She’s the short form of a timeless classic.

Thanks to Laura for suggesting Maisie as Name of the Day.

Laura originally suggested the spelling Maizie.  Along with Maisy, it’s a variant you’ll spot from time to time.  But it’s Maisie that currently ranks in the UK Top 100 and could follow other British imports to the US.

Maisie comes to us from Margaret, one of those classic appellations worn by saints, queens and many common folk, too.  So many women were called Margaret that a raft of nicknames developed over the years.  Maisie seems like a sharp departure, until you consider that she’s Scottish in origin – and the Scottish form of Margaret is Mairead.

Famous Maisies are few, and they’re not always wearing it as a nickname.  They’re overwhelmingly fictional:

• Henry James’ 1897 novel What Maisie Knew chronicles Maisie Farange’s early years.  Her parents divorce and generally behave badly.  By her teenage years, Maisie is easily the most mature character in the tale;
• Pint-sized actress Maisie Smith played a young future Queen Elizabeth I in The Other Boleyn Girl and now appears on EastEnders;
• Maisie Wylde is a relatively new character on UK soap opera Emmerdale;
• Maisy Mouse stars in a series of children’s picture books, with friends like Tallulah the Baby Chicken.  A show based on the books aired on Nick Jr.;
• Dr. Seuss changed up the spelling for his character in Daisy-Head Mayzie, about a schoolgirl who sprouts a yellow flower from his head.  It was published posthumously, in 1995.

But the best known Maisie was Ann Sothern’s character, born on the big screen and later given her own radio show.  Mary Anastasia O’Connor went by the stage name Maisie Ravier.  An aspiring burlesque dancer, Brooklyn-dwelling Maisie never quite got her big break.  But Maisie made Sothern a star.

The first Maisie film debuted in 1939.  Several sequels followed in the 1940s, then a CBS radio program called The Adventures of Maisie.  If you’ve ever uttered the phrase “Likewise, I’m sure,” then you’ve channeled Maisie Ravier.

While she’s part of the white hot diminutive-trend in the UK – Evie, Millie, Lexi/Lexie, Rosie and Tilly all keep her company in their 2008 Top 100 – she’s never charted in the US Top 1000.  That’s not to say there’s no such thing as an American Maisie.  There are plenty in the census records.  But in the US, odds are good that Maisie isn’t on the birth certificate.

For an American parent in 2009, the challenge is simple: a nickname for what?  Margaret is more likely to be called Maggie.  Mairead – pronounced MAH raid – isn’t terribly accessible on this side of the Atlantic.  And while you could put lots of things on the birth certificate, from Mary Sarah to Marissa, none of them lead logically to Maisie.

Perhaps that’s why she’s gaining appeal as a stand-alone name.  And while there’s a chance that Maisie sounds better on a comedienne than a brain surgeon, just like Molly and Sadie have shed their roots as nicknames, Maisie might stand on her own, too.

New business idea!!!

Since my genius idea for the weenis was already taken, I’ve been on the hunt for a new business idea. One fell into my lap this morning in the form of a blue mini van.

I pulled up behind the run-down van and laughed when I read the bumper sticker displayed proudly on the back of the van. “My other car is a Ferrari,” it read.

Ferrari

Since the holiday spirit is constantly running through my veins, I instantly had an idea for a Christmasy bumper sticker:

“My other car is a sleigh.”

How awesome would that bumper sticker be? It would look especially fantastic on my Rudolph car.

My Sister’s iPod

Over the weekend my sister put her iPod in my gym bag when we went to workout together. We both forgot it was in there and when I left for Orlando on Sunday, her iPod came along for the journey.

Pink iPod

Since I am sure the iPod is missing my sister desperately, I decided to give it a listen during today’s workout. I literally laughed out loud a handful of times at the songs she had on the old ‘Pod. My favorite jam had to be “Barbie Girl” by Aqua.  I can’t laugh too much though because I owned the Aqua CD and still think it’s pretty darn fabulous.

What embarrassing songs are on your iPod?

My iPod is full of embarrassing songs. I have songs ranging from Disney remixes (think Jungle Book and Beauty and the Beast) , Ace of Base, Legally Blonde: The Musical and “Booty Bounce” to old school Alanis Morissette.

I’ve told some of my friends I wish I had the ability to see what songs people listen to while they workout at the gym. Wouldn’t it be cool if you could see the name of a song someone is listening to over their head as they were exercising? I think we’d learn a lot about people that way. Maybe that hardcore bodybuilder is a closet Enya or Michael Buble fan… (Who isn’t a Michael Buble fan? The man has the voice of an angel!)

Breakfast

Today’s breakfast included two fruits I stole from my parents’ house this past weekend.

Tuesday's Breakfast

I enjoyed a creamy cup of Fage Greek yogurt with a sliced Honeycrisp apple and a cold clementine.

Even though it’s flippin’ freezing outside today, this chilly breakfast was still nice and tasty. (I immediately poured myself a hot cup of tea afterward though!)

Just Because

And just because I love her and think she’s the cutest thing in the whole-wide-world, here’s a picture of my Sadie girl:

"I love you, blog readers!"

Sadie was very chilly on our morning walk. I kept thinking she had to pee because she was all hunched over trying to stay warm. I even had her in her argyle sweater, but with her teeny little body, she needs a full-blown parka to keep warm.

"Do you like my sweater?"

Apparently us Florida folks can’t hang in the cold.

How cold is it where you are today?

18 inches and counting; biggest Dec. DC snow storm in history– GW would have been proud.

we took riker out twice; once by mike the other by wendy– i think it was a bit too intense for her; she wanted to come in after about 10min each time.  Sadie on the other hand loved it– guess she did not see much snow growing up in South Carolina.

Bad thing about being snowed in is you have to identify a lot of inside activities–  needless to say there was a lot of DVD watching today.

Sadie and Lily are ready! They have been hounds of the kitchen for days now as we bake and grill. Lily, our boxer, boldly lets us know if she is dissatisfied with our kitchen activities. A mere slice of toast and jam no longer entices her to taste. Only a hearty stew or savory bullion soaked biscuit seems acceptable these days. Sadie is a little more grateful for the scraps that come her way. Generally speaking, she likes the feel and tone of the kitchen more than Lily does. She enjoys the movements, the pots clanging (although she sometimes barks to let you know she is louder), and especially the chopping. If cheese is involved, Sadie is in on the action. There are dog appropriate treats and ones that are taboo (no raisins for Sadie or Lily!). There are also the dog decadent treats – those are the ones they should not have but get anyway (home made gravy on kibbles, anyone!). We become pudding in response to their quiet requests. In return, they make fantastic cooking companions for the holiday season. MM & RY 2009

27 Décembre à 21h: L’International
5-7 rue Moret 75011 Paris
(première partie assurée par Villareal
http://www.myspace.com/villarealmusic )

29 Décembre à 20h: Le Be There (concert + DJ set)
19 rue des Deux-Ponts 75004 Paris

30 Décembre à 19h30: Les Taulières
10 rue de la Fontaine du But 75018 Paris
(première partie assurée par Lucky Clover http://www.myspace.com/luckycloverofficial )

For more visit:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=193706364919&ref=ts

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=170145357839&ref=ts

What-are-you-looking-at? edition.

Sadie has really gotten into sewing as we figure out how to work the sewing machine and delve into projects together. Her first project- a scrunchie!

Since the scrunchie, she has proceeeded to make flaxseed sacks (which she sold at the Rethinking Everything Conference!), pillows, quilted blankets, a tanktop/skirt set, her Halloween belly dancer costume, a stuffed animal for Elijah for his birthday, and more.  Still searching for additional photos on this but trying to catch this blog up to date so we’re plowing on through!

Scottish terrier Sadie wins AKC national dog show – Pet Tales : The Orange County Register.

Look at that Sadie – so serious about her job and yet secretly, those Scotties can be so impish.  (Okay not so secretly if you’ve had a Scottie.)  I grew up with a Scottie. I love Scottie’s.  Her name was Penny – she was my very first dog – we picked her out of the litter at Thanksgiving from my cousins when I was seven and I slept in the back of the car with her all the way home from Spokane to Bellevue Wa (about 5 hours). We had another dog – Rini an elderly Manchester Terrier – Penyy wasn’t a big hit with Rini but she was my dog nonetheless.

I will always have a thing for Scotties. My cousin John (the same cousins) has a great Scottie named Sherman. Oh he gives my Olivia and Isabella a run for their money. He’ll pretend to play the game of letting them think it’s their house – but if there’s a ball – he’s going after it and may the best dog win.

Love the name Sadie – obviously the best dog won!!

p.s. remember that Saturday Night Live sketch – the famous quote – “if it isn’t Scottish – it’s crrrrrrraaaaaaap!”

p.p.s. I have blogged below about my new Cat Francesca potentially being the reincarnated Alexandria – my old cat – well I’ve often wondered if Olivia my 1/2 Border Collie is a reincarnation of Penny.  Oh more random thoughts of an Animal Communicator…..another post on pet reincarnation is clearly in the future says the pet psychic!!

www.joanranquet.com.

This week, along with the commentary of Mild Mannered (But Not Really) Girlfriend Carolyn, we open debate over David Peterson’s Mouse Guard: Winter 1152; and let’s just say that tiny mouse-befitting swords will clash! Also, we hear the latest intallment of “Sam Bitches a Lot”, Mike talks about his favorite serial killer (Dexter Morgan) and his comic-book like webisodes, and Alex is forced to lock horns with Carolyn in a heated discussion of Marvel Super Hero Squad. There is all this and much more awaiting you listeners this week on the Mild Mannered Podcast!

Hooray for Friday! I love the energy on Fridays. Everyone seems 10 times happier.

Plus, there was free food in the break room this morning, which made all the freegans happy. Unfamiliar with the term “freegan?” A guy I used to work with informed me of this term used to describe people who will eat anything, as long as its free.

I’m sure you’re familiar with these people. Anytime something free is suddenly available in the break room or at an office potluck, they load up as if preparing for hibernation. Freegans can also be found prevalently around college campuses and are frequently seen hording free pieces of pizza  in their dorm room to enjoy throughout the week.

Are you a freegan?

I passed up on the freegan frenzy since I was nice and full from my yummy breakfast.

Friday's Breakfast

Yeah, you know that’s my College Park Orthodontics free coffee cup! I’ve been rockin’ it almost daily. It’s awesome.

CPO, what, what!?

Ballin'!

I think I may be a little overly excited about this free mug. Might I be a freegan, too!? Ah!

For breakfast I enjoyed a small pack of Kay’s Naturals French vanilla protein cereal on top of Chobani Greek yogurt.

French Vanilla Protein Cereal

Yum Yogurt

This was my first time trying the French vanilla flavor of Kay’s Naturals protein cereal and I loved it! It was crunchy, sweet and very flavorful.(I bought it online at Netrition.com.)

Also, the nutrition facts are pretty impressive. One pack of the cereal has 100 calories, 15g carbs, 3g fiber, 3g sugar and 9g protein. Plus it’s all natural so it’s sweetened with honey, cinnamon and vanilla extract. It’s also gluten free.

Workout and Walk

I woke up this morning feeling wishy-washy about going to BodyPump. I walked to the gym thinking I’d do my own total-body weights routine.I even got on a cardio machine for a little warm up for about 30 seconds before changing my mind and rushing into BodyPump just in time! I scrambled to get the weights and everything ready, but I made it! So indecisive.

I’m glad I went to the class though because it was a good one. I am obsessed with the song “Now You’re Gone” by Basshunter that was played during the shoulder workout. It makes me wanna sing and dance, but at 5:45 a.m., I think I’d get smacked in the face by other people in the class if I was too enthusiastic.

I finished up my workout with 25 minutes of light cardio on the elliptical.

Then it was time for Sadie’s morning walk. Since Ryan has the day off work, he joined us. While he was grabbing a jacket, I snapped this very presidential-looking picture of Sadie.

Wise Old Sadie

Yes, she is wearing a red t-shirt. She gets cold really easily since vizslas have no undercoat and she’s so flippin’ skinny.

I ordered this t-shirt for her last year around the holidays. It says “Santa Paws’ Little Yelper” on the back. I’ll snap a picture of it this weekend for ya. It’s way too big on her, but it looks adorable. She actually likes wearing it! Whenever we bring it out of her little doggie storage bin she jumps around and wags her tail. She must get her love of clothes from her mama.

Weekend Plans

After work today I’m swinging by the apartment to pick up Ryan and Sadie for a weekend at my parents’ house in St. Pete. We have wedding planning appointments with a florist and a photographer. I also have an appointment at a bridal boutique to try on dresses tomorrow at 11 a.m. Can’t wait! Will it be simple or sha-zaam???

For those of you with wedding planning experience, aside from food, drink and the overall expense of the reception, where did you end up spending most of your wedding budget?

All this finance/budget stuff is tough! Thank goodness Ryan is number-savvy. Every time I’d send him a potential wedding venue he’d reply with a spreadsheet breakdown of all the costs. I love my little mathematician.

Sometimes we let Sadie sleep in the bed when it’s extra chilly in the apartment. To say Sadie is a cuddly sleeper would be the understatement of the year.

This morning I awoke with her puppy body pressed against my back and her left paw draped around my chest. My dog was spooning with me! 

After layering our clothes, Ryan and I took Sadie for a walk around the lake before heading off to the grocery store. Ryan picked up a pack of salt water taffy as a little treat. We both enjoyed a couple pieces and shared one with Sadie when we arrived home. She loved it and we could not stop laughing at her struggle with the thick and chewy candy.

Taffy Mouth!

She struggled more with the taffy than she does when she eats peanut butter. After she finally finished her taffy she immediately wagged her tail and wanted more. Silly dog.

What treats does your pet enjoy?

Sadie loves any kind of meat, Snausages, peanut butter, yogurt and cheese. With the exception of the Snausages, it seems like we have similar tastes.

Breakfast

Breakfast this morning was an egg white scramble with spinach and portobello mushrooms.

Egg White Scramble

I love the meaty flavor of portobello mushrooms. I can’t believe I used to hate mushrooms!

I also enjoyed half a pint of fresh blueberries (on sale!).

Fresh Blueberries

When Ryan leaves for soccer practice soon I’ll be hittin’ ze gym for a nice cardio sweat session. I like working out after a day off. My energy feels renewed!

What If’s.

What if she:

-Is too much to handle
-Cuts into my school work
-Doesn’t learn from her mistakes
-Doesn’t grow
-Is disapproved by the mom
..
…
….
…..
……
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Then what?! There’s only one way to find out: take a risk and provide some luuuuv
…….
……
…..
….
…
..
.

sup girl

So far so good. Besides the shit, she is so herself.
Spent my Saturday studying in out of NBA2k10 sessions and a visit to my girl’s house.

“good fun”

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