Feng Shui

Your Color is Green

You are an insightful and wise creature. Personal growth is important to you, and you are always changing for the better. You are very nurturing. You take care of yourself first, and because of this, you are able to take good care of others. You think that life should be an adventure. You try to never get stuck in a rut. Even though it can be difficult, you like to break out of your comfort zone. You never want to be stagnant!

What's Your Feng Shui Color?

OK. Green is not my favorite color, but...wevs.

Monday Mayhem

(Link in meme-roll)
Shopping Tips

1. You mention to your neighbor, with the body odor, that you are heading out to the mall in the morning. Neighbor asks to go with. What do you say?

I'd probably tell her I'm only going in for one thing and then heading to the gynecologist followed by the dentist after the mall. Or, I'd call it off in the morning, with a horrible cold.

2. You go up and down every aisle in the parking lot until you finally scope out that perfect place. You patiently pull over to the side and put your signal on to wait for the person pulls out. Someone snags your spot before you can pull in. What do you do?

I wouldn't bother doing this. I find a spot and park wherever--a "perfect spot" does not exist at Christmas OR in the winter around here. I wouldn't be likely to be shopping when the lots were this full, by the way, anyhow.

3. You find that perfect sweater for grandpa and it's the last one in that size. Some lady with three screaming kids approaches you and asks for the sweater for her husband who is deployed in Iraq. What do you do?

I never buy clothes in a mall for people anymore, unless they are present. I will occasionally look online for clothes, but the whole drama thing doesn't apply.

4. You found the perfect gift for your best friend and you notice that there are no less than 100 people in line in front of you. Unfortunately, you just drank 3 cups of coffee before you entered the store. What do you do?

Write down the the brand name and other pertinent info, stop at the bathroom and head home to buy it online.

5. You're within 10 people of the checkout after waiting in line for 40 minutes and the person in front of you lets three people in line- he was just saving the spot. What do you do?

Meh. If I've waited that long, what's another 10 minutes? My husband would get all righteous with him, which is why I don't shop with him very often.

6. You get to the check out and your card is declined. What do you do?

Use another card and then go home and scream bloody murder at the credit card company. My cards should NOT be declined.

7. Oops...you forgot to buy something for Aunt Edna. Do you regift the fruit cake George from next door gave you?

ABSOLUTELY!! Fruitcake is horrible, and Aunt Edna loves it.

8. Are you planning on doing most of your shopping in the stores or online this year?

I do almost all in small stores or online, or in the early hours that a store is open. Hate crowds, hate them hate them hate them. Not much of a fan of shopping, either.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) Thunderstorm arrives, power outage! How do you occupy your time?

Read a book by lamp, firelight, or flashlight. Play cards. Go to sleep (under lots of blankets if it's winter). This happens to us about ones a month.

2) Explain why you enjoy one of your hobbies. What do you get out of it?

I like mindless stuff: memes and crosswords do that while still engaging some of my mental skills.

3) Have you planned your funeral?

Yes, I have. Multiple times. Pays to be prepared.

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

It reminds me of Wednesday nights at church: for about half the year, we have a group dinner there. It's lovely and relaxing and social and low-stress.

Public Domain Photo

The Queen's Meme

(Link in meme-roll)
The Crazy Question Meme

1. Why doesn't McDonald's sell hotdogs?

THAT is a question I have actually asked. Sometimes I just fill like a dog.

2. How far east can you go before heading west?

My presumption has always been back to where you started, OR halfway there.

3. What happens to the missing socks?

They go in the rag bag. As soon as I use them for something rancid and have to toss 'em, the mate appears. It's magic.

4. Does love = sex or does sex = love?

Nope.

5. How much wood did the woodchuck chuck?

Judging by the GEICO ad, most of it.

6. Why do prison buses have emergency exits?

For the driver.

7. Do you believe that an alien ship stole question #7?

I believe everything you say.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The Baker's Meme

1. If you could interview anyone on your blog (alive or dead) who would you chose and why?

There's no one alive OR dead on my blog, and I'm not much of an interviewer either in fact or in terms of interest. Having said that, an extended IM chat with Bono would be interesting. Aside: I just listened to part of an interview in which the subject is quite well-known in his field and the 'journalist' is clearly a groupie. Horrible horrible horrible. Laughing uproariously, and louder than the subject, is really unpleasant to listen to.

2. What do you feel is your strength as a blogger?

I do a lot of memes. Sometimes they make me think about some kind of important things. And, if nothing else, I'm (brutally) honest.

3. Can you share a little bit about yourself that you have not already mentioned on your blog?

"Can" I? Of course. The question is actually, "Will I?" There isn't much left about me that I haven't mentioned here by now, after 6 years and over 5,000 posts. Maybe the most recent discovery is that talking to people honestly and empathizing with them brings some sense of understanding and even makes forgiveness possible.

4. If you were forced to change the name of your blog, what would you change it to? Why?

I suppose one of my other blogs could have some copyright issues around it, so I'd probably change it to another gloss on a different song lyric. That's a major source for my blog titles.

5. What do you think is the most fulfilling part of being a blogger?

As a friend says (in a quote she swiped from Ginsberg), getting it all down is half the battle.

6. What would you do with your last day if you found you had only one more day to live?

Call all my loved ones, and write down all my passwords for Beast.

7. You’ve been doing medical research for decades and have finally found a cure. What was it that you found a cure for and why did you choose this particular ailment?

I would like to find a cure for Teh Stoopud. Because I suffer from it greatly, both my own strain and the virulent strains other people insist on sharing.

8. What is your most guilty pleasure?

Sugar. I really have to get a handle on it. It's definitely an Twelve-Step issue.

9. Answer only one. What is your favorite book, movie or TV show?

Only one? Oh, well then...my favorite book is the one I haven't started yet. The possibilities inside an unread book are wonderful.

10. What do you think is the very best smell in the world? The one smell that can take you back to a time and place of a very vivid memory in your past?

Those are two entirely different questions, I think. My favorite smell is "clean": clean house, clean car, newly washed clothes, recently used shower, etc. The smell that takes me back is the mixture of pine and cedar and dirt in the area near Ouray where I spent a lot of time as a kid. At the time, I didn't notice it, but when I first get a whiff of it, I'm right back to climbing the cliffs, walking with the dog, and being able to choose my own adventure.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Sunday 7
Name seven foods that were part of your Thanksgiving menu.

1. Turkey
2. Mashed potatoes
3. Stuffing
4. Gravy
5. Cranberry sauce
6. Jello
7. Rolls

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Scrabble :: Words
2. Watching :: Looking
3. Habitually :: All the time
4. Gritty :: Dirty
5. Slovenly :: Messy
6. Canvas :: Tent
7. Leggings :: 80s
8. Thursday :: ...Next
9. Attention :: Focus
10. Hypnotic :: Sleep-Inducing

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
 Dark Lady

1. Have you ever been to a fortune teller? If yes, what happened?

Nope. I have been one in a couple of places, strictly for fun. I don't believe in this, so what's the point in wasting my money?

2. How do you cope in an uncomfortable social situation?

I make jokes or try to blend into the scenery. Kinda depends on the reason for the situation.

3. A genie appears (of course). She asks, “If you had 3 wishes but each took 3 years off your life, what would you wish for and why?”

Can I pick which three years to remove? Cuz otherwise, I think I'll go without the wishes. If I can, then I'd want enough money to pay off our mortgage, a clone of my former boss to take over from my current boss, and child abusers to all suddenly stop doing that forever.

4. Would you rather lose your soul mate or never meet them at all?

I don't really believe in soul mates either, but I suppose I'd rather have met than not.

5. What is the hardest thing that you have ever had to do?

Keep moving when all I want to do is stop. Or, stop doing something when I want to keep going.

6. Have you ever had a miracle happen to you or your loved ones?

Yes. My sister never should have survived aplastic anemia OR been able to have kids, and there is at least one incident in the car that should have ended in a horrendous crash and didn't.

7. Tell us about a quote that you can relate to. Why can you relate with it?

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle." (Plato) The minister of my church when I was a kid used to say something like this at the end of every worship service. It's a good reminder to stop navel-gazing and be aware that everyone has stuff to deal with.

8. What personality trait has gotten you into the most trouble?

My big mouth. Is that a personality trait? OK, my tendency to jump to conclusions and not back down.

9. For those in The States, how was your Turkey Day? If not from the US, do you celebrate a day like Thanksgiving?

We had an excellent day Thursday and I'm thankful for those who were able to be here with us for the meal and fun times. I found out that a good friend is a girl: "she's got those...things" according to my eldest nephew. He's 38.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday Six

1. How long did you spend browsing Black Friday ads on Thanksgiving Day?

Not even one second.

2. What’s the earliest you’ve ever been to a store on any Black Friday?

I usually work, and I've never been to a store on Black Friday, unless you count lunch places, gas stations, or mini-marts.

3. Which store would be your first choice as one to line up outside before it opened on Black Friday?

Amazon. Oh, wait, yeah. Uhm, maybe Taco Bell? Yeah, see, I don't EVER line up to enter a store.

4. What is the first thing you purchased on Friday?

Lunch. At Taco Bell.

5. Take the quiz: What’s Your Black Friday Shopping Style?

You Are an Online Deal Seeker

You are technologically savvy and extremely comfortable with online shopping. When it comes to Black Friday, there's no other choice but to shop online. How else can you be at multiple stores at once? Besides, you don't even have to leave your warm home to shop. You may have to get up early to get the best deals, but at least you can do it in your pj's. You don't need the stress of crazy crowds and long lines. The sales are just as good online!

What's Your Black Friday Shopping Style?

6. How much of your Black Friday shopping did you do online?

I don't shop at all on Black Friday, not even online, unless it is for something basic, like food or gas or something like that. The whole concept makes me shudder.

Thanksgiving Meme

(Swiped from Kwizgiver)

1. What are the traditional favorites?

Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans or corn, jello, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls ... and pie.

2. What new recipes will you try this year?

I made Mom's orange jello with carrot strips in it. Not bad, except the jello didn't set up right. I used WAY fewer carrots than she ever did.

3. What part of the meal do you never compromise?

Stuffing, potatoes, and pie are de rigeur regardless of the rest of the meal. Would like cranberry sauce too, though it seems weird to do that with ham.

4. Who gets to carve the turkey?

Always Beast. I don't even try.

5. Family style around the table or buffet style and everyone sits wherever there’s room?

BUFFET STYLE??? No way: we sit and say grace and pass the food and eat.

6. How many will be at your table this year?

There were 7 of us.

7. Three best pies for Thanksgiving dessert?

Cherry, pumpkin...and the birthday cake Amy made this morning.

8. Cranberry sauce… yay or nay?

MUST have.

9. What time do you eat Thanksgiving Dinner?

Normally it's between 2 and 3. This year, it was closer to 4 because Sparky had to work today. For two hours.

10. Favorite leftover?

I rarely see any of the potatoes, but I love the stuffing. OMG: LOVE the stuff!

Time off

As in, I think this week is fully bollixed up and there's no time for meme fun.


Apologies. I'll be back eventually.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Questions a la Randomness, A Meme

What was the last thing you put in your mouth? Cool, clear wahterrrrrr

How late did you stay up last night and why? It was right after SNL's Weekend Update when I went upstairs, so I was probably asleep by midnight or so.

If you could move somewhere else, would you? I would move certain very specific places in a heartbeat. But I'm picky: I wouldn't move just anywhere.

Have you ever been kissed under fireworks? Probably. I dunno. Been awhile if so.

Do you believe ex’s [sic] can be friends? Sure. I've seen it happen.

When was the last time you cried really hard? Been a rough day. Kinda wondering if I'll make it till bedtime without tears. I was leaky in Sunday School this morning. But..."really hard"? That's been 6 months or so, I think. I didn't even really cry about my sister. Not yet. It'll come.

What items could you not go without during the day? Glasses. Clothes. Food. I really am awfully low-maintenance.

Who was the last person you visited in the hospital? FIL. huh, good timing since FIL is back in the hospital again tonight.

How do you feel about your life right now? I'm not excited about some of the stuff that's making Beast nuts. Otherwise, we are all dog-paddling along just fine.

If we were to look in your facebook inbox, what would we find? A lot of mail I've read.

Say you were given a drug test right now, would you pass? Depends on what they were testing for now, wouldn't it? Probably, though.

Has anyone ever called you perfect before? A perfect little bitch, yes. (That was a relative saying that too--nice family, eh?)

Someone knocks on your window at 2:00 a.m.: who do you want it to be? I probably wouldn't hear it, since I wear earplugs that block out everything under about 80 dB.

Do you think too much or too little? Yes. I've been accused of both of these.

Do you believe in fairy tales? Nope. Pretty stories, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. Well, nothing except metaphor.

Have you ever licked the back of a CD to try to get it to work? Gah. NO! Yuck.

What’s the largest age difference between yourself and someone you’ve dated? Just about a year.

Have you ever been on a blind date? No. Thank the good Lord for some small favors!!

Do you have any friends that you’ve known for 10 years or more? I have a friend I've known for over 40 years. Several school friends I've known for over 30 years. College friends I've known almost 30 years....etc., etc.

Have you ever had a crush on a teacher? Oh, yeah.

What song do you want played at your funeral? O God Our Help in Ages Past (among several others)

Would you tell your parents if you were gay? I would HAVE, I suppose, but it's a moot point now.

What would your last meal be before getting executed? All you can eat buffet

Do you walk around the house naked? I live with a teenage boy. So, yeah: NO!

What do you do as soon as you walk in the house? Leave a slime trail of papers and bags and mail and debris behind me as I walk through the kitchen. Which explains why the house looks like a tip.

Who is the person you can count on the most? I'm fortunate to be surrounded by people on whom I can count: Beast, Amy, CT, Marie...

What is your favorite holiday? Thanksgiving.

Would you ever get plastic surgery? Only for repairing significant damage. I would NOT do it to 'correct' wrinkles or flab, or other silly shit like that.

Have you ever caught a fish? Yes. And then it escaped.

What is the first thing you notice about people? General size and build.

What is the farthest you’ve been from home? I went to China in college; was 12 hours opposite my parents. Weird.

How did you meet your spouse or significant other (or most recent one)? He kept coming to my dorm room to flirt with my roommate with whom he had chem. She did her best to ignore him. I was more fun than she was.

Where was the last place you drove (other than home/school/work)? Today's perambulation went like this: 8:45 a.m.--home to church; 12:00 p.m.--church to TacoBell to work; 5:15--work to grocery store to church, 8:30--church to home.

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Emotional :: Uninhibited
2. Bite :: Chew
3. Get off my :: ...case!
4. Heroic :: Brave
5. Clothing :: Outfit
6. Home :: ...Sweet Home
7. Spelling :: ...Bee
8. Attitude :: Behavior
9. Argument :: Fight
10. Satan :: Tempter

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Happy Turkey Day 2010

1. Tell us about your very favorite (yes we know that's redundant) Thanksgiving.

I can't remember a bad Thanksgiving. The whole scheduled-yet-unstructured day is great: get up, last minute cleaning, prep and start the bird, set the table, peel potatoes (endlessly--ok, I could live without this, unless I have help), get the rest of the meal going, watch football, talk to people, race around maniacally the last half hour, eat eat eat eat eat, groan, laugh, clean up the table, wash dishes and dry dishes (or play pool or Boggle, or read, or throw Tribbles), watch more football, eat pie, groan...all of which must be done with much laughter. Sigh. Perfect day.

2. What are you doing for Turkey Day this year?

See above. James and Don (my nephews), FIL, Amy, maybe the neighbors, and us are on the guest list.

3. If you were to go to somebody else’s house, what would be your favorite dish to bring?

I'd probably bring the jello. See, more proof that I'm from the midwest. Ironically, we don't have jello when I make the meal here. I suppose I could do that this year. My mom used to make this weird thing with orange jello and shredded carrots. It was surprisingly edible, but never stopped being weird.

4. Tell us about the funniest person that you'll be with this Thanksgiving.

Hands down: Don. Actually, James is funny too, in a very different way. Actually, there's no one on the list that isn't amusing. Hmm, that could be why they make the short-list.

5. What would surprise us to know about your Thanksgivings?

The mere fact that I cook is pretty damn surprising, eh?

6. Does your usual mix of guests result in drama, or is it a group you’re happy to see?

If Katherine and Alan (and his mom and stepdad) arrive, there is ALWAYS drama. Alan's the only low-drama person of that group. This year's group is thankfully drama-free. Unless Sparky gets hormonal.

7. What did your family do for Thanksgiving when you were a kid? Do you still do it?

Pretty much what I said in #1, minus pool. Mom cooked, we all washed up.

8. We know you've been asked this probably 15 times this week. But share with us in 2010, what are you most thankful for?

My health, and the generally good health of my loved ones. I'm also thankful that Jean's suffering is over.

9. Okay, the big question: are you going to 'attend' any of the "Black Friday" sales? ...and if you are, are you hard core serious like the 5 am "be there" crowd?

Nope. You'd have to pay me several thousand dollars before I'd go out in those crowds. Nightmare!!

Friday Five

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Do you have pets? If so, name them all and describe them!

Sparky has a guinea pig named Ruka.

2. A dangerous situation is happening and you spot an animal trapped, probably too afraid to get to safety. It could be a raging flood or crumbling cliffs and the animal could be a dog or cat - or perhaps your own family pet. Would you make an attempt to save them?

I would be way more likely to help a human in that situation than an animal. Look, I love animals, but if things are dire I am going to definitely be doing the self- and loved-one-protection thing first.

3. Even if you would or would not make an attempt, let's say you somehow get to the poor animal but circumstances change and you can't get back to safety. Maybe in the raging flood, you walked on something that finally broke free. Maybe the steps you used upon the crumbling cliffs had given way. Help has finally arrived in the form of a helicopter but they say they will only take you to safety and you must leave the animal behind. Would you or would you not?

See previous answer.

4. There have been situations where people have tried to rescue dogs and cats but got stuck themselves. Do you think the rescue officials have the right to sue people who decided to help but ended up getting stuck themselves?

How much more dangerous have I made it? Honestly, sometimes it's just better to keep your mouth shut about how you ended up where you did unless asked specifically.

5. The questions were to make you think about the value of an animal's life. Did it help you rethink a few things or did it just help you hash out what you already feel?

Nope. I know precisely where my line is, thanks. My brother's a firefighter, and I am the weirdo who walks into a hotel room and checks the map on the door for the nearest exit. Besides, we live in Tornado Alley, so I'm pretty clear on what to grab in emergencies. Ruka ain't really on the list, unless I'm just hanging in the basement during a siren.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Literally Figurative

1. Do you prefer to be in the driver’s seat or in the co-pilot’s chair, literally and figuratively?

Depends on how much I know about the road I'm currently on. If I know more than the rest of the crew, I want to lead. But I don't mind co-piloting either.

2. Do you have a lot of baggage, literally and figuratively?

Yes. Who doesn't?

3. How much junk have you got in the trunk, literally and figuratively?

WAY too much in the figurative trunk, and I drive a truck so really...not so much literally.

4. At celebrations where people are drinking, are you more likely to be literally or figuratively drunk as a skunk?

Figuratively.

5. What’s something you enjoy that’s literally cheesy, and what’s something you enjoy that’s figuratively cheesy?

Homemade mac n cheese--tonight's dinner--is VERY cheesy, and so is RHPS.

Rock 'n Roll Fridays

(Link in meme-roll)
Stevie Wonder

1. I JUST CALLED TO SAY I LOVE YOU "I just called to say I love you. I just called to say how much I care. I just called to say I love you, and I mean it from the bottom of my heart"
What did your last conversation revolve around on the phone?

Church bidness. Still looking for a few Deacons for next year. Anyone interested? You need to be a member of my church, though.

2. SUPERSTITION "When you believe in things That you don't understand, Then you suffer, Superstition aint the way"
Do you have a crazy habit or superstition you must perform in certain situations, such as throwing salt over your should when you spill it?

I tend to have a little shiver of "uh-oh" when someone says, "Hey, that [bad thing] hasn't happened in awhile" because it seems to inevitably happen soon thereafter. Ick.

3. SIR DUKE "Music knows it is and always will Be one of the things that life just won't quit But here are some of music's pioneers That time will not allow us to forget"
If you had to pick a music milestone event or invention, what would it be?

I don't think I understand this question, but I think I would have liked to attend the first performance of Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. In the loge, preferably.

4. YOU ARE THE SUNSHINE OF MY LIFE "You are the sunshine of my life, yeah, That's why I'll always stay around, You are the apple of my eye, Forever you'll stay in my heart"
What besides your significant other brings sunshine to your life?

My son. (hah) And also, quite literally, sun. I'm a trainwreck without it.

5. LIVING FOR THE CITY "Her brother's smart he's got more sense than many, His patience's long but soon he won't have any, To find a job is like a haystack needle, Cause where he lives they don't use colored people"
Have you ever been denied a job or treated differently at a job for an unusual reason?

Nope. However, when I temped (in college) I was frequently not allowed to actually DO anything at jobs for fear of messing things up. So I got paid $5/hour to sit and write letters to my friends.

6. THAT GIRL "That girl thinks that she's so smart, That soon she'll have my heart. She thinks in no time flat, That she'll be free and clear to start"
Ever been pursued by someone who wanted you but you didn’t want them?

Yeah. Hi, Jerry.

7. I WISH "I wish those days could come back once more, Why did those days ev-er have to go I wish those days could come back once more, Why did those days ev-er have to go Cause I love them so”
What era of your life do you miss the most?

College. ...sigh...

8. HIGHER GROUND "Powers keep on lyin', While your people keep on dyin', World keep on turnin' Cause it won't be too long"
Do you believe global warming will continue to worsen?

Ayup. Interesting take on this quote....

9. PART TIME LOVER "We are undercover passion on the run. Chasing love up against the sun, We are strangers by day, lovers by night. Knowing it's so wrong, but feeling so right."
Have you ever dated someone you shouldn’t have because they were married or "taken"?

That would be a negatory, ma'am.

10. SIGNED SEALED DELIVERED :Then that time I went and said goodbye, Now I'm back and not ashamed to cry. Oo, baby, here I am, signed, sealed, delivered, I'm yours!"
Ever try it again with an old flame? What happened?

Nope. Haven't really had the opportunity, to be honest. Unless you count the fact that Beast and I stopped dating for a year in college and then got back together.

11. MY CHERIE AMOUR "Maybe someday, you'll see my face among the crowd. Maybe someday, I'll share your little distant cloud. Oh, cherie amour, pretty little one that I adore, You're the only girl my heart beats for, How I wish that you were mine"
Who was your very first crush? Did they return the emotion?

Some little boy named Chris and I were going to grow up and get married. We were 5. Maybe 6.

12. GOLDEN LADY "Golden lady, golden lady I'd like to go there. Take me right away."
Ever get a tanning salon/ fake tan? Do you still worship the sun?

No, and not. I turn red, not 'golden.'

13. ALL IN LOVE IS FAIR "I tossed my coin to say In love with me you'd stay. But all in war is so cold You either win or lose. When all is put away, The losing side I'll play. But all is fair in love…"
What is the worst aspect of breaking up/divorce?

Having to create new habits.

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Why does winter have to be so gloomy? I hate it.

2. I love trying to see the world.

3. Thank you for being a friend.

4. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it's pretty scripted, and this year I get to have people here that I like.

5. I am SO behind in every aspect of life. It's bad enough that I have nearly caught up to myself again.

6. We are only as happy as we make up our minds to be.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to cooking for Beast, tomorrow my plans include packing a few Christmas Child boxes, and Sunday, I want to have a meeting with the youth group!

ABC Meme

(Boosted from Kwizgiver)

A – Age: 47 yrs. + 1 week

B – Bed size: Queen

C – Chore you hate: All things related to floors: vacuuming, mopping...ALL of it

D – Dog’s name: I've had two: T!pp! (childhood) and Sh@dy

E – Essential start your day item: Waking up

F – Favorite color: Blue.

G – Gold or Silver: Silver, and it's not even a close race

H – Height: 5’5″ 170 cm.

I – Instruments you play: Flute and (badly) piano, and handbells (though I hardly consider those "an instrument")

J – Job title: Head of Technical Services/General Reference

K – Kid(s): biological: Sparky; wish-they-were-biological: D, Sarah, Annie, Anne, Walker; godson: Col

L – Living arrangements: House in the exurbs

M – Mom’s name: Same as the Wizard of Oz girl's, followed by the female version of Mary's husband, followed by the Anglicized version of a former Tour de France winner

N – Nicknames: Cat. (does Mom count?)

O – Overnight hospital stay other than birth: Childbirth, and surgery...unless you count all those ER visits that probably add up to a day or two

P – Pet Peeve(s): intentional stupidity, lack of forthrightness

Q – Quote from a movie: "It's your turn Heather." "No, Heather, it's Heather's turn. Heather?"

R – Right or Left handed: right

S – Siblings: started life with an older brother and three older sisters

T – Time you wake up: my alarm goes off anytime between 5:30 and 6:30, but lately I've been waking up ahead of it far too often

U -Underwear: Yes, I wear it. Usually cotton

V – Vegetable you dislike: Brussels sprouts, cucumbers, and olives top the list

W – Ways you run late: often 'on the uptake'

X – X-rays you’ve had: dental, abdominal, uh...I think that's it?

Y – Yummy food you make: Mac n chee, Thanksgiving Dinner, banana bread, lasagna, fudge

Z- Zodiac Sign: Scorp

Magazines

You Are a Travel Magazine

You are adventurous and restless. Nothing makes you feel more alive than traveling. And like most people, you can't travel nearly as much as you'd like to. That doesn't stop you from dreaming about it though! You can't get enough of far away places, luxurious hotels, hot clubs, and amazing restaurants. And if you're unable to do a little traveling, then reading about it is the next best thing!

What Kind of Magazine Are You?

Except I loathe travel mags because they are full of puff. I'm more the Paul Theroux-type travel reader. And please: clubs, luxury, and restaurants are NOT the reason I travel!

Thursday 13

(Link in meme-roll)
Fun Stuff I Will Be or Have Been Doing This Week *

1. ShonLoc/Skillet/TobyMac concert. Loud. But good. I'm old, but I did dance for Toby and DiverseCity.
2. Two days off work. This only means that I will be able to log in from home and do a lot of boring hacking from my recliner, without the miasma of being on call for my ever-more-irritating boss.
3. Shopping for Beast's birthday present. OK, mostly on his birthday.
4. Opening my birthday presents. Nothing that will sound very exciting, but I feel like I hit the jackpot.
5. Moving all my earrings, and other jewelry, to their new home. Part of my present: new earring tree and matching 'trees' for other jewelry.
6. Filling out all the info for Sparky's graduation ceremony. Is there really any need for namecards? I threw all 100 of mine away when I turned 23, all except the (maybe) 15 or 20 I gave to people over the previous 5 years.
7. Making cupcakes and mac-n-chee for dinner for Beast (and Sparky and me too). Happy Birthday, Beast!!
8. Tidying up the house in preparation for company. This is less "fun" than just "good" and "necessary" but it's for a great purpose.
9. Continuing my OCD-style planning for next spring's trip. One Excel file for each city, plus assorted Word docs for walking tours... I love this stuff.
10. Cheeseburger in Paradise. Good.  Velveeta burger. Very good. Other diners. Good, except for the idiots at the big table by us. 
11. Cleaning out the box of puzzles and books next to my bed...wow, lotsa junk in there!
12. Watching some of the many many hours of DVR'd shows we've got. Haven't seen Survivor in two weeks, or TAR for over a month. And there are some other things too, I think.
13. Bell choir. It can be tedious as hell some weeks--two people who can't read music and who haven't got a clue about rhythm can do that--but sometimes it's amazingly fun.

__________
* "Week", in this case, is broadly defined as within 6 or 7 days on either side of today's date.

Thursday Thunks

(Link in meme-roll)
I told you I'd post it!

Turn the tv on and open the newspaper.... what's the best reported news you've ever heard?

The hostages are free!
Obama won!
Bush #1 lost!
Nixon resigns!
Actually, the first Time Magazine picture I clearly remember was the one with the little girl running into her dad's arms when our troops came home from Vietnam. That was, what 1975?

Hey! Guess what? What's the best personal news someone has told you?

"I'm pregnant!"

Goshdarnit I'm tired... When you lay down to sleep at night, what's the best position for you to fall asleep in?

Side. Either one. I try to keep my back straight too, but that doesn't always work.

What [is] the most excited you've ever been?

Wow...uh, I remember being VERY excited before our high school trip to California.

Ever touched a turkey? And yeah, I mean the gobble gobble kind. I'm glad I re-read this or this could have been a stupid question. Have you ever touched a living, breathing, not on your plate turkey?

Uhm, yeah. Petting zoos.

It's everywhere, it's driving me crazy! Spend money, people, spend money! Have you boughten [sic] anything from the "new & early" Black Friday deals this year?

Fuck no. I don't even buy stuff on Black Friday.

So the news is out, the most best news ever in the history of news - Kimber & Berleen are finally going to meet! Kimber is flying to Minnesota. What should she bring with her?

Boots, a coat, and several sweaters.

Kimber thinks all Minnesotans eat lutefisk. It's a Scandinavian food and lucky for her, we're German. Maybe it's Norwegian. Heck I don't know - you ever ate the stuff?

{shudder} No way in the world.

What's in your right pocket right now?

Chapstick.

When you go to the dentist for your cleaning, do you use the toothbrush that they give you or do you use one that you have purchased yourself?

I have a spin-brush, so no. I usually save the one from the dentist for Beast or give it to the homeless shelter.

Monday Mayhem

(Link in meme-roll)
Silly PONDERISM Questions

1· I used to eat a lot of healthy food until I learned that it's boring and doesn't taste all that great.

2· There are two kinds of pedestrians: the fast and the flattened.

3· Life is what you decide. Not me; just you.

4· Healthy is boring, but not in a bad way.

5· The only difference between a rut and a grave is inspiration.

6· Health nuts are somewhat annoying. [operative word there is 'nuts'--normal people who eat well are fine]

7· Have you noticed since everyone has a camcorder these days no one talks about slideshows like they used to?

8· Whenever I feel blue, I take a nap, nowadays. I used to cry.

9· All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It does whatever it wants.

10· In the 60's, people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird and people are still full of shit .

The Queen's Meme

(Link in meme-roll)
[60th edition]
... imagine you're 60 even if you're not ...

1. When I'm 60 I hope to know more about being patient and less about taking on problems that aren't mind to solve.

2. At my 60th birthday party, I can only invite 3 people. They are.... Beast, Sparky, and Sparky's S.O.

3. "To me old age is always fifteen years older than I am" said Bernard Baruch.
What do you consider old age?

Huh. When I was 28, it was 70. I think I'm upping it to 75 at this point.

4. Tom Stoppard was overheard saying, "Age is a high price to pay for maturity."
What does "maturity" mean to you at any age?

Being responsible and accountable for your own actions and trying not to dwell on the "shoulds." I'm still working on that, but I'm a helluva lot better than I was 25 years ago.

5. Joan Rivers said "Looking fifty is great… if you're sixty."
Do you worry about age lines and wrinkles?

Nope. I earned 'em all.

How do you plan to preserve your wonderful selves?

I don't. I don't want to be "preserved" {{shudder}} except in photos.

6. Comment on this quote by Euripides:
"If we could be twice young and twice old we could correct all our mistakes."

Yeah, but what fun would that be? Half the fun in life is living through our mistakes, and remembering them.

7. Pablo Picasso said, "One starts to get young at the age of sixty and then it's too late."
What do you do now to stay young and enjoy your life?

I laugh as much as I can. And I try to stay away from people who drain the joy from my soul.

Manic Monday

(Link in meme-roll)

What is your favorite, can't-do-without beauty product?

Chapstick, I guess? I don't actually use makeup, so it would either be Chapstick or the Oil of Olay Regenerist face-wash products.

Have you ever colored your hair? What do you think about men coloring their hair and/or facial hair?

I have my hair colored every 5 or so weeks because I hate that in-between streaky dark + gray look. Another three or so years and I'm done: gray is fine. Streaky...not so much. And I don't mind at all if men do their hair, as long as they do it well. There is no excuse for looking like an idiot because you're too cheap to do this right. Having said that, all men people over 60 or so should cease and desist and realize that you should match: hair, neck, hands, etc.

What is your favorite outfit that you own? What makes it so special to you?

Jeans and a loose T. I'm not overly fussy.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) When was the last time you gave yourself a pat on the back?

Oh, today, I guess. Nothing major. I pat myself on the back whenever I don't say what I'm thinking at work.

2) In public restrooms, do you hover or sit?

Sit. Please. I do not get this issue. Unless, of course, the seat is a) missing, or b) filthy.

3) If you could take back something you did to someone, what would it be?

Well, to be honest, I'd like to take back whatever I've done to piss my brother off so much. Seeing as how I don't know what it/they was/were, I can't though. P-A much, dude?

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

Looks like a window in a rainstorm. Or sorta like dust after a bomb. Not that I've seen the latter, so we'll go with the former. And that, in turn, reminds me of this poem.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Another 14 Question Meme

1. Lots of pillows or just one? Describe your pre-sleeping rituals.

I use two when I'm reading or doing puzzles in bed, but almost always just one to sleep. I'm beginning to think I should use none to sleep, just to keep my shoulders in better shape.

2. What kind of books do you read?

I'm pretty sure there is not one "kind" of book I haven't at least tried. However, I tend to mostly enjoy mysteries, biographies, plot-driven 'literary' novels, and humor of various kinds.

3. What are your neighbors like?

Sadly, for the most part, they are much like me, in all the external ways at least. On the other hand, maybe that's not so sad: we don't really have a lot of neighbor disputes in our area. Now, across the tree-line, THOSE people are icky. :-)

4. What's really creepy to you?

Not a fan of earwigs. Also, people who get off on meanness and stupidity. Green sky (if you live in the Midwest, you know what I mean). Vermin poo--creepier than the vermin themselves, because it means you know they're there but not where.

5. What's your current fandom/obsession/addiction?

This. Books. Facebook. Planning next spring's trip. If it's possible to have an opposite-addiction, then I'm addicted to wanting to avoid my fucking idiot family members.

6. Do you prefer your junk food sweet, salty or savory?

Yes. heh OK, no, I think we all know that it's all about Teh Sugarrrrr for me. Though right now I'm eating bread dipped in olive oil. It's LUNCH, ok? :-)

7. What was the last thing you expensive bought?

The underwear last probably thing I expensive bought was Secret Vic's. Last night. It was on sale: 7 for $25. They didn't have the kind I like, so I'm sad.
The next thing I expensive buy will be lessons language for meme originator this.

8. What is your greatest fear?

That I say anything close to any of my meme answers out loud in real life. :-)

9. Do you get cravings? If so, what do you crave?

Do you really not pay attention to my answers here? Cuz, yeah try backing up to #6. Though, I suppose, you could add in the Diet Dr. Pepper....

10. What do you do to change your mood?

Sleep, eat, walk, physically change what I'm doing, cry...depends on the locale.

11. What was the last meal you ate that you loved?

My Velveeta + sandwich at Cheeseburger in Paradise last night was good, and the fries were delish with the hot cheese sauce. The only improvement would have been if the large family table near us would have been vacant. People=incredibly obtuse. Thank GOD for rules about gratuities being included for large groups. If my kids had behaved anything like these, they would have been banished to the car. Though, to be fair, much of the mess was created by the 'adults' in the group. Gah.

12. Do you want to learn another language? If so, why?

I'd love to learn ancient Greek and Hebrew so I could read the Bible in the earliest transcriptions. Failing that, I'll go with...Russian, I guess, since I can already pretty much transliterate, slowly, from Cyrillic.

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

I don't think I need to say anything at all to my brother as I push him into the Grand Canyon.

14. What are you looking forward to?

Thanksgiving. Only the awesome family will be here, along with awesome friend(s).

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Sunday 7
Name the seven most important things you think a couple should do before getting married.

1. TALK! About being married, about their parents' marriages, about kids, about money. Be honest, with the other person, and yourself. This will probably lead to the next thing.
2. Argue. I am not advocating drama or arguing-for-arguments'-sake, but I do think people need to stand on their convictions. It's also good to find out how the other person in a relationship is going to behave when things go badly. Because they will, eventually.
3. Meet each other's families. As many as possible. It's best to know about Crazy Cousin Chet and Odd Aunt Alice as soon as possible. If they annoy you now, it's only going to get worse. Can you handle that?
4. Do some couples counseling. Most churches at least make a gesture in this direction. It's a good idea. I haven't met a couple who has gone through it that thought it wasn't stupid at the time, but if you pay attention you might learn something, even if it takes you a decade to realize.
5. Spend some time apart. Like, WAAAY apart. If you still like each other after 3 months of living in different zip codes, that's a good sign. And I'm not talking about the first day or so of being back together. Check in after a couple of weeks. Are there new and different things that annoy the crap out of you about him/her? Uh-oh. When you're dating, you're on your best behavior; things will only annoy you more after you're married. Back to #1, and maybe #2. Also, part of this is "can you live without him/her?" Because you can. You may not want to, but you can. Don't get so caught up in your emotions that you make yourself 100% dependent on the other person for your very existence. Yeah, life would suck without the person you love most, but you have to have some kind of ability to stand on your own too.
6. Laugh. At yourself, and each other, at stupid things, at serious things. Laugh a lot. If you are spending a lot more time arguing and making up, or being sad, or whatever, go back to #5.
7. Live together. I'm (not necessarily) talking about the sex part of this, which is what people seem to always get clenched over. I'm really talking about finding out that he leaves the open cereal box on the kitchen counter every morning, and she folds the laundry weird, etc. The whole "toothpaste squeezing", toilet-seat-up-or-down, housekeeping style differences.

Probably the most important thing is not to let other people tell you what your relationship is supposed to look like. If you're honest with yourself and the other person, that's more important than anything else.

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Freezing :: Cold
2. Bikers :: HOGs (Harley Owners Groups)
3. Infrequently :: Rarely
4. Mickey :: Mouse
5. School:: ...Days
6. Textile :: Fabric
7. Obstinate :: Stubborn
8. Guard :: Old...
9. Release :: Let go
10. Authentic :: Real

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
 Just What I Needed

1. Who was the last person who entered your life and was just what you needed?

Almost by definition it has to be a patron at work, because I don't think I've met anyone new elsewhere lately. Maybe the Robert Duvall fan yesterday? Although I suppose it could be argued that Sparky's new friend Jet (I kid you not) might count. He's funny, though VERY teenaged!

2. What is one of your fondest childhood memories?

When I was 10, my parents allowed me to fly from Denver to Casper alone to visit my sister for a couple of weeks. My nieces were 5 and 2. I don't remember much about what I did while I was there, but I was rather homesick even though I had a good time with Elizabeth. Katherine was 2--good for reading to and kind of annoying otherwise. So, yeah, not much has changed: she's still annoying and doesn't like to read.

3. What would you like to be doing in 7 years?

I would respectfully request a better boss than I currently have. Otherwise, that would be about the time I'd like to start thinking about grandchildren. Not sure what else. Will still be at least 12 years from the prospect of retirement, which is ok, because I do like my work. Hopefully, Beast's life will be MUCH less chaotic.

4. Tell us about a blogging pet peeve.

Hmm. Personally, I need to spell-check and proof my posts; I can't tell you how many errors I find after I hit the publish button. Other people? I get tired of hearing about how adorable people's kids are, people I don't know that is. If I know the kid, I don't mind (as much). Poor writing and lack of a sense of humor is a major buzzkill too.

5. Tell us about a general pet peeve.

Thoughtless, selfish people.

6. For one day, who would you like to trade places with?

Obama's office assistant. Interesting people all day and getting to be "in on" stuff. But only briefly.

7. Where is your least favorite place to be?

I hate anything involved with medical issues, and that runs from making appointments all the way through figuring out insurance afterwards.

8. What do you like about fall?

Crunchy leaves, the tang in the air, no humidity, fewer bugs....

9. If you or someone you know are chronically late, do you believe it's the result of poor planning or choosing to be late?

Poor planning. I think some people (ahem, me, ahem) self-sabotage at times because they don't want to be at the meeting or whatever, but generally it's not exactly a plan just disorganization.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Illness

1. When you’re sick in bed, do you prefer to be left alone or to be taken care of?

I want to be left alone for the most part, but it's nice to have someone on call who can bring me a glass of water or something like that.

2. How difficult or cooperative are you as a patient?

Generally, I'm pretty easy, though I'm sure you should probably ask the people who've been around me when I'm sick to be sure. :-) I mostly just sit around feeling sorry for myself.

3. It’s just a really bad cold so all you can do is ride it out. What are your strategies?

Sleep. Take some cold meds if they'll have any effect at all. Sleep some more. When my sleep meter is full, watch TV until I fall asleep again. If I can read, I'll read too, but often my brain is too messed up to make sense of what I'm reading.

4. How ill do you have to feel in order to shut it down for the day?

If I'm spending more time and energy thinking about feeling lousy, or keeping upright and functional, it's time to call it.

5. Waves of nausea are washing over you and through you. Do you fight them off, or do you just throw up to get it over with?

Weird: the first thing I thought of was this song @ about 1:30.
OK, to answer the actual question...My early nausea-warning system goes off a good 2 hours at least prior to any actual reverse peristalsis occurring. I usually start by trying to ignore it, but after 2+ hours of feeling like I wanna die/praying for deliverance & bargaining with God/shivering and shaking/generally feeling like a large pile of protoplasm, I just want to be done. Throwing up tends to sound like nirvana at that point. Anything so I can stop feeling so incredibly horrific. [One unfortunately memorable day I managed to repress the nausea for about 7 hours because I was home alone with a two-year-old. However, I was hugging the porcelain within 15 minutes of Beast's return from work.]

Friday Five

(Link in meme-roll)
Birthdays  *

1. Do you really make wishes when you blow out the candles on your cake?

I do. Don't you?

2. Have any of the wishes ever come true, if yes?

Probably. I don't really track them.

3. How do you feel about birthdays? (e.g. love the attention, just another day, don't want anyone to know my real age, etc.)

I enjoy them, generally, though I don't make a fuss about them. I had two individuals, separately, at work yesterday afternoon say to me, "TODAY's your BIRTHDAY!?!?!?" Don't care if people know how old I am (47), and it is a little weird to work on my birthday after arranging for the past 4-5 years NOT to work on it. But I don't mind. It really is 'just another day'; I probably feel that way because I know I was born late at night, so my birthday really doesn't start until after most of the day is over.

4. Tell us a favorite gift you've received, or something you'd really like for your next birthday.

I got Bath & Body Works stuff and glassware--plain pilsner and highball glasses, with very thick glass--for yesterday's birthday. Still waiting for something, anything from Sparky. I don't really sweat the gift thing anymore. A card or unreminded "Happy Birthday" is enough, for the most part.

5. What flavor cake?

White or yellow cake with homemade frosting. And lots of it.
Though I wouldn't turn down a homemade pie, either.

_________
* I find it creepy that this meme was done on my birthday by someone I don't think I know.  {shudder}

Birthday Meme

(Swiped from Kwizgiver, who did it on her birthday)

1. Go to Wikipedia.
2. In the Search box, type your birth month and day (but not year).
3. List three events that happened on your birthday.
4. List two important birthdays
5. List one interesting death.


EVENTS:
1) 1927 - Leon Trotsky is expelled from the Soviet Communist Party, leaving Joseph Stalin in undisputed control of the Soviet Union.

2) 1933 – Hugh Gray takes the first known photos of the Loch Ness Monster.

3) 1970 – The Oregon Highway Division attempts to destroy a rotting beached Sperm whale with explosives, leading to the now infamous "exploding whale" incident.

BIRTHDAYS:
1) 1651 – Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, Mexican mystic and author (d. 1695)

2) 1817 – Bahá'u'lláh, Prophet Founder of the Bahá'í Faith (d. 1892)

DEATH:
1994 – Wilma Rudolph, American runner (b. 1940)

Today is also the feast day for Saint Josaphat Kuntsevych, which I never knew till today.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
The 14 Question Meme

1. What do you consider your hometown to be?

Suburban Denver, where I grew up. I lived there longer than anywhere else so far. However, in total, I've lived longer in the Midwest than I did in Denver. {{sad face}}

2. What’s the hardest part of your average day?

Getting motivated. It has been hard to do lately because of the weather and because of work-related stuff.

3. The easiest? Why?

Anything on the internet. lol As long as the computer is working right, that is.

4. What beverage do you reach for to quench your thirst?

Diet Dr. Pepper.

5. What is one not-so-secret goal you have for your life? I’ll let you keep your secret ones to yourself.

Spend time at a shooting range, and play the bagpipes. NOT at the same time. (though that visual would be pretty stunning...) Oh, and play with my grandbabies.

6. What physical pain do you fear most? For example, I’m trying to decide how bad my jaw pain needs to get before I risk a potential needle from my dentist. So, for me, throbbing is preferable to jabbing.

If I can still function at more than 60-70%, no need to call in the medics. When I literally can't move (or breathe in some cases--hello, allergies) bring 'em on!

7. Where do you find solace?

In other people's good writing.

8. What makes you the saddest when you read/see the news?

The fact that we focus so quickly on the bad news when there is plenty of good stuff happening as well. Also, anything with kids being hurt or threatened scares me. I don't read/watch the news very often.

9. What do you eat for a favorite snack?

Frosted sugar cookies.

10. What movie could you/would you watch more than two or three times and still enjoy just as much as the first time?

Not very many. I don't think I could watch any movie 2-3 times in a row. But there are a few I've seen more than once and enjoyed: The Matrix movies, Heathers, many of the old classic musicals, Dr. Zhivago...

11. What boy/girl first made you cry?

Romantically? I had a terrible time as a child talking to boys, so anytime I fell for one I ended up crying in frustration with myself. As an adult (more or less), probably Rich W. Though not for the reasons you'd think.

12. What brand of coffee/tea do you drink most often?

I don't drink coffee, but I prefer Tetley's breakfast tea.

13. Dig in the dirt with or without garden gloves?

Huh. With. As if I've done that recently!

14. James Taylor or Carly Simon?

And a whole generation of memers says, "Wha...???" I've always like Carly's voice better.

Unconscious Mutterings

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Everything :: All
2. China :: Huge
3. Essence :: Being
4. Immediate :: Now!
5. Obstruct :: Block
6. Force :: Strength
7. Constellation :: Star cluster
8. Intuitive :: Aware
9. Complain :: Whine
10. Train :: Railroad

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Watching the Wheels

1. What do you see when you are watching the wheels go round?

I would probably see myself getting motion sick if I stared at turning wheels. In my mind, I see lists of things I should be doing, rotating around.

2. Do you watch reality shows? Which ones?

Survivor and TAR. Used to love Real World back when it wasn't a booty call every second of the day.

3. What's your favorite all time reality show?

First few seasons of Real World are great, especially New York and London. I loved London. ...sigh

4. Do you feel "reality" shows are real or are they faked?

They are edited to make a story. Are stories fake? I dunno. They are as fake as real life.

5. What does your personal neon sign say to the world?

"Busy working (no really I am"

6. Ever seen a neon sign with certain letters burned out so that it said something unintended?

Not anything real, no. The bowling alley in town usually has at least one letter out: B WLIN or BOWLI G or B LING or whatever.

7. What gives you a headache? Could be a scent, a sound, someone's actions - anything.

Too much perfume will do it. Dust. Tension. Crying ugly.

8. What song, artist or album in your music collection would you pull out and play if you wanted to give your roommate/neighbors a huge, head-splitting headache?

"I Hate Everything About You"

9. What do you do to relieve stress?

This. Read. Sleep. Baths. Massages. Those are the default responses: honestly, I don't have a good way. Suggestions are welcome.

Rock 'n Roll Fridays

(Link in meme-roll)
Billy Joel

1. PIANO MAN… “Sing us a song, you're the piano man, Sing us a song tonight. Well, we're all in the mood for a melody, And you've got us feelin' alright”
What is your favorite Karaoke song to sing with?

I don't do karaoke, but if I did it would be a hymn since I know the words to more of those than anything (this would include Christmas carols) and they have a standard melody. I'm a party girl, eh?

2. CAPTAIN JACK… “Saturday night and you're still hangin' around, Tired of livin' in your one-horse town. Like to find a little hole in the ground, For a while”
If you grew up in a one-horse town, are you still there, or did you try living somewhere else?

I grew up in suburban Denver. I currently live in a one-mangy-dog not-even-quite-a-village, quite a step down from a one-horse town...but we do have a lot of asses.

3. NEW YORK STATE OF MIND… “It comes down to reality-and it's fine with me 'cause I've let it slide, Don't care if it's Chinatown or Riverside, I don't have any reasons, I've left them all behind--I'm in a New York state of mind.”
What is your favorite New York food?

I have not been to to New York. Until BIL moved there, I had absolutely no reason to visit. He's lived there for 10 years and we still haven't been there. So, to answer the question, Italian.

4. SHE’S ALWAYS A WOMAN TO ME… “But she'll bring out the best And the worst you can be, Blame it all on yourself, Cause she's always a woman to me”
Has someone else ever brought out the best or worse in you?

Beast frequently does one or the other; so does Sparky. Right now, my brother seems to be doing a bang-up job of it.

5. MOVIN OUT… “Workin' too hard can give you a heart attack ack ack ack ack ack, You oughta know by now. Who needs a house out in Hackensack? Is that what you get for your money?”
What is the most annoying line from a song lyric of all time?

Oh there are so very many. I try not to remember them, and I must be successful because nothing is springing to mind. THANK GOD!

6. ONLY THE GOOD DIE YOUNG… “They say there's a heaven for those who will wait, Some say it's better but I say it ain't. I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints …Sinners are much more fun...”
What would heaven be like for you? A shopping mall? A forest? Mansion? Do tell…

Mountains, sunshine, endless reading material, lots of dogs, and all my friends.

7. JUST THE WAY YOU ARE… “Don't go trying some new fashion, Don't change the color of your hair. You always have my unspoken passion, Although I might not seem to care…”
Have you ever changed something about yourself to please somebody else?

Of course. I'm a Recovering-People-Pleaser.

8. STILL ROCK N ROLL TO ME… “Should I try to be a straight `A' student? If you are then you think too much. Don't you know about the new fashion honey? All you need are looks and a whole lotta money. It's the next phase, new wave, dance craze, anyways, it's still rock and roll to me…”
What besides “looks and a whole lotta money” would you require in a mate?

Stability and kindness.

9. YOU MAY BE RIGHT… “You may be right, I may be crazy. But it just may be a lunatic you're looking for…”
Do you like bad boys (girls) or good boys (girls)?

I've never, ever been a sucker for Bad Boys. Too much drama, though nice-looking bad boys are awfully fun to watch. From a distance.

10. WE DIDN’T START THE FIRE… “Wheel of Fortune, Sally Ride, heavy metal, suicide, Foreign debts, homeless vets, AIDS, crack, Bernie Goetz, Hypodermics on the shores, China's under martial law, Rock and roller cola wars, I can't take it anymore”
List 13 things for a Billy Joel verse in this aggravating song…

It's 20 years old, so we could certainly include Bill Clinton, cell phones, Timothy McVeigh, Columbine, the internet, Dubya, 9/11, Harry Potter, Salman Rushdie, Iraq & Afghanistan, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, blogs, meth ... and let someone else moosh them all together.

11. TELL HER ABOUT IT… “Tell her about it. Tell her all your crazy dreams. Let her know you need her, Let her know how much she means…”
Have you told your significant other or dearest family member recently how much they mean to you?

I make a point of doing that regularly. Things can change in a heartbeat.

12. UPTOWN GIRL… “I’m in love with an uptown girl, She's been living in her white bread world. As long as anyone with hot blood can, And now she's looking for a downtown man. That's what I am…”
Have you dated someone above or below your “level”? (richer or poorer). Did you feel comfortable with them?

I thought America was a class-free society. Huh. Yes, I've dated in and out of my parents' income level. Interestingly, I found that more money doesn't equal more culture. And less money doesn't mean less educated or less intelligent.
By the way, I have hated this song since the very first time I heard it. And let's not even discuss the horrible, horrible video...{facepalm}

13. THE LONGEST TIME… “Who knows how much further we'll go on. Maybe I'll be sorry when you're gone. I'll take my chances, I forgot how nice romance is, I haven't been there for the longest time”
What is the longest you have gone without a love relationship?

As in "dating"? Well, probably 15, 16 years: birth through middle school. Love of any kind? Never.

Friday Fill-Ins

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Sometimes, I wonder why it seems I never get anything done.

2. I'm just sick about the whole thing.

3. Small steps.

4. Graham Norton is very enlightening.

5. I keep meaning to sleep in, but I fail regularly.

6. I haven't got dressed ...yet.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to getting some serious planning work done for our spring trip, tomorrow my plans include working (duhm duhm DUMMM!), and Sunday, I want to sleep in, and get stuff sorted out at the youth group meeting in the evening!

Nabbed from bzoink

(found here)

What is your favorite genre of music? Why? I'm very much into poppy stuff with decent lyrics. I don't want to work that hard to be entertained. And I'm not a snob.

Name your favorite band(s) Way too many to list, but U2 is at the top of the heap.

Name your favorite solo artist(s) Melissa Etheridge and Billy Joel among many many others.

What is your favorite album? Oh feh: albums! Probably my parents' record of "My Fair Lady." Which is God-only-knows-where.

What is your favorite album cover? Again, my parents' "The Music Man" which was autographed by The Buffalo Bills.

Name your favorite song(s) "Sweetest Thing", "Amazing Grace" and "Pie Jesu" among dozens of others.

Favorite CD you own Depends on the day.

Favorite song on your computer Don't have too many songs on my computer. CBA to look, either.

Favorite song you DON'T have More than I care to think too much about....

Favorite lyrics Depends on the day.

Favorite vocalist Annie Lennox.

Favorite guitarist The Edge.

Favorite bassist My son.

Favorite drummer Phil Collins.

Favorite instrumentalist (any instrument not mentioned above) Weird Al.

Favorite classical / jazz composer Bach. Or maybe Beethoven. Or...Tchaikovsky.

Favorite rapper LL Cool J.

Favorite theatrical score "Evita" or maybe "Jesus Christ Superstar."

Favorite of anything not mentioned I love Dolly Parton.

The bad stuff
What's your least favorite genre of music? Death metal is up there. So is a lot of modern classical stuff.

Who's your least favorite band? Rush. And lots of others.

Who's your least favorite solo artist? Sooooo verrrryyyy mannnnyyyyyy...Liz Phair?

Who do you think is the most annoying musician? Musically, Geddy Lee, in terms of vocalization.

If you could shoot any "artist" or "band", who would it be? I am unlikely to shoot anyone over music.

Who do you think is the least talented? Sooooo verrrryyyy mannnnyyyyyy.

Least favorite song I could live for a long time quite happily never hearing "We Are the World" again.

Most annoying song Those with bad grammar.

Most repetative [sic] song "Ain't No Sunshine" (Bill Withers, and others too)

Last song to be stuck in your head Probably something from church. I can't remember.

Did this survey just get that song stuck in your head again? (sorry) Nope, cuz I couldn't think of one.

Worst band that used to be good? Styx.

A good band that used to suck? Most of them. I mean, who starts out at the top?

Your musical backgroun[d] Piano lessons, flute for 8 years as a teen, campus radio station in college, parents who loved music, 1 year of choir, handbells for a total of 5 or 6 years, four older sibs who exposed me to a large number of old pop. My parents sang and performed in various church-related formats for much for their lives. I couldn't really get away from it.

What was the first music you remember listening to? Strangely enough, I remember Disney songs. Probably because it was unusual, not lullabies or hymns.

What type of music do your parents listen to? Angel songs, nowadays.

Do you play any musical instruments, or sing? If so, elaborate. As already mentioned: piano (badly), flute, handbells.

Do you take lessons for instruments or voice? If so, for how long? I took 6 years of flute lessons. That's it.

Do you plan to / have you gone to college for music? Nope. My niece did, though.

Who are your musical inspirations? Hell, I dunno. Bo Diddley?

Who was your first favorite band or artist? My parents, of course.

Who is your most recent favorite band or artist? I'm enjoying DJ Kane.

What styles of music are you interested in learning about? African pop.

What styles of music do you already know a lot about? 80s college music.

Do you know much about musical theory? If not, would you like to? I don't know much. I know what works, but not why.

If you take lessons, do you like your teacher(s)? I did. She was gorgeous and super-nice.

How many different music teachers do you have, or have you had? Loads and loads.

This or that
Classical or jazz? Classical.
Classic rock or modern rock? Unpretentious rock of any age.
Rock or Rap? Rock.
Emo or Punk? Hmm, depends on the timing.
Funk or Blues? I lean toward blues.
Pink Floyd or Led Zeppelin? ...silence.
Bob Marley or Michael Franti? The King: Bob.
Coldplay or Radiohead? Coldplay.
Guster or Dispatch? Again with the silence.
John Mayer or Jack Johnson? And yet more silence.
Eminem or 50 Cent? Eminem.
Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera? Xtina.
Backstreet Boys or N'SYNC? BSB.
The Beatles or the Rolling Stones? Beatles. Are you kidding?
Beethoven or Mozart? Beethoven. Tom Hulce kind of ruined Mozart for me.
Rachmaninoff or Debussy? Rachmaninoff.
Duke Ellington or Count Basie? Oh, I so can't choose on this one.
Electric or acoustic? Depends.
Mandolin or ukulele? WTF? Neither, please.
Saxophone or trumpet? Trumpet, played perfectly.

Miscelaneous [sic]
Why do you like music? It soothes the angry soul.

When you're angry, what type of music do you listen to? Loud. Punk, plain old rock, whatever.

Has music ever made you cry? When? Music makes me cry almost every day.

Has music ever made you laugh? When? Dr. Demento and Weird Al are masters.

Do you like local music? I like good music, local or not.

What is the best show you have ever been to? U2's Vertigo concert.

Have you ever played in any shows? If so, what type of music was it? I was in band and choir, but I hardly think that's what this means.

Do you enjoy being on stage? I don't mind it, if I've prepared appropriately.

Do you like to sing, even if you don't consider yourself a singer? I do.

If you could meet any musician and ask them for advice, who would it be? I don't think I'd be asking a musician for advice.

If you could just chill with any musician, who would it be? Keith Richards. I hear he has a stupendous library.

What instrument that you don't play now would you like to learn next? Bagpipes.

Do you like foreign types of music? If so, what types? Yup: Irish, African, Latin, Middle-Eastern, Europop. I'm a magpie.

Wiz

You Are the Scarecrow

You value intelligence, and you would like to be as smart as possible. You love to learn. You may feel like you're naive, but you're gaining knowledge every day. You are well aware of your limitations, but you are ignorant of your own strengths. You are quick-witted and extremely insightful. You just need the confidence to see your own common sense.

What Wizard of Oz Character Are You?

Well, gotta just say: DUH!

Voting

You're an Independent

It's hard to say how you should vote, because you don't fit in with either party. Maybe you're a libertarian. Or an anarchist. Or a socialist. No matter where your politics fall, it's likely that [n]either party is doing it for you. You vote is up for grabs this election day, as it usually is!

How Should You Vote?

...and this explains why I voted for some Republicans, some Dems, and a couple of Greens. Main criteria: they think for themselves, and are the most disconnected from the TeaHive.

Thursday 13

(Link in meme-roll)
Things Starting with B (no other ideas, sorry)

1. Books. There are five sitting on the couch between Sparky and me. There are two on the table next to me. There are at least two on the table next to the recliner. I suspect there is at least one on the table next to Sparky. There are ... a few ... on the dining room table. You get the picture.
2. Bananas. The ones in the kitchen are turning brown. As usual. I suck.
3. Bear. I bought each of the exchange girls a TY beanie baby last Easter. One of them is still sitting next to the clock in the living room. He's cute, but I guess tie-dye isn't so cool in Germany.
4. Best practices. I had my mid-year review today. I guess I'm doing ok. {shrug}
5. Bell. My incoming text 'ring' sounds like the closing bell on Wall Street. It tends to freak people out. I don't know why, but I'm not changing it.
6. BBQ. I could go for some ribs. This is beyond unusual for me. 
7. Bed. Where I'd like to be. Soon.
8. Broken. My left food feels like it's broken.
9. Bucket List. I don't believe in them.
10. Blue. My favorite color. There is surprisingly little of it in the main rooms of this house, but our bedroom and the basement are bluey-er.
11. Basement. So yeah, since I mentioned it. I don't spend a lot of time down there, but I would if there were a hot tub. Not that there's room for one right now.
12. Booking. I'm scanning flights as I do this meme, looking for a good prices for our trip next spring.
13. British. This spring wedding thing...would be loads easier if they weren't getting married at home, in England.

Wednesday Wickedness

(Link in meme-roll)
Dolly Parton

1. "I hated school. Even to this day, when I see a school bus it's just depressing to me. The poor little kids."
What was your worst year in school? Why?

I don't remember having a whole bad year, though 6th grade wasn't my favorite. All my friends had moved up to junior high because I'd been bumped ahead for all of elementary school.

2. "I still close my eyes and go home - I can always draw from that."
Tell us about YOUR home.

Wherever I lay my hat... [pace Marvin Gaye and Paul Young]

3. "I'm not going to limit myself just because people won't accept the fact that I can do something else."
What have you been told that you couldn’t do, but proved them wrong?

I've been told I can't do so many impossible things it's pretty much second nature for me to just do them to prove I can. Besides, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast! [name that book!!]

4. "I'm old enough and cranky enough now that if someone tried to tell me what to do, I'd tell them where to put it."
What was the last incident where you were told what to do and were insulted?

Being told to turn the volume down in my noise-suppressing headphones at work by my boss. Long story, which I need to fill her in on, but this pissed me the heck off a couple of weeks ago. It wasn't even that the volume was that high, but her reason for turning it down? "Something could happen and you won't know someone is behind you." Ah-rooo? In the workroom of the library? I think I'd know if "something happened"--the volume was NOT that loud.

5. "If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one."
Have you ever reinvented yourself? How?

When I started college, I was a whole new person: no family within 50 miles. W00t!

6. "If you talk bad about country music, it's like saying bad things about my momma. Thems fightin' words."
Is there a type of music that you hate?

Not a huge fan of the twangiest of country music, the screamiest of opera, and the misogynist-est of rap.

7. "It's a good thing I was born a girl, otherwise I'd be a drag queen."
Have you ever crossed dressed for Halloween or just for the hell of it?

Yup. Not such a big deal when you're a girl dressing as a guy, is it?

8. "My weaknesses have always been food and men - in that order."
What are your weaknesses?

Food and reading, and games.

9. "The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain."
Tell us about something that you did that required patience, but was worth it.

My offspring.

10. "We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails."
When was the last time you made a major change in your life?

Probably when we moved to this house 7 years go this month. Another big change is coming up next fall when Sparky heads to college.

I adore Dolly, by the way. She is simply da bomb.

Manic Monday

(Link in meme-roll)
All about Orange

1. What is your favorite orange colored thing on the planet?

I really love blood oranges. And tigers.

2. Ever see an orange person?

Yes. Mega-sunburn can do that to a person.

3. Name something that you hate that is orange.

I can't think of anything orange that I hate, though I am not fond of orange peppers or tangerines.

4. What is your favorite sports team that uses the color orange?

Well, duh: the Broncos. There is my alma mater too, of course....

5. Name an orange food.

I think I've already named three. But we'll go with peaches, ok?

6. Tell us something funny that entails an orange (like a joke or image).

There is that old Knock-Knock joke.

7. When is the last time you ate an orange?

Months ago.

8. What's your opinion about pulp- does it belong in juice or should it be removed?

I refuse to drink pulpy orange juice. YUCK.

9. Name an orange piece of your wardrobe.

My pajamas are orange.

10. Orange you glad we didn't say banana?

Heh. Great minds all think alike, eh?

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) Do you believe the death penalty is justified and/or effective? Why or why not?

I think it is rarely justified as currently applied, and not at all effective as a deterrent. However, I do think that if there were any way at all we could really be absolutely certain that we were ridding the world of a unrepentant psychopath, it would be cheaper to fry him than keep him alive for 40 years.

2) Does it sometimes make you paranoid when other people laugh?

Yup. I hate not knowing what the joke was/is. Teens are the worst for this, because you know they probably ARE laughing at someone else.

3) How many birthdays and/or anniversaries of friends and family will be happening this month?

My dad's, my husband's, one nephew's, a good high school friend's, and my birthday are this month. No anniversaries, unless you count the anniversary of the day my dad died, which is also my nephew's birthday.

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

Pretty sunset picture. A little cheesy, but still pretty: I like the color scheme.