Thursday 13

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Stupid Questions

101. When was the last time you went to the doctor? Do you like your doctor?

I haven't seen a doctor since April. Or thereabouts. I think. Honestly, I can't remember; my summer was so chaotic that I don't remember what really happened when.

201. My back is itching, will you scratch it for me?

Sure. I have fingernails for a change!! Woo-hoo!

301. Do you have nice handwriting?

I do. I've worked hard at it. It makes me CRAZY that my son has such atrocious penmanship. Oh well, it's his problem now.

401. We are sending you to either New Zealand or Canada, which one do you choose?

For how long? If it's a visit, I'm fine with New Zealand, since I've already seen (part of) Canada. If I'm staying for awhile, though, I'd rather be in Canada.

501. Do you sing in the shower?

Nope. Never have. Don't see the attraction of doing so.

601. Have you ever been streaking? If so, how far did you streak and did anyone see you?

Look, in the area where I live, Streaking is a whole other thing from the rest of the (normal) world. I've Streaked, but I wouldn't streak.

701. How soon is too soon for Christmas decorations and music playing in the stores?

I'd like for it not to start until about December 10, but that's not at all likely, is it?

801. If you celebrated Halloween as a kid what was the costume you wore at 5?

No clue. I only remember a couple of costumes, and that year isn't one of them.

901. How many cavities have you had in your life?

Probably close to two dozen. Plus two crowns, one of which has been done twice. Eight teeth pulled, 2+ years of orthodontia. I'm not a fan of the broad field of dentistry.

1001. Berleen and Bud come to Arizona to visit Kimber. Who do you think will decide it's too hot here first?

Bud. He's all about hot.

1101. Who do you think will ask TT questions next week?

One of the regulars, I'm sure.

Thursday 13

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An old standby:
Things for Which I'm Grateful

1. A very, very understanding husband who feels tremendous guilt because of his job responsibilities and so tries hard to make it up to me in lots of little and big ways. He shouldn't feel so guilty, but I don't turn down the gifts. ;-)
2. A spectacularly wonderful kid. It is wonderful to look at a child you've seen go through rough patches, worried that he was going to crash and burn, and now can stand back and say, "All right, he's going to be fine. Better than fine, even."
3. A father-in-law I love, who is delightful, charming, upbeat, and not the least bit hard to be around. Now, if only he knew how to take care of himself the way he takes care of others' feelings....
4. A job I love. Really love. Even when I'm bitching up a storm about it. Sure, there are parts that I could live without, but that's what makes it all the better when I look past those and can focus on the stuff I enjoy.
5. Blogging platforms. It gives me an outlet for writing, and I like the little fluid community of meme-posting people who make me smile, laugh, think, and say occasional nice things about me.
6. Books. Writers who write good books, and who write well. As in #4, it's only when you come across a book that is stupid and poorly written that you appreciate how wonderful it is that there are so many not-stupid and not-poorly-written books around.
7. God. In spite of everything, we're still good buds.
8. NCIS, CSI, L&O:SVU, Bones, Dexter, et al. Good, gory TV shows I can watch with my son (and, in some cases, my husband) and not be bored.
9. Football. 'nuf said.
10. The comforts in my life: comfy big bathtub, a house I love, too much food, a beautiful neighborhood, clothes that I (generally) am comfortable in, loads of storage space for everything...
11. The opportunities I have (had) to travel. Whether near or far, I just like to go places.
12. My genetics. Except for the allergies, the heat issues, that sort of thing. OK, all the health stuff. And the amazing lack of tact. But everything else is great stuff.
13. Did I mention my great friends IRL? Oops. They are the best.

Wednesday Wickedness

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Paul McCartney

1. “George wrote Taxman, and I played guitar on it. He wrote it in anger at finding out what the taxman did. He had never known before then what could happen to your money.” No one likes paying taxes. But do you think the tax system is fair?

In general, yes, though I believe that the system Obama is proposing is fairer to the majority of people. And I think corporations should pay more than they do now.

2. “I definitely did look up to John. We all looked up to John. He was older and he was very much the leader; he was the quickest wit and the smartest.” What did you think of John Lennon?

He was smart, witty, and a major pain in the ass. I like that in a person.

3. “I saw that Meryl Streep said, I just want to do my job well. And really, that's all I'm ever trying to do.” How do you approach your job whether in the workplace or at home?

Yes, I just want to do my job well also. Hell, this week I'd just like to DO MY JOB.

4. “I used to think anyone doing anything weird was weird. Now I know that it is the people that call others weird that are weird.” Have you found that you have more tolerance for unusual people as you get older?

I've always appreciated oddballs--or at least after about age 14 I have--but my tolerance for acting out has decreased. I'm not a fan of drama for drama's sake.

5. “I don't take me seriously. If we get some giggles, I don't mind.” How seriously do you take yourself?

I don't mind playing the fool. It can be disarming. And also truthful, in some cases.

6. “I think people who create and write, it actually does flow--just flows from into [sic] their head, into their hand, and they write it down. It's simple.” Does your blog writing just flow from your head, or is it a lot of effort?

Nope, I'm a flow-er too. You can probably tell by the number of typos that I don't proof on a very regular basis.

7. “Think globally, act locally.” Do you do anything to help your local community?

Well, he hardly invented this concept... And yes. I do. My paid job is sorta that, in fact.

8. “When you first get money, you buy all these things so no one thinks you're mean, and you spread it around. You get a chauffeur and you find yourself thrown around the back of this car and you think, I was happier when I had my own little car! I could drive myself!” Have you ever had a period where you felt that you were set financially?

Yup. I have. Moving on....

9. “Lyricists play with words.”Do you think what you write on your blog is clever or just ordinary and why?

Sometimes it's clever. Lately, it's been pretty mundane and blah. That's why I have only been doing memes and not writing anything anywhere else.

10. “Where I come from, you don't really talk about how much you're earning. Those things are private. My dad never told my mum how much he was earning. I'm certainly not going to tell the world. I'm doing well.” Who in your circle knows how much money your family makes?

No one. I'm old-fashioned that way. To be honest, I'm not 100% sure what our annual household income is.

Random Dozen

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1. Do you believe, somewhere deep inside, that blondes do indeed have more fun? That they are "dumber" than brunettes or redheads? Be honest!

Nope, I do not. I have blondes in my family. One's a neurotic mess, one's batshit annoying, one is like a true sister (but not), one is smart as a whip and funny as hell, and one is one of the kindest people I know. So, pretty much the same mix as the redheads and brunettes to whom I'm related.

2. Which animal would you most like to observe in its wild habitat?

Kangaroo.

3. This week the U.N. announced that Dr. Mazlan Othman has been appointed the official "Alien Ambassador," should any extraterrestrials contact us. Have you, or has anyone you know, ever seen a UFO?

No. But as I scanned this article, I ended up giggling over the fact that someone pointed out how funny it is that someone named "M. Othman" is in charge of this department.

4. Name your favorite Hitchcock film.

Gotta be "Psycho."

5. Would you rather spend time at the library, the mall, a craft store or home?

Hmmmm, what do you think? OK, maybe the library, a.k.a., work. I'm so fucking behind on my job that I could use another week of 10-hour days to catch up--days when I don't get interrupted to do everything but scrub toilets. ...sigh...

6. Which Disney princess is your favorite? (Or Disney character, if you are a guy)

I like Simba. Yes, I'm aware he's not a princess. I hate princesses. Why do girls aspire to be decorative and nothing else?

7. What kind of art is your favorite?

Representational. {snort}
My favorite artist is Michelangelo.

8. How do you feel about viral videos, that is, videos made by amateurs that end up on Youtube receiving thousands of hits?

I don't really feel anything about them as a rule. Some suck. Some are outrageous. Some are funny as hell.

9. Where do you buy your jeans?

Kohl's, Farm & Fleet, Old Navy, wherever I can find a pair that fits and won't fall apart after 3 washes ... and doesn't cost $80 on sale.

10. Tell me about your first automobile accident.

In high school, I backed into the car belonging to my high-school neighbor's boyfriend. Everyone in his car was high. One of his tires went flat...a whole comedy of errors ensued.

11. Have you ever been honest when you knew you would benefit more if you would be dishonest?

Of course. I'm rather known for that, in fact. ...more sighing...

12. If you were appointed "Ambassador to Aliens," what would you show and tell first about life on Earth? What would be the most difficult thing to explain?

Original sin, in all its forms.

Monday Mayhem

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Ten Anyone? Meme

1. Why do you blog?

I need to get the words out.

2. Name your three best memories.

- The day after Sparky was born after the morphine had worn off but before everything went to hell.
- Giggling with my mom during silent prayer at church.
- Jumping rope and playing jacks in the summer as a kid.

3. Name 4 of the best fiction books you've read.

The Book of Ruth, Alice in Wonderland, Glass Soup, and Outlander.

4. What are the 5 best movies ever made? (and that I love....)

Couldn't we switch this to a lower number? ...sigh... OK: Heathers, Citizen Kane, Orlando, Shoah, Groundhog Day.

5. Name 5 things I can't live without.

YOU can't live without? Air, water, food, love and shelter.

6. If you could change your name what would it be?

Go back a few days to find the answer.

7. Tell us a unique and interesting fact about yourself.

One that I haven't posted already? Holy cats...uh...I have blepharitis. Whee.

8. What do you love best about yourself?

My intellect.

9. If you had a "Freaky Friday" experience, who would you change places with?

Well, my mom's dead and I don't have a daughter, so...no one?

10. What is the best thing about being a woman.

The habit that so many men (ok, really: some women, too) have of underestimating us.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) What was your first conscious thought this morning?

"I . Am . So . Tired. Yuck."

2) Discuss a book that left you disappointed.

Many, many books disappoint me. The most recent was "Cemetery Dance" which was just ... wow, the only word that springs to mind is 'bogus.'

3) Do you ever talk to telemarketers, or do you just hang up on them?

I usually only ask them to put me on the Do Not Call list if I say anything. Usually, I hang up during that delay after I pick up.

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

What a cute little lizard. There are no lizards in the wild where I live. Which, I suppose, is ok since we do have deer. And cattle. And (sigh) corn. Lots and lots of corn. {shake} ANYway, I also like the bricks on the patio. Generally, I like this picture. It's calming.

Sunday Stealing

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The "I've Been Tagged" Meme

1. Where are you from?

So many ways to answer this...but I'm too tired to be creative, so I'll just go with "I'm from the Centennial State."

2. If you could live any place in the world, where would you live?

Back in the same state. And/Or on a Greek island.

3. What's your favorite blog? I'll check them out of course!

It changes regularly, but one old favorite is Amy's.

4. What is your biggest blogging pet peeve?

Poor spelling. Agendas/Marketing. Lack of connection to the person ostensibly writing it.

5. What's your favorite TV show this season? I need a new show! :)

Hawaii Five-O wasn't so bad. I may stay with it.

6. What's your favorite 'down' time [activity?] {nothing computer related}?

Reading, puzzles, sleeping.

7. Are you a parent? If so, what's your favorite thing to do with your children?

Hang out. I'm not bothered to schedule anymore like I was when I was home all the time and he was a toddler. We just hang out, watch some TV together, talk about school, whatever.

8. What about your blog, have you considered changing?

I had a complete retool about a year ago of all three of my (main) blogs. I tinker with them regularly.

9. What do you do for a living (if you work outside the home or if you work at home)?

I get paid to catalog materials and answer occasional reference questions at work. I'm not financially recompensed for being wife, mother, sister, youth group leader, assistant at Sparky's school library. Which is just fine because I earn more important 'income' in those jobs anyway.

10. What is your favorite song at the moment? What is your favorite song ever?

"Sweet Child O' Mine" is running through my head today. "Ever" isn't likely to be the same answer from day to day. It can range from "Amazing Grace" to "I Hate Everything About You" to "To Life."

11. What is your favorite niche TV channel to watch?

We watch a lot of stuff on the History and Discovery Channels.

12. If you could have any career, what would it be and why?

I'm living the dream. Hard to believe, no?

13. What is your favorite outfit?

Jeans + Tshirt or turtleneck.

14. If you could tell your teenage self something, what would you say?

'Take your own advice once in awhile and "GET OVER YOURSELF!"'

15. What is your favorite recipe?

7-Layer Bars, which I could make in my sleep. And then eat (all of them) in a day.

16. What is the funniest joke you've ever heard?

I'm liking the blond joke FIL sent a few weeks ago. It's sorta a smart-stupid blond. How about we start telling blond jokes about guys, though. Imagine the fun!

17. What is your favorite vacation spot and why?

Ouray, or Hydra, or Galena, or any of the houses that are practically my own but belong to various friends or family members.

18. What are you most excited about with fall here?

Crunchy leaves, the departure of outrageous humidity, cooler temps at night....

19. Did you envision yourself to be where you are today ten years ago? If not, what did you envision?

I have no idea what I was thinking 10 years ago. Sparky was in second grade and it was at his first conference that his teacher started with the "he seems to be ADHD" crap. I wasn't entirely sure we'd make to senior year of high school at that point, because I might be in prison for murder.

20. If money were no object, what would your dream house look like?

I keep telling you: I'm living the dream. Big front porch, covered back porch, fireplace, nice-sized kitchen, seriously giant built-in bookshelves, huge yard, good neighbors.

21. What is your all-time favorite Disney movie?

The Lion King.

22. What blog do you think isn't getting enough notice?

Lots and lots of them. There are more that are getting too MUCH notice that I'd be willing to list. But I won't.

Go(u)rdy

You Are Bright

You are one smart cookie, but you're never a show off when it comes to revealing how much you know. It's likely that you read and process a lot of information. You love to learn. You are wise beyond your years, and true friends know to count on you for advice. [probably need to stop, though] You understand difficult concepts with ease. It's rare that anyone has to explain anything to you.

The Gourd Test

This is quite weirdly accurate. Hmmm...

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Sunday 7

Name the seven careers you’d like to see depicted in a Barbie Doll.

1. Pastor
2. Stay-at-home-mom
3. [American] Football player [though I'd settle for coach]
4. Hooker (which shouldn't be a stretch, eh?)
5. Customer-service helpline employee
6. Bartender
7. Welfare recipient

I'm completely serious on most of these. The only one I'm totally kidding about is...guess!

Unconscious Mutterings

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Her 400th post!! Woo-hoo!!!

1. Return :: Send back
2. Alarms :: Warns
3. State :: ...of the Union
4. Picture frame :: Photo
5. Wreath :: Christmas
6. Arrest :: Stop
7. Sincere :: Meaningful
8. Nathan :: Famous...
9. Bag :: "Papa's Got a Brand New..."
10. Arched :: Curved

Saturday 9

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Just Like Me

1. Who in your life do you think behaves and thinks the most like you do?

Probably Beast. Sparky, sometimes. I dunno about anyone else.

2. As a kid, were you ever wrongly accused (and punished, if it went that far) for something you didn't do? If so, what was it? What happened?

Nope. I was more likely to be the one who got my brother in trouble. I can't remember getting in trouble very often, for myself or for anyone else.

3. What about as an adult, were you ever wrongly accused for something you didn't do?? Do you think it's worse to be accused as a child or an adult? Why/why not?

I think it's a whole lot easier to cope with as an adult, though it probably helps to know that stuff like that happens whenever it does happen to you the first time. And yes, can you tell?

3. What’s the scariest weather situation you’ve experienced?

The microburst that hit our neighborhood about 6 years ago was pretty freaky. Some blizzards have been kinda scary, primarily because I was driving. I remember a couple of hailstorms, too.

4. If you could wake up tomorrow morning in another country, where would you want to be and why?

Italy, but only for a week or so. OK, a month. No longer. Really.

5. Instead of going to work Monday, if you could spend the entire day doing something else--any one or two things that you absolutely love doing--what would you do?

I actually never go to work on Mondays. lol I'll be doing my usual volunteer stint at my son's school, then I dunno what next. Probably errands. Shopping.

6. What sites (other than meme sites) do you use most to help you post on your blog?

I'm all over the map, really. I have 216 sites on my feeds list. And then there's Facebook....

7. Check out a post on your blog from six months ago (March 2010) and tell us what is different now about your blog and/or life?

Not much, beyond the obvious Big Things that happened this summer. I don't want to think about it, to be honest. Denial is awesome, and I've getting very good at it.

8. What was the last photograph you took?

I don't know. I haven't done a lot of picture-taking this summer, or at least not since the end of July.

9. Which fashion trend do you believe is the most horrendous and why?

I'm really really glad the whale-tail thing seems to be over. Now, if we could just get the guys to pull their pants up....

Patrick's Place

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Saturday 6

1. How often do you get eight hours of sleep in a single night?

Almost never, which turns out to be right for me. I really only need 6 or 7 most of the time.

2. You find yourself fading towards the end of the day at work: what do you do for enough of an energy burst to get you to quitting time?

I find that getting up and moving around helps. Finding something different to do, also useful.

3. Which work shift would be ideal for you: 8am-5pm, 2pm-11pm or 11pm-8am?

I would prefer to work 6 a.m. till 2 p.m. or something similar to that.

4. Do you ever drink “energy drinks” for an extra boost?

I tried one once, in July, because I was falling asleep driving. It didn't work. I still do DDP.

5. Take the quiz: What’s Your Energy Level?

You Are an Early Riser

You're the type of person who just gets up early naturally. It's easy for you to succeed in this world. It's likely that you've been extremely productive before the day has really began. You wake up alert and refreshed. You tend to lose steam in the late afternoon and evening. Give yourself that time to rest. Even though you get a quick start, you don't have to charge ahead all day long!

What's Your Energy Type?

Yeah, ok. Except the world runs a different schedule, have you noticed?

6. What percentage of the time would you say that you get up on the wrong side of the bed?

I'd say about 30% of the time. This week hasn't been good.

Cinn's Friday 5

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¿Hablas español? ¿Cómo se dice...?

[01] What foreign languages do you speak?

Spanish.

[02] What foreign languages would you like to learn to speak?

Greek, Hebrew, and Russian. Though, honestly, I'd be happy just knowing how to read any/all of these.

[03] Do you think you would learn a language easier by listening to recordings or immersing yourself in the language without a lesson?

Immersion. I'm not disciplined enough to do the repetition and memorization required in a self-taught course.

[04] If you needed to learn a second language, which would most benefit you in the area where you live?

Spanish. Fully 25% of the kids in our school district speak Spanish. It's the go-to language in this country, whether you like the fact or not.

[05] Do you think it's necessary to learn a language that is foreign to you before you reside in that country?

I think it's a good idea to know something so you don't feel cut off from the community.

So much for Weight Watchers

You Should Eat

It's likely that you've been going through a hard time, and you need to rest and refuel. You could do with some nourishment, and not just the caloric kind. It's time to take care of yourself. You find happiness when you put your own needs first. You deserve the best, and you should be pampered more. Relax, indulge, and allow yourself to feel totally full. You've earned it.

Should You Eat, Pray, or Love?

Probably not the thing I should be hearing the night before I go weigh in for the first time in over a month...but don't think I didn't expect this answer, either.

Friday 5

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Bloom’s Taxonomy

1. What did you do this week?

Worked. Tried very hard to stay awake during the day (mostly succeeded). Calmed down a cranky patron. Didn't yell at people who annoyed me. Had some bangin'-weird dreams.

2. Why did things turn out the way they did this week?

Because I'm apparently NOT getting enough sleep.

3. How will this week’s events affect next week’s, both positively and negatively?

I won't get yelled at by anyone for something I did/said to them this week. Otherwise, I don't see a great deal of difference between this week and next week. Oh, except I have to do monthly stats next week, and I did do some stuff this week that will make that more accurate.

4. What were this week’s pivotal moments where things might have happened differently and changed everything?

Had I snapped at Beast when he was crabby earlier in the week, I'm sure it would have escalated into a 2-hour argument. I'm learning, slowly, that this doesn't pay. If I'd slept better, I'd probably have been more awake and functional at work. I dunno--I think this question is a little too deep for me right now.

5. How was your week?

Boring, in spite of the new season starting on several of my favorite shows.

RevGals Friday 5

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We Who Sing Pray Twice

1) Do you like to sing/listen to others sing? In worship, or on your own (or not at all?)

I love singing, and I do like to listen to others sing, as long as they can carry a tune without use of a bucket. I'll sing anywhere, usually little la-di-da-di stuff around the house, and I listen to music as often as I can.

2) Did you grow up with music in worship, or come to it later in life? Tell us about it, and how that has changed in your experience.

Totally in worship: we had an excellent 200-member choir in my church and when I was a teen we also had an outstanding director (who was also very attractive, ahem). My parents sang, my siblings sang, we all played instruments (except, I've just realized, my dad). Much music in my life. I'm afraid that all this sort of caused me some serious shock when I realized that a) not everyone could sing, or even liked to, and b) not every church choir is basically professional.

3) Some people find worship incomplete without music; others would just as soon not have it. Where do you fall?

I don't think I could belong to a church that NEVER had music. It's not really worship for me until that first hymn, or praise song.

4) Do you prefer traditional music in worship, or contemporary? That can mean many different things!

I grew up with contemporary music intermixed with traditional/classical stuff. I'm in both camps equally.

5) What's your go-to music ... when you need solace or want to express joy? A video/recording will garner bonus points!

I no longer need bonus points, so I'll just say that Nicole C. Mullen can do no wrong in my book.

Rock 'n Roll Fridays

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We will ask you thirteen questions each and every Friday. But our little "twist" is that each week we will pick an singer, band, era or category and pick thirteen of their lyrics. Today we picked Bob Dylan. The song titles are in bold caps and the lyrics are in bold. Here's Rock 'n Roll Fridays!

1. TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGIN’ “And there’s no tellin’ who that it’s namin’ for the loser now will be later to win, For the times they are a changin’”
What would you do or play at a Casino?

I play video poker, mostly. Occasionally, slots, but they bore the shit outta me.

2. ON DESOLATION ROW “To her, death is quite romantic, She wears an iron vest. Her profession’s her religion, her sin is her lifelessness”
What was the worst job you ever had?

I temped one summer and several of the office jobs I was sent to were afraid to let me actually do anything, so I sat around for 8 hours with nothing to do. How dumb is that.

3. DON’T THINK TWICE IT’S ALLRIGHT “I ain’t sayin you treated me unkind, you could have done better but I don’t mind. You just kinda wasted my precious time. Don’t think twice it’s all right”
How do you waste your time besides memes?

Facebook, and the infrequent (of late) nap.

4. IT AIN’T ME BABE “You say you’re lookin for someone, never weak but always strong. To protect you an’ defend you whether you are right or wrong. Someone to open each and every door, It ain’t me babe”
What traits make up the ideal mate for you?

Sense of humor, smart, stable (no drama), family I can stand, patience, God has to be in there somewhere...

5. JUST LIKE A WOMAN “She takes just like a woman, yes she does, she makes love just like a woman, yes she does, and she aches just like a woman, but she breaks just like a little girl”
What woman would make a great president?

Molly Ivins would have ROCKED...sigh. I dunno--I'm not sure I'd want to destroy anyone by wishing this on them. On the other hand, Elizabeth Edwards has been through everything else; why not this too?

6. KNOCKIN ON HEAVEN’S DOOR “Mama put my guns in the ground I can’t shoot them anymore, that long black cloud is comin’ down, I feel like I’m knockin’ on Heaven’s door”
Have you ever fired a rifle, handgun or other firearm?

Not yet. My nephew has promised to take me to the range one of these days with one of his many firearms.

7. LIKE A ROLLING STONE “You used to laugh about everybody that was hangin’ out, Now you don’t seem so proud, about havin’ to scrounge for your next meal”
Have you ever been on Welfare (the Dole), or collected Unemployment Insurance Benefits?

Nope. I was fully unpaid when I was unemployed, otherwise known as being a Stay-At-Home-Mom.

8. MAGGIE’S FARM “Everybody says she’s the brains behind Pa, She’s 68 but says she’s 24”
When was the last time you lied about your age?

I have said that I've already turned the age I will be in November many times over the last few months. I know that doesn't make any sense...oh, well. I don't really lie about my age.

9. MR TAMBORINE MAN “Hey Mr Tamborine Man, play a song for me, I’m not sleepy and there is no place I’m goin’ to.”
Have you ever played a musical instrument?

I took piano lessons for about 3 years as a child, and played flute for my teenage years. Oh, and I play handbells at church.

10. ONE MORE CUP OF COFFEE “One more cup of coffee for the road. One more cup of coffee ‘for I go…to the valley below”
What brand of coffee do you drink and how do you take it?

The only thing I use coffee for is making (some) guests happy, and scenting the fridge/freezer.

11. ONE TOO MANY MORNINGS “Down the street the dogs are barkin’, and the day is getting’ dark. As the night comes in a fallin, The dogs ‘ll lose their bark” 
When was the last time a dog barked near you?

We have loads of dogs in the neighborhood. Some of them bark a lot. I can't think of when I've been around a barking dog lately, however. It happens either too often or too rarely to notice.

12. SUBTERRANEAN HOMESICK BLUES “Look out kid, don’t matter what you did. Walk on your tip toes, don’t try NO DOZ, better stay away from those”
When you have to stay awake what do you do when you are very sleepy?

No-Doz is the only thing that has ever worked for me. That 5-Hour Energy stuff...doesn't work. Otherwise, it's roll the windows down, turn the music up, count forwards or backwards, have people talk to me....and eventually give up and pull off the road. If I'm not driving, I just keep moving around constantly. Standing, walking, running, NO sitting!

13. TANGLED UP IN BLUE “I was layin in bed wondrin if she’d changed at all. If her hair was still red…”
What color(s) has your hair been?

It started as light brown, darkened as I aged to dark brown, started turning gray at about age 20, and is now a combination of all those plus ash blonde and auburn.

Thursday Thunks

(Link in meme-roll)
What's in a Name?

1. We are changing your name. You have no choice. You get to pick it, but we must approve it. You must have a good reason. Ok, what is the name and reason?

Jo Hainault [spelled differently, though]. It's based on my mom's name. Sorta-kinda.

2. I say Shotgun, you say?

"Where are we going that you're calling shotgun?"

3. We are sending you away. Africa or Mexico?

Oh, jeez. This isn't easy. For how long will I be 'away'? Do I get to pick precisely WHERE? Because there are some places in Africa I'd love to visit, but I actually speak Spanish.

4. When you're home alone, do you still close the door when you use the restroom?

Usually not, especially if I know Sparky's in school and Beast is out of town, i.e. there's not a chance anyone will wander in.

5. Berleen told me that I have to ask a mean question. Tell us about a horrible memory.

Childbirth sucked.
Moving on....

6. What are your plans for October?

Stay alive. Lose some weight (again), if I can get back on that wagon. Visit three colleges with Sparky. Buy candy to pass out on Halloween. Maybe attend the local satellite Rally for Sanity.

7. Is there anyone that you regret ever meeting ?

Not really. I have learned a great deal from almost everyone. Maybe a few library patrons that were BEYOND annoying, like the guy who called to tell my boss that I'd sworn at him on the phone; I'd said something about "screwing up" which I guess if you were born in 1915, would perhaps be 'swearing' if you're a complete asswipe. He looked so much like Orville Redenbacher that I stopped buying that brand of popcorn.

8. You have 3 months left to live, what do you do?

Update my will, find a place to be buried or scattered, PLAY, travel to some of the places I'd wanted to do, write letters to people to read when I'm gone. Clean? Naaaahhhhh.

9. You wake up in an unfamiliar place, what is your first reaction?

Put my glasses on. Hey presto: not so unfamiliar after all!!

10. Your phone rings at 4am, just before you kill this person, who do you expect it would be?

OK, I'm unlikely to kill anyone because either a) it's a wrong number so I'm unlikely to know who they are, or b) it's bad news from someone in the family.

11. You're having a bad day, what one thing can make your day better?

Taking a nap. At home.

12. You are doing a meme written by the blogosphere's shadiest character. Is there anything else that you should be doing right now?

Right before I read this, I said to Beast, "Once I finish this meme, I will go clean up the kitchen and put the food away." Seriously. No guilt in my life, eh?

13. If money were not a problem, (and it never is, right? Yes, I stole this f$%*ing question. Sue me.) where would you like to live?

In the mountains in Colorado, in a relatively small, but quirky, house not very near any neighbors, but with OUTSTANDING Internet access.

Random Dozen

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Have you, or has someone close to you, ever won an award for anything? (I just came from my dad's ceremony wherein he was given a medal of honor by the French government for service in France in WWII....)

I've won awards--though certainly nothing like this--but not much since school which suits me just fine.

2. Who is the nearest relative to you who has served in the US Military?

My dad served in WWII. FIL was in the Army during our time in Korea, though he spent those years in Germany.

3. Share something that stirs the patriotic spirit in you.

Ain't nothing gonna beat singing The Star-Spangled Banner on a runway as we waited to board an Aeroflot flight to some godforsaken spot in Soviet Central Asia. Also, the flag-bearers at the beginning of a parade.

4. Where are you in the birth order in your family? Do you think your "placement" made a difference in your personality?

I'm fifth of 5, ten years behind my brother (nearest in age) and 20 years behind my oldest sister. There are just those three of us left now, too, weirdly enough. And yes, my birth order absolutely made a huge difference in who I am.

5. Name one trait you hope you carry that was evidenced in your parents or grandparents.

Stubborn pigheadedness. That plus The Nose are strong indicators.

6. If female, do you prefer wearing a skirt or pants? If male, shirt and tie or polo?

I have worn a skirt exactly ONCE in the past year, and that was at my mom's memorial service.

7. Approximately how many times do you wake during the night? What do you do to go back to sleep?

I don't wake up regularly in the night (anymore), but if I do wake up to the point of not getting back to sleep, I'll come downstairs and do a crossword till I crash.

8. Share a favorite movie quote.

I'm gonna be lazy and use my Fb status from yesterday morning:
‎"It's your turn, Heather."
"No, Heather, it's Heather's turn. Heather?"
"Sorry, Heather." --Heathers

9. What is your favorite Fall candle scent?

What kind of a society do we live in that needs special fake smells for the season that you can go outside and smell?? Sorry--I'm a little cranky (again) tonight. The candle scents I like are the same year-round.

10. What is one Fall activity you're looking forward to?

I love crunching through fallen leaves. Not too many have started to go here, but it looks like they will pretty soon, within a week or so.

11. Tell us about a pleasant surprise that happened to you recently.

Cake magically appeared on the counter at work yesterday afternoon just about the time I started getting nosh-y.

12. What was it like when you first met your in-laws-to-be?

They were great; I felt comfortable almost immediately, and that feeling never diminished.

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. Today we picked William Shatner. Here's Wednesday Wickedness!

1. “Captain Kirk has been a source of pleasure and income a long time now.” Who is your favorite Star Trek character of all time including all the shows and movies? Why?

I absolutely adore Jean-Luc Picard. For myriad reasons, not least because he was truly middle-aged at the beginning of the series.

2. “But if you want to know the truth, the weirdest thing that has happened has been my discovery that people who attend conventions are filled with love.” What was the last public gathering that you attended where you "felt the love"?

My sister's funeral, I guess.

3. “How do I stay so healthy and boyishly handsome? It’s simple. I drink the blood of young runaways.” What do you do to stay youthful?

I don't. Today I feel decrepit and exhausted. (Generally, I find that being around young people helps me stay young.)

4. “I think acting satisfies the need and desire for approval.” What in life gives you a feeling of approval?

Being good at what I do at work, and doing my best job in everything at work and home. And also recognizing the limitations and not beating myself up if I simply can't take the time to do everything perfectly.

5. “No I don’t regret anything at this point. That may change on the next phone call, but at the moment I don’t regret anything.” What is a decision that you have made that others thought you’d regret, but you haven’t?

I don't know of anything that other people thought I'd regret. You'd probably be better off asking them than me. There's always the old standby, though: getting married right out of college. That seems to have worked out so far, though it's a bit chilly in the house tonight.

6. “If you make a fool of yourself, you can do it with dignity, without taking your pants down. And if you do take your pants down, you can still do it with dignity.” When did you last get asked when you made a fool of yourself? (Extra points if you guess the correct meme.)

Actually, just before starting this meme, I responded to a friend's Fb update--"yes, I just saw what you did! yes, you looked like a fool too!" The whole serendipity thing has me kinda freaked out. I don't know what meme; this one? [My response to that status, FWIW, was "What else is new? I mean really, it's not that unusual to catch me looking like a fool. :-)"

7. “One of the advantages of being a captain is being able to ask for advice without necessarily having to take it.” What is the best advice that you’ve ignored?

90% of the things I've been told about parenting has been bullshit.

8. “I’ve never had green alien sex, although I’m sure it will be quite an evening!” What did you do the last time that you had “quite an evening”?

It did not involve green alien sex, that's for sure! About an hour ago, we were watching a car creep up and down our street, Beast on the phone with the sheriff's department. That's what constitutes "quite an evening" around here.

9. “Don’t just shove food into your mouth. Taste the flavor exploding in your mouth. Appreciate the texture. Honor your food with the time you take.” Describe your perfect meal.

Cooked by someone other than myself, and surrounded with people who love each other (and me).

10. “For commercial reasons, we stayed away from advancing the theory of God.” Are there topics that you stay away from on your blog to remain non-controversial?

Heh. Nope. I think that has been made abundantly clear. There are, however, subjects I stay away from on other people's blogs, to be polite.

You tell me it's the institution, well, y'know, you better free your mind instead.

(Found here)

Does your head hurt when you cry? Not until after, usually. But yeah, and usually a lot. I'm not a pretty cry-er either, so....

Who was the last person to comfort you? Beast. As usual.

Are you currently wearing any socks? Nope. And my toes are slightly cold, too. Grr.

What's the closest thing to your right hand? Outside of the computer, my leg, and the couch, I guess that would be my wallet. I just bought a baby shower present online.

When was the last time you made a wish? No clue. Not sure I've done it for quite some time.

Have you ever watched a foreign film with English subtitles? Yes. I've also watched a foreign film with foreign subtitles. ...OK, I'll stop.

When was the last time you wore athletic shorts? I don't think I own any of these anymore.

Do you think that in the end, everything will fall into place? Eventually, yes. For a minute. Though that might be optimistic: maybe more like a second.

What's the closest transparent object to you? My cell-phone cover.

What was the last thing you swallowed?: DDP.

Do you like mayonnaise? Did I even spell that right? Yes I do, within reason, and yes you spelled it right, you brainiac.

Anyways... When was the last time you went out in the rain? About 40 minutes ago. Technically I was on the porch, so I didn't get wet, but yay, rain. Ozone.

Have you ever seen a Tim Burton movie, like Coraline, 9, etc.?: I've seen Beetlejuice and Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, both of which I liked.

Do you keep 3D glasses after you've left the movie theatre? I have never seen a 3D movie in the theatre. I suspect they'd make me sick to my stomach.

When was the last time you heard a British accent in person? A real one? Someone in my family, probably, or no...one of the flight attendants.

Who was the last person to unsurprisingly disappoint you? Myself. And Sparky.

Do you know what FTW stands for? Yup. I live with a teenager.

When was the last time you went bowling? Several years. That's sort of a bummer.

Do you like cats? Not much. Plus, they make me itchy and sneezy.

Do you use aerosol hairspray? It's bad for the environment, you know. I know, and I almost never use hairspray, of any kind.

What was the last food you choked on? I don't remember the last time I choked on something.

Who was the last person you disappointed? Oh, hell, I dunno. Myself, and before that I guess would be the library board member I dealt with today.

Do you really miss someone right now? Every fucking second. Seems to be getting worse, too.

Do you think anyone can really reach "Nirvana" at some point? Only part of the band is left, so no. As for "nirvana" as a metaphysical concept, sure. Why not?

What's the capital of the state you reside in? The dollar is our capital.

What is the last advice you gave someone? "Don't drive home till the rain/hail/wind stops, Sparky."

Do you ever dip your fingers in wet candle wax? Not much. I used to, back when I had no life and too much time.

When was the last time you sweated sweat really bad? Walking all around Purdue this summer in nearly 100-degree heat.

Do you write it, alot or a lot? "A lot" because that.is.correct.

Does it annoy you when people are always smiling and happy all the time? Only when I'm super-cranky.

What was the last rule you broke? "Moms are meant to create tasty, filling, healthy meals for their family." (or takeout Mexican)

Have you ever hazed someone or been hazed? I don't recall ever being hazed in a major way, beyond the teasing that comes with being a newbie. And vice-versa.

What is your opinion on abortion? Hands off my body. Really, you can trust me to vote, but not to make good decisions on the big stuff?

Miley Cyrus rings your door bell, and asks for some shelter. You say..? Well, if there are 'media' around, the door is shut and I'm calling 911. If not, sure, come on in, but the first diva behavior and she's right back out. I don't really anticipate it being an issue.

What would you say if someone called you at 3 am to have a casual convo? I'd probably hang up on them without too much debate, but I'd also probably bawl them out the next time I saw them.

Have you ever made a SERIOUS typo, and couldn't go back and change it? I used a typewriter yesterday for the first time in a decade. That was humbling.

Have you ever yelled at an authority figure? I was raised to do this. And I do. Not without necessity, however.

When was the last time you had to pee really badly? Uhh....not sure.

What was the last thing you regretted eating? The yogurt I brought from home today. It was...ugly-foul.

Have you ever met anyone famous? Nope. One minor character actor that you'd recognize if you saw. Otherwise, no.

Do you like screamo music? No. Yuck. I am stopped at the name alone.

Do you know anyone with some serious talent? Yes I do. Almost everyone I know has talents that amaze me.

When was the last time you made fun of someone? Today. It's not a day if I don't do it once!

What was the last thing you yelled? "OH MY GOSH! Why is the volume on commercials so much louder than the show??"

Will you save all your answers? It's no fun if you dont :] A-roo--it's a blog, so...yeah.

What did your last text message say? Sent: "Lol yeah definitely not :-)"
Received: "Or not."

Who was it from? They are both to and from Beast.

What are you listening to? We're watching the season premiere of NCIS.

What's your favorite day of the week? Why? I do like Mondays. I don't work, and I usually get a lot of work done around the house, and errands run. And sometimes a nap!

Who did you last talk to? Beast and Sparky are sitting here in the room with me. So, one of them.

Are you good at hiding your feelings? I'm a freakin' Oscar-winner some days.

What's the closest pink object to you? The handle of the nail file on the table next to me.

The Queen's Meme

(Link in meme-roll)
The Change Meme
Norman Vincent Peale said, "Change your thoughts and you change your world." It was interesting to see how many meanings I could find for the word "change".....some are serious, some are silly. Have fun!

1. Name one thing you'd like to change about yourself.

Obvious answer: weight.

2. If you could wave a magic wand and be done with all the small petty nuisances in your life, what you would have "be gone" first?

Noisy, gossipy, negative people with whom I work.

3. Do you collect and save your spare change in a jar?

Nope. I keep it in my wallet and spend it. We have two little plastic containers that Sparky and Beast use when they empty their pockets.

4. Change your world. What is our biggest concern as a global humanity?

Selfishness. Everything else starts there.

5. What would you have changed about your last relationship or the one you're in now?

I wouldn't change anything about the past ones. For the current one, I think I'd want us both to be more patient, and less hard-of-hearing or mumbly (whatever our problem is).

6. If you could reverse the course of history in a time machine, what would you do and how do you think the world would be different today?

I would do nothing. At all. I don't want to fuck up the universe.

7. Who would you like to change into a toad?

Heh. Quite a lot of people. Who shall remain nameless because if nothing else, I learned a hard lesson last week. Those of you know know me IRL (or who have read me for more than two months) know some of the names on my list, though, no?

8. What is the first thing you change into when you get home from work?

Bare feet. No shoes. W00t!!

9. If you could change places with anyone in the world for one day, who would that be?

No one I know. If it's just for one day, I'd rather just get shot into some random circumstance, given that I'd know the language and culture of the area ahead of time.

10. Have you ever heard the expression "turn over a new leaf?" What is under your old one?

Dust, a lot of dust. And very dirty floors.

11. Name one thing that can cause you to immediately change your mood.

Finishing something that's been hanging over my head. And (of course), baby giggles.

12. What have you recently (or ever) had a change of heart about? And why?

I don't have a lot of patience for Teh Stoopud...not that I ever had much, but it's been getting worse. On the other hand, there are a lot of things I just don't give a crap about anymore, either. Life's too fuckin' short.

13. When is the last time you changed the oil in your car?

I have never done it, but I think Beast did both cars about two months ago. He does it regularly, at three-month intervals.

TV

(Found here)

List 6 of your favorite television shows.

1. CSI
2. NCIS
3. NCIS:LA
4. Survivor
5. L&O:SVU
6. Bones

1 Who is your favorite character from #2? Well, Gibbs, of course. Though I really like almost everyone who's on the show now: Jenny's gone. Yay.

2. Who is your least favorite character from #4? Depends entirely on the season. I hate the mean people.

3. What would a crossover between #1 and #5 include? More courtroom scenes, and a lot of redeye flights (one's set in LA Vegas (holy cats I was tired when I did this!), one's in NY).

4. Who is your favorite [relation]ship from #6? Booth and Tempe. It is the whole point of the show, no?

5. If you were to set one person from #3 and one person from #6 on a blind date, who would they be? G and Tempe. Wow, what a date that would be! Short, but fascinating.

6. If you could meet one person from #4 and spend the day with them, who would it be, and what would you do? Colby. And we'd just talk. I love his voice, though he's far from ugly to look at, too.

7. If you could change one thing about #2's plotline, what would you change? I would get rid of annoying ass Shantay I'd've gotten rid of Jenny much sooner, and I'd kill off the cliffhanger that's due to end this week. Ridiculous. And way too drawn-out. Let's cut to the chase already.

8. Explain a relationship between two people (not necessarily romantic) from show #5, and why you like the relationship between them: I like the relationship between Stabler and Benson, and I like that they work together as friends.

9. If the lead title characters (first name in the credits) from #1 and #3 were both drowning, and you could only save one, who would it be? Katherine would float on her emendations, and G can definitely swim. Since I can't, they're kind of on their own anyway.

10. If you could change the title characters' order in the credits for #4, what order would you choose? I would love for them to be alphabetized, but that's unlikely, I suppose.

11. If you were able to add a new character, any kind of character you wanted, to the storyline for #6, what would the character be like and what would their role be? I'd like to add someone slightly more hard-boiled. The show can be a little gooshy.

12. What happens in your favorite episode of show #2? I loved the ones with Gibbs in the hospital after he started to come clean about his family. And then the one where he is eating dinner in his kitchen with the hooker.

13. If you could kill off one of the characters of #1, who would it be and how would you do it? Hodges has GOT to go, preferably a quick but painful way.

14. If you got the chance to visit the set for either show #3 or show #5, which would you choose? I'd be in LA in a heartbeat, assuming LL Cool J was wandering around as well.

15. So, I saved the best for last. If you could date anyone from any of these shows, which show and which person? Nicky in #1; no one in #2; either G or Sam in #3 (though I think Sam is married, and if so he's out...sigh); NO ONE AT ALL in #4 or #5; Booth (duh!) in #6.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) Share one thing that you learned recently.

I'm not as calm as I'd like to be; right now, it doesn't take much to set me off. Lots of things share the 'blame' for that, but I need to buck up and start dealing with them rather than boosting them off on other people.

2) Share a quote that applies to your life right now, one that is helpful, or that is stuck in your head for some reason, or one that motivates you.

One I wish more people knew about, and tried to live, is, "Remember, everyone you meet is carrying a heavy load." I recite it when I get annoyed at others people's 'failings.'

3) What is your favorite card game?

I'm a big fan of solitaire -- I know probably 8 or 9 variations. I also like Spoons but most of the people who play it are a little more ... competitive ... than I'd like.

4) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.Photo © Cat. 2010

This is my powder room on the main floor, which finally got updated this past spring/summer after 6+ years in the house. I'm relatively pleased with it. Now, on to the master bath, the VERY LAST room in the house to be painted something other than Builder White. Ugh.

Monday Mayhem

(Link in meme-roll)
5 on 5

1. What are 5 things that you hope to accomplish this week?

• Vacuum pretty much the entire house
• Mop the floors I've vacuumed
• Catch up on cataloging
• Send a sympathy card
• Get a haircut.

2. Name 5 reasons to sleep in.

• Illness
• Catching up on missed sleep
• Nothing major to do, might as well sleep in
• Not wanting to face the day
• "It's cold out there and warm in here!"

3. Name 5 of the 'interesting' things you've heard lately.

• There really are a lot of people trying to cheat on their spouses/SOs
• Change your pin on your debit card, NOW!
• Never assume, never expect, never predict, never explain
• People who feel obligated to take at least partial blame in a situation usually aren't the people who are likely to be the biggest problem
• My son's an idjit (sometimes)

4. Name and link to 5 bloggers.

• See my sidebar? Go nuts. I long ago stopped direct-linking to (most) blogs. I'm not a publicity machine for other people. Sorry. [ok, not really]

5. What are the 5 items that are always on your grocery list.

• Bagels
• Bread
• Pop
• Cheese
• Guinea Pig Food (i.e. lettuce, spinach, carrots, fruit, something Ruka can eat)

Tree

You Are an Autumn Tree

You are contemplative and deep. You enjoy observing the world around you. You know that change is inevitable, and you try to roll with whatever life brings. You can see the extraordinary in the ordinary. You are easily inspired. You try to remain balanced and steady in the face of upheaval.

What Season Tree Are You?

Houston, we have a winner!! I love autumn, and if that last line doesn't hit the nail on the head, I don't know what does.

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Mustache :: Facial hair
2. Person :: ...Place, or Thing
3. Restore :: Rehab
4. Discretion :: Silence
5. Lamp :: Light
6. Pillow cover :: Pillowcase
7. Arousal :: Awakening
8. Seattle :: Chief...
9. ATM :: ...theft (seems to be going around this week)
10. Custard :: ...the Dragon

and i float over you.

(Found here)

Were your last three kisses from the same person? No. I suppose that makes me sound like a whore. Well, yeah, not: two people, family members. Deal. [guess what: I'm cranky again]

Are you a jealous person? Not at all. Or not very. I have other places to expend my energy.

Done anything illegal in the past month? Sure. It's a regular event. Have only been caught once.

Would you ever take someone back if they cheated on you? Only long enough to slice-and-dice.

Would you consider adoption? I would have if I were interested in having more kids. I did, in fact. I have no problem whatsoever with adoption.

Do you like Redbull? I've never tried it. Sparky has, and the smell of it was simply nauseating.

Would you rather date a person with a British accent or an Irish accent? I'd rather date someone I like. Accent is pretty immaterial.

Think back five months ago, were you single? I haven't been single for 25 years. More, technically.

Is it easy to make you smile? Not right now. Usually, yes.

Do you have a bad habit? Yes. I do. Who the hell doesn't?

Where do you wish you were right now? I would love to be 7, jumping rope in my front yard.

Is there something that reminds you of someone every time you see/hear it? Yup. No details are forthcoming. OK, a hint: political arguments = my dad shouting down ALL of his offspring because what he said and what he lived were completely different. Being reminded of my dad's shortcomings 15+ years after his death while dealing with my sister's recent death, a year after my mom's recent death...yeah, makes me cranky. Deal. Or fuck off. Whichever works for you.

Who is the last person you spent money on? Me. Of course. I'm that selfish. [It was $3.73 at McDonalds this morning.]

Would you date someone taller than you? I did. I would. I kinda have a problem dating someone shorter than me though.

If you could choose between a million dollars or being able to fly, you would choose? Fly.

What are you looking forward to in the next 4 days? Weekend. Aimster.

Have you ever gone a whole day without eating? I do this every year on Holy Saturday. It gets harder every year.

Have you ever slept with a member of the opposite sex without having sex? Borrowing the previous answer, "of course." And, I will add: "I'm married." {insert cheap laugh track}

Where did you get the shirt you're wearing right now? It's a hand-me-down from someone I rarely see anymore. Because she's toxic. Getting better about that.

Do you like meeting new people? Some. Most, in fact. New people are usually very interesting, when they aren't busy pissing me off.

Ever kissed someone who smokes? Since there are smokers in my family...yes.

What's something you really want right now? Peace.

Do you sometimes use your music player to help you fall asleep? Nope.

Was New Year's enjoyable? I don't remember doing anything especially exciting. I'm sure it was fine.

What time did you go to sleep last night? I think it was about 10:30.

Do you believe exes can be just friends? Sure.

Do you hate anyone? Y'know, no. But a lotta people make me very tired. [thanks, Mom, for that phraseology]

Has anyone upset you in the last week? Ha ha ha ha hahahaha...yeah. Quite a few things: my niece, my boss, my kid...to name the most important things.

Do you think best friends can be replaced? Nope. New friends can be added to the roster.

Are you starting to realize anything? It has definitely blossomed into complete understanding.

When was the last time you cleaned your room? Fuck. I'm not 12. I haven't properly cleaned my house in awhile.

What do you always take with you? My skin.

What is the last thing you used your own money for? As noted above, breakfast this morning.

Do you have a reason to smile right now? Sure. I just can't be arsed.

What time did you wake up this morning? About 9:30, three hours after exiting the shower, 90 minutes after breakfast.

Where were you at 12:20 pm? Eating lunch with my husband.

Do people think you're older/younger than you actually are? Younger. I think. I hope. lol

If someone liked you right now, would you want them to tell you? P L O C K

Have you ever liked someone a lot older than you? P L O C K

What are you listening to? The "international version" of the pilot to "Psych." My son loves this show. ....uck

How many people are you txting? No one right now.

Do you miss anyone right now? Yes. And yes. And yes. And yes. And yes....

Have any interesting conversations lately? Heh. "May you live in interesting times..."

Have you held hands with anybody in the past two weeks? Yup. Coupla people. See that first question up there.

Are you trying to avoid liking/loving somebody at the moment? Quite the opposite in fact.

If your friends warn you about someone, do you listen? Sure. More than I used to, that's for sure.

Has someone recently told you something you didn't want to hear? Welcome to my life on a day-to-day basis.

Who did you last pinky promise with? I don't believe I ever did this. It wasn't something that we did when I was a kid; I never heard of it till I was in college, which is a little older than the demographic this would appeal to. I hope. When I was a kid, we did serious blood pledges: cut the fingers, etc.

Why are you at home right now? Cuz it's the safest place for me to be, and I intend to drink just enough to relax and not fall asleep in the bathtub in an hour. And then sleep. Because that's my sole, single, escape lately.

How are you feeling right now? Shitty, thanks for asking. Could always be worse, I suppose.

Do you believe in perfect? "Perfect"?? WTF? No. I think. But I could be wrong.

What is the first thing you thought this morning? "Wait, how is alarm #2 going off? I don't remember hearing alarm #1. What happened? Gahhhhh....."

Are you satisfied with what you currently have in life? Yes. There are some extraneous things I'm working on getting rid of, but what I got is good.

Who were the last people you saw in person? I'm sitting across the room from Beast. Sparky's doing the garbage right now.

If you were getting married tomorrow, do you know who'd be your maid of honor? I'm not likely to get married tomorrow.

Do you think that you’re a good person? I am.

Do you give up easily? On some things, yes. On other things, not so much.

Where do you go when you want to be alone? Inside my head.

Shufflin'

(Found here)
As usual, use your MP3. I, however, use Jango

If you reached the top of Mount Everest, you would scream:
Song: Beware! Cougar!
Artist: The Academy Is...
Comment: Really? Cougars at the top of the world?? I never knew.

The next time you stand up in front of a group of people, you'll say:
Song: I Just Want to Be Your Everything
Artist: Andy Gibb
Comment: Doubtful. VERY doubtful. It's mortifying enough to admit that I've got this on repeating play.

Your favorite thing to say when drunk is:
Song: Wonderful Friends
Artist: Pete Seeger
Comment: Well, now, that is somewhat likely. lol

Your message to the world:
Song: Malalako
Artist: Tarika
Comment: Nothing like being obtuse to everyone I know.

When you think of your best friend you think:
Song: You've Got a Friend
Artist: The Housemartins
Comment: I swear to God this is really what popped up when I hit 'next' but this is awesome!!

Your deepest secret:
Song: A Love Bizarre
Artist: Sheila E.
Comment: ha ha ha ha...not so much.

Your innermost desire:
Song: Now We Can See
Artist: The Thermals
Comment: I like being able to see...but this is a weird response.

Your oldest memory makes you think:
Song: Mercy Endures
Artist: Hillsong
Comment: Uhm? OK, could be.

Somewhere in your wedding vows, you'll include:
Song: A Groove of Love (What's This Word Called Love)
Artist: C+C Music Factory
Comment: OK. Uh, well, I don't plan to use anymore wedding vows, but I'm pretty sure this would bring the house down if I used it. ;-)

On your deathbed, you'll whisper:
Song: Tthhee Ppaarrttyy
Artist: Justice
Comment: I might stutter. And maybe there will be a party starting (for me).

Your friends say behind your back:
Song: I Will Always Love You
Artist: Dolly Parton (and Kenny Rogers)
Comment: Heh. I should be so lucky.

You say behind your friends' back
Song: Requiem (The Fifth)
Artist: Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Comment: No. I definitely do NOT.

Your opinion of MySpace:
Song: Gangster Tripping
Artist: Fatboy Slim
Comment: Heh. Possibly. Not a fan of MySpace. Love this song, though.

When you wake up in the morning, you mutter:
Song: Changes
Artist: Butterfly Boucher (and David Bowie)
Comment: Nope.

If you found yourself lost on a desert island, you'd yell:
Song: Million Pieces (Kissin' Your Cares Goodbye)
Artist: Newsboys
Comment: Semi-appropriate. In a way. Sorta.

Right now, your feelings are:
Song: Into the Dark
Artist: Ben Lee
Comment: More 'Coming Out of the Dark' than going in. I needed to settle down a bit after Monday.

What's your excuse for reposting this:
Song: Under the Boardwalk
Artist: Tom Tom Club
Comment: A-roo? I don't think this makes sense, even metaphorically, in any way at all.

Your life's soundtrack:
Song: 21 Guns
Artist: Green Day
Comment: It does seem that way sometimes. Green Day is a high rotation artist in my household (not my choice).

The day you fall in love will be the day that:
Song: Tainted Love
Artist: Soft Cell
Comment: ROFLMAO. Funny on more than the obvious level. Pretty damn hysterical, in fact.

You scream during sex:
Song: I'll Never Fall in Love Again
Artist: Elvis Costello
Comment: That's a mouthful of words to scream, eh? And...yeah. lol

Your farewell message to the readers of this :
Song: Starwood in Aspen
Artist: John Denver
Comment: Yeah, you all head to Aspen. I CBA to ever see that city again. Many more places to see that are actually not ruined.

Jesus walks baby.

(Found here)

Who is one person, family not included, who you can count on no matter what? C. Tech. I can always count on her to fulfill her purpose in my life.

Will you always love your first love, no matter what? I'll always love my mommy, yes.

Bright colored jeans, cute or not? Cute on someone else. Very much NOT cute on me.

What would you do if your best friend was dating someone controlling? Be there when she finally came to her senses.

If you had to move to a foreign country, where would you move to? Greece. Or England. Or maybe both: Greece in winter, England in summer.

How long have you known the last person you kissed? 27.8 years.

Do you plan on getting drunk in the near future? I'm drinking vodka right now, but I doubt I'll be drunk in the next 24 hours.

Do you drive? Mostly I putt.

Is there anyone who truly disgusts you? Fat Frank is not my favorite person. Pee-Yew!

Will you be sleeping alone tonight? Yep.

When is the next time you will kiss someone? Probably get a cheek kiss when Sparky heads to bed.

What are your plans for tonight? Watching TV, maybe doing a little work, reading the chapter of the book we're doing tomorrow morning.

In the past 24 hours, have you hung out with a girl? I haven't really "hung out" at all, but definitely not with any females, unless you count work.

What are you looking forward to? I got nothing. Not being irate, maybe.

Did you do anything risky last night? Hah!

When was the last time you cried? Yesterday. Before that, quite awhile.

Who was the first person you texted this morning? Probably Beast. Because I don't text too many other people.

Did you have a nap today? Not yet. lol

What do you wear more, jeans or sweats? I don't think I even OWN any sweats anymore....

I bet you wanna see someone right now, right? Actually...NO! I really do NOT.

Does any part of your body hurt right now? My shoulder seems to have decompressed from the massive knot that appeared about 3 today.

What was the last thing you and your ex talked about? In person: we were saying goodbye at lunch.
By text: the fact that he was about to take off.

~~Blog News~~

My blood pressure has been up all day about this blog.

I've added a page of "Standards" (i.e. rules) to the top of the sidebar. 99.9% of you won't need to read it. I've been doing memes for over 6 years now and in that time, I've only been this upset one other time, and in that case it was about the rules another person had for how she did memes. In the end, I walked away from her blog because I just thought it was silly, but it was her blog, thus her rules. 

Read those last 7 words again. Got the point? Yeah, moving on then... 

I want to be clear: I have not censored anyone's freedom of speech here: no comments were deleted. Maybe I'm overreacting due to some issues IRL that require me to behave with a certain level of tact and even deference. In 6 months, I may read this and roll my eyes at myself, but TODAY I AM ROYALLY PISSED OFF!

Walking into someone's house as a stranger to them and telling them what they can't say is simply discourteous. Is that clear enough for you? You can always leave the exact same way you came in. Feel free.

The Facebook Survey

(Found here)

1. How long have you been on Facebook?

Almost 3 years. Wow. That's...shocking.

2. Do you use Facebook mostly to contact people from your past, or people with similar interests as you?

I limit it only by people I know. I'm not fussy beyond that: people from high school and college, people at church, people at work. OK, I am fussy: I have only 'friend' on Facebook that's strictly for the games. Everyone else I have either met F2F or have know in BlogLand for an extended period of time.

3. What Facebook games, if any, do you play?

Millionaire City, Frontierville, Family Feud, Treasure Madness, Castle Age, a bunch of different MindJolt games. I'm signed up for 5 times that many to pad people's 'neighbor' count and so forth, but I never play them anymore.

4. What, in your opinion, is the most annoying thing about Facebook?

I do not, have never liked, the change that integrates the updates from apps with updates from friends. It's a pain in the ass.

5. What do you think is the best thing about Facebook?

There's almost always something going on there, and it's a easy way of keeping up with loads of people in one place. Plus, all those Happy Birthdays once a year! :-)

6. Do you have any relatives on Facebook?

Yup. Most of my rellies are on. They don't DO much, some of them, but only a couple of them aren't signed up.

7. Do you ever screen certain posts from your relatives?

Nope.

8. What is your opinion of people who post sexual photos of themselves on Facebook?

Fortunately, I don't have any friends like this, so I can safely say that people who do this are stupid and immature.

9. Do you prefer Facebook or Myspace? Why?

I loathe MySpace. No contest.

10. Would you ever add a former teacher on Facebook, and if so, why or why not?

My high school band director and one of the profs from one of my college majors are friends. I should look for some of my other teachers!! Why do I never think to do this??

11. Would you ever add a former significant other on Facebook, and if so, why or why not?

I prefer to stalk them without friending them.

12. When people post on Facebook, what kind of posts are you most likely to respond to?

Funny ones. Confusing ones. Ones where it sounds like the person needs a response.

13. What is the number one reason you would NOT accept a friend request on Facebook?

I don't know them, have no clue whatsoever who the person is.

14. Have you ever reconnected with someone through Facebook?

Yup. Quite a few people, actually.

15. Would you ever go out with someone you met on Facebook?

I think my husband would frown on that. So, no.

16. Regarding Facebook groups, do you mostly watch them, or contribute?

Mostly watch.

17. Have you ever discovered a band or singer through Facebook? If so, who?

I suppose, if you count videos posted by other people.

18. Would you add a parent on Facebook?

My father-in-law (age 80) is friends with me and Beast and Sparky. If either of my parents were alive (and on Facebook), I'd friend them. Sure. Why not? I'm not 18, and I know how to self-censor.

19. What do most of your Facebook posts consist of (quizzes, where are you? updates, etc.)?

Updates, fun/interesting stuff I've come across, observations, quotes.

20. Which celebrity/ies are your favorites [that have official Facebook pages]?

I don't really use Facebook to keep up with that sort of thing.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Sunday Stealing Player's Meme

1. :::sniff, sniff::: Is the dog in the house?

No that's just Beast. Or maybe Sparky if he has taken off his shoes. The joy of living with two boys is that I never, EVER have to cop to producing odors of my own. ;-)

2. What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?

"Don't pick up snakes." [it is a metaphor]

3. What's the worst experience you've ever had involving alcohol?

Puking for a couple of hours while half blacked-out in the college union and having to be carried back to my dorm by a campus security guard, which involved waking up an RA to let us into the dorm...it was mortifying.

4. What's the worst thing you've ever done to another person?

This would probably be more appropriately addressed to the 'other person.' The only thing I know is that I haven't always been a perfect mom. Shocking, eh?

5. Who do you think started the concept of memes?

Someone with a shitload of time on their hands and a lot of interest in other people.

6. Give a song title or line that describes how you are feeling right now.

"Lullaby and goodnight..." I'm tired.

7. What's your favorite search engine? Yahoo!, Google, Ask, Bing? or something else?

Google. Not even a competition.

8. If Paul is the Cute One and John is the Smart One and George is the Quiet One and Ringo is the Funny One, which Beatle are you?

Didn't we just do this on another meme? I'm the invisible Beatle. Or, the only girl Beatle. No, Yoko doesn't count.

9. The democratic government decides that, not only do we have to share our money with people who choose not to work, we also have to share our children with those who do not want to ruin their bodies with being pregnant. Which child do you give up?

The GOVERNMENT decided this? Who elected them? WE DID, because we are a DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC: we ARE our GOVERNMENT. Whoever wrote this question is clearly a moron when it comes to history and political science, and I suspect about anything to do with civics as well.
As for giving up my kid: he's ALL YOURS, as long as you reimburse me for all those years when I really did want to sell him/give him away and you weren't around doing your job raising him.

10. When should you procrastinate - now or later?

I'm so fucking pissed about that previous question that I'm not the least bit tired anymore, so I'll procrastinate now.

11. What is your favorite fast food?

Tea Bagger Brains. Because I want to lose some weight.

12. What was your favourite game as a child?

To play? Jacks. To watch? Football.

13. Why terrible twos have to be terrible

To prepare you for the terrible teens that are ahead of you. (By the way, Sparky was NOT terrible at two, he was absolutely horrendous at three.)

14. Describe your favorite family member.

Seriously, I am still so angry about question #9 that I can only think of the family member I'd throw under the bus in the event of a zombie war. That would be my brother, by the way. My favorite...is...I guess Beast. Or Sparky. Or Elizabeth. I dunno--I like most of my family members.

15. What does your favorite breakfast consist of?

TEA-fucking-BAGGER BRAINS!

16. What food is better the day after it was made?

Almost everything is better as leftovers. Maybe...uhm, lasagna?

17. What was your last big purchase?

The biggest expense in the last three days or so was my massage on Friday.

18. When was the last time you kissed someone and really enjoyed it?

Today, I guess.

19. Why are there memes?

Because idiots like me are addicted. There's always a market when there is addiction.

20. Described yourself using two words that rhyme. (i.e. fuddy-duddy)

Higgledy-piggledy.

21. If you were given the option of a "do-over" in life .. would you take it?

My whole life? No thanks. Not after this last few years--I don't want to redo those at all!

22. What movie makes (or has made) you cry? What touched you about it?

I cry in almost every movie I see, except some comedies.

23. What is one big mistake that you did in your life? And what did you do to make it right?

I should not have been so judgmental about the older people in my extended circle of friends. Now that I'm the same age as they were, I realize that silence is sometimes the most important part of any conversation.

24. When Life Gives You Lemons, What Do You Do With Them?

Capitalize Them.

25. How different are you in real life as compared to the online identity you have created for yourself?

50% or more of what I say here is stuff I wouldn't ever say out loud in public. I'm actually known, in person, for being relatively kind and generous, or so good friends have said. I dunno--if people could read my thoughts, they might not say that.

26. Do you know what your parents would have named you if you had been born the opposite sex?

They didn't name me: my sisters did. And I have no idea what I'd've ended up with had I been a boy, but I'm really glad my parents didn't have another boy. Mom wasn't at all clued in to raising boys.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Sunday 7

Name seven Americans you feel should be featured on our paper money.

1. Martin Luther King, Jr.
2. Sequoyah
3. Abigail Adams
4. César Chávez
5. Eleanor Roosevelt
6. Abraham Lincoln
7. George Washington

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Singapore :: Repression
2. blah blah blah :: Yada yada yada
3. Stall :: Horse...
4. Bowls :: Cups
5. Entrance :: Exit
6. Antique :: Collectible
7. Elizabeth :: Regina
8. Hook :: ...Line, and sinker
9. Width :: Length
10. Photo journalism :: Pulitzer

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Tell Her No

1. When was the last time that you had to tell someone that you loved that the answer was no?

I'm a mom. I say no regularly, though much less emphatically or urgently than I used to. I can't remember a specific recent instance of saying no to anyone in my household. That makes me sound like a pushover, doesn't it?

2. When was the last time you visited a hospital?

When I took FIL in for tests last winter. Spring? Whatever.

3. If you were to start a club, what would the subject matter be, and what would you name it?

I wouldn't do this. I think I'm constitutionally unable to deal with 'clubbiness' in any format. I don't even fit in well in book clubs, which you'd think would be a slam dunk for me!

4. Have you ever hit someone of the opposite sex?

I used to punch Beast in the stomach on a regular basis, back in the day when he had solid abs. Also, I'll cop to having smacked my son a few times.

5. What's the first thing you notice about the preferred sex?

The fact that he exists, of course.

6. What really turns you on?

An epinephrine shot has an amazingly...uh...electrical effect. In all seriousness, laughter turns me on.

7. What was your biggest mistake?

I'm far too nice to people who don't deserve it. That is my next project for myself.

8. Tell us something totally random about yourself.

Yesterday I discovered a small, shallow divot in the back of my left hand that is missing in the same spot in my right hand. Weird.

9. Has anyone ever said you looked like a celebrity?

Hell no. I look like everyone's next door neighbor/teacher/whatever.