Question of the Day #1,465

Dear Blogger Buddies,

I've been cheating on you. Posting on another blog. Working on another project. Dialing in the questions. Until a couple weeks ago, when I decided maybe it was time to stop with the questions.

I recently launched Fantasydatinggame.com, a dating game designed to empower women to build confidence, take chances and find love. It works like other Fantasy Sports, in that players create leagues, set stakes and compete against each other to earn points. Then they earn points by exchanging number, receiving call and texts and going on dates.

The competition takes the desperation out of dating and replaces it with fun. Before they know it, women who considered themselves "too shy" are getting their game on everywhere they go. That means incorporating Fantasy Dating into their everyday lives by smiling and saying, "Hi," to potential dates at the supermarket, the dry cleaners and the carwash.

Here's how it works:

Pretty cool, huh? You know what's even cooler? This infographic was created by Adrienne Saldivar. And if you've been hanging around my blog for the last few years, you definitely know Adrienne and The Storyboard.

I've admired her amazing artwork since the first time I giggled at one of her comments and hopped through the blogosphere over to her blog. And I'm thrilled that we now get to work together!

Adrienne also created the guy and girl on Fantasy Dating's homepage. So, please come on over and take a look at my new website. I'd love for my bloggy friends to comment on the Fantasy Dating blog. There will be lots of questions to answer (and not just about dating - about life too) at my new pad.

Meanwhile, I ask one more question. What supercool connections have you made through the Blogosphere?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,464

Who's excited for the Olympics? Will you be watching the opening ceremonies?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,463

How great is this? How great is Bob Ross?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,462

"Okay, smile!" K said. Then she took a picture of her daughters buckled in the back seat of my convertible.

"When I was a kid, my dad took pictures all the time. I'd say, 'Daaaaad, stop!' Now, I'm my dad." She laughed.

"Too funny," I said.

"I call that a boomerang," she said.

What trait did you witness during childhood that has boomeranged into a behavior of your own?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,461

I'm going to see a friend from high school who's visiting California today. Her little girls are with her, so I'm excited to meet them.

Who would you like to meet?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,460

What makes you crazy mad?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,459

Where do you go when you need to re-energize?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,458

What's you favorite food to eat at a cookout?

(Clearly, I'm going to a cookout.)

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,457

I am grateful that I can be completely stupid with 99.9% of the people I'm surrounded by. I'm talking funny faces, wacky voices, middle of the night, dancing in the kitchen, stupid.

Who can you get completely stupid with?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,456

I just read about a town in which there is an actual Mosquito Control Project that will be investigating resident's complaints about mosquitoes.

Reading that overwhelms me with gratitude about living in Southern California.

What perks does your region offer?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,455

How do you fit exercise into your routine?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,454

Do you think people ever really change?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,453

How do you make sure you don't make the same mistake twice?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,452

What did you used to complain about that you don't complain about anymore?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,451

Are you where you always thought you'd be?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,450

Would you rather spend the weekend at the beach or in the mountains?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,449

It's no secret that I LOVE Muppets. So Muppets set to music can entertain me for hours. What Sesame Street spoof makes you giggle?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,448

When was the last time your heart sang?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,447

While out on my walk today, a neighbor trimmed a lemon tree.

"That's a lot of lemons," I said, eyeing the pile he'd set aside from his clippings.

"Do you want some?" He asked.

"I'd love some," I said. "You know these are 79 cents a piece in the store."

He raised his eyebrows at me.

"I use a half lemon in my tea every morning. It adds up." I smiled and began gathering the fruit.

What gift has someone given you lately?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,446

What made you giggle today?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,445

A good drive, some great food, rockin' live music and the ability to sit outside, at night, in warm desert heat, talking with friendly strangers has definitely lifted my mood.

Where do you run off to when you need to rejuvenate?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,444

Tonight, I'm heading out to the desert to see "Lynette Skynyrd," an all girl alt-country cover band.

If you were in a cover band, what would you name it?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,443

Today is International Kissing Day. The idea behind the International Kissing Day is that many people may have forgotten the simple pleasures associated with kissing for kissing's sake, as opposed to kissing as mere social formality or prelude to other activities.

I'm a big fan of kissing for kissing's sake. But does kissing deserve a holiday?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,442

"I have another one, here," a girl said, pointing at her back. "My parents would kill me if they knew I had tattoos."

She looked about 30.

The people around her nodded in agreement. I texted myself: "How old were you when you stopped caring what your parents think?"

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,441

Parade? Cookout? Fireworks? Beach?

How will you celebrate Independence Day?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,440

What do you think is so good it's poem worthy?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,439

Glamour posted 19 All-American Coming of Age Books, including two of my favorites, Are You There God? It's Me Margaret and The Outsiders.

What coming of age book impacted you as a kid?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,438

If you could interview anyone, who would you pick?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,347

I'm cooking delicious treats for a friend's bridal shower. What creative gift can only YOU give a friend?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,346

On Twitter, The Summer Bucket List is throwing some pretty good must do's out there, like:

1. Drive a jetski
2. Pull an all nighter with your best friend
3. Go deep sea fishing
4. Try every ice cream flavor
5. Find the one that'll make my Summer worth it

What's on your Summer Bucket List?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,345

When I met my friend for lunch, she was shivering. I came from the west where it was chilly and she came from further inland where it was hot.

Are there micro-climates where you live?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,344

Today marks the end of Venus in retrograde. For a Taurus, like me, that's good. I'm hoping that Venus in retrograde was responsible for making me feel like I've been slamming into walls every day for the last six weeks.

Are you rolling your eyes as you read this? Or are you nodding in agreement? How do you feel about Astrology?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,343

Once upon a time, several years ago, at a taco shack in Honolulu, I had the most amazing fish tacos ever. The fish tasted like ocean. The cabbage crunched and the sauce...oh, the sauce. It was light, yet savory, with a tiny kick. I could have drank a cup of it.

Every few days, I think about these fish tacos. If I could afford it, I'd go back to Honolulu just for the tacos.

What meal was so good that you can't forget it?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,342

I've been experiencing technical difficulties today. The thing is, I feel like I'm experiencing technical difficulties all the time.

What do you feel like you're experiencing all the time?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,341

Like a dork, I somehow I got a sunburn. I was only out on the beach for a few minutes. I am now a lovely shade of electric pink.

What not so bright thing have you done lately?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,340

Right now, I feel like other people are having way more fun than I am. Do you ever feel that way?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,339

What is your all time favorite game show?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,338

Do you have any thoughts about the Mayan Calendar and 2012?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,337

Yesterday, I was shocked to find that my supermarket suddenly stopped carrying my favorite ice cream, Haagen Dazs White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle.

What do you think the universe is trying to tell me?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,336

Recently, Facebook began charging people with Facebook business pages to "promote" posts. Meaning business owners now have to pay for their fans to see posts that used to come up in newsfeeds for free.

What crappy business move has an entity made that forced you to question your loyalty?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,335

How will you celebrate Father's Day?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,334

Upon waking this morning, I was greeted by a nickel-sized, black spider on my pillow.

What unpleasant surprises have you encountered lately?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,333

This week, I have felt like I'm on a hamster wheel. Running to nowhere.

What do you feel like you've been standing on?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,332

At a BBQ, friends recently described bad date stories. Like one friend, who after meeting someone on match.com and emailing a lot, finally exchanged phone numbers with the guy. He promptly sent her a naked pic of himself.

Another friend was driven almost two hours to have lunch at a taco stand.

A guy friend took a friend (who was a girl) out on what he thought was a date only to realize that his friend had no idea it was a date. He realized she didn't see him that way AT ALL.

Have you ever been on an awful date?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,331

I was just on a conference call during which one of the attendees kept referring to me as "Stephanie."

What makes you doubt someone's abilities?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,330

Fastest. Day. Ever.

How would you describe your day?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,329

My Internet is intermittent. Which is driving me nuts because it's kind of hard to work when you can't connect. So I call Verizon and answer 4,000 automated questions. I finally get to a human being. He says he's testing the DSL line and the call gets dropped.

And he doesn't call back. Right after I verified my callback number.

I'm too annoyed to call back.

What annoys you too much to deal with?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,328

It's like this
The scene is the same
All the usual faces, banter, noise
The door opens
It's not you
Again
Heaviness spins from my head
to my heart
I want to leave
But stay
Pieces of yesterdays
Other Saturday nights
Blur by
Music blaring
Waves crashing
Tears coming
I take deep breaths
Hoping it will pass
Again

What scene are you trying to shake?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,327

Well, it was bound to happen sometime. For the first time in about 3 1/2 years, I forgot to post a Question of the Day.

That's a first.

What "first" have you encountered lately?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,326

Tonight, I'm having a burger with a friend who I see fairly often, but rarely one on one. It could actually be years since I've had him all to myself. And I'm super excited!

Who do you rarely get to spend time with by yourself?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,325

I got up at 5:00 AM and now I'm all thrown off. Grouchy, not so bright and oh so sleepy.

How many hours of sleep do you require?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,324

Am I the only person who has trouble understanding all the propositions on voting ballots?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,323

This weekend, I attended the Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas. The five hour show included debut burlesque dancers, duos, troupes, icons and all stars and an award ceremony featuring the crowning of Miss Exotic World 2012.

The totally entertaining show was part pin-up girl, part toe shoes, part modern dance with a dash of tap and a whole lot of tassels and glitter. The entire audience dressed in glamour gowns. And a giant blue male bunny hosted the event wearing four inch stripper heels.

When have you felt like you landed on another planet?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,322

One of my favorite parts about a roadtrip home is rehashing events of the trip. The, "What? You didn't see that?" And the, "He said that?" And the, "Oh yeah, but did you see when that guy did ___________?"

It makes the fact that you feel like you're driving backwards much easier to deal with.

What's your favorite part of the roadtrip home?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,321

Heading to Vegas. Of course, when I think of Las Vegas, I think, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas."

What city slogans stick with you?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,320

On my walk today, I passed a pink, white and yellow wildflower garden snuggled on the side of a house. A woman sat on the front porch.

"Your flowers are gorgeous!" I said.

"Thank you! I planted them for the people who walk by. I can't see them from here." She smiled at me.

What do you do just for other people's benefit?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,319

Today was so crazy I forgot to ask a question.

What did you forget to do today?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,318

If you could, would you rather end hunger or hatred? Why?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,317

As I pulled into the library parking lot, the attendant smiled and waved at me.

"Hello!" She called out from her booth as I drove by.

I remembered her. Not from the library parking lot, but from a lot I used to park in while working on an onsite project.

She sang and danced in her booth as I walked from my car into the library. The song sounded like a prayer echoing through the garage.

After I finished at the library, I drove up to her booth. As she sang me a "hello," her entire face smiled.

"What is your secret?" I asked.

"What secret?" She asked.

"To being so happy." I replied.

"I have God." She waved her hands in the air and spun around, all the while singing. "I have everything."

"Thank you. I'm so glad I saw you again today. God bless you," I said and pulled away.

This woman, who works underground, in parking garages, in a booth all day, is joyful.

Who astounds you with their amazing attitude?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,316

I have a serious dilemma.

T.Y. and I celebrate every birthday by giving each other Hostess Cupcakes. He must have been hungry when he went to the supermarket on my last birthday because there are three full boxes of Hostess Cupcakes on my counter.

Eating three boxes of Hostess Cupcakes could kill me. Lord knows I'm not going to eat them. But what should I do with them? I hate to throw out food. Especially food that won't go "bad." But I'd feel guilty feeding those sugarbombs to anyone. And seeing them crowd my counter every day makes me batty.

What should I do with them?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,315

I got poked on Facebook by a complete stranger. Not a friend. Not a friend of a friend. Just a random old guy.

Creepy.

Who has overstepped a boundary with you lately?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,314

I'm a foul mood.

How's your mood?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,313

Would you rather be born with an elephant trunk or a giraffe neck?

(Just go with me, people. I need a laugh today.)

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,312

"Worrying is like praying for something you don't want."

I read this yesterday and had an "ah ha" moment. Of course, if the law of attraction states that what you focus on is what you bring to yourself, this makes a lot of sense.

Then I worried all night.

What counterproductive thing can you just not help doing?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,311

I walked outside to find soil all over the furniture on my deck. Then I noticed the gift some animal left me in a planter.

Has an animal ever left you a "gift"?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,310

I'm excited for my critique group tonight. It's always great to read such amazing writing, but in addition, it's so much fun to exchange ideas with smart, confident women.

What kinds of groups are you involved in? What do you enjoy about them?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,309

My eye is twitching. This is new. In what new way has stress shown itself to you?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,308

"Remember corned beef hash when we were little?" My brother asked.

"You mean out of the can?" I asked.

"Yep."

"That was disgusting. Be we loved it!" I replied.

"I know!" he said.

What food did you eat as a kid that you wouldn't touch now?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,307

Where should you never take a first date?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,306

You know when you're a kid and you're looking for your shoes for hours and you can't find them and the minute you ask Mom for help, she finds them in two seconds? This morning is like that.
Or when I struggle to open a jar of pickles and the BF unscrews it with the first twist? This morning is like that.
Do you know what I mean? Does that happen to you?
xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,305

Hummingbirds buzz outside the window. Zoom in. Zoom away.

What animals amaze you?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,304

The other morning, I woke up late. I rushed through showering, dressing, chowing a banana and making tea. The ice dispenser seemed to jam, and in my impatience, I opened the freezer door to grab some out of the bin. Ice flew all over the floor.

As I began to gather it, I looked up at L.

"Remember how we talked about how important it is to set the tone for your day?"

She nodded.

"This isn't a very good start," I said.

"Or maybe it's the universe telling you to cool down!"

Has the universe sent you a metaphorical message lately?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,303

One thing I notice as I get older is that I like to plan. I like to know what's going to happen, when it's going to happen and how it's going to happen.

I prefer to back into situations so I'm on time, polished and ready to go.

This doesn't mean I'm rigid and can't be spontaneous, because I can dash off in the convertible with 10 minutes notice. But for most things, on most days, I find I'm more productive when I have a plan to follow.

How about you? Are you a planner? What works for you?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,302

What's your favorite form of travel? Bus? Plane? Boat? Car? Hovercraft? On foot?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,301

How did you spend Mother's Day?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,300

While discussing government issues, L said, "I think we need a Department of Common Sense."

What type of department would you add to your government?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,299

Can you write while you listen to music? (I can't concentrate with music or TV in the background. I'm wondering if I'm not alone.)

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,298

Would you rather always lose or never play?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,297

I didn't sleep well last night. As a result, I have an upset stomach and my head feels like a bowling ball.

How does lack of sleep affect you?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,296

If you could hear any song, right now, what song would you choose?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,295

I recently went to a wedding in an upscale community. The only person I knew, besides my "date," was the groom.

We ate dinner with a group of people our age. But it was strange. Two of them seemed genuine and friendly. The rest seemed obsessed with money and material things.

My friend and I discussed the weird vibe as we dashed back to our hotel room to change. In my jeans, flip flops and favorite comfy sweater, we met up with the rest of the wedding guests at the hotel bar.

There, a girl I'd eaten with, looked me up and down and actually sneered at my appearance.

She had a pretty face, perfectly pulled back hair, professionally done makeup and her figure was fantastic in her designer dress and designer shoes. But suddenly, she was the ugliest girl in the room.

What makes someone ugly to you?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,294

Ahhh. Picture an impromptu Sunday lunch at beachside restaurant with my girlfriends on the perfect sunny So Cal day.

What are you psyched about?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,293

Do you sleep in on weekends?

I find it harder and harder to do so. Maybe it comes with getting older. But I think the biggest reason I don't sleep in aymore is because there's so much to do.

What about you?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,292

If you could choose between living five good lives and one extraordinary life, which would you choose?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,291

I am generally a positive person, but right now, I feel like nothing is easy. I try to accomplish one thing and something else blocks my way. Then I have to figure out how to get past that block before I can get anywhere near the track I need to persue to reach the primary goal.

This entire week, I can't seem to get past Point A.

What do you do when you feel like you're hitting a brick wall?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,290

I'm using new blogging software and it's driving me crazy!

What new program are you having trouble adapting to?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,289

Who's taking advantage of you?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,288

What's your favorite snack food?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,287

What's your favorite vacation spot?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,286

This morning, my east coast friend visiting Cali called and asked if I want to go to a wedding with him this afternoon. I did the math.

I don't have any plans + I miss my friend + I love weddings + I could use some excitement = Yes!

What spontaneous thing have you been invited to do lately?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,285

Okay, I admit it. I broke down and bought "Fifty Shades of Grey."

Not just the writer in me, but the woman in me blushed at the register. But with all the zillions of comments ranging from "I hate this book!" to "You can't put it down," I decided I'll have to read for myself.  

What thing gone viral did you just have to check out?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,284

A car door slammed (or at least something that sounded like that). I bolted up in bed. I tiptoed down the hallway to the kitchen and looked out the window into the driveway. My car sat there, red alarm light blinking contentedly inside the door.

The empty street was dark. The neighbor's door was shut. All looked calm.

And then it appeared. The raccoon from Chernobyl waddled along the fence. I wondered how the fence sustained that creature's weight. Seriously, the thing was the size of a golden retriever.

I was glad to be inside.

What thing has gone bump in the middle of your night?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,283

Today, I accompanied my friend, L, to pick up her young son from school. The classroom doors blasted open and swarms of shouting, smiling kids ran out into the school's courtyard.

What makes you feel as gleeful as a little kid when the last bell rings?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,282

Considering that I've been in front of the computer all day, you'd think it would have occurred to me to write a question, right?

What should have occurred to you today?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,281

How do you know when to stop?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,280

My friend is an SEO guru. He's going to teach me about it today. I'm pretty psyched.

Who have you tapped into to absorb guru skills?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,279

I'm about to dig into my critique buddy's latest revision of her WIP. I'm so excited to find out how the story has developed and what the characters are up to.

What are you reading?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,278

How has your mom's support affected you?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,277

What do you see when you look in the mirror?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,269

A few posts ago, I blogged about Verizon's crappy DSL service. It's never been good. Over the last year, I've called about 10 times. They've fixed something from the office. Sent someone out who found a problem with the jack. Sent someone else out who couldn't find a problem anywhere. Then sent someone else out who checked the wiring outside. Then he found faulty wiring in the box down the street and fixed that. Next, a woman from the office switched my circuit, explaining that by doing so she was basically taking me off a crowded freeway and putting me on one without traffic. After that, another guy came and installed a new modem.

Now, I'm knocking on wood, but for about a week, my Internet has not gone down once. It's almost as if the problem is solved.

Don't get me wrong, it took forever and was frustrating as heck, but Verizon did work hard to solve the problem.

That doesn't erase the issue, but I am glad they kept trying. And it does say something about the value of service recovery.

What company has worked hard to solve an issue for you?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,268

My friend, B, posted this on Facebook: Home. Bed. Book on my iPad. Happy. Can someone figure out a way I can just get paid to read?

That would be the best job EVER.

What would be the best job ever for you?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,267

The best part of my weekend was friends who offered to help me. Their generosity and kindness fills me with gratitude.

What was the best part of your weekend?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,266

It's very quiet around here today.

What's the vibe where you are?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,265

Would you rather get a computer virus or the flu?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,264

It's thundering in LA! In my 18 years here, I've witnessed thunder less than 10 times. I love it!

What's odd about your day?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,263

My brain is spinning.

What is your brain doing?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,262

Yesterday, my friend, K, spent four hours giving me a social media crash course. God bless K!

What new skills are you acquiring?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,261

My brother and his wife sing a song with my nieces.

"What's gonna work? Teamwork." That brilliant kiddie song repeats that over and over.

I concur! Teamwork makes things work! (Special thanks to my team for pitching in!)

What lyrics are you in total agreement with?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,260

At the end of the day, when I've turned off the computer, tidied up the kitchen, and I'm ready to cuddle up with a book or some television, the hum of the dishwasher is a soothing sound.

They may sound weird. But to me, the hum of the dishwasher is a sound that says, "Everything is okay. You can relax now."

What everyday sound soothes you?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,259

Did the Easter Bunny visit you?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,258

My cousin's daughter sent me a Flat Stanley. As the story goes, Flat Stanley got smooshed by a big box (or something heavy like that) and now he fits in envelopes and can travel the world. I will document his LA leg of the tour and send him back with a little report and pictures of our adventure.

Yesterday, I took Stanley on a hike and did a little photo shoot of him overlooking the ocean from the bluffs. This morning, we're going to walk on the beach and look for shells.

Has Flat Stanley ever visited you? If so, what did you show him?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,257

"We have iPhone friends," I said, while we were discussing phones.

"I like my droid. It's one thing that makes me just a little different than anybody else," H said.

"Like my hair. Everybody has straight hair. I like my curls," I said.

What detail makes you just a little different than everybody else?

xoxo,
Suzannne

Question of the Day #1,256

Baseball's opening week has got me pretty psyched. As most of you know, Baseball Season is my favorite season.

For me, it's about more than game and the competition. It's a sure sign that Summer is coming.

For you, what's a sure sign that Summer's on its way?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,255

Do you commute to work? If so, how long is the commute and what kind of transportation do you use?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,254

Verizon DSL sucks.

There. I said it. To the entire blogosphere.

Who do you want to call out on their crappy service?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,253

What's the biggest sacrifice you ever made for a signifcant other?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,252

Besides being sick, what would you call in sick for?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,251

You know what's annoying? Cards. The card for the grocery store. The card for CVS. My Hilton Honors Card. The Starwood Card. The Rite Aid card. There are a zillion cards in my purse. And I can never seem to find them when I'm checking in or out.

That's annoying.

What's bugging you?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,250

Would you rather have plenty of vacation time or dramatically shorter work days?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,249

My friend, C, posted a great question on Facebook this morning. She wrote that when we were kids, we used to call friends' parents Mr. or Mrs. __________, and now kids call adults by their first names. She asked when this transition took place.

That's a great question. Beyond that, I'm wondering, what other differences do you notice about the way we grew up and the way kids grow up today?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,248

Every morning I eat a banana. In fact, I'm eating one right now.

Is there something you eat every day?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,247

I posted something for sale on craigslist and my friend responded to the ad, having no idea I posted it.

When have you experienced a really random run-in with someone you know?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,246

My emotion of the day: frazzled.

What's yours?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,245

As a guy about our age approached the yard sale yesterday, M said, "I'm selling him this workout system."

Then M walked right up to him.

"Hey! I can tell you work out. Let me demonstrate this workout system for you," M said.

Before the guy could say, "no," M hopped on the machine and begin doing pull-ups.

"My wife will kill me if I bring that home," the guy said.

"Why? It's a great machine. She can use it too," M said.

"There's no place to put it," he replied.

In two seconds, M collapsed the machine.

"It slides right under the bed." He smiled. I swear I could see that sparkly tooth from toothpaste commercials.

GB leaned in on my right.

"He's a pro! He's kidding himself if he thinks he's anything but a salesman," said GB.

"Who knew?" I replied.

Five minutes later, the guy was squeezing the workout equipment into his car.

What talent has one of your loved-ones suprised you with?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,244

Purging is hard. You know you have to get rid of all that stuff in your closet, but there are some things you just don't want to let go of.

What do you need to let go of?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,243

Last night, I bumped into a friend of a friend.

"Hi Nelly!" he said and hugged me.

I didn't bother to correct him.

"Hi K! So good to see you. How have you've been?"

"Great!" he said.

What name, other than your own, have people accidentally called you?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,242

Lately, we've been collecting beach glass and rocks. Now, beautiful blues, oranges, golds and greens decorate the deck.

What do you collect?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,241

1. Sneakers or tennies?
2. Water fountain or bubbler?
3. Soda or pop?
4. Sub or grinder?

Anybody have any regional terms to add to the list?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,240

My word for today is "better!"

What's your word for today?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,239

"Should I post more 'would you rather's'?" I asked M.

"It's Monday," he replied.

"So is Monday a good day for 'would you rather's'?"

He shook his head.

"So what's it a good day for?"

"I don't know," he said.

"Then that's the question."

"What's the question?" he asked.


How would you fill in the blank?

"Today is a good day for ___________________."

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,238

Would you rather:

1. Always take a cold shower or sleep an hour less than you need to be fully rested?
2. Give up your computer forever or TV forever?
3. Always have to say everything on your mind or never speak again?
4. Be able to stop time or fly?
5. Eat a handful of toenail clippings or lick three public telephones?

xoxo,
Suzanne
(I'll put my answers in the comments.)

Question of the Day #1,237

This Italian American girl is celebrating St. Patrick's Day by having a yard sale in the rain.

Festive, huh?

How will you celebrate St. Patrick's Day?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,236

Leave it to me to plan a yard sale on the one and only day rain has been predicted this winter.

How would you finish this sentence?

Leave it to me to ____________________.

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,235

Do you play a sport?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,234

Mercury is in retrograde.

It started late Monday night, when I coincidentally started feeling not so positive. It will last until April 4, which unfortunately, makes a lot of sense in my world.

How does Mercury in Retrograde pertain to your world? (Or does this post just make you role your eyes and wonder why you read my questions?)

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,233

M got doughnuts for breakfast. I haven't had a doughnut since I worked in an office in 2002.

They're ridiculously delicious and equally dangerous.

How often do you eat doughnuts?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,232

I recently received a letter from my healthcare provider saying my rates were rising - again. So this morning, I called and spoke with a representative who informed me that despite turning 40, I'm eligible for a much less expensive plan.

So I'm pretty psyched about saving the cash.

What call are you happy you made?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,231

Last night, some friends and I gathered around a firepit and made s'mores. Singing wailed from the dance party inside the house, as the rest of us told stories from back in the day. We sang bad 80's songs, guessed the artists and made giggly professions about the high quality treatment we deserve.

This morning, when I woke up, I could still smell campfire in my hair.

What scent evokes fun memories with friends for you?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,230

When M lived with a few roommates, he suddenly started missing socks. Where there had been a clean pair, folded in his drawer, one would be missing.

Then the missing sock would surface, wet, in the shower.

"Why are my socks showing up in the shower?" he asked.

"I like 'em better than washcloths," one of the roommates admitted.

What odd behavior have you encountered when living with roommates?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,229

I'm getting my bean on! Lentils, cannelini beans, black beans, garbanzos.

I love beans!

What's your favorite bean?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,228

I've got a stomach ache.

How does stress manifest itself in your body?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,227

Last night, I attended an event during which we discussed personal branding. We were asked to fill in the blank:

"I'm the guy/girl who ______________."

I couldn't come up with one solid brand for myself. I'm the girl who can write you a how-to or a business plan or a novel. I'm the girl who makes those meatballs or that mac and cheese. I'm the girl who likes to bring people together.

I'm the girl who might need to come up with a singular focus. Or maybe I'm the girl who should be thankful for having so many gifts.

How would you fill in the blank?

"I'm the guy/girl who ______________."

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,226

M's mom posted a great question on Facebook today:

"I remember some of those old tobacco ads on TV. The public was lied to for a long time about cigarettes. What are we being lied to about today?"

Thank you, L.D., for the question.

Thoughts?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,225

I'm attempting to replace my usual morning Diet Coke with freshly brewed Iced Tea.

What bad habit have you tried to kick?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,224

I just read an article about a man who is attempting to row a boat from Miami to New York to raise money for Alzheimer's research.

Do you know someone who goes to extremes for a cause they believe in?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,223

Any idea what made the holes in this rock?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,222

My mother is cleaning my blinds.

God bless her.

What household item do you hate to clean?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,221

My 2 1/2 year old niece says there's a chicken in her bed.

Her daddy tried reasoning with her.

"Where do chickens live?" He asked.

"On a farm," she said.

"So a chicken wouldn't want to be in your bed. There's nothing to eat. There's no corn. There's no grass, right?"

"Uh huh." She nodded her head.

"Okay, so let's go to bed," he said.

"No! There's a chicken in my bed!" she said.

What were some of your childhood fears?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,220

Feb. 29 is traditionally a day where women are “permitted” to romantically pursue men. The tradition dates back to 5th century Ireland when St. Bridget lamented to St. Patrick about the "fair sex having to wait for men to propose." As a result, Patrick declared that Feb. 29 is the day that would be set aside when women can ask men for their hand in marriage.

How kind and generous of St. Patrick to give women that kind of opportunity once every four years!

What historical traditions make you realize how far we've come?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,219

Last night, I watched Oprah's "The Next Chapter." In the episode, Oprah attended a Tony Robbins seminar during which he identified "Six Basic Needs":

1. Certainty
2. Uncertainty (the need for adventure)
3. Love
4. Significance
5. Contribution
6. Growth

He asked the audience to determine which were the two driving needs in their lives. Then he asked the audience to think about what those two needs were costing them.

For example, my driving needs are love and growth. The price of letting love drive my life is that sometimes I'll push other things aside for it. The price of growth driving my life is that a lot of times I'll be so focused on my goals that I don't see what's going on around me.

What are your two driving Basic Needs? Do they have a price?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,218

If you could play a part in any movie, what movie would you choose?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,217

In your household, are The Oscars a big deal? Why or why not?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,216

"That game was horrible," I said.

"If we had just gone to L's house that day instead of B's, we never would have lost," A said, shaking her head.

"Huh?" I said.

"We watched every game of the season at L's house. Then for the Super Bowl, B insisted we go to her house. That's why we lost," A said.

"I know exactly what you mean," S said. "Before each game started, I used to make sure every person sat in the same exact seat they did during the prior winning games."

"Wow," I said.

Do you believe that a team can lose a game because of something you or someone watching with you does?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,215

Two of my friends got married on Sunday. Two more got engaged yesterday.

There's a whole lotta lovin' going on!

Are you seeing a lot of lovin' around you?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,214

A's 11 year old niece created this American Girl spin on "Crazy in Love," using a Flip video camera. Frame by frame.

What amazing stuff have you seen a kid come up with?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,213

First, I walked out of the house without my reusable shopping bags. As I got them out of the pantry, I fumbled around my purse, realizing I didn't have my phone. After grabbing it and heading back out to the car, I realized I didn't have my keys.

I rushed back in the house and asked, "Have you seen my keys?"

M looked at me sideways and said, "No, and unfortunately, I can't call them."

Apparently, I misplace things more than I realized.

What do you often misplace?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,212

"What about cards? Do you just throw them away?" A asked.

"Well, am I supposed to keep year after year of holiday cards? I'd have to cart a giant box around for the rest of my life."

"So, you just toss my fabulous holiday cards?" she asked.

I looked down at the bar.

"What about the cute invitation to your niece's birthday party?" M asked.

"If I saved every invitation and card I ever got, I'd have closets full!" I said.

"But her picture is on it!" A said.

"Oh my god." I gulped some beer. "Listen, I've saved all the letters and cards from my granny and lots of cards from my mom."

They shook their heads at me.

Am I a villian? Or should I be a hoarder like them?

xoxo,
Suzanne 

Question of the Day #1,211

A few facts about last night's wedding:

1. The tables were named after bands. My table was "Lush."
2. I got to catch up with a friend I haven't seen in over a year.
3. My lanyard is cool.
4. The friends who sang and played made me fall in love with love.
5. A lot of butts were in the air.
6. I'm not sure what happened in that photo booth.

What do you enjoy about weddings?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,210

A couple days ago, Green Girl in Wisconsin posted Three Things about her day. I like the concept. So let's try it.

Three things about today:

1. A chill is in the air.
2. For breakfast, I had delicious chocolate chip and blueberry pancakes with bacon.
3. I'm going to my friends' wedding tonight. (I love weddings!)

What three things would you like to share about your day?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,209

There's a debate going on in my kitchen. (Somebody thinks I overcook bacon.)

How do you like your bacon cooked?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,208

Have you written a story in a setting you were unfamiliar with? If so, how did you make it come alive?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,207

It's windy. Plam frond flying windy! And the temperature has a little bite to it.
Windy weather really makes me want to skip my morning walk.

What conditions deter you from exercise?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,206

How do you feel about cuddling?

(I'm a big fan.)

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,205

Valentine's Day.

Love it or hate it?

(I'm loving it. But that's because I have the best Valentine EVER.)

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,204

Who would like to comment on last night's Grammy Awards?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,203

Do you know anyone who refers to him/herself in the third person? If so, how do you feel about that?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,202

My heat lamp is dead. I get super cranky when my heat lamp is dead. M is trying to fix it. Not because he'll get cold but because I get super cranky when my heat lamp is dead.

The death of what appliance makes you super cranky?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,201

I watched five episodes of Sex in the City last night. It was like eating potato chips. I couldn't stop.

What television marathon sucks you right in?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,200

Okay, so we've had a little time to test out 2012. Time to determine the vibe. Time to weigh the good and the bad. Time to spot the opportunities or lack thereof.

I'm liking it. A lot.

What do you think of your new year so far?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,199

I just thought, "It's a million o'clock and I have yet to write a question!"

I say, "It's a million o'clock" a lot. When I'm out with friends and I don't realize how late it is. When I get sucked up in TV and suddenly notice it's way past my bedtime. And, of course, whenever I'm late.

How do you express time getting away from you?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,198

It's raining. May not sound exciting to the rest of the world, but to me, it's super exciting. A rare dark day, good for writing, where the sun isn't tempting me outdoors. A day to make soup, stay in my jammies and get some work done.

What's your exciting thing for today?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,197

Grumbles sounded in the room as Madonna danced through her half-time show. A couple partygoers heckled.

"30 something years ago, that woman arrived in Times Square with $35 and a dream. Look at her now. I don't care who you are, nobody has the right to bash that woman," I said.

"You're right. She's pretty amazing. She's in her 50's, isn't she?" C asked.

The girls on the couch turned and glanced at us. The room quieted.

What did you think of Madonna's half-time show?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,196

Giants or Patriots?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,195

My friend, L, posted this picture on Facebook with the caption, "This I will never understand. Is it really that hard to put the toilet paper on the holder?"

Excellent question. Kind of like putting a dish in the sink. Why not just put it in the dishwasher?

How would you finish this question, "Is it really that hard to ________________________?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,194

How accurately do you feel this video portrays the brain power of today's youth of America?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,193

The results are in. Phil says there will be six more weeks of winter.

Here in So. Cal, I say if this is winter, I'll gladly take six more weeks.

How do you feel about six more weeks of your winter?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,192

Yesterday, the gas went out. Then the Internet died. And when I went to spark the heat lamp, the propane tank was empty.

So I gave up on Tuesday.

How do you know when to quit?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,191

How did you figure out what you wanted to be when you grew up?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,190

Blogger buddy, Zinn, wrote a post about dreams and inspired today's question. Thanks Zinn!

The other night, I had the best dream I can remember in a long time. I was riding bikes with some friends. We passed a group of people, on a lawn, playing guitars and singing, "Wild Horses." Then, when I began singing the harmony, I started to fly.

It felt amazing.

What good dreams do you remember?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,189

I smell fire. The smell of fire in LA sends alarm up my spine.

What smell, sound or sensation reeks of danger where you live?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,188

My friend N has one of the most coveted jobs in LA.

He's a server in a restaurant.

In the land of wanna-be actors, restaurant jobs are sacred as Oscars. Since servers and bartenders can trade shifts, restaurant jobs provide the flexibility needed to make last minute auditions.

Since these jobs are so desired, establishments can establish crazy rules. Like the must-have ironed crease down the arm of N's dress shirt. The perfectly polished shoes. And the sideburns razored off right at the bottom of his earlobes.

It's driving him nuts. So to shake off the ridiculousness of it all, he's maintaining the mantra, "It's just burgers and fries."

In order to get through it, what annoyance do you boil down to "just burgers and fries"?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,187

Writers receive a lot of criticism. At first, I didn't like it. The suggestions felt personal. So I tended to ignore them. But over the years, critique groups and criticism from readers have become amazing tools with which to improve my writing.

I think writing for a living has definitely helped me develop a "thick skin." After all, I'm writing what the client wants, not what I want. So when they tell me to rewrite something a certain way, I write it that way.

This week, I took a first draft of an essay to my critique group. I knew it was disjointed and needed help. They pointed out the cracks, suggested ways to fix them and helped me pinpoint my overall message.

I am so thankful for their help.

I think learning to consider and accept writing criticism has helped me learn to accept criticism in my personal life. I am far less defensive than I used to be. Now, I tend to listen and then ask how I can approach things differently.

How do you deal with criticism?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,186

After two years of living here, I just discovered that a light switch in the hallway turns a light on in the kitchen.

What aspect of your surroundings were you late to discover?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,185

What would you add to this list?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,184

My friend has at least 17 Red Sox t-shirts. He's trying to narrow down to 10, but it's proving to be difficult. Apparently, there's something he likes about each of them.

What do you have trouble parting with?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,183

Since I cook a lot, I'm hyperaware of polarizing foods. Like onions. M and M hate them. H doesn't like them cooked but will eat them raw.

But I find that the most polarizing food is cilantro. H loves it. E hates it. My mother hates it. I love it.

How do you feel about cilantro and onions?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,182

"I kind of wanted to kiss him right now," said L.

"That's weird," I replied.

"I think it's his nose," she said.

"You have such a thing for noses," said J.

"She does?" I pointed at L.

"Oh yeah, I totally have a thing for noses," said L.

What do you have a thing for?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,181

I had a cheeseburger for dinner last night and another one for lunch today. I could probably have another for dinner and repeat it all again tomorrow.

What food can you eat over and over?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,180

Three things that would make my Friday fabulous:

1. Finally getting my essay into good enough shape to send to my critique group.
2. Crossing off all the items on my task list.
3. A beach walk.

Right now, all of these things are looking attainable. So, I'm pretty psyched about my fabulous Friday.

What are three things that would make your Friday fabulous?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,179

When you're upset, do you vocalize it right away or do you hold it in?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,178

Off a long options list from Everything to Cranberry, I just ordered a Sesame Seed bagel, toasted with scallion cream cheese.

If you were to order a bagel, what would you get?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,177

"Some people are apple people and some people are orange people," said M.

"Huh?" I asked.

"It takes effort to peel an orange and get to the good stuff. Some people don't like to go through all that effort. But with apples, you can just take a bite out of them and there's instant gratification."

Are you an apple person or an orange person?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,176

I just skyped my mom and my stepfather. And last night, I skyped with my dad, his wife and my brother.

It's very nice to see faraway relatives.

Do you skype?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,176

M and I stayed up waaay too late last night. We fired up the heat lamp and let the porch talk flow. Now I'm suffering from fuzzy brain.

I love nights like that.

When was the last time you stayed up way too late?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,175

If you could have a story or article published in any periodical or on any website, which would you choose?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,174

I just read that over 60 million people worldwide have a fear of Friday the 13th.

That made me think about the number 13 and how some high rises don't have 13th floors. In fact, there's actually a phobia, Triskaidekaphobia, of the number 13. It's a superstition and related to a specific fear of Friday the 13th, which also has a phobia named after it, paraskevidekatriaphobia.

I don't suffer from these phobias. But maybe you or someone you know does.

All of this got me thinking of phobias. What unique phobias have you been made aware of?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,173

I'm constantly jotting things down on receipts or napkins. So now, it's time for Notes From the Purse:

"My boss is my boss. He's not cool. He's my boss."

"It doesn't matter if you don't recognize us. We recogize you."

"I'm not good luck. I'm good fun."

"What's the worst term of endearment you've ever received?"

So there's a little insight to things people have said lately that moved me to grab a pen. Since there's only one question in the purse, why don't we go with, "What's the worst term of endearment you've ever received?"

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,172

You have the day off. You get in the car. Where do you go?

(I'm choosing Santa Barbara.)

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,171

My friend, Sara's debut novel, Harbinger, will be in bookstores on February 2, 2012.

The story sucked me in from the first few draft pages, years ago, all the way through the ARC I had the pleasure of devouring, just a few months ago.

In addition to writing an amazing book, she created this awesome book trailer. The music, the the tension, the acting and the writing make me want to dive right back into the story.

I'm so excited for Sara, her book, her trailer and all the awesome things she'll encounter on this journey.

Who are you cheering for?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,170

You're standing in front of a jukebox already loaded up for one free song. What song will you play?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,169

Yesterday, I attended funeral services for a girl I knew from a pub where we were both regulars. We weren't close friends, but she was always very kind to me. And she always shared a smile and a question or two.

As we gathered outside the church, M.B. recounted her asking him to, "Tell me something that makes you smile every day."

Now, that's a good question.

What makes you smile every day?

Thank you, Ericka, for the inspiration.

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,168

What's the best thing since sliced bread?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,167

I once dated a guy who lived in a highrise right on the beach. I stood at the window, admiring the ocean view, and said, "It's so beautiful. You must go down there every day."

"Actually, I've never been down there," he said.

If you lived steps away from the sand, how often would you go to the beach?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,166

There are a few things you can depend on in LA. Astonishing traffic, occasional earthquakes and a heatwave in January.

It's like Mother Nature plans this little pick-me-up. She ushers in the new year with reminders of sunshine, warm breezes and cool nights perfect for sleeping with the windows open. Metaphors for the new start before us, possibly even a do-over.

And a little hope.

January is my favorite in So. Cal. What's your favorite month where you live?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,165

When you need advice, who do you go to? Why?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,164

I suppose I should have cleaned up after my vacation. Instead, the house is a mess, my suitcase has yet to be unpacked, my laundry level has surpassed "urgent" and I have six errands to complete.

Have you recovered from the holidays yet?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,163

My job is fantastic.

I get to write and be creative. Even though training people doesn't sound very creative, it can be fun to come up with exercises and new ways to present information.

I work at home. So I can eat what I want whenever I want to, wear what I want and I don't have to suffer through LA commuting.

I'm always learning.

What are three things you like about your job?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #1,162

It's like this

I ask for a question

in the inner circle

We God Bless away

Because everyone knows if it wasn't for him
We wouldn't be "us"
We contemplate the 2011 "shoulda's," "woulda's" and "coulda's"
The "either or's"
And the "what you would have done differently's"
But none of it's important when you're sitting in the circle
12 hours past your original resolution
Enjoying the hum
Of rambling questions
And loving laughter

For an instant, it feels just like yesterday, last week, last month
Where everything is the same
And nothing's different

Except hope.

How will you make 2012 different than 2011?

xoxo,
Suzanne