7 posts tagged “qotd”
What's on your "do before I die" list?
Submitted by Caroline.
for as long as i have known about them (which i think was upon reading some long forgotten chapter book in elementary school where one of the characters was named after them) at the top of my list has been to see the northern lights. later, when i got sort of into bjork and iceland, it was ammended to "see the northern lights in iceland." recently, i was very disturbed to read some travelogue about a guy who went to iceland and when he asked to go on the northern lights tour, was told that the weather hadn't been optimum for seeing them there for ages ...
in any case, that's how my list begins. how it continues, i'm a bit more hazy on. there are many things that i would like to, but few things that seem absolutely necessary for me to do.
I have the day off today, as I am working tomorrow, and it seems that I am mostly going to spend it cleaning and playing online. Not a terrible shock, and as the holiday season is always hectic, it isn't exactly unwelcome. I went back to Ohio for Christmas, and because I couldn't get vacation days, it was a super quick trip - in very late Friday night and back to New York on Monday. It was a fantastic time and I looooved being able to see all of my family, whom I miss terribly. Since I had to go right back to work on Tuesday, though, seems like I haven't had time to just relax and breathe a bit, which is where today comes in. I slept in and have been listening to the radio (I love you XM!) and it's been nice. Soon I shall go do dishes and clean the apartment a bit more thoroughly than has been done in awhile. Which will be good too, not only because I hate the mess but because I've always found the cleaning process a bit cathartic.
Before that though, as I am feeling type-y, I thought I would scroll through the vox archives and answer some of the Questions of the Day that I missed. I am bad a regularly logging on here and posting, something I sort of wish to change. If I were a believer in New Year's resolutions, doing so might be one of mine. The questions are probably my favorite part of vox, and maybe the photo hunt will go along with that, since I want to start using my pretty camera more. So, we'll see.
In the meantime, here are a few answers that I've missed giving these last few months.
How do you take your tea or coffee?
I wish that I liked tea, because it seems like such a cozy thing to drink and I like the idea of putting the kettle on and snuggling down with a cuppa, but I really don't. Maybe I should try it some more and it will grow on me, as I can't imagine that I was instantly a fan of coffee when I started drinking it (which I do believe happened when I was in college). I do so love my coffee though, and tend to take it black, no sugar. Preferably iced. In general, I'm just not a fan of hot beverages. Which could also go a ways in explaining my reluctance to embrace tea. Although I do love hot chocolate ... Anyway, back to the coffee. I can drink it with milk or sugar, but generally don't like to. I like it strong and bitter. I find it very interesting that, here in New York, people think you generally odd if you drink it this way. I can't tell you how many clerks in coffee shops give you looks - and even ask you questions like "Really? Are you sure?" if you say no to milk and sugar. Sometimes I like to get a shot of syrup in the coffee, usually raspberry. I also enjoy mocha cappucinos and other fancy starbucks drinks, but don't get those so often.
What are your superstitions?
My boyfriend teases me that it is a fine line between superstion and o.c.d. Thinks that I might clarify as the one would be seen by someone else as the other. Thus, thinking not about quirks that may seem slightly obsessive-compulsive and limiting myself to traditional superstitions, the one that I am most consistent about is knocking on wood, which I do frequently. I also pick up pennies. And while I don't avoid sewing on Sundays, when it's necessary, I invariably feel a little guilty about it.
What books did you love as a child?
Oh, so very many. I was hugely into Nancy Drew and other syndicate series books, like the Dana Girls and Trixie Belden. I loved the Beverly Cleary and Judy Blume books, like practically everyone (even still today - I love it that I am always having to replace these books at work because so many kids read them). For a long time, my favorite books was The Westing Game. I loved all the Katharine Patterson books, especially The Great Gilly Hopkins and Bridge to Terebithia. Where the Red Fern Grows. Mr. Popper's Penguins. Remember Me to Harold Square. The Anne and Emily books by L.M. Montgomery. Going back earlier, Are You My Mother? is the picture book (although it's really an Easy Reader) that I remember adoring and reading over and over again.
What is your favorite board game?
Scrabble. It's a classic for a reason, and remains the one that I play most frequently. We also play a lot of Yahtzee, although technically there's no board with that one. I love Trivial Pursuit, Monopoly, Life and Clue, although Trivial Pursuit is the only one of thse that we play even a bit. Scattergories is always a good time. I haven't kept up with new games that much, although I really enjoyed the few that I played at parties - like Apples to Apples and that one where you build train lines, the name of which I don't remember. In general, I adore board games and when I was younger my sister and her family would come over and we would have "Family Fun Night" which frequently involved playing games. It may seem sort of cheesy, but I always loved those nights and they are some of my favorite memories.
Top 5 Tv shows of 2006?
The show I've been most into this season is Bones. It's one of those shows that sort of creeps up on you and is much better than you expect it to be, even though it doesn't get tons of buzz. I am still very loyal to Veronica Mars - although I haven't been as into this season as in past ones - and The Gilmore Girls - which I know lots of people are critical of and think has jumped the shark, but I'm actually enjoying this season way more than last season, which I just thought was so Not Good. The Office is probably the only comedy that I look forward to watching. Um, that's only four, so for the fifth, pick the guilty pleasure reality show of your choice - Top Chef, Project Runway, Big Brother, etc.
What song gives you the most holiday cheer?
Fairytale of New York. It's Christmas (Baby Please Come Home). Silver Bells. Winter Wonderland.
What were you afraid of as a child that seems silly to you now?
That my entire family would be replaced by pod people when I wasn't paying attention. Seriously. I think I must have seen Invasion of the Body Snatchers at a fairly young age, although I don't recall doing so. Just the fear, which I never realized was probably inspired by said film, until I saw it with a friend during the college years.
What is your favorite cover song?
Recently, I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight, as covered by Sleater Kinney.
What tv show was cancelled way too soon?
Well, I have the Freaks and Geeks and Wonderfalls DVD sets for a reason.
These answers are getting shorter - must mean it's time to sign off and clean, no? Thus, I'll just offer one more, which seems a good sort of summing up one -
How did you pick your Vox name? Does it mean something?
I wanted to choose a name that was a little more annonymous than previous online monikers I've had. When I signed up for Vox, I was listening to a lot of Belle and Sebastian - they're sort of one of my go-to bands. The depth of my affection waxes and wanes, but it never goes away completely and sometimes verges on mania, when the mood is right. Slow Graffiti is not my very favorite song by them, but it is on my favorite ep (This is Just a Modern Rock Song) and I'm very fond of it. And, it sounds just interesting enough, even if you don't know the song. And if I were inclined to get very pomo and analytical about it - which I've never been tempted to do until this very moment - blogs are sort of like technical graffiti; and I am quite untimely about it, as the very existence of this post proves. So, there you go.
Who would you like to kiss under the mistletoe?
Submitted by EmmyAngua.
I somehow doubt that this holiday season will find me under any mistletoe. I don't think that it ever has, and there are no plans for shenanigans in any place that it might hang. But then, I don't quite need the sprig of fauna for an excuse, and all of my kisses these days are for him.
Are there any snacks, food or candy that are no longer made that you desperately miss?
I know that when this topic comes up, those of my generation (approximately) tend to bemoan the Jell-o Pudding Pop. In fact, that's how I found out about this question of the day - another blog friend posted that particular missed treat. And I readily cop to being quite the Pudding Pop fan, back in the day. But they did bring them back a year or two, at least in certain areas. But I'm not sure it took, because I haven't seen them lately. Then again, the grocery store where I usually end up shopping (albeit begrudgingly) is pretty unreliable. They tend not to have the same frozen treat selection on any two different shopping trips. Just recently, when I had strep throat I bought the best Superman tie-in popcicles there, that I've yet to see again.
However, as good as the Pudding Pop was, when it comes to pudding-centric treats, I would much rather see the return of Pudding Pockets. I was obsessed with these when I was younger and would make them all the time. I particularly remember this one summer, when I think that virtually all I did was make/eat Pudding Pockets and play Clue. For those not fortunate enough to be in the know, Pudding Pockets was a box cupcake mix and at some point you added pudding to the middle of the concoction, so the end result was something like a Hostess cupcake, but with pudding instead of cream. They came in a variety of flavors, but my favorite was yellow cupcakes with chocolate pudding. Recently I have tried to concoct my own version of this, with your standard, readily available supplies, but so far I have not perfected it to the point that my nostalgic cravings are satisfied. It is a worthy experiment, however, and I will press on.
I also really, really liked Pac-Man cereal . It was sort of like Lucky Charms, only much tastier. Of course, if they had ever come out with Ms. Pac-Man cereal, it would've been even better.
Remember sniglets? Do you have any favorites? Have you ever made up your own word? (Now's as good a time as any.)
Yes, I remember them. One year, someone gave me a word-a-day calendar with them on them.
No, I do not remember any favorites.
And no, I tend not to make up my own words. That I am aware of. I believe in the Oxford English Dictionary. Like a lot. I think it's one of the most amazing things ever and I wish I still had access to the electronic version of it.
What magazines do you subscribe to, and why?
I am a bit of a magazine fiend, as anyone who knows me - not to mention anyone who comes into my apartment, where the stack of volumes read and unread lurks right by the door - can attest. In fact, last week at work, D. - my best friend at work, who happens to share the obsession - and I were superpsyched, because one of the older librarians gave us a tour of the stacks, specifically to show us where the magazines are processed and where ancient periodicals are located. That said, I don't subscribe to a ton. In part because I'm lazy, and not money-saavy and in part because I get a lot of free ones from the bookstore where my boyfriend works.
That said, currently:
Bust - I've been reading it forever and have subscriptions off and on. In part I don't like subscribing to it, because their subscription service isn't the best (magazines that appear on the newstand before they've appeared in your mailbox is a particular pet peeve of mine). But they aren't usually carried by newstands in my neighborhood anyway, so it's okay.
Time Out New York - I let my subscription lapse, but recently renewed it because I like to be in the know. Not so much about dining and sample sales which I'll never go to, but author readings and movies and shows.
Jane - I have a love/hate relationship with Jane magazine - have since the beginning, when I was a charter subscriber, thanks to a teenaged devotion to Sassy. It was really bad for a while and again, I let my subscription lapse, although I usually bought it anyway, which just isn't smart. That said, I think it's improved dramatically since Jane Pratt left and as such is showing its smarts again.
Almost, maybe:
Blueprint - I just signed up to get a free issue of this, a Martha Stewart production. I haven't recieved one yet, so I don't know if I'm going to like it. I'm told that it's M.S. Omnimedia-does-crafty-d.i.y.-action, but it remains to be seen. I do like Martha though, more often than not.
Teen Vogue - I sent in a subscription card for this, because while we used to get it at work, I think our subscription there lapsed and (shamefully?) I really miss reading it. Also, it was only like $10 and they were offering a cute bag as an incentive. However, I haven't recieved it or any sort of contact from them, so I'm not sure if it went through. I like it because it's fashion, but without quite as a high a pricetag and as many ads as regular Vogue, and they do cool regulars like girls-on-the-street and pictures of teen girl bedrooms. I also justify it to myself by saying my interest is professional.
And not now but someday maybe:
Mental Floss - This is maybe my favorite magazine out there, but J. usually gets it for free. If he ever stops though, my subscription card is in the mail. Fascinating and obscure bits of knowledge! In-depth articles on things you've never thought twice about! A quiz at the end to test your smarts! What's not to love?
Venus - I actually keep meaning to subscribe, but haven't yet because it's more complicated than sending in a postcard. But I always buy it and I always love it. Even though I love the music aspect of it, I'm really glad that they've expanded to cover a wider array of popular culture.
Readymade - I used to be a loyal reader (and subscriber for awhile), but it's waned a bit. I think when they went from being more design-oriented and less d.i.y. Also, the themed issues sort of bug me, especially when they're themes that have no relevance to your life whatsoever. Also, I've never really forgiven them for getting rid of their crossword puzzle.
Nylon - I often buy when I'm travelling. It's good for planes and trains. D. subscribes to it though, and usually passes her old issues on to me. That's true also of New York magazine, which I think is too Manhattan-centered, but has interesting articles and a good crossword puzzle. And of Real Simple, which I find 50% useless (Oh, gee, I never thought of making a list before!), and 50% rather interesting.
etc.:
The Gossip rags - Again, I use the excuse of travel (or occassionally, having a really, really bad day) to buy these, which I'd normally not allow myself to spend money on. I like to read them at the newstand though and I usually squeal when J. brings them home. The proliferation of gossip blogs though has almost made them unnecessary. Oh, wait - they were never necessary.
Vanity Fair - I like in theory and sometimes get. But my interest usually wanes before I've even gotten to the cover story. And again, oh so many ads for products I don't want and couldn't afford even if I did.
Everyday with Rachel Ray - I know lots of people who hate Rachel Ray. I can't say I blame them - she's a really bad, bad tipper - but for some reason I keep buying her magazine. I enjoy food magazines in theory (and am rather sad that Chow went out of business) but most of them are just too Gourmet for me. This magazine is a happy alternative, as is Real Food, which I also sometimes pick up. Although I've yet to make any meals via either of them.
Domino - Somehow, the premise of crass consumerism a la Lucky is less-objectionable to me when it's centered on furniture and home decor, instead of clothes.
There are other magazines in the pile, but they're mostly one-offs and/or things I got just because they were free. But before I go, can I just give a R.I.P. shout-out to Budget Living, which I had mad love for before it went kaput? And a smaller one to Chow, which I only read a few times, but I thought was quite good?
What was the first movie you remember seeing in a movie theater?
Question submitted by mainmor.
I am rather bad at putting my early memories in order. I can recall being taken to see Disney movies - One Hundred and One Dalmations, Bambi and The Lady and the Tramp. Which came first, I'm not sure about. A quick peek over at IMDB reveals that it would have been One Hundred and One Dalmations. Is that why it's my favorite, after all these years? And why I was so aghast at the making of the live-action version, which I'm pleased to say I've still never seen - not even for just a few passing moments whilst scanning the tv channels? Perhaps.
The first non-cartoon movie that I ever saw, and this I do remember pretty well - was Coal Miner's Daughter. Which, yes, in keeping with things, I still adore. As a direct result of this movie, as a child I was obsessed with Loretta Lynn. I thought that she was beautiful and amazing, and everytime we drove to my relatives in Kentucky (approximately twice a year), I would beg my mom to let me visit Butcher Hollow. We never did.
But wait! IMDB tells me that Grease came out in 1978. My sister and her friends were crazy, crazy, crazy for that movie and went to see it at the theater constantly. I'm pretty sure that I've heard it told that I was taken along on more than one occassion. Although, if we are relying on my own memories, I mostly remember watching it on cable. Like her, over and over again. I recall this one time, being down at a friend's house playing, when my cousin came to get me, saying "You have to come home - Grease is getting ready to come on" and gleefully running down the street like a crazy girl. I also once got in trouble for wearing my sister's brand new red high heels outside and messing them up, because I was playing at being Sandy at the end of the movie. So, question of the day, you are more tricky to answer than you should be.
