TMI Tuesday

I was poking around for a meme to do and found this one. While I am not one to share too much information--well, I guess it depends on what kind of information. This week's prompt seems pretty safe, so I am giving it a shot.

1. Have you ever had a moving violation? An auto accident? That was your fault?

I have been pulled over three times--no, four times--in my almost 30 year driving career. Once for turning right on a red in a place where it wasn't allowed, once for having an expired registration, once for cruising through a light at the last minute, and once for rolling through a stop sign. Twice I was given tickets. Wait, that's not right. I've been to traffic school twice and I skipped out on it once. That's three tickets. Auto accidents? I rear-ended someone once. No damage done. No action taken. I smashed Paul's rear bumper when we were dating. It was me against the tree and the tree one. I can't remember any others. I was definitely guilty each time. You may want to reconsider ever driving with me!

2. Have you ever voted? How old where you the first time you voted?

My first election that I voted in was the Reagan/Mondale race in '84. I was just a few days shy of 20 years old.  I have voted in most major elections since then and some minor ones. I am terrible about letting life get in the way of my voting on a year to year basis.  I also have sometimes let my uneasy relationship with American politics discourage me.  My daughter, Marley, may just be responsible for breaking this bad habit in my life.  She was so excited about this election.  Her choice was based on very superficial reasons, but hey, I've always known she was about all that is sparkly and shiny.  It was all about the look for her.  I took her out of school early to go vote with me.  She loved it and proudly wore her "I Voted" sticker today.  I suspect all I will have to do is let her know when there is an election and she will--let's use the word encourage instead of pester--me to get out and vote.

  
3. Are you glad this election cycle is over?

I am glad this election cycle is over.  In fact, I realized this afternoon I was feeling a litle giddy with relief.  Isn't that sad?  I know that I am joined by many others on either end of the political spectrum.  I do have to say that I thought I would be irritated with the election coverage, but what I have watched so far (a little CNN and a little BBC America) hasn't aggravated me too much.  

4. Do you have guilty pleasure? What is it (or are they)?

My middle name could be guilty pleasure--but part of the appeal of a guilty pleasure for me is keeping it secret!  I will confess that a certain BBC show has had me howling with laughter and chagrined at my lack of righteous indignation at the same time.  

5. What is the most embarrassing thing you have done recently?

Under the category of sharing too much information--and refuting my claim that I don't usually share too much--I recently wrote a post, just a general, run of the mill post.  For some reason, I felt the urge to share that I had spent the whole day wearing my bra inside out.  So, embarrassing bit #1, I wore my bra inside out.  Embarrassing bit #2, I chose to share that information on my blog.  Embarrassing bit #3?  Someone I have known since he was in first grade...  someone who was a high schooler in our church group while I was a sponsor...  that someone picked that day to comment on my blog, thus reminding me that there are people I know reading!!!!  Note to self: stop talking about embarrassing moments on blog. (P.S.  mama2lilly, guess how I found your blog?)

Bonus: How much impact has the Wall Street and general economic wilt had on you?

So far, there hasn't been much tangible impact.  Well, let me clarify that.  I have not looked at our 401(k) statements.  That loss is tangible, but it doesn't feel immediate.  Does that make sense?  Also, this past year my father died.  As we are working out the details of the trust and the probate estate (PSA: put your financial affairs in order!!!!!!), there has been quite a hit.  Only about 10% of the estimated value of the estate is in cash.  Most of it is in property.  Some of it was in stock.  Whose stock?  Lehman Brothers!!!  The last I heard it was worth 17 cents a share.  Lovely.  Again, this loss does not seem immediate to me.  The rise in food, gas, and utility prices over the last couple of years have felt more real.  I'm more inclined to reach for a package of ramen than I used to.  I've bought more macaroni and cheese lately.,,  I've thought about my potential earning power more seriously.

Thanks to the TMI Tuesday blog for proving the structure for today's post!

4 down, 26 to go