Thursday Thunks

(Link in meme-roll)
This week we will answer some crazy questions brought to you by Kimber, the color of cooked crab, and the number 544.

1. It's the first of April, do you play April Fool's jokes on anyone?

No. I'm not really much of a fan. I think the whole thing stopped being entertaining when I was still in the single digits age-wise.

2. Do you like to eat sardines?

YUCK! No, though I think they are bearable in a Greek restaurant. Yes, I'm that odd.

3. Have you ever played racketball?

Nope. I think I'm unlikely to start soon. But, isn't it spelled racquetball?

4. If eating at a fast food joint that has a dollar menu, do you order a bunch of different dollar items or just go ahead and get a regular meal?

I get a regular meal, at least when I'm not counting calories.

5. Have you ever taken a brand new pencil and sharpened it in an electric sharper until it was almost gone just because you were bored?

No, I'm too Scotch for that sort of waste.

6. Do you have any old broken computers still sitting around your home?

We have a pretty aged laptop we almost never use anymore, but it has a floppy AND a CD drive so it does occasionally come in handy.

7. Ricky Martin came out this week stating he is gay. Were you shocked, had a feeling, "who?" or just didn't care?

Duh, of course, and who cares: he's still absolutely frickin' gorgeous! I don't want to boink him, just look at him.

8. If marijuana is legalized, do you think it should have a luxury tax added onto it?

Yes, with the exception of medical marijuana. I hope they sell it at 7-11. :-)

9. What's the oddest thing you have sitting on your computer desk right now or where ever it is you may be sitting with a laptop (you could be sitting at a Starbucks with an alien from Mars for all we know)?

I don't use a computer desk at home; I sit on the sofa with my feet up. So, yeah, the weirdest thing in the vicinity is my son, at the other end of the couch. At work, the oddest thing at my desk is probably the Burqa Furor poster. Or the rubber rats.

10. Have you ever bumped into a former lover and found out they were now gay or straight depending on your relationship with them?

Ah, no. However, one of the first guys I had a crush on (when I wasn't competing to the death with him academically) is rumored to be gay. And I've been wrong going the other direction as well.

11. Have you ever held a tarantula?

{{Shudder}} No, really: {{shudddd-dddderrrrrr}}

12. Shower- curtain, door, walk-in, or do you just roll around in the dirt to get the stink off?

lol We have curtains in our showers. I take a lot of baths, too...in water, not dirt!

13. Which commercial is the most annoying to you on TV or radio?

1) ALL of the Burger King "King" ads. Worst campaign ever--I will not buy from BK till that "King" is gone gone gone.
2) The new Staples ads: "Wow! That's a low price!" Shoot me. I literally scream and practically destroy the remote slamming the mute button.

Caff

You Are Flexible

During your downtime, you like to find something new to experience and to inspire you. You secretly wish that you could be a more knowledgeable person. There are a dozen things you'd like to get your PhD in. You feel optimistic about the world [usually], and you feel like you deal with everyday life well [usually]. You hardly notice problems. You are inspired by high energy. Being around other creative, productive people really motivates you.

The Cafe Test

I am inspired by other things, also.

The Queen's Meme

(Link in meme-roll)
The What Not Meme

What NOT To Do when you’re…..

1. On a first date -- Belch, order spaghetti or salad, or talk about your weird family members.

2. Intoxicated -- Try to convince anyone that you're FINE, JUS' FUCKIN' FINE!

3. In the shower -- Brush your teeth. Pee.

4. At your ex’s wedding -- Be there. I mean, with few exceptions, why would you wanna be there??

5. In jail -- Speak to anyone other than your attorney.

6. Being stalked -- Talk to the creep.

7. Stuck to an igloo --Uh, what could you do while stuck to an igloo? OK, I guess it wouldn't be wise to antagonize a passing polar bear.

8. In sewing class -- Sit down on your sewing. Trust me. It's not good.

9. Asleep in a helium balloon -- I think it's too late. Falling asleep would be a stunningly bad idea.

10. At a birthday party for twins -- Mix up who is who. And bringing one gift "to share" would be a bad idea too.

11. On a nude beach -- Open your eyes. I mean, if I'm there and nude, you really don't want to see that!

12. At the opera -- Sing along.

13. You’re falling in love --Let go of reality completely. Keep one foot (or at least a toe) on the ground.

14. Low on gasoline in a bad part of town -- Stop. Keep driving, and call 911. And, yo, next time: gas up before you leave?

15. Having a baby -- Refuse drugs.

16. On fire -- Run. Running is a bad idea.

17. Lost at the mall -- How lost can anyone get at the mall?? I guess the only thing I can think of is to go into Hollister to ask for help.

18. At a single’s dance -- Admit to being single. "I'm with the caterers."

19. Riding a bike on the Jersey Turnpike -- Look, if I'm riding a bike ANYwhere in New Jersey, I've lost my mind. I would not approach; I'm likely to be dangerous. I don't think there's a "worst thing" I can do.

20. Driving your significant other's car -- Forget to move the seat back to where I found it. He gets a leetle cranky.

21. Being robbed at gunpoint -- Argue.

22. Kissing -- Sneeze. Trust me.

23. Paying the hotel cashier -- Complain. Wait till the credit card has cleared.

24. Buying lingerie -- Lie about your size.

24. Commenting on a blog -- Flame. Just don't. I hate flame wars, they are so 1990s.

25. In Queen Mimi's dungeon -- Panic.

Elemental

You Are Air

You are can be a quirky, flighty, and zany person. You change with the wind. You are highly creative and often inspired. You love to be spontaneous and hate restrictions. You have a yearning for travel and adventure. You want to have a wild and crazy life. You actually feel a bit more balanced when there is structure and stability in your life, but you avoid it.

Are You Earth, Fire, or Air?

Somewhere, there is a "windy" joke desperately trying to get out...

Random Dozen

(Link in meme-roll)

1. How do you feel about the marshmallow Easter Peeps?

They are vile. But I like the Peeps at the Library story.

2. Chickens are notoriously nervous creatures. When you are nervous, what is the best way to calm down?

Breathing slowly, and also walking/moving more slowly and intentionally.

3. People say, "April showers bring May flowers." Do you enjoy Spring rains?

Not if I'm walking, but spring rain is much better than, say, late fall rain.

4. When I was randomly flipping through TV channels this week, I saw a show in which tattoo parlor employees received tattoos of a co-worker's face on their bodies. I can't imagine having a portrait of a colleague tattooed on me. But if someone forced you to receive a portrait tattoo (face only) of anyone, who would it be? Why?

Absolutely no one with whom I have EVER worked! Maybe Sparky, as a toddler.

5. Would you rather have a tattoo (any kind) or a nose ring?

Nose ring. I could remove it.

6. Do you have any special plans for Easter?

Ham, potatoes, pie...the usual, in other words.

7. Cadbury Eggs or Reese Eggs?

Frozen Cadbury eggs. MUCH less sticky/messy.

8. What was the last thing/person you took a picture of?

Oddly, it seems to be a picture of the food we bought for the Ash Wednesday Spaghetti Dinner at church as it sat on the belt at Wal-Mart.

9. What book are you reading now, or what was the last one?

Reason, Faith, & Revolution: Reflections on the God Debate, by Terry Eagleton ; Watchlist: A Serial Thriller, based on an idea by Jeffery Deaver ; Good Morning, Midnight, by Reginald Hill (on CD)

10. What do you think is the most difficult task when it comes to Spring cleaning?

Starting. Once I get going, things are good, but I'm VERY unmotivated. And honestly, I don't make a big issue of cleaning because it's spring.

11. How many pairs of flip-flops do you own?

One. Cheap ones that I use on mission trips for the shower.

12. Which color makes you happiest?

Blue. Blue sky, blue robin's eggs, blue jeans....

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The 35 Questions X 2 Meme: Part One

1. How far away is the last person you kissed?

In a direct line 11 feet above me. He's in bed; I'm not.

2. Has someone ever told you they would be with you forever?

Well, yeah, pretty much. And then there's Beastie, too.

3. Last person you were in a car with?

OK, this meme needs to be retitled "All About My Husband." We drove to his dad's and the auto parts store (for shocks for my truck) last night and had dinner on the way home. My first trip out of the house since Wednesday.

4. Any plans for tomorrow?

Shopping with the Gerbster. NOT with Beast (finally!).

5. How long does it take for you to take a shower?

Actual time under the water is usually 5-8 minutes.

6. Best friend or close friends?

As in, do I have any? Yes. Who are they? Beast, the aforementioned Gerbster (a.k.a. Amy), Jenny, Trudella...

7. Is tomorrow going to be a good day?

Great, now I have the BEP's song in my head. And yes, tomorrow is going to be a good-good day.

8. Did you kiss anyone Friday?

Yup. I kiss Beast and Sparky as often as possible, banking against the days when it's not possible.

9. Ever thrown up in public?

Uhm? Yes? Not for a long time. I have a Very Early Warning System.

10. What's on your mind RIGHT NOW?

Throwing up in public and my weird physiology. And the fact that my feet are cold.

11. Who was the last person you talked to?

Beast? Sparky? Whoever was the last one to shout after me as I went to bed last night.

12. What is the WORST subject they teach at school?

Judging by comments I've heard lately, Physics. I wouldn't know: I wasn't stupid enough to subject myself to it.

13. Have you seen anyone lately that you don't get along with?

I work in public service. It is my job to repress my personal feelings about certain members of the community. Especially the totally creepazoid ones.

14. What is your favourite colour top to wear?

This made me snort. "Top" what? Hat? Shirt? Coat? ...or the toy? Look, when I get dressed, more likely than not I'm grabbing what's on the top of the pile or the front of the closet. Today I'm wearing my gray "Property of The Library" shirt, to which I'd link but apparently it is no longer for sale.

15. Have you ever been in a car accident?

Nothing major, but yes, several.

16. What's the closest thing to you that's green?

I would say the blanket that's on my legs and feet (and yes, they are still cold, those stupid feet).

17. Where would you like to be right now?

Back in bed, asleep. With warm feet.

18. Write down some lyrics to the song you're listening to?

I'm not. I can hear birds singing, the furnace blowing, and the laptop keys tapping. No music. Just the insistent strains of "Tonight's gonna be a good-good night" in my head.

19. How many dogs do you have?

Just two at the bottom of my legs.

20. Is anything bugging you right now?

I'm a little cranky this morning. Gotta get to work today and do some catching up from being sick last week, and I really ought to go to church, but I'm very unmotivated. On the other hand, I got some super news via Fb and email this morning, so it's a good balance.

21. Is life going right for you now?

Seems to be.
Why? What have you heard??

22. Is there someone you care about more than yourself?

Ayup.

23. What made you laugh today?

Sparky's face five minutes ago when he came downstairs. He slept HARD on his right cheek.

24. What was the last movie you watched?

It's abundantly clear, if you read my blog at all, that I don't see movies very often. Sad, eh? Even sadder: I don't remember the last movie I watched.

25. Whats the last conversation you had about?

Can you call the brief discussion of how Sparky slept a conversation? Otherwise it was the "good night/see ya in the morning" last night.

26. What were you doing at 7:00 this morning?

Doing Unconscious Mutterings.

27. Do you like your hair long or short?

Longish. Long enough to pull back, for sure.

28. Do you want to see somebody right now?

Would love to be close enough to give my niece Ellen a big hug and high five.

29. Do you like the rain?

I like rain, within reason. I don't like it every day, and I don't like it in sheets of sideway knives, but nice spring rains are fine.

30. Did you have a valentine this year?

I'm married. What do you think?? [Actually, I think Beast was out of town on Val Day this year....]

31. The last person you kissed needs you at 3 am, would you go?

I would. I have, in fact.

32. Would you honestly say you'd risk your life for someone else?

Yup. Specific someone elses, to be sure, but yes.

33. Honestly, if you could go back 1 month and change something, would you?

A month? Sure, I guess....? Not sure what, maybe eating all those cookies.

34. How do you feel about boys smoking?

I'm not a fan. Of smoking. Except for meats and cheeses. But why just boys? What about the girls and grownups?

35. Could you see yourself with someone forever?

I can see anything if I squint hard enough.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Sunday 7

Name seven benefits you think you’d most likely get or are already getting from Facebook [from this article].

1. Help a friend [and be helped by friends].
2. Join a movement.
3. Keep in touch. *
4. Reunited with family. *
5. Speak your mind.
6. Volunteer.
7. Find political [and other] allies.

_________
* My real, true reasons for using Facebook; I live far away from most family and lots of my friends. Facebook allows me insight into their lives and a platform to check in quickly and easily.

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Bow out :: Leave quietly
2. Relationships :: Friendships
3. Facebook :: Addiction
4. Items :: Volumes (can you tell I do stats at the library?)
5. Ours :: Yours, Mine and...
6. Sting :: Death (as in John Donne)
7. Hangover :: Drunk
8. Contacts :: Friends
9. Lonely :: Solitary
10. Seven days :: Week

This could prove interesting

Your Shopping Stereotype is Balanced

Unlike most people, you don't really obsess over shopping. It's a chore, just like any other. You crave a simple, stress free experience when you go shopping. Convenience is very important to you. You tend to know what you want, and you're willing to pay to get it quickly. You probably enjoy shopping online. You enjoy taking time to pick out what you want, but once you're ready to buy, you don't want to drag out the process.

What's Your Shopping Stereotype?

Wow, not bad. And yes, shopping IS a chore.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
You're My Best Friend

1. Outside of your romantic life, do you currently have a best friend?

Wow, this is an interesting way to phrase an old, tired question! Yes, I have a couple of best friends to whom I'm not married.

2. Regarding your future, what is the best thing you could hope for?

Live well, die happy, leave the world better than when I arrived.

3. Have you ever helped out a friend with basic needs, like rent or food? If yes, what did you do?

Uh, well, food: sorta. Churches are really good at what I call Casserole Patrol when life spirals out of control. I've cleaned houses for a couple of people, and I've purchased gift cards and mailed them anonymously for a couple of others, one a coworker. I'm not comfortable in the Lady Bountiful mode, but if asked I would find some way of helping.

4. If they re-instituted the draft (for both genders and you were of age) would you go, or would find some way out of it?

I'd claim C.O., though it's highly doubtful they'd draft me with my medical issues. Interesting timing on this: on my son's next birthday he has to register with the draft people. I'm not happy about that, but it is his decision if he wants to step outside of the norm on it.

5. Tell us one thing you wish you hadn't let yourself do.

I wish I'd left a former job--or not taken that job--very early on instead of dragging things out for 5 years. I 'won' but at great cost.

6. Tell us about the last time you bragged.

Probably in the previous meme, though I wasn't meaning to. Or maybe in question #2 of this one.

7. What area are you wisest in?

My relationships with other people. I rarely overstep the boundaries, and could probably be accused of underrating or misrepresenting the kind of relationship. Every so often, I find out that I'm "best friends" with someone I consider much more of an acquaintance than a friend (much less a "best"). I have learned that people are grand, but most are unreliable, so I'm careful to expect very little.

Not that that makes ANY sense outside of my head. Oh well.

8. Tell us about something that happened that at the time made you "full of yourself".

I have that feeling sometimes at the Reference Desk: the All-Knowing, All-Seeing Librarian. It's sort of a feeling that whatever anyone throws at me, I can handle it, like being in the zone. Unfortunately, it doesn't happen often, but there are days when I can help every single person who asks for my help, and they leave happy.

It happens while cataloging too, but I rarely get props for it so it's less noticeable.

9. Has there ever been a time that you wanted to try something in the bedroom, but were afraid to ask?

Fuuuuuckkkk, yeah!

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday 6

1. Have you ever belonged to a Christmas Club savings account? If so, did you actually use that check for Christmas shopping?

Nope. I thought about it a couple of times, but since I shop all year round for Christmas gifts--or used to--it wouldn't have done me any good.

2. For a few years in a row, you receive a nice tax refund: do you make an adjustment with your payroll deduction so they’ll take less, or do you leave it that way so that you can continue to receive the big check every spring?

We always prefer to get a little money back, "little" being the keyword here. Usually when it arrives in our account (via electronic magic) we write a check for that amount for church. Our church was also the recipient of all of GWB's tax rebates.

3. How likely are you to put such a check towards paying off bills rather than spending it on something for yourself?

Well, in the years we haven't turned the refund over to God, we used it to pay down the mortgage or other outstanding things that needed doing. I think one year we bought a computer.

4. Roughly what percentage of the time do you make at least double the minimum payment due to a credit card company?

We almost always pay off our credit cards in full every month.

5. Take the quiz: What’s Your Money Personality?

When I did this a couple of years ago, it was a good description. Perhaps this is why I find Suze Orman incredibly tedious?

6. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most stressful, how much stress are your finances causing you right now?

We are very very blessed, in the current economy, to be keeping our heads safely above water financially. The only stress factor is upcoming college costs when Sparky heads off in 2011. I'd give me a 2 on the scale, because I have so many more urgent things crowding in sooner than that. And it helps that Beast does most of the money management, too. ;-)

out in the mangroves, the mynah birds cry

(Found here)

1. Last time you had butterflies in your stomach? Sometime before I started my winter medication regimen. One thing Zoloft works well on is butterflies.

2. What was your last alcoholic beverage? LIIT, Monday, I think.

3. Who can you trust? Beast.

4. Where was your first kiss with your current significant other? On our lips.

5. Favorite Band? U2

6. What is something you've learned about yourself recently? I am hugely hugely lazy.

7. Do you like anyone? Only people who don't insist on asking stupid questions.

8. Do you know anyone who is engaged? Uh, actually...no. I don't think?

9. What's your favorite number? 3.

10. Who was the last person to make you cry? See my answer to #1. I haven't cried much since the onset of Zoloft.

11. Did you ever go to camp as a kid? Nope.

12. When was the last time you cried? Jeez, see #10.

13. What is one thing you miss about your past? My past...what? I miss being skinny.

14. What is one thing you've learned about life? Time moves you forward no matter how hard you want it not to.

15. Are you jealous of anyone? Nope.

16. Is anyone jealous of you? No clue.

17. Has a friend ever used you? Of course.

18. Has anyone recently told you that they like you more than as a friend? Only Beast.

19. Who was the last person you drove with? I rode with Sparky this week, didn't I? I can't remember.

20. What are you looking forward to? Feeling healthy.

21. How are you today? I think I'm over the hump on this cold. I hope.

23. Are you currently single? Still married, but alone in the room for the moment.

24. Are there any things in your past that you regret? Duh.

25. Do you have a best friend? Duh.

26. Have you ever kissed two people in one night? Of course. Even romantically.

27. Who was the last person you hugged? Beast, about a half hour ago.

28. Have you ever wanted someone but you knew you couldn't have them? Duh.

29. If you could change anything about your past, what would it be? I'd pay closer attention to things going on in my childhood.

30. Do you like your life? Overall, yes.

31. Has one of your friends ever stabbed you in the back? Of course, whereupon they became a former friend.

32. Did you forgive them? Yes, but despite Mrs. Becker's best efforts, I am not good at "forgive and forget."

33. Do you like gum? Yup.

34. Do you have more friends that are girls or boys? Grrrrls.

35. Has anyone ever cheated on you? It just dawned on me that the answer to this is 'yes', but it was before I was married, and it wasn't Beast, and I don't think it constituted cheating precisely since we hadn't ever said we were dating exclusively. I'm not even sure we were dating.

36. If so, when? College. Uh, sophomore year...? Yes. So, that would be 1983.

37. Has anyone ever cheated on their gf/bf with you? Kinda the same situation I just described in #35.

40. What are some of your biggest fears of your life? Failure.

41. Have you ever cried yourself to sleep? I tend towards developing a giant headache if I'm crying for that long. So, not that I recall.

42. Have you ever not been able to get someone out of your head? Pretty frequently.

43. Are you a player? Player=yes. Playa=not even close.

44. Have you ever dated one? Yes; see #35 again.

46. What's the largest age difference between yourself and someone you've dated? How are we defining "dating" here? Cuz depending on that definition it's either 4 years or 18 months.

47. Have you ever dated/fooled around with a co-worker? Oh, hell, NO!

48. Are looks important? Of course.

49. How does the amount of people a person has slept with affect the way you view them? How would I know this unless they have told me? And if they have told me, why? If it's a case of bragging, it would absolutely affect the way I feel about them!

50. Do you believe in love? Of course.

51. When was the last time you shaved your legs? Saturday??

52. What were you doing this morning at 8am? I honestly don't remember. I was awake...I think....

53. What were you doing 15 minutes ago? Eating a cookie.

54. What are you wearing? Dark olive green sweatshirt, lambie jammie pants, soft sox.

55. Are you mad at anyone right now? Nah.

56. The last 2 people to say they loved you? Beast and Sparky.

57. Last time you had sex? Well, it's been in the last 18 years, hasn't it, judging by Sparky's age.

58. Do you know the words to the song on your MySpace profile? MySpace? Are we seriously not over that yet??

59. Last thing received in the mail? Junkmail.

60. Do you have any famous relatives? I hope that NEVER happens.

61. Have you ever had sex in a public place? ...sorta...

62. Have you ever been searched by the cops? Nope.

63. How is your hair? Desperately needs washing!

64. How many different drinks have you had today? 3: water, DDP, and root beer.

65. What have you eaten today? Several cookies, a couple of rice cakes, two poptarts, some Muenster cheese, chicken/gravy/rice. Health food, no?

66. Are you any good at math? I'm ok with math, but nothing beyond plain arithmetic.

67. Do you have plans on Friday night? I guess...not.

68. Do you draw your name in the sand when you go to the beach? Nope. Never understood that.

69. Last kiss? An hour or so ago.

70. Have you ever been awake for 48 hours straight? Yes.

71.Do you like the ocean? Yes. Haven't seen it for many many years.

72. Do you stay friends with your ex's [sic]? My ex's what? I haven't kept in touch with any exes, though I haven't become enemies of them either.

73. What are you excited about? Exchange students arrive in just about exactly 7 days.

74. What did you do last night? Nothing. Watched TV for far too long, and then went to bed early.

75. Are any of your great-grandparents still alive? Oh, yeah, right. The youngest of my grandparents would be 125 years old if they were alive!

76. Where do you keep your change? In my wallet, till I spend it.

77. Do you remember the most naughty night of your life? Uhm, yeah. Mostly.

78. Would you rather sleep with someone else, or alone? I sleep better alone.

79. What was the weather like on your birthday? I have no idea.

80. Would you have sex with anyone on your top friends list? "Top Friends"...so passe.

81. Ever kissed a blonde haired, blue eyed person? Yes. One, romantically. Some in a friendly way (as in, they are relatives).

82. Can you see a phone right now? No.

83. What are you listening to? We're watching last week's DVR'd Survivor.

84. Last thing you ate? Cookie.

85. Who was the last person other than family you saw? I haven't left the house in two days. So...Jess? Maybe?

86. Do you have a tan right now? I never have a tan. Most of my freckles are gone at this point as well.

87. What is the most people you've been in front of? As in, "on stage" or performing somehow? I marched in the Tournament of Roses parade, so I guess that would probably be the biggest audience, both live and televised.

88. Have you ever taken a bath/shower while you were drunk or high? Of course.

89. Have you ever been to a night club? Uh, yeah?

90. What is one country you want to go to? Egypt.

91. Have you ever made out on a plane? Don't think so. Airplanes are truly NOT that romantic.

92. Do you have leadership skills? Oh yeah: MAD skilz.

93. Are you musically inclined? I would say yes. I'm not sure if most other people would agree.

94. Does the song "Stairway To Heaven" make you sad? Mostly it makes me change the radio station quickly.

95. Do you have alcohol in your room? In my bedroom? No. I have plenty in the pantry though.

96. Where do you live? In my house.

97. Where is your phone? Plugged in, in the kitchen.

98. Where is/are your parent(s) right now? Metaphysically: heaven. Do you want me to explain the physical situation they are in?

99. What did you just eat? Yes, I do know it's shocking, but it's still the same cookie I mentioned before.

100. What color bra/boxers are you wearing? Boxers?? Really? Hah hah.

101. What is the closest item near you that is blue? The cup out of which I'm drinking root beer.

102. What is your favorite color? Blue.

103. When is your birthday? About 7.5 months from now.

104. When did you last go to the mall? Don't remember, but I'm going next Monday.

105. When was the last time you bought a pair of pants? Before Christmas.

106. What do you want for your birthday? No clue.

107. Who will be your next kiss? Most likely Beast.

108. When is the last time you went to the mall? See #104. Imma have to start asking my own questions when I come across the stupid ones....

109. Are you wearing socks right now? Yes. Yes, I am.

110. When was the last time you went out of the state? Gosh, it's been awhile. And it's only about 20 minutes away!

111. Have you been to the movies in the last 5 days? Hell no.

112. What was the last thing you had to drink? Still drinking the root beer.

113. What are you wearing right now? Oh DAMN. I haven't changed in the past 10 minutes.

114. What was your last purchase? I think it was lunch on Wednesday.

115. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? I left a message on Andy's vm this morning about work, and I left one at work as well.

116. Have you bought any clothing items in the last week? No.

117. Do you have a pet? Sparky has a guinea pig.

118. What's the last sporting event you watched? Pretty much has to be NASCAR.

119. What's the most played song on your iTunes? Don't use iTunes.

120. If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be? Ydra.

121. What is the last thing you purchased online? Books, on their way right now as a matter of fact.

122. One thing you hate about yourself? I can be really slow on the uptake.

123. What's your favorite soup? Clam chowder.

124. Do you miss anyone? All the time.

125. Last play you saw? Little Shop of Horrors.

126. What are your plans for the day? Well, it's 9 p.m. so there's not really much left.

127. Last person you msg'd? On IM, Beast. On phone, Beast, or maybe Sparky.

128. What do you know about the future? It's gonna happen whether I want it to or not.

129. Are you wearing any perfume or cologne? Not today.

130. Where are your best friends located? I would presume those not currently in my living room are in their own homes.

131. How old do you want to be when you have kids? Can someone over the legal drinking age please start doing these surveys??

132. Who was the first person who made you cry? I blame Dr. Simon for EVERYTHING.

133. Do you have any tattoos or piercings? Pierced earlobes only.

134. How do you like your pop ((coke))? Iced and diet.

135. Do you like hot sauce? Yes indeed.

136. Next time you'll take a shower? Tomorrow. Though it should be tonight.

137. what was the last movie you watched at home? No clue.

138. What is your mood? Bored and irritated.

139. What kind of car do you drive, if any? I drive a dark green Ford Ranger pick'em-up.

140. Have you ever been to Virgina? No, but I've been to Virginia, and West Virginia.

141. What are you doing right now? Finishing this. 141 questions? What an odd number.

Horsin' around

You Are a Thoroughbred Horse

You are hyper, energetic, and even a little high strung. You love to compete, and you're always up for a friendly race. You love to be on the go, and you never stick around for long. People accuse you of always running away. You tend to get bored easily, and you do best when you wear yourself out. You like to work hard. You have a lot of courage, drive, and ambition. You like to be a winner.

What Breed of Horse Are You?

OK, wait: horses eat SUNFLOWER SEEDS? Hmmm.

I guess this is sorta right, but I'm laughing at the prospect of being considered a thoroughbred by ANYone!

Cinn's Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
seriously, dahling...

[01] With all the scandal surrounding Tiger Woods, what do you think about his return to playing golf?

Don't care. He and Elin need to sort things out between themselves. None of us really need to be involved. But he definitely needs to toe the line with his sponsors.

[02] How do the marriages of celebrities fare versus those of the "common man?"

I think, regardless of who you are, you need to go into marriage with the assumption that you are both going to work to make it last. As soon as one person bails on that concept, it's going to be a long row to hoe. I don't care if you're famous or not: marriage is hard fucking work.

[03] How much does a celebrities' [sic] amount of power and influence affect their ability to have a private life?

In today's culture, people exchange privacy for fame for the most part. The more famous someone is, the less privacy they should expect. Unfortunately. I feel for famous people, but I don't ever, ever want to be one.

[04] How do you think the press/paparazzi influences celebrities' lives and relationships? Is that just something that comes with fame?

I hate paparazzi...but I read those magazines sometimes, and look at the pics. It's like slowing down at the site of an accident. Nowadays, I don't see any way to be famous without having this sort of problem, and it's yucky.

[05] How would you handle yourself if you were regularly in the press and tabloids?

Ugh, perish the thought! I would definitely hire a good publicist and have a lengthy discussion about who I am, and then s/he would deal with all the press while I hid in my house and never answered the phone.

Friday Five

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Which of your country's leaders (past or present) would you like to have a chance to sit down and talk to?

Thomas Jefferson would be my first choice. Then Harry Truman. In fact, those two in a room together would be an awesome thing to observe!

2. What job would you never want to have to do?

I wouldn't want to be a surgeon: too much pressure and lots of not-very-pleasant conversations with patients and families.

3. How many kids do you have and what are their ages? If you don't have kids, do you think you want any down the road? If so, how many?

I have a 17-year-old son. I can't believe it, still. Wasn't he just a sweet little baby last week?? OK, not really, but ... jeez, I can't be this old!

4. Do you have a "blankie" or a favorite stuffed animal? What is it/what does it look like?

Not anymore. I sorta gave that up when I finally became an adult. [about 10 years ago] :-)

5. What is your favorite flower?

I love roses. In gardens. And right now, I'm loving crocuses and waiting impatiently for our lilac bushes to blossom.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Sleep [my favorite subject! lol]

1. How many hours' sleep do you need in order to be at your best, and what's the minimum you can get on a regular basis and still be functional?

I can make it one night with just a couple of hours' sleep. If I average 5-6 over a week or so, I'm fine. Optimum is 6-7 hours per night.

2. What's your favorite sleeping position?

I'm a side-sleeper.

3. What was the cause of your most recent difficulty sleeping?

I have a cold, so I'm not sleeping all that great this week.

4. When you can’t seem to drift off to sleep right away, what are some things you do to bring about sleep?

I read or do crosswords or Sudoku until I doze off. Seriously, I have dropped the book/clipboard on my face numerous times. Then I take off my glasses, put on lip balm and hand lotion, and turn off the light. If I don't do all this in order, or if I don't bore myself long enough, it's hard to drift off.

5. When did you last doze off at an inappropriate time or in an inappropriate place?

It's been awhile since I've done this. I can't remember anything like this in quite some time. I have fallen asleep at work (not in the past several years, though), at church (during worship--rather embarrassing), and at conference meetings (not unexpected, eh?).

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in meme-roll)

1. The right word is embarrassingly hard for me to think of today.
2. Just get up and shut the door quietly, please.
3. Up, up and awayyy in my beautiful balloooon.
4. In bed (soon) is where you'll find me.
5. Ooh! What is that? TWO boxes of cookies? [I love you, Beastie!]
6. More sleep is a good idea.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to cleaning the spare room closet, tomorrow my plans include cleaning the rest of the house, and Sunday, I want to enjoy the children's parade at church!

The Dating Profile Meme

(Link in meme-roll)
That's Not What Happens

1. I must say though I've meet some that on their profile they say "Wanting a SERIOUS RELATIONSHIP" and for some reason or another that's not what happens!

I'm absolutely CERTAIN that this has NOTHING whatsoever to do with YOU, either, right?

2. I believe that all happens for a reason and that reason may not be for us to understand, just to accept.

Tripe. Pure, unadulterated tripe. Have you ever had an original thought in your life?

3. I can drive a truck, tractor, build a fence, work on my truck, rope steers, ride my horse in competiton and can dress up to go out with you out on a Saturday night.

"I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan, and never never let you forget you're a man..." Actually, I shouldn't assume this was written by a man, should I?
To be honest (really and truly), I'd probably at least look at more of this profile if I came across it. If I were single.

4. I'm independent, yet needy.

So....? You're homeless?

5. My partner should be loyal, hardworking and confident. Hope I'm not asking for too much.

It might be better to cut to the chase and date a collie.

6. Please No headcases, NO Liars, cheats, NOT married or exes drama. Just sincere and HONEST people please....

Wow, way to limit things! You want people to respond! Hah! I would think that this sort of ad would be an interesting sociological experiment in seeing how many people who have one or all of those types of personalities respond to this. It's basically CALLING them, isn't it?

7. Weekend in Vegas and having it totally comp'd is awesome, going to an African wedding in Kenya was a blast, tango'ng in Argentina was an experience, and swimming with sharks in Belize was an adrelaine rush.

OK. Let's discuss the classes you missed in school where the rest of the kids learned how to add "-ed" and "-ing" to words. On second thought, let's not. I would rather talk to your tango partner. (By the way, wouldn't it, by definition, be "an African wedding" if it took place in Kenya...being as how Kenya is in Africa?)

8. I do believe that you can not understand the true spirit of a person by the means of email.

Oh, dude, I so can. You have no idea.

9. What I am particularly into right now is purchasing older homes, restoring them and renting them.

Cool. I need a second job.

10. Attraction dictates passion, passion allows understanding, and understanding initiates compromise.

"Passion allows understanding"? Really? I wish life were really this mathematical.

Yummmm

You Are Rice Krispie Treats

You are playful, lighthearted, and even downright goofy at times. You have no problem letting your inner child shine. You like food that is fun, and it's likely that you tend to experiment a lot in the kitchen. You like to play around with different flavors. You[r] friends can always count on you to lighten up the mood and make everyone feel welcome. You are a true entertainer. You are sweet because you approach the world with a true innocence. You believe that you get the best from people when you expect the best from them.

What Bake Sale Favorite Are You?

OK. And I could definitely go for some of these right now...too badd I don't keep Rice Krispies or marshmallow fluff in the house.

Thursday Thunks

(Link in meme-roll)
This week we will answer some crazy questions brought to you by Berleen, the color of nothing, and the number one.

1. I got nothing. What should I ask next week? Although I think Kimber should do it next week. Somehow.

I think you need a vacation. For several weeks. Or you could just do the random wiki thing... (not that I've ever thought of doing that on my meme...lol)

2. Wind chimes - annoying or not?

I don't mind lower-toned versions, but the high-pitched ones make me nuts.

3. Camping - camper or tent?

Hotel. Or maybe a high-end RV. I don't do plumbing-free environments with composure.

4. Told ya I got nothing. This really sucks. I should have had Bud do this, huh?

I'm sure Bud would have done a lovely job. I feel your pain today though--I'm not clicking on all cylinders either.

5. What is your favorite letter of the alphabet?

Wow, weird: I was just talking about this yesterday with one of the youth group members. She likes L; I like J. Her name starts with J, mine starts with L. Ironic. But my favorite letter is S.

6. So this week my kid had to type a research paper for English.... then she had to email it to her teacher! Is that not just the oddest thing ever? Blew my mind away.

I think that's very cool. Wave of the future has arrived on the beach.

7. Wow. These questions suck. They suck bad. Do you like to suck through straws? For what type of beverages?

I prefer straws if there's a lot of ice in the drink, or for malts.

8. What do you do with your cell phones when you do those wonderful "upgrades" to the newer, fancier phones?

We have a dead cell-phone drawer, but I'm about to take them to one of those donation boxes where they can all be rebuilt or recycled.

9. It's allergy season - unless you've completely missed all the people walking around with kleenexs stuck to their nose... what are you allergic to?

Cats, corn (pollen), dogs, some grasses, other pollens....dust, mold, etc. etc. etc.

10. What did you sleep with as a child?

I had a selection of stuffed animals, my favorite being a 4-foot long multicolored snake with long plastic eyelashes. Don't ask me where that came from; I have no idea.

Doodly do

You Are Consistent

Of all the types, you are the most disciplined and the most ethical. You have high ideals. You thrive when you are able to be an advocate for causes that you believe in. Some people may say that you are a bit stubborn and inflexible, but you're more tolerant than they realize. You do your best to live a principled and just life - which can make you a bit tense and critical at times.

The Scribble Circle Test

OK then. I tend not to draw circles when I doodle though; I'm more into squares and triangles.

The Queen's Meme

(Link in meme-roll)
The Facebook Meme (aka The FaceTwit Meme)

1. Facebook has now surpassed Google in number of users and traffic. How much time do you spend on Facebook? If not FB, do you use Twitter?

I use both, but I'm on Facebook easily 2-3 hours a day nowadays. Sad, eh? I haven't logged in to Twitter in a couple of months.

2. What is Farmville? I do not understand why people are asking me for margarine.

I stopped playing Farmville before Christmas and since then it has become increasingly annoying. I actually deleted all 40ish of my Farmville gifts from my "inbox" Sunday.

3. Do you war in the Mafia Wars? I do not understand why people are asking me for cows.

Really? Cows? In Mafia Wars? I don't play that, and now I won't be for sure: it's bad enough when people ask me for cows in Farmville! :-)

4. What is Cafe World? I do not understand why people are asking me for bullets!

Wow, you are seriously discombobulated. I'd rather put a bullet in my OWN head than cook; why would I want to play at cooking??

5. Are you being bombarded with these "See Who Has Been Looking At your Profile - See Who Your Peeps Are?" application request lately? I don't understand why people are asking me for my photograph and that of my dogs.

Ignore. I don't care who looks at my profile; if they aren't friends, they can't see much about me.

6. Which FB or Twitter applications, tags or gifts irritate you the most and why?

I just ignore the stuff I don't like. It's not really that big of a deal. What bothers me more are the funky apps that are going to eat my computer or data if they get access.

7. Every morning I am faced with the question at the top of my Facebook profile page, "What's On Your Mind?" Now Mr. Online Mailman wants to know the same thing. Does the whole world need to know what I'm thinking at every moment? I can't write that in a public place ya know. But if you had to answer that question honestly at 9:00 am each morning, what would you say?

"Head-Desk, Head-Desk, Head-Desk"...repeated endlessly. That's what time the library opens.

8. Do you know how you became friends and followers with everyone in your list on Facebook and Twitter?

On Facebook, yes. On Twitter, no. No clue. Kinda weird, but I hardly use Twitter either.

9. Have you ever been deceived online by someone you thought was someone else? How did you know?

I trust no-one online. Or rather, I don't believe 75%+ of what I read online.

10. Do you enjoy chatting via Yahoo Messenger or AOL the old-fashioned way? If so, who do you chat with most online?

I use Meebo, which consolidates AOL, Yahoo, MSN, Gchat, and Fbook chat into one site, one login. Nice. I do like IMing.

11. Have you ever been contacted on Facebook or via email under false pretenses, for dubious purposes, or by meddling nosy people in general?

Yes. My Spam Folder in Gmail currently has 1063 individual emails in it. I get a few Facebook things periodically, which I delete (usually).

12. Think about it. We are all flitting around making bird noises on the internet. What would the PETA people say?! Can you think of a more suitable animal mascot for Twitter? What kind of sound would we make?

PETA needs to go away. If I can annoy them in any silly way, I'm on board.

13. What kind of new cool innovative application would you like to see on Facebook or Twitter? What would you call it?

This is why I'm not a developer: I never can think of new things.

14. Have you ever had to block someone from Facebook or Twitter?

90% of the cold "adds" I receive in Twitter I block. I have a friend of a friend blocked on Facebook because he's just THAT FUCKING ANNOYING, and for a week or so I had one of my sisters blocked there as well.

15. Do you allow your real life friends to communicate with you there or do you prefer to be incognito to the universe at large?

Facebook is the real me (more or less). Twitter is less obviously me.

16. Do you belong to any CAUSES on Facebook or Twitter? If so, what makes you passionate about them and why did you join?

I have joined a few, mostly feminist and liberal-political stuff, and a couple of medical ones.

17. Do you know what a Twibe is?

Vaguely, yes. Don't really care right now, though. My life is already way too chaotic.

18. Have you ever rage twitted? Tell me!

Nope. ...I don't think?

19. I find that more and more people are reading my blogs on Facebook and commenting there. Do you share your blog posts on Facebook? Do you find that it helps or hinders your blog traffic?

I don't. My blogging is almost wholly anonymous, and I pretty much intend to keep it that way.

20. Wanna be my friend on FB? I have nearly 800 now. At least I'd recognize you!

No, I don't think you would. And I think my 210 or so Fb friends was a lot. 800 would KILL ME.

T

Your T-Shirt Says You're Creative

You're artistic and quite sensitive. You care a lot about the world, and it's likely that you have many causes. You believe it's important to do the right thing, even if no one else is doing the right thing. You value harmony. You try to get along with and reform your enemies. You don't think any person is beyond help or hope. You are a very spiritual person, but you're never overly serious about it. If anything, you have an irreverent sense of humor.

The T-Shirt Test

Weirdly true, even if I'm not particularly creative. Hmmmm, because I don't like fish skeletons, I get this?

Monday Mayhem

(Link in meme-roll)
HAVE YOU?

Googled yourself? Yes. Regularly.
Googled your neighbor? In the broad sense of "neighbor", yes. I actually don't think I have done my next-door neighbors, except maybe to get their phone numbers.
Used Google maps to spy on someone? Nope.
Spied on someone via Facebook? I've scanned people's Fb pages before or instead of friending them.
Friended someone on Facebook that you don't know? I have 5 Castle-Age-only Fb friends. So, yes.
Tweeted gossip? Don't think so.
Followed a celeb on Twitter? Yup, and they are both older than me.
Kissed any one of your Facebook friends? Several members of my family are on Fb...so, yeah.
Regretted an online relationship? Regretted making friends with someone online, yes.
Dumped someone online? No.
Played a prank on someone online? Don't think so.
Spied on a high school bully online? From my high school? Sort off: see above. Sparky's high school? Yup.
Written a nasty email? Not for awhile.
Sent something X-rated via email? A looooooong time ago, though it was more NC-17 than X-rated I think.
Searched your state's/locality's database for predators? Yes. Not lately. That will be my next stop after this meme is over.
Done an online search on someone's traffic offenses? Nope.
Ordered dinner online? Yup.
Purchased something over $250 online? Yup.
Left an anonymous comment? Almost everytime I comment on a blog, I'm anonymous.
Checked out someone else's email (as in spy on your s.o.)? I don't know his password, and I plan to keep it that way. Privacy is privacy.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Sunday 7

Name the seven paid holidays you’d offer to your employees if you were limited to giving them only seven.

1. Thanksgiving
2. Labor Day
3. Memorial Day
4. New Year's Day

5. Fourth of July

6. & 7. Two floating holidays of their choice

Persuasion

You Persuade People Through Logic

You feel like facts should be enough to persuade people, and you always focus on making a reasonable argument. You never appeal to emotion - you feel like it's beneath you. You are much more concerned with evidence. Once someone is convinced of the facts, you show them the logical steps to reach your conclusion. You rather have someone totally convinced and persuaded than not, even if it is a lot of work.

How Do You Persuade People?

I have no idea if this is really true, but in general I agree with the italicized bits.

Now I'm going to work, where I will persuade people that I really do know how to answer Reference questions.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Sunday Stealing: The Eight Tens Meme

TEN TO START.
1. Are you single? Nope.

2. Are you happy? Pretty contented, yes.

3. Are you bored? Very rarely.

4. Are you naked? Yes, under my clothes.

5. Are you a blonde? There are times when I think I can feel my hair color changing....but no.

6. Are you moody? No (thanks to modern pharmaceuticals).

7. Are you a lover/hater? More of a lover, or a liker.

8. Are you hot/cold? Right now I'm just about right, though my toes are chilly.

9. Are you Irish? No, I'm Amurrican.

10. Are you Asian? See above.

TEN FACTS.
1. Name: Yeah, no. I go by Cat. online, though that has absolutely NOTHING to do with my real name.

2. Nicknames: My parents deliberately chose names for all their kids that are hard to shorten. None of us were ever called anything but our full first names (with middle names appended when we were in trouble).

3. Birth mark: I have two relatively small ones, both of which are quite hard to see.

4. Hair color: Brunette, with gray coverage applied regularly by Shantell.

5. Natural hair color: Brown-turning-gray.

6. Eye color: Hazel. Still brownish today.

7. Height: 172 cm.

8. Facebook Mood: I haven't changed moods on Fb in over a year and have no idea what it is now. Should probably just delete that app.

9. Favorite color: Blue. Could you not TELL from this blog?

10. One Place to Visit: A suggestion for you, or my choice of where I haven't been? You should go to NYC (instead of me) and I'll head to the Ozarks.

TEN THINGS ABOUT YOUR LOVE LIFE.
1. Do you believe in love at first sight? I have no personal proof, but I trust others have experienced it.

2. Do you believe in soul mates? No.

4. Have you ever been hurt emotionally? Anyone over 12 hours old would be lying if they said no.

5. Have you ever broken someone’s heart? What is the deal with this question, anyway, especially lately?? Yes, yes, yes already!

6. Have you ever been cheated on? So frickin' tired of this question. No, I guess.

7. Have you ever liked someone and not told them? Well, jeez, yeah.

8. Are you afraid of commitment? I'm more leery than I was 24 years ago. lol

9. Who was the last person you hugged? Beast.

10. Who was the last person you kissed? Beast. It was a two-for-one sale.

TEN THIS OR THAT.
1. Love or lust? I prefer love.

Apparently 2 is not an option here, though I have nothing personal against the number myself. It seems slightly ironic that in a binary choice, we'd lose #2....

3. Cats or dogs? I'm allergic to cats, and dogs. But cats actually make me sick while dogs just make me itchy, so I'll always go with dogs.

4. A few best friends or many regular friends? The former.

5. Television or internet? Internet.

6. Chinese Or Indian? People? Food? I have no real preference about the people, and I like most of the cuisines I've tried from both countries. Sorry, can't choose.

7. Wild night out or romantic night in? The latter.

8. Money or Happiness? Enough money to be able to not be uncomfortable.

9. Night or day? Day.

10. MSN or phone? I prefer textual communication to verbal.

TEN HAVE YOU EVER.
1. Been caught sneaking out? No, but since I don't recall ever actually sneaking out....

2. Been skinny dipping? Not as such.

3. Stolen? Yup.

4. Bungee jumped? No. Not yet.

5. Lied to someone you liked? Of course.

6. Finished an entire jaw breaker? Wow, yeah. Lots of 'em.

8. Wanted an ex bf/gf back? NO!

9. Cried because you lost a pet? FUCK yeah!

10. Wanted to disappear? Regularly.

TEN PREFERENCES IN A PARTNER.
1. Smile or eyes? Both? I prefer smile, I guess, since I never notice people's eye color.

2. Light or dark hair? Dark. Well, ok, or gray at this point. ;-) .

3. Hugs or kisses? Yes. Though I suppose it depends on how good of a kisser he is....

4. Shorter or taller? Taller.

5. Intelligence or attraction? INTELLIGENCE. Without it, I'm seriously not going to be attracted.

6. Romantic or spontaneous? Can't someone be both? I don't think I want either of these alone. I prefer steadiness.

7. Funny or serious? Each in their own time.

8. Older or Younger? ...than me? Doesn't really matter, but near my age for sure!

9. Outgoing or quiet? Outgoing. One of us has to be, right?

10. Sweet or Bad Ass? Both: sweetly bad-ass.

TEN HAVE YOU’S.
1. Ever performed in front of a large crowd? Yes.

2. Ever done drugs? Only of the prescribed variety.

3. Ever been pregnant? Yup.

5. Ever been on a cheer leading team? Perish the thought!

6. Ever been on a dance team? No.

7. Ever been on a sports team? Yup.

8. Ever been in a drama play/production? Yup.

9. Ever owned a BMW, Mercedes Benz, Escalade, Hummer or Bentley? Not interested. In fact, if I ever express an interest in owning any of these, you can be sure that I'm completely lost my mind.

10. Ever been in a rap video? No. I'm not fly enough.

TEN LASTS.
1. Last phone call you made: Uhm? Friday? Uhmmm? Beast? I don't remember.

2. Last person you hung out with: Sparky's been sitting on the couch with me most of the morning. Does that count?

4. Last time you worked: I was at work yesterday but it was strictly voluntary. I work this afternoon, though. Boo!

5. Last person you tackled: I don't tackle people. Except occasionally young children I know who need to be snuggled.

6. Last person you IM’d: Beast, yesterday from work.

8. Last person(s) you went to the movies with: Probably Beast, but it's been awhile.

9. Last thing you missed: ...the boat. And I do it regularly.

10. Last thing you ate: Still have the last bite of a cookie in my mouth as I type this. ;-)

Speechy

You Are a Noun

You are very concerned with the material world and what is actual. Facts interest you, and it's likely that you keep up with the latest news. You do well with ideas and concepts you can actually see. You are a very visual person. You are the type who knows every person and place in town. You're very well informed.

What Part of Speech Are You?

Well, by definition we're ALL nouns, but...this is relatively accurate in the abstract if not in all the details.

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Burrito :: Enchilada
2. Spike :: ...Lee
3. Tougher :: Harder
4. Mock :: Tease
5. Slurp :: Suck
6. Knock :: Hit
7. Conference :: Meeting
8. Madness :: Insanity
9. Minds :: Brains
10. Connection :: Conjunction

Your shimmy shook my bones

(Found here)

Are you single? Nope.

Have you ever been cheated on? Not that I'm aware of.

Are you mad at anyone right now? Meh. Mildly annoyed, maybe, but angry, no.

How many other states have you lived in? Two, making a total of three.

What is annoying you right now? The fact that I'm doing this instead of something more productive.

Do you forgive and forget? I'm on board with forgiving. Still working on forgetting some things, though; sorry, Mrs. Becker, but I am still working on it.

What's the worse thing someone has ever done to you? Depends on the day, and my position relative to events around me. Nobody's ever happened that is earth-shatteringly blameworthy.

Have you ever been to jail? I have been. I've never been in jail as an inmate, though. I had to sit the waiting room a couple of times while my mom filled in for the regular bail-bond person.

What color is your cell phone? When I last saw it, it was red and black.

Are you happy with your life so far? Yup.

Have you ever loved anyone? Good Lord! I would NEVER want to meet someone my age who honestly could answer this anything besides yes!!!

When was the last time you had your heart broken? The last time I had a down and dirty fight with Sparky--about a week ago. Romantically...not sure.

Have YOU ever broken someone's heart? I'm a mom--so of course. Regularly. Sux. Romantically, yes.

Are you a troublemaker? Not officially.

Which celebrity gets on your nerves the most? Anyone related to the Kardashians.

What's the last class you failed? Never failed a class. Got a B- in Geometry, and that is the worst grade I received in nearly 18 years of education.

What color is your hair? Brunette with ash blonde and strawberry highlights.

How many siblings do you have? Hate . This . Question .

Have you ever fantasized about killing someone? Not in a serious way, but yes. It's rather enjoyable, especially with the number of mysteries I've read over the years. LOTS of good ideas in there!

What's your birthstone? Topaz. I no longer loathe it, but it's not exactly my favorite either.

Who is the last person you insulted? Beast. Or Sparky. I threatened someone with a putter today at work, too.

Who's the last person that insulted you? Beast. And the grammar in this question is pretty awful.

What's the last pill you took? Two ibuprofen about 3 hours ago. The large McDonald's cup of diet Coke is working better than the pills did.

Do you smoke/drink? No/More [regularly] than ever.

Are you religious? Yes.

How many best friends have you had throughout your whole life? I am forty-six freakin' years old. Are you SERIOUS? I can't possibly remember all of them, because I'm sure there are people from when I was a year old I haven't seen since then. Figure triple digits.

Do you ever want to get married someday? Not again!

Do you ever want to have kids? My factory is closed. I'll borrow other people's kids as I have been doing now for a decade or more.

Do you tan? The freckles eventually merge into what might charitably be called a tan.

Do you trust most people? Depends on what subject. Generally, yes, but not very long, not very far, not very much.

Who do you currently have a crush on? Mark Harmon.

What color are your eyes? Hazel. I think they are probably edging toward brown today.

Do you usually hide your feelings? I can, but I usually don't bother.

Do you have anger issues? Yup. Long fuse, though, so you're probably safe.

Do you think that you would make a good parent? Yup. I have proof of it in actuality, too.

Are you an attention whore? At times.

Would you date someone 10 years older than you are? Probably not anymore. And besides, Beast says I'm not allowed to date.

Who's the last person you kissed? Beast.

Do you ever miss one of your exes? Not really. They would annoy the crap out of me these days.

Do you believe in God? Yup.

Do you ever wish you were someone else? Quite often.

Who do you miss right now? Been missing Jean lately. Not sure precisely why.

Who knows all of your secrets? God.

What family member are you closest to? In proximity, outside of the household, I guess it would be Alan and Katharine. In other terms, probably my sister Marie or her daughter Elizabeth.

Do you like the school you go to? "The School of Hard Knocks"? Not so much.

Do you hate someone right now? I can't really be bothered to be angry, so what are the odds that I'm energetic enough to hate someone?!

What's the last song you listened to? We've got Dirty Jobs on, so it's got random music going on. Actual song was something on XM in the car...oh yeah: Main Street by Bob Seger.

Do you have any regrets? Of course. Who doesn't?

Did anyone ever stalk you? Not to my knowledge.

What's your aim screen name? I don't use AIM, but I use my email addy for IM.

How many friends do you have on myspace? Maybe two? Haven't logged on in years.

Who is the person that called you last? A friend from graduate school

What does your last text message say? Let me go get my phone...sigh...
"Am just leaving. Only work on sat next week. C ya soon." From Sparky last night at 10:50 p.m.

Have you ever been beaten up? No, though I used to live in fear of this as a child.

How many contacts do you have on msn? Beast. That makes one. Oh, wait, his dad is on MSN too.

What kind of jewelry do you wear? Generally, inexpensive.

How long did it take you to get over your last heartbreak? Oh, I bounce back pretty quick these days.

Do you miss any of your old friends from the past? Once in awhile.

What's one thing you wish scientists would create? I would love to see gene mapping for diseases completed SOON.

Who's the last person you pushed in the pool? I don't remember ever doing it, but if I did it would have been someone like Beast or one of his friends.

Do you think that your going to heaven or hell? I maintain that we're all pretty much serving our time in hell now, so I'm hoping for heaven or at least limbo.

Have you ever had a crush on a teacher? Several.

Who's the last person you IMed? Beast, from the Wii-course this morning.

How long do you take in the shower? In the shower, under the water, never more than 10 minutes.

Do you get along with mom and dad? ....sigh....
No, seriously, I really did heave a great big sigh....

Who was the last person you flirted with? Uh... can you flirt with your husband? I dunno. I don't consciously EVER flirt. Oh, yeah, well, I was sorta flirty with my pa-in-law earlier this evening.

What color is your shirt? Royal blue. Embroidery on the left upper quadrant.

Do you like Twitter? It's fine. I haven't used it since before Xmas.

Where were you today at 10:32am? In the basement at work, staffing the aforementioned Wii-course.

What was the last movie you watched? No idea.

Who was the last person you deleted off myspace/facebook? "Lady" J. She's no lady.

What's your sister's name? Marie, Ellen, Jean.

What's your current mood on myspace? [I need to stop doing old surveys...MySpace is over for me.]

Are you a nosey person? I am curious. Not sure if I'm nosey. I try, very hard, not to be too intrusive.

What's the last rumor you heard about yourself? I have graduated from that phase in my life where people feel the need to tell me gossip about myself.

How do you want to die? Quickly, painlessly, and not anytime soon.

Where do you work? At a public library.

What physical features do you like most on the opposite sex? ...heh...
shoulders

Do you have any facial piercings? Are ears 'facial'? If not, then none.

When is the last time you shaved? Yesterday.

Who's the last person you hugged? Beast.

What time is it right now? 7:51 p.m.

Do you believe that money can buy you happiness? It can make life a lot more prone to comfort, but I'm not sure anything can 'buy' happiness.

Would you rather be really smart or really funny? I'm not sure how funny non-smart people are....

Why did you deny your last friend request? I currently have 7 Fb friend requests from people I don't know. I'm sure they are all wanting to add me for Castle Age, and since I hardly ever play anymore, I'm not sure I want to add strangers to my friends list.

How many times have your friends betrayed you? "Betrayed" is not a word I use in the same sentence with "friend"--if someone betrays me, they are no friend.

What's the last lie you told? Probably something minor today at the "golf-course."

What's the last thing you said out loud? It's been awhile since I spoke. I think I asked Sparky if he was ok with watching Dirty Jobs.

Do you like Obama? I do.

Has anyone in your family ever been disowned? Not exactly, though my mom's brothers stopped speaking to one another a few years before their mom died. It was an argument over money. Stupid.

Are you an argumentative person? At times.

What color is your car?
I'm kinda cracking up here. The person before me answered what color her cats are. Crack me up.
My truck is dark green, as is the Honda. Beast's company car is an odd yellowy-gray.

What's the most akward [sic] conversation you've had in the past month? Uh...something with one of the youth group kids, probably.

When is your birthday? Just under 8 months from now.

Are you emotionally strong? Hell yes.

How about physically? Hell no.

Do you like ice cream? It's not on my Go-To List most of the time.

What's your nationality? 100% USan

Are you for or against abortion? I am in favor of a woman being allowed to choose whether to carry a pregnancy to term or not.

What color is your computer? Black on the inside, sort of red/brown on the outside.

What's your myspace url? plock

Are you a vegetarian? As the previous person said: "Nope, I like meat."

What religion are you? Christian.

Do you think you could last a month in a third world country? I need some more specifics. I probably could, unless I had to live like the majority of the people there. Do I get my meds at least? [I actually sort of have lived in a semi-third world country for a month...]

Have you ever been on the news? Yes, in the abstract.

Do you talk to random people online? Sure.

Are you fake nice to some people? ...like my boss, and several annoying other people I know? Yes.

How much was the last shirt you bought? I think it was at Wal-Mart...in fact, I know it was. I bought about a dozen T shirts for Youth Sunday for the kids. They were all under $5.

Are your ears pierced? As noted above, yes.

Do you like techno music? Sure, some of it.

Would you get the Hogwarts Crest tattooed anywhere on your body? On no account.

Would you go forward or backward in time, just to visit for five minutes? Forward more likely than backward, yes.

Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings or Twilight? Narnia or Harry, in that order. The others bore the shit out of me.

Do you like to clean? When I set myself to a task and get started generally I don't mind. Much. I hate cleaning floors though.

Would you rather be a dancer or a singer? I can already do an ok job with singing, so let's go with dancing, just because I need major help in this area anyway.

What is an instrument that you would love to learn how to play? Cello would be nice.

What is something strange that your pet seems to love to do? Eat. He's big on eating. Oh, and redecorating his cage regularly.

Do you like to work out? Not.

Favorite song from the 90's? The only one that comes to mind immediately is "How Bizarre" which is pretty random.

What is a language you would love to learn? Greek or Aramaic.

How has your day been? Not bad. Kinda long and busy.

What was your last encounter with the police? I did a 4-way stop duel today with a cop. And there was a cop in the library last week when someone's taxicab got stolen (yes. really). Police are just people. Mostly.

When was the last time someone called you "baby"? Check for people with missing front teeth. They are possibilities. No one calls me that.

What was the first thing you did this morning? Woke up.

Do you want your phone to ring at the moment? Huh, no, I'm pretty close to shutting the brain down for the day.

Do you have a feeling tonight is going to be a good night? I suppose anything is possible, Fergie and Will, et al.

Are you one of those people who consider Edward Cullen to be "hot"? Not in the book, not on the screen. Though the actor isn't exactly hideous-looking....

Have you ever met someone who took your breath away by just saying "hey"? Yeah. Isn't that weird when that happens? I don't really enjoy that feeling, either.

Are you mostly faithful in your relationships? "Mostly"?? Yes, I think I can stretch that far. {eyeroll}

How do you feel about the rain? An occasional light spring rain is fine. I don't like weeks and weeks of clouds and rain though.

Which do you like more: Fruits or vegetables? Fruits, though I probably actually eat more vegetables.

Who was the first person you talked to today? Sparky.

When was the last time you talked with the opposite sex on the phone? Mmmm? Yesterday?

Have you held hands with someone in the past 24 hours? Yup. A couple of different people, in fact.

What is your favorite thing to have on your bed? A heated mattress pad. And myself, of course.

In the past week, have you felt sad?Oh, yeah. At the weirdest times, too.

Are you tired right now? Is the fucking Pope Catholic??

Do you prefer to call or text? Text, unless it's a complicated discussion.

How many pillows do you sleep with? I sleep with one, but I need two for reading in bed.

Who did you last text message? I dunno: I just went to check and accidentally deleted them all. Thanks for that.

Were you happy when you woke up today? No. I wanted to be sleeping in.

What was the last thing that you ate? Mini Val Day Hearts.

Let Me Eat Cake!

You Are Cheerful and Colorful

No matter what the occasion, you feel like celebrating. It's always time for cake, and it's always time for a party. You are a true entertainer. You love to bring a large crowd together - the bigger the bash, the better! You indulge in every little treat or reward that comes your way. You don't believe in restraint or guilt. Your taste can be a bit decadent, but you also remember that you only live once. You don't skip or scrimp on dessert.

The Birthday Cake Test

I underlined part of this one, because it is absolutely right--it's ALWAYS time for cake!

And it's not that I don't believe in restraint; I just have trouble practicing it.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday 6

1. Which was the first childhood story you remember being told to you by your parents or grandparents?

I don't remember my parents really telling me stories, except family stories, or Bible stories once in awhile. Dad used to read to me almost every night, though, when I was little. The earliest book I remember is The Little House; I loved that book. Mom & I went to the library every Saturday afternoon and checked out an armload of books for the week.

2. Which was the first childhood story you remember being read to you by your parents or grandparents?

Woops. Well, first of all, my grandparents were not big readers and they were all dead by the time I was 9 or 10, but I'm almost certain "The Little House" wasn't the first book Dad read to me. Instead of (re-)answering this, I'll tell you the book during which I suddenly figured out reading. My sister Jean was reading it to me and all of a sudden: WHAM! I got it!!

3. Which was the first novel you remember reading for your own pleasure, not for a class assignment?

Dude, I read pretty much non-STOP during my childhood!! The "Little House" books (my own set, which I still own and have now replaced), Sherlock Holmes (my brother's copy), Tom Sawyer, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys (my mom's and sisters' copies), Heidi (Mom's copy), The Wizard of Oz, Little Women (my sister's copy), Dr. Seuss...I read voraciously. There is no way I remember which was first. In fact, I'm not even sure what books I had to read for school. Mostly, I don't remember being assigned books at all.

4. Which was the first novel you remember reading that really pulled you into the story?

Uhm ... yeah. ALL OF THEM?! I never finished Little Women till college, however, because once Meg got married, the story got really stupid. In my 8-year-old opinion.

5. Take the quiz: Which Alice in Wonderland Character Are You?

I am Alice. And by the way, this is one of those books I still reread every few years, a perennial favorite.

6. Which childhood story would you most enjoy telling to your kids?

Y'know, surprisingly, I never pushed the Hardy Boys (or Nancy Drew for that matter) at Sparky--how did I miss that? But he owned/owns all the Dr. Seuss books, and we read all the "Little House" books when he was tiny, and Tom Sawyer, and all the Narnia books, "A Wrinkle in Time" and the sequel, and all the Harry Potter books, to name a few. I miss reading out loud to him....{{sniff}}

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Just One Look

1. How vein [sic] are you about how you look?

Assuming you mean 'vain' I'm probably less so than average. I've hit middle age (hard) and as long as I'm relatively clean, comfortable, and neat, I'm pretty happy. I do like shoes, though.

2. When you were little what was your favorite TV show?

When I was very little, I used to run for The Monkees and New Zoo Revue (I think that was the name of it).

3. If someone was going to make a movie or TV show about your life, who would play you and why?

My go-to used to be Sandra Bullock, but I'm going to have to come up with someone else. Uhhh, Maura Tierney maybe? Why? Because they hired her. I don't know who'd want to play me, or why they'd make a movie. My life, though busy, is hardly exciting in Hollywood terms.

4. Who is your favorite Major League Baseball team? How about your favorite player?

I am not a baseball fan. Yes, I'm aware that automatically makes me a communist threat.

5. What is your favorite baseball-related movie?

If pressed, I would say Bull Durham, because of the toenail-painting scene. See: nothing whatsoever to do with the game itself.

6. What is one lesson you have learned in the past year?

"The best-laid plans of mice and man gang aft agley."

7. Tell us about one of your childhood memories.

I have a fairly vivid memory of sitting in the car (light olive green 60s station wagon) with my sister Jean in the hospital parking lot playing "I Spy" while we waited for my parents. It was something to do with my sister Ellen--maybe transfusion day?--or it may have been my dad's heart attack. It was all going on at once. The car was parked facing a very high retention wall, so "I Spy" was kinda boring; lots of green and brown things spied.

8. How do you handle sticky situations? Do you have a method? If so, what is it?

Beast is in charge of all sticky things. lol [Inside joke] Seriously, I just try to remain calm and practical. Sometimes it works and sometimes in spite of that my brain falls out and I panic.

9. Do you think people talk about you behind your back?

Judging by the way they talk about other people when I'm around, most assuredly. Do I care? Not much, though it would be fun to listen in once in awhile.

Cinn's Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
suspending disbelief, if only for the moment.

[01] When is the last time you went swimming?

I can't swim. The last time I was in, or even near, a pool is the last hotel we stayed in, probably January in Vegas. And I wasn't that near.

[02] Do you fill out a bracket for March Madness?

Are you serious? I loathe basketball.

[03] When is the last time you made dinner for someone else?

I'm a mom; I regularly cook for others. I cooked on Tuesday night for Sparky, and Monday night for all three of us.

[04] Who is your partner in crime, the one person with whom you cause trouble?

Oh, totally Amy! lol

[05] What songs can you sing without looking up the lyrics?

All the lyrics for My Fair Lady, 1776, Fiddler on the Roof, West Side Story, The Sound of Music.... Also, Amazing Grace and loads of Christmas carols.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Chit-Chat
For this week’s questions, how about giving a thoughtful (or sarcastic, or whatever) answer to these too-oft-asked chit-chat questions?

1. “Come here often?” "No." In my head: "Especially if this is the level of conversation I will be expected to have."

2. “What’s new?” "Nothing much. You?" said distractedly as I race past.

3. “[insert your recent weather condition here] enough for ya?” "Yeah." In my head: "Wow, dude, original!"

4. “How’s it hangin?” I have learned to NEVER.EVER.EVER ask this question of a man. And most men never really seem to use it except as a double entendre with each other anyway.

5. “How ’bout them [insert local sports team here]?” "Mmmm." 'Round here it's best not to get in a baseball discussion, or even a football discussion. Too much rivalry.

The Dating Profile Meme

(Link in meme-roll)
Moving Forward on the Journey

1. I have learned enough from past experiences to know what is important in life, and I have adopted the attitude of live, learn, grow, forgive and forget, and always keep moving forward through the journey.

Sounds great. Are you Buddhist? More importantly, are you for real? FYI: "always" is a very long time. At some point in "always" you're going to die. Sorry to be a downer.

2. Looking forward to a new chapter in my life.

Ooooooh! Book talk! In my experience, chapters tend to start after a horribly tense moment at the end of the previous chapter. I'm not fond of rebounding. So that negates the "ooooooh" factor entirely.

3. I've been in relationships with someone that would rather drink alcohol, rather than go to the gym.

So've I. Your point is ... what? Precisely.

4. I can be spontaneous and fun as long as we don't break the law.

Wow, now that is setting the bar admirably low. Or perhaps admirably high in what I'm thinking would be your life.

5. I'm a multifaceted, marketing & promotions professional with a number of unusual passions: open water swimming, growing a lettuce garden, cycling for fun, to raise money for charity, playing 18 holes on Saturdays, running two hours daily and listening to opera to name a few. I often arrive home to messages from my friends on my answering machine asking – where are you now?

Guys like you are the reason I had no interest in Ivy League universities, city boys, and coastal urban men. A "lettuce garden"? For REALZ? Oh, get over your big (hah!) bad metrosexual self, and keep moving. I'm not for you.

6. They always say nothing is not living for if it not dieing for.

Oh, yeah, you definitely need to find one of these other folks to glom onto rather than me.

7. Hello and welcome to my proile.

Goodbye and welcome to your spellcheck software.

8. I work in Germany flying around Europe. When I work I live in Berlin which is my home base. I spend about 5 months per year in this area as my father is living there. I grew up in both countries.

"When I work"?? WTF does that mean? Your pronoun use is confusing; is English your second (or third) language? What is "both countries"? I'm so lost. Glad you're flying around, not I!

9. I have also been told that I am the best kisser ever, and am laughed at for being a bit clumsy.

A clumsy kisser. Great. Let me check my health and life insurance policies ... ok, yeah, I'll have to pass on this, sorry. [not really]

10. If you have looked over my pictures and I’ve "charmed you with my smile", you have taken more than "30 seconds" to read over my profile and you would like to know about me and what I am looking for, you should drop everything and email me this minute.

If I drop everything, I won't be able to email you because my computer will be toast. Which it might be anyway based on the number of unnecessary quotation marks in use on your profile.