Ah, mater, want jet to always love me

(Found here)

SUBJECT ONE- THE OUTSIDE
What's your name? Cat.
How tall are you? 172 cm.
What color are your eyes? Hazel
What color is your hair? Brown, mostly.
Are you Male or Female? Female.
What is your best physical feature? Height.
What's your shoe size? 9
Glasses, yes or no? Yes.
Did you ever have braces? Yes.
On a typical day you are wearing? Shirt and pants, underwear, earrings and some other jewelry.... I rarely wear skirts or dresses. Sometimes, at home, I wear shorts.
When you go to bed you're wearing? Pajamas.
How often do you exercize [sic]? Never.

SUBJECT TWO- MUSIC
Name two of your favorite bands: U2 and Los Lonely Boys.
Name two of your favorite singers: Billy Joel and Pink.
Name two songs you currently love: "One" (of course) and "Freedom" (Nicole Mullen)
Name one song that describes your life right now? "Cat's in the Cradle"
Name one song that describes your life 1 year ago? "Teen Drama"
What are the preset stations in your car? Two NPR stations, the local (horrible) MOR/AC station, Jack, and a station based in the Big City to the West.
What's the last CD you bought? No clue at all.
Was the last CD you burned an actual CD or a mix? It was an Amy-created mix.
Name one band you're embarrassed to like but do? I don't get embarrassed anymore, but the Bee Gees definitely used to qualify.
If you could only attend 1 concert ever again, it would be? Meh. I wouldn't mind seeing TobyMac or Gogol Bordello, I guess, but otherwise...meh.
Name one band or singer you absolutely can't stand? Geddy Lee. {{{{shudder}}}}
Name a group you use to like but feel you've grown out of? Most of them. lol

SUBJECT THREE- MOVIES and TELEVISION
Name your favorite actor? I think Gary Sinise and Will Smith are awfully good at their jobs.
Name your favorite actress? Gotta be Meryl. And I do love Sandra Bullock.
Name your favorite television show right now? NCIS. Addicted. Totally.
Name a really cool movie you have recently seen? T3 was on last night. I think that's the last movie I saw in a theater too.
Your favorite canceled television show? My So-Called Life.
Name 1 movie you wish you hadn't wasted time and money? Many of them, but the stand-out will always and forever be Snow Dogs.
You would never watch a movie with? Someone who keeps telling me "this next part is great!" How totally annoying.
Three favorite TV channels? Discovery, Spike, ESPN. Yes, I'm a boy; you know the truth now.
Favorite reality show? The Amazing Race.
Favorite character on a reality show? Phil. Of course.

SUBJECT FOUR- WORD ASSOCIATION
coffee- Starbucks
dog- puppy
slut- high school (I really hate that word, by the way)
candy- sweets
pole- North...
ocean- sea
brave- ...and Crazy
loving- caring
cookie- sugar
death- murder
life- death
child- baby

SUBJECT FIVE- WHICH WOULD YOU PREFER?
Eaten by a lion OR Eaten by thousands of small insects? Lion. Faster.
Skydiving from a plane OR Bungee jumping off a bridge? Skydiving. Though I would probably do either.
No television OR No music? No TV.
No more pizza, ever OR No more chocolate, ever? No more chocolate.
A trip to Europe OR a trip to Hawaii? Europe, though I definitely want to stipulate which countries.
An hour with your future soul mate OR An hour with a lost loved one? Lost loved one. I'd kill for a last chat with Ellen.
Sex without love OR love without sex? Love without sex.

SUBJECT SIX- THE LOVE LIFE
Are you currently in a relationship? I'm fortunate to have many relationships in my life.
Are you currently looking or interested in someone? I'm married. I dunno--I guess I'm interested in him.
Are you a virgin? Having given birth several years ago, I think the answer to this pretty much has to be no.
If yes, how long do you plan to be one? Yeah, or not.
How many times have you been in love? Numerous.
Looking back, how do you feel about that person now? er, wha?
Name three physical things you look for in someone? Humor, intelligence, strength.
Biggest turn offs include? Stupidity, intolerance, impatience.
Your ideal date would be? Low-key.
You want to get married, where, when, how? Done, done, and done. Doubt I'll be doing it again.
Does anyone have feelings for you right now that you don't return? Not that I'm aware of.

SUBJECT SEVEN- THE FRIENDS
The one you immediately go to with a problem? I'm more than a little freaked out about the answer the previous person gave. But I'd probably go to Beast, most of the time. Unless he is the problem, in which case it might be someone else to decompress first.
The most rational? Well, Beast, by leaps and bounds.
The funniest? Jenny.
The one you spend the most time on the phone with? Beast. I don't really talk on the phone that much.
The craziest? Depends on the definition, but probably T.
The most honest? Amy.
The purest? {snort} OK, I almost have to go with one of the youth group members here...don't I?
The smartest? Tie between Amy and Beast. Different kinds of smart in some ways...but VERY smart.
The most athletic? Beast, formerly. Nowadays, probably Anne or Sarah. {and those names are pretty funny to blog, let me tell you}
The most compassionate? Jenny.
The one most likely to get thrown in jail? John. He's already "inspected" jails in Indiana and Mexico.
The last one that who said I love you? Beast, I guess.

---------------------------

Best
1. Male Friend: Beast
2. Female Friend: Amy or Jenny
3. Vacation: EGG trip or maybe our last trip to Maine.
4. Memory: Too many to pick one.

Worst
1. Time of day: 2:30 a.m., if I'm trying to sleep
2. Day of the week: Wednesday.
3. Food: Beef liver.
4. Memory: Lots of those, too.

Last
2. Talked to on the phone: Uh? Uh, yeah? Uh, FIL on Thursday night, I think.
3. Text: Beast saying he was on his way home this afternoon.
4. Messaged over MySpace? Don't use MySpace.

Today
1. What are you doing right now? This, and watching Bones.
2. Wearing? Gray capris, black T, etc.
3. Better than yesterday? Different, but otherwise about the same level of excitement.
4. Did you see the person you like: You mean, my husband? Yes, he woke me up and then left, returned about 4:30 and immediately went out to mow. I've seen him for a total of about 10 minutes today.
5. What’s the weather? Warm (not hot, hurrah!) and very humid.

Tomorrow
1. Is: Sunday
2. Got any plans? Church, probably. I'm betting there's a race we'll be watching.
3. Dislikes about tomorrow: Nothing much. Maybe some politics at church.

Favorite
1. Number: 16. Or 3.
2. Song: "The Sweetest Thing"
3. Season: Autumn.
4. Cartoon: Roadrunner.

Currently
1. Missing someone: Only since that question about talking to someone who's gone.
2. Mood: Bored but contented.
3. Wanting: ...actually, nothing. I'm seriously just fine right now.
4. Listening to: Still listening to Bones.

True or False (bolded items are true)
I am a morning person
I am currently in my PJ’s
I am currently suffering from a broken heart
I can be paranoid at times
I currently regret something that I have done (but I'm not really stressing about anything in particular)
I curse frequently
I enjoy country music (SOME)
I enjoy hip hop (I do like some of it)
I enjoy techno/trance (SOME and only briefly)
I enjoy talking on the phone
I have a hidden talent
I have a secret that I am ashamed to reveal (who doesn't?)
I have all my grandparents
I have at least one brother and/or sister
I have been told that I have an unusual sense of humor (I'm assuming "you're weird" means the same general thing)
I have done something illegal (yo, major criminal here: not!)
I have had major/minor surgery
I have had my hair cut within the last 2 months
I have had the cops called on me

Single or Taken: Taken.
Eye color: Still hazel.
Hair: Still brown-plus.
Height: Still 172 cm.
Righty or lefty: Righty

Bookish

You Are Dramatic

You are easily moved. You are very curious about the world around you and what's going on. You have a good memory for facts. You always are an ace at trivia. The world excites you. There are so many places you want to go and things you want to learn. You have a few key interests that are borderline obsessions. You can't stop thinking about them!

The Bookstore Test

Well, ok, this makes up for the last few of these I've done.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Bad Day

1. Is there anything that you tend to do to cheer up when you are having a bad day?

Listen to music. Write venomous emails (unsent--I've learned to write them in Word and copy the parts that are appropriate into email, or delete the whole damn thing). Cry. I don't do as much of the latter as I used to.

2.What’s the last card game you played, and with whom did you play?

It was probably Spoons with youth group at church.

3.What’s the last board game you played, and with whom did you play?

I haven't played a board game in a LONG time. It was with Sparky, though I don't remember which game...Worst-Case Scenario, maybe?

4.What’s the last computer game you played, and with whom did you play?

I did a couple of rounds of Cube Crash on Facebook about a half an hour ago.

5.Is there somewhere you’d like to visit but have not, and where is it?

Would like to get to Argentina someday, and maybe Peru. Also, Australia and New Zealand. Egypt. Kenya. South Africa. Spain. Alaska.

6.Think of your favorite movie (or a movie you really like, if you can’t think of a favorite). Some people say that the reasons you love your favorite movie are related to what you value in romantic relationships. How is this true or untrue in your case?

Uhm, have you seen Heathers?? Talk about fucked-up romance! So, yeah: no. I think what is good about that movie is that these people are so normal--until they are NOT at all.

7.What physical attributes do you find the most attractive?

Intelligence, confidence...oh, wait, you said "physical"... OK, then, I'll go with broad shoulders and dark hair.

8.How many people live in your house? Tell us about them.

There are three people in this house, and one guinea pig. Beast is my husband ('twas his nickname in high school--I didn't make it up), Sparky is my son (the name is because of his hair), Ruka is yet another boy (Ruka means 'twitchy' in...Swahili? ...can't remember), and I'm the only female in residence. What's to say? I talk about them enough that you probably have heard plenty!

9. Ever punch someone in the face?

The only possible answer to this besides "yes" is "not yet." (I have smacked people in the face by accident--turning around too fast, etc.)

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday 6

1. How many different spices are there in your kitchen?

I'm a little low on some of them right now, but if we combine the spices, herbs and flavorings, I've probably got about 50. (No, I didn't go count!)

2. Of the spices you have on hand, which one is your favorite one to use?

I use a lot of black pepper. When I'm actually cooking, I use oregano a lot. And rosemary. Sorry, those aren't technically spices, but they're in my spice rack.

3. What liquid flavoring did you use most recently?

Uhm? I guess...vanilla...by default. I haven't used anything like that in eons. I stopped baking years ago when I realized I was eating most of what I made, and who needs that?!

4. You decide to marinade a steak or chicken: do you use a powdered or liquid spice mix?

I make my own, usually liquid, out of whatever's in the fridge and cupboard: Coke, soy sauce, worcestershire sauce, etc.

5. Take the quiz: What Spice Are You?

When I did this a couple of years ago, I was "cilantro" (which is an herb, not a spice, but anyway...), but today's result is:

You Are Basil

You are quite popular and loved by post people. You have a mild temperament, but your style is definitely distinctive. You are sweet, attractive, and you often smell good.

What Spice Are You?

Also, technically an herb. Also technically not very accurate, IMO. Except I do try to smell good most days. ;-)

6. Which spice — whether you have it in your home or not — do you consider the most “exotic”?

Gotta be saffron. At about $25/oz. it's a little out of my range, but I hear that it's absolutely worth it. Someday, I will try it.

Rock 'n Roll Fridays

(Link in meme-roll)
Sting

1. DESERT ROSE: This desert flower, no sweet perfume ever tortured me more than this…
What is your favorite scent?

The scent of clean. Clean laundry, clean floors, clean fixtures. I like clean. And faint lavender.

2. EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE: Every move you make, every vow you break, every smile you fake, every claim you stake, I'll be watching you.
Ever stalked or researched an old flame?

I Facebook-stalk people occasionally, but it seems relatively pointless at this stage of my life to 'go there' with intent. This song totally creeps me out, has done ever since I heard Sting talking about how confused he was by people saying they used it as "their song" at their wedding. {shudder}

3. IF I EVER LOSE MY FAITH IN YOU: I never saw no miracle of science that didn't go from a blessing to a curse…
What product did you buy that didn’t do what it claimed?

Wow, that's a leap from lyric to prosaic! Most things don't live up to their billing. It would be easier to list those things that do. So, ok, one thing that did was the stove-top cleaner I found when we got our glass-top stove. Works like a charm: the stove looks brand new 6 years later (just a little dusty around the edges).

4. IF YOU NEED SOMEBODY SET THEM FREE: If you need somebody, call my name. If you want someone, you can do the same…
Do you have a nickname or have you been called something other than your given name?

The only things that people call me IRL other than my name (first, first+last, first+Beast's-last, "Mrs. Beast's-last-name") are "Mom" and cutesy or rude things. Online, I'm pretty much "Cat." everywhere.

5. WE WORK THE BLACK SEAM: One day in a nuclear age they may understand our rage. They build machines that they can't control and bury the waste in a great big hole…
What do you do that is considered “Green”?

I'm pretty faithful about recycling, as I have been for decades. I try not to waste things that can be re-used, but I am far from neurotic about it.

6. MOON OVER BOURBON STREET: It was many years ago that I became what I am, I was trapped in this life like an innocent lamb…
What was the worst job you ever had?

I guess it depends on your definition of "worst." My first full-time job was pretty horrible, but I also had some awful part-time situations that were blessedly short.

7. I BURN FOR YOU… In peace we sleep entwined and your love flows through me. Though an ocean soothes my head, I burn for you…
What is the worst thing about sleeping with someone else in a bed?

Having to share the covers in winter. Having no cool place to move my hot feet if the A/C goes out in summer.

8. FORTRESS AROUND YOUR HEART: And if I built this fortress around your heart, Encircled you in trenches and barbed wire, then let me build a bridge, for I cannot fill the chasm…
What object or piece of furniture have you built?

Um, well, I brought home the cardfile cabinet for Beast to make a table out of...? I don't really think of myself as a cabinetmaker/furniture-builder. I am too much of a perfectionist, like my dad...and he knew what he was doing around furniture! I make a mean necklace-rack, though. ;-)

9. ENGLISHMAN IN NEW YORK: I don't drink coffee I take tea my dear, I like my toast done on one side, and you can hear it in my accent when I talk, I'm an Englishman in New York…
Do you require special preparation for a food or drink in a restaurant?

Since he mentioned it, I would prefer my toast be WARM, not fucking cold like the Brits serve it! :-)

10. FIELDS OF GOLD: I never made promises lightly, and there have been some that I've broken. But I swear in the days still left we'll walk in the fields of gold…
What was the last promise you made?

I seem to recall quoting the road crew yesterday that they would be done resurfacing the road in front of MPOW by the end of the day. Yesterday. Which they still have not finished. Fucktards.

11. CONSIDER ME GONE: To search for perfection is all very well, but to look for Heaven is to live here in Hell. After today, consider me gone…
What was the worst way you ever broke up in a relationship?

Uh? Don't think I ever did it in a bad way. Just, maybe, apathy?

12. THE RUSSIANS: How can I save my little boy from Oppenheimer's deadly toy, there is no monopoly in common sense on either side of the political fence…
What is your biggest fear of danger?

I don't really have major fears about this sort of thing; I'm a fatalist about major catastrophes of the sort he's singing about in this song. (My favorite lyric from this song is actually "There's no such thing as a winnable war / It's a lie that we don't believe anymore / Mr. Reagan says we will protect you / I don't subscribe to this point of view...I hope the Russians love their children too")

13. BRAND NEW DAY: How many lonely, sleepless nights, how many lies, how many fights, and why would you want to put yourself through all that again?
Do you prefer being married or single?

I've been married much longer than I was single. There are times when I would love to be single, but since Beast travels fairly often, I get the best of both worlds to a certain degree.

Cinn's Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
My girl, my girl, don't lie to me.

[01] On a scale of one to ten, with ten being great and one being poor, how good of a sleeper are you?

I'm about a 7 or 8 most of the time.

[02] Under what conditions do you sleep best?

Dark, quiet, stress-free, exhausted, in my own bed.

[03] Do you nap? How long is a good nap time?

I do nap semi-regularly. Anything longer than an hour is too long. Even 10 minutes can be enough.

[04] Do you sleep on your back, stomach, side, or other?

Mostly my left side, though I've branched out to my right side more in the last few years. Rarely on my back, unless I'm sick.

[05] How many hours do you require each night?

I can make do with 5 or 6.

BONUS: How many hours did you sleep last night?

Lights went out at midnight, and my alarm went off at 6:30, but I didn't sleep very deeply all night.

updated to answer ALL the questions 8:29 a.m. 7/31/10

Friday Fill-Ins

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1. I'm going to bed early tonight. I hope.

2. I used to think I wanted to live a life of adventure and daring.

3. Perhaps today you can make it a point to not eat everything in sight.

4. Sparky needs a true adventurer’s spirit.

5. Compassion is never over-appreciated.

6. I walways get up in the morning, no matter how difficult.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to chilling and watching "Six Feet Under" on DVD, tomorrow my plans include grocery shopping and cleaning, and Sunday, I want to go to church, and THAT'S ALL!

Fast Food

You Are French Fries

You are friendly and easygoing. People can't help but like you! You are always welcome wherever you go, and people crave you more than they'd like to admit. You are extremely fun loving. You try not to think about responsibilities whenever possible. You are rich in personality and spirit. You have a lot to offer, but you never let it go to your head.

Are You French Fries or Onion Rings?

OK, right. {snort}

Friday Five

(Link in meme-roll)
Beverages

1. What is your favorite drink of all time? Does it hold a special memory to you or is it just because it tastes good?

I love Diet Dr. Pepper. I also love Stoli on the rocks. The former is the taste, along with not being allowed to have Dr. Pepper as a kid. The latter is because of my trip in college to what was then the USSR.

2. Tea or coffee or hot cocoa?

Tea, if I must have a hot drink.

3. Best summer time drink?

Fresh sun-tea. Lemonade. Or the tried-and-true DDP.

4. Worst soda brand ever?

Most of the grocery store brands are pretty hideous.

5. Water: flavored, bottled, carbonated, or regular old tap?

Regular cold tap water, out of the fridge. :-)

Wednesday Wickedness

(Link in meme-roll)
Today we picked Mick Jagger.

1. “A good thing never ends.” Have you ever had a good thing in your life that never ended?

Well, my heart is still beating, my marriage is still intact, and my friends still love me. Or tolerate me at least.

2. “I got nasty habits, I take tea at three.” Do you have an nasty habits?

Nothing as nasty as tea at 3! Dear God, that's hinky!

3. “I'd rather be dead than to be singing Satisfaction at 45.” He obviously changed his mind. What is something that you still do that you thought you'd outgrow?

heh Lots of things. Let's go with 'eat junk food' and call it done.

4. “Lose your dreams and lose your mind.” Have you lost any of your dreams as time went by?

Yes, yes I have. I no longer plan to own 5 dogs and live in the mountains. I haven't written that novel, either.

5. “I haven't had time to return to the scene because I never left it.” As you've grown older, what ways are do you still act and think the way you did as when you were younger?

I'm still pretty uninterested in girly 17 Magazine stuff....

6. “Patriotism is something that fades when the war starts.” How do you react to this quote?

He's, apparently, dead wrong.

7. “The past is a great place and I don't want to erase it or regret it, but I don't want to be its prisoner either.” Is there a person in your life who still treats you as the same person to when your were younger? Do you like it?

My brother does, in the negative ways. That's it. My sisters are pretty much over it.

8. “It's all right letting yourself go, as long as you pull yourself back.” Have you let yourself go in any aspect of your life?

In high school I weighed 115 lbs. When I graduated from college, I weighed 120. When I got pregnant 7 years later, I weighed 129. I weigh more today than I did the night before I delivered Sparky. ...sigh.

9. “My mother has always been unhappy with what I do. She would rather I do something nicer, like being a brick layer.” How do you parents feel about what you do?

My parents no longer care in the slightest, but I think they were vaguely (at least) proud of me.

10. “Anarchy is the only slight glimmer of hope.” How would you categorize your political point of view?

Libertarian/liberal, and fiscally conservative.

Blogthings Explosion

You Are Hopscotch

You are easygoing and carefree. You like to play, but you don't really like to compete. You prefer to cooperate with others. You like to work with people ... not against them! You have a childlike innocence and optimism that is worth holding on to. You find happiness easily. You can get pleasure from the smallest things.

What Childhood Game Are You?

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + +

You Are Ambitious and Driven

You are most comfortable when you are challenging yourself and trying something new. You believe in transparency and honesty. The truth hurts, but you'd like to know it. You seek a bit more depth in your life, but you are slowly changing. You don't like to rush anything. You believe that if you look closely enough at people, you can appreciate them more... flaws and all.

The Ocean Test

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Your Colors Are Natural

Your colors are drawn from nature - greens, browns, and a few vivid accents. You are down to earth and realistic. You do your best to see things clearly. You have a broad perspective, and you don't rush to judgment. You aren't overly emotional. You can find balance in your life easily, and you tend to have a calming presence. You are very together.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + +

You Are the Fourth Toe

You tend to be a cooperative and social person. You like being around others. You are pretty attached to your friends and family... but only in a healthy way. Love and relationships are the cornerstone of your life. People come first for you. You are independent when you need to be, but you prefer not to travel solo. You like having your support system.

What Toe Are You?

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + +

You Are SPF 15

You enjoy the sun as much as most people. You aren't outdoorsy, but you enjoy the outdoors from time to time. You tend to limit your sun exposure. A little goes a long way for you, and you don't like to overdo things. You are strongly prefer indoor activities, away from bugs and the elements. And if you're going to be outdoors for too long, you always seek out the shade.

What's Your SPF?

No commentary. Too lazy. ;-)

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Sunday 7

Name seven items you own that many might consider obsolete these days.

1. A lot of floppy (i.e. 5.5") discs. Actually, the smaller ones are pretty useless these days too and we have many more of those.
2. A stereo system (including a record player).
3. A point-and-shoot film camera. Not really obsolete--it still works--but ridiculous to use since film is outrageously expensive and hard-to-find nowadays. We also have a Super8 film camera. Which also works. Can you still buy Super8 film??
4. Loads of VHS and cassette tapes.
5. TWO VCRs!  Yes, really.
6. A card catalog (which is really an end table in my living room). So it's not obsolete as a piece of furniture, just as a record of the library from which it came.
7. A landline phone that is NOT cordless. This is important because when you use electricity, you also lose the use of cordless phones. We lose electricity a lot.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Meme Of Many Odd Questions, Part Three

45. Favorite color? Blue. And most of the others. Even yellow is growing on me; by the time I'm 90, I should be at the "not disliking" stage.

46. Have you ever slapped someone? Yup. Not for awhile, though. One of the less proud moments of my life actually happened when I slapped someone; it did change my outlook, but at a cost.

47. Is your hair curly? It's wavy/curly. Not tight curls, not really curly, but humidity makes it puffy.

48. What was the last CD you bought? No clue. I'm about to purchase one, though. I'll let you know when I do, k?

49. Do looks matter? Of course.

50. Could you ever forgive a cheater? If my husband cheated on me, I wouldn't be likely to forgive him in this lifetime. On the other hand, people cheat/cut corners/lapse regularly, so I don't know why I forgive those errors and I wouldn't forgive the other. I dunno--something to think about.

51. Is your phone bill sky high? I stay within my plan most months, so no.

52. Do you like your life right now? Yes. As a matter of fact, I do.

53. Do you sleep with the TV on? I'm about to doze off doing this while NASCAR is blaring in the room. I can sleep almost anytime. Except, sometimes, all night.

54. Can you handle the truth? More than likely. I'm not afraid of the truth, if that's what this question means.

55. Do you have good vision? ...yeah....NO!

56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people? I don't hate more than that, but there are way more than three that I would prefer to never ever see/hear of again.

57. How often do you talk on the phone? Not that often.

58. The last person you held hands with? No clue. Two people in my home huddle Friday night, but I don't remember who it was. Rachel, maybe and...Amy? Maddie? I dunno.

59. What are you wearing? Capris, Tshirt, underwear, a barrette, my glasses and some jewelry.

60. What is your favourite animal? Wolf.

61. Where was your favorite picture taken at? Triennium. (I'm a little biased right now)

62. Can you hula hoop? Not anymore. Used to be Queen of the Hoop when I was about 8, though.

63. Do you have a job? I hope so; I intend to show up Tuesday in hopes of that being the fact.

64. What was the most recent thing you bought? I bought dinner last night at Tommy's on the way to FIL's apartment. The last non-food...? Books on Weds or Thurs.

65. Have you ever crawled through a window? Yes. I wouldn't recommend it after the age of 40, but needs must.

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Inception :: Onset
2. Anticipation :: Can't wait!
3. Space :: Outer...
4. Earn :: Deserve
5. .com :: Jeff Dunham
6. Hello! :: Great to see ya!
7. Equivalent :: Equalj
8. Swore :: Promised
9. Actions :: Activities
10. Expletive! :: ...Deleted

People i see can make us invisible.

(Found here)

At family gatherings, are you more likely to hang out with the younger or older relatives? I'd rather hang with the younger ones, but since the older ones are technically mostly my generation, I have to talk to them too. Oh, well. ;-)

Have you ever had the power go out while you were in the bathroom at nighttime? I don't think so. Yup. The power goes off in this house all the freakin' time. We don't have windows in our bathrooms, so night or day mean darkness in the bathroom with no electricity. It occurs to me that perhaps we ought to have flashlights in all the bathrooms.

Do you agree that "nice guys finish last"? Nope. Based on the conversation I had online this week online, nice guys frequently don't finish at all.

Considering you current health, how long do you think you will live? Oh, I'm feeling rather fatalistic lately. I'm hoping to make 50 without any serious bad news. If I do that, I may make it to old age pretty easily.

Do you have anything in your room that would be 'weird' to others? In my 'room'?
How about in my house? I have loads of weird shit in this place!

What TV commercial are you sick of seeing? Pretty much all of them. The NFL ad about the Cowboys and the Redskins just pisses me off because it's so fucking lame.

When was the last time someone complimented you on your hair? Y'know, people who know Sparky are always telling me they love the color of my hair. However, I started putting the red IN my hair because people kept telling me it was there already (and it was NEVER, EVER even faintly red)! But people will see what they see, and I decided to give 'em what they see. And they like it. {eyeroll}

What would you think if you found out your mom/dad had another kid with someone else and didn't tell you? At this point, I think that would be highly unlikely news to receive.

Do you usually catch a cold during the winter? I usually get sick at some point, yes. I don't think I had a particularly bad time this last winter.

What scares or scared you most about going to college/university? Not knowing ANYone. I was freakin' terrified the first week, until classes started.

Have you ever done geocaching? Nope. Not all that interested in doing it, either.

Are you a good multi-tasker? In some areas, yes.

What was the last game you won? Uhm...can't even think of the last time I competed against someone else.

Do you know any deaf people? If so, is it easy or difficult to have conversations with them? My dad and his mother were hard of hearing. There are several people at church with hearing aids. I don't know anyone who is completely deaf, but I'm pretty good at talking to hard-of-hearing people. Main thing to remember: don't shout, just speak clearly and face them while talking.

When you hear the name Rory, do you think of a boy or a girl? Boy. Ironically, there's a person on the show I'm watching named Rory.

What makes your favourite TV show unique? Well, back in the day, CSI was pretty ground-breaking with the massive zoom-in camera shots. Now, it's just another crime show, but I do like the characters.

What are you currently wearing? Beige shorts, tan Tshirt, underwear and some jewelry.

Do you enjoy playing Monopoly? Why or why not? If I can find someone to play with, I'll play, but that's not such an easy thing. And we would probably play anything OTHER than Monopoly anyway.

Is there a doorknocker on your front door? Nope. There is a big window, so no place for a knocker.

What was behind your last status update? (Facebook or Twitter, etc.) Last night's Fb update was "I am no longer heat-tolerant. Not at all." It was because I nearly threw up from the heat at a party we were at.

Do 'laugh tracks' on TV shows annoy you? I don't watch any shows with laugh tracks. In fact, that may be why I don't want sit-coms. I haven't intentionally watched one since about season 3 of Friends.

How many times in your life have you seen a dead bird, approximately? Several dozen.

Do you think dreadlocks are awesome or gross? One of the high school girls at my workplace has had her hair in dreads for 3 years. I find them...interesting but vaguely repellent on a theoretical level.

Can you correctly define an anemone? Nope, though I do know how to pronounce it at least. ;-) Oh, and it lives in water.

Have you ever been to www.videojug.com? Yes, though I don't know why.

Would you rather live out of a van for a year or share a house with three other families? If it were a big ol' house, I couple probably share the house.

Do you know anyone named Jesus? Uhm, I've met guys named Jesus, but I don't think I know any of them very well.

How many parents under 25 do you know? Again, I don't think I "know" any, but I've certainly met a few.

What colour was the last piece of gum you ate? I don't 'eat' gum. The last piece I chewed was white.

Where do you get blisters the most? I don't. Get blisters, I mean. Seriously canNOT remember the last blister I had.

Do you always use conditioner when you wash your hair? Nope, especially not in the summer.

What is an interesting fact about your state/province? It's fucking FLAT. And FULL of corn.

How old are the headphones you are currently using? I'm not currently using headphones. The ones I use at work are 2-3 years old (Bose Noise-Suppressing--awesome, though apparently my boss hates them), the ones at home are a couple of years old and are generic earbuds that came with my MP3 player.

Were you ever into Pokémon? I'm 46. You figure out the answer to that.

Have you ever been to a high school football game? If so, was it in warm or cold weather? Ha ha ha ha ha.....so funny! Every varsity game we went to last year--every Friday night--it rained and was unpleasantly cold. I have been at hot games, cold games, frigid games, wet games, WHYTHEFUCKISanyoneHERE games...me loves foodt-bawl!

Do your parents tell you what kind of people you can and can't date? Not so much anymore. My husband has certain requirements about my dating habits, however.

What kind of laundry detergent do you use? Cheap and unperfumed.

Is there a topic about which you know everything (or, at least, a WHOLE lot)? I know an awful lot about the Dewey Decimal System...

If you were playing a sport and you got to pick your number, which one would you choose? 63 sounds good.

What stereotypes do you associate with certain names? Could we be any vaguer with this question? Are we still talking about Rory and Jesus? I mean, really?

Do you think there are certain situations in which it is better to lie than to tell the truth? I think there are tactful ways of telling the truth without hurting people's feelings. I also think "I don't know/I'm not sure" is a perfectly acceptable non-lie.

What's the worst thing you've ever done to another person? Metaphorically jammed their head up their ass (or extracted same).

Do people often mistake you for other ethnicities? If so, what do you usually get? I'm pretty easily pigeon-holed. Since I got married, I get the occasional elderly person who thinks I might be Jewish because of my name.

Have you ever been on 4chan? What is your opinion of it? Just went there the first time. Whatever.

Has anyone famous ever attended your school? Who? Lee Horsley is the only person I'm aware of. Not something I care about, either way.

Do you think it is ever appropriate to use more than one exclamation point?!!!! Sure. If you're dealing with or are a teenager.

Have you ever had to attend an event that occurred on your birthday? I have to W O R K on my birthday! Grow the fuck up.

Have you ever felt superior to another person because of an opinion you had that differed from theirs? All the time. All the freakin' time.

How many subscribers and friends do you have on Xanga? No Xanga for me.

How would you feel about your SO watching pornography? ...whatever...I guess it depends if he's going to lie about it.

Have you ever met up in person with anybody that you met online? Sure. Many times. Guess what: I'm still alive!

If you were in a relationship, how would you prefer to be broken up with? Quickly and surgically.

Who was your best boyfriend/girlfriend? I guess I kind of have to say Beast, having known him for 27 (OMG) years now.

What do you think makes a girl a slut? Do you believe that label is thrown around far more often than it should be? And finally, do you think it's unfair that mostly only women receive that label? I think guys are starting to be labeled this way too, but face it: kids (people) are going to be mean about each other about something. This is just one more way.

Mountain

You Are an Intense Person

You travel lightly through this world. You only bring the things you're absolutely sure you'll need. You are good at finding balance in your life. You rest when you need to, but you also know that too much rest is dangerous. When you get tired, you tend to feel scattered and a bit disoriented. It's hard for you to get your bearings. You are happiest when you've reached an important goal or milestone. You like to feel like your life is progressing.

The Mountain Test

I came from a long line of "pack EVERYTHING" people, but I'm gradually improving. Methaphorically, I'm better at that than I am literally. The rest...meh.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Meme Of Many Odd Questions, Part Two

23. Do you rent movies often?

Nope. About 6 a year, mostly from the library at this point since we're down to Redbox and the 'brary (and Netflix) for options.

24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in?

There may be some glitter on one of our anniversary cards on the mantel but otherwise I'm not really a sparkler. And, no, Sparky isn't here either.

25. How many countries have you visited?

US (duh), Mexico, England, Scotland, Germany, USSR, Outer Mongolia, China, Poland, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Canada...12 or 13 depending on how you count.

26. Have you made a prank phone call?

Not since I was about 12. Yeah, I bet this doesn't really happen so much anymore, eh? Not with caller ID!

27. Ever been on a train?

Yep, in several of those countries listed above, even. In fact, I've been in trains in every one of those countries except Poland, Greece, Mexico and Canada. And I take train trips at least 3 or 4 times every year.

28. Brown or white eggs?

I prefer them cooked. The shell colors doesn't matter at all to me.

29. Do you have a cell-phone?

Uh, yeaaaahhhhh???

30. Do you use Chap Stick?

All the bloody time. Beast told me decades ago that I was addicted to it. Oh well.

31. Do you own a gun?

Only squirtguns. My nephew James has enough to make up for our lack, however. Maybe he'd loan me one? When I have to answer this question the next time?

32. Can you use chop sticks?

Yes. Not particularly quickly, but fairly dextrously.

33. Who are you going to be with tonight?

It's just us chickens for the rest of the day, far as I know.

34. Are you too forgiving?

Not like I used to be! I'm far from a pushover.

35. Ever been in love?

A few times.

36. What is your best friend(s) doing tomorrow (or the next soonest week day)?

Well, Beast is doing the same thing I'm doing tomorrow: packing for our youth trip. I'm betting that Jenny and Amy will be at work, to their credit.

37. Ever have cream puffs?

OMG--I love cream puffs!! Ooh, when is the Fair...{scampering off to check dates}...local one is the first weekend in August, and the big one continues on after that one. Woo-hooo: CREAM PUFFS!

38. Last time you cried?

This morning, nearly, introducing our youth to the congregation during commissioning. Before that, last night watching "After the Catch" especially the part with Freddy.

39. What was the last question you asked?

"So [Sparky], did you actually buy any souvenirs in Germany? And, can we see them sometime??" (I also asked if he bought ME anything--no. He sux.)

40. Favorite time of the year?

Now, minus the humidity. Actually, my favorite season is fall.

41. Do you have any tattoos?

Nope. Like the gun question, others have taken my share, and then some.

42. Are you sarcastic?

NOOOOO! NEVERRR!!!

43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?

I've yet to see Ashton Kuchter act. In anything. So, no.

44. Ever walked into a wall?

My dear, I was the QUEEN of Walking Into Walls as a child! One big goose-egg on my forehead led to my crowning performance soon thereafter: RUNNING FULL OUT into a brick wall. Oh, yeah, I definitely rock this skill as a kid!

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Sunday 7
Name the seven Baskin Robbins flavors you’re most in the mood for this National Ice Cream Day.

1. Peppermint (which is no longer on the list)
2. Bubble Gum (also no longer on the list)
3. Birthday Cake (which they call "Icing on the Cake™")
4. Rainbow Sherbet
5. Vanilla
6. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
7. Butter Pecan 
[Now I will go look at the list...ah, this may be why our BR went out of business here: my two favorite flavors are no longer sold.  Idjits!]

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Deals :: Wheels and...
2. Alive :: Dead
3. Smooth :: ... Criminal (uh, wow, flashback much?)
4. Materials :: Requirements
5. Arrest :: ...Warrant
6. Locker :: Gym...
7. Evidence :: Proof
8. Operation :: Surgery
9. Opal :: Name (I knew a woman with this name when I was very young. In spite of being the mom of a teenager, she drove an awesome-cool green T-bird and was fabulously 'cool' before I even knew what that meant. Hers was also the first wallet I remember with $20 bills in it. Yes, I grew up a long time ago, ok!)
10. Investigation :: Criminal... (seems to be a theme for me here today))

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Meme Of Many Odd Questions, Part One

1. First thing you wash in the shower? Hair, I guess.

2. What color is your favorite hoodie? I only have one proper hoodie, and it's peach/orange.

3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? Yup.

4. Do you plan outfits? Heh, hardly. Today was another morning of "Ugh nothing to wear!"

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now? Tired. Anxious.

6. What's the closest thing to you that's red? Sparky's SkullCandy earbugs on one side and a pencil on the other.

7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having? I was dreaming about youth group stuff this morning. Again. Because I haven't yet dealt with what I've needed to do for the past month.

8. Did you meet anybody new today? Not really. I saw some new people at church, but didn't have the chance to meet them.

9. What are you craving right now? I'm thinking I'll go have a brat in a couple of minutes.

10. Do you floss? Not as often as I should.

11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage? The smell that lingers on, especially in apartment buildings.

12. Are you emotional? Duh, yeah. Big time.

13. Have you ever counted to 1,000? I have tried, but I've always fallen asleep in the middle of it.

14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it? I use a spoon, so I guess that would be bite.

15. Do you like your hair? I do.

16. Do you like yourself? Mostly.

17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush? I'd like to watch him be eaten by sharks. Does that count?

18. What are you listening to right now? Ruka's meeping a little, Beast is wandering around looking for receipts so he can do the bills, and my fingers are clickety-clacking on keyboard. It's lovely and quiet. For now.

19. Are your parents strict? Only in my memories and conscience nowadays.

20. Would you go sky diving? Sure.

21. Do you like cottage cheese? It makes great spackle. To eat? Not so much.

22. Have you ever met a celebrity? Yes. It was ... underwhelming.

Not Repellent

People Are Drawn To Your Passion

You are intense about every thing you do, and this intensity inspires people around you. It's clear that you care deeply about the others. You make everyone feel like they're your best friend. You are always doing great and interesting things. You leap into action. And while you're busy, you take time to connect and re-connect with others. You are very thoughtful.

Why Are People Drawn To You?

So, I'm thinking maybe people aren't because this is not really much like me at all!

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Sunday 7
Name seven breakthroughs or changes you think will have happened by the year 2050. [ideas here, and here]

My pre-reading-the-choices list:

1. Medical breakthroughs on many, many diseases, including diabetes, Parkinsons, and Alzheimers. I don't hold out a lot of hope for cancer, to be honest, however.
2. Vast reworking of the Social Security/Medicare/Medicaid system making it nearly unrecognizable.
3. Imaginative new ways to make life miserable for others, including new ways of killing our enemies.
4. Major economic failures due to the West's refusal to accept the forward march of time and life cycles of cultures.
5. Space flight. More, more often, more people involved.
6. More regulations that reflect the fact that our world is small and interconnected and we can't pollute it forever.
7. With the death of the majority of the Baby Boomer generation, the whole 1960s era nostalgia will have FINALLY died. And none too soon.

Now that I've looked at the list, here are those I most agree with:

1. No more gas-powered cars.
2. Humans will be cloned.
3. There will be another world war.
4. Our role in the world will be less important.
5. Health care will be more affordable.
6. The gap between rich and poor in the United States will grow.
7. Race relations will improve.

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Dickens :: Charles, of course (serendipitously, I came across a Dickens quote this morning: "In love of home, the love of country has its rise")
2. Collection :: ...Plate
3. Weekends :: Busy
4. Travel :: Tourism
5. District :: ...of Columbia
6. Vampires :: I blame Anne Rice for the whole situation today
7. Peep show :: "Gentleman's Club"
8. Crochet :: Knit
9. Lion :: Tiger
10. Fetch :: Step an'...

Wow, all over the place today!

Moving on

You Should Move to a Foreign Country

You are open to new experiences, and you love to learn. Living abroad is perfect for you. You would like to immerse yourself deeply in a new place. And you would thrive when learning a new language and culture. You are naturally curious about the world, and your instinct is to keep moving. However, if you settle down in one place for awhile, you might be surprised to find out how much you learn.

Where Should You Move To?

All well and good as far as it goes, but I would be very fussy about where and for how long I'd be gone.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday 6

1. Think of the last time you were in a coffee shop: were you with a group, one-on-one, or alone?

One-on-one, with my Lady D.

2. Other than national chains like Starbucks, how many local coffee shops are there in your immediate area?

There are locally-owned coffee shops at the train station in each the nearby towns, but other than that I can't think of any. Not that I would know, since I don't drink coffee.

3. Do you have a specific favorite coffee shop near you that you usually go to when you’re in need of a coffee fix?

Nope; see above.

4. Do you find yourself ordering the same item no matter what coffee shop you visit, or are you very open to each individual shop’s “signature drink”?

If it's not coffee-based, I might think about trying a signature drink, but they mostly stick to chai/tea or fruit juice (I also refuse to drink smoothies) for us coffee-outcasts.

5. Take the quiz: The Coffee Shop Test.

My result is here. I'd say it's only about 30% accurate.

6. When it’s just you at the coffee shop, how likely are you to order a pastry or something else to go with the coffee?

I actually don't think I would go in a coffee shop alone. I can get pop at the gas station for half the price and go sit in the park, the library, my car, or someplace else far less...chichi.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Go Your Own Way
Gonna have this song stuck in my head all day now--super

1. When was the last time you were told to go your own way?

I tell myself that most days. I haven't heard it from anyone else in awhile, which is probably for the best, no?

2. What one experience has strengthened your character the most so far?

Having to be responsible for other people. I find that I'm better at that than I am at being responsible for myself, honestly. Much easier to solve other people's problems than face my own, right? (I do realize this makes me a candidate for therapy, by the way...)

3. What's your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?

If it's a nice gentle rain, I like sitting on the porch and watching/listening to it fall. Otherwise, I'll curl up with a good book on the couch and read.

4. How long can you go without your cell phone?

Well, hon, it's not like air; I don't need it around all the time. I do use it as a watch, but otherwise as long as I'm with someone else who has a phone, I can go without it for eons.

5. Do you wish you were somewhere else right now?

I'd love to be back in bed, asleep. Didn't sleep long enough at all last night or, more to the point, the night before.

6. Of all the people you've ever known, who have you most feared?

As a child I was afraid of pretty near everyone outside my immediate family. As an adult...let's see, I don't remember being physically afraid of anyone for a VERY long time. Emotional or even practical fear, though, maybe my boss and/or the cops (guilty conscience on that last one)? I don't know.

7. Do people tell you that you look your age?

The fact that people don't say anything of the sort probably means I look exactly my age. ;-)

8. Your ex shows up randomly at your house, what do you say?

Are there really that many exes in people's lives that they do this sort of thing on a regular basis? I'm only asking because this question gets a LOT of play in memes. If any of my exes showed up at my house, it would be VERY weird, since I haven't seen ANY of them in over 20 years.

9. Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance?

In theory, yes. I will stipulate that two chances is the absolute max I'm willing to tolerate with some behaviors. Then there are the total deal-breakers: one and you're out (murder, rape, serious child endangerment/abuse...).

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in meme-roll)


1. Layers of cake.
2. I could always use a little insight.
3. I'd be willing to bet I sleep like the dead tonight.
4. Thunder scares the dog.
5. I'm fond of Ruka, the annoying cavy.
6. I worry too much!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a bath and early bedtime, tomorrow my plans include seeing my two oldest nephews, and Sunday, I want to meet with the high school kids!

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
I Want the Fairy Tale

1. In the fairy tale of your life, who is the knight in shining armor?

One would have to suppose that I would say Beast. One would be right...sometimes.

2. In the fairy tale of your life, who is the evil villain?

One would suppose that I would say something OTHER than a family member, and one would be WRONG in this case.

3. In the fairy tale of your life, who is the loyal, comedic sidekick?

My friends. Or myself. My brother used to be, but he's not as funny anymore. Life does that to us, eh?

4. In the fairy tale of your life, what comes right after "Once upon a time…?"

"...there was a girl..." Duh. It wouldn't likely be "...there was a boy..." now would it??

5. In the fairy tale of your life, who is the fairy godmother?

I don't believe in fairies and I don't have any godparents.

The Dating Profile Meme

(Link in meme-roll)
Not Looking for Anything
Weekly, we scour those on-line dating sites to respond either a person's profile or often their headlines as most of us would really like to do. We use only "lines" that are gender-neutral. So, your mission is to respond to ten we choose each week.

1. I’m not looking for a romantic relationship at this time, I am simply looking for interesting and fun people.

Good luck with that; most people are neither.

2. It is frustrating that the only options are Men OR Women, not both.

I find it frustrating that I have to deal with idiots on a regular basis. I guess that makes us even, eh?

3. The little things in life mean the most to me.

Yeah, I'm going directly to the anatomy comments...in my head.

4. I want to see what is around the corner.

I'll build you a fucking periscope, just hold your damn horses!

5. You dont have to share everything with me, it's cool to have your own life too.

Gee, how super of you! Here's the thing though: I like to share, especially when it comes to PUNCTUATION! Here: .......;;;;;;'''''''',,,,,,,,::::::: Use them in good health while I go live my life for awhile.

6. I'm looking for something real.

So, no dragons. Bummer. I like the dragons.

7. No, I'm not psycho, needy, mental, bogged down with baggage or any of those other scary things that you may have come across in your dating adventures.

You left out co-dependent. But it's ok. I'm sure you'll find it out there somewhere.

8. It is hard to tell what kind of a person someone really is in paragraphs.

Rent an editor and get back to me. I saw a "Malcolm in the Middle" episode about this very issue yesterday, incidentally. Fool got admitted to Stanford.

9. Well when you're hot you're hot.

I am hot. It's summer. Duh.

10. My Motto is you get what you give.

My motto is that I don't want what most people got. That's why I have a lifetime supply of Cipro in my bunker.

Friday Five

(Link in meme-roll)
Random!

1. If you had to have a Siamese Twin, who would you want it to be and why?

Uhm, I think I'd like mine to be not-alive. The thought of spending every minute of my life with someone makes me want to throw up.

2. Would you rather be connected at the top of the head, or at the waist and why?

{{Shudder}} Waist. Top of the head sounds like a recipe for a constant headache and massive spinal issues.

3. Make up a definition to the made up word "kituxilicious". Use it in a sentence.

"Looking good in that brown suit" Devon looked especially kituxilicious last night at Prom.

4. Do you think there is something ultimately good about everyone?

"Ultimately good" no (which is why it's good that I'm not God, yo), but I will grant that evereyone has their good points. Sometimes they are hellaciously hard to find, but hey, Hitler liked babies and animals, so....

5. Would you relive your high school days? Why/why not?

Fuck no! Watching Sparky go through his keeps the speed bumps of that age in the forefront of my brain. Too damn much drama, among other things.

Cinn's Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
south beach, baby
eyeroll

[01] What was the last major decision that you made?

I make decisions all-bloody-day at work. Some are major, some are not. Today, I decided not to slug Fat Frank. It was the right decision, but I'm not happy about it.

[02] What factors went into making that decision?

1. I like my job. 2. I don't think I'd do well in jail. 3. It wouldn't prove anything to Fatso, and he'd be obviously right (this time) that I was harassing him. 4. And no amount of showering would be enough to get the Frank-cooties off my hand after I made contact.

[03] With whom did/do you seek counsel to make a confident decision?

Me and God, we make a good team in things like this.

[04] Do you prefer to make decisions quickly or do you prefer to "sleep on it?"

It's odd: I seem to make the big decisions more quickly than the small ones. I can mull over using a red or green pen for hours vs. choosing which refrigerator I want to spend the next 15 years with.

[05] What was the last regrettable decision you made (if you have ever made one)?

Most of them involve not shutting my mouth sooner. Today was yet another in a long, LONG list of times when shutting up would have, if not solved, then ameliorated the situation.

Coffee-not

You Are a Pacifist

You seek peace in all aspects of your life. You get stressed out easily and have to avoid noise of all sorts. You are happiest when things are quiet, calm, and mellow. What other people find boring you find enriching. You are naturally sweet [vomit] and fun. It's hard for you to get too down. You have a colorful take on life. People who know you appreciate your vibrancy.

The Coffee Shop Test

What EV er.

Thursday Thunks

(Link in meme-roll)
Heatwave
The TT questions are brought to you by Bud, the color of my eyes and the number 333333.

1. The temperature in Mooseheadville, Canada was 34 below. Most of the U.S. is in a serious heat wave. In Connecticut, it was 92 degrees in the shade. What do YOU do to beat the heat?

I stay inside, in AC. I drink lots of water. I try not to eat much, especially heavy food.

2. What is your favorite summertime song?

"How Bizarre" (don't ask)

3. Besides nude beaches what's your favorite outdoor summer activity?

Well before nude beaches there are about 20,000 things, among them shopping for furnaces, listening to a small child learning violin, and having a mammogram. My actual favorite outdoor summer thing is sitting in the sun and baking, storing up vitamin D for January.

4. I'm inviting everyone to a cook-out with Kimber and Berleen. What should I cook for you?

I'll have a cheddar brat. One. No bun, just mustard and a fork. On a plate.

5. When selecting your swimwear do you go for sexy or practical?

Practical. I haven't bought sexy swimwear since I was 20. Maybe before that.

6. Back in the day, did you ever have a summer fling? If yes, do tell. (Names not required.)

Yes, though it was at Christmas break and his name was Ken. It was stupid. But instructive.

7. Do you know anyone who hates air conditioning? If yes, what is their reasoning?

I have bouts of AC-annoyance--the temperature is set too fucking low a lot of the time. I don't know anyone who lives around here who hates it, though.

8. When and with who was your last skinny dip?

In my bathtub night before last.

9. How sick of LeBron James are you?

Uhm, not. I barely know who he is, because I don't care.

10. When you were a kid, what was your best summer?

All of them prior to age...oh...15 or so. Actually, I can't remember a BAD summer, ever, at least not until 4 or 5 years ago. Maybe my 11th? I was on my own the whole time (ok, for 5 weeks), at my sister's. Awesome.

11. Belly up to the bar. We serve ANYTHING. It's 100 degrees. What should we pour for you?

WATER! Iced tea. Nothing sweet, and everything icy.

12. Is there a favorite meal that you like to have in the summer?

Any meal I don't have to plan and/or prep is my favorite.

13. Do you think they will solve the oil spill in time for the Gulf states to enjoy summer?

Hell no. Unless you mean Summer 2025.

Thursday 13

(Link in meme-roll)
Potential activities for this evening, pending

1. Finish the rest of the Thursday memes
2. Play mindless games on Facebook
3. Watch CSI rerun
4. Drug my child (it's legal, I promise--he had his wisdom teeth out and the doctor gave him the scrips)
5. Drive to FIL's and take him to the hospital
6. Drive to hospital and sit with FIL while they run tests on him and eventually decide it's just easier to keep him overnight
7. Pick FIL up at the hospital when they discharge him fantastically early ("fantastic" as in "fantasy")
8. Curl up in pain because my GI tract is fubar yet again
9. Not watch Six Feet Under on DVD
10. Burn the CDs I brought home from work and transfer to MP3
11. Read more of the latest Elizabeth George book
12. Work on that damned paperwork on my desk (not likely)
13. Continue trudging through "Cookery" for work

Wednesday Wickedness

(Link in meme-roll)
We are like other memes in that we will ask you ten questions each and every Wednesday. But our little "twist" is that each week we will pick a famous person and pick ten of their quotes. Each of our questions will be based on the quotes. Today we picked Robert Pattinson.

1. "I don't really see the point in washing your hair. If you don't care if your hair's clean or not then why would you wash it?" How often do you wash your hair?

Well, duh...if you don't care, then of course you aren't going to wash it! Really?
I wash my hair every 2-3 days, simply because if I do it more often than that anymore, it gets frizzy/ier. When I was a kid, it had to be washed pretty much every day and sometimes more than that!

2. "I take way too long to get dressed, like way too long. But only for things like shows or if I have to do public appearances. Like, I’m ridiculous, I’ll keep getting changed and getting changed and then I’ll just put on the same thing I wore the day before." Do you take longer to dress for a special event?

No. If it's a special thing, I usually have thought through the outfit in detail ahead of time. I have work-days when I stand in my closet saying, "Yuck--nothing to wear." It's a walk-in closet. Crazy. It doesn't happen often.
And, Robert, just like the hair: if you didn't care about it, you wouldn't worry so much.

3. "My dad's a car dealer, but I grew up in London, so I always say I don't drive…I get driven. I got a driving lesson in Oregon, and then I bought a car in L.A. and I basically learned how to drive by people honking at me. I'm terrible at driving." Are you a good driver?

Yes, I am, especially when I'm paying attention to it. I live near(ish) a Very Big (American) City, so it's drive or be run over around here.

4. "I don't spend any money. The only thing I've really bought is my car, which cost $1,500 and keeps exploding. It would be nice to buy a house for my parents, but at the same time my parents are so comfortable where they live; they would probably just feel like it was a burden. I wear the same clothes every day and the only thing I used to splurge on was DVDs." If you had his money, what would be the first thing you spent it on?

I'd pay off the mortgage on the house and buy a new car...and the rest I'd give away. All.of.it.

5. "I aspire to be Jack Nicholson. I love every single mannerism. I used to try and be him in virtually everything I did, I don't know why. I watched One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest when I was about 13, and I dressed like him. I tried to do his accent. I did everything like him. I think it's kind of stuck with me." Who is your favorite actor?

Robert, I think Christian Slater has the Jaaaack thing down, so you need to find another actor to emulate. My favorite actor (as an actor) is probably Robert Duvall or Meryl Streep, just because they make the whole thing look like the easiest thing ever.

6. "Someone stole my shoelaces once from my shoes. I still wear them and never put laces in them - they're like my trademark shoes now!" Have you ever changed your appearance because of a random happenstance?

WTF?? This guy is pretty damn annoying!! I've never really been this lazy about clothes, no, but if by "random happenstance" you mean trying something on and finding it is the Best Thing EVAH, then yes.

7. "I never really considered myself attractive. I was always kind of gangly in school." Do you consider yourself attractive?

I wouldn't say I stop traffic at either extreme on the attractiveness scale.

8. "I definitely want to record an album, direct a film and start my own religion. I definitely wouldn't have to pay taxes anymore.” If you started your own religion, what would it be like?

It would be all the good parts of all the world's religions without the STOOPUD that gets injected by humans. [Robert, with this quote you've officially stepped into IdiotLand, by the way.]

9. "I do bear some similarities in the sense that I’m not good at romance. I also think I lack basic finesse when it comes to women. I give up too easily even if I’m very attracted to someone." Have you ever given up too easily in the game of love?

Yup. Many many times.

10. "I don’t want to disappoint girls who might think I’m very cool and smooth, which I’m not, I’m afraid. I’m still quite shy, although that seems to be something of an attraction for women." Are you, or have you ever been attracted to shy people?

Nope. That would make for a really dull relationship: two shy, boring people. Yuck.

Manic Monday

(Link in meme-roll)

Has reading a book ever changed your life? Which one and why, if yes?

I've read SO MANY books in my lifetime...thousands. Many of them have changed the way I look at things. Two that changed the way I look at reading were Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights. I grew up with books I couldn't put down, but they were primarily 'modern' books; the Brontes rocked my world with their 100+ year old 'modernity' when I read them both in college. Another big one was The Book of Ruth.

Name one book you had to read but hated, and explain why you hated it.

My high school English class outright refused, as a group, to read Cry, the Beloved Country after about 3 chapters: too far outside our range of experience. I never finished Moby Dick (after reading over 1000 pages), or Gone With the Wind (same scenario); the former was just dead boring and the latter was stupid. I crapped out of Grapes of Wrath as well because of the chapters between the 'action' bits about the laaaannnnddddd....omg, shoot me! I also never finished The Deerslayer (nottthiiinnnnggggg happpennnnnssss). That's just the Lit-ruh-chuh. I've thrown back innumerable books written more recently; No Patience With Boring. I need plot, or at least decent characterizations.

If you could pick a book you’ve read to make into a movie, which one would you choose?

I would love to see the Jasper Fforde "Thursday Next" series on film because, frankly, I fear it's undoable. Maybe Terry Gilliam...or Tim Burton. But otherwise, yeah, unlikely but fun as hell to try!

Blogthings Explosion

You Could Use Some Blue

Your life is probably a lot more chaotic and stressful than you'd like it to be. At times, you feel like you're spinning out of control. And gaining control is actually easier than you might think. Tap into some blue energy by finding calm and serenity every day. You have the inner peace and strength you seek. You just need to find it.

What Color Would Help You Right Now?

Oh, yeah! Working on it!++++++++++++++++++++++++

You Were a Loner

You may have had a few friends on the playground, but you never felt like you really fit in. And while this was not the greatest when you were little, it's served you well as an adult. You have learned to be independent - both in your thoughts and your actions. Not fitting in is now your strength. You defy labels, and you are completely original.

What's Your Playground Personality?

Uhm, no. I had a small cadre of good friends in elementary school. I was not The Weird Kid.++++++++++++++++++++++++

Your Style is Traditional

You have a strong preference for classic things. You want items that will look good forever. You don't fall for trends. You know what you like, and little is going to change that. You have an eye for quality. You'd like to hold on to your things for a long time. You pick out each item you own carefully and deliberately. You aren't an impulse shopper.

What's Your Personal Style?

I am, actually, an impulse shopper, and there are a few trendy things I think are just fabulous.++++++++++++++++++++++++

You Don't Make Waves

More than anyone else, you're happy to go with the flow. Life has enough waves without you making your own. You don't really enjoy drama, though you don't mind watching it pass by... as long as you're not involved. If chaos does come your way, you try to minimize it as much as you can. You never like to feel like your life is out of control. There's no sea too calm for you.

The Waves Test

I kind of chuckled at the part about watching drama pass by--that is so true!++++++++++++++++++++++++

You Are Blue

You are a highly tolerant and peaceful person. You have a lot of compassion and respect for people. You love that the USA is a country with many different people. You may not agree with what everyone believes, but you agree with their right to believe it. You look for the common bonds that Americans share. You rather unite than divide people. You'd like to see more understanding and less fighting. You find it hard to stomach politics.

Are You Red, White, or Blue?

A-yup!

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) Have you felt like you've hit a brick wall anytime recently?

I seem to be stuck, unable to face the piles of (time-sensitive) materials on my desk here at home. Lack of motivation, and not wanting to face reality have met, explosively.

2) Where do you feel the safest?

In the basement. Why, yes, as a matter of fact, I do live in the Midwest; how did you know?

3) Have you ever been completely lost somewhere?

Not to the point of panic. I've always been confident that I can figure out, generally, where I am, even halfway up a cliff in Ouray, even after taking a wrong turn in the middle of Flatland, USA.

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

There was a show on TV, briefly, when I was a kid called Hot L Baltimore. I never 'got' the jokes/sense of the show, but I always wanted to because of the name. My question about this picture is why it's such a garish, hideous color of neon. Is that because someone monkeyed with the photo, or is there really such a color!?

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Authorized :: Legal
2. Flirting :: Coy
3. Bad :: ...to the Bone
4. Digit :: Finger
5. Sexy :: Hawt
6. Combinations :: Union Suit
7. Guard :: Protect
8. Retina :: Torn...
9. Motion :: Movement
10. Concert :: Music

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Dog and Pony Show

1. What’s your favorite zoo animal?

I like me some minkeys.

2. What’s your favorite circus act?

The big cats, I guess. I always hope for them to get some of their own back from the trainer(s).

3. When did you last attend (or participate in) a parade?

Wow, it's been awhile...probably 3 or 4 years! I love parades, but the ones in the nearest town SUCK anymore!

4. When did you last attend a sporting event?

Last fall's marathon high school football attendance would be the most likely. Thank God I'm done with that; it rained (or worse) every single Friday night!

5. What unique festivals does your area feature in celebration of some kind of food?

A nearby town celebrates milk in June.

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in meme-roll)

1. When it's quiet I am happy as a clam.
2. I haven't seen my 'baby boy' in what seems like a month. (it's only been 19 days)
3. My heart is healthy, so far, according to the doctor.
4. How can you not love the month of July?
5. In the town where I was born ....lived a man who sailed to sea.... OK, seriously, nothing happens where I grew up.
6. His mental quickness is something I really love about my significant other.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to seeing the Aimster, tomorrow my plans include working (boo!) and Sunday, I want to get my act together with the stacks of paperwork around the house!