
  

TV Dinners...

I know I said I would put up a real post but once again I'm just not feeling it so I'm going for another meme. In some ways it's not cheating because you do get to find out quirky stuff about me and my life. It's really like being interviewed and even though I'm not a celebrity I can feel like one. I have been so into cooking lately with my new cook top and oven. That I figured it would be appropriate to do a meme on cooking. This particular meme is about cooking and television. I love watching LifeStyle FOOD channel here in Australia. I think it's fascinating watching people create things. I'm always afraid to mix certain ingredients for fear they taste like crap and I'll have to throw it all away and that would be such a waste of food. So anyway on to today's meme and it goes like this:

1. Favorite TV Chef: Jamie Oliver, I know it seems to be an obvious pick but I find him easy to watch, what can I say

2. Favorite TV Cooking Personality: John Torode and Gregg Wallace from Masterchef Goes Large. I would love to test all the food that they get served up to them by the contestants.

3. Favorite TV Dinner: I don't do a lot of TV dinners but if I had to pick one it would be Heinz Steam Fresh Honey Mustard Chicken

4. Favorite Watching TV Movie Snack: Popcorn, it's not original but it's what I like

So there you go, wasn't that intriguing. I bet you were on the edge of your seat and I'm sure you found some of my answers shocking to say the least. It just goes to show you how little you know a person.

Movies, movies, movies

Well, I said I would post and here it is even though it's only a meme and not a post that I had to think very hard about but I did make the effort and it's still better than no post at all. Anyway, the following list is from the American Film Institute and it is what they say are the 100 Top Movies people should see. I have highlighted the ones I've seen and at the end you are supposed to add three that are not on their list. So without further adieu...

1. CITIZEN KANE (1941)
2. CASABLANCA (1942)
3. THE GODFATHER (1972)
4. GONE WITH THE WIND (1939)
5. LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1962)
6. THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939)
7. THE GRADUATE (1967)
8. ON THE WATERFRONT (1954)
9. SCHINDLER'S LIST (1993)
10. SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (1952)
11. IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946)
12. SUNSET BOULEVARD (1950)
13. THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI (1957)
14. SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959)
15. STAR WARS (1977)
16. ALL ABOUT EVE (1950)
17. THE AFRICAN QUEEN (1951)
18. PSYCHO (1960)
19. CHINATOWN (1974)
20. ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST (1975)
21. THE GRAPES OF WRATH (1940)
22. 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (1968)
23. THE MALTESE FALCON (1941)
24. RAGING BULL (1980)
25. E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL (1982)
26. DR. STRANGELOVE (1964)
27. BONNIE AND CLYDE (1967)
28. APOCALYPSE NOW (1979)
29. MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON (1939)
30. THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE (1948)
31. ANNIE HALL (1977)
32. THE GODFATHER PART II (1974)
33. HIGH NOON (1952)
34. TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (1962)
35. IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT (1934)
36. MIDNIGHT COWBOY (1969)
37. THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES (1946)
38. DOUBLE INDEMNITY (1944)
39. DOCTOR ZHIVAGO (1965)
40. NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959)
41. WEST SIDE STORY (1961)
42. REAR WINDOW (1954)
43. KING KONG (1933)
44. THE BIRTH OF A NATION (1915)
45. A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE (1951)
46. A CLOCKWORK ORANGE (1971)
47. TAXI DRIVER (1976)
48. JAWS (1975)
49. SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS (1937)
50. BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID (1969)
51. THE PHILADELPHIA STORY (1940)
52. FROM HERE TO ETERNITY (1953)
53. AMADEUS (1984)
54. ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT (1930)
55. THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965)
56. M*A*S*H (1970)
57. THE THIRD MAN (1949)
58. FANTASIA (1940)
59. REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE (1955)
60. RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1981)
61. VERTIGO (1958)
62. TOOTSIE (1982)
63. STAGECOACH (1939)
64. CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND (1977)
65. THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (1991)
66. NETWORK (1976)
67. THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE (1962)
68. AN AMERICAN IN PARIS (1951)
69. SHANE (1953)
70. THE FRENCH CONNECTION (1971)
71. FORREST GUMP (1994)
72. BEN-HUR (1959)
73. WUTHERING HEIGHTS (1939)
74. THE GOLD RUSH (1925)
75. DANCES WITH WOLVES (1990)
76. CITY LIGHTS (1931)
77. AMERICAN GRAFFITI (1973)
78. ROCKY (1976)
79. THE DEER HUNTER (1978)
80. THE WILD BUNCH (1969)
81. MODERN TIMES (1936)
82. GIANT (1956)
83. PLATOON (1986)
84. FARGO (1996)
85. DUCK SOUP (1933)
86. MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY (1935)
87. FRANKENSTEIN (1931)
88. EASY RIDER (1969)
89. PATTON (1970)
90. THE JAZZ SINGER (1927)
91. MY FAIR LADY (1964)
92. A PLACE IN THE SUN (1951)
93. THE APARTMENT (1960)
94. GOODFELLAS (1990)
95. PULP FICTION (1994)
96. THE SEARCHERS (1956)
97. BRINGING UP BABY (1938)
98. UNFORGIVEN (1992)
99. GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER (1967)
100. YANKEE DOODLE DANDY (1942)

Out of 100 I've seen 48. almost half. What three movies would I add to the list?

101. Auntie Mame (Rosalind Russel)
102. Born Yesterday (Judy Ho1liday)
103. The Philadelphia Story (Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant)

What three would you add?

Boy, how time flies...

I saw this meme over here and it has been sitting on my desktop for a while. Since I have not written anything in a few days I figured this was better than nothing. What I find form this list is that I'm pretty consistent and at the same time if you could see in between those years you would never believe what I have done to get where I am today. Not all of it good but not all of it bad either. Anyway, have a read and let your imagination run wild.

20 years ago

1.) How old were you? 29
2.) Where did you go to school? I had not been to school in over 10 years
3.) Where did you work? A large retail department store
4.) Where did you live? Dallas
5.) Where did you hang out? Oaklawn (aka Boystown)
6.) Did you wear glasses? No
7.) Who was your best friend? I hate limiting myself because it make it seem like one friend is better than another.
8.) How many tattoos did you have? None
9.) How many piercings did you have? None
10.) What car did you drive? Ford Fiero
11.) Had you been to a real party? One to many times
12.) Had your heart broken? Yes
13.) Single/Taken/Married/Divorced: Taken

10 years ago

1.) How old were you? 39
2.) Where did you go to school? Still not in school and not planning on going back
3.) Where did you work? I had taken early retirement
4.) Where did you live? Dallas
5.) Where did you hang out? Oaklawn (aka Boystown)
6.) Did you wear glasses? No
7.) Who was your best friend? Gene
8.) How many tattoos did you have? None
9.) How many piercings did you have? One
10.) What car did you drive? Mazda Miata
11.) Had you been to a real party? Still one to many and going strong
12.) Had your heart broken? Yes
13.) Single/Taken/Married/Divorced: Taken

5 years ago

1.) How old were you? 44
2.) Where did you go to school? NO, I told you already
3.) Where did you work? Still retired
4.) Where did you live? Sydney, Australia
5.) Where did you hang out? The botanical gardens and the harbour
6.) Did you wear glasses? Yes
7.) Who were your best friends? Once again don't want to limit myself but if I had to pick Moys, Cin and Hop
8.) Who was your crush? Didn't have one, I was very much in love
9.) How many tattoos did you have? One on my right shoulder
10.) How many piercings did you have? Two
11) What car did you drive? I did not own a car
12.) Had you had your heart broken? Yes
13.) Single/Taken/Married/Divorced/Bitter: Very much taken
14.) Any kids? One, a beautiful daughter

Present

1.) How old are you? 49
2.) Where do you go to school? Look,at this age the closest I will come to going to school will be an adult education cooking course, but still haven't gone. Although I signed up but the class was full. Maybe next time?
3.) Where do you work? Still retired
4.) Where do you live? Hobart Tasmania
5.) Where do you hang out? My backyard
6.) Do you wear glasses? Yes
7.) Who are your best friends? Wayne and Lee
8.) Who is your crush? I don't have one unless you count my husband
9.) Do you talk to your old friends? Yes at least once a month on the phone as they all live overseas
10.) How many tattoo's do have? Still just the one
11.) How many piercings do you have? Just one, as I lost the other one of the after having to remove them before a surgery and then afterwards I couldn't be bothered putting them both back in so I now only have the one
12.) What kind of car do you have? I don't drive a lot due to my pain medications but we own a Volkswagen Golf
13.) Has your heart been broken? Yes, but it has mended well
14.) Single/Taken/Married/Divorced/Bitter? Still very taken and very happy
15.) Any kids? Still just the one, but with a grandchild

Answer me this....

Here's more useless insight into who I am and what I've done. Enjoy...

Name: Anthony (aka Tony, TJ)
Birthday: November
Birthplace: Michigan
Current Location: Tasmania, Australia
Eye Color: Blue
Hair Color: Blond
Height: 5' 7"
Right Handed or Left Handed: Right
Your Heritage: English and a bunch more but too many to list
The Shoes You Wore Today: I'm currently barefoot but will eventually put on tennis shoes
Your Weakness: Food
Your Fears: Snakes
Your Perfect Pizza: Sausage, Canadian bacon, hamburger with BBQ sauce and dabs of sour cream (Hardens the arteries right up)
Goal You Would Like To Achieve This Year: Drop a few pounds (doesn't everyone?)
Your Most Overused Phrase On an instant messenger: I don't use this way of communicating
Thoughts First Waking Up: God my hands hurt! (I'm having some sort of arthritis type pain. We're not sure what is causing it and are just trying to control the pain)
Your Best Physical Feature: I'm told my butt. I toss up between butt and calves
Your Bedtime: 11:30 p.m.
Your Most Missed Memory: My dad
Pepsi or Coke: Pepsi
MacDonalds or Burger King: Nope, I don't eat fast food.
Single or Group Dates: Neither, I have a husband
Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea: If I have to choose it would be Lipton
Chocolate or Vanilla: Vanilla
Cappuccino or Coffee: Neither, I drink hot tea
Do you Smoke: No
Do you Swear: Yes, way too much
Do you Sing: Not very well and only when I'm alone
Do you Shower Daily: Yes
Have you Been in Love: Yes
Do you want to go to College: Never finished the first time around. Why would I want to try again?
Do you want to get Married: Been there done that (x2) with women before I was honest with the world and came out. Now I have a partner that I have been with over 8 years and we don't need to get married, but we deserve the same rights as heterosexual married couples as our relationship is no less than theirs.
Do you believe in yourself: Sure, just sometime I need a little encouragement and reminding that I'm okay :)
Do you get Motion Sickness: Not until recently and now I do occasionally in the car while on a long drive through the hills around where we live. We think it may have something to do with all the new medications I have to take including the pain medication.
Do you think you are Attractive: I don't think I'm ugly.
Are you a Health Freak: Nope
Do you get along with your Parents: Yes
Do you like Thunderstorms: Nothing better, except maybe a nice snow fall with me inside in front of a fire.
Do you play an Instrument: No
In the past month have you Drank Alcohol: Yes
In the past month have you Smoked: No, I already said I don't smoke!
In the past month have you been on Drugs: Prescriptions only and way two many of those!
In the past month have you gone on a Date: No
In the past month have you gone to a Mall: No
In the past month have you eaten a box of Oreos: No
In the past month have you eaten Sushi: No
In the past month have you been on Stage: No
In the past month have you been Dumped: No
In the past month have you gone Skinny Dipping: No
In the past month have you Stolen Anything: No
Ever been Drunk: Yes
Ever been called a Tease: No
Ever been Beaten up: Yes, when I was a kid
Ever Shoplifted: Yes, when I was a kid
How do you want to Die: In my sleep
What do you want to be when you Grow Up: What's grown up?
What country would you most like to Visit: England
Best Clothing Style: Casual
Number of Drugs I have taken: It's all a blur
Number of CDs I own: Lost count but don't really buy anymore CDs now that I have my iPod. I just download what I want to buy now.
Number of Piercings: One
Number of Tattoos: One
Number of things in my Past I Regret: I try to live my life without regret but If I had to think of something I would say I regret not being honest and coming out sooner to myself and everyone that was important in my life. however if I had I would not have been given my beautiful daughter who has now given me a equally beautiful granddaughter

Busy as usual...

You know when I retired I was supposed to relax, well it seems now I have more things to do than I know what to do with and they just keep coming. Anyway, this is my feeble attempt at telling you why I haven't been posting lately but it is true, I am doing all sorts of things right now that keep me from posting. Lets see:

1. Refinishing two bifold doors to go between the lounge room (It's what we call the living room in Australia) and the kitchen. The doors were in the shed when we bought the house and we have talked about fixing them and putting them back up for two years but I/we never had time to focus on this so now I/we do. I'll take a picture of the finished product.
2. I have been baking up a storm. I know this is a choice but we have guests right now and besides everyone loves my cakes and pies. Recently creations have included dutch apple pie, peanut putter pie and just yesterday a carrot cake. I realize that this is not a necessary chore but it has kept me busy none the less.
3. We went to Cradle Mountain last weekend and once again walked around the mountain but not as far as we did last time when James almost met an untimely demise. This also is a choice not a chore but it did keep me away from the computer.

Okay, the list isn't that long but it's all I've got so as I said it's my excuse, feeble and all. Anyway, I've got doors to varnish so shellac you later. (Hee hee... I'm trying to be funny, talk about feeble)

Filler...

After that last post I happened upon this new meme and although it doesn't require a lot of thinking as far as creative thinking goes. It did require some thought as to the answers. So for better or worse here is another list and a bit of filler.

1. What is your occupation? Retired
2. What color are your socks right now? Barefoot
3. What are you listening to right now? The morning silence
4. What was the last thing you ate? Prawn cutlets and chips (Fried shrimp and french fires for the Americans)
5. Can you drive a stick shift? Yes, but rather not now that I drive on the opposite side of the road as it would be to much to think about and stay on the left side of the road at the same time.
6. What is your favorite color? Blue
7. Last person you talked to on the phone? Our friend Wayne (the bear-child) to discuss dates for a BBQ
8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? I stole this, but the person I stole it from seems nice
9. How old are you today? 49 and counting
10. Favorite drink: Pepsi, Merlot with dinner and hot chocolate in the winter
11. What is your favorite sport to watch? Australian Football League
12. Have you ever dyed your hair? No
13. Pets? Molly Brown (cat)
14. Favorite foods? You name it I probably like it, except beets
15. What was the last movie you watched? Torch Song Trilogy, and oldie but goody in my eyes
16. Favorite day of the year? Got to be Christmas I love all the decorations and food
17. What do you do to vent anger? I usually internalise and if that doesn't work I yell
18. What was your favorite toy as a child? GI Joe w/jeep
19. What is your favorite Fall or Spring? Fall all the way. The colours changing and the cooler weather just put a skip in my step
20. Hugs or kisses? Hugs as there is nothing better especially if it ends in a big cuddle
21. Cherry or Blueberry? Can't choose have to have both
22. Do you want your friends to email you back? Hell yes! I wasn't writing to watch myself type.
23. Who is most likely to respond? My mum
24. Who is least likely to respond? ??? I don't think anyone has not ever responded
25. Living arrangements? Two bedroom home that is over 115 years old and in great condition and living with the love of my life my husband
26. When was the last time you cried? When my dad passed away last year
27. What is on the floor of your closet? shoes
28. Who is the friend you're sending this to that has been your friend the longest? I don't usually tag people for meme's and I'm not going to start now
29. What did you do last night? Went down to the wharf to get fresh fish and chips and then sat out on our back deck looking at all of the stars in the sky
30. What is your favorite smell? Anything baking (pies, cakes, cookies, etc.)

I stole this from here who had stole it from here.

ABC's of music

Here's a list I found asking that I list my favourite bands A-Z. I found this one a bit difficult as I have so many favourites. I love music and listen to a wide variety of artists. So, I did the best I could. As you will notice, a few answers have more than one as I just couldn't choose a favourite. Others have nothing because I couldn't think of any artists starting with that letter, and there are a few answers that you may find just plain obscure, once again because I was struggling for an answer. I based the answers using the last names of people. (example H- Faith Hill)

List your favorite bands from A to Z.

A. Anastacia
B. The Beatles
C. Cher
D. Dixie Chicks
E. Eurythmics
F. Fleetwood Mac
G. Gloria Gaynor/The Go-Go's/
H. Faith Hill
I. INXS
J. Elton John
K. Kylie
L. Annie Lennox
M. Bette Midler/Madonna
N. No Doubt
O. ???
P. Pet Shop Boys
Q. Queen Latifah (aka Dana Owens)
R. Diana Ross
S. Sting
T. Tina Turner
U. U2
V. Van Morrison
W. Paul McCartney & Wings
X. ???
Y. Yes
Z. ZZ Top

*After reading some of my answers; I am so gay!

Meme after meme after meme...

I know some people hate these things but I just love filling them out. After I fill them out I read over what my answers are and sometimes find it interesting a to what I've said. I never change an answer. So as long as people keep writing them I'll keep (stealing) and answering them.

1. Home theatre or movie theatre? Home, it's easier to pause the movie to go to the bathroom
2. Hardwood or wall-to-wall? Hardwood in every room but the bedroom only because the floors are to cold in the winter
3. Pencil or ballpoint pen? Pen because it glides easier
4. Digital or analog? Digital, sharp is as sharp does
5. “Wet” or dry? It really all depends...my guess would be "wet"...but again depends on what we're talking about
6. Hardback or paperback? Either a book is a book and I like 'em
7. Gasoline or electric? I'd prefer to walk
8. Photograph or painting? Painting because there is more depth, unless it's B/W photography
9. Mountains or shore? I need a bit of both, that's why we live where we live (Hobart)
10. Curtains or blinds? Curtains because our house is over 115 years old and blinds would look stupid.
11. Shower or spa tub? Shower I don't like the thought of sitting in dirty water
12. Blu-ray or HD DVD? HD DVD because I don't even know what Blu-ray is...
13. Paint or wallpaper? Paint again it works with the age of our house and it's so much easier to apply!
14. Thoroughly cleaned and prepped or go with the moment? Depends on what I'm about to do I can go either way real easy.
15 “Ties” or “loafers” (slip-ons)? Slip-ons because I have so much trouble with my peripheral neuropathy
16. Stick shift or automatic? Stick because I feel more in control, not that I have control issues
17. Saturday or Sunday? Both, please...
18. 15% or 18%? Neither as we don't generally tip here in Australia considering that wait staff make like $10.00 or more an hour to start
19. Football or soccer? Australian Football League, fast paced and it's all about the players
20. Lands End or L. L. Bean? Again Neither as we don't have them in Australia but we do have Rodd & Gunn

Word association...

You know the old game; "You say Black" and "I say white". Well here's a little list I picked up and had a bit of fun with. Enjoy another strange insight into my life.

1. Cigarette: No
2. Sex: Yes
3. Relationship: Mine
4. Ex: Dead
5. Power: Corrupt
6. Create: New
7. Job: None
8. Food: Like
9. Type: Now
10. Home: Here
11. Care: Need
12. Value: Time
13. Eve: Christmas
14. Jest: Laugh
15. Religion: None
16. Thunder: Cool
17. Fear: Spider
18. Marriage: Okay
19. Back: Sore
20. Spark: Lighter
21. Tear: Rip
22: Trust: Hope
23: Boredom: Always
24. Inside: Out
25: Fire: Warm
26. Game: Play
27: Soft: Hard
28: Ice: Cold
29: Hard: Soft
30: Because: Why
31. Community: Spirit
32. Wood: Timber
33. Theme: Music
34. Love: Hate
35. Hate: Mail
36. Friendship: People
37. Money: Good
38. Heartache: Death
39. Lust: Sex
40. Time: Short
41. Divorce: Twice

My fine is $510.10...

I got a giggle out of this meme type entry that I read over at 'Til the Cows Come Home, who got it from Tuna Girl, Anyway, it is a list of fines that you might pay based on certain things you have done in the past or maybe even doing currently??? My fine for offences totalled $510.10.

So, here’s how it works: You don’t have to confess your answers, just add up all of your offences and then tell us how much of a fine you would have to pay. You only have to pay the fine for each thing once. So, if you smoke pot everyday you still only get fined $10. Tally up your score and post it on your blog with the title… ”My Fine Is…”

Smoked pot — $10
Did acid — $5
Ever had sex at church — $25
Woke up in the morning and did not know the person who was next to you — $40
Had sex with someone on MySpace — $25
Had sex for money — $100
Vandalized something — $20
Had sex on your parents’ bed — $10
Beat up someone — $20
Been jumped — $10
Crossed dressed — $10
Given money to stripper — $25
Been in love with a stripper — $20
Kissed some one who’s name you didn’t know — $0.10
Hit on some one of the same sex while at work — $15
Ever drive drunk — $20
Ever got drunk at work, or went to work while still drunk — $50
Used toys while having sex — $30
Got drunk, passed out and don’t remember the night before — $20
Went skinny dipping — $5
Had sex in a pool — $20
Kissed someone of the same sex — $10
Had sex with someone of the same sex — $20
Cheated on your significant other — $10
Masturbated — $10
Cheated on your significant other with their relative or close friend — $20
Done oral — $5
Got oral — $5
Done/got oral in a car while it was moving — $25
Stole something — $10
Had sex with someone in jail — $25
Made a nasty home video — $15
Had a threesome — $50
Had sex in the wild — $20
Been in the same room while someone was having sex — $25
Stole something worth over more than a hundred dollars — $20
Had sex with someone 10 years older — $20
Had sex with someone under 21 and you are over 27 — $25
Been in love with two people or more at the same time — $50
Said you love someone but didn’t mean it — $25
Went streaking — $5
Went streaking in broad daylight — $15
Been arrested — $5
Spent time in jail — $15
Peed in the pool — $0.50
Played spin the bottle — $5
Done something you regret — $20
Had sex with your best friend — $20
Had sex with someone you work with at work — $25
Had anal sex — $80
Lied to your mate — $5
Lied to your mate about the sex being good — $25

How much is your fine?