Sweet Memes

Do you believe in 'love at first sight'?

Do I believe it in it? Yes. Have I or do I expect to experience it? No. I'm not wired that way.

Everyone remembers where they were on some momentous day (the Challenger disaster, 9-11, Lennon's death, etc.). So the question is...Where were you on one of those days?

The earliest 'big' tragedy that I remember is the Munich Olympics. I remember Mark Spitz swimming and being interviewed (so sexy). I remember suddenly not having any sports to watch and all the TV coverage turning into the same sportscasters sitting around talking very seriously about guys on a balcony with pointy hoods...and guns. Frankly, it was boring, so I lost interest.
That was the summer my next-oldest sister, The Cool One, got married, so her in-laws were at our house while the Olympics were going on. I was 8.

Now for something a bit more upbeat. What is your fondest birthday memory?

I had a really good time on my 16th: Mom drove me with a couple of friends to a movie ("Time After Time") and then back to our house for cake and ice cream, and gossip. I can't remember if they spent the night, but I remember sitting around the dining room table dishing about Se@n P00le having his stomach pumped in 7th grade, and so forth.

You've been given 3 parachutes, but there are 4 people who need them. Who will you not give one to: Pamela Anderson, Charlie Sheen, Courtney Love, or Hugh Grant?

(Of course, all 4 of them are up really super duper high in the air, and the parachute is truly the only way to save them. You are safe on the ground, so there is no need to give yourself a parachute.)

I'm giving Hugh Grant a parachute and throwing the rest of 'em outta the plane.

Where are you going and where have you been?

In the big picture, I'm going back to where I came from.
In the minutiae of life, I'm going to work today, and I've been sitting on the couch meming for an hour since I got up.

You're stuck on a desert island, miles from anywhere.

One morning an old fashioned steamer trunk washes up on the shore. Phew!!! Inside are 5 items & amazingly they are just the 5 items you would choose to be in a trunk if it was bobbing by! Quelle coincidence! So, there's a book, an iPod with 1 album on it, 1 flask of beverage, 1 meal and 1 luxury item.

So, tell us, what would your 5 items be?

First of all, let me say that "stuck" doesn't mean stranded to me. I'm just staying there for awhile until I can handle being around people again (like 6 months?).
The book would, of course, be a Bible (preferably NRSV), the iPod would have to be Bach (not sure which specific album, but something including "Joy" and "Eroica"), the flask would have Stoli in it, the meal would be pizza (not likely to find that on a deserted island!), and the luxury item would be a full set of linens with an inflatable mattress.

Booking Through Thursday

1. They say that books read as a child make more of an impact on a person than books read at any other time in life. Are there any books that you particularly loved, that shaped the way you think when you were little? I'm not asking if you believed in fairies then but don't any more. I'm asking about patterns of thought, morality--something that made an impact.
   
   I would think the Laura books were major for me, since I've read them over and over. Good themes in them: hard work, strong family, bad times aren't forever, etc.



2. And, of course, examples, please!
   
   I read SO many books as a kid that I think the impact of each might be a bit watered-down. However, the Narnia books definitely shaped my worldview, as did Alice in Wonderland and Tom Sawyer. I can remember reading--the physical act of lying on the couch (or whatever) with the book--all of these.
   I think the themes throughout all of them are that whatever the world hands you--a magical world reached through a wardrobe or down a rabbit hole, a homestead in the middle of Indian Territory, or the possibility of dying in a cave--we need to face it head on and accept it for what it is. Denying reality (even if it is too bizarre to believe) is wrong. Doing your best to see a situation through is the only way to face life.



3. Also, did you read this book/these books more than once? Many times? Even if that's not a usual habit of yours?
   
   I've read all of the books I listed more than once. I've also read Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights over and over, but those are from my college years. As a rule, I don't reread books, however.

It occurs to me that perhaps I should pick up Catch-22 and reread it. I think it might have some lessons for me, or at least something to say, about the professional situation I'm in currently. Maybe Lord of the Flies, too.

You Are 28% Nerdy

You're a little nerdy, but no one would ever call you a nerd. You sometimes get into nerdy things, but only after they've become a part of mainstream culture.

OK.
My nerdiness quotient has dropped over time. I used to be nerdier.

Glad to know that.

100 random questions

1. How old will you be in five years? 48. Wow.

2. What names do you go by? Many. Mostly my given name and Mom. Lately, occasionally "Cat."

3. How tall are you? 5'8" and shrinking

4. What do you look forward to most in the next six weeks? The 15 or so hours following sundown Christmas Eve, and New Year's Eve.

5. What's the last movie you saw? No idea. Sorry. It was that great.

6. Who is the last person you called? Beast, this morning.

7. Who was the last person to call you? Beast, this afternoon.

8. What was the last text message you received? It was probably 5 years ago...no idea.

9.Do you prefer to call or text? Er, call. Clearly.

10. Do you have any pets? Sparky has a guinea pig.

11. What were you doing at 12am last night? I was soundly asleep.

12. Are your parents married/separated/divorced? Currently physically separated, but technically still married.

13. When is the last time you saw your mom? Summer '05.

14. What color are your eyes? Hazel

15. What time did you wake up today? 6:45, though I woke up around 5:45 long enough to turn off my alarm and take out my earplugs...not that I remember doing it!

16. What are you wearing right now? Jeans, long-sleeved reunion-weekend T-shirt, gray sox...never put my watch on today.

17. What's your favorite Christmas song? "Silent Night," or "O Holy Night" but only if sung by someone who can actually sing it.

18. Where is your favorite place to be? In bed, going to sleep.

19. Where is your least favorite place to be? At a Sirsi-merger meeting.

20. Where would you go if you could go anywhere? Ouray

21. Where do you think you'll be in 10 years? Probably still here. Sparky will be nearly 24 (wow!) and I'll have been married 30 years. Oy. Maybe we'll be traveling more...?

22. Do you tan or burn? Burn...and freckle if I'm lucky.

23. What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child? I never have been that afraid of the dark. I was afraid of people in daylight.

24. What was the last thing that made you laugh? A really good hit just now in the football game.

25. How many TVs do you have in your house? Three: one in the living room, one in the basement, and a tiny one in Sparky's room. He bought it at an auction last year sometime, for about $10.

26. How big is your bed? Queen-size

27. Do you have a laptop or desktop computer? Usually at home I'm using the laptop. I have a desktop at work (and we have two of those at home too).

28. Do you sleep with or without clothes on? With. Especially this time of year.

29. What color are your sheets? I think we've got the light-blue ones on right now.

30. How many pillows do you sleep with? I sleep with one, Beast sleeps with two, but there are 4-6 pillows on our bed most of the time.

31. What is your favorite season? Autumn

32. What do you like about fall? The smells, the feel of the air, the colors, the lack of humidity.

33. What do you like about winter? Clean, crisp, new snow...unbroken.

34. What do you like about the summer? Warm weather.

35. What do you like about spring? New leaves, flowers, and the end of winter

36. How many states have you lived in? Three, unless you add the States of Confusion and Chaos.

37. What cities/towns have you lived in? Englewood, CO; Waukesha, and several suburbs of Milwaukee, WI; and two cities in the state where I live now.

38. Do you prefer shoes, socks, or bare feet? Bare feet, but in the winter I almost always have on sox.

39. Are you a social person? Yes. Too much so.

40. What was the last thing you ate? Hmm, corn and beans left over from Thursday, though I just realized that I brought some cranberry sauce out here awhile ago so I think I'll have some of that now.
Yummmm.

41. What is your favorite restaurant? Six Balls

42. What is your favorite ice cream? Vanilla

43. What is your favorite dessert? Fruit pie, or wedding cake.

44. What is your favorite kind of soup? Potato

45. What kind of jelly do you like on your PB & J sandwich? I don't use jelly; I use honey.

46. Do you like Chinese food? Yep.

47. Do you like coffee? I love the smell of fresh coffee, but I can't drink the stuff.

48. How many glasses of water, a day, do you drink on average? Water? About 16 oz. maybe. I've given up the whole "8 glasses a day" thing.

49. What do you drink in the morning? Diet Dr. Pepper.

50. Would you rather sleep with someone else or alone? With earplugs, it doesn't matter to me at all. In the winter, I prefer having Beastie in bed; he's warm.

51. Do you sleep on a certain side of the bed? I sleep to the left of Beast, unless he's not here; then I tend to gravitate toward the center.

52. Do you know how to play poker? Yes. Yes I do.

53. Do you like to cuddle? Yes.

54. Have you ever been to Canada? Yes. They have some lovely bowling alleys.

55. Do you have an addictive personality? Yes, though it's mostly controllable.

56. Do you eat out or at home more often? At home. But it's a close call!

58. Do you know anyone with the same birthday as you? Yes; there were three of us in high school band together--all flute players!--born at the same hospital. I'm still good friends with one of the other girls. Er, women.

59. Do you want kids? I have what I need.

60. Do you speak any other languages? I speak Spanish badly, but understand it well.

61. Have you ever gotten stitches? Yes. Surgery does that to you. So, for that matter, does childbirth.

62. Have you ever ridden in an ambulance? No, I haven't. Thank God.

63. Do you prefer an ocean or a pool? I can't swim. I like the ocean, if it's warm. The scenery is better at the ocean, but pools are fine too.

64. Do you prefer a window seat or an aisle seat? I used to like windows, but I'm now aware of how much more space you have with an aisle seat.

65. Do you know how to drive stick? Yes.

66. What is your favorite thing to spend money on? Food.

67. Do you wear any jewelry 24/7? All my rings: wedding, engagement, and anniversary.

68. What is your favorite TV show? CSI

69. Can you roll your tongue? No, but Sparky can, which means Beast can. It's a straight dominant/recessive trait.

70. Who is the funniest person you know? My brother used to be. I think he's less so now, or maybe I just know all his jokes.

71. Do you sleep with stuffed animals? Uh, no. Trying to not giggle, for personal reasons. I used to sleep with Wolsey McGregor....

72. What is the main ring tone on your phone? It's usually on vibrate.

73. Do you still have clothes from when you were little? Yep.

74. What red object is closest to you right now? One of the couch throws has red stripes. And there's a tiny bit of cranberry sauce left in the bowl next to me.

75. Do you turn off the water when you brush your teeth? Sometimes I do, out of habit.

76. Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed? One is usually closed (Beast's), one is usually open (mine).

77. Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of bees? I'll take the bees; I'm more likely to survive.

78. Do you flirt a lot? Not something I'm accused of, no.

79. What do you dip a chicken nugget in? Uh, my mouth? I don't eat them very often. Ick.

80. What is your favorite food? Bread, or maybe sugar.

81. Can you change the oil on a car? I could if I had to, though probably not our cars: Beast tightens everything to within an inch its life.

82. Have you ever gotten a speeding ticket? Yep. Last month. First one.

83. Have you ever run out of gas? Nope. Well, not in the car, though I metaphorically do quite often.

84. What is your usual bedtime? In bed around 10, asleep by 11.

85. What was the last book you read? Er, I'm behind on my reading blog. I just finished listening to Blue Screen by Robert Parker today.

86. Do you read the newspaper? Nope. Rarely.

87. Do you have any magazine subscriptions? Yes several. (I'm too tired to list all we get...there are about 10.)

88. Best comedian? Wow. Uhm, I'm kind of high on Eddie Izzard lately, but I also like Whoopi and Robin.

89. Watch soaps? Ack. No.

90. Do you dance in the car? hee hee....Yes.

91. What radio station did you last listen to? Jack

92. Who is in the picture frame closest to you? There is a picture of Sparky in one, and another equidistant with our wedding invitation in it.

93. What was the last note you scribbled on a piece of paper? I guess that would be this morning's shopping list.

94. What is your favorite candle scent? Linen

95. What is your favorite board game? Trivial Pursuit. Or Life.

96. What is the funniest movie you've seen? I can't answer that; I've seen too many hysterical movies.

97. When was the last time you attended church? Yesterday. Both services. Beast did 1/3 of the 'sermon.'

98. Who was your favorite teacher in high school? Ms. Philippe, or Miss Fitz, or Mr. G. I had good teachers for the most part.

99. What is the longest you have ever camped out in a tent? Two nights. Coldest fucking August in recent memory. I hateHATEHATE camping. I really loathe being cold. And being cold while camping in August. It was awful.

100. Who was the last person to do something extra special for you? Sparky cleaned up my dinner dishes tonight. Beth K. sent me a handmade Halloween card. Nancy & Marc gave me a silly wind-up penguin. I dunno. I'm easy.

from Kistha

1) Single, Taken, or Crushing?
Married, so I guess that would be 'taken.'

2) Are you happy with where you are?
In a metaphysical sense, yes. In a physical location, I'm comfortable. I'd rather live somewhere else, but now is not forever. Thank God.

3) When you meet the right person, would you fall fast?
No. I'm not a fast-faller. I'm deeply compulsive, but I always keep a reserve.

4) Have you ever had your heart broken?
I have a kid. He has been the cause of many heartaches. If we widen it out to the rest of the world...shit, it's no wonder my body hurts some days!

5) Do you believe that there are certain circumstances where cheating is okay?
Cheating implies rule-breaking. If the rules are clearly renegotiated, then it's not cheating. There are circumstances, I think, when renegotiation has to be assumed.

6) Would you ever take someone back if they cheated on you?
It would be a steep hill to climb. I doubt I could do it, not at this point in my life.

7) Have you talked about marriage with another person?
This question makes me laugh. I'm married, so yeah. I've also takend "about marriage" with lots of other people: whether they should get married/divorced, what marriage is all about, etc.

8) Do you want children?
Not more than the one I have! It's simply not possible for me to have more.

9) How many?
One is good.

10) Would you consider adoption?
Not at this point. I did for most of my 20s and into my 30s, but I can't see starting again. We have lots of friends who have adopted. It's fascinating to watch the process and I'm glad I haven't ever had to endure it.

11) If somebody liked you right now, what do you think is a cool way to let you know?
They need to get over it. Find someone suitable.

12) Do you enjoy playing hard to get?
I don't play. Not this way.

13) Do you want someone you can't have?
Not really.

14) Do you believe love at first sight exists?
Yes.

15) Do you believe in celebrating anniversaries?
Of course. I remember oddball anniversaries. For instance, this year is the 2nd time that the days of the week have lined up the same way they did the year my dad died. Last Saturday was the twelfth anniversairy of his funeral.

16) Do you believe that you can change someone?
FuckNO! I can't even handle changing myself!

17) If you could get married anywhere, money's not an object?
I'd've done my wedding at the courthouse and had a honeymoon to die for instead of the big, stupid wedding show.

18) Do you have feelings for someone right now?
Yes.

19) Have you ever wished you could've had someone but you couldn't?
Of course. Still happens once in awhile, too.

20) Have you ever broken a heart?
I don't know about broken, but I know I damaged one person's.

21) Would you ever fight someone over your significant other?
No. See #12. I wouldn't respect the person over whom we'd be fighting if he allowed it, either.

Your Life is 81% Perfect

You truly have the perfect life. And you probably feel like the luckiest person in the world. You have a great career, family, and personal life. You have it going on!

...so, stop complaining all the time...

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Curious Cat (link at left)

Week Number Forty-Five:

If you believe that it was destiny to be born to your parents, what would you use as an example to prove it?

I'm not sure I believe in destiny exactly. I think there's a plan, though. In any case, I can't prove something like this. I think my parents did right by me in almost every case, and I know I certainly could have done MUCH worse!
The only thing I can think of to 'prove' this is to say that Mom was offered an abortion, and refused. Categorically.

If you were hosting a talk show today, who would you choose as your three guests?

Robin Williams (thus taking the onus off me to talk at all!), Richard Dreyfus (I was VERY impressed with him on Bill Maher recently), and Osama bin Laden (talk about a fish out of water!!).

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Manic Monday (link at left)
Back in the Day

Name one thing you always wanted as a child, but never received.

I think I eventually got everything I asked for. I know I never got enough toys to suit me. My parents firmly believed in clothes as gifts.

What childhood activity would you like to try again?

Jumprope. I think my knees would break, but it's great exercise! I always liked Chinese jumprope, too.

What were you scared of when you were a kid?

Every-bloody-thing. Talking to strangers, especially.

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Saturday Six (link at left: Patrick's Weekender)

1. Take the quiz: What was your Thanksgiving horoscope?

Thanksgiving Horoscope for Scorpio

You're the sign most likely to start a family fight. Your signature dish: Cranberry sauce Your signature dessert: Cherries jubilee This holiday: Keep busy baking pies or taking wagers on the football game. It's best for you to stay out of any drama!

What's Your Thanksgiving Horoscope?

Huh.

2. Did you have either of those two dishes on your Thanksgiving table? Of the two, which would have been your choice?

Cranberry sauce, yes. Cherries jubilee, no. That would be weird, but very yummy.

3. Which single food do you blame most for your weight gain?

Carbs in every form: bread, sugar, pasta...

4. Take the quiz: How thankful are you?

My answer last week was:

You Are 70% Thankful

You are a very thankful person - for both the big and little things in life.
Your optimism is powerful.
Getting through hard times is fairly easy for you.

I agree with everything except the last line.

5. Which are you more thankful for: your family, your friends, your career, or your possessions?

Of those choices, family and friends are a tie.

6. Did you do any shopping at all on "Black Friday?"

ABSOLUTELY NOT!

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Sunday Seven (link at left: Patrick's Weekender)

Name the top seven gifts on your Christmas list this year. (They must be tangible gifts that one could buy for you; items like "Peace on Earth," while a beautiful sentiment, are not allowed on this particular question.)

I'm not sure I can come up with seven things...

1. A new crossword book.
2. A camera to replace the broken one.
3. "Barnum" on CD.
4. Gift certificat for a good masseuse.
I'm really coming up with nothing, so these are total fantasy (NO WAY will I get them) gifts:
5. A horse.
6. Personal trainer (who can maybe double as a masseuse?).
7. Personal shopper.

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?otd (link at left)

If you could choose [to create] your own ice-cream, what would be in it?

Butterscotch and malt mixed in with GOOD (artery-clogging) vanilla ice cream.

Do you drive the speed limit?

I nearly always set my cruise control for about 4 mph over the posted limit.

Do you prefer to give someone a list of things you'd like for Christmas, or do you rather that they pick out something without any help from you?

I prefer getting a list from family members (Beast and Sparky) so I know what direction to head, so it's only fair to give THEM a list. However, see Sunday Seven above; I have a problem this year, don't I?

What is the most appropriate nickname you have ever given that has stuck?

The names I've given to co-workers for Blog Use are now occasionally bandied about at home: Schedule Nazi, for instance. Never to her face, however.

QOTW

Ex-boyfriend/girlfriend. Guy who saw you in a bar and followed you. A “number-one fan” who would dig through your trash. Have you ever had a creepy stalker type?

Well, now I have something else to be thankful for! To the best of my knowledge, I've never had a stalker, though it's something I worry about because of my job. Two of the women with whom I work have had people like follow them around from work to home and home to errands, etc.

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Love this song...Not sure I want to be the revolutionary, however. Seems like a lot of hard work with little reward...
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Unconscious Mutterings (link to left)

1. Rhyme :: Reason
2. Substantial :: Enough
3. Instant :: ...coffee
4. Greed :: Michael Douglas
5. Brad :: Pitt (or I could say Chistianson, or one of the many other last names for Brads I actually know
6. Season :: Salt
7. Accomplished :: Skilled
8. Invite :: Party
9. Sparkle :: Shine
10. Rainbow :: Promise

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Friday Five (link to left)

1. What are you most thankful for?

See answer to first question in this post! :-)

2. Think back one year, have the things you are thankful for changed?

Nope. The order has changed, though (I just went and checked last year's list. Thank GOD for blogs!).

3. What did you feast on yesterday? [Thursday]

Turkey and all the fixin's, except my niece made weird desserts. Oh, well; they were good.

4. This time of year is filled with parties, gifts, friends, and family, what are you looking forward to the most? I love the actual holiday: Christmas Eve traditions, Advent Sundays, the tree, the hopefulness of the season... This year my oldest sister will be in town with her whole family, so that will be a lovely change from the norm.5. (insert December holiday here) is coming up, what if anything do you want for it?

Calm. No family fights. And joy in the eyes of the children I know.

*BONUS: How do you like to cook your turkey?

I'm very boring: I bake it in the oven for most of the day. Frying just seems overly caloric (not to mention overly complicated!).

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randomness...feed your mind and your blog
week of Nov26: Happy Holidays
random word association

1. santa baby (one of my favorite holiday songs)
2. holiday carols Bing Crosby
3. snow blizzard
4. mistletoe smooches
5. season salt
6. candy cane peppermint
7. eggnog yummmmmmm......
8. presents surprises

till next time...
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a Ninja You scored 8 Honor, 5 Justice, 5 Adventure, and 5 Individuality!

You are a soldier of the night. You rely on no more than your cunning and your reputation to strike fear in the hearts of lord and peasant alike. You've a sense of honor, but one that comes from within, not imposed from outside. Black clothes and shuriken for you. You're gonna do just fine.

My test tracked 4 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender: You scored higher than 58% on Ninjinuity You scored higher than 43% on Knightlyness You scored higher than 23% on Cowboiosity You scored higher than 46% on Piratical Bent

Link: The Cowboy-Ninja-Pirate-Knight Test written by fluffy71 on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test

Yeah, that's me: all ninja.

Or, actually, not.

What was the mascot of your high school?

We are the Englewood Pirates. Never really understood that, being MILES from the nearest "pirate-able" body of water, but a very cool mascot. The 'rifles' in marching squad used swords instead and got to wear extremely cute outfits (I was a flute-player, so wore a band uniform...not cute).

You've been given a round the world trip, but you must pick your itinerary alphabetically. Where do you go first, second, third, etc.?

Look out...
Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Djibouti (because I want to say I've been there), Egypt, England, Finland, a long stay in Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, a long stay in Italy, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Madagascar, Mexico, Morocco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Peru, Romania, Russia, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, a long stay in Scotland, Senegal, Sierra Leone (as long as they aren't fighting), South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vatican City, Zimbabwe.
And then I'd need a year to recover.

What is the stupidest thing you ever stood in line for?

Groceries.
I hate standing in lines and will avoid them in any way possible. This is part of my reason for disliking all-things-Disney, and amusement parks as a whole.

I'm having a dinner party at my house and you are all invited. You'll need to bring three things: a dish, a bottle of wine, and a guest. What, and who, will you bring?

I'll bring either home-made bread or 7-layer bars (for dessert), a bottle of Gewürztraminer, and Beast.

If you could take one day of the week and rename it, what what would it be?

Tuesday should become Useless-I-Never-Get-Anything-Done Day.

Do you visit each person that visits your blog? Do you comment back to visitors within your own comments? Do you ever e-mail replies? Do you check back on posts that you have commented on to see if you have received a reply? Do you ever take a blog entry idea from another's blog and not give them credit?

I try to visit everyone who visits me and respond somewhere in their blog or via email. I do check back on some blogs where I've left comments, and I have some of the comments from favorite blogs RSS-d so they come up in Bloglines. As for stealing content, I usually give credit, though occasionally when it's a 'regularly-scheduled meme' I assume you can find it over to the left in the blogroll.

Do you have any bad habits left over from your childhood?

The one I'll talk about is biting my nails/cuticles. :-)

If you could walk in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade holding any of those gigantic balloons, which one would you want to hold?

Dora the Explorer.

So, tell us, what book would you recommend to us all as a really good read? Go to my book blog; there are too many to recount here!

Yellow (I really don't care for this color...)

1. What’s your favorite yellow food?

Corn.

2. What’s your favorite yellow item of clothing?

The only item of clothing I own that's yellow is a tight long-sleeved T.

3. What yellow object can you see right now?

The light from the living room fixture is yellow because of the art-glass in it.

4. When was the last time you felt like a coward?

Daily. Talking to my mom yesterday probably qualifies.

5. What did you last use a sticky-note for?

Probably Tuesday when I left a note in a book for MEM at work. Beast used one on Wednesday to mark a page in a color book while we were discussing paint options.

Feast One Hundred & Nineteen

Appetizer
Have you ever changed a flat tire by yourself?

Not since I was 16 and my dad made me practice once so I'd know how.

Soup
Do you have an "innie" or an "outie" belly button?

Innie.

Salad
Name a new paint color and describe it.

"Virulent Violet." All the pinks and purples mixed together into one indescribable color. For use in locations where you wish people to be extraordinarily uncomfortable, verging on nauseous.

Main Course
What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Sitting around talking to family and friends, after the meal or 'main event' (whatever the holiday), when everyone is relaxed.

Dessert
If you were a cookie, what kind of cookie would you be, and why?

I'd probably be an iced sugar cookie decorated by a 6-year-old.

Friday Five

In this world of uncertainty, what are the 5 things that you know for sure?

1. I am extremely fortunate to live the life I have.
2. My son is adorable, though far from perfect.
3. I ate WAA-A-A-A-AY too much yesterday...and the day before....
4. Our office is a total disaster area, but will be at least slightly more organized by the time I go to bed tonight. (Now I've written it down so I have to do it!)
5. God exists.
   

Tuesday Twosome

1. What two things are you most thankful for?

My health and my family.

2. What are two things you like about Thanksgiving?

Eating until full, waiting an hour and eating more (dessert). And cooking. Can't believe I'm saying the latter...

3. What two foods do you like the most for Thanksgiving dinner?

Turkey and cranberry sauce (the canned, processed-into-mush kind, not 'real' cranberries).

4. What two things do you do with the leftovers?

Sandwiches, and just nuking and noshing. I'm going to send a lot home with others today, too.

5. What are two activities you do after eating Thanksgiving Dinner?

Washing dishes (the china can't go in the dishwasher) and watching football.

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QOTW

Fried starfish. Beetles. Frogs. My cooking. What’s the strangest thing you’ve eaten? Is it something you ate on a dare? Is it something you ate because you were travelling, and hey; when in Rome, right? Or is it something traditional that’s been in your family for generations, passed down from "the old country"?

Squid and octopus are weird for some people. Uhm, some weird thing I ate in China that looked like little Frito hats, except...sweet...and squishy. Borscht is weird, too. And kasha (I think that's what it's called). I dunno; I'm pretty careful about what I eat.

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3x Thursday

1. What are you doing for Turkey Day this year?

We're hosting my niece and nephew (in law), his mom and stepdad, and a nephew from another branch of the family. There's a turkey in the oven, and I will be commencing on the rest of the hoo-haw as soon as I stop blogging.

2. What dishes do you look forward to having?

The whole schmear: turkey, gravy, stuffing/dressing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, corn, beans, rolls, cornbread...and whatever the others bring. Mmmmm-mmm.

3. What did your family do for Thanksgiving when you were a kid? Do you still do it? Why/why not?

Big food, big sitting around, some football...same thing as now. We didn't used to watch the parade, but we do now (it's on as I speak).

Bonus Question:Have you ever heard of a turducken? Ever eaten one? If so, how is it?

Yes, I've heard of it, but haven't done it. I'm sure it's tasty, but a hell of a lot of work!

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Thursday Threesome


Onesome: Black-- I saw a white Christmas tree the other day all done up in "black and white"; I was thinking an Oakland Raiders fan might like it! Do you have any color preferences for your Christmas decorations? ...or maybe a theme you've found somewhere that resonates with you?

NOT ALL ONE COLOR! I hate those. We hang all our multicolored lights and decorations every year.

Twosome: Friday--leftovers? ...or do you have plans to order a pizza in to counteract all that turkey {g}?

Nope--it'll be leftovers and noshing.

Threesome: Sales-- Okay, the big question: are you going to 'attend' any of the "Black Friday" sales? ...and if you are, are you hard core serious like the 5 am "be there" crowd?

I don't shop that particular day, not through any big Principle, but because I really hate crowds. People are nuts.

Your results:
You are Timothy Dalton

Timothy Dalton 59% Daniel Craig 48% Roger Moore 32% Pierce Brosnan 29% George Lazenby 24% Sean Connery 8%

A more realistic, gritty and angry James Bond. Suave but serious.

Click here to take the "Which James Bond am I?" quiz...

Rats. I wanted to be Pierce Brosnan.

Or Roger Moore.

Oh, well.

Monday Music Mambo from Blogdrive Insanity, with a theme of Traffic Light Day.

1. Red means stop. What song makes you stop and reflect on your life, or anything else?

"One" (U2). Althought lately, their "Stuck in a Moment" seems more appropriate for my life.

2. Yellow means caution or yield. What artist or band were you cautious about listening to for the first time, but ended up liking?

I usually hear songs I like and then find out who is singing them, so this question doesn't work for me. Having said that, I really didn't want to enjoy The Backstreet Boys' songs as much as I did. They still make me smile.

3. Green means go. What song makes you want to go go go?

It has to be Wham's "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" doesn't it?? Hi, Ian!

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Curious as a Cat's Questions for Week Number Forty-Four :

In what year of your life were you the most content?

Probably around age five. I don't really "do" content. Maybe the year after Sparky was born. I was so tired that I didn't have time for angst.

Finish this sentence for your life: "Mirror, mirror, on the wall is it so soon the end of fall?"

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Monday Madness

1. In order to protect my computer from viruses, I use Norton and Symantec. Depends on the computer in question.

2. I also use a bunch of things for protection from spyware. Don't ask me the names; I have no idea.

3. I don't spend nearly enough time cleaning.

4. The first person I usually talk to in the morning is Sparky. Beast is usually at work by the time I get up.

5. It takes me about an hour to get ready in the morning. Depends if I shower and whether I eat breakfast, among other things. It's totally possible for me to be out the door 20 minutes after hitting the floor. I did it this morning, in fact.

6. I keep all my appointments in/on my appointment calendar, which gets transferred onto the calendar on the fridge that has everyone's schedule on it for EVERYone to see. When I try to remember things, I usually ... don't.

7. It takes me 15-30 minutes to fall asleep at night. That counts from lying down to lights out. Once the lights are out, my lights are generally pretty much out too.

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Manic Monday--Go Ahead Try It

Name one ritual you'd like to work into your day.

I'd like to get through the Bible all the way next year. I have a plan, I just have to find the time to do the reading.

What is something that you'd like to try that would surprise someone that knows you.

If you know me, nothing would be a surprise.

What is something that you've tried, that looking back, you're surprised that you did.

DJing at my college radio station. It was a blast.

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Monday's a Bitch--Random Joy

1. What was the best thing that happened to you last week?

Seems to me I heard several compliments about something I did...and in typical Cat. style, I've forgotten what it was. I'm a doofus.

2. At what age does one become a cougar/dirty old man?

I've never heard the term "cougar;" seems a shame to ruin the reputation of a nice, if frightening, wild cat.
Anyway. Dirty Old Men can be as young as 16. I think it's a mindset, not an age thing. When you get off on leering and generally making women uncomfortable, that screams D.O.M. to me.
On the other hand, there's something to the leerer being decades older than the leer-ee that accentuates the 'dirtiness' inherent.

3. What would be your Idol audition song?

Silence. No way. Just not happening.

4. Who is the last person on Earth you would expect a phone call from?

Since I was just thinking about him...Ian M. Or Kofe Annan. He never calls! :-)

5. If you were guaranteed a truthful answer to any question from anyone on earth, who and what would you ask?

Misters Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld: "What the FUCK?!"

Episode 64

Name seven of your all-time favorite lines from the movies.

1. "Walk this way." (Young Frankenstein)
2. "What is your damage, Heather?" (Heathers)
3. "Blessed are the cheesemakers." (Life of Brian)
4. "That's a fact, Jack!" (Stripes)
5. "Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries." (Monty Python and the Holy Grail)
6. Phil: "Do you ever have deja vu Mrs. Lancaster?" Landlady: "I don't think so, but I could check with the kitchen." (Groundhog Day)
7. "YOU. CAN'T. HANDLE. THE. TRUTH." (A Few Good Men)

Questions of the Day

If you could teach a dog any new trick, what would it be?

I would really like a dog who is 'litter-box' trained outside. I know it's possible--I've seen training manuals discuss always taking the puppy to the exact same spot when you take it outside. Eventually, it learns to associate the action with the location. Sounds fabulous, no?

Of course, I don't have dog and am unlikely to get another one, being allergic to them. {boooo}

Do you need help seeing?

This refers to glasses, by the way.

Yes. I've worn glasses since age 10, except for about 6 months of contacts in my early 20s (whereupon I developed allergies to the solutions and stopped that little experiment). My vision regular vision is awful; I'm VERY nearsighted.

There's a metaphor there screaming to get out.

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Unconscious Mutterings

1. Teacher :: Pupil
2. Fifty :: AARP
3. Crossword :: Puzzles
4. Stuffed :: Full
5. Family :: ...Ties
6. Purr :: Kitten
7. Toad :: Frog
8. Cocktail :: Shrimp...
9. Insecurity :: Fear
10. Magical :: ...Thinking

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Thanksgiving Horoscope for Scorpio

You're the sign most likely to start a family fight. Your signature dish: Cranberry sauce Your signature dessert: Cherries jubilee This holiday: Keep busy baking pies or taking wagers on the football game. It's best for you to stay out of any drama!

Yeah. Just what I needed to hear this morning. Sometimes these are just a leeeetle to close for comfort.

Episode 136

1. When a bill arrives in the mail, what do you do with it: pay it immediately, hold it with others and pay at once, or put it off until the last possible minute?

I give it to Beast. When I paid the bills, I scheduled them carefully to be paid 10 days before their due-date. In my usual way, I became completely compulsive about it. And this is why I don't pay the bills anymore.

2. Which actor makes the best James Bond?

Who cares? I've never seen any of the movies and won't be starting anytime soon.
But.
I really like Pierce Brosnan. His would be the only ones I'd be likely to see.

3. Of the foods you enjoy, which one are you least likely to try cooking yourself?

Lobster.

4. Take the quiz: What does your birth month reveal about you?

What does your birth month reveal about you?
November Has lots of extraordinary ideas. Difficult to fathom. Thinkforward. Unique. Brilliant. Sharp thinking. Fine, strong clairvoyance. Make good doctors. Dynamic. Secretive. Inquisitive. Know how to dig secrets. Always thinking. Less talkative. Amiable. Brave. Generous. Patient. Stubborn. Hardhearted. Determined. Never quit. Hardly become angry unless provoked. Love to be alone. Think differently. Sharp-minded. Motivate self. Don't appreciate praises. Highspirited. Well-built, tough. Deep love, emotions. Romantic. Uncertain in relationships. Homely. Hardworking. High abilities. Trustworthy. Honest. Keep secrets. Can't control emotions. Unpredictable.
Take The Quiz Now!	Quizzes by myYearbook.com

What the heck is "thinkforward"?? I've italicized what I think is right (-ish).

5. Of the results you just got, which one seems the farthest from the "real" you?

Well, whatever "thinkfoward" means...it doesn't seem like me.

6. Will you see your extended family on Thanksgiving Day this year?

My niece and her husband will be here. Otherwise, no.

You Are 70% Thankful

You are a very thankful person - for both the big and little things in life. Your optimism is powerful. Getting through hard times is fairly easy for you.

So, yeah, I'm aware of all the blessings in my life.

You Are Mashed Potatoes

Oridnary, comforting, and more than a little predictable You're the glue that holds everyone together.

Three years in a row. I guess that qualifies as predictable!

You Are Corn on the Cob Soda

Like sucking on a stick of butter

Last year I was Pecan Pie, which puts me in a quandary: I hate pecan pie, and love corn, but...I'm not sure I want to be characterized this way!

From Lisa, of course

1. Christmas tree: pine or cedar?

Artficial because of my allergies. We swag balsam all over the outside of the house so we still get the piney smell (if we go out on the porch).

2. Name two dumb things you did as a kid.

Just two?? OK, I had some weird habit around walking home from school, very OCD stuff about cars passing me, and cracks in the sidewalk.
And I once let in door-to-door religious wackadoos and had to covertly call for a neighbor to come rescue me. They were nice, just wouldn't leave.

3. What foods did your mom used to make that you will never, ever cook.

Liver. And spam. There are other things, but those are the biggies.

4. Describe the place you go to in your head when you need to calm down.

Ouray.

5. Have you ever seen a ghost, or something you can’t explain?

I heard my dad's voice a couple of years after he died. That was weird. I've seen a lot of other unexplainable stuff, though, in the broader sense of totally nuts behavior.

6. If money and image didn’t matter, what would you do for a living?

I'd keep my job at the library.

7. Did you ever fall off a horse and get right back on?

I only rode a horse for the first time about two months ago.

8. What name did you call a sibling that was sure to start a fight?

I didn't have to call names to get my brother in trouble; I just told Mom he was picking on me.

9. Describe the events surrounding you first alcoholic drink.

I think the first taste of wine I had was at Thanksgiving (or Easter) when I was around 10. My oldest sister brought Blue Nun to drink. It was foul.
My first drink was at W@rren's house sophomore year. I don't remember what it was (rum & coke?) but I know I got looped while W@arren and T!m smoked pot. W@rren walked me home, and Mom never knew.

10. Have you ever had a wild animal as a pet?

Bugs don't count, do they? I used to college army worms and feed them leaves (and I think Mom emptied the jars every night after I went to bed).

11. Do you have a deep, dark, secret?

I do.

12. Would you ever shoot a deer?

I wouldn't do it for sport, but I would do it if I had to eat it or go hungry.

13. Do you return money if you get too much change?

If I notice before I leave the store, yes.

14. What puzzles you?

Smart people who continue to support Bush unequivocally.

15. How do/did you act toward a person you have/had a crush on?

I used to get stupidly tongue-tied and avoid the person. Not sure what would happen nowadays; probably act like a moron and be unable to stop talking.

16. What makes you cry?

Injustice.

17. What’s the best bargain you ever bought at a yard sale?

I bought a lot of Sparky's clothes at garage sales, and one year his whole Christmas haul was garage sale purchases. Hey, he was, like, three at the time and we were broke.

18. How much wood can a woodchuck chuck?

Woodchucks only star in silly movies with Bill Murray. There is no wood involved.

19. If nobody is watching, would you run a stop sign?

Probably not. Stopping is ingrained at this point.

20. Do you believe in Hell?

Yes, though not in the traditional sense.

21. What material possession do you value most?

My scrapbooks and photos.

22. Which day is better…Friday or Sunday?

Sunday, unless I work (like tomorrow).

23. Do you read a book more than once?

I read some books over and over, but not many.

24. What is the greatest problem with today’s society?

Lack of accountability for one actions.

25. How old were you when you first touched somebody else’s hoohah?

What a totally dorky question! Old enough to know what I was doing.

26. Would you ever skydive?

Absolutely.

27. Name 3 songs significant to your romantic life, and tell why.

Amazing Grace, Babe (Styx), Seek Ye First.

28. Would you ever have plastic surgery?

Only for reconstructive purposes if I were injured.

29. Does bigfoot/sasquatch/yehti [sic] exist?

Probably not.

30. Are you a follower or a leader?

Totally dependent on the situation. I can be either.

31. What’s the worst thing you did when you were a kid?

Probably messing up my mom's car the first time I was trusted with it. D'oh.

32. List three jobs you would never want to do.

Plumber, personal assistant, someone who cleans up after crime scenes.

33. Coke or Pepsi?

Either, as long as it's diet. I prefer Dr. Pepper, though.

34. Where would you live if you could move your family, friends, and job there?

Oh, definitely Ydra. That takes care of all the worries I'd have about moving there for real.

35. Is three really a crowd?

I like the three in my little family. Depends on the context, and the personalities involved.

36. What kind of interpersonal interaction repulses you?

Condescension will do me in, no matter how much I like the other person.

37. Who would you rather spend an hour with, a writer or an entertainer?

A writer, as long as I can pick the individual. NOT Stephen King, unless we're in a very public place. :-)

38. Which calendar appeals to you:

I try to buy a lighthouse calendar every year since it matches the decor in our bedroom. Otherwise, I just like good photos or funny sayings.

39. What would you do if life gave you lemons?

I'd probably clean something with them....

40. Do you believe in love at first sight?

Yes.

41. Did you ever wish on a falling star, and have the wish come true?

I've wished, but so far nothing.

From The Repressed Librarian

The rules: You can only type one word. No explanations.
I'm doing my first reaction, not thinking about it too much.

1. Yourself: Smart
2. Your boyfriend/girlfriend husband: Intense
3. Your hair: Ponytail
4. Your mother: Guilt-inducing
5. Your father: Heaven
6. Your favorite item: Laptop
7. Your dream last night: Forgotten
8. Your favorite drink: Pop
9. Your dream car: Jeep
10. The room you are in: Living...
11. Your ex: Er....
12. Your fear: Discovery
13. What you want to be in 10 years: Calmer
14. Who you hung out with last night: Family
15. What you're not: Male
16. Muffins: Corn
17: One of your wish list items: Music
18: Time: Passages
19. The last thing you did: Bloglines
20. What you are wearing: Slippers
21. Your favorite weather: Warm
22. Your favorite book: Escape
23. The last thing you ate: Dinner
24. Your life: Busy
25. Your mood: Fluctuating
26. Your best friend(s): College
27. What are you thinking about right now: Relationships
28. Your car: Borrowed
29. What are you doing at the moment: Dual-tasking
30. Your summer: Over
31. Your relationship status: Married
32. What is on your TV: Football
33. What is the weather like: November-y
34. When is the last time you laughed: Recently

Get Lost!

1. What one thing have you lost that you'd most like to have back? My high school class ring.
2. What is the one thing you have that you wish you could get rid of? My short temper.
3. What is the one thing you have that you pray you'd never lose? My son...well, I don't 'have' him, so I'll say my son's love.
4. What is the biggest financial loss that you've ever experienced? I have no idea. We've had no really earth-shattering financial problems, ever. The only time we've really struggled is when we were first married, and when I quit working and we moved.
5. When have you most felt like losing it? Job stress at work eats me up. I'm revisiting a lot of the b.s. from 1989-1991 lately at work. It really has to change. And I'm the one who has to change it, or at least my response(s).

From Lisa (see, I have been reading!)

1] What is your middle name? It's a book of the Bible; there aren't that many options left if I tell you it isn't Esther....
2] What color is your mailbox? It's unstained cedar...kind of grayish-brown.
3] Are you available? What do you have in mind?
4] Have you ever hit a deer? No. Thank God. I've been jumped over by a deer, however. That was pretty freaky.
5] Do you have to drive over a bridge to get home? Sort of. It's really a gully more than a body of water of some kind.
6] Do you get the paper delivered to your house in the morning? Beast gets the paper from The Big City every day. I cancelled the local daily now that they have RSS feeds. It's a rag anyway.
7] Who checks the mail in your house? Whoever gets home first.
8] Do you have a small driveway? No. We have a very suburban driveway.
9] Do you know anyone with the same ringtone as you? My phone is always--95% of the time--on vibrate.
10] What do you do first in the morning? Hit snooze. ;-) Or put on my glasses.
11] What brand is your printer? HP.
12] Do you enjoy fighting with people? Fuck no. However, I do have opinions, and I seem to be incapable of not sharing them.
13] Is your hair naturally straight or curly? I've got a nice wave. When I have short hair, it's NOT a nice wave; it's a freakin' out of control wave!
14] Who was your kindergarten teacher? Mrs. Morton. Isn't it odd that we remember these names?
15] Are you taller than your mother? I've got her by a full 6 inches.
16] Do you have a favorite word? Hmmm. Probably. I can't think of just one though....
17] Are you God? Not interested in that particular job, thanks.
18] What do you do to get over a broken heart? Cry, eat, cry, watch TV, cry, listen to music, cry, call friends, cry....repeat ad nauseum
19] Do you have a deep dark secret? Yes. Believe it or not! :-)
20] Do you enjoy writing in colored pens? Yes. I'm a writing utensil junkie....
21] Does anything hurt on your body right now? My shoulder still hurts, but only if I move it any of the "wrong" directions.
22] Do you often cry during a movie? Yes. Almost always.
23] Do you hate your life? There are some really shitty parts of my life right now.
24] Do you get mad easily? Yes.
25] What is your biggest pet peeve? Intentionally stupid people.
26] What is your away message? What is an "away message" anyway? I guess I don't have one.
27] Do any of your friends have kids? Lots of them have kids, yes. It' not really a criteria of friendship, however.
28] Who should pay on the first date? My personal feeling is that whoever initiated the date should pay. But what I think really should happen is that both people should figure that out before any money is spent.
29] How many years older than you are you willing to date? I don't date. If I dated, I wouldn't date anyone more than 5 or 6 years older than me, though. Older than that and I'd feel as if I were dating my brother, or my brothers-in-law.
30] Do you have any friends? I think so.
31] Do you have any mean friends? I have friends who can be mean, but if they were always mean, I wouldn't be friends with them. I'm not in high school anymore. Life's too short.
32] What is the ugliest color in your opinion? I'm not fond of Pepto-Bismol pink. Or sludgy gray-green-brown.
33] Have you ever liked someone who all your friends couldn’t stand? If so, my friends were discreet about it.
34] Have you ever felt like driving off a cliff? There really are no cliffs around here....
35] Do you scratch your ears? What? Well, yeah, if they itch. Whatever.
36] What brand are the pant/jeans you are wearing right now? Lee jeans, black.
46] Do you like your dad? I loved my dad.
47] Do you have any TV shows on DVD? I don't own any, but I have the 6th season of CSI home from work right now. Shhhh, don't tell Sparky!
48] Are you wearing makeup? I haven't even washed my face, just got dressed...it's Saturday, give me a break. [and, I rarely wear makeup]
49]Do you have a tattoo? Noop.
50] Do you know how to draw? I draw geometric figures, but not people. But not well.
51] Who is your hero? My son.
52] Who did you last IM? Looks like it was My Niece the Physicist, on Oct. 24. I'm a big IMer!
53] Do you work a lot of hours? I'm supposed to work 32/week, and that's about what I do. Though this week I'm effectively on vacation.
54] What do you do when you are stressed out? Cry, panic, eat. If things are REALLY bad, I eat nothing at all.
55] Who was the last person to call you? Our co-leader for youth group last night, returning our call.
56] Is there anything you regret? Not enough time to recount everything. That's what 2 a.m. insomnia is for: reliving past stupidities and worrying about future ones.
57] Do you know where your family name originated from? There's a small town in England with my dad's last name. And a similarly spelled name is quite well-known as a street and place-name in London. Beast's last name is German. Very obviously. :-)
58] Is there an animal that creeps you out? Earwigs. And maggots.
59] What was the last thing you did for fun? We went out to dinner last night; does that count? Actually, I spent a few hours Simming last night, too.
60] Last time you cried? Hey, you know....I don't think I've cried all week! That may be a record!

Sunday 7--Episode 63

Not counting the crust and the pizza sauce, come up with up to seven additional ingredients to make the perfect pizza.
1. Mozzarella
2. Onions
3. Canadian Bacon
4. Sausage
5. Mushrooms
6. Ham
7. Mozzarella. Hey. I like cheese!!

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Monday Madness

1. From ch'i:
If you could only read one blog every day, which one blog would be on your daily list?

I couldn't only read one a day. It's not possible. The first one I read after my friends' blogs is usually Random Acts of Reality.

2. From kat:
What do you do to de-stress from a hectic day?

Blog. Watch TV. Take a bath. Sleep.

3. From paxil princess:What is your favorite piece of clothing to wear in the winter?

Jeans. Though I do have a fabulous boa/scarf...

4. From sherle:
Do you prefer discussing problems with a sibling, a parent, a significant other, a psychologist, or a total stranger?

Beast is the one person I share almost every problem with. And God.

5. From trista:
How long have you been blogging?

I started in January 2004.

6. From lisa e:
Which side of the bed?

I'm to the left of Beast...when he's around. We used to swap around, but not so much since Sparky arrived.

7. From elton:
How often do you pig out when you eat?

Not often, but lately more than usual. It's that time of year.

8. From karen:
Do you watch the space shuttle launches?

Nope.

9. From dawn:
What's your favorite leisure-time activity?

Blogging, reading, crosswords/Sudoku.

10. From sherle:
When is the last time you said, 'I love you' and to whom? What about hugs? Who is the last person you hugged?

I got TWO hugs from Sparky this morning (one for my sister, via email), and we said we love each other then too. I think.

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randomness...feed your mind and your blog
week of nov12: favorites

list your favorite....
1. food Anything sweet.
2. person Beast.
3. pastime Sleep.
4. movie "Heathers"
5. season Fall.
6. book Eventide (Kent Haruf)
7. quote "I like bullets." [I know who said it, but it's not really for public consumption.]
8. color Blue.

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? of the Day (or so)

Would you want to have an identical twin?

When I was a kid, I thought it would be nice to have a built-in friend/confidante. Not so much now. I'm good on my own.

Did you know that there is a monster under your bed? There is. What do you feed it?

It's just the Dust Bunnies. They eat the dust under there.
Don't I wish.
Actually, the only thing under my bed, besides dust, is my sox box.

Fill in the blank with something other than 'love': _______ makes the world go around.

"Money" of course.

What concert would you pay to have first row tickets to see?

I'd pay just about anything to go back to 1964 and see the Beatles.

How much is the Tooth Fairy paying for a lost tooth these days? How much did the Tooth Fairy pay for your teeth when you were a kid?

We paid about a dollar a tooth when Sparky was still losing teeth, although we paid more for 'big' teeth. I think I got a quarter or so when I was a kid.

If you could be any inanimate object for a day, what would it be?

Tape.
Inside joke.

What is your all time favorite video game (arcade or game system)?

The Sims.

So, tell us, how are you feeling?

Tired. I should take a nap.

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You Are 63% Perfectionist

You are a true perfectionist. You are both demanding of yourself and others. While it's great to have goals and standards, they don't need to be sky high!

Much lower than I expected the score to be!

By the Way Sunday

What clothing items do you insist on keeping around even though you know you’ll never wear them?

A Greek fisherman sweater Beast bought me in 1984. It was too small then and it's WAY too small now. But I can't throw it away. It's the warmest garment I own.

Is there anything in your closet that is just too tacky to wear in public?

Oh, yeah. I don't even wear it around the house much, except when I paint.

Do you wear it anyway?

How public? No, not really. Only around the house when I'm mucky anyway.

Are there any past styles that you wish would never make a return?

Very pointy-toed shoes with 4-inch heels, and tailored, structured sweater sets. Gag.

Currently, what two items do you need to make your wardrobe complete?

I need to clean out my closet first. Then I can go buy a couple more pair of work slacks that fit, having lost a little weight over the summer.

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Friday 5 -- Wind

1. Do you have a hurricane or tornado story?

The closest I've ever been to being in a tornado was a microburst 2-1/2 years ago. It was freaky. We spent an hour in the basement of our brand-new house waiting for the wind to settle. Our neighbors' cast-iron furniture flew around their house and ended up in the yard across the street. Nothing of ours did anything weird and no one was hurt, thank God.

2. When was the last time you flew a kite?

Never have. Tried once about 15 years ago, gave up, never tried again.

3. Not counting in the midst of a storm, where’s the windiest place you’ve been?

The Great Wall in China. Freakin' COLD, gusty wind straight across Mongolia from Siberia.

4. Where did you last see a real windmill?

A full-size one, like in Holland? Uh, no clue. But there is a wind-farm about 40 miles from here. I was in the area about 3 months ago...? Something like that. There are lots of stupid kitschy mini-windmills in the area, too.

5. From which direction is the wind coming right now?

I don't think the wind is blowing today...maybe a little, out of the west...? At least, according to my weather button.

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Friday Five--The Internet

1. How much time do you spend on the Internet daily?

Normally, up to 5 or 6 hours, more if I'm at work. Lately, not nearly as much.

2. What are your favorite 3 websites?

Blogger, Bloglines, Google

3. Do you eat at your computer?

Uhm, yeah. Just finished another healthy snack...[hah]

4. Pick one and why - Reading the news online or in a newspaper?

Online. Always accessible, don't have to pay (for all of it at least), and no ink on my fingers.

5. How many people are on your instant messenger buddy list?

I don't IM much. I think there are only about 3 people that I've actually used it with in the past couple of years.

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Friday Fiver--Wait while I twist your fate

1. What is your nearest lake or river?

There is a lake in the village in which I live, which explains the name. It's about a mile from my house. It's a man-made lake. It's hideously dirty and I wouldn't go near it.

2. Do you believe in heaven?

Yup.

3. What's your lucky number?

No clue. Not sure I have one.

4. Ever know anyone who appeared on a game show?

One of Beast's college profs was on Jeopardy about 18 years ago. Otherwise, no.

5. Charades: good times or lame?

I like any game, really. So, good times.

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Friday's Feast--Feast One Hundred & Eighteen

Appetizer
Do you believe there is intelligent life on other planets?

I don't spend a lot of time thinking about it, but I don't disbelieve it.

Soup
What is one thing you said you'd never do, but you eventually did?

I try very hard not to say I'll "never" (or "always") do stuff. The last time I know I did that, I said I'd never date a football player. I ended up marrying on five years later.

Salad
Who is the teacher that influenced you the most in school?

Sooooo many. Let's pick Mrs. Gr^benh0ff, high school Spanish.

Main Course
If you could trade places with anyone for one day, who would it be and why?

Someone retired. Someone who has NOTHING scheduled today.

Dessert
What is your favorite dish to prepare?

I make a good Macaroni and Cheese, which I'm probably making tonight or tomorrow.

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Manic Monday--What?

What is a quality that you love about being human?

Humor. Without humor, we'd be useless and 100% awful.

What is something you'd do if you weren't so afraid to do it?

Learn to ride a motorcycle. It's not fear, just inertia. OK, so fear: I'd probably tell off some people in our library system.

What is a phone call that you've received that changed your life?

I remember when my sister called about my mom's (first) stroke. Didn't realize at the time how much of an impact it would have on the next 15 years...and counting.

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Monday's a Bitch--Simple Pleasures

When was the last time you _______________?

1. Took a bubble bath? Last night.

2. Watched a sunrise or a sunset? I didn't see the whole thing, but Monday's sunrise was really lovely.

3. Stopped to smell a flower? It's NOVEMBER!! There ARE no flowers! :-) It's been a couple of months.

4. Gave a friend a present for no reason at all? Once a gift has been given, I generally forget it almost immediately. Very bad.

5. Treated yourself to dinner at your favorite restaurant? Tuesday? Sparky and I ate at Panera. I love their soup in a bread bowl.

Thursday Threesome

Onesome: A Day-- or so ago? Oops, wrong meme. Wait, that might be cool... "A Day or So Ago, I saw......." You fill it in {g}!

...a brief flicker of reality. And then my life flashed back in front of my eyes.

Twosome: in-- case of rain, do you carry an umbrella? ...or do you just hoof it in a hat?

Can you hoof it in a hat? I wear my hats on my head... :-)

OK, here's the deal: I have an umbrella in the car. I never have it where I need it, and I almost never wear a hat for rain-related purposes (I'm not usually outside long enough to need one). I'll just wait out the rain, or get wet. It's only water; I won't melt.

Threesome: the Rain-- in Spain? Nah, how about locally: has the rainy season kicked in for you yet? Snow? Nothing? Come on, it's almost Thanksgiving here in the States!

It snowed last month, the earliest ever recorded around here, and there have been flurries since then. This week has been gray skies and chilly, but no moisture. Pretty typical of November. I suspect this winter will bring a bit more snow than we've had recently. But I may just be gloomy.

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Four for Friday
Q1 - Thanksgiving: Eleven percent (11%) of Americans admit to unbuttoning their pants before, during, or after their Thanksgiving day meal. How about you...do you keep it buttoned up or do you enjoy a little extra room when eating a hearty meal?

I don't eat enough to have to loosen my pants! Or, looking at it another way, I don't wear tight enough pants for this to be an issue! Thanksgiving is one of those days when I think I actually break even on the intake and output of calories. There's a lot of standing, walking, bending, lifting, and straining, not to mention laughing and talking.

Q2 - Education: How well do you think math and science is being taught in American schools?

I think it depends on the school. Judging by my son's teacher right now and several teachers in the high school whom I know, I think it's pretty good at least locally. I think it's definitely one of those subjects that people have to work hard to get anything out of, and most kids don't want to put in the time and effort. And their parents don't always see value in studying science.

Q3 - Politics: If you could choose the major candidates for the 2008 U.S. presidential race, who would you designate to run, and who you like to see win out?

I don't want Hillary to run. Otherwise, I'd just like to see a clean race between people who are less politicians and more honest. I'm sick to death of the underhandedness of most candidates.

Q4 - You're in Charge: If you could run any corporation, college or university, or organization in the world for one month, which one would you choose and what sorts of changes do you think you'd make?

In reality, I don't think I could change anything in a month. However, I'd really like to take over the running of Wal-Mart and force them to stop using sweatshop products and undercutting the market.

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According to Blogdrive Insanity, Wednesday was Pikes Peak Day. I have no idea why, and I'm from Colorado. So instead of that, they did this game:

Tell me what each word makes you think of.

Star...light
Dumb ...Luck
Blue ...Note
Stop ...Look, and Listen
Give Receive
Hey ...Good-Lookin'
Just a ...Gigolo
Let's ...Go

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You Passed Your Driver's Test

Congratulations, you got 8/10 correct. You're a good driver - at least, when you want to be.

What's a "right away" in regards to driving?

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Booking Through Thursday

1. So, last week we asked you if you kept a list of books that you're interested in, wanting to read, wanting to buy, etc. This week, we want to know--do you keep a list of the books you've READ?
   Yep.


2. If so, how? In a journal? A notebook? On the computer?
   See my book blog. But I've been doing this for about 16 years; I have printouts of all my reading journals, and a cardfile I keep updated annually.

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Curious as a Cat--Week Number Forty-Three:

Name one event that changed your relationship with your family the most.

The death of my sister. Family dynamics have been whacked ever since.

What is your favorite smell?

"Clean." I like the smell of clean. The closest scent to this that is purchase-able is "linen" or cleaning products.
I also really love pine, but only the real stuff, not fake pine. Too chemical. There's something about pine trees outside in the winter, a combination of pine and cold, crisp air, that is just the best.

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Five on Friday

List five things you are thankful for and tell us why.
My husband and son--Family.
My house--Shelter.
Friends
God
Pharmaceutical companies, without which I'd be dead.

Your Movie Buff Quotient: 34%

You're a very typical movie goer. You like movies, but you are by no means a movie buff. You've seen many of the biggest blockbusters, but you haven't really started digging in to the classics.

Actually, I've seen more "classics" than the majority of the new stuff they had to choose from. However, the percentage is about right.

Episode 135

1. On a scale of one to ten, with ten being very pleased/enthusiastic and one being very unhappy/depressed, how would you rate your feelings on Democrats taking control of Congress?

I'm still at about 12 on that scale, even this many days away! This was the first year where I sat and watched the returns on the edge of my seat, flipping back and forth between TV and the net.

2. The Democrats have been, naturally, very critical of the Bush administration and the course the country has taken. How effectively do you believe that they can turn things around by the 2008 election?

I don't have high expectations, really. I do hope they don't manage to ball things up; I'd like to see a Democrat back in the White House after Bush.

3. What would you rather have for breakfast: a) Ham & eggs with toast b) Grits and sausage c) Pancakes and syrup

No grits; ick. I'd probably go with ham & eggs. I love pancakes but the syrup messes me up, and they wouldn't fill me up for long.

4. Take the quiz: Are you too negative?

Before I even take the test, I have to say that, based on this past week, that there's no earthly way that I can be too negative.

Are you too negative?
Moderate You know that life is about how you look at it. You see the positive and negative in every situation and this gives you a clearheadedness that others (especialy your friends) admire and seek. You have a balanced world-view that is sometimes negative, sometimes positive, but always right-on.
Take The Quiz Now!	Quizzes by myYearbook.com

Well, that's what I think, but I'm that's certainly NOT the feedback I got this week.

5. How likely are you to change your view of things based on your answer?

Not at all.

6. You are serving as a juror in a murder trial. The defense team is claiming that a woman killed her own child while insane. As a juror, would you consider it critical information to know how soon she might be "back on the street" if found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity, or would this have no bearing on your verdict?

I'm not sure. I suspect it wouldn't matter since I don't think anyone could give a reliable answer.

The birds are flying south for the winter; where would you like to spend the winter?

Ydra. Or anywhere, really, where the sun shines and the librarians aren't psychotic.

So, tell us, what time is it right ... wait for it ... right now!

6:56:45

We all know that a triathlon consists of swimming, running and biking, however this is not your average every day sort of triathlon. Nope, this is the QOTD kind, where you get to pick what three sports it consists of. What three events will be in your triathlon?

Hiking, photography, lying in the sun.

I was born at 6.40 pm, 2 weeks late, a litt