Monday Mayhem

(Link in meme-roll)
Let's Get Random

1. What animal in your opinion is the stupidest animal alive?

Hmm, well, possums are right up there. Mosquitoes too. 

2. What person in the news or spotlight makes you wonder how they got so far?

Basically, EVERYone on Faux News.

3. If you could make up a new law and be in charge of arresting law breakers, what would that law be?

If you can't find something kind to say in the media, you will shut up. Or be fined a minimum of $1,000 per word.

4. Name something of the color blue that you despise.

Smurfs.

5. If you were on your way somewhere and were running late and witnessed an accident, what would you do?

Stop. And of course call 911.

6. How tall is too tall and how short is too short in your opinion?

For what? I don't play this way. Height is not that big of a deal to me; I have a friend who is shorter than her 3rd grader, and I have a friend who is close to 80" tall. This really is NOT an issue for me.

7. What hair color and eye color would you not want in someone you were planning on having children with?

Aruuu?? This is not how I chose the father of my children. Seriously, the eye/hair color was practically non-existent on the worry-about scale.

8. What hour of the day has the worst drivers?

Depends on who you ask in my house at least: I say 4-5 p.m., but Beast says 10-11 a.m.

9. Are you following the Stanley Cup Finals?

Only cursorily, and ONLY because it's a big deal in this area this year. I can't believe it's June (tomorrow) and they are STILL playing hockey!

10. If you wanted to eat lunch at the zoo and all they served were animal parts, would you eat them?

Have you investigated what hot dogs and hamburgers are made of?? I would eat normal food at the zoo, but if they handed me an otter fin to gnaw on I'd probably take a pass.

11. Would you give, and if so how much, money to a 25 year old man holding a sign at an intersection that asks for money?

Wait, the intersection is asking for money!? I probably wouldn't give him anything unless we were stopped there long enough to get my wallet out. And even then...probably not.

12. What do you do with emails that tell you to forward them on to 10 other people or something will happen to you?

I delete them. They annoy the shit out of me.

Curious as a Cat

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1) Who do you grieve for?

Lots of people, but primarily myself. I'm selfish like that.

2) List 5 blue things you can see right now.

The Blogger bar, Sparky's Windows page, the ocean on Deadliest Catch, a candle on the mantel, and the inside of a card.

3) How old were you the first time you flew in an airplane?

I was wee, 5 or 6.

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

Mostly, of course, it reminds me of St. Patrick's Day, and pretending to be in love as a kid. I never liked boys like this. It baffles me that I married one.

Taco Time

You Are Hilarious

You are light hearted and fun loving. You look forward to each new day. You are optimistic and calm. You enjoy the best things in life. You are a person of subtle taste. You don't like to overwhelm your senses. No one would describe you as awkward. You are a smooth character!

The Taco Test

OK, not really. But it's fun to think so, eh?

Sunday Stealing

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The Just Because Meme

1. Make a list of 5 things you can see without getting up.

My laptop, Beast's laptop, Sparky's laptop, the CD tower, and the ceiling fan (out of a possible thousand or so possibilities--this room is CLUTTERED).

2. How do you style your hair? How often do you cut it?

I keep it a little longer than shoulder length on purpose so I'm not locked into one style. Some days it's down, some days it's braided, some days it's knotted, some days it's pony-tailed. I get bored easily with hair. It gets trimmed and colored every 5-6 weeks.

3. What are you wearing now?

My orange pajamas. And a couch throw over my legs, because Beast really does like to set the a/c about 5 degrees cooler than I'm comfortable.

4. What's your occupation? Do you like it?

I love my job. I work in a medium-sized public library and do most of the cataloging and classifying of the new materials. Plus, I get to do reference once in awhile which is rarely boring and frequently VERY entertaining.

5. When was the last time that you took a nap? Was there a special reason?

I tried to take a nap earlier this week and ended up not sleeping. I can sleep all winter, but for some reason in the warmer months, it's harder for me to nap.

6. Who was the last person you hugged romantically?

Uh, well, Beast, since he's pretty much the ONLY person I hug "romantically."

8. What was the last full meal that you ate?

An Italian beef sandwich, pasta salad, and strawberries at Beth's last night.

9. What was the last email that you received?

It's a update from a forum a friend belongs to, which I never read. I should probably just delete the auto-mail.

10. What one website do you always visit when you go online?

Google Reader, Blogger, Gmail and Facebook all open when I click on the browser here at home. At work, Jango, OCLC Connexion, our staff homepage, and our catalog open when I open my browser.

11. What was the last significant thing you bought?

Food for today's meal: brats, buns, potato salad, chips, strawberries, and apple juice.

12. What musical artist did you not get at first, but then became a fan?

I never really got Fleetwood Mac when they were popular in the '70s, but I've come to appreciate them as an adult.

13. What do you think about before you go to bed last night?

A few minutes ago I said to Beast, "I remember going upstairs, and I remember doing a crossword, briefly, before going to sleep. What I don't remember is changing into pajamas and washing my face--the intermediate 'getting ready for bed' stuff." I think I was close to asleep on my feet for the last hour of my day.

14. What was the last CD you bought?

46664, part 3. Eventually, I'd like to have all three parts.

15. What is your favorite weather, and why? What's the weather like today?

Hot and dry and sunny, with no bugs. I think we've got hot today, but it's rarely dry here, and the bugs are starting to appear already. sigh...

16. If you could have a special artistic talent, what would it be?

I just remembered the dream I was having when I woke up this morning: I was in high school, trying to get from class to class and for some reason my second period class was "Painting" and I couldn't figure out WHY I had decided to take an art class instead of a music class.... So, to answer the question, I guess my subconscious wants me to take a painting class.

17. Did you watch the Idol 9 finale? If yes, what are your thoughts?

I have never watched a complete episode of AI. Not my thing. I guess, in a vague sense, I'm glad a "local boy" won, but I really don't care.

18. What's something you'd like to say to someone right now?

"Go.Feed.Your.Pet. NOW!" OK, actually I did just say that.

19. Any special plans for this (holiday in the States) weekend?

FIL is coming over today. We had two graduation parties to attend yesterday. Tomorrow is pretty much Sit Around Day, though Sparky will be marching in the parade with his school band.

20. Besides your current S/O, who was the last person that you loved romantically?

I'm too old to remember stuff like this. Seriously, it's been over 25 years.

Unconscious Mutterings

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1. Fresh air :: Laundry
2. Bodyguard :: Whitney Houston/Kevin Costner (unfortunately)
3. Wedding :: Vows
4. Remind :: Nag
5. Wicked :: Evil
6. Crawling :: Baby
7. Gasoline :: Fuel
8. Anyone :: Anywhere
9. Dancing :: ...Queen
10. Wall :: ...Post

Futurity

Your Life Will Be Perfect in Ten Years

You are good at planning and following through. You're very logical and detail oriented. As far as your life goes, you have goals in mind... and you'll probably achieve them. You're on the right path, and you're doing everything you can to move forward. Just remember, it's okay to stray a little bit. Even perfect people can make mistakes!

What Will Your Life Be Like in Ten Years?

I have to wait 10 years?? Really? Bummer.

Patrick's Place

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Saturday 6

1. Which would you rather be without: your teeth or your hair?

My hair. Wigs are reasonable and functional; fake teeth are not. Or at least not as much.

2. If you had to lose one, would you lose an arm or a leg?

Leg. I don't use my legs for the detail work I need my arms (ok, hands) for.

3. Would you rather have a beat-up jalopy that never breaks down or a stylish sports car that breaks down at least once a month?

Jalopy. It's what I drive now, basically.

4. Would you rather be able to write well or speak well?

Write. Lasts longer. I have issues with talking now at times, so it wouldn't be a great loss anyway.

5. God offers you the chance to meet him in person, which would require you to be the strictest of his followers: would you rather meet him and accept that responsibility, or not meet him and live on faith?

The latter. I'm big on living on faith; why change now?

6. Take the quiz: The Either Or Love Test?

I did this a couple of days ago, and my result is here.

Saturday 9

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Midnight Confessions

1. Have you ever had to confess something to a lover or friend?

Well, YEAH! "I broke the [whatever]" comes to mind. Sorry, not too juicy, but it still isn't very fun to have to do that!

2. How well do you handle rejection?

Getting better all the time. Again, still not fun, but being a parent helps in this regard. I get rejected fairly often by my child. ;-)

3. What makes you feel old?

My body not functioning (or looking) the way it's "supposed" to, i.e. the way it did when I was 16. And being rejected by my son. heh

4. What makes you feel young?

Being around kids. Laughing. Learning something new.

5. What’s something you are old school about?

Finances: if you don't got it, don't spend it.

6. What TV show's seasons would you buy on DVD? Tell us why it rocks.

I've considered buying NCIS and CSI (and CSI:NY), but I'm basically very cheap. It rocks because ... well, to be blunt because of Mark Harmon and William Peterson. And Gary Sinise, but for slightly different reasons.

7. If you could create your own TV channel, what would it be?

Like we NEED more TV channels? Good heavens, we have over 500 on our satellite! Sometimes there's a reason nothing looks good: it means "turn off the TV!" and do something for a change!

8. Where do you like to go for a day trip?

I don't really do day trips; if I'm going somewhere, I'd rather stay for awhile. Having said that, I guess north to the Resort Lake Town or to The Big City to the East would be the obvious options.

9. Name some things that you still want to do in your life.

See Sparky graduate from college and get settled in a good career. And then down the road a bit, hold my grandchildren.

Friday Five

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Grillin' Out

1. What side dish do you like the most: potato salad, macaroni salad, baked beans, etc.

I like the potato salad, if it's my mom's, but you can have ALL the beans. Macaroni salad is nice too. I actually mostly prefer the veggie tray.

2. Do you prefer food grilled on a charcoal or gas grill?

Gas. Charcoal is messy, and the whole taste thing...ick.

3. Do you want just one meat item, or a mixture: such as chicken, steaks, hot dogs, hamburgers, etc.

I don't like to mix, but we usually have dogs and sausage together, or burgers and dogs.

4. Do you want to eat outside or inside?

How buggy is it? Probably inside, eh? Allergies, yo.

5. Does it bother you to have citronella candles burning if you are eating or cooking outside?

If there are mosquitoes, I'd rather use the candles than spray myself with Off! or whatever.

Loving

Your Love Style is Balanced

You tend to approach falling in love practically. You don't let your heart get ahead of your head. You see love as the most important part of your life. You don't obsess over it, but it is what gets you up in the morning. You see love with your head, and you believe in working on a relationship. You think communication is key - as well as core compatibility. You are swept off your feet by words of love. A love letter or love poem from your sweetie can make your heart melt.

The Either Or Love Test

We were doing great till that last bit, right?

Friday Food Fun

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Pizza Toppings

1. What are your favorite pizza toppings?

Canadian bacon, onions and sausage.

2. Do you prefer thin crust or thick crust?

Thick.

3. Do you prefer Deluxe pizza or a pizza with just 1 - 3 ingredients (which ones)?

I don't really need a bunch of stuff on the pizza--more stuff = more soggy=YUCK.

4. Do you eat any unusual toppings on your pizzas?

Nope, I'm pretty boring. Except, California Pizza Kitchen makes a really good spinach and feta pizza to which I add bacon. Yum. Is that weird?

5. Do you prefer tomato sauce or another sauce (which kind)?

Nope, plain old tomato is good...except on that CPK, which is sauce-free.

6. What is your favorite dessert pizza?

Haven't done one of those for awhile, but I have a recipe for a kiwi and strawberry one that's pretty good.

7. Do you prefer pizza from a restaurant, from the freezer or deli section, or homemade?

P@ul##'s, no contest. Or that CPK thing... lol

8. Describe the perfect pizza for you.

The one that just got put in the fridge about 5 minutes ago. It was lovely.

Friday Fill-Ins

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1. Cold fried chicken -- the best food to take on a picnic.
2. Summer can' come too soon.
3. I remember when they were called thongs, not flip flops.
4. To love someone is means a lot of hard work.
5. I would love go on a long hike. (but I'd probably pass out after about 10 minutes)
6. When I crave food, it's usually carbs.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to seeing Beast for the first time since Monday, tomorrow my plans include TWO graduation parties, and Sunday, I want to relax with FIL!

Friday 5

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Oops

1. In the past month, what was your biggest OOPS?

Does freaking out at work, thinking I was losing my mind, and generally wigging out count? I haven't really done anything horrendous lately, I don't think.

2. In the past month, what inspired you to let out your most heartfelt WHEW?

Surviving last week. OK, perhaps it was when the German girls left; they were really nice, but wow--couldn't believe the amount of extra work and drama!

3. In the past month, what caused you to say, “HUH?”

The whole thing with the volcano, the delayed departure, the switching houses...weird. Lotsa "huh?"

4. In the past month, what influenced the most ZZZZZZZZs?

What influenced it was the fact that I haven't been getting enough sleep in the past...oh, 5 years.... Unfortunately, I've also headed back into Insomnia-Land. No fun.

5. In the past month, what was most GRRRRRRRRR-worthy?

Sparky's escapade that resulted in serious consequences at home and at school. He's an idiot. Sometimes.

Food 4 Thought Friday

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Breakfast
Who will you be thinking mostly about this Memorial Day?

Probably my parents. I would like to visit their graves, but they are a ways away, so...not happening. Otherwise, I'll probably be mostly thinking about vets and soldiers.

Lunch
What are your Memorial Day traditions?

We mostly just hang out, probably have a cookout, but we don't do much of anything, certainly not involving travel.

Dinner
How many graves do you usually visit on Memorial Day?

None. No one in our family is buried nearby.

Midnight Snack
What is one thing you hope to remembered for?

My laugh, or more generally, my sense of humor.

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

Stay mellow. Yep, I'm reliving the 60s, or trying to.

Cinn's Friday 5

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dream brightly for me...

[01] Have you ever committed an act of vandalism? What was it? Did you get caught?

I don't think so, though I suppose I may have written on a bathroom wall at some point. Beyond that, no. And I wasn't caught, obviously, since I don't even remember.

[02] Have you ever been on a trampoline?

When I was a child, I was a couple of times, but not recently. Not overly coordinated.

[03] Do you double dip your chip?

Only if I'm eating alone. At parties, no.

[04] What valuable skill has someone taught you? Who was that teacher?

Just one? The only reason I'm still functional is the sheer volume of valuable skills I've been taught. Let's go with reading, and my sister Jean taught me when I was 4.

[05] When is the last time you took a walk in the moonlight?

If walking across the hotel parking lot to pick up my family's take-out counts, then that would be last November.

The Dating Profile Meme

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So Little to Ask

1. A relationship that is rooted in God, commitment, unconditional love, unconditional respect, loyalty, mutual appreciation, mutual understanding, great communication, honesty, openness, accountability, faithfulness, compromise, mutual support, sharing, partnership, lots of fun, adventure, romance and great depths of intimacy is so little to ask for I think.

Blah de blah de blah...blah blah, blah blahblahblah de blah....what? Sorry, I was wool-gathering.

2. I don't usually like risks but becoming a single parent has shown me that I can be empowered to do things I would not have done in the past.

...like go to parent-teacher conferences on my own and stomp on spiders in the bathroom.

3. I am a full time college student, going on my fifth year.

Two questions: are you on your own dime for college? And explain the reasons for Year 5 in 5 words or less, and they'd better not include the words "probation, "party", or "bar."

4. I enjoy walking the bike paths when weather is nice.

Bike paths are, by definition, for bikes. Perhaps you should join a gym with a track, because then you won't be limited by weather or run over by bicyclists.

5. I am successful, intelligent, motivated and interested in finding some companionship. I "live in the moment".

No accountability for your actions that way, eh?

6. I will try to explain about my life, pesonality and what i think would be a good match however, i'm not one who likes talking about myself.

Hence the midget letter I. But what is a "pesonality" anyway?

7. We must be good example in our society and you must be the one I will love forever because divorce is not an option for me again and once i decide to fall in love with someone, I will love with all i am and all i had.

I'm gonna guess...English not your first language at home. People who say "divorce is not an option" scare me to death. Move along.

8. I want to be able to go and talk with you if i am down or not in a good mood. That is what relationships are all about. Isnt it?

So, when you're in a good mood, you won't be calling me? No, this is not what love is all about. Take a long walk, dude, a LONNNNGGGG walk.

9. My ideal match is someone who has a zest for life, someone who can have laugh and have fun but, and at the same time, they most be responsible. Or at least somewhat, ya know?

I think you and #7 would be a perfect match. Grasp of English seems about the same. Then again, maybe you should hook up with Mr. In the Moment in #5. Anyway, I'm not interested.

10. My imagination helps me to perceive the world. Desire to perceive the world, desire to create and desire to love - these are constituents of my life.

Can your constituents vote? Or have you not granted them suffrage? You are far too "deep" (koff koff) for me, my friend. Go stare at your navel somewhere else; I've got stuff to do.

Thursday 13

(Link in meme-roll)
Thirteen Things I need to Do Tomorrow:

1. Update catalog stats report for May for Library Board
2. Update blog with stats
3. Update my list of new OCLC/barcode #s  
4. Run expired order records list/send to [Music Guy]
5. Compile numbers for May for collection development budget spreadsheet
6. Create new counting sheets for T. and me
7. Create new withdrawal counting sheets
8. Run NEW THIS MONTH lists
9. Check subject headings lists, and all the other update lists
10. Clean up On Order Spread Sheet
11. Work the Reference Desk for two hours
12. Try to get a weency bit of cataloging done
13. Check Awards books and order those we don't have

Thursday Thunks

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Hope It Gives You...Ideas?
This week we will answer some crazy questions brought to you by Kimber, the color of Bret Michaels' bandana, and the number 8888.

1. Tomorrow you'll be thinking to yourself?

"I hate the end of the month. Statistics are not my friend."

2. Where's your picket fence?

Ain't got one. Not a fan of fences, to be honest.

3. With a big smile on your face, you do what?

Crack jokes. And play with babies, too, though not usually at the same time.

4. If I was to walk up to you, you'd do what?

Say "May I help you?"

5. The list goes on and on. What list?

The 'to-do' list, of course. It never ends...until you die.

6. Does every rose have a thorn or does every thorn have a rose?

Yes. But the former is the only version that makes a good rock song.

7. Talk dirty to me. What kind of mop/vacuum/dust thingymabob do you use?

We have a roomba, and a dustbuster, and a dust devil, and another vac. We seem to be a little over-vacced.

8. Your Mamma don't dance and your Daddy don't rock n roll. [Hey, that song really is about my parents, though technically, it was Dad who didn't dance, but neither of them rock n rolled.]

9. Ever had a suitcase packed by your feet, and if so where were you going?

I don't think my feet could manage to pack a suitcase by themselves....

10. Have you ever ridden in a limousine?

Yup. Several times. Usually from the airport, but once it was a treat for MIL on her birthday.

11. I went to bed too soon and got up to go to the bathroom. [Unless you mean "too" in which case "I got up too early".]

12. "And this last mile I travel with you ", to where?

To the Publish Post button. Allons-y!

Brainy

Your Brain is Young

No matter what your actual age is, you've done a good job keeping your brain young. You know that the key to a healthy brain is exercising it, and that's something you just do naturally. You're the type of person who is curious about everything, and your curiosity makes your brain healthy. Keep reading, learning, and engaging with the world. You've figured out the secrets to being mentally sharp.

Is Your Brain Old or Young?

Great: young brain, ancient body. Not really the best match.

Wednesday Wickedness

(Link in meme-roll)
Each week we will pick a famous person and pick ten of their quotes. Each of our questions will be based on the quotes. Got it? Great! Let's begin this week's meme! Today we picked Simon Cowell.

1. “If your lifeguard duties were as good as your singing, a lot of people would be drowning.” How well do you swim?

I don't swim at all, I only drown. Fortunately, my singing hasn't even killed anyone. A few dogs might have been injured, but no one has died.

2. “I think he knows how to articulate something that people are entertained by and still be true to the message he's trying to send, ... very aware of himself.” How self aware do you think you are?

I think, Simon, you're overthinking what the contestants are doing up there. Personally, I'm fairly self-aware, certainly much more so than I was at 25. There are some areas where I'm emphatically not aware at all, but they aren't areas on which I care to dwell. [which probably means those are the areas I need the most work...yeah, yeah, I know]

3. “If you've got a big mouth and you're controversial, you're going to get attention.” Who has a big mouth that you like?

"Like" being a relative term here: PTF, Bill Maher, Jon Stewart, Beast. Me?

4. “I think you have to judge everything based on your personal taste. And if that means being critical, so be it. I hate political correctness. I absolutely loathe it.” Do you believe in political correctness?

I believe in tact. If you want to call that PC, fine, but I don't think they are the same thing. Since we discussed self-awareness above, I think "other-awareness" is JUST AS important. If you need to say something that might be hurtful, why choose the MOST hurtful way of saying it when it may be possible to get your point across more kindly. Having said that, I agree that if you don't like something you should just say so.

5. “I find Paula patronizing. It's as simple as that. Paula is more damaging than I am to these contestants because a lot of people just shouldn't be singing for a living.” Do you ever patronize people?E

veryday at work when I'm dealing with PATRONS. ;-) Seriously: I try not to. I hate being on the other side of this sort of thing, but sometimes... [and, for what it's worth, I agree with Simon here too]

6. “Not everybody is perfect, and I don't think we should be looking for perfect people.” Do you or someone you know strive constantly to be perfect?

Ha ha ha ha ha...uh, yeah, that would be my family trait, uh-huh. It's killer.

7. “I never want to hear that song again. I cannot stand it. I'm allergic to it.” What song are you totally sick of and why?

"Stairway to Heaven." If I never, ever hear it again it will be too soon.

8. “I like the fact that they're cocky now from the age of four.” How old were you when you got cocky? What changed to make you so?

Not sure I've ever been cocky. I'm confident about a few things, but hopefully I'm not cocky. See how I (almost) made it without mentioning South Carolina?

9. “And there's more open hostility among them because the competition is so intense.” When you compete with someone, have you ever gotten hostile?

Oh, yeah. You do not want to be around when I'm on a losing streak in a game. Even Sparky knows better. I'm not proud of it, but there it is.

10. “Why are you having a normal conversation with him? This is a dairy farmer dressed as a woman.” Do you talk differently to someone because of the way that they are dressed?

WTF?! That's, wow, just amazingly rude, Simon! I know plenty of women farmers who do NOT look like men dressing as women. ... Anyway, I try hard not to pay attention to the way people are dressed, but I admit that I listen differently to people who appear to be homeless or slightly unhinged, and I'm more careful about what I say to them.

Random Dozen

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Would you rather host party or simply attend a party?

I think hosting is easier. I know everyone, there's plenty to do, and I get to choose (most of) the food.

2. Tell us about the most memorable party you've been to.

Really? I'm 46: do you know how many parties that encompasses?! Should I go with my parents' 50th anniversary? My 8th birthday? The bacchanaliae of the college years? The party we had when Beast graduated with his MBA? Sparky's 3rd birthday? One of the numerous wedding celebrations? Please--there's no way to choose "most memorable" because they are all memorable differently.

3. What is one thing you hope for in the after-life?

Peace and quiet and No Stoopud.

4. What do you enjoy most about sunshine?

Aside from the warmth, I suppose? I like touching the top of my head after I've been outside for awhile and feeling how hot my hair is. Dark hair absorbs all that heat, so I end up feeling like a little firebox. I also like how big the sky looks when the sun is shining.

5. When you attend a bridal/baby shower, do you prefer to bring your own gift or chip in with others to buy a larger gift?

Buy my own, unless it's a work-related thing, and then I don't mind doing one big gift. Frankly, it's always easier to chip in if I don't know the couple very well, too.

6. Would you rather have a FREE week of having your house cleaned or all of your meals cooked for you and your family?

I think we all know my answer to this: I'll take the food, please.

7. What song describes your mood today?

This one.

8. What is something you received for your own bridal shower/wedding that you still own or use? (If you are not married, feel free to sub a gift you received a long time ago.)

One of my showers was a recipe shower: everyone brought in the recipe for a dish they thought I should have. I still use some of those--been craving the hot chicken salad now for a couple of weeks.

9. Your favorite flavor of ice cream is?

Peppermint. Or bubble gum. Or, a new one, birthday cake.

10. When was the last time you felt "tested?"

About 11:45 last night in the midst of trying like hell to go to sleep. I had the creeping-crawlies and just could NOT settle. Anxiety is FUN!

11. "Iced sugar cookies is a food that once I start eating I find really hard to stop.

12. "Necessity is the best motivation."

Creating

Your Creative Power is Your Logic

You're the type of person who is great at execution. You don't just dream about ideas - you make them happen! You are idealistic and determined, but you are also a realist. You only undertake projects you're pretty sure you can finish. You are a natural problem solver, and you actually think better when you're being challenged. You do best when you work by yourself or when you're in charge. You ideas are big, dramatic, and the best.

What's Your Creative Power?

Or, well, yeah not really so much.

The Queen's Meme

(Link in meme-roll)
The Let’s Go To Dinner Meme

1. When is the last time you went out to dinner with someone special? Tell us about it.

We took FIL out for brunch for his birthday last month. We went to a slightly upscale breakfast place that does seriously awesome pancakes and everything else breakfasty (and some lunch dishes as well). I ate like a freakin' horse, and there was a nice mix of ages at the tables around us so FIL got to flirt with some babies.

2. Show us a picture of your favorite cuisine.

I rarely do photos on this blog, especially on demand, and I certainly don't do cuisine! I like food. Pretty much any food. Is it any wonder I need to lose weight?!

3. What is the funniest thing a man/woman has said to you lately?

Uh...baffled at the phrasing...but if Sparky counts, he's always good for some random weird-but-funny stuff. Let's see: he was a total goof last night but I can't think of any one thing he said that was funny by itself. It was more of a performance than the words.

4. What makes a gentleman a gentleman in today’s dating world? Are there any left?

I wouldn't know from personal experience, but I would say that essentially a gentleman is a man who doesn't put himself first all the time, someone who is confident enough about his place in the world to accept that other people may be more important, or smarter, than he is. I think there are a few people like this around, but I suspect they've always been scarce.

5. Is there anything you won’t tolerate when out to dinner with your significant other?

Food throwing is out. Eating non-finger-food without utensils is out. Flirting with the waitress or otherwise belittling her (and me) is out (at least to her face--if she is truly a piece of work, we can talk about her when she's not around, though ... heh). Fortunately, Beast doesn't do this stuff. There were food-throwing incidents when we were in college, but he's outgrown that.

6. What type of ambiance do you enjoy in an eating establishment?

Cleanliness. Comfortable seating and some distance from other tables. Relaxed staff, even if they're busy. Good food, priced right.

7. Tell us about the worst public dining experience you ever had, whether it be a date or with your family.

Pretty much has to be finding ground up plastic in my bar drink at Chili's a few years ago. At first, I thought it was ice, or margarita salt--even though it was not a margarita.

8. What is the lamest or rudest thing a man/woman has said to you lately?

I work in a library. People say the most amazingly out-of-line things ALL THE TIME. I just recently talked to my boss about this, with her saying whenever someone says something weird, I should let her know and me saying that I'd be sending her emails every 20 minutes if I followed those instructions. Mostly, I just hit the mental delete button as soon as I leave the public area.

9. Are you a good tipper?

Heh, when I I first scanned this I thought it said "Are you a good stripper?" Uh, yes to the former, not so much to the latter. {eyeroll}

10. Do you ask for doggie bags when you leave food on your plate at a restaurant?

I almost always leave with leftovers, yes.

11. What is your pet peeve about restaurants and dining out in general?

I love eating out, so I'm not sure there's anything overly annoying. As I indicated above, I would like the tables not to be so close in some restaurants. I often feel as if I'm sitting in on other people's conversations.

12. Do you prefer to order yourself or do you ever let your significant other order for you?

I'm perfectly capable of speaking to the wait staff. Really, this is just the stupidest custom ever, and it would be a date-breaker if my date even suggested it.

13. Describe your most intimate romantic dinner ever. (fantasy or real)

It's 7:25 a.m., and I'm leaving for work in 10 minutes. I think getting into this right now might be a bad idea. My favorite kind of "intimate" would probably involve a picnic in the mountains anyway. I love eating cold food eaten outside with good scenery and relaxed company.

14. Do you enjoy piano bars?

Meh, not sure I've really ever been in one. Tinkly pop muzak tends to annoy me so it's probably not my thing.

15. If you could go anywhere in the world for dinner, where would it be and who would you be with?

Ydra with Beast, overlooking the harbor.

Monday Mayhem

(Link in meme-roll)
Gimme Your Best Response
You know those people who are always telling you how and what to do? We want to be prepared for the next time they provide us with their fine interventions.

1. Are you putting on weight? You face looks fat.

Seriously? My face never looks fat--I am blessed with that genetic blessing, so "Just a little dental surgery, thanks for asking. Nice of you to ask." I'd probably do my best to drool and spit on them while answering, too.

2. You should wash your clothes in the expensive detergent. What you are using is not working.

"Odd you should mention that brand. We just switched from that this week. Since this is from an earlier load, I guess it's a good thing we did switch, eh?!

3. Are you sure you should be eating that piece of cake?

"Why? Is it spiked? Or just yucky?" I have actually said words to that effect, in complete innocence. Didn't even realize it was a dig till much, much later.

4. You shouldn't be friends with that person.

"...because...?" or "Seriously? Are you my mom?" Though in my case, my mom's line was usually, "I just don't like that [name]" accompanied by a head shake.

5. That shirt is not the right color for you.

"Ssshhh! I'm trying to convince people here I'm not goth!"

6. Why would you work at that crappy job?

"Oh, but it's gotten so much better in the last couple of months!! In fact, things have been great since about...uh, yeah...the day after you left."

7. You're not cutting your steak correctly. This is how you should be doing it.

"Dude, I have a steak knife in my hand. Think this through, eh?" Again, I would say or have  said this pretty much verbatim.

8. Is that all you do all day is sit on your computer?

"Yup. Well, no, not ON it, but AT it, yes."

9. You should use Pledge on the dust in your house.

"Actually, I think I should use a dustcloth. Just spraying things on the wood tends not to work."

10. When are you going to get married/have kids/get divorced (choose which one relates to you)?

"Really? Even my MOM doesn't ask that, primarily because she's not an idiot."
By the way, none of them 'relate to me' as I am married/have spawned/am not interested in a divorce. How about "When are you going to retire?" or "When are you going to move closer with those grandkids?" or "When are you going to quit your job and come take care of me full time?"

11. I'm thinking about staying at your house for 2 weeks for my vacation.

"Great timing: that's when we'll be replumbing in all the bathrooms! You can HELP!"

12. When you are at the store will you get me 2 pounds of bananas and some bread? Oh, and here is some money so you can buy my mother some eggs, prunes and Depends. I'll need separate receipts of course.

Prunes AND Depends just begs for a comment all by itself, but I'll limit my response to "I'll keep the change. What size Depends?"
See, cuz I actually do this already for a few people. This is the only one I don't find particularly horrendous, unless it's being spoken to me by someone I don't know well.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) If you are trying to do something and it isn't working, do you keep at it or try a different tactic?

Unfortunately, I do some things over and over and over ... knowing that they are stupid. Usually revolves around food. Yes, Mr. Einstein, I'm aware of what that means.

2) Do you ever drive past the houses of people you used to know, just to see if they still live there?

No, I cyberstalk them instead. Yep, that creepy. My résumé just keeps growing on this meme.

3) Have you met anyone new this week?

It's Monday. Jeez. Who wrote this meme? :-) OK, seriously, I met some really nice people last Friday at the oral surgeon's office.

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

No he's not Jewish--my first guess. I'm going with a Civil War Re-enacter, judging by the gold braid on his shoulder. He looks appropriately grim for the period. I used to think people in the old days never laughed because of the pictures. Now I'm pretty sure that it was just those who could afford to have their pictures taken, or who were forced, didn't smile. Everyone else was busy having a good time and didn't want to interrupt the party to be photographed. ;-)

I smoke like a machine gun

(Found here)

What is your opinion on sex without emotional commitment? Based on empirical evidence, it doesn't have a lot to recommend it to me, but as long as everyone is on the exact same page {shrug} whatever.

How's your heart lately? Bloodied.

Did you just wake up? It's 8:30 p.m. and I don't work nights, so... no. Been up 15 hours at this point.

What's the color of the hand soap in your bathroom? The powder room has two: one beige (nearly gone) and one pale green. Upstairs is basic SoftSoap.

The next person you'll hold hands with, will it mean anything? Well, yeah: it'll mean I need to hold their hand. It could be for romantic reasons or a prayer circle or pulling someone back from over the edge.

What is your middle name? What is the deal with this question today?! It is not, unlike everyone in my class at school, Lynn.

What can you hear right now? Catherine Willows and the rest of the Vegas Crime Lab yammering away.

Who was your last text from? Probably Sparky, telling me he was on his way home from work last night.

Are you someone's close friend? I think so.

Last time you cried? During a CSI:NY episode early this afternoon.

When's the last time you looked in the dictionary? I haven't looked in a book dictionary in awhile. Online, probably a week or so....no, it was today, looking up "mardy" to be sure I had it right.

Have you seen all the Rocky movies? I'd rather go to a boxing match than watch those movies.

What books, if any, have made you cry? What's the time frame here? I cry in a good 20% of the books I read!

Last thing you drank? Premixed LIIT.  Best gift Beast has found in the last several months.

When's the last time you chose a bath over a shower? Last night. And the night before. And tonight for that matter.

Where did you sleep last night? In bed, for a whopping 5.5 hours. Stupid insomnia.

Do you have good vision? Is the Pope Muslim?

What was the last movie you saw in theaters? I have no idea, no memory whatsoever.

Has anyone ever cheated on you? Kinda-sorta. Whatever. It was 25+ years ago.

Do you have more friends that are girls or boys? "Girls or boys"?? Really? I know more teenage girls, I guess, slightly. Most of my friends are actually adults, however.

Have you been to New York City? Nope. Not yet. Maybe next year sometime....

Does whatever happens in Vegas really stay in Vegas? Nope. Not in my experience though some stuff, by necessity, does.

Are you closer to your mother or father? Not diggin' this question, but I always got along loads better with Dad than Mom.

Are you picky about spelling and grammar? Uhm, I think that would be an affirmative.

Look outside, how's the weather outside? We've gone from March on Wednesday to July today. Crazy hot-humid.

What was the last thing you saw on TV? Just finished the season finale of Survivor and am now watching last week's CSI

Do the speakers on your computer work? Yup.

Do you have a job? I have a dozen or so jobs. Try it sometime, it's a helluva a fun ride.

Have you ever drank your soda from a straw? "Drank"??? Fuckme.

Do you have any children? Just the one biological one who lives here. That's sufficient. We 'rent' others on a rotating basis, which is lovely. Just like grandparents, I can give them back when they start annoying me.

Have you ever written in wet cement? Yes, at our old house we poured cement "stones" as a path through the yard.

Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? Uh. Hmm. Beast, I think. Yesterday.

Have you ever been suspended or expelled from school? Nope. Never. My son is way ahead of me on this, by a factor of 2. 

Ever lied about your age? Never saw the need to.

Can you speak any languages other than English?
I can stagger drunkenly through Spanish. I can propel myself slowly through a couple of others--Russian, Greek, German--but it's not really speaking as much as saying "Speak slower" and "Please" and "Thank you."

What is one thing you've learned about life? Whatever's going on, it's going to change. Guaranteed. Not necessarily the way you want.

Do you have any expensive jewelry? I have a few things, because Beast insists on buying them. He is, sometimes, so very much his father's son.

Have you ever punched someone? Not seriously. Well, ok, I have punched Beast a few times rather hard in the stomach, testing his abs back in the day.

Have you ever lied to someone? Oh, for fuck's sake. Only Jesus would say no honestly to this.

What are you looking forward to? Getting tomorrow over with. And the end of the school year.

What do you usually do first in the morning? Turn off the alarm.

What is one emotion you are feeling right now? Tahrdn'ss.

Who did you hang out with last night? Beast.

Is someone of the opposite sex on your mind at the moment? Only cuz you keep bringing him up.

Do you find the opposite sex confusing? As I said a day or so ago, I find people confusing.

What is the reason behind the last time you cried? It was a stupid TV show that got me started.

Is there anybody you wish you could be with right now? No, yeah, I'm good.

Are you gonna be home alone tonight? Nope. That's fairly rare.

Do you have a best friend? Yeah. A few.

How old are your siblings? My sisters were born in '43, '46, and '49 and my brother was born in '53.

What do you carry with you at all times? Chapstick. That's about all that's a gimme.

How many piercings do you have? Just two.

How many tattoos do you have? None.

Do you prefer talking on the phone or online? Online.

Are you a morning person or a night person? Morning.

Are you perfect? Oh yeah, absolutely. NOT.

How many times have you been to Canada? Once.  

Where are you most ticklish? I learned a long time ago not to tell people that. Why arm the enemy?

What color eyes does the last person you kissed have? Hazel.

Be honest, are you you disappointed in anyone? Always. And always at the top of the list is my own name.

If so, who? Yeah...ok, next.

Will you talk to the person you like tonight?  Nice timing--the phone is ringing RIGHT NOW!

Are you friends with the last person you kissed? I am married to him. You figure it out.

What's something someone can do that makes you melt? Forgets to turn on the air?

Do you have reason to smile right now? Sure. Don't we all?

Have you ever woke up next to someone and wanted to puke? Not because of who was next to me, but I have thrown up pretty much immediately upon waking a couple of times.

What do you do when you need to relax? Crosswords, sudokus, read, take a bath, watch TV...usually not all at once.

Do you like things in life to stay how they are or change? I would like some planned change, rather than unplanned stuff.

If someone liked you, what would be the best way to let you know? Tell me, idiot.

If you won a lot of money on the lottery, what would you buy first? Nothin'. OK, if pressed, I'd buy an honest accountant.

Would you honestly say you'd risk your life for someone else? One or two people only. 

Could you forgive a boyfriend/girlfriend or friend who physically hurt you? Not if he did it on purpose.

What's your greatest fear in life? Failure.

Do you have a best friend? Haven't we done this at least once?

Are you afraid of death? Not particularly. More afraid of the lead-up.

Who was the last person you hugged? Uh, Beast, I think.

Are you looking forward to anything? Uhm, early-stage Alzheimers?

Do you open up to people easily? On some (ok, most) topics, yes. Others, no.

What do your friends call you? Mom, [name], Mrs. [husband's last name], etc. Also any girl's first name that starts with the same letter as my first name, which gets a little tedious.

Has anyone upset you in the last week? Huh, fuuuuuck yeah.

What's the best thing about you? I don't give up easy.

Who was the last person of the opposite sex you had a conversation with? Sparky. Sorta.

What's your favorite drink? DDP or LIIT.

Do you miss anyone? I never miss.

Is your room clean? Very dusty in places, and needs drymopping and vacuuming badly.

What are you going to do tomorrow? Volunteer at Sparky's school, chew out a few people there, and then come home and maybe mop and  vacuum my bedroom!

Who is your favorite person to have a serious conversation with? The person before me said, "Serious conversations don't occur often with me." I'll go with that, but my gut answer to this was Amy.

Does any part of your body hurt right now? Nope. I have become comfortably numb.

Do you like coffee? I like the smell most of the time. Can't drink the stuff, though.

Who was the last person that texted you? Repitition R Us--still Sparky, the same text as before.

What are you craving? More booze.

How did you sleep last night? I slept great till I woke up--wide awake--at 5.

What was the first thing you thought this morning? "Yeah, I need to be awake at 5 to get to church at 9:30...why??" Followed by a GREAT deal of trying to get back to sleep before I gave up so that I wouldn't disturb Beast. Apparently, I was supposed to disturb him enough to get him moving before 9. Not that I knew that, of course. Gah.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Voice Post Meme

1) What's your middle name?

None of your business, but it's the only Biblical girls' name in my immediate family, which I just realized. I'm kind of stunned at that, to be honest.

2) How old are you?

Edging ever nearer 47.

3) Where are you from? Are you living there right now?

I grew up in the Denver Metro area, and now live 1,000 miles away as I have for the past 20 years. Sux. But that's life.

4) Is it cold where you are?

Hah! How about hot+stickyhumid; it's supposed to hit 89 today, with about that much humidity. Welcome to July!

5) What's the time?

Well, if you scroll to the end, you'll see when I posted this, but right now my clock says 7:33 AM.

6)What are you wearing?

Khaki jeans, pale green Eddie Bauer spring sweater.

7) What was the last thing you listened to?

Hmmm...it's blessedly quiet here this morning. I'm the only one up--was awake at 5 for some ungodly reason--so it's mostly me typing and Ruka rustling around his cage. I heard Beast's phone alarm go off about 5 minutes ago. But "listening to"? Nothin'.

8) What was the last thing you ate?

Sandwich thin with American cheese and a little smudge of marg.

9) What was the last thing you watched on TV?

I vaguely remember something about Tina Fey on SNL last night. It was the brownies/boyfriend thing....

10) What's your favorite tv show? Why?

It's pretty much a toss-up between CSI, CSI:NY and both NCISes. I seem to be all about the acronyms. I have always liked crime shows, and I simply cannot watch "drama" or comedy on network TV anymore. Yuck. Please note for the record that I have not watched a single episode of "Lost" nor will I be starting this weekend!

11) Quick! Find a book, or something with text on it! Flip to a random page and post the second paragraph's first sentence.

"'But the puppet didn't talk.'" (Lee Child, One Shot) How's that for not giving ANYthing away, with bonus points for total randomness?

12) What was the last movie you saw? How was it?

I have no idea. Haven't seen a movie for awhile. They don't really stick with me anyway.
Wait!! Hold on! We recently watched 'The Blind Side' and 'Zombieland' in a film-fest weekend in our living room. Both were pretty good, but now I'm wondering what a mash-up of the two would be like.... lol

13) Do YOU think you have an accent? Where do people in your country do people speak with strong accents?

Of course I have an accent!! We all have accents, except those who never speak at all. The pick-out-able accents for me are Deep Southern, eastern urban/mid-Atlantic seaboard, Maine, and SoCal. Given some time, I can usually pick out Minnesota/South Dakota as well. Accents, idiom, and dialects fascinate me, possibly because very early on I was exposed to radically different ways of using English--African, British, and Spanglish--and my family was heavily invested in wordplay. I love weird (to my childhood) terms like "bap" (a roll) and "groundnut" or "goober" (peanut), "bubbler" (drinking fountain) and "loncha" (lunch), "aina" ("right?") and "mardy" (cranky, upset). Or taking "the streetcar till it bends the corner 'round." How awesome is that phrase?!
Thus proving that I am a giant geek.

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Cream :: Prince
2. Be with you :: some random, probably lame, pop song
3. Pancakes :: Breakfast
4. Believe :: This song
5. 45 :: ...record
6. Eat :: Breakfast (I seem to be stuck)
7. Background :: ...check
8. Pane :: Glass
9. Aim :: Fire!
10. Collapse :: Sag

spaghett [sic]

(Found here)

Do you have any condoms in your room? Nope. No need--there'll be no one getting pregnant in my room, and no one has any other need for protection either.

Do you think the last guy/girl you kissed cares for you? He keeps coming home from business trips, and he hasn't filed for divorce so I guess we're ok.

Who is the first person you would call if you needed help? Beast, duh.

Who was the first person to break your heart? Probably the doctor who yanked me into the cold, cruel world at my mother's behest...nay, DEMAND (hey, she was a week late in her fifth pregnancy in 20.3 years--do you blame her?!).

Do you find the opposite sex confusing? I find people of all genders confusing at times. Including myself.

Is there someone you wouldn't mind kissing right now? Sure. I like kissing. Some people are very good at it. But I'm not racing out to stand on the busiest corner in town and kissing random strangers, either.

What was the first thing you thought of this morning? "SHIT! Why the FUCK am I awake before 7 on a Saturday?! Especially after the week I've had!"

Are there certain things that can't be joked about with you? Yep. It'll be fun to watch y'all trying to figure out what they are...{giggle}

Do you think your ex will ever want to be with you again? My Magic 8-Ball says, "Outlook not so good." I'm not sure I'd even recognize any of my exes, or they me.

Do you wish someone would call you?
Yes. I haven't spoken to my brother or my "English" sister since November. I have no idea why.

Could you go out in public looking like you do now? I could. People do, but I wouldn't! I'm wearing my summer pajamas...  Come to think of it:  if walking down the hall to the bathroom on the mission trips counts, then I have done this. Sigh. So much for standards. lol

Have you ever kissed someone that was high? "..."that" was high"??? Even high, I know that I only kiss "who" not "that"--and yes. I have. I'm not quite that sheltered. Not hardly.

If you ended up in jail, who would be next to you? Random drunks and crazy people...all the criminals of the county. My criminal history is not filled with a great deal of teamwork.

Do you live on your own? Nope. I live (mostly) with my son, and with my husband when he pops in to do laundry at random intervals. And I must say, "random intervals" is precisely what they are! [srsly--he was gone ALL WEEK last week, but that's not all that common...except when it is...]

Do you have any piercings other than your ears? Nope.

Regret doing anything in the past week?

And now the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend I'll say it clear
I'll state my case of which I'm certain

I've lived a life that's full
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way

Regrets I've had a few
But then again too few to mention
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption

I planned each charted course
Each careful step along the byway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way

Yes there were times I'm sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew
But through it all when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out, I faced it all
And I stood tall and did it my way

I've loved, I've laughed and cried
I've had my fill, my share of losing
And now as tears subside
I find it all so amusing

To think I did all that
And may I say not in a shy way
Oh no, oh no, not me
I did it my way

For what is a man what has he got
If not himself then he has not
To say the things he truly feels
And not the words of one who kneels
The record shows I took the blows
And did it my way

Yes it was my way

Jacques Revaux; Paul Anka, Gilles Thibaut, and Claude Francois, not to mention FRANK

What did you do today? A lot of this. I'm pretty well caught up on my RSS feeds. I watched a lot of Mantracker on cable, some CSI:NY on DVD, and did a couple of loads of laundry.

How many siblings do you have? Orange peanut clock silver falafel dice. [I HATE HATE HATE this question!!!]

Are any of your friends taller than you? A lot of the guys are.

Are you wearing any make up right now? Does Chapstick count?

Last time you laughed really hard? Oh hell, I have no idea. It's been awhile since I had one of those tear-inducing laughs.

When was the last time you cried really hard? Months. I haven't cried, sobbed, for quite awhile, thanks to the wonders of modern medicine. However, I've been doing a lot of face-leaking here and there lately.

Have you ever gotten alcohol poisoning? Never been diagnosed, probably had at least one mild case, though.

Do you need to say anything to someone? Nope. I need to keep my fucking mouth SHUT.

Have you heard a song that reminds you of anyone today? I haven't really listened to a whole lot of music today.

What's the last thing that bothered you? Everything bothers me lately.

Did you run anywhere today? Hell no!

Have you ever had pink eye? Not...quite...?

What was the last song you listened to? I don't know. It's been several hours since I heard any songs. I insisted that Beast mute the national anthem before the race; it was someone intent on mangling it completely.

How was your day overall? Meh. I'm increasingly irritated right now with ... some things. But I guess most of the rest of it was fine.

What was the last thing you did before you went to bed last night? Brushed my teeth, I guess.

Have you ever kissed anyone whose name started with a Q? I don't think so.

Will tomorrow be better then today? "Then"? {sigh} Metaphorically, if people don't learn to spell it's not likely. In literal terms, I don't think tomorrow is going to be substantially different from today, except for church of course.

Do you remember the first time you kissed the last person you kissed? Uhm...? I think so?

What's something you're excited for? Can't think of a single thing in the next few weeks except for the end of this fucked-up school year.

Do you know anyone who doesn't smoke pot? I know quite a few people who don't smoke pot. I would think I probably know more who don't than do.

January; what was your love life like? I was married, same as I am now. Ergo about the same.

Think of the last person who said I love you; do you think they meant it? Yes. But he's still irritating right now.

Are you listening to music? No. I'm listening to testosterone and gin, backed with Kyle Busch whining.

Are you sober? Eminently so.

Are you happier now or five months ago? Overall, there's not a huge difference, but I'm pretty sure I wasn't anywhere near as stressed or generally pissed off in December as I am now. Maybe I've just developed amnesia about it, though.

Have you ever been nice to someone who treated you like crap? All the time. It was called keeping my job, twenty years ago. Among other situations.

What was the most memorable thing that happened last summer? The bus 'theft' on the mission trip.

Do you think that you have made a difference in someone's life? Yes. I would even venture that there may be more than one person who might admit this.

Have you ever kissed someone else's girlfriend/boyfriend? Nope. Nor spouse, either. Well, ok, except in the most platonic sorts of kisses. One of my brothers-in-law has some boundaries issues in this area, however.

Who was the last person you got into a big argument with? I'm sure it was Beast. I don't think Sparky and I were arguing about the note from school a few days ago or the situation yesterday even if I was yelling. And I don't argue with too many other people. I will disagree with people, but I only really argue with Beast. And a few extended family members (my brother, for one).

Where is the person who has your heart? My heart is in my chest, thank you very much Indiana Jones in the Temple of Doom

What do you want for your birthday? A plane ticket for the winter to someplace warm.

Ever kissed someone who's name starts with an A or S? Yes. A few someones in fact.

When was the last time you wanted to punch someone in the face? Yesterday. Guess what: it is/was a school employee! Shock!!

Is there anyone who doesn't like you? I think it would be really amazing to reach age 46.5 and not have ANYone dislike you. Even Jesus himself couldn't manage to last more than 33 years before pissing off the important folks!

Have you ever been awake for 2 days straight? There are a few meme questions that seem to pop up far too often. This is one of them. Why is this such an important/interesting topic for so many people? Oh, right, because most meme writers are 20 and still rebelling against their parents 'arbitrary' rules about bedtime.

Are you happy? Really? Do you see my hands clapping? Yeah, me either....

Who was the last person you took a picture with? My boys, on the beach, for the German girls.

Did the one person who hurt you the most in your life apologize? Not meaningfully. And now it's too late for an apology that I never expected anyway.

Catlike

You Are Fairly Curious

You tend to get into certain ideas and subjects, and for them, your curiosity knows no limits. In general, you don't tend to be as curious as you could be though.  Open your eyes a little more to the world around you. Try something new every day. [I do this, numbnuts!] There's so much to learn, see, do, and be curious about in life!

How Curious Are You?

I am naturally very nosy, and have to curb that tendency in order to keep my sanity--and occasionally (at work) my temper.

hmm this may have explained many factors on thursday that led to a decision

(Found here)
again, I must point out that I do not make up the titles.

Centaur:
[ ] You are rather wild, and let your instincts run you.
[ ] You get drunk a lot.
[ ] Bravery and boldness is second nature to you.
[ ] You have a deep love for astronomy and the universe.
[ ] You like to read your daily horoscope.
[x] You have a high level of pride in yourself.
[ ] The best place for you to be is in the woods.
[x] You are spiritual.
[ ] The horse is your favorite animal.
[ ] You are possessive and territorial.
Total: 2

Elf:
[ ] Your ears are slightly pointed at the tips.
[x] You are very intelligent.
[ ] Your five senses are extremely keen.
[ ] Your weight is quite a bit lighter than the average person at your particular height.
[ ] You always wear elegant clothes, and speak as politely as possible.
[ ] You are most at peace when you are gazing at something beautiful, like nature.
[ ] You look very young for your age.
[ ] You rarely get sick.
[x] You are a very hard worker.
[ ] Above all other superpowers, you would love to read minds or see the future.
Total: 2

Fairy:
[ ] You are happy a lot of the time.
[ ] The best superpower to you would be to fly.
[x] You are very shy.
[x] You love nature.
[x] You are always willing to help others, even if you might not be the best to offer aid.
[ ] You are young and short.
[ ] Dancing is one of your favorite pastimes.
[ ] If someone ticks you off, you are very clever with getting them back.
[x] Your clothing isn't always presentable, but you are comfortable with what you wear.
[ ] Circles are a wonderful symbol of unity to you.
Total: 4

Gnome / Dwarf:
[ ] You are excellent with crafts and handiwork.
[x] In social situations, you tend to be a little awkward.
[ ] You are short for your age.
[ ] You are an isolationist.
[ ] You love to play practical jokes on people.
[ ] You are extremely fascinated with jewelry.
[ ] You look older than your age.
[x] You love the woods and the mountains.
[ ] You are well off, or come from a family that is well off.
[x] You have a short temper.
Total: 3

Harpy / Siren:
[ ] You are best at talking bad about people behind their backs and not to their face.
[ ] When you are annoyed, you will go to a great extent to torment whoever did so to you.
[ ] You often take things that aren't yours.
[x] You are easily angered.
[x] Death fascinates you.
[x] You are female, or a feminine-looking man.
[x] You associate yourself with the wind element.
[x] You can switch quickly between your light and dark side.
[ ] You love to trick others.
[x] You have a ravenous appetite.
Total: 6

Mermaid / Merman:
[ ] You love the beach more so because of the water than the shore itself.
[ ] Fish are some of the most beautiful creatures to you.
[ ] The ultimate superpower to you would be to breathe underwater.
[ ] You enjoy looking at ships, but not riding them. You like ships for traveling, not hunting in the sea.
[ ] You are good at swimming.
[ ] You like to collect shells.
[ ] You use sea items as jewelry or decoration.
[ ] You enjoy learning about the ocean and the life inside it.
[ ] You are extremely against ocean pollution.
[ ] Legs on land are not as important as a fin in the sea.
Total: 0

Vampire:
[ ] You're a night person.
[x] You have a fascination with blood.
[x] You are extremely pale.
[ ] You wish you had a bat as a pet.
[ ] You are not religious at all.
[x] Tight spaces are not scary or uncomfortable for you.
[ ] The sun's glare annoys you all too often.
[ ] You hate food with lots of garlic in it.
[ ] To you, a kiss on the neck is more romantic than a kiss on the cheek or lips.
[ ] You don't like sharp objects near you.
Total: 3

Werewolf:
[ ] The full moon is the most beautiful scene to you. (along with the sight of any other celestial bodies)
[ ] You have a lot of body hair.
[ ] The ability to shapeshift is the best superpower to you.
[ ] You prefer gold over silver items.
[x] You lack self-control.
[ ] You find it easier to have sympathy for animals than for humans.
[x] You have a deep respect for wolves and wild dogs.
[x] You like to be alone.
[ ] You have a terrible secret, and you only tell people you trust 100% about it.
[ ] You'd rather be outdoors than indoors.
Total: 3

Wizard / Witch:
[ ] You love chemistry.
[ ] You are intuitive and good at analyzing people, to the point that people seriously or jokingly say you're psychic.
[ ] The most amazing supernatural power to you is controlling the elements.
[ ] You are a nature lover.
[x] You have a strong sense of responsibility.
[x] You spend a lot of time alone.
[ ] You usually hang around with a certain animal all the time when you feel lonely.
[ ] You are spiritual, but not necessarily religious.
[ ] Cooking is one of your favorite things to do.
[ ] You enjoy learning about Wicca and the occult.
Total: 2

Zombie:
[x] You are pale.
[x] You are hungry a lot.
[x] Many activities you do every day make you feel mindless, or like a drone.
[x] Most of the time, you or a part of you is cold.
[ ] You love to eat meat.
[ ] You would resort to cannibalism if that was the only source of food.
[ ] You make grunts and moans a lot.
[x] You enjoy learning about psychology because you study the brain.
[ ] You usually walk slow.
[x] You are not afraid of seeing a lot of blood or getting a lot of blood on yourself.
Total: 6

Satyr / Faun:
[x] You are very passionate about the things you like.
[ ] You like to get drunk and dance.
[ ] You're very amorous.
[x] You like art and music.
[x] You enjoy feasting with friends.
[x] You love nature, but more for the animals then the trees and plants.
[ ] You like getting rowdy and having a good time.
[x] You laugh a lot.
[ ] You love the chase almost as much as the capture.
[ ] You wish you had horns.
Total: 5

Which makes me a Harpy/Siren-crossed-with-a-Zombie. Not quite sure what to think about this...

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Upside Down

1. When was the last time that you felt your world got turned upside down?

Let's see, looks like about 18 hours ago. Before that, maybe Thursday sometime. It's been a rocky week.

2. Should the United States do more to help its own citizens before helping people in other countries?

Well, there goes my day. I could write thousands of words on this, but my short(est) version is "No." However, I'll admit that if you are more moved by stuff in this country than elsewhere, then yeah, at least do something!

3. What was something you memorized for school and still can recall?

Mrs. White made us memorize a long list of prepositions (similar to this one) in 7th grade. "About above across after against around at before behind below beneath beside between beyond but by..."

4. With what types of people do you tend to associate?

Smart, witty people. I like to think of myself as Oscar Wilde. [Please insert eyeroll and snort as appropriate.]

5. Besides blogging what is the last creative thing that you've done?

My job is incessantly creative--making up call numbers out of sometimes pretty rarefied air. Like, where do we keep the stuff on The Trail of Tears? Not where LC does, that's for sure.

6. In nature, what outdoor activities do you enjoy the most?

Sitting in the sun. Walking in the sun.

7. When was the last time that you had a great belly laugh?

More than a week, I think.

8. What kind of fashion-sense attracts you?

Someone comfortable in their clothes, who is not dressing to be showy.

9. What traits in others turn you off?

Snobbishness and fakey-ness. Blowhards are not my friends, in general.

Happy Word

Your Happy Word is "Hope"

You refuse to give up on anyone, including yourself. You see the best in others. You think happiness should be shared. You spread your message of optimism as much as possible. You will keep believing when everyone else has stopped. You think good will always prevail in the end. You believe if we trusted each other more, the world would be a better place. All we need is a little hope.

What's Your Happy Word?

I'm not stupid about it, but this isn't far off.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday 6

1. Would you describe your desk as generally cluttered or generally neat?

I try for general neatness at work at least. At home, my desk is pretty much always a mess. I just can't get a handle on it for more than a day or two. At work, I have to have some organization in order to get stuff done, but lately I just don't have time to clear things, so my work space gets smaller everyday. It's making me nuts, along with everything else at work.

2. There’s the old saying about one’s clutter being "organized" just where he can find everything: considering the most cluttered part of your workspace, can you really find everything easily?

At work, yes. At home, absolutely NOT. i can't find anything I need on a regular basis anymore.

3. You have an important appointment to remember: where’s the first place you’re likely to make note of it: on a desk calendar, your computer, or your phone?

I put it on my calendar. My paper calendar. I use something similar to this:

Eventually I will transfer it to my Google calendar in most cases.

4. Take the quiz: What Does Your Desk Say About You?

My result was not all that accurate.

5. How many personal photos do you have on your desk, and who are the photos of?

I've got a couple of pictures of Sparky, a couple of pictures of weddings, youth events, and...it just dawns on me...NONE of Beast. Wow, I totally suck!

6. Is your desk too big for you, too little, or just right?

At home, it's clearly way too small. A 10' x 5' table with dozens of file cabinets would be too small, I suspect. At work, it's just perfect. Much like writing, I truly think that the less space you have, the better you flow.