MforShort

Slightly 'alternative' rock (at least that's what we called it in the 90s): Cake, Dido, Guster, Coldplay, Alanis Morrisette, Rustic Overtones, Missy Higgins.

When I read it's entirely children's literature: Berenstain Bears, Critter series, Charlie and Lola, Fancy Nancy, The Magic Tree House series, Clifford, Dora the Explorer. Need I go on? For me, I 'relax read', mostly magazines (Family Fun, Cottage Living, Rachel Ray).

This is not my strong suit. I did not see one single film in the theater in 2009. Favorite movies from the past: Shawshank Redemption (I love a movie where it is not blatantly obvious where the story is headed); Life is Beautiful (Roberto Benigni), Like Water for Chocolate (novel by Laura Esquivel); It's a Wonderful Life (Jimmy Stewart).

The Office, Parks & Rec, 30 Rock, The Biggest Loser, LOST, and newly: Who do you think you are? (fascinating)

Personalizing things (like cards, photo albums, scrapbooking) and paper crafts (especially party favors/goody bags). With my two children we do lots with pipe cleaners, stickers, craft foam, glitter, beads, etc.

Travelling to foreign countries, or heading out of town to somewhere closeby. Just to find out what it's like. All things beach: sand, sun, surf. Cooking a nice meal to share with friends or family. Watching my daughters learn something new.

Anything French/Paris-related. I lived and studied in Tours and in Strasbourg from 1992-93. Anything New York related. Grew up in NYC. Pretty papers (not earth tones). Love dark prints on light backgrounds, like Damask designs. Also am a big fan of stripes. Cooking or kitchen related (not utensils). Love food photgraphy. Things that glow in the dark = Fun!

No comic book characters. No makeup or lotions (too picky, and hardly wear any). No stationary/cards (I am already at the legal limit.) No excessive plastic. Be kind to Mother Nature! Do NOT send chocolate! It gets BLASTED hot here in Georgia.