22 posts tagged “qotd”

What are you saving up for? 
Submitted by Star. 

Apparently a new iPod.  I found out today at the gym that my iPod shuffle isn't working anymore.  I have a 30GB Video iPod, but that is hard drive based and you really aren't supposed to work out with it. 

We're also saving up for a new house.

What was the most embarrassing hobby you've ever had? 
Submitted by Billie Fable.

I don't consider any of the hobbies I have to be embarrassing.  I'm not sure playing video games is a hobby, but I used to be embarrassed to admit that I still enjoy playing them.  I think I am right on the line of the generation that accepts video games as a form of adult entertainment.  To me, playing video games is like watching a movie, but I think many people don't see it that way.  They see video games as something kids play and adults grow out of. 

For the most part, I am over my embarrassment, but I do avoid the video game section at Wal-Mart.  When I am there looking at games, it is usually me and 10 little kids staring at me like, "What are you doing here?"  That's not embarrassing, but it does make me feel old. 

Where do you go to get away from it all? 
Submitted by Hops.  

Work.  Seriously. 

First, I love programming.  There are days when I can't wait to get to work and get started on the project I am working on.  Second, there are mornings when the kids are both screaming, the cartoons are blaring, and I feel great sense of pity for my wife as I walk out the door.

Only a few weeks ago, there was such a morning and as I walked out the door for work I said, "I'm glad I am not you."

This might sound insensitive, but realize what I am saying: I recognize what my wife has to put up with and acknowledge it is harder than what I deal with on a day to day basis at my job.

I appreciate the heck our of her for what she does and puts up with.  Thanks honey!

Do you have a sixth sense?  How do you experience it?

Actually, I have about a buck and a quarter.  Oh, sixth SENSE.

I can tell when my wife is angry just by looking at her.  Usually the object heading directly for my head at an alarming rate of speed is also a major clue.

When you go out to eat, how do you pick where to go?
Submitted by Kristine.

We live in a pretty small town, so pickins are slim when it comes to restaurants.  Even more so now that we are trying to eat healthy.  Still, the process has been perfected over the years.  It goes something like this:

Me: Where do you want to eat?
Jen: I don't know, what do you feel like?
Me: I don't know.  What are you in the mood for?
Jen: I don't know.
Me: Mexican?
[silence]
Me: I guess that is a no.

Seriously though, I've found over the years that it is easier to eliminate what we don't want to eat.  If there isn't an immediate agreement, I usually start throwing out ideas.  Sort of like a brainstorming session.  The problem is I sometimes throw out ideas without thinking about them first.  This creates problems, because Jennifer may pick something I'm not in the mood for.  Of course, I suggested it, so I can't say much.  So, I have to figure out if I admit my suggestion doesn't thrill me, or if I just keep my mouth shut.  It is usually better to keep my mouth shut.  Besides, I am not that picky and I know I'll end up enjoying it.

Have you noticed a climate change in the area where you live over the past few years?

No, and I drive my SUV an extra mile or two everyday because I am just so darn sick of all this cold weather.  What gives?

 (NOTE: actually the weather today is BEAUTIFUL).

When do you file your taxes?  Do you do it yourself or get outside help?

I am happy to say that we actually did ours about a month ago.  We already have both refunds in our bank account.  The last couple of years we've been good about getting them in early. 

We do it all online, so I guess that qualifies as getting "outside help".  The worst thing is we have to file 3 returns.  I live in Virginia but work in North Carolina (we only live 5 minutes from the state line), so we have to file in both NC and VA.  It's a pain and we have to pay extra, but the good news is Virgina gives us credit for what I pay in NC. 

How do you handle phone calls from telemarketers?

I did the whole telemarketing thing one summer while I was in college.  At the time, I thought the money they were paying me was awesome (I think it was $7/hour).  I eventually quit for moral reasons. 

My job was to call the people and ask them to donate money to organizations.  The organizations varied, but usually it was for organizations that gave money to the families of police officers who had been killed or injured in the line of duty.  Sounds good, right?  I eventually found out the organizations were only getting 10% or so of what people actually gave us.  I guess the rest went in the pocket of my employer.  We were even told to try and dodge any questions about the percentage given to the actual organization, because that was a deal breaker.  In one instance, a guy had ask me about the percentage, and when I finished telling him what the organization would receive, he didn't hang up or simply say he wasn't interested.  He proceeded to tell me that I should be ashamed of myself.  I realized he was right.  I decided the job wasn't for me.

About the QotD, I am generally polite and tell telemarketers that I am not interested and hang up.  I don't give them a chance to respond.  If they have some initial marketing pitch, I will let them finish that, if it isn't too long.  Of course, you have the ones that will go on and on.  I will eventually interrupt them and tell them I am not interested. 

Oh, and I will NEVER give a charitable contribution to ANY charity that calls me over the phone.

What will be your famous last words?
Submitted by ngocaroo.

I love these.  Here are a few that came to me off the top of my head:

As a matter of fact, it does make you look fat.

Person: DUCK!
Me: Where?

There's nothing wrong with how I am cutting this bread!
Edit- This will only be funny to my wife.

Are you sure it's not loaded?

What are your three favorite snacks?
Submitted by Sunscreem.

1. Popcorn.  Love it, love it, love it.  Darn near obsessed with it.
2. Cheese and crackers with sparkling grape juice - It is good without the sparkling juice, but it makes the snack even better.  Jennifer and I haven't done this in a while, but we usually do it A LOT around the holidays.
   
3. Smoothies - Boy do I love smoothies.  I get a big bag of frozen strawberries from Wal-Mart, pour a bunch of orange juice over them and blend away.  Actually, I need to get another blender because the one we have sucks.

EDIT - Almost forgot, I also add a packet of Splenda (or two...if I am making enough for my wife) to my smoothie.  It helps to offset the tart of the strawberry and OJ.