TMI - Conspicuous

This week’s TMI Tuesday was the idea of http://virtualsin.wordpress.com/ 

1. Do you have a set of dishes that are used for special occasions (e.g. china)? Yes or no. If yes, how often do you use the special dishes?

a. any day because every day is special

b. once a week

c. only for holidays and celebration

d. never, it is displayed in a china cabinet or collecting dust in a box in the attic

I have two sets that qualify.  I bought a set when I was in college when I was hosting dinner parties with my best friend.  We brought groups of 4-24 people together over two years and had a great time.  That’s when I learned to love to cook for groups.  I also have my wedding china, a full set of 12 that comes out for Christmas, Thanksgiving when we host, and some special date nights.  Problem is it’s packed away and so it’s hard to pull it out on a whim.  But I love having it.  The goblets are heavy crystal and gold rimmed and they feel great in your hand.  Put the settings over a black table cloth with gold napkins and good food and I’ll get 5-stars from anyone.

2. Do have clothes that you never wear because you are saving them for a special occasion? What is that item of clothing? What would be the appropriate occasion?

Nope.  I have 4 suits that used to be for work before my company went business casual, but they come out for church, company parties, and if I really need to go upscale, I love renting a tux.  I have some cool plaid shorts for summer parties, does that count?

3. If you suddenly became very wealthy, which servants would you employ?

a. cleaning service

b. housekeeper

c. cook

d. valet/maid/lady-in-waiting

e. chauffeur

f. dog-walker

g. other

How many of us will just say “All of the Above”?  I can leave out the dog walker, but I’d hire a full time fish-tank guy.  I don’t need a “Lady in Waiting” unless that’s code for concubine.  A chauffeur would be nice because it would get me in the carpool lane, but he’d have to let me drive since I would buy a really cool car.  I’d love to get my wife out of the cleaning business so she’d have more time for other pursuits.  I’d hire a landscape architect to trick out the grounds, and I’d need a pilot who doesn’t mind me getting out before we land.  Oh, and I’d hire a certain blogger to be my art teacher.

4. If you were wealthy, how many homes would you own? Where? (locations–mountains, tropical places for the winter, foreign country/city)

Easy – A house in the mountains above Salt Lake City for snow skiing, one at Lake Tahoe or Flaming Gorge for water sports.  One in Europe so I can visit all my sexy international bloggers, and an apartment in New York City because well, it’s New York and nothing is better than a Park Avenue address. 

5. If you were going to take on a really expensive hobby, which of these would it be?

a. buy an airplane – Only if I can jump out, landings are for pussies.

b. buy a yacht – Yes, but I want a crew to sail it for me, I just want to go for the ride.

c. buy a small winery – Nope, I don’t drink

d. raise exotic animals – No, but I would like to sponsor a wildlife preserve.

6. What kind of car would you buy if you had an unlimited budget?

a. expensive sports car

b. luxury car

c. monster truck

d. expensive hybrid or electric car

e. cheap car (I’d be too nervous driving an expensive car).

f. something for the chauffeur to drive me around in

I’m not a car guy.  I like the Audi r8 if you made me pick. I want something fun, fast, safe, a little sexy.  I hate Hummers and the monster gas guzzlers.  I’m not a tree hugger, but come on people, it’s just ridiculous to get 4 miles to the gallon to commute on the freeway with one person in the car. 

Bonus: Currently, what is your favorite luxury item or decadent thing that you do?

I wish I had more money for pens.  They are decadent because I can’t a decent screen play no matter how much I pay for the pen in my hand.  Still, they are beautiful.  I’ve paid as much as $125 for my favorite pen but my budget won’t let me go any further up the price list.  I held a pen that cost $124,000 last year as one of the top pen designers came to my favorite stationary store.  

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 It's not very sexy today, but fun to think about...   Have a great Tuesday!!!