Getting to Know You

I saw this on another blog and thought it was a fun idea. It’s one of those “getting to know you” questions for fellow bloggers. I tried to come up with some typical and not so typical questions. I’d love to read your responses if you’d like to share them in the comments:

Are you a Cat or Dog person?

Do you have any nicknames?

What was the first job that you ever had?

What is the most exotic food you’ve tried?

What is one item in the kitchen that best describes your personality?

If you could start any company you want, what would it be?

If you went back in time and greeted your “younger self” – what advise would you give knowing what you know now?

Comments

Lilly said…
Hi Aleta

What a great idea!
1. I am a dog person hands down!
2. I have no nicknames which is unusual as in Australia everyone seems to have one.
3. The first job I ever had was when I was at high school. I was a waitress - a hopeless one but it got me interested in the hospitality industry which I love!
4. Over the last few years I have been surrounded by excellent Chefs, personally and professionally. I guess the strangest food offered to me would have been in Russia where they have a penchant for animal heads of all sorts (and loads of vodka) but I declined (both offers which wasn't very hospitable). I have tried grasshoppers in New York - they were parboiled and sauteed (a Mexican thing I believe). However, I stick to mainly a Mediterranean diet and am not into sauces and anything too exotic (because it's usually endangered as well). Exotic desserts are excluded though - never say no to anything where there is even a hint of chocolate.
5. It would have to be my Red Mixmaster - I use it a lot for all my cakes - It make me smile, it's dependable, is versatile, copes with whatever comes its way and does what it's designed for (and it makes a lot of noise when it has to too)! I would be lost without it. Sad but true.
6. Well I have the company I wanted but I want to expand in some new directions in the next couple of years. I want to introduce educational Day and weekend sessions (done by experts) targeted to women on a whole range of issues like finance, beauty, fashion, health, relationships or whatever (its endless). People would get a choice which sessions and maybe choose five or so for the day. A one stop shop and catering for all age groups. All designed to increase self esteem which I believe is a real issue these days (and not just for women). If people felt more confident about themselves they would worry less about themselves and more about others and the world would be a better place. That is my strange take on it anyway.
7. Well there is so much I would say I suppose. I think if I could only say one thing it would be to never doubt your inner voice (your gut instincts). Ever. It's there for a reason and never wrong. Isten carefully to it, Trust it and act on it. No-one else can do that but you. And it will keep you on track.

You may be sorry I told you all of that. Great idea. What about you are you going to answer this too?
I like this idea, can I steal it?
1. I honestly love both. I love cats' aloofness and attitude, and I love dogs' loyalty and unconditional love.
2. My husband calls me Love. He never calls me by my name. My grandma used to call me Cinderella (my name is Cyndy).
3. My first job was at Publix (a southern supermarket chain). I was a cashier.
4. Indian food, I think. It was ok. I grew up eating only meat & potatoes american fare, so it doesn't take much for me to consider something 'exotic'. I'm trying to expose my kids to all kinds of foods!
5. The chili peppers I decorate my kitchen with!
6. I've always said, a business in which hubby and I help out elderly people with general errands, housekeeping, etc.
7. As Dr Phil says, "you teach people how to treat you", and young Cyndy, you are teaching people to treat you like crap, and you need to stop! NOW!
GypsiAdventure said…
1. Cat person

2. Not really, but I will answer to most anything

3. Babysitting, but as far as real first job, I was a secretary for a law firm

4. Probably too many to count - kangaroo burger comes to mind

5. Tough one, not sure.

6. If I could have my own company I'd open a resturant.

7. My advice to myself would be "Slow down, life will happen, no need to rush it."

Very neat idea...Hope you have a great day!
~K
A New Yorker said…
GREAT Questions! When you see how long I am on your blog today in your stats it's due to my pondering my answers as I complete this questionaire.

Love both animals but would say CAT person. Have three.

Do you have any nicknames? At my night job they tease me and call me soft talk or mumbles which is VERY ODD for me as I perceive myself as loud and talkative. You'd have to know this bunch though -- louder than me. Sometimes they call me curly.

What was the first job that you ever had? Babysitting

What is the most exotic food you’ve tried? Squid, sushi, clams, but I don't think they are exotic.

What is one item in the kitchen that best describes your personality? blunt/butter knife - I am really blunt...have you READ my blog but also quite soft and spreadable with the right people.

If you could start any company you want, what would it be? DOULA services (which I am trying to run now.)

If you went back in time and greeted your “younger self” – what advise would you give knowing what you know now? OH boy I could write an entire blog post on this one Aleta! :-) Be yourself, don't take things so personally.
Debbie Y. said…
I actually am a Yorkshire Terrier dog person. I absolutely love them. My Potter is terrific.

Debo Jo

receptionist at a car dealership

bean sprouts

bowl (it's empty just like me and will hold anything)

a book publishing company (I adore books)

stay single for a long time, don't jump into a relationship just because you think you are in love, it just ain't necessarily so.
Jennifer said…
Fun idea! You need to answer them too!

1. DOG!!
2. My nicknames are Jen and Jenny
3. First job--making cotton candy at the zoo!
4. My most unusual food experince is my favorite restaurant (called Alinea) where they serve like 25 small dishes during one meal--all kinds of crazy combos and served in very strange ways. Like butterscotch covered bacon served on a little trapeze and foam of tarragon that makes your mouth tingle and go numb. Every time I eat there it's an unbelievably crazy experience!!
5.Kitchen object--Probably my coffee maker--doesn't really describe my personality, but I wouldn't be able to function w/out it!
6. Probably something w/ stationery.
7. I think I'd tell myself to not go out w/ this loser boyfriend I once had!
Jessica said…
Love it! :)

1.Dog, but I love cats too!

2. Jess

3. Gas Station Clerk

4. Frog legs

5. hmm, don't know

6. Dog rescue

7. Everything happens for a reason.
Ugich Konitari said…
Hi Aleta,

1. Are you a Cat or Dog person?

Probably more an elephant person, sizewise and memorywise.

2. Do you have any nicknames?

no

3. What was the first job that you ever had?

Aleta, when i was a teenager in the 60's , here in India, we didnt work (it was not the done thing, so to speak although things are much different now), but were supposed to be serious about studies :-)

So my first job was as a teaching Assistant at the University where I went to grad school (UC Irvine).

4. What is the most exotic food you’ve tried?

I am a vegetarian. To me, eating lotus root curry is as exotic as anyone can get; folks from North India may laugh as this is a commonly used veggie there .

5.What is one item in the kitchen that best describes your personality?

Probably the mess in the kitchen :-)

6. If you could start any company you want, what would it be?

Most definitely a lending library.

7. If you went back in time and greeted your “younger self” – what advise would you give knowing what you know now?

2 things .

First: A philosophy that says whatever good and bad that happens to you is there to teach you something. So learn from it and stop crying.

Second: When you are down, and about to give up, remember that these days too shall pass and tomorrow is another day.
Anonymous said…
Are you a Cat or Dog person?
Human

Do you have any nicknames?
HOBO

What was the first job that you ever had?
The day I passed Class X (matric)

What is the most exotic food you’ve tried?
Crab

What is one item in the kitchen that best describes your personality?
Water


If you could start any company you want, what would it be?
WebPortal

If you went back in time and greeted your “younger self” – what advise would you give knowing what you know now?
Do not worry no matter what and be good always
Anonymous said…
1. dog person
2. no nicknames
3. clerical
4. sushi--yuck!
5. microwave
6. a restaurant
7. don't worry about what people think of you, be yourself
Ugich Konitari said…
Aleta, I have something for you at my blogsite...
Vikki North said…
Hi Aleta,
- Both dogs and cats
-'Vickers'
- illustrator
- whale meat
- the wood bread box w copper top
- Gallery
- Be patient and forgiving

Vikki
Laurel said…
1.My last beloved pet was a dog, but I'm "secretly" a cat person.

2. A manager used to call me laurebel, my uncle called me pink prune but please never call me that.

3. I worked as a counselor-in-training at the Louisiana Lions Camp for Crippled Children when I was 16. We got paid $10 a week as a sort of allowance.

4. Nutria

5. My set of springform pans. I always like to try something new.

6. I would do something to help out pregnant women and moms.

7. Stay true to your beliefs.
Aleta said…
Hi Lilly ~ I think I'd decline animal head as well. (shivers) Never tried grasshoppers, was it crunchy? You made me smile about the Mixmaster - that sounds like you! You have a great plan for your company. With your vision, a lot of women will benefit. And yes, I plan to answer at the end of this post, thanks for asking!

Hi Dysfunctional Mom ~ Absolutely steal the idea (I did myself, so I can't lay claim to the idea)! Aww, that's so cute about Cinderella. I grew up with typical American fare too, so I know what you mean. Aren't those chili peppers fun to decorate with? I found some in the French Quarter that are made of wood and they hang in my kitchen.

Hi Kel ~ Really? I law firm? What type of law? I work with lawyers for accounts where we have to sue if the customer doesn't pay. Love the law shows on TV, but that's all for the entertainment. My Dad wanted to open a restaurant when he was younger too. He's a great cook.

Hi Lauren ~ Lol. Don't you love the blog stats? Glad you enjoyed the questions *smiles* "Soft Talk" ~ now that's something I've been called as well. Ahh, I like the Butter knife idea! Hmm, I like the idea of dedicating a post to "younger self" talk. If you do this, I'll be reading it!

Hi Debbie ~ Did you like the bean sprouts? That's cute about the bowl ~ it's very functional. We take it for granted, but it sure is useful when plates won't do. Tell you what ~ when you get that book publishing company, maybe you can help me out with publishing some poetry!

Hi Jennifer ~ Will do, I'll answer as well! Oh, now that's sinful, making cotton candy - yum! Woah, Alinea ~ where's this located, because it sounds like a neat restaurant. I'll have to mentally prepare myself for the experience. Lol. Greg is the same way about the coffee maker. I didn't have one in my home when he first moved in. I don't drink coffee, so why should I bother buying one? He quickly remedied the situation.

Hi Jessica ~ I wonder how the gas station clerks are handling the shortages that seem to come in waves around the States right now. Frog legs ~ too funny. I have a story to share on that quickly.. (me personally, I think they taste like chicken). MawMaw was going to cook frog legs. She had some in the freezer. Only... nobody told her that the legs will "jump" when they are put into the pot. She completely freaked out about it and refused to cook them again.

Hi Ugich Konitari ~ Ohhh, I like the elephant. Mom collects elephant statues and they always have to have the trunk up (for good luck she says). She has the same type of memory too. I like the idea that teenagers didn't work. Studies are important and it still leaves time to enjoy your childhood. You'll laugh when you see my answer to the kitchen question.

Hi Hobo ~ Thank you for visiting my blog. Glad to know your a human :-) Water describes you, now that's interesting, actually! I wonder where you're from that Crab is an exotic food? Living in Louisiana, it's pretty much the standard for most of the restaurants.

Hi Gina ~ Ahh, the trusted microwave. Isn't that a great tool? I didn't think I'd like Sushi either. My friends started me off on some tame things, but now I like raw tuna (neither thought I'd say that).

Hi Vikki ~ Does that mean I can call you Vickers? That's cute! "Whale meat" ~ I have to ask what that tasted like! Did you paint a picture of the wood breadbox with the copper top? Knowing this is what your personality relates to, I'd love to see a painting of it!

Hi Mommy ~ "laurebel" ~ that sounds so pretty! Love how you said that you are "secretly" a cat person ~ why secretly? I remember you writing about enjoying new recipes, so the springform pans are a perfect choice!


Thanks everyone for enjoying this post and responding with such creative answers. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about you!

I didn't answer anyone specifically about the younger self question. I was very curious how everyone would respond. One day, I might make a collection from Internet to family and friends... it could be a book on "Life's Lessons." Things we wish we would have known and maybe someone younger will benefit from.

Ok, my turn :-)

1. I'm an animal lover. I'm a sucker for animals in cages, can't stand to see them in cages, so I'm likely to adopt. Which is the reason why Greg won't bring me to Petsmart on Saturdays ~ when they have animal adoption available to the public.

2. When I was a baby, my brother couldn't pronounce "Aleta" ~ so he called me Lele. He doesn't call me that anymore though. My Dad, ok, keep in mind that he's a country boy, calls me "peep squeek" - but he hasn't done for years and years. (Thank God!)

3. First job - was with my Dad. My brother taught me how to type when I was 11 years old (we started playing the piano at 8, so we have good dexterity). When Dad heard that I could type, he said, "Aleta, come here. Let me show you what a credit bureau is." And that, my friends, is how I got into the finance industry!

4. Most exotic food ~ At the World's Fair, my brother and I went with my parents to try something new ~ Korean food. Rob and I figured that "fish" was a pretty safe dish. We both ordered it. My parents took pictures; you should see our expressions - eyes wide, just total disbelief. The fish... it was cooked, but it was sitting UP in the plate, as if swimming in a stream, with the ENTIRE body - head, tail, the whole gambit! It was looking at us as we tried to eat. We laughed more than we ate.

5. I'm the cleaning detergent. Hehe. I don't cook. Greg says, "Aleta CAN cook, but she doesn't like to." I really don't like to. But I clean very well. I even clean the kitchen after Greg has cleaned it and he says, "I try to clean well, but when Aleta does it, the kitchen always looks better." I like the details.

6. Teaching how to make jewelry. I love being an instructor with the Beading Society and if there was a career involved in this, I'd love it.

7. "Believe in yourself, TRUST yourself." It's always easier to trust and believe in other people and for that, I've taken some difficult roads. I finally learned to believe and trust in my instinct and it lead me to Greg. *so smiling*
Hi Aleta, I know I'm late, but just could not resist this.

1. A dog person.
2. Yes, Sumi. All Bengalis have a separate and distinct nickname which is accorded as much importance as their 'real' names.
3. I was a copywriter in an ad agency.
4. Squid rings (not too exotic, I'm afraid), which I love.
5. I'm like the wok (which we call kadai) - fussfree, hardworking and indispensable (so i'd like to believe).
6.I'd like to start an orphanage-cum-old age home where the old people caould be happy around the kids and vice-versa.
Aleta said…
Hi Sucharita Sarkar ~ Don't worry about being late. I'm so glad that you joined in on the fun! I'd love to hear more about the distinct nicknames that are given! Sumi ~ that is very pretty. I really like the idea of orphanage/old age home. Children could learn so much from the elderly and children would keep the elderly young at heart. What a beautiful combination!
Swistle said…
Fun!

1) Cat person.

2) Swis

3) babysitter

4) Eel

5) Measured muffin-scoop: I like things CONTROLLED and CONSISTENT

6) not sure

7) Don't get married in college.
Aleta said…
Hi Swistle ~ really like that name. And cute nickname. Ahh, now you see, that is how I cook, with measuring things. Greg is a natural, he can toss everything into a pan and it all comes out great!
Sukku said…
Well here are my answers:
1. I am neither a cat or dog person
2. Guess I don't have a nickname unless there is one which I don't know about.
3. First job was in Singapore building the Kallang Indoor Stadium...oh how I hate heights.
4. I guess it would be Frog's legs
5. I like mustard and would like to dap it to my sandwich or other Chinese food.
6. I would like to specialize in Geotechnical Engineering and maybe do something on foundation.
7. I would spend more time with the family and stay put in Malaysia.

Have a great day.
Aleta said…
Hi Sukku ~ So glad that you joined in with this post! Frog's legs, that's the second person that said this. How funny.. My family used to eat frog's legs a lot and I think (though I could be wrong) that a good many restaurants that have seafood offered often have frog's legs on the menu. Geotechnical Engineering sounds out of my league, but interesting! I agree that spending time with family is precious indeed.