Four for Friday

(Link in blogroll)

Q1 - Wearing Your Emotions on Your Bumper: It's been a little over a year since Colorado State University scientists published the results of a study showing a correlation between the number of bumper stickers a driver chooses to display and the likelihood of that driver experiencing road rage. How many bumper stickers do you have on your vehicle(s), and which one is your favorite? If you're not a bumper sticker type of person, which is your favorite of those that you've seen?

I have never had a bumper sticker of any kind on any of my cars, unless you count the AAA or parking permit tags we used to have.

My favorite bumper sticker EVER is one I saw a few months ago:
Pontius Pilate was a governor.
Jesus was a community organizer.

Q2 - Secrets: I've long been interested in secret societies. A friend of mine is a Free Mason and a Shriner and has recently been hinting to me that he would like me to join the local lodge (unlike many secret societies, potential members are never invited -- to become a Mason, one must ask to join). Since many of Masonry's secrets aren't so secret anymore, I admit to losing some interest in it, but am still considering joining. Have you ever been "tapped in" or otherwise joined a secret society? If not, would you ever consider it? Why or why not?

Nope. I'm with Groucho on the whole joining a club thing. I have so little interest, it's actually negative interest: I'd be tempted to pay anyone who asked me to leave me alone!
[My understanding is that my mother's family had several Masons in it....]

Q3 - I Want to Believe: Like the poster hanging in Fox Mulder's office says, I want to believe. I believe there are intelligent beings, much like ourselves, living on other planets. However, as much as I want to believe that one of those alien races has visited and is currently visiting Earth, I don't believe that is the case. Do you believe in space aliens, and if so, do you believe they have ever visited Earth?

I believe in the possibility, but I have no proof. Show me proof either way, and I'll think about believing.

Q4 - Politics and Interpretive Dance: My favorite book is "Starship Troopers" by Robert Heinlein, which I first read as a teen back in the late 80's. But it wasn't until recently that I realized there was so much controversy over Heinlein's statements on war, American culture, politics, the military, etc. To me, it was just an enjoyable story. When you read a fictional story or watch a movie, do you simply try and enjoy it, or do you seek some deeper meaning or life's lesson from the author's/director's intended message?

The first time through, I read/watch it purely for plot. If the plot is completely overshadowed by the preaching, I'm extremely unlikely to finish it. If it's good enough to read/watch over, then I'll delve into the subtext.

Friday 5

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Taboo

Your task is simply to answer these five questions without using any of the Taboo words or phrases. Challenge yourself not just to avoid using the words, but to think of fresh, new answers to these sort of cliched meme questions!

1. Who’s making a positive difference in your life?
Taboo words: friends, family, husband/wife/spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend.

I am. God is. Work is to a certain degree.

2. Where would you like to be right now?
Taboo words: home, bed, anywhere but here.

In Ouray, at Moosehead Lake, or on Ydra.

3. What’s the first thing you’d do with a $5,000 (or your local equivalent) gift?
Taboo words: save, debt, vacation, payments, invest.

Actually, with that amount, I'd probably buy some furniture and get rid of some old junk.

4. What super-power would you really like to have?
Taboo words: invisibility, x-ray vision, flying, strength, transform.

Super-forgiveness and understanding.

5. What’s your favorite sound?
Taboo words: laughter, music, ocean, wind, ____’s voice.

This is sorta cheating, but hey: baby giggles.

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in blogroll)

1. It's time for me to clean my desk off here at home.

2. Alaska; it's not a bad place for crazy people.

3. I must be crazy to be up this early.

4. Baby love is the best thing I have ever known.

5. My life is simply too stressful right now.

6. The last time I laughed really loudly was yesterday (my laugh is very loud).

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Beast being home again, tomorrow my plans include working (oh joy), and Sunday, I want to see one of my BFFs (and find out what I'm supposed to bring for VBS next week!

Salad

You Are Taco Salad

You are brutally honest and totally real. You can't be bothered to be fake for a second. You are a total riot. You have a wicked sense of humor, and you crack people up. You often shock people with your antics. You have a very spicy personality. You are energetic and intense. You live every moment to its fullest.

What Kind of Salad Are You?

Well, I wouldn't use the qualifiers of "totally" and "always" here, and I'm not feeling particularly spicy right now, unless you count pepper and vinegar...

Thursday Thunks

(Link in blogroll)
A Bunch Of Stupid Questions

1. You are in an enclosed space with a group of friends. Elevator, auto, small room, etc. You fart and it really stinks. Do you take credit for it or do you play along with the questioning of who did it?

Oh, please: I'm too old for this. I own up.

2. You are locked in a room sitting at a desk with just a piece of paper and a purple crayon. What do you draw?

A key with which to unlock the door.

3. Do you ever pee in the shower?

No.

4. Have you bought, sold or got rid of something on Craigslist?

We bought Sparky a bass, an amp and some cords last winter. It is a great instrument ... for a lefty ... which he isn't. Still, the amp works.

5. You are in a convenience store. In the line in front of you is a drunk guy trying to purchase more alcohol. The cashier tells him they cannot sell it to him because he is obviously already intoxicated. He gets belligerent. The cashier is scared. What do you do?

Cell phone. 911. And then I probably go behind the counter with the cashier to back her up.

6. While shopping for produce, do you "sample" before you buy (i.e. grapes)?

No. Yuck. Dirty much?

7. You are walking down the street and there is a toddler sitting on a bench by themselves in front of a store - do you just keep walking?

I might stop a few feet away and strike up a conversation with the kid and hang around until a parent reappeared. Or call 911 if that didn't happen in a reasonable amount of time.

8. Have you looked up an old friend and/or lover online?

sshhhYEAH!!!

9. You are nearly in a car/auto accident. Do you freak out, follow the person who nearly caused it & talk to them or just keep going?

I probably wouldn't be able to function well enough to drive, so following is not in the cards. I'd pull over and practice my breathing skills.

Fear

You Have the Fears of a Teenager

You are still finding your footing in the world, and a lot fear stems from your own insecurity. You feel ready to be more independent and successful, but you're worried if you can really do it. You fear failure, and you also fear humiliating yourself. The less confident you are, the more afraid you are. [well, duh!] Over time you are learning that everyone is afraid... you just have to act as if you're not!

Do You Have the Fears of a Child or an Adult?

Gee thanks! Always good to be stuck at the worst stage of life forever.

The Queen's Meme

(Link in blogroll)
The Cooking Meme (What Is The Meaning of Thyme and Other Deep Questions)

1. If you could put thyme in a bottle, what is the first thing that you'd like to do?

Make a nice casserole. It's all I know what to do with my thyme.

2. Do eggs really crack or do they merely have a nervous breakdown?

I'm thinking nervous breakdown....

3. Why are you whipping the butter? What did it ever do to you?

I don't whip butter. I buy it pre-whipped. Yes, I definitely hire out the whipping. ;-)

4. Do your spoons spoon in the drawer? Have you ever noticed? And more importantly, if wooden spoons spoon do they get splinters?

Yes, the silverware does. It annoys me. The wooden spoons don't belong in drawers in my house. They are standing together on the countertop, drawer-less. And they rarely spoon; the spatulas in the crock keep them honest.

5. You hear: "Dumpling, my Dumpling, come hither." The candles are lit, the fondue is dipping, the Godiva is pouring, the scallions are steaming and the music is playing.....but wait, the windows are open. Why did you close them?

Don't want to overheat the neighborhood, do we?

6. Do you need a recipe to cook or are you a bohemian chef? Show us your reckless and wild side in the kitchen. Don't have one? Here's a recipe I made just for you: You will need a spatula, a whisk, a gallon of Chardonnay, a banana and a rump roast. What is the name of your dish?

A banana and a rump roast?? Sounds sorta hinky; glad there is alcohol involved, though I'd think a little whiskey might be a little more useful. I think I'll call for Chinese instead.

7. After dinner, the dishes are so dirty that the dishwasher refuses to wash them. What did they say to get in hot water.

If they got in hot enough water, they may not need washing anyway. {shrug}

8. Is your pot black?

THERE. IS. NO. POT. IN. MY. HOUSE.

9. What is the sexiest spice or condiment in your cabinet? What makes it so?

Nutmeg. She's got a cute litle label.

10. How much crock is really in your crock pot?

Quite a lot, but only in the winter.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in blogroll)

1) What are some of your favorite summer activities?

I love just sitting in the sun. Picnics, frisbee, sitting on the porch watching people walk down the street....whatever. Walking, myself, too. ;-)

2) What is the clumsiest thing you've done lately?

I tripped over the computer cord this morning and unplugged it from the laptop by force. Great idea. Also tore off part of a toenail cleaning this morning.

3) How many books have you read this summer so far?

10 since the beginning of June.

4) 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

If you're going to ride a motorcycle, you really need a Harley. Then again, this picture appears to have been taken in Europe, where a Harley is overkill. So nevermind. It is always good to see a woman on a motorcycle, however.

Manic Monday

You Paint the World with Deep Colors

You are a true individual. You are very unique. Your friends can count on you to be expressive. You're never at a loss for words. You are a truly warm person ... though sometimes you can be a bit selfish. You are keyed into your emotions and easily moved. You are quite sensitive.

How Do You Paint the World?

OK then.

Actually, I wouldn't have chosen this one, but the others were so far out in left field that I couldn't do them.

Manic Monday

(Link in blogroll)

What is one thing that you would change about yourself if you could

I'd like to spend one day without the slightly twinge of guilt. And have no guilt later about spending the day that way, too.

Name three exotic countries you would like to visit:

Kenya, Egypt and I want to go back to Russia.

What do you think the secret to life is?

Being comfortable in your own skin. And laughing every single day.

QOTW

(Link in blogroll)
...do you read news? Either in the newspaper, or magazines, or online? Is there any section yo go towards first? Anything you never read?

I get most of my news from Twitter, Facebook, email and word-of-mouth. Oh, and Jon Stewart, Steven Colbert and Bill Maher. I subscribe to the headlines of the local daily paper. The only paper I physically read anymore is the local weekly, which is well-written and short. Otherwise, I read Entertainment Weekly religiously. If I do pick up a newsprint paper, I go to the advice and obits first. And I never, ever ever read the Business section of the paper. Ever. Never have. Yuck.

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link in blogroll)

1. Taxman :: The Beatles
2. Material :: Fabric
3. Format :: Type
4. File cabinet :: Paperwork
5. Ignore :: Snub
6. Super! :: Fabu!
7. Fireproof :: Asbestos
8. Blockbuster :: Megahit
9. Snooper :: Nosey Parker
10. Good will :: PR

Patrick's Place

(Link in blogroll)
Saturday 6

1. Take the quiz: What Does Your Address Say About You?

Your Address Says You're Energetic

Right now, life seems to be brimming with opportunities... and you're excited for all of them. You are productive and creative. It makes you feel good to stay busy. At your best, you have a full schedule and lots to do. At your worst, you feel bored and aimless. Idle hands make you a bit crazy!

What Does Your Address Say About You?

And my response: ha ha ha.

2. How seriously are have you worked in the past month to change your life for the better, rather than living with the status quo?

My life, over the past month, has been a bit more occupied with reacting to major life changes (family illness/death, friends' illness/imminent death, new job responsibilities, potential unemployment in the household, changes in household responsibilities, you name it). I haven't seen status quo for six weeks. Not sure I'll recognize it when it pops up again.

3. How much has your life felt like it is "brimming with opportunities" in the past month, and have you seriously considered taking any of them?

Oh, there are loads of opportunities at work. I'm trying to jump on all of them, but it's getting more and more difficult as the stress ratchets up.

4. How important is becoming wealthy and successful, and has its level of importance changed at all in the past year?

I'm not at all interested in material wealth as a goal, but I would like to achieve (self-defined) success. The definition of success has been mutating lately, yes.

5. If your life could be placed on a scale that would balance between “work hard” and “play hard,” which side would be heaviest?

Work. Especially right now.

6. How much do you feel right now that you’re at some kind of crossroads?

I've found that in general the less one notices that things are changing, the more they actually seem to have changed looking back. Having said that, I'd say that right now I've got some pretty cataclysmic changes going on. I don't have a 4-way crossroads facing me; more like a five-level, six-lane cloverleaf intersection. Sigh.

Alternate Saturday 6

(Link in blogroll)
Landscapes

1. What’s the highest mountain you have ever climbed or walked up?

Uh...I grew up hiking around the mountains in Colorado, but I never did an intentional "mountain climb" per se. Was certainly up over timberline several times, but never started at sea level (inside joke). So, climbing to the top of Big Squaw Mountain in Maine would probably be the highest climb from base to top and back.

2. What is the biggest desert that you have been to?

I was in the Gobi Desert in January 1985. It was weird: basically looked like Wyoming, with camels. And colder than you would believe a desert could be!

3. What’s the biggest lake that you have ever visited?

Baikal. Same trip as the Gobi.

4. Where is the smallest island you have ever visited?

Ydra, and I'd go back in a heartbeat.

5. What’s the densest forest that you have ever been into?

Maine definitely wins this one for me. The woods in the norther part of the state are simply unbelievable. As far as the eye can see, even from the top of a mountain or an airplane: nothing but trees.

6. Out of all the cities that you have visited what is your favourite and why?

I adore London. I don't know why, but that place just makes me happy. I also love Denver (of course), Inverness, and Florence.

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in blogroll)

1. As bad as it may seem, this is not the end of the world.

2. Sitting here, listening to the sound of rain falling, I could really easily go to sleep.

3. Everything that is bad for us tastes so good!

4. Sometimes, putting others first is the best part of the day.

5.Life is breathtaking, really.

6. Well, maybe there is a good side to drinking too much.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to drinking more Stoli (after having had far too much already, I think), tomorrow my plans include going to Dinner by Design and having a cookout for family from out of town,and Sunday, I want to not have to go to work (but, unfotunately, I do have to do so)!

Friday 5

(Link in blogroll)
Usefulness

1. What’s something in your possession that has long outlived its usefulness?

I tend to get rid of things that fit this categorization. So, uh, maybe my tendency to over-worry.

2. Who in your life has proven to be a very useful person to know?

Myself. And my husband.

3. For group projects requiring collaborative planning and then collaborative execution, in what capacity are you most useful?

I'm really good at making lists. And making jokes.

4. What’s something someone gave you that you didn’t think much of but later became surprisingly useful?

Discipline (from my parents).

5. What is the most useful book in your house?

Either the dictionary or our personal phone book.

Thursday Thunks

(Link in blogroll)
...I can't think of a catchy title...

1. You walk into a store and the cashier is being held up by a robber. The robber's accomplice is dead on the floor at your feet with a shotgun laying next to him. The robber does not see you, but the cashier does - what do you do?

CALL 911 and duck the heck outta there! I'm so NOT a hero.

2. We go to an ice cream shop for an ice cream cone. You say you are buying and I am going to stay in the car. You ask me what I want and I say "surprise me", what kind of ice cream cone am I going to get?

Peppermint stick. Maybe birthday cake. But really, if it's a surprise, why would I tell you??

3. You have a dream that your co-worker, friend or whoever is hit by a garbage truck after they back into a ladder with a black cat on it. The next day you see that person standing by a ladder with a black cat on it and there is a garbage truck driving down the road.... what do you do?

Well, standing near a ladder with an animal on it isn't really smart, but I'd probably tell them to move without freaking out too much....

4. What is the most money you've won on a lottery or scratch off ticket?

I don't play.

5. A neighbor kid down the street comes to your door and offers to wash all of your windows outside for $10 - do you have him do it?

Sure. Just the ones on the first floor.

6. Go to Google Images. Type in the name of the last movie you saw. Post the first picture that comes up.
7. Your local animal shelter calls you and says there are 3 dogs that need an immediate foster home for 3 days. If you do not accept, the dogs are put down that day. Do you take them in?

I would hold them for a friend who can take them. I'm allergic to have them in my house, but I'd do it.

8. What is the messiest room in your home?

The office. No contest, unless you count Beast's workshop.

9. Have you ever been to a wedding that participated in a strange tradition that you had never heard of?

Yep. I was at a Mexican-Philippine wedding a few years ago that was really bizarre.

10. Name one sport that you just don't get.

Baseball. I understand it, but I find it excruciatingly dull. Especially on TV.

11. What was the last email that came into your inbox about?

Beast's flight number.

12. Have you ever purchased anything from a sex shop? Extra points if you tell us what it was....

Plock.

13. Go back to that Google Images link... type in the last food item that you ate. Post the 2nd picture it comes up with. 14. Got any bumper stickers on your vehicle? What are they?

I don't do bumper stickers. I'm too much of a perfectionist; they'd never be straight enough for me!

15. What meme question do you wish was never asked again?

"What's your favorite color?"

Patien...dammit

You Are Patient Enough

In most cases, you are patient enough to keep it together. You may feel impatient on the inside, but you don't usually let it show. However, if you're made to wait for too long, you will usually crack. You're only human, after all. You don't like for your patience to be tested.

Are You Impatient?

I think this is pretty lenient. I'm way less patient than this.

Urban

(Swiped from Kwizgiver)

Go to Urban Dictionary and type in your answer to each question in the search box, then write the first definition it gives you.

1) Your full first name?
[ . ] (I did my first initial only)
Generally, a blunt. can, in looser application, refer to any rolled marijuana receptor.


2) Your age?
45
.45 Caliber cartridge. Sometimes used to refer to the firearms that fire such cartridges.
11.4mm in diameter, the average .45 caliber bullet weighs half an ounce. [and it goes on and on for about 50 more lines...]


3) What should you be doing?
cleaning
The act of shoving everything in a closet and calling it decent.


4) Hometown:
[ . ] Can't tell you how surprised I am to find this 'defined'...
Also known as [ ]Tucky or [ ]Puddle. A town ... near a shallow puddle ..., which just so happens to be the largest [unnatural] lake in [the state]. If you like "[classic]" redneck [suburbs] this is the place for you.


5) Month of your Birthday:
November
The month in which the most babies are born. And which, by chance, is exactly nine months after February.


6) Last person you talked to on the phone:
Sparky
Electrical engineer.


7) Your last name:
[ . ] (I did the initial only)
Short for [ . ], the argument that the plan falls outside the resolution. A lot of judges don't really like [ . ], in spite of the fact that scientific laboratory instruments have shown that they're tards.


8) Your middle name:
[ . ] (I did the initial only)
The lazy person's version of many, many words, such as:

1. Yes
2. No
3. Correct
4. Hello
5. Goodbye
6. Fine thanks

The word, or letter, may prefix certain textual emoticons, which enhance its meaning.

It is however important to remember that the usage is context sensitive, so make sure you think before you speak.

Shorts

You Are Bermuda Shorts

You are sophisticated and classy. You always dress, speak, and act appropriately. You have a natural sense of style, and you always look good. You are a thoughtful, careful person. You always try to think before you act. You are very modest and humble. You may have a high opinion of yourself, but you don't let it show.

What Kind of Shorts Are You?

Right, well, yeah. I am, actually Bermuda shorts, sadly. But the description isn't exactly me.

The Queen's Meme

(Link in blogroll)
Mission Impossible

1. You are a guest on the space shuttle. You just arrived on the moon and realize you forgot something back home that you can't live without. What is it and how do you convince them to go back and fetch it?

I wouldn't be much use without my glasses, so if they have anything--anything!--on my schedule for the trip, we have to go back.

(Though, a) I'd never be on the space shuttle, and b) I'm not sure how I didn't notice I had forgotten them.)

2. Pretend you are a teacher in a rough public school for one day. You have been assigned to teach Manners 101. You have the "challenging bad butt kids" class (remember this is a pretend school and anyway I can't say ass on my blog 'cause it's so unQueenly and I might get fined or something).
They are jumping up and down, cursing, and throwing things at you.
What is the first thing you would write on the board?

"You have 10 seconds to sit down and be quiet, or I'm calling 911 from my cell phone"

3. Someone in your family or a friend has started a blog. They think it is anonymous but you have figured it out. They are saying derogatory things about you. Do you tell them or do you read it for awhile?
How would you handle it?

Oh, I'm reading it! I'm also likely to make a hard copy in WordPad of the stuff about me. Once I've got a few pages, I'd email it to them, or put it on their desk at work. And then wait to see what happened.

4. If you had one dollar left in your pocket, what would you spend it on?

Bus fare home. Or, around here, more likely I'd put it in someone's spare change bucket and drive home.

5. President Obama and the First Lady are coming over for dinner. What do you serve?

This time of year, we'd probably do a cookout: chicken, brats, burgers, potato salad and fruit.

6. You walk in on your lover. They are trying on your clothes. What do you do?

Scream at him to stop stretching everything out! And then freak out.

7. Every astronaut must have shots! Choose your vaccination: You only get one and you can't enjoy any of the attributes of the other choices. You choose either: (1) The fountain of eternal youth and sexual vigor but only for 10 years (2) perfect health for a lifetime (3) eternal mind-numbing nirvana and peace of mind (4) unlimited hedonism for one year with no negative consequences.

I'm going for #2. And I'm hoping for it to take effect RIGHT now so my eyes stop being so freakin' annoying every minute of the day....

QOTW

(Link in blogroll)

What are ten things that you like to do for fun? Would they have been on your list five years ago?

1. Blogging (yes)
2. Meming--which is technically a subset of blogging, but oh well (yes)
3. Watching CSI, Survivor, TAR (yes)
4. Facebook (no)
5. Volunteering (yes, different stuff now though)
6. Computer games (yes, though they've changed over time)
7. Playing with the guinea pig(s) (yes--though we had, like, six at that point, and we're down to one now. A different one, at that)
8. Reading (yes)
9. Listening to music (yes, but in a different way now, usually)
10. Crossword puzzles (yes)

Patrick's Place

(Link in blogroll)
Monday's Morals

You sell your car to someone who pays for it in advance and tells you he can’t actually take possession of the car for several weeks. You charged a fair price for the car based on the blue book value, with no warranty, and have cashed the check and paid off bills with the money. Weeks later, on the way to drop it off to the buyer, you discover that the air conditioner isn’t putting out cold air like it used to. Do you tell the person of your last-minute discovery? Why or why not?

I have to say that my first reaction was that I would probably drop by the garage on my way and have it recharged for him. I'm a sucker.

Where I live, "weeks later" would probably mean that at one end or another of this transaction, the a/c was not an issue--either when he paid, or when I was delivering it the weather was cool enough not to need a/c. That being the case, I would assume that nothing had changed since he bought it.

Then again, if the car was a junker I wouldn't do that. I mean, if he paid me $500 for the car, he's getting nothing but trouble anyway. There are, frankly, a lot of variables just like in any ethical question. Can you tell we did a LOT of Values Clarification exercises when I was in school? ;-)

I would try VERY hard not to get into this situation in the first place: once I've sold something to someone, I'd want it off my property so that stuff like this wouldn't happen. Imagine if someone had STOLEN it while the guy was dinking around on pickint it up! Whose fault would that be? Would my insurance cover his loss? My head hurts just thinking about this....

Manic Monday

(Link in blogroll)

When and with whom was your first kiss?

Intentionally romantic kiss: my high school boyfriend, probably in his car or on my front porch (No, I did NOT grow up in the 1950s, though I might as well have in some respects!). There were cutesy kisses before that, but I don't think those count (and I don't remember the earliest).

Do you believe that everything happens for a reason?

I believe we can take a lesson from everything that happens. I'm not sure the actual events are always very reasonable, though. I'm a bit of a deist that way. It's more "What can I learn from this?" more than "Why is this happening?"

What would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

"Hi. Come on in. The buffet is to the left. The library is to the right. Your loved ones are straight ahead waiting for you."

Curious as a Cat

(Link in blogroll)

1) Describe the worst job you've ever had? And your best?

The worst job I ever had was when I worked for PsychoBoss. What an introduction to full-time work, and professional librarianship! I outlasted her, but by the time I left (and moved to another state) I was sure I never EVER wanted to work in another library. Thank God I was wrong about that, but it took 2 years to cleanse my system.
The best job ever has been my job for the past 13 years, working in my current library, although I really loved temping the summers I did that. Every job was different.

2) Name the most terrifying moment of your life so far.

The short bursts of panic when I thought I'd lost Sparky at the store (or elsewhere) come to mind. I can't remember any long-term terror; I think I go immediately to "clinical" (i.e. shock) and don't realize till later that I should probably have been screaming my head off.

3) What are you wearing right now?

Tan cargo-capris, black III T-shirt ("Rock Solid Innovative"), underwear, glasses and a crappy rubber ban in my hair. Also, anklet, toe-ring and three finger rings.

4) 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

Welcome to my desktop background on my laptop at home. I love this photo! It's a sunset/sunrise shot well above the horizon someplace very flat. Could have been taken right outside my backdoor, if they hadn't built a house there. ;-)

Sunday Stealing

(Link in blogroll)
The Heretic Meme

1. Who was the last person of the opposite sex you lay in a bed with? My husband, duh.

2. Where was the last place you went out to eat? BK last night.

3. What was the last alcoholic beverage you consumed? Hmmm, maybe last Sunday's VT.

4. Which do you prefer - eyes or lips? I like both; they come in handy.

5. Medicine, fine arts, or law? Fine arts, I guess.

6. Best kind of pizza? Cold leftover deep dish.

7. What is in store for your future? Annoyance. And joy.

8. Who was the last band you saw live? I honestly don't remember.

9. Do you take care of your friends while they are sick? If and when they will let me. Most of them are pretty independent and stubborn.

10. How many songs are on your iPod? I don't have an iPod. My Zen has, perhaps, 100.

11. Where is the last place you drove to? I drove home from work yesterday, and before that of course I drove to work.

12. Where did your last kiss take place? Right here.

13. What were you doing at 11:59 PM on Monday night? I aws probably asleep.

14. Are you a quitter? Sometimes. I'm learning when to quit.

15. Who was the last person you had in your house? Presuming non-family, I would say J, the kid next door.

15. What do you think about people who party a lot? I think they will stop eventually, one way or another.

16. Does talking about sex make you uncomfortable? Yup.

17. What was the last CD you purchased? A couple of U2 CDs: the new one and Zooropa.

18. What are two bands or singers that you will always love? U2 and Nat King Cole.

19. Which of the seven deadly sins are you guilty of? I'm big on Sloth and Gluttony.

20. How is your last ex doing? From 24 years ago...? How the hell would I know?

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link in blogroll)

1. Banter :: Flirt
2. Amazing :: Shocking
3. Towel :: Washcloth
4. Cinema :: Movie
5. Newspaper :: Black and White
6. Not good :: Very bad
7. My type :: Not...
8. Twinkle :: Sparkle
9. Actress :: Star
10. Daft :: Mad

Patrick's Place

(Link in blogroll)
Saturday 6

1. In a moment of anger, someone close to you says something unkind: even after he or she apologizes, how easily do you let it go?

Welcome to my family. It doesn't even have to be in a moment of anger; we all have a distinct tendency toward tactlessness. And I let it go. Easy enough to do: we all live apart from one another, so there's really no point in making an issue out of it.
If it's someone I thought was a friend who said something really hurtful, I'd probably think it over (i.e., obsess over it for weeks) to decide if it was a reasonable statement. If not, I'd probably back off from a relationship with that person fairly sharply, or we'd have to talk it out.

2. Your boss criticizes you for something you’ve done wrong: how quick are you to put the criticism itself out of your mind?

It totally depends on how it was handled. I do NOT like to be corrected in front of others. Otherwise, I'm ok, unless I've got a serious stake in whatever I was told off about.

3. Take the quiz: Are You Thin-Skinned or Thick-Skinned?

When I took it in May, I was medium skinned, and it seems I still am.

4. As a general rule, are you more encouraging to others, or do others tend to be more encouraging to you?

I'd say it is about even.

5. If you’re on the fence about a decision, how likely is pressure to do what your friends want you to do going to affect your decision?

If it is overt pressure, I'm very likely to dig in and refuse. I'm mulish.

6. Think of the oldest thing said to you that "stings" for one reason or another that you haven’t completely let go of: how long ago did that happen?

I'm still trying to figure out PsychoBoss telling me that when I got hold of a problem I'm like a dog with a bone. This was part of my job evaluation one year, and in the discussion of my reference librarian skills. Uh, duh? Isn't this my JOB: to research the hell outta those questions? This was about 1990.

Saturday 9

(Link in blogroll)
Heatwave

1. It’s July. How has the weather been where you are?

It's been much cooler than normal here. One of my coworkers is losing her mind over the cool temperatures, and I'm not particularly happy either. It feels like northern Maine in June right now; last night's low was in the 50s!

2. What is the best way for you to beat the heat?

In the abstract, I stay inside, preferably in the basement. Or I go to work, where the daytime temperature never gets above 70. If I have to be outside, I make sure I stay hydrated.

3. “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.” Do you buy that?

Up to a certain temperature, yes. If your sweat glands can't work properly and evaporate to cool you, it's miserable. I like dry heat; humidity just kills me.

4. Do you like hot tubs or saunas?

RE saunas: see previous answer. I like hot tubs, and have been campaigning for one for eons.

5. What’s the hottest you’ve ever been?

In reality, probably close to 110, maybe more. I wasn't paying attention in AZ. But post-partum hormones were the worst I've ever felt.

6. How many times do you hit the beach in the summer?

I think over my entire lifetime, it might (might) average once a year. I'm not a beach person.

7. When you were a kid, what did you do in the summer?

Pretty much in order of time spent: moved the hose around the yards, oiled up with baby oil and 'tanned' in the yard, watched reruns, read, went on vacation with the family...

8. Surfing. Have you ever gotten on a surfboard? Body surf?

Since I can't swim, this would be a foolish thing to do, no?

9. What’s your favorite summer song?

The one I remember the best as a summer song is "How Bizarre." Over time, maybe "Cruel Summer"? I can't think of anything much else.

Four for Friday

(Link in blogroll)

Q1 - Degrees: Founded in 1976, the University of Phoenix -- a privately owned private for-profit institution of higher education -- has a current enrollment of 420,000+ students spread out over 200 campuses offering more than 100 degree programs at the associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels. When calculated by the federal standard used by the U.S. Department of Education, the University of Phoenix's overall graduation rate is 16%, which when compared to the national average of 55% is among the nation's lowest. Still, the University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, which the Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognize as a credible accrediting body for the nation's colleges and universities. Personally, do you view a degree from a college like the University of Phoenix as being less impressive or less valuable than a degree from a traditional college or university?

a) I don't think a degree from the University of Phoenix is worth the bandwidth it's printed on; b) the fact that it's accredited by these organizations makes we wonder about their credibility.

Q2 - Celebrity Personality: Which famous person's personality do you think most resembles your own?

Unfortunately, I fear I have a touch of the George Bush. However, in general, I'd say I identify a great deal with Meryl Streep's outlook on life.

Q3 - Health Care: Americans are unsure that a healthcare reform bill introduced this week is the solution to problems with the U.S. healthcare system, according to a poll created and commissioned by a public policy expert at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. By a 50[percent?]-42[percent?] margin, Americans oppose H.R. 3200 -- the House of Representatives' bill introduced July 14 to provide "affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending." Simple question... do you know enough about H.R. 3200 (officially titled "America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009") to say whether you support or oppose it?

No, I don't know enough about this to know if it's worthwhile, though my solution is to make the Congressional Health Plan available to everyone. Period.

Q4 - Age: If you've been telling yourself you're not old yet, you fit right in. No matter what their chronological age, most people say that they aren't yet "old" and that they feel younger than their birthday count, according to a new survey of 3,000 adults by the Pew Research Center. How old do you feel and how does that number stack up against your current age?

I feel just about my age. My mom told me when she was about 60, however, that it still surprised her when she looked in the mirror and saw 'an old lady.' I can identify a bit with that; I'm a little surprised to see myself lately.
[I think by the time she passed away that Mom definitely felt "her age" however.]

Friday 5

(Link in blogroll)
Scattergories

This week’s 5 is inspired by the party game Scattergories, in which players have to come up with items, all beginning with the same letter, in several categories. For example, if the die is rolled and shows the letter R, players might have to come up with a soft drink, a farm animal, a river, and a U.S. President, all beginning with R. Valid answers might be root beer, rooster, Rhine, and Roosevelt.

First, go to this nifty online random-letter generator. Set the “number of random letter sequences to generate” to 1. Set the “length of each random letter sequence” to 1. Leave the “letters to choose from” how it is and click the button. You’ll get a rather non-dramatic one letter. Use that letter to begin all your answers to the 5 questions below.

Alternately, if you find that boring, you could set the “length of each random letter sequence” to 5, thereby giving you five letters, a different one for each question.

What random letter was generated by the online random-letter generator? (this doesn’t really count as one of your five questions)

V
Oh shit.

1. With what famous person, whose name begins with the letter, would you most like to be stuck on a desert island?

Virginia Dare. She has some experience in being stranded in a foreign place. Or Rudolph Valentino: nice looking and silent. ;-)

2. What food item, whose name begins with the letter, can always be found in your pantry

Vanilla.

3. What song, whose title begins with the letter, always makes you feel good?

"Voice of Truth" (Casting Crowns)

4. What is your least-favorite film whose title begins with the letter?

I've only seen one, I think ("Vertigo") and I enjoyed it, so...working with this list, it would probably be "Vanilla Sky."

5. What unusual animal, whose name begins with the letter, would be a fun pet?

I'm in the sort of mood today when a velociraptor sounds rather interesting, assuming it could be trained. Normally, I'd say a vicuña.

Food 4 Thought Friday

(Link in blogroll)

Breakfast
What is looming on your to do list right now?

HOME: family archives (I must get it all back out and finish it), cleaning my desk, organizing the kitchen bookshelf...
WORK: Finish Continuations spreadsheet and check it, finish figuring out new ordering system, CATALOG for a change!, learn how to do evaluations, clear my desk off, redesign my workflow and that of Tech Service as a whole...
So, yeah, not much. Mind you, all of this is hanging fire RIGHT NOW, not in the next few months. I need a drink now.

Lunch
What was your life like this week?

Frustrating, sad, annoying--with spots of joy.

Dinner
What is a fear you currently have?

That my eyes are going to stop functioning completely. I feel like they are (pardon the analogy) limping along with blisters, ready to give out at any second.

Midnight SnackWhen is the last time you took time for yourself?

Far. Too. Long. Unless you count dorking around on the computer, of course.

Recipe of the Week (instead of your recipe for life, what is it just for this week?)

Break the habit of checking Fb at work, turn off Twitter at work, tone down the ADD stuff, and focus!

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in blogroll)

1. Peanut butter and (local) honey and an apple make[s] a quick and easy dinner. [and breakfast, for that matter]

2. "Every Man Dies Alone" by Hans Fallada is the book I'm reading right now.

3. July brings back memories of holidays, birthdays, weddings, and HEAT.

4. I wish my course of action always was obvious.

5. They say if you tell your dreams (or at least write them down) you'll remember them longer. Seems true for me.

6. I need to learn to take time to think it over.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to hanging out with Sparky, maybe watching NCIS Season 1 , tomorrow my plans include working and maybe more NCIS, and Sunday, I want to relax!

Thursday Thunks

(Link in blogroll)
Heterochromia, A Haunted Earth and The Dungeon

1. Do you know anyone with heterochromia? Does it freak you out or do you think it's interesting?

I'm not sure I've ever met anyone with different colored eyes, but I do think it would be interesting, albeit slightly disconcerting at first. Then it would be normal.

2. Should a 5th face be added to Mount Rushmore? If so, who?

No. Can we just stop defacing (pun intended) the world?

3. If you could live on any planet other than earth, which one would you choose and why?

I don't think I could live on another planet, there being limited amounts of oxygen. So I'll stay put. I like the weather here.

4. We're going to spend the night at a reportedly haunted location; are you going with us? If so, which reportedly haunted place are we going?

Sure. Let me grab my air mattress and earplugs and I'll be right there. Wherever. Since I don't really believe in 'hauntings' I'll let you guys pick the location.

5. Did you play The Queen's Meme this week? If so, was it fair of The Queen to put Berleen in the dungeon by association with Kimber? (We all know Kimber deserved it, but Berleen?!)

I did play, but really I have NFI what you're talking about.

6. What color is the towel(s) hanging in your bathroom?

Powder room: medium gray. Our bathroom: hand towel: mostly white. Bath towels: dark blue. Sparky's bathroom: dark green.

7. Tell us something funny that happened to you recently.

Uhh... my life = not too funny lately. Maybe seeing people I never, ever, would have expected to meet at ALA on Saturday. Freaky.

8. We just bought you a cow. Do you kill it & grill it, feed it & milk it, or sell it?

I'd sell it. I don't have a pasture, and I wouldn't kill a cow, unless it wasn't a dairy cow.

9. It's 115 degrees outside (46 degrees Celsius), are you able to go without Air Conditioning?

For how long? I could, though I'd definitely be uncomfortable. And I wouldn't want to do it for very long, but as long as I had ample water and some shade, I'd be ok.

10. When you visit the zoo do you wonder which animal tastes better with a bit of butter & spices?

Nope. Not why I'm at the zoo.

11. Dog ate your homework/work papers. Does it crap out Shakespeare, quantum physics, or just crap?

Well, crap, I guess. Shredded paper in the crap, but crap all the same.

12. We are taking you to a Broadway show, what are we going to see?

I would still like to see Stomp. That's how far behind I am. ...sigh.

13. Gunshots in your neighborhood. Pop, pop, pop. Do you go out to take a look, or hide?

Gunshots in the area are not unusual. People hunt in the woods nearby, and lots of people are just STUPID around here. I stay inside during hunting season and around holidays.

The Queen's Meme

(Link in blogroll)
The Blog Outside The Box Meme

1. You are in court. You are in deep doo-doo. What did you do? ('Cause if you want, I might could talk to the judge and get your sentence reduced to Bloggingham dungeon time.)

I'm sure my mouth got me in trouble. That's usually what happens.

2. Your blog just became a best-selling book. What is the title of your book?

Probably the same as the title of the blog. I'm not all that creative.

3. It is midnight. The phone rings. It is Michael Jackson calling from the Great Beyond. What would you like to ask him?

I'm bummed it's a phone call. I'd want him to come over and dance for me. Really, the only thing I'd ask him is whether he felt he'd lived the life he was meant to live, whether he was at peace now (if he's calling me, probably not), and who was the doctor who did so much damage to his face.

4. You are having your future told. The fortune teller looks in the crystal ball, screams and leaves the room in fright. What did they see?

The prospects of receiving her fee from me disappearing. I wouldn't ever do this. Waste of money.

5. You're blogging along minding your own blusiness (that's blog + oh...you know) when Google unexpectedly puts a Objectionable Content Warning on your blog. Your own mother is afraid to enter! What, pray tell, did you do to warrant it? How did this happen? Do you think you deserve it? Just how objectionable are you? Do tell.

I'm not objectionable. This wouldn't happen, unless they started dinging sites for foul language. I do swear a lot on my blog(s), way more than I do in real life. So basically, this is a Google error. Do I care? No, and besides my mother never in a million years thought I had a blog, nor would I have given her the URL.

6. You suddenly become God Of The Universe. What would your first Commandment be?

Fire me. Find someone who wants the job.

7. And finally, what secret would you like to tell the Queen?
Not to worry. What happens in Bloggingham, stays in Bloggingham.

Yes, I am frequently this snarky on my meme responses. It's NOT a reflection on the questions (not this time anyway! heh). I have cranky days, and this is one of them.

Cold food

You Are a Snow Cone

You are lighthearted, playful, and optimistic about the world. You're always having fun, and you're not the type to turn down anything sweet. People might be surprised to know that you're very sensitive. Even though you put on a brave face, your feelings are easily wounded.

What Frozen Treat Are You?

Boy, those last two lines are definitely right!!

Curious as a Cat

(Link in blogroll)

1) What is the most hideous scent you can think of?

I can't stand the smell of creeping charlie. And skunk...omg...just, omg...especially up close.

2) If you were a character in any spy novel, who would you be?

Well, of course, I'd be the strong, silent, heroic type. Ever notice that this character is always male? Yeah, that's why I don't read many spy novels. If we expand this a little to include mysteries, I want to be V.I. Warshawski (not the Kathleen Turner incarnation).

3) Whose smile can most easily persuade or seduce you?

Oh, I'm really pretty easy: a joy-filled kid can get me to do anything. Fortunately, most of 'em don't realize it or my life would be hell.

4) 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

For some reason, this first reminded me of the refugees after our departure from Vietnam. Then I wondered if it was a Somalian pirate launch. Whatever it is, it gives me the willies--I'd never get on that boat willingly.

Patrick's Place

(Link in blogroll)
Monday's Morals

You’re spending the day with a person with some kind of disability, but who is having no problem getting around on this particular day. You run errands with the person, and you wind up at a store with a large parking lot. You see one single open handicapped parking space close to the door, and one otherwise good space just one row further away. Your friend pulls out a handicapped placard to hang on your rear-view mirror. Since they’re clearly having a good day with no pain and no difficulty at all in getting around, would you take the one remaining handicapped space available, or the space one row over, or would you even suggest not taking the handicapped space? Why?

The day isn't over yet. Disabilities can flare. Any second of any day can bring a change. The lighting, the floor covering, the temperature in the store may cause a problem that makes walking out to the car at the end of the trip next to impossible. And if someone should run into you rounding a corner at the end of an aisle...all bets are off.

Years and years of living and working and being related to people with minor and major physical problems (and being one myself temporarily) has made me understand that no one (NO ONE) can tell anyone how they are feeling more clearly than the person's body itself. I wouldn't dare to question someone. How exactly do you know they aren't in pain? Do you know what medications they took to get through the day, and how long they last, and whether they rested for the past two days just so they would have a marginally "normal" day today?

I walked for two blocks in the city with a dear friend of mine on Saturday. She had to stop 4 times to breathe. She doesn't "look sick" except for being extremely pale. She related to me that other friends had held a place in line for her that morning while waiting for a bus and she sat on a planter a few feet away. When the bus arrived and people prepared to board, she walked over to her friends to board. Several people behind them in line muttered about her "cutting." She could barely get up the steps into the bus and nearly fainted in the aisle. But of course, those people behind her in line, who were clearly in better health than she currently is, presume to be MUCH better doctors for her than her own body. Do you know what she told me as we walked those two blocks in the afternoon? The worst part isn't being so ill, or having to take things slowly. The worst part is feeling like you have a target on your back; ANYone can say/do anything to you and fighting back at all simply costs too much effort.

Yes, it steams me when able-bodied people abuse privileges meant for others (like my dad using my mom's placard after her stroke--it drove. me. nuts!). But I no longer assume. Because you know what that does, right?

QOTW

(Link in blogroll)
From Snarkland

Have you or your family been affected by a natural disaster?

I can't think of anything. We've been affected by extreme cold and extreme wind, but not in a tragic way, just in a "everyone pitch in and clean up" way. Lost power for a few days once in awhile. Yeah, we've really been blessed. I just don't take chances when the sirens go off around here....

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link in blogroll)

1. Sister :: Brother
2. Talks :: Speaks
3. Electric! :: Walt Whitman
4. Corner :: ...Pocket
5. Turnstile :: Entrance
6. Swap :: Trade
7. Young :: ...Guns
8. Horrific :: Tragic
9. Block :: City...
10. Wind :: Breeze

Sunday Stealing

(Link in blogroll)
The "I've Come to Realize" Meme

1. I’ve come to realize that my chest-size. . .is just another number in my life.

2. I’ve come to realize that my job. . .is pretty cushy, and fun.

3. I’ve come to realize that when I’m driving. . .I like to know where I'm going, but I don't necessarily need to know how I'm getting there.

4. I’ve come to realize that I need. . .to reliquish control sometimes.

5. I’ve come that realize that I have lost. . .about the same amount as I've gained.

6. I’ve come to realize that I hate it when. . .people get that preachy tone in their voices.

7. I’ve come to realize that if I’m drunk. . .there's probably a really good reason for it. It happens, maybe, once a year.

8. I’ve come to realize that money. . .buys comfort but not much of anything else.

9. I’ve come to realize that certain people. . .are not worth fighting with.

10. I’ve come to realize that I’ll always. . .have to answer to myself.

11. I’ve come to realize that my sibling(s). . .are all going to die before me.

12. I’ve come to realize that my mom. . .loved me, though it was frequently VERY hard for me to see or acknowledge.

13. I’ve come to realize that my cell phone. . .will never be the coolest, newest trendy one around.

14. I’ve come to realize that when I woke up this morning. . .I no longer cared how messy my house is. Cuz, really, it's not that bad.

15. I’ve come to realize that last night before I went to sleep. . .I should have turned off the ceiling fan.

16. I’ve come to realize that right now I am thinking. . .about very little, so maybe my answers are deeper than they would be if I were 'working' on them.

17. I’ve come to realize that my dad. . .wasn't quite as perfect as I thought when he was alive.

18. I’ve come to realize that when I get on Facebook. . .I can expect to be there for hours (if I'm at home).

19. I’ve come to realize that today. . .will pass. Always.

20. I’ve come to realize that tonight. . .will be fun. Strange, but probably a hoot.

21. I’ve come to realize that tomorrow. . .doesn't always come, but usually it does.

22. I’ve come to realize that I really want to. . .learn to appreciate and enjoy life.

23. I’ve come to realize that the person mostly likely to repost this is. . .no one. And that's ok.

24. I’ve come to realize that life. . .is more fun than the average rollercoaster, though it shares a lot of the same characteristics.

25. I’ve come to realize that this weekend. . .we have to give our mission trip report at church.

26. I’ve realized the best music to listen to when I am upset. . .depends on why I'm upset. If it's anger, I need loud, angry music. If it's sadness, either boppy dance music or Christian rock. If I'm sleepy, music I can sing and dance to...etc.

27. I’ve come to realize that my friends. . .love me, though God knows why sometimes.

28. I’ve come to realize that this year. . .I've been married half my life.

29. I’ve come to realize that me [sic] exes. . .are strangers to me.

30. I’ve come to realize that maybe I should. . .stop using the world "should."

31. I’ve come to realize that I love. . .kids. All kids. They make me smile, or at least make me remember that knowledge that life is ALL ahead of me.

32. I’ve come to realize that I don’t understand. . .cranky, negative people. They annoy me, they piss me off, and they are toxic to me.

33. I’ve come to realize my past. . .doesn't have to predict my future.

34. I’ve come to realize that parties. . .are precisely as much fun as I make them for myself and others.

35. I’ve come to realize that I’m totally terrified. . .of beoming 100% dependent on anyone.

36. I’ve come to realize that my life. . .is pretty good.

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link in blogroll)

1. Independence :: Freedom
2. Meltdown :: Freakout
3. Vulture :: Buzzard
4. Hope :: Despair (pertains to a book I just finished--two towns with those names)
5. Float :: Waft
6. Hole :: ...in-the-Wall Gang
7. Trespass :: Sin (can you tell I'm headed to church?)
8. Moving :: Leaving
9. Extinct :: Died Out
10. Alligator :: Crocodile

Three at a time

(Found here)

1. What are you doing tonight? Making fruit salad.
2. What was the last thing you ate?Did you enjoy it? A Starburst. I need to go make myself some dinner....
3. Would you ever want a bowling alley in your basement? Nope. Too noisy, and it would require a bigger basement than I'm interested in having.
4. Do you wear hoop earrings? Not very often but I have a couple of pairs.
5. Do you know any professional athletes personally? I don't even know any IMpersonally!
6. What color would you design your dream kitchen? Green and tan.
7. What is your heritage? American.
8. If you had the chance to change your name at birth, what would you change it to? I'm so over worrying about my name.
9. Do you have a maid? Do Beast and Sparky count??
10. Are there any candles burning in the room you're in? I lit one in the dining room, so not really, but I can see it from where I'm sitting.
11. What was the last animal you touched? Therapy dog at the nursing home.
12. What can you hear right now? TV.
13. Are you craving anything at the moment? Solitude.
14. Do you need to empty your trashcan? Nope.
15. When was the last time you had cake? What kind was it? Honestly don't remember. We had loads of cake at my former boss's retirement party last month.
16. What are sitting on? Sofa.
17. When did you last have a stomachache? Comes and goes, different kinds. Right now, I'm hungry, but I had a tension stomachache last week.
18. Where is your significant other at the moment? Ten feet from me in his chair.
19. Have you ever smoked pot? If no, would you? No, and it sounds quite helpful right now.
20. Who's house did you last sleep at, besides your own? My sister’s.
21. What clothing store did you last visit online? Uhm, I don't shop for clothes online, so I have no idea whatsoever.
22. Is it dark outside? Nope. It's lovely out: 7 p.m. on a summer's night.
23. What shoes did you wear today? My sparkly, beaded sandals.
24. If you could pull it off, what hair color would you want to have? Auburn. Or white.
25. Would you ever hire a make-up artist? Nah.
26. Do you think you would make a great CEO? Uh, negatory.
27. How about a Lawyer? I could fake it, if I had a good paralegal.
28. What is the theme of your living room? "Theme"?? It's comfortable.
29. When did you last watch Boy Meets World? Like, never.
30. Would you like to go to Paris? Not particularly, but I suppose I should just get it crossed off my list, eh?

***

***
1) If you were given a pencil and paper, what would be the first thing you would draw or write? A list. Not sure what...grocery? Things I should be doing instead of this?
2) What do you think of the Nick Jr. show, Yo Gabba Gabba? I think I'm too old for it.
3) What dish do you know how to prepare? From scratch? Apple pie, mac-n-cheese, the whole Thanksgiving meal (and, therefore, all its components), bread, spaghetti (well, sorta from scratch), pizza (ditto), broiled/baked fish....
4) When you forget things, how do you try to remember? Backtrack mentally, or physically, till it pops back in. However, more often than not lately, I just can't remember.
5) What's your best memory of school? Marching band practice.
6) What band did you like before they became popular? Phranc. I don't think she's popular yet. Also--and ditto--Vinnie James.
7) What's something you used to do as a kid, but no longer do today? Jumprope.
7) is on the way to the fireworks.
8) Do you still have some movies on VHS? Four or five.
9) What would be the first thing you and your best friend would do together? Hug.
10) What do you normally order at McDonald's? Bacon-egg-cheese bagel.
11) What video game do you PWN at? Yeah, none.
12) What do you think of when you hear the words, "This Is How We Do?" I think of my bossy relatives and friends.
13) If we continue doing what we're doing today, do you think the world will still have a future? The planet is unlikely to die because of us. Humans may not have much future, I suppose.
14) What's your favorite dinosaur? Pterodon. Inside family joke.
15) Do you wear something on your feet at hotels? Usually. Except when I'm climbing into bed or the shower.
16) How often do you daydream? Not often enough.
17) Do you have a creative imagination? Prolly.
18) What movie creeps you out? "Psycho" (the original one, of course)
19) If you had a baby, would you be prepared to take care of it? Of course.
20) Would you have it? Get an abortion? Give it up for adoption? The only way I'm having a baby is if someone thrusts one into my hands and runs like hell. So, of course, I'd try to find the critter's family and if that failed, I just do my best to raise it.

***
***

1. Are you under the age of 30? No.
2. Are you under the age of 20? {snort} ...hardly
3. Do you own a Phish album, or taped show? No.
4. Do you own both an album and a taped show? No. I'm not even sure I could identify a Phish song.
5. How many records do you own?50? 80? No clue. They're all in storage.
6. Have you ever broken up a fight at school? Uh, yeah.
7. Have you ever been called "hippie" as an insult, but said "thank you"? Nope. Though I could certainly think of worse--and less appropriate--things to be called.
8. How many pieces of hemp jewelry, or clothing do you own? I think my last hemp necklace died over a decade ago.
9. Are you a vegetarian? Well, I EAT them, but I'm not exclusive about it.
10. Are you a vegan? Gah, no.
11. Do you know what a vegan is? I do. Hence the "gah" above.
12. Do you own a lava lamp, a black light poster, glow stars, or love beads? I'd LOVE a lava lamp!! But, sadly, no.
13. Do you own all of the above? No.
14. Do you ever wear hand made clothing, jewelry, etc.? Sometimes.
15. Can you recite at least some of the lyrics to more than 20 Beatles songs? Is there really anyone between the ages of about 40 and 70 who can't?
16. If no, can you recite 10 - 20? See above.
17. If no, can you recite 1 - 9? See above.
18. Can you recite some lyrics to any Beatles songs? Yes, I fucking can. Stop it! Do you want me to WRITE some lyrics? Cuz, yeah, that's a totally different question. So, then: "And anytime you feel the pain / Hey Jude, refrain / Don't carry the world upon your shoulders / For well you know that its a fool who plays it cool / By making his world a little colder." {words to live by, eh?}
19. Do you know who Allen Ginsberg is? I've a vague idea, yes. {eyeroll}
20. Did you cry when he died? No.
21. Can you play a musical instrument? A couple, passably. Several others, badly.
22. Can you play the accoustic guitar (I'm not talking about being able to play Mary Had A Little Lamb, I'm talking REAL songs)? Uh, no.
23. Have you written poems about the beauty of life? No. My poems have nothing to do with emo.
24. Have you recently written poems about how life sucks? Nope. See previous answer.
25. Do you use the words, "groovy", "far out", or "trippy" in your daily life? No. When I do use any of those, I'm totally ironic.
26. Do you own a pair of Birks? No. {shudder}
27. Have you ever marched in a peace march? No, but I would.
28. Do you wear fur? I would if it were cold enough.
29. Do you wear leather? I looooooovvve leather!!
30. Do you constantly burn incence? No. Beast can't stand it at all.
31. Does Bob Dylan's voice gives you nice goosebumps? No, but it gives me nausea.
32. Have you ever worn real flowers in your hair? Not for years and years. My wedding veil had (fake) flowers in it, actually.
33. Would you join a commune? I'd rather register as a Republican!
34. Do you know who sang the theme to "The Wonder Years"? What is the theme song for that show? I never watched it. [having now looked up the title of the song, the answer is Joe Cocker...]
35. Have you ever seen the movie, or listened to the music of "Woodstock"? Have seen many clips, and know most of the songs played at, Woodstock.
36. Can you can finish the words to this song..."And its one, two, three, what are we fighting for?" Ayup: "Don't ask me, I don't give a damn / Next stop is Vietnam / It's five, six, seven / Open up the pearly gates..."
37. How many articles of tie dyed clothing do you own? None. I threw away the T-shirt I got at Joe Cocker's restaurant a couple of years ago.
38. Do you know what Wicca is? Yes.
39. Have you ever meditated? I have. It's not my thing.
40. Did you want Bob Dole to win? He won the war, lost his arm, and I did vote for him in the primary. Figured he'd be easier for the Dems to beat.
41. How many inches of hair reaches past your shoulders? None. My hair is shoulder-length.
42. Does make-up feel icky on your face? Yup. And then it makes my face LOOK icky.
43. Is your bed is just a mattress on the floor? No, I'm a grown-up, thanks.
44. Is your bed just a futon? No, but Sparky's is.
43. Have you have ever worn glitter on your face? Possibly. Not for a million years.
44. Do you think a socialist is a person who parties a lot? No, but Socialists join Parties regularly.

***

***
1. So how is your day going? OK. Boring. yay
2. What are you having for dinner tonight? Leftover pizza.
3. Do you ever watch the show "Sex With Mom and Dad"? OMG no! It sounds awful.
4. Doesn't it gross you out? The title certainly does.
5. Do you have your own computer? I do.
6. Have you ever truly been in love? Yup.
7. If so, how did you know? At the risk of sounding like a bad country song, I don't know if I could live without him.
8. Have you ever been given a promise ring? The one time one was promised to me, I ran for the hills.
9. What's your least favorite ice cream flavor? Am NOT a fan of anything very very chocolatey.
10. What about your least favorite gummy bear color? They're all the same to me.
11. How many people have you had sex with? The previous person said, "None of your business." I concur.
12. What upcoming movie do you really want to see? Looking forward to Harry Potter.
13. Have you ever been clubbing? Not for decades.
14. Out of everyone you know, who has the weirdest name? My grandfather. No, I'm not telling you what it was.
15. Have you ever been told you're a good kisser? I have.
16. How old were you when you first drank alcohol? My sister brought wine to Thanksgiving one year when I was around 11 or 12. It was Blue Nun. YUCK.
17. Do you know anyone who's straight edge? Yup.
18. If you're American, who are you voting for? Depends on who is running (but I voted wholeheartedly for Obama last fall).
19. What do you think about the war in Iraq? We've been there way too long.
20. And how about abortion - pro life or pro choice? Pro-choice.
21. What's your favorite Disney movie of all time? It will come as no surprise to ANYone who knows me that I love "The Lion King."
22. Describe how your room is decorated: My bedroom? It's blue and sandy-tan, with loads of water-related paitings, photos and decor. The headboard of the bed is teak, the nightstands are oak, and the dressers are fucking HIDEOUSLY UGLY and fake wood. It's all very dusty. Should be taking care of that now. Oh well.
23. Don't you just hate the Jonas Brothers? I have nothing personally against them.
24. Do you like myspace or facebook? I loathe MySpace, and I'm on Fb all day. Just ask Steven.
25. In pictures do you always do a peace sign? How about never?
26. How old do you wish you were? 25.
27. Who do you text most often? Sparky.
28. Currently, what are your favorite lyrics? "And I, I'm desperate for you / And I, I'm I'm lost without you" ("Breathe," Michael W. Smith)
29. What's the worst book you've ever had to read for school? Moby Dick, The Leatherstocking Tales, and anything by Hemingway are clustered together at the bottom.
30. Do you have any regrets? I've had a few. Can't believe I'm quoting Frank....

Saturday 9

(Link in blogroll)
Yankee Doodle Dandy

1. What is your favorite 4th of July memory? (If you aren't in the U.S., then use your own national holiday.)

The day before I got married, my sister had a party at her house with all the family members who were in town for the wedding. It was hotter than heck, but absolutely the most fun. I wish today I could go back to that day, more than my wedding day which was lovely but very artificial. Having a bad bout of missing my sister suddenly.

2. Do you consider yourself patriotic?

I am, but I'm not rabid about it.

3. Do you like fireworks?

Meh, I can take 'em or leave 'em.

4. What are your plans for this weekend?

I went in to work for a few hours this morning in a (mostly failed) attempt to catch up after so much time off. We're hanging out doing nothing the rest of the day. I need to start the salad for tomorrow, when we're going to my niece and nephew's for a get-together. We'll probably go to church too. We'll see. If we do, I'm voting for arriving late and leaving early.

5. Are you optimistic about the future?

In general, yes. Otherwise, I'd probably be suicidal, no?

6. Do you think everyone should serve in the military?

No. I do, strongly, believe that everyone should do some time in service to their country and/or community in their lifetime, a la Americorps.

7. Would you support a constitutional ban on flag burning?

Ab so lute ly NOT.

8. What end of the political spectrum are you?

Can't you tell? After that last answer it should be obvious that I'm a raging pinko Commie! (a.k.a. Democrat)

9. Where do you get your news?

Beast, the net, and "the water cooler." I watched the news more at my sister's house this week than I have in ages and all I ended up with was heartburn from the extreme inanity of it all.

And now I have the title song stuck in my head...yay?

Patrick's Place

(Link in blogroll)
Saturday 6

1. What was the very first pet you ever had? How close were you to that pet?

We had a parakeet when I was really little--pre-elementary school aged--called Peppy. I wasn't all that close to him, either literally or figuratively. He came with the family I was 'assigned' as far as I could tell and since he was hanging considerably higher than I could see without machination, I mostly ignored him. I know I didn't really get all the worked up when he died.

2. What is the most unusual pet you’ve had?

We had zebra finches for awhile in the late 80s, and bred them. It was fun, but they were noisy & MESSY!

3. How many different kinds of animals have you owned and which type do you think acted the closest to you?

The parakeet, a terrier, (Beast had hermit crabs in college, but we weren't married then), the finches, the shepherd mix, the guinea pigs. Which one behaves like me? Probably the terrier. Maybe the finches. ;-)

4. Take the quiz: What Pet Are You Like?

You Are Like a Horse

You are strong, steady, and devoted. You are a good partner. You are gentle and sensitive. You can be easily frightened. You are usually quite stable, but you do have a wild streak that comes out from time to time. You are cooperative and not a solitary creature. You like to be around others.

What Pet Are You Like?

I've italicized the parts I agree with but overall...uhm, WTF? As for being with others, I don't mind it, generally. Right now, however, I really want to be completely alone for awhile. Like days.

5. Do you have any desire to have an "exotic" pet? If so, what exotic pet would you most likely choose?

If it's furry, I'm probably allergic. I'm not a fan of fish. That leaves reptiles...not real interested there either. So I think I'll pass on the exotics. Maybe hermit crabs? [yawn]

6. Which exotic pet would you least likely own?

Any kind of large mammal, i.e. felines, chimp, etc. Really, I don't see the point of owning something 'exotic.' I'd give just about ANYthing to be able to have a dog.

Friday 5

(Link in blogroll)
Fireworks

1. How do you feel about fireworks displays?

I can live with the professional ones once or twice a year. They aren't my most favorite-est thing in the universe, not by a long shot. Homegrown fireworks make me 100% insane. There are people near our neighborhood who set off fireworks practically every weekend during the summer, and at Christmas, New Year's, Easter, birthdays, etc. This time of year, it's EVERY. SINGLE. NIGHT. And some days.

I probably didn't get so worked up about fireworks before we lived here, and I'm sure I appreciated the shows more. Except for the mosquito factor, of course.

2. What were the details surrounding one of your mishaps with fire?

I inadvertantly left a candle lit when I went to bed one night eight or so years ago. It set off the smoke detector at 1 or 2 a.m. because the "seashells" embedding in it caught fire. I walked into the bathroom and was confronted with a 2-foot flame. Fortunately--since I was mostly still asleep--whatever I did (dumping it into the sink after I turned the water on? I have no idea) doused the flame and there was no damage to anything but my sleep that night. Beast was out of town; Sparky slept through the smoke alarm.

3. Who in your life could be described as a real firecracker?

Me? My sister Ellen came to mind immediately. I dunno--this is not a term I use for people. I usually prefer "pistol" and it's NOT complimentary.

4. When did you last feel you were being put on display?

Every time I go somewhere to do with Beast's workplace I feel this way. Ugh. Fortunately, it's not terribly often.

5. How confident are you in your barbecue skills?

Not very. I don't staff the grill. In fact, I'm not sure how it turns on and off. And I don't like BBQ that much anyway. We mostly just use the grill for steaks, burgers, and brats.