I've Been Tagged!

No, no, it's not one of those ones which means you have to be home by 7pm every evening, and check in regularly with a Probation Officer; I was tagged by Joanne at Reasons to be Cheerful 1,2,3 with this meme. It is simply a list of questions but is too 'big' to slip into one of my round up posts ... here we go then:

What is your current obsession?

I have been obsessing over monkeys made from socks for quite some time. And I'm not tired of them yet. My sock stash is, quite frankly, embarrassingly enormous. Or should that be enormously embarrassing?

Which item of clothing do you wear often?

I'm a jeans girl through and through I'm afraid.

What's for dinner?

Roast chicken with a variety of veg. Oh and yorkshire puddings too since No.1 feels any roast meat is improved with the addition of yorkshires. Actually, I can now only 'do' roast chicken when she's here, as she has announced she is a vegetarian ... except for chicken and fish. So in reality she just won't eat red meat anymore. I can't say I'm surprised, she's always loved animals (she has, in the past, had pet snails, a pet earwig (called Mavis), and a pet woodlouse). Once, when I was looking through her hair for evidence of nits - yes, I know it's horrible, but you have to check them regularly when they go to school with other, possibly nit-ridden children. Where was I? Oh yes - I was looking through her hair and she actually said: "If you find one, you won't hurt it, will you?" Tsk. However, one glimpse of a spider will have her running and squealing in the most ridiculous fashion.

What are you listening to?

Sorry to be pedantic, but shouldn't that be 'To what are you listening?'

Whilst typing this post, I am listening to 'Mr Love Pants' by Ian Dury & The Blockheads.

Say something to the one that tagged you.

Thank you! I like something that makes me think a bit. Not too much mind you ... just a bit! x

Favorite vacation spot?

Because of the illness from which I've suffered for a good part of my life, I haven't vacationed much at all. It's one of the things about which I feel quite ... I don't know what the right word is, but it's not 'comfortable'. Anyway, I intend, if at all possible, to put that right in the future.

What I'm reading right now?

Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang. Yes, I know I'm several years behind most people, who read this in the 1990s when it was first published. I found this copy in a charity shop, and remembering the recommendations of friends, felt it well worth the 50 pence they were asking.

I knew very little about the recent history of China (or the ancient history for that matter) and am quite shocked at the brutality described in the book. But it is fascinating to read about the rise of Communism and how it became such a powerful regime, as well as details of the 'rules' it imposed on the people of China.

I vaguely remember news stories of 'Chairman Mao' when I was growing up, and more clearly remember stories about Deng Xiaoping, but of course I hadn't understood the way Chinese Communism had affected the everyday lives of the Chinese people. I have been incredulous, reading at Mao's hypocrisy in summarily punishing (and in some cases executing) anyone with Kuomintang associations, when he himself once held a position of office in the Kuomintang. (The Kuomintang were the political party in power in China before the Communist uprising of 1949). He imposed some quite bizarre 'campaigns' on the country during the course of his 'reign'. Husbands and wives were not allowed to be together except on Saturdays. Mothers were not allowed to look after their own children, as they were expected to give their all to 'the Cause' and go out to work for the Communist machine. At one point he decreed that every blade of grass across China should be pulled up, though I'm not sure I understand why.

At the time of writing this post, I'm only up to the mid 1960s, and Mao's 'Cultural Revolution', but I heartily recommend this book to anyone who hasn't read it. It is an extraordinary, fascinating account of China through the lives of three women (grandmother, mother and daughter).

Four words to describe myself

• Deficient or Inadequate (I couldn't decide which one was more apt)
• Naive
• Creative
• Curious

And one more because I can't leave it out

• Hopeful

Guilty pleasure

Having a lie in on the mornings after the kids have stayed the night at their dad's. Especially if it involves wandering down to the kitchen, then taking breakfast back to bed.

What do you think you will feel about your life when all is said and done?

I think that very much depends on what happens between now and the end. Thus far there are too many things about which I don't feel happy (especially regarding myself and my dearth of achievements, experiences, accomplishments, etc). Ideally, I'd like the (perceived) imbalance to be addressed (even if only a little) before 'all is said and done'. Maybe I will ... maybe I won't ... who knows?

What do you look forward to?

(Or 'To what do you look forward'?) ... Happiness.

Who or what makes you laugh until you’re weak?

Various lovely, funny people in my life. And Billy Connolly.

Best thing you ate or drank lately?

After that tummy bug had gone, and I could enjoy Milky Bar again ... that was brilliant!

Flower of the moment?

I have some white freesias in a vase - they're beautiful. Thank you Lisa - x. (They were going over a teeny bit when this photo was taken - sorry, should have taken it earlier).

Favourite ever film?

Well that depends on my mood, but 'One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest' would be up there. So would the Disney version of 'The Jungle Book'. 'The Shawshank Redemption' is excellent, as is 'The Last Emporer', but on another day I might prefer something musical like 'Chicago'. I can never pass up the chance to watch 'Groundhog Day' either ... hmmm, sorry, can't pick just one!

Care to share some wisdom?

I have various bits of wisdom, in the form of quotes, peppering my sidebar. More get added as I find them. I could quote any one of those here, but instead I'll use a new one:

"If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving is not for you.' - Anonymous

I think you'll agree that that is a particularly sage piece of advice?

I won't tag anyone in particular with this meme, but if you are a blogger who fancies having a go ... then feel free, help yourselves; I look forward to reading it on your blog(s).

●●●●●●

We have had the draw for the bloggy giveaway for all the fabric mentioned in this post. The lovely No.1 (who is off school feeling very poorly sick) did the honours for me, insisting that she draw the name from an actual hat. Tsk:

Apologies for not getting round to my usual blog haunts - I've been on nursing duties!

As you can see, the winner is the fabulous Mrs Twigs from Twiggypeasticks. The fabric will be on its way to her very soon. Well done Twiggy!

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