(Link at left)

1. When my blog is broken, I'm cranky.
2. I saw the most amazing dead skunk this morning! {whew}
3. Beowulf is the new movie I'm most looking forward to seeing.
4. Work: Necessary and occasionally really fun.
5. Of all the new tv shows, I enjoy reading about them the most.
6. If only our bodies didn't fall apart.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to playing on the computer, tomorrow my plans include grocery shopping and watching the snow fall and maybe going to Beast's holiday party if it's not too snowy and Sunday, I want to will be shopping in The Big City with several high school kids! I'm clearly, very clearly, insane.

Labels: FitB, Friday memes

(Link at left)

Appetizer
What is your favorite carnival/amusement park ride?

I love Ferris wheels, really love them. So, why did I marry someone who doesn't like heights? I also like carousels, but I can't really ride them anymore: no little kids, and the spinning-with-all-the-lights tends to make me nauseous.

Soup
How do you react in uncomfortable social situations?

What kind of "uncomfortable" are we talking about here? If it's because I don't know anyone, I find one person to whom to introduce myself and talk to. If it's because I have no fucking clue why I showed up, I just sit as unobtrusively as possible until I can leave. If it's because there's some sort of emotional drama going on between the other people, I will either leave the area, or mentally check-out as much as possible.

Salad
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you enjoy discussing deep, philosophical topics?

Heh. Thanks to my dad, it's a 9, unless the basic subject is politics. It also needs to be a real discussion, not baiting each other with inflammatory comments. I have a friend who does this regularly--has done for years--and I'm finally learning to either ignore him or tell him to STFU.

Main Course
Did you get a flu shot this year? If not, do you plan to?

I haven't. I should, but I probably won't.

Dessert
Approximately how many hours per week do you spend watching television?

I probably only watch about three hours a week, but the TV is on almost always when Beast is in the room. He with the TV, me with the laptop.

Labels: Communication, Entertainment, Friday memes, Health, TV

(Link at left)
::Therapeutic Moisturizing Lotion::

Onesome: Therapeutic-- household addons: Do you use candles or aroma therapy or bath soaps or salts around your place?

No aroma therapy--I seem to be allergic to a lot of the scents. I do use bath salts (not so much in the winter) and bubbles and bath oils (in the winter). Lots of candles. Lots and lots.

Twosome: Moisturizing?-- How's the weather been? It's the rainy season in the US; what's happening where you live?

"The rainy season"? Uh...wow, never heard it called that! It's currently 18 degrees F with a wind out of the west at 15 mph and sunny (well, it would be sunny if the sun was actually up). Basically, it's November.

Threesome: Lotion-- Since it's Winter in the Northern Hemisphere, it's dry skin time (yes, you too, Mark!). Do you have any hand lotion suggestions for the gang?

I use a lot of Curel as it doesn't make me itch. I have some special SuperdeDuper stuff for my feet which are just shredding already. I use some really powerfully-strong-smelling lotion at work from Bath & Body Works that only needs applying once a day. Good thing, considering how strong it smells (in a good way: vanilla-y).

Labels: Body, Thursday memes, Weather, Winter

More to make you think
If u had 3 wishes but each took 3 years off ur life, what would u wish for?:	A different genie for the rest of my wishes
What makes you happy?:	Sunshine, a big job completed well, and Sparky.
living alone with tons of money or living with your soul mate in a shelter?:	I can't make a decision like this.
loosing the love of your life, or never finding them at all?:	Never finding him
saying something u regret, or saying nothing and regretting it?:	I do way too much of the former, so I'd like to try to latter for awhile to see how it feels
Whats the hardest goodbye you've ever had to do?:	The first day of daycare after I went back to work 6 weeks after Sparky's birth.
Who is the single most amazing person you have known?:	In a bad way: PsychoBoss, or Mark E. In a good way: Mary Ellen in Mpls.
Where do you want to be in 10 years time?:	Here works.
If you could go back and relive one year of your life, which would it be?:	My senior year in college, starting with the June before.
Have you ever loved someone only for them not to love you?:	Yes.
Do you feel that everyone is capable of feeling love?:	No.
Name 5 things in your life that you are thankful for::	Things, not people: indoor plumbing, modern medicine, central heat & air, my job, smiles.
What is something in this world you feel is overrated?:	...huh... My second answer is baseball.
What can a person do to you that you will not forgive them for?:	Break a promise, refuse to keep a commitment.
Pick a quote that you can relate to. Why can you relate with it?:	Mean people suck.
Do you believe that any miracles have happend so far in your life?:	Yes.
If so what were they?:	My sister's survival.
Do you think you have succeeded or failed so far in your life?:	Succeeded.
If somebody were to look deep into your eyes, what would they feel/see?::	Tired.
What personality trait has gotten you into the most trouble?:	Tactlessness (kind of related to cluelessness)
what is the epitime of beauty in your eyes?:	Unselfconsciousness
what has been your greatest struggle?:	Developing patience, and not beating myself up all the time.
Do you cry when you get an injury?:	Sometimes. It seems to be sort of inverse in proportion: the worse the injury/pain, the less crying.
If you could ask your partner any question, what would it be?:	What the FUCK, dude?! (I pretty much have asked him anything that needs to be addressed)
What is your most cherished possession? PEOPLE aren't possession:	My grandmother's Bible
Do you fall in love easily or does it take a while:	I don't fall anywhere without a great deal of planning.
When was the last time you talked to God:	Open line, all the time.
Live with ______ in your heart.:	...peace... (if only I could do it)
If you died tomorrow what would you want to happen today?:	My day is nearly over. How about if I die Friday, what would I do tomorrow? I would NOT go to work, I WOULD call my mom.
Who has influenced you the most?:	I have no idea. Maybe my dad. Maybe my mother-in-law. Maybe Beast. Maybe PsychoBoss.
Whats your longest relationship been?:	Mom. Then Laura.
Whats one thing you'd never do?:	Live a remorse-free day.
If you could represent one deadly sin, what would it be?:	Sloth (which may not count since I frequently DO already represent sloth).
What is the overall personal quality you look for in a potential mate?:	Kindness
What is the number one problem you have with yourself?:	The difference between what I want to do and what I actually accomplish.
what are you looking for in life?:	Joy.
if you could b anywhere right now with 1 person, who would it b and where?:	Ydra. Alone.
whats the one moment in your life that u think had the biggest impact?:	Being born was sort of major....ok, my sister's illness when I was little.
have you ever felt like just giving up on everything?:	Yes. Recently.
How far would you go to protect the people you care about?:	Pretty far. Maybe even Cleveland.
Would you die for another person if it saved their life:	Yes, but not for just anyone, I think.
What is the best way to get rid of an enemy?:	Make friends with them.
Have you ever known someone who commited suicide?:	Yes.
What can make you smile no matter what?:	Babies.
And finally is there any last words you wanna say to anyone?:	Be nice.
Take this survey | Find more surveys Bzoink - The Original Survey Site

Labels: Miscellany, Surveys

Just Another One Of Those Surveys.....
All About Me
Name:	Cat.
Age:	44
Date:	...er...? 11/28/07. Beast.
Hair Color:	Brown with red and ash highlights
Eye Color:	Hazel
Currently...
What Color Is Your Shirt:	Very pale yellow and blue
Are You Barefoot:	Nope; sox.
Are You Thinking Of/Missing Someone:	Nope, I'm avoiding thinking by meming.
Do You Love Someone:	Yes.
Is It Hot Out:	Feh...not at all. It sounds brutally cold, windy and miserable. It's actually warmer than it was last night at 9 however.
What Are You Doing:	Der, meming.
Where Are You:	On the sofa.
What TIme Is It:	8:53 p.m.
What is The Randomest Thing You Can Think Of:	Why do pirates usually wear striped shirts?
Turn On or Turn Off
Blue Eyes:	...whatever...it's the least of my concerns
Green Eyes:	see above
Two Different Color Eyes:	...mmm, I would like to meet someone like that....
Long Hair (Shoulders or Longer):	{slurp}
No Hair:	meh--throw 'em back (especially if trying to avoid a receding hairline)
Big Boobs (in A Girl)	Well, honestly, it's not something I pay attention to except to thank God I don't have that problem!
Nice Ass (either girl or Guy):	...hee, not looking...yeah, right.
Yellowed Teeth:	Crest Whitestrips, too much coffee, not a big turn-on.
Crooked Teeth:	Ick. Yes, I am an American.
Braces:	How old are we talking about? I guess it's not a deal-breaker.
oing Good in Work/School:	Yes, though not hung up on it.
Having only A Few Friends:	Danger, Will Robinson!
Being Obsessive Over You:	Run away!!!
Honestly....
Do You shower Daily:	No, but I bathe on the days I don't shower.
Do You Go On Porn Websites:	Very rarely.
Do You Love Someone:	Yes, the same people I loved when you asked me last time!
Have You ever Broken Someones heart:	I never asked.
Have You Ever Had Your Heart Broken:	Nope.
Have You Ever Been Unsure Of Your Sexuality:	Not really.
Have You Ever Cheated on ur bf/gf:	No...
Have You ever Wished Someone Would Die (put who if yes):	Seriously? No--the guilt, the guilt!
Have You Ever Kicked Someone's Ass For No Good Reason:	Have I ever kicked someone's ass? No. Not physically. I stick to verbal abuse.
In A Guy/Girl
Favorite Hair Color:	Brown
Favorite Eye Color:	meh...see above
Favorite Body Type:	Healthy but not bulked out in obscene ways.
Ghetto or Rocker:	Rocker. I guess. Given those choices.
First Thing You Notice:	The way people carry themselves.
Are Looks Important:	Of course.
Do You Want Them To Be Commited:	...to what? Me? An insane asylum? I want them to have some sticktuitiveness.
Do You Have A Certain Someone in Mind as You Answer These:	Of course.
Or's...
Pepsi or Coke:	Diet...either
Mc Donalds or Wendys:	I don't like Wendys.
Punk or Ghetto:	Punk, given those choices.
Single or Double Dates:	...hell, at this point, I'd take whatever I could get!
Day or Night:	I like day: sunlight, etc.
Winter or Summer:	Summer
Fall or Spring:	Fall
Favorites...
Color:	Blue
Food:	Sweets
Place:	Ouray or Ydra or Moosehead Lake
Person:	Beast
Season:	Fall
Celebrity:	Bono
TV Show:	CSI
Book:	The Book of Ruth
Movie:	Heathers
Subject In School:	History
Animal:	Anything canine
Holiday:	Thanksgiving
Month:	October
Part Of This Survey:	This bit is good
First Word You think of (write down the first word that pops in your head)...
cigarettes:	choke
beer:	Milwaukee
fireworks:	explosions
mosquitoes:	pests
summer:	hot
TV:	wasteland
Nice:	France
Beautiful:	X-Tina
Myspace:	YUCK
Scrapbook:	Guilt
Just Another One Of THose Surveys....:	Just about the right length
Thanks For Taking the Quiz, Just a Short Questionaire...
What was Your Favorite Thing About the Quiz:	The last three sections ("ors", "favorites" and "words")
What Was Your Least Favorite Thin:	The first section was rough
Which Question Was The Easiest To Answer:	Favorite season
Which SEction Was Easiest To Answer	Favorites
How COuld This Quiz Be Improved:	I'll abstain, courteously.
Take and make MySpace surveys at Plasterize.com.

Labels: Miscellany, Surveys

find your inner clothing style @ quizmeme.com

Or, like, totally NOT the beach, though fairly laid-back, clothes-wise.

Labels: Clothes, Quizzes

(and proof that I don't follow rules)

This or That? Take This Survey at Quizopolis.com Coke or Pepsi? Diet either. Regular pool or heated pool? Heated...as in spa. Hot tea or ice tea? Hot in winter, iced in summer. Unsweet, no lemon. Sunflower or daisy? Sunflower Red rose or pink rose? White rose. Salt or pepper? Pepper Red or Green Apple? Green (Granny Smith) Red or Blue? Blue Christmas or Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving Pink or Green? Green Hamburger or Hotdogs? Cheeseburger Music or Movies? Music Heaven or hell? Heaven Comedy or horror? Comedy aol or aim? Meebo ipod or mp3? MP3 Purse or backpack? Wallet Myspace or bebo? Facebook Parision or Sears? ...? Old Navy Paris or France? Greece Milky Way or Sneakers? ...er...? Butterfinger Vanilla or Chocoloate? Vanilla Phone or Internet? 'net Steak or Shrimp? Shrimp School or Work? Sleep Take This Survey at Quizopolis.com

Labels: Decisions, Miscellany, Surveys

More Fun Quizzes at QuizPox.com


OK. I actually know someone who really should have this: as soon as I read it, I heard her voice saying it.

Labels: Quizzes, Transportation

(Link at left)

1. What do you make sure you keep in your fridge at all times?

Diet Dr. Pepper. And cheese. We have about 8 different kinds of cheese in there right now: several sharp cheddars, flat cheese, string cheese, cream cheese....

2. What is the oddest thing in your fridge?

Aside from all that cheese? heh Probably the Devon cream. Or the bunch of parsley that's actually for the guinea pig.

3. What is the oddest thing in your freezer?

...uh...I can't think of anything weird in my freezer/s. The big freezer needs to be defrosted, so let's go with big chunks of ice.

4. What is your go to comfort food?

Bread. And sweets. Lately, it's Butterfinger bars. Don't ask me why.

5. What food reminds you of your childhood?

Beets and homemade fudge. Not together. (ick!)

6. How often do you eat out?

At least once a week for dinner. I also eat out for lunch the days I work, since the microwave at work is perfectly filthy and I'm NOT cleaning up after people!

7. What are you most likely to get at a drive thru?

A Crunchwrap Supreme or a chicken sandwich, and a large diet soda.

8. What's your favorite fast food?

I'm having a little love affair with those Crunchwraps.

Labels: Food

Your inner desire Love You desire love. You are not about money or hot sex, though you like both ;p You are about finding one person in which you can share yourself with and be at peace. Click Here to Take This Quiz

Quizzes and Personality Tests

Yup.

Labels: Love, Quizzes

From the Queen of All Meme

Is there anybody you just wish would fall off the planet? There are several. Let's start with coworkers and family members and go from there...
How do you flush the toilet in public? With the handle. And then I wash...my...hands.
Do you wear your seatbelt in the car? If I'm moving, I'm belted in.
Do you have a crush on someone? Kinda. I go through phases.
Name one thing you worry about running out of. Things to worry about.
What famous person do you (or other people) think you resemble? I don't look like anyone famous, but I do look like someone everyone knows.
What is your favorite pizza topping? Canadian bacon.
Do you crack your knuckles? Not intentionally. That would be my niece.
What song do you hate the most[?] SOOOO many from which to choose, many of which are rap, or rather "rap."
Did just mentioning that song make it get stuck in your head? Psych! (i.e., no)
What are your super powers? Worry. Mother-henning. Saying stupid things. Jumping to conclusions.
Peppermint or spearmint? meh, either is fine...but I only like wintergreen in Lifesaver form.
Where are your car keys? On the gear shift in the truck
Whose answers to this questionnaire do you want to hear? I'd prefer not to 'hear' any of them, but if you want to answer, go right ahead and type them up and link to them so I can read 'em.
What's your most annoying habit? You'd really have to ask Beast and Sparky, but if I had to name one thing it would have something to do with my temper.
Where did you last go on vacation? Tennessee/Virginia/et al.
What is your best physical feature? Wouldn't YOU like to know! (my brain)
What CD is closest to you right now? The four that Amy made me for my birthday.
What 3 things can always be found in your refrigerator? Baking soda, crumbs, and diet Dr. Pepper.
What superstition do you believe/practice? I knock wood a lot, but I don't really believe it has any function besides social expectation. I have discovered a nasty tendency to refuse to name something for fear that it will be true only because I've named it. Is it incipient old age? Like, not saying "cancer" for fear that will be the diagnosis when someone is ill.
What color are your bed sheets? Pale blue
Would you rather be a fish or a bird? I would never! ever! want to be a fish.
Do you talk on your cell phone when you drive? Yup. Not often.
What are your favorite sayings? "I'll sit on the floor; I can't fall off the floor, so it's safe."
What song(s) do you sing most often in the shower? That's not what I'm doing in the shower. I'm much, much more likely to cry in the shower, though not recently.
If you could go back or forward in time, where would you go? To visit: my parents' childhoods. To stay, nowhere at all.
What is your favorite Harrison Ford movie? I liked the third Indy movie.
What CD is in your stereo? Helephino {shrug}. Oh, wait: Melissa Etheridge is in the kitchen one, I think it's her Yes I Am disc.
What CD will be in your stereo in a few minutes? I have no intention of changing it in the foreseeable future.
How many kids do you plan on having? One of my own, lots of others to pseudo-adopt.
If you could kiss anyone who would it be? If Beast weren't sick, it would be him. Or Sparky. Or my dad.
What do you do when no one is watching? The same sorts of things I probably do when people ARE watching. It probably involves frowning.
If they made a movie about your life, what actor/actress would be you? It would be awesome if Julia Roberts played me. I have that loud laugh of hers at times. Otherwise...uh, Nancy Walker? Oh, wait, she's dead. Uh, Stephanie Zimbalist? Valerie Bertinelli (Beast should be so lucky!)?
Would you rather die in a blaze of glory or peacefully in your sleep? Too bad I can't use George Carlin's line here anymore. Stupid terrorists! OK, peacefully in my sleep then! Fine!
Coffee or Tea[?] Given that choice, tea.
Favorite musician(s)/bands you've seen in concert? Vinnie James, U2, Paul Young...
Have you ever been in love? I think so.
Do you talk to yourself? All the freakin' time! What do you think these blogs are for, anyway!? Also, I mutter under my breath regularly. One of the joys of having a small child was that I could pretend I was talking to him at the store: "canned beans or frozen, whaddaya think, Sparky?"

Labels: Miscellany, Surveys

Your Score: a Ninja

You scored 7 Honor, 6 Justice, 6 Adventure, and 4 Individuality!

You are a soldier of the night. You rely on no more than your cunning and your repuation [sic] 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.

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

So, yeah. The prediction came true--the person who pointed me toward this test thought I was a ninja, and I am. And now I'm afraid. ;-)

Labels: Behavior, Blogging, Personality

What The Holidays Mean to You

For you, the holidays are a very spiritual time. You have as much holiday fun as everyone else - but you never forget what you're celebrating. You celebrate the holidays in a minimalist style. You are likely to only give one great present and decorate your house with a few special items. During the holidays, you feel magical. You love all of the decorations and how happy people are. You like to sit back and take it all in. You think the holidays should be decadent and indulgent. You never mind gaining a few holiday pounds... it's worth it! Your favorite holiday memories strongly evoke your senses. You are vividly aware of all the tastes, smells, and sounds of the holidays.

So, this was sort of a bust--only one partially correct sentence and some pretty far-fetched ones. Oh, well.

Labels: Blogthings, Holidays

(Link at left)
Brr. Winter is upon us, and here in Minnesota the temps are dropping rapidly. Most of us awoke to 5 degree temps this morning. You read that right...FIVE degrees. We also experience less light this time of year, with sunset happening just before 5:00pm.

1. What temperature do you consider to be "cold" or when you would need to wear warm clothes?

Totally different concepts for me. I used to huddle, shivering, under a blanket at 50 degrees F (outside, regardless of the indoor temp), but menopause has gifted me with the stamina to push Huddle Temp to about 25 (ditto). As for outside, I can be outside for brief periods with no jacket down to about 30, without shoes to about 45. Unless the wind is blowing. After that, I need a jacket. Or a coat.
"Cold" is when I can't feel my fingers and my nostrils freeze. That's around 10, depending on wind.

2. What is a typical Winter like in your area? What are the average temps this time of year?

Our high temp for today and the rest of the week looks like around 38, lows around 20. That's about right. I hate winter here, because it just lasts forever, the sun refuses to come out for days (weeks, even) at a time, and when it's icy people drive like jackasses. I do like the first view of snow, any snow, that hasn't been plowed or dirtied up. Otherwise, yuck.

3. If you live in a cooler climate, what is it that you enjoy most about it? Why do you choose to remain living there? If you live in a warmer climate, have you ever visited places that were seasonably cold? What did you like or dislike about it?

I like snow (see above), and I don't mind driving in it (alone, without jackasses). But I really feel like winter 'should' end by Feb. 1, and I'd be more than happy for it to end the day after Christmas. I'm actively campaigning for Sparky to move somewhere with less inclement weather so we "have" to move there as we get older. ;-)

Labels: Snow, Weather, Winter

(Link at left)
Holidays

1. Are you almost finished with your holiday shopping or you haven’t started yet?

For the first time in years, I'm feeling a little behind the 8-ball on this. On the other hand, I'm not bothered. I have a few ideas, and I'm buying for fewer people this year. Picked up a couple of things yesterday, and it will all get done.

2. What do the holidays mean to you? How does this affect how you celebrate the holidays?

While I'm not all about "Jesus' birthday" and making this into a ginormous religious campaign, we do try to note advent by following an advent study and generally keeping things on an even keel until Christmas Eve. We do have a pseudo-menorah to honor where OUR traditions came from (Jesus was Jewish, as I recall), and also because there is a strand of Jewish DNA in our family tree. My dad's family didn't actually celebrate Christmas much, and I'm beginning to see the attraction of that. Except...I do like all the traditions.

3. Are you going away for the holidays or staying home?

Home. Unless we need to be elsewhere.

4. What two things do you like about this time of year?

Christmas lights, and (some of) the music.

5. What two things do you dislike about this time of year?

That panicky "never going to get it all done!!" feeling, and (some of) the music.

Labels: Holidays, Life, Tuesday memes

(Link at left)

More and more married couples are choosing not to start a family, and instead pursue a career, travel, volunteer or engage in hobbies. Some argue that our society favors families with children, and that our tax code benefits people who choose to reproduce, and that it's unfair for the childless to have to 'pay' for someone else's choice.

1. Do you believe too many or too little benefits are given to families with children? Why or why not?

I don't expect benefits just because I have children. I'm not even sure what benefits we're talking about here, since I actually think we are socially and culturally penalized in many ways for having children, but I suppose I'd feel differently if I had none. The grass is always greener, eh?

2. How would you feel about singles or couples without children receiving tax breaks because they are not using the compulsory education system? How do you respond to the argument that 'children are the future' and so everyone must pay into that system?

I think that's hogwash: they ARE using compulsory education! Without it, imagine where those little rugrats and ankle-biters would be: in YOUR FACE, in your yard, in your street, in your jails... Also, don't forget that lots of childless people paid for YOUR education, people who I'm sure (and you'll have to trust me, I am sure*) would have preferred to spend that money elsewhere. The whole concept is sort of Pay It Forward, or similar to that State Farm commercial. It's part of community, part of being a society, not a crowd of independent individuals. Here, I have an idea: how about I don't pay for your (or your parents') Social Security, or for your gambling treatment, or for your bankruptcy defaults, or for your use of the fire department!? Yeah, I didn't think so.

3. How do you perceive the lifestyles and personalities of people who choose not to have children?

I think it's their business. I also think we should never assume that because a couple doesn't have children they are selfish, or they secretly want children, or they haven't had multiple miscarriages, or....

Having said that, however, I do think people who want to NEVER see children because they don't like them (and therefore don't want to be shouldered, even from a distance, with any sense of responsibility) should be Gullivered: pinned to the ground in a playground for a week. People who bitch about children's existence PISS ME OFF! In case that wasn't clear....

* When I was in college, I found out from one of my siblings that our next-door neighbors didn't really like kids. Oops, they liked girls, but not boys. That's why they never had kids: they might have a son. And they apparently griped about having to pay taxes for the school system, at least they did at some point. However, what I did know is that they absolutely HATED anyone on their grass, especially us kids, because it would get 'torn up' if people walked, ran, played, or breathed on it. In any case, it was a bit of a shock to find out about their dislike of children, since they were always wonderful neighbors to us for over 40 years, and in fact, I still exchange Christmas cards with them! So, I stand virulently opposed to what they believed, but I like them a lot.

Labels: Childhood, Education, Kids, People

(Link at left)
Random Joy

1. If you had to go back in time and give advice to the first humans that walked the Earth, what would you tell them?

Be nice to each other and can you work on not trying to kill everyone who looks different?

2. If you could have one part of your body massaged every day, which would you choose?

While I'm sure it would be sexier to say feet, I'm choosing my neck/shoulder area where I store ALL the world's troubles.

3. Are there any smells that make you feel instantly nostalgic? If so, what are they?

Freshly cut lumber always reminds me of Dad.
As for Mom...OMG--they still make Laviola cream! My mom used that all the time; I loved that stuff (I loved it so much I used to eat it...ish). And, hey: it's made in Colorado.

4. If the choice for the legal age of consent in your country was up to you, which age would you deem appropriate?

Consent for what? Sex? Driving? Drinking? Inheritance? Renting a car? Military service? The only thing I'd do is coordinate the drinking and military service because I know the only way I could possible survive one would be with liberal use of the other. Otherwise, I think I'd keep things pretty much the same as they are now.

5. If you could have known one of your current friends as a child, who would you pick?

I did know a couple of my friends as children, but if I could pick someone I met as an adult...probably Jenny. We'd've had fun, and our parents would have gotten along, too.

Labels: Age, Childhood, Family, Friends, History, Memory, Monday memes, Stress

(Link at left)

Which personality trait has gotten you into the most trouble?

Not thinking ahead, or thinking things through before jumping in with both feet. This is true both verbally and physically; I have a tendency to engage my mouth before my brain has a chance to stop me, and I've been in some stupid situations because I didn't plan ahead.

If you had to gain 10 pounds what would you eat to gain the weight?

Candy, pasta, carbs... And maybe some Ensure to top it off. Ick.

How is your private self different from your public self?

I'm MUCH crankier in private, and generally a bitch. Otherwise, I don't really think I'm that different.

Labels: Body, Food, Monday memes, Personality

(Link at left)

1) Name an event where the power of the crowd was inspiring.

I don't like crowds, so this is quite difficult. All I can think of is some sort of church service, or (sadly) a Packer game. Oh, hey, wait: when I was in the Tournament of Roses parade, at the very end of it (it's almost 6 miles long), we were all exhausted and starting to fall apart. Some people came out of the crowd with cut up orange pieces for anyone who was really failing. Of course, I didn't take one (sticky, plus it meant breaking ranks), but for those who needed a boost, it was great. And it was great for morale either way.

2) What is your oldest article of clothing that you still wear?

Has to be the shirts I snagged from Dad's closet after he died. I don't allow myself to wear them often, just when I'm feeling especially low.

3) If you were to describe your first "real" kiss, what would you say?

I would probably say that it wasn't all that and a bag of chips. Neither of us were very good at it. There's a long story involved there that makes me smile, but I'm not sharing it. It just reminds me how very naive I was at 16.

4) When were you most moved by a ceremony?

ALL the time, so I'll pick one: I love ordination Sundays. I really, really do. When all the new elders and deacons are up front and the previously ordained go forward to 'lay on hands'... The first time I remember seeing that and understanding the concept (as a teenager), I was sure I could feel the Spirit in the room. It's just a completely awe-inspiring moment.

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one. Public Domain Photo

Gee, well, it reminds me of Thanksgiving. Funny, eh?

One of the things that I especially love about Thanksgiving is that, regardless of how many people you are eating with, there is NEVER enough room on the table for all the different serving plates and bowls. I love the jockeying around for space, the "where did the potatoes go?" confusion, the "pass the butter when you find it" kinds of comments. It's even more fun if there is a second table (or more) set up somewhere else. It's the controlled mayhem and general joy, followed by the sound of everyone gone silent as they dig in to Round One.

I'm always sort of disappointed when nothing gets spilled in the course of the meal. No rush to the kitchen for paper towels, no expostulating to the kids to be CAREful!, no stains on the tablecloth for future years. Then again, those stains are really annoying for any other occasion. Heh.

Yes, it's clear I do love large groups of people eating lots of food in my house. I think I may have the Mom gene after all!

Labels: Clothes, Food, God, Holidays, Kissing, Monday memes, People, Religion

(Link at left)
Giving & Getting Gifts

With the holidays upon us again, lots of us are doing gift shopping. Now lets blog about it.

1. Do you prefer to shop in stores or on the internet?

Overall, I still hit stores at some point because I can't manage to plan ahead that well. Also, I tend to go to stores for ideas and then buy them at a different location, either another store or online.

2. Who on your gift list is the hardest to shop for?

Beast. What he wants/needs isn't for sale.

3. About how much do you end up spending during holiday gift shopping?

Always more than I anticipate spending. This year I'm not buying as much (I hope), since I've cut back in one area specifically.

4. What is the best holiday gift you have ever received? The worst?

Best gift is this laptop. Worst Christmas ever was the one when I got NO reading material of any kind. ;-)

5. What gift do you want this year?

A Roomba, an electronic room-sized air cleaner, and a DVR. Never said I was cheap!

Labels: Gifts, Sun

(Link at left)

1. Filthy :: Dirty
2. Therapist :: Psychologist
3. Duck :: Goose
4. Slant :: Tilt
5. Artist :: Creator
6. Lease :: Lend-...
7. Wish :: Want
8. Doormat :: Passive
9. Global :: World-Wide
10. Apartment :: ...Building

Labels: Sunday memes, Words

Link: The Motorcycle Personality Test written by iocaine on OkCupid, home of the The Dating Persona Test

I would NEVER (be allowed to) ride a rice-burner!

[disclaimer: I own H-D stock]

Labels: Tests, Transportation

Your Score: Shirt Sleeve Griever

You scored 51 Openness, 16 Reexperiencing, 16 Attachment and 3 Self Concept!

Everybody around you has a good idea if something has happened to you - which is a good thing, if in fact you have enough social skill and intimacy building abilities to capitalize and use this external support system to be with you in this time of need. If not, you have a long road of therapy - nightmares, visions, and isolation to face ... high risk for pathology; your strength is your visibility to others, who will seek to help you in turn.

Link: The 4 Variable Grief/Trauma Test Test written by divncom on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test

Let's hope....

Labels: Grief, Tests

Are You Left-Brained or Right-Brained?

Although one side of the brain is generally dominant over the other, we should strive to utilize both halves. A balanced brain makes a balanced person - combining
sequential thinking with a holistic approach, or linear thinking with intuition, enables us to fully comprehend issues and solve problems. Left-brainers can dramatically improve their problem solving abilities by learning to "follow their gut," while right-brainers can improve the execution of their creative efforts.

Realizing your dominant half is the first step in becoming balance-brained.

Your percentage score for the right brain is 53%.
Your percentage score for the left brain is 47%.

You are more right-brained than left-brained. The right side of your brain controls the left side of your body. In addition to being known as right-brained, you are also known as a creative thinker who uses feeling and intuition to gather information. You retain this information through the use of images and patterns. You are able to visualize the "whole" picture first, and then work backwards to put the pieces together to create the "whole" picture. Your thought process can appear quite illogical and meandering. The problem-solving techniques that you use involve free association, which is often very innovative and creative. The routes taken to arrive at your conclusions are completely opposite to what a left-brained person would be accustomed. You probably find it easy to express yourself using art, dance, or music. Some occupations usually held by a right-brained person are forest ranger, athlete, beautician, actor/actress, craftsman, and artist.

Your left brain/right brain percentage was calculated by combining the individual scores of each half's sub-categories. They are as follows:

Left Brain

Linear
Sequential
Symbolic
Logical
Verbal
Reality-based

Right Brain

Holistic
Random
Concrete
Intuitive
Nonverbal
Fantasy-oriented

Each of these 12 categories has its own distinctive influence in shaping how you think, learn, and perceive the world around you.

Uh......no.

Labels: Intelligence, Tests

Random
Do you have any pets?	Sparky has a guinea pig.
What color shirt are you wearing?	Beige turtleneck.
Name three things that are physically close to you:	The laptop (der!), a sage green couch pillow, and (surprise!) and can of Dr. Pepper.
What is the last book you read?	The Owls of Gloucester
Are you or were you a good student?	Yes.
What's your favorite sport?	To watch: football. To play: bowling.
Do you enjoy sleeping late?	I'd LOVE to sleep late.
What's the weather like right now?	Cold: 30 degrees and partly cloudy.
Who tells the best jokes?	My brother.
What was the last thing you dreamed about?	I don't remember anything recent.
Do you drive? If so, have you ever crashed?	Yes.
Do you believe in karma?	Not exactly, but kinda.
Do you believe in luck?	Not exactly, but kinda.
Do you like your eggs scrambled or sunny side up?	I prefer sunny side up, but only if I have toast to go with it.
Do you collect anything? If so, what?	Dust. And S&Ps
Are you proud of yourself?	Most of the time.
Are you reliable?	Most of the time.
Have you ever given money to a bum?	Niiiiice. No, not exactly.
What's your favorite food?	Anything carb-related.
Have you ever had a secret admirer?	I...dunno. Because, it would have been a secret...right?
Do you like the smell of gasoline?	Yes.
Do like to draw?	No, because I suck.
What's your favorite invention?	Computers.
Is your room messy?	Not at this moment, actually.
What do you like better: oranges or apples?	Apples.
Do you give in easily?	Depends. Usually, but not always.
Are you a good guesser?	Not really.
Can you read other people's expressions?	Yes.
Are you a bully?	I can be, why?
Do you have a job?	Yes.
What time did you wake up this morning?	About 5. Yes. A.M.
What did you eat for breakfast this morning?	Cherry pie.
When was the last time you showered?	This morning...6:30ish.
What do you plan on doing tomorrow?	Church in the morning, and then football in the afternoon. VERY low-impact.
What's your favorite day of the week and why?	Monday. Especially this coming one.
Do you have any nicknames?	Not IRL, unless you want to count "Mom."
Have you ever been scuba diving?	Nope.
What's your least favorite color?	I'm not fond of orangey-yellow.
Is there someone you have been constantly thinking about? If yes, who?	MIL
Would you ever go skydiving?	I'd love to.
What toothpaste do you use?	Crest with the little sparkles in it.
Do you enjoy challenges?	Some of them.
What's the worst injury you have had?	Physically, I've never really had a serious injury per se.
What's the last movie you saw?	Underdog.
What do you want to know about the future?	Nothing about anyone I know.
What does your last text message say?	I'm too lazy to go look.
Who was the last person you spoke over the phone to?	Lovely grammar. Rosemary.
What's your favorite school subject?	History? English? Theology?
What's your least favorite school subject?	Science? No, math.
Would you rather have money or love?	Love.
What is your dream vacation?	Right now it would be somewhere alone and otherwise I don't care.
What is your favorite animal?	Wolves. Dogs. Canine.
Do you miss anyone right now?	Yes.
What's the last sporting event you watched?	.....football, of course (on Thursday).
Do you need to do laundry?	No, Beast is taking care of it. I'll call you next time, though.
Do you listen to the radio?	Not very often.
Where were you when 9/11 happened?	Err...I was doing something at our church, and then I went home when Beast called and told me.
What do you do when vending machines steal your money?	Sigh. And feed it more.
Have you ever caught a butterfly?	No. Why would I want to?
What color are your bed sheets?	Pale blue.
What's your ringtone?	It doesn't ring. Ever.
Who was the last person to make you laugh?	One of the kids in Youth Group at lunch.
Do you have any obsessions right now?	Only sleep.
Do you like things that glow in the dark?	..........er.........?? I'm giggling.
What's your favorite fruity scent?	....still giggling.... (orange)
Do you watch cartoons?	Only if I'm in the room with Sparky when he's watching SpongeBob.
Have you ever sat on a roof?	I believe I have.
Have you ever been to a different country?	Yes, a couple of times.
Name three things in the world you dislike:	Mean people, intentional stupidity, and winter.
Name three people in the world you dislike:	PsychoBoss, Fat Frank, George Bush (not necessarily in order).
Has a rumor even been spread about you?	....hulLO, I'm 44!!! Ask me if I care?!
Do you like sushi?	fehhh....no
Do you believe in magic?	Define magic. Harry Potter magic, no. Houdini, yes.
Do you hold grudges?	Sometimes.
Take this survey or other MySpace Surveys at PimpSurveys.com

Labels: Miscellany, Surveys

You Are Thanksgiving

You are a bit of a homebody who enjoys being in the company of people you love. It doesn't take a lot to make you happy. You're enjoying life as it is. You have many blessings in your life, and you are grateful for each one. You believe that life is about what you *do* have. You feel like you have enough of the good stuff. What makes you celebrate: Family, friends, and the changing of the seasons. At holiday get togethers, you do best as: The host of the party On a holiday, you're the one most likely to: Spend so much energy preparing that it's a full time job

The first paragraph is correct, but I'm not always thrilled to host, or plan, parties, and I definitely do NOT enjoy, or spend that kind of time, preparing.

But I do reallyreally like Thanksgiving.

Labels: Blogthings, Holidays

from Kwizgiver:

What color is your bra? One shade darker than my skin.
Do you straighten your hair everyday? ?? No.
Do you worry about the size of your boobs? Not anymore, not much. More worried about their condition than their size/shape.
What's your favorite girly magazine? Ms.
Would you kill for chocolate? Emphatically, no.
Jeans or Skirts? What are skirts? (Jeans)
Do you wear clothes/shoes/jewelry that's uncomfortable? Only if forced (i.e., weddings) or in the case of new shoes, until they aren't uncomfortable anymore.
Did you ever spend all day/night getting pretty for a guy? Not even on my wedding day.
Did you ever cry during a romantic movie? I cry in almost EVERY movie. OK, maybe not Die Hard (et al.)
Would you leave the house without makeup on? I can't wear makeup anymore.
Do you consider making out "unladylike"? Ironic that this should come up today, since I had a wonderful conversation about "ladies" and "women" just recently. Uhm, I don't really care. "Ladylike" is a term I've tried to expunge from my vocabulary as an adult.
On a scale of 1-10, how fun is shopping? -4
Are you spoiled? I'm a middle-class American; ipso facto, yes.
Do you think lipgloss is the best? I think naturally moist lips are the best, but I use a LOT of lipgloss and chapstick!
Do you freak out if you miss your favorite show? No.
Do you yell a lot? Yes. I got a lot of "yell genes."
How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? I can be up and out of the house in 15 minutes if necessary, provided I pick my clothes out the night before. If I'm not going to work, or someplace where dress is completely informal, I can be ready in ten.
Do you wear sweatpants/pajama pants to school/work? No. Oh, wait, I did the two times we had library sleepovers.
Accessories make the outfit; true or false? {shrug} Probably.
Is pink truly the best color in the entire universe? {Gaaah} {Yaaaaackkkkk} {Raaaalllpppphhhhhhh} I loathe pink.
Lip gloss a must? Chapstick, yes.
Status? Breathing. Tired. Online.
Have you ever dressed unlike yourself to impress a guy? Have I? No. Would I? Maybe. If asked nicely.
Do you often wish there was something you could change about yourself? ...so, yeah...
Gold or silver? Silver. Or platinum. Or white gold.
The guy that you like/love/whatever, what does his name begin with? B
Do you dress up too much for holidays? "Do I dress up...?" No.
Do you like wearing dresses? Not in winter!
Do you write a lot of mushy love poems? I rarely ever write poetry of any kind, and of the few poems I've written precisely 0 could be classified as 'love'.
What makeup could you not live without? (Some) other peoples'.

Labels: Miscellany, Surveys, Women

(Link at left)

1. As a general rule, are you more stressed or less stressed during the holiday season?

Oh, totally more! But, what I'm coming to understand more clearly is that I have a strong, primarily-unconscious tendency to mirror others, and when others are stressed or cranky...I am too. I find it really difficult to continue on having a good day when those around me, those I care about, are miserable. Yes, it's true: I've turned into Deanna Troi.

2. Do you tend to be happier or sad during the holiday season?

Over the course of things, happier or on an even keel.

3. How much shopping did you do on the day after Thanksgiving?

Me, personally, ZEEEE-ROOWWWW. Beast went and bought some pop and a couple of other incidental things, and we went out to dinner last night.

4. Take the quiz: What color is your brain

Last time, it was purple. Today's result:

Your Brain is Green

Of all the brain types, yours has the most balance. You are able to see all sides to most problems and are a good problem solver. You need time to work out your thoughts, but you don't get stuck in bad thinking patterns. You tend to spend a lot of time thinking about the future, philosophy, and relationships (both personal and intellectual).

What Color Is Your Brain?

Hah! I clearly lied somewhere in my responses!

5. When it comes to Christmas gifts, how organized are you in terms of gift ideas and choosing the right ones for the right recipients?

This year, I'm completely unorganized. I have nothing for anyone as yet. I'm sensing a gift-card Christmas. My mom is increasingly difficult to buy for, and so is my teenaged son.

6. What was the most inaccurate part of the answer you received to the brain color quiz?

"...you don't get stuck in bad thinking patterns." That must be why I take Xanax 160 days/year then, eh?

Labels: Gifts, Holidays, Saturday Memes, Shopping, Stress

Brahnamin found this test...so I stole it.

My results:

I think that means I'm not autistic. I think it means I'm only slightly compulsive.

OK. That's good.

Labels: Health, Quizzes

...by Serena:

What to do:

1. Post 5 links to 5 of your previously written posts. The posts have to relate to the 5 keywords given below (family, friend, yourself, your love and anything you like).

2. Tag 5 other friends to do this meme. Try to tag at least 2 new acquaintances (if not, your current blog buddies will do) so that you get to know them each a little bit better.

3. Don’t forget to read the archived post and leave comments.

Family
Friend
Myself
My love
Anything I want (the first post on this blog)

The tag thing I'm supposed to do? If you want it, you got it. I don't tag people.

Labels: Miscellany, Tags

You Are 79% 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.

"Fairly easy." Faint praise

Labels: Gratefulness, Holidays

Both from Kwizgiver

1. What's your favorite Dr. Seuss book? I still remember the ABC book--Sparky loved that one ("Aunt Annie's Alligator...A A A"). And I like Green Eggs and Ham.

2. If you could live in any home on a television series, what would it be? I liked the houses in Happy Days and The Brady Bunch, but honestly, I have to go with Bewitched.

3. What's the longest you've gone without sleep? 36-40 hours.

4. What's your favorite Web site? Bloglines

5. What's the best bargain you've ever found at a garage sale or thrift store? I don't shop these too much, but I found matching glass apple dishes...actually a whole set to match those my mom had.

6. What's the best costume you've ever worn? A zombie.

7. What's your least favorite word? Sort of a tie between "no" and "ow."

8. Where do you go for advice? Anyone with experience in whatever it is.

9. What did you do for your 13th birthday? I have no earthly idea; that was 31 years ago!

10. What's the most memorable class you've ever taken? Either New Testament with Dr. Lamar Cope, or the class on nuclear war taught in one month by three profs and lots of visiting speakers. Both ends of the spectrum: one wonderful, one terminally depressing.

11. What's your favorite commercial? The Jeep ad with the animals singing make me absolutely cry with laughter.

12. If you could go to Disney World with any celebrity alive today, who would it be? I have no interest in traveling with a celebrity or going to Disney World!

13. What's your favorite breakfast food? Bagel with cream cheese.

14. If you could have a super power, what would it be? Invisibility

15. Name five songs to which you know all the lyrics. (Better yet, sing them.) Amazing Grace, Silent Night, Walkin' on Sunshine (Katrina and the Waves), 500 Miles (The Proclaimers), and I Will Always Love You (Dolly Parton).

...and, start over....

1. Are you afaid of heights? I never, EVER used to be, but I'm no longer as cavalier about them as I used to be.

2. What's your favorite Cyndi Lauper song? Time After Time

3. What's your favorite newspaper? What is this "newspaper" of which you speak?

4. What's your favorite Broadway musical? The Lion King of those done in my lifetime. I love Fiddler on the Roof as well.

5. What's your favorite knock-knock joke? "Knock, knock." "Who's there?" "Banana." "Knock, knock." "Who's there?" "Banana." "Knock, knock." "Who's there?" "Banana." "Knock, knock." "Who's there?" "Orange." "Orange who?" "Orange you glad I didn't say 'banana' again?"

6. Do you prefer baths or showers?Baths. No contest at all.

7. Does your chewing gum lose its flavor on the bedpost overnight? This brings back memories of saving all my gum overnight, though I never had a bedpost. The gum didn't lose its flavor on my desk or nightstand. I wonder when I stopped doing this...that phase lasted a VERY long time!

8. Who's your favarite game show host? Bob Eubanks (The Newlywed Game)

9. Do you like guacamole? I'll eat it, but I don't go out of my way for it.

10. Have you ever been in a food fight? Yes, I'm sure I have. I don't enjoy them, and I don't remember any specifics of anything I was involved in.

11. Have you ever taken a picture in one of those little booths? Nope

12. What's the longest you've ever waited in line? The line to get in to Moscow, at midnight on December 27. There was no one at Passport Control for what seemed like hours (after spending 10-11 hours flying and another 5 hours in airports, and not sleeping well the night before we left and driving through a blizzard on the way to O'Hare...). I was a wreck.
Also, standing in line for Dumbo with Sparky. Twice. In one morning. After no sleep for three nights and a very sore throat and surrounded by lots of other bored kids and their doting parents. (see DisneyWorld, above)

13. What's on the cover of your address book or day planner? Well, they are two different things. My address book is burgundy "leather" (ahem), and my datebook this year has a blue/black cover. Next year, I splurged for a nice portfolio to hold my datebook.

Labels: Miscellany, Surveys

found at Library Tavern

Economic Left/Right: -5.75
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -4.31

This puts me in the same quadrant as Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and the Dalai Lama. Good company. Far away from Bush.

Here's the test.

Labels: Politics, Tests

Your Pilgrim Name Is

Damaris Tilly

Your Native American Name Is...

Nittawosew Pakwa Your name means: Fertile Frog

Well. OK then.

Labels: Blogthings, Holidays, Names

There is no "almost" about my need to know and do! Obviously, this nailed me pretty closely.

And some of those inkblots were creepy.

Labels: