Desiree Hickson - Plinky Answers

Have the peanut butter cups truck back up to my door

2009-09-04T09:10:01-06:00

A lifetime supply of candy? Lucky me! :::sigh::: I wish!

Obviously, I'm picking everything in dark chocolate with an emphasis on chiles, peanut butter, caramel, almonds, or whipped chocolate in the center. Of course, we'll have to temper that with some chocolate mint peppermints when I'm not in the mood for actual chocolate.

I Have Indoor Clothes & Outdoor Clothes

2009-08-26T19:54:02-06:00

I change my clothes after I've been out to a) preserve my attire for another day and save some money on laundry and to b) to get comfortable, since my at home clothes are far more relaxing than my out of the house clothes.

Please make note: I do not own nor will I ever own a pair of sweats or sweat pants. A hoodie is pushing it.

My stay in day clothes are very relaxing, but they are still in good condition and can be worn out of the house in an emergency, like if I have to run to rescue a friend or family member (from a minor emergency) or if I have to take myself or a family member to the hospital.

My stay in day clothes are also presentable enough for company, but not nearly as nice as the ladies wear on my favorite soap operas (pumps just don't work when doing the laundry).

When I leave the house, I always try to dress as if opportunity may knock. Since I own my own business I AM my brand (as opposed to renting my "brand" from Avon or Tupperware, etc.) so it is very important that I always present my "brand" in a positive, uplifting manner (no matter how I am feeling). That means I cannot be caught dead in "casual" clothes.

I've already compromised on my hair, and my make-up. I have to draw the line at my clothes. Look at it this way: now that I am not wasting so much time doing my hair and make-up, I can spend more time looking fabulous in what I wear.

I'm jus' sayin'...

My TV guilty pleasure: Soaps

2009-08-21T11:48:14-06:00

My 'guilty pleasure' TV show(s) are soap operas.

Sure, I love intelligent and intellectual political discourse. But, since I was a kid, my favorite form of escape has always been soap operas.

I fancy myself, a nice, forgiving, loveable, entertaining individual. I feel guilty when I vehemently dislike anyone, even when others dislike them, it is not in my nature to be outwardly disrespectful to another human being, even if they deserved it.

But, when I watch soap operas, I allow myself to be a little witchy, a little vixen, a little evil and imagine myself in a place where it is ok to express myself, without inhibition whether it's love or hate, to another person.

As well, as a child, "soaps" were a way that I connected with other family members, particularly across generations. Unlike regular television shows that have come and gone, the most popular soap operas have been around since before my own mother was my age, so talking to her and my sister about "the stories" we can connect in context of the older characters on these shows, as well.

Sushi, Dancing, & Lemon Meringue Martinis

2009-08-20T12:50:34-06:00

My birthday is coming up in a few weeks and I can't wait.

Sushi, Dancing, & Lemon Meringue Martinis
I'll probably be working that weekend, but if I have my druthers, I plan to get a friend or several together for sushi, dancing, and lemon meringue martinis; three of my most favorite things to do in this town. Hanging with some of my favorite people will make the festivities even more fun.

Crazy Love for Van Morrison

2009-08-14T10:52:29-06:00

I love pop music and sing a lot of R&B and Pop songs when I do my karaoke shows. But, not too long ago, while searching for songs from some other of my favorite artists, I noticed that so many of my favorite love songs were actually remakes of popular love songs written and performed by Van Morrison. The following is a very brief list of my most favorite tunes, but there is a full catalog of bluesy, lovely, and lively Van Morrison songs that I just can't get enough of.

Brown-eyed Girl by Van Morrison

It's kind of got an island sound to it. The upbeat sound lends to the idea that it could take place on a sunny beach. It's playful and fun to listen to.

Crazy Love by Van Morrison

I am a big fan of Van Morrison's acoustic sound and how his instruments sound natural as opposed to synthesized, even when an electric guitar is involved, it doesn't overpower the rest of the music. The blues he exudes sound authentic rather than manufactured. That is one thing that is sorely missing from today's pop music. Even the supposedly "real" Jonas Brothers are heavily synthesized.

Someone Like You by Van Morrison

Van Morrison's music is the kind of music that I love to listen to no matter what mood I'm in. His bluesy sound usually helps me escape to a more pleasant plane, no matter where I start out in my head. His lyrics are often poetic and touching, affectionate and sincere, unlike a lot of today's lyrics that involve a lot of sexual innuendo.

Surprise!

2009-08-12T10:16:20-06:00

One of my most pleasant surprises was a baby shower that was held for me when I was pregnant with my daughter, Lilith.

It was a pleasure to note that the Libertarian ladies that I associated with thought well enough of me to put together a baby shower, as I had not had one for my first two babies.

It was a surprise because I didn't realize that they were planning anything for me, much less a baby shower.

Chef, lamb chops, please

2009-08-12T10:10:28-06:00

If I had a personal chef, there is plenty of dishes I'd like to be served, but lamb chops top the list.

Photo of Barbecued Lamb Chops

I would have a personal chef make me lamb chops with mint jelly.

I haven't had that meal in a very long time and whenever I have had it, it has been extremely tasty. I've always been a fan of mint and I love the tenderness of lamb chops done right.

It's just one of those tastes and smells that still lingers after all these years.

Friday I'm in love

2009-08-11T08:36:08-06:00

Friday is the best day of the week because it's the time of the week I get to reconnect with all my friends after a long week of homeschooling my kids and hanging out with my family.

I love my family and I love hanging out at home, but it's nice to connect with other people who can make me laugh and help me let my hair down in a way that I cannot at home. I'm always on as "Mom" and "caretaker". It's nice to be able to get a little stupid and a little silly.

When I'm working, it's even more awesome because that's when I can really throw down, singing some karaoke, drinking a little tequila, and dancing and laughing my butt off with my friends.

I can't wait to get back to work: 4 Fridays from now.

Take me out to An NFL football game at Mile High Stadium

2009-08-11T08:30:09-06:00

It was a Christmas gift from a friend, who was a Buffalo Bills fan and far from home and used to seeing Bills games in the stands, so it was a great opportunity for him to get over his homesickness and for me to get to see my beloved Broncos, for the first time, in person.

I saw the Denver Broncos play the Buffalo Bills.

Despite the cold and the fact that the Broncos lost, I had good company and therefore I can say that I had a great time.

I have always been a big football fan whether high school, college, or professional level. So it was an awesome treat to get to see an NFL game live from the stands instead of on television.

I get by with a little help from the web

2009-06-15T09:53:05-06:00

Being a mom, it's not always easy to go out and make friends. My business is a great way, but when I'm working, it's hard to connect with individuals. Plus, in a professional setting, I cannot always let my hair down and express myself as freely as I might in a personal setting.

The internet has made it possible for me to make friends and let me express myself in ways that are not always possible in real life.

I met my husband on the internet, almost 12 years ago, via a random instant message that he sent to me. We now have two children together. And, although our marriage may not be anything to brag about, I still hail the internet as opening up the world to a single mother who wasn't really into the whole clubbing every weekend thing and just happened to be in the right place to meet a nice guy online (and I didn't even have to post on any kind of dating site).

I've learned a lot about myself via the internet; a lot of things I might have questioned and might not have known who to go to for answers. My politics, my sexuality, my personality, my parenting style--all these things are no longer mysteries to me, as I am able to find answers and even allies via the web. These are things that I am not always able to express of myself in the real world, but on the internet, even if I don't say a word, I can rest assured there are people who are just like me and people who support me when I reach out.

For a lot of years, I lived in virtual and literal darkness because I could not find friends who thought or who could relate to me. I had to settle for one aspect while other aspects of my personality suffered. Via the internet, I have found friends and even frenemies who I can connect with on any number of levels. While I still have my real world friends, my online friends help round out my intellectual or other needs that are not being met, otherwise.

Most of all, the internet gave me voice. It doesn't really matter to me how many people hear it (although I give mad props to the 20 peeps who do care: wOOt! LOL). But, with a piece of the world where I can freely and openly express myself, I have found that I am stronger in mind and body, for it.