avanta7 | Friday 5s

Friday Five #1

Do you like your birth-name? Why? -- Yes, because it's relatively uncommon, at least among WASPs.
If you could change your name to anything else, what would it be? -- Once upon a time, I thought I would adopt the "stage" name of Gabriella Christie. Where I got that god-awful combination, I don't know. And thank goodness, 7th grade was over quickly.
What names would you consider giving your children? -- I have always liked good old-fashioned names like Emily, Rachel, Hannah, Jacob, Matthew, Ethan....Unfortunately, those old-fashioned names have become trendy and excessively popular in recent years. So now I don't know what I'll do if we adopt and name an infant. We may need to climb the family tree.
If you had a band, what would you name it, and why? -- Tyranny of the Metronome, because it sounds uber-cool, and could be suitable for any of a number of music genres.
Is there a name that you completely hate? Why? -- Not a particular name, but a particular category of name: Made-up names that no one can spell or pronounce properly, including the parent, or, nearly as bad, alternative oddball spellings of otherwise normal names just to be "different". And naming children after alcoholic beverages? Puh-leeze.

Friday Five #2

Have you ever been to Mexico? -- Yes.
Do you know anyone who is currently in the military? -- Umm. I don't think so.
What is the last party you attended? -- I can't remember! Spouse and I are not big party-goers.
What do you think about President Bush saying that the United States' National Anthem should only be sung in English? -- I think President Bush ought to learn to speak English himself before making idiotic pronouncements like that.
French fries or freedom fries? -- French fries. What silliness.

Friday Five #3

How at ease do you feel about discussing financial matters with your friends and family? -- Not at ease at all. I feel like I would be either boasting or poor-mouthing, neither of which is "done" among my family or friends.
How knowledgeable are you about financial matters (i.e., mortgages, retirement, savings, investments)? Are you happy with your level of knowledge? -- I know enough to take care of business.
Do you have a budget? Do you stick to it? -- After a fashion, and mostly.
Do you have any savings or investments? Are you happy with the amount you have saved? -- Yes, and we could be doing better.
If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it? What if it were $100,000? -- $10K would pay off the cars. $100K would pay off all our debts and leave a substantial amount for investing and charity.