Because I am hardly forthcoming enough about myself, I decided to participate in a “getting to know you” meme posted by Kathi on Facebook. Participation by my gentle readership is, as always, purely optional.

What time did you get up this morning?
I normally get up at 7 to make breakfasts and bag lunch for the child. 

Diamonds or pearls?
Like a necklace? I have only worn one necklace with any regularity and that is the gold chain with a double heart and diamond inset which Rob gave me the first time we met in person in Idaho Falls. That was two plus years ago and I haven’t gone a day without it.

What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
I think it was when we took BabyD to see Ratatouille last summer.

What is your favorite TV show?
Huh? Currently or in my long past? Since I don’t watch tv anymore, I will admit to having been a Buffy the Vampire Slayer devotee and owning most of the DVD sets.

What do you usually have for breakfast?
Toast or a bowl of cereal.

What is your middle name?
Marie. It is a very common one in my family.

What food do you dislike?
Bananas. They are disgusting.

What is your favorite CD at moment?
I am not a CD person. I have an eclectic mix on the iPod that ranges from musicals to rap to rock and bubble gum pop. No rules.

What kind of car do you drive?
I drive the ’07 Chevy Avalanche because I get the better gas mileage.

Favorite sandwich?
Veggie wraps by default as I can’t really eat most sandwiches.

What characteristic do you despise?
In myself or others? It really depends but I prefer people who are forthright but not in a way that is deliberately mean. I think you can speak your mind without cutting down other people.

Favorite item of clothing?
My leggings. I adore leggings. I can’t believe I ever foolishly gave them up after college. They are essentials for living in cold climates.

If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go?
Believe it or not, the West Coast of B.C. or Nova Scotia followed closely by renting a house on the bluffs in my hometown for a summer.

Favorite brand of clothing?
Um, I buy what is comfy and fits. I like Lucky jeans though.

Where would you retire to?
Still working on that. Right now we are looking at B.C. though we’ve talked about dividing time between there and Arkansas. Whether we live half time in the states depends on how well it weathers the current economic collapse and I must say, from where I sit, things do look good.

What was your most memorable birthday?
All birthdays one is alive to celebrate are worth commemorating.

Favorite sport to watch?
Watch? Okay, I don’t do that.

Furthest place you are sending this?
In terms of who will read it? I don’t know. If anyone reads this who is further away than Alberta is from Australia  – let me know in the comments.

Person you expect to send it back first?
Marsha likes memes. My husband will play if he hasn’t any better ideas for his blog.

When is your birthday?
December

Are you a morning person or a night person?
I am whatever the situation calls for, but I don’t do extended sleep debt for long or recover quickly from it anymore.

What is your shoe size?
10 1/2. And I already know how big that is, thanks.

Pets?
Not a chance, but we are harboring MK’s cat for the moment.

Any new and exciting news you ‘d like to share with us?
Nope

What did you want to be when you were little?
Shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates and then a priest until someone told me girls couldn’t do either. Then I thought about acting but I was too shy. All along though I was a writer.

How are you today?
A little stiff and tired but remarkably buoyed up by the spring like weather.

What is your favorite candy?
I can’t eat candy.

What is your favorite flower?
I don’t have one.

What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to?
First week of May is our real vacation.

What are you listening to right now?
At this moment? Nothing. I seldom have background noise on.

What was the last thing you ate?
A pumpkin scone.

Do you wish on stars?
Always. The last time I wished on a star I met Rob. The universe always hears me.

If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
Grey

How is the weather right now?
A bit cloudy today but very nice compared to the last few weeks.

The first person you spoke to on the phone today?
Rob. He is the first person nearly every day.

Favorite soft drink?
Can’t. 

Favorite restaurant?
High Level Diner in Edmonton

Real hair color?
Dark red with strawberry highlights

What was your favorite toy as a child?
Liddle Kiddles

Summer or winter?
Summer and early fall

Hugs or kisses ?
Both and at the same time

Chocolate or Vanilla?
Can’t

Coffee or tea?
Tea – chai, cranberry, green or Lady Grey

When was the last time you cried?
When I had the flu.

What is under your bed?
Blinds for the window that need to be put up and Easter basket treats

What did you do last night?
I had writing group.

What are you afraid of?
That’s too long of a list.

Salty or sweet?
Sweet because there aren’t many sweet treats I can have.

How many keys on your key ring?
I have no idea.

How many years at your current job?
Writing? All my life.

Favorite day of the week?
I like the weekends.

How many states have you lived in?
I have lived in one U.S. state an one Canadian province.

Do you make friends easily?
No.