Thank heavens for Charlotte at Charlotte’s Web — I woke this morning to find she had done a meme and tagged all of her readers. In seconds, I knew what I was posting today. Now I have the rest of the day to relax or shop or read or do whatever…
1. Explain what ended your last relationship.
Well, I consider the relationship I’m in to be my last relationship but that’s beside the point. Previous to that — it was my lack of interest in taking what was becoming a very one-sided relationship any further. He was devastated. I just felt free.
2. When was the last time you shaved?
On checking the length of regrowth, I’d say last Friday, in preparation for the weekend away.
3. What were you doing at 8am today?
Reading through my Bloglines subscriptions and listening to the sound of my virus checker kicking the hard-drive into action.
4. What were you doing 15 minutes ago?
See number 3.
5. Are you any good at maths?
I used to be. Straight As until calculus was introduced and suddenly my brain stopped coping. Even having the best looking teacher in the school didn’t help me. Then again, that may have been the problem. Somehow I have developed the ability to memorise numbers — phone numbers, bank accounts, employee ids, etc — and recall them at will. Does that count?
6. Your prom night?
No prom night, just an end of year dinner with dancing. I remember the unofficial after party more vividly because all good behaviour had been forgotten and everyone was simply relaxed.
7. Do you have any famous ancestors?
I’ve not discovered any yet. The closest I can come is that one of my great-grandmothers claimed to be the first cousin of Michael Collins. I haven’t been able to prove it though.
8. Did you have to take out a loan for university?
The first three years of my university course — no. Education was subsidised by the government and we only had to pay student union fees. Then the government introduced HECS at the beginning of my final year — a charge for each subject, each semester, to be repaid through the tax system when my income reached a certain level. It took me six years to reach the income threshold and three years to pay off my debt.
9. Do you know the words to the song on your Myspace profile?
This presupposes I would even go near Myspace.
10. Last thing received in the mail?
A letter from my mother-in-law and probably some election related advertising.
11. What beverages have you had today?
1.5x jumbo sized coffees. I won’t feel awake until I’ve finished the second mug.
12. Do you leave messages on people’s answering machines?
Only if I have something of import to say. If I’m just ringing for a chat, no.
13. Whom did you lose your CONCERT virginity to?
Crowded House, up against the barrier, at Festival Hall in 1987. That was the start of a long and abiding affair with one Mr Neil Finn (and his music).
14. Do you draw your name in the sand when you go to the beach?
No but I do like digging my toes into the cool, cool sand under the surface.
15. What is the most painful dental procedure you have ever had?
Nope, not the two root canals — I found them oddly soothing. Nor was it the extraction of my wisdom teeth, which I found distressing more than painful. It was the procedure I underwent this year to have my roots cleaned. I knew the name of the procedure but I’ve blanked it now. I don’t want to remember it and I don’t want to have to go through it again. The results were worth it, though.
16. What is out your back door?
My balcony, with it’s outdoor setting and a few potted plants I’m struggling to keep alive.
17. Any plans for Friday night?
At this point, no.
18. Do you like what the ocean does to your hair?
Not really. Salt water just leaves it stiff and unmanageable.
19. Have you ever received one of those big tins with three different kinds of popcorn?
I didn’t even know such a thing existed. Where can I get one?
20. Have you ever been to a planetarium?
Yes, on a school excursion many, many years ago. It was an amazing experience but I much prefer lying on my back on my parent’s lawn looking at the real thing. It’s impossible to feel anything other than small while you are doing that.
21. Do you re-use towels after you shower?
What? Am I living in a hotel where they replace the towels every day?
22. Some things you are excited about
One thing overrides all others this week — U2, on Saturday. I’ve had the tickets for a year and I get to use them. Finally.
23. Your favourite Jello flavour
Portwine on my mother’s trifle.
24. Describe your key chain
A Tiffany & Co sterling silver one with a heart shaped tag which was a Christmas gift from D some years ago. Attached are my house keys, car keys and keys I think belong to various padlocks. I also have a rectangular Finn Brothers key ring attached. It is awkward and way too big for my my needs but it reminds of seeing Neil and Tim perform at the Christchurch Town Hall on the last night of our stay in New Zealand two years ago.
25. Where do you keep your change?
In my wallet, even the pesky five cent pieces. You never know when they will be useful.
26. What winter coat do you own?
A brown and green, hooded woollen creation. I’ve had it for ten years and I’ve not stopped loving it, even though I call it my horse blanket. Everyone else loves it too and I’ve had people threaten to steal it right off my back. But they can’t have it. It’s mine.
27. What was the weather like on your graduation day?
I think it might have been cold. There are other things I remember far more clearly about my graduation from university than the weather. Like my sister graduating the same day, in a different ceremony, and hijacking my parents just before my ceremony was due to start… Oh, let’s not go there…
28. Do you sleep with your bedroom door open or closed?
Open. I don’t like feeling confined and I do like waking up to my cat walking up and down my body at 6 in the morning, reminding me that it’s time to eat, dammit.
Tagging no-one in particular…
